The past 3 days have been a mess of me redecorating my home office, where I will now be based at full time. As soon as I found out I was going to work from home, I had grand visions of crazy modern office furniture and funky lights and such. Seeing as I didn’t have an unlimited budget (oh, to be independently wealthy!), I revised my plan and then completely got obsessed with it until I got everything finished.

I know I took photos of the “before” but for the life of me can’t find them on my camera. We’ll just jump into the during and after.

dresser purchased at a second hand shop

some tools

After 2 cans of Kilz primer, sanding until there was dust everywhere, wiping off all particles with tack cloths, I was ready to paint. I chose to use a white glossy Krylon spray paint. I applied a few thin layers. The next morning, I sprayed another layer. I then used a Martha Stewart silver craft paint from Home Depot to detail the handles of the dresser. The paint looked like a silver sharpie marker had exploded. Like a liquid silver. It didn’t adhere to the surfaces well, but I tried it anyway,

the metal and laminate desk from the early 80s

I’ve had these big desks and credenzas that I got from my dad. Apparently in the early 80s (like, when I was born), a company he worked for went out of business, and many people were able to take the furniture if they wanted it. It’s very sturdy, however it’s aesthetics left much to be desired. I was drooling over a silver Parsons table from West Elm, but I wanted 2 of them, and even 1 was really out of my budget.

So, I improvised with paint and a few rolls of silver contact paper.

obsessively rolling out the contact paper

I knew I wanted a mirror in the room to hang over the dresser I was painting, so I found one for $34 at Home Goods that was the right size. The frame was a white washed wood. I took my Martha Stewart silver paint to the frame, which had to go on in a few coats.

Next up was making a feature wall. I love chevron, quatrefoil, greek key and other patterns. I found a shop on Etsy that sells these sorts of wall stencils, so I snapped one up to try. The one I got was “Moroccan Dream.”

I thought I was going to poke my eyes out because my pattern wasn't coming out right.

Finally, I moved furniture back into place, de-cluttered, and pulled in accessories. Most were from Home Goods: lamps, vases, storage boxes, etc. I love Home Goods.

My husband topped it all off with a 27″ Thunderbolt Apple Display that I can dock my MacBook to when I’m working in here. It’s AMAZING and I’m completely geeking out over it. Considering he doesn’t use computers, I’m even more surprised that he got it.

Anyway, here’s the finished product:

I am majorly geeked about it. I love it so much! The only part that is missing is my splurge item for the space, a Herman Miller Aeron chair. It should be here in the next 2 weeks. Costs: quart of white paint ($12), 3 cans white Krylon ($15), 2 cans Kilz primer ($15), stencil ($40), painters tape, paint rollers, etc ($10), contact paper (4 rolls – $20), 1 can Valspar turquoise spray paint for clock ($5), dresser from a local shop ($250), Martha Stewart silver paint  ($8), sandpaper, gloves, face mask ($8). So, in total less than $400! I couldn’t have bought 1 of the desks I wanted for that rate, plus 3 days of sweat labor.

Yay!

Left: Tile Print Jersey Cowl Neck Dress, £159.00
Right: Georgette Tailoring Maxi Dress, £229.00

View the entire black label collection here. Do you have a favorite?

Anyone else love ombre?

Dress, Lands End, 1x-3x, $50 (other really fun colors available)
Belt, dark blue double wrap faux patent skinny belt, Old Navy, $15
Wallet, color blocked zipper wallet, Old Navy, $14.94
Denim jacket, Old Navy, $39.94
Bracelet, enamel stretch bracelet, Old Navy, $9.50
Shoes, Lucky Brand, Emmie multi from Piperlime, $59

Today, there were several things that caught my eye.

