I know you all love to see different shapes and sizes in my Fashion series, so today Vicki is back and we’re sharing some style updates on her. Vicki mainly shops at Goodwill or thrift stores a lot of the time for her clothing. Not always, but that’s what she tends to do to find new things to add to her wardrobe. That works much of the time and she’s found some great brands and clothing pieces for her closet over the years.
Sometimes though, we need to add a few key pieces to freshen up the wardrobe that can’t always be found scouring the thrift stores. I’ve always wanted to see Vicki in some skinny pants, just to see how they would work on her. I think skinny jeans and pants can be slenderizing, so I wanted to see my theory in action on Vicki. So, she and I went to the local Macy’s at our mall recently and she and I went through the Woman department to pick out a few things for Vicki to try on. I was hoping my plan would work and it did! She looks great in skinny jeans and got such a kick out of trying on black jeggings. She got so inspired and with a little (OK, maybe a lot!) of encouragement from me, she bought a few pieces to take home.
Come along on our shopping trip!
Here’s Vicki on our way into the mall and Macy’s. She looks nice in these flare legged jeans and brown boots. The orange shirt is a great color on her. She and I have similar coloring, although she may be more pink-toned than I am. We both look good in corals and turquoise.
These jeans are also flared and are by Jessica Simpson (Kiss Me Bootcut jeans). They are a little more narrow in the leg, which is definitely slenderizing on Vicki. The long fringed sweater is by NY Collection and skims over her mid-section giving her a more slender appearance. She didn’t buy this one, but really liked it a lot.
Sweater: NY Collection (affiliate link). I don’t see this teal color online.
Jeans: Jessica Simpson Kiss Me Bootcut (affiliate link)
This next outfit was a fun one too. Skinny pants by Jessica Simpson in black (Super Skinny Kiss Me Jegging). We only took her brown boots with us, so imagine this outfit with black boots instead of brown and it would be much better. The bright coral top is by Inc. and the black and white long sweater coat is Calvin Klein. The sweater coat skims over the coral top and the way it meets in the middle camouflages the problem areas as well. She didn’t get this top or the sweater coat, but the black jeggings were a big hit.
I heard her laughing in the dressing room as she tried on jeggings for the first time, exclaiming….I can’t believe I’m wearing jeggings!
I asked her, do you feel sassy in those?! She said, most definitely YES!
Black and White Calvin Klein sweater coat (affiliate link)
Coral Inc Top (affiliate link)
Black Jeans: Jessica Simpson Super Skinny Jeggings (affiliate link)
Also with the black jeggings, we paired it with a long flowy dress, by NY Collection. She loved this dress, but she wouldn’t be comfortable to wear alone, since it is above the knee. She could definitely wear this with black tights and black knee high boots for a nice out to dinner look. Sort of a boho look. She took this dress/long top home with her.
I can’t find this exact dress online, but here’s a similar one in different color tones from NY Collection (affiliate link).
This last outfit was a knockout on Vicki. Again with the black jeggings, this rusty red long sweater is by NY Collection. The flowy cream/lace top is by Eye Shadow. The gray scarf is by Cejon.
I did this video last year for tying a scarf this way:
We loved this look and since Vicki already has a rust colored sweater, she decided to get this sweater in a cobalt blue (see link for colors). It will still have the same look, with a different scarf and black boots (of course!). She also bought the cream lacy tiered top, which looked great on her. It will be a nice layering top for her wardrobe.
Rust Long Sweater: NY Collection (affiliate link)
Cream Lace Top: Eye Shadow /I can’t find this one online at Macy’s, but here’s a similar one. (affiliate link) Too bad, because that is a really cute two layered top. Maybe you could find it at your local Macy’s store.
Gray Scarf: Cejon (Can’t find this scarf online at Macy’s).
It was fun to take Vicki shopping and have her try on clothes that are not normally on her radar. I wanted her to see how these skinny pants could work on her and they really do. She loved the outfits and will enjoy the pieces she took home with her.
So, I hope this gives you ideas if you are a plus-sized woman. You can still wear some trendy things that you might not have thought you could wear. Give it a try and see what you think!
