Winter Recovery: How To Get Rid Of Dry, Flaky Skin

Hello all!

Congratulations on surviving the Polar Vortex. It's been a long and hard road, but I am beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. But for some of us, we still have a few more weeks left of unpredictable weather and dry rooms. So I decided to share some of the products that are helping my skin through the tail end of winter.

I started to notice how bad my skin was looking when one day I was applying makeup and my skin turned to sand and blew away. I was a little mortified how long I had let this go on, so I started YouTubing and Googling several homegrown methods- anything I could do at home at 1 AM.

Let's be real, I did not try all the rice wrapper or deconstructed guacamole face masks. Don't get me wrong, they sound kind of fun/experiment-y, but I don't think perishable items are a good solution for me. Last thing I want in the morning is a spray bottle full of rotten lemon and honey toner.

So, after doing some research and digging through my supplies, I think I have found a solution. Some of these products may be a little on the pricey side, so if you have any cheaper alternatives please leave them in the comments.

Find out more below!

Passing pt 1

I think I want to do a series on the idea of "passing" and skin color and would love to get your insight on the topic. Just submit a post! Right now I will try to speak on some things that have been on my mind.

What do you do when "dressing for the job you want", also includes your job as a community leader? At several Latino professional conferences I always hear people discussing how hard it is to dress professional while honoring your culture. When I asked my friend Michelle (@mgcsilva) what she thought she brought up some other good points"Are suits and cardigans seen as part of "white culture" because successful Latino professionals aren't visible or because the clothes themselves don't fit our bodies or because our bodies in the workplace seem threatening?"

These are all great points, but the question I am facing is slightly different: how do you represent your culture when in a suit you "pass" as white? My skin color isn't enough of an indicator of my culture. So where does that leave you when, without those cultural signifiers, you blend into the white backdrop?

Descriptive Democracy - having leaders who share characteristics such as race, ethnicity, country of origin, or gender - is so important. We need people who we identify with to be in positions of power. Not only so they can make changes that will benefit us but these leaders will eventually normalize people of color being successful. There is still too much of a token minority sensationalism around the chosen few who are in elected office.

But, if you are not seen as "descriptive" of the community you come from, what can you do?

In my minority majority hometown, I never had to deal with the fact that I didn't look Mexican enough. So many of us were Latinos and we all looked different; tall, short, light, dark, blonde, brunette, etc. It was rare that someone had to ask "what are you?" And it was actually pretty entertaining when someone did since I was very active in a Hispanic leadership organization all through high school and felt like I was participating and giving back. There was no mistake I was a Chicana. Or so I thought.

Then I moved.

Now I find myself in a weird position. Very few people think I am Mexican and some don't think I am a women of color. I don't get treated "better" (I am still overweight and live in a body conscious city) though now I am privy to even more insensitive comments. 

So what happened?

Was it my new business casual clothes? My countless hours indoors getting no sun? I don't know. But what I do know is that I am feeling left out. More people assume I am white, or that I don't speak Spanish. These assumptions nag at me and I start to feel a little "lost in the Big City".

I don't think that this experience is particularly unique or excessive challenging, but it can be a lonely place.

Has any of the WC readers been in a situation like this? 

UNIQLO Jegging Review for Plus Size

Four years ago I road tripped up to New York with a friend. She explained to me that one of her friends, John, always wore the best fitting pants. It is a really weird descriptor for a person, but I took one look at him and fell in love...with his pants.

Notice how all these people look thin; Photo from their site

We headed to Uniqlo and I was really nervous that nothing would fit. All the clothing was so perfectly tailored and fitted, which normally means bad news for me. Looking for clothes in "straight size" clothing stores is a constant theme in my life. Sometimes it works and sometimes it just doesn't... Imagine looking at beautiful, pressed clothes on the hanger and looking in the mirror and seeing a twisted roll of clothing pinching you, probably above or below your chest depending on how determined you were. I just don't understand why companies make clothing for large audiences but don't include a wider range. 

So I was very surprised when I found Uniqlo's x-large jeggings fit! And fit pretty well! I was running around grabbing every different color and fabric in a frantic. 

