DEFYING MY CLOSET

Outfit Post || Week 18 (New Years Eve)

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:13:00 +0000

Details- Dress: Ross (Similar); Leggings and Boots: Avenue, Necklace: Fashion Bug (Similar), Clutch: Thrifted; Ring: Forever 21

Trying to figure out what to wear for NYE wasn't as tricky this year as in previous years past. Since we weren't going out for a night of partying, I figured keeping my outfit low key with small bits of glitz would do the trick for the early dinner plans we had.

Leggings under dresses paired with boots have been my go-to look during this pregnancy so far. In fact this dress is one of my favorite ones to my rotation. I picked this dress up last Fall at Ross's at their insider event that took place in Chicago last October. I had been lusting for a B/W wide stripped dress for awhile after spotting this J. Crew one on Jessica back in August. When I spotted this dress on the racks, it was like a match made in heaven. The dress fits perfectly now and even has room to grow with the belly.

Style Ideas || A Night Out On The Town

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Last night I made my way over to Old Navy to check out their major clearance sale they have going on at the moment. Old Navy has always been one of my go-to places for basics and other essentials on a budget and even during this pregnancy that still seems to be the case.

While browsing I spotted the above Asymmetrical Hem-Line Dress on the clearance racks for $9.99 and knew instantly that I needed to try on the dress. Let me tell you this, this dress is a dream! Want to know the worse part, I didn’t end up buying it for some odd reason and have been kicking myself since then. Suffice it to say guess who’s making a trip back to Old Navy tonight to pick it up. J (This dress will work very well into my third trimester)

Since this dress has been on my brain the entire day, I wanted to give you guys a feel on how I plan to style the dress. I have an event that I am attending in a few weeks for B’s work that this will be a perfect look to wear.

How would you style this dress? Would you wear it with heels or flats?

A Night Out On The town by sabrina2981 featuring a knit jacket

Buy the items above:

Old Navy scoop neck dress, $25 (found in-store for $9.99)
Forever 21 knit jacket, $30
Forever 21 t strap heels, $13
Forever 21 cross body shoulder bag, $23

Shopping for Maternity Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

19 Week Baby Bump- January 1, 2012 (sorry for poor picture quality)

In the past weeks it has come to my realization that I am going to have to give in and buy maternity clothes (see bulging belly above). “Give In” you wondering…. Yes, I had vowed that I wouldn’t spend a shit load of money on maternity clothes unless I absolutely had too and would just try to get by with what was in my closet already. I did make an exception that I would add a few possible additions, things such as tights, leggings, maxi dresses, and undergarments. These are pieces that would work well during any pregnancy, but would also still be useful after.

Being an already plus size female makes it difficult to shop for stylish clothes on a budget, but add in the pregnancy factor while plus size and you are looking at almost zero options as far as plus size maternity clothing on a budget (at least so far that I have found). I wanted to stress “budget” here since when that strip turns pink most soon to be moms and dads immediately start crunching numbers for incidentals for when the baby arrives and life after and spending alot of money on clothes that you will only wear for a few months doesn't seem worth it.

Marie of The Curvy Fashionista recently did a post on plus size maternity options, which was extremely helpful, but a majority of those choices are only available online. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against online shopping and when I feel comfortable in a store and it's sizing, I will generally order online over the store since they have better prices most of the times. But ordering maternity clothes online is not something I feel comfortable with doing. I don't want to deal with all the hassle of ordering the clothes online, wait for them to arrive, and then worst of all have to to deal with the return issues when/if the pieces don't work.

I could go on and on about this topic and my frustration with shopping maternity clothes. I have tested the waters a few times in the last week at stores such as JCPenney, Kohls, and Target and have had no luck. I guess I am going to have to come up with a new plan for dealing with my bulging belly and the clothes I need to cover it.

