Chubby Girl In the World- Fashion for the Full Figured Fierce Female

I am hubled and so very sorry for being away.

2013-05-16T22:16:00.001-07:00

I have not posted since January 16th for many reasons but today I realized I had left an entire community which I loved being a part of. I honestly didn't think anyone read my blog and today I looked at the stats just out of curiosity and 708 hits this month alone, I am in awe of all of you, I have broken promises, missed deadlines and not delievered the goods and many of you have tried to reach out, to those who did I'm sorry I was away and your words meant the world to me though you didn't know it at the time I was and am still going through a pretty tough time.

I've always viewed our community as inclusive some people describe it as "Fatshion" but I don't see most bloggers/models who are seriously unhealthy, we just live a world that calls size 4 cheerleaders "chunky", that being said there are serious health consequences with being grossly overweight as I am. I'm going to divulge a lot here and there won't be any glossy glamorous pics (those will come later, I have a plan.) Today is just about being honest with myself and with you. So here it goes.

My Name is Stefanie Marie Gomez and I am a compulsive over eater, I eat when I'm sad, bored, lonely or when things aren't going my way. I'm five feet tall and weigh 314 pounds, I've lost my first 20 pounds over 10 times in my life and gone right back, I feel like complete failure in life, in dieting and I feel as if the man who has chosen to spend his life with me has sentenced himself to a life of unhappiness. I feel as though there is no way anyone could find me beautiful let alone sexually attractive because when I look in the mirror I see failure, failed will power, a hopelessly flawed body and I've never felt any other way, I hate looking in the mirror because I will be reminded of the gross thing that is reflected in the mirror and to the world.

I have been in denial for too long, to me the me that thinks and feels that woman in the mirror is someone else, she deserves ridicule and punishment for not getting her act together, so I beat her up mentally and with food. I eat in secret at times just so people won't know how much I'm actually consuming because if they knew that Taco Bell order was just for me they'd be horrified. Every time I try and fail it reinforces my idea that I'm just not meant to be healthy, which I know is just a cop out.

The problem is I really don't like that girl in the mirror, in fact I hate her. I wish I could make her go away and never come back, but every time I get on the right track I think I freak out and backslide because a part of me thinks that she is who I really am, that I really am a complete failure and will never amount to anything. In my head until I'm thin and beautiful none of my accomplishments will mean anything which I know is so bewilderingly unhealthy magical thinking. So I've decided that from now on, this is the one place I can be honest with myself, I'm going to add a small journal page where I just come and vent about the day, I encourage any of you going through this same process to comment, share and support me and each other through this tough process.

How am I going to deal with this? Why dressing up and putting on pretty make up of course, sound trivial? Scientists believe that makeup can give you a small boost of confidence when wearing it, so I'm going to put that to the test. I'm going to do a glamour shoot in our newly refurnished bedroom (yeah!) and put the pics up by next Friday. Want to send in your most glamorous pics? We will share them and we can let the healing start.

To all my lovlies,
CGINTW

Chubby Girl In the World In Concept Phase of Plus Size Clothing Line!

2013-01-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

All right ladies too long have we secretly cried in dressing rooms, too long have designers ignored us to pursue their "aspirational" fashion, what the hell good is fashion if it doesn't fit? Why should we continue to pour money into designers, companies and media outlets that only make us feel ashamed of what we are? Maybe you're a new mom, maybe you're tall or maybe like me your someone who has struggled with their weight their whole lives and just wants to feel like a human being in a department store! Whatever the case, whoever you are whatever struggles you've been through I have felt the pain of not finding "the" dress, or not be able to rock an outfit you deserparetly wanted in a magazine.

No MAS.

D.F. Apparel is my new project, my brain child. I want it to be a fully customizable clothing line for everyone sizes 00-38W, tall, average, pettite etc. Since I have no experience in design(that hasn't stopped me from sketching though), the fashion industry or garment making but I do have plenty of experience knowing how I wish my clothes fit; I'm opening this up to you, in the comments section leave your answer to the question "I wish my clothes...." upload photos, are you an aspiring designer, email me at chubbygirlintheworld@gmail.com, I want to make your designs come to life! Are you a current fashion student who is looking for a porject to gain experince? Let me know. Seamstress who needs extra work, I'm your lady.

My design sketches of 10 different pieces will be up this Sunday. However if you'd like to contribute to this project with full recognition (i.e) if we decide on your design we will purchase it from you!
Upload inspiration or sketches in our comments section or email to chubbygirlintheworld@gmail.com or share your Pinterest boards with us!

Love, Happiness and Success to you all!
-CGINTW

Trying to find out why I'm here....

2013-01-13T11:31:00.003-08:00

For a long time now I've been wondering "What the hell am I supposed to do with my life?" and I've been waiting for a sign either ephemeral or literal and alas no sign has showed up. I've planned on being everything from an attorney to a writer to a computer programmer. All of these things are easily accomplished with enough time and dedication like anything else. My problem is that I'm good at a lot of things, expert at none.

