Syrup Sandwiches

Maurices Jean Review and Giveaway

2010-03-16T11:37:00.001-04:00

When the good folks over at Maurices contacted me to do a jean review I was a little skeptical. I don't wear jeans that often because it's such an arduous task to find jeans that fit my standards. I need my jeans to make my donk look fabulous, fit my thighs all sexy - like, and look good with stilettos (b/c I don't do flats.) Plus, I'm 5'3" . You know how that is. But they let me pick the jeans I wanted. I picked the Briana Flair Cut (pictured above) to review.

What appealed to me is the fact that they were very forgiving around the thighs and the flare at the button was just the right size. Oftentimes, flair cut or even boot cut jeans flare too much and they make the thighs look extremely disproportionate. With the Briana jean, this didn't happened. They were cut so that my ample thighs were balanced by the flare. I appreciate that. Also, I love a good dark wash jean. It allows for a sophisticated easy to wear look. For a quick, no- fuss 'fit dark denim is good to throw with a button- up and some peep toes and you are in there like swimwear.

The down side is that pretty much all the Maurices jeans are low rise or sit at the waist. Now I am a grown woman. I like my jeans securely at my waist, especially considering that I don't like belts. This problem was compounded by the fact that to be "safe" I ordered a size 20 instead of my rightful 18. I wasn't sure if they ran true to size so I ordered a size bigger and screwed myself. It was okay when I first slipped them on and but then I started walking and they eased on down, yellow brick road- style. If you order, I implore you to get your size.

The end result = I would buy Maurices jeans... like with my own money and everything.... in my right size. I kinda have my eye on the Ciara Boot Cuts.

Now for the good part. Maurices has offered to give a $20 gift card to one lucky SyrupSandwiches.com reader. All you have to do is follow the blog and leave a comment telling us what you look for in a good jean. Make sure you leave your email address. This contest will end next Monday, March 22nd at midnight EST.

Thick Snack Attack: S A V V Y

2010-02-22T09:53:00.001-05:00

I've been following S A V V Y on Twitter for a while now, but I just decided to go through her Twitpics out of boredom. Those pics confirmed what I had known for a while. Miss S A A V Y is the epitome of badbi**hness. Her style is loud and in your face and I LOVE it. Beat face + Sick Hair + Bananas Outfit = Thicksnacknessfordays

In her own words, S A A V Y states:

I come from a long line of Large Luscious Lovelies. As a child, I remember sitting, in awe, watching my mom dress. She always did so as if she was unaware of or indifferent to the fact that she wasn't the size that society saw as acceptable. Instead of hiding behind bulky, bland, boring pieces she dressed to be SEEN. Big hair. Big accessories. Beat face. Colors. Patterns. Heels.

She was always a fat force NOT to be f**ked with which is why she's my O.G. Style Icon. With her example, I never thought I couldn't be fashionable because of my full-figure.

Believe it or not: I've always been shy, but have never allowed that shyness show in my wardrobe. I've always taken fashion risks by changing my hair often and infusing my outfits with bold, "HERE I AM!" colors. Red, Yellow, Orange, and Turquoise are my absolute faves. And since it's so difficult to find cute, quality items in these colors in my size, I mostly wear Black for its polished, chic, easy aesthetic. In turn, it's the job of my accessories to give my garments the POW! that is lacking by its conservative coloring.

I need these glasses in my life. RIGHT NOW!!!

That hat is perfection. YESSSS!!!

GORGEOUSNESS!!

If you are interested in being a THICK SNACK ATTACK email SyrupSandwiches {at} gmail {dot} com with 3-4 pics reflecting your style and a brief summary of what makes you thick snack worthy. Put "THICK SNACK" in the subject line.

NY Fashion Week Fall 2010 : Michael Angel

2010-02-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

I love everything. This is all.

NY Fashion Week Fall 2010 : Preen

2010-02-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

Preen served feminine pieces with masculine tailoring in their Fall 2010 collection. Body con + Cutout = life. I am a happy camper.

