163/ NEON SUMMER

I bought this neon duster years ago and I remember that day vividly. My friends and I were shopping at H&M in Montreal (before H&M came to Ottawa) and I found it on the sales rack. I wasn't going to get it because I thought that I'd never actually wear it. Two of my friends, and the $5 price tag, convinced me that I needed it in my life.

It has since become a staple in my summer wardrobe. I have blogged about this piece a lot (1,2,3) and I love it more and more each year. I've worn it to the beach, on dates, to work, to music festivals and just about everywhere in between.

I originally hesitated to buy it because I have always been told that as a fat person, I should aim to take up as little space as possible. To go unnoticed, to stay out of everyone's way and to blend in. This neon duster is a huge middle finger to all of that nonsense. I deserve to be seen, I deserve to take up space and I deserve to rock the bright pieces that I love.

DUSTER/ H&M TOP/ Forever 21+ PANTS/ Penningtons (similar)
SHOES/ Urban Outfitters BAG CHARM/ Ardene
HANDBAG/ Louis Vuitton Multicolore Pochette (via consignment // similar)

Photos by Laura Kidd

152/ 90's x 90's

This is a 90's inspired outfit to go with my new 90's inspired hair. The fuzzy sweater paired with the dainty floral patterned dress and Dr. Martens boots is a great combination. I've been feeling very uninspired with my wardrobe lately but I can always depend on an all black outfit to make me look fab and feel comfortable.

My new hair is my new favourite thing. I had to get a haircut, I absolutely hated it at the length that it was at. I have a lot of hair, and it's extremely thick, so it can be very difficult to manage. It's a lot easier to style when it's at this length and I couldn't be happier about that. Although it's not the most drastic change, I'm still really thrilled about it.

DRESS&SWEATER&NECKLACE/ H&M LEGGINGS/ ASOS Curve

SHOES/ Dr. Martens LIPSTICK/ Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in 'Mercy'

Photos by Sue Waugh / Edits by me

151/ SUPERSTAR

There are so many different elements to this outfit that I'm absolutely in love with.

Let's talk about the skirt. I adore how it hits just below the knee and the pleats look fantastic when the wind picks up a little. It was a thrifted piece that I'm happy to have found. I wear it constantly and it can be worn with just about anything in my wardrobe. I've dressed it up, I've dressed it down and I keep coming back to it.

The jacket is something that I found on consignment. I've worn it in a ton of different posts. It's fitted and the coated denim, mixed with the moto cut, gives it a rock'n'roll feel. It's perfect to layer on those not so cold but still brisk autumn days. Eileen Fisher is my favourite clothing brand but it is completely out of my budget so I always look for it secondhand.

The backpack and the shoes were recent purchases. I bought them both last week and I've worn them every day since they came into my life. I really don't know what I did, or what I wore, before I got them.

The Adidas Superstar shoes were on my 'to buy' list for years and years and I don't know why I didn't take the plunge before. They are the most comfortable shoes that I currently own and they're incredibly timeless. I know that I will be wearing them until the soles wear out and when that happens I'll definitely run out to the store to pick up a replacement. 

The Matt & Nat backpack is something that I've been coveting for awhile now, too. I'm thrilled that I waited on this, though. I was ready to buy it full price but something in me kept telling me to hold off. It finally came into my life by the way of consignment and I couldn't be more in love with it. It is able to carry all of my belongings without feeling too heavy and it looks and feels chic with every outfit.

JACKET/ Eileen Fisher TOP/ Forever 21+ SKIRT/ Thrifted (no brand) 

SHOES/ Adidas Superstars BAG/ Matt & Nat NECKLACE/ H&M

LIPSTICK/ Too Faced 'Melted Violet'

Photos by Chris MacMartin

150/ AUTUMN EFFECT

Tomorrow is technically the first day of autumn but it really doesn't feel like it. Although the mornings have been relatively chilly here, it's in the high 20's by the time the afternoon rolls around. I'm absolutely sick of it. The autumn season is short here in Ottawa, but it's by far my favourite and I can't wait until it is in full effect.

I wore the look pictured below on the only day chilly enough for me to do so. I bought the army green jacket on my most recent trip to Florida and I can't wait to get more wear out of it. I love how lightweight and easy to wear it is. It's a piece that I can just throw on and go. I don't really have to think about what I'm pairing it with and honestly, that's what I look for the most when buying my outerwear.

