Getting Fancy with Voodoo Vixen

The holiday season may be coming to a close but that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of reasons in 2016 to get dressed up fancy. I was excited to wear Voodoo Vixen's Paula dress for my own holiday celebrations. The dress hit all the right notes for Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and even my work holiday party. The fabric is substantial with just a hint of stretch and shimmer. The shade of blue looks festive but the black velvety print adds texture. And the belt makes sure one's figure is hugged in the most flattering spot. As my own figure shifted due to the effects of pregnancy and holiday eating, this dress still seemed to fit me through the season. I thought it looked quite nice paired with my daughter's fancy Christmas frock.

The Paula dress (now on sale and available in regular and plus sizes!) yielded many many compliments and although I considered hemming it to be closer to knee length, the slightly longer look made it feel unique and formal. On the right is another lovely dress I considered called the Blair Flare. I am glad I kept my Paula Dress as is and I really appreciate that it has sleeves. But Blair Flare would make a lovely Valentine's Day dress!

Regarding fit: I ordered an XL which was the right choice for me. It gave me plenty of room and I could cinch the waist without feeling constricted. I think this dress will continue to fit me as my midsection grows into my second trimester when I will need something for a winter wedding and it will also work postpartum. I am so grateful to Voodoo Vixen for sending me such a beautiful dress and solving my "what do I wear this holiday season" dilemma that was only exacerbated by my changing pregnant body. Thank you!

Voodoo Vixen is also offering readers of Consume or Consumed an exclusive discount, now through January 31st! Use code CC20 to deduct 20% from your order! Follow @VoodooVixenLDN on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to learn about other discounts and styles they offer. On the website, many dresses are on sale and they carry a range of pieces that suit many occasions and sizes that suit many body types. Thanks again, Voodoo Vixen!

Keeping Warm

This is the tenth winter that Chris and I have spent together as partners. His February birthday gives me the convenience of shopping post-holiday sales because in Pittsburgh there's always enough winter left after February. He'll make use of warm layering pieces, men's jackets and other cold weather gear. At this point, his coat collection rivals mine. I think this Paul Smith number is my favorite.

I've been browsing men's coats and jackets on Jacamo and other sites to see if anything could fill a hole in his wardrobe. But he's pretty discerning and at this point I prefer for him to give me guidance. He picked out the Rag and Bone sweater I already purchased. It's been challenging holding onto it until February because I know he really wants it.

Hypothetically Shopping Fashion World UK

Count Fashion World as another in the growing list of great UK fashion retailers that offer strated and extended sizes of affordable, fashionable women's clothing. If baffles me that US retailers continue to drop the ball on this important niche. Fashion World carries women's clothes online with accessories, footwear, and even menswear. Although they don't ship to the US (yet) I hypothetically shopped the site and am especially into the feminine boyfriend cardigan in the bottom left. It would be the perfect layering piece to add to my nursing-friendly wardrobe. And purple is my favorite color!

Hypothetically shopping Simply Be

The other day I posted about how the UK offers many more extended size options for female customers. Thankfully, one among the list of UK retailers I've browsed, named Simply Be, extended their retail outposts to include a website that offers shipping for US shoppers. Simply Be carries a lot of stylish and fashion forward pieces but in sizes that accommodate curvier and more ample bodies.

My favorite items sold by Simply Be include their selection of going out dresses. Lots of the pieces can be dressed up or down for work and weekend. I am especially enamored with the dress in the top middle. Have you shopped Simply Be's US website? I have to admit, I haven't yet but as I figure out what sizes I will need for my postpartum figure, it's one I plan to keep in mind.

Hypothetically shopping in anticipation of my "tbd" shape

As I prepare for my body to be in another state of uncertain flux, I find myself hypothetically shopping sites with which I was previously unfamiliar. Yet again, online store, Fashion World demonstrates that the UK retail and mail order catalogues landscape serves extended sizes with so many more options than what are available to US consumers. Above are my favorite options from Fashion World UK, which specializes in plus size clothing and even sells some maternity options (the middle three dresses in the top of the set are all plus size maternity clothing!). If only they shipped worldwide!

