Early Winter

Mentally I’m just not prepared for how early winter has seemed to hit the midwest this year. I’m trying to adjust, but honestly all I’m doing these days is listening to sad music and reading books and watching gilmore girls. I also bought a few LUSH gift baskets to enjoy over the new few weeks. I love the spicy winter scents like Hot Toddy and Lord of Misrule. What are you doing for self-care these days?

This skirt I’m wearing here is a bit of a departure from my usual looks, but I really love it. It’s got an elastic waist, pockets and that cool handkerchief hem. I paired it with leggings (well it is FREEZING outside) and my new Sam Edleman booties.  My hair is a little crazy here I’m on the way to get it done today. It’s fun to try a slightly new/different look though.

OUTFIT DETAILS
Yoko Draped Skirt – via Gwynnie Bee – sz 2x #gwynniebee
Sheer black button-up – Forever 21 – sz 2x
Nude cami – Nordstrom Rack – sz XL
Leggings – Spanx – sz XL (I’m so sad these are no longer made and I have to find mine at nordstrom rack, but they’re almost totally gone)
Ankle booties – Sam Edelman LUCCA bootie from Nordstrom Rack
Necklace – Forever 21
Waxed Denim Moto – H&M+
Glasses – SEE EYEWEAR

I still absolutely adore my gwynnie bee membership – if you haven’t managed to sign up yet – DO IT!!

Shapewear

Shapewear is such a contentious issue in the fatshionista world.  I personally like shapewear – though I’m not for contorting myself into shapes that feel totally uncomfortable.

Basically it comes down to how much i like Spanx and Spanx-like shorts (bifurcated shapers).  They give me a smooth line under dresses and pants and they have the added benefit of preventing thigh-rub.  Perfect.  I usually buy a size up from the recommended size – that way I don’t feel like i’m a stuffed sausage.

I really dig the Higher-power line, because instead of ending at the waist, they go all the way up to the bra-line.  I like this because I usually tuck the top underneath my bra, which actually makes wearing a fitted bra much more comfortable too.  Spanx recently came out with a new material for their power panties – it’s a more sleek material that prevents clothing from sticking to it.  Those of you that are Spanx-wearers probably know how cotton dresses can often stick to the shapewear, causing lots of fidgeting and tugging.

In-Power Line Super Higher Power from Spanx – $38.  Image from spanx.com

For those of you on a budget, I do actually recommend the Assets line that is carried at Target (and online at the link).  It’s by the same company that makes Spanx, but they’re just a little less fancy.  Biggest difference, the assets line products do not have gussets.  My favorite Assets product is the high-waist mid-thigh shaper.