gwynnie bee

I love fashion. I always have. Even when I was an overly opinionated co-ed and declared fashion merchandising a waste of a degree, I loved it.

I loved finding new ways to wear old pieces. I loved creating unexpected color combinations. I steered clear of the vapid wasteland of Vogue and InStyle, never realizing that the fun I had with my clothes meant I actually belonged with the lemmings.

But, let's be real. Plus-sized fashion isn't a thing. Obviously there are so many more options out there than there were even a few years ago, but you have to look for them. More than that, you have to know where to look. At the Houston Galleria, I can count on one hand (even if I were missing a few fingers) the options I have to shop plus size, let alone plus size I like.

Most of your plus size options are online. But, when you're plus sized, how can you be sure that anything will really fit? Though I'm big, I still have an hourglass figure, which is completely different than my apple-, pear- and banana-shaped sisters. (I am a bit grateful to not be qualified as a food item. But I suppose Oreo-shaped would work.) And their bust-to-waist-to-hip ratio is vastly different from my own.

But, for the sake of argument, let's say I adore everything at Torrid, Seven7 or Rue107 and they all fit me perfectly. My weight is still always in flux. I went from a size 12 to a size 22 in one year, and now I'm a size 18. (That's a whole blog post in itself.) I honestly don't want to buy new clothes every time I change sizes.

I mean, I do. Of course I do. I always want new clothes. But I don't want to out- or under-grow them in a matter of months.

Enter Gwynnie Bee.

I first heard about Gwynnie Bee through a Facebook Ad when I was a size 12. It wasn't for me then, but I logged it in my memory and have been making excellent use of it for about a year.

Gwynnie Bee is basically Netflix for plus-size fashion. You pay a monthly subscription fee, determined by how many outfits/articles of clothing you want at once, shop in their online store to fill your closet/queue, and let them do the rest.

They'll send you the first outfit you chose that they have available, along with a return envelope. Wear it as little or as much as you want and ship it back. Then wait for your next piece of clothing to come. They take care of everything — postage, item selection and even dry cleaning!

If you really love an item, you can keep it and let them know to charge your card. Bonus: because everything is pre-worn, you can buy everything at a significant discount.

I love Gwynnie Bee because I basically have a rotating closet with them. I'm always receiving new clothes that fit, and I don't have to commit to them unless I truly love them. When my body changes as it inevitably will, I simply change my size selection online.

Gwynnie Bee is the plus-sized fashionista's dream.

Do you have any favorite shopping spots and secrets?

brunch and babies

Brunch, I think, is one of those small joys in life reserved for catching up with girlfriends and pretending that it makes you Upper-East-Side classy. It's a time for laughter, indulgence, and maybe a little drinking before noon without guilt.

And then, someone brings a baby into your sacred brunch restaurant. Yes, babies are adorable and pudgy and make your ovaries yearn for a life yet to come. But they also cry. And scream. And their adorable little noses run and get their cute pudgy faces crusty. And they throw hashbrowns on the floor. And, though they sit in a perfectly clean restaurant, under the gaze of a watchful mother, somehow their little fingers end up grimy and sticky, and dirt inevitably makes its way under their fingernails. And they look up at you, all big eyes, toothless smile, dirty fingers and snot-encrusted face.

Yeah, they're cute. But you're still silently judging their mother for desecrating brunch.

A photo posted by Lauren Cathleen (@laurencathleen89) on Nov 3, 2014 at 7:14pm PST

But, brunch is still brunch. It's a beautiful, magical time that, whether with girlfriends or by yourself, allows you to escape the pain, sadness and complexities that may wait for you in real life.

It's for healing and discovering and forgetting and indulging. And, if you believe hard enough, it's two hours a week when calories don't count.

My favorite food at my favorite brunch place (a classification that qualifies it to compete for the coveted title of my most favorite thing of all) is cinnamon roll french toast. Way too sticky and sweet for a meal when calories do count, it's how I hope Heaven tastes.

