Shadowplay

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

This outfit reminds me of how I use to dress in high school. A band t-shirt paired with something femminine and girly. My style in high school was very eclectic and over the years has been redefined (I would hope so, seven years later!). However, sometimes I find myself incorporating past style elements into my current style. It happens!

I’ve gotten back into band tees and graphic tees after staying away for three years and thinking about it now, I have no idea why I did that! T-shirts are comfortable and it’s fun to pair them with clothing pieces you wouldn’t expect, like a maxi skirt or a fun graphic print, like my bodycon skirt. I also like to add a little bling to my graphic tees to give them an extra pop.

How do you wear your graphic tee?

Band Tee: Joy Division || Skirt: Forever 21 Plus || Bag: c/o LuLu*s || Boots: BC Shoes

About these ads

Desert Sun

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

Denim Vest: c/0 Torrid || Band Tee Shirt: Vintage || Leggings: See You Monday c/o Torrid || Gold Spike Necklace: c/o Torrid || Tote: Vieta Bag || Booties: Studded

Coachella already seems so long ago and while I’m jealous of everyone there now for weekend two, I can’t help but look forward to next year. I had such a great time Pre-Coachella putting my looks together and this one was of my favorites. A Joy Division band tee because I was stoked to see New Order play, a fun ’90s rock inspired denim vest from Torrid, bold stripe leggings from Los Angeles brand See You Monday from Torrid and a bold colored hand bag from Vieta.

I’ve been looking for a cool denim vest for a while and this one from Torrid is going to quickly become a staple item in my closet. It demurringly give edge to any look. Wear it with a pair of skinny jeans, a maxi skirt or a dress; pair with a dark lip and you’re ready for a fun night out. Can we also talk about these leggings? I’m not going to lie, I though I wasn’t going to be able to find a pair that looked good on me and my voluptuous thighs , but these from Torrid look amazing. Thanks Torrid for making a huge trend plus size friendly!

Again with this Vieta bag, so awesome and super convenient. Being able to carry all my essentials made me feel prepared at Coachella, which is a great feeling.

Needless to say my favorite performances from Day Two (Saturday) was New Order (duh!) and The Postal Service.

Desert Dreaming

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

Flower Crown: c/o Paola Loves to Shop || Sunglasses: vintage YSL || Tank: H&M || Tama Wrap: c/o Tart Collections || Samantha Maxi Skirt: c/o Tart Collection || Necklace: Shop La Catrina || Handbag: Dani Tote c/o Vieta Fashion

Coachella is like my Christmas in the sense that it’s three music filled days where I’m able to not only be with my friends, but enjoy the music and fall in love with my favorite bands all over again, bands and artists who unknowingly have provided the soundtrack to my life. Coachella is not only a music festival, but an arts one too and it’s also a place to become inspired. From fashion to music to art, to leave Coachella uninspired means you just didn’t do it right.

I was so happy to receive this beautiful wrap from Tart Collections, the print is refreshing and great for spring and summer and I finally have my essential black maxi skirt! You’d think my obsession with the maxi length would have lead to more than one black skirt, but this one from Tart Collections feels and looks amazing on me. They don’t do plus, but they’re large fits me (a size 14/16) really well.

Another amazing item I got for Coachella was this fashion plus function tote from Vieta. This tote carried everything I needed while inside the festival. My camera, wallet, sunscreen, water bottle, band-aids, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, the list goes on, but it all fit inside very well. This was my only handbag for the weekend it held up perfectly and it’s an amazing color for spring.

And of course, Coachella would not be complete without a flower crown. I saw tons of flower crowns over the weekend, but there were all so huge. I like mine from Paola Loves to Shop because the flowers are small and demure. They really brought together my look for day one of Coachella.

As far as who were my Friday favorites, Johnny Marr, Passion Pit, Modest Mouse and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs were the BEST!!

#IAmTorrid Blogger Event

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

Last month, myself and a dozen other plus size blogger were invited to Hot Topic HQ (home of Torrid HQ) where we met people from Torrid’s corporate team. The experience was amazing, Torrid’s buying team wanted our thoughts on the upcoming summer collection and our overall feel of Torrid’s style and where they could improve. We talked and they listened, along with sharing out thoughts about Torrid, myself and the other bloggers got to play dress up in the summer collection (see photos below, my favorite is the photo with the polka dot blazer) along with being in a video where we were asked about our first Torrid experience and what we were looking forward to this summer. I appear a couple times in the video, can you spot me?