I once read "don't do what you love, do what obsesses you." Which at first I didn't understand but now I think I do. I think it means whatever you spend hours Pinning about, blogging about, reading about, do something like that, something that brings out both joy and your inner nerd. For me that has always been clothes, to me clothes, fashion, makeup hair, bring out everything from your inner sex goddess, to your "i'm gonna take over the world!" business suit. Until now I've only been brave enough to read and write and fawn over those in the industry thinking I wasn't talented or worthy enough to be a part of that world.

It wasn't until recently that I'm finally getting up the guts to work on a project I've been thinking about for ages. I won't say anything until all the details are in order but rest assured it's coming and it will be FABULOUS!

TTFN my lovlies and I will be back next week with a grand announcement!
-CGITW

Finding "The" Dress-Advice for the Plus size Bride

2013-01-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

Big and I are engaged and disgustingly cute in love, or at least everyone says we are disgustingly cute, we've been watching weddings shows, interviewing bakers, booking the venue and soon very soon I'm going to be buying "the dress". A dress so show stopping, so unbelievably gorgeous that it can only ever be worn once.

That's right ladies it's time for me to pick a wedding dress. Now, as fashion forward as I may be in my every day life, I'm envisioning an elegant affair to remember, something timeless something that will make me look like greta garbo (only shorter of course, and Mexican lol)

A few things about shopping for plus size gowns:
1.) Bridal will tend to run smaller than street clothes, Davids Bridal is actually pretty forgiving when it comes to sizing however and their quality for the price is pretty good,

2.) Remember if you're short (like me) remember that you want to wear the dress, you don't want the dress to wear YOU.

3.) Consider your shape, are you apple? (Like me with a tummy) or pear, or diamond or square on top? Let the consultant know which areas you are self conscious about so she can try to find the right fit, if you fall in love with a strapless dress but hate your arms ask to see a wrap or if sleeves can be added.

4.) If you are on the higher end of plus size (again like me, I'm a 28 for now) call ahead and ask what the salon carries in terms of sample in store, clips will only go so far on a dress 5 sizes too small, you don't want what should be a wonderful experience turning into a sob fest when nothing fits.

5.) DO NOT let your size stand in the way of getting your perfect dress. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful on her day, never settle, you didn't settle for your mate, no need to settle on the dress.

I've found some winners everything from reasonably priced to outlandish extravagance, so here's a little taste of my new obsession:
Igigi's collection of wedding dresses is to die for and beyond reasonable this one part of a limited collection is around $500.
This dress had been my dream dress since before I got engaged, it was available in my size every year that I was NOT engaged and now sadly it's no longer available in my size, however if you're a 14/16 you definitely should check it out on igigi.com About $375

The incredibly talented Monique Lhuillier created this custom made dress for America Ferrara in the movie "Our family wedding" I cannot wait to get back to the gym so I can look like this on W day! She is so incredibly gorgeous! Price upon request.

This is from Laylan Heck on Pinterst, an event planner who pinned this amazing pic of a beautiful plus bride who look amazing from head to toe.
Alfred Angelo- available up to size 26 about $600

If you find yourself desiring designer but your pocket book isn't familiar with Benjamins, try consignment shops here in Oregon there is Shabby Chic Bridal in Salem (i'm going there first!)
Also online there are tons of website with bride's reselling their gowns to recoup money from the wedding. There are even some that have never been worn, people often change their wind about the type and style of dress they like, often times seeing something online, purchasing and then deciding to go a different decoration. Make sure to check our recyclebride.com for used gowns, accessories and other reusable things.

Chubby Girl In the World Gets Engaged!!!

2012-12-31T15:49:00.001-08:00

After two years of being the most awesome boyfriend ever Terick Hines proposed to Stefanie Gomez on December 25, 2012. This is the story and hilarity of how it happened.

On Christmas eve Terick aka "Big" walked into our fabulously messy apartment ( thanks to the shin dig I three the night before) with a very large gift box. "What is that?" I exclaimed. "It's a present." was all he said. So I kept pestering him, actually I attempted to tickle him to death, then he finally said "it's something fuzzy and blue" which stopped me in my tracks "Fuzzy and blue?" last time he'd said that I got earrings from the Shane company, was it earrings again? I decided to shake the box as much as I could, I smelled it, weighed it my hands no clue.

