Chels Wears: A Plus-Size "Don't"

Chambray: WalMart | Crop Top: American Eagle | Necklace: Urban Outfitters | Bracelet: Charlotte Russe

Pants: Target | Sneaker Wedges: UrbanOG

Okay. So I know that a lot of readers come to this space because I'm known as a plus-size girl with a plus-sized confidence. But I will let you in on some truth. I was worried about wearing this outfit.

I love the crop top trend, I think it is so fun and perfect for warmer weather. I have at least five crop tops, though I usually only wear them around the house or as a cover up for the beach/pool. And I also love high waisted pants because they make you look extra curvy. But as a plus-sized women, I have been told multiple times that both of these are a fashion "don't" for women like me. So I was nervous when I realized that I was putting this outfit together and actually liked it. Showing my stomach in public is not really my forte. Not just because I'm a bigger girl, but because I usually stay more on the modest side in general.

However, to be real honest. I actually like this look. I think it's sassy. I think it's a great way to show off my sneaker wedges for the first time. The only thing that I don't like is that I don't think my butt looks as cute as it normally does in any of these pictures and I seriously need a tan. But besides those two things, I don't hate it. Will I wear it again? Maybe. But I don't repeat outfits often anyway so that's not a good judgement. I guess what I'm saying is, I lacked the normal confidence I always have naturally with my clothes when I first put this outfit together. But if I don't push myself out of my own comfort zone, who would? And who will be there to tell little chubby girls that they are beautiful and can wear whatever they want to, if I'm not? Because that's really what this outfit comes down to. I was always told not to wear these things because I'm fat. But I know I'm beautiful and I appreciate my body as it is, flaws and all, so I wore these pieces anyway. Because if you ask me, I'm still rocking this look just as well as any skinny girl would. And I want younger chubby girls to know they can do the same. I don't want them to grow up in a world that tells them they cannot wear something. I want them to love fashion and love mixing different pieces together. I have always loved to do that. So why would I let a couple fat girl fashion "don'ts" stop me from doing what I love? What do you think?

Currently...

I feel like I haven't talked to you guys forever since Fashion Week took over this space last week. So I figured that now would be a good time to do a "Chelsea Lately" post. Here's what I've been up to recently.

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Listening: The Lungs album by Florence and the Machine, on vinyl. Santa brought me this gem and I have been blasting it every morning while getting ready. It is perfect primping/ready to take on the day music.

Eating: Every recipe I've ever pinned on Pinterest. Seriously, like a real cook.

Wanting to buy: A bathing suit. More specifically, a one piece that has an actual bra in it and doesn't look like it was designed for my grandmother, and doesn't have one of those frilly skirts that are supposed to "hide" my thighs. Sexy one piece, why is this hard to find?

Reading: Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement. I'm only two chapters in and already love and feel overly emotional about the characters.

Watching: High Fidelity. I can never decide if I like John Cusack in this movie or not.

Admiring: Sarah from Coming Unstitched for writing this honest post about motherhood.

Drinking: Water. So much water. I feel like I'll probably drown soon.

Wearing: This American Eagle zip-up. So comfy. So bright. So perfect. Also, a lot of flats, which means I'm not wearing socks, which means it might actually be spring around here! Holler.

Losing sleep over: Everything and nothing. I make a list of so many things I need to do the next day every night before going to sleep and think, how am I ever going to get all of this done, but then just let God take care of it. Plans will work out, or they won't and I know I only have so much control over them so why worry about it all? Proverbs 16:9 is my motto.

Loving: The recent growth-spurt my hair is having!

Excited about: This weekend in the 'burgh! Getting to see MJ Friday and then bridal shower and bachelorette party for my girl, Hannah, on Saturday. This is my first time being a bridesmaid so I'm excited!

Thankful for: My brother. Honestly. There is no cooler person.

 What's going on with you all recently?

Fashion Week: Meet Sara of Sincerely, Sara!

