Give the plus-size community what we want. At times when I look at some fashion brands, I feel left out of the conventions. I made a meme and I realized I wasn’t alone in my thoughts.
Continue reading “Give the plus-size community what we want”
thefatgirloffashion.com 💋 Plus Size Fashion + Beauty & Lifestyle
Lifestyle blog on fashion, food & travel in Chicago
Give the plus-size community what we want. At times when I look at some fashion brands, I feel left out of the conventions. I made a meme and I realized I wasn’t alone in my thoughts.
Continue reading “Give the plus-size community what we want”
Top – Ruffle Cold-Shoulder Active Sweatshirt – Bottom – 7/8 Legging – Colorblock Splicing – Tennis Shoe – Adidas Ultraboost Primeknit
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Top – GOOD AMERICAN Crop Sweatshirt – Bottom – GOOD AMERICAN Reflective High Waist Leggings – Tennis Shoe – PUMA Defy Varsity Wns
Top – 4505 Curve tank with pleat back – Bottom – 4505 Curve run legging with tie waist – Tennis Shoe – Reebok Classic Leather Sneaker
Top – Nike Therma Women’s Running Top – Bottom – Nike Training Tights – Tennis Shoe – Nike Future Fast Racer Lace-Up Sneakers
Top – Layering Sweatshirt – Bottom – Performance 7/8 Printed Leggings – Tennis Shoe – FILA Luminance Sneaker
Top – Retro Women’s Track Jacket – Bottom – SG x PUMA 7/8 – Tennis Shoe – PUMA x SG Women’s Running Shoe
Top – Zip-Up Sports Bra – Bottom – Core Strength High Waist Leggings – Tennis Shoe – FILA Women’s Disruptor 2 Leopard Sneakers.
Which look do you prefer? Do you think adding color to your fitness look is the something you’re open to? Are you an all black everything type of girl? Tag me on Instagram so I see how you rock your fitness look.
Within this blog post, I’ll be sharing my experience at the TCF Style Expo. You’ll see what happened from fashions, panels, networking and of course the parties!

Are you looking for the tea on the plus size event The Curvy Fashionista Style Expo? Looking for plus size fashions from TCF Style Expo? Are you looking for information on the plus size focused panels? Here you’ll find! If you want to know why I attend keep reading!!
The category is plus size fashion, lol! (A Pose reference) The TCF Style Expo definitely had the fashions on display.
Here are my 5 favorite looks from the TCF Style Expo. Everyone looked amazing but these happen to be my favorite. However, for me, these people came with their A game!

Marie Dee, The Curvy Fashionista, herself wearing Barkwood.

Shamika of froplusfashion wearing Eloquii.

Chasi of Sweat N Mascara wearing Christian Omeshun.

Tiffany of Beautiffully me wearing Curvi Milieux.

Ivory of Ivory Jinelle wearing Ofuure (top), Rainbow (shorts) and Zara (shoes).
Clearly, they came to slay!

The fashions were not the reason I attend the Style Expo. The panels are very important. There were 3 panels that stood out to me.

I really enjoyed the “Plus Size Fitness” panel. They talked about plus size fitness and weight loss. The ladies shared their thoughts on if plus size fitness fit in the plus industry. They tackled a very heavy hitting topic in the plus size community.

The cosplay panel was so much fun! They started their thoughts on attending cosplay events as plus size women. The group spoke on how to dip your toes into cosplay with closet friendly looks. They also spoke about how the plus size cosplay community is growing and growing fast.

The panel on how to get involved in the curvy community. This panel’s discussion got a little heated and I loved it! The group spoke on breaking into the plus industry. They also shared how you can help others working in and with the plus community.
It was great seeing bloggers I know and respect sitting on panels at the TCF Style Expo.
I attended the TCF Style Expo as a guest of thecurvyfashionista and blogger coordinator Pepper of Pretty Plus Pep, however; All opinions are my own.

S H O P T H E S E L O O K S

Are you planning on attending the TCF Style Expo next year? Let me know in the comments..
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In this blog post, I’ll be showing the Universal Standard X J. Crew collection. The collection has everything from a jumpsuit to dresses! I’ll also be sharing my thoughts on the quality and fit.

