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XO,
GeekChicChica

Print Me Silly

The holidays are upon us and with Holiday parties on everyone's social calendar, it behooves every fashionista to make a statement. Take this look, for example. I have always wanted to experiment with patterns; taking cues from my favorite style icon Solange Knowles, but mixing patterns can get tricky if it's not done right.

Best Advice: When mixing patterns, stick to similar two prints in a one to three colors in the same color family. Using black and white is pretty hard to get wrong because black gives every outfit a foundation.

Then, accessorize! Repeat metallic accessories like gold for the holidays.

It's not rocket science and trying different patterns on in the mirror will give you a better idea of what looks good together on your body.

Print Me Silly by iamheatherly featuring Houndstooth print.

Holiday Party Chic: Leopard Pencil Skirt

Style by iamheatherly

Oasis peplum top
$44 - oasis-stores.com

Moschino Cheap Chic pencil skirt
$260 - farfetch.com

Steve Madden gold shoes
stevemadden.com

Gabriella Rocha black necklace
6pm.com

Barneys New York tech accessory
barneys.com



Of course, there are always alternatives when shopping on a budget. But finding the hottest brands and trends then making adjustments according to your budget are great launching pads for chic and unique style.

I purchased a leopard pencil skirt by Dana Buckman (via Poshmark) for $5. I'm still waiting for it hoping holiday shipping times are not painfully slow this year. Stay tuned for other looks featuring my everyday addiciton: LEOPARD!

Until then
XO,
Heather LorRyn

Fall Blues

I have to say that my anticipation for the coming of the Fall season has died down a bit. It's not officially winter, but it feels like it here in Massachusetts. Today, was a nice day; "warm" enough to get away with wearing a denim jacket and tights.

I snagged a few new items while thrifting this Black Friday. I never shop on Black Friday because I don't see getting trampled for a television as fun or festive. Anywho, it seemed like the rowdy shoppers had gone home for the night when I stopped by my local thrift store.

And I am so glad I did. In addition to a paisley vintage dress and a cute purse, I landed some royal blue pumps and a rockin' red clutch, vintage of course.

So, here's the breakdown:

Denim jacket, Old Navy - $30 (I bought this at full retail price, ugh, I know!)

Black Skirt - Gifted

Black and white polka dot tee shirt, thrifted - $2

Red Vintage Clutch, thrifted - $3

Royal Blue Pumps, thrifted - $3.50

Necklace, Madrag - $5 (I think)

Black tights, Walmart - $5

Total: $48.50

As little as I paid for this entire outfit, it certainly cured my fall blues. So, bring it on winter!

STYLE TIP: If you have a lot of running around to do, a pair of bright colored flats will add that extra pep to your step and to your wardrobe while keeping your feet nice and comfy.

XO,

Heather LorRyn

A Flair For Layers

Fall is finally here and I am loving every moment of it! From the falling of the leaves to the cool breeze, even the lack of sun doesn't bother me. My wardrobe is in a full swing transition; technically not quite out of summer, but not fully into Fall.

As challenging as I imagined it would be, it turns out that many of my summer pieces are still wearable this Fall with a little tweaking.

Maybe I won't get as much wear out of my neons and sandals as I will my neutrals and cardi's, but I have a few helpful tips with transitioning if you're finding it as difficult as I thought it would be for me.

If you remember this dress and light cognac belt from my Lace & LouisVuitton post from March, then you've got a memory like an elephant. It's been a while since I've posted (smile). I've since sold my LV, but I'll get another.

Layers will save those Summer pieces you love, taking you full stride into the Fall and even Winter seasons.

My entire outfit was just under $46, most of which are thrifted or Poshed. Don't forget to shop my Poshmark closet for my these unique treasures. I sell just about everything in my closet because I love finding different pieces to play dress up before work.

Blazer (Cynthia Rowley, Thrifted) - $7.99
Dress (WalMart) - $13.00
Belt (From another dress that I've since sold)
Tights (Gifted)
Shoes (Poshed) - $10.00
Accesories (Thrifted, Bass and MadRag) - $5.00

XO,
Heather LorRyn

Lace & Louis Vuitton

Anyone who knows me and knows me well knows that I am in love with Louis Vuitton, especially the Speedy. But I think I may have found and equally as passionate love for lace. And together... they are something absolutely fabulous!


















In the past lace was reserved for wedding gowns and lingerie, but designers have taken this textile and made it runway worthy.