Let's get it started! I'm so excited to bring you the 2nd Annual Chels & the City Fashion Week! In honor of two years of Fashion Forward Fridays, there are some fabulous ladies lined up to be featured this week and I hope you come back every day to meet them! Along with meeting some fabulous ladies, you have the opportunity to win a $50 Target gift card, so that you can get a jump start on your spring wardrobe - after being inspired with this week of fashionistas I'm sure you won't have a hard time spending it. So sit back, grab some coffee, enter the giveaway and enjoy meeting some great bloggers!

To start us off is Sara of Sincerely, Sara. I've been following Sara's blog for a little over a year and love her comfy-chic style. She always makes fabulous inspiration boards of outfits based on popular books and movies and is such a down to earth lady, you cannot help but want to follow along with her blog. Every time I visit her page I feel like I'm sitting down for a coffee date with a friend. I really value her opinion when she does product reviews because she seems so honest and up front with her readers. And she's also in the process of writing a novel (or two, or three) so you know her writing is fun to read too! Enjoy!

All photos provided by Sara.

How would you define your style?

It’s so hard to put into words what my style is even though I know it so well! I would say that it’s colorful, comfortable, simple, and has a dash of nerdy chic! I do mix it up sometimes and can lean towards feminine, boho, and urban styles, but in a way that’s me.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Since I just graduated from grad school and only work part-time at the moment, I don’t have a lot of money to spend on clothes, so my favorite places to shop are Target, Forever 21, H&M, Old Navy, American Eagle, T.J. Maxx, and Marshall's. But even if I made a million dollars I would still shop at these stores.

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet?

I seem to have an endless amount of cardigans in various colors! An endless amount of something is probably too many! When I don’t know what to wear, my go-to outfit is a cardigan, blouse, jeans, and flats. For me, it works every time and never fails to make me feel put together.

My other go-to pieces are scoop neck tees, dark wash jeans, blue dresses, and flats.

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

I generally get outfit ideas from other bloggers because these girls are just so chic! If it’s not from bloggers, then it’s from what I find on Pinterest, or in magazines, or just out and about in the world. I also love finding inspiration from the characters I see on TV or in movies because they’re styled so well (Jess from New Girl and Mindy from The Mindy Project for instance).

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them?

Be true to yourself and what you like! When I was in high school, I didn’t branch out and try new styles because I was afraid of what people would think. I thought that they would believe that I was being fake by not wearing what I normally wore, so I wish I’d had more fun with my clothes then. Fashion is supposed to be fun and make you feel good, so wear what makes you feel like you!

When and why did you start fashion blogging?

I started blogging in November of 2011 initially because everyone kept telling me I should do it because I’m a writer and writers are supposed to have blogs. Well, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to blog about at first, but then after a few months I decided to blog about the things that I really love, so now I write about fashion, books, inspiration, and sometimes my thoughts.

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging?

I don’t think my style has changed all that much since I started blogging, but I would say that I’m more willing to take some fashion risks and try new things now. I’ve also learned the importance of accessories (scarves, necklaces, bracelets, belts). They really do finish an outfit and make it look more put together.

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

Make a list of the things that you love and would be happy to talk about endlessly. The top 3-5 things are what you should blog about, whether it’s architecture, shoes, beauty, science, or all of the above. When you love something people respond to that; we all just wanted to find like-minded people. There’s a big chance that someone else loves the same thing you do, and would be more than happy to have the chance to talk to you about it. What I’m really saying is: be you because you’re awesome and other awesome people want to be your friend!

Sincerely, Sara | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Bloglovin | Instagram

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Chels Wears: Flannel & Lace

Lace Tank: American Eagle | Lace Scarf & Belt: Unknown | Ring, Bracelets & Necklace: Charlotte Russe

Flannel: WalMart | Jeans & Cardigan: JCPenney | Boots: Payless

Oh hey, -12, but feels like, -29 degree weather! I hate your stinkin' guts. Seriously though, how are some of you ladies going outside and standing out there until you get pictures that are worthy of putting on your blog? Not so much over here, especially since I have to convince my photographer (aka: my brother) to go outside with me. But, plus side of living with your brother, who is a pastor...living in a house that is connected to a church that has a lot of little spaces to take pictures in. Like this cute little library! The library in this church is actually quite extensive, which is impressive to me. It's actually divided up by sections of genre and people from the church donate books to be checked out there. Does anyone else have a library like this in their church because it seems like an amazing idea to me.

