The Lonely Girl's Thanksgiving

So... I am one who is a closet-romantic.  I don't like to show it off, I feel like it's a weakness.  Maybe it's because I want to have a tough exterior, I want to be a part of the "cool crowd", or because I'm just un-true to myself.  Regardless of whatever reasoning is behind it, if you're telling me something romantic, I will act like it makes me sick while in reality I'm melting inside.

Cue my boyfriend of three years, who knows me better than I thought, to say the most romantic things to me on the phone while he's away (working for a month).  Essentially, I melt in my chair, and blush like a girl who just got her first kiss.  This made me think of how much I miss him, and how much I missed him being here on valentine's day.

Which leads me to this post!  I'm here to share what got me through on valentines day.  If you're single, in a relationship, asexual, whatever; I hope this post will find you and help you realize that valentine's day can also be a day where you share what you love and what makes you happy.  I know the saying: don't love something that can't love you back.  But today, I'm going to ignore that saying, and give a list of the things I LOVED on valentine's day (so maybe you can be prepared for next year)

In no particular order:

1. My clothes.  Clothes are made of fabric... and they can't love you back (duh.. if that was the case, I'm sure most of us would just marry our favorite dress or purse).  But whenever I get in a funk and can't really get out of it, one thing that makes me feel happy is playing dress up with my own clothes, or by organizing them.

2. Music.  This is self-explanatory.

3. Food.  As a plus-sized fashionista, of course food is going to be added into this list.  However... I'm hoping that I'll stay away from junk food and only indulge sometimes.  Even if you're comfortable in your skin, you should still try and get some exercise and eat your veggies!  (Note: must take my own advice).

4. The internet.  Stumble upon... Perezhilton... Bloglovin... e-Bay... all are amazing distractions from feeling lonely : )

5. Myself.  Call me vain, selfish, whatever.  I'm a big fan of Jules, even though I do have my fair share of self-loathing moments (usually over petty things.. i.e. why is my hair acting this way today, F*#K).  I've accomplished a lot with the cards I've been dealt and I feel like I've managed to somewhat become a Hepburn in a Hilton world*.

6. Future.  I watched the latest episode of Glee (season 3, episode 14 "On My Way"), and a big notion of the episode was it gets better.  The cast took time to think about new experiences that they are excited to have.  For me, it's to live with my hubby in Vancouver to start a new chapter in our life: one that is completely new and unfamiliar to both of us.  If I gave up and got caught up with the present, than I wouldn't be able to experience monumental moments!

And that's all I have for you today!  No outfits to show, although I said I would show more, but like I said... this blog is also about my lifestyle, which is spazzy.  : )

<3

*This is a book.  A book that I should purchase.  Note that I said "somewhat become"... I'm not completely Hepburn material.  I still make a fool of myself at times.  Case in point: went home over the weekend and over indulged with wine.  Oh well... that's one of those little life lessons.   ... right? :)

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Hello!

I've had a pretty busy week, which is the reasoning why I haven't blogged in about seven days.  My wonderful mom came into town to visit, so we spent our days shopping, dining and wine-ing.  I love this city I live in but between all my school work and just pure lazy-ness, I never get out to enjoy any of it!  So it was great to have my mom here as a tourist (although she's been to St. John's a million times) to go out and enjoy the town.

Shopping was great, believe it or not I got some pretty great pieces from Sears (on sale!) that I can't wait to show on here.  I used one piece in outfits I wore last Thursday and Friday that I wish I took pictures of but I was in too much of a hurry to move my furniture, set up the auto-timer on my i-phone and smile (as you can tell, still no good camera or good location).  Both outfits had completely different vibes to them; one was dressy, one was casual.  So I plan to re-create them and share them on here!

I picked up two amazing dresses which are the exact same, except one is a bright red and the other is black (finally, a LBD).  They have sleeves with padding, billow out around the waist (perfect for us plus-sized dressers) and have a timeless, classic look.  I couldn't find a picture on the sears website, so stay tuned for outfits!

