3 Affordable Sundresses for Plus-Size Women

Good dresses are hard to find, especially if you’re on the plus-size end of the sizing spectrum. I’m sort of right in the middle: at the end of straight sizes and the start of plus-sizes. Sometimes, it’s really hard to tell what size I wear and how I look; there are some stores were the largest sizes simply are never going to fit me and some stores where I wear Mediums and size 10s. It’s hard to know and gauge!

However, I’ve gotten pretty good at hunting down the best items out there for people who are like me and in need of expanded sizes. Target is getting a lot better at this—in fact, one of their labels, Wild Fable, has some incredible sizing. They carry XS to 4X in nearly everything, and up to 2X in stores. That’s pretty incredible, although I wish they went past 2X in stores! Finding good clothes shouldn’t be such a challenge, but here we are.

When I find a good piece, I usually buy multiple of it: different colors, of course, but if I know I like it, it’s hard to not want it in every color possible! Right now, the weather is so warm nearly everywhere, we’re all thinking of sundresses and staying as cool as possible. And hey, just because you wear a larger size doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cool and comfortable. It’s really stinkin’ hot here in Oregon right now (it’s been 90+ every single day up until yesterday, when it dipped into the 80s—the 80s!) so I’m in sundresses basically 24/7.

Alright, let’s jump into it! Here are my 3 favorite sundresses you can find at Target!

Dress 1: Sleeveless Smocked Dress from Wild Fable, $28.00

I impulse bought this dress in yellow at Target while on a weekend trip to Bend. It was hotter than I expected it to be, I had packed leggings and sweatshirts to wear, and I just needed something I wouldn’t sweat profusely in. Enter, this dress. I bought it in yellow to start with, wore it nonstop for a week, then bought a second in the pink color. They have been staples in my closet ever since then: they’re so easy to throw on and wear a sweatshirt or t-shirt over, or wear with a swimsuit, or lounge around the house in. So many ways to wear them! The only downside is they are kind of see-through; if I wear them out, I wear a slip underneath or similarly colored underwear.

I wear a size Large in this dress. For reference, I usually wear a Large t-shirt and 12-14 size in most jeans. The top is fitted, but very stretchy, and pretty accommodating for all bust sizes.

This dress comes in sizes XS to 4X and in 4 colors (black, pink, yellow, and orange). At my local Target, they’ve had plenty of all the colors except black, which is pretty consistently picked over. However, it looks like all colors are available from the website!

Dress 2: Short Sleeve Knit Babydoll Dress from Wild Fable, $17.00

I bought this dress—a short sleeve t-shirt dress—at the same time as I bought the pink version of the first dress. It was an impulse, sort of; I spotted it, liked it, and decided to try it, telling myself I would return it if I hated it. I didn’t hate it! It fit great. This is one of those dresses that I think will wear well into Fall and Winter too; a pair of tights and a cardigan and it won’t be out of place.

I wear a size Large in this dress as well. One thing to note is that the top is definitely a bit more fitted, but the fabric is stretchy, so again, I think there is some leeway with sizing here. This dress also comes in sizes XS to 4X, but only one color—black with small white stripes.

Dress 3: Women’s Sleeveless Bib Knit Babydoll Dress from Wild Fable, $16.00

This is my most recent Target purchase—and yes, it’s another Wild Fable dress. This one is a nice, soft spaghetti strap dress that fits like a dream. Again, I wear a size Large in this dress and it’s definitely roomy. Wild Fable runs kind of bigger than I would typically expect. I like this dress because the top fits really well and the fabric is so soft and comfy. This is another dress that I think will carry well into Fall and Winter; I have this idea already of layering it over a turtleneck.

For right now, the mustard yellow version is perfect for wearing while listening to Taylor Swift’s folklore and pretend it’s fall. Add a beret or beanie and you’re basically Taylor Swift.

This dress comes in sizes XS to 4X and 5 colors (black, blue, mustard yellow, pink, and striped). I own the striped one (it’s black with white and sort of rust orange stripes—very 90s!) and the mustard yellow. Both are super cute!

