Eek! I'm going under the knife again!

Well, ok, I'm having surgery today, but I don't think I'll actually be "under the knife" seeing as the operation involves my face...

Today at 11AM (CST, where I am), I have to head over for surgery on my deviated septum, plus removal of my tonsils and adenoids.  I have to wear a splint on my nose for around a week afterwards... I'm sure I'll look lovely haha.  I'm nervous about this operation, even more so than the WLS and the hernia repair, because this one involves my face, but I know I'll be ok.

I look forward to sipping liquids for the next week (NOT!)~ and I'm pretty sure I won't be away from my blog!

~ R

The big return of the colored denim?

I remember colored denim well when I was a kid/teenager (and I'm aware that this shows my age).  I owned a lot of it, as a matter of fact.  I have seen some colored denim in recent days (i.e. the last year or 2), but I only noticed them at Hot Topic and Torrid on the Tripp NYC jeans.  However, judging by this latest True Religion ad that I received in my email yesterday, colored denim is looking as though it's about to make it's comeback in a big way.  The ad featured Red, Purple, and Royal Blue women's jeans prominently and was titled "Color Your Spring".

My 2 cents on the whole thing is this...  I'm not sure this is a trend I'll partake in for a 2nd time.  Sure, I have silvery-grey jeans and black jeans, along with my blues, but I am 99% sure I won't fork out the $$ for the colored True Religions.  Any thoughts on this one from my readers??  They are nice in pictures, but I've seen it come and go before.

~ R

Why don't more Designers offer plus size options?

I'm sure this is a topic that has been covered a lot of times, but it hasn't been covered by me haha.  Therefore, I want to get my 2 cents in on a topic that haunted me for years and now I just ponder it.

Years ago, I had a favorite store called Maurices (I still like this store a lot, but more on that later).  Now, back then, Maurices really only went up to a Juniors size 13 and even those were limited.  Size 11/12 was the norm for the biggest size they had.  In those days, I was a 7 or a 9, and I could shop there without a problem so I didn't think about it too much until I started to gain weight and the 13's got too tight.  Then many years passed before I could shop in Maurices again (post-WLS).  By the time I could shop in Maurices again in the mid-2000's was about the time I noticed they were starting to sell plus sizes in there.  I'm not sure why that infuriated me, but it did.  I guess it was because of all the years I wanted to wear stylish plus size clothes and couldn't, then all the sudden there it was when I didn't need it anymore.  Don't get me wrong...  I'm thrilled to death there are more options out there for the ladies than I had, but still can't help but be a bit jealous.

I don't understand why more designer labels don't carry plus sizes though.  I think it's something many designers could profit from, but I guess so many of them don't want to go "there" with their image.  I have seen a couple of them that have extended sizes, like CJ by Cookie Johnson (that goes up to a 38) and PZI Jeans (that range in sizes 4-18).  Silver Jeans has a seperate plus size line, but the same cute styles.  There are also Not Your Daughter's Jeans and MiracleBody Jeans that are great for the "tummy tuck" effect and have a range of sizes, but so many still only go up to a size 10 or 12.  The average American woman is a size 14 and that statistic is going up with the increasing obesity rates. 

I will be posting more options for my friends who are looking for more options over a size 10/12 in the coming weeks, but if y'all have any feedback, please feel free to comment.  I love feedback!

~ R

Just a couple of recommendations...

Ok, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to give a couple of great recommendations for those of you who love shopping online!

1) Designs by Stephene (http://www.designsbystephene.com/):  I most recently purchased a pair of Big Star Vintage Taylor Boyfriend crops from this website.  The customer service is wonderful and the purchase arrived in the most timely fashion.  They take added security precaution and want you to sign for the package, but I was very happy to receive such a great pair of Boyfriend crops.  They fit perfect and I gave them a wonderful survey review.  I would recommend this site to anyone looking for a great deal on designer denim.  She almost always has a code up for some percentage off your purchase and free shipping over $100.  In addition, there are so many great items on sale that this website is A+++.

