fat fashion – Sugar Crystal

What I Wore (and Did) in June 2018

Published on July 14, 2018 by Crystal MaldonadoLeave a comment

June was kind of a chaotic—though overall good—month, with a jumble of unexpected family things going on (that ultimately ended well and resulted in visits from my parents!).

At work, I was able to start my new role and I’ve loved it so much. Though I really enjoyed my previous role, getting back into managing social media feels like exactly what I’ve been meant to do. I missed it a lot in the short time I was away and, though I was a little rusty at first, I’m feeling back in my element.

At home, Bill and I celebrated our 12th anniversary and 3-year wedding anniversary, which is crazy to think about. How is it that we’ve known and loved each other for 12 incredible years already? I knew and loved him back when he was just a kid in gym class teaching me how to play tennis (I was terrible at it) and when we were goofing off in art class. Now we’ve built a beautiful life together and I couldn’t feel more loved and celebrated.

I also had lots of fun in June:

Spending time with friends, which I love saying, because for the first time since high school I have friends I regularly hang out with again (!)
Having an “Auntie/Nephew” babysitting adventure with the wonderful little O
Enjoyed time with my mom and dad as they visited from California. For the first time in two years, I got to see my dad on Father’s Day and my brother and I took him down to Niantic, Conn., to check out the Book Barn, my favorite book store.
Took a half day to myself and wandered around Northampton, Mass.
Had an incredible anniversary dinner at a wine and tapas bar called Barcelona with Bill where we ate and drank a bunch (including some pre-dinner drinks at Bar Taco)
Got selected as one of the lucky few who got to purchase tickets to Hamilton in Boston (!) and then BOUGHT TICKETS TO HAMILTON IN BOSTON (!!!), which will be part of Bill’s 30th birthday gift and OH MY GOD I’M SO EXCITED!!!!
Watched the sun set during the summer solstice with Bill and Obi
Celebrated my writer friends with a beautiful Writer’s Row dinner at my friend Judy’s house (Peanut, Judy’s dog, is the cutest)
Went to an incredible drag brunch show and then spent the rest of the afternoon in Northampton, Mass., with Bill, where we shopped and got delicious ice cream
Caught up with my wonderful friend, Steph, and hosted her at my house and made the most first-ever charcuterie board
Celebrated the 4th of July early with sparklers

Is it stupid to say I’m overall really happy with my life right now? It’s one of those things I don’t think about that often, and I’m almost fearful of saying it out loud or even thinking it or writing it because I worry I’ll jinx it. But I am. It feels good and I’m so lucky.

And here’s what I wore!

Outfit details

Shirt: 25 Central
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: DSW

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: LuLaRoe Cassie
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe Julia
Shoes: DSW

Outfit details

Shirt: Target (who doesn’t love Britney Spears?!)
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless (?)

Outfit details

Dress: Old Navy
Shrug: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless (?)

Outfit details

Dress: Faces
Shoes: Payless (realizing I wore these a lot this month!)

Plus, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include some outfits from my husband, who started a new job this month and has been looking super fly.

Outfit details

Blazer: Target
Button-up: Old Navy
Pants: Old Navy
Shoes: Target

Outfit details

Shirt: Target
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: American Rag

And here’s what I did in photos (summary above):

O in all his glory and being silly with a menu

Auntie/O day had lots of laughs!

It’s been a minute since I had a bento box and this was gooood

Visiting family and found this lovely scene

One of my most treasured items, a thank you card from O (via his wonderful mama Laraine)

Some political art I found in Northampton

I love western Massachusetts, y’all

I subscribed to a box called Laser Brain Patch Co. and this month’s theme was the 90s (!)

I found these beautiful book-related buttons in Northampton

What’s not to love about a tapas bar?

At my favorite bookstore in Niantic, the Book Barn

ONE OF THE GREATEST EMAILS OF MY LIFE

Celebrating the summer solstice

Peanut, one of the cutest dogs EVER

Obi made his debut on my job’s Instagram with this photo!

