What $50 will get you at AJ Wright

Last month I was the lucky winner of a $50 gift card to AJ Wright from a giveaway on the blog Curvatude! YAY!   In case you never heard of AJ Wright, it's a discount retailer that's own by the same company as TJ Maxx & Marshalls.  It's pretty much like a Ross, with everything from clothing, shoes, housewares & everything else you can think of!  They recently opened a brand new AJ Wright close to home, so I had to check it out.  I was feeling generous and shared my gift card with my boo. Watch the video to check out the store and some stuff I tried on.

Video by rx2lab.com

AJ Wright had so many racks of clothes, shoes and bags, I was in bargain heaven.  Like with most other discount retailers, it can be hit or miss.  You just have to be patient and search through racks to find some good stuff.  I ended up buying the black ruffle top ($10) & gray tunic ($10) from the video.  I also got some black shorts ($5) and bought my boo 2 hats all for $40!  So I still have $10 left on my gift card.  I plan on going back to check out the shoe racks, ran out of time on my last visit. If your a bargain fashionista you have to check out AJ Wright in your city or town. 

Has any one else shopped at AJ Wright? What great bargain finds have you found?

Do you have style cravings?

I have style cravings all the time, every time I walk into a store, look at my favorite mags or browse online. Sometimes I wonder wow, is this how it will be when I have a baby? Am I going to crave things I can't have all the time! Well luckily my style cravings at the moment are more attainable and are only a paycheck away. Although its summer time, I still love a little black dress.  LBD's are always classic and can be worn all year long. I have my fair share of LBD's in my closet, but these new styles are calling my name. I think its time to update my LBD's with these fabulous styles.  In my mind I already have the perfect occasion and event to wear each and every one of the LBD's shown.  

So what are you current style cravings?

Actually plenty of people have said NO to my face! I am no stranger to rejection! LOL Any how I wanted to a  make-up post, sorta! I don't do too many beauty/make-up post, but on Sunday I really liked my outfit and face! I normally do a quick make-up routine on a daily basis, since I don't have much time in the morning before work. Sometimes on the weekends I take my time and get good results. I am no make-up expert by any means, didn't really start wearing a full face of makeup till about 5-6 yrs ago.  I have a lot to learn when it comes to applying make-up, so no tutorial videos from me! I'll just give you a quick list of products used to achieve this look. 

Make-up used:

• One Base from Cargo - concealer & foundation in one (used as concealer)
• Bare Escentuals mineral face powder in light & mineral veil (at end to set make-up)
• Love & Beauty bronzer from Forever 21
• Cargo blu-ray blush/highlighter
• Bare Escentuals eye shadow in dove and some other bluish/gray shade
• Sephora Collection Triple Action Mascara in black
• Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Flambe
• Clear mascara to shape eyebrows

Outfit

• Striped/Applique top from H&M
• Skinny Jeans from Asos Curve
• Red Bow Sandals Harajuku Lovers

So what do you think? I love to read your comments and suggestions.  If your a make-up pro, please give your honest feedback, what can I do to improve or what I did right.  I hope to do more beauty post in the future, since I to proclaim the blog to be about fashion & beauty! Oh by the way I also got a new camera, so I was being silly & vain taking pics of my self.  I am normally a Canon girl, but heard so much about Nikon so I got my 1st one.  
Enjoy!

Full Figured Fashion Week in the News

Full Figured Fashion Week is over, once again I missed it. Well no sense crying, instead let's celebrate the fact that FFF Week is getting much more recognition and media coverage. I am so looking forward to all the blog post from the lucky bloggers who were able to attend. In the mean time you can take a look at an article in the New York Time, Ms. Gwen Devoe producer of FFF Week talks about plus size women purchasing power, "Hello Fashion Industry Are You Listening" you can read the full article here.

The Huffington Post also has a video up about FFF week, it great to see that more attention is given to plus size woman. We are no longer the silent demographic of woman, thanks to people like Ms. Gwen Devoe who help give us a voice in the fashion industry. Enjoy!

Video from Reuters.

What are you thoughts about Full Figured Fashion Week? Did you attend? Would you want to attend next year? Do you think we should have more FFF weeks through out the year. As always I love to read your comments and feedback.