Vicki sent along this well-written essay about our shopping trip and comparison in life in general, that I thought you’d all enjoy reading:
Hello to Rhoda’s faithful readers! Let me be clear! Absolutely no one but my life long friend Rhoda could have gotten me into a pair of JEGGINGS! What a time we had. First she got me into the mall! Second she got me into the jeggings! Third she got me to actually purchase the jeggings! The fashion makeover was a little uncomfortable at first but I’ve always appreciated Rhoda’s guidance and expertise with my wardrobe and my home.
My devotional reading today confirmed what I’d like to share in today’s post. Discontentment! Hopefully you aren’t like me and don’t compare yourself with others but from my experience it’s a common problem for women of all ages, stages and backgrounds. From an article written by a popular magazine editor to Facebook posts by young mothers, women often feel inadequate, never measuring up to the demands of work, home and family.
My self talk goes something like this. If my husband loved me as much as their husband loved them he would buy me a mini van. The new-to-the market automobile designed for moms came out when our children were babies.
I was the only one in the car pool line at the preschool who did not drive a mini van. I obsessed over a mini van. The Budgetmeister did not like mini vans and we never owned one. Then the Ford Explorer came out and I obsessed over this SUV. I just had to have one. Nope. I continued to drive my dated 4 door sedan and eventually moved up to a Taurus station wagon that I did love. But I obsessed over an SUV. For years.
It gets worse. These SUV’s often display bumper stickers touting accolades of one’s children, like “my child is an honor student” or “I’m a Georgia Tech Mom”. Well, I want to scream “my son could’ve gone to Georgia Tech! He could’ve gotten into any university with his SAT scores”. Or the cutesy window stickers with the big happy family complete with 4 children, a dog and 2 cats and the Mickey Mouse ears as proof they vacation at Disney. I’ve never been to Disney, and neither have my kids. Yep! I’m crazy!
But as I was sharing with my d-i-l recently, we don’t know what’s inside the mini van, SUV, or perfectly decorated home. What’s in the hearts of the people who occupy these spaces of my envy? Last week I witnessed a scene that brought me to my senses. A nice silver mini van pulled into a parking space near me. I watched expectantly as an attractive young woman dressed in coordinated workout clothes and tote bag opened the sliding door on the passenger side, assuming she had young children she was getting out. Then she pulled out a ramp and went into the mini van. She wheeled out, not a baby or toddler in a stroller, but an adolescent boy, about 12 or 14, profoundly disabled in a wheelchair. My heart sank. From the outside, her world appeared perfect, but oh how heavy her burden must be.
The same applies to the beautiful homes we see on blogs and Pinterest. It is surely by the grace of God that Facebook and Pinterest were not available when I was a young wife and mother striving just to live up to my own expectations. Imagine if I allowed my self worth to be determined by my comparison to the gorgeous photos of perfect families and perfect homes that permeate our on-line lives. As my devotional advised, I must stop “comparing, competing and complaining”. My happiness should come from things eternal, not things external.
Now we drive the largest SUV ever made and I can truly say I’m no happier than I was during the 4 door sedan days. There are no bumper stickers but if there were it would say “BLESSED!” Happy Fall, y’all!
Here are the same items (or similar) in pictures if you want to shop the post!
You look absolutely great in those outfits!!! the bright colors are beautiful on you…. and your post touched my heart… so very true!!!
I enjoyed this blog post! Sweet heartfelt words from Vickie that I needed to hear today- thanks!
WOW! What a testimony that we all need to hear, as women. Thank you, Vickie and Rhoda! Such encouraging and exhorting words that I need to remember daily.
**And by the way, I think you should rush back and purchase that adorable fringed teal sweater!! Loved it!! : )
I enjoyed reading Vickie’s from the heart posting. I think many, if not most, of us have had those same feelings of inadequacy and envy. It’s over time that we learn what’s most important in life. I would love to read more from you, Vickie.
What a timely post. I bought my first pair of leggings Monday. They just plain scare me. I tried them on with a long black sweater and tall black boots. Today, I’m wearing those babes.
Sometimes we need a friend to guide us in stepping out of our comfort zone or rut. Lol Rhoda does a good job at that, not only with her friends but her readers. I thank you for that, Rhoda!
Your story Vickie was straight from the heart. I’m so glad you realized what you do have in life. Envy can sour a person. Obviously, not you, as you’re a sweet lady. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Rhoda and Vickie!! I am headed out to the mall for clothing and needed this encouragement today. Your words will be on my mind as I see myself in the mirror and battle my self-contempt issues. Please know you made a difference in someone’s life today!
