A Real Heartbreaker

Ever walk in a shop and feel a sense of excitement, a buzzing?

It's rare, right?

Heartbreak Boutique in uptown Saint John has that excitement and gives me a serious buzz.
I don't know if it is all the fun patterns...

The variety in sizes...

Or owner, Pam's huge smile and giddy excitement over her own shop!

Located at 80 Princess Street, the boutique is the latest gal to join the uptown in-crowd but with her own distinctive style and flare!  Heartbreak, like owner Pam, has a serious crush on the retro styles of the pin up girls and rockabilly stars.

My favorite items are the dresses without a doubt but Heartbreak also has fantastic tee's & cardigans, as well as men's clothes and lots of fun accessories!

Pam tells me that there are more plus sized items coming in all the time, so if you haven't been in yet, or haven't visited recently put it on your to-do list!


Heartbreak Boutique
80 Princess St, Saint John.

Hours:
Monday thru Wednesday - 10 to 5:30
Thursday & Friday - 10 to 7:30
Saturday - 10 to 4


*side note: Heartbreak Boutique is also THE spot to get your derby gear.. skates, pads, helmets and all the etc. are available in shop and to order plus as a bonus you can visit the Rollerball trophy!

Boutique Talk & Birthday Giveaway

So many boots they couldn't all fit into one post!

This time Monique takes centre stage in these Rieker Booties & Fossil bag. She can correct me if I'm wrong but I think this was Monique's favorite combination. I heard her exclaim more than once 'I just LOVE the key!!' about this cool Fossil bag & that red zipper detail had us both swooning.

Rieker Kadie bootie $140 & Red Leather Fossil Purse $180

Truth be told, I've eyed the Fossil 'key' bag up more than once in tan, purple & mustard! The fact that there are so many colours to chose from might be the reason I don't have one yet... choices, choices...

This next look is La Canadienne's Red Patent Leather (Waterproof) “Tula” bootie.  Take note people... I'm wearing a heel! I seemed to have discovered that I actually can walk in a small heel or wedge, thanks to Natalie's advice.  I haven't worn even a small heel in about 15 years since I had an accident, breaking my ankle.  The weakness in my ankle has meant no heels (and no derby with Monique... yes another awesome derby girl!!!).  These patent red leather boots were too good not to try on just for a photo though...

La Canadienne Red Patent Leather (Waterproof) “Tula” $265
Cabrelli Red Cheetah Clutch $55

Turns out, if the bootie (or boot) comes up high enough it is just the support my ankle needs to let me walk with a bit of heel! Just the sheer glee of walking in these fabulous Victorian inspired booties almost had them walking right out the door with me...

Rieker “Thelma” $155
Fossil Grey Leather Purse $200

So for our final look of the day, Monique tried the Rieker "Thelma" bootie (with another one of those fantastic Fossil bags... seriously Mon, just buy one!!) How awesome does she look, staring out that window (dreaming of a place where it wasn't snowing I'm going to assume)?
Thank you Monique for being such a good sport, trying on all these beautiful boots & trudging out on our first snowfall.

And now for the most exciting part, more exciting than all these fabulous boots to look at.....
Manchester Shoe Salon is giving all of my local readers a chance to win a $50 gift certificate in celebration of my birthday!!

To enter & win you must;

• be local (enough to travel to SJ & collect your prize)
• 'like' Manchester Shoe Salon on facebook & leave a comment on their wall saying that I sent you

For an extra entry you can;

• 'like' Full of Fabulous on facebook
• tweet about the contest (make sure to link to the blog & include @FullOfFabulous so I can find your entry)

The contest closes on my birthday, November 11th, at 11pm AST, 2011 (yep...11-11-11!) & the winner will be announced that weekend!

Good luck & stay fabulous....

Boutique Talk - Manchester Shoes

Can you tell it was a pay week? All of my posts are shopping related!
Sunday I went uptown (yes in Saint John we have an 'uptown' but no downtown...deal with it) with my friend Monique to visit my friend Natalie at Manchester Shoe Salon in Market Square.
Natalie is in most women's dream; living amongst the shoes.

Now I know from past posts that not all women have the shoe bug but a majority of my reader's seem to & most of the plus sized women I know do. My theory on it is this - shoes, bags, scarves, jewelry, & accessories in general are a 'size doesn't matter' purchase. It makes us bigger girls feel like the 'rest' of consumers. You can wear a size 22 dress and still be the perfect size 6 or 7 shoe with endless possibilities before you. You can fit into an XL blouse in a handful of shops but you have bags & clutches in every conceivable colour.
I bet I'm describing at least a few of you...

There is a particular issue that can be difficult for larger sizes or larger legs & that is boots. So many women struggle in the store with zipping up that perfect knee high boot. It is heartbreaking to fall for a boot, find it in your size but as you slide your foot in & begin to zip  up the back or side, realize that the zipper only makes it halfway up.You will mostly be out of luck in mall shoe stores & big box retailers at that point but shoe shops like Manchester Shoes have so much more to offer!
Monique & I were like giddy girl's as Natalie laid out a huge selection of wide calf boots & adorable booties (fashion & waterproof) & we ooooo'd & aaaahh'd over their bags, scarves & clutches.
The three of us put together several pieces to highlight just a few things you can find at Manchester Shoes. Take a look...

