|Style| Society+ Ultimate Fall Haul and Giveaway

I’m so excited to share my two must have fall pieces from Society+!  When Jessica contacted me to be part of the Ultimate Fall Haul, I jumped at the chance to curate the Haul along with other fabulous bloggers from across North America. 

jumper and metallic tattoos - Society+

It’s no surprise that when I came across this jumper, (similar to the black and green one I’d posted about before), I had to have it.  It’s the perfect fall answer to the need for a LBD, with way more versatility.  I love the loose fit, but with the tie at the waist, it gives you options for shape and fit.  The length in the leg is also a great feature.  It can be worn down or pulled up, giving more of a bubble dress illusion.  The neckline is open, with a light cowl on the back neckline.  You can wear it on the shoulder, giving it a cowl, or off the shoulder, straightening out the back.  So many options!  It’s the perfect fall jumper!  

cardigan - Society+

My other must have is this fantastic colour blocked waterfall cardigan.  It’s nice and long, so you can wrap it and play with it for many combinations.  It’s the kind of light piece that helps you transition into fall, and layer with once the cold sets in.  I love the burgundy, such a rich tone for fall/winter.  

I hope you love these versatile pieces as much as I do.  Head over to Society+ to shop mine and the other bloggers' pieces from the Ultimate Fall Haul collection.  Also Society+ and I are doing a giveaway for one of three $50 Society+ Gift Cards!  Enter below.  Contest will end at 11:59pm on Thursday October 29th.  Winners will be announced Friday October 30th.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

|Events| DARExSUZYPLUS In Store Meet and Greet

With (left to right) Karen, Assa, Thera. Also, Megan and Diana from Dare MAG.

Last week, as some of you may remember I was one of the bloggers involved in the DARExSUZYPLUS event, in store at the Suzy Shier, in the Dufferin Mall.  DARE Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Diana, hosted the evening, including a fashion show staring myself, Assa of My Curves and Curls, Karen of Curvy Canadian and Thera of Cloud 14+.  Each of us strutted the catwalk in two distinct looks from the new Fall collection from Suzy Shier+.  This is the first Fall collection from the Canadian retailer, for their newly founded Plus Size section.

My two looks were very different, but very fall trend focused.  My first look was boho with a south western vibe.  My second look had a more military influence.  Each look was head-to-toe Suzy Shier+.  Suzy has also just released boots in wide calfs, which is a plus girl’s answer to the calf boot trend problem!  

The ladies on the runway.

The new Fall collection is in store and online now.  Make sure to check it out now and keep a look out for more styles coming.  

|Style| DARExSUZYPLUS Part 2

jacket, dress, booties and bag - Suzy Shier+

A few weeks ago, you took a behind-the-scenes look at the DARExSUZYPLUS collaboration that I was selected to be a part of. DARE Magazine enlisted the help of myself and fellow bloggers Assa (My Curves and Curls), Thera (Cloud 14+) and Karen (Curvy Canadian) to help showcase the fall collection from Suzy Shier+. 

I am so excited to share these photos with you! This look is featured in the newest issue of DARE Magazine now. The feature showcases each blogger in their signature Suzy Shier+ look. This project was extra special for me, since I got to work with a few of my favourite ladies, of course being in DARE and working with my bf, Elliot, who shot each of us for the spread.   

As I’ve said before I love fall dressing. Everything is richer, softer and has more texture.  I fell in love with this windowpane printed shirtdress the moment I entered the plus size section of Suzy Shier. It’s just the right amount of structure for this trend-focused print.  I’m also a sucker for a dolphin hem, giving that nod to men’s tailoring in a shirtdress.  This denim jacket is the perfect topper to any fall look, but especially here. It takes the dress from sweet and polished, to a little more street and edgy, which is more my speed. I also love the little leather details on the pockets, which give the jacket a little more definition. I completed my look with some fantastic suede-look booties, a girl’s best friend in the fall and a great convertible crossbody/clutch purse with gold accents. 

Check out our feature in the new issue of DARE Magazine.

