Count Trixula

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Halloween! 

Stay tuned for an outfit post tomorrow! 

Charming Charlie's - Daily Plus Size Outfit

Tonight my mom, sister, and I went out to dinner (Chipotle, yummy) and then did a little shopping.  My mom has been telling me about this new store called "Charming Charlie".  It is AMAZING.  It's like Courtney heaven.  There are scarves, and handbags, and clothing (unfortunately, no plus sizes), and so much jewelry!  It was incredible.  Oh, and everything is sorted by color!  (squeal!)

The store is so huge that I couldn't get a decent photo of it in it's entirety. 

 Kelsey and Mom browsing

Me and Kels modeling our shades

Outfit Details:

Raspberry Camisole - Avenue 

Ruffled Black, White, & Grey Tank - Avenue  

Grey Ruffle Cardi - Old Navy 

Jeans (I don't know why they look short in this photo, they're not in real life) - Avenue 

Scarf - Lane Bryant

Sequined Converse (that got a little muddy today) - 6pm.com

Bracelets - Lane Bryant

Earrings - Premier Jewelry 

Handbag - Simply Be

Should We (Fatties) Get a Room?

 Does this seem "disgusting" to you? Look, their fat is touching!


I'm not sure how many of you have already seen this horrible article from the Marie Claire website; 

"Should Fatties Get a Room? (Even On TV?)" written by Maura Kelly. 

I am so completely disgusted and horrified that even an online publication would allow something so full of hate and ignorance to be posted on their site. I usually don't get upset at things like this, but this one really struck home for me. 

I am fat. Not "plump", not "chubby", but fat.  

Of course, I struggle with my body image every day, as many women (and men) do.  There are days when I feel like the sexiest and most gorgeous thing to ever walk the earth, and then there are those days when I feel like all I should do is cover up, lest I offend someone with my body. 

I also have a husband who is fat.  I love every last inch of him, and would never want anyone to tell him that he cannot kiss me in public simply because it is "aesthetically displeasing" for someone else to see.  It makes me fightin' mad that anyone can try to tell me that I should have to keep my affection toward my husband behind closed doors, because someone is "grossed-out" by our "rolls and rolls of fat touching each other".

Really?!

After reading this sorry excuse for an article, I immediately contacted Marie Claire's web editor Kate Schweitzer by email (at kschweitzer@hearst.com) to inform her exactly what I thought of this piece and also to assure her that I would be canceling my two-year subscription to Marie Claire.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think Marie Claire should print an apology?  Will you be canceling your subscription?

Teal Tummy - Plus Size Daily Outfit

Today I pulled out a top I haven't worn in quite some time, because I thought for a long time that it was too form fitting. I love the color, and the velvety leaf embellishment though,so I thought I would give it another try.  (pardon my hair in this photo, the breeze got me)

Outfit Details: 
Teal Leaf- embellished Top - B&Lu
Jeans - Avenue
Snakeskin Print Flats - thrifted
Black & Grey Floral Scarf - Torrid
Leaf Wrap Ring - Torrid
Wooden Bangle - I don't remember!
Ivory & Gold Bangle - Lane Bryant  


I do still think it's a little tighter than my usual taste, but I'm ok with it.  Jimmy thought I looked awesome in this color, and I'm trying to become a little more comfortable with showing my shape. 


Do you have items that you don't wear because they are outside of your comfort zone? Tell me about it in the comments!

365 Things I Love

#36.  Cam from Modern Family 

 He absolutely cracks me up.  Jimmy always teases me that he is the male version of myself. 

#37.  Peanut Butter M&Ms

 Mmmmmmmmm. . .   

#38.  Getting cozy under a blanket.

Sorry for the crappy photo, but this is usually what I look like in the evenings watching TV.  I almost always have a blanket on my lap, and the dog by my side.  (I made that quilt, by the way.)  

#39.  Sweaters

 I am so excited for sweater weather, you guys! 