Christmas morning came, since we'd be waking up at 4am every day to get him to work by 5, we couldn't help getting up early and I got up at 3 that day. I jumped on him said "Merry Christmas" and dragged him out of bed. He ran into the office we have in our apartment and proceeded to dress in a suit and tie. "Why are you getting dressed like that?" I asked. "Because I have to play Santa and this is the only red thing I have." I didn't really question it as Terick says and does weird spontenous things all the time so I just let it go, the tie should have been a clue though. For the records I was wearing sheep pajamas. I waited for him in the living room and when he finally came out I handed him the present I knew he'd like best the lightsaber I'd gotten him. See my twitter pics for the reaction. After I'd let him open all his I looked at the big box longingly, was it a new computer? Or the boots I'd been lusting after on Simplybe? He grinned handed me the giant box and I ripped through the wrapping paper, two boxes stacked on top of each other, I ripped into the wrapping of the top box and pulled out.......blue fuzzy hangers. I smiled looked at him and tried not to cry, "Thank you honey, I-I needed more hangers." He couldn't help laughing at my "present" face so then I moved on to the next box hoping to God it wasn't socks. This box was smaller, and had over two balls of newspaper wrapped in giftwrapped inside. As I waded through all the wrapping paper balls, I saw it, beautifully wrapped in maroon textured giftwrap what I knew to be a Shane company box, "it is earrings! I thought) I opened the gift wrap but before I could open the box, he took it from me, got down on one knee and said: "I've loved you since the moment I saw you. I knew you were the one from the first time you smiled, I've always been drawn to you. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, will you please, please be my wife." I burst out into tears and hugged him, I almost forgot to say yes. I don't think we stopped hugging each other for an hour.

I never thought I would be so incredibly happy, so joyously in love with someone. Before Terick I have never known what it was like to be completely and totally loved, to be confident in the other persons affections, loyalty and fidelity. It is one of the most liberating feelings in the world to know even if you don't understand why, that you are loved completely and unconditionally. To all those who have it cherish it, guard it and tend it well, to those of you who are still seeking it, don't worry it will find you.
-CGINTW(Soon to be Mrs. Hines)

We are getting married Dec. 21, 2013 in San Jose, CA with a small group of friends and family.

I hate the way this looks..... Why your clothes don't fit.

2012-12-19T13:58:00.000-08:00

How many times have we said that in a dressing room looking in a mirror because the "plus-size" clothing line we were trying on just didn't get it, that not all women who are full figured have the same figure! The human body is a never ending conundrum of curves, and some of us have more curves than others. If you're tall and hour glass shaped you need different jeans that someone who is short and pear shaped etc. Designers in school are taught with dummies that have exaggerated heights and impossible waist lines. Most plus size patterns are merely increases in proportions, not a whole different fit which is what's needed. This is the problem I and many other people throughout the plus size world have, surely in this day in age there must be a solution to it.

My solution: I'm trying to find a new or established designer who can use consumer input to manufacture a line of clothes that actually fits, not just that the buttons close but that you can look in the mirror and say "Wow, this looks really good." Someone who understands the need for consumer customization, imagine if you could buy a pair of jeans online tomorrow by upload a picture of yourself and your dimension and the fit you would prefer, while getting professional feedback? It seems like a dream but I truly believe with the right designer, manufacturer and logistics it can be done.

What do you think?
-CGINTW

The coolest accessories and some holiday gift ideas

2012-12-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

ou re
So everyone needs a little more sparkle in their lives, me you and your best friend and your mom. So here are my picks for holiday gifts for yourself and your loved ones. I've mostly earrings because they are usually the least expensive item you can buy and they have the most sparkle per ounce, clothes are fantastic but for the holidays leave the fabulous clothes shopping for yourself, your wallet will thank you.

For those snowy or wet days when galoshes just won't do Simplybe.com $133

Amazon.com $14.99 for the shoe lover

amazon.com for the drama queen

for the friend whose b-day is in dec. Long live the Sag! Amazon.com around $12.99

perfect for mom around $23 amazon.com

great for the cheerleader, optimist or young girl amazon.com $5.99

For the classic beauty amazon.com around $14.99

For the girl who loves red amazon.com $6.99

For the hopeless romantic/traveller Betsey Johnson earrings amazon.com around $20

perfect for NYE or Xmas party, gold sparkly clutch amazon.com around $11

Glitter belt by Lane Bryant around $20

Silver fold up ballet flats in sequin simplybe.com around $19.00

This hardcase silver sparkle clutch also doubles as a security device via the sparkly brass knuckle hardware, amazon.com part lady, part badass

Torrid.com sparkly bangle set $12.99

We are on the Facebook!

2012-12-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

As my mother would say we are now on "the" Facebook, make sure to stop by our page at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chubby-Girl-In-The-World/180932172045654?ref=ts&fref=ts

You can "like" us but adore the clothes from our posts, soon we will have exclusive interactive content, as soon as we learn how to program without setting our computers on fire, we promise!
-CGINTW

Plus Size Holiday Fashion From Christmas to New Years and everything in between

2012-12-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

Frock and Frill top Simplybe.com $72 for Christmas Brunch

The Holidays are an awesome opportunity to get together with family and friends and use the cold nights to cozy up to your favorite person. I've searched high and low to look for pieces that you can use season after season and year after year because who isn't trying to maximize closet space as well as dollars these days right? You'll notice the amazing pieces by Tadashi Shoji for Bloomingdales, these are definitely investment pieces and things I'm currently craving but Shoji's clothes stand the test of time both in seasonality and style so you can count on value.