If you’re falling for the new collection as hard as I have, then you are in luck. Join me, Assa, Thera, Karen and DARE Magazine in store at Suzy Shier+! We will be at the Dufferin Mall location on Monday September 21st, from 5pm to 7pm for a mix and mingle event full of style tips, a fashion show, nibbles, prizes and more! Join us to have a closer look for yourself and some other exciting surprises to come. Hope to see you there and be sure to check out the newest issue of DARE to see all of the other bloggers‘ looks. And make sure to check out Suzy Shier+, both in store and online, for affordable on-trend fashions ranging from $12 to $56, in sizes 1X to 3X.

|Events| Fat Girl Food Squad x Parker & Pine Plus Size Pop-Up

For those of you that follow my Instagram, you’ve probably already noticed that I am one of the ‘friends’ involved of the upcoming Fat Girl Food Squad plus size, vintage and second-hand pop-up.  This time the ladies have partnered with Parker & Pine, to make this sale more inclusive, giving guys and gender neutral peeps the opportunity to shop and sell.  

The pop-up is happening at Artscape Youngplace (180 Shaw Street, Toronto) on Saturday September 12th, from 12-5pm.  There’s a $5 admission and the sale is a cash only event.  I would suggest bringing a reusable bag to carry your purchases home in and your wallet, because there are some awesome sellers and vendors this time around!  The sale includes, Parker and Pine (men’s plus size), some of the ladies of Fat Girl Food Squad (women’s plus size), Future is the Future (gender neutral gear), Nancy Flood (women’s plus size), Franceta Johnson (gender neutral wear), Mustang Sally Two (women’s plus size), Max (men’s wear), Tyler and Miah (men’s gear), Alex and Jenn (gender neutral pins, buttons and zines) and of course your’s truly.  

I know it’s surprising to think that I’m doing another Pop-up sale, considering I did one a few months ago, but I do love to shop, and my closet is full again!  I’ll be selling women’s plus size clothing, accessories and some lingerie as well (never worn - online orders gone wrong).  My pieces will range from 1X-4X, size 20-24.  Brands include Addition Elle, Penningtons, Torrid, Eloquii and more.  My prices range from $3 to $40, with a few special pieces that are more.

It’s going to be a fun day full of friends, shopping and plus size fashion for all!  Also fear not, because there’s a cafe at Artscape Youngplace - so there will be fuel for your day of shopping.  Hope to see you there!

|Events| #TorridHeartsToronto

Well ladies, it’s finally happened.  Torrid, the American plus size retailer, has opened their first doors in Canada!  The first of many new locations opened in Toronto, at the Eaton Centre on September 1st.  I was invited to attend the opening and mix and mingle with shoppers.  The event was full of shopping, cupcakes and special guests.  Karen, the blogger beauty behind Killer Kurves, along with Torrid models Georgina Burke and Philomena Kwao, were on hand to help lucky winners of a draw, be styled in a head-to-toe Torrid look.  

The beautifully decorated store is tightly packed with all of the latest Torrid fashions.  I, for one, am so excited to be able to shop the retailer in person now, something I’ve only until now been able to access online via the American site or a shopping trip Stateside.  If you follow my OOTDs you know that Torrid makes quite a few appearances.  I love their edgier style and swear by their Jegging fit jeans!  

shirt, jeans, belt and shoes - c/o of Torrid

I was so happy when Torrid wanted to dress me for the launch.  It wasn’t an easy task selecting one look from their new arrivals, but after some debating I did it.  I decided on this amazing longline, sleeveless, collared shirt.  I liked the fact that it’s sheer and is the perfect topper for the Jegging fit jean I paired with it.  I think I have every colour they’re available in now.  I accented the look with a simple, yet sexy pair of black wedges and reversible belt (the other side is brown).  I had to head to work after the event, so I opted for an all black look (see: makeup artists wear all black, all the time).  What I love about all these individual pieces is the way they work together, but they will be amazing additions to my current wardrobe.  

With Torrid's beautiful models, Philomena and Georgina (top to bottom),  Catching up with blogger friends Allie and Karen (left to right).

