Shades of Fall

Fall is at its peak right now, all the leaves are turning colors and falling into piles. While I love fall colors, every year I tend to gravitate a bit more towards one in particular and as you can probably tell, rust is my fave fall color this year. 

I also love an oversized fit and according to “fashion rules” that is not flattering for a plus size figure as it makes one appear bigger. But who cares? These days, I am all about being comfortable and fashionable at the same time so I care not if I’m looking “bigger”. So these days, my closet is full of oversized sweaters and jackets that are two sizes bigger than my true size. 

I love pairing my oversized sweaters with skirts and booties for fall, what a way to keep it simple and chic. This open duster is probably the only medium-sized clothing that I own, but I loved the color and the sleeves and thankfully, it is cut a little big so it works. Finally, my skirt is thrifted and I really liked the paisley print and of course, the color.

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Thrifted Finds: Blue Velvet Crush

Sweater & Skirt (Thrifted) ◇ Heels (Old) ◇ Bag (DVF) 

Believe it or not, there are still people under the misconception that people who go to thrift stores cannot afford to shop at “regular” retail stores. Well, let me resolve that misconception for you. It is an absolute lie. I have been to thrift stores or for a better word “consignment” stores that housed items worth thousands of dollars. I am talking high-end brands like LV, Chanel and even rarely, Hermes. Plus, the clientele of some of the thrift stores I visit are ladies strolling in with Gucci backpacks and Balenciaga sneakers…I am not exaggerating. Let’s just say that I do not “dress down” when I go thrifting.

So ladies, do not fall for that cliche mindset that only broke folks go to thrift stores…I get that it is not for everybody for a variety of reasons. For example, it takes a whole lotta patience and it is a game of hit or miss. But I have been thrifting since I was a broke college student and I will probably thrift while I get around with rolling walkers, living off my retirement and investment checks. 

That being said, there are certain items that I prefer thrifted and one of said items is a good ole dad sweater. I picked this one up from the men’s section and i just love the muted blue. The suede skirt was the only item I picked up during the Memorial day sale event because bruh, the store was packed you hear.

By the way, who else wears their minibags as bumbags?

My Stance on Fashion Right Now: Red My Mind

Outfit: Tie front sweater (here, available in multiple colors here) ◇ Sequin skirt (Color sold out, but available in a gorgeous green here) ◇ Shoes ( Up to size 12 here) ◇ Bag (Jakar Lagos) 

SHOP THIS LOOK

My Summer hiatus is finally over!!! I know, I know, I never said a word about a hiatus. But that’s what this has felt like honestly. My last set of photos were from back in May/June and let’s just say that’s how life is right now and I think I am finally riding that bull by the horns, so let’s just say my hiatus is over shall we?

During this hiatus, I did some self reflection and decided that I was beginning to fall into the trap of what I call the “influencer ditch”. This ditch involves a lot of different things but one of the signs for me was that I had a closet full of things that I didn’t love but bought or received because I “expected” myself to have these things because they were in “vogue” or on “trend”. 

So after purging my closet of these items, I decided to start afresh and continue with the original concept of my blog. I rediscovered my love of thrifting and mixing on trend items with old, vintage pieces that I pick up at local thrift and consignment shops.

So you might not see every, single, fashion trend there is out there but you’ll see what I am wearing and how I am mixing and matching things that I enjoy. So yeah, the hiatus is over! Let’s get to fall fashion shall we?

One thing that hasn’t changed about my style is that I love sequins, probably will for a verrry long time. And when I saw this sequin skirt pop up on my email, it was an instant purchase. I originally got it with the mind of styling it for parties over the holidays but as you can see, I couldn’t wait. I’m sure I will definitely pair it with a lace trim cami and structured blazer for a party this holiday season. But in the mean time, I went for a monochromatic look with one of my favorite shades of red actually, just with an undertone of orange. The only con about this skirt is that the lining peeks out from underneath when I’m walking as you can see in some of these photos. It may be because it fits snug on my hips, but any looser and I will lose any sort of shape or fitting in this skirt, as you can see, it is not a very fitted pencil hem. So I do find myself pulling it down a few times during a wear.

In case you’re wondering about this stunning bag, it was actually hand made in Nigeria by a brand called Jakar. Check them out on IG, I am not sure if they do international shipping though, but I picked this one up on a recent trip to Nigeria.

Crushin’ on Pink: DIY Plus Size Faux Wrap Dress

Hey guys! It’s been a while hasn’t it? I am currently obsessed with making dresses, all sorts of dresses and while I love drafting my own patterns these days, there are still some commercial patterns that catch my eye and my imagination and refuse to leave until I create them. One of such patterns led me to creating this beauty. 

As usual, this fabric was from the sale room at G street fabrics so I spent less than $12 on this dress, can’t beat that. 

Dress: Mccall’s 7429

Shoes: FSJ

Bag: Charles & Keith

Thanks for stopping by!

~Olà~

FINALLY!!! DIY Plus Size Wide Leg Pants

Honestly, is it too much to ask for a seriously chic, high waisted, wide leg pants? Like seriously? I have had this particular conversation with fellow plus size ladies and we have come to the same conclusion, apparently it is too much to ask!

Point me to a gorgeous, chic, high waisted, really wide leg, gorgeous fabric in a stunning color pant that is made to fit my 52inch hips and you just might be a magician lol. So you know what? I got tired of waiting for a brand to step up and I made one for myself, just the way I like it.

This was my first time making pants but I must say, Vogue patterns V1572 is just divine to work with. So simple, easy to follow directions that I strayed from just a little bit. I love this pant so much, it has been on heavy rotation since I took it off my sewing machine.