I've also included some amazingly good pieces from Forever21 like the contrast pipping notched blazer which frankly looks like a Brooks Brother piece designed for women. The metallic jacket is perfect for new years or a night out any day of the year. Check back next week for a look at my favorite new accessories of the season and last minute gift ideas!
Until then enjoy the pictorial fashion flavor!
-CGINTW

Evanusa.com $118 Cardigan with hood for that awesome night out carolling!

sequined sweater 24.99 Torrid.com gift for your BFF

Illusion dress simplybe.com $99 for a hot night out

Great date night sweater $65 simplybe.com

For your first "real" holiday bash be it for charity, your very formal office party or holiday event, this dress screams "I have arrived" Tadashi Shoji $448 bloomingdales.com

Sexy personified by Tadashi Shoji $338 Bloomingdales.com

Sweaterdsress Forever21.com $24.80

Forever21.com Contrast piping blazer $35

Great lounging candy colored sweater Forever21.com $22.80

Cutest french shirt ever $17.50 Forever21.com

Old Navy Pj's for $12! up to size 4X! Great buy for your friends!

Evansusa.com owl print dress-$55

Old Navy pop color jeans $29

Sequined jacket Forever21.com awesome New Years outfit Jacket is $34.80

Valentia dress by Kiyonna.com $168.00 and worth every penny

28, Fabulous, Financially Savvy and working on getting fit.

2012-12-08T08:27:00.000-08:00


Capable, worthy and so much more!		Remember this all holiday season and all year long.

Yesterday I turned 28.

The Waldorf school of thought says that 28 is the end of childhood, that this is when we know what we are going to settle down and know what our careers, our family situations and life long plans will be, if this is the case I'm entirely behind the times! I have a few of these things figured out but how many children, if I'll get married or emulate Goldie Hahn who knows? I know that I want to get fit this year as so many of you know I've been working hard on that and slowly recovering from an injury (please don't workout so hard you hurt your back, it sucks trust me.) I know that I want to learn more about finances, investments and other grown up people stuff.

But the things I have no clue about? I have no idea if I want children, I think like most people I swing between "oh that's so cute" and "hell no, take this demon spawn back" when your friend hands you their kid and then they promptly vomit on you. I know this is a perfectly natural state of being but all this "biological clock" talk has me scared will I run out of time if I don't decide soon? Am I less of a woman or cold if I decide not to have children? What if I find out I cannot readily have children?

One of my closest friends is going through this horrible ordeal and I wish I could be there to hug her hard and reassure her that no matter what nature, doctors or anyone says she'll forever be one of the most valuable people I've ever met, one of the bravest, truest and deepest friends anyone could have.

To all women going through this transition period somewhere between young adult and middle age, we are the 'tweens of generation Y; understand that there is no "right" answer for how you should live your life, there are no "rules" about having children despite what the magazine articles tell you. There is not rule saying you cannot change careers at 20,30, 40 or even 50, there is nothing stopping you from being who you are, who you want to be, whatever you do; do it with fire in your belly, compassion in your heart and a plan in your head.
Until next my lovelies
CGINTW

Being Teanacious-A cautionary tale

2012-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:00

I truly believe that in life we achieve that which we are willing to work for, those things which everyone tells us to stop dreaming or "get your head out of the clouds" those things which we dream but are often times not brave enough to jump over that chasm of self- doubt, sometimes that jump lands us on our face.

My obsession with being everything that I am currently not, fit, educated, sophisticated and thin was getting a little scary, I was beginning to contemplate things that were pretty scary like taking laxatives, I thought "Just for a few days, it can't be that bad right?" Just for the record yes, it is that bad. Tenacity though usually a good trait was not serving my best interest at this point, it was like I knew that the tried and true way was the best but it just didn't matter because I wanted to be someone else so incredibly bad, nothing else mattered.

Luckily (sort of) I injured my back at the gym during a Pinterest inspired cross-fit moment, I decided to hang upside down from some TRX straps and attempt crunches, I made it to one when I felt something shift in my back, it didn't hurt at first but on Thanksgiving morning I could barely move. I was dependent on other people for almost every thing, reaching, bending, pick things up off the floor. It was eye opening about how much my body did for me every day and here I was this whole time hating it for something I did to it, my body didn't get this way by itself and it certainly didn't happen overnight.

Something happened in the three weeks that I've been recovering I've had to closely and sometimes painfully explore the relationship I have with my body. I know so many of us have experienced this phenomenon which is why I'm sharing so you know that 1.) you're not alone 2.) you're not crazy and 3.) it does get better. I went through periods of complacency and then would have cycles of extreme self loathing, I hated looking in mirrors, so much so that I broke a compact in half because I squeezed it so hard while putting on makeup, I hated looking at me, more than that I hated looking at the me I had made myself and realizing how far away I was from being deemed "normal" or attractive by my own definitions.

The inability to work out was even worse, I had no outlet for this aggression so it turned inward and suddenly I was telling myself what a failure I was, what a terrible person for letting my life get so out of hand, for ending up this way. (As if my life is anywhere near over, I'm 28!) But then something wonderful happened, after filming the Holiday survival guide which precedes this post, I was editing the piece down, and I broke. Big was in the room with me and I just bawled my eyes out, this is how the conversation went:

Me: I'm disgusting, Look at me! I look like an elephant but not as cute in this video! It looks like my face was stung by killer bees!
Big: What? You look great and don't talk about my girlfriend that way
Me: I'm just so ugly and disgusting, I hate the way this looks, everyone will make fun of me
Big: You look totally cute and I love the way you look and I always have, I think the problem is that you know the way you want to look and you don't look the way you think you should but since we met you've always been the most beautiful woman in the room, everyone else kind of just fades out, sweetie you shine.