1. Isolde Belted Dress in Parisian Green, $135 (belt included). I haven’t seen that tone of green much, and really love it with the belt.
2  Odette Dress in Black, $130 (belt included). I like that it’s a wrap style but has a higher neckline. And as always, love the belt.
3. Ali Dress in Multi, $170. A colorful print that I could wear over tights or leggings.
4. Lynnette Sweater Dress in Navy/Grey, $128. I’m all for a sweater dress, and love that it’s solid on top and print on bottom.
5. Edith Wool Wrap in Black, $95 (belt included). How chic is this? Love it exactly as they styled it.
6. Sabine Clutch, $55. I love this kind of neutral clutch with a basic closure that is still interesting.

I have always appreciated IGIGI because they sell sizes 12-32, whereas most plus designers don’t go above a 24. I also love right now with all of these looks that the belts are included. I don’t believe they always used to do that, and the price of the dress plus belt would scare me off. If I buy something, I want to be able to style it as advertised on the site without buying all the extras, you know? Maybe it’s just me

Are any of these calling your name?

Warning: My mouth and the sound do not coordinate in this video. No idea why. It’s ridiculously annoying… or hilarious.

Dress, really old from Old Navy
Leggings, Old Navy
Single Cole Haan Air Tali Quilted 40 Wedge
Purple cast and walking boot
Morgan Ashleigh gemstone layering necklace from Ideeli

The best part about my mullet leggings? I was in a hurry this morning so I ripped the leggings out of their Old Navy package and just snipped the bottom off. I go to put them on and realize I chopped the wrong leg! So not only are they half bike short/half legging, they’re also on backwards. Classic!

Nordstrom “Eclectic Mosaic” Long Statement Necklace, $48

The perfect tee:

• A combo fabric, NOT 100% cotton. Cotton/spandex, Cotton/poly, Poly/spandex, Modal/spandex
• A female cut: shorter sleeves (between cap-sleeve and elbow), NOT a box, yet long enough to cover the top of pants
• Holds shape: If I wear it for 2 hours and it looks like a tent, something is majorly wrong.
• Color options: beyond black and white
• Size: at least to a 26/28

It’s not even just short-sleeved tees, but this obsession goes to long sleeved tees and 3/4 sleeves. Crew and v-neck. And what about tissue tees where you can layer? And also just basic ones to wear to the gym?

I’ve had some good luck with workout stuff from Old Navy, and stumbled upon a new activewear tee that they came out with. Of course I ordered one immediately. Here are photos (worn with the Old Navy compression pants)

The detail is shown much better on the Old Navy photos:

I am way excited for this tee. At $22.94, I can definitely deal with the price. They are a cotton/spandex blend, and worn 2 days in a row (what? It’s the weekend!) it hasn’t stretched out or lost shape at all. Even with my super long torso, it was plenty long to cover what I wanted it to cover. They have them in sizes 1x-4x (28/30), which is amazing. Downsides? Currently only available in the carbon color I’m wearing (graphite gray) and the aqua color shown here as well. They need more colors so I can buy them all!! These are going to be perfect with jeans and a long funky necklace, or at the gym.

What’s your favorite tee shirt?

What’s your current nail color?

If you have somewhere to be seen this New Years, here are my top dress picks.

Samantha Sequin Party Dress, Monif C., $227.80, sizes 14/16-22/24
Tadashi Shoji Plus Size Sequined Sweetheart Cage Dress, Bloomingdales, $388, sizes 14 and 20
Pleated Sequin Front Dress, eloquii, $138, sizes 14-24

Adriana Papell Lace and Knit Dress, Nordstrom, $188 sizes 14-24
3/4 Sleeved Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress, Kiyonna, $158, sizes 10/12-30/32
Gretta Lace Dress, igigi by Yuliya Raquel, $134.99, sizes 12 and 14/16

Rachel Pally White Label Long Sunburst Dress, Bloomingdales, $286, sizes 1x-3x
David Meister Plus Cut Out Gown, Bloomingdales,  $163.25 (from $653!), sizes 14 and 22
Calvin Klein Ruched Matte Jersey Gown, Nordstrom, $188, sizes 14-24

