GRADIENT.

by Jamila Pierre


I almost didn't post this lewk because the sweater I'm wearing is long gone.

I've searched high and low for one like it or even the same one...just hoping that maybe it was being sold by another online retailer altogether, I was not successful. But honestly this look is too lit to keep from y'all, PLUS, it gives me (us) the opportunity to get creative. You can surely #StealThisLook with some rad alternatives; I gotcha cover down below. 

The top is from Shein.com, a Asian wholesale site that though they had some scattered pieces in the straight- sized section that could fit a 3X body like mine, they finally got with it and came through with a plus size section. Before you get too hype, let it be known that this is still an Asian retail site which means the sizing is literal trash and all over the place; a 3X is a 1X for most items (especially anything that doesn't have stretch), and  you may need to get an article of clothing in a 5X if you want to possibly fit a size 22/24 body into it. You have to really pay attention to not just the size chart...but the material content and the reviews. And if a person included a photo of themselves in the garment with their review, you have fucking struck gold. 

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I know this sounds shitty (it is) and ridiculous (it is) but I can honestly say that even though all of that is true...I've still managed to find some super rad pieces that I'd never be able to find anywhere else, and at a price to die for. For example; this sweater is from the plus section on Shein.com, it's the most unique piece I've come across in ages, and if you know me, you know that this sweater ticks every box a person like myself needs. Unique (check), reasonable price (check), fits my style over all (check), fit upon arrival (check), restored my faith in my abilities to find dopeness just about anywhere (double check). 

I'm gonna stop gushing over this sweater because you see it, it's freakin' bomb dot com, you know. Plus, you can't get it anymore *crosses fingers in hopes of a restock cuz I have every intention of purchasing a backup*. Let's move on to the rest of the fit. 

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I am def a more is more gyal, so if I get the chance to exercise my more is more chops...I'm all over it; print mixing, unique color combos, etc... And even though that's who I am at my baseline, my default setting, I do like a good monochrome look. I can sometimes go super minimalist (rare AF to be honest), but because I am a true maximalist, I still had to pair pieces that turn up the volume 0-100 real quick. 

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From the print, to the tulle, to the tassels, to the pairing with a gradient pair of jeans in the same color fam, this look has something going on from head to toe, and I am here for it to say the least. Are you dying for this look too?

Down below I tried my hardest to include pieces that give you a similar feel, pieces you can purchase or just use as a source of inspo. I hope you dig it and find what you're looking for. 

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What I'm Wearing:

  1. Sunnies. $9

  2. Top from Shein.com. $26 (No longer available in PLUS, but can be fashioned together with a sheer tulle skirt; HERE, HERE, HERE, under a statement Blk & Wht printed sweater; HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE)

  3. Jeans from Target.com. $34.99 (No longer available, but a statement charcoal jean would suffice, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE)

  4. Boots from Torrid.com. $52 (On sale, alternative HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE)


SPEAKING WITH A LEATHER ACCENT.

by Jamila Pierre


I want you to know that this pairing was incredibly effortless, "leather" and leopard isn't exactly innovative, so I went with pieces that took something classic and turned up the volume a few notches.

I said, "Let's do leopard....but in this fun colorway, and let's do leather-pants....but with some lace-up detailing.". The boots, though it seems like the obvious choice, almost didn't make the cut *GASPS while clutching pearls*. I was originally going to pair these with an over the top pair of glittery kicks, I vetoed that idea because I didn't want to over complicate such an easy breezy look. I'm definitely a "More Is More" kinda gal....but sorta didn't want to do the absolute most this time around (I still turned it up on em' tho, just kept it at a level 99).

I love a good pant, even more so, a good faux leather piece. Actually, let's just go right ahead and say that I also like a good laced up anything...seriously...it's a problem. Just like anything skull and skeleton, my weakness for the laced-up look became exploited, by pretty much EVERY retailer, as of the last few years. I think I own at least ten pairs of bottoms, fifteen tops, a few dresses, and some bags.....all with a laced-up detail.....PROBLEM! So when I came across these faux leather leggings, with the lacing, on Missguided, I jumped on it.

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What made the purchase even easier was the fact that it was on sale, but honestly even if it wasn't on sale....I'd probably still have these in my cart, ready to pull the trigger. I'm a true 3X (22/24) and most retailers (online or otherwise) only hit the  2X (18/20) mark, so it's nice (and also something that I look for in bottoms and clothing, PERIOD) when I find pieces that have enough give to stuff all this jelly in. These pants really did the trick, and have become a fast fave.

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The sweater came from Target, and I purchased it for two reasons; I am a huge fan of leopard print (especially ones done in a variety of color ways and fun takes on the classic print), and I hadn't bought any leopard in ages...I figured it was time. What better way to dive back in the leopard pool, than with a beautiful jewel-toned color like this one right here? 

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I then threw on the final over the top piece (without being TOO over the top), this white fur vest. I copped this gem from Rainbow, in the sale section, for a five spot. It's amazing what you'll find when you actually take the time to look. I take a look at every section in pretty much every store (plus size or not), because you never know what you'll find. Never be afraid or "too good" to shop in sections "not meant" for you.

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What I'm Wearing:

  1. Sunnies from Beacons Closet. $9

  2. Vest from Rainbow. $5 (On sale)

  3. Sweater from Target.com. $14 (On Sale, no longer avail.)

  4. Pants from MissGuided.com $ (On sale, no longer avail., altern. HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE)

  5. Boots from Torrid.com. $52 (On sale, alternative HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE)