PLUS SIZE COSPLAY: LUNA LOVEGOOD

Welcome to my first foray into the world of cosplay! It has been something I've been infatuated with for years but have always watched from the sidelines; never daring to try to represent characters because it seemed to me that the ultimate cosplay success would lie in crafting both the perfect outfit and having "the perfect body" (read: a thin body to match the most popular character's physique). 

But Disneybounding ignited some sort of fire inside of me and I decided that I was ready to do more than just watch.

With this fire (okay fine, obsession) fueling my creativity, I started to ruminate about which character I would dress up as if I released the idea of reaching my definition of perfection. The answer came immediately. The peculiar, luminous, perceptive and loyal Luna Lovegood OF COURSE.

This gal is undoubtedly my favorite Harry Potter character, closely followed by Neville. Quite frankly, I think they would be perfect together but as it turns out, that narrative wasn't up to me. Doesn't stop me from dreaming though.

Here's the thing: comparatively, there aren't a ton of plus size cosplayers (though I recommend you follow the hashtag #plussizecosplay because the ones that are out there are killing it) so naturally, guidance is scarce... and unless you can sew (I most definitely cannot), recreating a specific look can be challenging.

LUCKILY FOR YOU I found a way to make some serious Luna magic work for us plus babes!

I've linked each piece below and included notes on how I made this Spectrespecks-donning Luna Lovegood look (inspired by train scene from the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie) a reality!

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PLUS SIZE STYLE ICON (DISNEYBOUND EDITION): WINNIE THE POOH

If you love Disneybounding, stick around because you are in the right place. If you haven't heard of Disneybounding? Then you DEFINITELY need to stick around because I'm about to introduce you to your brand new, favorite obsession.

Kelsey Borresen says it best:

For the uninitiated, Disneybounding is a subtler, more fashion-forward way for fans to show their love for Disney. Instead of wearing full-on costumes as cosplayers do, Disneybounders dress up in stylish, everyday outfits (known as Disneybounds) that are simply inspired by a particular character. 

The term Disneybound is accredited to blogger Leslie Kay who runs Disneybound.co and she has created an enormous community of people who emulate their favorite characters using everyday streetwear. 

This became 1.) a necessity since Disneyland doesn't allow anyone over the age of 14 to wear a "real costume" (understandable from a liability standpoint) and 2.) a wonderful challenge to see how much of your character's personality you can infuse into your outfit without really "dressing up" like them.

I love a good challenge. And crop tops. And Winnie the Pooh. Obviously, Disneybounding was going to happen this year.

(Side note: props to the Disney photographers for making all the photos they took of us look like they had a honey filter on them.)

There aren't any "real rules" when it comes to Disneybounding but I have a feeling that my Winnie the Pooh ears were a little on the nose. I, in all honesty, wasn't planning on wearing them the entire time (just for a couple pictures) but the second I walked into the theme park with Bevin and saw hundreds of tourists rocking enormous mouse ears covered in sequins I decided that my chubby little cubby ears were definitely not a crime.

The greatest part of this dress-up trend? Plus gals (though drastically underrepresented in the community - more on that later) can participate too! Below I put together seven different Pooh inspired outfits for you to rock at Disneyland, Disneyworld, brunch, on vacation or at the grocery store. In other words, wherever you goddamn want.

Word to the wise: don't miss the plus size Disney resources at the end of this post- you're gonna want them. Trust me.

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CATS, CACTI AND COMFY BEDS FOR FAT BABES!

One of the items on my Drunken Gin Rummy Goals list was to overhaul my room and yes, it needed to be a total overhaul.

Partially to stop my friend Allison from sniggering every time she came in and saw the miniature pathway carved out of the trash and clothing from the door to the bed, partially because I haven't been able to find a specific piece of clothing in under 15 minutes because rooting around in a mountain of clothes has been my life for years and partially because I'm finally 31 and apparently this is the time in my life where my body is teaching me that I need quality sleep in a relaxing room (with a real bed- not a futon like my 20-year-old self thought was sufficient) if I'm going to stay sane during the daylight hours.