What are you wearing this New Years?

eloquii Draped Divine Knit Dress, $89.90
eloquii  Multi-strand Colorblock Chain Necklace, $34.90
Target earrings (no longer available)
Cole Haan Air Tali Quilted Wedges, $99.95

eloquii Draped Divine Knit Dress, $89.90
eloquii Faux Emerald Rhinestone Bib, $32.90
eloquii Python Print Tote, $80
Cole Haan Air Tali Quilted Wedges, $99.95

The dress is on the small side (I’m wearing a 24), but at least I didn’t feel like I was a stuffed sausage in it like the previous eloquii dress I tried. I think it’d be perfect with different types of cardigans and boleros. I now want a cobalt cropped cardigan to go with it. (Obsessed with cobalt and black right now). The knit of the dress was fantastic. Thick with some stretch, but not so much that it would lose shape. I think it’s great a belt was included with it, but it’d be great with a contrasting color or metallic belt – skinny or wide. Lots of ways to change this basic black dress around.

As far as the accessories: I love the necklaces. I’m a sucker for long statement necklaces, and the multi-chain colorblock necklace is going to get a lot of wear from me for sure. The bib necklace was fabulous as well, and I was really pleased that it fit around my big ol’ neck. It’s got a good weight to it, so it feels like it’s high quality. The jewelry reminds me of some things I’ve picked up from Banana Republic and J. Crew, as far as quality (so you have something to compare it to).

I love the print on the bag, and the drop on the handle is long enough for me to wear it on my shoulder, unlike many totes out there that just don’t fit quite right. It’s pretty basic, so I wouldn’t pay full price for it. That being said, it is going to get some travel use from me – a great size to chuck some magazines and papers in.

Disclosure: eloquii sent me the 2 necklaces, dress, and tote at no charge. The review, opinions, and purple cast are entirely my own. I Blog with Integrity.

1. Damn You Alexis Black Bodycon Dress, size 22 only, $55.99 (normally $329)
2. Marina Rinaldi Blazer with Topstitch Detail, sizes 14-24, $79.99 (normally $650) – This deal BLOWS MY MIND. Marina Rinaldi makes the most FABULOUS plus size clothes – the fit is impeccable and this is a classic wardrobe staple. Have you been to one of her stores? I went to the one in Beverly Hills once and about lost it in awe.
3. Marina Rinaldi Stretch Wool Skirt, sizes 16-22, $169.99 (normally $1,250)
4. Jessica Simpson Black Sequined Dress, sizes 12, 16, 22, $72.99 (normally $168) New years eve party, anyone?!
5. Taylor Wide Sleeve Pocket Dress, sizes 22, 24 (I find that Taylor runs slightly small), $26.99 (normally $168). I’m completely obsessed with Cobalt right now. Add black tights, black booties, and a long chain necklace.
6. Laundry by Shelli Segal Melton Wool Double Breasted Coat, sizes 18-22, $72.99 (normally $368) Such a classic cut – would last years

Not an Ideeli member? You can sign up here – it’s totally free. 

Let me know what you pick up!

Perhaps I’m just justifying this because I now have a plum colored cast. Or perhaps I just really love plum.

Yesterday I was annoyed with the unevenness of my walk due to a mega cast and a flat. I can’t handle fancy heels on my 1 good foot, so I set out on the search for a wedge that had enough of a lift that would compensate for my cast, and that would go with many of my work outfits. The shoe had to be extremely comfortable, yet cute enough that I’d want to wear BOTH shoes when my cast is off. After searching, I found these Cole Haan Air Tali Quilt 40 wedges in Royal Berry.

Four notes:

1. They were on sale – yay!
2. Cole Haan had free ground shipping. I ordered them yesterday and they arrived this morning (Christmas Eve) via Next Day Air – no charge! What great service.
3. They feel like BUTTAH. Seriously, they are so, so comfortable, even on my wide feet. I thought the Nike Air tech stuff in it was all hype, but they are so comfortable.
4. They came in a dust bag, which automatically makes me happy.

