Everyday Baby Steps

Let me share with you the great deals I got at TJMaxx recently. I asked my online friend, Victoria, who does PR for TJMaxx and Marshall's, what she could tell me about their plus size clothing.She did one better than just telling me; she sent me a $25 gift card for each of the stores. I don't have a Marshall's store nearby, but it turns out that they accept each other's cards.

I had a blast shopping the local TJMaxx store. I am a bit of an extreme bargain shopper, so I spent a great deal of time walking around the store trying to get the most for the money. It was sort of a challenge of sorts. I wanted to be able to show you just how far your money can go at TJMaxx and that we moms can afford to treat ourselves to nice things every once in a while. They had a wide selection of women's size clothing, so I had a lot to choose from. I think I did pretty good for $50. Here's what I got.

Lane Bryant Ribbed Sweater

This black ribbed sweater by Lane Bryant is so comfortable. I love it because it's so versatile and can be worn with everything. Pair it with jeans for everyday or wear it with a skirt or dress pants for a conference. Easy dressing; that's what I love! Guess how much it cost? Give up? I'll tell you. It was only $12.99. For Lane Bryant. I tried to take a picture of the tag, but it came out blurry. So just trust me. Better yet, go to TJMaxx to check it out for yourself!

Forever Sweater Wrap

My blogging pal, Audrey, talks about these sweater wraps constantly. So when I saw this chocolate brown one at TJMaxx in my size for $12.99, I had to try it. Yes, this sweater was also $12.99. Audrey is so right about these things. They're just cozy, and they can be worn so many ways. You can let the long ends of the wrap hang in the front for a dramatic look or tie them in the front for a casual feel. I've also seen Audrey and other smaller women wrap them around and tie them in the back. I couldn't do that with mine, but I was able to tie it nicely on the side. I like that look.

Quilted Vest

I fell in love with this vest at first sight. It was $19.99.That's a very reasonable price, but remember that I was trying to challenge myself to get as much as I could for $50. Look at the beautiful green color. Would you call that chartreuse or celery? I don't know. All I know is that it's gorgeous, comfortable, and warm. I wear it with everything. Jeans, khakis, t-shirts, sweaters, everything!

Scarf

Finally, I picked up this gorgeous green scarf that gradates from darkest to lightest. I see women wearing scarves everywhere. And for only $7.00, I couldn't resist picking this one up. It goes really well with the vest, and I didn't even do that on purpose. Scarves are great because you can wear them to accessorize or to keep warm. This one's also really cute!

So there you have it. I got four key pieces for only $50 at TJMaxx. There was tons of selection there for plus size women, and I also had a blast shopping their selection of boots, jewelry, perfume, beauty items, and hair care. TJMaxx has everything you can think of to treat yourself. Why not take the $50 challenge yourself? Even if you can only spare $10, you're sure to find something to make yourself happy at TJMaxx.

So how do you think I did? What's the best buy you've ever found at TJMaxx or Marshall's?

Yes, plus size accessories. I hadn't given it much thought until beginning my research for this series on plus size fashion, but there really is a lot to consider in buying accessories when you're full figured. I've had trouble in the past finding boots that fit my calves, and some necklaces are a bit too short on me. These are just a few of the issues that come up for plus size shoppers. Here are some solutions I hope you'll find helpful.

A. Jaron Fine Jewelry

A. Jaron Fine Jewelery offers a tremendous selection of jewelry in all price points. The designer, Amanda Jaron, makes high-end pieces sold exclusively in the finest of jewelry stores, and she sells a line on HSN that is accessible to everyone. I love that about her. What I also love is that she takes women's needs into consideration. She makes rings up to size 12, even larger by custom order. That's not something many companies have the foresight to do. My very favorite items on her site are the Soho Stackable Birthstone Rings. It appears they average about $100 apiece. I love the look of stack rings, and I think a set of three with my kids' birthstones would be the absolute perfect gift. (Hint, hint, Bill!)

