Fat Girl Fashion On A Budget: Lingerie for Valentine's Day

As a plus size model, if there's one thing I love more than lingerie it's cheap lingerie that fits my frame. There's an abundance of places out there for us larger ladies to get some stunning bedroom outfits (Hips and Curves and Curvy Girl Lingerie are the two that come to mind that I absolutely LOVE!) but these places can break the bank in an instant. If you're looking to play around with your style this Valentine's Day, either to surprise your lover or just feel like the princess you are and don't want to invest in something that you may find unflattering, spring for one of these cheap finds. 

Longline Bra from Debshops.com - $17.90

Longline bras are totally retro and totally flattering on larger frames. Delicate and lacy numbers can look disproportionate and not provide a lot of support (although if you're dressing up for your partner instead of yourself, chances are it'll be on the floor before you ever NEED the support.) Long line bras also have the added advantage of sucking in any chub around your ribcage, making your waist look thinner by comparison. The wide straps on this make it appropriate for everyday wear, so it's not strictly a bedroom item, either. No slipping straps? That's a good thing. This piece from DebShops runs $17.90 and can be paired with your favorite black lace boyshort -or if you're daring, a thong or g-string. 

Coral mesh nightgown from glamorose.com - $13.99

Show him (or her!) what she's getting with just a peek through the delicate mesh of this slip-style nightgown. In bright coral, it's flattering to a wide variety of skintones and the straight cut to the hips with a slight flair is flattering on a variety of figures. At $13.99, it's hard to pass this one up. 

Plus size mesh lace teddy and stockings from yandy.com - $17.95

Say you're feeling a little naughty but still want to look nice. At $17.95, this floral patterned lace teddy and matching stockings set from Yandy.com is just the ticket. It hugs your curves, shows off your cleavage and has sassy lace-up detailing at the bust. For a teddy and stockings, the price is great. 

Plus size burlesque-style corset and skirt from IntimatesCare.com - $29.58

I cannot tell you how in love I am with this corset. It's got a bustle detail, so for larger girls without the hips or butt to proportion their bust, this is a great find. It's got a steel busk closure at the front, which is a good thing - you don't want that to snap. For the price, I wouldn't expect a quality corset with steel boning, though I can't say since I don't own this piece (yet!). It's more for play than for actual waist cinching. Still, you'll look fabulous whether you wear it for its own sake or as part of a saloon girl or steampunk roleplay for your lover. At $29.58, it's worth giving it a try. 

Pink plus size babydoll from tidebuy.com - $29.99

If your style is more sweet than sexy, check out this pink babydoll from tidebuy.com. At $29.99, this simple design is guaranteed to give you lots of wear. Pair it with stockings and gloves for an elegant look, or just wear it to bed after you've changed your sheets (I'm not the only one who likes to shower and get dolled up just to roll around in new sheets, am I?). In a bubblegum pink, this piece screams "Sweet!" 

We want to hear from you. What's your favorite place to find plus size lingerie that doesn't break the bank? 

About the Author:

Caitlin Seida has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites including Livestrong.com, TypeF.com, Salon.com, Dogster.com and The Daily Puppy. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). You can find her on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course here on I Feel Delicious!

Significant Other Approves - +10!

By Keelah Monster Cosplay

Valentine’s Day is coming up and whether you are celebrating with your cosplayer in a home you share or meeting them somewhere, or even celebrating at Katsucon as I wish Robert (my boyfriend) and I were (we’re having a belated Valentine’s Day due to his senior year being a large workload this year), you want to get them the perfect gift possible, maybe a nice little figurine or keychain if you’re just starting out, perhaps a collar or cuff that matches one of the their cosplays or fandoms if you’re serious (Or a piece of jewelry if you’re super serious).

But keep in mind, above all most geeks and cosplayers want something cool, fun, and unique that fits their interest, DeBeers and the like will tell you diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but the fact of the matter is that diamonds are cold, hard, impersonal, and come from a bevy of disgusting practices including child slavery and modern colonialism not to mention are severely up charged, misrepresented, and overrated simply because some fat cat company says so at the expense of thousands of African children.

 Social justice indignation aside, you can read more about the massive problems with the diamond industry here at Amnesty International, I’m here to help you pick out a gift for your cosplay SO, so here’s a few suggestions that are a bit more wallet friendly (and most of them are more human rights friendly too!) than diamonds.