Outfit Post || Week 15

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Details- Sweater: Old Navy (shop); Jeggings: Avenue; Moccasin Flats: Target (shop); Cami: Old Navy; Bracelets: Vintage, Thrifted, and Fashion Bug

This outfit was from 5 weeks ago, time does fly. Look how big my stomach was then and I was sucking it in. Oh BOY I have a feeling it's only going to get bigger and bigger. That's pregnancy for you I guess.

New Things To Come....

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Happy 2012 Everyone! For those of you that have stuck around these last few months while I have been absent from the blogging world, THANK YOU! I am hoping to get back in the swing of things soon now that I am feeling better and am well into my second trimester.

Since my life is now changing in a big way, the blog won’t just be entered around style and fashion. Yes, those elements will still be the primary factors especially as I navigate through the very unfamiliar waters for maternity clothes shopping, but I will also begin posting updates on how the pregnancy is going, my thoughts on what the nursery is going to be, and more…. It will become more of a lifestyle blog, especially after the little one is born (which I can’t wait for).

With the holidays, the lack of sunlight and my lack of energy in the evenings I haven’t been doing outfit posts or even “bump” posts as the months have ticked by, but I have begun doing them now so keep an eye out this week for a outfit post (from 2011) and a recap on my first shopping trip in the maternity world.

Cheese+ Half-Ink+A........A What?

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:59:00 +0000

Sabrina, Sabrina, Where have you been Sabrina? I have heard that alot lately. Yes, I have been MIA for a few weeks, but I have a very good reason. In fact I think I would make that a AWESOME reason. I eluded to some "good news" that I had on Twitter last week.... well the time has come to make it known

Drum Roll Please..........

Date Taken: September 20, 2011 (aka 4 weeks)

Yep, I am preggers. B and I have been wanting this for awhile and our dream has finally come true.

We had just taken the test, so I don't think the results had sunken in yet. But trust me we are ECSTATIC!!

I am currently in that stage of my pregnancy where I have been dealing with the constant fatigue and morning sickness. I am in week 10 and just praying for the next few weeks to go by fast to the day when this constant sickness feeling goes away. I can deal with being tired, but being sick (and I hope I don't have to elaborate when I say "sick") too all the time is killing me.

Not everything about this pregnancy has been bad. A few weeks ago B and I got a first look at the little person in there. We also got the see the heartbeat on the ultrasound. It was during that moment (during week 8) that it really hit me. It was completely surreal.

Until we find out what he or she is, we have been calling it our Little Bean

So, what will this mean for Defying My Closet? Don't worry I will continue posting my outfits and other things, just my outfits might be more maternity focused for the next 7 months. But I ask that you bare with me for the next weeks while I get my barrings and get to feeling better and then I will be back in full force.

[{outfit post}} Blogger Inspiration = Awesomeness

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:46:00 +0000

You can be the most stylish and creative person, but sometimes you get stuck in your own head and need help getting out. That is why using bloggers as sources of inspiration for outfits is one of my favorite things to do. I used a similar outfit worn here by Taylor of Sterling Style to create my look. Yes, it could be considered "copying" but it could also be considered a sincerest form of flattery. (don't you love how I spinned that). While the outfits maybe so similar, I think I put my own style in it by adding pops of bright colors throughout the look.

[{outfit post}] Magician Sabrina has reappeared

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:13:00 +0000

Right Picture: My Stiletto Siren Pose (Love you Sammy!)

Wait Sabrina is this an outfit post we see? Why, yes it is! Yea Yea I know I haven't posted as many outfits recently, but ~~life has been busy~~ so be it. When life gets busy I sleep, not blog. I heart this outfit <3. This outfit had all the ingredients of a stylish outfit, but had the comfort factor as well. Stylish+Comfortable=My Favorite Type of Outfit. Outfits like this will be guaranteed winners and will be my uniform this fall, with the possibility of switching out flats for boots as the weather gets colder.

The last few days have been true Fall temps 50-60's, which is my favorite type of weather. It means Pumpkin Spice Lattes, boots, scarfs, layering and more. Have you started getting Fall weather in your neck of the woods? Do you love Fall too?