JACKET/ Ava & Viv (Target) JEANS/ Jessica Simpsons SHOES/ Cute to the Core

SCARF/ Thrifted WATCH/ Seiko HANDBAG/ Longchamp

Photos by Sue Waugh

148/ LIVE FOR LAYERING

I live for layering and I'm thrilled that I finally get to (slowly) transition into my autumn wardrobe.

I picked up this light pink double breasted blazer a little while ago and I've been itching to wear it. It's the perfect piece to dress up or down. I decided to go a bit more casual with this look so I paired it with my Alexander McQueen skull scarf, basic black skinny jeans and my trusty Dr. Marten boots.

This look is so me and it gives me an extra boost of confidence. I walk tall when I wear my Dr. Martens and I feel luxurious when I wear my skull scarf. What more could you want in an outfit? I look forward to wearing these pieces a lot in the upcoming months.

BLAZER/ Penningtons TOP/ H&M+ JEANS/ Forever 21+ 

BOOTS/ Dr. Martens SCARF/ Alexander McQueen HANDBAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim

Photos by Sue Waugh

147/ WHY I BLOG

I started this blog four years ago. A lot has happened within those four years; my personal style has evolved a tremendous amount and this blog has given me a great deal of opportunities. 

Blogging might not make sense to some people. It doesn't make sense to me some days. A lot of people see blogs as a narcissistic endeavor but truth be told it takes a lot of courage to start one and it takes a ton of effort to go out and take pictures. Most days I can't find the energy to do so, but I try my hardest.

The reason I started this blog was because I was falling out of love with my two main passions. I defined myself as both a writer and a photographer my interest was slipping away. I started this blog as a way to seamlessly (clothing pun #hadto) combine those worlds all while intertwining them with my love of fashion. 

Sometimes I really feel like I'm throwing all of this content into a void. The internet is a huge place and it's easy to get lost. I often feel like I'm a huge inconvenience to friends and family when I ask them to take my pictures or even to read my posts. It can be frustrating and difficult at times, but I keep going. A lot of people ask me why I do it and truth be told, I started it for myself but it has become a lot more than that.

The highlight of my week/day/month/year is when people come to me (either online or in person) and tell me that they read my blog. I've been thanked by people and I've been told that I've inspired people to wear pieces that they'd otherwise be afraid of. This brings me a lot of joy. Not because I need validation from others (although that is always nice) but because I'm been that person before. Honestly, I still am that person a great deal of the time.

Representation is so important - I really can't stress that enough. Plus size fashion blogs have helped me in a way that I can't even begin to explain and I'm so happy that they exist. It's amazing seeing people you look up to, who look similar to you, doing things that you want to do. There's nothing in the world quite like that feeling and if I can help even one person think "I can do it, I deserve to be seen and heard" then this is all worthwhile.

TOP/ Forever 21+ BLAZER/ Junarose PANTS/ Penningtons

HANDBAG/ Milly BAG CHARM/ Ardenes NECKLACE/ H&M

SHOES/ Birkenstocks LIPSTICK/ Fuchsia by Joe Fresh (liquid)

Photos by Sue Waugh (shout out to the pink fluff on my shoulder)

146/ BACK TO BASICS

I have a weird relationship with basics. On one hand I see their role in fashion and I understand their purpose. On the other hand they confuse and even frighten me. How am I supposed to feel like myself when I look like everybody else? That's what goes through my mind when I put on something simple like a white top paired with blue jeans.

I do, however, try my best to make every ensemble my own by mixing in a handful of interesting features or textures. The raw hem on the jeans pictured below is my favourite trend in denim right now. I absolutely love how effortless and carefree it is. The blouse that I'm wearing is about two sizes too big and I love the oversized silhouette against the tight skinny legs. Of course it wouldn't be one of my looks without dashes of pink here and there so I went for a (subtle) pink lip, a fuzzy bag charm and hot pink nails. I really feel as though I've made this classic look my own.

And isn't that what personal style is all about? Taking something that has been done a million times and making it your own? I feel like I've come a long way through my personal style evolution revolution. I'm proud to say that this is the happiest I've ever been with my wardrobe and because of that I feel extremely comfortable and confident. It is such a great feeling. It is extremely difficult to find your own personal style, especially when you're plus sized, but that's a different post for a different time.