8 Bit Flower Bouquet from ThinkGeek - $10

For this post, I’m not going to suggest things specifically, I’m going to suggest places to go and ways to figure out what your SO would like. I don’t know your love interest, so I’m not sure entirely what you should get them, this is using examples from my experience on what to do. For the sake of avoiding hypocrisy and also making sure you find the most unique and amazing gift possible, I’m going to avoid most mainstream stores and tell you flat out that Etsy or making something yourself or commissioning a crafty friend is point blank the best way to go, but if you don’t mind some potential sweatshop labor, Thinkgeek is a tried and true surefire shop for any geek to give gifts, they are a great company, but again, shop at your own risk as far as sweatshop items because they’re more a geek department store than a place that makes their own items, granted not every mass produced item is sweatshop fodder, you may find some that are in a place so big and diverse.

From The Hobbit Collection by Shiro Cosmetics

So, here are some basic ideas for things your cosplayer may like that can be bought from known reputable companies: Does your cosplayer have their makeup pallet yet? It doesn’t matter what gender they are, every cosplayer worth their salt (barring skin allergies of course) usually likes to have a pallet for their character even if it’s just some concealer or bronzer. Well don’t worry, because Shiro Cosmetics has you covered. It’s owned by a lovely person named Caitlin (not to be confused with IFD’s Caitlin, who while wonderful, isn’t the same Caitlin!) and I have personally received assistance from her in selecting pallets for many of my cosplays. Is your SO cosplaying a character with a non-human skin color like gray or purple or green? Well if you email her with the character’s name and a pic in case she isn’t familiar with them, she can help you put together a lovely three color pallet for toning and blending AND she’ll sell you the colors at an increased size so they can be used as foundation. Also, most of her colors can be made into high pigment lip glosses.

Arcane Magic: Dark Fantasy by Fyrinnae Cosmetics

Shiro doesn’t have exactly the color you need or you don’t need that much, just an eye shadow? Or maybe you need some epoxy or some shimmer? Well head on over to Fyrinnae cosmetics. All their products are vegan, long lasting, and I can personally attest to their variety and vibrance. They have wonderful customer service, though they don’t offer the same size customization and personalization that Shiro Cosmetics does. Also, their lip products may look like glosses, but they aren’t! They’re actually long lasting opaque lipsticks; they are simply applied like gloss. Both shops are reasonably priced and a good alternative to the sham of a business that is Lime Crime (As with my above rant, feel free to look up their years of poor business practices, shoddy formulas, and upcharges on basic micas, not to mention borderline racist advertising for their China Doll set).

Makeup not for your SO or they’re very picky about it? Not a problem, consider browsing Etsy or asking a crafty acquaintance to sell you a small prop or accessory piece, you can find almost anything for any fandom there, from ribbons to jewelry to prop weapons to masks and latex pieces, commissioning some small finishing touch can be the most thoughtful gesture imaginable to a cosplayer since so much of our expendable income goes towards costumes.

A Brony's dream

On that note, another thoughtful gift is something completely unrelated to cosplay that your SO could otherwise not afford because of the combination of bills and cosplay costs. I am an avid tea drinker and while not my SO, one of my best friends frequently buys me tea or accessories for making a better cup of tea since she knows I could never afford those things on my own. Be it cute casual clothes, alt fashions they like, snacks or drinks they enjoy, even a bottle of their favorite alcohol, one less extra thing they no longer need to debate setting cosplay money aside for is a gift in and of itself. Hell, I also collect figurines particularly Mass Effect and My Little Pony, my BF got me Soarin’ and Spitfire as well as a few other blind bags last year for my MLP collection, and then this year he got me Garrus and Grunt Funko POP! Figures to go with my Tali and Mordin figures. Books also never go amiss.

The Ferrari Wig by Arda Wigs

Another big cosplay piece you could offer help with is a wig. While there are other places, I recommend Arda Wigs or The Five Wits. Arda has a larger selection that comes in a bigger variety of colors and are better for styling, but Five Wits has many great pre-styled wigs for those who can’t style for themselves or don’t have the time. Their prices are close enough that neither will break your bank and both are subject to multiple sales a year AND Arda now has a punch tab discount program.

Don’t buy wigs on Etsy. Buying a custom styling job is different, but don’t buy pre-styled wigs on Etsy as a rule as many of the MLP wigs that are sold there are actually either two cheap wigs sewn together or one cheap, unstyled wig with ears attached. Buy your ears from Yaya Han or have them commissioned and clip or strap them onto your head or wig, it’s not worth a $60 upcharge for a shoddy pair of ears to be sewn into a $15 wig as some wig sellers on Etsy have been known to do. Arda has many tutorials, Five Wits has many pre-styled wigs that are inexpensive, and Etsy has many talented stylists who you can commission to style a wig that you bought or picked out. Don’t fall for a scam.