NY Fashion Week Fall 2010 : L.A.M.B

2010-02-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

Gwen Stefani has this celebrity fashion line game on LOCK. L.A.M.B. is consistently my favorite show of each season. The RTW Fall 2010 collection is no exception. Some of the pieces from the line were lost in transit due to the heavy amount of snow that hit the east coast earlier this week. This forced the folks over at L.A.M.B. to make some adjustments before the presentation. The hodge- podge of everythingness seemed like a a mess on paper but was executed perfectly. Denim, military, lingerie, vintage pin-up...YES. Perfection. I cannot wait to get myself strung up on one of these belt/ vest contraptions.

photo credits: style.com

NY Fashion Week Fall 2010: BCBG Max Azria

2010-02-12T10:53:00.003-05:00

I usually cringe when I hear the name Max Azria. Not that he is not a great designer, it's just that I always think of that horrific Miley Cyrus for Walmart line that he does. It kind of makes my skin crawl. But I will concede that the RTW Fall 2010 line is quite awesome. It's full of draped pieces that can be worn effortlessly. Layer the dresses and cinch your waist and you are on the move. And yes people ...SEQUINS ARE BACK for the fall.

photo credits: style.com

Bag Game Proper: Anthropologie Ringmaster Tote

2010-02-08T10:24:00.001-05:00

Since it's just me an you.....I am going to be completely honest. Clowns and their ilk scare the s*** out of me. Ever sine I say Stephen Kings "It" I've had a paralyzing fear that a clown would run up on me in an ice cream truck and murder mw. Irrational? Maybe. But fear is rarely rational. When I saw this ringmaster tote from Anthropologie I nearly fell out of my seat before I realized that it was kind of awesome. It's a playful conversation piece that would be awesome to wear with all the denim and light leather that will be popping this spring/summer.

Anthropologie Ringmaster Tote

Foot Game Proper: Denim Shoes for Spring

2010-02-08T01:01:00.003-05:00

Spring/ Summer 2010 runways were full of denim looks. It's clear that denim is no longer just for jeans. Some spring you will see fashionistas (and others ) rocking their blue jeans in all different ways. My life needs a denim shoe. Here are my faves:

KOTAKI Ankle Boots

TRISTANO Denim Fab Platform

Go Jane Denim Finish Cross Strap Platform

Anthropologie Conduit Booties

Airing of Grievances Day 2: Barbie is a Doll .... You are NOT

2010-02-03T09:28:00.001-05:00

I really should NOT have to say this. But, alas, it obviously needs to be clarified for some of these simpletons. Putting on pink clothes and every single MAC shadow/blush ever invented DOES not a Barbie make. You know what does make a Barbie? ... vinyl and the shattered self- esteem of girls that don't fit a mold. You say what now? You need further clarification ? Okay.

This is Barbie.

Criteria for Barbie-hood is as follows:
1) You cannot be human!
2) You must be white with European features. (don't give me that black.asian.hispanic.Barbie BS)
3) You may not have functional genitalia but must be the object of extreme sexual desire.
4) You must have a gang for tacky bright colored clothing...The more flammable the better. (okay this MAY be you)
All the above must be in place for you to be an actual Barbie. Think about this. I'll wait!....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
I will cut some of you some slack. You know not what you do. Some of you are just followers and think since some rap chick added some random adjective (Harajuku) in front of BARBIE than it's the new hotness. I get it. This is her job as a "celebrity." She must distinguish herself for the sake of her "art."

THIS IS THE PERSON YOU A MIMICKING!!!!!!!! Good luck with that.

FYI: Lil' Kim was on her Barbie 'ish way back when Nicki was wearing Osh Kosh Bgosh

If you are going to imitate a factitious character and seek out an unattainable ideal, you should probably make it on that has some type of talent. I'd rather be Jem. Jem went so hard.

Thank you and goodnight.

Airing of Grievances : Kitten Heels Are Stupid

2010-02-02T12:21:00.002-05:00

I have never been one to say what an entire population of people should or should not do. It's just not my place. Nor have I ever asserted that I was some form of fashion police. What I will say is that I consider myself a stylish women who has a pretty good eye. I started this blog becaue I want to encourage people to take pride in who they are. SyrupSandwiches.com is a place to build people up not tear them down. So when I say this, I say it with the best intentions. KITTEN HEELS ARE STUPID and no one should ever wear them. Ever. This is all.

Yeah, I said it. They are the Stupidest. Shoe. Ever. Either wear flats or wear real heels. (3 inches or better) It is an affront to the shoe Gods. Thank you and goodnight.

PS. If you wear kitten heels in the club, I really dislike your existence.

Monif C Releases Swimsuit Collection

2010-01-27T12:48:00.000-05:00

Plus size designer, Monif C. has released the official SWIM 2010 collection. It is FIRE....I am not a beach kind of girl ( not a fan of heat and dirty ocean water) but this collection has me ready to hit the Jersey Shore (Snooki style)

This is EVERYTHING. I could get my video vixen on in this piece.

There is nothing better than strategically placed ruffles.

HOT DAMN!!!!! Fringe!!! Fuchsia fringe = Life.

Can we please take a moment to acknowledge how amazingly gorgeous Fluvia Lacerda is. GOOD GAWD!!!!!!