The location at the Eaton Centre is just the first to be open in the GTA, with more to come.  Keep a lookout for more locations coming soon!

|Events| Melissa McCarthy Seven7 Launch

I don’t think it’s any surprise that I’m a Melissa McCarthy fan.  She’s hilarious, beautiful, intelligent and now the name behind the newest plus size line.  Seven7, a clothing collection inspired by the life and travel of the funny lady herself, launched in Canada, exclusively at Penningtons, this past Sunday.  

The event was largely blogger driven, with a meet and greet with myself and the other ladies involved.  Seven7 was showcased on a few very special bodies.  Penningtons enlisted Chastity (GarnerStyle), Chanté (Everything Curvy and Chic), Sarah Rae (Ravings By Rae) and my sister from another mister, Jessica (Life and Style of Jessica Kane) from the U.S.  Fear not though, Assa (My Curves and Curls), Sasha and Garcia (Flaws of Couture), Karen (Curvy Canadian) and Jessica (Clothes and Shit) were representing the Canadian bloggers.  And to top it off, the event was hosted by one of my favourite stylists, Erica Wark!  

Not only was it great to meet and catch up with all my blogger babes, both modeling and mingling, but I also got to shop the collection!  I would be lying if I said I hadn’t creeped the collection online and in all the press information I had received.  I was on a mission to collect up the wears I had been coveting.  I did try on a fair amount of the pieces and have to say that overall I am very happy with the collection.  The fit is very tailored and structured with amazing stretch.  The pants are a dream!  I fell in love with the burgundy jeans, which fit better than any jean I’ve ever put on from the rack (I usually have to peg my skinny jeans).  I’m also really into the manufacturing and attention to detail that went into the construction of the line.  And a great feature is that a lot of the pieces are reversible which gives a lot of versatility.  

With my girl, Jessica Kane.

The collection is available at Penningtons and online.  It’s a little bit of a higher price point than the core offerings from the plus size retailer, but considering the construction, fabrications and the versatility, I think it’s totally worth checking out.  And the sizes run from 1X-3X in tops, with bottoms ranging from 14 to 28!  I obviously snapped up some goodies, but you’ll have to keep your eye on the blog for an upcoming post to see what I got! 

tank and vest - Addition Elle | culottes - Forever 21+ | shoes - Forever 21 | necklace - Stella & Dot

|Style| DARExSUZYPLUS Part 1

Recently, I had the fun opportunity to shop Suzy Shier+, with fellow bloggers Assa (My Curves and Curls), Thera (Cloud 14+) and Karen (Curvy Canadian) for a new feature in the upcoming fall issue of DARE Magazine.  We had the chance to check out the pre-fall fashions and shop the shoes and accessories from the Suzy Shier line as well. It was so nice to catch up with these ladies and shop at the same time!

My shopping partners clockwise from left, Diana (DARE Magazine), Assa, Karen and Thera

The best part of the Suzy Shier+ line is that there’s something for everyone.  As fashion bloggers, we each have such distinct and individual styles.  We’re also all different shapes, heights and sizes, yet none of us had a difficult time putting together many amazing looks. And as ladies that do a lot of shopping, the pieces are so reasonably priced ranging from $12 to $56, with sizes ranging from 1X to 3X.   

I know I’ve said it before, but fall truly is my favourite!  All the layers, textures and new prints for the season always give me new life after the heat and minimal dressing of summer. While shopping the Suzy Shier+ selection, I wasn’t disappointed.  There were soft layering cardigans, rich hues of burgundy and browns, great denim pieces and black and white windowpane prints, which are all on-trend for fall.  I loved the pieces I saw and the helpful ladies from Suzy Shier assured us that there would be even more to come in September.  While shopping, I couldn’t resist moving into the shoe and accessory departments as well.  I fell in love with a few shoes and bags in black suede and muted beiges with warm gold detailing—all musts for fall.     

If you’re as excited as I am about the fall collection from Suzy Shier+, join myself, Assa, Thera, Karen and DARE Magazine for an in-store event to shop with us!  It’s all happening on Monday, September 21st from 5PM-7PM at the Dufferin Mall location.  There will be goodies, contests, nibbles and more!  And let’s not forget the shopping part! 

