Outfit of the Day: My New Favourite Top!

Hey Guys!

I thought I do another quick outfit of the day post since I'm feeling chatty and I recently took several pieces that I am in love with from my store for my own wardrobe! This top has been flying of the rack, and I kept meaning to keep one for myself, but they'd always sell out. By my third order of the top, I smartened up and ordered loads of them so I could be sure I'd snag one for myself! I also finally got my hands on a book clutch! I'd been wanting one ever since Kate Spade came out with them in early 2012, but I couldn't justify $400 for a statement purse (maybe for a really good everyday purse I could, but not so much for something more evening-wear-ish). Anyway, ASOS came out with one and I snapped it up right away for a meagre $40. Well worth it!

Top and Leggings - Your Big Sister's Closet/Clutch - ASOS/Shoes - New Look

I also just changed the window display at the store and I'm loving the looks! The navy dress with the stripe-y skirt has all but sold out today. It's so pretty and the colours and print remind me of Marc Jacobs SS 2012 collection. I will definitely be ordering more (one for me and loads more for the store) and posting this dress on the website. So pretty!

The Launch of EDIT by Jeanne Beker for Addition Elle

Hey Guys!

About two weeks ago, I was invited to the launch of the EDIT collection by Jeanne Beker at the new Addition Elle flagship store in Toronto. Having seen a great preview in the Fall, I was excited to see the full collection in the store and actually try on some pieces. I was a bit surprised as I thought there would be a more comprehensive offering of the samples I saw at the preview, but the pieces I did see were lovely. There were only about ten styles available, and I think that maybe some of the inventory didn't arrive at the store in time for the launch, which was really unfortunate. I definitely look forward to seeing more of the styles in stores as the Spring/Summer fashion season progresses!

I got to meet Jeanne Beker again! Jeans and Top - Addition Elle/Bag and Jacket - Your Big Sister's Closet/Shoes - New Look/Necklace - House of Harlow via Holt Renfrew

Outfit of the Day - Black and Gold

Hey Guys,

Peter and I decided to wake up early one day when the weather was nice to go for a bit of a stroll in our new 'hood (The Junction) and explore. We haven't had much of a chance to do that yet since we've been so busy with the store, so we were really excited to get out and have a bit of fun. I thought I'd bring my camera along as well and have Peter take a few shots since I haven't done an outfit post in a while. I finally bought the House of Harlow necklace I have been coveting for like two years as well. I've been working so hard, so I figured I deserved it! I am so happy with my purchase. We were also able to stop in and say a quick hello to the enormous cat in the window of Snug as a Bug (an adorable kids' store nearby), and picked up some really amazing cheese from the Junction Fromagerie. I'd say we're pretty happy with our new digs =D I really like this outfit because it's comfortable and casual, but still chic and a bit edgy/pushing at people's idea of what bigger girls should wear, because the midriff is sheer. I think this top will look pretty great with jeans as well, so I'm going to try that next time!

Tunic, Leggings, and Handbag - Your Big Sister's Closet/Shoes - New Look/Necklace - House of Harlow via Holt Renfrew

"The Bigger Picture" - Plus Size Fashion in Toronto with The Grid TO

Hey Guys!

So The Grid TO (a city-wide free weekly news mag - just in case you're not from here...) has been working on a story about plus size fashion in Toronto for the past couple of months, and they got in touch with me to see if I could share some thoughts and loan some pieces from my store, Your Big Sister's Closet. Of course I agreed! They also invited me to participate in a fashion photo shoot featuring some of the city's most stylish plus size women. And of course I agreed to that too! You can check out the article here, and see some of the candids I took behind the scenes below. It was a lot of fun and I got to meet so many beautiful, amazing women. Thanks everyone! If you happen to get a paper copy - you'll see we're actually the cover story! I was so shocked to see my own face staring back up at me when I went to go grab it!

My best blogger buddy Alison from Round Raglan Road

Dress available at Your Big Sister's Closet

Both these dresses available at Your Big Sister's Closet

Here is my own picture that was on the cover of this week's The Grid TO! So exciting!!! I am dressed in Your Big Sister's Closet from head to toe (big surprise!) ;)

Review: Beautiful Gown from IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel‏

A while back, I got sent this beautiful gown from IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel‏. I've been so busy these past few months that I didn't get a chance to review it right away, but I thought I would share it with you all now!

The fabric of this dress is SO luxurious! The lace is a lovely, heavy-weight stretchy fabric, and the velvet feels amazing. I absolutely adore this burgundy colour (which I think works especially well on fair-skinned brunettes - hey, that's me!). I felt like old-hollywood all night long wearing this totally glamourous dress! I often chose IGIGI for formal events that I'm attending because I feel that the style and quality are exceptional and the dresses are cut with plus size women in mind (but avoid the usual dowdiness of plus size formal wear). You should definitely check them out if you have a formal event coming up!

Dress - c/o IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel/Coat - ATTITUDE Jay Manuel via Sears Canada/Earrings - Can't Remember!

Addition Elle Flagship Grand Opening

Hey All!

So on Wednesday, I got to attend the grand opening of Addition Elle's new flagship store at Queen and Yonge. It was really great to catch up with a lot of friends I haven't seen in a while! I've been so busy lately and it was great to finally have a chance to just relax and mingle a bit. We were invited to have a look around to see the changes Addition Elle has made, both in terms of their fashion and their in-store experience. I have to say that I'm very impressed. This seems like a completely different Addition Elle than the one I remember from a couple of years ago when I first started blogging. They have some great stylish pieces this season, and from what I've been hearing from the brand's execs, Fall '13 is going to be even more impressive. They were serving hors d'oeuvres and champagne, and Ashley Graham was there to chat with customers. Here are a few shots I took at the event =D

I picked up the sheer lattice-shoulder top, but in black instead of mint :D

Flaws of Couture bloggers Sasha and Garcia with Addition Elle's social media maven Jennifer Patterson

The always-lovely Sarah St. Fleur of Queen Sized Flava

I love what I wore! Dress and Jewellery - Addition Elle/Shoes - Enzo Angiolini

GabiFresh and I

Lots of lovely blogging ladies (L to R - Me, Fat in the City, GabiFresh, Rawrmanifesto, Franceta Johnson, Big Hips Red Lips, Killer Kurves, and Friends in My Closet... Missing from the yearbook photo [aka behind the cameras] Round Raglan Road and Geek with Style)