 #40.  Freshly Popped Popcorn

 My mom-in-law got me this exact popcorn popper for my birthday this year, and I absolutely love it! It makes the fluffiest, yummiest popcorn ever.

#41.  Surprises!

 Jimmy is the best at surprising me.  He will plan dates and gifts without me having any idea.  I love it! 

(Yes, I am incredibly spoiled, and a very lucky lady.)

#42.  My husband's shaved head

 It makes me happy (in the creepiest way possible, apparently)! 

Looooonnng Day - Plus Size Daily Outfit

This morning I had to get up early to go to a lecture on hemodynamic monitoring (I promise, you don't even want to know).  The lecture was from 8am-noon, when we broke for lunch.  Then after lunch, we came back to work  on a case study, a simulation, and to watch a video until 3pm.  

It was excruciating!  

There is a ton of stuff to memorize and learn, and I have to have it down pat in a week. Plus all of the material we are covering in class, and we have another lecture on ventilators on Monday.  Our first exam is a week from Monday, and all of this information is on it.  I am so scared!   I know I'll get through it, I just haven't felt this overwhelmed with school in a long time.  *sigh* If I get through this class, and my externship, I will finally be an R.N.  I just have to keep that in mind.  

So to follow all that unhappy stuff here is an outfit I wore yesterday: 

Our new neighbors were moving in next door while I was doing my photos, so I was trying to be inconspicuous and watchful so they don't think I'm a complete weirdo.  At least, not yet.  

Outfit Details:

Jeans - Avenue

Black Long Sleeved Tee - Just My Size from WalMart

Short Sleeved Sweater - Avenue

Sequined Converse - via 6pm

Clover Necklace - Avenue

GLAAD Spirit Day - Plus Size Daily Outfit

 In honor of GLAAD's Spirit Day yesterday, I donned my purple in remembrance of the young men who have recently committed suicide. 

Unfortunately, my camera decided not to cooperate with me yesterday afternoon, so I thought I would do a Polyvore set to show you what I wore.

GLAAD urges Americans to show support for LGBT youth on Spirit Day (ChicagoPride.com : Chicago, IL News) by Courtney6708 featuring long sleeve tops

 Did you participate in Spirit Day?  I would love to see how you incorporated purple in your outfit!

365 Things I Love

I started doing a feature called 365 Things I Love a few months ago, and for some reason I kind of let it fall to the wayside.  I guess school just got in the way and muddled my brain a bit.  

Well, I'm starting my list where I left off!  

#29.  Fall Weather!

I am so glad that fall weather is finally here! 

#30.  Boots!  

 I have finally managed to find boots that fit my huge calves!  These boots from Avenue! 

#31.  Vintage Jewelry

  I love finding great pieces of vintage jewelry at garage/yard sales, thrift stores, or in my grandma's jewelry box. 

#32.  When my husband brings me flowers. . .

  especially for no reason. 

#33.  How soft Trixie's fur is after she comes home from the groomers.

  
(Don't mind my tennis shoe in the photo.)
This is her right after she got home from the groomer on Friday.

#34.  Reading other blogs

 There are so many blogs that I love to read!  Usually the first thing when I get home (well, after letting the dog out) is to sit down an catch up on my reader.  

 #35.  Chicken Marsala

Mmmmm. . . .

Dressing Up Denim - Plus Size Daily Outfit

Whew!  Today was a heck of a day.  I got up at 6:30 to head to school, and on my way my gas indicator light went on.  I swung around to a gas station right before the on-ramp to the freeway, but there was a line for a pump.  I waited a while, but it seemed like no one was moving at all!  I got frustrated and left because my instructor had sent out an email with an emphatic "DO NOT show up late!" message.