Have you ever tried Cole Haan shoes?

sorry for no shoes - I do live in Kentucky, after all! Tee, cardigan, jeans and necklace all from Old Navy. The shoes I ended up wearing were also from Old Navy!

One doctor appointment and several hours later, I was rocking an entirely different look:

say hello to my new purple cast

It’s a long story, but basically it’s to help heal a torn tendon I’ve had since March. If you want all the boring details, it’s over on my weight loss blog.

So now the fashion challenge? Pants. My jeans won’t fit over the cast, nor will any of my straight leg pants. I have a couple pair of wide leg pants that MIGHT work. Looks like I’m going to rock the skirts and dresses for a while!

Would it be tacky if I bedazzled my cast?

I was throwing my outfit together and wanted something I could wear my boots with in case we had to walk a ways from the car to the theater and I’m on a bum ankle anyway (I’m probably only going to get to wear 1 of these boots and my other orthopedic boot – not so cute). Anyway, I got this sleeveless basic dress from Lands End and was contemplating what to layer with it.

1. Faux leather motorcycle jacket from Target (last season), black leggings from Old Navy, boots from Zappos
2. Elizabeth Retro Cardi from Kiyonna, black leggings from Old Navy, boots from Zappos
3. All together

Some may be wondering why I’m mixing a heather brown dress with black leggings, a black leather jacket, and brown leather shoes. I really don’t have a big problem with browns and black together as long as it’s intentional. If I tried to “match” an outfit and it was unintentionally black and brown, that’s one thing. I think the variation in tones with these colors are wide enough for it not to look odd. My opinion though.

Still not sure what I’ll end up wearing, but it’s good to have options!

We did 1 coat of Glitzerland as a base, then did 1 coat of Sparklelicious. Love it!

Glitzerland + Sparklelicious

What’s your current favorite nail color?

I had a few emails come through this morning that have me super geeked for Black Friday: some of my favorite plus size designers! EEE! If you’re trying to keep an eye on your budget or want to try a new store, black Friday is a great way to do it. These are my top 2 picks, but there are also sales at Avenue and Lane Bryant, among others. I’m also looking forward to seeing what Old Navy deals come out.

KIYONNA: 30% off all orders over $150 from November 23-30, 2011. Can’t be combined with any other coupon. Use coupon code PIE.

1. Collette Dress, regularly $108
2. Elizabeth Retro Cardigan, regularly $68
3. Lucille Lace Skirt, regularly $78

ELOQUII: 50% off everything from November 23-28, 2011. Can’t be combined with any other coupon or promotion. Free python tote (while supplies last) with a $100 (pre-tax) purchase. Use coupon code INSIDER50. As always, they have free shipping and free returns.

1. Lace Front Cardigan, regularly $59.50
2. Military Coat, regularly $168
3. Gold Party Dress, regularly $118

Do you plan on doing any Black Friday shopping for yourself?

Here is a recap of all the plus size activewear posts I’ve done:

• My first rant
• Taffy Activewear
• Danskin NOW

They launched a couple of weeks back, and I love some of the pieces. These are on my wish list right now:

 1. “I Rock” Babydoll, $73. I love the look of this. My only concern is that the straps in the back criss cross, which means my ENELL bra will be way exposed.

2. “Make My Day” tee, $69. Not a huge fan of all the colorblock stuff, but if the material is right and the fit is good, I’d wear them every workout.

3. “All About Me long pant“, $98. Again with the colorblock, but hopefully my top would be long enough to cover this.

4. “I’m Outta Here” jacket, $119. A full zip jacket WITH thumbholes? Seriously rocks my socks.

If Santa is good to me, perhaps you’ll see me rocking these in my next workout recap video. AdoraOm comes in US sizes 14-24. As with all plus lines, I wish they would consider expanding beyond a 24. I first started working out at a size 32.

