Today has a been one of those days so I decided to do a bit of online shopping to a.) make me feel better while b.) passing the time. It doesn’t help my bank account when my co-workers and I send emails to each other on a daily basis linking to swoon-worthy clothing and accessories. If I had an endless supply of money, all of these shoes would be in my closet right this instant.

1. Aldo Keen Flats

2. bebe Trista Peep Toe Boot

3. Aldo Tomita Platform Pump

4. bebe Tyra Croco Ankle Bootie (blatant YSL rip-off but I love them!)

5. Alexander Wang Creeper Flat Boot

6. Alice + Olivia for Payless Madison Wedge Boot (not online yet)

7. Aldo Lafratta Peeptoe Pump

8. Velvet Angels Lace Up Booties

9. Free People Corset Heels

10. Miss Me Mont Black Studded Boots 
11. Abaete for Payless Antoine Bootie

As stated over and over again, I wear all black 95% of the time. Its just a habit that I am not doing a good job of breaking. To celebrate the fact that I am almost over that horrible cold I had, I decided to bring back out my black unitard that I purchased from Dash Sportswear. I threw on Torrid’s boyfriend blazer and haphazardly belted it with a belt that I also got at Torrid. I was going to debut my Jil Sander pumps but in my early morning rush out the house, forgot them! So I’m back in the lace-up ankle booties that I keep under my desk at work.

As always, tons of random accessories! Since I always forget to keep my cell phone charged, I made myself purchase a watch. It only took me a month to actually set it haha!

People always ask if I feel self-conscious wearing a unitard. The answer is always no. Never. Its so comfortable and you can always smooth out any lump or bump with some Spanx. If you got it, don’t be afraid to flaunt it. I can’t wait to pair it with that sequin blazer from Yours!

unitard - dash sportswear

belt/blazer - torrid

rings - torrid & trendtogo.com

booties - amiclubwear.com

necklace - f21  
earrings - beauty supply

(model Stephanie Gordon modeling a 1950s bathing suit)

A few days ago, I received an email from Emiene Wright from Fatty Bum Bum Designs telling of a plus sized vintage fashion show. I was immediately excited as I am for any fashion show but especially those that are geared towards fat women. Unfortunately, my location doesn’t allow me to be sitting front row doing my best Anna Wintour impression behind sunglasses. However, if you are in or around the Miami area, make sure to mark your calendars!

Here’s a blurb about the event:

“Frugal fashionistas don’t have to go to New York to enjoy a Fashion Week-worthy event. Angel’s Vintage Boutique is hosting Miami’s only Plus Size Vintage Fashion Show and Sale Saturday Sept. 12 at 4308 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami 33137. Unique, beautiful, affordable dresses from the ’50s to the ’80s in sizes 0-22. Complimentary alterations and refreshments. Fashion show starts at 2, but for best seats and selection come early. Contact Emiene Wright, 786-566-1085 or fbumbum@gmail.com, for more details.”Complimentary drinks and vintage clothing that spans over 3 decades? What more could you ask for? Sounds like a perfect Saturday to me!

If any one of my readers attends, be sure to take photos and email them to me at musingsofafatshionista@gmail.com. I would love to post them here on the blog!

For anyone who, like me, was bummed when the Dorothy Perkins sequin blazer pretty much sold out, I have some great news! This morning, a reader by the name of Clare, sent me a tip that UK retailer Yours Clothing now has a sequin blazer in stock. The best part is that it goes to a size UK26 (US24) and costs HALF of what the Dorothy Perkins blazer sold for. So ladies, this is your chance! Yours Clothing ships to the US and many other countries so be sure to grab one while it’s still available. They are sure to go fast!

Yesterday, Lane Bryant debuted their new ICON collection. Said to be ‘straight off the runways of Paris, Milan and London,’ the collection is ‘designed for the woman who seeks a higher level of sophistication, offering her the epitome of luxurious style in exclusive designs. Featuring unprecedented attention to detail and craftsmanship, the icon Collection includes modern interpretations of classic styles that make a bold, upscale statement.’ Sounds impressive, huh?

With new competitors like Igigi and Anna Scholz, I see Lane Bryant decided to step up their offerings for the modern and sophisticated woman. Initially, my interest were definitely piqued. Although after seeing the teaser lookbook images, I was not convinced that this wasn’t just more of the same. So did the collection live up to the hype?

I’d have to give them a B-. I see some good things happening but nothing that we haven’t seen before. I do think that it is hard to push the design while still trying to maintain your core audience. I applaud LB for their attempt. Its nothing that makes me want to shop at Lane Bryant more than the few times I usually do, but then again I’m 24 years old and my taste in clothing hasn’t quite reached the sophisticated level. However, I’m keeping my eye on that checkered coat and long black coat as well.

On another note, I was more excited to see Ashley Graham and Crystal Renn featured as models!

If you haven’t, be sure to go to Lane Bryant’s site and view their new catalog and let me know what you think!