[{Budget Alternatives}] Flats

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:58:00 +0000

If you are like me, you wish you had a bigger budget to splurge on designer quality pieces. Sometimes it's worth saving for that designer piece, but in same case the budget version may work just as well in your life. You may love the style or look of an item, but wish it was cheaper, well here is where I come in.

In this new series I will showcase a higher priced designer item and then also show you how you can find a similar style for a lower price. The styles between the "splurge" vs. "save" pieces may not be identical, in fact that is not my point. My goal is to show similar style save pieces to their high end counterparts.

For this first installment, I searched for ballet flats on Nordstrom and then found a more budget friendly version from Payless

L-R: Attilio Giusti Flat (Available Here); Payless Alexis Flat (Available Here)

L-R: Jimmy Choo Flat (Available Here); Payless Chelsea Flat (Available Here)

L-R: Vera Wang Flat (Available Here); Payless Gwen Jewel Flat (Available Here)

[{life adventure}] Camping at High Cliff State Park

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:09:00 +0000

Over Labor Day weekend B and I made the 3 hour drive to Sherwood, Wisconsin (WI itself is actually closer to us, as we only live 20 minutes from the border) to camp for four days at High Cliff State Park. Camping is something that B loves to do and something that I have learned to enjoy since being with him. The extent of my camping experience as a child was staying outside in a tent when we were at my grandparents lake house. What do you expect from a girl who grew up in the city.

Our trip was filed with snafu's left and right. It rained 3 of the 4 days we were there, our tent was somehow taking in water from the top (even with two tarps on top), and our air mattress had a air leak in it. But despite all the problems we did have a great time and will now have a ton of funny memories from this trip (i.e. B asking to cuddle with me so I would lay in the path of the drip in the tent)

L-R: Our home for four days; rays of sunshine through the trees; our protection from the rain (and it rained alot)

L-R: breakfast over a open fire; B flipping the bacon (it look two hours to make)

L-R: I am strong, I cook food over open fire; Dinner on our first night

L-R: Scenic view tower located on the top of the cliff; the markings people have left behind on the tower; view from the top; B and I at the top (he was gripping the railing)

Winnebago Indian Chief Red Bird with and without us

Gorgeous scenes from around the park, beautiful beach, limestone paths, rock walls extended throughout the campground, and the sky from the hiking trail

L-R: spider web, B' senior portrait (see below for B's Portrait Story), limestone rock formation

High Cliff General Store and Museum- the photos above and below are from inside the museum. When I entered this place my mind instantly thought of Anne of Green Gables. Back in the early 1900's everything was done from the town's stores. They served as the post office, fabric store, grocery store, and more.

Indian Mound Trail: One of the in the park has old Indian burial mounds. Signs were posted on the trail providing bits of history of what is considered sacred ground. This mounds were back from the 1800's

Our last morning at the park, we stopped by the beach one more time to take photos.

B's Portrait Story: Brandon hates having his picture taken. He doesn't understand my need to document our lives by taking photos. Generally whenever I take a solo picture of him he stands with his hands at his side and puts on a half smile/half frown look. This pose always leads to very boring and uncharacteristic pictures. Finally I had enough of his face and stance and told him so. I told him he needed to be more creative, change the way portray yourself in pictures. I told him that in half the pictures I take of him he looks like is not having fun. I said that if he continued with his standard pose that I would stop taking photos for him and then our future children wouldn't be able to see the things we did. Suffice it to say he decided to make an effort the rest of the trip in changing his picture pose and thus his senior portrait pose was created.

Where were you that Tuesday Morning?....Today We Remember 9/11.... Never Forget

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the devastating an tragic events of September 11, 2001. It's hard to believe that it has been ten years already since the horrible Tuesday morning.

