Just Google It.

There comes a time in every chunky girl's life where she googles something embarrassing. It meets these two qualifications: 1. She hopes someone has asked the same question. (So she can find answers, of course.) 2. She hopes she can delete her browsing history before anyone knows she searched for that. My recent search terms have been things like "control top leggings", "how to get permanent marker off my skin", and "Can fat people go skiing?" The latter is the one I hurried to delete from my browsing history. It was followed up with searches for plus-size ski boots, leg measurements for ski boots, weight limit for skis, width of a chair lift, and (perhaps most important of my searches) how to get up after falling when wearing skis. My search was disheartening as I realized I would probably have to enter into an intimidating ski shop full of people who wear clothes from places like Zumez and EMS, get custom boots made for my legs, buy skis (so I could avoid writing my weight on the rental application at the resort), score a winter coat (which I have successfully avoided for years), and then still try to figure out how to get up after I fell without breaking into a full sweat. After all of my expensive ski purchases...what if I hated skiing? I decided that asking Google if I was too fat to ski was a breaking point for me. Although I am a confident girl, my chubbiness has never inhibited me from trying something new...until now. I want to be able to get up if I fall. I want to know that if I tear my ACL on the slopes I will be able to support myself on crutches. So I am aiming for next year. It might take me that long to find custom boots anyway! In the mean time, if you are willing to give it a go and need some ski gear and don't want to worry about deleting your search history - here is the best stuff I found:) Plus-size snow pants and jackets and Boots for large calves. Alright, ladies. I am off to the gym. My next post will be about my fat crying.

Layers aren't just for dip.

It's been awhile. I am just coming out of my layers I've been swaddling myself in for the past several months. Which brings me to the topic of the day: Layers.

If you don't currently dress in layers, you must. Now. Not sure how? Just start layering - you will figure it out. Here are a few tips:

1. Supportive Bra. There is no excuse for you to not have proper support. I will post on what to look for in a good bra soon.
2. Anti-back-fat tank top. Control the jiggle, tuck it in, and rock it.
3. Long tank top. Cut your rear-end in half while staying modest on the top.
4. Shirt of the day. It can be flashy, fun, or whatever you prefer, but do yourself a favor and make sure that you will have seams in the right spot. If you are wearing a t-shirt (which I am NOT a big fan of...what does that do for us? Makes us look blobby!), pair it with a structured hoodie. If you are wearing a polo or button down without a "completer piece" (see number 5), it should have seams on each side of the chest to keep your bodice from looking lumpy.
5. If you so choose, pair your shirt with a cardigan, sweater, or structured jacket.
6. Accessories. Big girls need big bags...and don't forget the jewelry!

Please feel free to comment or email me (personatilee at gmail.com) with any specific questions. My goal for this spring and summer is to have pictures to define exactly what I am talking about!

Short shorts?

I have decided chunky girls should live in Alaska. Summers are just more stress than it is worth. Think about it: sweaty dressing rooms, swimsuits, and dare I say the problem I am currently facing...shorts.

Not all big and beautiful girls struggle with the shorts topic. Some have sculpted legs and thighs that don't rub so bad that they set off a four alarm fire. For me, however, I have difficulty finding shorts that are long enough to hide the "top of the knee pudge" but that fit well enough in the rump and thighs to they don't ride up and reveal the knee-rolls I've concealed all winter.

After an extensive review of shorts so far this summer, I have decided three things:
1. We shouldn't wear plaid. Ever. Unless we want to look bigger. Trust me, ladies, I've tried it all.
2. Lane Bryant has the best short selection this summer. They are thick enough (that is a topic for my next post), structured, and come in a variety of lengths.
3. Once again, a friendly reminder to all of us: just because they make it in our size, doesn't mean we should wear it.

So ladies, unless you choose to move to Alaska (where sweaters, jeans, and layers are in style year round), good luck in your shorts hunt...and get ready for a fun, blog-filled summer!

Beach Day

Today was beach day!
I had a fantastic time. I must say that the best swimsuits come from Land's End. I purchase mine at Sears at the end of the season, but you can also buy online. Their return policy is phenomenal and if there happens to be a quality issue, the send you a new suit and a return label for the damaged one...even after you wear it. Their website also allows the consumer to create a model of themselves. Simpy put your height, weight, and measurements. I have personally found that it is amazing. A little scary, actually. You can try clothes on your model to see if that flatter you. Land's End suits are reasonably priced and last longer than other brands. They also have a fit for everybody.
Swimsuits are tricky, but I believe every woman can find one that works for her. Don't avoid the beach simply because bathing suits intimidate you. Don't stop living life because you are discontent with the way you look. Moping around the house all the time will not help the situation.
Here are some tips for fun in the sun:
1. Go to a state park
State parks are family oriented and tend to be less intimidating. They are also usually clean.
2. Just hang out in your yard.
Face it. The neighbors know you more than you would like to admit. Who cares if you frolic in the sprinkler in your lawn? Maybe you will start a trend.
3. Just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you have to wear it. This goes for bathing suits and beyond. (More on that topic in a future post.)