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?

Chels Wears: Firmoo In Red (& A Giveaway)

Sweater & Bracelets: Charlotte Russe | White top: Kmart | Pants: delia's | Shoes: KANDALS | Necklace: Urban Outfitters

You guys! It was a balmy 40 degrees here yesterday afternoon! It quickly went back into the teens in the later afternoon, but around lunchtime, when we took these pictures, it was 40ish. It was rainy and warm(ish) so I was allowing my ankles to see the light of day and went with a little cuff to my red skinnies. Have I mentioned how much I love these pants? They are seriously my favorite. If they weren't so obviously bright red, I'd probably try to get away with wearing them even more than I do.

Today's outfit was entirely based around my new glasses from Firmoo. Now, I know I have mentioned my love for glasses recently and being given these bright beauties in the mail was exciting. I actually do not like the color red, but every time I wear it I'm told it's "my color" so why not look my best, right? I'm slightly disappointed in the size of these frames, for some reason I thought they'd be a bit larger, which has become more of my style, but I still really like the way they look on me. And if you're not looking closely, the red sides would surprise you, which is always fun for me. These frames are also extremely comfortable. For someone who loves glasses but does not wear them on a daily basis, it's sometimes hard for me to adjust to wearing them, but I had no problem with these frames like I have had with some others.

And for those of you who are looking into getting some new frames, here's your chance to win some! Firmoo is giving FIVE of my readers a pair to have, you only have to pay for shipping! Not a bad deal when it comes to how expensive glasses can be. So check out the frames Firmoo has to offer and good luck in trying win a pair for yourself!

This is a sponsored post, I received these glasses as a gift, but all opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Valentine's For Yourself!

1. Keys To Your Heart Pillow from ModCloth

Cute phrase, cute graphic & how do you show yourself love more than taking a nap.

2. Blossom & Beautiful from Bella J

Fabulous facial cleanser products from a great company focused on empowering their customers & making 100% natural products.

3. Nichola Pumps from ShoeDIVA Boutique

How gorgeous are these shoes!? I want them soooooo badly.

4. Endless Love Engraved Midi Ring from Urban Outfitters

Such a cute ring and you should always show endless love to yourself, this gives you a little reminder!

5. Water Bottle by PINK from Victoria's Secret

I honestly have gone through hundreds of these water bottles. I cannot live without them!

6. Hugs Keep Us Alive T-Shirt from Threadless

I'm in love with this tee! Such a cute graphic and can easily be styled.

7. Write That Shit Down Notepad by JulieAnnArt

These notepads are so handy. I love Julie and all of her products. She's such an inspiration.

8. Committed: A Love Story by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book is fabulous for you marriage skeptics! I read it over the summer and loved it. It is sort of the sequel to Eat, Pray, Love and I cannot recommend it enough.

I'll admit. I do like Valentine's Day. Not the over the top, guys going crazy to impress their ladies kind of Valentine's Day, but the showing others you appreciate and care about them type of day. Every year I send some girlfriends a Valentine and give my brother and parents a little something, and of course MJ always plans something special, which I don't mind being spoiled with, but the most important person to show love to, honestly, is yourself. Single or not, it's always good to put yourself first some times and Valentine's Day is the perfect time to do so! So with that in mind, these are some of my picks for how to treat yourself this Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

Chels Wears: Winter Maxi

Chambray: WalMart | White Shirt: JCPenney | Maxi: DIY | Flats: Urban Outfitters

To those of you who are also fashion bloggers, props to you if it is freezing outside while you take your pictures. I took these in about two seconds because it was so cold outside and all I wanted to do was go back into the house. Along with that, the only sensible way to wear a maxi in the colder temps is with leggings underneath. Thank God for the unseen leggings in these pictures.

I wore this look to church and then to work on Sunday and have to say that it was just dressy enough while still being super comfortable that I could wear it all day. And honestly, since moving to the tundra, comfort and "dressy enough" has pretty much been how you could describe all of my outfits. But maybe with this little warm spell we're supposed to get this weekend I'll be able to step it up again!

Chels Wears: Oversized & Tight

Ring: Charlotte Russe | Bracelets: Wal*Mart | Purse: New York & Co. | Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Shirt: JCPenney | Chambray & Pants: Wal*Mart

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Guys, seriously, I cannot even talk about how excited I am about the Pirates right now. Holy. Poop. But, moving on. The two main pieces of this outfit are from Wal*Mart. And you should know by now that I buy clothes from every where and do my best to make them look good. It's called being on a budget and still wanting to look stylish. If college taught me one thing, it was how to shop on a budget.

Let's talk about these pieces. These pants are so perfect, I also bought them in hunter green. This color in real life is oxblood. (Or maroon for those of you who don't speak trend.) For a curvy girl, it is the hardest task to find jeans that hug your curves and still are tight at the ankle. But not to worry, friends, I found them at Wal*Mart and they come in all kinds of colors, so go buy them up. Also, for awhile I've been looking for a light chambray (denim shirt) that isn't boring and I think with those little studs on the lapel of this one, I've found the perfect one. Especially since this one is a bit over sized, I can see a lot more outfits with it because layering with sweaters in the winter will be easier. What are some great pieces you've been looking for and have finally found?