Photo from their site

It wasn't until this year that I was able to purchase some more. The style is different, they took the drawstring away in favor of an elastic waist. I think I preferred the drawstring tbh. They were on sale for $13 (originally $20) and I bought 4 pairs. Two black trouser leggings, one faded black jegging and another in a true blue color. I am a size 14-16, so I am surprised they fit. Though, the different materials and washes fit me differently.

Pros:-extremely skinny
-jeans are fairly thick fabric
-back pockets
-different colors and fabrics
-free alterations

Cons:
-not good in the dryer
-not good for short shirts 

-rolls sometime
-might not fit people with bigger backsides
-not good for most sizes over 16
-not in a lot of locations...yet!

P.S. my shirt say "no nos puede deportar a todos" :)

BCBG: A Forgiving Brand

Shopping has really sucked since I have gained weight this past year. I am surprised/disappointed how a desk job could effect my body so dramatically in the span of 11 months. In my last post, I mentioned how my weight was taking a toll on my body and how I am actively trying to change that.

Until then, I need clothes that fit my body NOW.

BCBG is a surprising choice for a plus size blogger, but I almost always am able to find clothing that will fit my size. Not everything is forgiving. Leather blazers, zippered pants, and most cocktail dresses are too narrow and form fitting for me.

As for everything else, I have several skirts, blouses, dresses, and a few jackets that not only fit, but look good on. I always shop sale and I don't find something every single time (which is a blessing in disguise for my debit card), but if you are sizes 12-18, maybe even 20, you will be able to find some great pieces. 

Though, I have to give a warning. This is not a plus size store and an article of clothing that is wrong for you can be a trigger. I suggest this brand because I have found several articles of clothing over the past few years, but I understand how difficult it is when trying on clothing that is too small. When I was younger, I would take my body frustrations out on my mom unfairly. Yet, her unconditional love and kind words have calmed those frustrations and allowed me to accept and move on without affecting my self-esteem too much. She is also the person who bought me this outfit because she got all crazy motherly last time I saw her.

This entire outfit from BCBG + a shoe bonus after the cut! 

Below are sweater details and the shoe bonus!

Summer of Shoes

I have terrible ankles. I have more medical supplies than the average 23 year old. I own a bulky black walking boot, two air casts and at least 2 lace ankle braces. Plus a million Ace bandages and this thing called Muellers Wonder Wrap (which is amazing and I think everyone should buy one).

Because of that, shoes are really important to me. I need something that doesn't make me flinch at the thought of rolling my ankles in them. I also need shoes to commute in because I WEAR my shoes. Just 2 weeks ago I had to buy inserts for my shoes because I wore a hole in the sole walking around New York. 

So this summer has seen a lot of shoes as I get ready to start a new job in a new city. A city, which undoubtedly, I will be doing a lot more walking and in all types of weather. At least that is what I tell myself because I have bought a whole lot of shoes in the past 60 days. 

Not pictured are a pair of Cole Haan + Nike Air wedges and some thrifted shoes I had to toss after one use. 

Top L to R: Clarks, Report, Forever 21, thrifted Khombu
Bottom L to R: Crocs, Coconuts, Topshop

Some are fun, some are functional, and some are really damn cute. All of these should be able to prepare me for walking up and down disgusting subway stairs. At least I hope so. Because I NEVER in a million years thought I would own Crocs but its like walking on god damn clouds. 

But my most valuable pair of shoes will be my tennis shoes because I need to start physical therapy for my ankles. I want this to be the year I DO SOMETHING about it. 

What concerns/issues do you have that dictate the type of clothes you purchase? 

Work and Play

I haven't been around for awhile because I was too busy GETTING EMPLOYED!

Now I will aiding 1st and 2nd generation immigrants run for office all over the US. All of the bad news and people's shitty reactions to it have been wearing me down. If we want justice, we need to be the lawmakers, we need to be the lobbyists, we need to take charge. So if you ever want to run for office, whether it be city council, education board, state representative, US senator, whatever it is, PLEASE contact me. There are so many organizations out there that can help you figure out if running is right for you. If it is, they will be able to support and train you and give you all the resources to be successful.

All you have to do is ask. 

