Goings on + recent buys!

Hi Everyone!

I hope you had an amazing holiday!

I know it's been a long time between blog posts and I promise to do better in 2013.  My life has been a bit crazy with my new job, family obligations and just plain life!  I thank you for the numerous "check-in" emails I've received and appreciate you for sticking with me for this long! Just to prove to you that I'm only a slacker when blogging is concerned, here are some of the notable things I've done since November:

Yanked a tooth

Got freaked out by a rat...lolz @James' face!

Brined a turkey...it's buttermilk in case you're wondering!

Painted my nails (well, one hand...I always get too lazy to do the other hand...)

Went to  "Medieval Manor" for Rosa's bday

Tried sun-dried basil chicken sausage...tasted worse than it looked

Spent time with my "little sister" (by the way, if you have the time, please consider being a Big Sister/Brother!)

Dropped toys off at a shelter

Built a dollhouse...took me 5 hours but luckily I had this!

Bought stuff

Baked cookies

Watched "Sabrina"

Painted my nails

Bought stuff

Makes me look extra busy right? He he he.....

So several posts ago I shared with you my plan to open my own online clothing shop. I have put this plan on hold for now and have been focused on designing and crafting my own line of skirts!  I don't want to share too much right now because everything is still in the conceptualization phase but I encourage you to stay with me to see what awesomeness I have planned for 2013! Here is a sneak peak of a smocked skirt/dress I made for my daughter Ava.  I am working on mine as we speak and will be sure to model it when it's done!

Isn't the pattern and color fierce??? For those that can't tell, the pattern is a series of Africa continents that have this cool gilded effect....all on a fuchsia background! :swoons:

So I want to talk a bit about recent purchases. I know I'm not the only one who took advantage of all the sales this month and in November.  I'm not gonna even lie, I was pressing the "submit order" button so much that I formed a callous on my index finder! Here are some of the things I've purchased recently:

Bought the entire outfit

I've been eyeing this Zara bag forever and finally got it! I'm still waiting for it to arrive...

My first pair of Frye boots!

Peplum pants! I've been sweating peplum pants ever since I spied Nastygal's version.  These aren't the exact same but they're close.  I got them here in a size L and they fit great with room to spare!

Bought a Furby...ok, so I bought it for my son but still.  Have you seen these things??? How you treat them affects their personality! I'm scared  to go home now because the Furby we have has turned evil from the kids mistreating it!  It talks in a gravelly voice, burps, and laughs maniacally for no reason...there is no OFF button people!! It's like I always say, it's all fun and games until your Furby turns evil and wants to murk you in your sleep.

Now it's time for you to fess up! What big/small purchases have you made recently?  Is there anything you've been eyeing but haven't yet bought? Please share!

Seeing red

Hi All!

I've been heavily perusing the webs lately for perfect fall/winter pieces in rich red hues.  Whatever shade of red you are into, oxblood, claret, wine, or burgundy there is no denying that this color is perfect for many of  the current fall/winter fashion trends.  I've recently pinned many items to my Pinterest board in the hopes of amassing a virtual clothing collection as rich and variegated as the color itself. I am currently on the hunt for the perfect velvet legging in a burgundy color and saw these leggings that literally made me gasp.

 

Isn't the color perfection?  Of course the challenge in finding the perfect velvet legging is making sure that said legging comes in your size (lamentably this one does not).

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I've was also able to snag the ultimate holiday dress by way of Monif C.  The vibrant color of this dress literally made my heart flutter and I had to snag it when I learned of their $50 off Friends and Family promotion! It is called the "Alexandra" and it is a body hugging, head turning, gasp-inducing creation of utter proportions. See for yourself:

 

 

Now, I already own this dress in a gold sparkly color and wore it for New Years 2 years ago.  I wore patent red Corso Comos and felt like a goddess.  Seriously, no one could tell me nothing! Here is a pic of me trying on the dress for the first time:

 

 

I also recently spied this little number from River Island and I'm absolutely feeling the lace/peplum combo:

 

 

Unfortunately, RI sizes only go up to a US14 so this was purely a "wish I could buy this dress" moment.

 

If you ever have the patience and the time, eBay and Etsy are also great places to find unique pieces in various shades of red.  Look at this dress I recently came across on eBay:

 

(ugh, I strongly dislike watermarks)

This dress comes in a plus sizes but the sizing seems to be more Junior's sizing.  It is jersey material which is naturally very stretchy so take that into consideration if you plan on buying!