Slimpressions

Shapewear by Slimpressions is the perfect confidence boosting accessory for plus size women. Most women tend to be a bit self-conscious about certain body parts, particularly in certain items of clothing. But who wants to wear a "girdle" or any kind of tight, uncomfortable shaping device that makes you miserable, especially if you're attending a special event? No one wants that, and I can tell that Slimpressions provides fabulous coverage and support without the tugging and pulling you find in some shapewear. Slimpressions provided me with a couple items to try out. I wore the Tanks a Little in nude underneath my dress at the Type-A Mom blogging conference, and I loved it. It really wasn't uncomfortable and didn't ride up at all. It gave me a sleeker profile and made me feel much more confident and relaxed about my appearance in a dress.  I love that you can choose shapewear based on your assets as well. For example, The Tanks a Little is for us "have nots" in the bust area. They offer pieces just for "the haves" as well.

One Stop Plus

OneStopPlus.com is the place to find ALL your plus size needs, hence the name. They have a wide selection of tunics, jeans, and accessories. They even carry Halloween costumes in plus sizes. I love that! What really caught my eye was OneStopPlus.com's selection of wide calf boots. I've always had a tough time getting boots that fit my calves, even more so these days. Usually, I have to leave them unzipped about an inch from the top. But not with the wide calf boots from OneStopPlus.com! They sent me a pair to try out, and the fit is glorious. I got the Zoe wide calf fringe boots in khaki. They go around my calf comfortably and zip ALL THE WAY. They make me happy. They're light weight, but sturdy, and are so comfy. One thing I would recommend is going a size up. I was sent a size 10, thinking it might be a bit big, but it actually fit perfectly. Check out OneStopPlus.com if you need boots that fit.

This completes the first of my plus size fashion series, and I've had so much fun researching this and putting everything together. Thank you so much to the companies and PR representatives that helped me out. Look for more information on plus size clothing and accessories as I continue my quest for fabulous finds for plus size women.

This is the third installment in my series on plus size fashion for fall. I've covered stylish pants and beautiful tops. Now let's talk about dresses. I love wearing dresses, if they're comfortable and flattering. As we know, that's a combination that can be hard to find, especially for us curvy women. I hate when dresses ride up or won't stay in place. Drives me crazy, so I often just find it easier to wear pants. But the right dress can make a woman feel so beautiful and really make a statement. Here are some dresses I've come across that I think will meet the needs of plus size women.

XCVI

XCVI is a clothing company based in Los Angeles that specializes in eclectic, cotton looks that are perfect for moms on the go. The company was founded in 1996, hence the name XCVI, the Roman numerals for the year. XCVI was very gracious and sent me a dress to try out and wear to the Type-A Mom Conference. Take a look.

Isn't it nice? The dress is simple, but it has some very nice details. It has a bit of a balloon hem, nothing over the top, just a beautiful detail that makes a big statement. The sleeves are also nicely detailed as well. They're capped with slight elastic around the bottom that makes the sleeves rouche a bit. You know what I really love about this dress? It's so comfortable. I plan to add a cardigan and wear it into the cool, fall weather for as long as I can. I'm very impressed with the quality of XCVI. Other items from XCVI can be found at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Zappos. Take a look at Nordstrom's plus size selection to get an idea of the kinds of pieces available from XCVI.

Shabby Apple

Have you heard of Shabby Apple? This company is all the rage in the blogosphere. I had seen some dresses by Shabby Apple worn by bloggers to conferences and featured on their sites, but I didn't realize Shabby Apple carried a plus size line until their publicist got in touch with me to let me know. So I had to go check out the site. Just look at the gorgeous plus size dresses they offer. This one's my favorite.

I love the retro feel of their dresses. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to try Shabby Apple personally, but I've spoken to friends who have and who truly love the apparel this line carries. I will definitely check them out for my next special event or blogging conference.

Igigi

I don't even know where I first read about this brand. I think it may have been on a fashion blog. What I do know is that after seeing their gorgeous clothing, especially the dresses, I couldn't forget them! I keep finding myself going back to their website and browsing. Okay, not browsing, drooling. What I love about Igigi is that they offer exclusively plus size clothes for women sizes 12 - 32. (Though I don't consider size 12 to be plus size) The designers strive to provide fashion that accentuates a woman's natural, beautiful shape. And did I mention that the designs are gorgeous? See for yourself.