Now this last suggestion is likely out of most price ranges, but if it isn’t and your cosplayer doesn’t make their own costumes, having a full costume commissioned for them that they’ve been wanting is a very, very thoughtful and kind gesture. The problem is the inexpensive ones you see online are generally from sweatshops or worse, Milanoo, which buys at random from different sweatshops so not only are you getting poor quality and slave labor work, but also you don’t even know just how poor the quality.

 The reason this will break your bank is that you HAVE TO go to a reputable commissioner and the average seamstress wage (at least in most cities I’ve looked into) is $25 an hour, costume work can take days, in my first article you may recall I broke down how long Tali and Jaina each took me? And the thing is, those weren’t even the final drafts. Think long and hard about this one unless you bring in a six figure income yearly, but it IS a nice, thoughtful gesture.

Mana and Health Necklace Set - $24 by ZooZim on Etsy

Apart from the aspects of finances and picking between many wonderful options, the act of buying a gift for your cosplayer should be a snap if you know them well enough. And if you’ve only just started dating? Play it safe and get them something small and simple.

Price and size shouldn’t matter for a gift, these are only loose suggestions based on what a cosplay requires to be completed, in the end all that matters is that you thought of your loved one on Valentine’s Day. Love is in the air, so grab your love interest of choice and hit Silver sun Strip for some DLC style dating!...But don’t go for sushi...Trust me…You Mass Effect fans know what I’m saying.

Keelah Monster (formerly Tali'Belle) is a fashion and costume design student with twelve years of cosplay experience. She operates Fleet and Flotilla: Dextro Couture and Salvage on Etsy. Her main cosplay is Tali'Zorah Vas Normandy and her current preferred convention is Dragon Con. You can keep up with her on DeviantArt  or Twitter. And of course, you can find her posts here on I Feel Delicious!

Let's Talk Intimate Shaving...

By Caitlin Seida

Okay ladies, let's talk about shaving your bikini line...and then some. Some of us do it, some of us don't. Some of us like our bush a little more natural. Some of us like it neatly trimmed. Some of us go full on bare, while some of us like to shave little designs into it. It's all okay - really. But as someone who shaves, I'd like to share some tips with you to make the process go a little easier.

1. Warm It Up - Save your shave for the end of the shower. The warm water will open up the pores in your skin and allow you to get the closest shave possible. The heat and moisture will also soften up the hairs a little, making it easier for your razor to get them. 
2. Lube it Up - Forgive the horrible choice of words, but your razor (no matter what razor you use) is going to get a closer shave if you use a little something to help it glide over the skin. You can use shaving cream OR opt to go frugal and use a bit of hair conditioner instead. Be careful if you're going fully bare - scented products full of chemicals can cause a pH imbalance that can lead to a vaginal infection (yeast or bacterial). So pick unscented, natural products to take care of your "lady garden." 
3. Keep it Sharp - These are not usually words you want to hear with regards to your bikini line or vulva, but a sharp razor matters. Especially if you haven't shaved before or have let your bush grow natural. Start with a fresh razor blade and switch it up if you've got a lot of thick, coarse hair in the region. 
4. Cheat. - If you've let things grow wild, cheat on your razor. Grab a pair of scissors and neaten things up a bit first. The shorter hairs are less likely to clog your razor's blades. If you're not sensitive to them, you can also use a chemical hair remover like Nair first, to remove the bulk of the hair, and then use your razor to fine-tune your landscaping. 
5. Choose the right razor - Not all razors are created equal. A five-blade, flexible head razor with a moisture strip is not going to shave the same as a $0.99 cent disposable razor with one blade made of cheap plastic. It just isn't. Treat your genitalia right when you're shaving. A quality razor will prevent ingrown hairs, bumps, stubble and razor burn. 

That said, I want to take a minute to tell you about my newest razor love: The Gillette 
Venus Embrace Sensitive. I received a promo version of this razor for review courtesy of Influenster. And let me tell you - that thing is a miracle. No bumps, it got close to the skin and just felt like it was gliding over. The five blades didn't clog and even though the razor is made of lightweight plastic, it has a rubber grip that made me feel secure in the knowledge that I wouldn't slip and cut my sensitive bits and pieces.