Keep an eye out for more information to come and for the newest issue of DARE on September 14^th.  Also, be sure to check the current Suzy Shier+ selection in-store and online now.

|Style| Four One[sie] Six

onsie - Medocino | top - Forever 21+ | shoes - Footlocker | bag - Urban Outfitters | necklace - Forever 21

Jumpsuit, romper, playsuit, onesie...whatever you call them, it’s safe to say that I love them.  If you’ve been following my Style posts then you’ve probably noticed a few posts centered around the ease of this versatile trend.  And if you’ve been paying even closer attention, you would have spotted this particular piece before.

Back in June you may have seen this onsie, but in army green.  It’s no shocker that this piece is ultra comfortable and easy to wear.  So of course I got it in more than one colour!  

onesie - Mendocino | shoes - Addition Elle | necklace - Aldo Accessories | dog - Captain Wilbur Von Pugglesworth

What I love most about this piece is that you can wear it alone, and it’s sexy and simple, or you can wear it as a great layering piece.  Personally I prefer wearing it layered.  Here I paired the black version alone and with a very simple top, knotted at the natural waist.  This look is casual and comfy, easy to run around the city in, while still looking cute.  

|Style| Romper Days

I’ve always loved the look of jumpsuits and rompers.  It’s one piece dressing, just like a dress, it’s on and it’s a whole look.  You can dress them up or down, depending on where you take the look with your accessories.  Even though I love the concept and look of them, I’ve been wary of rompers in the past.  Shorts are a difficult item for me to wear.  Chub-rub, the constant riding up and finding the right length...the struggle is very real.  But in the spirit of dressing outside the box, I went for it when I found this romper.   

It’s the print that really attracted me to this romper.  I like that it’s a bold print, but because it has so much detail in it, it doesn’t appear too busy.  I also love the drawstring waist, with the little metal ends and the black trim that grounds the print.  

romper - Addition Elle | shoes - Aldo | bag - Call It Spring | necklace - Aldo Accessories

Since there is a lot of print going on in this look, I wanted to keep the rest of the look clean and simple.  I wanted to compliment the blue in the print, so I paired it with a coral bag.  I drew from the black and white as well for the shoes and necklace with a focus on gold accents.

|Style| Beach, Please!

swim top - Forever 21+ | swim bottoms - Cactus (Addition Elle) | bag - Forever 21 | sunglasses and chain - Aldo Accessories

Summertime means a few things; sun, bright colours, more time outside and of course, the beach!  Heading to the beach just wouldn’t be the same without that cute little swim suit. 

When I came across this swim top I knew I wanted it, but if I’m being honest, I wasn’t sure it would ever see the light of day.  Don’t get me wrong, I love wearing crop tops and I've worn swim tops as clothing and for shoots before, but out to the beach, nope.

I’ve always been hesitant of showcasing too much skin when out in public (see: body shaming).  And like so many women every summer, the swimwear stress is real.  But once I found these high waisted bottoms, I knew this combo would be too cute to only wear in private.  It was liberating to lay in the sun and tan.  I felt amazing and all the anxiety I’ve felt for so long, just melted away.  I know I’m late to the bikini (or fatikini if you want) party, but I’m here now!    

I paired my bikini with simple accessories.  Every beach day calls for flip flops, a beach bag (how cute is this one?) and large sunnies.  

It was a beautiful day in the sun, one I plan on repeating many times over.

|Style| One Look - Two Ways | Printed Pants

Nothing says summertime fashion like prints.  Summer is a chance to play with bright, bold colours and mixes that you might not usually wear.  Here I show you two ways to wear, what has quickly become my favourite summer pant.  

