In The Thick Of It is a plus size fashion blog by queer femme Amanda Lee Stilwell based out Chicago, IL
Weekend wedding and I needed something pretty and chic. I went with this great Vince Camuto blue and black lace dress. Kept things simple with some faux suede peep toe wedges and a vintage coach bag I thrifted in New Orleans last year. My glasses are from See Eyewear my spouse is wearing a bolo tie by minima maxima
Just a quick post of one of my Las Vegas looks.
City Chic top
Universal Standard waxed denim
Sam Edelman silver sandal
Vince camuto bag
Black Cami
Glasses – see eyewear
When Old Is New
I am sure you all know how difficult it can be to find cute plus size vintage pieces. A good vintage dress with the right accessories can be a perfect staple in any wardrobe.
I was thrilled to discover Stranger Bird Vintage an etsy shop that features a wonderful selection of plus size vintage pieces. This lovely black lace-sleeve dress jumped out at me specifically and I’m so happy to own it. Since it still isn’t actually warm in Chicago, I’ve paired it with a light scarf and boots.
Stranger Bird Vintage is offering 15% off to my readers with code THICKOFIT15
OUTFIT DETAILS
Lace-sleeve dress – Stranger Bird Vintage – Vintage size 16
Belt – Forever 21, Sz 1XL
Black Boots – Vince Camuto
Scarf – Dorothy Perkins
Glasses – SEE Eyewear
quartz earrings – gift
Sweater Dress and shopping in Chicago
Shopping during the holidays can be a little much for me (I get crazy bad anxiety in crowds), but I wanted to support some local shops on Shop Local Saturday. So I ventured out in this warm H&M sweater dress I’ve owned for ages and this lovely TwoJ’s Fencer Jacket and my super comfortable boots. Shopping was a huge success – I got a few locally made letterpress cards, and a few small gifts for my family.
What local/small businesses are you shopping at this year? I recommend the great businesses listed on my Logan Square post. In the next few days, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite etsy and online shops!
OUTFIT DETAILS
Gray Sweater Dress – H&M, Sz L (super stretchy!)
Leggings – Forever 21+, Sz 1X
Fencer Jacket – TwoJ’s
Studded Leather Purse – Vince Camuto
Quartz Earrings – Etsy
Boots – Steve Madden, Sz 11
Bracelets – Nordstrom Rack
Glasses – SEE Eyewear
Pushing the boundaries – Being Plus Size in 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target
I’m always excited to find out about budget-friendly designer lines. While these lines are more accessible to the wallet, they’re still not designed for a plus size body. Straight size XL is the largest size the designer lines for Target go to. Not exactly pushing boundaries. But I don’t mind a challenge – which is to say, I’m not bound by sizes and if something is stretchy, I like to play with the shape on my frame. It doesn’t always work, but it’s nice to see what comes of fabrics. I also know this option is super limited – or rather not available to all plus size folks. But still, a good reminder to not feel completely limited by the number that’s listed on a garment (anyone who thrifts knows this rule!!!)
The new 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection is lovely. The materials used included a lot of polyester silky fabrics and non-stretch, which gave me a worry that I wouldn’t be able to find anything to stretch over my curves. When I came across this lovely animal print stretch dress I gasped. It reminded me of something Peg Bundy or Divine would wear. Especially when on a plus size body.
I went on a walk with my sweet pups and wore my new dress. I paired it with sheer black stockings, my stompy vince camuto boots and my new H&M waxed denim moto jacket. I feel super great in this dress – a great score, right?
OUTFIT DETAILS
3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Animal Print dress – XL
Waxed Denim Moto Jacket from H&M – 18
Sheer black tights – Hanes
Black boots – Vince Camuto
Glasses – SEE Eyewear
The sheerest of the sheer dress
Another new piece for my summertime looks. Of course since it’s still quite cool in chicago, I’ve paired it with a lot of layers.
This dress is so great for layering – I’ve got it here with leggings, but could easily also go over another dress, a slip, or even jeans.
Sheer Dress – Forever 21+ 2X
Camisole – St. Eve (nordstrom rack), XL
Leggings – Forever 21+ 2X
Boots – Vince Camuto
Jacket – GAP
Cross Necklace – Forever 21
Crystal bullet necklace – etsy
Pyramid earrings – Wilson/Clark imports
Glasses (both) – SEE
Quartz Ring – Stone and Honey
Belt – Nordstrom Rack – 1X
Hair by Heather of Black Hearts Hair House, Chicago
In The Thick Of It 