A photo posted by Lauren Cathleen (@laurencathleen89) on Sep 14, 2014 at 7:06am PDT

Said most favorite brunch place is in Baton Rouge, and I have yet to discover an adequate Houston replacement. So, take to the comments below and tell me your favorite brunch places and meals. (Maybe we can even wear some of these brunch-approved clothes when we go.)

kendra gives back to neda

The best Mondays are the ones that end with sparkles. Especially if those sparkles are accompanied by cupcakes, champagne, and a great cause.

My friend Mandie (you've seen her here) has been working tirelessly the past few months to help coordinate a charity walk for the National Eating Disorders Association. NEDA is close to Mandie's heart, as it promotes positive body image and self-esteem, and discourages dieting behaviors, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction.

Tonight these ladies (Taylor, Mandie, Dani and Sara) hosted a Kendra Gives Back Party at Kendra Scott in Perkins Rowe to finish off their successful NEDA fundraising just before the walk on Saturday.

I won't be able to make the walk, but I'm always down for supporting body-positive promoters, especially if it means leaving with something fabulous.

As with all new jewelry pieces, my Daisy ring from the Color Bar is now my favorite piece of jewelry. The Color Bar allows you to choose a base ring, bracelet, earring or necklace setting, and choose the stones to color and fill the piece to your heart's desire.

It's customizable fabulousness.

I'm pretty sure the Rayne pendant will be my next gift to me!

Mandie, fabulous as always.

The Kaki Baguette earrings are astoundingly beautiful ... but a little above my price range ... by a few hundred.

Their charms have a much more affordable price point, with $25 chains, and $15 - $35 letters, numbers, symbols and (my favorite) stones - both sparkly and non.

Obviously, the Kendra Scott party is over. But, you can still donate to the NEDA walk here, or read Mandie's story to learn why she's so passionate about this cause.

the shoes that got away

It first happened in the spring.

It was one of those long, dreary days, when nothing goes to plan and you just pray for it all to end. Then, they came to me.

They graced my computer screen like a gift hand-delivered by God himself. I was filled with euphoria, and an overall giddyness at the realization that they could make every bad day turn to gold. I vowed that they would be mine.

Life came, and my ever-present dream quickly faded into an almost-forgotten memory. Until this month. I came across them again and the undeniable love welled up inside of me again. This time. This time for sure.

But, they had moved on without me. Every single one of them found a new home with someone who acted on their instincts. Someone who could give them the love they deserve.

They're the shoes that got away.

I first saw these adorable smoking slippers in my Keep profile. But, honestly, at the time I wasn't prepared to drop $150 on another pair of shoes. (I know, I know. Blasphemy. But, every now and then, I have bursts of financial practicality.)

I saw them again recently, while flipping through an old issue of Southern Living. This time, I was in a burst of complete financial impracticality and, so, was completely prepared to drop the money.

Alas, they're out of stock. C Wonder still has a "Bee happy" sweater, but it's just not the same.

But, if you haven't recently had your heart broken by a pair of smoking slippers, C Wonder also has some cute heart, kitten and evil eye pairs.

Or, if you'd like loafers that are still adorable but more affordable, ASOS has a fantastically preppy red plaid pair (which also come in a perfect gray and a versatile black velvet).

Or, if you prefer to play a more subtle game with your footwear, you could try a good pair of slippers in faux crocodile or basic black.

(These are not slippers, but they're so adorable I couldn't resist including them. Glitter + D'Orsay = funzies)

But, please, for my sake, follow your heart. Don't let the shoes you love get away. You may never get them back.

Especially if they're last season.

july stole my money

Let's be real. I have a problem.

I'm 25, swim in student loans and no one is financially dependent on me (seriously, not even a fish). I'm not the best at budgeting my monthly paycheck.

In my defense, I rarely pay full-price for anything. Not-so in my defense, I will straight up lose my stuff in a sale.

I'm supposed to be in saving mode at the moment, but each of these buys was so inexpensive, I couldn't pass them up. (Of course, all of the little buys add up to a big buy. But, I may not learn that lesson until my closet is bursting.) By about the middle of July, I realized that the interwebs stole my money.

Lucky you, I can share the sales. I apologize in advance for making you a victim, as well.