One of my frustrations with store bought pants is that the fabrics are mostly too thin for people with any form of cellulite and I draw the line at wearing shape-wear underneath my pants, that is a hard no for me. So I picked this gorgeous linen-ish, silk-ish fabric from the $2.97/yard room at G street fabrics and believe me when I say I got all they had lol! I still have some left over for a silky skirt for the Summer. This fabric has an amazing structured drape and has enough body to hide any imperfections.

For the top, I worked with McCall’s M7807 and I did alter it just a little bit but this patten is about to get torn up! I mean, I see a lot of tops and dresses for the Summer with this pattern.

I also used a  $2.97/yard shirting fabric from G street fabrics for this shirt but since it was a bit thin, I self lined the bodice but left the sleeves alone. 

Top: McCall’s M7807 I cut a size 20.

Alterations: I self lined the bodice since the fabric was a bit too thin and I didn’t want any visible underthings lol. Since I was making the tunic, the hips were way too snug for my 52 inch hips so I added the slits on the side to free up some room and i actually liked it better this way.

Thoughts: I absolutely will make multiples of this pattern, it was a project that only cost me a few hours and was very easy to follow. I am thinking of making a hi lo linen dress with pockets for an easy Summer wear.

Pants: Vogue’s V1572 I cut a size 22

Alterations: I did an elastic waist instead of the recommended waist as that is my preference, I also added about 2 inches to the hem so I can wear it with heels. Finally, I added side pockets since I add pockets to everything I make lol, just another preference.

Thoughts: This pattern is another multiple remakes for me, I love how it fits and sits on my body and it was yet another project of a few hours.

Top: OlaMoreena ~ Pants: OlaMoreena ~ Shoes: here ~ Bag: Yesstyle ~ Necklace: Aldo (old)

Thanks for stopping by!

~Olà~

DIY SHORT SUIT

Hey guys!

Summer is almost over, can you believe it? I can’t! And I am mourning the loss of these hot as heck days…even though I’m panting for Fall to arrive lol. I reinvested myself this Summer and it will forever be a memorable one for me. I rediscovered my love for sewing and started to make more of my own clothes and this suit is one of them.

I pulled out my sewing patterns to help me create this ankara short suit. I used the McCalls M6847 from the Fashion star series to create this sleeveless jacket and I cut an 18W. It was so easy to create, I will be making more of it in different fabrics. I opted out of a button and kept it open because who buttons up their jackets these days? Not me.

I made these pleated shorts to go with it and I must say, I love how it came out. 

Thanks for stopping by, until next time!

~Olà~

True Decadence

Happy Easter!

Our savior is risen! And as we celebrate let us keep in mind the sacrifice of His death and the joy of His resurrection!

 And I am celebrating this day with this pleated, maxi, cold shoulder dress from True Decdence by Asos that is unfortunately sold out but I am so glad I grabbed this before it did!

All this dress required was a pair of statement earrings and I was good to go.

I have officially rediscovered my love for statement earrings y’all and I am in love more than ever! These gorgeous pearl studded pair was from my local FTF and I will enjoy wearing them this Summer.

Dress: here

Heels: Old

Earrings: FTF

DIY Spring Cascade Jacket

It seems warm weather is here to stay loves! And nobody is as excited as I am for some sunshine, nobody!

A few months ago, I indulged in my itch to create something and hand drafted this oversized cascade jacket all by myself! Y’all know I ain’t fake humble so I definitely give myself kudos for how this jacket came out because I am a baby when it comes to sewing, talk even less of drafting. I wanted something easy to throw on for a comfy yet glam look, thus the color and fabric. 

I paired my fave Spring jacket with my sporty skinnies, a lace up shirt and this super affordable rose gold heels for a chic look.

And I cannot get enough of my Neverfull GM! I know people say its a huge bag for everyday use but I adore gigantic bags and this one is no different. I just think huge bags go well with my body frame I guess lol. I have been carrying this bag everywhere and I love how I found the perfect bag organizer to give it a bit of a structured look whenever I want. If you want details on my super affordable organizer, shoot me an email!

What I’m Wearing

Jacket: OlaMoreena (DIY)

Jeans: Democracy

Shirt: Old (NY&Company)

Bag: here

Sunglasses: here

Shoes: Up to size 13 (here)

Striped & Longline

How I wish this weather would come back, it just seems like this Winter is one of the longest Winters ehver! (according to my niece lol). 

The brand I’m working with today I’m sure is pretty much a name most women who are into fashion have heard about. Their clothing has graced the bodies of celebrities and non-celebrities alike, and good news is that, unlike other successful brands, they have drastically expanded their plus section and it is growing daily. Yes, I am talking about FashionNova.

If you haven’t heard of this brand, you must not be on social media because they are a fave amongst bloggers and celebrities alike and if you haven’t tried them, what are you waiting for? Please do because this brand has quick, easy and very affordable items and they carry something for everybody regardless of what your style is. 

I received this blazer and pencil skirt and there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to pair them together. I love longline blazers and unfortunately it seems like a specialty item for us plus sized women so all my longline blazers are usually thrifted. So when I saw this one, I knew I had to have it and kept he look very minimal with the crop top and the pencil skirt which fits like a glove by the way. I gave this outfit a pop of color by adding these hot pink heels.

I will definitely be adding some more Fashion Nova items to my closet.

Use code “OLAMOREENA” for a discount on your purchase!

Thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to subscribe for first dibs.

Jacket: here

Top: Old

Skirt: here

*Clothing was received from Fashionnova, but all thoughts are my own.

Forever Florals.

I have come to a realization, I will never grow out of the love I have for florals. I have come to peace with that conclusion and I am okay with it because I love a good floral piece. This floral set  will be on heavy rotation this Spring, I just know it!

Thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to subscribe for first looks!

Pants: here

Jacket: here

Crop shirt: here