Shape of a Century

I've been thinking a great deal about my own changing shape as a result of these final days of pregnancy and noticed some similarities to the above iconic line drawings.

I'm currently teaching a class on the history of advertising in America and we just wrapped a unit on the glamour industries who marketed beauty and fashion to women in the twentieth century. As an introduction to the unit (during which we read Joan Jacobs Brumberg and Kathy Peiss) I went over some iconic decade-specific trends in clothing that, according to Brumberg encouraged women to prioritize (or turn into "projects"/works in progress) specific parts of their bodies based on what was emphasized as most desirable. It was interesting to take students from the "trends" of the Gilded Age all the way through the emergence of bikinis and bare midriffs.

One of my favorite aspects of the subjects I teach is that process of defamiliarization, during which the masked ideological curriculum embedded into the mundane or the taken-for-granted can be revealed through a process of historiography. To expose that ideological power can be amplified via perceived innocuousness and has purpose as well as influence is as challenging as it is rewarding. We talked about the Gibson Girl, the flapper, military influences on clothing, the New Look, mini skirts, and more. So when I came upon this infographic from the UK brand, Marisota, I had fun comparing their abbreviated history of how notions of beauty have shifted with fashion and popular culture to my own visual lecture presentation. You can see it Marisota's infographic well as their accompanying narrative after the jump.

In plain sight (glasses review)

I've worn glasses since I was in second grade. I remember thinking vividly as an 8 year old that I might be able to detect more crisp letters if the printed text color was inversed (from black on white to white on black) on the reading workbook I strained to see at the front of my class. It is one of my more adorably sad memories of school. Thankfully, a perceptive teacher and a watchful mother (who is also a teacher) noticed my vision struggles before any of my grades suffered. And soon enough I was picking out my first pair of plastic frames from the local optical center. They were a pale pink color and I was amazed by how they improved my ability to view the world around me.

Today the retail landscape for those of us who need vision correction has changed dramatically. We have so many options when we buy glasses and the digital world has opened even more for us. Optical fashion has also ebbed and flowed to reflect broader trends. I am more comfortable wearing slightly oversized "nerdy" eyeglasses than I would have been even ten years previous.

When GlassesUSA.com contacted me about trying their website I was excited for the opportunity. I needed a new pair of back up prescription glasses but my vision insurance for this year was already used toward contacts.

Their process is simple. They offer regular discounted lenses with plenty of rotating promotions and coupons for frames (which you can see here). There is also a refer-a-friend program will give you $30 to use on the site upon purchase made by your referral. You can also browse for the pair you want using their Virtual Mirror feature to "try on" specific frames to see how they will look on your face.

The process of using their site was straight-forward. I got a copy of my glasses prescription from my regular eye doctor, selected the frames I liked most, and inputted the rx info for my pair to be made. Because my vision is particularly poor, I needed thin lenses, which incur an additional fee. But the cost was still very reasonable overall.

The first pair I received was unfortunately an incorrect prescription in the right lens but the returns process was very smooth and the customer service support has been great. They offer a 110% lowest price guarantee and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. After confirming the script with me I received a replacement pair of glasses in a few days via DHL. The frames I picked are of a very nice quality, especially for the price. And I am so happy to have a back up pair.

*Glasses USA provided me with a gift card to use on their products in exchange for an honest review of my customer experience.

Swimsuit Shopping Simply Yours

Finding a bathing suit that will accommodate my changing body has been challenging. After being spoiled by my Triumph bikinis that are sized like bras, I really hate to wear anything that lacks underwire (whether it is a tankini, full suit, or a bikini top). The support makes such a difference! So I've been on the hunt for sites that offer bathing suits sized like bras, with similar support structures. Again I'm finding that the retail landscape of the UK offers many more shopping options than the US when it comes to supportive undergarments in extended cup and band sizes. I love the above swimsuit options from Simply Yours. While I was browsing the site, I also found some cute retro looking slips and body shaping underwear, which I imagine I might want for post-partum times.