Thank for you continued support of Cid's Style File, just a few reminders, you can also follow me on twitter and "like"the Facebook fan page.  I have a few ideas to make the Facebook page more fun and interactive, more info coming soon.  Also in case you didn't know I also have a YouTube channel you can subscribe to, if your new to the blog you can go catch up on my videos here. Enjoy!

Get in the LOOP!

First off I want to say 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LAKERS, 2010 NBA CHAMPS!  

Being a LA native, I am a Laker fan all the way! It was a great series and although it wasn't an easy win, the championship is coming home! THANK YOU LAKERS!!

OK now with that out of the way, I wanted to share some info about a new plus size clothing line called LOOP 18. Thanks to ladies who participated at the Lane Bryant Blogger conference for giving us this scoop. I first hear about this new line Loop 18 from Curvy Girl Chic.  Apparently Lane Bryant will have a new "junior" plus size line in their stores.  Loop 18 will debut on July 23 at select Lane Bryant Outlet stores, then in September will come to retail Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug stores as well.  You can "Like" Loop 18 on Facebook and twitter to get more information. I am always excited about new plus size lines, which means we have more options to be stylish. They have a few looks on the Facebook page, below are some of my favorite so far.  I would totally wear it all. Not sure if they will have Loop 18 available online, go "like" the Facebook page to keep up with all the lastest news.  If possible I will go take a drive to one of the Cali LB Outlets stores to get a first look at Loop 18!

So what do you think of Loop 18? Will you buy it? Is it your style? I love to hear your thoughts and feedback so don't be shy and leave me your comments! Thanks!

Weekend Wear

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I had a fabulous 4 day weekend. Luckily I had Friday and Monday off from work.  I had to take advantage and enjoy every minute of it. Did all my errands, did some shopping, watched a art documentary (about street art) & went out of town for some R&R. It was a very busy and productive weekend, with lots of shopping.  I went to  Macy's and scored some great deals. Also went to Camarillo Premium Outlets.  I think it was a bit of shopping overload this weekend, but with so many bargains I couldn't resist.  I may do a haul video or post to share all my great bargain finds from both Macy's and the outlets.

Well I won't bore you with any details, but here are 2 of my outfits I wore this weekend.  It was a strange combo of gloomy, chilly and warm weather which made it hard to dress.  Layers was the key for the weekend, as well as comfy and casual.  So how was everyone's weekend, did any one else do any shopping or anything fun and interesting. 

Denim & Studs Outfit

Shirt: Denim Studded Shirt from Torrid (used my bday $10 off coupon)

Tee: Style & Co long tunic tee from Macy's

Leggings: Style & Co leggings from Macy's

Sandals: Sam Eledman gladiator sandals via Marshalls

Artsy Movie Outfit

Top: Gold Peacock tee from H&M

Jeans: Skinny Jeans from Asos Curve (love them my new fave jeans!)

Jacket: Utility/Army jacket from The Gap

Shoes: Van Eli peep toe flats from Nordstrom Rack

Sunnies: Fendi Sunglasses from Nordstrom Rack

Summer 2010 Wardrobe Capsule Challenge: Day 5

Day 5: Its the 5th & final day! woo hoo!! I did it, and to think I was seriously considering not doing this challenge. It was a bit more challenging than I expected and stressful too (OK maybe exaggerating a bit) Overall it was a great experience. The challenge made me realize 1) I need to mix and match my clothes a lot more. I tend to wear the same combination all the time, 2) proved to my self that I can be more creative with my styling abilities.  If my closet were to blow up and I was only left with a few pieces of clothes (scary thought) I would survive and still manage to look cute! LOL Hope you all enjoyed this challenge as much as I did and maybe next time more people can join in. 

Now for the outfit I wore today. It was my day off so I wanted to be comfy, to drive around town. It was a day filled with running errands, going to the bank, getting my oil changed in the car, lunch with my boo and of course some shopping! I wore the black pants from day 3 & the blouse from day 2, added my red sandals for a pop of color. Nothing to creative to my outfit, but it worked for me. 

