I've been on a bit of a hiatus. This past week I was in San Diego for my sister's 40th birthday. While there, I had a fabulous time (minus crazy traveling troubles). My sister's new husband threw her a super sweet party with all the trimmings. I literally had to get off the plane and change into my party gear in the restroom and take a cab straight to the party. I got to visit Coronado beach and all of it's seaweed and kelp glory. I dined on delicious Persian Cuisine at Sadaf Restaurant in downtown San Diego with my sister and cousin-in-law. I literally spent the day with newbie designer Ashley Nell Tipton (post to follow this one). Finally, the icing on the cake, my sister did my make up and braided my hair in funky french braids every day I was there. She's a MAC make-up artist at Nordstrom at Fashion Valley Mall. So I got to run around San Diego looking fabulous as ever thanks to her.
Leopard Swimsuit: MonifC $74
My sister was amazed to see how much stuff I could pack into a small suitcase. I was traveling on a buddy pass and with that in mind, I definitely didn't want to check a bag. I knew if I did, something was getting lost. I only brought a carry on roller. In it I packed 3 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 skirts, 2 dresses, 4 belts, 4 shirts, 1 clutch (strapless, regular, & sports), 1 bag, 3 bras, 5 undies, a camera, makeup, 1 necklace, 1 swimsuit, 2 jackets, and toiletries. I used the military method of packing. I folded and rolled each item tightly. This is also a nice method to minimize wrinkling. Best believe I maximized every itch of space. When jet-setting, having one bag is just more convenient. How many times do you bring stuff that you don't even use because you over packed? Packing like this reduces the amount that you have to lug around and helps reduce the amount you have to unpack when you come pack. I have been known to let a unpacked suitcase sit around for a month. Don't judge me.
Although not fashion related, I
wanted to address this. I have had an overwhelming amount of questions emailed
to me about traveling while plus size, the seat size, and getting put off of an
airplane. First off, traveling coach is
uncomfortable for most people. Business
and first class are much more comfortable, has a wider seat, a lot more leg
space, and all the ginger ale you can drink and a bathroom close by in the case
that you over indulge in this sparkly thirst quenching treat. In coach, your personal space is invaded
because you are packed in like sardines in a can. Second, I have never been put off of an
airplane and I fly at least four times a year.
I have a 60 inch hip spread. I
can't lie, the seat is snug. Sometimes I have to ask for a belt extender and
sometimes I don't. It's up in the air
depending on the airline. I have the
most luck with wider seats and seat belts on American Airlines. I hope this helps with your traveling
apprehension. Remember, live your life to the fullest. My next trip is to NYC for fashion week. Just like I don't let my size dictate my style and I definitely do not let it dictate my travel adventures and you shouldn't either.
**Update - I just wanted let you know my sister's maxi is Calvin Klein ($20) and came from Ross for those who wanted to know.
**Update - I just wanted let you know my sister's maxi is Calvin Klein ($20) and came from Ross for those who wanted to know.
Great advice, both in regards to packing and to not letting size (or anything else) keep you from living life to it's fullest.
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous, as always, and limiting your wardrobe to one bag didn't slow you down a bit!
I purchased two seat belt extenders(1 for Southwest and 1 for other airlines) and couldn't be happier with my investment. I get to be discreet and have never had an issue checking them through security. They can be purchased on Amazon or several other vendors via Google search.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
Awesome! That's right. Let nothing hold you back from enjoying life :)
ReplyDeleteI love what u r wearing! I also use military style packing when travelling, it saves so much space!
ReplyDeleteYour beach look was amazing!! So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have only followed you on Facebook and never read the blog. This article has cemented my interest, well written with tons of advice. Over recent months I've started to personally struggle with my weight, out of the health side as well as worry about how to lose the weight as I am getting older. This article has made proud in so many ways of being a curvy girl. I was really bowled over by the dress and beach wear.
ReplyDeleteAS for the airlines, I've decided to fly First or Business class when every I can, coach is just to much of an imposition.
Keep up the good work, this has been an inspiration to me, in more ways than one.
Thank you.
Yes! Getting older weight effects more than just looks and what size I buy. It affects your health. Things just start to catch up with you and I have the dr's exams to prove it. I am definitely working towards a healthier me. I want to be here for a long time! Thank you for the love and welcome. I am glad you decided to stop by.
DeleteYou look fabulous, as always.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you were able to see your sister and experience San Diego.