Hypothetically Shopping Simply Be

Because I've been shopping for my transitioning body, I've started looking all over for cute curvy ladies' clothing. I gravitate toward prints and shapes that will fit my growing belly while still fitting my overall personal style. While hunting, I found these adorable pieces from Simply Be and with so many of them discounted for the semi-annual sale, I am eager to make an order. I like that the company sells extended sizes but also includes straight size 10 and up. On the US site right now they also have a code for 30% off the first order for new customers (code 3692)!

Craving colorful or printed spring coats

Although I haven't been buying much lately, I have been on the hunt for a colorful or printed sprint jacket to wear with casual, transitional pieces. My current rotation of spring weight coats are black and khaki. It would be fun to have a statement piece or even something casual to wear that can top an ensemble but brighten it up. My cold weather coats are such favorites that this time of year feels inevitably bittersweet. Putting them away for many months might be less of a bummer with brighter, more fun lightweight toppers. I like the above plus size ladies coats from affordable UK plus retailer, JD Williams. But they do not ship to the US. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for similar US bargains in the coming weeks. Where did you get your favorite spring jacket? 

Monogrammed Mother's Day Gift Idea

I've written before about my love for initial jewelry and monogramming. And I'm excited to alert readers who are stumped for Mother's Day gift ideas or even bridal party gift ideas (as wedding season approaches!) that adorable and very reasonably priced totes can be found from Simply Bags. The proprietors contacted me not long ago asking if I would consider reviewing one of their products. I agreed and was excited especially because the company is headquartered not far from Pittsburgh (in Akron). They sent me a Stylish Beach Tote that they monogrammed with my initials and shipped with incredible speed.

When the bag arrived I was impressed by its size and the softness of the rope straps. To give you an idea of its scale, it is slightly larger than a large Longchamp Pliage tote. I love the nautical theme with its stripes, rope straps, and monogram. I am eager to take the bag with me on picnics and beach outings this summer. Sadly, the weather and my schedule have not yet cooperated.

It seems quite sturdy and is fully lined with cotton, including a useful interior pocket. I do suspect that the support panel in the bottom of the bag is just corrugated cardboard but because the bag description highlights its eco-friendliness, I appreciate its biodegradability. The jute exterior is thicker than I expected. I do think the monogramming could be thicker. But for its reasonable retail price ($27.99 which includes customizing), I find the bag to be a good value. I just wish I had known about Simply Bags prior to planning my own wedding! I'm glad I know about them now for future gift-giving opportunities because I am thrilled with this cute beach bag!
 
You should know that custom monogrammed bags are final sale and non-returnable so input your information carefully. You can get your first name or your monogram stitched onto just about everything they sell.

Simply Bags is also hosting a beach bag giveaway on their blog. It runs through April 30th so be sure to check it out! 

Disclosure: To be clear, Simply Bags sent me a bag to review on my blog. The opinions expressed in this post are still entirely my own. 

On the straight and curly

I came of age in the '90s, in the wake of "GenX" influenced culture and style. I read avidly, listened to college radio obsessively, and treated that which was popular or "mainstream" with suspicion or even  contempt. I sought role models and mentors who were strong, outspoken, opinionated women, who refused to be defined by their appearances and who inspired me to critique heteronormative, patriarchal paradigms of gender.

As a teen, I self-identified as a riot grrl, feminist, and punk. I felt as though I was a part of the communities that inhabited those subcultures, even as a sheltered exurbanite who lived with her supportive, encouraging, middle-class parents and precocious, beloved siblings. Although my desire to align with subcultural rebellion was tempered by middle class privileges, a general deference to authority, and my mannerly demeanor, the plight of the outsider spoke to me. The literary narratives I gravitated toward featured outsiders. My favorite films made central the subject of rebellion. And even after I was crowned Homecoming Queen, senior year of high school, I still clung to the notion that in some ways, I too was an outsider (...outside of what, I'm still not entirely sure).

