New Maxi and New Hair

I just scored a new maxi from Forever 21's plus size range. It was my first time buying from them and I'm pleasantly surprised. Here is a link to it. The sizing online was in UK sizes, so I had to search to see what would be best for me. I'm an 18/20 or a 2X in most things. But I tend to size up when I buy online because I'd rather it be too big than too small. The interwebs put an 18/20 in their 3X size, which is their top size. I was worried that when I got the thing, it'd be too small, but it fit great. I'm thinking of going back to get the other print. I just need a new cardigan to go with it. I've been looking for a coral/pink one, but haven't had any luck. Target cardigans are my go to, so I'd love it if I could get one from them. Anyway, here is what the top half looks like on me. Please excuse the bathroom selfie, at least I wiped down the mirror first. Oh, I'm including a photo of my new hair color. It's not that new, because I've been doing it coral/pink for a while, but it's freshly done. Let me know if you're in San Diego and you're looking for an awesome stylist, I've got the hook up for you.

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Saturday Sewing Project

          I'm headed out tonight with friends for dinner and exotica and of course, I need a new outfit. But you can't just pick up tiki garb at a store, well if you know where to shop and you're of a certain size, you can. Those that can't shop, sew. One of the easiest sewing projects is to make a kaftan. It's basically a pillow case with arm holes and a hole for the neck. If you're brave, you can get fancy with the neck lines and hem lines. I'm making a mid length kaftan, so I picked up 2 yards of a light-weight, breathable cotton/rayon blend. You don't want anything too shiny or slippery because that'll be a pain in the butt to sew.

This is the fabric I chose. It's not particularly tiki, but the weight and feel is great and the print called to me. I'll be sure to take some pictures once I'm done.

Oh! Here is a quick one!

I love it when people see Hilda and think of me. A friend posted this on my facebook. If you don't know, now you do!

http://www.boredpanda.com/plus-size-pinup-girl-hilda-duane-bryers/?page_numb=4&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=socialmob&utm_content=268

What to write for my first post back from my less than fashionable life? How about a quick and dirty update of what I've been up to since 2011-2012? Yep? Yep.

1. Colorado blows goats!!
           We'll at least it did for me. I moved there to go to school, promptly ran out of money and had to quit school and find a job. Out here in California, I'd been working mid level customer service jobs, not entry level, but the kind that takes a little more skill. Well, in Fort Collins, jobs like that don't exist. So I drifted from job to job trying to find something that paid me enough to live on and save up some money to get the hell out of dodge. I made it by the hair of my chinny, chin, chin. I was able to move back to San Diego in the spring of 2012.

2. Yay California! Boo life.
            I was back, living the good life. Right off the bat, I pick up a temp job making way more than I did in Colorado. And then I found a permanent job that I really liked. I lived with my parents for a couple of months until I was able to save up enough money to move out. Which I did! And I moved in with my brother, who had just broken up with his live in boyfriend. Things were pretty good for a while. I gained back all of the weight I lost in Colorado. I dated a couple of losers, like you do, then got my heart really broken, by one of those losers. I lost a really good friend to suicide, she was awesome and it wrecked life for a long time. It's still not the same without her. Then the worst year on record came along, 2016 (dun, dun, dun). It started it just like any other year, then my heroes started dying. This is something that happens when you get older, the people that got you through your childhood, start to disappear. Then I lost my job. I loved my job, I loved the people I worked with, it was a really confusing time for me because I'd never been let go from a job. I'd been laid off a couple of times, who hasn't. But I'd never been fired. I didn't really know why, it was very vague and it felt like there was more behind it that I wasn't being told. This is my rationalization, but I could be really wrong, the company was sold a couple of months later, my position was given to someone who probably wasn't making as much as I was, so in an attempt to appear leaner, I was let go. I took a job with a friend, which was alright, but not a great fit. I wish them the best. So, it's the end of September and I'm out of a job again. Then the worst thing in the world happens, my little old man kitty gets sick. Like really sick. He died in the middle of October and I lost my shit for a while. I eventually found a great job, it's the perfect job. I love the company, I love the culture, I love the people I work with, my boss is amazing. Bonus, I get to work from home!

3. Today and Tomorrow.
            So, that brings us up to date. I'm in a really good place at work. My future looks bright. I'm nearing my 40s and I'm trying to do it gracefully. I'd love to meet a decent fella who isn't a complete asshole, but I'm not in any hurry. I've been meaning to pick this up again and blog some more. Life gets in the way, as it always does. I'll try to take pictures when I buy something new so you call can tell me I look like crap. I've been experimenting with hair colors, right now it's kind of a light coral/peachy pink. I'll post some photos from right after I got it done. I'll also try to post when I pick up a new product so I can give a review. I've actually got a couple of recommendations that I'll throw together soon. Let me know what kind of things you're interested in and I'll do my best to get something done.

