BRING BACK SIZE 14

I was chatting with my friend Jamerson recently about my new plus size project. Here's a little tidbit from our convo.

Jamerson:
"I went into a JCrew (women's) the other day and was trying to find a shirt in a 14 and the sales associate said "Oh, we've stopped carrying them in that size in the stores but they're available online". And okay, fine, I bought it online but getting sized out is a bad feeling and one that I'm facing more and more lately. It makes me so frustrated on so many levels.
PS I'm pretty sure I need to lean how to sew some fucking jeans, eventually."
Me:
"You've got to be kidding me! What the fucks up with that?"

Being sized out is beyond frustrating. Why, when the average woman is not a size 0 or 00 are there so many options in those sizes? Can't we have both?

Now seems to be a time where attitudes are changing.

With bloggers like Nicollete Mason and Gabi Fresh who are body positive (and so much more!) and when Vogue magazine, (yes VOGUE) does a lingerie shoot with plus size models, is JCrew taking away size 14 in stores?

Wake up JCrew!

What are your thoughts?!

xx

Jessica

MORRO BAY

This year our vacation time was spent celebrating many of our friends tying the knot! So one nighters have been our thing to get away just the two of us. We drove up to Morro Bay a couple Saturdays ago and were only gone for a little over 24 hours. We ate so many oysters and drank a ton of red wine. This little town had a little of everything. Seafood, a super cute beach, otters, sea lions, fishing, and thrift stores. Can't wait to go back!

xx

Jessica

A T-SHIRT STORY

I had an epiphany a few months ago. You know, like a real fucking stop you in your tracks epiphany! The whole now or never!

So listen, I've been a big girl my entire life, and I've heard all of the reasons why I shouldn't look the way I do. "You have such a pretty face, if the dress doesn't fit maybe you should think about losing a little weight, I mean I don't think of you as a BIG girl." And one of my favs recently from a family member when I was mulling over the idea of signing up for the AIDS ride to honor my two uncles I lost to the disease and their many friends. "Wow Jessica, what a great opportunity to lose some weight!" You've go to be fucking kidding. But with all of those comments that seem to never end I feel like I've brought some strong style to the table. (Although my Missy Elliot phase was probably not appreciated the way it should have been! And yes there are photos, more on that another time.) No matter my size, I always felt pretty fucking fly and put together!

Years ago, when I couldn't find something in my size I decided I would try my hand at making what I wanted. By hand. Literally, I can't sew. I don't own anything but safety pins, a needle and some thread. I got compliments on most of the things. Mainly mens t shirts that I added Biggie lyrics to, or over sized super flowy shirts and kimonos. Basic things that weren't available to me, and believe me I love a good tee like any other girl!

So back to the epiphany. It begins with t shirts. (there's much more, but we will start there) I want to make t shirts for all the girls (or boys!) out there like me who are fucking frustrated with our options. NO I don't want all t shirts to have a scoop neck, cap sleeves and the Little Mermaid on it. There is always time for Disney (I'm a massive fan),  but what the FUCK is up with that!? Who decided that's what chubby girls want? I want t shirts that I believe in! Rad fucking over sized t shirts that speak to my soul.

Yesterday I headed to American Apparel with my hopes and head held so high! My notebook with all of my ideas just waiting to be printed! I was gonna place my first order. (My fav t shirt there is the TriBlend unisex in light and dark grey in 3xl)  I sat down with the AA representative and was quickly informed that American Apparel will no longer be carrying size 3xl.

Rep: "There just isn't a market for that size."
Me: ..........wait........WHAT? "But, I'm sitting in front of you, I'm your market."
Rep: "American Apparel just doesn't get orders for that size, they don't sell."

Of course there's a market! It's just flooded with cap sleeves and Cinderella. I wanted to get on the PA system and yell to whoever would listen that I needed t shirts and if they could just hear about my epiphany!!!

So now I am back on the t shirt hunt.

I'm not giving up because we, as plus size, curvy, chubby or whatever word you choose to describe yourself, deserve a rad fucking t shirt just like everybody else.

xx

Jessica 

Cultivate your curves - they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided. Mae West

NANA'S FOR A WEEKEND

A coupe weeks ago my life long best friend Jessica and I decided it had been way too long since we'd been on a road trip together. We spent so much time together at my family's cabin growing up and as adults that my family seems like hers. Especially Nana. We brought baby Hayes and Rex with us and it couldn't have been more fun. With the arrival of Hayes, Rex now falls in the middle with Leon. It was amazing to see Rex as the big brother in the room, and how sweet and thoughtful he is. Arlo and Leon were missed, but it was so great to be just with Jess, Rex and Hayes. Can't wait to plan our next road trip!

xx

NEW YORK IS FOR LOVERS

We went back to New York for a friends wedding two weeks ago, and you couldn't get me on that plane fast enough. I was way over due for a trip. NYC with all of its beauty and grit will always be my love. With ups that will be some of your best and downs that can feel oh so low. NYC makes life seem full. It's the city that really helped me find myself. So needless to say I was pumped to be going back, I mean it only took a fucking year. It's the longest I have been away in 10 years! We spent time seeing and loving on as many friends as possible. We talked, ate, drank, walked, shopped and then did them all again. Life was on serious repeat for the weekend and I was beyond ok with that. It was a great trip, way too short, but isn't that always how it is? I can't wait to be back again, I definitely won't let another year pass by!

"One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years." 

-Tom Wolfe

xx Jessica