Ladies...To The Clearance Racks!

Right now is the BEST time to save money in the fashion world. End of the season clothes are moving to the clearance racks! Start early and create a new wardrobe for next spring/summer for the whole family.

 Getting one size bigger for kids is a smart way to go since they're still growing. Ladies swimwear is expensive, you already know you going to the pool or beach next summer, so stock up on a few suits.

Shopping online you can save more, but I like going into the store and checking out deals. This is a great way to shop for future events, gifts for birthdays, graduations, mother/father days, or planning a family trip.

Online stores with killer clearance deals:

Torrid

Lane Bryant

Yours Clothing UK

Fashion to Figure

Domino Dollhouse

SWAK Designs

Happy Shopping!!

Takia

Nobody Leaves This Stage Without Singing the Blues

I had to put that as a title...Adventures in Babysitting is one of my FAVORITE films!!

Yesterday, I got my stuff I bought from Lane Bryant. I was so surprised I got it overnight...that was FAST. I'm ecstatic...I'm down a dress size. I'd like to say a dress size and a half...teetering between a 20-22. BOOM! I'm very happy about the shoes. I have to take them back though. They're too big.

I will have to say, I only bought these shoes because they were on sale. The retail price for them was $69.95. I'm sorry LB, but your shoes are NOT worth 70 bucks! But I got them for $24, so I'll stop complaining.

Also...starting to make some more changes in my diet. I'm trying to transition from a meat based diet to a plant based diet. I will probably NEVER be a vegetarian, maybe like a 80% vegetarian. Baby steps. I did make these zucchini boats last night. Delicious!!! Zucchini, red bell peppers, mushrooms, jack and parmesan cheeses...MMMMM. Brought some for lunch today. I hope they reheat well.



Oh well...going to edit and post the movie reviews later today! You guys have a GREAT weekend!!!

Janelle

Lane Bryant's Online Discounts

Lane Bryant has been very generous lately. They've been shelling out discounts and codes left and right and today they're having a killer sale right now...ONLINE ONLY! I've really had my eye on their Denim Moto jacket. Buying it!!!

Lane Bryant's Denim Moto Jacket (retail $69.95)

Belle of the Ball: Mariam Mohammadian

Hope you are having a great week so far!

Mariam Mohammadian

Today, I am going to blog about a lovely business woman on the Island. Her name is Mariam Mohammadian. Mariam had a casting for models for her beautiful boutique named GLY. My daughter went and told me that Mariam and Gly Boutique were amazing. I decided to give her a call and ask her about her boutique. She had an amazing story I had to share with you.

Mariam told me she was born in the US; living most of her life in Puerto Rico. Her father was from Iran and died when she was two years old. Her mom is from Puerto Rico. She studied Business Administration at Universidad de Puerto Rico and worked in manufacturing and service companies in management positions with high demands and responsibilities.

As a single mom of a three year old and care provider, for mom and grandparents, she always asked God to provide a job that gave her the flexibility to care for them and the income necessary to comply with all the responsibility. After losing a job, God provided another with one fourth of her previous salary. It was in this job, God transformed her heart and made her look at Him only…to trust in him.

 With that salary, she bought a new car, moved back to her home (she had to rent it) and had food on her table. INCREDIBLE!

Ana modeling for GLY Boutique

Mariam learned all the areas of a business there, with hands on experience. Only after one year and with nothing in the bank, really nothing, she decided to resign and start her own business for plus sized women. GLY was born. As everything in her life, GLY had God written all over it.... Even its name, God Loves You. Her new car had GLY on the license plate, people thought she did that on purpose.

GLY Promo

 Mariam started with a 800 square feet location, in May 1, 2006 (the day the Puerto Rican government closed) As she opened the boutique, a lot of people said she was crazy! Today, GLY is recognized as the first boutique for plus size women on the Island. She is going to have a surprise for her fifth anniversary and you can be sure I will blog about it! She has been blessed with so many wonderful people God has put in her path in her journey through life. Through my next blogs you will get to know GLY Boutique a little bit better. If you want to be the “Belle of the Ball” for any activity GLY is the place to go and get your beautiful clothes.

http://www.glyplusboutique.com/blogs/news/3214642-gly-plus-in-transformacion-total

Mariam, it was a pleasure blogging about you. May God bless you always.

Blessings to all,

Marta

Plus Size TV Commericals

My husband noticed some commercials that use plus size women spark a lot of controversy. Brands are showing more of the plus size body than the public is used to. Lately a lot of commercials have been banned from daytime television due to being too racy for television; there are certain times these commercial can be aired. I like Lane Bryant's commercial. It shows a woman meeting her boyfriend in her bra, panties and a trench coat. Makes me want to go get a trench coat!

This commercial was banned, but you can see it online.

Serena has a shape men and women fantasize about. She's a great tennis player and has brought fashion to the tennis world. She is comfortable with her muscular curvy frame. Yes...some of Serena's outfits can be questionable (What was she thinking?) I would like her to make a new commercial so her fans and people who look up to her can view her in a positive light.

