Hello there.

Hi!

Thanks so much for hanging with me during my Mariah Carey breakdown.  I'm getting pretty good at this "perspective" thing and now know that everything will be okay when all is said and done.  I'm a big believer in taking baby steps towards your goals and with life in general and so that has been my mantra in recent weeks. In any case, thanks for your support and thanks for showing me continued love. 

So let me tell you a story about my pants.  When I first saw them at Tarjay I was totally like "Ewwww".  But anyone who knows me well knows me that I have a love affair with things that are ugly.  So even though I was like "Ewwww" I found myself passing them like ten times.  But I didn't buy them.  Sometimes Izzy needs to sleep on decisions as major as whether to buy an ugly pair of pants.  And so the next day I went on the Tarjay site to see if I could see a picture of them on a model.  No dice.  Ultimately, I just bought them because the Tarjay site told me to.  Well, not really but with all those glossy headers and colors saying how you can save 20% if you by 3 or more clothing items AND you can get free shipping if you spend over $50....I mean you'd be a dummy not to take advantage right? Right?? *looks around for affirmation*

 

Funny story for you.  Today I was shadowing a patient at my job and she looks at me and says (very sincerely) "you have such a beautiful face". Now, I'm accustomed to hearing the "you have a pretty face" comment (or some version thereof) and sometimes I accept it and sometimes I feel like messing with the person who issued the compliment.  Today, I felt like the latter.  "Oh?" I replied, "what about the rest of me?" She literally looked me up and down a couple of times then said, "You have nice eyebrows too". womp womp.

  

Top: F21 (main range)

Pants: Tarjay

Belt: H&M

Shoes: H&M

Brown coinlet: H&M

Teal clutch: F21

Necklace: Anthro

Bangles: F21

Earrings: F21

In closing, I want to say that I'm very sad that the warm weather has gone. I'm definitely a spring/summer gal and tend to get a bit ornery during colder months. I know warm mugs of cocoa sprinkled with nutmeg and footie pajamas should make me happy but they just don't.  You wanna know who is excited by these things? Take one guess.....

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to get up to speed on all of my shenanigans then follow me on Instagram: Izzygetsbizzy1 or Twitter @Izzygetsbizzy! 

<3

"Work Flow" by Guest Blogger Rosa

Hi Izzygetsbizzy Family!

I’m Rosa and Izzy has graciously agreed to let me be a guest blogger! So please comment below and let me know what you like and what you don’t like! Now, on to fashion!

 

My fashion inspiration comes from anything interesting, like going overseas and seeing different styles. Every time I go home to Greece, I am always inspired by their fashion as Europe is usually way ahead of the fashion curve. Sometimes a mannequin might grab my attention while other times my fashion choices are motivated by what is on sale. There are many faces to my fashion style and I hope to showcase that to you in time. My style can range from daring to dismal on any given day. I can be a colorful goddess or I can be a dreary gothic chick. The weather, my mood, and available clean laundry are all factors in deciding what I wear each day.

 

I know I have a punk rocker side because I always gravitate towards purple hair pieces, biker gloves, and fishnets. Crazy thing is I never actually where that stuff but you cant tell me nothin' 'cuz I keep buying it!
 

For the most part, I'm very comfy casual at work. Some may say classic but I really hate the idea of being boxed into a category. I stick to basics with a splash of bold colors and textures which are usually displayed through my accessories. I am somewhat of a shopaholic and my guilty pleasure is jewelry. I love earrings, chains, bracelets, and funky rings.

 

Today I want to a showcase a simple yet cute outfit I put together this morning for work:
 

  Top: Torrid (sold out), Pants: Dots
 

The top is a black Belted Peplum Ponte Top from Torrid which came with a very pretty pink patent leather belt. I paired it with some basic black trousers from Dots (Yes, they have plus sizes). I liked the pop of the pink but I didn’t want to go overboard with jewelry so instead I kept my jewelry gold and broke out my brand new spanking pair of Oxfords from Forever 21. Here is a close-up:

 

 Shoes: Forever 21 (sold out)
 

As you can see, the sole is pink which adds a cute feminine touch to a simple black work outfit. It’s really easy for me to go over the top with color and/or accessories so I did my best to keep it simple.