When I first saw these palm leaf printed pants, I was hesitant.  They reminded my of a Florida retiree’s button down.   But I was so in love with the cut and fit that I couldn’t leave them behind.  Also, they are so incredibly comfortable, which is another reason they have become a favourite.

tank top and pants - Addition Elle | shoes and bag - Call It Spring | necklace - Stella & Dot | sunglasses - Aldo Accessories

For the first look I paired my pants against a simple white woven tank.  I wanted to draw on the colours from the print, so I brought out the chartreuse in the palm leaves and complimented that with this coral clutch.  The look is playful and fun.  It’s casual and easy.  

vest - Forever 21+ | necklace - Forever 21 | bag - Call It Spring

For the second look I took the same base pieces, including the shoes, and dressed it up.  I added this structured white vest to keep the look light, but it gives it a more polished vibe.  I also mixed prints with my stripe clutch.  The printed pants give this look a bit of an edge against the other minimal pieces.  

Also I should mention that my hair did change significantly between these two looks, so that also adds to the effect.

|Preview| Addition Elle and Ecco Fall 2015

Experiencing one of the hottest weeks of summer so far, it’s difficult to think about Fall fashion.  But if you haven’t noticed, rich hues and heavier fabrics have started to trickle onto retail racks everywhere.   Forever mentally building my perfect Fall wardrobe, I’ve defiantly started to window shop.

A few months ago, I got the chance to check out the Fall 2015 collections from Addition Elle and Ecco Shoes.

One of the best parts of Fall, is the chance to transform and evolve your style.  The textures are richer.  The colours are more lush.  And the trends are very focused.  This Fall, Addition Elle calls on the 70s in a big way.  Think suede, fringe, structure and shades of brown and burgundy.  I’m very excited for a all the 70s trends I’ve been seeing, and I love that Addition Elle did not shy away from the more trendy notes.  

Structure plays a big role for Fall as well.  Suiting with attention to tailoring is a strong focus.  Pieces range from coordinated sets, longline jackets and wide leg pants.  My personal favourite is the longline vest and faux leather vest.  Both great layering pieces that can either give some edge or make a look more minimal.   

And what is Fall, if not the kickoff to boot season!  Ecco doesn’t disappoint with well constructed leather wears.  Whether it be the edgy sporty high tops or a great heeled ankle boot, I’m dreaming of wandering the city on a chilly day.  

Keep an eye out for these collections, coming to stores now, until mid August.   

|Beauty| #GayIsOk

Can you imagine a world where loving someone could be illegal?  Well this is true in 76 countries, because it’s a crime to be gay, including 10 countries where it’s punishable by death.  And in no country in the world, do lesbian, gay, bi or trans people have full equality.  As a huge supporter of the LGBTQ community and a human being I think this is unacceptable! 

#GayIsOk is the new campaign from LUSH, which launched on June 25th and will run until July 4th.  During this time LUSH will be selling the Love Soap, which is a fun and deliciously scented gold bar soap with all proceeds going to support grassroots LGBTQ equality groups all around the world!  The idea is to share the love by using social media to snap a picture of customers with their Love Soap and to let the world know why they think #GayIsOkay.  The funds raised will be granted to the groups through the All Out website.  

Help spread the word and support those that need our help to have the same basic rights to love that you have.  Everyone should be allowed to love, because no one has the right to take love away from anyone else.  Being gay should not be seen as a crime, and it’s time the world woke up to that fact.  I think #GayIsOk and I hope you will show your support by making the $5.95 donation to All Out and smelling fantastic as a result!  The Love Soap will be available in LUSH stores everywhere and online.   

Everyone deserves love!  

p.s Happy PRIDE Week to everyone in Toronto!

|Style| White With A Hint Of Lime

The sun is out and I’m feeling fresh and colourful.  This outfit of the day is my take on minimal.

I fell in love with this white vest the moment I saw it.  Unfortunately at the time it wasn’t available in my size.  One day, on a restless wait for the bf to call me back before heading home from the day job, I stumbled upon the white vest again...only one...in...my..size!  It was meant to be (at least that’s how I’m justifying my spending...this time around anyways)!

vest - forever 21+ | tank top - Torrid | pants - Addition Elle | shoes - Call It Spring | bag - Urban Outfitters | necklace and earrings - forever 21

Wanting to keep the look very clean and minimalistic, I opted to go simple with just a splash of colour.  I picked up this great reversible bag on sale and knew that it would be the perfect burst of colour against the white of my vest and the army green of the pants.

|Style| COLLECTiON By PRiMAALA Spring/Summer 2015

COLLECTiON by PRiMAALA, is the new in-house label offered by owner and designer, Rachel Holt.  Matching the high-end labels PRiMAALA is known for, the new collection is simple, yet refined.  You can see the thought process of a creator that knows the elements of design, but at the same time, curated with elegant details and taste.  This is just the first season of COLLECTiON by PRiMAALA, with more coming for Fall.

