In Neutral

Killa colour combos is the long and short of it’s game when it comes to today’s installment of The Long and Short of Style! Looking FIERCE at any size is the name of the game and Gail and Leslie are working their magic with sensational shades of beige and hues of rich reds!

Gail

As I mentioned in the Purple Rain post I typically veer toward more traditional colours for suits so I was immediately drawn to this beige belted suite from ASOS Curve.

The blazer is longer and hits me just past my butt. The pants were a wider leg but I had them altered to be more straight legged and hits me at my ankle. I got the pants in a size 22 and I could have gone down a size as I found the cut of the pants to be quite generous.

I wanted to jazz things up a bit by adding a different belt and leopard print pumps. I also added this vibrant red wool coat to an extra kick.

Blazer // Pants // Belt // Coat (old )// Pumps: Old Navy (old similar here )

For my tall girls here is a beige suit options for you: Blazer // Pants

Leslie

THIS COAT IS LIFE!!! Those were my exact thoughts when I first scoped it out on the TopShop UK web site. So, can I just talk to the folks at TopShop for a moment. Can you please bring more of your boutique and collections like the ones that this gorgeous coat were  a part of? Please, pretty please?

Ok, back on brief. After stalking this coat for what felt like months (my size was originally out of stock online), I finally managed to nab it (insert happy dance!!!).  I think this piece is one of the most ostentatious pieces I have in my wardrobe. And since it’s such an eye-catcher, I decided it would be the perfect piece to pair with my beige look. I know I’m often rocking prints, but if I can’t rock a print, I love incorporating different textures in one look. I feels so luxurious!!

Once I had the foil for my look in the form of this coat, this skirt came next. I love the split up the front that allows me to show a little extra leg!! That said, I’m not a big fan of the fact that you can see the lining that is bright white. I wish, when creating this skirt, they made the lining a camel colour as well. But I still love it anyway!!!lol  Next came this top which is a super simple, super cheap top from Zara that I just tied in front.

This look is the perfect definition of high-low in terms of cost. The skirt was on sale (YAY), the top was under $20 (YAY-YAY), and the statement coat was the expensive piece at just over $100 and don’t regret spending one penny!!!Watch out world, here we come!.

Coat: ASOS // Top: Zara sold out (similar here ) // Skirt: ASOS // Shoes: Office UK old (similar here )

Plus size sisters here are options for you – Coat // Skirt // Top

And that’s the long and short of it,

Gail & Leslie

Photography credit: Roseline Bonheur

Blazer Switch Up Part 1

There’s nothing like having a piece in your wardrobe that you can wear over and over again in multiple ways and a sexy blazer is the perfect item to do just that! Check out part 1 of our “Blazer 2 Ways” series to get the 411 on how to get the most out of your blazers!

Leslie’s Blazer Glory

Blazer: River Island (old, similar here, here) // Jeans: Zara (old, similar here) // T-shirt: Stolen from Africa // Shoes: Zara (old, similar here)

Hey plus size babes, I did not forget you!: See Gail’s look for details //

Versatility in our clothing is something we’re always looking for, so it’s no surprise that we are all about rocking our blazers is many ways as possible. Confession y’all, blazers are my standard work uniform. I’m not a morning person, so having an easy work wardrobe is crucial. I have blazers in a bunch of colours and prints that I’ve collected over the years and I wear a different one each day with some kind of dress, skirt or trouser and BOOM, I’m ready.  

This look is one you would see me in on a regular basis. Super simple, easy to put together and cute! Rocking the blazer with a great tee and adding baggy jeans, the fishnet stockings and heels elevate the look to something a little more on the dressy side. Alternatively, remove the stockings and switch out the heels for some cool white sneakers and you’re good to go!

These jeans are my go to pair right now. I love the look and the rips have been worn to perfection! I wear them ALL the time and they go with just about everything! I even like the cropped length as it means I don’t have to worry to much about the length. Though I did go up a size to get a little extra in the hem. I love Zara, but they don’t seem to give me much length in their jeans for some reason. My second fave pair of jeans that are similar to this are from Long Tall Sally. They are very similar with more length of course, but they are bit big as their starting size was 2 sizes too big for me. That said, I got’em anyway (I can’t turn down a good jean!).

