In The Thick Of It

Plus Size Festival Wear - Gold Lion It’s music festival...

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:16:00 -0500

Plus Size Festival Wear - Gold Lion

It’s music festival season again and that means it’s time for some summer outfits that won’t weigh you down. For these looks, I’ve shown how one shirt can be worn two totally different ways. The look on the left is a little more “tumblr fashion” and the one on the right reads a little more traditional festival look to me.

I think a cross-body bag is a necessary piece to any festival look. And having a hat or some sort of shade is a nice addition. These outfits can totally be mixed/matched. In the evening, I might even add a denim vest to them for an extra layer.

The most important thing for me at festivals is pacing myself and not wearing too many clothes. I’m just a little too old to be standing in the hot sun all day. I am big on constant hydration and finding shady spots to chill in when there aren’t acts I’m crazy about. and don’t forget the SPF!

If you’d like your own styled festival look - it’s only $15 for an outfit idea. Message me for details or see my style page.

DETAILS

gold lion festival looks - plus size by inthethickofit

Printed tank top / Black and white striped legging / Hydraulic plus size shorts / Jeffrey Campbell buckle boots / ASOS flat soled shoes / Deena & Ozzy studded handbag / Steven by Steve Madden fringe shoulder bag / Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian / John & Pearl triangle earrings, $44 / Vince Camuto resin necklace / Topshop triangle necklace / Maison Scotch wool hat, $78 / Tech accessory

InTheThickofIt at the ModCloth Pop-Up shop in NYC - JUNE...

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:56:03 -0500

InTheThickofIt at the ModCloth Pop-Up shop in NYC - JUNE 14th

Hey folks! I’ll be at ModCloth’s Pop-Up shop in NYC on June 14th in New York. I hope to meet some readers and have fun shopping for CUTE plus size clothes with ModCloth!

RSVP here

The hair… I’ve had so many requests and asks about...

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:30:08 -0500

The hair…

I’ve had so many requests and asks about my hair lately that I though I’d just do a quick write-up about it.

My hair is currently cut in a short pixie-ish style and dyed platinum. I do a few shades of platinum depending on the season, but right now it’s a pretty basic shade (since I’m doing a few interviews and such). My hair is naturally blonde, but not nearly this light.

I absolutely love having a short cut. It feels stylish and it’s fun to play with. I have noticed that I have to pay more attention to it when it’s short though - it requires more maintenance to keep it looking not shaggy and you can’t just throw it in a ponytail (to be honest i’m not a fan of that look anyway). I use headbands when i need to keep my hair out of my face, but that’s usually just a in-the-house look for me anyway.

My hair is styled by Patrick at Fringe Salon in Chicago. He’s an amazing friend and a great stylist. He’s one of those folks that will walk you through every step of what he’s doing. I love it. Plus he’s obsessed with fashion and music and art like I am, so he’s also great to chat with on that level.

You really should make an appointment with him if you’re in the Chicago area. Mention my name (Amanda or InTheThickofIt) so he knows I sent you!

Patrick
Fringe Salon Chicago
1437 N Milwaukee Ave
773-862-1000

inthethickofit: Items for Sale (click on images to see more...

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:56:54 -0500

Merona Denim Vest - XXL - $20

Blue v-neck Wrap Stretch Dress - Forever 21+ - Sz 3X (super stretchy) - $10

Pleather Jacket - INC Plus - 1X - $20

Vintage Nightgown - no size (fits me at size 16/36E) - $8

Lined Silk print dress - Halogen brand - Sz 16 - $25

Detail of nightgown

Faux chanel jacket vintage - Sz 14 - $30

inthethickofit:

Items for Sale (click on images to see more detail/larger)

Hey folks. I’ve had a few crazy things happen in my life recently and I’ve got an unexpected move coming up. I have had a few things in my closet I’ve needed to sell, so here they are a little sooner than I expected! Your purchases will help my move go a little smoother.