So, the piles of garbage, mountains of cat hair covered, black (after a few months- they turned a very special shade of what I call "feline grey"- it sounds classier than "hairy dander grey") clothing on the floor and backbreaking (and to be fair, we also broke our fair share of it) generic mattress... they all had to go.

Enter: my first ever thoughtfully planned out and executed grown-up bedroom.

HOW FUCKING CUTE IS THAT COMFORTER COVERED IN CATS AND CACTI, BY THE WAY?

I've honestly never had a room this intentional and clean. Ever. My mom, siblings, roommates, and all live-in partners will all passionately (with perhaps a glimmer of revulsion in their eyes) back me up on this.

It's been a long time coming.

In hindsight, I wish I took "before pictures" so you can see what an accomplishment this really is but just know that we filled the entire bed of a truck with garbage and old broken shit that no longer lives in our bedroom. It was quite the accomplishment.

Towards the end of last year, a specialty mattress company named Big Fig contacted me with essentially this pitch: "HEY JES! All your fat friends really love our beds and they're made specifically for big babes which literally didn't exist on the market until now but is really important because you deserve to get more than three years out of a bed and we want to send you one as a present! What do you think?"

My email reply said: "Uhm, FUCK. YES?"

Essentially anyways.

Remember what I mentioned about learning that quality sleep is necessary for me to survive? Well, I didn't need any more convincing to have a bed shipped (P.S. how adult-ey is to have furniture shipped?!? I'm so used to strapping things on cars and praying for the best) over to my house a few months later.

While waiting, I started dreaming of my ideal room decor and if you know anything about yours truly... cats and cacti summarize my aesthetic in two words.

What you may not be aware of however is that my first three years of university were as an Interior Design major... and I was good at it. Like, class representative for the American Society of Interior Designers good. And while I decided that helping people choose which rug they'd most like to spend a thousand dollars on wasn't my jam (and this room is as minimalistic as they come because clutter be gone forever plz!), I've never lost my love of making spaces feel happy.

Combine that love with an addiction to Amazon Prime (I love ordering things from my phone while I fall asleep so don't judge, okay?) and, well... TA-DA HERE'S MY NEW BEDROOM GUYS!

Links, just in case you want a cheery room full of cats + cacti too:

1: Cat pillow (+ dog options too!) | 2: Kitten pillow (doesn't shed!) | 3: Analog clock 
4: Cats and Cacti Duvet cover (I mean, there are sloths + cacti as well so GO HAVE FUN!)

5: Cacti candle set  | 6: Saguaro lamp | 7: Potted succulents (no water needed!)
8: Multi-season duvet  | 9: Olive bed skirt | 10: Grey fitted sheet | 11: Dark green pillowcases
12: Bedside tables (I chose the least expensive option and then spraypainted them white!)  

Real cats aren't included, unfortunately. Those cost a little extra and require a lot of work though I would personally recommend 10/10.

13: Big Fig Mattress, foundation, and frame 

So this bed, guys.

I could easily write a passionate 900-word essay and try to sell you this bed really hard right now, but I don't want to.... and to be honest, I don't think I even need to.

Here's what you need to know: it's made for 1000 pounds and will last.  They worked on the sagging, the temperature issues, the durability, the normal weak foundation that usually comes with regular beds... and they fixed all of it. The first night had us cursing the Amish (though their craftsmanship is unparalleled) because we were so accustomed to our older sagging mattress, but a memory foam cover for a couple weeks until the mattress was "broken in" made all the difference.

Yes, we now moan with happy exhaustion everytime we climb into bed at the end of the day. Yes, I'm so grateful to have something as luxurious as a bed made for me. AND YES, IT IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE FOR FAT SEX. I know some of you are wondering and you definitely deserve to know.

Fat sex. This bed. Match made in heaven.

And of course, I had to jump on the bed to see if it would actually hold up because I haven't felt safe jumping on a bed since I hit puberty.

I would like to report back that it HELD HELD UP FAMOUSLY!

I'm now going to push the post button and climb back on top that beautiful mattressy masterpiece and watch some Netflix because after all that room cleansing + purging I damn well deserve it.

Have you tried Big Fig? Have you ever heard of them? Did you that Ushshi is currently spotlighted as a SLEEPING ANGEL on their front page right now? What would your ideal bedroom include? ARE YOU AS INTO CATS, CACTI AND COMFORT AS I AM?!?!?

