#37 A Fresh Start

"Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down." - Ray Bradbury

This quote means a lot to me these days. My first official day of my new job (I'm a teacher at a school in Harlem) began this Wednesday and it has been a rollercoaster of a week. I've had this dream for so long to move to New York City and it's all finally coming together: the apartment, the neighborhood, the city, the job. But to be real, it hasn't all been sunshine and roses.

It's a hard transition moving across states where you are essentially alone, beginning a new job-- albeit, an amazing job-- and feeling like you're starting from scratch both professionally and personally. I am really glad I'm here, but my passion for New York and for teaching hasn't stopped this from being one of the most challenging things I've ever gone through. Ultimately, it's essential to take risks in life to feel like you're really living, and to give yourself a chance to experience something new. You feel fear, feel excitement, question EVERYTHING, miss stability yet appreciate a new world, experience the heartache of loss and loneliness, see things in a completely different light. And in New York you walk around with your jaw dragging on the sidewalk, in awe of everything and everyone all around you, your eyes ever-gazing upward. It's up and down and up and down and so on. I wouldn't change it for the world, but damn-- it's hard and it hurts sometimes.

A few pictures from my first day at work at our retreat at Long Beach, NJ. Bonfires and the ocean always make me very introspective.

As shallow as it may seem, in times where I feel insecure, I sometimes turn to fashion to help lift my spirits and give me confidence. Something about knowing I look my very best, especially when starting a new job, helps me feel like I can do this, I can conquer my fears and the world! Anyone who has ever worn towering high heels knows this feeling well. Retail therapy, indeed.

Today was a big day because not only did I get to meet the CEO and founder of our network of schools, but I also got to meet several hundred other teachers who teach at my school and our sister schools! Looking my best was key, especially with such an intelligent, youthful, talented, and intimidatingly fashionable group of educators! We were told to dress casual, but for me business casual or even professional is what helps me feel my best and I prefer to err on the side of overdressed rather than under.

Yes, shamefully in the bathroom. But I was feeling positive and loving my outfit.

After some inspiring speeches, feeling a renewed sense of positivity.

Not so fresh after a happy hour, walking in 90 degree heat, and 8 hours of profesh development.

Every teacher should have an apple necklace!

TOP Grey Cowl Neck Top, Banana Republic | SKIRT Textured Neon Yellow Pencil Skirt, Eloquii | NECKLACE Apple Pendant, H&M | SHOES Green Suede Flats, J Crew

I was honestly going to give away this top because it shrunk in the wash and looks ridiculous with pants, but I discovered this brand new outfit rushing to work this morning and threw it all together really fast. Has that ever happened to you? Somehow I feel impressed with myself for putting together a fierce outfit in record time.

Also, I had to comment on Eloquii's Holiday 2012 Lookbook that has been released on a few blogs in the past few weeks. WOW! Eloquii just keeps getting better and better, and it's such a great option for those of us who have to wear business professional every day, not to mention how impressed I've been with the quality of the clothing.

There are a ton of basics that I can add my own eclectic pieces and accessories to so that they are uniquely me, and also a ton of beautiful pieces that really stand out and work on their own. This collection is really making me drool, and also lament my four-figure rent in New York. Gold sequin skirts with blush blouses, new colored skinnies, and how about that gray dress with the leather look panels? I cannot wait to rock it all as soon as its released! I have preemptively purchased ramen in preparation of this dent in my bank account...

#29 - BIG News!

For a long time, I was keeping the news a secret, but as it is rapidly coming up (less than a week now!) I can't wait to share my big news with you!



As of Monday next week, I am officially moving to New York City! I have an apartment and a new teaching job which are both located in Harlem and I am just EXPLODING with excitement. It has been my dream for a very long time to move to NYC. I love the culture, the food, the lifestyle, the people, the fashion, the shopping, the diversity, the museums, the ART, the music, I could just go on and on and on... I love being able to experience so much of what the world has to offer in one incredible city.

I am very sad to be leaving my beautiful home and my wonderful friends and family in Ohio but I am so incredibly excited and ready to begin a new journey in New York.

I can't wait to shop at RE-Dress in Brooklyn and I hope I am lucky enough to bump into some of the blogosphere's most fashionable and creative curvy NYC bloggers! Happy summer, everyone!

#4 Ancient Meets Modern

Yesterday, my boyfriend and I wandered around the financial district of NYC as well as Battery Park. The diversity of this city is amazing. Though I wasn't too impressed with the area, seeing the sunset over the Statue of Liberty on the waterfront of Battery Park was inspiring and beautiful.

I tried to wear something a bit more comfortable today as I knew we were going to be walking around a lot. Living in the Midwest, you sadly aren't accustomed to walking that much (I drive EVERYWHERE), but I'm enjoying the exercise and the sight-seeing. I tried to attempt "comfortable chic" and I think it worked out pretty well. I'm also happy to say I've figured out how to make my photos bigger-- hope you enjoy them!

TOP Gold "Crop" Top, Forever 21 | SHORTS Black Denim Cut-Off Shorts, Old Navy | EARRINGS Aztec Dangling Earrings, Forever 21 | SHOES Aztec Sneakers, Urban Outfitters | BAG Vietnam-Era Gas Mask Bag, Vintage | GLASSES Green Prescription Glasses, Vintage

I love these Aztec shoes I got from Urban Outfitters. They have lots of different styles, colors, and patterns and they're currently selling them 2 for $30, which is a great deal. They're a little snug so I suggest wearing them out or sizing up before you go on long walks like I did-- my feet were EXHAUSTED by the end of our long trip around the city.

