LitFashionCurator

I never expected to cry over a dress. Not the good kind of cry, anyway. Growing up in a financially strapped household, clothes were about function, not flair. My mother worked at a school and brought home lunch leftovers to build up our food at home. My absentee father sent nothing but silence and disappointment through the mail. When he did make an appearance, he acted like he was doing us a favor. Shopping was a luxury we couldn’t afford, so most of my wardrobe came from church drives, thrift stores, or the occassional clearance rack at an off-discount store. When I got engaged, I knew there wouldn’t be a grand wedding or champagne-soaked reception. We planned to marry at the local justice of the peace, then have a potluck at the VFW post in Dedham, Massachusetts. Still, something inside me longed for a beautiful dress. Not just any dress, but the dress—the one that made you feel like the world might pause for you, even for just a moment. I didn’t have the heart to tell anyone...

For years, I buried myself in oversized clothes, hoping the world wouldn't notice my large breasts and even larger butt. I had a woman's figure since I was eleven years old. I was well-developed than most girls my age. Everything I wore hugged my curves in ways that made me a target for both boys and men. As I grew older, another issue emerged - I was a stress eater. If I had a bad day at school, I'd come home and stuff my face with whatever was in the fridge. Sometimes there wasn't anything but breakfast trays my mom brought home from her school cafeteria job. But on the days when Mpm received her food stamps, the fridge would be brimming with all kinds of goodies. That's when I'd really go to town if I had a bad day. Soon, I was hoping the world wouldn't notice the extra weight I carried, so I wore oversized sweaters, pants, and dresses to hide the bulges. My spirit was heavy as well. I was constantly bullied by other kids about my appearance and did...

When summer temperatures skyrocket, your clothing choices become absolutely critical for staying comfortable and preventing overheating. The goal is to maximize airflow, wick away sweat, and reflect sunlight. Here's a breakdown of what to wear: 1. Fabric is King: Prioritize Breathable, Natural, or Performance Materials The type of fabric you wear makes the biggest difference. Linen: Often considered the king of hot-weather fabrics. It's incredibly breathable, loosely woven, and has superior moisture-wicking properties, absorbing sweat quickly and releasing it to evaporate. It tends to wrinkle, but that's part of its relaxed charm. Cotton: A classic choice. It's soft, breathable, and absorbs sweat well. However, in very humid conditions, it can retain moisture and feel clammy, unlike linen which dries faster. Opt for lightweight cotton. Rayon (Viscose, Lyocell, Modal): These are semi-synthetic fibers derived from wood pulp. They are lightweight, soft, breatha...

The Essentials for the Summer With summer around the corner, it’s time to review your closet and see what you have (and need) for the season. Summer in the Northeast can be a mixed bag — colder months are warmer, snowy months are rainier, and warmer months are everything and then some. My closet has every season jammed in every inch of it. But if you leave in a region where the weather is more consistent, then here are some summer essentials to consider: Five Key Pieces Every Woman Needs for a Summer Capsule Wardrobe Creating a summer capsule wardrobe is a simple, stylish way to beat the heat without stressing over what to wear. A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of essential, versatile items that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. For summer, comfort, breathability, and chic simplicity are key. While trends come and go, these five timeless pieces help every woman stay cool, confident, and fashion-forward all season long. 1. The Classic White Tee No summer caps...

Learn How to Style Any Outfit Style is more than what you wear. It’s how you express who you are. Whether you’re getting dressed for school, a meeting, or a night out, styling your outfit can transform how you feel and how others see you. But for many people, building a stylish outfit can feel intimidating or time-consuming. Fortunately, there’s a simple three-step process that makes it easy to style any outfit with confidence: (1) Start with a Base, (2) Add Layers and Personality, and (3) Finish with Function and Flair. This structured approach helps you get dressed with ease, creativity, and intention every time. Step One: Start with a Base The first step to styling any outfit is building a strong base. Your base is typically the most essential item or items. You should think of it as your outfit’s foundation. For casual days, your base might be jeans and a t-shirt. For more formal settings, it could be a dress, suit, or matching set. The base should reflect the occasion, yo...

Y our Style is Not for Anyone But You As my age increases, my style options have expanded (like my waistline). I’m no longer a teen or 20-something. My thirties are behind me and as I navigate my forties, I realized that I let society, friends, family, and co-workers dictate my style. I have always loved color and that continues today. Colorful outfits inspire me. They give off a fun, full-of-life vibe. When I wear something colorful, I feel energized and confident. Yes, I do like darker tones, but I always add a pop of color to black, brown, and gray outfits. A pop of color brightens any outfit, making it more vibrant and less rigid. But many women, regardless of age, still heed the words of the world around them instead of listening to their hearts. Clothing should be fun! Clothes should match your personality and make you feel comfortable and safe. In short, clothing should be liberate women from societal constraints. Here are some more reasons why: The fashion industry h...