We luv drag

When a drag performance includes KFC chicken, I live

One of our favorite local drag queens, Hors!!!

Herrell’s ice cream is easily one of the best around

Northampton shopping always results in so many bags

I didn’t buy these, but they were so pretty and smelled so good at the market!

My first-ever charcuterie board. I think I did pretty well!

Sparklers make everything better

I live for this smile

Bill took this photo and loves it. I do, too!

What a month

Until next time!

xo.

Things I Wore (And Did) in February 2018

Published on March 4, 2018June 18, 2018 by Crystal MaldonadoLeave a comment

All month long, I kept telling myself I just needed to get through February and I’d be that much closer to spring—and it ended up being a lot easier than I thought! It helped that February was overall a pretty good month, with lots of fun plans.

I had brunch plans with friends; had an incredible Valentine’s Day with my husband, which included spending time in the Berkshires and Mass MoCA; celebrated Galentine’s Day with friends; enjoyed bonding time with one of my close friends, Laraine, and her son, O; visited my grandma; went house hunting for Bill’s parents (who will be returning to Connecticut soon); and saw Black Panther. Can’t really ask for much more during an otherwise dreary and cold month!

Here’s what I wore.

This LBD from LuLaRoe is one of my favorites. I spent all last year thinking I looked best in LLR Nicole dresses and Perfect Ts… but it turns out the Julia dress is what truly has my heart. I love it! I have three Julias that are staples in my wardrobe, including this recent black purchase.

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe Julia
Shrug: Forever 21
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Boots: DSW

Outfit details

Dress: 25 Central
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

I rocked a version of this same outfit last month, but this time I went without leggings because it was a relatively warm day! Realizing now the bottom of the skirt was a tad wrinkly, but oh well.

Outfit details

Dress: Target
Skirt: LuLaRoe Cassie
Shoes: Tieks

My husband summed this outfit up best: “You Blossom-looking motherfucker.” He’s not wrong. (A friend pointed out the outfit is probably more like Six, but you get the point.)

Outfit details

Dress: Forever 21
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Boots: Payless

With the cold weather fading (no complaints from me!!!), I’m running out of time to wear this sweater dress, so I made the most of it.

Outfit details

Dress: 25 Central
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

Another warm day!

Outfit details

Shirt: Target
Skirt: LuLaRoe Cassie
Shoes: Tieks

I’ve had this dress for a bit and I was so excited to wear it on March 1! It really felt like I was saying hello to spring.

Outfit details

Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless

Here’s a peek into what I did this month, too.

Any holiday can be spooky if you try hard enough. This beautiful gift (from my husband) comes from @SkulduggeryCo on Etsy!

My husband hand-delivered these flowers to me at work on Valentine’s Day.

Who doesn’t love an excuse to eat cake for breakfast? A “birthday cake” muffin should do the trick.

Bill and I celebrated Valentine’s Day in the Berkshires, starting with Mass MoCA!

Their interactive music exhibit was one of our faves.

Mass MoCA

Mass MoCA

We took a quick trip to Bright Ideas Brewing…

…And ate some incredible parm truffle fries!

It isn’t February without a Galentine’s Day celebration!

My friends are the best

Black Panther was E V E R Y T H I N G (and more)

Gratuitous pic of my dog

I got creative and baked these amazing bagels from Skinnytaste. So good!

How was your month?

xo.

Things I Wore (and Did) in January 2018

Published on February 3, 2018May 12, 2018 by Crystal Maldonado1 Comment

If January isn’t for snuggling with your dog, then what’s it for, anyway? Looking back on my photos from this month, it’s clear I spent a lot of time inside the house bundled up and petting, snuggling with, and admiring my dog—which is exactly how I like spending my winters.

Other highlights include:

Dinners and brunches with friends (I love my friends and I love having friends, which is kind of a new-ish thing for me!)
Winning an award for a project I managed at work (!)
Attending the Women’s March
Going to my first-ever local drag brunch with my husband
Taking a Skillshare writing class
Working in therapy to try to see things more positively, stick up for myself, please others less, and put myself first

I also got sick with a terrible cold and tried (and failed) to get Hamilton tickets that won’t cost me all 10 of my fingers and toes. You win some; you lose some.

