RawrManifesto;

WorkWear: Canadian Retailer Edition

2015-12-09T06:28:00.000-05:00

Well, hello there. Yes, its been an unfortunately long period of time since I've last posted, but I have a perfectly valid excuse called life. Between moving back to Toronto and becoming an official adult out of school- life has been nothing short of busy. And since work is 90% of my life, and I work at a courthouse, I have to wear "office clothes" - including a blazer - every. single. day.

My new lifestyle has had me confused about how to proceed with my blog. In my semi-retired state I feel I don't have all to much to offer especially when all I really wear on a day to day basis is work clothing.

As a young professional I've been looking for office clothes that are professional but still reflect my personality and age demographic. Since starting my new job I've had a complete wardrobe overhaul and I found myself purchasing mainly from a set of stores I was surprised to be shopping from - Canadian-based retailers.

In the past few years Canadian retailers have come a LONG way in their plus size clothing options. I remember when I first started blogging the vast majority of my purchases were made online and I was bringing in things from all over the world. Not only were Canadian plus size retailers not making their selection available online, but in addition, they were not offering clothes I wanted to wear. Fast- forward to the last two years or so and so much has changed. Canadian retailers have done a tremendous amount of work to put themselves in a competitive position along with other retailers that exist here, and in addition, have now made their products available to residents of other countries as well.

So here it is. A post that's been on my mind for a while, and a selection of outfits that I would wear in a normal work week - with products I can say were all purchased on domestic grounds.

Outfit I:

*Burgundy Blazer - AdditionElle
*Tile-Print Skirt - Reitmans
*Tights - The Bay
*Brogue Heels - The Shoe Company

Outfit II:

*White-Trimmed *Polka Navy Blazer - Laura Plus
*Blouse - AdditionElle
*Grey Straight-Leg Dress Pants - Reitmans
*Basket-Weave Boots - AdditionElle

Outfit III:
*Black Blazer - AdditionElle
*Colour Block Dress - Suzy Shier Plus
*Tights - The Bay
*Brogue Heels - The Shoe Company

Outfit IV:
*Red Cheetah-Lined Blazer - Laura
*Polka Dot Blouse - Laura
*Black Straight-Leg Dress Pants - Reitmans
*Perforated Oxfords - AdditionElle

<3.

An Indecisive Spring.

2015-04-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

What is up with this weather? One minute its snowing and freezing rain galore and literally within a matter of hours its sweltering outside. You see people outside in short-shorts and parka's simultaneously - and who can blame them!? Its been an indecisive spring so far.

When the weather gets warmer I get excited to show off more colour in my wardrobe. It just so happens that the looming threat of exams make me want to life my spirits with the use of some colour in my wardrobe too. So what kind of outfit does this transitional period call for - monochrome with a pop of spring cheer, of course!

Necklace- Gift from the Homeland || Lips - N9 from Makeup Forever Rouge Artist

Skirt - Old Navy || Cardigan + Crop Top - Forever 21 || Boots - New Look

Boucle Blazer

2015-03-11T15:08:00.001-04:00

Let me apologize for three months of absence from the OOTD blogosphere - COMPLETELY unacceptable in my books but truly indicative of how busy I've been. This year I decided to participate as producer for my Faculty's first-ever musical theatre show - and let me tell you that it was perhaps the most time-consumptive, yet satisfying, endeavour in my life.

All that is over now, and its time for me to focus on my wardrobe rather than costumes for my cast! Thanks for all your patience - and standing by!

I am loving this warmer weather and I'm totally going from my bundled cocoon to wearing outfits I was excited to wear but couldn't in lieu of the super early winter.

Lipstick - Watermelon by Maybelline || Chain - Trinket from Turkey

Blazer + T-Shirt - Old Navy || Jeans - Reitmans || Boots - Naturalizer

Sisterhood of the Traveling Dupatta

2014-11-19T16:47:00.001-05:00

One of the main privileges that comes with blogging is making e-friends. Growing up, I always struggled to find representation out in the world of someone who looked like me - that is, a plus sized South Asian. Now, there are obviously women I'd meet in my day to day life who were South Asian and also plus sized - but I'm talking representation in the maintream or in the online blogosphere.