3 Cozy Summer Loungewear Pieces for Working from Home Featuring Femme Luxe*

It’s been so long since I’ve written and posted anything close to fashion content—including photos. I’m really out of the habit. However, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect loungewear for wearing around the house while I’m working—pretty much since quarantine started in March. I feel like I’ve ordered more new loungewear and pajama sets than I have in years.

Part of the reason why I’ve been on the hunt for great loungewear is because I want to feel comfortable while I’m working from home, while also wearing things that don’t make me feel super slovenly or gross. I tend to wear my pajama pants (well loved pajama pants! I’ve owned the same 5 pairs since before I was pregnant with Forrest) and t-shirts of Danny’s when I’m home. And frankly, after a few weeks of that, I wasn’t feeling so great.

Loungewear gives you that perfect in-between of “I’m dressed up” but also “I’m super comfortable.” When Femme Luxe reached out to me to showcase a few outfits, I was excited to see so much loungewear available. It isn’t the sort of website I would usually consider placing an order from, but I decided to test it out and see what I thought. I’m really glad I did. Here are the 2 outfits I picked out (comprised of 3 separate pieces!).

The first choice I made was this Gray Oversized Loungewear Set. I love an oversized t-shirt, so that was an easy choice to make. In regards to sizing, I ordered the Large size in this one—the shirt is perfectly oversized. The leggings were a bit small at first, but have stretched out a little overtime. I’m typically a size 12-14 ish in pants and skirts (although it’s super variable), so just keep that in mind if you’re ordering.

Best of all these 2 pieces are comfy and soft. Since it’s a uniform gray-all-over, I feel a little more put together than just in my slubby oversized t-shirt!

One thing to note is that these leggings are a bit see-through in the butt—so if you wear them out, make sure to wear a longer t-shirt (like the matching one!) or a tunic-style top to cover up (if that’s something you worry about! If not, live your life girl!)

The second loungewear set I picked was the Taupe & Black Oversized Hoodie Shorts Loungewear Set. It’s a set of basically sweatpants shorts and a zip up hoodie vest—I picked the olive green color, but it also comes in taupe.

I ordered the XL size in this one and I probably could have ordered a size large. The shorts are a little too big, but that’s fine because they’re so comfortable and soft. I’ve probably worn this set more than any other—it’s so comfortable and perfect for summer, when it’s too hot for leggings, but you want to be comfy.

The hoodie vest is also great for layering—I like having pockets when I’m in my house, only so I always have my phone and glasses. These ones are perfect—they’re super big!

I paired this set with the Coral California Graphic T-shirt. I ordered a size Large in this as well—it fits really well. I’ve worn this t-shirt so much, I’ve washed it 3 times since I got it already! It’s probably my second favorite piece (after the shorts from the loungewear set!) and I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on it. It’s just a cute graphic t-shirt, perfect for wandering around the house, working or just lounging.

My favorite thing about these 2 outfits is that, if I have to jump on a quick Zoom call with a client and don’t want to change my outfit, it doesn’t look like I’m wearing loungewear—I look nice without having to put in a ton of effort!

When I first was approached by Femme Luxe, I was worried that they wouldn’t carry much in my size. Being plus size these days definitely feels a bit restrictive at times—there’s just less for us. But if you’re in the smaller range of plus size, Femme Luxe is a great, affordable option. Even better, they do ship to the United States, so if you, like me, want to try some new loungewear pieces, they will make it across the pond!

Disclaimer: As denoted by the asterisk (*) in this post’s title, I did receive items for free in exchange for posting. Posts like this help me keep the lights on here at Writing Between Pauses. However, all opinions remain my own. If you’d like to learn more about my disclosure policy, click here.

My Favorite Accessory For Looking Put Together (Even When I Don’t Have Time)*

Before I had Forrest, I spent a lot of time on my wardrobe. I shopped frequently and spent a lot of time picking out outfits. However, once the chaos of motherhood descended, a lot of that got pushed aside.

As Forrest has gotten older, I’ve only gotten busier. I blog, of course; I freelance; and I work for a digital marketing agency. Between parenting, working, cleaning my house, and taking time for myself (I have to cross stitch sometime!), I find myself with less and less time every single day it feels like!

That means that usually, I have to pick one area to focus on. If you know me, you know that that’s often my makeup; I feel most put together when I get my lipstick and mascara on… even if I’m wearing my comfy joggers and a hoodie!

Recently, however, I’ve been working on creating simple “uniforms” for myself to wear to work everyday. These outfits consist of:

• A few dresses that I just feel good in

• Jeans, flowy tops, and nice cardigans

• Trousers, blouses, and jackets

A lot of this has been my attempt to stop wearing leggings every single day! It’s hard to dress up leggings, that’s for sure, but I knew for my work, I needed to start focusing more on how I present myself, even when I don’t feel 100% great or I’m running on less than 3 hours of sleep.

The time I have for looking put together is often minimal. In the morning, I am usually getting Forrest dressed while I make my coffee, then putting on makeup while I assure him that we will, in fact, get to my mom’s on time. I am often super behind on laundry, which means sometimes I’m running around looking for my favorite black H&M jeans in the middle of letting my setting powder bake.

That’s why having a few set uniforms for myself makes every morning go just a little bit easier. What I decide to wear is basically already picked out--I just have to remember what’s on my roster for the day! If I have a meeting, I might go for a dress or a jacket with my jeans instead of a top and cardigan. If I’m just going to be working in my office, I’ll wear jeans and a t-shirt which I can throw a cardigan on top of if I need to run out.

One thing that makes every outfit pop and look just slightly more put together is a great accessory. And lately, that great accessory has been my new JORD Watch. When JORD reached out to me about writing a post, I was so excited; I’ve been drooling over some gorgeous timepieces recently. I wear a Fitbit Versa most days, which isn’t really the most high end of looks, so I wanted something I could wear to a meeting or a night out that was more functional than jewelry, but prettier than a Fitbit!

The JORD watch I chose is the Cora Polaris in Koa and Rose Gold. Like most people, I’ve been obsessed with rose gold the last few months, so this was a no brainer when it came to choosing! I love how subtle the rose gold is and the Koa wood is so absolutely stunning. Here’s a little bit about Koa:

““Koa is a species native to Hawaii and is widely considered to be the most beautiful of the native hardwoods. Though softer than several of our used wood species, Koa machines exceptionally well and finishes smooth with a beautiful natural sheen. Depending on the harvest season, Koa wood will produce tones that range from medium gold to reddish brown, similar to Mahogany.””

The color of the watch is gorgeous; the Koa wood is a warm-toned, which goes beautifully with the rose gold pieces of this timepiece, but goes with everything I own. It doesn’t look out of place. I’ve gotten so many compliments on this watch the last few times I’ve worn it to meetings or to work.

The thing I love most about JORD is their focus on sustainable practices when it comes to creating beautiful timepieces. That means you can feel good about your purchase, because you know it’s going to a company that absolutely loves what they do and does everything with sustainability in mind.

Because these watches are made with wood, it does require a little bit more care. Thankfully, every JORD order comes with instructions for care--which boil down to using Tung Oil or Lemon Oil on your watch, as well as ensuring that you store it properly between wears.  

Nothing makes me feel better these days than being complimented on my outfit--and I’ve definitely had more of those moments since I started wearing my Cora Polaris watch from JORD. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to receive this watch from JORD-- and I’m even more excited that I have the opportunity to offer this same feeling to one of my followers.

Click here to enter my giveaway to receive $100 OFF a watch from JORD. As well, when you enter, you’ll still receive a 10% off code for any order from JORD as well--which means, even if you don’t win, you still can order a JORD watch!

Disclaimer: As usual, an asterisk (*) in the title of this post denotes that I received this item in exchange for review and promotion. However, all opinions remain my own. Posts like this help Writing Between Pauses keep going! For more information about my disclosure policy, click here.

5 Autumn Sweaters to Cozy Up In

Me: I’m going to buy ALL the sweaters.

Also me: *sees sweater prices* well, let’s see which ones I should prioritize.

