My Current Favs...

Simply Lovely: A Review of SimplyBe.com

I'm wearing my Moon Print Tunic

Introduction. Happy Holidays Blog Readers! I’m so thrilled to be on holiday break. I’ve got my Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Bluble Christmas Albums out and I’m planning my Christmas Parties! My post this week is going to highlight a 100% plus-size (Sizes 10-28) oriented site. SimplyBe.com! This is my new favorite place to shop and it was introduced to me by fellow blogger, Franceta Johnson (Thanks Girl!).

Ruby Rocks Playsuit

Style. Fairly conservative, this is my favorite new place for work clothes, school clothes, and casual holiday parties. Caters to a clientele between 25-45 years old, but not limited to this age range.

  

Price Range. Not bad, not bad at all! A casual dress on average runs about $75 and their party dresses are all under $200. However, I have ordered from SimplyBe four times and I have not paid full price once. They seem to always have fantastic sales and promo codes going.

Fairisle Sweater

Size&Fit. They run a bit big, but I feel like this is typical of shops that cater to the plus-size market only. I like things a bit roomy though. I don’t like to feel constricted. So, I’ve enjoyed almost everything I’ve purchased.

  

Have this & LUV it!

Quality&Construction. So far I’ve had no complaints about the quality of my garments. I feel like it’s actually quite good. I’ve followed the cleaning instructions given on the tag inside the garments and they’ve all maintained their shape and color just fine. And nothing feels fragile, which is good for me because I really wear my clothes. Over all I give the Quality an A!

Sheer Skirt Dress

Shipping&Returns. Shipping takes FOREVER. They are coming from England (which the customer service operator never fails to remind me every time I call to see where in the world my stuff is) and sometimes I think maybe my stuff is coming over on the Mayflower. So, while the wait is worth it, if you are in The States, do not shop here for last minute events. Also, a note, and perhaps my only real complaint, twice I have ordered a garment and said garment was first back ordered and then cancelled with out notice. Make sure you check the status of your order and if something is back ordered be sure to keep track of it. If they happen to cancel it, make sure they give you your money back. Returns are quite simple, they send a prepaid return sticker with your package, you just fill out a form and stick it in the mail. No fuss. I like that.

Print Dress With Belt

 
Recap. I highly recommend SimplyBe.com to all my plus-sized friends and readers! To be honest, when I first discovered them, I immediately sent the link to about 5 of my friends and family members. So if that’s not a recommendation I don’t know what is! Just be weary of the time it will take for your order to ship and also make sure to track your order! 

Let's be friends! Follow me on Twitter & like me on Facebook! 

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

XoXo,

Scottie

ChiChi Chic at Zara

My Birthday was this week and my siblings took me to dinner!

 

Leopard Print & Color Block Coat

 INTRODUCTION.  Hi lovelies! I’m really excited about this weeks’ Spotlight Site, Zara.com. This is the first site I've reviewed for you that I have VERY mixed feelings on. On one hand, I feel like Zara really encompasses my personal style. Zara is in my price range, they have the quality I’m looking for and most importantly the look I’m trying to achieve! Also, Zara is eco-friendly and Animal –friendly as well. If you check out their information page they explain that Zara as a company focuses on saving energy, recycling, they use eco-friendly fabrics, make PVC-Free footwear, and transport using biodiesel. They also do not sell products tested on animals and only use animal hides that come from food farms. On the OTHER hand, I have recently read some very disturbing articles about Zara's point of view on the American Market and why they have absolutely no plans to expand their physical stores to American shores.

Studded Platform Sandal

STYLE. Zara is so fabulous. I think it's chic, modern, and very smart. The garments are cool and collected. When I'm wearing a piece from Zara, I feel posh and confident.

PRICE. Quite reasonable. An occasional coat may cost $300 but generally their most of their pieces, like dresses and jackets, run between $75-$150.

Puff Sleeve Dress

WEAR-ABILITY. Zara is not a juniors line at all. I wouldn’t call it mature either, because that word, to me, implies frumpy. Zara is very cool, very chic and I think their target market is probably women ages 25 to 40 years old. However, that doesn’t mean women who do not fall into that age range cannot wear Zara. There are plenty of age appropriate garments for everyone.

SIZE&FIT. They run small! I recently read an article about how Zara caters to a European body type. The article also said that Zara has been quoted saying that they will not be expanding their stores into the U.S. because the American Market is basically to fat and not fashion forward. This obviously offended me. I love Zara's style and collection but after reading that article I actually returned my latest purchase from them. I will be writing a paper on European Sizing Vs. American Sizing for my Fashion Merchandising class and I will be sure to post it. I plan to reference this article about Zara. HERE is the link to the article I read. 

QUALITY&CONSTRUCTION. I think the quality is very beautiful, however I have read many, many reviews with complaints of "inferior products" and "poor construction." I have only been shopping with Zara for a few months now, but from what little I have purchased, I am please with the quality.

SHIPPING&RETURNS. Very simple to understand, typical and standard policies. Shipping is free both ways unless you purchase express shipping, which is $10. Returns are simple. You may return your garment to one of Zara’s store or you may ship it back. They provide a pre-paid packaging slip inside your original package.

Skull Print Coin Purse

RECAP. "Wearing garments from Zara.com makes me feel eloquent and cool. I imagine, I will be a loyal client for a long time. As I said before, they have garments for any age group but I think they should be the first stop for an incredibly chic 30-year-old woman. Fabulous Company! Don’t miss it!"- This is the recap I wrote BEFORE reading the article about Zara's sizing. I am very torn on whether or not I will remain a loyal client or not. While I do love their products, I feel as though the company certainly doesn't love me back. Also, as a plus sized, American girl, they do not value me (or my $$$) as a client. I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts on Zara, good or bad! Please, don't be shy about leaving a comment, I'm dying to hear some other opinions.

 
TIP. Check out my latest videos on how to tease and curl your hair! 

Hope you enjoyed reading my blog!

Don't forget to follow me on twitter & like me on facebook!

And leave a comment! Don't be shy! 

XoXo,
Scottie

How I Curl My Hair

Let's be friends! Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! Hollar at me y'all, I always hollar back! :) Don't forget to click the "Join This Site" button for updates on new post!

XoXo,

Scottie