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With regards to baubles and bling, the color red makes me think vintage and old world charm.  I fell in love with these earrings from ASOS because they had such a great vintage feel without looking overly gaudy:

 

What colors have you been drawn to recently? Have  you been successful in finding pieces that adequately capture the colors you like? Share your finds with me below!

<3

 

It's like Christmas every day...

Hi!
So it should come as no surprise to you that I love to shop.  My shopping addiction has caused me to be quite friendly with my neighborhood UPS, FedEx, and USPS guy.  They know me. My hubs often jokes around when there isn't a package delivered to our house.  "What happened?" he usually quips, "was the internet down?" Hardy har har. In any case, my package fom ASOS came today.  They switched from their usual grey plastic packaging to a more eco-friendly brown box. That made me happy. I was quite pleased with my purchase and have decided to only return the Fiorelli wristlet as it is much tinier than I thought it would be (can you please post dimensions ASOS??).  It's cute but not functional enough for my purposes.  I used the 25% off Memorial Day code that was circulating and was able to save some serious bux on my overall purchase.  That also made me happy.  I'm looking forward to styling the aztec print dress and the bodysuit so look out for future outfit posts featuring the two!

1//ASOS body in diamond print
2// Bodycon dress in aztec print
3//Basic scoop neck vest in lime green (I also purchased one in black)
4//Fiorelli wristlet coin purse in orchid
5//Collar necklace (more burnished bronze than gold)
6//Nail Rock tribal nail wraps

Did you make any Memorial Day clothing purchases? What did you think of all the deals?

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!

Pink and Teal...

Hi!

I officially can't wait for the warmer weather to be here.  For the past several days, it's been super dreary and just plain "blah" in Boston.  People here have exchanged their winter coats for trench coats.  Not the cute ones but the the long shapeless ones a la Columbo.  I tend to flout convention when it comes to dressing "weather appropriate" and tend to let how I feel dictate what I'm going to wear for the day.  Case in point, although it is considered "chilly" here in Boston, I couldn't resist wearing my recently-acquired sheer top from Forever 21. It features softly puffed shoulders, a jersey yoke, and blouson sleeves...plus it's stretchy!

Another purchase I am excited about is my Pieces "Nunne" belt.  I initially wasn't going to buy it because the biggest size on the ASOS site was a large.  Needless to say, I am sooooo glad I made the purchase! The belt features the cutest floral design and is able to accommodate my waist...winning! The pairing of the teal with the pink was a spontaneous decision as I believe there to be a great interplay between both colors.  The lipstick I'm wearing is my new obsession and is from Make Up For Ever (also known as MUFE for short) and is their Rouge Artist Intense in #36.  The color is so rich and vivid and the lipstick so emollient that I know it will be my go-to shade this summer.  Unfortunately (for me), this color has officially been discontinued by MUFE but you can still purchase it here and here.

What color combinations do you like pairing together?  Please share!

Top: Forever 21

Pants: ASOS (main range size 14) Style and size sold out

Belt: Pieces via ASOS

Shoes: Talbots "RiRi" suede pump Color currently sold out

Earrings: F21

Mini clutch: H&M

Pieces "Nunne" belt close-up

MUFE Rouge Artist Intense in #36 (additional colors available at Sephora)

Feelin' neon-y...

Hi!

I've been playing around with the neon trend as of late (look out for future outfit posts featuring some really bright colors!) and I think I'm liking it.  I've been trying to include it in ways that I wouldn't normally (see below).  I think bright colors do an amazing job in breaking up a neutral or monochromatic color palette.  I was at H&M yesterday and literally went into the store on 3 separate occasions to scope out the little clutch you see below.  Normally, I wouldn't have opted for this particular color but I literally dared myself to buy it and make it work.  They had black (which I might buy as well) and a coral color.  The tulip dress I am wearing was purchased ages ago and is from ASOS' main range.  It is a size 14 and has a smocked waist.  I absolutely love the pattern and the subtle puff shoulder detail. The original plan for this outfit was to forgo tights but there was a slight chill to the air and I had not yet shaved my legs. The latter reality essentially shut down any possibility for a bare-legged pic.  I'm not really a fan of these tights (or tights in general) but it is what it is.  These particular tights do this crazy bunchy thing at the ankle which I hate.  I guess alot of "tight pulling" is in the cards for me today.