The flexible head got into all the tricky spots that make shaving your vulva a chore, and it didn't falter once. My biggest problems were the packaging (there was too much! I hate unnecessary waste), and the fact that when you open the razor cartridges there's a slight medicinal smell. You can chalk the latter up to the aloe and moisturizer in the razor head, but it didn't smell like aloe. Just antiseptic. Despite these two flaws? It got the job done and did it stunningly.

Here's a video review, with a bonus at the end. Instead of shaving my pretty much already hairless legs, I got my husband to let me shave HIS super-hairy guy legs. Go ahead, have a giggle at his expense. Apologies for the talking boob show. This is why you should ALWAYS double check where your camera is pointed when making a video.:

If you're interested in following along as this product gets released, follow @GilletteVenus on Twitter with the Hashtag "#ItsNotMe" - Because it wasn't me. It was the razor. Extra special thanks to Influenster (follow them too at @Influenster) for letting us try out this stellar product. You guys rock!

Fat Girl Fashion on a Budget: 5 Winter Coats Under $50

By Caitlin Seida

Ladies, I feel your pain. Winter coats are expensive, but a good jacket is worth the investment. Pick a timeless cut in a color that suits your wardrobe basics and you'll get years of use out of it, so I'm breaking my own self-imposed rules and expanding the "budget" portion of this column to go up to $50 this time. You can't put a price on warmth, but if you had to, these would be my top picks.

First up is this sassy little number in pink corduroy with a faux fur lining. Sure, it's not necessarily classic or even classy, but we're a sucker for pink here at I Feel Delicious and this number is a girly take on a rugged ranch hand staple. At $9.99 USD, you've got little or nothing to lose. It's machine wash and dry flat, which is a big plus for me. I'm not going to lie - this jacket looks better for everyday wear and is a little on the trendy side, but if you're looking for something a little youthful and fun, this is a good pick. Sizes are in XL and XXL. You can get it here, at 10dollarmall.com.

Next up is the puffer jacket. Ladies, if you think you can't pull off those big puffy jackets because of your size, shape or build, think again. It's all about the details and this number has just the right ones. It's got a long cut that hits at a flattering mid-thigh point. A broad collar draws attention away from any problem areas and up toward your face and a belt cinches you in at your narrowest point. The placement of pockets at the hips has me a little concerned, but if you're not wide through that area, you might just want to try it. And it's a steal at just $5.70 USD. Sizes up to XXL.  Get it here from AliExpress. 

Now we're getting into the more expensive but timeless options. This double breasted wool pea coat is great for us ladies who want to add a little more shape where there might not be one. Rectangular body shapes and pear shapes both look great in this style, as it adds a little volume up top. The belt, again, is a great detail as it can cinch you in at the waist (or give the illusion of one if you aren't too thrilled with what nature gave you.) This piece is wool, sized up to 3XL and is currently on sale for just a hair under $40 (normally $53, so get it while you can!). Find it here at DebShops. 

Ashley Stewart, how I love thee! If you want a trendy print and details with a classic cut, this coat is the one for you. The long trench hits mid-thigh and again, belts at the waist. The cheetah print is on point with the trends, and so are the (faux) leather accents at the collar. This coat is made from 100% man-made materials, so there are no ethical quandaries for the vegans among us. Sizing starts at 12 and goes up to 20. I'm a firm believer that every girl needs a good trench coat and this fits the bill perfectly. It is double breasted, so again, ladies that are larger on top may want to examine other options. At about $35, it's pricey, but worth it. Get it here on Amazon.com.

Any fans of fleece out there? This jacket is just the ticket and it flatters just about every body type. It's an A-line cut, which flows away from the body. It hits at about low-hip and has a rounded shirt-style collar, drawing the eye to your gorgeous face. Princess seams in the front and back add subtle shaping to emphasize curves without giving away the whole picture. It's machine wash and 100% man made. At $50, this is the most expensive item on the list but for good reason: It's the kind of coat that'll see you through many years of use. It's got oversized buttons that are fun and funky without being too trendy or overbearing, and it looks soft enough to roll around in (please tell me I'm not the only one who does that with soft things?) Available in multiple solid colors, heathers and prints (including that cheetah or leopard that we're seeing on runways), this coat comes in sizes up to 5XL. If you're the matchy sort, the vendor also sells hats, gloves and scarves to complement this style. Get it here at Roamans. 