Boxy crop top - $16 - Forever 21

So, this wasn't on sale, but I'd been wanting a loose white crop top. And it was cheap. A few notes if you're thinking about it, though: the picture shows ivory being white. Totally not. It's definitely cream. And it's definitely shorter than it appears on the model, but still not in a 19-year-old-at-Coachella way.

Fitted lace crop top - $8 - Forever 21

Definitely short in a 19-year-old-at-Coachella way.

Similar knee-length black A-line skirt - $28 - Nordstrom

Really, I bought this beauty through Keaton Row, and I couldn't find a link for what I actually bought.

Emerald bangle  - $30 - Banana Republic

Black moto booties - $40 - JustFab

If you're not a member, you get a BOGO deal for signing up. Otherwise, these go on and off sale pretty frequently.

Black bondiband - $9 - Bondiband 

Not on sale, but I needed one for workouts.

Blush tote - $40 - JustFab

White ankle pants - $28 - Target

Also not on sale. And also didn't fit (my bad). 'Twas not a great steal for me.

Life is a beautiful ride print - $10 -Etsy

These three prints are Buy 2 Get 1 free!

Baby Elephant print - $10 - Etsy

Hemingway quote print - $10 - Etsy

 French Lavender candle - $11.25 - Bath & Body Works

 Lilac Blossom candle - $11.25 - Bath & Body Works

If I'm being totally honest, there may have been one ... or two other purchases that happened. They weren't necessarily on sale, but I did have coupons, which made them each less than $5. And, I mean, everybody needs the Back to the Future trilogy on BluRay, right? And you can never have too many jammies, obvi.

Your turn. How are you treating yourself this paycheck? (Or, more importantly, are there any spectacular sales I should know about?)

work to weekend wear: patriot

Today we had our annual office July 4th BBQ and dessert competition.

Naturally, 95% of attendees showed just how patriotic they are through their outfits, while chowing on brisket and fudge.

'Merica.

I'd been needing white pants and  was ecstatic when I found these white ankle pants at Target the other day. Unfortunately, what I thought fit well in the dressing room turned out to be a size too large. Found that one out when I caught myself hoisting up my waistband while climbing the stairs to my office.

le sigh. All the fashionistas wear baggy pants, right?

For a work-appropriate look, I paired the pants with my favorite royal blue blouse, red lips and red earrings. I toned it down with nude pumps.

This breezy, feminine blouse is so last season and, therefore, no longer available. But I found a couple of other options here, here and here.

Shoes!

For the transition to weekend, I simply swapped the top and shoes, and went for asymmetrically pinned-back hair.

Sup, baggy crotch?

I kind of surprised myself with this blouse. I think I've worn one other halter in my life, and that was a super sweet denim smocked crop top in fifth grade.

While navy and white stripes are pretty on-point right now, it's difficult to find something similar to this oldie. But, I tried: these are some really cute, weekend comfy-chic options (1, 2, 3 and 4)

Hooker heels from ShoeDazzle, obvi. Here are some less slutty options: 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Sunglasses similar to what I'm wearing. Clearly the better option.

I'm headed to my parents' house this weekend for grilling, swimming and always-needed family time. How are you celebrating America's Independence?

keaton row

There's a new love in my life.

I've mentioned the styling services at ShoeDazzle and JustFab before. (If you're just tuning in: you sign up, complete a brief style questionnaire, and they put a multitude of shoe and accessory options in your style-book based on your style. Of course, 99% of the options are likely not to match your style at all ... like the 6" hot pink hooker heels in mine ...)

And I've found one for clothes. 

Keaton Row's sign-up process also involves a brief questionnaire, but one with more in-depth and open-ended questions. It's not a logarithm (algorithm? I understand neither math nor tech) that determines what to suggest. It's a person.

Yes, a real, live person. Who emails you after you submit your answers. Who asks about your interests, shopping habits, and wardrobe concerns. Who only chooses items that fall within the budget you set.

The stylist chosen for me is Victoria.

Whose style is "feminine and ladylike, with a bit of quirky." Which, I think is pretty spot-on to how I would describe my style.

Victoria emailed me the day I signed up to learn more about me, which told me she was eager to get started. We discussed my favorite things to wear, my struggles (ahem, large rears don't belong in tight pencil skirts) and my ideal style.

