Jeggins and the Plus Size Girl

When I first heard of jeggins I laughed.  I thought that was the dumbest thing imaginable… jean leggings… legging jeans… what in the world!  But then I saw them in a Lane Bryant ad and my mind started turning… Hmmm… jeggins…. *raised eyebrow* I thought of so many possibilities.  I now own 2 pairs and I have must say I absolutely love them.   But, chubby chicks, there are a few things to consider when wearing your jeggins.

1. Consider the tone of your legs when looking at the quality of the fabric.  I have muscular legs, (thanks to an active work life and lots of NY walking growing up).  The jeggins that I have are not made of the thickest lycra/spandex material, so the muscles in my legs contracting while I walk is visible, (my mom pointed this out to me the other day, in sheer amazement).  Now, if that had of been jelly jiggling or cellulite dancing, that would have been a very unattractive look.  You should not have to wear spanx under your jeggins.  So if you have lumps, bumps, and pock mark humps showing through your jeggins, please spend the money to buy a more quality pair. 
2. Consider the shape of your body.  I am all about encouraging you to love yourself and feel comfortable in your skin, but honeys, listen, there are some things that do not shine the best light on you.  One of those is playing up your flaws.  One of my flaws, (as you have probably heard me complain before) is that my butt is… kinda missing.  To be honest, from the side silhouette it looks good, but when I turn around to the full on back view, it disappears.  That is because for whatever reason, my thighs have invaded the great booty divide and the curve doesn’t curve towards the middle.  It can be “worked out” with squats and other stuff but I don’t care as much as used to.  That being said, I dress with longer shirts, fitted usually, when I wear my jeggins, and top them with a slightly fitted cropped jacket.  This highlights the better part of my butt and lets my legs shine, since they are toned, and hides my belly while camouflaging the less than great part of my posterior.  You will want to take things like this into consideration as well.  Try different tops, tunics, mini-dresses and such with your jeggins (and leggings) to see what works best for you body type.  You want to play up your assets and minimize your flaws.  Yes, I think  that it is wonderful to be comfortable with less than stellar parts of your body, but the truth of the matter is, when you leave your house and go out into the world, you are presenting yourself to the world and they are going to judge you.  Present your best self, not for them or even BECAUSE of their judgment, but because you deserve to shine in your best light.  And YOU alone create the view of you that the world sees.
3. Consider your height.  What I love about jeggins when done right is that they take away extra fabric that can add bulk, especially to an already plus size frame.  But they also show the full shape of your legs.  And chunky short legs can look really squat in jeggins and flats, which is why I typically wear heels with my jeggins (as well as my leggings and skinny jeans). So if you MUST wear flats with your jeggins, keep your top as appropriately short as possible.  Jeggins and flats to me usually conveys the need for a flowing top that hits mid hip or stops just below the butt.  This showcases as much of leg as possible lengthening your line while balancing out the upper body.  Please note: a flowing top is not a bulky sweater.  And this time, ditch the blazer or jacket unless your outdoors.  You do not want to bulk up the upper portion of your outfit, because you will then look boxy or rectangular.  Remember: BEST YOU! That is the look that you are going for.

Ok, well that covers the basics of jeggins for Plus Size chicks.  Here are 2 pic of me in my jeggins, disregard the hotel room clutter.  If you have any questions, please comment below.  (I am still working on the email address… I forgot the log in information)

    

Beauty of Boutique Shopping

The beauty of small boutique owners is that they are likely going to be more genuine with you than a sales person in a local mall store.  The boutique owners want your repeat business so they are not going to sell you an item that you will not be happy with long term.  They want you to look fabulous in what you are wearing.  They want to develop a “relationship” with you, (as in buyer/seller, not best buddies), so that it can beneficial to you and them.  What I love about my friends who are boutique owners is that they have great eyes for fashion and they are talented stylist, so they know how to dress you in the items that they have in their store.  And most importantly, if they know you are not going to be flattered by an item, they will let you know that as well.

That said, let me share the links of two of my friends who are really doing beautiful things in the world of fashion.  They have an online presence, an impeccable eye and can help you put together an outfit for any occasion.

Style Have NY

Material Girl ATL 

Personal Style

Leaving work the other morning, one of my coworkers commented on my outfit saying, “see, you’ve got style.  I just put on clothes.  I like that,” she pointed to my ensemble.  It was inspired by something I’d seen on Beyonce in an InStyle or other magazine: Black “skinny” jeans, (which is terminology only when they are plus size), a bright colored tee and a fitted white blazer.

I’ve always thought that style was something that everyone had, just some more than others.  Now I am realizing that style is something that is developed.  Just like any skill, you have to learn the ins and outs and then develop it for yourself.  There are lots of things that I like, clothes wise, but I know that I have to be mindful of my size, my shape, and my preferences.  The knowledge in this area is what I call foundational.  Because you can have a beautiful shape and be insecure about it, and insecurity will kill ANY outfit, not matter how well it fits or how great it looks.  I have found in particular white women who are natural curvy are some of the most frumpy dressing women I’ve ever met.  They do not play up curves and assets that women and men alike swoon over because they personally do not want to see them.  This is a fatal error.  I know that I have a great set of legs.  My breasts are not small and I refuse to be apologetic about them so I tend to play them up as well.  I love heels, I wear them every chance I get.  Defying the black stereotype, I am not bootylicious so I have to be mindful of the cut in the butt when I buy pants.

Fashion is not about wearing what is in the stores and the magazines just the way you see it.  Yes, I have seen some displays that provoke fashion envy but for the most part I buy classic pieces and style them with jewelry and other easily replaced trendy pieces.  This creates a look that is current and suits me.  And it works with my budget.   Fashion style is like music: it is universal and personally tailored to the likes of the person who is partaking in it.  No one style is right for everyone.  So be free, try different looks, items or collaborations and develop a style that is high fashion YOU.