Do you have a favorite winter coat? What style do you like best for your winter outerwear? Do you prefer classic pieces and cuts or more trendy styles you can replace from year to year? We want to know! Talk to us in the comments below. 

Bring On the Disabled Dolls!

The coveted Samantha Doll of my youth. 

I’m a self-confessed American Girl Doll lover. These dolls - and the American Girl books that came with them - were a large part of my childhood. I’d wait for the new catalog to arrive from the then-independently owned Pleasant Company and circle everything I’d ask Santa for. I was in love with Samantha - the Victorian brunette with big brown eyes and a penchant for shaking up socio-economic norms of the time. I scrimped and saved and wished for a doll - a doll that was like me, a doll that I could identify with. By the time I could afford one after socking away quarters from weeding gardens and doing chores, my interest had waned, but the American Girl brand and name has continued on.

Now owned by Mattel, the American Girl franchise has moved on - some say they’ve cheapened their image, others are of no mind, keeping their eye on the joy they bring little girls. But there’s a limited selection to choose from - even the modern American Girl Dolls are leaning toward the blonde, pretty and able-bodied, active archetype that Mattel pushes.


One little girl is sick of the same old same old. 10-year-old Melissa Shang, from Paoli, Pennsylvania wants to see a disabled doll grace the pages of her American Girl Magazine. Shang, who lives in a suburb of my hometown Philadelphia, has Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, a neurological disorder and form of muscular dystrophy. Melissa struggles with muscle weakness and numbness and does a stellar job of making it through each day despite her disability. 

Melissa Shang poses with her American Girl Doll.

And like all of us who were touched by the magic of these dolls, Melissa wants to see a doll that looks like her and shares a story like her. In her petition on Change.org, Melissa says “"For once, I don't want to be invisible or a side character that the main American Girl has to help: I want other girls to know what it's like to be me, through a disabled American Girl's story,"

Never mind that there are limited Asian American Girl Dolls - in fact, most American Girl Dolls use one of only a couple facial moulds in their manufacture - Melissa wants the world to know what it’s like to be differently abled. And I couldn’t be a bigger supporter of this idea.

I have a sibling who is disabled. He uses leg braces and is sometimes in a wheelchair. Growing up, it never factored into my mind that he was somehow different than the rest of us - he was, actually, the popular kid. But as I grow up and my eyes open to the rest of the world, it’s pretty clear: There’s a pretty distinct lack of toys that let other kids know what it’s like to be a disabled person in a typically abled world.

And isn’t the point of the American Girl Dolls and their stories to let our kids experience the life of someone else for a little while? I wanted to be a Victorian class warrior. Other girls wanted to be a colonial feminist or a headstrong immigrant pioneer. What would it hurt for Mattel to let a generation of girls understand what it’s like to be a strong, kick-ass girl in a wheelchair, one like Melissa Shang? 

We need a disabled American Girl Doll!

American Girl does offer a “Feel Better Kit” for their dolls that comes with crutches, a wheelchair and casts but this does little to bolster the spirits of girls who are permanently disabled. Not only is it patronizing to have to purchase a “Feel Better Kit” - as if slapping a few Band-Aids on the problem will make it go away - but it’s also a discredit to the original Pleasant Company vision - to provide girls with dolls that are just like them, but also different enough that they could experience an entirely new world. Relatable, but still able to teach something new.

Girls like Melissa should be able to log on to InnerStarU.com and play American Girl games featuring a protagonist that faces the same challenges - and share in the same triumphs - that they do. They deserve to walk, stroll or wheel into any of the American Girl stores across the country and see a doll that looks like they do, with a story like theirs, instead of having to purchase an afterthought, add-on accessory kit with none of the stellar and heartwarming storytelling the American Girl Dolls are known for.

As of December 31, Melissa’s petition has 10,000 supporters. I’d like to see enough people sign the petition to make Mattel take notice and create a character for Melissa and the thousands of other girls like her.

What do you think about the idea of a disabled American Girl Doll? Were you an American Girl Doll fan growing up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Caitlin Seida has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites including Livestrong.com, TypeF.com, Salon.com, Dogster.com and The Daily Puppy. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). You can find her on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course here on I Feel Delicious!

Fat Girl Fashion On a Budget: 5 Holiday Party Dresses Under $30

Everybody wants to look their best around the holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas, the Solstice, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve or something entirely different, it always feels nice to show up to a work, social or family event in a new dress. But we all know money gets tight around the holiday season. Between gifts, entertaining or just because the cost of heating your home so you don't freeze is so high, nobody wants to spend a penny more on their wardrobe than they have to. Forget sacrificing style and comfort and check out our top five plus size picks for under $30.