Best Products/Fashion of 2011

So, I’ve seen a lot of youtube videos giving their best of 2011. I thought I’d write a little blog about some of my favorite products and clothing of last year. Also wanted to give a shout out to my new favorite youtube beauty and fashion channel, Sokolum79. I’ve been really digging her videos. Check it out if you have time. So, in no particular order (Just the order I’ve thought of them in.)

1.       Favorite Eye Shaddow Pallate(s): I really like the e.l.f.  Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palettes. I have both the cool and the warm one and I use them daily. The colors are great and very pigmented. And their only $5.00. Can’t beat that! http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/sets-and-palettes/palettes/endless_eyes_pro_mini_eyeshadow_palette_limited_edition

2.       Favorite Jeans:  My favorite jeans of the year have been the Old Navy Slim Flares. I haven’t had them very long, but they’ve beat out all other jeans from last year. Some of you may know that I’ve lost a lot of weight last year (still rocking the chub, don’t worry) so it’s been hard for me to find jeans that work for my changing frame. These have been awesome!! The flare Is decent sized so I can wear them with boots for the winter, but the legs are slim enough for my apple shape. They’re the best of both worlds, a skinny jean with a flare. Love ‘em! http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70142&vid=3&pid=864817&scid=864817022

3.       Favorite top coat: LOVE, LOVE LOVE,  the essie good to go top coat!! It dries super fast, and one thing I hate about top coats in general is that they get really thick when you’re getting near the end of the bottle. Most of the time it’s too thick to use, which is my problem with seche vite. The essie top coat does get a little bit thicker, but not so much that you can’t use it.  http://www.essie.com/shop/good-to-go-p-110.html

4.       Favorite body scent: I’ve been rocking the Midnight Pomegranate from Bath and Body Works. I like the lotion and the splash. Sufficently musky and fruity at the same time. Love it!

5.       Favorite Hair Color: I’ve been rocking the same color for a couple of months, which I think is a record for me. I usually change it more frequently. I’ve had so many complements on my hair, and I’ve got friends trying to copy me. Love you Meggie Poo! So… what I’ve been wearing is Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in Light Intense Auburn. I’ve also seen it called Light Tint Auburn. It’s designed to go over darker colored hair, which I don’t have. But I love a 40 volume!! I haven’t tried the other colors in this range, but if they work as well as this one then you’re sure to love it! http://www.garnierusa.com/_en/_us/our_products/shades-haircolor.aspx?tpcode=OUR_PRODUCTS^PRD_HAIRCOLOR^NUTRISSE_ULTRA_COLOR^NUTRISSE_ULTRA_COLOR_DISCOVER&prdcode=P53201&varcode=603084223572&back=1

6.       Favorite Hair Care Products: I’ve been using the Tresemme Color Revitalize Shampoo and Conditioner, since I’ve been coloring my hair red, which we all know fades really quickly. I like them a lot. I’ve used them in the past and have had really good results with them. http://www.tresemme.com/Products/Gallery/Shampoos-(and)-Conditioners/Color-Protection/

7.       Favorite Skin Care – Cleanser:  I’ve been using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser for a while. It’s great at cleaning, but not over stripping your skin. If I need exfoliation I just use my scrubby gloves with this. http://www.cetaphil.com/products/gentle-skin-cleanser/

8.       Favorite Skin Care – Moisturizer: I’ve been using a new (to me) line of moisturizers. I really like the Elizabeth Arden Millenium creams. I’m using the Night Renewal Cream, the Day Renewal Emulsion, and the Eye Renewal Cream. I like them all. I’m only in my early 30s, so I don’t really have wrinkles, so this was more of a preventative measure. But I’ve really noticed my skin looking and feeling softer and more hydrated. I might have to switch to something lighter for the summer since these are all pretty thick. But so far I really like them.  They’re really expensive on the EA website, but I got all 3 of them at Sam’s Club for $28. http://shop.elizabetharden.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2808240&cp=2779948.2575453&view=all&parentPage=family

9.       Favorite Base Coat:  This isn’t new for me, I’ve been using it for a couple of years. But Orly Bonder is the best base coat I’ve found. I’ve tried a couple of other brands, but I keep going back to  Orly. http://www.sallybeauty.com/basecoat/SBS-654508,default,pd.html

10.   Favorite Nail Color: I really like gray nail polish right now, so anything in that range I’ve been gravatating to. Something like essie playa del platinum or China Glaze Retro Diva.