Five days later, my four looks were ready, which told me she earnestly took the time to find pieces she truly believed I would appreciate. I probably wouldn't wear every item she chose for me, but I give her choices a 95-97% approval rating. First time around, I'd say that's pretty good.

And, yes, I've already ordered from one of my personally-crafted "looks."

And I can't wait for it to come in! (Similar options here, here, here and here.)

The service is completely free. You only pay for the items you choose to buy, when you buy them, and the stylists receive commission. No monthly fees. No surprises.

Keaton Row also offers free shipping. I don't want to speak for every order, because the selected items come from different stores with different policies, but my skirt from Nordstrom also had no tax.

After you receive your look-book, leave feedback so that your stylist knows what you liked and didn't like about her choices. Next time around, the looks will be that much closer to your ideal closet.

What do you think of Keaton Row's service? Let me know in the comments!

work to weekend wear: h&m

Though I haven't made my way to the Crescent City for a shopping trip in a while, I am beyond excited that H&M finally opened a store in New Orleans.

H&M offers cute, trendy and classic pieces at an absolute steal. What's better: they have a good stock of work-appropriate attire.

This week's selection focuses on a beautiful pleated skirt I've been eye-ing for a while. (And, yes, all of the pieces are totally affordable at less than $50 each.)

Seriously. I love this skirt ($40). It's feminine without being frilly and professional without being rigid. How can it get any better?

I'd play up the femininity with an airy mint blouse ($30), but pair it with a crisp white tuxedo jacket ($50) to bring the outfit structure. Keep the look simple with gold chain earrings ($8) with a twist (geddit?) and sweet, comfy muted beige flats ($13).

To bring this look over to the weekend, keep the flats, earrings and, obvi, skirt.

Swap out the mint blouse for this loose-fitting, comfortable sleeveless button-up ($15). (Personal note: I'd tuck in the front, and probably leave the back out.) I like the pairing of this cuff ($6) because it's sweet and simple, but plays on the masculinity of the button-up and keeps the outfit from being too predictable.

I'm so weird about hats. I love them. I look good in them. But I can never bring myself to buy one. This adorable weekender only costs $13, so I can't justify not buying it.

I chose this sweet shoulder bag ($18) because I didn't want to overwhelm the look. (And you know I love a good shoulder bag on the weekend.) But, if you'd like a pop of color I'd go with this ray of sunshine ($18). Or this funzie ($8). I mean, heck. it is the weekend, after all!

t-shirt and jeans need not apply

One of our good friends is moving to Seattle, so Hannah threw him a going away party Friday. There was laughter, board games, pizza, cookie cake, great friends and, of course, (Mama, Daddy, look away) tequila shooters.

That was actually my first time to salt, lick, shoot and suck. I may or may not have made a very high-pitched squeal after the lime that frightened the dogs.

Beforehand, I texted Hannah:
"Is this a t-shirt and jeans kind of shin-dig?"

"You can wear a t-shirt and jeans if you want."

"I don't do t-shirt and jeans. I'm just trying to gauge how out of place I'll look."

When we got there, the first words she said were, "You really don't do t-shirts and jeans, do you?

Damn straight.

Pockets. The way to get a young woman to buy any dress.

I love this dress from The Limited. I ordered it online in a pinch for a Rehearsal Dinner, not realizing the bodice didn't have boning. FYI - Girls with larger chests need, nay deserve, boning.

Between that and the fact that it's a size too small (I told you, I was in a pinch), I have to pull it up a lot to make sure I'm appropriate.

If I could just stand like this all the time, everything would be fine.

This OPI polish is my absolute favorite shade. It's perfectly pink, red and orange, and classy but fun. What's better: it's called Cajun Shrimp. And it goes with everything.

The shoes are from ShoeDazzle, where I have a VIP membership.

How ShoeDazzle works: sign up, take a style quiz, have professional stylists choose shoes based on your preferences to create a personal boutique each month.

ShoeDazzle has three membership levels: Regular, VIP and Elite. Regular members are only charged the price of the shoes they buy, plus shipping.