I remember how my entire house was running behind that morning (I lived with my grandparents at the time) so we didn't turn on the TV to watch the early news as we normally did. My grandfather had just dropped me off at school (attending Truman College at the time) and as soon as I walked in the classroom you could tell something was wrong. Myself and the other students started hearing rumblings of what had happened, but it wasn't until our professor came in and said classes were cancelled and told us what happened that we understood. Hundreds of students gathered in the lobby of the building watching the devastation on various televisions that the school set up. People were on their phones talking to their families getting updates on what was still going. it was earlier enough that they still had accounted for a few planes that were in the air and the rumors that a plane was on it's way to Chicago were circulating. My grandfather got a hold of me and insisted on coming back to pick me up and not have me take the train home as I had planned. We spent the rest of the day listening to the news, watching the coverage and just praying. That night I went out to dinner with a co-worker and the effect of the events were evident at the restaurant. Strangers were having conversations across tables and sharing their thoughts and stories about that day. Communities around the globe gathered in support of one another for days and months to remember that day and the lives that were lost.

As you go about your day, please take a brief moment to remember all the lives that were lost that day and to the men an women of our armed forces who lost their lives in the years since fighting for our freedom.

[{NYFW Coverage}] I heart..... (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:38:00 +0000

Unless you have been living in a bubble or a far away land it would be hard for you not to notice that Mercedes Benz Fashion Week kicked off a few days ago in New York City. While I would love to be in NYC right now actually experiencing NYFW up close and personal, alas I have to preview the collections that are coming down the runway from home. Thanks to Maybelline I can watch the runways show live at "Live From the Runway" Youtube Channel . Another great resource I use to catch up on the season's collections is New York Magazine's website. I have been checking our their site for years now and they are generally my go-to place to see what has been shown.

I have also been reading all the tweets and blog posts from the bloggers that are in NYFW attending the shows, conferences, and other fashionable events. To say that I am jealous would be an understatement. One day I swear I will be there...

I will be doing a full recap once the shows are over with my thoughts on the hits, misses, trends, and more but for now below are my top favorite and inspiring pieces from a few of the designers that have hit the runway.

Photo Credit (ALL ABOVE): New York Magazine (nymag.com)

Have you been checking out the collections? What have been your favorite designers that have inspired you?

[{outfit post}] Subtle Pattern Mixing

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:46:00 +0000

What I Wore- Top: Old Navy; Maxi Dress as a skirt: Norma Kamali for Walmart; Zebra Print Belt: Fashion Bug; Franco Sarto Wedges: Marshalls; Necklace: Old Navy; Bracelets: Mix of Charlotte Russe, Walmart, and Vintage

Print/pattern mixing is still very much on point for the summer and fall seasons. While there have been times when I have pushed the boundaries on mixing, this look just does it very subtly. I wasn't sure when I first paired this belt against this top, but after a few minutes of staring in the mirror I realized that the two print complimented each other in a great way.

One of the other things I loved about this look was the "flattering" effect it has. I generally hate that term, but every once in awhile when used in the proper way (and not filed with sarcastic undertones it is appropriate. Don't get me wrong, I am very confident in my curves and weight. I feel that the horizontal stripes and wide waist cinching belt works very well on my body.

[{on trend spotting}] Zipper Bracelets

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:57:00 +0000

One of the trends that I have been seeing recently is the zipper bracelet. I spotted the awesome Jewel Mint bronze zipper bracelet on Randi from Not Just MOM last month, then last week on Lisa of Archives Vintage. And those are just two examples of that I have seen on the blogosphere. With the Arm Party TM * trend continuing to be on point this Fall, this style bracelet will continue to be one hot feature.

I decided to search through Esty to see what handmade and vintage options available for zipper bracelets on a budget (not that the Jewel Mint's bracelet of $29.99 is out of budget). Not only did I find some great options on a budget, but also a few of these items inspired some DIY projects.