Woot woot for Fashion Week! I hope you have a great time.
San Diego is such a pretty and relaxing place. Thanks for sharing the information about traveling.
ReplyDeleteGood article. Will try that packing tip - it's incredible how much you packed. I'm probably close to you on hips (and bigger overall.) For long trips, I travel with my husband and make him take the center seat so I can overflow onto him. The last time I flew alone, it was a 2-hour flight, the rows were 2 seats wide. A lady sat down next to me, tried to put down the center arm rest while slamming it into me, then gave me a glare and a sneer and turned away. Nice! I should have told that I didn't have any trouble on the way down because my seatmate was tiny! Personally, I get the most resentment and looks from slightly overweight women. Fellow big women avoid eye contact and normal sized women could care less! Keep up the good work - thanks for the fashion.
ReplyDeleteWell said Girlie! I ain't got much hip and I feel like a sardine when traveling. You are absolutely beatiful, your spirit is beautiful, you know what works for your life and compliments your style. I wish you nothing but the best. Keep them coming because like many other i'm right here following.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your trip was a hit!! Cute dress!!
ReplyDeleteI've never had a problem with airplane rides, but rides at the amusement park always make me anxious. lol
I love everything about this post. The swimming suit is "Fierce" to say the least. You Rocked!
ReplyDeleteYou and your sister look beautiful! Your trip looks like it was fun and I appreciate you putting your thoughts on traveling here. I will be taking my first flight on Friday so this was great to know.
ReplyDeleteGreat note Lady! I travel all over the place and the sizes of the seats are really dependent on the airline. No one should be ashamed to ask for an extender if they need it (I've seen many a red face and tears while people struggle to buckle the little belts or they can't breathe because it's too tight).
ReplyDeleteOne other thing...NEVER be afraid to ask for an upgrade....shooooooooooooooooot. Sometimes the staff has pity on you and are nice enough to let you know if they have last minute upgrade space and may give it to you for free if your friendly (VERY rare) but it can be as little as $50 (if your ticket is upgradable)--$50 is definitely worth it if the trip's a lengthy one. :) Of course none of these are guarantees but it's always worth a shot. :)
This was a wonderful post, you and your sister are so beautiful! All outfits posted are fab as usual! I LOVE LOVE LOVE that clutch bag!! Thank you for the packing technique, I need to find a YT tutorial to help me skip those extra bag fees!
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me most about this post is the honesty regarding flying. Thank you so much for the helpful and honest insight. It is one of those things plus size women are afraid to discuss. I will ask for a belt extender every time I fly, I think it is more embarrassing to try squeezing into a seat belt than to just ask for the extender. Usually the attendant will pass it along to me discreetly and never makes a big deal of it. I like the other poster's idea of just buying one. Until I lose weight this will be a lifesaver! I will never let weight stop me from my love of traveling!
You look great! Hope you had a wonderful trip! Happy Birthday to your sister, she's a doll too :-) Can you tell me where her colorful dress is from in the picture of you two together with her holding the balloon? Thanks for the fashion posts to keep us all in the loop as to what's hip and stylish!
ReplyDeleteYou look great! Hope you had a wonderful trip! Happy Birthday to your sister, she's a doll too :-) Can you tell me where her colorful dress is from in the picture of you two together with her holding the balloon? Thanks for the fashion posts to keep us all in the loop as to what's hip and stylish!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your sister! Y'all look so cute! I love your sister's maxi. I see you in your sun hat. You know I loves me a good hat! ;-) Kiah
ReplyDeleteyou and your sis are absolutely gorgeous!!!!
ReplyDeleteAhhh thank you Char!
DeleteShe's still pretty even though she's oversized.. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous as always, lady!! I do love your shirt! The one you're wearing in the last picture... ¿Where did you buy it? :)__
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ReplyDeleteChastity I really must complement you on your packing skills. I suck when it comes to it. I pack stuff and I would come back with loads of stuff that I didn't even wear. I appreciate this post and will make use of the advice in here. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSending loads of love from South Africa
mythighsrubtogetherwheniwalk.wordpress.com
Chastity I really must complement you on your packing skills. I suck when it comes to it. I pack stuff and I would come back with loads of stuff that I didn't even wear. I appreciate this post and will make use of the advice in here. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSending loads of love from South Africa
mythighsrubtogetherwheniwalk.wordpress.com