In 2018—which is my 30th year on this earth—I’m doing my best to really focus on the things that are important: the people I love, including myself. I have been working hard this month to treat those close to me with kindness and also to prioritize my own mental and physical health and well-being.

It’s really easy to find excuses not to put yourself first. While I’m quick to tell others, “treat yo’self!” I’ve only tended to use that phrase as a reason to spend money frivolously and eat whatever I felt like. Those were easy ways for me to feel like I was treating myself, but really, I was just kind of giving in to habits that made me feel good in the moment but overall left me troubled. I’m doing my best to reign both of those habits in and to focus on actual, true self-care, which (for me) includes tackling the sometimes tedious or difficult things that are good for me. I think, in addition to living with less fear in 2018, I’m also trying to embrace moderation. We’ll see how it goes.

In all, January was a good month, and I feel like making it through it means that spring is just within reach.

Here’s what I wore!

(Special appearance by Obi, who is wearing a sweater from my grandma)

Outfit details

Dress: Amazon
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Boots: Payless
Necklace: 25 Central

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

Outfit details

Sweater: Old Navy
Leggings: Kohl’s
Boots: From my mom

I wore this to the Women’s March, which I felt was the perfect shirt. I didn’t attend last year’s (I was too depressed) but was thrilled when some friends invited me to attend this year, and the march left me feeling really empowered and strong. This is the same one (in pink) that Frank Ocean wore in concert a while back. The shirt is available from Green Box Shop, which is a small business owned by a young woman of color. Check it out! (The one downside about the shirt is it wrinkles really easily, but I love it otherwise!)

Outfit details

Shirt: Green Box Shop
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: DSW

I wore this to drag brunch AND HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE. It was so much fun to support our local drag queens. Bill and I have already bought tickets to the March brunch!

Outfit details

Dress: Amazon
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Boots: Payless
Earrings: 25 Central

Is crushed velvet my new favorite thing? It might be. Sue me.

Outfit details

Shirt: Target
Skirt: LuLaRoe
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Boots: Payless

Outfit details

Top: Marshall’s
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: WeLoveColors.com (why yes, I do have six pairs)
Boots: Payless

Outfit details

Blazer: Target
Shirt: Charlotte Russe
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

Here’s what I did. (See: snuggling with dog.)

Women’s March 2018

The future is female!

Women’s March 2018

My LIFE motto let’s be real

Obi with his beer 😉

Did I go ahead and buy Bruno Mars earrings that Beyoncé wore? Yes. Yes I did.

Things I Wore (and Did) in August 2017

Published on September 14, 2017November 18, 2017 by Crystal MaldonadoLeave a comment

Sometimes life goes by faster than you realize and, before you know it, it’s mid-September and you haven’t posted your August outfits yet. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

In truth, August is not one of my favorite months, as by then, summer has gone on a touch too long for me. I get tired of the heat and find myself getting antsy for some cooler weather. Also, politically, life is a real shit show right now, so I’m just trying to make it through.

Work-wise, August was a busy month, a month in which I started to really sink my teeth in at my new job and lead my first big project. It was exciting, terrifying, stressful, and rewarding, and I’m glad to have done it.

Bill and I had a few adventures, too, the most notable being our wonderful weekend getaway with our dog, Obi! We also ate some delicious food (as we always do), celebrated our two year anniversary in our beautiful home, and made the most of the rest of our summer. Independently, I met up with my old colleagues and enjoyed the incredible solar eclipse that reminded me that it’s important to look around and appreciate the world around you every now and then.

Here are some of the things I wore and did, in photos!

I became obsessed with these dresses in August, so much so that I ended up with three of them in different colors. This hot pink, Barbie-inspired dress is so flattering and easy to wear. I love it!

Outfit details

Dress: Amazon.com
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Top: Amazon.com
Leggings: Old Navy
Shoes: DSW
Cranky expression: Yours truly

This dress is Barbie pink dress’s best friend! Isn’t it lovely in navy, too?