Awkward is the New Black I’m a fashion misfit. I follow trends but then I use my style choices to create my look. I don’t want to be a clone of everyone else when a certain fashion style is trending. I want to stand out, fitting in is too exhausting. I’ve learned over the years that fashion is cyclical — what’s old is new again. The trends of a particular decade become popular for a new generation. Designers are always looking to the past to define the present aesthetic. Rarely, do you see fashion that is original — it’s always redesign of something else. But what does it mean to be a fashion misfit? To be a fashion misfit means to dress or express yourself in ways that don’t align with mainstream fashion norms or trends. It’s not about lacking style — it’s about intentionally (or sometimes unintentionally) choosing clothing, accessories, or aesthetics that stand out, break rules, or reflect a deeply personal, unconventional taste. Key traits of a fashion misfit: Nonconformity:...

And I’m Not Talking About Your Sneakers Photo Source: Harper’s Bazaar I’ve never been a lacy aesthetic type of girl. I’m rough in my clothes and fabrics like lace, linen, satin, and silk rip too easily. But lace trim is trending and the looks are so pretty — I’m reconsidering giving lace another try. Lace has always been a design that conveys chic, sexy, and upscale. Lace was originally only for the aristocrats and the elites. It wasn’t something common folk would wear as they toiled in fields and factories. As the cost of lace decreased, lace became something to wear to church or social events. The common folk used lace to show their financial status had improved in the community. Today, lace is in everything. Lace is used in dresses, skirts, sleepwear, hats, and hair accessories. There are lace gloves and stockings. Lace trim can be found on shoes, suit jackets, capes, and sleeves. Lace always has a place in fashion. Let’s look at lace in the following article excerpts: Asymm...

S omething Neat for Your Feet! Spring is winding down. In less than a month, Summer will begin. And with Summer, there comes the shoes. But as we’ve seen in previous summers, sandals are no longer the go-to footwear of the Summer. This coming Summer continues the trend with summer shoes for every foot — from clogs to flatforms to heels. Summer is about fun. Why shouldn’t your feet have some fun as well. This season’s options make painting your toenails optional. And if you thinl your feet are sandal-worthy, there’s a shoe to make them summer-ready. It’s a win-win for everyone as we approach the season. Check out some options below: These Are Spring's Trendiest Shoes, Hands Down Our editors' favorite summer 2025 shoe trends have landed, fresh from Fashion Week runways and the streets. Shop clog… www.glamour.com REPOST 11 Summer 2025 Shoe Trends Our Editors Are Shopping Now Welcome home, boat shoes. By Jake Henry Smith May 7, 2025 Edward Berthelot/Getty Images All p...

A spring coat or jacket is an essential outerwear piece. In addition, the coat or jacket you wear can be the icing on the cake for your outfit. Coats and jackets can be adorned with belts, brooches, or scarves. You bring your personality to the piece. It should emphasize the direction of the overall outfit. Here are some articles on Spring 2025 coats and jackets: ***REPOST*** I'm a Fashion Expert-6 Chic Jacket Trends Worth Bookmarking for Spring Spring is almost here, and we've narrowed down the 7 chicest jacket trends that you'll want to know about. Explore the… www.whowhatwear.com For 2025, the classics are back in favour, feeling just as contemporary as ever. The recent revival of the barn jacket is here to stay, as iterations of the country style continue to flood our favourite stores and Instagram feeds. The classic blazer is set to return once again but brings with it a nod to the textures we’ve embraced over the winter months with suede finishes and deep browns ...

What’s Trending in the World of Designer Luxury Bags Photo Source: Elle.com, LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT If you’re like me, you like a good handbag. My friends call me the “bag lady” (shout out to Erykah Badu) because I always carry many bags. I prefer large bags with deep pockets and many sub-pockets. I like a sturdy bag that can handle a lot of wear and tear. I plan to put that bag to work when I purchase a bag. It has to be able to carry everything I need for the day. Every season, there are bag trends like clothing trends. In one season, small bags are in style; in the next season, midsize bags are trending, and in other seasons, large bags are popular. I don’t have too many small bags. I use the ones I have for events and nights out. There is such a thing as bag etiquette. You don’t want to bring a totte to a club! Below are some handbag trends for Spring 2025: Spring 2025 introduces a variety of handbag trends that blend practicality with innovative design. Key styles to wa...