  I managed to find a parking spot once I arrived at school, but then I couldn't find my phone.  I thought I had dropped it in my backseat when I put my bag back there.  I heard a "Beep!" which means I had a message, so I knew I had the phone in the car somewhere.  I searched between the seats, the floorboards, everywhere!  No phone to be found.  I gave up and scurried into school to meet my friend.  We had planned to meet early to head to the campus bookstore to pick up a packet of printouts required for class.  So we walked all the way across campus to find out the bookstore doesn't open until 8:30.  Our class was at 8.  *sigh*

So we trudge over to the building where our class is scheduled, and find all of our classmates are sitting in the hallway.  Apparently, there is a class taking place in the room where we are supposed to be meeting.  Hmmmmm. . . .

At about 9 with no sign of our instructor, one of the girls goes to the nursing office and has the secretary call the instructor.  

Well, guess what?! 

She's still sleeping!  And she posted the wrong schedule! 

So we really aren't supposed to be meeting until noon.  Noon!  Grrrrr. . . .  not a good start to the day.  

Luckily, it got better.  

Here's what I wore to hurry up and wait: 

Outfit Details:

Teal Camisole - Avenue

Black Maxi Dress - Fashion Bug

Denim Jacket - Avenue

Striped Sparkle Scarf - Fashion Bug

Mixed Metallic Flats - Avenue 

Slouchy Gathered Bag - Simply Be via a giveaway from Curvy Girl Chic

Jeggins & Boots - Plus Size Daily Outfit

Friday Jimmy came home early and surprised me with a bouquet of flowers, and told me he would take me anywhere I wanted to go for dinner, and he would let me pick a movie.  When he got home I was wearing yoga pants, had my hair in a ponytail and was sweaty from cleaning the house.  I had to hop in the shower and make a quick decision about what to wear on our date. (BTW, We saw the movie "RED", and it was fantastic!)

So this is what I wore to eat chicken marsala: 

Outfit Details: 

Knit Jeggings - Lane Bryant 

Striped Pocket Tee - Sears 

Brown Leather Patch Cardi - Old Navy

Lace Back Boots - Cloudwalkers via eBay

Floral Bib Necklace - Fashion Bug (?)

Earrings - Avenue

My hair is now at that awkward length where one side likes to flip out, and the other flips under.  It's so frustrating.  Does anyone have any tips on how to remedy this annoying phenomenon? 

Stealing From the Stars - Vanessa Hudgens

I love reading fashion magazines, but I hate how most of the clothing is either; A) super expensive, or B) only made up to a size 10/12.  I have decided to take some of the outfits that have caught my eye and try to re-create them using clothing that I can actually wear and afford! 

I honestly don't know much about Vanessa Hudgens except that she starred in High School Musical.  She's super cute though, and when I saw her wearing this outfit I loved it for a casual day of running errands.  

So here's Vanessa's version: 

And here's my version:

V.H. by Courtney6708 featuring bangle bracelet jewelry

Brass Bangle Bracelet 8-Pack, $12
Plus Size Pants at Avenue.com and JessicaLondon.com, $30
Candie's Kyle Studded Satchel, $44
Seven7 "fashion must go on" long sleeve tee | Lane Bryant, $45
Apt. 9 Lurex Striped Crochet Boa Scarf, $30
Plus Size New Arrivals at Avenue.com and JessicaLondon.com, $30
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Accessories, $5.80
sidewalk
PSD Detail | Hanging Leaves | Official PSDs
tree branch corner
tree branch side
Hammered Silver Stretch Ring | Rings

I couldn't find a photo of her entire outfit, so I don't know what shoes she is wearing, but this would look really cute with black flats like these:

from Torrid

or even some cute sneakers, like these:

by DKNY at 6pm. 
(of course we all know how I love my sparkly shoes!)

So what do you think?  Did I do her outfit justice, or would you change some of the items I picked? 
Do you have a celebrity whose outfit you'd like me to reproduce?  Send me an email at courtney.6708@gmail.com, and I'll do my best to find a plus size version!