Lace is very feminine and flirty. As long it doesn't resemble lingerie, it is also very classic and conservative. It's all in the styling.

When I found this nude lace dress at Walmart of all places, I almost died. I had been looking for something lace forever. If they had more colors, I would have bought every color, seeing as they were just under $15 in the juniors section.

I paired it with charcoal gray tights and these gorg open top stacked platform cris-cross pumps I found while thrifting.

The dress originally came with a matching nude belt, which is fine if you want to go all nude, but this time around, I wanted to repeat the color of my shoes to pull everything together with the patina'd handles of my recently purchased Louis Vuitton Speedy 35. I love the final look, my play on feelings of being stuck in Winter while anticipating the arrival of Spring.

So, the break down of what I spent on my outfit:

Lace Dress - $15 (Walmart)

Open Toe Platforms - $5 (Thrifted)

Belt - $0 (Came from another dress)

Tights - $4.50 (WalMart)

Earrings - $6 (???)

Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 -$250 (eBay)

TOTAL: $30.50

(without the LV Speedy)

Sincerely,

Stripes and Mustard Leather

Let me first say that as soon as I saw this vintage blazer in the thrift store... I felllllll in lovvvvvvveeeee! I've been looking everywhere for something like it and it was my size. I didn't know what I was going to wear it with, but I grabbed it like it was the last biscuit on the dinner table lol.

I paired it with a simple pair of black skinny jeans from Old Navy (on sale of course) and a peplum top that I scored on Poshmark. My black leather Jessica Simpson platform pumps and mustard yellow leather Tignanello handbag were also from Posh as a matter of fact. I got this wooden yellow necklace from a thrift store.

Here's what I paid for my outift:

Vintage Blazer - $3.98 (thrifted)

Striped Peplum Top - $10 (Target via Poshmark)

Yellow Wooden Necklace - $1.98 (thrifted)

Yellow Acrylic Ring - $0.59 (thrifted)

Black Skinny Jeans - $20 (Old Navy)

Yellow Tignanello Handbag - $25 (Poshmark)

Black Leather Heels - $30 (Jessica Simpson via Poshmark)

TOTAL: $91.55

A little more than I normally spend on an outfit, but keep in mind these items are so classic that they can be worn many different ways from dressy to casual. Not to mention the leather items are little higher quality and will last much longer.

Super chic under $100 for the head-to-toe look is unbeatable!

Sincerely,

A GeekChicChica

Monochromatic Chic

It's the holidays, but for me I tend not to dress in traditional colors like black, gold and red. However, my color palette for the winter season is much more muted and neutral these days. 

I found this flirty and feminine crocodile print shirt dress for $18 on clearance at Old Navy. It's sheer overlay and nude underdress make for a comfortable outfit that easily goes from day to evening to work to play. Paired with a neutral gray platform pump, I felt super chic!

I was in desperate need of new, properly fitting clothes as I am wasting away apparently lol. I've been called "skinny" although I don't feel much different. I am finding that my clothing options have drastically opened up... as expected.

This is easily one of the most convertible, comfortable, and flattering pieces in my closet and I will definitely be finding new ways to style it.

Sincerely,

A GeekChicChica

Black & Gold

Long time, no speak Chica's!!! I apologize for my absence. A lot has happened since my surgery, but I'M BACK! 

Check out this outfit, perfect for fall and the holidays so rapidly approaching.

Earrings - Frugal Fannies ($5)

Blazer - Talbot's ($5 thrifted)

Tee - Walmart ($4)

Skirt - NY & Co (traded)

Tights - Just My Size ($5)

Heels - Jessica Simpson ($30 via Poshmark)

OUTFIT TOTAL = $49

(without Louis Vuitton Speedy 40)

MIA: Weight Loss Surgery UPDATE

Hey Chica's! I haven't forgotten about you. This last month or so has been very busy for me. The business is going well and I've been selling like crazy on Poshmark. For those of you who know me personally, this week was pivotal in my life... I had weight loss surgery on Monday.

I'm finally home, healing and getting used to my new lifestyle and already seeing results. I know you're wondering why I did this... So, I'll share my story.

I have been heavy, thick, overweight, whatever you want to call it most of my life. And even though I had come to a place of loving myself no matter what size I was, I realized that for me this excess weight wasn't healthy. I was always out of breath, struggled bending over, crossing my legs was impossible and never mind being able to run around with my girls and live my life to the fullest. On top of all that I had developed high blood pressure and was prescribed medication which helped for a while then stopped working, so they changed my medication. I didn't want to be on meds for the rest of my life or risk developing other weight-related illnesses.

