Do you ever feel like you can't find anything to wear when you go shopping? You're not alone. Many women over 40 who are plus size feel the same way. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to shop for clothing that looks great on you. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Start by knowing your body type

I have a fun quiz that can help in this area.  Got to the QUIZ to find your body type

2. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles

Some women find that their best look is a little bit different from what the average person might expect and this can be true for any style, not just one specific type. You may enjoy experimenting with different looks as you grow into your own skin!
A lot of people assume larger sizes don’t work because they're “not fashionable or figure flattering, but there's so much more to it than meets the eye.  Keep an open mind and try it on.

3. Shop at small stores that cater to plus size women

Finding a small boutique where the Owner and/or Designer works directly with you will lead to more personalized items.

4. Embrace your curves

Every woman has curves!  There are so many different ways to embrace them  If you're not sure what kind of shapes they might make for a piece, then just go with the flow. One thing's for certain: no matter how confident or self-conscious we feel about our bodies in this society - there will always be an option out there somewhere if only one person sees value in another way; even if it seems counterintuitive at first glance.

5. Wear clothes that make you feel confident and beautiful

The way you feel about yourself should never change, so make sure to wear clothes that give off a positive vibe.

6. Accessorize to add personality to your outfits

You can accessorize to give your outfit that certain something and make it more personal. If you want a little bling, go with jewelry or statement earrings!  Maybe go for the shoes!  I know that is my obsession.  A good pair of shoes can brighten my whole day.

If you're in the market for plus size clothing, it can be difficult to find great options that are stylish and age appropriate. This is especially true when you get into your 40s. It's not uncommon for retailers to cater exclusively to younger shoppers or only offer up a few basic pieces of each style in an XL before they go out of stock. But there are some stores worth checking out if you want more variety without breaking the bank! What is your experience with shopping for plus size clothes over 40? Comment below and share what has worked well for you so we can help other women like yourself who may need guidance on where to shop beyond Target!

The holiday season can be a stressful time for everyone. We put so much pressure on ourselves, that I think we forget that the season should be about family, love and gratitude.

So, having to figure out what to pack
should not be another reason for stress.  If you are flying, it’s best to
pack light so you can carry on the plane. And even if you are traveling by
bus, train or car, lugging around heavy baggage is still cumbersome. In that
spirit, I have put together a guide that will help you pack the essential
pieces you need to create and style different looks.

Since we all have the dressy night…

I love our SP Essentials Collection because it always does double a triple duty.  It is sort of basic but layers into elegant and dressy option.

Your key pieces:

The Roxie

The other items I would pack for my trip would be the Jet Skirt.  It can be worn as a skirt as well as a dress under ther Roxie.  

Still have a little room?  Of course you do! With the Jet , the Roxie and maybe the tube.  I can see at least 3 outfits.

So, add the Taylor and the Pam.  Now you have at least 7 outfits.

To make it even easier there is the BLK Collection

One less thing to stress about.  Have fun and remember to breathe.

Your choices signify your true reflection. Everything from your hairstyle, clothes, jewellery or even your eating habits represent your interests, hobbies and particularly your style. Variation in cultural values and traditions create a great impact on lifestyle and accessory designs.

Having talked about accessories, you must have noticed celebrities flaunting their engraved pinky rings quite often lately.

The origin of “Pinky rings'' or “Signet rings'' dates back to 3500 BC. Egyptian pharaohs and other elite personalities used to seal the document with these signet rings. By the fourteenth century, these rings became popular in Britain too. These rings were owned by upper-class people and royal houses. Every ring had a unique symbol and belonged to a specific person. In fact, King Edward 2 used to seal all the official documents with his signet ring. To avoid forging, the signet rings were destroyed as soon as the owner died.

Later, the signet rings got modified in terms of designs and styles. This generalisation of these rings among the middle class turned them into a fashion accessory rather than just being a “Seal Ring”.

Times have changed and so has fashion. The millennials and Gen-Z like to experiment with their looks and style. For instance, the Signet ring works as a canvas to express their inner emotions and true self.

There are multiple ways of engraving signet rings which give you various options to communicate your exact feelings.