When I first started blogging, which is now going on 5 years which is bananas, I was pretty novel. There wasn't much out there in terms of plus sized South Asian representaton. But as my presence/time on the internet (on tumblr, in particular) grew, I became friends with many amazing South Asian babes, both plus sized and not, via the internet who I've had the pleasure of getting to know through their posts, photos and messages.

Its amazing that the internet can foster community-building in such a real way, and for me to have the ability to share my experiences and learn about others' experiences - especially others who come from backgrounds similar to mine- is truly an amazing thing.

So, with all that being said, a few months back a few of my wonderful blogger babes and I decided to start the Sisterhood of the Traveling Dupatta (obviously stealing from the wonderfully cheesy coming of age series, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants). A dupatta is essentially a scarf worn by South Asian women with their outfits or as a head-covering, which I'm sure many of you have seen at one point or another. So far, I'm the third recipient of the dupatta, and look forward to passing it along to another wonderful South Asian babe that has impacted my experience on social media.

Lips- Diva by MAC || Blush - Orange by Ben Nye

Cardigan - Forever 21+ || Skirt - New Look Inspire || Chukka Boots - Naturalizer

Loving Autumn.

2014-09-24T01:04:00.000-04:00

Thank GOODNESS autumn came early this year because this summer was a mess, a hot mess - literally. Last year summer went well into early October and as a person who resents hot weather (can you tell?) I was so happy when the weather started cooling down this year a week into September.

Autumn is here, and its my favourite fashion season. I love layers, and the rich jewel and earth tones and accessories. My face makeup actually stays on my face - brilliant!

I've been looking for garnet and deep red items of clothing for a while, and surprisingly, have been having a hard time. Similarly, I've been on the search for a polka dot button-down. So HOW SPLENDID that I was able to find both, at my trusty Old Navy, and put together an outfit that I only thought was possible in my dreams. <3 ______ <3

Watch - Fossil || Lipstick - Maybelline "Watermelon"

Cardigan, Button-Down + Skirt - Old Navy || Oxfords - New Look

Workwear II: Office Florals

2014-07-02T20:37:00.000-04:00

Continuing with the workwear theme I've decided to dedicate my blog to this summer, I've put together this outfit for those of you that love floral prints (such as myself). I love florals - in all seasons- because they're great to dress up or dress down, depending on what you wear them with and how you accessorize. They're a fun way to add print to any outfit, without being overwhelming, and especially in the workplace, they remain conservative while being a fun way to perk up an outfit.

Pearls - From the Homelane || Lipstick - Backstage by Revlon, Suede Collection

Dress - Forever 21+ || Blazer - Old Navy || Shoes - Naturalizer

Workwear I: The Two-Tone Blazer

2014-06-04T17:00:00.000-04:00

Since the start of my blog, one of the main questions I get are related to office/business clothes - how to style them, where to purchase them, and how to make them work for plus sizes. I realize the struggle that is finding business and business casual outfits for plus sizes - traditional business cuts are just not at all what I'm comfortable in or feel I look good in. Since starting law school, I've really upped my search in finding affordable, comfortable and work-appropriate wear.

This summer I have my first full-time, full-fledged, real law job. Luckily, its a business-casual as opposed to strict business attire environment, but finding different ways to wear different outfits 5-days a week over and over has been a challenge. As such, I've decided to dedicate my outfit posts this summer to workwear.

Stay Tuned!

Necklace - c/o Additionelle || Lip Colour - Brick by Avon

Two-Tone Blazer - Laura Plus || Skater Dress - Forever 21+ || Mary Jane Wedges - Naturalizer

Spring Postponed

2014-04-01T18:01:00.000-04:00

So, who knew winter would last a solid 6 months this year? Don't get me wrong - I'll take winter over summer any day - but not at the expense of my beloved fall and spring! But just because the weather says one thing, doesn't mean I can't adorn myself in pending spring fashions, right?

Also, for those of you nearing the end of the semester - good luck on your exams!

