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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I WEAR WHAT I WANT: SHORT SKIRTS, KNEE SOCKS AND OTHER "WINTER WEAR"

Hello from Tucson where it's 76° today even though it's January 2nd and the majority of my friends across the country are bundled up in seventeen layers!

Don't get too jealous though, we barely survive our 116° summers so we can live in this city and enjoy this winter weather. Well, that and because rent is still affordable + most our family is here and we love the shit out of them.

I just returned from a couple weeks in France, England, Belgium and the Netherlands (you can catch up on some of those things on my Instagram) and while I loved wearing multiple layers and an enormous wool coat, I'm also stoked to be able to show off this current outfit that I've fallen in love with... which couldn't be more different than what I wore in Europe.

Mini dresses are often seen as a "no-no" for plus women for multiple reasons, quite often because our bellies and asses make them even shorter adding to the scandalousness of a fat chick revealing skin. Quelle horreur!

But I'm not really into listening to arbitrary fashion rules created by someone else and so, to continue the theme of all of my outfit posts: I wear what I want!

Today that happens to be tiny dresses with bell sleeves, knee socks and platform creepers!

I usually post outfit photos that have links to clothing that are readily available, but in this case, the paisley dress is from Target circa 2016, the shoes are almost sold out and the socks are being goddamn elusive. 

BUT FEAR NOT! I'm determined to find similar pieces because this outfit combo is (in my humble opinion) FIRE. 

You can totally purchase this exact dress here in 2X, but if you're looking to find something similar (or in a larger size) I present 12 other plus size options:

1 (1x-3x)|  2 (1x-3x) | 3 (14-24)

1(1x-3x) | 2 (1x-3x) | 3 (1x-3x)

1 (Sm-XXL) | 2 (1X + 4XL) | 3 (Sm-4x) 

1 (Up to 6x) | 2 (1x-3x) | 3 (3x-6x)

I'm really happy about this whole black/dark floral trend being "in" again.

1 is available here in 5 +11 | 2 |  3

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Note: I'm wearing socks from the same brand in #1 and #4 and they fit 22" calves well.

I'm a little disappointed to only find similar dresses that go up to 6x/26... do you have any suggestions on where to find larger sizes of a similar dress? I'd love to know them!

Also, plus babes- do you feel comfortable rocking mini skirts? If so what are your favorite styles? Even in windy and cold weather, they can be paired with leggings, shorts or Teggings (that go up to size 30!) if you're into more coverage. But I'm curious how you would style this kind of mini dress... spill your fashion secrets- I'm all ears!

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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

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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 

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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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BEETLEJUICE AND DARE FASHION

This post is brought to you by dead people, the song "Day-O", Dare Fashion and the letter D!

(I'm the ghost with the most, babe!)

HALLOWEEN IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING GUYS!

This inevitably prompted me to list some of my favorite Halloween costumes that I've worn over the years:

• Pippi Longstocking: Complete with a folded wire hanger placed horizontally inside my (spray painted) red braids which stuck out of my head so fiercely that I poked the eyes of almost anyone who was brave (foolish?) enough to stand next to me. I loved being Pippi so much that wore this costume four years in a row.

• A Blue M&M: One of FIVE different colored candies, my entire family wore padded circular costumes that hung over our shoulders with matching straps. I'm pretty sure my Dad was the enormous yellow peanut M&M.

• Britney Spears: I'm not proud of this costume but I did find a pair of cowboy boots that fit perfectly at a thrift store while shopping for the outfit (I still have them) so I'm adding it to the list simply because I haven't found a pair that fits that well in a decade.

• Ursula: With my partner accompanying me as Prince Eric; my makeup so amazing it was impossible to capture in a photo.

This year? I TRIED BEETLEJUICE (Betelgeuse if you must)! Aka the gem of a character that was played by Michael Keaton two years after I was born... but that doesn’t stop me from using an entire can of green hair coloring.

This year, my costume was inspired by two things: 

1. My newfound love of dressing up as characters while wearing comfortable clothing (y'know... something without wire hangers) and 
2. Dare Fashion's amazingly versatile clothing line.

Makeup then becomes the fun and creative part while your outfit can play the perfect (and wearable) homage to your favorite character- though I seem to have accidentally put a toe into The Joker territory.

Dare Fashion has more suggestions on how to incorporate their line into other amazing costumes: an adorable wildcat, a pirate (super rad) and if I was capable of styling a wig I would have definitely tried their Queen of Hearts look!

 

Top here | Lacy leggings here

(Note: Check the measurements since some of the pieces- though going up to 5x- run small. I normally wear a 3x and am wearing the leggings in my "normal size" and a 4x in the top- which actually  fits fairly loosely so keep in mind that most things come with stretch too!)

It's amazing what you can do with a killer top and some leggings, eh?

I CLEARLY have to know: what was your favorite costume from the past and are you dressing up this year? If so, what/who are you going to be?!?!