1. According to Marie Claire, a combination of black and blue is just the thing for this winter's fashion. Big name designers like Caroline Herrera, DKNY and Marc Jacobs all mixed hues of navy and black in their runway shows. If you're not feeling the dark blue and black but still want to channel this trend, take a look at this pleated mock-chiffon frock in aqua and black. With short sleeves, a rounded neckline and a slimming center color block, this dress is sure to make you look and feel your best no matter what you're doing for the holidays. A removable fabric belt allows you to highlight your waist or wear it with extra ease, making this dress flattering for a number of body shapes. And how can you argue with $15? 

2. Every girl needs one reliable little black dress. At $25, this dress from Deb is the highest priced item on our list but well worth the splurge. You can wear it multiple times on multiple occasions, not just for the 2013 holiday season. The front is flat and nipped at the waist, ensuring that, no matter what your body shape, you look your absolute best this holiday season. This fit-and-flare A-line dress has a scoop neckline with a lace illusion back - a flesh-colored modesty panel ensures you can wear your favorite bra without worrying about it peeking through. A line of bows down the back will make you feel extra festive.

3. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is "Radiant Orchid" - a light and flirty eye-popping purple. Ring in the new year and get a jump start on the trend with this strapless, empire waisted number from 10dollarmall.com. True to the source name, this attention-grabbing dress will run you a mere $10. This dress isn't for the faint of heart - it's got a purple faux-satin finish and a line of beading under the bust, drawing the eye to your assets. 

4. Looking for something a little more classic for your Christmas office party? This little number comes in red and brown and features a flattering shallow V-shaped neckline. The high-low hem keeps you on trend while the ample coverage ensures you feel like the vampy, grown up woman that you are. Pair it with a sassy little cardigan for a little more arm coverage or play up your bitchin' biceps and leave your arms bare. Flattering for body shapes that need a little more nipping at the waist (like the classic hourglass, which doesn't always look the best in empire waisted frocks), this dress is just the ticket, drawing the eye to the narrowest part of your body. This Ashley Stewart number will run you a hair under $20 from Amazon.com

5. If you're searching for modesty, you can't beat this patterned velour dress. Available in black, silver, or purple, this surplice-style dress has 3/4 sleeves and a hem that hits at the knee on most women (the dress is 42" long, so the extra tall might want to look elsewhere for a modest holiday dress!) The empire waist and a-line shape are super flattering on a variety of body shapes and sizes. At the $20 mark, this dress won't break your holiday budget.

Caitlin Seida has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites including Livestrong.com, TypeF.com, Salon.com, Dogster.com and The Daily Puppy. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). You can find her on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course here on I Feel Delicious!

Finding a Chic And Stylish Cane

By Vyctoria Hart

If you have mobility issues, a walking stick or crutches can be invaluable. But if your issues are intermittent you might not qualify to receive one as part of your health care plan. Even if you do, there are lots of reasons why you might not want to use the usual  institutional grey products. For those who only use mobility aids occasionally it can be tempting to leave a item you don't like at home and try to struggle through without. Often the result is either you cut the event short

Silver Diamante Cane from glamsticks.co.uk

or you pay for it with more pain the next day. That temptation can be even stronger when it's a special occasion.

In the past the options for purchasable canes were relatively limited, with most being wooden and either of the farmer or wizard variety. In the last decade or so the market has expanded to include floral patterned enameled canes, but they aren't to everyone's taste.

The good news is that thanks to the internet there are now alternatives to suit a much wider

Pink Crutches from pimpmobility.co.uk

range of users. Do you love animal prints? Get a zebra print crutch. Do you like to glitter and sparkle? There are diamante encrusted canes out there. Do your accessories always match, or do you need to be easily visible in a smoggy city? You can get anything from a soft subtle teal to a dayglo orange. Now these won't be for everyone, and if your disability is temporary the initial expense may not be worth it for a few weeks use. However I've had my cane for 6 years now, which works out at £5 ($8 USD) a year for greater mobility when I need it and there's still several years of life left in it.

When you choose your first cane there are some things you'll

Hot Pink Polka Dot Cane from SwitchSticks

want to take into account. Don't automatically choose the design you like most, take time to consider if it's the one you'll make the most use from. You might think the UV yellow cane covered in smiley faces is awesome, but does it suit your job as a funeral director? If most of your wardrobe is green, a red cane might make you look like a Christmas elf. However f you only need a cane for certain situations it might be be fine to choose a more dramatic piece- if you only need additional support at conventions then a Superman crutch might be perfect. 

