Jay Miranda

Good Taste, Mom Life, Homeschooling

Holiday: Princess Skirt and Luxe Knits

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plus size fashion: holiday outfit

plus size fashion: holiday outfit

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Feature sponsored by cushie b, all styling and opinions my own.

I put together some special holiday party looks for you, each different and each one fun. Now, what’s better than tulle skirt, luxe knits, and glittery accessories? This has to be my favorite way I’ve ever styled a tulle skirt. I got this beautiful lace and merino wool sweater from cushie b, maker of fine knits. It’s hard to find luxurious fabrics in plus-size but I’m so happy they exist because this sweater is exactly my style: refined, but relaxed. Between ribbed sleeves, wrap-around lace, and this gorgeous jewel hue, I think it’s perfect for holiday. I wanted to highlight the versatility of a great sweater, so I tucked it into a tulle skirt and pooled some of the fabric around the waist. The slightly slouchy look of the top with the voluminous bottom came out better than I envisioned. I wanted to bring out the subtle shimmer of the top so I added sparkly accents. I went with silver glitter pumps and a deep blue crystal box clutch.

When I walked out wearing this, my 2-year-old daughter ran up to me yelling, “Princess!” Growing up a chubby, brown-haired girl, none of the princesses looked like me. They still don’t. So in that moment, my heart melted and I could have gone outside to sing with the birds, kiss a prince, or lose a glass slipper. Instead, I just hugged her. That she would look and me and see some kind of magic makes me want to wear dreamy holiday outfits every day! So to the chubby, brown-haired girls out there: you’re a princess too. Here’s to wishing upon a star, magic spells, kindness, and stellar footwear.

Sweater: cushie b, Skirt: Ouma Etsy, Pumps: Flounce via Nordstrom, Bag: ALDO

Home for the Holidays

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plus size cardigan

With the holidays around the corner, I’m sharing the first in a series of holiday inspired outfits. This cozy cardigan look is perfect for casual family gatherings, shopping around town, or grabbing a peppermint mocha with your sweetheart. Printed cardigans take the guesswork out of outfit planning, which makes them a fall/winter essential. I found this beautiful grey and white one from bar III at Macy’s and it works with jeans, leggings, and joggers.

plus size sweater: cardigan

mercado global tote

I wore this outfit with my woven tote from Mercado Global. They don’t only make gorgeous, exquisitely handcrafted bags, this brand has heart. Mercado Global employs rural indigenous women artisans in Guatemala and helps strengthen local communities through education and empowerment. I feel connected to their mission because my mom’s family is from Guatemala and both the country and its people are beautiful. Weaving is part of the culture and history, which makes these bags timeless. If you’re in the market for a unique and beautiful gift—for yourself or someone you love—you have to check out their fall collection.

plu size jeans and cardigan

bar III cardigan, Torrid jeans + top,  Mercado Global Tote, & Stuart Weitzman boots

This cardigan isn’t plus-size, but it’s definitely plus-size friendly and runs through size XXL. I’m wearing it in a size XL and it has a generous sweep. I’m obsessed with mine and this label makes so many cute ones! I’m sharing my favorites below. Click on any image for direct links!

 

House of DVF

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House of DVF - Season 1
Sponsored Feature In Collaboration with E! House of DVF and Refinery29

Last month I learned that Diane von Furstenberg had written a book, so I got my hands on a fresh copy and I’ve been reading it ever since. It’s called “The Woman I Wanted to Be.”  When you think of the idea of an education, you might think of a classroom, but the older (and wiser) I get the more I understand that great people have incredible lessons to impart. Every woman is the sum of her influences.

jaymiranda_book_DVF

In her book, von Furstenberg talks family, love, beauty, and the business of fashion, and the broader of idea of becoming the woman you want to be, which is a message that you know resonates with me if you read last week’s post. She has an incredible story (the daughter of an Auschwitz survivor; fashion tycoon; mother; cancer survivor), and shares her wisdom. That’s one reason I was BEYOND excited to get a peek into her new show, “House of DVF” and be able to share my thoughts with you!