I wanna know!

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11 RAD PLACES TO FIND PLUS SIZE BRALETTES

Image courtesy of Shainna from A Thick Girls Closet
(Sexy white bralette can be found here!)

I'm a dedicated (bordering on zealous) bralette convert. Underwire bras are something that I'll strap on for the occasional photo shoot or sexy moment but only when the outfit really requires it. Otherwise? 98% of the time you'll find me in these unpadded, wire free, stretchy little numbers because COMFORT IS SUCH AN AWESOME THING YOU GUYS.

If you're wondering if bralettes are for the plus crowd as well, the simple answer is: YES. There are tons of options thanks to their semi-recent popularity and while they will never offer you the cleavage-pressing-into-your-chin-almost-suffocating-you support of a push-up bra... I'm okay with that.

More than okay with that.

They can be worn like a bra under clothing, they can peek out of your top and add some flair, or you can follow in the stylish footsteps of Shainna above and wear them as a top. Yep, they're great as outerwear too. THE WORLD IS OFFICIALLY OURS!

Below you'll find some of my favorite places to shop for bralettes as well as your recommendations.

There really is something for everyone (Smart Glamour literally makes every size in the world) and for those who need more chest support than others, there are some full coverage styles that might peak your interest. The greatest part for me is that because their versatility also includes sizing. I don't need to obsessively measure cup size any longer, and that is a personal win.

Without further ado, 11 rad places to shop for plus bralettes:

Torrid 

1 | 2 | 3

When I asked you where to the find the best plus bralettes, the answer was almost unanimous: Torrid. And I totally get it. The selection is SUPER sassy and I'm a sucker for any lacy high neck bralette that can double as a top.

Price range: $28-35

Hips and Curves 

1 | 2 | 3

Hips and Curves was the first company to send underwear that fit like a glove. I even wore them for my first ever boudoir shoot: proof here. Their pieces are solid and sexxxxxxxxy. 10/10 recommend.

Price range: $20-40

Modcloth

1 | 2 | 3

Modcloth has been and likely always will be one of my favorite companies to shop from. While I normally spend my time browsing their plus size dress section, they also have a cute selection of bralettes to choose from and a return policy that makes life easy. That last part is critical for this fat girl that shops online.

Price range:  $14-20

Smart Glamour

1 | 2 | 3

Smart Glamour is out to change the fashion industry and Mallorie is doing a damn fine job. Get this: they custom make their clothing and WILL MAKE ANY PIECE OF CLOTHING IN ANY SIZE. That means no matter the size/shape of your body, you will find the perfect fit. That's an experience that's hard to come by and if I didn't feel so weird using emojis in a blog post I would post a dozen clapping hands here.

Price range: $40-45

Forever 21 Plus 

1 | 2 | 3

Forever 21 Plus is where I go for my daily bralette purchases. They're inexpensive, stretchy, comfortable and cute. They're currently out of their basic bralette with the adorable crossing straps but these options above are super hot and I'm sure they'll be restocking soon. (Check out Charlotte Russe Plus below for something comparable!)

Price range: $13-16

Curvy Girl Lingerie

1 | 2 | 3

Not only is Curvy Girl Lingerie run by a fat babe and friend of mine (Chrystal Bougon) who has dedicated her life to making sure plus women have a plethora of sexy options, these bralettes also come in sets which makes the price completely reasonable in my book. I have to be honest: that first ensemble is MAKING ME FEEL THINGS. SO MANY THINGS.

P.S. She named a negligee after me and I can't think of a time I've ever been more flattered.

Price range: $38-55

Maurices 

1 | 2 | 3

I've never shopped at Maurices, but many of you have and swear by them. After browsing their bralette selection, I can see why.

Price range: $18

Lane Bryant 

1 | 2 | 3

While I have a million (and one) bones to pick with Lane Bryant as a corporation, I have to be honest: Cacique has been there with amazing options for my fat back since the beginning. In fact, Cacique was where I maxed out my very first credit card at 21 before going to live on a circus train for a week, so, y'know... there's a history.

That, and I have to be real- that middle peek-a-boo bralette is sexy AF.