“We are committed to offering our customers a truly inclusive experience. That’s why new sizing will be seamlessly integrated into J.Crew’s main assortment and throughout creative, as opposed to a standalone ‘plus’ category.” _Lisa Greenwald for J.Crew
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The Universal Standard for J. Crew collection is available online at the J. Crew website and select J. Crew Stores. I was happy to see this collaboration. Honestly, I had not been looking at J. Crew for fashion finds. So the collaboration with Universal Standard made me look at J. Crew with fresh eyes.
I normally wear a size 18 or 20 preferably in petite and J. Crew didn’t cater to me. Looks like J. Crew has stepped their size game up some. With the Universal Standard for J. Crew collection, they have stepped J. Crew’s sizing all the way up.
With that being said I stopped by the J. Crew location at 900 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, to do a try on of the Universal Standard for J. Crew collection. This is one of 12 locations that carry the Universal Standard items in-store.

J.CREW Chicago Location
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The first Universal Standard for J. Crew collection offers 20 pieces (The number of ideas available online at time post was written). There are dress, tops, and skirts. Before we line up for the J. Crew parade, many of the pieces in the Universal Standard collection look similar to each other. Moreover, the Universal Standard for J. Crew collection is the same price point of purchasing directly from Universal Standard. As a young start-up clothing company the Universal Standard prices can be justified however doing a collaboration with such a large brand with J.Crew’s buying power I was foolishly thinking the prices would come down a little.
Website woes: I was left feeling some type of way when I looked online at the collection. I saw the linen V-neck top paired with a pair of Point Sur high-rise boyfriend jean in destructed white denim. The jeans were, of course, J. Crew, however, the jeans only go up to a size 37 (14). YIKES!
Please note: Larger sizes online are selling out quick so if you see something you like get it now!!
UNIVERSAL STANDARD for J.CREW Cupro Tunic Dress
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The 3-year-old Universal Standard has always been known for their quality. The J. Crew collaboration offers that same Universal Standard fit and feel. I’ve recently reviewed the Universal Standard Geneva dress and I can say there is no difference in the cut, fit and feel.
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UNIVERSAL STANDARD for J.CREW Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress in Stripe
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In-store woes: I did an in-store try on (see Instagram) I was only able to try on the dresses. There were tops however, the store didn’t have bottoms beyond size 14.
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S H O P T H I S L O O K
You can find the full Universal Standard for J. Crew collection here.
If you like this content be sure to share it on your social media platforms! Tell a friend to tell a friend.

READ MY PLUS SIZE & PETITE UNIVERSAL STANDARD GENEVA DRESS REVIEW HERE
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In this blog post, You’ll get 15 must have plus size polka dot looks that I’m currently loving! You’ll see plus size polka dot dresses, tops, bottoms, swimsuits and of course accessories. I’ve even posted a few of my favorite plus size bloggers wear polka dots. Can you tell I’m excited about polka dots?!!
“There is never a wrong time for a polka dot.” _Marc Jacobs
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The plus size community found a friend in polka dots. Dress with polka dots are great way to add patterns to your wardrobe. It’s doesn’t matter the color you choose. Polka dresses are feminine and fun!!!
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If you’re a plus size girl who is scared to try the all over polka dot pattern on a dress. Try a polka dot top with a solid bottom. If you’re daring try mixing your polka dot top with a stripe pant.
Polka dot bottoms can be wore dressed up or down. Dress them up with solid top or for a fun dress down look pair them with a cool graphic tee.
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Polka dots swimwear is a great way for a plus size girl to full effortlessly sexy. The vintage look of a 50’s pin-up girl never goes out of style!
If you’re just getting in patterns grab any polka dot accessories as an easy way to add to your wardrobe!
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I hope this blog post helps with your plus size search for the ultimate plus size polka dot look. Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here. If you’re looking for more plus size style inspiration be sure to follow my Instagram here.

S H O P T H I S L O O K
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LEARN ABOUT MY ESSENCE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE WITH SHEAMOISTURE HERE! {BONUS polka dot dress link there}
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Within this blog post, I’ll be sharing my first day in New Orleans. It’s my first-time traveling to the Nola. Plus it’s my first time at the Essence Festival. My first full day fell the Fourth of July. Continue reading this blog post to see how this plus size fashion blogger celebrated the birth of the nation in the New Orleans’ French quarters.
“We will shape and mold this country or it will not be molded and shaped at all anymore.” _Nina Simona
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I kicked off my fourth of July in New Orleans with a photo shoot. With the help of fellow blogger Shamika, I had done some research on photographers in New Orleans. I emailed a few a settled on Britt of brittsmithphotography. Which was a wise choice! Britt worked looked amazing but more importantly, she was very professional. She’s replied to my emails in a timely manner. On the day of our shot, she was on time. She was easy going and friendly. And I love my photos and I know you will too!