1.      Family Crest

Family crest signet rings are a true representation of your love and respect towards your origin. It holds a sense of belonging and togetherness among the people of the same clan. You can engrave your rings with a family crest to honour your family legacy and embrace your roots. Several online websites offer.

2.      Monogram

Monogram signet rings may seem old fashioned but are much in trend again. An ideal gift for birthdays and anniversaries, Monogram rings look elegant with every attire. Choices for font types are endless. You can customise the ring engravings in your handwriting too. Engravings of initials, favourite sports team or the family name are the most popular types of monogram signet rings.

3.      Seal

Over time Signet rings may have lost their original purpose, but they are still considered a piece of art from history. The signet rings originally called, “Sealing Rings” were used to seal a document with a wax stamp then. Modernisation and new techniques took over this trend, and seal rings turned into an ornamented piece of jewel. However, there is a rise in demand for seal rings with wax stamps lately. People engrave their logo designs on the rings and wax stamps for advertising purposes. You can buy these personalised signet rings from your local retail stores or browse online websites.

4.      Deep for Show

This engraving technique creates an illusion of a seal ring. The ring is deeply engraved but for show only. The depth of engraving is not the same as the original Seal rings. However, the designs are intricate and extravagant enough for acknowledgement. These can be considered lighter versions of Seal rings.

5.      Elevated

Elevated engraving Signet rings are the contemporary version of Seal Signet rings. The engravings on these rings are elevated outwards and create a 3D impression. The reverse design looks magnificent with a classic finish. These rings will leave an unforgettable impression on the people around you. So better upgrade your fashion game with these pieces of a gem.

6.      Date

Some events always remain close to our hearts. What can be a better idea than treasuring their corresponding dates in the form of a ring to embrace forever? Engraving Dates rings may seem a little cliché, but it’s pretty adorable. A date ring can be personalised in terms of metal, fonts, gemstones, and design. Stacking up a date ring with a monogram is a cool option. Give it a try, it’s worth the shot.

7.      Finger Print

When choosing an outfit or a jewel piece, everyone wants it to be just made for them. Fingerprint signet rings are such an example of uniqueness. The idea of fingerprint rings is much admired by young couples. These rings are being considered a fantastic alternative as Engagement or Wedding rings.

8.      Private Sentimental Message

How about expressing your mantra to life physically? Engraving your private message or sentimental quotes that you firmly believe in is an excellent alternative to tattoos. The engraving can be customised in your handwriting or could be used to treasure a message from someone you deeply admire.

9.      Image

The latest update in the Signet ring designs is the image Engraving. Having a photo of your beloved engraved on your ring seems quite romantic. The idea is quite popular among millennials for valentines, birthdays and anniversaries. These rings can be customised with additional private messages and dates on them.

A ring or a necklace you own isn’t just a piece of jewel. Well, It says a lot about you. So make sure you choose the right one to tell your story the best way possible.

Here we are again.  As with last year, this year the season looks a little different.  Covid is not yet out of here although I am hoping it is in our rearview mirror.  I don't know if you feel this way as well but I really have decided comfort is as important as looking great so I put together some looks with that in mind.

The Black Outfit

I am not a huge fan off the all black, but this year I am leaning that way.  It takes a lot of the guessing out of the equation.  Plus you can use accessories to spice it up if you want.  Here are a few favorites.

SHOP THE BLK COLLECTION

Color Pop

I know for me I still have to have a pop of color

The Joy Vest

Taylor Tunic

BLK Pam Pallazzo

Get Cozy

Dress with an Edge

Sam Mesh Top in Low immersion Dye

Jet Skirt

This past year has been a lesson for all of us.  All the hype of fashion and style and what we should wear has gone out the window with needing to dress for work.  Many of us, even now, are working from home and we don’t need to impress anyone but ourselves.

That is not to say we do not want to look good.  I believe we should dress for ourselves.  That means you get to decide what you want to wear and what looks good.  No judgement from others.  And comfort is the new luxury.  Why should we walk around in clothing that does not feel good?  

This is the new trend.  One that I hope continues to thrive. Get dressed and get comfortable.  Here are some suggestions.

