An apology and some summer pics

I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post. I've been unable to buy clothing for a while, which limits my fashion blogging potential a little (or at least the ability to post pictures of myself wearing cute stuff). I have also been having a lot of difficulty finding clothing that's decent for petite plus-sizers, or at least those who are built like me. Don't worry--I'm not giving up! I'm sure I'll have plenty of new blog fodder soon, when I actually start exploring the Fall styles.

Here I am on my mom's birthday, May 30th. Yeah, it's been a while since this was taken, but this is one of my favorite tops so I thought I would share. It's made by Daniel Rainn. I'm wearing a size 1X, but it turns out the XL also fits. In fact, the XL is a completely different fit, with a much shorter high-low hemline. I'll get a pic of myself in that one eventually. Anyway, I like the relaxed fit of this one, too, so I've kept both! It is a semi-sheer shirt, but I haven't found that I need to wear a camisole underneath, at least not if I'm wearing a nude-colored bra.

(This top is also on sale in my eBay store now through Sunday at 20% off. Here is a link if you're interested.)

And here I am the next evening, ready for date night with my husband. I'm wearing an Old Navy ruched-neck t-shirt in Petite XXL. I have this shirt in a rainbow of different colors. It was very inexpensive and I love the fit, and it's great for hotter days. I haven't been brave enough to go sleeveless this summer due to big stretch marks on my upper arms, but these are close enough to sleeveless to be comfortable. (I've seen some blogs preach body acceptance to the point of "loving" your stretch marks, but I'm sorry, I'm just not there yet and I don't know if I ever will be!) The skirt is actually a size XL from Max Studio that I bought a long time ago, and it always fits because it's got a very elastic waistline and a loose fit. It's made of a heavy cotton.

My usual Clarks sandals in both pictures!

Re: my last blog post, I am still trying to lose weight (I'm down a few pounds so far). It's a struggle because I tend to binge eat and I don't exercise much, but I'm working on those things. My goal--which I will try not to beat myself up over if I don't meet--is to be down to a size 16 again for my cousin's wedding next June. I hope that's realistic for me.

Mother's Day outfit

Hi! Back again, with a new profile pic courtesy of my husband. Today's outfit is brought to you by Lands' End. (No, they're not sponsoring this blog or this post in any way.)

I know it doesn't exactly scream fashionista, but I feel pretty cute in it. The pants are Women's Plus Size Petite Cotton Spandex Jersey Boot-cut Pants in Navy. I also have them in black. They are super comfy and I didn't have to shorten them at all, and after washing they were still the perfect length. I wear a size 1X/18P in pants and generally like a 27" or 28" inseam. (Again, I'm 5'2.")

They have a high-ish waistband that isn't too tight on me (and I have a large waist), but I can imagine it would work for smaller waists, too, since it's stretchy and comfortable. The pants have a flattering boot cut shape. I love them.

As for the tunic, it can be found here but as I type this, they only have size 0X left. I wear a 2X in their tops. The tunic's not a petite size, but it's not too terribly long and also looks good with jeans. I can imagine it would look good with leggings, too, if you like leggings (which I don't, but to each her own!).

The sandals are Clarks Lexi Linden in black. These add a little height (2.5") but aren't painful, which works for me. Also, I like the name. (Lexi was my childhood nickname!)

This outfit was approved by my mom. ;-) (I spent the day with her and my grandma.)

Happy Mother's Day to the moms out there! Hope you enjoyed it! What did you wear?



By the way, in case you are interested, I can be found in many places on the Internet: on Twitter at @smilingturtle2, Pinterest at pinterest.com/smilingturtle2, and Facebook at facebook.com/smilingturtletwo. My official website is smilingturtle2.com.