Outfit:

• Blouse: INC Polka Dot w/ Ruffles from Macy's (challenge item)
• Seven7 Knit "jeans" from Lane Bryant (challenge item)
• Shoes: Harajuku Lovers bow sandals via Loehmanns.
• Accessories: Silver hoops from LB, Bracelets from Loehmanns, and Baby G shock gift from my boo

Thank you to every one for supporting me during this challenge.  It was a lot of fun, I may have to come up with my own challenge. Be on the look out for a Cid Style File challenge later this summer, hope you join in!  Have a great weekend! :)

Day 1 - 5 Recap of Summer 2010 Wardrobe Capsule Challenge

Summer 2010 Wardrobe Capsule Challenge: Day 4

Day 4: Today is my Friday! I have a nice 4 day weekend. YAY!  Woke up a little extra chipper knowing that I would be off work tomorrow and also managed to get Monday off as well. Technically I'm not taking a day off, since I only work 30 hrs a week I stagger my days.  Today for the challenge I wore the denim dress  from day 2 and paired with my blazer. I also wore  the clogs I got about 2 weeks ago for only $15! I have been finding some serious mega bargain deals lately! Added a new scarf as well from H&M and tried tying it in a new way.  Guess I did a good job with the scarf, because I got stopped by a lady at work. She seriously saw me and said "STOP!" She wanted to know how I tied my scarf, I showed her. When she walked away she thanked me for giving her a new fashion tip! My good deed for the day was done. One more day to go for the challenge and back to raiding my closet of all the other clothes I don't wear...opps!

Outfit

• Dress: Derek Heart Plus Denim Zipper (challenge item also worn on day 2)
• Blazer: One button blazer from Old Navy (challenge item work on day 1)
• Shoes: Liz Claiborne Clogs via Marshalls
• Scarf: Violet Ruffle scarf from H&M (tied in knots)

Summer 2010 Wardrobe Capsule Challenge: Day 3

Day 3: Again we had a rainy LA morning, so weird the weather we are getting lately. I need my sunshine back!!!  Today I was more prepared, wore pants and my dress (day 1) as blouse belted and puffed the sleeve to make it somewhat different. I paired it all with my nude t-strap flats, got them a while back at urban outfitters.  They have been in my closet for 2 months now, first time wearing them. It's my first pair of nude color shoes and was not to confident in my styling abilities. Finally decided, I can wear them with anything, since they are nude (neutral color).  I have seen many mags & other bloggers pair up nude colored shoes with almost everything. So why can't I do it too! Totally love the inspiration I get from other blogs, so many of you have great ideas and are so creative! Ok 3 days down and 2 more to go...its getting tougher, but I love it! See ya tomorrow!!

Outfit:

• Blouse: LB Icon Collection (challenge item, worn day 1)
• Pants: Seven7 Knit "jeans" from Lane Bryant (challenge item)
• Shoes: Kimchi Blue nude t-strap flats from Urban Outfitters
• Jewelry: Necklace from H&M, Earrings from Soluna Boutique (local shop)

Please check out my Kiyonna dress review video as well. My Boo worked really hard making it! =)

Summer 2010 Wardrobe Challenge: Day 2

Day 2: Woke up this morning to a rainy day, and not prepared for the weather. We usually get June gloom in LA, with cloudy over cast skies and some humidity.  Today we got June gloom with rain! My outfit and hair can’t handle it. Oh well! Since I committed to doing this “summer challenge” I didn’t change my outfit.  I work in an office so I won’t be exposed to the weather much in my little cube.  Today’s outfit consists of 2 challenge items, a dress and blouse.  I wore the blouse over my dress to make it look like a skirt and used a belt to give me somewhat of a waist.  This challenge is sure helping me out to mix and match my clothes in different ways.  Although I have lots of clothes, noticed I tend to wear the same combination often.   So far I feel good about doing this challenge 2 days down.  

Outfit

• Dress: Denim Derek Heart Plus (challenge item worn as skirt)
• Blouse: INC Polka Dot Ruffle from Macy’s (challenge item)
• Shoes: Van Eli leopard print peep toe flats from Nordstrom Rack
• Accessories: belt from another dress, earrings and bracelet from cookie lee & ring from H&M

Summer 2010 Wardrobe Capsule Challenge: Day 1

Day 1: Today was easy, it the rest of the week I am worried about. I wore a tunic/dress from Lane Bryant Icon collection. Got it from the website a while back for only $12.99, retail price was $79...yikes. The descriptions said it was a tunic, when I put it on it fit me more like a dress. So I wore it as a dress, a bit of a mini dress, but I went with it. Like I said in my previous post trying to get out of my "fashion safety" zone with this challenge. The print and length of this dress are a total challenge for me, but I love the colors and it's really comfy!