I just want to state for the record, that just because I opted for weight loss surgery does NOT mean I hated my bigger, voluptuous body. Quite the opposite. I loved me; all of me and even with my physical limitations I felt good in my skin, but there was something more that I wanted... I wanted to be healthy! Besides, whatever weight I end up, my genetic makeup would suggest that I will still be curvy and voluptuous with amazing cleavage and thighs to die for (laughing).

Surgery was my last option. It wasn't some get skinny quick scheme! I had tried everything else... pills, shakes, excessive exercising, even starvation and with some success I had lost about 40 lbs  over the course of five years or so, but it wasn't enough to combat the onset of hypertension (high blood pressure), which runs in my family.

This decision was not easy for me. It was something I thought about and extensively researched for almost two years before going through the program for surgery candidates. This surgery would completely transform the way I lived for the rest of my life, and there was no reversing it. BUT I was determined to get healthy once and for all. Some people may think that weight loss surgery is "the easy way out", but believe me, I'm only a week in and this is not the easy way!

The only regret that I have is getting to the point where I needed surgery, but this choice was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. This tool was exactly what I needed to keep myself in check, to change my relationship with food, to think healthy and to maintain my health for the rest of my, God willing, long, long life. My quality of living and chances of living longer have definitely increased.

The good news is that I haven't taken the blood pressure medication prescribed to me in a full week... and my blood pressure has remained normal since then. So, I'd say that if it all stopped here, I have reached my goal of getting healthy. This is one of the things I wanted, to be hypertension free! And so far, it's my reality.

If you have any questions feel free to ask them. I'm an open book and I'm happy to share this journey with anyone who's interested in learning about it. Also, stay tuned for pics and vids on this and other topics.

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

MY STATS:
Highest Weight: 312 lbs.
Pre-Op Weight: 271 lbs.
Current Weight: 255 lbs.

Coral Creamsicle

You may have seen this look on my facebook page, but if not, here is what I call my "Coral Creamsicle" look.

I love the neutral tones of this look while still being colorful. You've seen this skirt before, but in yellow from my Mellow Yellow and Winter Layers posts. I love this flowy, breathable cotton skirt.

I wore it high on my waist to accent with a light cognac braided belt. I added cream and nude tones  with my shoes and top.

I love this pic! Hope you love it, too.

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

Necklace - MadRag

Tank & Cardi - Old Navy

Skirt - Old Navy

Belt - Dots

Shoes - Jessica Simpson

Fashion & Style Contributing

Well Chica's it's about that time. Time to sleep, but before I do, I wanted to let all my readers know about an exciting opportunity that was extended to me via Poshmark. I met an amazing business woman by the name of Conniesa and the owner of The Glam Spot Plus Size Boutique & Consignment, located in Michigan. She reached out without knowing me from a hole in the wall and asked me to write about something her readers were clamoring for and I was happy to accept.

After a tough, hectic semester, I eventually delivered. The post addresses how to identify your body type and how to dress it so that clothing flatters you. I hope to contribute more in the future. So, what are you waiting for?!?! Check out the post, Chica! :)

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

The Art of Color-Blocking 101: Lesson 3

I have searched everywhere to find the perfect color-block dress or tunic for the summer and I just haven't found one in my budget and size that I like.

So, I created to look myself. I love deep, saturated colors so I chose hot pink and purple.

Tip #1: Find solid colors separately that compliment your skin complexion. Matching the undertones in your complexion to your clothing gives you a more youthful look. You can also just hold the color close to your skin.

I found this belt at a thrift store for a $1 and couldn't pass on it, even though it wasn't my size. I simply added elastic banding to the back to make it my size.

BTW: I will put a link here for the post on the DIY Belt Extension.

I found the dress and heels on Poshmark, of course. The dress was $15 and the heels were $10. So, my entire outfit cost me $26.00 + shipping costs for the shoes and dress.

This look is warm and Spring appropriate, not to mention comfortable and versatile. It can easily be worn with heels, flats and sandals. I suggest if you have a neckline that is embellished, wear earrings instead of a necklace.