That's when it hit, I didn't look the way I wanted and I had been doing something about it, but I'd gone overboard and I was being unhealthy in my choices to the extreme, I think fate intervened to show me that although I'm not exactly who I want to be yet or where I want to be, I have the support, the tools and tenacity to get it done, just not overdone.

For all the Full Figured Fabulous females working on their fitness I commend you, it's not easy, it doesn't come soon enough and it requires a lot of tenacity. Don't let your own thought of who you should be cloud the vision of your current fabulousness.
-CGINTW

Chubby Girl In the World's Two Minute Holiday Survival Guide

2012-12-02T18:51:00.002-08:00

Watch the video above to learn about how to survive the holidays is two minutes or less! Watch it and then go shopping the economy isn't going to save itself people!
-CGINTW

Full Figured Fashion week 2013 casting now! In LA Dec 8th

2012-11-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

Go to the Facebook Page for Full Figured Fashion week for all the details on casting times and locations. If you've ever wanted to be or have been a plus size model now is your time to shine! Even if you've never modeled before try out anyway what could it hurt? Just remember not everyone get chosen and many people get passed over like your truly, being five feet tall however I kind of expected that but don't let your inexperience, stature, or lack of a make up artist stop you, Fashion designers are looking for YOU and so are we at Chubby Girl In The World. We are constantly looking for plus size models to feature on this site so even if you don't get picked for Full Figured Fashion week send us your modeling pics, we will feature them!

I can't wait for Full Figured Fashion week this upcoming year, I'm determined to go ah the shopping, the models, new york city oh my!

Wishing you the best of luck
-CGINTW

Fat Pride burning skinny girls hides? Too Fucking Bad.

2012-11-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

Above: PlusModel Magazine's positive body message and Italian Vogue proving that women of all shapes and sizes are in Vogue.

Today when I googled chubbygirlintheworld.com I came across an interesting link towards the bottom of the results page. It was a blog post from a blog I won't mention but the title was "Fat Pride burns my hide." It was an all out rant against the plus size fashion industry, a commentary of Plus Model Magazine's spread featuring straight and plus size models and how she was "disgusted" by it.

The blogger goes on to say that plus size people should not be represented in more media because being plus size isn't "aspirational", that if big were beautiful we would see more plus size models (an upward trend in the fashion industry btw) she also goes so far as to call one model "disgusting" because she has what I perceive to be a normal amount of fat on her body. I just don't get it, why are you so mad skinny girl?

I honestly was heated after reading this not because I am upset about her immature comments about a plus size model believe me we've heard it all. No use in trying to change your mind but I just don't get it what does having plus size women in campaign do to hurt the skinny agenda? How on earth does this hurt you? PlusModel magazine has been an inspiration to all those women who are not a size 0 to get with new trends, inspire confidence and boost morale so that all women can concentrate on feeling good about themselves instead of trying to tear others down. I don't want a skinny versus Plus war, I just want people to be happy in their own skin. There is one thing she's right about though, if I could push a button and be smaller the way the blogger and everyone else in the world wishes I was then I would do it instantaneously.

Surprised? Why would anyone be, my size makes me a social pariah in so many ways, it affects my health and the way I percieve myself, it makes me think I can't do certain things so yes if I could instantly change it I would like so many others. Why because people like this blogger make it impossible to feel good about myself, I can say as many mantras as I want, have confidence until the cows come home but in the back of my head that damn skinny bitch is watching every bite I take and she won't leave me the fuck alone and she makes me do stupid shit like not eating, taking laxatives, over exercising and I know she does it to you too. But I've realized something:
We don't have to let her.

Not everyone is like that blogger most people out in the world will root for you when you want to make a life change, lose weight, get a degree or start a new career. Most people will do everything they can to help you because people are good, people have been there, they know what it's like to have a binge weekend, they know what it's like to not like their body , they've experienced failure and the truth is most people think you're gorgeous and frankly you don't have time for any bitches who think otherwise.

-CGINTW

Black Friday Worth it or Waste of time?

2012-11-18T20:01:00.002-08:00

So this will be one of the first years in a loong time that I do not have to work on Black Friday but I the person who adores a bargain and loves fashion will not be with the Walking Dead like zombie crowd at 4am banging on the Macy's door and here is why:

Today my room mate and I were at the outlets next to apartment and I walked into the LB outlet everything was 50% off and the clearance was another 60% off I couldn't let updating my wardrobe go until the next weekend and who wants to deal with the herds of people? I've usually been forced through the drudgery of working on that day because of retail jobs but this holiday season I'm very excited to not be out and about. When I checked out at the register one of the clerks told me that I was getting a better deal this weekend anyway! The holidays are about spending time with those you care the most for, don't let the commercialization of our culture take over what should be a heart warming bonding experience for you and your family.
Hope you all have a fabulous Turkey Day!
-CGINTW
Check out my the sweet sweater swag I scored here:

Actually an awesome dolman red blouse.

