Not to toot my horn or anything, but you know when you’re on the right track as a blogger when one of your very favorite brands contacts you out of the blue to collaborate. When Plümo contacted me–I just about fell out of my chair with excitement. I want to LIVE in their shop. Once you click over you’ll know what I mean. My persimmon heels are ACTUALLY COMFORTABLE. Seriously. I didn’t even have to break them in. My lace shrug turns even the most boring outfit into something special, and my beaded necklace adds that perfect POP–and they are those nice, heavy beads. The real deal.

I got so many compliments on this outfit while I was out in Atwater to snap these pics (thanks Dabito) that every other word off my tongue was Plümo.
I’m excited to be able to offer you all a 15% discount on all SS13 (full price) items. It will be valid for up to four weeks–Just use the code ‘JUSTINA’ at checkout.

Shoes, Shrug and necklace C/O Plumo
Jeans by Madewell
T-shirt from Target

A lot of zaftig ladies rant that they (we) can’t wear pattern because it does not flatter. Well, if you are of that mindset, I hope to prove you wrong with this post. It’s really all about how you rock patterns and (of course) about how you carry yourself.  I tend to wear patterns on the bottom or as accessories (or both!) Zaftig girls can pattern-mix too! This Flying Tomato maxi skirt (above) is saving me right now with its elastic waist and very forgiving lightweight (bot not too poly or clingy) fabric–and the Pucci-esque print is super fun. The waffle peplum top from Ganni is also a winner because the fabric is tough and stretchy and holds in the girls *way* more than most tops, and the peplum style helps to hide that pesky flap. (I got it last season at Anthro but here is a kinda similar one).

As for my patterned accessories–I’m wearing a floral and fringed Babushka scarf I got at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (I wish I had gotten about 40 of them!). I wear it in my hair, around my waist–or ‘cowgirl style’ –like in this pic.  This Etsy shop carries some similar ones. And my new favorite carryall is from Della it’s double-duty good–because “every dollar earned at Della goes toward providing employment, education and financial stability for poverty-stricken women in Ghana”– and you know I can get behind that.

So mix your prints with a flattering black top and go go go! Won’t you give yourself a little pattern love today? It will make you happy. Promise.

Oh and if you’re thinking that I look a touch less zaftig than in my last zany posts it’s due to two small things that I would like to (humbly) share with you in case it is helpful to any other new moms (or anyone) trying to get a little healthier.

A.) Whenever people ask me to coffee, instead of drinking it at my normal cafe spots (and inevitably ordering croissants–or–wait-for-it…beignets (TERRIBLE!) I ask my coffee partner if they mind walking around the reservoir while we have coffee and chat. It’s fun and it beats sitting on my tush for an hour and watching it grow

B.) This app is my new pal. I downloaded it as per my bro’s suggestion and it’s very cool. It helps me to be mindful of what I’m putting in my mouth. It’s also helped me to recognize how unmindful I am normally. It’s somehow less annoying than other similar things I’ve tried in the past. And that’s it. <3

Photos by my sweet man, Jason Rosencrantz–thanks babe.
Skirt C/O Flying Tomato
Bag C/O Della

A couple of weeks ago I discussed my miraculous body and the flap with you. Among the many awesome comments, a long-time reader friend recommended  I get rid of all the clothes in my wardrobe that don’t fit. There is something very, very appealing about the idea. But the idea also makes me feel really, really sad–and a bit nervous. Not to get all attached to material things, but I’ve been collecting amazing pieces of clothing for the last fifteen or so years–and the thought of getting rid of my collection is enough to bring tears to my eyes.  The nervous part stems from the fact that even before I got pregnant finding clothing that fit me was a challenge.  Would I ever be able to find similar stuff again? It’s as though vintage clothing was all made for tiny humans, and even on a ‘slimmer day’ I could just barely squeeze into the largest size of clothing at some of my favorite retailers like Madewell or Anthro.

Now nothing tailored fits. Getting rid of the items in my closet that don’t fit would be me getting rid of over half of my clothes. It’s a good thing that I like jersey because I’ve been wearing it for the past fourteen months straight. And thank goodness for accessories because I’ve been werking my jewelry, scarf, bag and shoe collections.

A big part of me wants to pass off (or sell) all of my clothes and start fresh. I can see the upshots: more closet space, an excuse to shop, not trying on things and being frustrated, sad and disappointed when I can’t get them on. But then another part of me thinks that maybe someday I’ll fit my clothes again–even if it takes a while? Maybe my clothes will act as motivation? Then a whole other part of me comes out– the part that just wants to keep all of my clothes regardless–like having pretty Tchotchkes or books or ceramics or something??  I recognize how crazy and borderline hoarder-ish that is–but I can’t help it, it’s how I feel.

Last weekend I wandered in a few shops on the 3rd St. Promonade and passed through two ‘petites’ sections. I felt really annoyed. I’ve got nothin’ but love for my petite sistahs out there (I happen to have a petite sister that I love very deeply) but why are you gonna have a grand petites section and not even a petite ‘Grande’ section?!? I admit, I’m ranting now–but the truth is, I would really love to have ONE pair of jeans that I love that I could fit into right now–one dress that I love that is not a muumuu, one great blazer that actually buttoned in front.

The collages above are made from photos from an impromptu photoshoot I took with Jason last weekend. I am wearing all jersey and a lot of great accessories–which has been my uniform lately. I wish that more fashion companies had the guts, the chutzpah and the smarts to start dressing curvy ladies. We want to have fun, look sexy and be comfortable too.

With that, I ask your help. What would you do?? Do you think I should get rid of the clothes that don’t fit me anymore and start fresh, knowing, especially how difficult it is to find great stuff in my size?