VIP are charged $10 monthly, but that $10 goes toward any pair of shoes, purse, jewelry, etc. you decided to buy. Or, you can utilize it like I do: completely forget that you're being charged. In five months, remember and realize you have $50 to spend on shoes. VIP level members also get a small discount off of the regular price and free shipping.

Elite membership most closely resembles ShoeDazzle's original business model and JustFab's (a similar shoe/accessory site) current. You're charged $40/month, but get a much larger discount on products and, like VIP, receive free shipping and can choose when to spend that $40.

The site was founded by Kim Kardashian. But, if the thought of giving her money makes you ill, ASOS has a similar pair.

This is my absolute favorite necklace. 20% because I think it's beautiful, 80% for the sentimental value.

The BF bought me the sapphire for one of our anniversaries (options 1, 2 and 3).

The other two charms are from my travels last summer. The olive wreath from Greece (similar one on Etsy), the pearl from Disney World's Epcot (similar here and here).

I told the boy I wanted to take one of those fun, laughing photos. Result:

Actual laughter realizing how stupid my fake laughter probably looked:

My mother would kill me to see that a decade of ballet didn't help this posture.

Saturday was basically an all-day festival for our friend beginning with brunch, then laser-tag, bowling, sushi and board games (this group really likes board games).

What did you do over the weekend?

carolina moon

Originally posted May 2013

NOLA girl (and LSU alumna) Camille Harrington Quintana recently established Carolina Moon, a trendy, posh boutique which currently exists completely online. I got to meet Camille this past weekend at her house in the Crescent City.

Between the furniture, racks of clothes and a friendly giant (Lucy the dog), there's not much room for anything else in her living room, but southern hospitality runs through her veins. She instantly makes you feel at ease and at home. It might be her greatest natural talent . . . apart from choosing beautiful clothes, of course.

 
I've already worn the three blouses I bought Saturday, and have enjoyed the multiple showers of compliments thoroughly. What makes Carolina Moon unique, though, isn't the adorable clothing options. Without a physical storefront, Camille welcomes shoppers into her home and offers a personal, in-your-home styling service where she helps you reinvent your wardrobe with pieces you already have.

Sadly, this offer isn't in Baton Rouge yet. le sigh. But, a girl can dream, right?

(Read LSU's story on the e-boutique here.)

designer monokini showdown

I have to say, when I saw this swimsuit on Shoshanna (on Girls), I was far less than impressed. But, seeing it on Sofia Vergara's Modern Family character is a whole different story.

The monokini instantly became a "Who Wore it Better" showdown on People Stylewatch. Personally, I think it's much more complementary to Sofia's skin tone and shape. But, none of that matters. Because this isn't a gossip blog.

It's a lifestyle blog.

So, how does a $450 Agent Provocateur swimsuit apply to your life?

 Umm, how about because I know where you can get a veeeerrrrry similar version for $44?

You're welcome.

work to weekend wear: modcloth

One thing I can't quite grasp about the professional world is the idea of a "work wardrobe." Why do I need to have a separate wardrobe for work? Why can't all of my pieces play nicely together?

I've put together a couple of outfits using some of the same pieces for both work and weekend wear. When you can mix and match several pieces from your closet to serve both purposes, there's no need to spend gobs of money on clothes you wouldn't be caught dead in after 5.

 All of these pieces are from Modcloth (hence the title) and very affordable. (I think I kept each piece under or very close to $50.)

First, we'll keep it simple with the wear to work option. 

Ever notice in the work outfits sections of magazines they include pieces you could never to wear to work? Like shorts? I think most offices would allow these choices.

This tank top ($25) is wonderful. It's punchy but subtle, and provides visual interest that isn't distracting. Plus, it has an amazing graphic. (I'm probably just saying that because I have a slight obsession with London.)

Tone it down by tucking it into a simple black pencil skirt ($25), and top it off with a lightweight blazer ($35). The blazer provides structure without being stuffy. Keep the look streamlined with simple jewelry in the form of a trendy but unobtrusive midi ring ($8) and art deco earrings ($9). (With these earrings, I would wear my hair down, tucked behind one ear to just give a peak.)