I’ve been shopping at Torrid since high school and seeing their style evolve over the years has been just as fun as seeing my style evolve. It’s all an ever changing process where we all strive for a better version of ourselves.

What do you think of the photos and videos? Do you shop at Torrid?

Coachella + Festival Fashion Style Guide

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

Next weekend Coachella kicks off music festival season where thousands of people come together to adore bands old and new. This years Coachella lineup is very nostalgic with bands like The Stone Roses, Blur, New Order and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Then you have modern bands like The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Hot Chip and Grizzly Bear, it’s the perfect combination of old and new.

Music festivals like Coachella would not be complete without festival fashion. Now more than ever, it’s essential for brands to have a Festival Fashion Lookbook and be involved in this cultural event that is music festivals, it’s amazing. Anything goes at music festivals, people are free to wear whatever they want and it’s accepted. Looking good while dancing, sweating and rolling around in the grass and mud is a must .

I’m a fan of loose fitting clothes. It gets very hot in Indio and while you’re dancing in the mud the last thing you want is to be wearing something that too form fitting. Have fun with your looks, mix and match, wear studs and fringe, but more importantly have fun and feel the music. I’m really loving the Simdog I Left my Heart in Indio shirt, the Steve Madden boots, the Tart Collections wrap and Jenny Dayco cuff.

Which are your favorites? What are YOU wearing to Coachella?

1. SimDog I Left My Heart in Indio tee

2. REPORT Signature sandals

3. Tart Collections Tama Wrap

4. Forever 21 PLUS shorts

5. Steve Madden Fringe Backpack

6. Steve Madden ankle boots

7. Jenny Dayco Cuff

8. Torrid Denim Vest

9. Flower Crown

10. Vieta Dani Tote

11. Forever 21 PLUS Maxi Dress

12. Torrid Coral Lace Shorts

13. Penelope’s Vintage Sunnies

Black + Gold

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

One of my fashion rules: You can never have to many LBD’s (Little Black Dress). They’re effortlessly classic and are perfect for every event. If you’re going to an event and driving yourself mad trying to plan a look, just go with an LBD. You’ll always look confident and chic in an LBD.

This one from JilRo is one of my favorite LBD’s, the material feels amazing and the cut is very flattering. It shows a little cleavage but goes past the knee, perfect combo of sexy, but comfortable. Not to say if you’re sexy it means you’re uncomfortable, just that I feel safe if I had to bend down in this dress.

I always forget how easy it is to walk in these Michael Antonio’s. They make look intense and intimating, but they’re really easy to walk in and I love them.

Last part, I promise, I love that a girl with chubby wrists like me can have arm swag (bunch of pretty bracelets stacked on top of each other) thanks to Torrid. It’s nice to be a part of curent trend and not missing out on it because they don’t make your size.

Dress: c/o JilRo || Jacket: vintage || Shoes: Gallista Heels c/o Michael Antonio || Arm Swag: c/o Torrid

Koreatown Kat

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

It’s starting to get a little warm in Los Angeles, but that has’t stopped me from still wearing leather, or in this case, faux/vegan leather. I got this vegan leather skirt for Christmas and it’s become an item I wear weekly. I love skater skirts, almost as much as I love maxi skirts.

Leather and faux leather is going to play a big part this spring and summer with Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler and Rodarte, just to name a few, all had leather skirts, jackets and apparel with leather accents all over their SS13 runway. I have a spring trend post coming up with more details, stay tuned for that.

My amazing geometric Jenny Dayco necklace is also an accessory I’ve been wearing weekly. In case you hadn’t notice, I’ve become a huge fan of hers. As a fellow curvy gal, Jenny does a great job at creating amazing jewelry which often times makes an outfit.

No matter if you’re big or small, every girls needs a little leather and and a little bling in their closet. <3

PS: There’s an item in this outfit, I’ll be giving away! Stay Tuned!

Top: Gap || Necklaces: c/o Jenny Dayco || Skirt: ING (similar here) ||

Bag: c/o Vieta || Shoes: Paprika (similar here, here and here)

Photos by Hassan Siddiqui

Sunrise, Sunset

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

I love wearing color, I do, but there is something about wearing all black that makes me feel comfortable and kinda sexy. I don’t wear all black as often as use to, but a couple times a week I adorn an all black (or mostly all black) look. I know what you may be thinking, “is it because you’re chubby/plus size?” and no, it’s not. It has nothing to do with wanting to hide or conceal anything, I love and honor every single one of my curves as all women should, no matter their size or shape. <3

Black is effortlessly stylish and always makes a statement. It also allows you to really play with accessories, bold and bright shoes, crazy jewelry, a printed head scarf, maybe all three.

