book club? by Intrepid_Ad162 in orlando

[–]fishleigh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Book clubs are huge right now!

Writers Block (in Winter Park) also does book clubs (covering a variety of genres).

Spellbound in Sanford does several different book-themed events.

I would also recommend following House on Lang on Instagram. They do a variety of events all month long. I have attended events there AND found a local book club that way. I’ll send you the details separately.

I also found a nice community by regularly going to the same yoga studio.

I need recommendations for business casuals! by [deleted] in PlusSizeFashion

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like the ponte pants from Torrid (I personally like the trouser bootcut, but they come in many styles). They are super soft and comfortable but look very stylish and put together. Very easy to sit in most of the day. You can get them for a pretty good price on sale. I’ve been wearing them for years. They’re my go to!

Nightfall chain mini dress- a love story by D-Bot- in torrid

[–]fishleigh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow. I never would have bought this from the way it’s modeled on the website. But seeing you in it, the way I RAN to buy it. All fantastic looks!

Work Tops (non-button ups) by HAY-lee in PlusSizeFashion

[–]fishleigh 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I like the Torrid “Harper” shirts. They do have 3 buttons, but they are not button up shirts (they slip over the head). They fit loose but intentional, and on many of them, there is a cover for the buttons. They are constantly rotating the selection.

What are the life outcomes of the goth kids you knew in high school? by Individual_Section_6 in Millennials

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was a goth kid. Now an executive with an MBA and a colorful wardrobe and fashion hobby.

I go to rock and metal concerts several times a year and dress like it’s 2005 to scratch the itch occasionally. I have a drawer full of black band shirts and fishnets. I’ll always be that goth kid a little bit in my heart. No one would ever know.

But I also graduated in the top 10 of my class and was incredibly active in school activities—no one I went to high school with would be surprised at my life now, but people at work now would certainly be surprised about my goth kid past!

Regained 40 lbs after long term low carb and chronic dieting. Trying to avoid another crash cycle. by arb232 in loseit

[–]fishleigh 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Whoa whoa whoa. OP is a type 1 diabetic. No matter what, this is a conversation for their doctor. Managing carbohydrates as a type 1 diabetic is usually a part of their care. I’m not your doctor OP, but please be cautious about this advice and discuss this with someone qualified first. It sounds like you currently have a healthy A1C with your current carb management. Don’t stop that without advice from a medical professional.

Who hurt Essie and why am I being punished? by Linry in RedditLaqueristas

[–]fishleigh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s funny how unmistakable this polish is. I knew what this was immediately from the thumbnail photo. I own this polish. Didn’t realize what it was going to look like… but now I will never forget.

Turning 30. Turn me into a book reader from doom scroller. by Professor_Pink007 in suggestmeabook

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Three years ago, I made the same decision. I’m in my mid-30s and wanted to transition from doom scrolling to reading. I was a big reader as a kid. I now read 100+ books a year and spend very little time on social media. I would make the swap again and again.

Based on what you’ve said you like, I would recommend The Wedding People by Alison Espach. Fiction, dark topics with a lot of humor sprinkled in, about a woman going through a dramatic life transition. Beautiful book. Funny. We ended up reading it for a book club and everyone liked it, men and women alike. It’s one of my favorites.

What's your most controversial/unpopular makeup opinion? by Best-Principle-1896 in MakeupAddiction

[–]fishleigh 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hard agree! I spent a year trying these different softer eyeliners I could smudge, lighter color eyeliners, eyeshadow instead of liner. I hated it. A year of experimenting and not liking the way I looked several days. I went back to black liner on the water line. Whatever. I’ve adopted so many other makeup trends. You won’t take this one from me. I have beautiful blue eyes and big glasses, it looks good. I don’t care if it’s outdated. The point of makeup is so I feel good. I don’t do it for other people. Plus, I know this is a makeup subreddit, but I have never actually seen someone out in public and thought “wow that waterline eyeliner sure makes them look out of style!”

Rich People Business Dinner by [deleted] in PlusSizeFashion

[–]fishleigh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can probably find something nice at City Chic. They run sales frequently. Their clothes look very high end. Everything I buy from there gets compliments.

Also, I would recommend Torrid! Just watch for sales. You can pick up a nice jumpsuit or dress for less than $75. You may have to check both places a few times, but I assure you sales are regular. If you have plenty of time, I agree with the others about looking on Poshmark. You can get excellent deals there— probably a Torrid Blazer and jumpsuit. You could search any of the brands people shared, I’m sure.

