Glamour

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you have a fantastic week!

This post highlights a look that I purchased from the latest Melissa McCarthy collection available exclusively in Canada at Penningtons.

I was lucky to be one of the winners of the #PenningtonsLovesMelissa contest on Instagram from the initial launch of her line so I thought it was only fitting that I spent it on some pieces from the new collection.

This collection was released in late November and I was more impressed with it then I was with the launch collection which says a lot! The fabrics are luxurious, the pieces continue to have signature details and the fit is impeccable. I also felt there was a good range in the types of pieces which also included some perfect holiday looks.

Probably the most exciting thing for me was that tops in this collection came in a 4x. This was the biggest complaint I had from the launch collection and I was very impressed when I found out that they had responded to this concern from their customers so quickly.

I would also like to point out how lucky we are here in Canada ladies because based on my research, Penningtons is the only retailer that is offering the Melissa McCarthy line to carry a 4x top and a full range of size 4x and 28 bottoms. Not even melissamccarthy.com has a 4x or size 28 available.

I tried on a number of pieces and I found that the fit had improved in the tops. Originally I found that while the bottoms were very generous in their fit, I found the tops to fit small, particularly in the arms. The 4x’s that I tried on all fit, including the shirts with no stretch. And there was definitely much more room in the arms.

Now for the specifics on this look. I immediately fell in love with these Vegan Moto Skinny Pants in black. Leather pants have been a big trend and not something that is widely available in my size but these had the same great fit as the Ponte de Roma ones that were available in early fall. I love the zipper pockets and the different seams that define your leg. And the textured pattern of the faux leather adds another level of visual interest. I am wearing the 4x.

For me being a non fur lover 5 months ago, I have to say things have certainly changed since then. What I loved about this Short Sleeve Faux Fur Cape Coat was that it had short sleeves! I love the look and feel of sweaters but I always struggle with feeling too hot especially at my office where my own personal office is like a sauna. I have a fan going on my desk 365 days a year!

I also felt that the piece had great versatility as the fur collar is removable. I saw myself wearing the collar when I was out and about but taking it off during the day while I was inside. And it will be a great transition piece for both spring and fall without the collar.

The fabric is super soft and feels so cozy. And the fit is very generous. I originally tried on the 4x and while the intention is for this piece to be oversized, I ended up only needing the 3x while still achieving the intended look.

The fur is also a really great quality with a beautiful range of colours in it. Some faux fur can look cheap but this is the complete opposite. This coat is also available in winter white.

I originally tried this on in store with a cowl neck top in winter white that was also from the collection. However, it was the one piece I tried where I felt that the fit wasn’t that great. And at this point I had a vision of wearing all black. So I pulled out this simple black tunic blouse from my closet that is also from Penningtons that I picked up last year. You could also easily add a plain black long sleeve tee to achieve the same monochromatic look.

When it came time to decide the feeling I wanted to evoke when I shot this look, “Glamour” immediately came to mind. I think that if you know me, then you know that all black is definitely not something I do very often. So I channelled the energy of my good friend and fashionista extraordinaire Thera of the blog Cloud 14+. What I love about Thera is she always brings a level of luxury and excess to her looks without it being over the top. She kills it every time.

So with this in mind I went in full on accessory mode. I love this statement necklace that is full of sparkle and shine from Pinch Gear, one of my favourite online jewelry retailers. I mean I think this was only $10! I also added a simple gold ball earring.

Then I added not one but two statement bracelets. Why not? Accessories allow us to express our personalities and add flair to any outfit. The black and gold one is from Lane Bryant and the gold cuff is from Avenue.

Now can we talk about this gold sparkly Furla bag? You may recognize it as my boo Thera was the one to buy and first sport this beauty. But we are all about sharing and I took this gorgeous bag for a spin. Let’s just say she introduced me to another brand to spend my money on, like I needed any help in that area!

Finally why not go for some more sparkle by adding these black sparkle flats by Lane Bryant.

I felt like a total bad ass in this look and the glamour and sophistication I felt came through in these photos. I know Thera would tell me that it is “fierce” and that puts a smile on my face. 🙂

Thanks to my beautiful friend Stef of SassyPlus for the gorgeous photos.

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Lisa Schoenberger