Price range: $33-49

Bare Necessities 

1 | 2 | 3

Bare Necessities has some high coverage options for those who want support but don't want to sacrifice the ubiquitous lacy bralette style. Full stop.

Price range: $24-62

Amazon

1 | 2 | 3

Re/Dress (one of my favorite companies ever- seriously, check them out) used to carry Tegging bralettes and they have become my wardrobe staple and the pieces of clothing that people ask about the most. Especially the bralette with a web cut-out that I wear underneath every single sheer top I have. I just wore it in Portland a few weeks ago (and here and here)... it's my most coveted piece of clothing.

UNFORTUNATELY, Tegging bralettes sold out (whomp whomp) but FORTUNATELY Amazon has something really similar! It's gorgeous and lets not forget about that free Prime shipping and returns, right?


Price range: $11-25

Charlotte Russe Plus 

1 | 2 | 3

I feel like Charlotte Russe's plus bralette options are everything I'll ever need. Simple, super wearable and they start at FIVE DOLLARS.

FIVE. DOLLARS.

Price range: $5-15

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These are just a few options out of many and if you're looking for other bralette reviews, you can check our Alysse's article here. 

I'd love to hear your feedback! What bralettes have you tried? Which worked for you and which didn't? WHERE DO I NEED TO SHOP NEXT?!?!?

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I WEAR WHAT I WANT: RETRO DRESS PERFECTION

Right now, my life is full of: Ella Fitzgerald's crooning, half moon manicures, Melmac dining sets, 1940's makeup tutorials, steam set curlers (thanks Kelly Ann!), Count Basie's Orchestra and vintage dress experimentation. 

I've been completely and totally seduced by 1940's (and 1950's, to be honest) style and I think it's it's about time I shared some of it with YOU... starting with dresses!

I've been trying dozens of vintage style dresses on Amazon in hopes of finding some affordable options for all us fat babes. (Hat tip to the Amazon Return Department for taking care of all the dresses that didn't fit... there were many.) Luckily, I've found some that do work and they (+ fitting tips) are below!

Shop this outfit:

1950's Cocktail Party dress in XXL  ($28-38. See below for fit details)

1940's style slingback heels  (Dressier alternative here!)

Glasses (I just ordered these and can't wait!)

Pearl earrings

Lip paint (I'm a drugstore die hard)

After trying on 25 dresses and returning 19, this is what I've learned:

Most vintage style dresses/brands run a couple sizes too small. If you're a size 18 or smaller, you will likely be able to fit into any plus dress you like! Yay for you! I, however, am not a size 18. More like a 22/24 (depending on the brand) but a determined 22/24 and so while I stuffed all those tiny dresses back into their envelopes I promised myself I'd keep looking until I found something that fit.

And then I found GownTown.

GownTown is gorgeous. Gorgeous and the best option I've found so far (I wore this dress of theirs for the holidays) because it provides the most important thing when it comes to fatshion: STRETCH.

Four tips for shopping their line:

1. The 92% Polyester, 8% Spandex blend is your best friend. These are super stretchy and offer a lot of wiggle room. Check the dress description for this!
   
   
2. Note but don't obsess about the measurements. Their XXL can fit a 22/24 and some may even fit a 26, depending on the cut and stitching. Make sure to note #1 and #4 if you're looking to fit larger bodies!
   
   If you're 26/28+ I highly recommend Eshakti's custom retro dress section; they are to die for.
   
   
3. The bust area runs small on all of these dresses. If you're a plus size babe with a small chest THIS IS YOUR LUCKIEST DAY! LIVE IT UP!
   
   Those with larger busts- just look for styles that have more room up top and utilize those free returns when needed! I had 50/50 luck with this area as a 42DD.
   
   
4. If you have extra large upper arms- sleeves that don't have extra reinforcements (Ex: this dress doesn't whereas this dress does) are likelier to fit and fit comfortably. If you're concerned, go for those! Note: this short sleeve dress and this sleeveless dress are my favs.

Note: Wellwits also runs larger like GownTown compared to other brands. The above applies to them as well!

These shoes are everything I've ever dreamed of after writing this Peggy post months ago. They're slingback platforms with the perfect 1940's silhouette... and they're really comfortable which makes it that much more of a win.