TOP/ Penningtons JEANS/ Old Navy SHOES/ Birkenstock

HANDBAG/ Longchamp via consignment BAG CHARM/ Ardene

Photos by Sue Waugh

144/ LITTLE DAISY DRESS

It was love at first sight when I spotted this daisy patterned dress at my local H&M. I love how soft and flowy the fabric is and it even has pockets. It has the perfect amount of print for me and I feel as though I can comfortably dress it up or down. I'm now finding it impossible to imagine my life without this dress.

I paired the little daisy dress with my usual (summertime) uniform of a denim vest and outrageous bag charm. I love layering, even when it's one million degrees outside, and a denim vest is the best way to do so when it's just too hot for anything else. This outfit is perfect to just throw on and run out the door while still looking put together.

This outfit is a bit of a nod to the nineties as well. I was born in '91 so I wasn't really able to appreciate the unique fashion at the time, but now that I'm older I really recognize the beauty of it all. The flatform trend from the nineties was my all time favourite; the Spice Girls' iconic Buffalo boots were always high on my wishlist but my balance isn't suited for something quite that high. I have to stick to more modest options like my double soled TEVA sandals instead. I'm not mad about that, though. These sandals are probably the most comfortable footwear option in my wardrobe right now.

VEST/ Old Navy DRESS&HANDBAG/ H&M

BAG CHARM/ Ardene SHOES/ TEVA

Photos by Sue Waugh

143/ NO COMPROMISES

I'm not going to address my absence from this blog this time around other to say this; life is hectic. Life doesn't stop for anyone. Just when you think things couldn't possibly get worse, life finds away to bring you down lower. These past two months have been extremely difficult for me. But there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Things are getting better and my life is starting to come back together piece by piece. I've learned so much within these past couple of months. Some things (a lot of things) happened that I didn't want to face. I wanted to hide, and a lot of the time I did just that. People will tell you to face your problems head on and to never give up, but sometimes you just need a break. Sometimes you need a few hours (or days, or weeks, or months) to just gather your thoughts and come up with a comeback plan. And I've done just that.

Step one? Devote more time to my blog.

I really do love this thing, even though I keep neglecting it. I can't promise that this time will be different because unfortunately life does happen, but I'm trying my best.

Step two? Look killer. At all times. No compromises.

Everybody is different but I find that I'm happier when I'm dressed up. Clothes and makeup affect my mood more than I'd like to admit. My own personal movement right now is dressing up as a form of self care. There have been days where I haven't had the energy to keep this trend up, but once again, I'm trying my best.

I love the outfit posted below. The colours and fit of the skirt make me so happy. Whenever I wear it my attitude is instantly lifted. I receive so many compliments when I wear it, which is never a bad thing, and it is a great piece to wear on those days where it's just way too hot. The Kate Spade bag pictured below also gives me a lot of joy. I received it as a (very thoughtful) gift and I love how eye-catching the colour is; it flows beautifully with the skirt as well. The Topshop heels are a new purchase, and although I'm not able to wear them out and about yet due to my ankle injuries, I've been strutting around at home in them. I can't wait for the day that I'm able to show them off in public.

My personal style is never constant. One day I'll be head to toe black in a very minimalist and chic ensemble, the next I'll be rocking the hell out of a neon skirt like the one pictured below. Fashion, to me anyway, is best when it is unexpected and when it breaks all of the rules. My pledge to myself is to keep the content rolling on this blog and to further document my adventures in fashion. I hope that you all continue on this journey with me. See you all in a couple of days with a new post!

TOP/ H&M+ SKIRT/ Belle + Sky (via JCPenney) SHOES/ Topshop (via consignment)

HANDBAG/ Kate Spade (gift) NECKLACE/ H&M

142/ WISH YOU WERE HERE

I'm writing out this post on a balcony in central Florida. 

Laura, Lisa and I have been planning this getaway for what seems like forever now and I'm thrilled that we finally made it. We're here for two weeks and I'm sorry if you follow any of us on social media because we're going to be extremely annoying. There was a point where it really seemed like this trip wasn't going to happen, but we're here. I still can't believe that we're here. 

We want to make every second count.