We also ate at some amazing restaurants (Get Stuffed & The Cellar) downtown, and I can't pick what I liked more.  At Get Stuffed, I had grilled salmon in a cajun sauce, and at The Cellar both my mom and I had seafood medley (shrimp, newfoundland cod and scallops) with a phyllo pastry.  As you can tell, I love seafood.  If you are ever lucky enough to make it out to St. John's, or if you live here, give these food joints a try!

Well, that's it for me today... I pretty much wanted to make a new post to ensure to myself that I would keep posting.  I don't want another year hiatus like the one that happened in 2011 : )

<3

Valentine's Day

Mark your calenders! Valentines day is just one week away... and although I have a valentine, he will be away for work.  So I figured I would create a picture of what I might wear if I go out with friends or what I would want to wear if my hubby was here with me.

Valentine's Day by juliialove 

Both looks are fun and flirty, but with friends is more casual, where as with date is more romantic and dressy... and who doesn't love romance on valentines day (when you have a date)?

Unknown to me as to what I'll be doing this valentine's day... probably going to watch a chick flick with friends. And eating chocolate. Lots of it.

<3

Wanted For Spring

Hello everyone!  Just thought I'd share a quick little collage of what I'm hoping to add to my collection for spring.  If you see anything here that you want to order, click on the link under the picture or click on the item below. 

Wanted For Spring by juliialove

Here's a little blurb of my thoughts on each item (counter-clockwise):

Ivory Floral Top: Floral seems to be a trend that has been in for a few years now, and this is a subtle print that you can mix with others.  The neutral color can be worn with a bright blazer, or colorful skinnies.  

Color-Block Maxi Dress: Maxi dresses are so comfortable, and totally in style!  They can be dressed down with sandals and a jean jacket, or dressed up with heels and elegant jewelry.  The down-pointing stripes of color will offer a minimizing effect to your hips, which is a good plus for those of us with thick-middles!  This is a perfect way to fit stripes in your wardrobe if you're too afraid to wear.

Suede Olive Lace-up Wedges: I've never been able to master the art of walking in high heels, but wedges are a great alternative.  Wedges are very much in style, and this neutral color would go great with almost any print.

Turquoise Floral Dress: This dress is self-explanatory... It is a beautiful color with minimal prints on it, and I love how there's a band below the bust line; perfect to show off your tiny waist and/or wear with a belt.

Floral 2-piece Swimsuit: I've ordered swimsuits from ModCloth before, and they hold up great.  Although there was not enough support for me in the bust area (I'm a 36 DD), I simply altered the top a little bit and used the back straps as my neck straps and vice versa!  It worked out quite well.  This is a timeless swimsuit, this retro look will never go out of style!  It has great coverage and amazing tummy-control. 

Coral Watch:  Although this item is pricey, I'd like to get something that looks similar.  Watches give a sophisticated element to any look, and the colors of this watch make it fun and modern.

Black & White Feather Dress:  This dress is gorgeous, I love the pattern on it and the way it falls.  The sleeves also add a very cute touch.  (I'm drooling at the idea of wearing this dress with my yellow blazer... <3 )

Striped Mini Skirt: This skirt has been on my wishlist for some time now.  I love how the stripes are ribbed and are raised from the skirt; they're not just printed on there.  It would look amazing with a button up, tank top, blazer, and so many other things.  The options are endless!

Grey Belted Dress: Although simple, I feel like this would be a timeless piece to mix with other trends.  It's not only good for spring; it would look good with tights during the winter as well.  Again, the belt under the bust line accentuates a smaller waist, and even gives the idea that you have one if you don't.

Cat Eye Sunglasses: These remind me of the infamous wayfarers, but I like how they also look a little vintage.  They're super girly, and can be paired with a casual or dressy outfit.

Trio of Earrings: I love gold and I love studs.  Need I say more?

Pink Loafers: I've been meaning to get a pair of loafers; they look super cute and are also adorable.  I've also recently fell inlove with the color pink, so this just tickles all my fancies.

Pink Maxi Skirt: I love maxi skirts, they're very comfortable.  I recently saw a post on Curvy Girl Chic with this skirt and a blazer, and I loved the combination.  Again, it's pink, which I'm all about.

Since my birthday is in march, I'm hoping that some of these items will end up as gifts. 

