summer fashion

SUMMER STYLE: Black, White, & Gold

Because most of my clothes are thrifted or bought on major clearance, I am not often able to do outfit posts where I can link items. Recently, I have been wearing a few pieces that are still available – so, I have to share!

I centered this outfit around a strapless top I found at Old Navy. Actually, I recently purchase several fun, summer items there. Old Navy is very hit or miss for me. But, at present, it’s mostly “hits”! They have lots of great extended size clothing (from 1XL-4XL) online. When someone returns online items in the store, it automatically gets reduced by 50% and then continues to be marked down from there. These items can usually be found in the clearance area. And, I can usually be found digging for treasures in the depths of Old Navy’s notoriously haphazard clearance racks.

Top – Old Navy. I am wearing a 2XL. I like this mix between peplum and baby doll cut. Also, it’s comfy and supportive. There is no shelf bra – but it kind of naturally happens with the cut – and there is a line of rubber at the top to help it stay up. I also found this top in an amazing floral print. It’s no longer available online (as far as I can tell), but I might post it to sell on my site once I get some wears out of it!
NOTE - My one regret about this top is that it is reminiscent of tribal print which I try to avoid in clothing. As I am looking at it more, it does look quite "mass produced tribal knock-off" to me.  Although I find it aesthetically appealing, i acknowledge that "tribal print" and derivations of these prints are culture vulture (culturally appropriating) fashions. 

Watch – Lane Bryant. I love how Lane Bryant bracelets and watches actually fit my wrists. This watch comes with three removable links. I am using two of the three. I purchased a "gold" watch from Lane Bryant a few years ago and it was tarnished within a few days. I am hoping the different material (this sort of painted metal) will hold up better! 

Sunglasses – Lane Bryant. My summer favorites, so far!

Bag – Christian Siriano for Payless. I was looking for a fun cross-body bag for traveling (and thrifting). This has been perfect! 
I go in to a Payless every few months to see if there happen to be some decent size 11 shoes. I rarely find anything. But, the Christian Siriano brand shoes and accessories are the absolute best of what Payless has to offer. Payless always has been the price conscious go-to for us size 11 ladies. Unfortunately, like most places, the size 11 (not to mention 12 and 13) sections are always a fraction of the size of other sizes. ALSO - Chrsitian Siriano is doing a line for Lane Bryant. Eeeek! I am excited! 

Pencil skirt, earrings, bracelets, belt and shoes – all older.