I will own a piece of Igigi clothing eventually. I'm just holding out until after the holidays when I'm sure the kids have their Christmas. You can make purchases directly from the website, and they even offer a ShapeStylist calculator to help you determine your body shape for the best fit. Love that!

Let me know if you decide to try any of these plus size lines for your upcoming holiday parties. I'd love to see pictures! What other brands do you like for plus size dresses?

I'd like to continue my series on plus size fashion, this time focusing on places to find tops. For me, finding a comfortable and stylish shirt or sweater isn't as hard as finding pants that fit, but I know it can be a real problem for other women, partiularly busty women or those with broad shoulders. So I want to focus on beautiful styles I've found in my search for plus size clothing.

Silk Threads

Silk Threads is a brand I found through my HARO search. Silk Threads is inspired by Indian and Pakistani fashion, and their tunics are just gorgeous. They offer sizes from XS up to 3X, so there's something for every woman. I know I apprecate that! With such a wide selection, there's something for every taste as well, from sophisticatedly undestated to bright and daring. Check out the tunic I wore to the Type-A Mom Conference.

Isn't it beautiful? This particuar top is actually two pieces, a black cami with a tunic overlay. I was afraid it might be uncomfortable with the two layers,but it wasn't. I loved wearing it and all the compliments I received. Silk Threads can only be found in certain boutiques across the country and can also be purchased oinline. A tunic from Silk Threads would be a fabulous, unique piece to add to your wardrobe for that special occasion or to set you apart from the everyday crowd. Thank you, Silk Threads, for helping me feel beautiful and confident at the conference; I appreciate it!

Jones New York

I love Jones New York clothing. I used to go to the Jones New York store all the time when I lived near our local outlet mall. I didn't know, however, that they have an exclusively plus size line, Jones New York Woman. Thankfully, the store's publicist got in tuch with me to share some plus size fashion tips, (which I will pass along to you in a later post), so I went to visit the website. I was not dsappointed! Just look at this blouse.

The selection of beautiful clothing was amazing! I loved nearly everything. Tops come in sizes 0X - 3X, and the prices range from moderate to the higher end. I know that Jones New York offers quality, as I've purchased clothing there in the past. Though I haven't tried the plus size line personally, I won't hesitate to check it out based on the positive experience I've had with Jones New York in the past. I'm so excited to see that such a trusted woman's clothing brand offers the same gorgeous quality and selection to their plus size customers.

Dress Barn

Yes, you read that correctly. Dress Barn. I hadn't thought about that store in ages, like since college. But Dress Barn made a presence at the Type-A Mom Conference, and they sponsored an incredible fashion show starring a handful of lucky bloggers. I was so impressed with all the beautiful clothing. Dress Barn provided the bloggers with everthing, down to the boots and handbag! I was particularly in love with the sweaters I saw on the models. Cardigans of every shape and color. There were long ones, chunky ones, and twin sets.  I LOVE twin sets. Just gorgeous. I adore sweaters, and I was super excited to pick up a plus size Dress Barn catalog in the conference lobby. The woman's sizes are available from 14 - 24. I will definitely be checking out the Dress Barn at the outlet mall to pick up at least one sweater to treat myself with this winter!

What do you think? Did I do a good job of tracking down a wide variety of tops for plus size women? What would you add? I know there are probably a lot of other great choices. Please share what you've found!

I've never been a small girl. That's just the way I'm made. Unfortunately, due to slipping away from my healthy eating routine of avoiding wheat and milk, I've gotten a bit larger as of late. I've always had a hard time finding clothes that fit well and are comfortable. Even in size 14 and 16, two very common sizes in this country, I've often found the selection to be limited. Since moving up a size (I refuse to say the number because I don't plan to be in it for long!), it's become even more difficult.

So I set out on  mission to find cute, comfortable clothes for plus size women because if I'm having a tough time, it must be hard for women who are larger than me. I approached some companies on my own, and I sent a query to Help A Reporter Out (HARO). The response I received was tremendous. Some companies were able to send samples for me to try, while others were not. I'm thankful for everyone that helped me and for all that I learned. I'll share whatI learned with you, beginning with this post on great pants. The series will continue with posts on tops, dresses, and accessories.

Lee Jeans

I've worn Lee jeans ever since I was a teenager. They always fit my ample curves, especially my rear, with little back gap. The price and the comfort combined kept me coming back to Lee. (That, and the fact that my mom wouldn't buy me the expensve Guess and Limited jeans) I have to confess that I've gotten away from Lee in recent years, as I've discovered some other affordable options that I like. I was pretty excited when the folks from Lee offered to send me a pair.

Guess what? They're still incredibly comfortable! And the fit is still amazing. Lee even has a dedicated plus size line in sizes 16W - 30W.  Lee sent me the Slender Secret 5-pocket jean, and I love them! Definitely not your mom's Lee jeans. I love Lee jeans. I'd recommend hippy, curvy women like me give them a try.

Just My Size Jeans and Khakis

Hanes is the maker of the plus size line, Just My Size, which offers such a wide array of clothing as well as undergarments. Just My Size sent me a couple pair of jeans, a boot cut style and a skinny jean, as well as a pair of casual khaki pants.  The jeans were both stretchy and fit well over my curves. I appreciate that they sent me two different styles to try. I was surprised that I actually liked the classic fit, as I usually stick with boot cut or relaxed fit jeans. Unfortunately, both pair of jeans I receied fit a bit tightly, especially around my waist. (I just tried them on again and am happy to report that I was able to button them comfortably, so I've lost a little bit of weight!) I might recommend that you be sure to try on these jeans before buying them because they seem to run a bit small. But don't be afraid to go up a size because they do fit nicely and are comfortble, just a bit tight in the waist. I've learned that comfort and fit, with smooth lines, are so much more important that the size number.

The Just My Size khakis? Love them! They're soft and fit just right, even around the waist. I'm happy with the length as well. Sometimes I have to go up to a tall size in pants. At 5'7", I'm kind of in between regular and tall. I'm so happy with these pants and to have a pair of khakis that fits. After jeans, khaki are my live-in pants, and it's been a while since I've worn any since I've grown out of the ones in my closet. Just My Size offers fabulously reasonable prices and sizes that go up to 36. This brand is accessibe for EVERY woman!

Tummy Control Knit Pants From The Girls Apparel

I'm lucky to have been given the opportunity to try some great knit pants from a company called The Girls Apparel. Knit pants can really be a love/hate thing for me. I love the comfort, but I don't love the fact that you can see every little (and big) flaw when wearing them.  The Girls uses a specially formulated Blu-Tec Control System, which combine just the right amounts of spandex and nylon to create a material that enhances your shape, rather than showing off flaws. I received the Tummy Control Snap-Bottom pant. I love the detail of the snaps at the bottom, so different. What I love most is the comfort and fit of these pants. They really do give you some support in the tummy area. While they don't work miracles, of course, they do provide a nice, smooth silhouette, and they don't accentuate your flaws. I usually don't feel comfortable in tight, stretchy knit pants, but I wear these often with a long cardigan or button down shirt. I'm a bt self-conscious of how they accentuate my fat knees, but I think that's just my own personal hang-up. Oveall, I give The Girls Tummy Control Pants a very favorable review. If you've always wanted to try stretchy pants, but have been too self-conscious, give these a try!

That's it for my report on stylish, comfy pants for plus size women. Are there any brands or styles that you've had good luck with or that you couldn't live without? Please share. I plan to cover plus size fshion more here are Everyday Baby Steps and would love your input!

I've been devouring the fashion magazines lately! It's been easy to do with all the free magazines I've gotten recently. (Take a look at how I've done this in a post I wrote over at my freelancing blog, Adventures In Freelancing.) I am just loving Harper's Bazaar and Lucky magazines. And all the magazines have great layouts and features on fall fashion. Here are some trends I think we moms can incorporate into our lifestyles.

Plaid

More Victoria's Secret...

Plaid is everywhere this fall. It reminds me a bit of the 80's. Remember when large buffalo plaid was the in thing? Well, its actually back, too. I also like plaid because it's comfortable and reminds me of a man's fashion item. I love wearing big, comfy men's clothes. But this fall's trends are tailored, so they don't look frumpy. And plaid comes in pants, hats, and scarves too. I've always loved plaid; hence my obsession to someday own a genuine Burberry bag!