I love a good sweater, but sometimes it is hard to sort through all the trendy sweaters (I’m looking at you, Dinosaur Fair Isles that show up at Forever 21 every year) to find ones that won’t just be a good sweater this year, but for the next 5-10 years. I’ve done a little bit of digging and have found 5 of the best Autumn sweaters I can find; these will carry you through not just Fall and Winter, but into Spring as well.

1. Classic Boat-Neck Sweater from Old Navy, $20

Who doesn’t love a classic stripey sweater? I love the soft, oatmeal-gray color of this one, as well as the longer, tunic shape. It’s perfect for a quick outfit over leggings; but you can also wear it with jeans or trousers and a blazer for a more work-appropriate look.

2. Knit Sweater from H&M, $34.99

The big cozy. I feel like I’m always looking for the perfect oversized sweater. For being so popular, they are sure are hard to find. This one from H&M is perfect: soft, cozy, and oversized. It will look great with leggings when you’re running errands. Or with your sweatpants when you’re at home. You know, either one.

3. Play It Cowl Sweater from ModCloth, $59.00

We often think of Autumn colors as purely in the warm family; however, I consider all jewel tones, like emerald and teal, to also be Autumn colors. That’s why I picked this sweater; I love the rich teal color, as well as the comfy cowl neck. It’s perfect for wearing with trousers to work, then going to a Holiday party afterwards. Honestly, it’s just the perfect sweater. This may be one I’ve ordered for myself. It’s that cute!

4. Impossibly Soft Cable Knit Sweater from American Eagle, $44.95

I love American Eagle sweaters and despite being considered somewhat of a “teenager" brand, they hold up really well. This cable knit sweater is such a classic—and I love this burnt orange color! It will look so cute with jeans and a scarf, as well as over a skirt and tights. Plus, it’s super, super soft—that means no itchy wool!

5. Crofton Striped Pullover Sweater from Madewell, $69.99

Ah, this sweater. It’s cute, classic, and can carry you through all the seasons, at it is a bit lighter than the others sweaters here. I love the colorblocking because you can wear it with lots of different combinations of skirts, trousers, and jeans. I also love the slightly baggy, relaxed shape. It’s a little expensive (nearly $70 on sale!), but with good care, it will last you several years.

5 Inspirational Autumn Outfits

I used to love writing posts like this, but in the last year, it has become increasingly difficult. Why? Because Polyvore shut down! I feel like Polyvore was such a unique, early-to-mid 2000s blogging resource and now, it’s simply gone. I’ve turned to Instagram instead to gather outfits to inspire us in these Autumn todays.

Today is the first legitimately rainy day of Autumn here in Oregon. It makes me want to snuggle up and read, or watch movies. But instead, I have to work (of course). For that reason, the outfits I’ve chosen are appropriate for both the weekend and casual workplaces. In a testament to how much I’ve changed in the last few years, all of these outfits include jeans!

Let me know in the comments your favorite outfit (and what your favorite rainy day movie is!).

1. Burnt Orange

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A post shared by Ashley (@twentiesgirlstyle) on Oct 29, 2017 at 6:43pm PDT

I have always been a little obsessed with this slightly burnt orange color. And lately, I’ve been feeling bell sleeves and (dare I say it?) peplums. I used to be heartily anti peplum, but then I had a baby, and well… a peplum hides a lot doesn’t it? I love this outfit, complete with sensible boots, dark jeans, and a cozy scarf. 

2. Pretty in Pink

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A post shared by Ashleigh Hopping (@by.ashleigh) on May 14, 2018 at 3:08pm PDT

If you’re in a colder climate, this is a great outfit. As well, not all autumnal outfits have to be warm-toned! A dusty pink sweater, a thick cozy beanie, and jeans is perfect for a busy weekend. Pop on a coat over the top and it can transition to winter really easily. 

3. Monotone

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A post shared by d e b | sunsets and stilettos (@sunsetsandstilettos) on Dec 11, 2017 at 6:42pm PST

I love gray. I wear gray more than any other color. This pale sweater with a thick scarf and beanie is great for the weekend when it is particularly blustery. 

