Extra Thick Chic

Well, it's been a while since I posted. My fiancee and I took some time out to drive across the country to get him a much needed back surgery. While I took lots of gorgeous landscape photos, and appreciation photos of the local graffiti (check out my Insta @jldvalley), I just wasn't feeling fashion photos. Ten hours in the car at a time and non-stop movement killed my inner fashionista.
But when I got home, I knew I missed my wardrobe. I even missed the scent of my laundry detergent.

Flash forward to today.

I finally took some time, post-trip, to get in some pics of this new jacket by INC International Concepts that I can't stop wearing. An interesting twist on an army jacket.


This is a very lightweight jacket. I think this could be great to transition into Fall and then again through Spring. It feels similar to linen, but perhaps a little rougher to the touch. While at first, I thought the ruffles might be too busy, and that the design wasn't great, over time (about a week) a began to see something different in this jacket.


The ruffles acted like a camouflage to all the upper parts of me I am not crazy about, but without making me look bulkly. It's a bit more feminine than your average army jacket. But it's also a little bad ass. A little sweet. A little hippie. A little street smart. A style I could embrace and incorporate into my own. The more I wear it, the more I enjoy it.



The jacket was something I found through Gwynnie Bee, it's currently available and made by INC. The tank with a sheer ruffle at the bottom was purchased from Mad Hatter and Co in Southbury CT. The boyfriend style jeans are Levi's. And the brown boots are vintage Rampage booties.

I have some life events coming up! My long time friend, partner, and boyfriend - Matt and I are getting married in about 4 months! Which means I have to look GOOD! I have been using a combination of vintage clothing from ValleyVintageLLC, clothing rental services like Gwynnie Bee and bargain shopping using Ebates, the Fashion Lover app, coupon codes galore, and sales from my favorite shops and department stores.

The first event of my wedding is the Bridal Shower. So I have been using Gwynnie Bee as a try out for possible dresses for the shower. Today we will be looking at items from INC, and one of my favorite designers, Ellen Tracy!

My body type is sort of an inverted triangle with a little bit of pear shape through the middle. I am broad shouldered, busty, round in the middle (due to a hernia injury and surgery, a little bulgey at times.) and small through the hips down. I could easily have to take an XL - 1X on top and a large on the bottom.This also further perpetuates my own need for body acceptance. This fashion blog is not only about the fashion end of things. It's also about the acceptance of plus size fashionistas. #AllSizesMatter And on a more personal level, the acceptance of my own body, injuries, flaws and ALL. Everybody say LOVE!

And here we begin! Dresses please!

Dress #1
Pink Paisley Halter Empire Waist Maxi Dress with Jeweled Neckline by INC International Concepts, Size 0X

I am 5'3" so typically a maxi dress is not the first thing I grab for when dress shopping. But with the flexibility of Gwynnie Bee, I thought why not try some new styles.
Sooooo color me surprised when I slip on this dress and found it to be somewhat... flattering. Now for my particular body shape (see above) I did need to use something to control the middle of me. But aside from that, this was a gorgeous fit. AND very comfortable to wear!
This dress is such a 60s throw back. Reminiscent of Emilio Pucci, one of my top all time favorite designers. Another reason why I was so drawn to try a dress so outside of my personal style box. The detail around the neckline and through the bust is so pretty, and in no way takes away from the pattern of the dress. This dress screams festival, boho hippie love in an upscale sort of way. This could be flowing at the beach, spinning at a festival, on the dance floor at a wedding, or chillin at a high-end bar.
What I Love:
The pattern, the cut, the comfort, the JEWELS!
What I Don't Love:
A little more room in the middle, but otherwise, perfection!

                


Dress #2
Short Sleeve Blue and Purple Abstract Print Sheath Dress by Ellen Tracy Size 16W
Purse by ValleyVintageLLC
Shoes by Apt. 9

First I'd like to start off by saying Ellen Tracy is one of my favorite designers. From perfume to clothing, I am a fan! One of my most favorite pieces I own is a pair of Ellen Tracy pajamas. I have had them since 2010 and I rock them on a regular basis, and they still look and feel phenomenal. If that isn't a sign of quality, I don't know what is.
BUT this dress - Not. For. Me. This is why there are only 2 images. Because it looked.... awful. Where do I even begin!
Let's start with the fabric. This is a short sleeve dress, that, on my computer screen, appeared like a light weight dress perfect for late Summer, early Fall at the office, a nice dinner, or any type of event. But when I received it, I was very surprised. The fabric is very thick. It is very warm. It appears to be pilling already and I have not even worn it yet. Feels similar to touching a wool blend flannel - almost a little prickly to the touch.
The shape, there is so much hip to this dress! It is clearly meant for a shapely hour glass figure that has just as much bust as they do hips. You really need the Voom in your VaVa if you are going to rock this dress. On me, the top fit great, but the bottom looked huge and ridiculous. The first picture with a squat is because it was the only way to make it look fitted on the bottom. So I guess this would be way glam if I just sat all day.
Lastly, this dress is not that forgiving. Off the rack can be tough! I would truly need some serious alterations to even make it work. Again, on a certain type of body, this might be a knockout. But girl, it ain't me!

What I Love:
The pattern and colors. The zipper up the back practically glides up the dress, very easy off and on.

What I Don't Love:
Body Contour for someone else's body. The weird, thick fabric. The banded waist in the middle and wings on the sides that don't show well in the picture, but in person, no thank you.

Until next time! Keep it EXTRA.

Welcome to my new blog! My name is Jillian. I am a girl that teeters on regular, petite and plus sizes. And I love fashion! Just about any era of fashion has me drooling. I love a good put together look. It could be in from any era or genre. As long as there is a passion, a complete commitment to the look, I can appreciate and respect it.
As a plus size short girl living in this world, it can be hard to find that unique look. I love experimenting with clothing and hairstyles, as I can afford to. I'd like to use this blog as a platform to share my looks with you.
Straight off the bat, I will admit, I can be a little quirky. I love casual fashion, work related fashion, formal fashion, high fashion, couture, art fashion, trashion fashion, second-hand fashion, vintage fashion, costumes, and cosplay. I'd like to bring all of that to the table here. But keep it extra thick and juicy. *Boom*
I look forward to posting fresh writing and pictorials, hopefully on a weekly basis! I also look forward to getting to know you!
Here's to Extra Thick Chic!