 

What do you think of the outfit? How would YOU rock it?

Colorblock...

Hi!

I'm sorry about the inconsistent blogging but my life has been super crazy as of late! I recently got a new job! I'm super excited and start in early September. I will be working on some Affordable Care Act stuff with a major hospital system in the Greater Boston area.  It's a welcomed change from what I'm doing now which is more policy-based.  Also, my son is starting Kindergarten in the Fall and I am freaking out! He doesn't do well in large group settings and he has been placed in a classroom with about 23+ kids.  I've already had several meetings to devise his Individual Educational Plan and am not really pleased with the recommendations the school system has made with regards to his plan.  I can't help but think about the parents who do not know how to navigate the system and are essentially forced to go along with a plan that may not be right for their child.  That won't be me though.  The entire school system will know who I am when all is said and done!

So what inspired this outfit was the lack of clothing options.  Our washing machine is broken and I've been forced to seriously dig through my closet for practical pieces.  We are getting a new washing machine in a couple days but it's Lord-of-the-Flies-type chaos in my house right now!  I purchased this jumpsuit from Macy's over a year ago and could never figure out how to wear it since to me, it looked plain.  After much rifling through my stuff, I decided to throw on a bright pink sash I got from Marshall's.  The material of the jumpsuit is very clingy and has a slight sheen to it.  Shiny fabrics seem to accentuate everything so admittedly, I was a bit wary to put it on. 

Here is the jumpsuit on a model:

 Here it is on me:

Jumpsuit: Macy's (sold out)

Sash (originally a scarf): Marshall's

Shoes: Old Navy

Bug necklace: ASOS

Turqoise necklace: Urban Outfitters

Earrings: F21

Zig Zag Cuff: ASOS

Bangles: F21

Lippy: Dear Diary by MAC

If I had a do-over, I'd probably wear heels instead of flats (my flats are looking a bit worn...womp, womp)  and would have added a clutch. I love the fact this jumpsuit has pockets! I also appreciate the tapered leg because in my opinion, wide leg jumpsuits do not look as sleek and sexy.

And to close, I'm including a pic of Jessie from Toy Story because my daughter Ava sked me to! ;-)

Eff it!

Hi!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend! My weekend was...well, "eh".  My daughter's friend came over for a sleepover which was....interesting. They have this thing where they love each other one second and hate each other the next. I know that may be typical for four-year olds but I almost pulled out my hair after hearing "I'm not your friend!" over a million times.  Also, the hubby was was celebrating his 30th birthday at a casino so I was feeling a bit like a hater resentful.  Imagine me cleaning butts and wiping up stickiness all while envisioning my husband in a club swinging his shirt over his head while gyrating on some female.  Yeah, I have a vivid imagination. Well, it turns out he did none of the things I was imagining although I was giving him my "yeah, mmm-hmm" face as he described his angelic behavior.  

So...my clothing purchases have recently started reflecting my "eff it" attitude.  What do I mean? I mean that I've been opting for styles that I wouldn't normally wear.  I don't really know what spurred the attitude but I like it! Case in point: I recently spotted this dress from the ASOS website.

Cute right? Well, after clicking the link I tried convincing myself why the dress wouldn't work for me. It was strapless! It was fitted! It was too stripey! It was strapless! For those of you that are new readers know this, Izzy no likey her arms. I embrace all my other lumps and bumps but for some reason my arms upset me. With the dress languishing in my shopping cart, here is a sampling of the argument I had with myself:

"So what if it's strapless? I can just throw a shrug over it"

"Kinda defeats the purpose of it being strapless though"

"The peplum is nice and flattering"

"You have 400 things that are peplum, underwear included"

"But my arms!" (said in a really whiny voice)

"Woman up"

"But my arms!"

"Yeah? so what about your arms? You use them to hold and comfort your children, to console others, to cook, to clean, to carry burdens and joys...basically, to hold it down!"

...

"yeah, eff it!"

So after the "place order" button was pressed, I felt great! I waited a week for my package to arrive and began to assemble the outfit in my mind...