Blondo Tall Black Riding Boot (Waterproof & Wide Shaft) “Viviane” $225

Totally waterproof, wide shaft & made in Canada... not sure a boot gets much better than this Blondo Tall Riding boot! Monique thought they had a cool rocker look to them & I can't say I disagree.
I've honestly never had a boot this high on & although I've known there were wide calf boots, I hadn't come across them til Manchester Shoes.

Really liking the look of my lace tights with the boots. Rocker chic?

Next we got Monique into some Remonte Dorndorf booties!

Zipper Zig Zag purse $70

This is the same designer as my recent bootie purchase  paired with a Joanel 'Zipper Zig Zag' purse. Monique is like me, caught up in the details, so she loved the zippers on the bag & folds of the boots.  Booties like these are a fabulous alternative to a full sized boot if you are worried about wide calves or want something with the fashion of a boot but without the bulk.

Remonte Dorndorf Tan Slouch Bootie “Federica” $170

Afterwards I tried on this 'brown' pair of Aerosoles boots which really have an almost olive colour to them, which is gorgeous. These boots have a zippered calf extension which you can adjust as needed to expand the boot AND.... these gorgeous boots are only $140!! 

Aerosoles Tall Brown/Olive (Wide Shaft Extension Zipper) “Mezzotint” $140

I couldn't pass up the chance to pair this with one of the many Fossil bags in the store. This canvas one looks great with the colouring & texture of the boots.

Fossil Brown/Olive Canvas Purse $105

Stay tuned for my second post featuring MORE fabulous finds from Manchester and a very special birthday giveaway....

(If you want to stay a step ahead of the game.. .make sure you like Manchester Shoe Salon & Full of Fabulous on facebook *hint hint* )

Boutique Talk - PGal's Closet

Last week I took a short drive to the nearby town of Rothesay to visit the lovely ladies of PGal'sCloset, Baye & Patricia. 

There was a better picture of me with them but they are too smiley & gorgeous here, so they win!

This mother/daughter duo are known for their kind, sweet nature, beautiful looks & fabulous shop, PGal's (which is accompanied by Country Treasures the home decor side). You might remember Baye as a guest blogger while I was on vacation in September.  She told us all a bit about the Sympli line they carry at PGal's and after the blog post I figured I should check the line out for myself...

I wasn't 100% sold on Sympli before heading out to visit the ladies.  Currently the line is sizes 2 to18 & I wear a 20, sometimes even a 22 so I was concerned nothing would fit me properly. Patricia tells me that Simpli will be coming out with a plus sized line late this fall & though I am excited to see it, I needn't have worried... just as Baye told me.

Firstly, whether you are interested in the Sympli line or not it is always worth a visit to PGal's. The accessories, beauty products & home decor are always fully fabulous & the attention you get from all the staff is top notch.  It is another beautiful example of why I am SOLD on Boutique shopping.

Some of the lovely & cute items at PGal's! I adore this lip gloss!

 

Baye & Patricia played dress up with me for about an hour, trying different combinations of pieces from the collection & jewelry.

Chakra Tunic with Oliva leggings, Infinity jewelry scarf

The pieces are definitely forgiving, even to my size 20 body- feeling as comfortable as pajamas or yoga pants!  A few selections didn't quite fit my chest & not everything suited my personal style but most of the pieces were flattering.

Timeless tunic & the infinity frill scarf (LOVED this scarf.. I may have to come back for it ladies!!)

It is awesome how the collection is styled to layer, mix & match or even be worn with your own favorite pieces in your wardrobe.

Aria tunic with Culture cover, with my favorite Forever 21+ jeans & jewelry from PGal's
This outfit is probably my favorite look that I tried on, although the colour is maybe not the right one for me.

PGal's keep a selection of pieces that work together in stock in a variety of sizes but you can also custom order your pieces, mix & match! The Sympli line comes in a HUGE assortment of colours & takes about 6-8 weeks as each piece is made to order (all by women, Canadian women!!!).

The lovely Baye, showing of the huge assortment (36) of colours to choose from!

 You can be sure that when the plus size line is out I will be back out for another visit with the PGal's to let you all know about it...although truth be told, I probably won't be able to stay away that long.

Guest Blog; Simpli Baye

Right about now I'm gearing up for the big event - my brother's wedding!  There will be preparations, rehearsal dinner & I heard rumors of a bonfire the night before! Gee... I guess I need to pack a cute bonfire outfit!
I'm super excited about today's guest blogger, the most adorable Baye! Baye isn't a blogger but a fabulous tweeter, a cupcake queen & like a said... ADORABLE! I'll let you see for yourself, but trust me when I tell you this won't be the last you see of her...... *something up our sleeves*

Sympli is Simply the Best


For all the women that have squeezed yourselves into slimming undergarments in order for you new dress to look perfect, been afraid to eat another bite at Christmas dinner in fear of the button on your pants popping off, or been totally stuck while packing for you dream vacation due to the hassle of ironing adorable dresses. Well ladies, be "outfit conscious" no more!

