Ray of Pitch Black

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One of my big purchases of 2024 was this Foxblood jumpsuit. I had missed the first drop so once it became available again I didn’t hesitate. Actually, that’s a lie. I totally did, and I ended up waiting so long that the XL/2XL size option sold out by the time I was ready to pull the trigger. I didn’t let that stop me though, I ended up sizing down to the M/L size instead. The jumpsuit does have an oversized fit which drapes my petite plus frame just fine, except for at my bustline.

For the record, all the buttons do close, the fabric just doesn’t have any stretch and pulls a bit more than I would like at the bust. This means that I have to keep the first few buttons open, serving major cleavage every time I wear it. You know what they say: If you got it, flaunt it.

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10 Years of Blogging and Still Figuring Things Out

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I never been one for dates, other than birthdays. This is part of the reason why I’m so attached to both my Google calendar and pocket planner to keep everything together. Not that I would be completely lost without them, just that it does help. Knowing this, you might think that I had forgotten that this blog turned 10 years old back in January, and yet that is simply not the case.  I simply didn’t get to mark the occasion due to becoming  a recluse as I deal with (f)unemployement.  It is also why I did my best to not acknowledge my milestone birthday this year, and believe me, I had plans.

Ten years in and I’m still waiting on that influencer money. (I’m kidding, of course.)

Anyway, now nine months into the year,  I wish I could say that things have improved, though sadly it has yet to. This is all far from what I had planned last year when I decided to make the biggest taboo move and quit a job without a back up. You’re probably reading this and saying, “In this economy?!” Yea, I know. And it’s the second time I’ve done it, which is funny because the last time five years ago I said it would be the first and last time. My best friend, an HR specialist and consultant, has told me on more than one occasion that this happens when you leave a toxic job; oftentimes you end up at another one, which can be worse than the one you left…if you’re not careful. Make of that what you will.

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2024 – A Delightful Disaster

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If I had to surmise this year in a movie quote, it would have to be the fun one from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: “You’re going to suffer, but you’re going to be happy about it.”

For one I started the year in hopes of no longer working in a toxic environment. What I didn’t really account for was that I would be taking steps to do so without having something lined up…for the second time in my career.  Thankfully this time I was much more prepared than I was 5 years ago, emotionally, mentally and most importantly, financially.

As someone who grew up working class, I’ve worked hard to get myself and my immediate family out of poverty. This included taking jobs that overworked and underpaid me, where I was afraid to speak up due to fear of being let go,  as well as having to work more than one at any given time. Even as I got to a full- time position that paid more than my own mother has ever been paid annually, I’ve still had to take on additional part-time and freelance jobs to not only make ends meet, but to ensure that there would be ample funds available to for any unforeseen circumstances than may arise. I set my sights on an ambitious financial goal that honestly made me blind to the accomplishments that already surrounded me.

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A Cozy & Dressy Holiday

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Once it starts to get cold I often hear people saying that there is no way to style great outfits once the temperatures begin to dip under 50 degrees. I disagree strongly with this, as there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes as the Swedes say.

I believe that styling winter outfits is your time to really play with layering in particular. Whether it be simple with sweaters or with different weighted elements like coats and other textiles that keep you both warm and looking your best.

Personally, I have an extensive collection of sweaters, turtlenecks, scarves, cardigans, and even coats that help me get through it all. Just this week I got an unexpected invite for a holiday  dinner with some friends, which gave me the perfect excuse to pull out my latest additions from JUSTFAB to step into the festivities in style.

Disclaimer: Items gifted for feature. There are no affiliate links are included in this post. 

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Charming Gingham

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Fun fact about me: In an attempt to get away from the monstrous (and often bedazzled) florals that seem to plague many plus size clothing racks, I have found that I’ve made plaid my print of choice.  Buffalo check, tartan, window plane, houndstooth… you name it, I have it in my closet.

Even with that being the case, until very recently the only gingham piece in my wardrobe was a skirt I’ve had since college. However, with gingham emerging as one of the standout trends this year, I found myself increasingly drawn to its vintage-inspired charm and the soft, romantic aesthetics of styles like cottagecore and coquette.

With how warm this fall has been, it gave me the perfect excuse to style some of the new pieces I scored on sale, including this top from SHEIN. And here I am channeling my inner romantic by embracing the trend, albeit a little tardy, and in my own way by playing up the edge factor a bit.
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