Happy Sunday my blogger fam. I hope you had an amazing weekend. Here is a little bed time reading before the start of the week.
DISCLAIMER: This look highlights what some might consider plus size faux pas’ – a crop top, my VBO, my thigh, my stretch marks and my very healthy butt. If this offends you please don’t continue reading because I am not going to apologize for being me and expressing my sense of personal style. (That’s right, talk to the hand, lol!)
This outfit is from the Torrid Insider Collection that was recently launched. This collection is an exclusive capsule of “Limited Edition Pieces for the Fashion Obsessed”.
Many brands have released similar types of collections this year that focus on those in their customer base that are looking for pieces that are more fashion forward, highlighting the most up to date trends and generally of a higher quality using luxurious fabrics and interesting details.
Being the huge Torrid fan that I am, I was of course super excited to see what this collection had to offer and I must say that it did not disappoint. There were so many pieces that I wanted to buy. And I appreciated the fact that all the pieces came in their full size range and some even in a 6x. Because I may need a 5x doesn’t mean that I don’t want the opportunity to wear these amazing pieces too. The collection was designed by Danielle Williams. I think she did a fabulous job and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Of course I am a lover of all things floral so when I saw this crop top and matching pencil midi skirt, you know what happened – it went in my shopping cart! I love that they chose to build on the fall floral trend and created a print with a rich variety of colours in black, grey, white, pink and red. The style of the flower itself feels a bit tropical so it’s a nice juxtaposition.
These pieces are made of a quality heavier weight stretch ponte fabric. I am wearing the 4x in the crop top and the 5x in the skirt. I feel that these pieces are consistent in size with the rest of my pieces that I buy from Torrid. The price point on some pieces is consistent with the rest of Torrid’s collection and some are a bit of a higher price point but well worth it.
I like that the sleeve of this crop top sits just above the elbow. It makes it versatile for wearing all year round. I am 5’6 and I like that the skirt is a little longer because of the sexy side slit. It shows a little bit of leg but if I am wearing nylons or tights it would still be office appropriate.
It has definitely been the year of the crop top in plus size fashion and the controversy surrounding it has been endless. I have to admit while I have rocked a crop top on several occasions this was the first time I made the whole look body con. Now this is not something that I can wear to the office but I wanted to venture out and see how I felt. And you know what? I felt great!
I will admit that it took a little to get used to and the first few frames we shot I think I felt a little self conscious about my stretch marks and how pronounced my derriere is in the skirt but you can see from this picture that by the end all I was thinking about was how much fun I was having and how awesome it felt to be free and in the moment. Ladies, we only have one life to live. I have loved fashion my entire life and I have learned to not let my insecurities hold me back.
If you don’t try new things you will never know how far you can go and how much you can grow as a person. And it doesn’t have to be fashion, it’s whatever you have always dreamed of doing and been too afraid to try. I don’t think we ever honestly regret not trying something new even if it doesn’t work out but I think we definitely regret the things we wished we had done.
I decided to pair this look with the Parker Long Cardigan in black from SWAK Designs. The long cardigan is another must have trend for fall and this one is a great light weight rayon jersey mix with three quarter length sleeves. It is a very functional and versatile layering piece. I am wearing a size 4x and felt it is true to size.
To complete the look I added one of my favourite necklace purchases of 2015, this stunner from Your Big Sister’s Closet here in Toronto. I have worn this piece with so many outfits and I am never disappointed. YBSC only sells accessories in store but ladies if you are in the GTA I highly recommend you check them out. Karen finds the best pieces that fit us plus size gals and the price points are ah-mazing!
I then added a thick black bangle from my collection and a bright pink clutch from Coach.
And as much as I would like to rock a killer heel I stayed true to myself and rocked out my rose gold flats from Lane Bryant.
So I would like to end this post with a quote – “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” – Orson Welles.
A big thank you to Stef of the blog SassyPlus for capturing this look and always making me laugh. Girl, we have so much fun!
Crop Top by TORRID | Midi Pencil Skirt by TORRID | Cardigan by SWAK DESIGNS | Necklace by YOUR BIG SISTERS CLOSET (in store only) alternative | Clutch by COACH (alternative) | Bracelet by AVENUE (similar) |