TGIF my amazing blogger family, how are you doing? I hope you are doing okay during this difficult and scary time. I am thankful to all of you for being an important part of my support system and I am here for you if you need someone to talk to so please don’t be shy.
It’s a weird time to be a blogger particularly in the world of fashion when we are all staying home and practicing social distancing. This post is in partnership with Catherines and was planned long before our world changed.
But I asked all of you for your feedback and the response was a resounding yes to seeing my normal content. So here is the distraction you asked for. Thank you to Catherines for continuing your support and creating an amazing sense of community on your platforms. All opinions are my own as always.
One thing that hasn’t stopped is that spring has sprung and the weather is definitely getting warmer. I find great solace in being able to soak up some much needed sunshine these days. Because I live in a smaller city and the suburbs I am grateful that I can still go outside and still be safe. And thank god my Mom is living with me now. She has been the best company I could ask for.
So with the weather getting warmer, I have definitely been wanting to shed my winter layers and stop wearing the pants I typically wear all winter long. I don’t know about you but besides my PJs I probably find dresses to be the most comfortable thing to wear even if I am stuck at home.
The theme for this post is to Be Bold! Now that spring is upon us don’t be afraid to wear those bright colours and prints again. As plus size women we often still want to hide and not draw attention to ourselves but you know I am completely about being myself unapologetically and taking up space. Bold colours and prints make me happy so as I often say wear what you love.
Catherines has a great selection of dresses in their new spring arrivals. Even if you don’t feel like or can’t shop right now I think it is a nice distraction to window shop. I mean who doesn’t like looking at pretty things? Or maybe you want to just get something that makes you feel good while at home. That’s totally ok too.
Tropical prints are a big trend for spring and they can be worn any wear and anytime, you don’t have to save them for vacation. And there are so many different ones to choose from that I think anyone can find something that works for them including softer muted colours, monochromatic tones and crisp neutrals.
This first look is a silhouette that I don’t typically see from Catherines so I was happy to see them adding something new to their line up. The sweetheart neckline and thinner straps show a little bit more skin and give the dress a more romantic and feminine feel. I love that the straps are still bra friendly and line up perfectly with most bra straps. Because you know I am all about the details and I don’t like my bra strap showing.
The print is a little bit out of the box for me because it felt a little toned down for me on the website but in person the colours are much more vibrant. I really love the contrast of the navy with the green, teal and khaki. I can take or leave a handkerchief hen but I really loved the colour blocking detail against the print, it gives it a really clean finish. And this handkerchief her is designed properly so that it falls nicely and is perfect for twirling.
One other thing I love about this dress is that it has a stretch lining underneath the floaty georgette outer layer. I am a firm believer that plus size women need linings that have stretch to accommodate different body types. I can’t tell you how many times I haven’t purchased something because the lining doesn’t fit properly but everything else does. I am wearing the 4x in this dress which is my normal size but I would actually consider sizing down as it runs large, particularly in the bust. And all my petite ladies will be happy to know that this is also available in petites.
The warmer weather means I am also getting to bring out my sandals which my feet are so so happy about. These metallic wedges from Catherines are going to be on heavy rotation for me because they are comfortable and go with everything. And my bag collection is also coming out in full force!
For this second look I am pretty sure you are not surprised that I picked it. I mean look at these colours and this print! It just screams Lisa. I love that it is an unexpected colour combination for a tropical print. I also really enjoyed the subtle pops of black and white.
This twist knot maxi style is a Catherines staple and for good reason. This dress works for so many different body types, it’s comfortable, has a stretch fabric, the knot detail at the bust cinches you in at the waist, it’s bra friendly and is the perfect maxi length. It is also available in petites and goes up to a 6x. I am wearing the 4x.
I went a little bit extra here with the styling by adding these fun fuchsia shoes and this black bag with white colour blocking both in patent leather. All of my jewelry for both looks is also from Catherines and I am obsessed. I am excited to see them offering pieces that are a little more trendy.
So I want to hear from you, which look is your favourite and why? Could you see yourself wearing bold colours and prints like these?
Special thanks to Rebecca of Rebecca Northcott Photography for capturing these images.
Shop Look #1:
Dress by CATHERINES | Earrings by CATHERINES | Sandals by CATHERINES |
Shop Look #2:
Dress by CATHERINES | Earrings by CATHERINES | Bracelet by CATHERINES |