Lipstick - Diva by MAC


Sweater- Clothing Swap \|\| Peplum Floral Top - Forever 21 + \|\| Jeans - Nygard via The Bay \|\| Shoes - Topsider by Sperry

Fa[t]shion February

2014-02-04T17:40:00.000-05:00

Its crazy to think I've been on the Fatshion February train for 3 years now. I feel like the initiative is a great way to celebrate plus size fashion in a moreso cohesive manner, and gives those who do not typically do outfit posts a chance to showcase their style through a community of supportive participants.

I highly recommend you get on the bandwagon by either following trending Fatshion February hashtags, or alternatively following/submitting to the official tumblr: http://fatshionfebruary.tumblr.com/

I hope this winter is treating you well! Its been quite warm here as of late, but that is soon to change so I'm relishing this pleasant weather and constant sun as much as I can!

Also, if you live in the Ottawa area, the Forever 21 at the Rideau Centre is due to add a plus size section in their store this month! SUPER EXCITE!

Lipstick - Diva by MAC || Blush - Orange by Ben Nye

Embroidered Denim Shirt + Boucle Skirt - New Look UK || Cardigan - Forever 21+|| Shoes - Sperry

Des Examens.

2013-12-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

When exams come around theres only so much you can control. Or rather, things are so seemingly out of control with the spiraling anxiety that is exam-time, you feel that what you actually have control over is minute in comparison.

These past few weeks have been crazy. My SLR broke, for one - while trying to make a long-overdue outfit post at that. Thank goodness Nikon honoured my warranty and repaired it for free, but it was still pretty nerve-wrecking when the damage did occur. My mother has been out of the country, which doesnt matter too too much as I don't live at home anyways, but just having her that far away for whatever reason was really tough. Regardless, I've had the support of friends and other family members, and with exam-time in full gear I just want this horrible period over with.

Only a week to go!

So, as I was saying- limited control. Fashion is one of the only things you feel you have control of. Like, hey, the prof may decide to fail me but at least I looked cute?

I guess this is the product of my control.

Collar Necklace - New Look || Lips - Lip Liner in Deepest Purpose from LA Colors (not at all a deep purple)

Sorry for the crap quality on the photos below guys! It was getting dark outside so the lighting was not so great ): Boo for sunset at 4:15!!

Good luck to all of you who have exams! And those who don't - good luck hearing about it non-stop all throughout your facebook and social media feeds. (:

<3

Transitions.

2013-09-25T00:45:00.000-04:00

Fall is finally here and I could not be more excited! I'm sure those of you who read my blog (or whatever it is that this is) know that I have an immense hatred for summer - and hot weather, in general. Fall is when I feel my personal style really shines or looks best, so I make efforts to stay looking cute all season long!

Lipstick by Wet n' Wild - Sugar Plum Fairy

Cardigan from Laura Canada || Yellow Blouse from Dorothy Perkins || Dress was Thrifted || Shoes are Topsiders by Sperry

Summer Non-Lovin'

2013-07-17T16:03:00.000-04:00

These past few days have been heat-wave ridden and every time I leave my house and get hit with a wall of UV rays and smothering humidity I want to curl into a refrigerator and stay there forever. But alas, I must endure, as most of us do, this sweltering heat and do so while trying to look cute.
Now I know what you're thinking with this outfit post - Sadia, why are you wearing a cardigan? In my defense, we were going to a restaurant that has AC so cold that the last time I had gone in I was bone-chilled. Thus, the choice to wear a cardigan, which in the short walk from my door to the car was a borderline death sentence.

I got straight bangs - that I keep sweeping to the side! [Peter Pan Gold Collar- New Look]

Cardigan- Old Navy || Denim Tie Shirt- Forever 21+ || Skater Skirt + Oxford Shoes - New Look

Spring Rain.

2013-05-29T15:57:00.000-04:00

It has rained non-stop for days. Normally, people would be annoyed/upset. But since I have a hatred of heat, its been relatively enjoyable on my part.
I've had this Evans shirt forever, but it didn't quite fit the way I wanted to. So, a quick snip off the length (horribly done) and its become a cute denim jacket! I've been wearing this outfit all over the place, mostly because I'm lazy, but its so comfy and cute I can't stop!