Hard to tell with my not so great camera but this is a silvery metallic sweater perfect for hholiday parties or just for feeling festive..


My all time favorite color TARDIS blue! Had to have it.

Being the "Fat Girl" at the gym and everywhere.

2012-11-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

Most Chubby Girls out there know what it's like to be the "Fat girl" at one time or another, you know the girl people make assumptions about because of her weight, the girl people assume doesn't have ambition, drive or determination because she's over a size 12? It's extrememly difficult to be the largest person in the room most of the time, not because I hate myself or my body (My body and I are going through some things but we like each other) but because so many people have already decided who I am before I've said a word.

Today at the gym a well meaning skinnyland citizen- she couldn't have been more than 95 pounds came up to me after my grueling 45 min elliptical workout, I was sweating like a lady of the night in a baptist church I tell you. So this little person bounces up to me and says "You're doing so great! You're new right? I'm _______. Don't worry as you keep doing it you'll be able to go for at least 10 minutes next time!" .....Confusion and then anger set in as I realized Ms. Bouncy had seen my cool down and assumed that I'd given up after 5 minutes. Sheesh.

To her credit she did seem genuinely happy for me; because I'm a Big girl (capital B) I let it go, there was no use in correcting her. But even though her intentions were good, she was trying to motivate me and maybe even befriend me she failed to realize that her peceptions about me as a person were far from reality. I'm 5 feet tall, 306 pounds and carry most of my weight in my lower mid section and thighs but I could check a 250 pound man into a wall due to my low center of gravity and the fact that I do have some impressive muscle mass for someone my size. She didn't see a person capable of achieving great things, someone who has failed at weight loss a million times but refuses to give up, someone who is uncompromisingly loyal to friends and family.

She didn't see any of that, which is why it's so important that when you meet a Ms. Bouncy, whether at the gym, on the job or even an employer you remember that just because they can't see your dedication, education, skills or determination doesn't mean you can't. No matter what it is, a new job, weight loss, fitness etc.; remember that your weight does not define you, it does not hold you back, people will tell you that it does, and to the superfacial, the annoying and the billion dollar diet industry it does but fuck them. To every "Fat Girl" out there, screw skinny be healthy.
-Love
CGINTW

Bad Dates-How to handle them, how to avoid them

2012-11-11T21:29:00.001-08:00

***I know I promised a video post this week however due to technical difficulties (editing software issues, it will be delayed but worth it)

I recently heard a horror story from a dear friend of mine about a really bad first date. Apparently the suitor in question invited her to partake in some illicit smoke sport ( I'm not judging but here's your first hint of trouble) and then made her drive an hour and half to his house in order to partake (not very gentlemanly). It only gets worse my friends; he then proceeds to make vulgar and not so romantic advances regarding her ample bosom. (Ok so I really just wanted to write "ample bosom")

Needless to say she was disappointed with the entire experience and rightfully so, here are my five tips for avoiding what I call "bottom of the barrel dating":

1.) Avoid those people whose idea of a good time is illicit drugs, too much alcohol or strip clubs. Now if these are your interests then go for it but if not avoid people who fall into the "obsessed " category with any of the above things.

2.) Make sure that the person who has asked you to give up your time and energy is someone who
will respect that expenditure of said time and energy. You want someone who will plan out the date, someone who will make time for you and treat you live the unbelievable goddess you are.

3.) Always keep a back up plan, if someone somehow manages to get through your radar and you end up having to hear all bout his exe's cat always have a couple exit strategies ready, always make sure it's something plausible not not necessarily verifiable. Here are some example's

"Jeez you know I'd love to drive you and your friends around because you drank too much but I just got a text that my sister needs an emergency babysitter so sorry, nice to see meet you."

"I'm sorry my boss just texted that she needs some presentation materials like yesterday, I'll call you." -This one is best used on the "too clingy too soon guy"

and my personal favorite, the truth-reserved only for the douchest of douche bags

"I think it's totally great that you have such a good relationship with yourself that you don't even need to feign interest in anyone else, in fact I suggest that you keep your current relationship paradigm and I wish you all the happiness in the world but I have to go.

4.) Please do not agree to go out with someone just because you're bored, lonely or feeling a little desperate. Remember that you are beautiful, strong, intelligent, ambitious and deserve someone who will work for your attention, someone who has their life together because I mean who really wants to date the dude he always has to borrow rent money? Come on. It's very hard in our society to hold out for Mr. Right especially when Mr. Right Now is lurking in every bar, now we all have a few lurkers in our relationship closet and that's ok just remember the point of a one night stand is to get it out of your system and move on to greener pastures. DO NOT mistake an intimate encounter with an connection of intimacy.