2) Metropark (in stores and http://www.metroparkusa.com/):  My most recent purchase from Metropark online is a pair of 1921 Janis Torn Bootcut jeans and a Red Affliction t-shirt (the Range Tee).  I have made many, many purchases from Metropark online (and the store, as well, in a couple of locations).  I love how fast they ship (even with standard shipping, it's usually on my porch in 3 days from when I order), as well as free shipping when you spend $150.  There is also often a promotion or sale going on and, most recently, I scored 2 Affliction messenger bags and have received MULTIPLE compliments on it (2 of the same bag, FYI).  I have told anyone who asked exactly where I got, so I am passing on the Metropark recommendation all over the place!  A+++ to this site, as well!

I hope these reviews were helpful and even give a few of you a new place (or 2) to shop! 

~ R

HALT! Stay away from the sales, Renae!

So, GRRR!  I hate when there are amazing sales going on and I'm in the middle of moving so I can't spare the $$.  I got my last pair of jeans last night that I'm getting for a few weeks, at least.  I got a great pair of J Brand flare jeans on Yoox.  $59 plus shipping!!  Go me!!

Now, I just ran across some J Brand skinny jeans I like a LOT on Singer22 (they are still having a great sale with clearance items up to 90% off) and also a great pair of 7FAM Roxanne skinny jeans.  Grrr for needing to do the right thing! haha

I will just pass the next few weeks with blogging about great finds and take my mind off my denim withdrawal.  Happy Hump Day, everyone!

~ R

My latest discovery: 6pm.com

...  So, I am quite sure that this site is not a new discovery to so many of you fashionistas out there, but I just stumbled across it a few days ago.  I think it is absolutely wonderful and totally blogworthy.  The denim on there is pretty "last season", but who cares!  There really isn't a whole lot of difference (if any difference at all) in this season and last season, plus the prices are AMAZING!  There are also a lot of other great items such as shirts, shoes, handbags, etc.  I am truly in LOVE with this site and can totally see myself becoming a regular shopper here.

Remember the address:  http://www.6pm.com/ ...  and bookmark it!  You won't regret giving it a try!  Post a comment to me and let me know what you found! :)

Curvy girls CAN wear skinny jeans (and rock them)!

I spent a good deal of time hiding from skinny and straight leg jeans after they became the "it" jeans.  In fact, I didn't buy my first pair until January 2009 and I got those on clearance at American Eagle.  They were a dark wash Skinny 77 jean that I got for 19.99 plus tax.  I have a friend who is significantly heavier than I am and she talked about skinny jeans and how they are her favorites.  I was always saying "omigosh, I'd never wear those!".  I have large, muscular thighs and calves, as I played sports for years, plus I've had 2 kids.  I might wear a size 4-8 (depending on the brand) or breaking it down in designer sizes, which I wear more now, anywhere from a 27-30, depending the cut/brand.  (I have curves and I am proud of those curves hehe.)  I didn't think I could pull off the skinny jeans and boots look, but lo and behold... I can!  Not only do I pull off skinny jeans and boots, I wear skinny jeans and ballet flats, I wear skinny jeans and heels, I even wear skinny jeans with leg warmers and heels! Oh, and I totally rock the skinny jeans!  I look GREAT in them, if I say so myself. Now I'm here to offer up some of my skinny jeans/straight leg jeans suggestions to the curvy girls out there =)

• Big Star Maddie Skinny Jeans
• Big Star Casey K Skinny Jeans
• Big Star Vintage Nico Skinny Jeans *Have become my favorite skinnies/I think I bought every wash!*
• BKE Kate Skinny Jeans
• BKE Madison Skinny Jeans
• Hudson Stella Straight Jeans *More like a skinny jean with a 14" opening*
• Rock Revival Patti Straight Jeans
• Rock Revival Debbie Straight Jeans
• Rock Revival Tori Straight Jeans
• 1921 Carly Straight Leg Jeans
• 1921 Joni Straight Leg Jeans
• 1921 Chrissie Skinny Jeans *1921 are a top 3 favorite brand/flattering with a great rise*
• MEK Edinburgh Straight Jeans
• MEK Mazatlan Skinny Jeans
• Lucky Brand Lola Skinny Jeans
• Antique Rivet Mellisa Straight Jeans
• True Religion Billy Relic-Ridin Dirty Dark
• True Religion Billy Silver Rainbow-Body Rinse
• Joe's Jeans Ex-Lover Skinny Jeans *Boyfriend fit*
• Joe's Jeans Honey Skinny Jeans
• 7 For All Mankind Roxanne Skinny Jeans
• 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere "Gummy" Skinny Jeans
• William Rast Rachel Skinny Jeans
• William Rast Savoy Skinny Jeans
• Silver Pixie Stretch Legging Jean *Distressed, medium wash and mid-rise*
• Aeropostale Bayla Skinny Jeans *Great jeans, great price, almost always on sale*
• American Eagle Skinny Jeans
• American Eagle Straight Jeans