What are your thoughts about AdoraOm?

I’ve been, um, vocal in my interest with eloquii by The Limited. I was super excited, then ordered some things, then had to return everything but 1 shirt due to fit. Therefore, I was skeptical when they offered to send me a pair of their jeans to try out. Since there wasn’t any risk, I went ahead and agreed. I had to choose between classic or curvy cut, and based on the style finder, I determined I am a classic fit.

Hooray that I wasn’t disappointed. Not even slightly.

• Wash: The wash is a dark blue with the tiniest bit of gray in it. It is the perfect was to dress up or down. No wiskering or embellishment to add emphasis where you don’t want it.
• Waist and rise: The waist fit great. It was slightly large, which was a surprise considering a skirt I ordered from eloquii was about 3 inches too small in the waist. I was happy though. This isn’t a low-rise jean, and I’m so glad. I didn’t have to worry about sitting down and having my rear exposed.
• Butt: I have a chronic case of pancake ass, but these did a GREAT job of disguising it. The pockets were in the right place, and the stretch helped define the curve, without becoming “dumpy”
• Comfort: This is a mid weight denim. There is stretch to it, but it hasn’t gotten super saggy like other stretch denim. Super, super comfortable

Overall, the fit seems to be slightly large. I could probably fit into a 22 versus a 24 if I had to, but the 24 is good for now. I will also say that they shipped me 24S (short) and they were long enough, even though I’m 5’10 (with admittedly short legs and oversized torso). Just check your favorite jeans inseam before choosing a length. I have 4 pair of current “go-to” jeans, and these have trumped them all, by a long shot.

If you want more info on the eloquii denim story, here’s a short video:

The great news?  eloquii by The Limited is giving away a pair of jeans for one of my readers! Yay jeans! To enter, simply tweet this (click the link to tweet it easily):

I entered to win a pair of @eloquii jeans from @skinnyemmie http://bit.ly/t3CXny #emmieloveseloquii

A winner will be randomly selected from all eligible tweets. Enter as many times as you’d like: 1 tweet=1 entry! Giveaway period ends Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 5pm EST. So get to it, and good luck! If you want to go ahead and get your hands on some, you can use code FABFIT25 to get 25% off jeans until November 17.

Disclosure: eloquii by The Limited provided me this pair of jeans for review. The honest opinions and pictures of my non-pancake-looking-ass are all mine. I Blog with Integrity.

Coach Cassie sunglasses in Tortoise

One of my besties gave me a gift card to Coach, and I knew exactly what I wanted to use it for: new sunglasses. Darn that Rachel Zoe for emblazoning it in my brain that they’re called “sunnies.”

I went thinking I wanted some sort of aviator style since everyone seems to be all about them again. (This is where I admit that I never saw Top Gun, so missed the original craze). One look at them on my face and I nearly laughed myself out of the store. The teardrop shape doesn’t go well at all with my round face and big ol’ cheeks.

When it came down to it, I fell in love with 2 pairs of sunglasses: 1 that were oversized rectangles, and these that were different than anything I had owned before with a more rounded look, semi-cat eye, and metal covering the top part of the frame. I went for fun instead of for “traditional,” and they make me happy.

How many pairs of sunglasses do you own? Me: 2. These, and 1 pair of black and white Fendi’s that I scored a couple of years ago while on sale at Bluefly and I had a coupon code.

Unlike other stores, I ended up ordering what I liked, verus how I thought the particular brand would fit. For example, if I shop at Old Navy, I know there are certain dresses and sweaters that I should size down in. If they have any sort of chiffon, I know I should size up. These intuitions have been formed by dozens of purchases. Since this was my first eloquii order, I was shopping blind.