In other news, my brother would also like for me to tell all of you that this flannel shirt is his. So, hey everyone, this is Eric's shirt. To be fair, I bought it for him for his birthday and I asked permission before stealing it for the day. I just have a beef with women's flannels because most of the ones that I have and see in stores are not real flannel. They are really just plaid and are not of the flannel material that actually keeps you warm. Ain't nobody got time for that! It feels like -29 degrees outside, I need a real flannel!

Hope you all are staying warm! 

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet Jeana & John!

Hello fashion fans! Today you are in for a treat because I have TWO people to feature for Fashion Forward Fridays. I had a free afternoon yesterday so I made my way up to the lookout area of Mt. Washington to take a few pictures of the city. But while I was there, I saw Jeana and John and could not pass them up for Fashion Forward Fridays.

John & Jeana - great shoes & tans.

They were just too adorable together and were in bright colors that it really made me want to feature them and have both of them be in this post. It's not all the time that you see an equally fashionable couple. And although Jeana was actually just coming to the area to visit John, a Moon Township native, they're clearly both fashionable and allowed to be featured.

Fashion Forward Fridays: Meet AJ!

Hi friends! Coming off of Fashion Week I have to say that I have a new energy for Fashion Forward Fridays, you are to thank for that. I'm glad you guys enjoy this "segment" of my blog so much and I'm going to try harder at finding fashionista/o's - I mean, it's spring now so this will become easier to do again!

Today I thought we could use a dose of testosterone up in hurr. It's been a while since I featured a fashionisto - so here's a cute one for you. His name is AJ, he's a senior at Point Park and we have matching backpacks, so clearly, he's legit.

Our backpacks, compliments of H&M. Can you guess who has which color drawstring?

AJ, who likes to shop at American Eagle, H&M, J.Crew and the Gap, said that he would consider his style casual, preppy-trendy. Actually, after he listed all his shopping destinations to me, he said, "Oh, geez, I sound like a total prep," and followed that up with, "but that's what I am!" And flashed his killer smile. (So cute.)

He said he likes to keep up with what is on trend at the moment...budget permitting. He said that GQ is his place to go for inspiration and likes to dress like the models, if his student limits allow him. And for men, or women, looking to amp up their style, AJ said to turn to the magazines, like he does, for some ideas. "GQ for guys and Marie Claire for women are great resources to see what the "experts" say you should be wearing," he said. But AJ also insists that no matter what is in style this season, you have to wear the clothes, not let them wear you, and that no matter what you're wearing, you have to be comfortable and that way you'll be confident in whatever you have on that day.

As for AJ's favorite magazine, GQ, calling Pittsburgh the third-worst-dressed city in America, he said that he does not agree with them. He said, "I cannot speak for Pittsburgh as a whole, but here in downtown, with all the business people and large student population, this is an area that has a lot of fashion sense." He also said that he thinks that fashion sense definitely stretches to Lawrenceville and Shadyside and some other places around the city where he's been. But quickly added, "if GQ came here on a game day, then shit no, nothing but black and gold."

Hard to pretend you're not "preppy" while wearing Sperry's.

Don't you love a guy who is cute and funny!? (I'm trying to help a brother get a date here if you couldn't tell lol) Anyway, hope all of you have a great weekend! Enjoy the sunshine today, Pittsburgh and keep it fashionable!

Fashion Forward Fridays Submission: Meet Mae!

You're in for a treat fashion-lovers. For Fashion Forward Fridays today, not only is a great outfit being shown on a beautiful reader who submitted her photos to me, but this reader also happens to be a friend of mine, and a ModCloth employee. Say what, karaoke? All of you are already hooked, I know it. Mae is so obviously a ModCloth girl too. She always has a great look and is so on trend with a vintage feel. She's that girl who is setting the bar with her style and puts pieces together that you probably never would have thought of otherwise and makes you want to dress better yourself. An inspirational fashionista if you will...

Mae, who is my friend and who works at ModCloth is today's reader submitted fashionista!