I used to wish that my personal style could be encapsulated in just a few words. You know, like “bohemian” or “glamorous” or “edgy.” I’m a bit of a fashion floater but I know what I like, and I know what looks good on me. I know what lengths and shapes I feel most comfortable and beautiful in. I’m open to taking risks but I am most confident in my comfort zone. I’m grown enough to be secure in that. I don’t need an adjective that encapsulates my fashion sense. Call it multifaceted, confident and comfortable.
All photos by Chuck Olu-Alabi
I do most of my shopping online. That’s not necessarily out of my desire, it’s because so many physical retail stores don’t value plus size dollars, and don’t offer great in store options. There are some truly beautiful plus sized clothing to be found online, especially from the UK. Simply Be is one of my favorite brands because their clothes are on trend, chic, AND of excellent quality. They make the kind of clothing that inspires women to stop me on the street to ask where I got my clothes from. If you haven’t shopped them yet, I encourage you to – and I’ve got a special discount code for you right here! Afrobella readers click here to shop Simply Be, enter code 6179 for 20% off until on 4/30/14.
I’ve been working on this post for a while now and a few of these pieces are sold out. So please don’t get angry about that — the intent of this lookbook is to show you the kind of chic pieces that are available at Simply Be, and the different ways I interpreted these stylish adjectives that I float between. I hope you enjoy my Simply Be style lookbook!
Edgy
I love a tough yet feminine biker chic look, and it’s been years that I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect biker jacket, and the perfect pair of edgy boots. I found the edgy boots, top, and pants and scarf at Simply Be. This motorcycle jacket is by none other than Harley Davidson. Yes, they make cool plus size jackets! This style is no longer available but check out their Legacy jacket for comparable style and fit. It comes in sizes up to 2XL.
I’m rocking jewelry by independent designers Adha Zelma and Tweak Boutique.
I paired my moto jacket with a jacquard skull scarf and studded boots – there are SO many cool pairs of studded boots available on SimplyBe.com. Click here to see for yourself!
These are the wide calf, studded boots that I’m rocking. They’re comfortable, durable, and so easy to zip on and off. I wear them often. Love.
Here are those same beloved studded boots with another edgy look – here I’m wearing a Jessica Simpson top I got from Lord and Taylor, with the sold out peplum belt, Anna Scholz coated skinny jeans, and chain detail bag. I love a coated jean, because it easily elevates the look from everyday to rocker chic without the cost or ethical questions leather pants can inspire.
Professional
If you’re familiar with my job history you’ll know that I’ve never worked anywhere that could be described as corporate, ever. It’s always been all-creative-everything for me. So it took me quite some time to come to appreciate the benefits of rocking a blazer. I wear blazers whenever I am called upon to give a presentation, appear on a panel, or visit a company’s office. I like to rock really funky, distinctive, one of a kind blazers. I call this look “Business Bella.”
Here I’m rocking a necklace I bought at a random event for $20 and the Anna Scholz jewel print jacket, which is now on sale. You’re welcome!
Glamorous
I married a man who has one suit and isn’t into fancy places. But the nature of my job leads me to dressy occasions from time to time, and I’m just as comfortable in a slinky gown as I am in jeans. (Short cocktail dresses are an entirely different story). I love this mixed animal print maxi, which is now sold out unfortunately – but reminds me so much of this brand new border print maxi.
I’m wearing it with the box clutch purse, which is super elegant and reminds me of the kinds of things women wore in the 20’s and 30’s. There’s something a bit Gatsby glam about it.
Classic
I’m not an especially preppy girl, but I am obsessed with the classic English cricket sweater – blame that on growing up watching cricket on TV in Trinidad! The Simply Be cricket sweater is so soft and cozy and there’s something surprisingly sexy about it. I’ve worn it a lot over winter and will all through spring! And it’s on sale! AND it also comes in navy!
It’s so easy with jeans and simple brown boots. Makes me feel like I should be strolling through the British countryside.
Here I’m rocking a Fossil rose gold watch, earrings by Ruche, and a necklace by Bita Pourtavoosi.
Bohemian
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stopped and asked about this coat. It’s not heavy, but it’s swooshy and beautiful, perfect for Spring and Fall. Wish I had a photo of the lining, it is GLORIOUS. Click here to check it out. It’s called the Absolute Coat and it’s by Simply Be’s line Joe Brown, which definitely has a very funky, bohemian aesthetic of which Lisa Huxtable would approve.
So ready for the extreme winter weather to be over. Ready for shoots and leaves and green grass. BYE, snow!
Here I’m wearing my beloved Sorel boots, which got me through winter in style and comfort.
I’m always on the hunt for a new place to add to my shopping list and Simply Be’s my latest favorite. That and their sister site, Marisota.com. I thoroughly enjoyed doing this lookbook — thanks to my favorite photographer Chuck Olu-Alabi and one of the best Chicago makeup artists, Viola Nicholson for making this photoshoot so much fun!
Afrobella readers click here to shop Simply Be, enter code 6179 for 20% off until on 4/30/14. Click here to follow Simply Be USA on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram! Thank you for the fabulous items, Simply Be -your clothes make me feel beautiful!
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