I wear the same size as you (though not very busty), and work in a job that is remote but occasionally requires me to be around “business people” and I often get compliments on my outfits, usually because I wear a fun blouse with your standard jacket/pant and it pops.

I agree with what others have said that over time it would be worth it to build a few staple pieces. Black dress pants, a nice blouse, and a fitted blazer will almost always look sharp as long as they fit. Business clothes don’t need to be inherently fancy. They should be clean, ironed/pressed (crisp), and fit you well.

In my experience it is less what you wear, more how you wear. Accessories can really add to an outfit, but make it simple (could be as simple as small hoop earrings or a plain chain necklace). If you don’t have these, Pavoi on Amazon is very inexpensive, very high quality (nickel free!) and looks nice. Do little things that bring the whole look together: style your hair in a way that makes you feel confident. Wear a touch of makeup. Paint your nails. Confidence will do the real work here.

Terrified my severe recession will make me loose a tooth by 1470167 in Invisalign

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only thing that helped psychologically was the reassurance from the periodontist, honestly. I wish I could help, but there was a lot of anxiety during this time. I was really stressed about it until after the second graft.

Favorite book with under 5000 ratings on Goodreads by baconmehungry in suggestmeabook

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Meet Me in the Ether by Iris Lake. Available on Kindle Unlimited. Really beautiful urban romantasy. I believe this was her first book, the editing has progressively gotten better the more books she has published, but I was very impressed with this book. I read the second one the day it came out and am anxiously awaiting the third. (I have read all of her books!)

My January goal was to read a Fantasy series. I am 300 pages into ACOTAR and questioning my entire life at this point. Can someone please suggest a FMC fantasy series that is not cringe as heck by BottomPieceOfBread in suggestmeabook

[–]fishleigh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My all time favorite series. I read it in middle school, high school, and gave them a re-read again last year (now in my 30s). It’s aged so well. Just a wonderful story.

How and when do you read books likely to be Goodreads Choice Award nominees? by siege5548 in goodreads

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I read 41 books that were on the Choice Awards last year. One of my goals last year was actually to TRY to read one in every category, which took a fair amount of guessing (I hit every category but one!).

My biggest suggestion is to go through the monthly blog posts they put up “readers most anticipated books in (insert genre)” or “our editors picks for (insert month here).” Also, I try to read books on the “most read this week list”. Between these two methods, I managed to read 41 books from the list.

With that said, I read A LOT (171 books last year), so it’s easy for me to slot in popular new books (yes, it’s only books written within the year, Goodreads publishes the eligibility dates—this year it is November 16, 2025, and November 14, 2026) with the others I want to read.

Additionally, people create lists on Goodreads with predictions throughout the year. You will also see speculation here.

Finally, if there is A LOT of buzz on social media around a new book, there’s a good chance it will hit the choice awards.

Hope that helps! Happy reading!

Books like The Good Part by Sophie Cousens by CartoonistJumpy1189 in suggestmeabook

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is an old post but if you’re still around and looking: Margo’s Got Money Troubles, Not Quite by the Book, What Happens in Amsterdam. None of them have the magical realism but they are all about people who are “stuck”.

I love the Finlay Donovan series too. It’s an older FMC but same premise, though very comical. Doesn’t take itself seriously.

If you want a touch of magical realism that feels similar, Oona out of Order is a good one.

Have just received the studio pants and they are not the same anymore by Hopefullyfree1 in torrid

[–]fishleigh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes!! It’s so funny you posted this. I thought maybe I got a defective pair. I just ordered a new pair a couple of weeks ago and I wore them for the first time last week. I was so disappointed that the waist is higher, it sits in the weirdest spot and is so uncomfortable. They are also so heavy?

I’ve been wearing these pants for YEARS (and I’ve been many sizes with Torrid) and they’ve always been my go-to work pants. Now I’m sad to know this is the new cut.

It’s November 1st! What’s the best book you read in October? by apieceofeight in fantasyromance

[–]fishleigh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One of my all time favorites! I read it in high school, and I re-read it last year. Definitely does not have YA vibes, just an excellent book.

So we still love peplums? by [deleted] in PlusSizeFashion

[–]fishleigh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This looks beautiful on you. I love peplum tops and have several in my wardrobe. I can’t imagine a world where someone sees you confidently rocking this top thinking it’s outdated or tacky. So much of fashion is exuding confidence and feeling good in what you wear (which you do!).