The Native American/Aztec/tribal inspired looks are incredible this summer. I love the patterns on t-shirts, dresses, and sneaks. The jewelry is also so beautiful-- these are some of my favorite earrings I own! Feathers, turquoise, and tribal patterns are so whimsical and I can't wait to find more tribal-inspired items in NYC. I love pairing this trend with more modern style, like this gold top from F21.

I'm a little grumpy about the hanger loops sticking out in the pics-- Forever 21 is notorious for those (as is H&M) and I don't want to get rid of them because they're somewhat functional. Any ideas on how to fix that problem? I've been really impressed with F21's plus line this year. I never am too excited by the website, but I often find the actual stores are filled with some amazing inexpensive finds. I've packed quite a few F21 items on this NYC trip, so you'll definitely see some of their styles on display here. How do you feel about the tribal trend? Are you rocking it this summer?

#3 AMURRICA!

Happy belated America Day everyone. Did you know that America's Independence did not really happen officially on July 4th? It's true! The text of the Declaration of Independence was finalized on July 4th, but all those lovely old white men did not actually sign the Declaration until about a month later on August 2. Sorry-- that's the history nerd/teacher in me coming out!

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday. I did a bit of a color play on the typical red, white, and blue, and I hope you enjoy it!

TOP Striped Underwire Bathing Suit, J Crew | SKIRT Military Style Royal Blue Pencil Skirt, ASOS | SHOES Ionia Flamingo Flats, Sam Edelman | GLASSES Vintage from Fabulous Fannies on the Lower East Side NYC | NECKLACE Handmade Ohio Pendant, Tiger Tree Columbus

I thought wearing coral shoes instead of red ones would be a fun way to spice up the American color palette and I love the pin-up styling of my outfit with the pencil skirt and vintage style gold buttons down the front. Pin-up girls of the 40's and 50's are definitely a huge style inspiration for me!

Corset tops are very in this summer. I've found that they rarely come in my size, so I've substituted an underwire bathing suit to create a similar effect. They have some REALLY cute ones at J Crew right now (in many different sizes) that I suggest you try. The best part is you're getting double the look for your money-- you're getting a gorgeous corset top to layer underneath jeans and skirts, as well as a cute bathing suit to wear at the beach/pool this summer!

I snapped this photo of a garage in Sunnyside, NYC. That's some American pride right there! I love the colors and the unique style of this neighborhood. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. How did you use American colors to celebrate this July 4th?

#2: Book Smarts vs. Street Smarts

Today has been an incredibly lazy Sunday-- just lying around eating, watching bad TV, playing video games, and snuggling with cats. I only got out of my pajamas (see below for proof) to make a quick run to the grocery store for some spaghetti and salad for dinner.

SHIRT Denim Button-Up, Jessica London | SHORTS Black Denim Cut-Offs, Old Navy | SHOES The Exie Sandal, Sam Edelman | GLASSES Prescription Green Glasses, Vintage @ Fabulous Fanny's in East Village NYC | NECKLACE Handmade Ohio Pendant, Tiger Tree Columbus | LIPSTICK Schiap, NARS

I call this look "book smarts vs. street smarts" because I think those two polar opposites meet in this outfit. The "book smarts" come from a classic button up shirt and a pair of thick vintage glasses. The "street smarts" come from my studded/spiked Sam Edelman sandals and bright pink NARS lipstick. I also think that book smart and street smart is a great way to describe the youth of NYC: bright, educated, and well-versed about this hugely complex city. Maybe someday I will be amongst them!

While I've been inspired by the hot weather and lack of central air in my apartment to put on short shorts, I've also been inspired by the many fashion bloggers I've been reading to find the confidence to don these short shorts. I'm really happy with the way I look in them (really starting to love my legs!) and wasn't sweating the length (literally and figuratively). What clothes make you feel confident?

#1 Welcome to NYC

First post! I'm excited to finally begin my fashion adventure via blog. I've been reading tons of fashion blogs, most especially for "plus-sized" women, as well as tons of blogs about body image and fat acceptance. These incredible female writers have brought out so much confidence in me and have inspired me to to post my own fashion photos, as well as photos of my travel and experiences. I will definitely be giving these stylish ladies shout outs in future posts.

To explain the title: I'm currently in New York City for the month of July, enjoying the summer with my boyfriend and contemplating my potential move to NYC someday in the near future. I have some great professional development opportunities (I'm a teacher) here for the summer, and I'm looking forward to learning more and seeing some fantastic schools in NYC. Right now I'm chilling out in Sunnyside in Queens and we're eventually going to be subletting a place in Brooklyn. Can't wait! And now, on to the outfit!

DRESS Purple & Yellow Striped Dress, Lux from UO | SHOES All Caps Strappy Wedges, Jeffrey Campbell | BAG Vintage Vietnam-Era Gas Mask Bag | BRACELETS Gold Bangles, Forever 21 SUNGLASSES (Not pictured) Gold Prescription Aviators, Ray Ban

I think these photos are very appropriate for a first post because I think they do my fashion persona justice-- they show how my style is bright, eccentric (with a penchant for the weird/strange), playful, and inspired by travel! What's your fashion persona?