Thank you Rhoda and Vickie. You have inspired me to try on some jeggings to see how they will look on me. I’m a tall pear shape plus size and am never sure what to wear. With narrow shoulders and bigger hips it’s not easy getting a balanced look. Love both your posts. Rhoda, I got to meet you just for a minute at the fair in Atl. Sat. You look just as great in person as in your pictures.
Pair them with tall boots and it balances out the look.
Woo hoo Vicki looks absolutely beautiful!!! Love all the outfits!!! Rhoda thank you for introducing me to your precious friend!!! I feel like I know Vicki and I can’t believe we’ve never even met in person….yet! 🙂
I love it when Vicki is the model for your Wednesday posts. She is so pretty and looks great in whatever you put her in. Her beauty shines from the inside out. I have never met her, but I just know she is a wonderful person. She just sparkles!
Could we possibly get a tour of her home as a Friday featured post?
Vicki, you look fabulous in all of these outfits. I can’t wear leggings or skinny jeans as I carry the weight in my thighs and any tapered cut just accentuates that fact. Wise words. It reminds me of something I once read stating before you envy somebody, be sure you would want the total package. Wise words indeed!
Vicki, you look so attractive in the different outfits! I agree with Robin who suggested getting the fringed teal sweater as well – IMO that’s the most beautiful on you! Enjoy your new wardrobe!
Vicki you look amazing. The first two outfits make you look so slim. The fringed poncho type sweater adds to much bulk along with the other sweater with the scarf. You shouldn’t be adding bulk and covering up your cute figure like that. My opinions only!
I agree with Penny (above) about the poncho. In fact I don’t believe poncho’s look good on anyone at all. Personally I didn’t care for the boho top at the end either as I felt it was too patchwork looking. Just my opinion.
Loved Vicki’s commentary at the end and I know I need to remember and heed such words. It all comes down to appreciating what you have in life and be so grateful of God’s blessings.
Great fashion, but the biggest gem of all in this post was Vicki’s essay. Thanks so much for sharing both!
Vicki, you are gorgeous and smart!
Love your look in jeggings. I think they are so attractive when paired with the right top and you found it.
Your writings about envy and people’s life was spot on!
Yay, Vicky!! You look great, and what a sweet person you seem to be. I loved your writing. Very thought provoking and reminds us that we are all blessed and highly favored. Thanks for sharing with us!
Could I copy and paste what Vicki had to say about comparing ourselves onto my facebook page? It is such great advice. I would credit her, of course.
Kathy, I think that would be OK with Vicki. You can link to this blog post too.
Kathy I am very honored you want to share my essay. I fretted and fumed about what if anything to share on the Fashion Over 50 post. Rhoda liked it and I’m blessed by the positive comments. Discontentment has been a hindrance for me in all my life’s stages. Thank you for your encouraging words and blessings to you and yours! Vicki
You two ladies are the dynamic duo! Vicky, your words are spot on as well as your new look!
Hi! I’m Connie from northeastern MD! Thank you so much, Rhoda, for including Vicki in your pics.! It feels like 99.9% of all fashion blogs that I have found-mostly Pinterest-feature young women with figures I have never had. Even plus-sized ones include no one over 50, much less 60. My figure is in between yours and Vicki’s. I have tried on jeggings, and what I saw scared even me! ??. I recently found Lee brand skinny jeans, Clarks above the ankle boots & a to the knee cardigan, and I am 5’2″. It looks good–with the long sweater, of course. Thanks to you, I will brave heavier weight leggings with knee boots, as I have been struggling with jeans, even skinny jeans, bunching at the knee–makes me look like Nanook of the North out shoveling snow ?. I will be following you n Vicki in the future! Now, I begin the task of actually finding these items. Sometimes the occasional tunic top I’m able to find too-closely resemble the materity tops of old! Don’t want to go there again!,?
Also…a big shout-out to Vicki ? for sharing her story as per her devotional lesson. I ‘m sure I was that way when I was younger, and I clearly hear it in the conversations of my younger co-workers. I, too, will -at least-t r y to share it on my FB page. God bless you both?.
Hi, Connie, thank you for stopping by. So glad you enjoyed this post!