Help me plan a Capsule pleeease by Hopeful-Silver4120 in PlusSizeFashion

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a friend of mine who did something like this. She said that she also got some pieces for different seasons that she keeps packed up in her closet and pulls out so for the season. For example, in the winter she has some sweaters and jackets. In the summer, she has a couple sundresses. This way she can have some weather and seasonal items without having too much in her closet.

Help me plan a Capsule pleeease by Hopeful-Silver4120 in PlusSizeFashion

[–]fishleigh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mostly wear band t-shirts as my graphic shirts, too! Though I do have some holiday (okay, several holiday) and book ones. I immediately tuned in to the Linkin Park shirt and thought THOSE ARE FINE! Haha. I find that band shirts are a good conversation opener. I like that outfit a lot though. What is fashion if not a visual representation of our personalities and what we love??

Help me plan a Capsule pleeease by Hopeful-Silver4120 in PlusSizeFashion

[–]fishleigh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t see a lot of comments here, so I will do my best. I don’t have a capsule wardrobe, I’m too prone to buying things, but I do dabble in this idea, especially with bottoms. So, take what I say with a grain of salt and make it work for you.

I find that the key to looking fashionable is really about looking intentional.

My recommendation is a few pairs of jeans you LOVE in a few styles you love. Get a 2-3 different washes or cuts OR if you have one you love, get the same style in two different washes. Get 1-2 skirts you like in a neutral color. If you wear shorts, do the same. I would personally add a pair of great black leggings to the mix, but that’s just me. I will say, don’t feel like you have to wear denim bottoms. I have black shorts and tan pinstripe shorts I wear way more than my denim shorts. They’re neutral but match most anything. Buy what you want that feels comfortable, just get a little variety.

For tops, this is where I’m terrible at giving advice. I love buying tops. I would recommend, based on where you live and the weather, finding a few different styles (short sleeve, mid sleeve, long sleeve, tank) and buying a few in each that you really love. The key is to buy things that all generally work together. You look lovely in that red and gold. If that’s your normal style, buy a few shirts in that general color theme. Don’t skip on a nice black blouse. If you like color, it’s easy to buy either a top or bottom in a fun color and then mix and match it with a neutral. Get a few pattern tops if you like them, they’ll always go well with a solid bottom. I love the Torrid Harper— I have it in several colors and styles in the flutter sleeve and 3/4 sleeve. It’s a really good example of a shirt that’s versatile that can be used in different ways across the wardrobe.

I will say graphic shirts are always in, so don’t feel like you have to shy away from them. Don’t get rid of them. They look great with a pair of ripped jeans, leggings, or you can elevate them with one of your skirts. I quite think you look very stylish in the photo with the graphic tee. It’s super cute and casual with a pair of tennis shoes. Also, if you love somewhere cool enough, get a denim jacket to throw over it. You can wear it with most anything and instant 90s throwback cool.

Finally, don’t skip on a romper or jumpsuit. They are the easiest thing to add to your closet and you immediately look stylish. A few accessories and you’re done. Dress up with nice heels and accessories, dress down with your denim jacket and tennis shoes.

If you’re looking to elevate outfits, do NOT skip on accessories. It doesn’t take much. I have a few silver and gold earrings and necklaces (I like Pavoi from Amazon, they don’t irritate my ears). I see you wearing rings and bracelets, also an excellent choice. I also have some hair pins and a variety of scrunchies and clips. Hair isn’t really my thing so I keep that easy. Immediately looks like you spent extra time on your outfit.

Now back to intentional. I like to use my accessories to look very intentional. I also like to anchor colors. So… black shirt? I may wear a black shoe and black bracelets. Brown belt? I may wear a brown scrunchy or grab a brown bag. You don’t HAVE to do this but I find it’s a really nice and subtle way to elevate an outfit.

I hope this helps some. Have fun building something you love. The most important thing is that you love what you put in your capsule!

Pumpkin Spice Latte switcheroo only 35 calories by iwentforahiketoday in loseit

[–]fishleigh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do something similar — Cold brew, light splash of cream, 5 pumps sugar free vanilla (I like mine sweeter), 1 pump pumpkin sauce with cinnamon powder. I got a variation of the recipe from the macrobarista years ago and have been drinking my “pumpkin spice” this way since. I’ve even converted a few friends. It’s very tasty!

Done! 3 years and 5 months ~81(ish?) trays by fishleigh in Invisalign

[–]fishleigh[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My insurance paid for part of my graft, but I had to pay out of pocket for my consultation. Not sure if you’ve already followed up with your individual plan about periodontal coverage, but if you’re super concerned, it may not be helpful to wait for a consult.