I know...you are wondering what that title means.  To be honest, so am I.  As I work on my business, I constantly look at everything and question everything.

When I first started my business and I would say to this day, I never really looked at size or age when I designed a collection.  I believe clothing is an extention of ourselves.  It is a way to express our creativity and to show the world who we are.

If you look around you can see that in action.  We identify based on how we dress.  We may like to wear things skin tight or loose and flowy.  This is where size comes in.  If you want it skin tight and you identify based on your measurements as a Large, you might be buying smalls.  At the other end of the spectrum you might measure to be a size 6 but you like things oversized and may decide it is the XL that is right for you.  I think we place way too much emphasis on what size we are or perceived to be.

At Steel Pony, we want you to feel comfortable in your body,  not the body you are always on a diet for, wishing you had.....for the body you have right now.

So buy the fit that you feel good in and stop looking at what the label says.  We try really hard to be size inclusive and we think whether we weigh 125 lbs or 225 lbs you are beautiful so go out and show the world your beauty.  

Go Shopping

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Guest Post

As we move into the winter months, the problem of dampness will become even more of a threat to homes across the country. Statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that dampness is estimated to be present in 20-50% of homes in the US and that as many as 21% of American asthma cases could be associated with dampness and mold. Taking into account how serious of a problem damp is, this article offers advice on how to catch damp early on and get rid of it so that your home is dry, fresh, and free of mold.

What causes dampness in your home?

Damp occurs on walls and fabrics when condensation in the air becomes too great and cannot escape due to a lack of ventilation. As a result, the inside of the home becomes dampened by this condensation, which then turns into mold and smells musty. Condensation is most likely to occur from the steam produced during cooking or showering, when you dry clothes on the radiators, and when you turn on your central heating during winter. All of these things can be done, but dampness will occur if you don’t open a window or use an extractor for ventilation.

Often, people don’t even notice that damp is affecting their home until they can see the mold and source the unpleasant scent. By then, it is too late to try and prevent dampness. The only solution is to purge it from the home, and then increase ventilation afterwards to stop further damp from occurring. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that if mold is a problem in your home, have experts remove the mold promptly and fix any leaks or sources of dampness. This should stop it from becoming a reoccurring issue.

Keep your home dry

You should focus your efforts to get rid of dampness in the areas where it is most common: bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Catching condensation early will stop it from settling long enough to cause damp problems and bad smells. If you notice any condensation, open windows immediately to air it out, and be sure to wipe down windows and sills as well. Wash any fabrics that feel damp to prevent the growth of mold. The EPA also advises that mold spores will not grow if moisture is not present, so catching moisture before it settles is the best way to protect your health and your home.

Getting rid of mold caused by damp

When damp has become mold, you’ll need to use mold removal solutions to completely get rid of it. Typically, the best way to get rid of dark green or black spots on surfaces is to use sprays that contain bleach. They can also be used on fabrics that have been dampened, which then must be laundered. Another way to get rid of damp fast is to buy a dehumidifier, preferably one that can extract multiple liters of moisture from the air per day. This will do lots of work to stop damp before it becomes mold. You should always sanitize anything that you think may have come into contact with mold caused by damp because it can spread further.

It is most important to remember that dampness in the home can be a serious health hazard, as well as a cause of structural damage. By routinely checking for damp in your house and working to eradicate excessive moisture, you'll be able to catch it before it poses a more serious threat. 

I d

on't know about you but I can't believe it is that time of year again.  This year more then ever gifting has to be well thought out.  With supply chain issues you really have to know what you want to get and buy early.  At least for things not made in the USA.

As a company that makes most of our inventory and buys only ethically Made in USA, we are in a unique position of bring able to have a good supply of products.  It gives you the opportunity to really THINK about buying local and supporting the Artisans in your own country.

We have curated an Collection of things under $100 and hope you might take a look at our offerings.  Here are a few things I wanted to highlight.

For the Green Thumb in your life.  GROW KITS

For the Party

For the person who needs some R&R

There is so much more in the Gift Guide

 Guest Post by Chris Jordon

Sustainability is about maintaining a sense of stability by adopting practices that safeguard the world's habitability and the availability of resources for future generations. In a similar vein, sustainable marketing is on long-term success rather than short-term profits.