5.)When navigating the dating world the number one thing I learned is that timing is everything thing. Don't waste your time with someone who isn't worth the paper their number is written on because you never know when Mr. Right is going to walk through the door and you wouldn't want to miss him because you were too busy with some yahoo who just happened to be around.

Love to all the single ladies out there, please remember how fabulous you are.
-CGINTW

Plus size career wear you actually want to wear!

2012-11-04T18:23:00.002-08:00

So I am eternally frustrated by the selection at Lane Bryant, Torrid and other major retailers because either the pieces are so incredibly unaffordable (come on $50 for a wrap shirt?) or they just look like my grandmother would have adored them (sorry Grandma!). So I searched and searched and then looked under every internet rock I could find to come up with these staple pieces for an office wardrobe that 1.) Won't put you to sleep and 2.) are affordable and expandable wardrobe material (as in they will go with things you already have!

ASOS Curve.com Dress around $54

Igigi.com dress $118 on sale (Investment piece you'll wear it a lot!)

Wool blend pants Oldnavy.com around $44.95


qfd.com "Enamored" expensive 2 piece but worth every penny, the cut and style of this skirt suit combo is AMAHZING. Mix and match the jacket and skirt with different blouses in your closet. $210 (but it's two pieces and for a suit that's an awesome price.)

In conclusion my lovelies you can be chic, cheap and power dressed for the board room, remember to tune in next Sunday when we will have a new video episode of Chubby Girl In The World!
Love you!
-CGINTW

Getting over the "hump"-My Blahness personified

2012-10-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Recently I've had trouble getting over that "hump" in life, in my career, in my writing and fitness pretty much in every sphere of my life (even my love life ) just getting to that next stage, that level of financial fitness, physical fitness and intimacy has been really hard actually I feel like I'm standing still like my life has come to a stop. Even though it's progressed far from where it was four months ago it still seems like I'm running on a life treadmill barely staying on point long enough just to avoid utter chaos.

We have set up plans, goals and are working toward them but I'm not sure if the sense of urgency is coming from the fact that my 28th birthday is coming up, closer to 30th and I'm still not anywhere I want to be. I haven't finished my book, school, bought a house or lost weight. My life to do list seems to be a permanent series of unchecked boxes, action items taunting me with their in-completion and I know there is no one on earth who can remedy this but me.

I find it puzzling that I would never leave a work task undone at the end of the day but I have no problem letting my gym sit there unused day after day. I cook meals for everyone else in my household but rarely will take the time to make myself breakfast for the hour commute to my office, I'm helping to build up a small business that isn't mine and I barely can get the motivation to write. What happened to that 21 year old girl who was going to set the world on fire, make a difference and be an award winning writer? How did the go getter I was turn into the Doctor Who marathon watcher who eats potato chips for dinner?

Worse yet I don't know how to break the cycle, how do you shake off Blahness? Do you do it slowly or just rip it off like a Band-Aid? I've gotten so mired in my inertia of nothingness that I'm going to have to do something drastic to shake things up. What do you do to help you shake off the drudgery? I'd love to hear any ideas.
-CGINTW (Maybe Chubby Girl Soon to Rejoin The World) is more accurate

The self imposed no new make up rule

2012-10-21T09:43:00.001-07:00

So I joined this new website called squawkbox.com, it's about budgeting, saving and getting a handle on your financial future. Most arguments in relationships are about money, my relationship is not an exception to this rule, often there are arguments over how to spend, when to spend and how much to spend all things addressed at squawkbox, I also went to feedthepig.com and after using one of their online tools, the numbers were staggering. My coffee habit alone was costing us over $1,500 a year. Starbucks although delicious is not going to help us buy a house.

But the real kicker was my makeup habit, I thought I was doing an excellent job buying things only on sale at Ulta and leveraged magazine offers for free samples and gifts. Turns outs all my beauty swag was costing over $1680 a year! So that's over $3,180 a year in random silly expenses. This is the exact amount we need for a down payment on a house where we live. The overwhelming guilt I felt as I looked at my literally full drawers of make up almost made me heave at my extravagance compared to my mates frugality.

Big will not spend a penny on eating out, he'd rather take his lunch with him to work and pocket the cash. He doesn't have any expensive hobbies, and he never asks for anything. He will deny himself things to the point of absurdity, right now his tennis shoes have holes in them and his socks are soaking wet because we live in the Portland area. But he insists that we wait until next pay day to purchase new ones.

Our spending styles differ so greatly that I've have to remind myself to think the way a saver would. Growing up even though I worked my whole young adult life, saving for the future was always incredibly difficult for me, because there was always something new to experience, something new to be had like a book or the latest style which in my head I believed I'd earned after working so hard.

To me money equaled freedom, freedom from my parents reach, freedom from boredom, freedom to travel. So when someone tells me I must not spend money on my flavor of the week, I have a strong emotional reaction as if someone were trying to censor me, and if they are that must mean they do not approve of me as a person. It's almost like being rejected, for someone to say " no we should do this" with our money. After exploring those feelings I've come up with a plan.