ALSO, I've recently re-opened my Instagram account! I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but here's to second chances? Follow me - rawrmanifesto.

Lip Colour- Diva from MAC

Denim Jacket- DIY/Evans || Shirt-H&M || Skirt- Old Navy || Booties - Hibou @ Little Burgundy

Primary.

2013-04-17T14:02:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! Welp. Just when I though spring was finally here a giant snowstorm hit my city- shattering my spring dreams. However, I totally took advantage of the one day of amazing weather we had by dressing up in colour!

This is a really quick outfit post I did in between studying for my exams - If you guys are currently going through exams I wish you the best of luck!

Blazer- Thrifted || Chambray Top + Skirt - Old Navy || Boots - Hibou at Little Burgundy

Spirit Animal.

2013-04-02T17:18:00.000-04:00

Excuse my well-kept hair.

Literally everything is from New Look. Except the Bracelet- Fossil.

Fatshion February

2013-02-20T17:21:00.000-05:00

I remember when I first started blogging on my tumblr, I remember fatshion february was a huge deal in the plus size blogger community. It was awesome seeing everyone putting forth an effort to look extra special for every day of the month and celebrating our beautiful selves and the diversity of plus size fashion.
I've been way too busy as of late (as I'm sure you've noticed) to put forth regular outfit posts, but in the memory of past me, I figured it would be tragic to not post an outfit this month.

Bird Skirt + Booties - New Look || Sheet Tie Shirt - c/o Sarah || Necklace- Present from Sister

The Constant Sweater

2013-01-29T17:23:00.001-05:00

I have a problem.
This sweater literally has literally been worn by me every day for the past week at least.
WILL THIS OBSESSION EVER END?

Ring & Collar Necklace- New Look

Sweater, Boots & Collared Shirt - New Look || Riding Pants- Additionelle

Better Late Than Never.

2012-12-06T14:43:00.002-05:00

Honestly, HOW LONG AS IT BEEN? Today while taking my outfit photos I had this eerie nostalgia, because it literally been months since I've stood infront of my DSLR with my remote and camwhored my worries away.
Its so bizarre how something that was previously so routine suddenly becomes so foreign. I had to re-learn my angles, camera positions, lighting and everything else! Not to mention, I'm living in a new city my teeeeeeny apartment was a little difficult to work around.
Thanks so much to those of you who have continued to support me during my wee hiatus! I hope you're all doing well and that winter isn't kicking your butt as royally as its kicking mine! OH and for those of you who don't follow me on tumblr already- make sure you do so because I update it wayyy more often than I do this (:

Sweater- Forever21+ || Skirt- Old Navy || Belt- Old Navy || Crochet Beret- H&M || Boots - Saute Mouton || Stirrup Leggings-AdditionElle

An Academic Affair.

2012-08-08T17:47:00.000-04:00

So, I didn't go to my convocation this year and my mother was pretty upset. I just didn't want to stand in the heat for hours only to walk accross a stage for 20 seconds and receive a diploma, that isnt even technically my diploma. That being said, I felt pretty bad that my mother felt she missed out on a "milestone", so I caved in and decided to attend a scholarship ceremony as compensation. I had no idea what to wear, and the lady I spoke to about the ceremony said, "well...don't show up in jeans?" Very helpful. So this is what I finally decided upon! I ended up being somewhat overdressed, but regardless, I still felt quite comfortable (:

Dress- Simply Be || Wedges-Naturalizer

Fall [[Fashion]] Inspiration.

2012-08-07T11:40:00.001-04:00

So, if you haven't already been able to conclude from the past few posts on this blog- I really dislike summer. And more than summer itself, I really dislike summer fashion. That being said, come August, my fashion senses begin to tingle at the prospect of fashion lines and trends coming out for the upcoming Autumn/Fall season!

Fall fashion is totally my forte- I think its where I feel and look my best-and although its a tad early to hit the shops, tons of stores and fashion lines have begun to release their Fall fashion line-ups and look-books!