So what do you think? I'm not totally crazy about the dress on me but I feel triumphant nonetheless.  I still don't love my arms but challenging myself in this way brings me one step closer to accepting and loving all of me...without conditions.  I didn't intend to be so matchy-matchy but that's how things kinda worked out. Also, I was not trying to style my hair so I decided to throw on another banged wig.  This one is "Lala" and it's by FreeTress.  I think it's safe to say that my fascination with bangs has come to an end...for now...

Dress: ASOS (main range but the dress is super stretchy)

Clutch: Aldos

Necklace: Free People

Earrings: F21

Shoes: Corso Como "Del" pump

Bangles: Oasis via ASOS

So what about you? What part of your body are you the least comfortable with? What steps are you taking to be more accepting of your body?

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I love hearing from you so please comment below!

Cleopatra Jones!

Hi!

I seriously need to clean my bedroom.  It's easily surpassed the realm of "messiness" and is now broaching the "hoarders" netherlands. I do have a hard time throwing things away but that is not the reason my room is a mess.  It's a mess because not only do I not pick my stuff up off the floor, but I have this thing about wanting to save boxes and packaging for "next time".  That is the ultimate hoarder mentality right? Saving something because you are convinced you will use it again? *Sigh*

Today's post is brought to you today by procrastination. I didn't want to clean my room so I decided to dress up instead! Also, did you notice my new wig? I'm still on the fence about it.  It's called "Brie" and I got it from BlackHairspray.com.  If you ever are in the market for a new wig, I encourage you to check them out because they have an extensive selection of wigs and they are all reasonably priced.  Plus, shipping is extremely fast!

As for my dress, I purchased my dress on EBay from a vendor called ModasJaime.  ModasJaime sells junior plus size dresses from size 1x to 3x.  I've been really into peplum lately so I had to have this dress when I saw it.  The material is super stretchy and is very durable.   The only thing I don't care for is the cap sleeves (only because I don't like my arms too much) and the length of the dress.  I'm 5'3" and the dress seems a little short for my taste. Other than that, I love the double peplum and the stripes! What do you think about the dress? What about my hair? Love it or hate it?

I love my nail ring! Please ignore my stubby boy fingers...

Dress: ModasJamie via EBay

Shoes: F21

Clutch: Canal Street in NYC

Cuff: ASOS

Necklace: F21

Earrings: MizOutlet

Bangles: Oasis via ASOS

Nail ring: EBay

Gingham?

Hi!

So the past 5 days have been absolutely miserable for me! I was admitted in the hospital recently with what was a peritonsillar abscess.  I don't want to gross anyone out but they essentially had to drain the abscess so I could swallow and talk again (it was that bad). So I was released yesterday and feel 100% better.  I was told that I need to get my tonsils removed in order to prevent this from happening again since my throat pain initially began as strep throat.  On top of all that, I caught my 4 year old daughter humming "Beez in the Trap" by Nicki Minaj. When I asked my hubby where she learned the song he slowly backed out of the room with his head down....

So, I'm officially back in business! Not quite 100% but I'm close to it.  Today's post is inspired by my recent obsession with gingham.  Well, it's more of a fascination really.  If  you would have asked me several months ago if I would ever wear gingham the answer would've been a resounding "No!". For me, gingham conjures up images of rusticity: farmers, clapboard cabins in the woods, and pants hiked to your breast bone. As of recent, I've been seeing alot of gingham and plaid fashions out there, some more appealing than others. I bought this top from Old Navy and wanted to see how I could make it funky (or to "put some stank on it" as my wizened cousin would say).  So I have two different looks for you to see and to judge. In the second set of photos, I'm wearing my super bad-@ass earrings from BeadsbyAree.  These one's are called "Pyramids".  When I saw them on uber-blogger Marie Denee recently, I knew I had to have them. These earrings are expertly crafted and are super fierce--definitely not for the pearls and studs girl! I encourage you to check out Areeayl's site, she has some super sick pieces up!

Top: Old Navy

Pants: eloquii skinny jean in "Astoria Wash"...my new "go-to" pants!

Shoes: H&M

Earrings: BeadsbyAree

Earrings (top photos): Ashley Stewart

Necklace (top photos): F21

Belt (top photos): American Eagle

Wallet (top photos): H&M

Ava wanted to get her pose in too

My daughter Lilah and her "y'all mofo's are crazy" look...

