I just realized today that I have been blogging for two years. Oh how time flies! I began my blog because I had so much built up inside about plus size fashion and wanted to change the way we view fashion one FATshionista at a time. Let me tell you living in Minnesota does not exactly provide me with the best fashion platform and I know there are so many things to see and experience and relationships to build. I am continually inspired by other bloggers in the curvy community and my hope for 2012 is to expand my social network relationships and continue to learn all there is to know about building a better blog. I have found peace and support being a part of the expanding community of curvy bloggers, and I honestly never thought that I would have the time to keep it up. In 2011 I reached 179 followers (Cannot thank you enough), became a contributing blogger to Skorch Magazine, collaborated with C.J. Banks, and did my first apparel review for Sizes to fit. I am excited to see what the future holds for me. I still have ideas brewing on how I can merge social work and plus size fashion/body acceptance and I see a 501(c)3 non-profit in my future (after graduation). I am proud to declare my role in the curvy blogger community and hope to grow and learn so that I can continue to share with my followers. Like celebrities say “It’s all about the fans”, and without followers my voice would go unheard. THANK YOU!!!

I am so excited to do an outfit of the month of not only me but my sisters. My family doesn’t do much on my dad’s side for the holidays but this year two of my 6 younger sisters and I went to our dad’s Christmas show here in Minneapolis, at the Dakota Jazz Club. We had a blast and listening to my dad’s Christmas music live makes the season bright. I have to plug my daddy Alexander O’Neal on having one of the #1 selling Christmas albums of all time (shameless LOL). I always love when me and my sisters go out because we have different styles but know exactly what makes us feel sexy and confident. I was lucky enough to capture some pics of my beautiful baby twin sisters. Hope everyone had a Happy Christmas!

Ps. Sorry for picture quality my only camera these days is on my phone :(

                                           Love, Catrice

                      Blazer: Thrifted from savers (actually a plum color)

                      Skirt: Calvin Klein sweater skirt from Saks off 5th

                      Tights: Black reversible SPANX

                      Scarf: American Apparel

                      Shoes: Steve Madden Booties (Not Pictured)

                      Ring: ??????????

I absolutely love the holidays, from the decorations to the fabulous scents that fill the air. This year I have been particularly  excited by all of the sparkly holiday attire that is on display and even more struck by all the red. I have never really been a big fan of red in my wardrobe but somehow this holiday season has inspired me. In a post a few months ago I featured a red blazer that I found in the vintage section at Savers that has become one of my “when in doubt wear me” items.  My absolute favorite is a black blazer with red skinny jeans and this look on Whitney Port is just what I have in mind when I find the perfect pair of red skinny jeans (stay tuned). Whitney’s look is  feminine yet tailored with a pop of color; cannot go wrong. What is your favorite red pairing?

On a recent thriftastic adventure with my mom to find my son blue pants for his school uniform, I spotted this scarf that I snatched up quick from the goodwill. I have become partial to maroon this winter because it is a color that pairs well with black (which is most of my wardrobe). I thought of course I cannot live without it considering that I have a scarf addiction and because it has my new winter color in it. I came home and threw it in my scarf bin (after washing) and when I went to put it on to spice up another day at the office, I looked at the tag and to my surprise it is OSCAR DE LA RENTA for Accessory Street. I’m convinced that it quite possibly is vintage as well, cause um what is Accessory Street? and judging by the tag looks like it could be circa the 1980’s. 

Next to my maroon Jones of New York Stirrup leggings I think this is my best thrift find yet and first designer thrifted item. Of course it has made my month, and I couldn’t help but wish myself and all my followers a very Merry Thriftmas! Stay tuned for photos of my newest online thrify find. I am on a roll…

                                      Love, Catrice

I have recently made a part time job out of visiting my local Arc Value Village stores, because I am on a major budget & because I love the thrill of the find. I fell in love with these dark maroon stirrup leggings by Jones of New York for Just $5, but wasn’t quite sure what I would pair them with in my wardrobe. To break them in I decided to pair with my military blazer from LB, and my new silk Michael Kors tunic that I found on e-bay for $10 (inc. shipping). Unfortunately, having my sister snap a quick shot before hitting Buffalo Wild Wings we kinda cut off the super cute mid-heel ankle boots I was wearing to dress it up. I simply loved the comfort of this outfit and I felt great in it.

Happy Thrifting Everyone!!!

 Graduate school is slowly but surely kicking my butt and the 21 week countdown until graduation is in full effect. Although my mood has been less than enthusiastic, I am still enjoying the beautiful autumn leaves and what meteorologists are calling indian summer with temperatures above 70 here in Minnesota. Even though I have the allergy/cold bug the weather has been perfect for my little football player and this football mom couldn’t ask for anything better because I’m not freezing on the field yet. I have not had any exciting outfits or shopping spree’s because I am gearing up for a big trip to Disney World with my mini me so I’m staying on budget and forgoing any major shopping unless there is something I just can’t live without. I have been reading some new blogs and I love seeing all these beautiful curvy ladies sharing themselves with other’s. If you are looking for some great reads and what’s happening in the land of FATshionistas here is my top 5 must read/see:

1. SKORCH Magazine is doing a great job at putting curvy bloggers on the map and the new October issue is nothing short of fantastic!

2. Featured on the cover of SKORCH Magazine is fellow blogger Tanesha Awasthi from Girl with Curves. Her style is timeless, and not to go un noticed she is gorgeous. If you haven’t been introduced to this blog I recommend you check it out ASAP.

3. If you haven’t enetered to win some great prizes by uploading your photo in the Full Body Project you still have time. Jessica Kane the innovator behind SKORCH Magazine and Life & Style of Jessica has started this full body photo movement to showcase real women, with real curves, with real style. I went ahead and posted my photo with pride, and you can too until Oct. 14th

4. For the latest in news and fabulous full figured designers check out The Curvy Fashionista  seamlessly organized by the curvy fashionista herself Ms. Marie Denee.

5. I am in love with color for Fall 2011 and my number one pick for fabulous fall dress’s is Jibri. Visit the Etsy shop to see the full Fall 2011 line and past seasons, I gurantee you will fall in love.

                                                 Love, Catrice