Getting a job I like has been doing wonders for my self-worth. On the downside this means I won't be able to spend the majority of my time in a circle-scarf-made-dress or denim shorts. Last week I decided to get a few business casual staples for my first day at work and a dress for my sister-in-law's bridal shower (coincidentally happening on the same weekend, ugh). And ankle boots because I literally cannot say no at this point. 

 wrinkled Diane Von Furstenberg Fleurette Silk Chiffon Dress and Cole Haan & NikeAir black wedges. 

Plus Size Vince Camuto Diamond Jacquard blazer 

Shoes under the cut ↡↡

Guilty Pleasures: Topshop and Elieen Fisher

I am in the Denver airport on my way back home. This (should) be the end of my seemingly endless vacation. I am ready to start interviewing and hopefully I will have good news for you by the end of July!

This last vacation to Las Vegas really tempted me to indulge in my two favorite guilty pleasures: ugly shoes and harem pants.

I cannot tell you how much I LOVE UGLY SHOES. From my Tevas to my knock-off Jeffrey Campbell Tripoli Cut Out Booties from F21, I am obsessed with a shoe with character, especially if they are functional. My trip to Topshop was the worst and best experience.

Since I am in a transition period, I don't have enough money to buy any full-priced shoes (or most sale items). But that did not stop me from trying them alllllll on.

Here are my ugly highlights.

L to R, T to B: Aphrodite Cut Out Boot (more on sale online!!), Aladin Gladiator Strap, Arabel 2 Cut Out Heavy Boot, Hitch Multi Buckle Flatform

I would love to see people's tan lines in these shoes. I can't even imagine how stupid they look. WHY DO YOU NEED SO MANY BUCKLES? WHY DO YOU HAVE CUT OUTS ON YOUR "HEAVY BOOTS." FLATFORMS, JUST WHY?

That might just be jealousy talking because I love all those things.

For my actual purchase, I tried to pick something that I could possibly wear to the office. On casual Friday. Very casual. I apologize, the first picture isn't the clearest. Sneaky selfies are hard to take.


As for my second guilty pleasure, my life was FOREVER changed when I tried some of my roommates' harem pants. If you have never tried on jersey harem pants on, DON'T. There is nothing more comfortable and ill-fitting than a jersey harem pant. Especially if they go down to your ankles.

I bought a pair of cotton ones, but it is not the same. It wasn't until I jokingly tried on some Eileen Fisher clothes with my mom that I realized their entire line is my ugly, drapey, dream. It was like looking straight into the pit of fashion hell. This is how rich, white, ladies must feel like. And I liked it. 

Since then, I have been eyeing these Harem Pant in Lightweight Viscose Jersey. Finally, in Vegas, I had the opportunity to try them on. I hid out in the dressing room for a long time to maximize the amount of time I could hang out in the Perfect Pant.

Look at me, the ~style starter~

If these pants ever go on sale, I WILL BE THE FIRST PERSON TO BUY THEM. $178 is just TOO much for some lightweight jersey. I am blind, but not dumb. 

So, I have mentioned this before, I have a very interesting sense of "style." Some might say lack thereof. But you haven't lived until you have wore Tevas with the Eileen Fisher harem pants. 

Circle Scarves

Today I am in Austin, Texas and I am looking at the photos from Maine and I noticed a trend. I noticed I am wearing a circle scarf in almost every photo.

I love my circle scarf. I used it as a scarf, dress, skirt and pajamas. I even brought it to Austin. It is from American Apparel, but I thrifted it from Goodwill in San Antonio last year. I am tempted to buy more but I have mixed feelings about buying things from this store. Either way, I am obsessed with this item. It is light weight enough to wear as a dress and it is warm enough for the icy east coast winters. Not to mention it comes in 20+ colors and patterns. I wish I had them in different colors!

Almost falling off the boat.

I love the color and I wear it all different types of weather. I think its a perfect item.

Here are some more photos from my trip!

Click here to

Eastern Womanism: Sampat Pal Devi and the Gulabi Gang

It is funny how the older I become, the harder it is for me to become inspired. Maybe it has something to do with loosing my imagination. Or my hope. Maybe it has to do with not being exposed to people who share common identifiers. Whatever it is, I am always looking for inspiration.