Chillin' & Chattin' - Plus Size Daily Outift

Tonight my sisters and I went out to get some dinner and the catch up a little.  I have two half-sisters, one of whom grew up in the same house as me (my mom & stepdad's daughter), and the other who didn't (dad & stepmom's daughter).  Naturally, I am closer to the sister I grew up with, but I'd like to get to know my other sister a little better, so I invited her to hang out with us.  That probably sounds a little weird, but it's not.  

Both girls went to the same school, are a year apart in age, and have similar social circles.  They've actually hung out at parties together before, are Facebook friends, and call each other "My sister's sister" to confuse people (and because it's true!).
So here's what I wore to hang out with my sisters (sorry about the cell phone pic):
You can see one of my wedding photos hanging on my parent's dining room wall behind me.  

 

Outfit Details:

Blue striped henley top - Old Navy

Beige tie front sweater - Old Navy

Jeans - Lane Bryant

Brown Clogs - Softwalk via 6pm (pictured above in black)

And thank you all very much for your good thoughts on my exam.  I managed to get a 90% on the test, and I got a "B" in the class! 

 

Pickled Brain

Sorry guys, no outfit post this morning.  I've got my pediatrics final today, so I'm dressed like a schlub.  I got about 4 hours of sleep, and was at school yesterday from 8am until 8pm studying.  Then I came home to study some more. 

Of course, the class who took their test yesterday seemed to delight in telling us how difficult the final was and how it's much more in-depth than we expected.  Just pile on the stress, friends.  Thanks, 

'cause my cart isn't full yet.

So, wish me luck all.  

Only one more class to make it through before winter break.

Tuesday. . . er. . . . Wednesday Temptations!

Here's another round of Tuesday Temptations! (Maybe I should call it "Wednesday Wants"?) 

#1.  Margeaux Dress from Lucie Lu

I have never tried anything from Lucie Lu, but this dress makes me want to.  I love the pin dots on the ruffles and sash, and I think it's wonderful that a smaller retailer is offering plus sizes up to a 5x! 

#2.  Claudette Hat from ModCloth

I love the vintage look of this and the floral accents are fantastic!

#3.  Faux Leather Ponte Skirt from Avenue

 How sexy is this skirt?!


#4.  Buckle Cardigan from One Stop Plus

I love the leather details that are everywhere right now. 


#5.  Some Fall Weather!  

C'mon mother nature, cut me a break!  I'm sick of 85 degree weather.  Bring on the 50's! 

Test

Just a test.  Sorry! 

My Teeny-bopper Look - Plus Size Daily Outfit

Today when I walked into class, one of the girls said "You look like a 50's teeny-bopper!"  (Hence the title of this post.)  Another said, "I love coming to class just to see what you're going to wear everyday.  You always look so cute!"  Of course, this just made my day.  

So here is my teeny-bopper outfit (and curly hair): 

Outfit Details: 
Pink Plaid Top: Old Navy
White Cardigan - Fashion Bug
Jeans - Avenue
Sequined Shoes - Converse via 6pm
Purple Bangle - Lane Bryant
Square Rhinestone Hoops - Avenue
Circle Brooch - from Grandma's jewelry box

Archive Outfit - Plus Size Daily Outfit

I was going back through my Picasa albums last night, and found this outfit that I never posted from waaaaaay back in August.  It's still something I could wear now, since the weather is so crazy here.  It is 86 degrees in southeastern Ohio right now.  

In October. 

I remember getting snow in October not that many years ago! Hello, global warming! 

 This is my "ghost" picture.  Maybe I should have saved it for Halloween. . .

Outfit Details: 

Black tee - Lane Bryant  

Black & Grey striped vest - Torrid 

Distressed jeans - Avenue

(These are the baggiest, saggiest, longest jeans I have ever worn.  I can barely keep them up after wearing them for about an hour!)

Snakeskin print sandals - Fashion Bug

Bracelet (that you can barely see) - Avenue 

As you can see, I have been playing with Picnik lately.   

What kind of editing application/program do you use for your photos?  

I've just started using the Picnik application, and I'm liking it so far, but I don't really know much about it yet.  Anyone have any tips or tricks for me?