How-To’s

7 Summer Basics (Plus Size)

May 29, 2014

summerbasics_header

The summer calls for traveling, “fun in the sun,” and keeping cool. Through the years I have developed a repertoire of items I use during the hot months. I re-buy and wear these items over and over.  Here are my 7 Summer Basics for Plus Size. All items are great for pairing with fashion pieces, accessories, etc.

 

summerbasics

  1. Basic Cotton Summer Dress: During the hot summer months, a light cotton dress in a solid color is the best go-to. Cotton is breathable versus man-made fibers such as Polyester.  Find a silhouette that best suits your shape and you can change this basic up all summer long with accessories and other pieces. (Pictured Dress: Forever 21+)

  2. Solid Cotton Tank Tops: I wear these year round by themselves or layered  under other items. I always have at least a black and grey colored one. When I find a style I like, I buy them in multiple colors. (Pictured Tanks: Old Navy Plus Size)

  3. Stretch Denim Shorts: I have had multiple pairs of cuffed denim shorts through the years. My current pair is from Forever 21+ that I bought about 2 years ago — they’re still going strong! Another go-to item for everyday hot summer months. (Pictured Shorts: Old Navy Plus Size)

  4. Neutral Linen Pants: Yes, linen pants do wrinkle easily, but sometimes that’s what makes them great! I have owned so many pairs of linen pants over the years. They are a great option when the occasion doesn’t allow for shorts. (Pictured Pants: Old Navy Plus)

  5. Tote Bag: I LOVE TOTE BAGS. This same bag has been my main purse since my trip to New York last November. A tote is a great basic because it acts as a purse, is light weight, and can hold so much  —  they’re great for traveling and adventures during the summer!  (Pictured Tote: Strand Books)

  6. Havaianas Flip Flips: I wear flip flops almost every day once the weather gets warm. They are comfortable and easy to throw on. Through the years I have tried both cheap $3 flip flops and more expensive Havaianas. Let me say — paying the extra money for a good brand means the world of difference! They last longer, don’t get as nasty smelly, and are much more comfortable. So, splurge. Buy a few basic colors and wear them with everything!  (Pictured Sandals: Havaianas)

  7. Converse All Stars: These are another one of those basic shoes that you can keep forever. I have one pair I’ve worn since junior year of high school (and I had my ten year reunion last year, to give you an idea of how old they are). A great lightweight, basic sneaker that you can wear when the flip flops aren’t quite right.  (Pictured Sneakers: Converse)

 

 

Plus Size Cuffed Shorts DIY

July 18, 2013

 
Last year, one of my VERY FIRST DIY’s for this blog was “Plus Size Cuff-Off Shorts.” Today’s DIY is an extension of this early basic DIY. I am going to show you how make Plus Size Cuffed Shorts using the “cut-off” method plus a little bit of hand sewing and ironing.
 
SUPPLIES
- 1 Pair of Pants
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Tailor’s Chalk (or Water-Soluble Colored Pencil) 
- Iron
- Straight Pins (Optional)
- Sewing Needle
- Thread
STEPS
1.  Put on a pair of pants to be DIY-ed.
2.  Decide where you want your shorts to end and make a small mark with TAILOR’S CHALK on the SIDE SEAM of one of the legs as a guide.
3. Take off pants and lay them facing up on a flat surface.
4. Using your ruler, measure from the hem of your pant to the mark you made on the side seam. You will need this measurement for following steps!
5. Go to the INSEAM of the same pant leg. Measure up from the hem using the measurement from above. Mark the measurements with TAILOR’S CHALK.
6. Using your ruler, draw a line connecting the two measurement marks. This is your “new hem line” aka FOLD LINE #1.
7.  Measure down 1″ from your FOLD LINE #1. Draw a straight line using your TAILOR’S CHALK.  This is FOLD LINE #2.
8. Repeat Step 7. This is your CUT LINE. Your lines should look like the following:
9. Repeat STEPS 4-8 on second pant leg.
10. Cut pant legs on the CUT LINE
11. Go to your ironing board/ironing area. Fold NEW PANT HEM (used to be “Cut Line”) up to FOLD LINE #1 and iron in place. Repeat all the way around the pant hem. Repeat for BOTH LEGS.
12. Fold pant hem up one more time to FOLD LINE #2. Iron in place. (Optional: Pin in place with straight pins, if needed)
13.  Taking your SEWING NEEDLE and THREAD, tack down the cuff at the side seam and inseam of both cuffs/pant legs.
14. Try on your new cut-off shorts!
 
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