1) Merona Denim Vest - XXL - $20

2) Blue v-neck Wrap Stretch Dress - Forever 21+ - Sz 3X (super stretchy) - $10. It’s shiny in real life - super cute, great for going out

3) Pleather Jacket - INC Plus - 1X - $20

4) detail of me wearing

5) Vintage Nightgown - no size listed (fits me tight at size 16/36E) - $8

6) Lined Silk print dress - Halogen brand - Sz 16 - $25

7) Detail of vintage nightgown

8) Faux chanel jacket vintage - Sz 14 - $30

All items come from a non-smoking home and will be shipped within 5 business days. shipping is $5 or less in the US. Please message me if you want an item (or items). I will combine shipping. paypal accepted.

My new favorite earrings… and a maxi dress from Target....

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:37:04 -0500

My new favorite earrings…

and a maxi dress from Target.

These are my lounging-around-the-house clothes!

Femme “Tomboy” Looks. Per reader request, a few...

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:14:00 -0500

Femme “Tomboy” Looks.

Per reader request, a few ideas for some summertime femme tomboy looks. I skewed a bit preppy, but will post a few ideas later this week that are more edgy.

Look 1

Look 2

Could you make some recommendations for chic summer plus size tomboy femme? All these babes in dresses look great but I am the skinny jeans/loafers/tweed blazer type, which won't exactly fly in 95 degree weather. Right now I'm thinking airy tanks, rolled up lightweight denim, fingertip rings and mesh plimsolls, but I work in a quasi professional office.

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:46:35 -0500

Oh I love this question. I think I’ll make a few style sets this week and post them.

Yes, I love your ideas. I feel you on the layering problem and summertime weather - but what about seersucker or linen blazers? They look great with airy tanks and pretty flats. I love including them for a preppy(ish) look for the summer months.

If you’d like me to do a set just for you with your sizing and style in mind, let’s talk via email.

Question and answer session

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:30:52 -0500

Hey readers of Inthethickofit! I just wanted to open up and see if you guys had any questions about me or styling or clothes that I can answer today.

Also I’ve noticed that tumblr has been doing a lot of unintended unfollows again, so if you reblog me, you might want to double check and make sure you’re still following!

Would you guys be interested in another give-away? Let me know what things you would love to see as part of it. Clothes? Accessories?

Industrial Corner and MYNT 1792 Brown Jacket One of my favorite...

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:13:25 -0500

Industrial Corner and MYNT 1792 Brown Jacket

One of my favorite things about chicago is that it does have a gritty edge to it. The rust juxtaposed with the geese and the blue sky make me smile.

This lovely Nolita Moto Jacket was gifted to me by MYNT 1792. It’s such a great color and I love that the collar really looks good open or closed. I received so many compliments on this outfit. I think it can easily be dressed up or down - pair with skinny jeans or a denim skirt for totally different looks.

Outfit details:
Nolita Moto Jacket - Sz 1X - MYNT 1792
Pale pink burnout shirt - H&M - XL
Burgundy tank - Target - XXL
Premium skinny jeggings - Target - 16
Burgundy shoes - Target
Crystal bullet necklace - lovely musings etsy
Earrings - Nordstrom Rack
Arrow Bracelets - Nordstrom Rack
Sunglasses - SEE Eyewear

I’m a 215# queer fat femme

Thanks to MYNT 1792 for the nolita moto jacket. My review is not monetarily influenced!

A few of my daily products. I’ve had a few requests from folks...

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:33:16 -0500

A few of my daily products.

I’ve had a few requests from folks about my hair and makeup products. I’ll be doing several posts in the coming weeks, but here are a few of my first-thing products.

Starting top middle and going clockwise:
1) Yes To Cucumber Facial Towelettes - I use these to get off makeup. They smell amazing and work really well. I also use them to quickly clean makeup brushes.

2) CeraVe moisturizing lotion - I have issues with dermatitis on my face. This lotion is super great for those with sensitive skin.

3) John Masters Organics Bourbon Vanilla and Tangerine hair texturizer. This stuff smells amazing and has a similar consistency to honey. I love it for giving my hair some pieceyness when it’s too clean.