B & Lu Pulled the Old Switcharoo

2009-12-07T07:06:00.003-05:00

A little while a go, I fell in love with the Raquel dress from B & Lu and decided that my life would not complete unless that beauty was hanging in my closet. Seriously, the dress was so gorgeous that I wanted to marry it and have dress babies with it. I am NOT even exaggerating. Raquel was the perfect combo of classy and sexy. It was also guaranteed to give this rectangle shaped blogger the illusion of having hips.

Unfortunately, it seemed like every time I went to purchase the dress it was sold out. So, I did my weekly check in to see if B & Lu had gotten a new shipment of the dress in a 2x and I see a completely different dress that claimed to be my Raquel. As you can imagine that I was completely taken aback that the dress before my eyes was the NOT the Raquel dress that I have been lusting after for months. It was a whole different garment all together pretending to be my future dressbabymama. *GASP* Apparently, some insecure *insert derogatory explicative here* decided that she wanted the sleeves on the dress longer. Yes, it explicitly says it in the new description " This is the new version of our original sleeveless Raquel Dress. One of our customers asked for a bit of a longer sleeve and we made it happen!" saywhatnow? This change to a cap sleeve ruined the entire aesthetic of the dress and made me perpetually cranky. Apparently, when they changed the sleeves they also decided to switch the fabric to a cheapy looking piece of flarn and tomfoolery. Let's not even talk about that slouch thing that the neck is doing. I am so disappointed.

Raquel Before ....

Raquel After (sadpuppyface)

Seriously B & Lu, who changes and entire dress because one person complained....about the sleeve? I need you to man up. You could have even changed the dress and named it something different. Continuing to call it Raquel is rude and downright bad for business. I quit you. Maybe forever.

Shogasm of the Week: DSquared "Blame it on the Rain" Boots

2009-12-07T05:29:00.001-05:00

DSquared Blame it on the Rain Boot

I'm a sucka for a good rain boot. (I've been known to wear them on sunny days) Add a quirky novelty saying on the side and I'm in there like swimwear .

Dear Ashley Stewart, I want to like this dress, I really do but...ummmm yeah.

2009-12-03T00:23:00.003-05:00

Ashley Stewart Studded Leather Dress

I love a good leather-look/stud combo. I mean the thought of it makes me giddy. But this is blasphemy. The idea is right but the execution so so wrong. You are on time out for a while. Please do better.

Love,

Z. Kay

Shogasm of the Week: Belle Peep Toe

2009-11-23T01:37:00.001-05:00

Belle Peep Toe

Want- Need- And Desire these shoes I saw over at Need Supply Co. I decided that I would kill the game with a WENCH/PEASANT sort of look. Yup.

Want: Vintage 1940s Polka Dress

2009-11-04T13:42:00.004-05:00

Saw this over at Fashion Sanity and knew that it would look adorable on moi. I blame my kinky 40's housewife aesthetic/fetish. I would KILL my June Cleaver gone bad look with this piece from Ballyhoo Vintage. The pockets really sold me on this dress. Love! Love! Love!

Thick Snack Attack: Halloween Edition

2009-11-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

The homie Cathy was Robin Hood for Halloween. Ummm...yeah. I approve !!! Robin Hood is thicker than a snicker.

Brrrr. It's Cold in Here: The Scarf Edition

2009-11-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

My very favorite season is fall. That's a bit odd considering I'm a summer baby. Yup, I was born in August. I think it's not until fall when all the really good accessories come out, particularly the scarves. I am a scarf / wrap collector. All my friends know to just give me a plush scarf and I am happy. Here are a few that I NEED in my life. RIGHT now.

Hand Knit Blanket Scarf

Necklush Scarf in Kelly Green

Win of the Week: Gabby is Cruella for Halloween

2009-11-02T02:11:00.000-05:00

Gabby from YFF pretty much wins at everything with her Cruella DeVil Halloween ensemble. Not only is it a GORGE costume for the holiday., but, I'd wear this frock on a regular day. YUP! I'd seriously wear it to the supermarket, laundry, take out the garbage in it, go the the Taco Bell ...ANY DAMN DAY! I'm not a big Halloween person but maybe next year I'll dress up. I already have an idea in mind. I am going to SLAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Side note: I'll let you in on a secret: I've never seen 101 Dalmatians. Stop judging my life.

photo credits: YFF

Shoegasm of the Week: Sergio Rossi Eel Bootie

2009-11-02T01:15:00.000-05:00

Eel Bootie with Side Cutout

Sergio Rossi is giving me sexy witch and I dig it.