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I offer one or two sponsored posts each month. If you’d like 250k-ish monthly readers to get to read all about you or yr stuff (= the kinda stuff that all of us in TMB community will find useful + rad), send me an email at themilitantbaker (at) gmail (dot) com and we'll make it happen! Readers, thank you so much for supporting companies that support The Militant Baker:) I love you all.

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31 PLACES TO SHOP FOR PLUS SIZE SWIMWEAR // BY ALYSSE DALESSANDRO

(via Nakimuli)

It's that time of year when we start to get bombarded with ads about getting "beach body ready." Well guess what? Your body is ready for the beach just as it is. All you need is the perfect plus size swimwear that feels right for you! There's a variety of retailers making plus size swimwear in a range of styles. Whether your aesthetic is total beach goth or sultry poolside goddess, chances are you can find what you're looking for!

Because I get asked about plus size swimwear so often, I wanted to put together an online shopping guide. The below list is in alphabetical order and while it's certainly not completely exhaustive, there's definitely a range of sizes, budgets and styles represented in this list. To the best of my knowledge, I've included sizing and pricing information and any other key details that may factor into your decision of where to shop. The pictures represent only a sampling of each retailer's offerings so make sure you click the links to check each site out!

This post contains some affiliate links and I'll earn a small commission if you shop through them.  This is one of the ways I can continue to bring you amazing content! All of these items are available in plus sizes. Some of them are also available in straight sizes (hence the straight size models). Prices and size ranges subject to change.

I have personally tried bathing suits from quite a few of these retailers so if you have any specific questions, leave a comment below or hit me up on social media (@readytostare) and I'm happy to help. Now go forth and shop! 

1. Addition Elle

Addition Elle Plus Swimwear

Size Range: 12-26 /// X-4X

Price Range: $38+

Styles: Bikinis, Tankinis, One-Pieces, Separates, Swim Skirts, Swim Shorts

Full Bust Options Available for cup sizes up to G/H

2. Adore Me

Adore Me Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 38DD-46DDD /// M-4XL

Price Range: $49.95+

Styles: Bikinis and One-Pieces

Select styles are available in bra sizes.

3. Always for Me
Always for Me Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 12W-26W  /// 0X-4X

Price Range: $5+

Styles: Bikinis, Tankinis, One-Pieces, Separates, Swim Dresses, Swim Skirts

In-house  + designer styles and a collaboration with celebrity stylist Timothy Snell

4. Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 12-26 

Price Range: $34.50+

Styles: Bikinis, Tankinis, One-Pieces, Separates

Mix and match styles + matching cover-ups

5. ASOS
 ASOS Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 10-24

Price Range: $18.50+

Styles: Bikinis, Tankinis, One-Pieces, Separates

Designer styles + cover-ups

6. Avenue
Avenue Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 14-32

Price Range: $40+

Styles: Tankinis, One-Pieces, Separates, Swim Shorts, Swim Dresses

Sizing up to 32 + cover-ups

7. Black Cat Bikinis
Black Cat Bikinis - Size Inclusive Swimwear

Size Range: XXS-6XL /// Cup Sizes AA - H

Price Range: $45+

Styles: Bikini Tops, Bikini Bottoms, One-Pieces, Monokinis

Handmade retro-inspired styles, custom orders available

(More styles here)

