In The Thick Of It

ModClothPlus I attended the #modclothplus event today. It was a...

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:18:44 -0500

ModClothPlus

I attended the #modclothplus event today. It was a great event with the plus size buyers and pr folks at modcloth. It was great to see fellow bloggers there and get to meet a lot of folks in person. I’ll be posting more photos later, but here’s a tiny taste!

Gingham Apron Dress from Two J’s New York A perfect sunny...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:22:00 -0500

Gingham Apron Dress from Two J’s New York

A perfect sunny day in my new neighborhood and I just wanted something fun and fresh to wear. I had to test out my new Two J’s New York apron dress. It was a windy day so I decided to layer it over a vintage black lace crinoline and my Gene boots by Jeffrey Campbell.

The great thing about Two J’s clothes is that they are super versatile. Each item can be styled in many different ways. This dress has the apron style bodice which can be changed with the strap positions, the tie can be worn in front or back, the straps can be worn out or tucked in. There is lots of material in the skirt portion - it flares perfectly and did I mention yet….DEEP POCKETS! This dress has pockets bigger than a few purses I own :)

This lovely cotton dress is really great for summer and comes in a variety of colors and fabrics. I really love the khaki/denim combo as well.

I’ll be posting some more Two J’s New York pieces over the coming weeks. I hope you love their work as much as I do.

Outfit Details:
Chocolate Cherry Apron Dress - Sz L - Two J’s New York
Black Lace Crinoline - Sz unknown - vintage
‘Gene’ Ankle Boots - Jeffrey Campbell
Necklace - Topman (i think!)
Earrings - local gallery
Moth tattoo - Esther of Butterfat Studio
Glasses - SEE Eyewear

*dress was provided for review by Two J’s New York. This did not influence my review in any way.

Summertime in the Garden Nothing new here at InTheThickofIt at...

Tue, 28 May 2013 20:07:47 -0500

Summertime in the Garden

Nothing new here at InTheThickofIt at the moment except that everything is new here. Which is to say that it’s been an incredibly busy time. I’m moving to a new part of the city in 2 weeks - so I’m packing and things are chaos. I am no longer working a 9-5 job, but I’m focusing all my time on doing PR for this blog and a few other side freelance projects.

I MISS YOU GUYS! and I just wanted to share this sweet little photo from the backyard I took before the storms today.

The shirt is from Forever 21+, the glasses are from SEE Eyewear and the moth tattoo is by esther at butterfat studios.

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

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”