Style Icon: Peggy Bundy

2009-10-30T07:45:00.001-04:00

We eighties babies basically cut our teeth on the most irreverent and rebellious sitcom of our generation: Married With Children. We recognize the show for its crass humor and raw sexuality. We even remember when we used to subdue our laughter when our parent were around. (We didn't have any business knowing what some of those jokes meant. Fresh selves). What most people sleep on is the fashion? YUP! I said fashion. Don't believe me? Look around at all these women running around with leggings and Santa belts tucked all under their boobs. Who did that first? Think about it. I'll wait... That's right. Peggy Bundy.

The staple of any Peggy Bundy look is a good legging: Hers we usually cropped though. {SS} is not a fan of any cropped legging unless it's at the gym. To modernize the look go for a print legging or one in and metallic finish.

1. Black Sheer Lace Ruched Leggings
2. Black Glitter Lame Leggings
3. Gold Animal Foil Legging
4. Mesh Insert Leggings

Add a sexy shirt that calls attention to your...ummm you. The more gaudy - the better!!! DO NOT tuck it into your leggings. It is NEVER a good look, particularly if you are thick.

1. Uno Shirt
2 Anessa Top.
3. Michael Kors Sequin Tunic

Belt that sucka to within an inch of it's life. Your waist should be cinched like there's no tomorrow. We are going for that hourglass shape. Even if you are a straight rectangle it will give the illusion of the desired shape.

1. Black Heart Stretch Belt
2. Black Studded Waist Belt
3. Chunky Vintage Belt
4. Cutwork Waist Belt

You will also need an obnoxiously sexy pump.

1. Carsen
2. Callie Pump
3. Stacey Bootie
Add ridiculously big hair and gaudy jewelry at your own risk. For a more wearable alternative, I chose to omit them. If you are feeling extra Peggy, though, go for it.

You know How it Gets in the Club Thursday: 10-28-09

2009-10-29T01:22:00.001-04:00

I am very tired of going to various websites and seeing you ladies looking foolish in your club pictures. Now, I cannot come out on the weekends (or weeknights for some of you others ) to stop you from taking back shot pictures in front of walls with champagne bottles . Nor can I keep the photogs from taking flicks of you grinding all all some nondescript man/woman that is not worth as plug nickel. It is not my job to teach you self -worth. I only do that on a case by case basis with a written commitment. However, what I can do is try my best to keep you from walking out of your house looking like a flame-broiled mess.So now, and every Thursday, I will present my curvy girls with:

YOU KNOW HOW IT GETS IN THE CLUB:

I'm putting special emphasis on my curvy ladies because (1) that's what we do here at the Syrup Sandwiches headquarters. (2) I'm tired of having to defend the things some of us do in the club. It's not that Full Figured gals are the only ladies that exhibit signs of tomfoolery. It's just that it makes us look bad as a unit. So, I'm doing my duty to offset some of the negativity.

1. Vintage Barbie Top
2. Pleated Waist Skirt
3. Causse Gantier Gloves
4. Fashion Overdose Necklace
5. Scarlet

Want: Red Flame Jumper

2009-10-28T22:15:00.004-04:00

Flame Red Jumper

It is so eighties and I love it. I need it. Wouldn't I look awesome? Yup

Eff Ruby Slippers - I want a Ruby Moto

2009-10-28T03:33:00.001-04:00

Looks like Ceelo-Green The Sex Machine was making his way down to the yellow brick road in this ruby red sequined motorcycle jacket that he wore for his Goodie Mob performance at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

I need this jacket. I'm sure it is custom made, but I need it. If you love me you will make it happen.

- Z. Kay

(also that is the last you will hear about the BET Awards on SS.

photo credits http://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/

This Shoe is a One - of - One

2009-10-28T01:11:00.001-04:00

I am a one - of - one kind of girl. That means I like to wear things that I will not see on every other girl. This is why I often shop vintage or make my own pieces. So when I learned about Jen + Kim Shoes my day got a bit brighter. Can you say "customized shoes." Yes boys and girls, you will have the one and only.

"Jen + Kim Shoes is based out of Los Angeles and customizes all of our styles to suit each of our customers preferences. You pick the style and the materials/colors you want it made in and in 4 - 6 weeks your shoes are delivered to your door. We often have someone host the party and invite the guests and we bring our collection for everyone to customize. If your party generates a certain amount of sales, then we'll give you a pair for free (or hook you up with a commission.)" -Kim+ Jen Shoes

I need the Bali shoe in a colorblocked look. I'd mess with it in a teal, taupe, and rose. Yup! Also, someone propose to me so I have the reason to get a bridal shoe made. Please and Thank you!!! - Z. Kay

Take a look at what Jen + Kim shoes have to offer here