Canadian made "Sympli" is an amazing line of clothing suited to everyone. Sympli is a heavy jersey material available from sizes 2-18 (the plus size collection is debuting this fall!) in 36 different colors! Talk about versatile!

The jersey is amazing, especially for travel as it is wrinkle resistant and no fuss - its easy care fabrics can go in your washer and hang to dry - ball it up in your suitcase and go! With most pieces fitting generously you feel beyond confident and beautiful in it. Another benefit of the heavy jersey? It truly does NOT cling! With Sympli I can wear the same outfit as my friend in a size 2 and look just as good ... maybe better! Meanwhile, you feel like you're wearing your pajamas - perfect!

Me at the Pgal's Closet Sympli Trunk show in April '11. I am wearing the Pallazzo Pant and Kimono in Black with my own denim jacket and infinity jewellery scarf from Pgal's Closet.

Sympli is all hand made in Vancouver by women for women. Working mom's are their number one resource and are dedicated to promote positive self-image encouraging women of all ages, shapes and sizes to wear clothes with confidence and as a compliment to their personality, mood and to forget the myth that they would be happier with a "perfect body" The White House Design Company proudly supports the Looking Glass Foundation, a non-profit organization based in BC run by a group of passionate mothers who are making a difference by trying to bring happiness and positive futures to troubled youth struggling with eating disorders. (For more information check out the Looking Glass Foundation at www.lookingglassbc.com)

Sandra Miller of Sandra Miller Floral Design at the Trunk show wearing the Sympli Chakra Tunic, Urban Cardigan and Diva legging all in black - jewellery is from Pgal's Closet.

Me at the trunk show wearing Sympli's Deep Pocket Tunic in black.

Sandra Miller again looking stunning in the Rhythm tunic, Rhythm coat and cigarette pant in Currant.

Pgal's Closet is owned by - my fabulous, if I do say so myself, mother - Patricia Gallagher and is located in Rothesay, New Brunswick; attached to it's sister home decor store, Country Treasures. All Sympli pieces can be ordered from there and takes about 8 weeks to arrive by special order; the in-store collection, however, is always great!

Sympli is available at:

Pgal's Closet/Country Treasures
116 Hampton Road
Rothesay, NB

506-849-PGAL

As well as at the beautiful & seasonal;;
Pgal's Closet featuring Boutique Zekara
172 Water Street
St. Andrews by the Sea, NB

506-529-PGAL

You can check out more Sympli looks at: www.symplithebest.com & www.pgalscloset.com

Shop Talk - Boutique Zekara

After my last post/rant I knew I had to further explore my clothing options.  As a six foot tall, size 20 woman I'm used to not finding anything that fits in a store.  So much so that I guess I gave up on boutiques.  Eventually it becomes a heartbreaking experience to see beautiful things that were never meant to be yours.

I'm sure many of you know what I'm talking about. In fact, I know you do because I've talked to some of you, commiserated with you.

Then Donna from Boutique Zekara sent me an email...

Donna has started to carry two plus sized lines in her Rothesay shop; Cherry Velvet & Diane Kennedy! I'm not going to lie... my excitement level was high!

If you are not familiar with Boutique Zekara or are not in New Brunswick, it is an amazing shop. Shoes & make up in the front, clothing & salon services in the back!

Make up counter above, shoe selection right



Clothing with items from the Diane Kennedy line in front

 I tried on all kinds of the Diane Kennedy line to discover some of the comfiest clothes I've had on in ages! It is an organic bamboo line with some amazing cuts.  But I'm going to have to tell you all about them some other time, and this is why;



ignore the bruise on my leg

I'm in love.

This dress in a simply perfect cut from Cherry Velvet, a Vancouver based dress company focusing on retro inspired plus size dresses.  Boutique Zekara is carrying this style in X to 3X in several different patterns.

                 Hanging on the rack does this dress no justice. Trying it on made me want to twirl!

The length is great for my 6ft tall frame. The sizing is appropriate (I normally wear a 2X or 3X depending on the designer... i wear a 1X in this dress - gotta love that feeling!).  It is fitted in all the right places & it shows of just the right amount of cleavage.

Cleavage I won't be disowned for

I thought for sure I was sold on ordering from eShakti for my brother's September wedding, but the idea of supporting a local business AND buying Canadian feels so much better!

 

My dilemma now is.... which one?

The polka dot one draws me in with the tiny detail of lace on the neckline, and because who can EVER resist polka dots??

But once I tried on the damask it just 'felt' right for the occasion. A simple but gorgeous dress for the outdoor wedding of one of my favorite people in the whole world...

Also I'm picturing finding the perfect hot pink shoes & clutch for it.

So I'm turning to you readers for some help.  Which one do you like better? Which one would you choose for me?

Leave me your vote & if you are out in Rothesay make sure to stop in and say hello to Donna & check out everything this one shop has to offer!

The shoes that must be mine