What are your wants for spring?

<3

Casual Friday Night

Last night I had a lovely evening with my friends.  We didn't go downtown to any clubs, we just hung out and caught up with one another.  No pictures were taken (that always happens when you have an outfit on that you like), so I decided I would grow up and take a picture of my outfit for the blog!

Sadly the quality of my photo is pretty bad.  The background is the staircase in my house that my amazing sister (who is my only reader for the moment) rents to me!  Below is a little collage I created on polyvore of my outfit so you can get a better idea of the outfit.  I also included the make-up I used, but there were no good close-ups of my face to show.  But one thing I'm excited to share in the future is what I do to get ready, in terms of hair styling and make-up... but all in due time!

Check me out on polyvore!!

I love this look.  It is very comfortable and casual, and I don't feel irrelevant in terms of style while wearing items like these.  I love dressing casually, not because I'm afraid to dress up, but because it's what I'm most comfortable in.  Now for specifics...

I bought the shirt from old navy, which is one of my favorite stores.  If my budget would allow it, I would buy everything from the gap, but old navy is a very acceptable alternative. Usually when I get a shirt to fit my chest and/or my hips, it doesn't fit me in the shoulders or arms, but this was an amazing fit.  I also love the color; I've been seeing this vibrant orange everywhere.  It's also a great shirt for color blocking. (I plan on getting a pair of bright blue skinnies to wear with this!)

 The jeans are from Forever 21 plus sizes. I bought two pairs of this specific pair of jeans before, and have worn them out... I LOVE them.  They fit amazing, have enough stretch so that they're not uncomfortable (but not enough so that they turn into jogging pants), and they are CHEAP!  I'm wearing a size 16 (for reference to anyone who wants to order a pair!)

No matter what you decide to wear out... keep in mind that the most important thing is to feel comfortable.  It's hard to feel confident in something that isn't comfortable, and confidence is the most important accessory! (Seriously... read any cosmo, GQ or maxim magazine, and that's what all men say.)

Confidence is KEY!

<3

Procrastination

It's only mid-day, and I've ALREADY (once again, for the umpteenth time in my life) mastered the art of procrastination.

You see... I was supposed to have an anthropology exam on tuesday.  However, due to copious amounts of snowfall and wind, the university was closed.  Good, because I hadn't studied all the material (a measly 4 chapters).  Therefore, my exam was postponed until 3:30pm today.  I woke up, checked facebook and twitter, and found all my friends complaining about how schools should be closed again today.  A lot of snow fell between 12am and 8am this morning, but I don't think I'll be getting another free pass.

On my blog post last night, I said that I had to stop writing due to my studying.  Did I study? NO.  Of course not!  Today... exam... t minus 3 hours... haven't studied.  And now I'm writing a post on my blog, that I started almost a year ago, after I posted two times yesterday!

One word: PROCRASTINATION.

So... let me share with you what I plan to do the rest of the day until my exam.

1.  Disconnect from the internet. Between stumbleupon, cocoperez, the vogue diaries and any other website you can think of, I'm looking at it and NOT studying.  

2. Play music.  Some songs are better than others for studying... I'll be skipping past up-beat tunes such as anything by Lady Gaga or Beyonce and listening to more mellow music, i.e. Radiohead or Citizen Cope.

3. Setting a deadline.  I have to make it to school (on the bus, not in the mood to a. shovel out my car or b. find a parking spot) by 3:30.  This is an obvious deadline but if you're procrastinating at all, tell yourself you'll study for 2 hours.  Then take an hour break.  Then again.

4. Set a break.  Like I said in #3, an hour is a good reward for two straight hours of studying.  But if your mind is occupied by making a snack, checking your phone, or wanting to (in my case) go for a cigarette (not advising anyone to smoke, it's just my nasty habit), then go do it.  There's no point to try and study with a pre-occupied mind.  Make sure you take no longer than 10 minutes.  Set a timer, and MAKE yourself come back to studying when your done.

5. Do not post on your blog.  Self-explanatory.  I'm being a hypocrite by writing down tips to not procrastinate while procrastinating to write down the tips (to not procrastinate).  Wow... that was a mouthful.