This look isn't necessarily authentic to a decade (I've mixed a 50's dress, 40's shoes and a modern orange lip because: my life my rules, right?) but I love it just the same. There are a few eShakti dresses in the mail which means perhaps there will be a genuine vintage look headed your way soon!

Until then, lets both go binge watch Season 1 and 2 of Agent Carter, shall we?

P.S. Where do you find your favorite vintage dresses? I'd love to know.

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WHERE TO SHOP: PLUS SIZE ACTIVE WEAR // BY FAT GIRL FLOW

(Photo via Jessamyn: Top/Bottom)

This list comes from Corissa of Fat Girl Flow who has kindly allowed me to share this post with all of you wonderful people who find themselves in search of plus athletic gear. Because... we all know the good stuff is hard to come by. Thanks Corissa!

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Plus size active wear! For athletics!  For atheleisure! For sitting on your couch in dirty yoga pants! Whatever it is you like to do in “active” clothes is up to you. The beautiful thing is that the options for plus size people are getting a lot cuter and more affordable too! Thank goodness, because I’ve been feeling pretty left out from the whole “yoga mom” trend.

You’ve all been asking for a master-post of workout-worthy and super comfy daily wear looks! So here we go! I can remember when I was around 20 and not able to find any yoga pants in an XXL. We’ve come a long way! Here’s a list of plus size active wear with lots of options, up to size 34!

OLD NAVY

I’ve become quite the sucker for Old Navy lately. The basics are just so cute and the prices are usually really reasonable even when things aren’t on sale (though there is almost always a sale). I love the look of their plus size active wear because it is simple and clean and while I’ll obviously wear my yoga pants all over town, I also feel just as comfy laying in them for a long weekend. I’m a really big fan of their muscle tees as well, especially the one that says “hustle” on it! Sizes go up to 4x (size 30), and prices are right around $25 for a piece.

MAURICES

If you’re not from the midwest US you may have never heard of this retailer, but they’re gaining some recognition for their evolving plus size line. My favorite plus size active wear that they offer is definitely the leggings options. They have cute patterns and varying styles, and all of them come with a large waist band (which I appreciate). Each piece is right around $30, and sizes go up to a 4 (or size 28).

AVENUE
Avenue actually recognizes that people over a size 24 want to wear comfy yoga pants and stretchy jackets, and even makes some super cute things! I own a pair of leggings from Avenue, and they have lasted me quite some time (about 3 years now!) so I’m a fan! Sizes go up to 32, and prices are around $40 a piece (but there is always a sale going on!).

FOREVER 21+

If you’re a small fat (under size 24), you’ve no doubt seen the new Forever 21 line of active wear. I have absolutely died over it. You guys, I cannot justify buying every piece in this line (because let’s be real, where am I going to wear that… not the gym!), but damn it if I could I would. This line is just stylistically so on point. They’ve got those little multi-strap numbers that they’ve been selling to skinny girls over on Lulu-fatphobe for years, and they even made stuff in marble print. If you can wear these sizes, do us all a favor and buy all of it, ok? Prices are around $20, sizes up to 3x.

EVOLVE FIT WEAR

This site carries Rainbeau curves and a couple additional companies that specialize in plus size activewear and they are super cute! Their sizes go up to 3x, and they have the most beautiful watercolor pastel leggings that I’ve ever seen. I need 10 pairs, please!

TORRID
Well, Torrid made a line of activewear that says “badass” on many of it’s pieces and I am ecstatic. I never knew I needed a sports bra that said ‘bad ass’ on it so bad. The pieces are reasonably priced, and are true to Torrid’s sizing, which takes out a lot of the guesswork for how leggings are going to fit! Sizes from 10-30.

RAINBEAUCURVES 

I just heard about this company this year, and haven’t had a chance to purchase anything from them but their designs are promising! They have a really good selection, and specialize in athletic wear. Sizes go up to 32, and prices are around $30.

I’ve been asked a few times to do a review of sports bras, so this post really inspired me to make a little list of bras I’ll be trying! I’ll let all of you know as soon as that review is out, and if you have any other active wear retailers you’d like me to try please let me know! I hope you found something awesome!

