My Favorite Things

eBay Dotting Tools

Moe — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:42:27 +0000

A few weeks ago I purchased a package of five dotting tools on eBay. For the most part I have been using toothpicks and bobbypins which both work surprisingly well in a pinch. I did not want to fork out a ton of money on dotting tools if the whole nail art infatuation wore off so eBay was my best bet.

I wish I had purchased these dotting tools sooner, but perhaps I would not have appreciated them so much. This set comes with double pointed ends in three sizes, two, two, and one. Having the two sets of the same size makes it easier to create multi-colored dots without having to fumble around cleaning the tool before adding the next color.

The picture above shows the dots with the smallest and the largest tool (Julep in Myrtle for the base and Coco for dots). Using the dotting tool definitely makes it easier to control the polish and symmetry of the dots. I am looking forward to experimenting more with them.

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Topic Links
* Get your dotting tools from eBay
* Become a Julep Maven

Buying Swimwear Online

Moe — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:33:53 +0000

If you have exhausted all your local shops for plus size swimwear and still have not found the perfect swimsuit(s) then it is time to do some online shopping. Luckily, there are lots of wonderful online stores that offer plus size swimwear either solely or as part of their regular clothing lines. You will find an assortment of styles from functional to sexy and everything in between at the following stores.

Top Fifteen Places to Buy Plus size Swimwear Online

Retro Polka Dot Halter Bikini from Swimsuits for All, $68.

Swimsuits for All (ships internationally)
Always for Me (ships within North America)
Junonia (ships internationally)
Just My Size/JMS (ships within US only)
Lane Bryant (ships US and Canada)
Monif C. (ships internationally)
Sorella Swim (ships US and Canada)
Old Navy (ships US and Canada)
Making It Big (ships internationally)
Love Your Peaches (ships within North America)
Designs by Ro (ships internationally)
Torrid (ships internationally)
Evans (ships internationally)
City Chic Online (ships US and Canada)
Avenue (ships within US only)

Happy Shopping!

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Topic Links
* Things to consider before you shop for swimwear online

Swimsuit Shopping

Moe — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:39:51 +0000

Tips for Finding the Right Fit

Shopping online makes finding the perfect fit a little harder but it is not impossible. You can look at many stores while saving on the travel time and the trauma of the change room.

Know your measurements before you start shopping. Get out the tape measure and a piece of paper and take your bust, waist, and hip measurements. Some websites even allow for torso length.
For every shop you visit online the first place you should check is their size chart then their style selection. Not all size charts are the same for every retailer.
Know your shape. If you are a pear shape than you will benefit from two piece suits where you can buy a different size top and top. If you are an apple then a suit with a waist shaper would be of benefit. If you are heavier on top you will need more coverage and support. If your bust and hips are symmetrical then a one piece will accentuate the curves. A swimsuit is not just a swimsuit. Read the items descriptions for hints on what will work for your body.
Do not discount the miracle of underwire! It gives a wonderful shape to a heavy breast. And they usually don’t fit like a bra so don’t be afraid.

Give a Girl Wingz

Moe — Fri, 17 May 2013 05:54:30 +0000

Give a girl wingz and you give her the freedom to wear whatever she wants and the ability to transform every sleeveless top or dress into a new look. I love the concept of the Wingz and if you have ever worn a shrug you will too. This UK company has the cutest alternatives to shrugs, instead of going over your lovely dresses and tops it goes under.

There are quite a few Wingsz that I like. From the bridal section there is the White Chiffon Volume (shown under a white tank top) and Stretch Lace Full Sleeve. From the chiffon section there is the Silver Snake Chiffon Flare (shown under a black dress) and the Purple Chiffon Flare. From the day section there is the White Stretch Cotton Fold Up (shown under a red sheath dress) and the Tall Black Fitted Stretch.

And there are many more to choose from. They are incredibly affordable with most at £14.99 to £18.99 and available in sizes 12 to 28. They do ship to the U.S. and Canada with “UK rates of postage, even though the shipping costs to Canada or the US are more”. For one set it costs £1.96 and two sets £2.48. Very affordable.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size Wingz

The Gabi Fresh Collection

Moe — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:05:25 +0000

It was only a few weeks ago when plus size blogger Gabi Fresh announced she had joined forces with Swimsuits For All to produce the Gabi Fresh Swimwear Collection. Over the coming weeks she teased us with a few behind the scenes images and this amazing photo of her in a two piece galaxy print swimsuit.

The line consists of three fatkinis, the galaxy print, neon pink, and neon lime; as well as a splash print one piece with peek-a-boo side panels and a sheer galaxy print cover up. Price wise they are pretty affordable at $68. The sizes range from 10 to 24 (kind of disappointed these are not offered in SWA’s full size range up to 34, or at the very least up to 26/28).

The neon bikinis are sold as two pieces and not as separates but the great thing about these bottoms are that they are adjustable for different looks or preferences — I really like this idea.

Overall I think it is a cute line and will do well. Do check out some of the other collections at Swimsuits for All especially if these do not speak to you as they have lots to choose from including bikinis (or fatkinis if you prefer), one pieces, tankinis, swimdresses and more. They also have a section of suits available for sizes 26 to 34.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size Gabi Fresh Swimwear from Swimsuits for All
* Visit the Gabi Fresh blog

A New Look

Moe — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:44:37 +0000

It has been a long time coming. While I truly loved the old theme, after three plus years it was time for a change. I have gone for a more streamlined look and have retired wine as the main color for a “power” purple.

A a surf around when you have a moment and check out the new theme and do let me know what you think. Over the next few weeks I will still be tweaking here and there as I get learn more but if you run into any problems let me know. The them is supposed to be mobile friendly although it does not appear to be so at the moment so I apologize (one of those tweaking things I have to work on).

I have re-adjusted the newsletter so it will only go out Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Thank you very much for your support over the years.

Happy Hump Day!

ASOS Crush

Moe — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:32:31 +0000

For unique pieces that are not available everywhere else, there’s ASOS Curve. For awhile I was obsessing over their products lines and then there was a dry spell, me, not them. Now I am back to crushing on them again. These two pieces (of many) are my latest crushes but especially the skirt. I prefer the black and white but it also comes in a green an black. The top is $55 and the skirt is $31. The handbag, also from ASOS is $55.

I am going through a powder blue phase (although anything blue is never really a phase with me). The Butter polish in poole is $15 and the pewter on white Christin Michaels shoes are $55, both from Zappos.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size clothing from ASOS Curve
* Get your accessories from Zappos