Spring Fashion Finds

The sun is bright and beautiful, and the leaves are green and new. Tulips are starting to open up and everyone’s planting flowers in their gardens. It’s my first ever Spring, and I’m absolutely loving it so far!

Spring also brings unique fashion challenges that I’m just beginning to discover. Here in Chicago it’s sunny, but there’s often a cool wind a-blowing. In Washington DC, it can be rainy. Figuring out just what’s best to wear on a spring day often means just being prepared for the best and the worst. These recent fashion finds have been working for me!

When it comes to fashion, I tend to be drawn to simple, classic styles that don’t scream “look at me, I’m trendy!” I have a bohemian, free spirited flair, and I like clothes that make me feel feminine and sexy. One of my favorite brands is XCVI. This California-based fashion line creates clothing that’s effortlessly chic for regular and plus sizes. XCVI’s regular-size clothes make me drool on a regular basis, and I love when I find a plus item that is just as easy and gorgeous as anything you’d see on a storefront mannequin. My latest acquisition is the Silver Queen Tunic, which I wore at the BGLHOnline tweet up recently. Love this top. The fit is loose but sexy. Scoopnecks are so me right now. And the embellishment on this top make it so perfect to go from day to night. Love it! Click here to become a fan of XCVI on Facebook.

I currently own three pairs of Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, and have my eyes on a fourth! I am now obsessed with the raw denim slim leg jeans, which look perfect with a long tunic top with a boyfriend blazer on top. These jeans make my butt look pert and my tummy look flat under my shirts, and they’re comfortable enough for all day wear. Can’t get enough of my NYDJ’s. If you can’t afford them full price, definitely check out Filene’s Basement or Marshalls – there’s always a rack of NYDJs there in the plus size section!

Every time I wear my Doc Martens, I get compliments. Not just “ooh cute boots,” compliments — searching questions about where I got them, and often memories of Dr. Martens’ past. Everyone has a story about their Docs. They aren’t easy boots to wear. The first few times I wore mine, I got awful, awful blisters that took ages to heal. But once you break your pair in, you’ve got a pair of boots that won’t go out of style anytime soon, and that last for years. Currently I own three pairs — leopard Mary Janes, and the Dr. Martens Women’s 1B60 Boot in black and cherry red. Next up I want to get Jemma — a tall tortoiseshell delight of a boot, and the worn 1460s in purple. If you’re digging Spring’s floral trend, check out the Cashlin boots! Feminine, but with an edge. Love them!

I love new clothes, but I always have to keep my budget in mind. So when I had the opportunity to visit a newly refurbished AJ Wright in Hillside, I was super psyched for the bargains! There is no AJ Wright in Florida, so this was my first opportunity to check out the cousin to TJ Maxx and Marshalls. And let me tell you, I was VERY pleasantly surprised! The new AJ Wright is all about an easy to navigate layout, and something for everyone. And the plus size selection was really good! MUCH better than a nearby Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx. Check me out with my amiga, Chicago based plus size blogger Curvatude, trying on the same blue jersey dress with zipper detail. We were specially invited for a preview of the store, and given gift cards to experience all the store had to offer. – I scooped up several basic jersey dresses for $12.95 a piece – perfect for wearing over leggings and with a jacket or cardi scarf layered over them. The selection of purses and shoes were also to die for — flats bedecked with studs or gems are SO cute for spring and summer, and there are some great pairs at AJ Wright for the right price! I am dying to go back for round 2!

Those are my latest fashion finds, and stay tuned for a giveaway of one of the aforementioned items!

What are your recent fashion finds?