8. Bows by SamanthaRose

Bows by SamanthaRose - Size Inclusive Swimwear

Size Range: XS-XXXL

Price Range: $40+

Styles: Bikini Tops, Bikini Bottoms, One-Pieces

Handmade pin-up + spooky styles, high waist and low rise bottoms

9. Charlotte Russe
Charlotte Russe Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 1X-3X

Price Range: $16.99+

Styles: Bikini Tops, Bikini Bottoms, One-Pieces

Brights colors + budget friendly 

10. City Chic
City Chic Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 14-24 // 38 C/D - 44 DD/E

Price Range: $29+

Styles: One-piece, separates, board shorts

Resort wear + kaftans, underwire bra-style tops

11. Cow Cow on Amazon
Cow Cow on Amazon Size Inclusive Swimwear

Size Range: XS-XXXL

Price Range: $6.99+

Styles: Low rise bikinis, bikini tops, monokinis, one-piece bathing suits

Each style is available in a range of prints, extremely budget-friendly

12. Diva Kurves Collection

Diva Kurves Collection Plus Size SwimwearSize Range: XL-3X

Price Range: $65+

Styles: Bikini tops, bikini bottoms, two-piece swim sets, one-piece swimsuits

Printed "Swim Thick" one pieces and other sexy styles

13. FabBikini
FabBikini Size Inclusive Bikinis 

Size Range: XS-5X // 0-26

Price Range: $39+

Styles: Bikini tops, bikini bottoms, one-piece swimsuits, monokinis

Handmade swimsuits in a variety of fun prints

14. Forever 21
Forever 21 Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: XL-3X 

Price Range: $15.90+

Styles: Bikini tops, bikini bottoms, one-piece swimsuits

Fast fashion + cover-ups

15. Gyv Me Body
Gyv Me Body Size Inclusive Swimwear 

Size Range: S-4XL

Price Range: $12+

Styles: Bikini  bra tops, bikini bottoms, one-piece swimsuits, monokinis

Handmade strip bikinis and lace-up styles, cover-ups

16. Kohl's
Kohl's Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 0X-4X /// 16W-26W

Price Range: $31.99+

Styles: One-piece swimsuits, Tankini tops, Bikini tops, Swimsuit bottoms

Junior and Women's Plus Sizing + Swim coverups

17. Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 0X-4X /// 14-28

Price Range: $24.98+

Styles: One-piece swimsuits, bikinis, Tankini tops, Swim shorts

Select styles feature built in bras + Swim coverups

18. Magneti
Magneti Size Inclusive Swimwear

Size Range: XXS-3X 

Price Range: $29+

Styles: Brazilian cheeky cut, bikinis, swim skirts

Handmade styles with bow details + pin-up styles, custom orders available

19. Modcloth
Modcloth Size Inclusive Swimwear

Size Range: XS-4X /// 4-30

Price Range: $27.99+

Styles: One pieces, two-pieces, bikinis, swim tops, swim bottoms

Vintage inspired swimwear + cover-ups

20. Monif C
Monif C Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 14W-24W

Price Range: $78+

Styles: One pieces, two-pieces, bikinis, rashguard tops, swim bottoms

High cut one-pieces, bandage-style bikinis, luxe cover-ups

21. Moxi Blu
Moxi Blu Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 1X-4X
Price Range: $12+

Styles: One pieces, two-pieces, bikinis, tankinis, rashguard

Budget-friendly, available exclusively at Wal-Mart

22. Nakimuli
Nakimuli Size Inclusive Swimwear

Size Range: S-3X

Price Range: $48+

Styles: One pieces, two-pieces, bikinis, swim tops, swim bottoms

Fashion forward prints + Brooklyn-made 

23. Rebdolls
Rebdolls Size Inclusive Swimwear

Size Range: S-5X
Price Range: $7.50+
Styles: One pieces swimsuits, bikinis, swim tops, swim bottoms
Past Collaboration with Essie Golden and Chante of Everything Curvy & Chic

24. Rue 107
Rue 107 Size Inclusive Swimwear

Size Range: XS-3X

Price Range: $48+

Styles: One pieces swimsuits, swim tops, swim bottoms

Long sleeve swimsuits, zipper front styles, criss-cross straps

25. Rue 21
Rue 21 Plus Size Swimwear 

Size Range: 0X-3X

Price Range: $16.99+

Styles: One pieces swimsuits, swim tops, swim bottoms, swim skirts

Budget-friendly swimwear with trendy prints and cuts

26. Simply Be
Simply Be Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 6-28

Price Range: $6.49+

Styles: Bikinis, tankinis, swimdresses, swimsuits

Mix and match styles + beachwear

27. SwimOutlet

SwimOutlet Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: XL-3XL

Price Range: $12.80+

Styles: One-piece swimsuits, bikinis, swim dresses, swim shorts, swim skirts

A variety of brands all in one-place

28. Swimsuitsforall
Swimsuitsforall Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 4-34
Price Range: $9+
Styles: One-piece swimsuits, bikinis, tankinis, swim dresses, swim skirts
Collaborations with GabiFresh & Ashley Graham

29. Target
Target Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: 1X-3X /// 14W-26W

Price Range: $8.78+

Styles: Tankini tops, swimsuit bottoms, bikini, one-piece swimsuit

Bralette, blouson and bandeau style tops

30. Torrid
Torrid Plus Size Swimsuits

Size Range: 00-6

Price Range: $38.90+

Styles: Bikinis, Swim Sets, Swim Bottoms, Swim Tops, One-Pieces

Skirted Styles + Push-Up Bra Fits and Cover-Ups

31. Yandy
 Yandy Plus Size Swimwear

Size Range: XL-3X

Price Range: $20+

Styles: Bikinis, Swim Sets, Tankinis, One-Piece Swimsuits

Budget-Friendly, Mesh, Crotchet Styles

Did you find what you're looking for?! There's certainly a huge variety of plus size swimwear online so whether you're looking for something retro or runway ready, the beach is waiting for you this summer! Find more of our swimwear inspirations over on Pinterest! 

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HUGE thanks to Alysse for sharing this guide with all of us! Juuuuuust in case you're unfamiliar, Alysse is the beauty and brains behind the amazing plus shop Ready to Stare that deserves a gander if you're unfamiliar; couldn't recommend RtS enough! I FUCKING LOVE YOU LADY!

P.S. If you're looking for swimwear over size 28, check out Love Your Peaches (up to 8x), Ulla Popkin (up to size 38 but runs small), and Avenue (up to 32). 

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