Have you been experimenting with the neon trend?  What are your thoughts on it?

Dress: ASOS main range

Tights: Torrid

Shoes: Dolce Vita "Hayword" (purchased via Amazon Warehouse)

Mini clutch: H&M

Bracelets: Horn cuff bracelet, ASOS | Bangles, Ashley Stewart

Earrings: Pieces via ASOS

Necklace: chain to an old clutch

Shoe close-up

The one with the animal print...

Hi!

I wasn't planning on doing an outfit post today since I wasn't completely satisfied with my outfit but then I was like, "what the heck!"  I also wanted  you all to see the animal print batwing top I bought from Marshall's a couple days ago.  If you told me a year ago that I would be loving animal prints I would have laughed in your face.  I have changed my tune since then because I've seen how it can turn a "blah" outfit into a "shazam" outfit! This particular top is very lightweight and sheer--perfect for summer! I'm going to try to take more pics outdoors so you all can look at something other than the corner of my living room.  These pics were a bit impromptu and I apologize for the less than stellar background scenery.  If I had a do-over I probably would've added some bangles, a clutch and worn a skinny leg pant. Alas, we can't win 'em all!

Top: Ultra Pink via Marshall's

Cami: H&M

Pant: Elementz via Macy's

Belt: GAP

Shoes: Avenue

Necklace: F21

Earrings ASOS

Pics of the earrings I'm wearing.  They're kinda major.

Pants on fire...

Hey!
I bet you thought I was joking when I said I'd be posting more eh?  So today I felt like wearing a vibrant color so I decided to wear my red-orange F21 pants that I purchased recently.  I had been eyeing these pants for some time but always held off buying them because I didn't know how I would make them work.  Well, I came across a F21 code and decided that I would buy them.  Surprisingly, the pants fit great (my luck with F21 pants is not so good) and the color is very vivid in person.  The pants come with this brown belt which admittedly looks and feels a bit cheap.  Since I'm a little obsessed about pairing bright colors with monochromatic ones, I decided to wear my striped Faith21 tank and topped the ensemble with a F21 woven cardigan.  I think the pants give the outfit a nice punch of color without being too in-your-face (which is not necessarily a bad thing). FYI, the pants I'm wearing are a size 16 so if you are wanting a looser fit, I would size up. 

Again, sorry for the craptastic pics! I will be getting my DSLR soon!

Pants: F21

Tank: Faith21 (now F21)

Cardigan: F21

Earrings: F21

Necklace: ??

Shoes: Old Navy

Looking sharp...

Hey!

So when I stalk something, I stalk it hard. This blazer is no exception.  If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have seen it on my board. I bought it off of eBay and noticed that it wasn't carried in my size so I contacted the seller and asked if he could make one in a larger size and he agreed! So even though it doesn't close, I am in love with this blazer.  The material is thick and it is very well constructed.  I have been so into the "power shoulder"/"sharp shoulder" trend but alot of the clothes I have seen have not been made to accommodate the plus size figure.  And as you can see, I decided to sport my Motel belt again.  I love the detail of the belt and also love the fact that it is elasticized! Remember what I said in my previous post about taking risks on main range clothing? Well this belt is a size large and has ridiculous stretch to it.  Check out the leopard detail! It makes me want to ROAAAAAR (like a dungeon dragon) every time I wear it!

I also decided to give my curly wig a bit of a break (although I anticipate it getting alot of use this summer).  My own hair is just at my shoulders but I decided to style it as a "mock" bob by pinning it under.  I think I like it.  I'm not really a fan of hair in my face but I could get used to the side bang. After these pictures were taken, I was holding my daughter and she literally grabbed my bang with her hand and yanked as hard as she could.  I could literally hear the sound of my hair ripping from the root! So needless to say, I won't be rocking the side bang around her anytime soon :-/.

What do you all think of the jacket? Is the "sharp shoulder" look something you can envision yourself wearing? How would you rock the blazer?

Blazer: shangarila_mart via eBay

Bodysuit: ASOS

Pants: Old Navy "Rockstar" jean

Belt: Motel via ASOS

Shoes: Corso Como via Amazon

Earrings: F21

Belt close-up

Lastly, I know I don't say it nearly enough but thanks for reading my blog! You all rock and I absolutely love reading all your comments! <3