Outfit details

Dress: Amazon.com
Shoes: Target
Necklace: Target

Not quite a traditional outfit pic, but I do love this dress. It served me so well this summer.

Outfit details

Dress: Target
Shoes (not pictured): Target

Outfit details

Shirt: LuLaRoe Perfect T
Skirt: LuLaRoe Cassie
Shoes: DSW

This is an Eeyore onesie because I deserve it.

Outfit details

Eeyore Onesie: Target

And, some things I did (in photo form!).

I admired the beautiful flowers on campus

Every day on my way to and from work, I drive by a small hill. Cars are sometimes parked at the bottom of it and I kept wondering why. Today, I decided to see for myself.

It was worth it.

Bill and I had one of the best meals ever at a local Latin fusion restaurant called Palate. Our meal started with plantain chips.

Then we ordered tons of tapas, including a pincho…

…empanadas…

And capping the meal with some dulce de leche cake!

I took some shameless selfies.

Spotted a hot air balloon on my commute to work!

In August, I took to not wearing makeup to work. Trying to get used to my face as just my face!

Always taking photos of my sweet boy, Obi.

We loved our weekend getaway to the CT shoreline with Obi!

And I enjoyed the first pumpkin spice coffee of the season!

xo.

Things I Wore (and Did) in July 2017

Published on August 5, 2017November 10, 2017 by Crystal Maldonado1 Comment

One of my favorite parts about looking back on the month’s outfits is that it gives me a good sense of all of the things I’ve done recently.

I sometimes find myself feeling like I don’t “do” anything, like I spend far too much time on Twitter retweeting jokes or on the couch rewatching “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

But Bill and I have some pretty awesome adventures, which can be easy to forget when I’m lazing about the house. This is such a nice way for me to be reminded of all of the little and big moments I have with him and that I have with myself.

July 2017 was a big month for me. I wrapped up my time working at a job I mostly enjoyed, and that was tough. I had to say goodbye to colleagues I really cared about and respected and friends I admired and loved. I said goodbye to a 10-minute commute and super short work days. I said goodbye to my first-ever office. I said goodbye to the job that helped my husband and I realize that western Massachusetts was the right place for the two of us to settle down. But I needed to go. So I left because I was treated very, very unfairly by my boss and I knew I deserved better, and because the light on my future there was slowly dimming. It was not an easy decision.

And I started a new job, one I was very excited about, a brand new role as Diversity Communications Manager that would combine my love for communications and writing with my passion for social justice. It’s the first job where I can be my whole self, where I won’t have to shield parts of me. I can bring the social justice knowledge I seek outside of work into my actual job. It feels liberating. I’ll admit it was scary—absolutely terrifying—to make the leap from a job where I felt comfortable to a job that would make me begin anew. But sometimes the scary thing is absolutely the right thing to do, even if it’s hard. My first three weeks have been incredible; they’ve pushed me to exercise skills I haven’t used in years and I feel like I’m really valued and heard and respected. I’m so happy I made the leap, and I hope it only gets better from here.

As for the rest of July, I took some trips to the beach. I found myself enthralled by poetry. I read a bunch. I spent time outside in the sun. Bill and I went to a drag show, we traveled to the Berkshires, we were inspired by art, we explored western Mass a little.

All in all, life is good.

And here’s what I wore.

My last day of work. Sadly, this also means it’s the last photo EVER with that polka-dotted wall. I shall miss it!

Outfit details

Dress: Marshall’s
Shoes: DSW
Necklace: Target
NEW GLASSES: Zenni Optical

I feel so beautiful in this dress. It reminds me of the flamenco dancers we saw when we were in Barcelona. (I literally cannot believe that I got to type that sentence. Who even am I?)

Despite feeling beautiful in this dress, it’s not exactly practical. But what better event to wear it to than a drag show?