Above Etsy Store: TheHippyChickSews

Above Etsy Store: ZipLuxe

Above Etsy Store: baharinmasaldukkani

* the term "Arm Party" is owned and trademarked by the Man Repeller
** I apologize for not directly linking the items above. Blogger is not allowing me to link..... (Can't wait till I move to wordpress)

[{blogger event}] What I Wore Book Party

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski

Last Wednesday I made my way to the city (as usual) to attend a book party for the release of Jessica Quirk's book " What I Wore: Four Seasons, One Closet, Endless Recipes for Personal Style". When I got the invite a few weeks ago to attend I was super excited since Jessica's blog "What I Wore" was one of the 1st blogs I started reading. Her style, writing, and just overall personality have been a huge inspiration for me over the years. I did get a chance to chat with her for a few minutes, as well as have her sign a copy of her book I book, but I had to run out so quickly after (for another meeting) that I blanked on grabbing a picture with her :(. What I loved most was that even though she was under the spotlight and has earned her right as a blogger celebrity, she is just as down to earth as I imagined her to be.

I am still working my way through her book, but I have already gained some valuable tips on how to work with my closet. Especially ones for doing a closet clean out (which I am still working on after two weeks). Check out some pictures from the event below and more at Shop It To Me's blog here.

Jessica with the Shop It To Me team (Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski)

The beautiful 900 Shops building. You will be shocked to know this was my first time here :)

Party goers gathering in and around Julie Watson Style studio

Bloggers and Friends I got to see again (L:R) Lindsey from Lindsey Soup; Jaye from Curvatude, Elena from Caffeinerd, Laura (Elena's friend) and Me. (Photo Credit: Daniel Boczarski)

Me and Jaye while waiting in line to meet with Jessica (Photo Credit: Jaye)

Shop It To Me's signature cocktail, The Shopaholic

What I Wore To The Event- Dress: Thrifted (Target); Fringe Necklace: Fashion Bug; Franco Sarto Wedges: Marshalls; Bag: Francesca's Collection

[{blogger event}] Vintage and Style Meet All In One Place (Chicago Blogger Meetup)

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:12:00 +0000

Last Saturday I headed down to the city for a blogger meet up planned by Lisa from Archives Vintage (along with help from Tabitha of Defining Tabitha). The event was hosted at Pilsen area gem vintage store Deliciously Vintage (DV). DV was a perfect place to get together 20+ stylish bloggers, but also shop rare vintage finds (as if we needed an excuse to shop).

I got to hang out with some of my favorite bloggers, but also get the chance to meet new ones. One of the great things about this events is that after the initial shyness we all have, we remember that we all love doing the same things and that bonds us. I walked away making new friends and plans for future hang out times- seriously ladies Gurnee Antique Mall soon?? :)

1) Swag Bags featuring items from Uncommon Goods, Shop Kempt, Payless, 1154 LILL, Kensie, eShakti, and more 2) Photo Credit: Blonde Bedhead; 3) Photo Credit: That Shop Girl (L:R Emily, Andrea, Tabitha, Tara, Randi, and Me)

Awesome vintage items throughout the store.

Photo Credit: blonde bedhead
What I Wore- Sheer Top: Old Navy; Layering Tank: Old Navy; Zipper Jeans: Avenue; Nude Pumps: Kohl's; Fringe Necklace: Fashion Bug; Sunglasses: Betsy Johnson

Nikia (ChiTown Fashionista) elephant necklace from Fennima's was the hit of the event. Everyone was admiring it and wondering where they too could get one.

Group shot (minus a few bloggers that left early) Top L2R: Randi, Emily, Lisa, Lelani, Sara, and Nikia, Bottom L2R: Piper Alexander, Tabitha, and Me

Check out the full list of bloggers that attended here.

[{outfit post}] Two Way Highway

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 02:20:00 +0000

What I Wore- Top: c/o of City Chic*; Cardigan: Target; Black Skinnies: Avenue; Nude Pumps: Kohl's; Necklace: Francesca's Collection

Thank you all for the great responses to yesterday's personal post. It was great reading all the comments and seeing you all embrace the "FIIDC" (new acronym for "Fuck It, I Don't Care).