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Jes's note: Because I've been swimming laps this summer (the only fun thing to do in Az right now), I've been looking for "fitness swimwear" (as opposed to "drinking margaritas in a bikini while lounging on a swan floatie swimwear" which I also love) and the few I've ordered online from Amazon have been... pretty fucking disappointing. I've checked reviews for other options (that don't cut into your shoulders or pretend you don't have a belly that also needs coverage) and it looks like the best options are: of course Speedo ($49+), Swim and Sweat ($50), Swim Outlet ($49+), and Swimsuits for All ($41+). All you need beyond that is: a pair of goggles and a waterproof iPod so you can listen to Beyonce (or Hilary Duff- no judgement here) while you freestyle! Let me know if you have any other suggestions!

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PLUS SIZE STYLE ICON: MS. FRIZZLE

(via)

Plus Size Style Icon is a fashion series inspired by the kick-ass women we love in pop culture. They may or may not be plus size themselves but GUESS WHAT? You can wear their look no matter your size because plus women can rock whatever goddamn style they want. So rock it. ROCK IT HARD. If you missed the other Plus-Size Icon Posts... fix that! They include: Peggy Carter, Miss Fisher (my favorite), Beth Ditto, Felicity Smoak (the Internet's favorite), Eloise, and Hilda the plus pin-up.  (P.S. This post contains affiliate links!)

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I was a PBS kid through and through and the only thing I loved more than Mr. McFeely delivering VHS tapes about crayon factories was Ms. Frizzle yelling "Wahahahooo!" while wearing the most amazing dresses to ever grace television.

Oh, you TOO?!?! I'm not surprised.

Well, fellow fans, I'm not sure if you're aware... but there are FOUR seasons of The Magic School Bus on Netflix right now and if you're anything like me, those episodes are playing in the background while you work because there is NOTHING better than having your fav childhood show enhance life while you're busy adulting.

Ms. Frizzle understands better than anyone else that a bangin' outfit consists of three things: a themed dress covered in an overwhelming pattern, earrings you couldn't ignore if you tried and shoes that pull it all together. If you have a thermometer or food themed necklace... well, then you're just the kind of overachiever she would love. 

Weather patterns dress ($18, guyz.)

Storm cloud earrings (They glow under a black light!)

Red "Kiltie" ballet flat

Thermometer necklace (Yes, it totally works.)

"Painted" desert dress (for the Arizona field trip y'all need to come visit me on!)

Turquoise cholla driftwood necklace

Saguaro ring

Yellow cut-out  flats

Hip "Schoolmarm" heel

Ruler earrings

DNA and beaker keychain

The ultimate science dress (Your IQ increases every time you wear it!*)

*No, not really.

Color wheel necklace

"Pencil" pencil dress

Ticonderoga inspired flats

Cassiopeia constellation earrings

The galaxy dress to end all galaxy dresses

Saturn necklace

Lace-up gold ballet flats

Black platform heels with bone detail

"Homo sapian bone" dress

Skeleton hand earrings

Unicorn dress (now THAT is a field trip I want to go on!)

Winged pink heels with hearts (OMFG these heels)

Pale pink cateye sunglasses

White unicorn ear studs

Vegetable gardening dress (God bless Phoebe and all her plant mayhem)

"Many Strappy Returns" heels 

Tomato stud earrings

Pineapple woven summerbag

Banana bunch necklace

Other odds and ends you may or may not need in your life:

 Cicadia earrings (I have 1000 real ones in my front yard right now)
Thermometer earrings
Another amazing galaxy dress (comes in all sizes)
School bus wristlet
CRYSTAL SET (grow 'em yourself!)

Liz (for every outfit of course!)

Laser cut volcano necklace

Buzzfeed made a comprehensive list of The Frizz's brilliance called "The Definitive Ranking of Ms. Frizzles Outfits" which should probably be required reading after all the killer ensembles I've gathered for you. God bless you Ms. Frizzle and the amazing shit you found while working on a teacher's salary.

Now, it's your turn to suggest the next style icon in this series! Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds has been suggested and I'm diggin' the idea of compiling a post of outfits inspired by Gabourey Sidibe as Becky from Empire.

What are your requests? Lay 'em on me.

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