Outfit details

Dress: Marshall’s
Shoes: Target

First day on the new job! I had been stressing about what to wear. I wanted something professional, but not too formal… and I also wanted something that wouldn’t make me too hot. It is the dead of summer, after all. I settled on this beautiful dress, WHICH HAS POCKETS! And shoutout to my first selfie at my new job.

Outfit details

Dress: Amazon.com (which I am realizing is pretty awesome for cute, affordable dresses)
Shoes: Target

Outfit details

Shirt: LuLaRoe Perfect T
Skirt: Charlotte Russe
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe Amelia—still can’t tell if these dresses look flattering on me or not, but they do have POCKETS!
Shoes: DSW

A scorching hot day made for the perfect opportunity to wear this new Marshall’s score—only $15! The pattern is little ships in boats. Very summery.

Outfit details

Dress: Marshall’s

I bought two of these wrap dresses from Forever 21 about a year ago, but they really hold up.

Outfit details

Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe Julia
Shrug: Marshall’s
Shoes: Payless

And here’s a peek at what I did in July.

We made the most of our long Fourth of July weekend and did some local travel. First up: Forest Park Zoo.

At the Forest Park Zoo with my new friends

This bird reminded me of drag queen Sharon Needles and I’m not sorry

The goats at this zoo were cute

Look how fat this bunny is! I love it!

This lemur was just hanging out.

In Forest Park, there’s also a beautiful flower garden. This was our first time visiting.

Forest Park Flower Garden

Taylor Brooke Winery, one of our favorites. I highly recommend raspberry rendezvous!

Celebrating Independence Day with some sparklers 🙂

Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, MA

The view from the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls, MA

Interestingly, we stumbled across a place where Robert Downey Jr. filmed “The Judge.” Not a great movie, but we like RDJ!

Some of the art in Shelburne

Then it was off to lunch at Public, where I ate THE BEST MAC AND CHEESE OF MY LIFE!

Mass MoCA was up next. The exhibits were breathtaking.

MASS MoCA

On my last day of work, my friends through me a going away party! This DELICIOUS cake was made by my friend Kerry.

And this adorable balloon bouquet was made by my friend Anne.

These are all of the wonderful, sentimental, beautiful things my friends and coworkers gave me on my last day of work. Such an amazing group of people!

With the warm weather, my husband and I ventured to Hammonasset Beach

Hammonasset Beach

Beach lunches require a little white ine

Philly cheesesteak? Don’t mind if I do

A repeat trip to Hammonasset Beach was in the cards for Monday as a celebration for my Grandma’s birthday

We had the beach to ourselves!

Hammonasset Beach

I had a week off between jobs, which I spent being productive (like building this bookcase)…

And reading books and poetry (I became obsessed with Rupi Kaur)…

And exploring! This was in Amherst, MA.

Enjoying coffee and reading in Northampton, MA

A trip to my favorite place: Florence Pie Bar

My husband and I went to another drag show on July 13

War on the Catwalk: Trinity Taylor

War on the Catwalk: Trinity Taylor and Aja

War on the Catwalk: Shea Coulee

War on the Catwalk: Sasha Velour

War on the Catwalk: Trinity Taylor

War on the Catwalk: Aja

War on the Catwalk: Shea Coulee

War on the Catwalk: Sasha Velour

War on the Catwalk also featured Alexis Michelle and Eureka!

War on the Catwalk

A breakfast trip featuring peanut butter and banana french toast

Snuggles with my child 😛

Obi is often dramatic in the summer, lying on the floor when it’s too hot

At my new job, enjoying a sea salt caramel macaron

It was SO nice to have Ladies Night with my friends from my old job. I miss them terribly!

I commissioned some art from LizzyWhimsy on Tumblr. How cute is this?!

And, the first signs of fall… 🙂

Anyone else excited for fall, the best season of the year?

xo.

Outfits of May 2017

Published on June 1, 2017August 20, 2017 by Crystal MaldonadoLeave a comment

May was full of incredible adventures and, looking back, I still can’t believe how much I managed to pack in there.

My husband and I took a trip to California and the moment we got back, I attended a baby shower for one of my good friends (and the shower my lady girl gang from work!). I got my hair cut (!), worked a graduation, turned 29, and celebrated my birthday with family, friends, and my husband, who had a thrilling weekend planned for me.