Both these outfits are from May and somehow I missed these hots when I did my round up of old outfits last week. I picked out this pretty multi-colored butterfly top from City Chic back in April and have been living in it all summer. It is a great top to wear both on casual and work days. While the colors may represent spring/summer, I have a feeling this top is going to make it's way into my fall wardrobe. I am all about transitional clothing and making the most out of my clothes throughout the seasons.

p.s. looking at these photos makes me miss my longer hair :(

What I Wore- Top: c/o of City Chic*; Cardigan: Target; Trouser Jeans: Thrifted; Wedges: Thrifted; Necklace: Francesca's Collection

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* This top was purchased was a gift certificate received courtesy of City Chic for participation in their blogger lookbook. Any reviews of items received are my honest opinion.

[{personal}] "I Don't Care"

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:15:00 +0000

On any given day or week or month, I am randomly thinking of another flaw about myself that I can add to a list:

1. I am not skinny

2. I am not rich

3. I don’t have the own the most expensive brands

4. I not tidy (when it comes to my closet/room)

5. I am not graceful ( you don’t believe the amount of times that I have tripped over myself)

6. Sometimes I can’t control my temper and spazz for no reason.

7. “Will I ever have a baby?, Can I even have a baby?, What is wrong with me?”

8. And many more…….

I could keep going with this list and name all the things about myself that I don’t like. Those things that make me feel insecure on any given day. Those things that on any specific day could be my own worst enemy. Do you have your list of things about yourself or your personality that you don’t like? I want you to think of that list in your head, think about it and now I want you to say “FUCK IT, I DON’T CARE” Did you say it, did you scream it? Well I did and I couldn’t be more relived.

Yesterday morning I had this epiphany. It was like this instant feeling of calm that washed over me during a moment of panic over trying to figure out what I would wear to work, then to an event (full of bloggers), and a meeting. I was stressed worrying about petty things like, who will be dressed better than me and is my outfit fashion forward enough….. and that’s when my epiphany hit me. “WHY SHOULD I CARE?” I was letting all my insecurities get the best of me. And what I came to realize that despite all the flaws and more I listed above, here is WHAT I AM:

1. I am confident (90% of the time)

2. I am funny (trust me I am)

3. I am honest

4. I can burp like a bear (Miss you Jeniese!)

5. Even though I am not “skinny”, I am healthy. You don’t have to be a size 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or + to be sexy. As long as you are healthy that is what is important.

6. That even though I am not rich and can’t afford major brands, I have a closet that on most good days works for me and my body

7. That despite my lack of tidiness in my house, I can still find most the things I am looking for in under 2.5 minutes.

8. And most of all…. I am JUST ME!!!

Life is going to throw you curveballs and you just have to learn how to deal with them. Don’t let those insecurities in your head get the best of you. And above else, never let anyone make you feel like you aren’t worth something, because you ARE! Like when Mark Darcy says to Bridget Jones “ I like you just the way you are” BE YOU always and all those flaws or insecurities that you worry about will start to melt away.

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[{shopping cart series}] eshakti.com Maxi Dresses

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:17:00 +0000

Happy Monday! And that's it for my enthusiasm of the day. I am constantly perusing online stores for new items that I wish to have, that I need to have, or absolutely have to have. This leads to long wish lists and many stored more "shopping carts"... Beginning today I am going to be giving peaks at to what I am loving right now and what is hanging around on those lists and shopping carts.... so welcome to the "Shopping Cart Series"

For my first post in this series, I wanted to show you some of the fabulous maxi dresses I am loving from eshakti.com. I am a huge fan of maxi dresses, because they are easily transitional through the seasons. And a simple maxi dress can worn both in casual setting, but also dressed up for a night on the town.

Below are a few of my favorite maxi dresses that are currently on my wish list at eshakti.com. Anyone of these dresses would be amazing in my closet or yours.