More Charlotte Russe...

Ankle Boots

Another trend that's come back is ankle boots. I always liked them. I remember those suede, slouchy boots. They're back, along with a slew of other styles. Boots are so versatile. You can wear them with jeans, dress them up with trousers or leggings, wear them for running around town or to a professional event. Such fun. I asked around on Twitter for stores I could find ankle boots at reasonable prices, and I received all kinds of suggestions. People said to check out Burlington Coat Factory, Target, TJ Maxx, and Ross. Well, I headed to Ross, where I had my eye on a beautiful pair of black leather ankle boots with a decent sized heel. They were so nice, and they were only $18! But I resisted, as I'm trying to save money for the upcoming Type-A Mom Conference in Asheville, NC next week. Here are some ankle boots I like.

More UGG...

More American Retro...

More Sofft...

Brights and Neons

More Free People...

If done tastefully and in moderation, I think neons and bright colors can really work for moms. My eight-year old daughter has a really bright pink tunic with black and silver skulls on it. It's comfy and fun; she loves it. Do I think most moms would choose to add it to their wardrobes? No way! But one bright piece like the tank top above added to our wardrobes could really help to make us feel more energized, which is something any mom would love. Consider adding a bright bangle or two. Maybe a neon scarf paired with your black barn jacket would be a nice touch.

More Elizabeth and James...

Of course, I'll be looking to add some of these pieces to my wardrobe at extreme budget prices. We could all add one or two to our closet. Remember to treat yourself once in a while. I had to write this post now because New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is going on. Check out my pal Audrey's blog for her fashion week video coverage. You'll feel like you were there!

What do you think? Do you like these fall trends or do you hate them? Are there any I didn't mention that you're dying to add to your fall wardrobe? I'll be doing an upcoming post on fall fashion trends I hate. I'm sure you'll want to weigh in on that one.

Can it really be that this is the sixth season of Project Runway, and I haven't seen it before now? In my defense, I really don't watch much TV. I know that's shocking to many of you. But most of the free time I have is spent reading and hanging out with family. As I was flipping channels Thursday night, I came across Project Runway. And I loved it!

Everyone knows I absolutely love beauty and cosmetics, but I'm discovering lately that I'm falling for fashion as well. Since leaving the workplace when I was pregnant with Brady, I've really gotten away from shopping. Part of that is because I no longer have the money to do so, and part is because I work at hojme and don't need to dress as nicely as I used to. But I've been updating my wardrobe with some inexpensive pieces, and I'm also working on a great fall fashion post that I'll be unveiling soon. So fashion has been on my mind quite a bit lately.

So I was drawn to Project Runway when I was channel surfing the other night. All of my blogging friends who went to BlogHer this year raved about meeting Tim Gunn, and I didn't get the appeal. But now I do. What a personality! And he works with Liz Clairborne, one of my very favorite fashion names. He really seemed like a genuine mentor to the contestants. I was impressed with his compassion and his caring nature.

And the contestants! What talent is on the show this year. Of course, some are a bit avant garde, but I can definitely appreciate the talent they possess. It was so much fun watching their creations go from sketch to completion on the runway. I'll definitely be watching the rest of this season. What about you?

Today's giveaway is a good one for anyone who's a self-proclaimed shoe addict like I am. It's for a pair of Bandals. What's Bandals, you ask? Bandals is footwear that's "changeable by design". Bandals shoes offer different style bases with interchangeable bands that allow you to get several new looks to match any outfit without purchasing tons of different shoes. Check out the Bandals I received:

Yep, I got the Beach Bandals. I received the plain black base with black band. I also chose the Miranda band, a leopard print that's ever-so-slightly glittery. It's beautiful. Check it out:

Okay, don't mind my feet. I desperately need to polish my nails, but who has time with three kids, two blogs, and several freelance deadlines? Don't look at my feet, just check out the shoes. Aren't they cute? These are not your average flip flops. Check out the Bandals website to see all the varieties you have to choose from, for starters. There are tons of bands to choose from, and you can also choose your base color from black, brown, pink, and white. Each comes with a band of the same color. You can then purchase bands of any design you choose. The possibilities are endless. Amazing.

