A few comments from my one-year blogiversary questionnare:
“I’ve been using your blog for almost a year and I love how people comment on how nice I’m dressed these days. I finally feel good about the way I look. Thank you so much!”
“You gave me confidence that I can be my size and still look cool if I try! Thanks!”
“I have found so many plus size options that I never knew were out there thanks to you!! When I need ideas, I go straight to your blog. Your ideas make me feel beautiful again!”
“You have done tremendous things for women’s confidence & self-esteem, seriously! I tell everyone about you because they always complement my style. It may seem small, but it’s everything. A happy, confident woman can change the world… Basically, you have a gift (several, really) and you are making a difference. Thank you!”
I wanted to take a few moments to thank you all for taking the time to fill out my blogiversary survey. I was so surprised by the amount of responses I received. To be honest, your comments and praises were overwhelming. I began to tear up hearing how many of you have found my blog to be inspiring and confidence-building. As I said, 2016 has been a really tough time for me, personally. I won’t get into all of the details as I think its all a bit too much and too raw to openly discuss on the internet.
But, I will share that 2015 ended with me losing the most meaningful and fulfilling job I’ve ever had. I worked on a federally-funded study for opioid dependent youth and young adults. I’m really passionate about research, but more so about helping people. It is really something to have all of your education, training, and experience come together in way to not only make a difference on a macro level, but also on a 1:1 personal level. I was able to help people when they probably needed it the most. And when that ended, my heart shattered. I was lost.
Twenty sixteen has been a perfect storm of financial, personal, and emotional struggles. When it rains it pours, right? Well, 2016 has been a deluge. This blog, more often than not, has been my only solace. And it couldn’t have been without you! Although I have been doing this work for years, this is my first year blogging, and I’m still in disbelief at the amount of supporters I have. As this year is coming to an end, I am approaching one million page views. One million! Pardon me, but holy sh!t! I’m starting to get teary eyed again. It hasn’t been perfect, but I think I accomplished what I set out to do. If you read my “About Me” page, you would remember that my mission was to inspire plus size women, like myself, and to show them that fashion IS for us. We can look amazing!
So many of you commented that you feel more confident. That is just priceless. You have given me purpose and meaning when I had none. So I thank you again. I am so grateful. I am going to continue going through your responses to my questionnaire and try to implement your suggestions and address your questions. As always you can contact me by commenting on posts or emailing: alexa@alexawebb.com.
Bright colors for winter?
Bright colors for winter? Yes, please! This plus size cashmere sweater is a luxury item, but all I have to say is treat. yo. self. It comes from L.L. Bean, which in my opinion, has the best customer service on the planet. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Meaning, if you aren’t happy with their product, even years after purchase, it can be returned for a full refund! And they aren’t kidding.
I bought a camping cot from them that one day I decided to use as a step ladder. Not my smartest moment. Needless to say I bent the frame because a lightweight cot frame is not meant to be stood on. Although I had no receipt and bought it well over 5 years earlier [and was clearly at fault], they gave me a refund for the full value. And with a smile! I’m a customer for life!
I’ve added a bright and colorful scarf with some equally bright pumps. I paired with very distressed jeans because I love to mix something “prim and proper,” like a cashmere sweater, with an edgier piece. I believe fashion lives in these juxtapositions. It creates interest because its a contrast. If you paired this sweater/scarf with boring “mom” jeans and basic shoes, such as a tan loafer, you would look like a preppy fuddy-dud, aka a “basic bitch.” And we just can’t have that.
Plus Size Teal Sweater Outfit
Shop the Look
Plus Size Teal Cashmere Sweater (less $ similar)
Leather Tote Bag or here (less $ similar)
Chain Bracelet (less $ similar, less $ similar)
Bangle Bracelet (less $ similar)
Plus Size Distressed Jeans (my favorite jeggings)
Pumps or here or here (less $ similar, flat option, wide flats)
For more outfit inspiration check out my Pinterest boards and my Instagram! Oh and please “like” me on Facebook!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on or purchase through certain links, I may receive a small commission.
So glad to have found your blog and THANKS for the inspiration – so many times I know what I like, but can’t quite get it there without some visual help!!
Also…from the bottom of my heart, as a mom of a recovering heroin/meth addict…a HUGE thank you for the work that you did for those people. I’m so sorry that you are no longer working at that, because I know first-hand how little resources there are for young people who have lost everything (my daughter was actively using for 7 years in her early to late 20’s) and have no way of getting into a treatment program by themselves. We spent thousands of dollars and went through living hell before she finally was able to get into a methadone clinic. Two years later, she’s now almost finished with a certification in college and is looking forward to being independent again and getting on with her life.
It’s always going to be a struggle, and she wants to wean off of the methadone eventually, but without these types of programs and studies on how to best PREVENT this from happening in the first place, we would be completely hopeless. In my state there is a tremendous heroin epidemic and it’s only getting worse. I hope and pray for more studies, resources, programs, and agencies to save these kids, before it’s the norm instead of “just” a growing problem. Again…THANK YOU!
Linda,
Thank you for your kind comment. I’m very glad your daughter has found a program that works for her. I know what a struggle that is. I agree that more research is so important. I hope to get back to fighting for our children and young adults again.