1. Ruffle Trim Floral Spray Maxi Dress

2. Shirred Denim Chambray Maxi Dress

3. Long Beaded Caftan Dress (this one will be in my closet very soon)

4. Knit Deep V-Neck Maxi Dress

5. Smocked Maxi Dress (with rose applique)

6. Strapless Maxi Dress (with rosette pin) **

eshakti.com is giving Defying My Closet readers $20 off any order with eshakti.com now thru September 15th (see details below). Use the code "SHOPWITHCOFFEE0811" to take advantage for this amazing discount.

**This dress is the maxi version of the dress that I wore during Full Figured Fashion Week at the White on White Sunset Cruise.
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The discount code is not case sensitive. Only one gift certificate can be used per order. The code can be used any number of times until the validity period. This discount code is not applicable on our Overstock category. This cannot be clubbed with any other offer / discount that may be active during this period.

Olivey Stripes

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:22:00 +0000

What I Wore- Striped Tee: H&M; Pleated Midi Skirt: Thrifted; Skinny Belt: Ross; Aerosole Pumps: Marshalls; Necklace: Old Navy; Bracelets: Canal Street NYC and Charlotte Russe

On the same thrifting trip where I picked up my "Anne of Green Gables" skirt, I picked up this olive green pleated midi skirt. Two awesome skirts in one trip= MAJOR score! I had been on the hunt for a pleated skirt for awhile. Though you can find them everywhere now in mass market retailers and boutiques, I wanted a true vintage style one. Also, one that's color could act as a basic and have the ability to be worn year round and paired with any other color or pattern. This one fit the bill to a T....

Please excuse the wrinkles, I will openly admit that I hate ironing and always go for the lazy main iron (a.k.a the dryer) over ironing any day. Plus, if you saw what my closet looked like right now you would understand why most things are wrinkled.

Get It Done With A Round Up

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 03:13:00 +0000

When: June 2011/ What I Wore- Blazer: Thrifted, Coral Top: Target, Black Skinnes: Avenue, Flats: Target, Sunglasses: Betsy Johnson (Marshalls)

Instead of trying to catch up and getting further behind, I felt like it would be best to just do one major round up post of a few of the outfits that I have worn in the last two months. As well as my lack of posting, I have also been slacking in the shooting of my daily outfits. Suffice it say my backlog isn't as bad, but I wanted to get it all done in one fail swoop and start fresh.

When- June 2011, NYC @ Kmart Bloggers Brunch/ What I Wore- Black Top: Thrifted, Skirt: H&M, Pumps: Aersoles (Marshalls), Necklace: Old Navy, Bangle: Avenue

Of the outfits I didn't shoot over the last few months, don't worry you aren't missing much. I have either re-worn previous styled outfits or have worn my denim cut-off's and tank tops during this summer heat.

When- June 2011/ What I Wore- Denim Vest: Avenue, Jumpsuit: Old Navy, Wedges: Thrifted, Bangles: Rainbow

When- July 2011/ What I Wore- Dress: Michael Kors (Thrfited), Black Tank Top, Necklace, Purse, and Flip Flops: Old Navy

When- July 2011/ What I Wore- Shirtdress: ReDress NYC, Belt and Flats: Target, Necklace: Fashion Bug

Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:32:00 +0000

When- Sunday July 31, 2011/ What I Wore- Skirt: Thrifted; Top: Thrifted: Wedges: Marshalls (Franco Sarto); Belt: Ross; Necklace: Old Navy; Bracelets: Charlotte Russe; Necklace as a Bracelet: Bongo c/o of Kmart Fashion

Welcome Back to Me! Took sometime off the last few weeks to gather my thoughts, relax, and deal with other life things that have come by way. Now that July is over I am hoping that I am fully re-grouped and can get my act back together when it comes to le' blog. I have some changes on my mind as far as the layout, as well as the content that I will be posting, so keep an eye out this month for new things coming to Defying My Closet.

Say what you want of this skirt, but I love it! I thrifted it last Saturday and immediately wore it the next day to the Randolph Street Market. I am calling it my "Anne of Green Gables" skirt. Can't you perfectly picture traipsing through the meadows and floating along a river while the man of your dreams saves you in this skirt....