11.   Favorite Eye liner: MAC Powershock!! Can’t say that enough.

12.   Favorite Lip Gloss: tie between e.l.f. fire coral and too faced glamour gloss in pillow talk.

13.   Favorite Mascara: rimmel glamour eyes.

14.   Favorite foundation: I don’t really wear foundation, I use e.l.f. tinted moisturizer. Love it!

15.   Favorite accessory: I’ve been really into scarves this year. Usually the gauzy floral variety. And I’ve really loved my pocket watch on a necklace that I got at icing. I believe they still have some. They’re great, and I don’t have to dig through my purse for my phone if I want to know what time it is.

 I can’t really think of anything else at the moment. If I’ve missed something, let me know. I’ll be happy to give you a recommendation on something. I’m sorry I haven’t posted much lately. I recently moved, and just changed jobs so it’s been a little bit hectic. I also haven’t been getting out much and that really is what fuels my creative juices. I’m planning another move back to California, and maybe that will help me find more to write about. Until the next time.

XOXOXOXO, Steph

Cheap but Good Makeup

You all know that I love e.l.f., but I wanted to tell you about another inexpensive brand of makeup that is really good. I just picked up some NYX shadows and liners. I really like this brand. The color pay off is great on the shadows and I only paid $4 for them. If you're in Fort Collins, you can get them at Angels in the mall. I also picked up one of their Goddess of Night lipglosses, which is funny because Nyx was the goddess of night. Well, it's a really nice gloss. It smells great, and it's not sticky at all. I'm thinking I'll post a quick tutorial using some of the colors I picked up. I'm wearing a lot of golds and greens this summer. If you can't get them in your town, I'm sure you can find them on ebay.

Chubby Girls Need Love too.

I don't really have anything new to write about, but I just wanted to share some of my frustration with you guys.

I've been chatting online with some people and it seems that weight is a very big issue with some people. It's not about common interests, it's about how much you weigh. I'm not a lazy slob, I don't sit on my ass all day and eat. I probably eat less than most of the people out there that I've been talking to. I walk at least 1 mile a day, usually more. I also happen to be a big girl. I've always had an issue with weight, but after my grandmother died I started to pack it on quickly. I've been trying to get it under control for a while. I've finally started to lose some of it, almost 30 pounds in the last 2 months. I'm not trying to get skinny, at first I didn't even notice. But I would like to be healthier, and have more energy, and be able to do more athletic things. I haven't change anything about what or how much I'm eating because I never really ate that much to begin with. Food really isn't my issue. My issues were with depression and a change in lifestyle from high school to adult life. I will never be a size 2, but it might be nice to be a 14 again.

So... where did this come from? Well, I was trolling the CL ads because they're usually funny, and usually unintentionally so. I came across an ad that was funny intentionally. I just emailed the person to let him know that I thought it was funny, and good luck. I'm not really looking for a relationship, I just like conversation, so when he pressed me for more info, I thought it might be fun to just chat with the guy. After 2 emails I got the "how much do you weigh" question. Seriously? You're going to as someone you've never even met that? You know what buddy? It's none of your fucking business, and you're not even cute anyway because I looked your ass up on facebook. You're short and funny looking and that's why you're on craigslist to begin with you troll. So I just deleted the email.

I know it's passive aggressive of me, but whatever he can kiss my fat ass.

On a lighter note, I've been asked to sit in on a fashion panel for a local transgender support group. It should be fun. I also thought about doing some makeup tutorials. I'm not a makeup artist by any means, but I think I'm pretty good at the application part. They probably won’t be video, but I should be able to do face charts and photos. The girdle idea was a bit of a bust, I don't really wear them because I haven't found one that really works for me, and I don't do enough fancy things to warrant purchase of a good one. I'll say this, if you're going to do it, get one that is more like a one piece bathing suit. The bottoms by themselves give me major muffin top, and the tops by themselves give me a condition that I like to call corset tummy. It's when all the fat from the upper part of your body gets shoved down and creates a large FUPA. I used to hang out in the Goth scene and a lot of big girls like to wear corsets, and most of the time it just looked gross. It's not about the size it's the way you look in it right?

I'm thinking I might have something to say about accessories, but that's more a taste thing anyway. I'll try to think up something soon.