Taken from Sampat Pal Devi's Facebook Page

When I found out about Sampat Pal Devi and her Gulabi Gang, I was initially delighted. I had only read a snippet about their mission and promised to revisit their website again. After catching some of Kim Longinotto's documentary "Pink Sari", I began researching the group. I tried to steer clear of articles from white feminists and looked towards their website, Sampat Pal's Facebook, and other publications.

Working with NGO's I have read several mission statements, some bad, some good. Never have I seen a "Vision" (different than their mission). Simple and sincere, it stirred something inside me.

"Protect the powerless from abuse and fight corruption to ensure basic rights of the poor in rural areas and discourage traditions like child-marriages."

Taken from the Gulabi Gang Website

Sampat Pal is really an extraordinary women.  According to the Indian Express article she is a "barely educated, impoverished grandmother [who] has emerged as a messianic figure in the region." But they don't talk about her empathy. She's a tough lady (I would never want to be on the receiving end of her fiery), but she is gentle and compassionate. She is a practitioner of tough love, but also tenderly wipes the tears from the faces of scared, oppressed women. She cries with them, she shares her home with them, she protects them.

What is more powerful than that?

She is quoted in the Gulf News article saying:

"When I’d confronted him alone, he refused to listen to me,” she says. “But when I approached him with a group of women, he admitted his mistake. It was then that I realized the power of unity."

I cannot agree more with this statement. I think it is so important for women to stand together. Still, I sometimes find it hard when women who are "progressives" or "feminists" do not include, or even acknowledge, the women who are fighting for their rights as women of color. Those who choose to not see race are, in reality, erasing us and our struggles from the conversation. As if we are already not invisible enough.

Though, I can't put 100% of the blame on white America. I know my community and I know the problems we face. Those who chose to help their community should also spend time focusing their efforts in fixing the problem within it. That is something I think Sampat Pal has not only realized, but executed bravely.

It is time to stand up, together. "Only if you stay together can you fight such crimes in society". 

This Charming Nail

I wanted to wait for the weekend to post about Hex, but when the Bolt bus showed up an hour late with no wifi or outlets I had little choice. 

I hope I can get a short interview with the owners of Hex Nail Jewelry (www.hexnailjewelry.com) soon. These two sisters out of LA seem really cool and are very talented.  Also, they are women of color!  What more can I ask for?

Here are a couple samples of their work from their website: 

 Oh Shit No 2

 Cut Out Heart

Took a lot of will power not to buy 10 of the Cadillac charms. Maybe on my next purchase.

Dress shirts: The ups and downs pt. 1

I love a good button down. 

So much so that almost all of my tops are button downs. Which is surprising because not only am I plus sized, I have an hour glass figure and large bust. T_T

Originally intended for men, the construction of a button up was designed for someone with very little (or no) curves. It is true that the construction of button ups have slowly transformed with darting and patterns to fit a larger audience, but even so, looking for a button up is a painstaking (and probably delusional) task.

Over the years I have come to terms with never looking like This Is England's Lol (or even Woody for that matter). 

Source: 1, 2

This look is generally geared for skinny people because most "looks" are, big surprise. God knows I wouldn't be caught dead with my shirt tucked into my jeans. But there are some girls who just live and breath this lifestyle no matter what size they are and I really admire that. I wish I could say I was that confident. Or that stylish. 

I can only hope Part One of my button down review will help them and the many other struggling to find The Perfect Button Down.

More photos under the cut!

WDIOT: Statement Pieces

My style will never be called refined because it’s not defined. I have what I call “impulse style”.

That means I don’t have a look. My clothing choice adapts to my feelings at the time of purchase, or, unfortunately, to what fits my body. That is why I love jewelry since it is one size fits all.

         

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4

As part of my make-believe fashion theories, I don't do subtle jewelry.  Some of our other contributors look so good in with their delicate pieces, but with my wavy hair and plus size body (I think), I look better in statement pieces.

But not all statement pieces are created equal, which is why I am going to show you some WDIOT pieces from my clothes.

With impulse style comes failure.