Whilst I work as a steampunk artist, most of my wardrobe is still the traditional goth black/red/purple. As such I choose a pink and black cane, as it works equally well for concerts, every day and formal events. 

Space Age crutches from smartcrutch.co.uk

Do take into account courtesy and local laws when choosing the color of you cane. For example, if you're intending to buy a fancy cane to compliment a white wedding dress, please remember that in many places white canes (also red&white) are limited to the visually impaired. 

Disclaimer:

 Please don't use any medical equipment that hasn't be approved for you. A physiotherapist should be able to tell you the appropriate height settings and whether you're better suited to a cane, a hiking pole or crutches. Most mobility aids can have their height adjusted within a limited range, but if you're especially tall you may need to request a longer item. Similarly some items may have a weight limit. For your safety it's best to check these details before purchase.

For More Unique Walking Aide Options, Check Out These Sites:http://pimpmobility.co.uk/ 
http://glamsticks.co.uk/ 
http://www.fashionablecanes.com/ 
http://www.coolcrutches.com/

http://smartcrutch.co.uk/ 

Mum and Cat Mum Vyctoria Hart is based in the Yorkshire in the North of England, Vyctoria specializes in steampunk, science fiction and alternative illustration. She has provided images for a number of novels and paper-based roleplay games, as well as designing fabrics, t-shirts and greetings cards. You can find her work at Phantoms-Siren.com You can also check out some of her work on RedBubble, Folksy, DeviantArt and Spoonflower. And of course, you can read her words here at I Feel Delicious!

Fat Girl Fashion On A Budget: Office Friendly Finds

By Caitlin Seida

Let's face it - we're all looking for things that look good and don't break the bank. When you're a larger lady (like myself) that task seems IMPOSSIBLE. Everything is either covered in sequins or bows or kittens or mirrors or looks like a Cosby sweater reject. My secret? Thrift stores. I shop them religiously. Today's outfit is almost entirely thrifted, so you won't be able to get this exact look, but I've found similar items for you to recreate this look for just a hair over $50, excluding accessories and undergarments. But we'll talk about those later.

Take a Look At That Top!

Here's the front view of the entire outfit. Office appropriate, right? It's a short sleeve knit turtleneck shell from Lord and Taylor - gotten at my local Goodwill for $3.99. Score! It's a size 1X and runs true to size. Since it's a thrift store score, it's hard to find an exact original price. Mine is cotton - perfect for fall weather. A comparable one from this season's collection in merino wool runs $60 on their website! Savings on that one item? $56.01

The Cardigan is an Isabella Rodriguez - gotten at an outlet store for $4.99. It's a size Large, but runs a little bit larger than you'd expect. It's form fitting on me, but in a good way. It's tissue thin, so more for decoration than warmth and I love the way it flows open at the front. The only thing I'm not so fond of is the peplum-like styling at the back - I feel it emphasizes my already considerable backside. As a bonus, though, it keeps any unfortunate pant/shirt gaps from happening and showing the world my skivvies.  The original is again, no longer available but looks like it retailed for $39.99. Total savings? $35.

Bottoms Away!

These pants are a true gem of a thrift store find. They're made by Studio 1940 - a brand made for the now defunct chain of stores, Fashion Bug. These pants are a size 24 - larger than I normally wear, but the number means nothing when the fit is right. True to my hourglass shape, I need a larger butt allowance and a smaller waist. These pants are just right! Since they were gotten thrift, they needed some repairs. The buttons fell off and one of the hook and eye combos was worn out - nothing I couldn't handle in under 15 minutes. And for $5, totally worth it! They've got wideset red pinstripes, just my favorite! Original retail price, as far as I can discern, was $29.99 - not too bad for a good pair of pants! Total savings? $24.99

Accessories Make the Outfit

Let's get onto the accessories, though. They make the outfit yours - original, unique touches that allow you to express your personality even in a stuffy, business-casual setting. This bag was made by someone near and dear to my heart - my "Almost Sister In Law" (It's a long story!). She's a graphic designer and designs every one of her bags from scratch and screen prints them onto quality linen totes. I'm not joking when I say that my entire life is in this bag - it's held up to so much abuse it should look worse than it does. Retail value is $20, but I got it as a present. Total savings? $20.