From these perspectives I came to form the beliefs and values I still carry as an adult. And in many ways these ideas continue to inform how I negotiate and perform my identity . I've written about my distrust of the discourses of flattering that insist women be and look as small as they can.  I've shared the stories of how I came to accept aspects of my appearance (like my large Italian nose) even though they've been a source of much self-loathing and critique over the course of my young adult and adult life. I've tried to remind myself and others close to me that despite the tenets of neoliberal/capitalist ideologies, the world does not have to be a perpetual competition/beauty pageant. I've commiserated with "real life" and "blog life" girlfriends about how our processes of self-acceptance aren't linear. And I've talked about how my not-curly-enough-and-yet-not-willing-to-straighten hair has been another source of frustration.

So when I was offered a Hana Salon flat iron to review from Misikko, at first I was reluctant. I've spent far too many hours of my adolescent and post-adolescent life fighting with the natural curl pattern of my hair... using round brushes and blow driers with serums and products, before flat irons became  ubiquitous. Eventually I came to accept my hair and even view the waves as a visual statement that challenged the notion that straight hair was inherently better. And with other women, I seek to find a balance between my hair's texture and professionalism.

Still, options are nice. Despite my penchant for making statements, I still find myself in situations (professional and otherwise) where I might want to have straight hair. So I spoke with my circle of friends (many of who also happen to use the best flat irons) to ask them if it was difficult, if it was damaging, if it was worth it, etc. I also half jokingly asked if using one was "selling out" to the tyranny of a status quo. After reminding me not to overthink everything, they suggested I give it a go.

Very soon afterwards, my Hana arrived. It was packaged carefully and came with a travel case as well as a silicon pad for resting during use plus some bonus items shown above. It was indeed easy to use and I think my hair got pretty straight! I didn't use any serums or straightening aids. I just used the iron. I was a bit nervous to turn it up to be as hot as it can get but I love that there is a temperature setting. Here is the result:

A number of coupon codes float around so be sure to find one that works best for you. But HanaSalon will take 10% off all Hana orders. And I think I can sport straight hair while still being me. Besides, a hair straightener can be used for multiple styles.  They can create straight hair or be used more creatively for curls or other styles. I am excited to experiment with mine. Thanks for reading!

Nude Pantyhose for Day?

Kate Spade Nellie dress

Anthropologie belt

MBMJ bag and shoes

With and without nude pantyhose (c/o Hanes)

Yesterday I posted a photo that included sheer pantyhose by Hanes Hosiery. I didn't mention that I was wearing them because I was curious as to whether they'd go unnoticed. The other week, a representative from Hanes contacted me to ask if I would style an outfit with and without their nude sheers. I obliged because as longer-term readers know I suffer from acute tights dependency. In other words, come warm weather, I cling to my hosiery like glue. I fear the exposure. I want the coverage. And I hate lacking the buffer to prevent "chub rub." I envy those women who welcome bare legged season without hesitation. Bike shorts notwithstanding, I am not among them.

Although I never wear sheer or nude pantyhose, my opaque tights and fishnets are beloved. So I accepted the challenge from Hanes because it offered a potential middle ground. I also know that many professional women have to wear pantyhose as part of their office dress codes. So while I found it difficult to not associate a particular dated look with nude pantyhose, I realize that for plenty of career women of all ages, they are requisite.

I remember wearing nude hose in middle school. I remember wearing them in high school. I remember their ubiquity in the 80s and 90s. I also remember them feeling uncomfortable compared to tights. They squeezed more and they ripped more. But outside of the confines of stricter corporate dress codes, I can't recall seeing many women my age sporting sheer hose today. Terra of Stylish White Female (who also styled an outfit with and without) reminded me that Kate Middleton wears them often. Other than within conservative, professional contexts I don't see them being worn among my non-royal circle of similarly-aged peers.

Some thoughts: it is good that Hanes Hosiery Sheers come in full length or thigh high. Although I tried a pair of regular full length pantyhose, I think the thigh highs offer women who don't fear the exposure or the "chub rub" a useful alternative to feeling confined. The sheers really are quite sheer. So they offer some coverage while still allowing the leg to be seen. I did think they had a bit of a shimmer to them which some women might dislike. I imagine the intent was to mimic the shine of recently shaved and moisturized legs. I would follow their size chart accordingly and size up as recommended if you are on the cusp. The control top was definitely more confining and squeezy than my beloved tights. But they felt comfortable on the legs.