Takia

LOTD: Torrid Must Be My Lucky Star

Last week, Torrid had their 50%-80% off clearance. I don't shop at Torrid UNLESS it's something I really really really want or they have one of their killer clearance sales. Their prices have jumped a little and I'm always looking for a deal.

It's a rainy day here in Indianapolis. It's supposed to rain ALL weekend...like all the rivers are at flood levels. So I decided since it's Friday; it is a fun day. So I rocked the TWA (teeny weenie fro for all yawh that don't know), t-shirt and jeans.

Madonna Tee: Torrid Clearance $8.99, Necklace: Methodist Hospital Gift Shop: $5

 

Jeans: Z Cavarichi Torrid Clearance $14.99. (need to get them hemmed)



Cheryl (a co-worker) & I

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

Plump Couture

Yes my friends, women in Puerto Rico love fashion!!

I wanted to tell you about a beautiful boutique called Plump Couture. It's located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. My daughter Ana told me about it. Ana was going to be interviewed for The Imagen Magazine page on Facebook and needed a dress. I contacted Marilyn Arroyo and she was gracious enough to lend one to her. This is why I love Puerto Rico, people you don’t even know will help you.

Their clothes are beautiful, the shoes are incredible and the jewelry to die for. They have a runway in the store that makes their clients feel like super models. Recently they had their inauguration. The store had a casting and chose their models to model their clothes for the press. I loved this idea. So remember if you are ever in Puerto Rico check them out.

Ana modeling in her dress.

Jewelry

The models for inauguration.

The shoes

Marilyn Arroyo the owner.

Ave. Jesus T. Piñeiro #1184, 00921 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Blessings to all,

Marta

Yep, that's me! WHOOP WHOOP

I cannot tell you how blessed I've been this year! This blog has helped me meet exciting people from all over the world, forced me to be dedicated to something, got me a GREAT job and gave me exposure I can only dream of. It's all because of our wonderful writers and readers. I couldn't have done it without you!

Once again, I've been featured in the Indianapolis Star's Sunday Edition! Take a look at it and thank you all again from the bottom of my heart!

http://photos.indystar.com/galleries/12319-leap-into-spring-fashion

XOXO, Janelle

How I Became a Plus Size Advocate

Hi everyone, I am so glad to blog for you again.

 As Janelle wrote on my bio, I am a plus size advocate. This happened around three years ago when the Torrid Model Search came to Puerto Rico.

My daughter Ana found out they were having a casting and she dared to enter. We had no clue about her decision. She was chosen as a finalist to everyone’s surprise, not because she did not have the beauty, but because we had never talked about it.

Torrid Puerto Rico Models

Torrid had a fashion show at Plaza Las Americas in San Juan the Saturday before Mother's Day. Of course I went with my family to cheer her on. I did not know what to expect because plus modeling in Puerto Rico is not common at all. I sat down and waited for the show to begin. There was a fashion show with girls casting for Miss Puerto Rico Universe before the Torrid Show. They were beautiful ladies, but so fragile looking.

Ana Garcia, my daughter and first runner up.

Eight o’clock came and the fashion show began; Ana was the first one out. I remember her saying to me “Mom, I hope I don’t fall”. You know what, she didn’t fall and she was amazing. I also remember one lady next to me saying, “Goodness, she looks like a Miss Universe Plus”. I was so happy with that comment  because the lady did not know she was my daughter.

The other girls came out. They rocked that runway! I compared it with the other fashion show and had no comparison. The crowd loved them. They were all beautiful, real women that girls could relate to.

They called the third runner up Andrea Damaris. I loved her. She is a beautiful girl from Dorado, Puerto Rico. The second runner up was Samantha Sang, from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico who was one of my favorites. To my surprise the first runner up was Ana and I almost fainted. I started jumping up and down like a crazy woman. It was so funny when the lady that made the comment asked me if I knew her and when I told her she was my daughter she started screaming and jumping up and down too.

I will never forget that moment. I looked back to see the reaction on the faces of my son Yoel, his girlfriend Elenia and Ana’s husband Ricardo and they were all in shock! I still laugh when I think about it. It was the best Mothers Day present I have ever received. The winner was Krystal Cusimano who is an amazing girl from Juncos, Puerto Rico. I also met her mother Rosemary at the after party at The Hilton. I found her to be very gracious and very supportive of her daughter.

Ana and winner of the Torrid Puerto Rico Model Search, Krystal Cusimano

Torrid did an excellent job. They organized and treated the girls like queens. At that moment, I knew I wanted be an advocate for plus size girls. What could I do to get them noticed? What are some models doing now? Well, you will have to stay tuned to my next blogs and I will tell you all about it.

The winners, Torrid President and spokesmodel Germaine

Hope you like the pics of Torrid House of Dreams in Puerto Rico!!