Fashion and Leggings Do Go Together! Photo Source: Pinterest Most people believe that leggings and style can’t happen in the same sentence. But they’re wrong! So wrong! Leggings may look basic, but they don’t have to be essential. Leggings get a bad wrap because many women wear them when they exercise or run errands. Leggings are a fashion staple that many women don’t think of as “dressy.” But leggings can be elevated. Here are some ways to do it: With an Oversized Sweater — Pairing leggings with a chunky, oversized knit sweater creates a cozy yet stylish look. Complete the outfit with knee-high boots or chunky sneakers for a balanced silhouette. Under a Long Blazer — A structured blazer instantly elevates leggings, making them look polished and put-together. Opt for a fitted turtleneck underneath and finish with ankle boots or loafers for a chic, business-casual vibe. With a Cropped Hoodie and Sneakers — Wear high-waisted leggings with a cropped hoodie and trendy sneakers for an ...

A Trend that Has a Long History Photo Source: Merrick’s Art The skirt and sneaker combo is a relatively recent fashion trend that has emerged in the 21st century. While there is no single definitive origin, several factors contributed to its rise in popularity. One factor is the increasing casualization of fashion. As sneakers became more accepted in everyday wear, they began to be paired with skirts as a way to create a more relaxed and comfortable look. This trend was further fueled by the rise of athleisure, which blurred the lines between athletic wear and everyday clothing. Another factor is the influence of celebrities and fashion influencers. Many celebrities and influencers have been spotted wearing skirts with sneakers, helping to popularize the trend. For example, Emily Ratajkowski is known for her stylish skirt and sneaker combinations. The skirt and sneaker combo is also appealing because of its versatility. It can be dressed up or down, depending on the specific piece...

The Best Stories about the 2025 FW Shows Photo Source: Wallpaper Magazine NYFW Fall/Winter 2025 shows have ended. Alas, I was unable to attend. However, many of the fashion influencers I follow did attend events and I have curated some highlights below: ***REPOST*** Highlights From New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025 This season, the runway shows did two things; showcase the best of big brands, and for supporting up and coming… www.forbes.com Highlights From New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025 New York Fashion Week is always a showstopping affair. While the September edition always ushers in the spring collections, the more toned-down February fare features the top fall trends. Nadja Sayej writes about fashion, wellness, beauty and culture. Feb 12, 2025,01:00pm EST Updated Feb 14, 2025, 02:46pm EST WÀNGDA NYFW A/W 2025 at NeueHouse Jason Crowley/BFA.com This season, the runway shows did two things; showcase the best of big brands, who have made their way to the spotli...

  Step into the Next Season with Some Fancy Footwear Photo Source: Vogue I love shoes! Shoes make me happy. I love how shoes look on my feet. I like the different colors, designs, and styles. Shoes can change the direction of an outfit. They can dress an outfit up or down. Shoes can be worn for many occasions — like work, school, clubs, and sporting events. There’s a shoe for whatever you want to do. Here are some Spring 2025 shoes that caught my eye: Photo Source: W Magazine Photo Source: Who What Wear Photo Source: PureWow As we look toward Spring 2025, the footwear landscape is set to offer a striking blend of innovation, nostalgia, and sustainability. A mix of practicality and aesthetics will dominate the scene, with key trends emerging from various corners of the fashion world. From eco-conscious designs to futuristic shapes and vibrant colorways, spring 2025 will be all about comfort, expression, and embracing diversity in style. Let’s explore the primary shoe trends for Spri...

  What to Wear and How to Wear It. Photo Source: Science of People Office Style: Chic and Comfortable The modern workplace continues to evolve, and the 2025 office dress code balances professionalism and personal style. Gone are the days of rigid business attire — employees now embrace a more chic and adaptable wardrobe that effortlessly merges sophistication. Companies recognize that comfort and confidence enhance productivity, leading to a shift toward stylish yet functional clothing. This change allows professionals to express individuality while maintaining a polished look suitable for a corporate environment. One of the most noticeable trends in office fashion is the integration of relaxed tailoring. Structured blazers are paired with soft, breathable fabrics, creating a chic appearance. Wide-leg trousers, midi skirts, and knit dresses are trending in workplace fashion, offering a sleek yet comfortable alternative to traditional office wear. Neutral tones remain a staple, but ...