I know that I have found some that just don't fit me well because I have larger calves and also some that are just too low-rise for my liking, but others might really like them.  I am only listing ones that I have found that I really like and that work for me and my figure.

Denim Review: Big Star Maddie Jeans

I just LOVE Big Star Maddie jeans from Buckle.  It's the only store I've ever found the Maddie jeans at, but they have a wonderful selection of them.  Big Star Maddies were the first pair of jeans I ever bought from Buckle and were the jeans that got me really started on the designer denim.  After I got them, I was admittedly hooked!

Maddie jeans have a little over an 8" rise (mid-rise jeans) making them not so revealing for those of us who don't want to show all our assets in every pair we own.  They are slightly more eased through the hips and thighs for those of us who have curves so you might want to size down from the more slim fit jeans if you are used to those.  I am normally a 28L, 29L, sometimes a 30L in designer denim, but I need a 27L in most of the Maddie jeans.  They are definitely a more relaxed fit, without looking baggy on you.  The price of the Maddie jeans are expensive if you are not used to paying designer prices, but not expensive compared to many designer lines.  They start around $94 and go up to around $112.  You will want to try each pair on as they can all fit different, even though they are the same brand.

I probably have 7 or 8 pairs of Maddie jeans and I wouldn't mind having a few more.  I have recently noticed a black pair I'd love to have.  They have a style and color for everyone, from flares to bootcut to skinnies.  I highly recommend them for all my girls!

Buckle jeans are addicting!

...  Well, it's true!!

I thought I could go in that store and get just 1 pair of jeans and that they would not compare to my AE (American Eagle) jeans, which had been my favorites for YEARS.  This was a year ago now, and I must sadly admit, I am hooked.  I must have 25+ pair of Buckle jeans (Big Star mostly, MEK, Miss Me, Rock Revival, Antique Rivet, 7FAM, and some BKE Jeans (Sabrina and Culture) ).   I don't usually even wear my AE jeans anymore.  I do still wear my Aeropostale Bayla Skinnies, but I only have 2 pairs of those.  I am totally hooked on buying my jeans at Buckle (and Nordstrom, too, but mostly Buckle)! 

So I am penning this blog mostly as a direct result of hearing so many girls on my WLS message boards posting that they want to buy a PAIR of jeans from Buckle.  Haha...  That's how it started for me, too, and I hope they realize it probably won't stop at just. 1. pair.   Just sayin'...

I love, love, love my Buckle jeans!

2009~ It was another year of change!

I will say I did change a lot when it came to my own personal style this year.  I think that my changes were certainly for the better because, looking back on it now, I dressed very young for my age.  I think I had also quite outgrown the total "prepster" look I'd been sporting for some years now.

Amongst my favorite discoveries of the year are my Hudson Stella Jeans, Big Star Vintage Jeans(the whole line of them!!), Sinful shirts, Affliction shirts, Rebel Spirit shirts, Crash & Burn shirts, and all other cute shirts I find at Buckle, boots and more boots!, Joes Honey Jeans, Rock Revival Jeans, 7 For All Mankind Jeans, True Religion, Smashbox Cosmetics, and much more!  Thank you Buckle and Nordstrom for a great year hehe!!

Here's to an even better 2010~ I don't see a change in personal style coming, but probably an expansion of the wardrobe.