Blessings to all,

~ Marta

Pull the Thread: Avid Accents Review

I ordered a cardigan from Avid Accents about a month ago. Avid Accents is an online boutique selling both plus and standard size apparel and accessories. The price points range from $10 to $25.

 I haven't worn the sweater yet, so this weekend I decided to give it a try.

Let me just say, when I got the package I was at work. Everytime I receive clothes at work, it brightens the rest of my day. Opening the package, I found a little hand addressed card with a coupon code AND a free pair of earrings. It was a plus the purple leaf earrings matched the cardigan perfectly. Too bad the holes in my ears are now closed and I've been forced to wear clip ons. (I've had my ears pierced four times since birth; I refuse to get them done again.) So the earrings {sniff} will be regifted.

Notice the coupon code.

I LOVE THIS SWEATER! It is truly one of my favorite things in my closet. The construction of the garment is beautifully done (which scared me because the sweater was only $15). The material is breathable and the colors are vibrant. The only thing wrong was the belt that was included; It didn't fit at all. But I had a black belt in closet anyways, so I wore that instead.



Cardigan: Avid Accents (retail $15)
Black Tank: Old Navy
Belt: Lane Bryant
Jeans: Source of Wisdom from Torrid 

I got many compliments about this cardigan and shared my experiences with Avid Accents with everyone that asked. I will be ordering from them again! Stop by their website RIGHT NOW for 30% off the retail price on ALL their items.

~Janelle

Happy New Year & Domino Dollhouse Review

(Happy New Year! So hot in our apartment...60 degrees in December in INDIANA! It took so long for the temperature to regulate. The tons of jello shots and pineapple vodka didn't help much either!)

Happy New Year from Ruby Leonne! 

I was privileged to end the year at home with close friends. It's hard having single friends when you're in a relationship. Most of the party left before midnight so they can go and hang with their potential significant others. But I want to thank everyone for coming out and spending time with Jay and I. It was a great time. Can you believe it's a new year...a new decade.

Before the party I had a wardrobe melt down. I told my fiance to wear black; I had planned to wear my new Cocktails for Breakfast dress I bought from Domino Dollhouse. Domino Dollhouse is a new online plus size boutique I was introduced to by a blog post by Stiletto Siren of Lips Hips & FATshion Tips. They sell apparel, accessories and shoes. 

When I first got the dress a few weeks ago, I was impressed with the service. I got my order within 2-3 days. The cost was reasonable and inexpensive. When I first looked at the dress, I winced. I am a size 22/24; sometimes a 26 in the hips. This dress appeared to be REALLY small but not small enough that I couldn't make it work...or so I thought! Umm yeah...I got a 3X (Junior Plus), I couldn't get it past my hips and zipping it up was not an option. I was so disappointed! One of my friends LOVED it and could fit it so I sold it to her. 

I will order from Domino Dollhouse again. I love the speed of service and chat with the owner , Tracey, on Twitter frequently. She is a doll! I will just be careful or steer clear of the junior plus items. Here is my wish list from Domino Dollhouse...

Classic Doll Dress from Domino Dollhouse $69.99

Bow Satin Slide from Domino Dollhouse $52.99

Janelle

LOTD: ASOS Curve Dress

 

One of these days I will stop forgetting my camera at home and stop taking pictures in the office. Today is not that day. I got my ASOS Curve dress a few days ago. I thought I got a camel color, but it wasn't. I'm still in LOVE with this dress. 

Dress: ASOS Curve

Jeggings: Torrid

Boots: Old Navy

~Janelle

Thanksgiving Weekend PLUS Size Deals

I'm a big bargain shopper. Black Friday is my dream. I love running through the stores, snatching hard to find deals and occasionally trampling over people. I can remember when my sister was seven months preggers, running people over with her belly and cart, yelling and screaming for people to move. But there are times Internet shopping is more satisfying than charging the streets in a Braveheart like fashion. Here are a few sales so far this weekend circulating the Internet.

Sealed With A Kiss Designs is giving away their "Pink Turkey" discount of 50% off your purchase. You must register for your pass. You can use this discount from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. HURRY, passes are given until they run out.

Lane Bryant left a message on my voice mail a few minutes ago promoting their "BOGO" sale that starts tomorrow through Monday. The sale excludes Spanx.

Torrid is starting their sale early by offering its BOGO sale on jeans, shoes and jewelry.

I will post more as I learn of more deals. 

~Janelle

Ashley Stewart Bought by Investment Firm

More Ashley Stewart news! I have a good friend that works as a store manager for Ashley Stewart. She told me Urban Brands, Ashley Stewart's parent company, has dissolved. Ashley Stewart has been sold to an investment company. According to my friend, this is the same investment company that owned Steve & Barry's and Goody's, both defunct brands and stores.

Store managers are told to work 50+ hours a week and can take no vacations or days off to increase sales. Meanwhile, many district managers have suddenly taken a leave of absence. It doesn't seem like very promising times for the plus size retail giant. More information as it comes.