eShakti Dresses

I have really taken an interest in eShakti.com and I have compiled some of my favorite dresses below. I am, unfortunately, not able to buy any because most are out of my budget, but a girl can dream. Right?  As most of you know, I tend to buy dresses that are within my $20 budget. If you've never purchased anything before you can register and receive a $25 gift card on your first purchase. I wish my favorite dress was within my budget with that $25 gift card!

I will start with my favorite dress I wish I could purchase before Memorial Day. Definitely my favorite and it is too cute plus it can double as a 4th of July outfit also!

1. Black and white can never be horrendous together. 

2. Love the vintage style. 

3. The unique pattern on this dress along with the fact it is paired with a red belt = Jennifer

4. What a beautiful cocktail dress. 

5. Vintage inspired again; perfect for a day in the office. 

6. Great summer dress and very patriotic; which is what I tend to veer towards in the summer. 

eShakti has some wonderful options but I am still holding out until I can splurge on one of these gems. 

Plus Size Young Professional

Being a plus-size young professional on a strict budget isn't that hard. I have stockpiled my closet over the months and continue to do so. Each paycheck I usually purchase one dress or item that can be a staple in my wardrobe. 

I used to incorporate more colors and chunky jewelry but in a government office I have toned that down and typically go for the neutrals and classic jewelry. Sometimes I do add a few splashes of color, but I find that any neutral works with most staples I have so I continue to do that. 

In Picture A I dressed to impress as I was recruiting at the College of Charleston. In Picture B I dressed more of the governmental role as I was being recognized by the City of Charleston's Mayor. Tell me some of your favorite outfits that work for your budget. 

Picture A 

Picture B 

Why I Love Old Navy

For the last few years I have really started to love Old Navy. Here are my reasons.

1. They don't ostracize the plus size section by placing all the plus size outfits elsewhere. They include them with all the other clothes.

2. They don't have variations for plus sizes; they make the same clothes for all sizes. One thing that always annoys me is when I step into a shop and see all the lovely outfits for smaller sizes but when I head to the plus size section I see a lot of ugly, shapeless outfits that almost always have writing across the tops or patterns that are just eye sores.

3. On their website it says their Women's Plus section is exclusively online but it ISN'T exclusive! They carry up to XXL clothes in stores (or the ones I have been to). I am sure the sizes larger than that are found online, but you can find up to XXL in stores! I can't say that enough.

4. They have some of the cutest clothes. If you're not fully convinced take a look below! 

Here are the prices for the outfits numbered above! 

1. Women's Plus Nautical-Print Jersey Dress - $39.94

2. Women's Plus Striped Sundress - $42.94 

3. Women's Plus Striped Swim Cover-Up - $36.94 

4. Women's Plus Knit Pencil Skirt - $32

5. Women's Plus The Rockstar Distressed Boot-Cut Jeans - $42

Con:

Since I have lost right at 100 pounds I have needed to buy more outfits than I have money for so unfortunately I am not able to shop at Old Navy as much as I would like, but I do go in to browse and see what all they have that I eventually would like to purchase. 

P.S. If anyone associated with Old Navy reads this I would definitely NOT turn away a gift card!!! 

Looks I Love Under $20

--> As I was walking to my car this afternoon a young lady yelled out her window and said she loved my dress.
--> As I was walking to work several months ago a lady stopped me on the sidewalk and asked me where I got my dress.
--> On the way to a meeting one morning another woman told me she loved my dress and asked where I got it.
--> In the airport I was told I looked "so couture."
--> I've been asked if I took fashion classes.

I have three things to say:
1. I don't wear pants often (every blue moon) because they don't flatter my body.
2. I don't believe you have to spend a lot to look great; it is all about the fit. If you can find something that fits your body and flatters your curves then you'll feel great; therefore, you'll look great!
3. Below are some of my favorite dresses (all of which are under $20) that I've all gotten compliments on, but my favorite isn't below because that's for another post!

1. Color block dress I bought for $18 at Ross Dress for Less.
2. Light and flowy coral dress perfect for the spring. I purchased las spring for $16 at Ross
3. A very light Miss Tina patterned dress that gathers at the waist. I bought it for, you'll never guess, a $1 at Wal*Mart.
4. An office-friendly outfit that transitions to a cute night-out dress. I matched it with a belt I already had instead of the default black patent leather belt that came with it. I purchased it for $16 at, yup you guessed it, Ross.
5. Last but not least, my favorite summer dress. It has pockets and is 100 percent cotton. It came with the brown leather belt all for $14 at Ross.

Remember that you don't have to spend a lot to look expensive. I refuse to purchase anything over $20 and I still get dozens of compliments. Just this week I have gotten two compliments and it is only Tuesday. Just be comfortable with what you select and wear it like you mean it!