House of DVF - Season 1

These eight women are vying for the position of global brand ambassador at DVF, each handpicked by Diane. In addition to looking for lessons I can apply to my own work, I’m also watching for everything else this show is going to be. It’s set in the dreamy DVF offices in Manhattan and every woman there is unabashedly ambitious—which I think is fantastic, but also lends itself to entertaining moments.

I read Diane didn’t want a drama-filled show, so there should be a good balance and it doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. The women receive various challenges ranging from setting up a PR lunch to working at the DVF Spring 2015 show during Fashion Week. I’m interested in hearing Diane’s comments throughout the season, all while taking mental notes for my own purposes. Can you tell I’m excited? I’m in the mood for a printed power dress right about now.

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House of DVF premieres this Sunday, Nov. 2nd at 10/9c on E! 

You can tune-in tomorrow and hang out with me while I tweet during the premiere. Find me on Twitter @jaymiranda_ and the show @HouseofDVF or catch the fun across social media by following the tag #HouseofDVF.

Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be

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Love it? Click on items for links.

First? Let me introduce clickable editorials. If you love a product, just click on it if you want the link. I’m obsessed with this red, gray, and pink combo – which is available up to size 18/20.

Second, I felt like writing the following because it turns out I’m having the best month ever after having had an especially tough and emotional September. There is light after the darkness.

Oscar de la Renta said that the great thing about fashion is that it always looks forward. I personally think it’s a great time to be a plus-size woman. I’d say it’s better than any other time but I think we might have had more fun during the Renaissance. However, the current plus size fashion industry is ripe and I think everyone who is dedicated to it right now will see their investment multiply over time. There are so many spaces yet to be filled in this niche, it’s incredible. There’s still a need for designers, labels, entrepreneurs, marketing and PR professionals, bloggers, writers, and more.

My goal with this blog has always been to elevate the plus-size woman. We are beautiful too. We deserve beautiful clothing too.

I’ve been so lucky to have found a way into working with fashion brands because I don’t come from a fashion background. I have a strong analytic background that is certainly helpful in dealing with the business side of this work. For those who don’t know, I started blogging in 2009, then stopped for an extended time when I was finishing school and later when I was pregnant and had my daughter. It was hard to think about coming back to fashion blogging because the first several months of motherhood are anything but stylish.

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I think my blog is pretty efficient because I work as much as I want, and I still do fairly well. I work from home and set my own schedule, even if that means working through my toddler’s nap time or in the evenings after my husband gets home or late at night after everyone is sleeping. Just being real! A home office is essential. For work-at-home moms in particular, you have to decide at what point to bring in some help. By far, my favorite thing about working from home is that I’m here for impromptu hugs, reading books to her, and seeing her do something adorable that I might otherwise miss. I do aim for balance between work and life, like all people.

My experience is an excellent example that you can grow into the creative professional you want to be. I remember how I felt when I got my first big corporate client and the first time I made $1000 from a brand content assignment (which is used by the brand, not my blog) and I just marveled at the fact that I had sold words?! I love clothes, I love fashion, but I love THAT more than anything else. I enjoy the weekends with my family but I always look forward to Mondays. How many people can say that? Blogging has led me to wonderful people and opportunities, and for that I’m grateful.

Here’s a tip: Your blog is like your creative resume, so make it great. If you have a blog, please know that the way you present yourself online matters a lot. I’m constantly surprised when I hear about being on a certain brand’s radar. Trust me, they are checking your blog, your stats, and making sure you’re not an idiot on social media. Take heed! The takeaway is that it’s OK to pivot; it’s OK to go in a different direction than the one you might have originally envisioned. Sometimes, that might be the path for your MAJOR success. Don’t get in your own way if the universe is pointing you toward something. You might be becoming who you’re meant to be.

Here are a few resources and recommended reading!

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