Sustainable marketing encompasses not just your products, but also the image and strategy of your company. Customers are increasingly expecting brands to demonstrate responsibility and accountability for social and environmental issues.

To distinguish migration from relocation, experts employ temporal and social parameters. "Migration" refers to the geographical movement of people who intend to settle in another country (i.e., displacement that is considered permanent sooner or later), whereas "displacement" refers to a wide range of precarious situations and most commonly refers to people who are forced to migrate or flee. In fact, environmental consultants victoria has determined one of the issues that how states see this complex migrant flows is the migrant crisis. It's silly to expect a company to switch to 100 percent sustainable sourcing, manufacturing, and delivery of products right away. The customer knows that significant change takes time.

Globalization awareness

The notion of sustainable development, which gained popularity following the publication of the Brundtland Report in 1987, was given even more significance at the 1992 Rio Conference. For the first time, leaders of state, UN agencies, and NGO representatives came together at this "Earth Summit" to discuss environmental risks and underdevelopment. The summit, which was at the time the world's largest international gathering had a huge impact on the media, public opinion, governments, and international organizations. It also sparked high hopes, particularly for a fundamental recasting of international relations to usher in the new post-cold war era.

Following the Rio Summit, the concept of sustainable development quickly gained traction, encouraging a broader understanding of significant environmental issues and global imbalances. This raised awareness aided in the discovery and sharing of information on these topics, notably through an international collaboration between scientists and other professionals. It also led to greater consultations with representatives from non-governmental organizations and the corporate sector, in addition to governments and scientists. Finally, it led to a significant increase in the number of international environmental agreements.

The Earth Summit was a watershed moment by acknowledging the reality of issues and problems that affected the entire planet and all of humanity, and by attempting to identify examples where shared responsibility could be established, allowing for global action. As a result, the scope of global issues has grown significantly, to cover issues such as the environment, health, trade, and poverty. It also underlined the links between globalization, global risks, and shared responsibilities, emphasizing the necessity for international cooperation.

Accomplishing sustained development for long-term

Sustainable development, in contrast to a view of development focused solely on economic expansion, is concerned with human communities, their well-being, the relationships that exist within and between them, and their connections to the environment.

As a result, sustainable human development can be defined as the ability of all human communities, including the poorest, to meet their basic needs for shelter, drinking water, food, adequate health and hygiene, participation in decision-making, social cohesion, a social fabric, cultural and spiritual expression, and so forth.

It also demands a serious rethinking of our core ideas and lifestyles, as well as the way our societies operate, notably in terms of production and consumption. This brings considerable shifts in behavioral patterns in which social and spiritual factors take precedence over material ones, "being" is valued as much as "having," a culture of sufficiency is developed as the foundation of consumption, and thus of sustainable production, and people learn to take their time and think long-term considering environmental consultants Victoria .

I have a friend who is really into this.  She started telling me about it and before long, I was so curious that I took the test.

It was eye opening.  I could not believe how accurate it was.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.  So, what is it?

The Enneagram of Personality Types is a modern synthesis of a number of ancient wisdom traditions, but the person who originally put the system together was Oscar Ichazo. Ichazo was born in Bolivia and raised there and in Peru, but as a young man, moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina to learn from a school of inner work he had encountered. Thereafter, he journeyed in Asia gathering other knowledge before returning to South America to begin putting together a systematic approach to all he had learned.

There is a lot more to the story so if you want the full details here is the link.

There are 9 types, they are The Reformer, the helper, the achiever,the individualist, the investigator, the loyalist, the enthusiast, the challenger and the peacemaker.

Just reading the names might give you an idea of each but it goes so much deeper.

Have I peaked your curiosity?  You can find info and take the test here.

I would love to hear how you made out.  Please share.

Hi everyone......There are many things going on in October, It is breast cancer month, Women against abuse month and adopt a dog month.  In addition it is Eczema Awareness Month.  I was interviewed for an article about that subject and wanted to share it with you.  Here is the Article and a link to it if you wanted to read the whole article.

Designing a Vibrant Life With Atopic Dermatitis: Joanne’s Story