My mobility is nowhere near 100% - I had an accident where I severely sprained both of my ankles about two weeks ago - but my worries are floating away. I'm unable to do a lot of the activities that I had originally planned on doing, and that does break my heart a little, but being constantly surrounded by palm trees helps to lift my spirits.

My summer wardrobe is out in full force here. I've been rocking crop tops, cropped pants, dresses and even a bikini. I'm infamous for staying indoors all. the. time. but I've been loving spending time in the pool and hot tub. I'm even sporting a bit of a sun tan! 

I'm excited to see what the rest of our trip has in store for us. I'll keep you all posted over on my social media (I'm pretty much @rosiexwaugh everywhere) and be sure to keep your eyes out for some more vacation outfits over here on the blog!! #shamelesselfpromotion

TOP/ Forever 21+ PANTS/ H&M+ HANDBAG/ Milly

 Photos by Laura Kidd

141/ NO COMPLAINTS

This blog post is super delayed. These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago when I visited Toronto with my best friends, Laura and Lisa.

I'm not even really sure what to say about that trip. Laura was off doing white tantric yoga the day that these photos were taken and Lisa and I had the day to explore the city. Our friend that we were staying with, Jessie, had to work to the better part of the day so he gave us instructions on where to go and how to get there. Lisa and I thought we were going to have a relaxing day in the city, but things never really go as planned.

It didn't really end up being that dramatic. Just frustrating. Basically the subway was down between a few stops (obviously where we needed it) and the shuttle buses that the TTC supplied were what I picture hell to be like. We ended up spending a big chunk of the day walking. I'm thankful that I was smart enough to wear a pair of shorts under my skirt to prevent chaffing, and although my shoes were comfortable, I did end up with a few blisters.

But whatever, that's life. Things never go as planned but I think we made the best out of our situation. If our biggest complaint that day was the amount of walking that we had to do, I see that as a victory. Last time I went to Toronto I came home with a concussion that messed up my life for a few months, this time I came home with a few blisters. No complaints.

TOP/ Forever 21+ SKIRT/ Thrifted (no brand) BAG/ Milly

SHOES/ Converse

Photos by Lisa Kidd

137/ GREY DAYS

Grey skies are going to clear up, put on a happy face.

My life lately has been a series of grey days, with some sunshine thrown into the mix. I mean that both literally and figuratively. I won't go too much into detail so you're more than welcome to take that statement however you'd like.

This will come as no surprise but the one thing that I can always go back to make me happy is fashion. Shopping in particular has the ability to bring about a sort of euphoric feeling in me. I always feel ridiculous and superficial when I say that, but everyone has their vices. Sales in particular are my guilty pleasure; if I've said it once, I've said it a million times - there's nothing I love more than finding a great deal.

Patience is a virtue, though. I've been eyeing this coat for what seems like centuries now and I've checked up on it in store more than I'd care to admit. The original price tag was a hefty $120 and although I have a great love for this piece, I wasn't about to drop that kind of money at a store like H&M. #sorrynotsorry

So I waited it out. For months. You know what they say, the first markdown is the hardest. I almost pounced on it at that moment but I'm glad I held out. It ended up coming home with me after a grueling couple of months but I only paid $35 for it. It was well worth the wait.

This grey coat is definitely my favourite piece in my closet right now. I love the way it fits and I adore the way it makes me feel when I wear it. I feel as though I can take over the world as long as its on my back. Kind of like a Superman cape of sorts.

COAT/ H&M+ SCARF/ Forever 21 JEANS/ Forever 21+ 

BOOTIES/ Ann Marino BAG/ Madewell et Sezane (via consignment)
WATCH/ Seiko

Photos by Laura Kidd

135/ RUNWAY FOR HOPE

This blog post is a bit delayed, even for me. I'd like to offer so sort of reasoning but the truth is life just gets in the way sometimes. I'm trying to be better.

About a week and a half ago I had the honour of attending Runway For Hope. I love me a good fashion show but this one was extra special because my best friend, Laura of The Fashion Kidd, was walking in it! Her sister, Lisa, and I were so proud to see her making her runway debut.

For my outfit of the night I decided to go with a dark red tutu that I had picked up in Florida this past January paired with a slogan tee from Stay Home Club. I love the contrast between the traditionally feminine tutu skirt and the self-deprecating graphic tee.