And here are a few of my favourites:

Marisota UK provides a great, fresh and vibrant take on plus size fall fashion. I love that they organize their clothes by the typical "size" and "style", but also offer options known as "figure fixers" which is clothing designed to target and conceal typical problem areas. Their fall plus size ladies clothing catalogue is filled with gorgeous colours, styles and prints for this upcoming season! And check out their adorable Fall advertisement below, which also links to their informative YouTube channel.

Canadian-based AdditionElle is trying hard to revamp their Fall wardrobe into one that is both stylish and sophisticated. This year, they release a Fall line that is geared towards the career woman. Some of the styled outfits from their line can be seen in the video below.

And as always, the majority of my style inspiration comes from fellow fashion bloggers such as yourselves! By looking through blogs I'm able to not only gather inspiration and creative new ideas, but also am able to view fashion that is majority of the time accessible and affordable. Check out my BlogRoll to see blogs of those who inspire me daily!

And that's a wrap! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

Until next time,
<3

Pink.&Polka.

2012-07-18T17:31:00.002-04:00

Blouse, Skirt and Heels- New Look || Tights-The Bay || Watch-MK

SIMPLY BE- PLZ SHIP TO CANADA.

2012-06-26T23:38:00.002-04:00

Since I'll be entering law school this September, I've dedicated this summer to totally revamping a huge part of my wardrobe to a more "sophisticated style". In addition, I've recently received an email from administration which lays out about five "formal" events throughout the year- each of them with a very specific dress code. ie. "black and white, formal" "business attire, casual" Either way, I've basically been freaking out and frantically been trying to gather all the necessary pieces to make my wardrobe law school ready.

That being said, lets turn our attention to a Black and White affair, set to take place in October. AND I've found the MOST perfect dresses for this event too- only one catch- they're all from Simply Be- which DOESN'T ship to Canada! Why do retailers torture us this way? ): Simply Be (which operates to serve the UK and USA) offers trendy and affordable womens clothing available online, but they have yet to do offer their services to my homeland. SADLIFE.

Frill Trim Tunic Dress ||Frock and Frill Pleat Lace Trim Dress || Geometric Trim Column Midi Dress

For now, I'll covet Simply Be's offerings from afar and hope that somehow I'll be able to get my hands on these beauties!

Until next time,

<3.

Orange You Glad.

2012-06-20T18:14:00.000-04:00

I don't know if I've mentioned this before...but I hate summer. I really do. Nothing about it makes me happy and its just plain irritating. That being said, I really struggle to find looks that I enjoy wearing without melting from heat- but as a "fashionista" I need to try my best.
I think I huge hindrance to my being able to dress appropriately in the summer is the fact that culturally, I need to remain somewhat conservative- ie. I'm not allowed to show my legs. So I turn to really breathable but high quality tights that also (conveniently) serve as shapewear for when I'm wearing body-hugging looks. Tights also serve as a great alternative to avoid dreaded summer chaffing (haha). Tights I typically wear are by the brand Sculptz,which manufacture ladies shapewear and control top tights which I personally buy at The Bay.
I hope your summer is treating you better than mine is treating me -______-

Blazer-Thrifted || Shirt- Zellers || Skirt- Forever 21+ || Wedges- Evans UK

Circus Pleats.

2012-05-30T19:21:00.000-04:00

So, I attended the second annual Big Fat Toronto clothing swap which was beyond exciting! We had people come down from all over the GTA and beyond and had an amazing time despite some concerns about the weather (which were totally unfounded...darn weather people!)

I got this amazing dress that Maxey Day (link can be found below) DIY'd and made totally adorable. LOOK HOW CUTE. I love it, I could not be more in love with this dress, and best part is it was totally free!

Dress- Clothing Swap || Belt-Dorothy Perkins || Shoes- New Look

Ladies of BFT + Tumblr URL : Jenn(oldfamiliarway), Maria(mariabbw), Sarah(lotsalipstick), Maxey(maxeyday), Michelle(too-dolly), Myself, Reagan(sodapopsweetheart)

Peachy.

2012-05-16T16:40:00.000-04:00

Blazers. I can't get enough of them. Enough said. Also, please let me know what you think of these outfit of the day videos I've started making!

Blazer&Jeans- Forever 21 || Top-New Look || Oxfords-London Rebel