Baubles that Benefit

Charm bracelet c/o CAROLEE

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of jewelry designer, CAROLEE released a line of commemorative pieces called the Legacy Collection. It includes numerous items such as the travel-themed charm bracelet pictured above. The sale of each Legacy Collection piece benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To mark the occasion, the brand also launched a Student Design Competition and scholarship. As an educator who came from a family of teachers, I was honored when CAROLEE contacted me about publicizing their efforts to present aspiring young designers with this wonderful opportunity.

Bracelets by Carolee
Necklaces by Carolee

Their university partner is the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.). The competition spans 20 weeks (which exceeds the typical college semester) so it requires a great deal of dedication on behalf the participants. There will be four lucky winners whose designs will be launched for sale in department stores worldwide. The judges are executives from F.I.T. and CAROLEE. You can watch episodes of the competition on the CAROLEE Tumblr, Facebook or Youtube Channel. And you can purchase commemorative jewelry pieces from the Legacy Collection at Macys, Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdales, Dillards, and other department stores.

Hypothetically Shopping Pure Collection

I love winter because it offers an opportunity to wear the coziest of knits. The ladies knitwear carried by Pure Collection comes in some of my favorite colors and shapes. When I hypothetically shopped the site this week, I found some really good prices on cashmere. Although I don't know if I could ever rationalize owning cashmere sweatpants, a seasonally-influenced desire for warmth and comfort sure tempts me.

Hypothetically shopping wider widths

VivaLaDiva.com by jesspgh on polyvore.com

The quest for boots that fit well in the calves is one that has plagued me before. For some reason, calve fits morph many of us into Goldilocks, searching perpetually for the pair that is just right. Although my feet are only slightly wide, and I can wear "regular" widths, the calve dilemma makes me especially sensitive to the plight of people who need narrow or wide widths in all their footwear. Thankfully and increasingly, retailers are tapping into these specialty markets of shoppers with difficult calve or footbed widths (both wide and narrow).

When I discovered narrow and wide fitting footwear from Viva La Diva as well as boots manufactured to fit calves, I was excited. They contacted me requesting I select from my favorites within their wide width section. I was happy to oblige! While I was at it, I couldn't resist perusing their designer selections from where I found the items in the bottom row. But the top three rows are all shoes offered in varying widths. Unfortunately, they only ship with in the UK at the moment. But they are hoping to transition to an American retail market soon. I will be waiting!

Hypothetical Shopping: Marisota

Being a curvier blogger, I often receive reader inquiries from women with similar shapes about where to shop. Granted, I'm not an expert and I have a broader notion of what can count as dressing to flatter. But I am a person who believes that style should be democratic and individual, regardless of body shape. It is challenging when so many stores don't carry fashionable and affordable clothing in extended sizes. Although I might personally wear a "straight size," I still feel strongly about knowing which retailers offer cute and versatile clothes for women of all sizes. One thing I've noticed is that e-commerce in the UK offers a much more diverse selection of options.

That's why I was thrilled to be contacted by one such retailer with the request to be featured on Consume or Consumed. Marisota plus size women's clothing is based in the UK and accommodates a range of styles and budgets. I had such fun hypothetically shopping their site in preparation for the holiday season.

They sell all types of clothing, shoes, and accessories. One thing that really impressed me was the acknowledgment through their Voluptuous line that bodies are distributed differently. Two people might wear the same numerical size but have totally different shapes. To attend to this diversity, Marisota sells garments that are designed to accommodate various bustlines. Shoppers can pick their regular dress size then sub-select between the appropriate range of bra cup sizes. The blue dress with the sweetheart neckline is one such piece that can be purchased based on cup size. It's a genius idea that I wish more women's clothing manufacturers would consider!

New customers receive 20% off of their first order. Unfortunately, at this time Marisota only delivers within the UK. I hope that US retailers recognize that this is an under-served market of shoppers the way that UK retailers already have!

Mother's Day Planning

A set of ideas for Mother Day Gifts.