Obviously, with a pencil skirt, you need a heel. While black pumps are a great, versatile staple, they're also predictable. Try these red heels, instead. Yes, red heels can easily become trampy. But, the faux-leather, grosgrain knot and "wooden" stacked heel make this look polished. (A good conscience will tell you to stay away from a faux wooden heel, but, they're not even $35. So tell your conscience to zip it.) Unfortunately, these heels are almost sold out, so try this cute kitten.

Bonus: Take off the blazer, swap the kittens for stilettos, and your ensemble immediately goes from work appropriate to working-it appropriate.

To transition this look to the weekend, keep the tank, midi ring and blazer (if it's chilly ... which it probably isn't right now), but swap out the other pieces for a more casual look.

High-waisted shorts are a beautiful thing. Even if you're not completely comfortable with the attention they draw to your midsection, these shorts ($40) have a great structure and would flatter you whether or not the tank was tucked in.

A pair of subtle glitter flats/oxfords ($31 - on sale!) and the bow earrings ($10) both sweeten up the look by providing a bit of girlish charm, which has no better place than the weekend. (I mean, the weekend is where flower crowns live, no?)

I don't think this tank really needs a necklace, but, if you're going to wear one, wear this map ($20). It's fun, a bit quirky, and ties in quite nicely to the subtle international theme.

Which brings me to the pièce de résistance: the I'm Having a Good Hare Day crossbody ($45). This bag is positively yelling at me. Any crossbody basically screams weekend, with their casual, comfy-chic style. And there's something about bunnies and blue that cry out "We're so English!" amiright? No? Is this just me?

Whatever. Even if the clothes don't talk to you, both of these outfits are perfect for their respective venues.

How would you style this tank?

225 hot off the press party

Each month (or at least most months), the Baton Rouge staple 225 hosts their magazine launch party at a local restaurant.

In the past, I've only gone when I've had an article in the featured magazine (including one cover story, thank you very much). But, when my option for this particular Thursday became Crossfit or the party at Caliente, I chose Mexican food and margaritas. (If given a choice, always choose Mexican food and margaritas.)

For the record, Caliente's blue margaritas taste dangerously like delicious adult snoballs. I'm pretty sure a full-sized version would quickly lead to regrettable decisions.

We were handed the beautiful concoctions almost immediately after we walked through the door. My kind of party.

Caliente has both an indoor and outdoor dining area. Tonight, the patio was largely where the party was taking place, complete with a make your own taco line!

An exciting concept, but it lost its luster with the first bite. I attribute the disappointment to my mediocre taco-building skills and distaste for soft corn tortillas. (They're just weird, right? Corn tortillas should be fried ...)

We ordered an appetizer sampler and enjoyed the libations, the people-watching and, of course, each other's company.

Apologies for the shoddy photos. All I had on me was my out-of-date iPhone.

What's that in the background? Why, it's a living statue!

Yes, they had two: Elvis and a painter. To be honest, I don't understand the draw of these ... or why I'm drawn to them. They're just fascinating. I don't think I even saw him blink.

Someone's enjoying her snoball margarita!

Red lips for the Red Stick.

Our appetizer plate came, featuring southwest egg rolls, jalapeno poppers, chicken quesadilla and chicken nachos.

For me, the true measure of a Mexican restaurant is in their quesadillas, and Caliente, my friends, is a top contender. (Coyote Blues being the clear winner. Sorry, guys.)

Their jalapeno poppers were easily the best I've ever had. However, the nachos and egg rolls left something to be desired.

I basically checked her out all night, because that Lilly Pulitzer print is stunning. (No longer available, but I'm in love with this simple shift dress from the brand.) Michael Kors bag

I got the top from Carolina Moon, the crossbody from Steve Madden (a similar one here), and the dress from Modcloth. It's out of stock now, but here are a few (1, 2, 3) similar dresses.

(Drawbacks of having a stranger take your photo: they never get the shoes. Y'all. This is the most important part. I wish I had been wearing these beauties.)

Overall, it was a lovely evening. I think the biggest drawback was that the atmosphere didn't lend itself to mingling as much as some of their other party venues.

So, we ended up getting fro-yo and watching Clueless.

We didn't really wanna mingle, anyway.