Hope these tips are helpful.  If not, you are doomed to a world of procrastination for the rest of your life. ...That might be a little melodramatic.

<3

Quick Tips To Quick Results

Due to lack of cameras and lack of photoshop, I will not be posting any outfits.  Perhaps after my move to Vancouver, I will be more trendy and useful in the blogging world.  For now, I will just write how I feel and what I'm thinking.  I wanted to write down the few tips I've learnt to give myself that extra confidence boost when leaving the house or just out and about.  When I say "quick results", I don't mean a diet fad that will shave off that extra 10lbs, or how to gain muscle quickly.  These are automatic tips that help me feel beautiful no matter what situation I'm in.

1.  As I've matured, I've realized that everyone has something that they don't like.  And some people find it beautiful, others do not. But what's important is to concentrate on that thing that makes YOU beautiful.  For me, it's my thin waist.  I love it.  I love how when I wear a belt, it makes me feel like a model circa 1950's.  I feel empowered to show it off, as if it's my gift to the world and, and that I owe it to myself to accentuate it.  BTW... My waist is by no means "thin" in the model world".  I wear a size 16, and if I'm wearing a belt around my waist, it has to be XL.  That goes to show that I'm looking at it in my own way; the way that makes me happy.

2.  If you have a problem with your body, try to step away from the picture.  This may sound too philosophical, but you need to look at yourself as if you were your own best friend.  Essentially, BE your own best friend.  For example.. I used to hate my chubby fingers.  They look like toes.  In every picture.  I can't hold a glass of wine and look elegant because it looks like I have the hand of the Michelin tire guy.  But, whenever I complain about them, my friends say they're cute.  And now, whenever I really look at my hands, I just think about how adorable I am.

3.  Although this is so unbelievably cheesy and cliché, this gets me every time, and can always put a smile on my face.  If I'm feeling down, no matter where I am, or what I'm doing, I'll hum (either in my head or actually aloud): "Born this way" by Lady Gaga.  I've linked the cover by Maria Aragon because she is just too cute.  No matter what size I wear or  what stores I have to shop in, if I feel that my personality is too outlandish and I don't feel like I fit in, this is what I listen to.  I feel like there's no more need for me to explain.  It's an amazing song.

Well, that's enough procrastinating for me, I need to go study for an Anthropology exam.

Let me just pat myself on the back, that's TWO blog posts in one day.  :D

<3

A Year Has Come And Gone

Well... I'm saddened that it's a new year, and I only had one blog post.  Not once did I forget this blog existed, but I had hoped it would just disappear based on the fact that it is a failure.  I failed to update it, I failed to take note of my outfits that cater to my full-figure, I failed at anything and everything that had to do with blogging.

Sadly, I don't have any outfits to post.  Surprise surprise.  It's been one heck of a year.  I applied and got into Blanche Macdonald, which is exciting and scary at the same time.  I put in my admission to graduate this spring at Memorial University, which will more than likely be happening.  Therefore, come July, I will be packing up my life and moving to the west coast of Canada.

I love the west coast; my father lives on Vancouver Island.  It's beautiful.  But so is Newfoundland, and this place has been my home for 22 years.  So at this point of my life, I'm mostly scared.

There has also been some family issues going on.  A dear relative of mine was diagnosed with cancer, and this hasn't been the first incidence of cancer within our family.  So... it's all just very worrying, and I'm frightened at what the future holds

So let me announce the word of my day/month/year: SCARY.

So far, this has just been one lame post.  An outlet for me to complain about all things wrong in my life right now.  But I still give you hope.  Because that's what I hope to supply with this blog, even if it never gets more than one visiter: me.  This blog will be updated when I have a night where I'm just trolling through the internet with no final destination.  It will be updated when I feel inspired about my figure and want to share things that I can read later on.  It will be filled with reality: scary thoughts, complaints, first world problems, real life problems, but will also be filled with... you guessed it, HOPE.

Scary may be the most influential word in my mind right now, but here is the most influential sentence:

"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest." 

If this blog finds you, let it take you out of your darkest of days, and help you focus on your brightest ones.