4) 7 Balm - this lip balm is some of the best I’ve ever tried. It’s great for healing winter lips

5) TIGI Sugar Dust - hair volumizing dust has changed my life. Sprinkle a little into your roots and shake it around. It lifts roots and lasts all day.

6) Natural Grooming Deodorant - I adore this brand and the “forest” and “wild” scents are perfect

7) Parfumerie Generale “Indochine” - this is my main go-to scent from lucky scent’s review: “Its creaminess is brought out by the smoky, milky undertones of tanakha, a traditional cosmetic whose smell is reminiscent of sandalwood. Subtle Kampot pepper from Cambodia, considered to be the best in the world, and green, sparkling Ceylonese cardamom, underline the spiciness, while Laotian honey wraps the accords in the quirky-gourmand notes that are the trademark of so many Parfumerie Générale fragrances. ”

8) Alba 30spf facial sunscreen - this is great for sensitive skin and isn’t greasy. Don’t forget to apply it to your chest!

9) Sure unscented antiperspirant - sometimes I need a little more coverage and when I do, I love the unscented Sure.

10) Redkin Anti-snap - this product is great for color-treated hair. a little bit before blowdrying helps reduce breakage

Record Store Day & MYNT 1792 Collaboration You all know how...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:30:29 -0500

Record Store Day & MYNT 1792 Collaboration

You all know how difficult it can be to find a perfect pair of skinny jeans. How thrilled was I when I was contacted by MYNT 1792 to try their Tribeca Skinny Jeans. These jeans are premium denim. They are not overly stretchy, they are not see-through thin - they ARE a perfect weight with a tiny bit of stretch and they simply fit well. I want to own them in every color.

I decided to wear the new skinnies while I was out shopping on Record Store Day. I needed something that would feel comfortable wearing all day long. Because the weather has still been cold and blustery in Chicago - I needed to pair it with a long sleeve top and then added my go-to jean jacket. I love this look and you’ll be seeing these jeans in many upcoming looks.

Chicago folks will likely recognize these murals from Logan Square and thanks to Fleur (floral shop) for letting us shoot a few inside (it was SO cold/windy!)

Outfit Details
Blackberry Tribeca Skinny Jeans - Mynt 1792 (sz 14)
Leopard/Gray top - H&M Plus (sz 18)
Rose quartz necklace - lovelymusings etsy
Jean jacket - GAP
Gray wedges - Target (last spring)
Glasses - SEE Eyewear
Gray ‘Okinawa’ bag - Vahallah Brooklyn

I’m a 215# queer fat femme

Thanks to MYNT 1792 for the tribeca skinny jeans. My review is not monetarily influenced!

Springtime and Patterned Shorts I am thrilled that it’s...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:33:00 -0500

Springtime and Patterned Shorts

I am thrilled that it’s finally spring! Well except that all my dogs are shedding - that isn’t so sweet. But all the flowers and the warmer weather are just making me so happy right now.

My job has been so busy lately that I really haven’t had time to take some fun photos, but I really wanted to show you guys these amazing sweet shorts I recently purchased. I think there’s nothing better than mixing patterns and when I came home and remembered I had this precious lace sweatshirt, I knew I had the perfect outfit. I know this outfit is a little sweet for me - but there’s something about spring that just brings it out of me.

And what about these new creamy pearl glasses from SEE eyewear? I am completely in love!

Outfit details
Navy/seafoam green patterned shorts - Target - Sz 18
Seafoam lace sweatshirt - Target - Sz XXL
Pale pink studded flats - Target
Rose quartz necklace - lovelymusings etsy
white ring - H&M
Rose ring - Fossil
Glasses - SEE eyewear

New sunglasses and cream frames I just got at SEE Eyewear....

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:33:58 -0500

New sunglasses and cream frames I just got at SEE Eyewear. Can’t wait to get these with my prescription!