Here’s what I wore. I originally wanted a Minnie Mouse-inspired dress to wear to Disneyland, but the one I ordered (sadly) didn’t fit. So I had to improvise. I wanted something cute and feminine, but I still wanted to be comfortable. This worked out well!

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: DSW (Converse)
Minnie Mouse ears: Disney World

You can’t see this outfit up close, but I love these photos, so I had to include them! My husband, my parents, and I traveled on a deserted road to get to Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, so we stopped to snap some photos.

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe Nicole
Shoes: Payless

This outfit served me well at Hearst Castle and at Montano de Oro beach. I DIE for this shirt, which is a reference to both the Coolio song and one of my favorite movies, “Clueless.”

Outfit details

Shirt: Ross (I’m OBSESSED. Why don’t we have any in Massachusetts?!)
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: DSW

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: DSW

Outfit details

Shirt: H&M (my new fave shirt)
Jeans: Marshall’s
Shoes: Payless

How beautiful are the women in my lady girl gang?!

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe Nicole
Shoes: Payless

This was the last photo of me with my long hair!

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Leggings: LuLaRoe
Cardigan: Forever 21
Shoes: Payless

New hair! It was a bit shorter than I asked for (I asked for my hair to stay below my shoulders), but I’m getting used to it.

Outfit details

Shirt: Marshall’s
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Ross
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe Amelia (my first!)
Cardigan: Gift from my mom
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Dress: Old Navy
Jacket: TJ Maxx
Shoes: Payless

And here’s a peek at my incredible birthday weekend (and the days leading up to it). My husband planned a surprise weekend, which he revealed to me through a series of riddles given to me each day leading up to it. It was so incredibly creative and romantic and it got me even more pumped for a wonderful weekend. We visited an arcade; went out to dinner; stopped by a brewery; I got my nails done; we went to a vineyard; visited Mystic; and ate all kinds of delicious foods. My friends and family were wonderful to me, too. I’m so lucky.

xo.

—

Some of the incredible gifts my husband got for me!

Is this not the best wrapping paper ever?! Inside was a beautiful pair of rose gold bumblebee earrings and a dream dictionary I’ve been coveting!

A sweet message from my wonderful friend, Steph.

Birthdays call for beer.

And a new manicure! (Color: papaya whip)

Saltwater Vineyard in Stonington, Conn., was stunning.

Also at Saltwater!

And pizza is a must.

Outfits of April 2017

Published on May 9, 2017August 20, 2017 by Crystal Maldonado2 Comments

Warmer weather is here! Finally! Here were a few of my outfits in April.

Outfit details

Skirt: Forever 21 (I love this skirt so much I bought one in mint, peach, and a second one in black)
Sweater: Old Navy
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Boots: Payless

Outfit details

Dress: Marshall’s
Necklace: Jane.com
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Boots: Payless

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Converse

Outfit details

Dress: Fashion to Figure, via my mama! (Thanks, Mom!)
Shirt: Marshall’s
Shoes: Payless

This is OFFICIALLY my favorite LuLaRoe Nicole dress. The pattern is SO GOOD.

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Skirt: Forever 21
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Shoes: Payless

Shout out to my dog for his cameo.

Outfit details

Dress: LuLaRoe (another Nicole)
Shoes: Payless

Not a traditional outfit, but I love this filter! Look at my fake eyelashes! I wore this to see a comedy show by drag queen Bianca del Rio. (Dress: Amazon.com; coat: Forever 21)

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Scarf: A little shop in Barcelona, Spain
Skirt: LuLaRoe (my first Cassie!)
Shoes: Payless

xo!

Outfits of January 2017

Published on February 1, 2017March 31, 2017 by Crystal Maldonado4 Comments

Y’all, it’s been a month. This is me doing my best to keep living a good life despite being overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, and (quite frankly) scared at the America we’re living in right now.

But I digress.