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I grabbed a lite bit at a placed called Willie’s Chicken Shake. The food was good but it’s a chain restaurant so if you’re looking for a down-home meal this isn’t the place to go.
I hope to find some authentic food within the time I’m in New Orleans.




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This being my first time in New Orleans plus it’s the holiday I know I was in for a good time. And I was right! I had a few options on what to do to celebrate the fourth of July. The bar scene in New Orleans is always fun. However, I know I wanted to see a fireworks show. When I’m home I often stay in the house and watch the firework show on T.V. unless I’m with my family. I was lucky because my hotel was only a few blocks from the Dueling Barges fireworks show. Dueling Barges fireworks show is a free event that’s part of the “Go 4th on the River” celebration held at the Mississippi River’s riverfront.
I knew this was my chance to take a boat ride on the Mississippi River. Image the view of the fireworks from a boat sailing across the river. There were two options.
One option was to book a ride in the Creole Queen steamboat and watch the show from the deck. The Creole Queen cruise started at 7 p.m., and includes an open bar, a buffet of “American favorites”, and three music room choices. Adult tickets were $129 and not in my budget so I went with my other option the Algiers Ferry.
The Algiers ferry has been operation since 1827, that can be boarded at the foot of Canal Street – right next to the Aquarium of the Americas. The ferry ride only costs $2 each way. The ferry ride is about a half hour trip each way. Because I was taking the ferry to see the fireworks I quickly took the ferry back to the other side. If you’re a land lover you can plan a picnic at Woldenberg Park, at the Moon Walk (the riverside promenade, or on the other side of the river in Algiers and watch the fireworks from there. That didn’t go as planned. I ended up oversleeping so Tot and I went to the casino nearby to people watch.

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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here.

S H O P T H I S L O O K
A FEW OTHER OPTIONS I LIKE
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WATCH MY INSTASTORIES TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH MORE OF MY ESSENCE FEST EXPERIENCE HERE
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“A girl who puts her hair down when the right time comes”_PSY (Gangnam Style)
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Gingham, houndstooth and glen plaid are timeless patterns. As a plus-size girl, I love playing with patterns. Gingham, houndstooth and glen plaid are no exception. I have put together 40 looks of these fabulous patterns. The looks include tops, pants, skirt, shorts, swimwear, and accessories. And of course, all are Instagram ready!

I never shy away from prints of any kind and neither should you. These prints are very plus friendly. The black and white color is how you’ll find most of the prints sold. More and more brands are offering this prints styled in different color options which I love! The prints alone is beautiful so don’t worry if you’re color shy. I’ve seen the gingham, houndstooth and glen plaid in different sizes. So if you prefer large or small prints you’ll find that also. Below you’ll find 40 options. If you see anything you like simply click on the picture for a direct link to the item.
I hope you were able to find some looks you love. Remember this boss pattern can be worn in many ways. Wear it pattern on pattern like I’m doing or as an added piece as way to spice any look.
You can easily switch out heels for sneakers & athletic shoes
for a more casual look.
You can dress down an edgy crop top by swapping in a blouse or a tee.
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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here with any fashion, lifestyle or beauty news.

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“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” _Billie Jean King
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It’s spring! Finally! I’ve been fighting the Winter woes. It’s been dark, cold and harsh here in Chicago. Now that the sun is peaking out I’m overjoyed. I made it through like a champ.

I couldn’t wait to wear this fun look. I was taken back to my school days. You could say I was low-key channeling Beyonce Coachella day one. I stay in formation, lol.m

This look for easy to pull off. Pair a pleated skirt with one of your favorite tees. Everyone knowsI’m a fan of fannies but you can add your favorite clutch if you want. I choose to wear tennis shoes, however, you can slip on a pair of heels and you’ll have a super chic brunch look.

To add a little spice you can destress your tee. I love a destroyed tee to add edge.



Now that spring has come to Chicago I hope it stays for a while. Winter stayed way to long. Oh! Be sure to like the fat girl of fashion on Facebook. I’ll be doing a give away soon!!!!!