Outfit Details:

• Dress: Floral brush stroke print from Lane Bryant Icon Collection (challenge item)
• Blazer: Black one button from Old Navy(challenge item)
• Shoes: Patent peep toe from Farylrobin via Loehmanns [you have seen these shoes a lot lately =) ]
• Tights: Textured stripe tights from Target

Thanks for everyone's lovely comments on the Kiyonna dress review, if you missed please go take a look here!

Who's up for a challenge!!

This week I have taken on the Summer 2010 Wardrobe Capsule Challenge. First heard about it from Big Beautyful Mess, she is great at doing wardrobe challenges. Originally challenge comes from Jane from The Small Fabric of My Life.  I am pushing my self and going a bit out of my "fashion safety" zone again (see Kiyonna dress review ).  I am stressing out a bit only being able to use 5 items of clothing and remixing them all week long! Phew, selecting the 5 items it self had me worried all weekend long. Thank to BBM for calming me down via all my crazy emails, she gave me good tips and ideas to get through this challenge. This will be my first blog/wardrobe challenge, so please be patient if I lack some creativity.  I'm going to try my best, luckily we can use unlimited shoes and accessories, that will help out a lot!!!  Here is a run down of my 5 items for the challenge.

Not sure if I will be able to post my outfits daily either, but I will post them, promise! I may do 2 days at a time just depending on much time I have. Well wish me luck! If you are interested in seeing the other bloggers post about the Summer 2010 Wardrobe Capsule Challenge, check out BBM she has a post with some of the blogger participating and will posting pictures as well (I think?)

Kiyonna Dress Review

I have known about Kiyonna for a few years, but sadly had not tried any of their clothing. For my review I was able to choose an item from the new arrivals. It was a hard choice, with so many beautiful dresses to choose from. I finally choose the Legacy wrap Dress in the peacock print with teal and blue combination of colors. The wrap dress has long been a favorite style of mine, and decided to go a bit outside my "fashion safety" zone and went with a print instead of black. Once I received the dress, quickly I ripped the box open to find a very nice note from Kiyonna and a gorgeous dress.  Right away I could feel the quality of the dress, and fell in love with the colors and print. The fabric is very soft and the colors are vibrant with out being to loud. Once I put the dress on I knew it was a quality garment. I said to my self, this dress is so worth the $118 price tag. I know many woman have said Kiyonna prices are high, my self included. The saying "you get what you pay for" is so true, you are getting  a quality dress  that is made in the USA.   The Legacy wrap dress is very well made, the construction and fit of dress says it all. The fit is great, I normally wear a size 3x in dresses, but going by Kiyonna size chart I ordered a 2x and it was perfect. The Legacy wrap dress fit great, it hugged my in the right spots and was roomy in others where needed. The dress is also very functional for many events, I can see my self wearing this dress to a cocktail party, a garden wedding., Sunday brunch or even for the office. I also love the fact the I can throw it my luggage and it would be great to travel with. The fabric does not wrinkle and hold up very well. My only complaint is the neckline is a bit low and I had to wear a cami underneath, which was no big deal, but the dress does give you good cleavage! Overall I was very, very pleased with the dress and loved it. I will definitely be going to Kiyonna in the future for my dresses, they are beautiful, fit great and classics that will be investment pieces to any ones wardrobe.

I was inspired me to make a video to show how the dress moves, instead of just plain pictures. I really felt good wearing this Legacy wrap dress and tried channeling Ashley Graham who is the model on the Kiyonna website. She looks gorgeous in all the dresses and I did not do the dress justice like she does, but I felt beautiful either way!

 I was not payed for my review, only provided with the dress courtesy of Kiyonna.

Hello is it me your looking for?

Just a quick hello to everyone and welcome to my new followers! Please don't be shy and leave me your comments.  I love reading your comments and your feedback about my blog. Its been a slow week here at Cid's Style File, but my girl Monique over at Curves and Chaos does this awesome blogger Q & A post. Guess who is featured this week! ME! Go check it out to find out more about moi at Curves & Chaos Blogger Q & A

Have a great weekend! I'll be back soon!