4. Striped

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A post shared by Ashley (@twentiesgirlstyle) on Jan 2, 2018 at 8:42am PST

Another peplum top! I told you, they are growing on me a bit! I love this simple, comfy looking striped peplum top. Paired with a simple cardigan and boots, this is a great outfit for the pumpkin patch or a work meeting. 

5. Grandpa Sweater

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A post shared by Ashley (@twentiesgirlstyle) on Oct 1, 2018 at 6:30pm PDT

I unabashedly love grandpa sweaters. You know the ones: the thick, homey sweaters that are perfect for tucking tissues into the pockets. (Yes, you heard me. Tissue pockets.) I love this sweater because it is so ornate and yet, so cozy looking. Add a striped top and your favorite jeans and you’re ready to go. 

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One last note! Do you have a Blogtober post you want shared? Send me a tweet on Twitter with a link; I’m putting together my first Best of Blogtober post this week!

4 Essential Items for Spring Travel

It's Spring Break! At least for my husband, Danny. We always look forward to spring break because we spend it either visiting his parents or relaxing. This year, his parents are coming to us. 

I try not to turn trips into excuses to buy a whole bunch of new stuff. But there is something very exciting about treating yourself to a few little things for your trip, whether it's just a new makeup bag or an outfit. I put together a list of 4 great essential items to treat yourself to this year. Whether you're leaving tomorrow or in a few weeks, these will be perfect to take along. 

1. Wet'n'Wild 10-Pan Palette in "Nude Awakening", $4.99

I know what you're thinking: a $5 Wet'n'Wild eyeshadow palette? Listen, I thought the same thing when I first bought one of these palettes (they have them in 4 different color stories). But these shadows are really, really good. The Rose in the Air one is a dupe for Modern Renaissance. This palette is perfect for every kind of look: simple day looks, single shadow looks, and smoky, dramatic night looks. And for only $5, it's a total steal. 

2. ASOS Mix'n'Match Star Print Dress, $23

This dress is so cute: long enough without being fussy. And no weird cut outs. (Trust me, I checked.) I love the mix of star prints, as well as the shape; with the nipped in waist, it flatters every body type, but isn't so cinched that you'll be uncomfortable. 

3. Unique Vintage Hello Sunshine Sun Hat, $32

A sun hat, especially if you're traveling somewhere very warm, is an absolute must. Protecting your skin will keep you looking flawless. (So don't forget SPF either and if you tan, you're still damaging your skin!) I love this one from Unique Vintage; it's almost like it was made for cute Instagram photos. While it's a little spendy for $32, it's very sturdy and will hold up to just about everything. 

4. ModCloth Swan for the Books Make Up Bag, $14.99

Going on a trip means you need a new makeup bag, right? This one from ModCloth is so cute--and sturdy. I love the swan print; it's cute without being "too much." It's the perfect size for carrying everything you need for a short trip. Plus, it's on sale right now! 

Spring Color Series: Canary Yellow

It's officially here: the last in my spring color series. (You can read all the other posts here.)

Putting these together every week has been one of my absolute highlights. These were never meant to be all that serious, but rather fun posts for me to explore colors that are trending and that we can all incorporate into our wardrobes (or decor) relatively easily and affordably. 

I saved my favorite for last: canary yellow. 

When I say canary yellow, however, I don't mean just bright yellow; I mean shades of chartreuse or lemon, mustard or rusty. All shades of yellow apply here, as long as it's beautiful, bright, and sunny. 

Let's jump in and talk about yellow--and what's inspiring me for this color! 

Inspiration

Yellow is one of those colors that is simultaneously always in fashion, but feels difficult to wear. When we talk about "yellow," some people imagine it as a sickly color or a childish color. Baby nurseries are butter yellow or sunny yellow. I once read a poem that described hospitals as smelling yellow. 

Some have mixed feelings about yellow... but I love it. 

A few years ago, mustard yellow everything was the trend. I had a mustard yellow skirt that I ended up shrinking in the washing machine (RIP yellow skirt) and a mustard yellow cardigan that I wore to my first ultrasound appointment. Mustard yellow was everywhere. 