This necklace is AWESOME. It's a heart with wings - kind of my own personal little symbol. Again, it's a handcrafted piece made by Etsy seller Horribell. It's on a sturdy chain and has, again, held up to a lot of abuse. I can't wear it often or when I'll be wet or sweaty since it is NOT nickel free (and I have a contact allergy to nickel) but it's one of my favorites so I gladly wear it whenever I can. With a turtleneck like this, it doesn't come in contact with my skin and I can wear it freely. It retails for $11.50, plus shipping. I paid full price.

So to recap:

Lord and Taylor Cotton Sleeveless Turtleneck Shell: $3.99 (Original Retail Value: $60.00)
Studio 1940 Red and Black Pinstripe Pants: $5.00 (Original Retail Value: $29.99)
Isabella Rodriguez Ruffle Cardigan: $4.99 (Original Retail Value: $39.99)
Abbie Normal Graphics Bag: $0 (Original Retail Value: $20)
Horribell Heart With Wings Necklace: $11.50 (Original Retail Value: $11.50)
Total I paid: 25.48
Total Full Price Retail Value: $161.48

Total Savings? $136

How You Can Get The Look For Less

I've gone ahead and found some reasonable copycats of the items I found by thrifting. First up are the pants: Plus size pinstripe pants are tough to find. Ashley Stewart Women's Plus Size collection offers pinstripe pants (PINK! pinstripe pants!) for $24.84. I know that's a bit more than you'd like to pay, but for good fitting pants, I know I'd pay a million bucks if I could. You can get them by clicking on this link:

Next up is the turtleneck shell. ToBelnStyle offers a turtleneck shell in a variety of colors (including a pink to match those pinstripe pants as well as a basic black) that comes in plus sizes. Re-sellers on Amazon are offering it for $8.95, but I'd spring for the new, out of the box one from the manufacturer for just a few dollars more ($10.99)

The cardigan was a little harder to track down. Hollywood Star Fashion offers a plus size drapey cardigan that's got the same comfy tissue-weight feel and same basic silhouette as my Isabella Rodriguez piece. And it comes in a variety of colors - yes, my favorite black, but also a pink to match those lovely pinstripe pants, a calming ocean blue and a bunch of white, gray, peach and neutrals to suit your tastes. It'll set you back a mere $14.50

So to get this outfit without scouring the thrift stores and crossing your fingers? A hair over $50 ($50.33 not including shipping, I might add.) That's not too bad for quality pieces that fit and are work-appropriate, and items that you can mix and match in your daily wardrobe. Other plus size stores (Torrid, I'm looking at you) charge you $50 for ONE piece of clothing. So while the pricetag is a little hefty, it's all about perspective.

Get the Accessories

I'm a big believer in buying from independent artisans and craftspeople when you can. And paying full price for them - these people put their heart, soul, time and hard earned skills into making these pieces and deserve a living wage for their work. Some people view handmade as inferior - that view could not be further from the truth. If you're looking for a little splurge as a way to spruce up a basic outfit like this one, take some time and money and invest in a handmade piece.

The necklace from Horribell can be found on Etsy - if this isn't your style, she's got plenty more cool stuff to choose from and it's all reasonably priced in the $10-30 range for most of it. She does lean toward the more goth/punk/alt style, but you might be surprised at what you find. 

Angel Wing Heart Necklace by Etsy Seller Horribell: $11.50 plus shipping

AbbieNormal Graphics is currently experiencing an Etsy outage and having problems with her shop. I've linked to her Facebook album showing samples of some of her designs,
 See more here or e-mail Abbienormalgraphics@gmail.com for one of your own!

Both of these accessories together will run you $31.50, not including shipping. But they are so totally worth it! If you bought the accessories, the entire outfit would cost $81.83, minus shipping costs. Again, a hefty price tag but everything is quality and able to be mixed and matched easily with other pieces.

Why don't you tell us about your favorite place to score plus size duds for less? How about your best thrift store score? Happy shopping, ladies!


Caitlin Seida has been writing since 2006, with her work appearing on various websites including Livestrong.com, TypeF.com, Salon.com, Dogster.com and The Daily Puppy. A Jill-of-All-Trades, she splits her workday as a writer, humane society advocate and on-call vet tech. What little free time she has goes into pinup modeling, advocating for self-acceptance, knitting and trying to maintain her haunted house (really!). You can find her on Facebook, on Twitter, and of course here on I Feel Delicious!