No new make up until it all runs out. As in no little casual trips to the makeup counter, no holiday splurge on a pallette of sparkle that I already own three times over. I'm going to use every tube, stick, primer etc until it's all gone, then and only then will I allow myself to buy new make up or accessories. I've also decided to make my coffee at home and take it to work.

These things will be a little hard to get used to at first but after a while I'll hardly notice them. Because the pay off, the picture of the little cottage house with the picket fence is worth all the coffee and make up in the world.
-A more grown up
CGINTW

I'm not dead yet!

2012-10-14T19:18:00.002-07:00

Love is absolutely incredibly wonderful....for the first three months. Then life starts happening, money gets tight, someone loses a job or gets a pay cut or unexpected expenses come up. These situations are the true test of love, respect and admiration. How can you save you love some one if you're not willing to pony up and do what's needed. I'm lucky enough to have a partner who recognized how much we were struggling and did something about it....after some time.

Although we each have our good intentions, our dreams and ambitious it has been a challenge to find ways to enhance and not hinder each other at times. It's been at the very least trying on both our patiences. Even though we are still far from stable, it's on the horizon.

I've been MIA from Chubby Girl In the World for too long. For a while I was starting to think nothing I wrote mattered, that no one really paid attention to my little corner of the internet and then I remembered that as much as I love my readers I didn't start this blog for anyone else's sanity but my own.

My life got so hectic that I forgot this blog was my outlet into the wider world, some people paint, some people play music, I write. It's funny how we sometimes forget our own method of catharsis.
I was depressed, frustrated, feeling ineffective and basically just run down. I didn't want any of you to think I had given up on you, thank you for reaching out and making sure I was okay, rest assured CGINTW is in effect and so legitamate we cannot be stopped.
-Stefanie
P.S. Tomorrow night- a secret look into the mind of men who "neg" and why we fall for the head games.

How to be Fierce

2012-09-28T07:43:00.001-07:00

1. Never be afraid to fail no matter how slow you're progress your lapping everyone on the couch.

2. Learn anything everything, I love fashion but I'm also enrolling in computer science courses next semester.

3. Rock red, no matter what size you are a bold red blazer makes you feel powerful, there's a reason every business man has a "power" tie that's always red. It works not comfortable wearing that much crimson? Substitute fire engine lipstick for a similar and sexy effect.

4. Never let other people define who you are. Chuck out all the rules of fashion (big girls can't wear stripes) of business (women cant be powerhouses, yeah right)

5. When the going gets tough remember the immortal words of Elizabeth Taylor "pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together."

Career change- bold move

2012-09-26T22:59:00.000-07:00

Taking the stairs by storm-Project Badass

2012-09-19T05:40:00.002-07:00

Status: Badass
Starting Weight: 307
Current Weight: 303
Days in:3
Stairs, lots and lots of stairs. It seems like if you're an overweight person there are always stairs. You dread having to go up them because your knees feel like you're grinding them down, if you're like me and have terrible depth perception you dread going down them for fear of taking a tumble. My gym has two ways to get in and out of my gym, the stairs which everyone takes or the elevator which is meant to make the gym handicap accessible. The first two times I was there I took the elevator up and down and felt like a total stooge. The girl with the foot brace was taking the stairs for goodness sakes! So yesterday after a grueling cardio and strength sessions back to back, I did it (slowly) I went up the stairs to my car and even though I was winded by the half way point, I was so proud of myself when I did it. In a few weeks I'll be bouncing up and down those steps too.
-CGINTW

Fall's hottest accessories under $30

2012-09-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

So lately my bank account has been shall we say pettite in stature? So the easiest most affordable way to transform any outfit? Change the accessories! Here I've found some of the season's hottest trends this is a great way to try them out without any commitment or breaking the bank.

Faceted Geo Necklaces
Forever 21.com $9.50 Will look awesome with any colored tee or blouse.

Forever 21 Unleash your inner poet with this metallic infinity scarf as the weather get cooler, turn any cardigan into a chic ensamble by adding a scarf and some dangling ear rings.
Sparkling bow pin $6.80 Forever21 Fall is all about embellishments, can't afford a sparkling Christian Dior sheath dress? Buy a few of these and randomly place them on a cardigan or solid colored sweater, and bask in the glow of envy because you didn't fork out 1,200 for an awesome look.
Having an Elizabeth Taylor moment? You can drink your champagne and have your white diamonds perfume with these faux ruby clip ons, Forever21 $6.80

Cross body bag in an awesome fun and chic color Forever21 $20.80
Get into the Fall lace trend with this belt from Simplybe.com $29

be lady like in this blue scalloped wallet from uban outfitters $24
Turn up the heat on any Halloween party outfit with this lace mask from Urban Outfitters $16.00
Get a 3 for 1! Blue, metallic and python skinny belt for $24.50 Torrid.com
Textured dot leggings $24.50 Turn any tunic or skirt into a pin up worthy outfit with these leggings, perfect for a movie date or shopping with the girls.
Amahhhzing vintage gloves on Etsy.com for only $11.50

Send us your awesome accessory tips to stefanie@chubbygirlintheworld.com
Until next time lovelies!
-CGINTW