#seeeyewear

A moment of sweetness… My partner S and I have a really...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:44:00 -0500

A moment of sweetness…

My partner S and I have a really lovely life together. I don’t gush about us much here - well because this is a fashion blog, not a relationship blog. But I am so happy.

Anyway…my tumblr friend Coreena drew this SWEET piece of us. LOOK AT MY CHUBBY LITTLE KNEES!!!! She does custom portraits and has some really great cards and things on her etsy. You should REALLY go check out her stuff. Tell her you found her through inthethickofit!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/coreenahhhh

More social media: Instagram and Pinterest

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:26:57 -0500

Hey folks - just a heads up that I’ve added my Instagram and Pinterest links to my main page.

I’d love to connect with you there as well! Add me!

Cloak and Parks I’m not a religious person by any means,...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:23:25 -0500

Cloak and Parks

I’m not a religious person by any means, but if I was going to do any worshipping on Easter sunday, it was going to be at the Art Institute and Millenium Park. Nothing better than a little modern wing at the AIC. Seeing as how it was pretty much perfect weather, I was able to venture out in my new cloak and not have to worry about a giant puffy jacket.

I love that this cloak can be worn open or closed - giving it a fully different look each way. It was a great piece for going to the museum, because it could easily be slipped on and off as needed.

Outfit Details
Cloak - Charles Gray London, XL (via nordstrom rack)
Black shirt - Forever 21, 1X
Jeggings - Target, 16
Wedge boots - Topshop (last year)
Necklace - Forever 21 (new)
Wallet clutch - Kenneth Cole Reaction (via nordstrom rack)
Sun glasses - SEE

215# 5’9”

Guest-of-wedding Looks. I have a TON of requests for ideas for...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:09:32 -0500

Guest-of-wedding Looks.

I have a TON of requests for ideas for what to wear to a wedding. Since it’s that season, I decided to throw a few ideas out there featuring some dresses from eShakti (they have dresses in a wide range of sizes and they provide custom tailoring).

All the dresses at eShakti tend to run pretty sweet (very 1950s style really), but here are a few different options that would work well for spring/summer weddings!

Polyvore set here

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress / Ribbon tie waist lace frock / Colorblock shoes / Michael Antonio platform pumps / River Island color block handbag / Oasis envelope clutch, $15 / A|Wear studded handbag, $30 / Gold jewelry / Marc by Marc Jacobs bangle bracelet / Rare London vintage style jewelry, $7.57 / ALDO stud earrings / With Love From CA triangle necklace / Florence dress

Graphic Print Skirt in the Neo Alley A day away from the office...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:30:06 -0500

Graphic Print Skirt in the Neo Alley

A day away from the office and I wanted to go out around the city. I had just gone dancing at neo the night before and decided I had to do a photo-shoot in the weird painted alley. Thursday nights at neo remind me of friday night at #’s (“numbers” - it was named in an era when hashtags did not exist) in Houston, which is where I learned to dance in the late 90s/early 00’s. I adore 80s dark synth, so a new wave night just takes me to the best places mentally.

I needed an outfit perfect for a cool, sunny day in Chicago - This elastic-waist skirt is heavy enough to not fly up at the slightest wind. I love the slight touch of neon - just enough to break up the all-black.

Outfit Details
Print Skirt - Target, sz L (new/ mossimo/ runs big!) - available here
Sheer Neon Shirt - Forever 21+, sz 1X - available here
Faux Black Leather Jacket - Forever 21+, Sz XL
Black Tights - Target
Shoes - John Fluevog Selby
Triangle Necklace - Forever 21
Ring - H&M
Bag - Vince Camuto (via Nordstrom Rack)
Glasses - SEE

215# 5’9”

mountainmover: I got my giveaway prize from In The Thick of It...

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:01:38 -0500

mountainmover:

I got my giveaway prize from In The Thick of It today. Thank you Amanda, you’re awesome!

YAY! So Happy you received it (y’all I had a huge fiasco with the first package I sent getting stolen from the mailroom at my office! items are slightly different because I had to replace everything - such a terrible situation!!!)