I’m such a nerd, I photographed the unboxing:

These were my purchases:

1. Signature 3/4 sleeve wrap dress: I LOVE the cobalt color. I honestly didn’t think I’d have trouble fitting in this considering I own many wrap dresses. Unfortunately, it was way too small in the waist and hips. They made me look like I was wrapped in sausage casing. It made me really bummed. The fabric was thicker than I expected, and I think it would wear well. Going back.
2. Piped Tweed Skirt: I wanted this to work so badly. I love tweed, and love a-line skirts, but can never find any that fit properly. This was no exception. I ordered a 24, which according to measurements should have fit. I wear a 24 in Calvin Klein, Svoboda, Kiyonna, Lane Bryant, Michael Kors, etc. This was at least 3 inches too small in the waist. Like, not even remotely close. Going back after I stop throwing a hissy fit.
3. Chiffon Ruffle Front Shirt: I thought this was a good all-year shirt for work. Wear by itself, with a cardigan, or with a blazer. The purple was pretty, and hot damn it fit. Photo below. Loved the slight stretch and the fact that the buttons didn’t gape open. It got wrinkled a little as I wore it, but not worse than any other button-down shirt. Keeper.
4. Pleated Sleeve Cowl Sweater: You all know I have my camel and black obsession- I think it’s one of the classiest combos ever. I got this in camel to wear with black trousers to work. It was thin fabric, so I wore a cami underneath, but it was a total no-go. It was really short in the torso on me. Granted, I have a long torso, but it was a belly shirt. Blech. Going back.
5. Super Opaque Tights: After my bad luck with most things so far, I didn’t even open these. The size chart says the highest end on the weight is 275 pounds. I may have lost 113 pounds, but I’m not there yet. I kept them in the package for easy return.

Anyway, these are the items I picked up today from eloquii. I’ll review them when they get here.

• Signature 3/4 sleeve wrap dress: This is a pretty basic, flattering silhouette that many retailers carry, but I am in love with the blue color.
• Piped Tweed Skirt: I’m most worried about this not fitting. I thought it’d be super cute with my boots though.
• 3/4 Sleeve Twisted Detail Top: This is pretty similar in style to the Kiyonna Caycee Twist Top I wrote about, but I liked the camel color. The fabric looks a little shiny, so I’ll have to examine that when it comes in.
• Chiffon Ruffle Front Shirt: This could look really awful or really good. Coin toss. Love the purple though.
• Super Opaque Tights: I’m always on the hunt for tights.

What do you think of eloquii?

1. Alfani Plus Size Jacket, Belted Poncho – Macy’s $189
2.  Sejour Faux Leather Trim Cape – Nordstrom $158
3. Centigrade Zip Front Cape with Faux Leather Trim – QVC $61
4.  KUT From the Cloth Double Breasted Cape - Nordstrom $88

I really like all of these, but didn’t want to spend too much on something I might not wear very much. Yesterday, I took a trip to TJ Maxx, where I normally don’t have much luck with clothes. I came across a cape that was $29.99, and scooped it up. I thought because of the volume on the top, I should pair with a narrower bottom. I can’t decide if it’s the cut of the cape, the proportion of it, or the bottoms that are not making me feel so fab in it:

It had a popped collar, so I felt I needed to pose with it- ha! And look at the pup with part of her pumpkin halloween costume on- ROFL.

Seven7 skinny jeans
Lane Bryant platform booties (last year)
Cape from TJ Maxx – Fenn Wright Manson brand

I think the cut just isn’t super flattering. If it was wider and longer with a straight-across hem, it would probably be better with the skinny jeans. I think it’s going back.

What do you all think of capes?

• Rachel Pally (who I love, but cannot bring myself to splurge on her items)
• Jones New York Collection (classic suiting and such)
• Fall Dresses 14+ (mix of various dresses from Suzi Chin, Igigi, etc.)

I am really excited to see what other sales they start to have. Like other flash sale sites, the sales change regularly and only last a couple of days. Things frequently sell out, so seeing the selection early is an advantage to scoring your top picks.