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

Skirt Dress Revisited

So, I decided to actually wear this as a skirt :) With an airy, bright canary yellow v-neck sweater, I threw on a wide belt to give the skirt a high-waisted look. I paired it with my purple patent-leather open-toe wedges and a black Birkin-style handbag (that's for sale in my poshmark closet, fyi). I love how I felt in this outfit and will definitely be wearing it again.

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

Sweater - Old Navy

Necklace - Thrifted

Belt - Marshalls (old)

Skirt - Thrifted

Shoes - Marshalls or Aj Wright (can't remember)

Handbag - For Sale in Poshmark closet

Nautical Necessities

 Every girl needs a white pair of slacks, right? Right. I have been searching high and low for the elusive pair of white pants that flatter me and are comfortable... and then I found these!

While Poshing, I came across these stark, white pants that are perfect for spring. Along with the amazing stretch in them, that slims me, the cut (boot cut) is perfect for my shape AND can be worn with flats or heels and not look like high waters :) How often do you find the perfect pair of pants? Never, right? Wrong.

I will devastated once I'm much smaller and not able to fit them (sad face), but as of now I am a happy camper.

I also found this Old Navy pinstriped blazer and blue top (formerly a dress... maybe it still is... wink, wink) on Poshmark. I do find the jacket to be a bit snug in the arms, which is odd for Old Navy clothing. Anywho, I went with a nautical theme, which is very classic and sooo my mother's style! She loves this outfit on me (smiling). This outfit would also have worked with a red shoe and handbag. The handbag and shoes are interchangeable for that matter.

I paired it with my Coach bag, some cognac wedges that I also Poshed by Mossimo (Target) and a gold chain.

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

Pinstriped Blazer - Old Navy (via Posh)

Navy Blue Top/Dress - Xhilaration (via Posh)

White Slacks - St. John's Bay (via Posh)

Cognac Wedges - Mossimo (via Posh)

Coach Handbag - Coach (via a gift from my mommy)

Gold Chain - Thrifted

This is a different, less expensive handbag, which is equally as stylish and functional (for school).

Gotta love a pinstripe. Automatic class!

Total cost of my outfit (excluding Coach handbag): $54.50

Flirty In Floral

Who says big girls can't wear shorts??!! I used to. But now that I have a new outlook on fashion for us curvy girls, I honestly believe that WE can wear anything... in good taste of course :)

I am definitely an advocate for curvy girls and wearing what smaller women wear, but definitely against wearing anything unflattering for the figure. That's just a basic principle, no matter what size you are. Everything in good taste.

So, I always thought that bigger girls couldn't wear shorts and anytime I ever saw them on a full-figured woman, I thought, "My God, what was she thinking?!", but I have to say (not just because I'm wearing them) that these pair of flirty floral shorts by American Eagle Outfitters (via Posh) have transformed my thinking and broadened my previous leg-baring limitations.

First I want to say that I managed to get my entire outfit just under $31! Pretty amazing, right?!

Second, I am so in love with these shorts! The sort of muted vibrancy of them intrigues me; pinks and greens on a neutral background of peach and cream and  navy blue sprinkles to top it off... sounds like ice cream lol

I paired the shorts with a cream tank from Old Navy that I've had in my closet for years; tucked it in for a more refined look. I added my coral bubble necklace (J. Crew inspired) and teal tasseled flats (by Merona) that I scored on Poshmark. The denim jacket came more from necessity. This New England weather is super unpredictable, so having a cover in case it gets chilly or rains cats and dogs is almost always a must. I rolled up the sleeves a bit for a preppy look.

I'm so inspired by these shorts that I'll definitely be blogging about the other pair that I bought soon and investing in more.

Denim Jacket - Thrifted

Cream Tank - Old Navy

Coral Necklace - MadRag

Floral Shorts - American Eagle Outfitters (via Posh)

Teal-Tasseled Flats - Merona (via Posh)

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

Mix & Match - Lesson 2

Fashion is like canvas, you can put whatever you want on it, but you won't know it's a masterpiece until you take a step back and look at it. The saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" most appropriately applies here.

I think that too many people care too much about what other people are wearing and pegging someone else's style as a fashion don't than they actually spend time developing their own, unique style. I'm not one who cares if I commit a fashion "don't", as long as I feel good in what I'm wearing.

In this look, I experimented with mixing colors and patterns. If you just need a rule to follow, I'd say stick with patterns that have a common theme or pick up the accent color in one pattern and repeat it in a solid somewhere else in the outfit.

