Oh, hey! Remember me? I’ve come out of my cave for this wonderful thing called summer, and I thought I’d come back to my blog and start showing you my favorite things I’m wearing this season. I’m noticing already that I am attracted to clothing that shows off my shoulders: strapless dresses, maxis with racer backs, and lots and lots of Bardot/off the shoulder tops. This can only lead to one thing: freckled shoulders.
Today’s look is very relaxed. Something casual that works for going shopping, meeting with friends, or possibly even work, depending on the dress expectations. I wore this out to go to Target and to do some work at Starbucks. I started with just the top, jeans, and sandals, but I ran across this necklace at Target and added it to the outfit.
I’ve noticed that since I’ve slowed down on blogging, my style has gotten even simpler, especially when it is hot, so a 4-piece outfit is perfect for me. Instead of accessorizing my outfit a lot, I’ve been messing around with make-up more, not that you can tell much in these pictures(!). The next thing I want to tackle is learning some more hairstyles that I can easily do, especially casual up-dos.
PinkClove Top, Torrid Jeans, Target Sandals (similar), Target Necklace
A little update on life: I’m still enjoying apartment life. I’ve just begun really enjoying living alone, but I think it’s because I’m on break and social life is easy again. No worries, though, because my cousin is moving in with me on July 1st, so there will be a whole new adventure for both of us (and a cat companion for Lola!). Teaching at the university has been great, and I was given a longer contract to continue teaching there. I also took a class this past semester to get back into research and figure out if I want to keep furthering my education (maybe in a few years?), and I’m doing a 3-week institute with the National Writing Project this summer. I’ve started a blog that will be all about writing stuff for NWP, so you can check that out here. Next year my teaching load decreases (only 2 classes), and I’ll step into a leadership role that helps run our university’s writing center (tutoring center). I’m excited, but I also think I like to punish myself a bit — I seem to never let myself get comfortable before I take on something new, but I guess that’s half the fun :). I’m going to try to keep updating my blog, but I am best at keeping Instagram up, so check it out if you also have an account.
What are you loving to wear this summer?
I’m wearing a lot of simple outfits with minimal jewelry. Less dresses, more pants, more black. Basically a complete 180 from the last several years I’ve been interested in fashion. Never a dull moment!
So glad to see you back at it!
I’ve never felt like I had a strong singular style, one that I know as “me”, so I’m experiencing the same as you.. choices keep on changing. I’m loving black a lot. I have two all black outfits that I can’t wait to wear soon 🙂
Love this top and your hair. Of course, my question is how do you get a bra to offer such good support with an off the shoulder look? Necklace is very cute. I’ve always leaned towards the casual, minimalist look but sometimes have a hard time pulling it off. But I’d be in jeans everyday if I could get away with it. Welcome back!
I wear Lane Bryant’s Multi-way strapless bra. I’ve worn it out all day and it still offers me plenty of support: http://www.lanebryant.com/cacique-plus-size-sexy-bras-intimate-apparel/view-all-plus-size-intimates-lingerie-by-cacique/multi-way-strapless-bra/4043c19060p102472/index.pro They have them in store if you prefer to try it on!
Thank you for the info. I will definitely take a look!
This was my IMMEDIATE question, too!! Thank you for getting that out of the way for us! I love, love the look of strapless/ off the shoulder tops but I’m not ready to spend real-live money on experimental strapless bras.
Thanks for recommending one!
yes! They are life savers :). I tend to re-wear bras without washing them each time, and I find these can only be worn twice before need to be washed/given a break, etc.
Simple and casual is my preferred style, especially in the sticky, humid NC summers. I can’t deal with layers and a lot of jewelry, so this outfit is right up my alley. Love the necklace! I’ve been trying to add a few new pieces to my wardrobe this summer, but it’s so hard to find plus-size styles that don’t have rhinestones and doo-dads all over them, which I find to be kind of gaudy. Or, the sharkbite and uneven hems. A few pieces like that in my closet are ok, but when I feel like that’s all that’s offered, it gets a little old. Seems like every store or website I visit, that’s a majority of the styles. I did find some jeggings on the Avenue website that I’m in love with, called Butter Denim. Great fit, soft and comfortable and not heavy. Just perfect to wear this summer since I get to wear jeans to work (lucky me!). They run a little long, even for me at 5’8″, but luckily I’ve found a great place to get alterations, so that’s helped. I loved the first pair I bought so much that I bought 2 more. Glad to see you blogging again. Sounds like life has kept you busy lately, but that’s a good thing 🙂
Yes, NC’s humidity is not fun — my camera often fogs up from it! I’m feeling a little sad that it’s about to get to that point where my make up isn’t going to last and that my clothing must be functional. I tend to overdress for most occasions, but it’s getting to that point where casual, cool clothes are needed. Glad you scored a good find at Avenue 🙂
So happy you’re back!
Thank you :)!!!
You look fantastic. I’ve been wearing a lot of casual outfits like this one: https://mamamuseme.wordpress.com/2015/05/31/casual-weekend-fashion-story/. I also have an interview with one of the designers who is going to Full Figured Fashion Week in NYC on my blog this week if you’re interested in checking it out 🙂 You’re one of the first bloggers I started following before I started my own little plus size blog, so it’s good to see you back at it. You’re an inspiring woman.
Teresa from Mama Muse Me Blog
https://mamamuseme.wordpress.com
Checking it out now!
I love simple outfits. They can be casual and cute at the same time and so effortlessly put together.
yes! 🙂
Hello Stranger! I have been missing your fabulous self. You look great in the sweater and the shoulders rock! Just enough skin. I have problems wearing things like this because I hate bra straps to show. I hate to see girls wear all that skin on their arms and shoulders and then see a bra come through, It is not classy, just a t strap shirt with bra straps. I love that you are writing and are helping in the college writing center. I have been scoring student essays from junior high and high school and the writing is atrocious!!!!! Spelling, punctuation, just about everything. (fragmented sentence haha) But the thing is with scoring and the rubric, states lower standards, teachers don’t teach spelling and conventions or grammar or style as much as they should because of teaching to the testing. You have your work cut out for you. First year students will have an awakening on their first writing project. BTW, are you losing weight? It looks like you have a skinnier waist. Must be all that work and living on your own. Welcome back!
Welcome back! Missing reading your blogs. I agree Simple and Casual are a great look when the world has become so loud. I am starting to like my open shoulder tunic tops. They are cool and add a bit of mystery. Have a great Summer!
Glad you’re back! I’d been stalking your blog, lol. Love the bardot top on you. I may have to get one! 🙂
Just discovered your blog! Love the Bardot tops you’re modeling…AND your hair in this vid is TOTES ADORB!!!!!