Thanks for hanging with me and thanks for reading my blog! June's final giveaway is around the corner (yeah, yeah, yeah I know it's July) so be on the lookout!

<3

The one with the tribal romper...

Hi!

Have you ever bought something, threw it in your closet and completely forgot about it? Yeah, that's the story of my life! I recently came across this tribal romper while perusing my closet for a certain top (I never did find it). This gem was poking between an old vintage button down and an orange JCrew sweater.  "Why, hello!" I exclaimed while freeing it from it's confines.

I love this romper because it is super comfy and stretchy! I purchased it at one of Urban Outfitters sales and am glad I took the gamble.  It is a size large but the leg area is very roomy (it's a harem style bottom) and the material is able to accomodate my curves.  If you know me, you know that I don't necessarily care for showing my arms.  In my quest to be more comfortable with all my body parts, I've been doing more and more things that I normally wouldn't be okay with. Well, not only do I feel fabulous in this outfit, but I think I look fabulous o-kay!!! *snaps fingers twice*

I wanted to punch up the black/white colors of the romper by throwing on a lime belt.  The belt is super cute and was a steal for 6 bux at H&M (I think they had additional colors too). I didn't want to be too matchy-matchy but I couldn't resist pulling out my mini lime clutch I purchase from H&M a couple months back. Lastly, I think my vivid pink lip (Rouge Artist Intense #36 by Make Up Forever) helps to make everything *pop* a bit more.

Hey, did you notice my new hairstyle? It's basically a two-stranded twist around my whole head. It was very easy to do and I've gotten many compliments on it.  I feel like a Grecian goddess! See below for a close-up!

I hope you all are having a great day today and if no one has told you this yet....I think you are beautiful!

Jumpsuit: Urban Outfitters (no longer available)

Belt: H&M

Clutch: H&M

Shoes: Dolce Vita "Notty" Pump

Earrings: Pieces via ASOS

A close-up of my "do"

A couple more things! One, don't forget to enter the giveaway for the $50 F21 card! The deadline is fast approaching!

And two, holla at me on Instagram! My handle is Izzygetsbizzy1!

<3 you all!

Sorbet colorplay...

Hi!

I am really not the one to follow trends too much but I thought I'd experiment a bit with the pastel trend that is so hot right now.  In my opinion, pastel colors come across as looking too saccharine and goody-goody. Next time, I think I'll push the envelope a bit by pairing these colors with a more "tough" texture like leather.  All in all, I think my look is so-so.  I am so used  to bright, bold colors and textures that I felt like I should've been chasing a unicorn while in this outfit.  What do you think of the pastel trend? How would you rock it?

Also *ahem*, did you notice the improved quality of my pics? These are pics taken with my new DSLR which I am in total love with. The camera has forced me to step up my picture taking came for sure which I'm sure you all are relieved about! I can't promise that I won't ever take pics in that dusty corner of my dining room though!

I was trying to show you the shape and color of my earrings (they match my pants) but my hair was in the way! Derp!

Top: H&M (size 12)

Pants: Tarjay (size 16)

Shoes: H&M

Necklace: H&M

Clutch: ASOS

Earrings: H&M

Lastly, I wanted you to know that I'm finally on Instagram! Follow me at Izzygetsbizzy1!  Here are a few pics from this week!

I did them myself! I'm pretty proud of myself! *snaps suspenders*

My daughter Lilah...she has a thing for remotes

I had lunch with a friend a few days ago and she cheffed this up for me. Tri-color rotini in a meat sauce with a fruit salad on the side. Yum!

My friend's Portuguese Water Dog Zazu (yup, like Lion King Zazu)

Thanks so much for reading my blog! You all keep me going!

Holla, it's my birthday! + Announcing the winner of the Visa GC!

Hi!

Today is my birthday! ::does happy birthday jig:: Yes, 32 years ago today, I was birthed. Although I am not one to put too much stock in birthdays, I think I may act the fool today.  I'd say my bday is off to a good start so far because look what I got:

clockwise from left
1) Mr. T card.  It talks! I think he says something about inflicting physical pain on those who forget my birthday...awesome!
2) Forever 21 GC.  Because, well...is a reason really necessary?
3) Sephora GC. I'm comprised of the major food groups: clothes, makeup, and peanut butter
4) Coupons for laxatives. I should be embarrassed for including these in the picture huh??? Well you know what? I'm not.  It's my bday, go kick rocks.
5) Estee Lauder nail polish in purple passion
6) Amazon GC. Time to free some of my items from shopping cart purgatory!

I'd like to shout out Rosa for being such a thoughtful friend.  Any person that includes coupons for laxatives as part of a bday present has a special place in my heart. 

And this is what I wore today:

Skirt: Victoria's Secret (on clearance for $15!)

Top: Forever 21

Tank: ASOS

Earrings: Pieces via ASOS (gold sold out)

Readers: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: MIA "Botticelli" shoe

Belt: Style & Co via Macy's

So now I'd like to announce the winner of the Visa Gift Card!

Congratulations to Adesuwa for winning the gift card!! You chose Box A so you win a $35 Visa gift card!

Thanks to those who entered!

Be on the lookout for another giveaway this week!

<3

Mahshalls...and a giveaway!

Hey!
So it's been like 3 weeks since my last post and I'm sorry.  Alot of dramz has happened the past few weeks.  My mother-in-law passed away unexpectedly last month and I was charged with the arrangements.  I've also been super stressed out trying to prepare my son for kindergarten in the Fall. The latter basically entailed meeting with a bevy of psychologists, social workers, and therapists to establish a "transition plan" for him.  I've also been beating myself up alot recently because I have not been adhering to my fitness regimen as I should.  I had a cookout this past Memorial weekend and I swear I gorged on everything in sight.  All that aside, I'm very excited for a couple of reasons: 1) My blog is a year old! Well not officially but it's still the anniversary month.  To commemorate this wondrous occasion (tee hee), I will be offering a giveaway EVERY WEEK this month starting with today! The days will vary week to week so make sure you stay tuned! and 2) I am going to Full Figured Fashion Week! This is my first time going so I am super duper stoked (do people still use that word any more?).  I'm going with my friend Rosa who is one of my bestest shopping/eating buddies (everyone needs at least one). Are any of you planning on going? I am trying to decide what essentials I need to pack (I'm an overpacker) and trying to figure out what dress I'm going to wear for the culminating awards/fashion show. Any ideas?

Ok, so the title of this post is called "Mahshalls" because that's how Bostonians pronounce Marshalls.  Well, everyone except me. I was born and raised here and am happy to report that I do not have the dreaded Boston accent (others may beg to differ though).  I like to think of Marshalls as the hipper sister of TJMaxx despite the fact that they are both owned by TJX Companies and carry much of the same stuff. Today, during my "retail therapy" session, I came across two fantabulous tops I wanted to share with you.  These tops are both from Cube which is their juniors section. I point this out because I know some of you would probably bypass that section altogether because the largest size they stock is a large. Well gather 'round the campfire kids and let me tell you something: both the tops I'm wearing are a large and fit great! I know not everyone is my size and a junior's large won't fit on every type of body but I think it's worth trying something you like despite what the tag may says--especially if that item is an open style (like the woven wrap below) or is super stretchy (like my striped peplum top).  I know every blogger in the fatosphere has talked about making main range sizes work and I am here to further drill that point home. Don't box yourself in! My personal rule is, if it stretches, I'm trying it on!

Top: Mahshalls

Pant: F21 jegging

Shoe: Aldos

Belt: AE

Necklace: F21

Earrings: Pieces via ASOS

Top: Mahshalls

Pant: F21 jegging

Shoe: DV by Dolce Vita "Notty" pump

Belt: The Limited (main range)

And now....dun, dun, dun....for the giveaway! I will be giving away a pair of F21 jeggings (the same ones as above (but not the same ones I am wearing!) to a lucky reader! To enter you must complete the following:

1) "Like" Izzygetsbizzy on Facebook
2) Follow me via Google Connect or Bloglovin'
3) Comment below with you email addy AND the size AND color jegging you would like. I have BLACK jeggings in a 14 and 20, BLUE jeggings in a 14, 16, 18, and 20. For reference, I am wearing the black jeggings in a size 16.

REMEMBER, YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL STEPS TO BE ENTERED!
The winner will be selected using a random number generator. The deadline to enter is Thursday, June 7th at 8pm EST so hurry!