I love this striped a-line dress in black and white! Snagged it from Old Navy, of course (love that store!). I consider this dress a staple because it is versatile and two of the most classic colors there are (black and white), not to mention comfortable.

It's finally warming up here and I wanted to infuse some color, so I threw on my cropped fuchsia cardigan (also from Old Navy) and a bright yellow belt I bought on eBay... but what shoes???

I completed this outfit with a pair of floral flats I stumbled upon by Xhilaration (via Poshmark). My entire, head-to-toe outfit cost around $38!

Dress - Old Navy

Yellow Leather Belt - eBay

Cardigan - Old Navy

Flats - Xhilaration (via Poshmark)

Sincerely,

A GeekChicChica

P.S. I'm back! Sorry I've been away so long XOXO

Staples & Statements - Lesson 1

"I have nothing to wear... ugh!"

How many times have you and I uttered those perilous words of hopelessness? How many times have you just stood in front of your closet and stared into it hoping something fabulous would appear? And how many times have you been late to some event because you "have nothing to wear" so you just grab that plain black dress you always wear??? Too many times to count I imagine, but there's a simple explanation for this.

Your wardrobe isn't just clothing, accessories and shoes in a closet behind two bi-fold doors. It's an organized system of wardrobe staples and statement pieces... or at least it should be. But not everyone grasps this concept. If you have the right staples and accent with unique statement pieces you can create virtually any look you want that's all you. And obviously, the more staples and the more statement pieces you collect... the more combinations you can create.

What are wardrobe staples???
Some people think wardrobe staples are anything black, when that's not necessarily true. Staples can be any classic colors such as black, navy blue, gray, cream or white (depending on the time of year) and even red if it's the right shade.

So, how do I know what staples I have and which ones' I need?
Take some time and go through your closet (or hire personal stylist, like me, to help). Here's a starter list of what you will need:

1. Black heels
2. Black blazer
3. White button-up shirt, white tshirts (v-necks are flattering on every women)
4. Handbag (black, brown and deep red)
5. Pencil skirt (black or gray)
6. Black dress
7. Cardigan (in any of the classic colors)
8. Dark wash denim jeans (in any cut that flatters your figure)
9. Cognac brown boots
10. Black leggings or tights

Whatever you don't have you can purchase one piece at a time. Remember: Staples are classic, timeless, and quality items that you can wear all year round to most any activity or event your participate. They should be classic colors and multi-purpose items stretch your wardrobe even further.

What are statement pieces???
Statement pieces are generally accessories, jewelry, shoes, etc. aside from your wardrobe staples. My motto is "the bigger, the bolder, the better". Metallics, vintage or ultra modern, graphic patterns, bright colors (or colors in general) are an example of what to look for when choosing statement pieces.

Statement pieces are what makes your style unique. They are whatever you like that brings a look together. Statement pieces are not limited to accessories, they can be any item you choose from a graphic print skirt to a vintage dress you thrifted. Statements are the opposite of staples. The key is balance. Too many statement pieces can make you look gaudy and cheap, but one or two statement pieces strategically placed will make you look and feel expensive and classy.

Black fitted blazer - Must have staple

Black pumps - Must have staple

The black bag - Must have staple

Staple - The Right Shade of Red

Modern Staple - Match with any color!

Statement Piece - Animal Print

Statement Piece - Chunky Necklace

Love & Leopard

So, I've been Poshing again, Chicas! Prepared I was to buy some fabulous black Jessica Simpson Mary-Jane style platform heels, but the seller, a friend of mine, couldn't find them :( But it was okay; all was not lost because I got these Leopard beauties instead!

I have been trying to find the perfect leopard heels with a print that didn't look faded or cheap... but my search went on uncompleted until this fateful day!

As soon as I got home I put them on and boy were they comfortable for 5" heels. I was infatuated, sooo in love. I adore leopard!

Check em out... and don't be jealous! Lol

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica

Native Color

So it's been a while Chica's! I've been busy running my business and selling everything in my closet. I've done well so far, but it is hard work.

While working, I put this outfit together (I'm selling this skirt, if you're interested). I realized I could kill two birds with one stone, selling and blogging; working smart not harder.

This skirt is from Fashion Bug, the print and vibrancy of the skirt excited me so that I purchased it without even having anything to pair it with. I'm glad I did.

What do you think?

Sincerely,
A GeekChicChica