Chels Wears: Thrifted Michael Kors

Glasses: Rue21 | Amour Earrings: Urban Outfitters | Ring: Charlotte Russe

Shirt: H&M | Pants: Michael Kors | Vest: New York & Company

Shoes: Target

I think it's safe to say that Michael Kors is my favorite designer. I'm sure that he's a common name to come from most fashionistas of my time and anyone who has ever watched Project Runway. I love that his designs look luxe but can be very everyday kind of wear. I love that he makes clothes for the working woman and that he makes her look classy in and out of the office. So when I found these Michael Kors "walking pants" with the tags still on them in my size at a nearby Goodwill, I was over the moon with excitement. (In that same trip I found a brand new Vera Wang skirt, too. Jack. Pot.)

I'm certain I've already worn them too many times to count, they are just so comfy and chic and they are perfect for a job that has me moving around a lot. The high-waisted trend is slowly taking over my life and I will forever love neon and a well structured vest, so this one is an A+ in my book. Speaking of A+ these shoes are the ones I bought for my Masters graduation ceremony, because in the store they looked more green and I wanted green shoes for Point Park's colors but I'm okay with them clearly being blue in natural lighting. Also, A+ worthy, these pictures were taken outside of the Ellwood City Public Library, which I think is my favorite place in town. I'm a nerd, I know. Oh, and happy back to school to all my alma maters, Lincoln, Seton Hill and Point Park!

Chels Wears: Matchy-Matchy Love

Vintage Fork Ring: Festival | Belt: Urban Outfitters | Sunglasses: Brash | Phone Necklace: Wet Seal

Maxi Skirt: DIY | Vest: Old/Unknown | LOVE Tank: Wet Seal | Shoes: Charlotte Russe

I hate myself for being so match-matchy with this look, but the more I look at these pictures, the more I become okay with it. And this outfit matches my "blog theme" although that might annoy me after awhile. Oh well. These photos were taken at the electrical power plant in Ellwood City, the same plant that had some major issues not too long ago which left EC without electricity for about 14 hours. I'm sure if you follow my personal Twitter account, you heard me complain about that for about 13 of those hours.

I had originally thought about this outfit with a Marilyn Monroe graphic t-shirt I have and then when I was looking for it, I realized that it, along with about half of my wardrobe, is in storage from when I moved. Boo. But I did find this tank that I thought I gave away and am now glad I did not! I remember buying this with MJ, he likes it because the back has an awesome lace detail (sorry you cannot see it because I'm wearing a vest) and I like it because it says LOVE on the front. Awe. I also bought this telephone necklace in that same shopping trip, which MJ hates. Who says I can only wear clothing and accessories that my boyfriend actually likes? That is lame and I would probably have to give a lot of stuff away if that were the case! That is the one good thing about a "long distance relationship" - I wear what I want and don't have to hear him complain about it :) I'm sure he does the same too.

Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted: Meet Autumn!

It's always have stylish friends, and today for Fashion Forward Fridays, you're meeting one of them! I met Autumn while we worked at Victoria's Secret together and was always so jealous of how she was able to make our dress code of 90% black 10% white attire look amazing time and time again. And if you follow her style board on Pinterest, you'll easily see that she has impeccable taste, so I knew she'd be the perfect person to ask to be today's fashionista! Trust me, you'll be jealous of her too after reading her interview. She's the total package of beauty, brains (she's currently a law student), and style. After all, I only pick the best for these things, enjoy!

All photos provided by Autumn.

How would you define your style? 
Classic with a touch of glam. I usually stick to clean lines and neutrals (black, white, gray, navy, cream) and add some flair with a little bit of sparkle or unexpected color (like neon).

Where are your favorite places to shop? 
Because I am a law student, I have to spend most of my money on school instead of my wardrobe. My goal is to look expensive without actually being expensive. H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21 are places to go for trendy fun pieces that aren’t very expensive. Express, Ann Taylor Loft, and The Limited are my go to’s for classic pieces and work staples. 

Where did you get the pieces you are wearing in your pictures? 
High waisted vintage inspired shorts – Urban Outfitters
Chiffon shirt – Urban Outfitters 
Wedges – Target 
Earrings & ring – Forever 21
Handbag – Louis Vuitton 

Close up photos of Autumn's ring and earrings from Forever 21.

If someone asked you for fashion advice, what would you tell them?
Invest money on key timeless pieces like a beautiful wool coat, a pair of stilettos, or a designer handbag. These kinds of wardrobe staples never go out of style, so you won’t feel like you wasted your money.

GQ named Pittsburgh the 3rd worst dressed city - do you agree/disagree and why/why not? 
I would have to say that Pittsburghers are certainly more comfortable in a Crosby jersey as opposed to Prada, but that laid back take on fashion is exactly what makes Pittsburgh so wonderful. The unassuming casualness that people may mistake as sloppy is really just iconic Pittsburgh approachableness. 

Keep it fashionable, Pittsburgh! Happy Weekend!

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.