In January, I read some books, saw some movies, shopped a lot, ate some delicious food, celebrated some friends at a baby shower, got back into cooking. I also set up a place to take better outfit photos. However, I haven’t used it yet because it’s in my sunroom and it’s cold in there. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This month, I also got into (and quickly became addicted to) LulaRoe. Like I needed another reason to spend money. But check out my first pair of leggings at the end of this post!

Here’s what I wore this month.

Outfit details

Shirt: Target
Jeans: Old Navy
Scarf: Newbury Comics
Boots: DSW

A closer look at the scarf.

Outfit details

Dress: Old Navy
Tights: We Love Colors
Boots: Payless

Outfit details

Shirt: Marshall’s
Pants: Marshall’s
Shoes: Payless

Outfit details

Dress: 25 Central (my new favorite store, located in Northampton, Mass.)
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

Outfit details

Dress: Target
Tights: We Love Colors
Boots: Payless

HOW CUTE IS THIS DRESS?! It’s an owl pattern and it has pockets!

Outfit details

Dress: 25 Central
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

Here’s a close-up of the pattern.

Outfit details

Dress: Amazon.com (so cute I got it in two colors)
Tights: We Love Colors
Boots: Payless

Outfit details

Sweater: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: DSW

Outfit details

Dress: Fashion to Figure
Tights: We Love Colors (I have at least five pairs off these black tights)
Boots: Payless

Outfit details

Shirt: Cracker Barrel (not joking)
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

And here are my new LulaRoe leggings! They’re lipstick print and I love them.

Outfit details

Shirt: Old Navy
Leggings: LulaRoe (!!!)
Slippers: Payless

Here’s a close-up!

And here’s a sassy selfie of me, just because.

Hope you’re being kind to yourself in 2017. And dressing cute, too.

xo.

Outfits of December

Published on December 29, 2016March 31, 2017 by Crystal Maldonado2 Comments

Sadly, I didn’t take many outfit photos throughout December. After a rough few weeks at work, I wasn’t up to dressing very cute and opted instead for dressing simply. In the new year, hopefully that changes! Here are a few things I did wear.

What I wore while in New York City…

This has quickly become one of my staple outfits. It’s simple but cute and very easy to wear.

While in New York, my grandma, husband, and cousin had a traditional tourist day, spending time in Times Square, stopping by the Disney and Hershey stores, and visiting Rockefeller Center to see the tree.

What I wore while having drinks with friends…

I wore this outfit not once but twice to meet up with friends and drink.

From event one:

And event two:

Aren’t we cute? I love these ladies!

I also wore my Forever 21 red wrap dress to meet up with my bestie, Steph, but I forgot to snap a photo. 😦 Here we are being adorable with Santa, though.

What I wore to my office holiday party…

I’m living for these news booties I got from Payless as well as this gorgeous sweater dress my grandma surprised me with!

Outfit details

Dress: Old Navy
Tights: We Love Colors
Booties: Payless

What I wore to celebrate Christmas…

It’s my first-ever ugly sweater!

Outfit details

Ugly sweater: Walmart
Leggings: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

In case you were wondering what my Christmas tree looked like this year.

And, my incredible gifts from my incredible husband. (Not pictured: a trip to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, coming in spring, and a bracelet!)

HOW AMAZING IS THAT GILMORE GIRLS SHIRT?

What I wore while admiring art at the Clark Institute…

Outfit details

T-shirt: Urban Tee Farm
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: DSW

Hope your December was fab and fashionable.

xo.

Outfits of November

Published on December 2, 2016December 29, 2016 by Crystal MaldonadoLeave a comment

November was a trying month. It started with the election of Donald Trump, which I am still stunned by, and it ended with some messy, difficult work stuff that really impacted my morale.

But there were some bright spots: a friend who made me a gift to cheer me up; a fun Thanksgiving featuring Cards Against Humanity; the return of “Gilmore Girls”; good friends and coworkers and family; a perfect dog and husband; an invitation back to my alma mater to speak to a class about journalism; the Christmas season.

Here’s what I wore (clearly jeans + boots were my thang).