Shiny Black Leather!

Hey everyone! I’ve found a new jacket I can zip up! Not that I’m showing any pictures of that feat here (I don’t know why I forgot to zip it while we were shooting the pictures). Anyway, if you’ve been reading for any amount of time on this blog, you know that that is a rare find. If you have a big bust or a large middle (or both in my case!) jackets are not for zipping up.

A jacket I can zip! - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

This jacket looks great unzipped too, as you can see, falling nice and straight, creating a vertical line and breaking up my bust and torso. It also has some thoughtful details like the angle of the zippers on the pockets and the collar. I find this simple, round collar looks good with a shirt underneath that has a more interesting collar. It also works well to frame a necklace or lay quietly under a scarf.

A jacket I can zip! - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

What I like about this jacket is that it has the stretchy, knit fabric on the sides but it doesn’t look like it’s made for a plus-size woman who needs more stretch. If you’ve followed this blog for any amount of time, you know I don’t buy or wear the items that are “supposed” to be especially for plus-size women because I find they’re usually unflattering.

This dress is not old, but I can’t find it on the Macy’s website (frustrating) but a similar dress is here. It’s by Alfani (a brand I’ve been exploring and having good luck with) from Macy’s. If you have a big bust, you’ve probably heard that a v-neck collar is the most flattering. I think if you don’t just have a big bust, but have a wide bust too, many v-necks makes it look wider. I find these deep round necklines are more flattering and balance out a wider bust and middle.

A jacket I can zip! - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

This dress has a couple of good design details. First, it’s lined. That helps with the fabric skimming and not clinging. I think “skim not cling” needs to be on my headstone, I say it so much! Also, it’s a textured and stretchy fabric so it gives in the areas where you want to take. It also has some fun details too like the crochet around the collar and sleeves.

Good old reliable boots that I’ve had for several years complete the black shine of leather. Newer, very inexpensive options similar to my boots are available here and here. A similar, mid-range, wide-shaft boot here and a more expensive, wide-shaft version here. And gosh, really you can find boots like this anywhere in all price ranges, so I highly recommend adding them to your wardrobe!

A jacket I can zip! - www.whenthegirlsrule.com

A bit of fun news: I was interviewed on 40plusstyle.com about my style and such. If you’re curious, you can read it here. Have a great weekend!

Linking up with these lovely ladies at Not Dead Yet Style!

This post contains links to items for which I receive a few cents for each click or purchase. Thanks!

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16 Comments

  1. Great choices on all fronts…you look marvelous! I don’t like v-necks on me, probably because my features are more soft than angular?

  2. Here’s an idea for any designers reading your blog — or anyone creative enough to sew her own clothing —

    When I was pregnant, I splurged on a maternity moto jacket that had a zip-off panel that ran the length of the jacket. You could remove the panel to wear the jacket when you were still small, then zip in the panel to expand the jacket for the second and third trimesters. This was a GENIUS design that allowed the jacket to close no matter what size you were — and, b/c of the angles and collar and other cool details, the jacket never looked frumpy and the zip-off panel was completely concealed as part of the design. Function AND form!

  3. Julia, as you know I’ve been a loyal follower for a while now, and I just have to say that you are blossoming with every post I see. I love that your confidence is growing, that the joy of what you wear shines out of your face like a beacon. You are a wonderful champion for your the gorgeous apples out there and I say long may you continue to inspire!
    Well done with your interview too x
    Anna
    http://www.annasislandstyle.com

  4. That pair of expensive boots you link to… beautiful.

    I’ve had some great luck with the catalog/online clothing brand JD Williams. I have two pair of their high boots — you actually measure your calf, and then order your size based on that. I’ve always had muscley legs, and these are the first boots ever that actually fit me.

  5. I just found your blog and I am in love. We have so much in common. I have never seen anyone who looked like me online and I am so excited. I ordered the jacket too. I have been looking for a new jacket.

    1. Hi Jane! Thanks for jumping in on the discussions! Sorry I’m late responding. Your comment got filtered into my spam, so I need to check that more often! I totally understand how you feel about not seeing someone like us online, that’s the reason I started this blog. Isn’t it crazy in this day and age that the internet doesn’t have a woman over 40 with a midlife middle showing fashion? Well, we’re changing that so feel free to spread the word!

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