TOP/ Stay Home Club SKIRT/ Freckles SHOES/ Cute to the Core 

CLUTCH/ Secondhand NECKLACE/ H&M WATCH/ Seiko

Outfit photo by Lisa Kidd

131/ GREEN CHRISTMAS

This is a look that I've been wearing a lot lately. It has been unseasonably warm where I live; although it is a bit off putting (and a bit frightening... cough global warming) I have been taking advantage of the mild temperatures because I know in my heart that winter is coming.

Believe it or not, these pictures were taken on Christmas Day, the first green Christmas I have ever experienced. This holiday season was a bit strange for me in a bunch of different ways but all-in-all it has been great. I'm truly #blessed for everyone and everything in my life.

My brother, who lives out west, came home for a few days so we went on a handful of adventures together. Pretty much everything in Ottawa is closed on Christmas Day so we just grabbed brunch at one of the only diners open downtown and he took a few pictures of some Ottawa landmarks to remind him of home.

It was warm enough to head outside in a light jacket so I threw on my coated denim moto jacket from Eileen Fisher. I almost passed on this piece when I first saw it in store but I'm glad that I finally decided to buy it. Eileen Fisher is one of my all time favourite brands but the price point is out of reach for me at this stage in my life, so I try to lookout for the brand in different consignment shops around the city. This jacket feels so luxe when I wear it and it instantly makes me feel like a rockstar - two things that I definitely look for in a piece of clothing.

There was still a bit of a chill in the air so I threw on a blanket scarf. It has been extremely rare to see me without a blanket scarf lately, and although I've built up a bit of a collection for myself recently, the one pictured below is my absolute favourite. I bought it on a whim from H&M and I haven't been able to take it off since.

If you know me, you know how lazy I am when it comes to dressing. For the rest of the outfit I threw on a shapeless high-low dress that I found on the clearance rack of H&M for $10 and the ASOS Curve shiny leggings that I wear just about every day.

I could write an entire blog post on the boots that I'm wearing - I was eyeing the black ones in this style at H&M for ages but I couldn't justify the $60 price point. They eventually went down to $25 - but they only had my size in the burgundy. I bought them, I haven't taken them off since, and the rest is history.

JACKET/ Eileen Fisher DRESS/ H&M+ LEGGINGS/ ASOS Curve

SCARF/ H&M BAG/ Madewell et Sezane BOOTS/ H&M WATCH/ Michael Kors

Photos by Derek Waugh

124/ COFFEE SHOP MEET UP

I just want to start off by saying THANK YOU to Equator Coffee for hosting a successful #BlogOtt event and to Katrina from Oui C'est Chic for bringing us all together.

A week and a bit has passed since the September #BlogOtt meet up but it is still fresh on my mind. It was so great to finally meet local bloggers face to face that I've been following on various social media platforms. It was amazing getting to know other people who are passionate about similar avenues and to be able to discuss topics such as fashion, beauty, photography and social media tips/tricks with like-minded peers.

I was excited to learn more about coffee and its industry as well. If you know me you know that I'm an absolute fiend for coffee (#caffiend) and that I can't go more than a couple of hours without a cup. The event was held just a couple of blocks away from where I work so I was ecstatic to learn of a new coffee shop in the neighbourhood. Equator Coffee is definitely somewhere I will frequent while I'm on my breaks; the fair trade coffee was delicious, the atmosphere is definitely welcoming and they have a great selection of food as well.

I haven't been feeling very well lately so I opted to wear something comfy, casual and carefree. I wore my favourite Eileen Fisher coated denim jacket and I paired it with a basic black dress from Forever 21+, my usual leggings from ASOS Curve and I added a little bit of interest to the outfit with a lipstick patterned scarf from Kate Spade. Yes, the scarf matches my tattoo. Yes, I kind of love that it does.

PS: Don't forget to like my blog's new Facebook page! Follow along for my (mis)adventures in plus size fashion, informal rants, beauty tips and more.

JACKET/ Eileen Fisher DRESS/ Forever 21+ LEGGINGS/ ASOS Curve 

SCARF/ Kate Spade New York WATCH/ Michael Kors
HANDBAG/ 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli (medium size) SHOES/ Nike
SUNGLASSES/ Karen Walker

Outfit photo by Laura Kidd