With the weather beginning to change, having a blazer gives you that extra layer against the cooler nights and makes you look pulled together without even really trying! Effortless style baby! I’m definitely here for that!

Gail’s Blazer Mashup

Blazer: ASOS Curve // Jeans: Addition – Elle (old) similar here // Shoes: Zara (old) similar here

There’s no doubt that a great fitting blazer is an absolute wardrobe workhorse. Blazers work with just about any look you’re trying to put together. We know it’s perfect for corporate office environments and looks especially chic with an evening out look.

So, the name of the game when it comes to blazers is versatility! Some of y’all may have seen me rock this blazer as part of a full suit earlier this year (In Neutral) and now I’m pairing it with distressed denim jeans. These skinny jeans from Addition- Elle are one of the comfiest jeans I own and I got them in a size 24. Not only is the denim super soft but the cut is next level!

This look is perfect for a day out with friends, just shopping or makes for a great casual office wear look…just swap out the distressed jeans for ones that do not have rips at the knees.

To jazz up my look even further, I added fishnet stockings for that extra je ne c’est quot because….why not! LOL

And that my friends is the long and short of it!

Photography credit: Roseline Bonheur

Trench Coat Remix

You know we love a remix and this trench coat is the perfect piece for creating looks on looks on looks! Ideal for all seasons, this sleeveless trench is a piece that keeps on giving! Check out how we worked it for plus and straight sizes!

Leslie‘S Trench Coat Vibe

Trench Coat: H&M (sold out online, similar here) // Denim jacket: Zara (XS – XXL) // Tutu skirt: ChicWish // White Blouse: Zara // White Pants: Kyna Collection (old/similar here) // 

For my beautiful plus size queens, check out Gail’s links to get the look!

I’ve said it before and I just have to say it again; I love a piece with VERSATILITY! This trench coat is one of my new fave wardrobe additions!

Worn alone with a fun belt, or with a myriad of combinations as we’ve done here, it’s a classic enough piece to stand the test of time  (and fashion trends) and neutral enough for you to pop it with colour, print and texture galore! 

But, you don’t have to take my word for it. Scroll down to see how we rocked the hell outta this H&M trench! 


Gail’s Trench Coat Reimagined

Versatility is always the name of the game for me when it comes to the pieces of clothing I purchase. So, when Leslie and I spotted this H&M trench coat dress we knew we had to have it and were eager to create all kinds of looks with it!

First up, the trench coat with this cute cropped denim jacket. Layering is always a great way to add a little extra somethin somethin to a look. I completed the look with fun snake print slingbacks.

Trench Coat: H&M // Denim Jacket: Zara similar items that are more plus size friendly are here // Slingbacks: ASOS

Next we have this trench coat – tutu combination that I’m loving. I simply slipped this tutu skirt over the trench and added a large buckle belt and voila…a whole new look!

Trench Coat: H&M // Tutu Skirt: eShakti (old) similar here // Belt: Eloquii (old) similar here //Pumps: Ally Shoes

And for my final trench coat remix I’ve paired it with an off the shoulder white corset style shirt that have fun balloon style sleeves, white pants and fun leopard print shoes!!!

Shirt: Pretty Little Thing // Pants: Lauren Ralph Lauren (old) similar here // Pumps: Ally Shoes

And that’s the long & short of it!

Gail & Leslie xoxo

Photo credit: Roseline Bonheur

Steppin Out in Poppy Barley

“We exist to re-think every step of the fashion industry to make it better – for our planet, for our people, and for our future”. This is the modis operandi for Poppy Barley (PB); a footwear and small leather goods company that offers great design, quality craftsmanship and is all about sustainability.

Founded, owned and women led PB offers goods for both women and men. With women’s sizes from 5 – 12 in narrow and wide widths as well as customization they are trying to make the shoe game accessible! Check out our must have pieces!

Leslie’s PB Loves!

