Infinity Scarves

I come from a family of scarf lovers.  Between me, my mom, my sister, we probably have over 100 scarves. (and yet I still keep buying them!)  They are a wonderful fashion accessory since they actually serve a purpose.  In the winter a knit scarf can keep your ears and neck warm, and in the summer you can use a scarf to pull back your hair.  My favorite style of scarf currently is the infinity scarf.

I am currently rocking a taupe infinity scarf with gold yarn knitted throughout. 

They come in many patterns and materials.  I love them because they almost act like a necklace, since they wrap around your neck.  In the winter I wear my knitted one all the time, even when I'm working or at school. 

I recommend trying Target or Nordstroms if you are interest in buying one.

http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=infinity+scarf&category=0|All|matchallpartial|all+categories

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-infinity-scarves?origin=leftnav

And if you ever buy a scarf and you're not sure of how to wear it, check youtube for videos of how to tie scarves!

Workout Clothes

Is it just me, or does anyone else who's plus-sized have a hard time finding cute workout clothes?  Most stores don't carry plus-sizes.  One of the most popular workout apparel stores, Lululemon, only goes up to a size 12.  Isn't it bad enough that I am already overweight, now I have to wear ugly clothes to go workout?   That wasn't okay with me.  I am lucky, I do not have any medical issues that prevent me from losing weight except the fact that I don't always eat healthy, and I don't work out.  Me not eating healthy is an emotional and mental issue I have to work on, but not wanting to exercise is all about motivation, and nothing motivates me more than fashion.  I cannot workout in ugly clothes.  I want to feel cute and stylish even though I am working up a sweat!  Since I had such a hard time finding cute workout clothes in the store, I went online.  My favorite site for workout clothes turned out to be Old Navy.  I love their compression leggings, and they came in sizes XS to XXL in stores and they carry sizes 1X to 4X online. 

They are comfy and cute, and I'm wearing them right now.  Don't be afraid to shop around online, but a few suggestions first.  Try and get free shipping and returns and be sure to Google to see if that store has any coupons available!  Being big doesn't mean you can look good.

Chandelier Boutique (Palatine)

Chandelier Boutique is one of my favorite stores of all time!  It is located in downtown Palatine right by Lamplighters.  I have found so many adorable and affordable pieces of jewelry there.  I also own two black bedazzled sweaters from there that get me multiple compliments every time I wear them. (pictures to come!)

Reasons I love Chandelier Boutique
1.  its close to home
2.  everyone who works there is super nice and helpful
3.  amazing inventory
4.  amazing prices
5.  the girl who owns it has a degree in Fashion Merchadising, and she graduated from the same high school as me
6.  if they don't have what you are looking for, the owner is more than happy to try and find it for you
7.  its a one-of-a-kind store

Its very important to me to support small businesses and independently owned boutiques! 

From earrings to necklaces, Chandelier Boutique has it all.  They are also know for helping coordinate wedding and prom jewelry.  They have beautiful classic pieces and the trendy jewelry as well.  My favorite piece of jewelry from them would have to be the long feathered earrings I got. (once again pictures to come)

To all my fellow fashion lovers who ever pass through Palatine, this is a store worth stopping for!  And please like them on facebook and check out their website!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/ChanBoutique?fref=ts
http://www.chanboutique.com/

Hermes Obsession

My obsession with Hermes began when I saw the episode of Gilmore Girls when Logan gave Rory a pink Hermes Birkin bag.  From then on I was hooked.  It's become a dream of mine to one day own a Birkin Bag.  I even joke to my friends that when a man proposes to me I want him to present me with a Birkin Bag. 

Birkin Bags are the ultimate status symbol for a fashionista.  Many celebrities own them, and some people have even been know to include the Birkin Bag in their wills!  For those who are serious about purchasing a Birkin Bag, I would recommend checking with online resale/consignment shops.  My favorites are E-drop off and Luxury Garage Sale.  They both have ebay stores and are located in Chicago.  Just make sure the Birkin is authentic because faux fur may be fabulous, but knock-off handbags are not!

http://www.shopedropoff.com/

http://luxurygaragesale.com/



Victoria Beckham is said to have around 100 Birkin Bags in different colors and materials!

The Kardashians are also frequently spotted carrying around this coveted purse!

Lady Gaga came under fire for writing on her white Birkin Bag.

Birkin Bags are the ultimate handbags, so for all you fellow fashionistas, start saving your money!

Accessories

Every fashionista knows that fabulous accessories can make an outfit.  And the best part is they can fit all shapes and and sizes!  When chosing accessories for an outfit it is important to consider what kind of look are you going for.  Do you want to go classic with some pearls, or be a rocker chick and rock a studded cuff?  Either way accessories help create the outfit and give the look more visual interest. 
My favorite accessories to wear right now is earrings.  They don't get in my way when I work, and they can help draw attention to your face!

For those on a budget I suggest Charming Charlie for some fun, trendy earrings.  I especially love their sale section.  You can find great deals like "buy one, get one free" or "five for $5."  I once got 10 pieces of jewlery and I spent $11! 

http://www.charmingcharlie.com/cc/

They have locations all over, and they don't just carry jewelry.  They also have handbags, clothes, and even some fun accessories for those younger fashionistas!

Now at the other end of the spectrum is Tiffanys.  My heart skips a beat every time I see that blue box wrapped in a white ribbon!  While many of their pieces are very expensive, they are timeless and classic.  Tiffanys carries what I refer to as "what every girl should own" earring. 

Tiffany Bead Earrings.  They are $125 and a wonderful investment piece.  They are simple yet elegant, and they go with everything.

http://www.tiffany.com/Shopping/Item.aspx?fromGrid=1&sku=GRP03142&mcat=148204&cid=563629&search_params=s+5-p+1-c+563629-r+101287464-x+-n+6-ri+-ni+0-t+

Fashion Loser

Hi, my name is Kathleen, and for all of my life I have always felt like I was a fat girl.  This year I am committed to losing weight and working towards getting my degree in Fashion Merchandising.  Hence the name "Fashion Loser."  I wanted to start this blog to help all fashionistas realize that being fashionable is possible no matter what size you are!