I was concerned about the length of the skirt that it would be to dowdy on my petite frame, but by pairing it with my Franco Sarto wedges the length seemed to balance out nicely. Also, normally I would of gone with a wider belt, but felt that a skinny belt would be a better fit and really showcase the skirt and it's awesomeness.

Do you have a piece of clothing you wear that reminds you of a different time and automatically transports to that place when you wear it?

Vote for Me in for City Chic's Blogger Lookbook

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:12:00 +0000

Months ago I mentioned an exciting opportunity that was in the works with City Chic. I am now happy to revel what it is...... I have been featured in their new Blogger LookBook. City Chic asked 30+ top plus size bloggers to style up items from their inventory that would represent our personal styles, but also showcase ways how those items could be worn for customers who might need alittle help.

What I Wore- Maxi Dress: c/o of City Chic; Mustard Yellow Cardigan: Thrfited (Target); Coral Wedges: Fashion Bug; Necklace: Old Navy; Bracelet: Avenue

My first piece I chose to style up was their Passion Flower Maxi Dress. These shots are back from April (Easter in fact) so it was still alittle chilly outside so layering was necessary. If their is one item in my closet that represents me its my trusty mustard yellow cardigan. I felt that the color pulled out the colors in the flower print beautifully.

I am honored to be featured along with these other women, some whom I have had the pleasure of meeting and also rooming with in the past, and some whom I wish I could meet as they have amazing style.

Now I need to plead for your help, my dear friends and readers.... City Chic is looking to YOU to help chose which bloggers will be featured in their next look book installment and I would love to be featured again.... so if you could take a few seconds and vote for me I would be eternally grateful.... here is what you would need to do.

1. "Like" City Chic on Facebook (Here)
2. Click on my photo here and click "Like" (don't hesitate to leave me a comment on the photo if you wish).

Also, take a look at the other ladies featured and if you like their styles, vote for them. The City Chic blogger lookbook can be checked out in it's full glory HERE

Thank you all so much!!!

FFF Week: Finale look with eShakti

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:22:00 +0000

What I Wore- Dress: c/o eShakti; Necklace: Fashion Bug; Pumps: Steve Madden via Marshalls; Bracelet: Canal Street in NYC

I am so in love with this dress. It has a 80's prom style to it and I can't wait to wear it again for a fun and flirty event styling it up to the 80's era (lace gloves, sequin shrug, and more) Can't you totally see it.

This Ruffle Tulle Strapless Dress from eShakti was the second dress that eShakti dressed me in during Full Figured Fashion Week. I originally had another dress in mind for the finale, but when I spotted this gem on their website I couldn't pass it up. I just want to note that this dress originally comes strapless, but I added straps for more support for the mamba jamba's above :)

I have a video review going up soon that covers not only this dress, but the dress I wore on the White on White Sunset Cruise.

Input Needed: Hair Cut Time

noreply@blogger.com (Sabrina) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:28:00 +0000

If you follow me on Twitter (if you aren't you should be), you know that I have been wrestling with the decision to cut my hair. I have been growing out my hair for over a year now and I love the longer length However, it has been requested by my hair stylist that due to the weight and texture of my hair (super curly) that I cut my hair since the longer length is causing breakage. So while she only suggested I chop off a few inches, I thought I might take this time to try something else. If I don't like what I come up with, it's just hair and will grow back right?? (that's what I keep telling myself).

So here is where you come in..... I have chosen a few hairstyles (most of them of the lovely Sophia Bush) that I'm thinking of trying. Which style do you think i should go with?

Medium shoulder length, with a side swipe bang

Right above the collar bone

Keep the longer length, just get a trim and add layers

or chop off a hell'va lot, with shorter layers (a la Kerri Russell)

Let me know what you think. Seriously I would your opinion. And don't worry I won't hold it against any of you in case it goes wrong :)