Wearing Asher Tee and Carly Blazer (with silver chain - also comes with gold and gunmetal)

As you know by now, Rachel and I have been friends for a long time.  I’ve been fortunate enough to see the development of the line from it’s inception.  I was excited to check out the collection in person and finally have the chance to try on a few pieces.  Unfortunately for me the collection has been very successful, so not all the wares were available for me to try on.  So if you like what you see, I strongly suggest checking it out in store immediately.

Wearing Sara Dress

|Beauty| Life's A Beach

Unless you’ve been living in an unfortunate hole in the ground, you would have heard about all the damage that microbeads have been causing.  Microbeads, the teeny tiny bites of plastic that come in common everyday items like scrubs and toothpaste are too small to be filtered out by water filtration systems.  These harmful little things have been collecting up and polluting our waterways, and in turn, poisoning marine life.  

The good news is that LUSH has come up with a wonderfully scented solution.  I was lucky enough to get a first look at Life’s A Beach, the limited edition body scrub, with natural scrubbers - no damaging plastics here!  

Life’s A Beach Body Scrub offers scrubbing sand and fine sea salt, to gently exfoliate the skin.  Both are easy on the skin and perfect for the environment!  Not only does your skin feel silky soft, it smells delicious.  It wouldn’t be an amazing LUSH product without an intoxicating scent, and the sweet vanilla-caramel does not disappoint!  It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and it leaves a delicate lingering on the skin well after use.  

If all that wasn’t amazing enough, 100% of the sale price goes to good use.  The $6.95 from each 3.3oz pot, goes to grassroots organizations working towards putting an end to microplastic pollution.  A luxurious, natural scrub that makes your skin and heart feel good?  100% of the sales going to help the cause?  YAS KWEEN!  

Get your hands on this beautiful new and limited product, Friday June 5th, both online and in store! 

|Events| Consign Your Curves 2015 - Part 2

Over the past weekend I was in my hometown of Guelph, selling my closet at the 3rd annual Consign Your Curves event.  It was a jam packed Saturday, full of meet and greets, new and old friends, great deals and lots of body positivity! 

I spent the day organizing my rack and chatting with shoppers about the pieces I had for sale and different ways to wear things.  Being a veteran of sales like this, I knew what pieces would be popular.  It was no surprise that my edge to edge rack was almost sold out be the end of the sale, leaving behind only a small assortment of random things.  

With founder of CYC Carlie

I wanted to give a big shout out to Carlie, the organizer and founder of Consign Your Curves.  It was such an amazing success!  The turn out was bigger both in sellers (40!) and shoppers than ever before!  The day saw some awful weather (rain storm anyone?), and it did get a little hot in the venue, but nothing could keep a plus size girl from a killer deal!  I even snapped up a great pair of black leather on black suede boots, that had never been worn for only $20!   

I want to send out a huge thank you to everyone that shopped my closet!  I’m so happy my pieces, both from retailers and a few Jessica Biffi originals, went to fabulous homes and will have a new fashionable life!  

Look out for events like this in your area.  It’s a great way to connect to your local plus size community and who among us doesn’t love to shop at a sweet discount?!    

top - Forever 21+ | onesie - Mendocino | necklace - Aldo Accessories | shoes - Forever 21

Knowing the day would be busy, physical and hot, I opted to wear something very comfortable, but still chic.  I am so completely obsessed over this onesie!  It’s the perfect combination of function and fashion!  Here I paired it with a sheer panel and crochet top, for light layering.  Keep an eye out for another post coming shortly featuring this piece in another colour (obviously I got more than one!) and different ways to wear it.