I bought a few things from there yesterday, and will share when I get them! I got the Rachel Pally dress above, the Jones New York vest, and some Adrienne Vittatani driving shoes. Woo!

I think you can easily become a member by visiting myhabit.com. If you have trouble with it, just let me know and I can send you an invite.

Nadia Knit Bellini from Kiyonna, size 3
Essential Stretch Cardigan from Kiyonna, size 4
Wide-leg pants with cuff from Lane Bryant (no longer sold), size 24
Necklace from Lane Bryant (it was like $3 in a clearance bin)
Watch, Anne Klein
I also had on pointy toed red patent flats, but you can’t really see them.

Here’s a brief intro to Eloquii. I’ll report back with my purchases and a review. Follow Eloquii on Twitter, on Facebook, or on their website.

Will you purchase items from Eloquii?

Enter my monster calves. Call them “oversized,” or “athletic,” or “plus sized” – they’re large and standard calf-widths will not fit.

First, I tried these thigh-high boots from Lane Bryant. I already have some black knee-high boots, but liked that these were flat and would be a little higher. Massive fail. I think it was about a 17″ circumference on a size 11W. Back to the store they went.

Next, I ordered these boots from SimplyBe. They were in-between camel and brown, which was the color I was looking for. SimplyBe has cute stuff, but they’re based in the UK, which meant shipping took a while. As you can see, I could zip them, but had spillage at the top of the calves. Not a cute look, nor was the lack of circulation comfortable. Back across the pond they went. Such a shame because the price was good, color was nice, and they would have been really comfortable on the feet.

For try number 3, I ordered these boots from Jessica London. I loved the camel color and buckle detail on the sides. I should have known that at $40, the price was too good for them to be true, and they arrived a full width narrower and a full width smaller than expected. The calf was around 17.5 inches, which of course, didn’t fit me. Strike three.

For try 4, I bit the bullet and went back to my old standby of Zappos. They have never failed me, and the fact that I get the shoes the next day is ridiculously satisfying. Free returns also, which was good considering the returns I already had to make in my wide calf boot search.

I have my black knee-high boots (shown in this post) from Zappos, which are rsvp brand. They’re big enough to wear over jeans, and even after 1 year of owning them, they’ve held up pretty well. Perhaps Zappos could pull another win out for me? I finally settled on ordering the Fitzwell Bit with an extra wide calf in dark brown. I was a little disappointed they didn’t have any in a lighter camel color, but at this point, I just wanted something to fit.

LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Seriously. They are real leather (unlike all the other boots I tried), are made beautifully, fit my calves with room to spare, and are super comfortable. I’ve pranced around in them the past 3 days straight with no foot pain. Plus, they make me feel extra sassy. I can’t find my tape measure, but I’m guessing it’s about a 20″ calf. Here they are with my outfit from yesterday.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Skinny Jeans: Seven7 from Ebay
Tank: Essential Stretch Camisole from Kiyonna
Sunglasses: Fendi from Bluefly
Necklace: Old Navy
Boots: Fitzwell Bit from Zappos 
Bag: Alesya Bag in Equestrian Tan

Have you found some great wide calf boots this year? Share your finds!

Anyway, this is what I ended up wearing:

Dress: Houndstooth sheath dress from Lane Bryant (last year- yes, sad it still fits)
Cardigan: super old from Old Navy
Leggings: Yummie Tummie
Boots: rsvp from Zappos (got them last year, love them)
Pashmina: gift from my sister forever ago

As an aside, I got hit on in the parking lot! Creepy? Kind of. Confidence boost? Yep!

On a completely unrelated note, plus size designer Monif C. unveiled her new holiday collection today and I went bananas (yes, ala Rachel Zoe) over this:

Monif C. Samantha Sequin Party Dress

Seriously. Who is going to invite me to some fabulous party so I can wear this and sparkle like a disco ball? Watch me shimmy!