Gradient MAC lip tutorial

I mentioned how much I like to watch makeup tutorials, but in reality I rarely ever try to mimic them. HOWEVER, there is a makeup artist who has been my secret obsession for a couple of months. At first I did not want to write about her because I love all her looks and just want to copy them all haha. But she is so talented and drop dead gorgeous that I needed to share her with the world.

I started following Lora Arellano on Instagram (@loreleicakes) a couple of months ago and have been hooked ever since. She has so many AMAZING makeup looks, several which I don't have the skills to mimic.

I mean, seriously, of course I am obsessed with her.

WHAT IS THIS WIZARDRY??

My true brow inspiration 

Today, I am going to show you my rendition of this look:
Her:

Me:

Gradient lip tutorial

 I used lighting that washed me out in hopes of showing off the color more. It is still a work in progress!

Hoops and Tees

Hello y’all! I am about to hop on a plane to the east coast, but I wanted to show you the stuff I scored this weekend.

In my hometown, we have a spot called The Trade Center where several vendors rent spaces and sell goods on the weekends. You can buy almost anything there; dresses, imported Mexican and Latin American food, small animals, quinceañera dresses, and tomb stones. You can even get a haircut, get drunk and get a tattoo all at the same time. 

 See on the right, there is a train's engine head in the front where people sell elote. 

They have the best tip jar.

In short, it is the best place on earth.

These are some of the gems I bought:

5 for $10, I had to force myself not to go too crazy. Unfortunately, they only had the small versions of my doorknockers. 

The earrings in action

Gibson & Latimer lace dress with the shrimp hoop earrings.

This dress in XL is good for busty ladies (size 14-18 or ~38E-42E)

I am still looking for some inexpensive bamboo heart hearings with the words "baby girl" inside of them.

Hoops (and doorknockers) are obviously my favorite type of earring, but I want to know what looks best on you?

Happy Birthday Selena

I want to talk about this beautiful creature. 

Selena Quintanilla was from my hometown and will always hold a special place in my heart. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with the tumblr-esque fandom surrounding her now. At the same time I can't tell if it is just because I am from South Texas or if she has transcended into the sea-punk, ironic Blingee realm of the internet. Guest Poster Jackie said it seemed like people/clubs were "cashing in on a trend and not actually authentic."

\

Not to say I am the authority on all things Selena, but she has been a big part of my life since I was little. I remember going to the Selena museum and buying my favorite cheesy 90's maroon, textured shirt when I was 8 or 9. Or getting drunk with my friends and moving my futon on my front law to sing her songs at 3 AM.

Even now, her style is something that I try to emulate to some degree. If only I was as flaw free as her. 

I wish she was here today. I truly believe she would have been a major actor in some of the Latino movements that are happening (i.e. immigration, DREAM Act, etc).

I will leave you with one of my favorite songs by her.

Photo dump + Makeup Recs

Hi guys! I have already made a couple of posts but I still feel like I haven't gotten the swing of blogging yet. I think I should talk less and post more photos. Which is what I am going to try to do today. This weekend I volunteered at the Washington Ballet's Hemingway in Paris Ball and went to Damaged City Fest. I can't think of two drastically different things. 

Wherever I am going, I always spend more time putting on makeup then picking an outfit. I love the feeling of putting on makeup. Sometimes it's the only creative thing I do all day (thank you entry level positions).

Lancome Teint Miracle, Lancome Effercernes Waterproof concealer, Cle de Peau foundation powder, Almay Eyeliner, Bobbi Brown Uber Nude Palette, and Stila Waterproof Eyebrow Pen.

These photos are a perfect example of how I do my makeup everyday. It is not the cleanest look, but I like unruly eyebrows and clumpy mascara (I literally use whatever I can find).

All the products I mentioned probably cost more than what most people would like to spend but **CONTRO OPINON** I don't think there is a dupe for nice powder or concealer. I have terrible dark circles and fine lines, so I need something that won't budge and will sit smoothly on my skin. Half of the battle is application, but I do notice drugstore brands tend to fade during the day. HOWEVER, I will stand by Almay liquid eyeliner forever. Much better than the M.A.C Penultimate Eyeliner which dries out too fast, flakes and smears way more in my experience.

What are some dupes you like to use?