Loafers: Poppy Barley // Tote Bag: Poppy Barley // Blazer: Zara (old, similar here) // Blouse: Zara (old, similar here) // Jeans: Zara (old, similar here) // 

For my plus size babes: Blazer // Blouse // Jeans //

I LOVE my heels don’t get me wrong, but I have found a new love, and that is fabulous flats! Oh, and let us not forget the most important part – comfortable, fab flats! 

My tootsies no longer have patience for a shoe that pinches or squeezes. That’s why these Poppy Barley loafers are now one of my absolute faves! Just because a shoe is flat does NOT mean that they are comfortable. And sometimes, when a shoe is comfy, they are NOT cute! LOL Poppy Barley has meshed the comfort with the cute in these beautiful loafers and I cannot help but to sing their praises!

 So, you know how sometimes you put on a pair of flats and the leather is super stiff and it can rub or feel like it’s poking into your big toe? Or they don’t move with you when you walk, like you have a piece of stiff wood attached to your feet? I’m a self-professed shoe junkie and I have tried on A LOT of shoes and I have suffered in my fair share. So you can believe me when I say that these loafers are ridiculously comfortable. I feel like I’m wearing slippers. 

They have a ridiculous amount of flexibility in the sole allowing them to bend with my foot as I walk, and they do not rub any part of my foot. I’m typically a size US 9, and the PB size 9 fit perfectly. They don’t slip off at the back when I walk as some flats tend to do. No need for me to add any insoles or other tools to keep them from slipping off as I walk – whoop-whoop!

I am also about a great print, even in my shoes. I LOVE a cheetah print or leopard print. They go with just about everything! These shoes are a calf hair type of texture and look and feel amazing! But, we cannot just talk about the shoes folks because PB have some amazing bags that had me struggling to pick just one!

Something else you should know about me; I like big bags. I can fit all my necessities! Makes me feel like MacGyver (i.e. ready to take on any situation LOL). The Co-Worker Tote is just that: the ultimate companion to ensure you have all you need for success! This is the bag that would be my personal item on any trip, and would work amazingly well for any commute requiring that laptop and work paraphernalia. 

I love that I can carry the tote using either the shorter or longer strap and that it has multiple compartments which is essential for me! What can I say, I like to carry a lot of stuff!LOL  And the colour is EVERYTHING! This delicious shade of brown is elegant and neutral enough to still go with everything without being the traditional “go with everything” colour – black.  

To sum things up, if you’re looking for a new flat that you can rock on a daily instead off those sneakers, these loafers are it! And, if you’re looking for a cute carry-all type of bag that combines elegance and utility, you need look no further than the Co-Worker Tote!

Gail – High Steppin

I have been jonesing for some black booties like these from Poppy Barley so I am thoroughly STOKED!

Booties: Extra Mile Booties by Poppy Barley // Backpack: Poppy Barley // Faux Fur Coat: The Shopping Channel (old) similar here // Bodysuit Turtleneck: Fashion Nova // Faux Leather Shorts: JustFab (old) similar here

For my straight size sistas here are the options for you: Coat // Faux Leather Shorts // Turtleneck

These booties from Poppy Barley are called the Extra Mile and they definitely live up to that name. They are super comfortable. Like Leslie’s loafers, these booties come in narrow, medium and wide widths – so there is something for everyone. These booties also marry comfort and style and you know Leslie and I are about the STYLE!!!

The boot features a memory foam insole and thick block heel so the Extra Mile Boot is marries comfort and style beautifully. So, of course I had to boss out with this faux leather shorts look and the boots! Now, some of you might be thinking, “Shorts, in Winter? Oh hell no!”, and I see your point. But, shorts in winter with thick tights and a cute turtleneck you’re good to go.

So, not only does Poppy Barley make incredibly stylish shoes and boots, they also make fabulous leather good accessories like this backpack.

This particular backpack is convertible as well. You can wear it as a traditional backpack or over your shoulder like a tote. The backpack is a mixture of leather and nubuck and features all kinds of pockets for storing things away perfectly.

And that’s the long & short of it!

Gail & Leslie xoxo

Photo credit: Roseline Bonheur

While these items were gifted, the opinions expressed are our own. 

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