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If you like this look be sure to share it on your social media platforms!!! Tell a friend to tell a friend.

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“Rrrr Reet Petite the finest girl you ever want to meet” _Jackie Wilson(Reet Petite)
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Work Smart. Reach High. Have Fun is their motto. That love for life and living well aligns with thefatgirloffashion. And because of this, I’m excited to be apart of the campaign to present Talbots’ new plus size collection. For Talbots’ it’s all about the tailoring. They have created styles to specifically compliment all the nuances and silhouettes of the plus-size shape. Within their new plus size collection, they have carved out a line just for petites.
Petite refers to stature not weight.
n fashion and clothing, a petite size is a standard clothing size designed to fit women of shorter height, typically 160 cm (5 ft 3 in). Most people still think petite means skinny when in fact petite has nothing to do with weight. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, whether they’re a size 4 or 24. Most petite clothing is designed with shorter sleeves. Rise: Many petite pants and jeans will have a slightly shorter rise than regular sizes. Waist: To accommodate a frame that is often more compact, petite dress waistlines are often a little higher than those of regular sized dresses.
The biggest trap that women who fall into the plus status are the limited availability of those pieces that are petite. While regular sized plus clothing are often too long forcing us petites to get our clothes hemmed. This makes our clothes overall more expensive. Talbots thought not only plus size women with their new collection but the petites too.

This is Talbots’ front pleat tunic a variation of three-quarter sleeves. Their modern take on a classic silhouette. Its pleated V-neck front popover silhouette lends a tailored touch and the long tunic length accentuates leaner, cleaner lines. In my personalized box, this magenta tunic was paired with these fabulous black slim-ankle denim jeans. Talbots say’s they are their most universally flattering fit is narrow from knee to hem. Designed with stretch, the classic slim ankle jean naturally moves with you, offering additional comfort to an already-easy style. Talbots feels it’s the flattering fit we love. For the curvy fit, these mid-rise jeans with a fly front with button closure flatters any figure from waist to thigh.
Plus Size Petite sizing Chart

Please note: Talbots’ standard plus sizes are carried up to 4x/26W.
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My thoughts on the Talbots’ petite plus: This year is bringing the plus community many more options than ever before. I recently tried two pieces from the Talbot plus collection. Of course, we all know all bodies aren’t the same. All plus bodies are not the same. Talbot’s petite line is a welcome addition to my wardrobe. The denim jeans I tried are excellently made. The coloring in them (curvy petite slim ankle jean in black) are very lux. The black in the jean is here to stay. The jeans feel great against the skin. They are soft yet firm by no means will they’ll fade or fall apart after a few washes. I also appreciate the firm waistband. A weak waistband is the worst! What good are jeans you have to keep pulling up? These jeans can be worn with or without a belt and you won’t have a problem. These jeans are made well and packaged for petite plus sized bodies like mine.
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I received the clothing items featured in this blog posts compliments of the Talbots, however; All opinions are my own.
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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here with any fashion, lifestyle or beauty news.

If you like this content be sure to share it on your social media platforms! Tell a friend to tell a friend.

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“Remember this!! You are never too fat to workout!” _Chasi Jernigan
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I attended a plus size Zumba class given by Chasi Jernigan of sweatinmascara.com while at Crusade of Curves and I had a blast! What’s Zumba? Zumba is an aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance and performed primarily to Latin American dance music. However, Chasi has infused hip-hop, dancehall, soca, and reggaeton as part of her classes. Coming off my post easy plus size workout tips her Zumba class was a great way for me to get into motion.


Zumba was amazing. I love music and dancing so adding both together as a form of fitness was great! Chasi gave easy directions. She also made a normally inactive person like myself feel like I wasn’t doing enough. Chasi who is live in Missippi hosts Zumba classes geared toward plus size women twice a week and is currently developing an online course. I told her I can’t wait to sign up.



Zumba helped me in understanding that working out in a group setting is for me. I enjoyed working out with a group of women who looked like me. The music was music I liked to hear. It wasn’t just bouncing around. It was movement with purpose.
I’m happy I attended Crusade of Curves fitness day. It was just the push I needed.
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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here with any plus size news.
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If you like this content be sure to share it on your social media platforms! Tell a friend to tell a friend.
CONNECT WITH OTHER PLUS SIZE TRAVELERS HERE.
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