Do you have all black days? How do you play up an all black outfit?

*Note: I’ve cut my bangs since I took these photos, thank goodness!

Top: Obey || Skirt: ASOS Curve || Necklace: c/o Jenny Dayco || Sunglasses: Elizabeth and James c/o Rue La La

Which Alejandra G. Shoe Are You?

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

Los Angeles shoe designer Alejandra G. launched her shoe line in 2011 and has brought her collections alive by putting in everything she believes makes shoes unique, sexy and comfortable. This Angeleno truly believes shoes are the “heart and sole” to every woman’s outfit and I couldn’t agree more. Her Spring + Summer 2013 collection has something for every woman’s lifestyle. From the classic AVA pump to the super funky Ventura Neon heel; a little fun for the office and a lot fun for a night out.

Los Angeles diseñador de zapatos Alejandra G. lanzó su línea de zapatos en 2011 y ha llevado sus colecciones a otro nivel, poniendo en todo lo que ella cree que hace zapatos únicos, atractivos y cómodos. Esta Angeleno cree que los zapatos son el “corazón y alma” de la moda de vestir para una mujer y yo no podía estar más de acuerdo. Su Primavera + Verano 2013 colección tiene algo para cada estilo de vida de una mujer. Desde el clásico bomba de AVA para el super tacón cobarde Ventura Neon, un poco de diversión para la oficina y mucha diversión para una noche de fiesta.

YESI 2: If you’re looking to add something bold to your shoe collection, something like this would be a good start. The neon prints is just enough boldness to step out of your fashion comfort zone without feeling like all the attention is on your shoes.

YESI 2: Si estás mirando para agregar algo audaz para su colección de zapatos, algo como esto sería un buen comienzo. Las huellas de neón es audacia lo suficiente para salir de su zona de confort de la moda sin sentir que toda la atención se centra en tus zapatos.

VENTURA NEON: This shoe is amazing. They’re very ’80s and I love how bright and textured it is, be sure you’re prepared to be talking about these all night.

VENTURA NEON: Este zapato es increíble. Son muy años 80 y me encanta lo brillante y con textura, asegúrese de que está preparado para hablar de ellos toda la noche.

SETORII 2: I will almost say yes to anything with studs or spikes. These would go great paired with leather leggings or a maxi skirt with a band tee.

SETORII 2: Yo siempre digo que sí a cualquier cosa con tachuelas o clavos. Éstos irían muy bien con leggings de cuero o una falda maxi con una camiseta de tu banda favorita.

AVA: A classic black pump with a pattern heel is the perfect way to dress up your office look or if you want your black heel to have a little more personality.

AVA: Una clásico tacón negro con un patrón talón es la manera perfecta para vestir tu mirada oficina o si desea que su tacón negro, que tengan un poco personalidad.

Where All the Magic Happens: Inside Jenny Dayco’s Studio

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Jasmine Duarte

L.A. girl Jenny Dayco, who resides in Hollywood, started making jewelry for herself more than a decade ago because she wasn’t happy with plus size clothing at the time, she says. Yet she, like many girls, wanted to be fashion forward and have options when putting a look together. It was the lack of options that inspired Dayco to create bold and exciting jewelry and accessories.

“Everything was instinct,” says Dayco, “Combining different things and then finding [the design] out later.”

It can take Dayco anywhere from two minutes to a couple of hours to make an item, but it’s the first go at a design that can take the most time, “the first of anything takes the longest” she says, “But once I’ve made it, making another takes no time.”

Because of Dayco’s versatility with her designs, it’s no surprise that an eclectic list of celebrities have worn her jewelry, from Ashlee Simpson, to Kelly Clarkson to Ke$ha, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Sofia Vegara, you name her, she’s probably has been spotted adorning a little bling from this Los Angeles designer.

Not only do I have photos from inside Jenny Dayco’s Hollywood studio, but I also have exclusive access to a couple of images that will be appearing in her upcoming lookbook, featuring one 0f my favorite bloggers and friends, Chanelle from The Penelope Times!