Yellow can be one of those colors that's a little bit of everything; it goes with neutrals, but it can be paired with other bright or primary colors for a little bit of fun. It can be sunny, or preppy, or athletic. It can be whatever you want it to be. I specifically like it in these two color palettes because you can see how well it pairs with other neutrals (with gray for a more modern look, or with brown for something that's a little 1970s reminiscent). 

Top 3 Picks

1. Lemon Wedge Cross-body Bag

The cross-body bag trend isn't going away anytime soon. I know novelty bags are just that--novelties, a little impractical for day-to-day life. But just imagine wearing this lemon wedge bag with jeans and a gray cardigan to brunch. It's big enough to carry your essentials and cute enough to remind us that, despite the fact that it's snowing in places it really shouldn't, spring is coming! 

2. Ikebana for All A-Line Midi Skirt in Saffron Floral

This skirt reminds me so much of the mustard skirt I had... I almost ordered it. Almost. With a bright, pretty floral pattern and a gorgeous, buttery yellow color, this skirt is perfect for wearing to the office. Pair with some flats or kitten heels and a sweater for a perfect early Spring outfit. 

3. Faux Patent Leather Slide Sandals in Yellow

These sandals (yes, sandals, spring is going to get here, I promise) are the perfect addition thing to wear when you want to look trendy, but don't really have the cash. (They're less than $25. Really.) I would pair them with a striped skirt and a cardigan; but they'd also look great with skinny jeans or shorts. And their somewhat muted canary yellow color is great for the season and goes with just about every neutral. 

Spring Color Series: Shades of Grey

Welcome to part 3 of my spring color series: all about grey. Grey is the most popular neutral out there at the moment, so it felt stupid to not include it. And just like millennial pink, there are lots of shades of grey out there (including my favorite, lavender-grey) to choose from. Don't forget to read about forest green and millennial pink. 

Grey has been definitely having a moment, just like millennial pink. Last summer, I painted a pretty significant wall in my house lavender-grey (and got so many compliments I ended up sending out paint samples to more than one person). Grey is definitely considered a neutral this day, meaning you can pair it with almost every other color out there--but especially the other three colors in this series. 

Inspiration

There are so many shades of grey and it's so easy to pair with just about everything. Whether you're looking at adding it to your decor (grey statement walls are very in, as are grey accessories) or incorporating it into your wardrobe, there are lots of directions to go without changing your entire room or wardrobe. An example: Danny and I have a brown-green couch; our lavender-grey wall goes really well with it, something I really needed because we didn't have money for a new couch; and we added dark green curtains to the window recently that really tied the room together. Whether you go for a cool-toned grey or something more brown-toned, there is a shade of grey for every use. 

Top 3 Picks

1. Minimalist Bliss Ballet Flats from ModCloth 

These flats are so cute & the perfect piece to add to any neutral wardrobe. These chic ballet flats have an interesting silhouette (better than the standard rounded toe), meaning they will look good about anything. I read once that showing more of your foot creates a more "feminine" look: so pairing these with rolled up jeans and a t-shirt would be super cute. Or pair them with your favorite winter dress and a jacket for a breezy weekend look. They are effortlessly cute! 

2. Small Glass Vase from H&M 

When it comes to decor, sometimes less is more. I've been eyeing a few of these glass vases from H&M for a while; imagine them with a single flower, or a single fern leaf. Eye-catching, without breaking the bank. (They're only $3.99!) This one is a lovely, slightly lilac grey color that will look great on anyone's desk. 

3. Mid-Rise Distressed Girlfriend Grey Jeans from GAP

These are GAP's Girlfriend jeans, a cult favorite for their slightly relaxed cut with a narrow ankle. I said I never would, but I've been really wanting a pair of these slightly "mom-esque" jeans (I am a mom, after all) for a while and these ones fit the bill. Plus, since they are a beautiful grey color, I feel like it's less repetitive since you're not just buying another pair of blue jeans. I would pair these with a blouse and jacket for work, or a cozy sweater for the weekend.