What's also amazing is the comfort of these shoes. Unlike most flip flops, Beach Bandals are cushiony and flexible. What's more is that they offer arch support. I've worn my Bandals on a shopping trip to the mall, with its hard, cement floor, and my feet didn't get sore. Love that! These are truly the most comfortable flip flops I've ever worn. The band is easy to interchange, and it stays on without slipping or sliding. I have nothing negative to say about them. That's unusual.

Win Your Own!

Okay, now I know you want a chance to win your own pair of Bandals. You're in luck because Bandals has allowed me to offer one lucky reader a pair of these incredible shoes. For your chance, head on over to the Bandals website and check out all the fun styles they have. Then come back and tell me which kind is your favorite. Entries are due by July 12th at noon EST. If you win, I'll put you in touch with Tom from Bandals, who'll hook you up.

Earn extra entries by:

1. Grabbing our cute Summer Soiree button and posting it prominently on your blog.

2. Subscribing to my blog, either by RSS or email.

3. Add yourself to my followers in the sidebar.

4. Enter a giveaway at A Simple Kinda Life or Moody Mama Says.

5. Stumble this post.

6. Tweet this giveaway, including @marybabysteps in your tweet.

7. Favorite Everyday Baby Steps at Technorati

8. Blog about the Summer Soiree

For every one you choose, you'll receive an additional entry. There are lots of chances, so good luck!

Not long ago, I saw a tweet on Twitter from Kathryn Finney, better known as The Budget Fashionista, about proper fitting underwear. I followed that tweet because I love Kathryn's blog and had just finished reading her book,How to Be a Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less. This book is full of a wealth of information on everything from finding bargains to finding extra money to spend on those bargains.

Kathryn's advice on underwear is absolutely right. In an attempt to save money, I'd been purchasing bras that weren't of high quality and didn't fit correctly. I was getting so frustrated every time I found myself adjusting, tugging, and pulling my underthings that I finally decided that enough was enough. I went back and read the section on undergarments in How to Be a Budget Fashionista: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Fabulous for Less, and I broke down and bought a brand I had always been happy with in the past - Victoria's Secret.

What a lucky break it was that the time I decided to buy new bras just so happened to be during Victoria's Secret's Semi-Annual Sale, so I decided to get new underwear, too. I'm so glad I decided to splurge. I followed Kathryn's advice from her book and bought a nude bra and a black bra, the basics. I was also sure to measure correctly. I chose the wireless bra, and I love it. Even though it's cotton and doesn't have an underwire, it still has enough shape to be kind of sexy. I picked the cotton boyshort as my panty of choice because it offers some support around the middle but isn't as high-waisted as granny panties. It's also pretty cute! By the way, looks like the sale is still going on - bras are 2 for $40, and panties are 5 for $25.

So do yourself a favor and take a look at your underwear inventory. If what you've got is old or doesn't fit properly, you owe it to yourself to get an underwear update. You'll be surprised what a difference it makes!

I found an easy way to improve your appearance in just 30 days over at Glamour.com. It's called the 30-Day Makeover, and it looks like a lot of fun. I know that self-improvement is rarely easy, but this program seems to be a really low-pressure way to make changes in your appearance over the period of a month.Not only that, but you'll also have a chance at winning a spa getaway by participating. Sounds good to me!

Basically, the idea is that you'll visit Glamour each day to get a new beauty tip. Read the tip, and check it off once you've completed it. For every time you complete a tip and check it off, you'll be enetered for the spa getaway to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angelas. You can also leave comments and read what others have written about the tips. This program fits in with my baby steps philosophy fabulously, and I'm looking forward to getting started.

The first tip I read was about shaping your eyebrows. Since I just got mine done, I think I can check that one off. See, told you it was easy! After taking a look through the tips, I'm even more excited about getting started. There were tips on things as simple as improving your posture to fashion tips from Glamour's famed Do's and Don'ts.

So what do you think? Wanna get started with me? I'll try to post periodic updates here, and I'll be sure to let you know when I win that spa getaway! Wanna go with me? ;-)