My favorite “all around” winter coat is this puffer by Marina Rinaldi. The fur adds warmth and style.

For a fun, casual look I adore this Anna Scholz Puffer. The bright pink color is sure to brighten even the darkest, dreariest winter day.

But…if I could choose my very favorite coat for the season it would be this beaded stunner from Anna Scholz.  It’s stunning!!

What are your warm weather must haves?

From Jezebel.com

The writer, Chris Jordan, claims that there “may be a gradual shift in American culture to greater size acceptance.” His evidence: Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique’s popularity; terrible and embarrassing-for-everyone game show More To Love; and Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray. Yes, the 2002 hit musical Hairspray. He also references Wendy Williams’ big feet. Wait, what?

Jordan notes:

While bigger gals are looking good and feeling good about themselves, it’s still a world were thin is the ideal body shape.

Exactly. And what’s important is not that the world start believing bigger is better — but that bigger is acceptable. That bigger is okay, just as thin is okay. And furthermore, just as you wouldn’t say “skinny people are gross,” you wouldn’t say “fat people are gross.” Because what’s gross is judging someone by their appearance; what’s gross is teaching people to hate themselves.

Is Bigger Better? Large Women Gaining Acceptance [USA Today]

Send an email to Dodai, the author of this post, at dodai@jezebel.com.

Read more: http://jezebel.com/5685512/is-bigger-better-wrong-question#ixzz14vnPFJwp

Layer!

Have you ever noticed that on the coldest days your office is at it’s hottest?  Office buildings never seem to get their climate control quite right therefore layering is a must.  On top I like to start with a thin long sleeved shirt, followed by a cardigan or sweater, then a big, warm coat.  It’s harder to layer on the bottom unless you want to wear snow pants but I am a huge proponent of wool tights if you are wearing a skirt or dress.  Silk long underwear are also a life saver because they aren’t too hot but they will keep you warmer than your pants alone.

Some of my favorite layering pieces for the season?

Wintersilks

First of all, the color is a perfect neutral to wear with all shades.  I would wear this over black jeans or slacks for work, a black t shirt and it would be perfect.  I am partial to henley shirts that have that rustic look and I am pretty sure that a henley would rock under this sweater with Miraclebody jeggings and knee high Duo Boots, thank you very much Miss Catherine!

How would you rock this gorgeous sweater?

Xo,

Fanny

Mazierose.com/Method

What’s in your Mom Cave?

Oh yes, you read that right. A Mom Cave. If men are allowed to have Man Caves, it was only a matter of time before the emergence of the Mom Cave. The NY Daily News reported on the growing trend yesterday and I must admit, I’m into it!

Okay, so what is a Mom Cave? Exactly what you’d expect it to be. That peaceful place in your home that’s just for you. Some moms are decking their Mom Caves out with things they love: scented candles, soft pillows and throw blankets, books they’ve been meaning to read, the list goes on. One thing that isn’t allowed in the Mom Cave? Anyone else! And yes, that most definitely includes kids and dad.

Sadly, my apartment is nowhere near spacious enough to have my own private room…not even a corner, for goodness sake. I would have said the shower is a lot like my Mom Cave, but my daughter has even invited herself in there as of late.

So let’s pretend for a moment. If you did have a Mom Cave, what would you put in yours?

click here to see the rest of her post

So, the author of this post included a TV and laptop in her mom cave.  Not me…mine would be away from all things electronic – except maybe my kindle.  My ideal mom cave would be reminicent of a spa relaxation room.  Well, maybe an entire spa.

• Lavender candles
• A fountain
• Candles flickering
• Tea pot/cucumber water
• Soft new age music
• An endless supply of mindless magazines
• Bathtub with assorted bath oils
• Lots of pillows and blankets
• Noise-proof walls!

What would your mom cave include?  Do you have a sanctuary away from the rest of the family?

I happened to pick this up an a local apothecary, yes they still do exist, and I fell in love with it.  It makes my skin soft, it relaxes me and I have to be careful and put it on only at night because I fall asleep when it is on my skin!  I am always looking for products that I can have shipped to me because sometimes I can’t get to the store and found it on Soap.com. They are also running a promotion right now that you can get 15% off your first order with the code SOAPSPLASH.  I love this website also because the shipping is practically overnight and, oh, did I mention it’s free over $25?

So that’s my beauty trick for the day!

Xo,

Fanny

Mazierose.com/Method

The Fur Collar Puffer Coat by Marina Rinaldi is just to die for.  I really wish I needed a new coat because I could so justify this purchase.  It happened that last year my husband surprised me with a  Marina Rinaldi coat, so this would be perfectly acceptable to be brought into my house.  I love the lines of this coat, the fur collar, the basic black and the belt.  Since I teach in my “other life,” I like things that are practical and that can be dressed up!    This coat is DELISH!

Check out this season’s hottest plus size styles http://www.lagrandedame.com/Womens_Apparel/New_Arrivals/

Styles from Melissa Masse, Marina Rinaldi, Anna Scholz and more!

20% off, 2 Days Only

A little background (if you have not read the post, google it) – Maura Kelly from Marie Claire wrote a “review” of Mike and Molly, even though she has never seen it and set the blogosphere on fire with bigoted statements like:

“My initial response was: Hmm, being overweight is one thing — those people are downright obese! And while I think our country’s obsession with physical perfection is unhealthy, I also think it’s at least equally crazy, albeit in the other direction, to be implicitly promoting obesity! Yes, anorexia is sick, but at least some slim models are simply naturally skinny. No one who is as fat as Mike and Molly can be healthy.”

“So anyway, yes, I think I’d be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other … because I’d be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything. To be brutally honest, even in real life, I find it aesthetically displeasing to watch a very, very fat person simply walk across a room — just like I’d find it distressing if I saw a very drunk person stumbling across a bar or a heroine addict slumping in a chair.”

“But … I think obesity is something that most people have a ton of control over. It’s something they can change, if only they put their minds to it.”

My opinion, yes, she is a bigoted jerk.  She has never been fat and has no idea what causes obesity, what it feels like to be obese or what circumstances cause obesity.  Also, she makes it sound like all fat people are miserable and searching for a solution.  Guess what?  Lots of overweight people are happy, in love and making out, whether you like it or not.

I feel sorry for Maura because she obviously doesn’t feel good about herself if she has to put all of this thought and emotion into reacting to other people’s bodies.

Additionally, as a recovering alcoholic (I have been sober for 5 years) I am offended by her post on an entirely different level.  Just as being a obese isn’t always a choice, being a “heroine” addict (somehow her inability to spell makes me happy), or being a drunk isn’t a choice.  Getting sober is a choice, but being sick isn’t.

Moral of the story – Marie Claire – you are unbelievably bigoted for publishing this drivel.  Maura Kelly, I feel sorry for you.