I saw your other post where you were wearing the citrine necklace - it looks AMAZING on you.

Thanks again everyone for the support and so much love to you, Mountainmover!!!!

Copious Crush: Amanda Lee, Blogger for In the Thick of It

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:27:54 -0500

shopcopious:

To be honest, we can’t remember how we first found Amanda Lee and her blog, In the Thick of It, but at this point her blog has become a must-read for us. It’s like that song you hear over and over without really knowing it, until you realize you know all of the words and sing it at the top of your lungs. Amanda shares her favorite finds, outfit shots, and thoughts on finding the best duds for plus-size ladies. Bonus points? Look at that new cute pink ‘do!

Introduce Yourself! What’s your name, where do you live, and what do you do?

I’m Amanda Lee. I live in Chicago now, but I grew up in the Gulf Coast area (Houston, TX). I’m a graphic artist, blogger and stylist. You can see some of my art on my site.

How would you describe your personal style?

Budget-conscious trendy with a strong pinch of goth. I basically really love the color black.

Do you have any fashion regrets? Or vice versa, things you’ll never stop wearing?

It’s taken me years to craft my style - there were many years of floundering style-wise. There were some embarrassing capri pants situations. I can’t seem to stop wearing my denim jacket - it’s a staple in my closet.

What inspires you?

I draw inspiration from fellow fat-fashion bloggers like Nicolette Mason, Stephanie Zwicky and Gabi Fresh. I also scour runway shows and tumblr. And I obsessively visit art museums and people-watch on city streets anywhere I am to gather general aesthetic inspiration.

Tell me about In the Thick of It Fashion. Where did the name come from? What do you focus on? Any goals for 2013?

In The Thick of It started a few years ago as just a way for me to explore my own style. After many years of interacting with other plus size women online, I decided to just focus on my own outfits as a way to really craft a look. The name is a play on the phrase “in the thick of it.”

I focus on budget-friendly style for plus size folks. I am not at all interested in talking about weight-loss or dieting. It’s very much a blog about loving your body as it is and dressing yourself in that body you have now. My goals for 2013 for the blog include a revamping of the site later this year, and working with a few more plus size partners and advertisers.

What are you listening to right now?

I am obsessed with late 70’s and early 80’s darkwave/synth…basically if it’s put out by Dark Entries label, I’m listening to it. One of my favorites on my record player at the moment is the 1980s Belgian band, Parade Ground. As for new music - I’m very much looking forward to the new albums by Austra and The Knife this summer.

Tell me about your ideal day. What do you do, where do you go, who are you with?

My ideal day starts with waking up with my partner S, getting dressed (we both love to really look stylish) and heading to a cafe. I love to sit outside with a journal to write ideas or sketch while I have coffee and a croissant. Then a little shopping - usually Nordstrom Rack, H&M, Topshop, Forever 21. Then perhaps meeting up with some friends for a late lunch and then home to hang out with our dogs and to watch a movie. I’m a simple person and really love having quiet time. While I do love dancing, I don’t like to go out super late very often - so tend to go out dancing once a month and really have a blast when I do.

Anything I should have asked that I didn’t? Tell me one more thing I should know.

It’s really important to me that fat bodies are taken seriously in fashion. The reason it has taken me so long to really hone my style is that options for plus size folks have been MISERABLE in past years. There are a great number of people that have done so much for fashion for plus size bodies and I’m excited to see that grow even more.

What are you loving on Copious right now? Send me links of things you love and tell me why.

https://copious.com/listings/bobby-boot

This boot is great for bringing a little edge to almost any outfit

https://copious.com/listings/cross-embroidery-sweater

This patterned sweater would be great worn over-sized with some skinny jeans and those bobby boots!

https://copious.com/listings/blackbird-soap-set

Black soap? Yes - it smells amazing and looks cool too.

https://copious.com/listings/peach-aragonite-gold-necklace-1

I love big raw stones in necklaces and earrings - this would bring a touch of flash and color to an all-black outfit.