Stripes have a bad reputation.  It seems like a lot of people are doing away with that notion of stripes being a bad thing, but I know people who still cling to that belief.  I was taught from a very early age to never wear stripes, so I didn't.  In fact, most of my life I have shied away from anything with stripes.  I've been making strides in my stripe wearing in order to take a stand.  Fat girls can wear stripes!!


This totally cute top from Avenue is so comfortable and fun!  It has a bit of stretch to it, with this great solid and metallic scroll print that adds some interest.  It is a thinner material, so I did wear a nude cami underneath.  I love the larger scoop neck and three-quarter sleeves as well.  I cannot wait to wear it in the summer or try it with a chambray skirt.  The possibilities are endless. 


I paired the top with my new Lane Bryant skinny jeans.  They are an exclusive style at the outlet, so if you have one near you check it out.  They are really stretchy and comfortable and haven't lost their shape yet, which is awesome.  I'm in a 24 now, but with these I was able to size down to a 22.  It seems to just be the way the style is made.


I also want to point out the rhinestone canvas shoes that are so delightful.  I had to wear socks with them because it was so cold this day, but I cannot wait to rock them in the spring and summer too.  The canvas has a nice shimmer to it, and you know I love my sparkles!  The earrings were a clearance find at my local Lane Bryant outlet.  Woohoo!

PS - At the time of this post (March 4th, 2014), the striped top is 40% off and the shoes are 30% off.  So don't miss out on that!  Avenue has some really great pieces out now.



Striped Metallic Screen Print Tee - c/o Avenue
Distressed Skinny Jeans - Lane Bryant Outlet Exclusive (Similar here, here, and here)
Casey Beaded Canvas Flat - c/o Avenue
Olive Hooded Coat - Lane Bryant circa 2012


I wore this outfit out to meet B.J. Novak during his book signing at Powell's Books in Portland.  If you aren't familiar with B.J., he played Ryan Howard in The Office, as well as wrote, directed, and produced some episodes.  He's also branched out to movies, like Inglourious Basterds.