Romper Room

Hey Lovies,

As a plus size woman, I am constantly trying to push the envelope and break out of my shell when it comes to fashion. Now I know not every trend or style is for everyone but you shouldn't be afraid to try the ones that are. For instance rompers always terrified me and I'm immediately taken back to my child hood when my mom use to put them on me. Not to mention the whole "hungry thighs" issue when my thighs want to eat the romper and I'm forced to keep pulling them down. But even with all that, I decided to take the plunge and give the romper a try. I came across this romper one day while perusing the Wet Seal Plus site. I loved the black and white chevron design and the plunge neckline. You could easily wear it with a cami or bandeau underneath, but I chose to pin mine closed for a more clean look. Don't be afraid to wear this during the colder months with tights, booties and a jacket or blazer.

Romper (similar) - Wetseal + (sold out)//Belt (similar), Necklace (similar) & Shoes (similar) - Forever 21//Bag (similar) - Thrifted//Bracelet - Gift

Rich by Pop-up Plus

Hey Lovies!

It's always great waking up and finding awesomeness in your inbox. This morning I received the fabulous new Fall 2014 look from Pop-up Plus called RICH. It's featuring the gorgeous blogger/model Essie Golden. Now if you know Essie, then you know she puts the "F" in Fierce and this look book is nothing short of that. There's a stunning quilted skirt, hints of faux leather, the essential crop jacket and top, a must have Denim dress, head turning Jumpsuits, blocks of color and a tribute to Keith Haring. Pop-up Plus always has different, on trend and edgy clothing, like these joggers that I wore here. If you're looking to stop traffic and make a statement, then look no further and get RICH! 

"With the way the world is going who knows how much longer we have on this planet? Make the moves you want, wear the clothes you like, and do as you please! As long as you don't hurt anyone (unless you're hurting their feelings by being too fine and shit LOL),  your'e Golden"

- Essie Golden 

Review: IGIGI "Urban Jungle" Collection

Hi Lovies!

I was recently contacted by Igigi about reviewing one of their pieces from their "Urban Jungle" collection. I immediately fell in love with this collection, all the gorgeous animal prints as well as the bold and colorful prints that are all perfect for the Fall. Having already tried Igigi before during FFFWeek (see here and here) I was aware of the great quality and fit of their clothing. But It was still hard for me to decide on which piece I wanted. In the end I chose the "Isla Dress", obviously for the gorgeous leopard print but as well as it being a transitional piece. I could totally see myself wearing this during the colder days with a blazer and boots. I love the feminine draped ruffle along the neckline and the classic A-line design. It's definitely a feminine and flirty dress, which made me want to twirl around in it (which I actually did lol). Igigi's clothing is very generous, so I would definitely check their size chart before ordering anything. I got this dress in a 14/16 and it fit me perfect (I'm normally a 18/20). 

 Dress - c/o Igigi//Belt & Bag - ASOS Curve//Shoes - Lane Bryant//Necklace - H&M//Bracelet (old) - Forever 21

ISABEL TOLEDO FOR LANE BRYANT X REFINERY29 EVENT

Hi Lovies,

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant Fall Preview at the 34th Street Flagship Store. I was super excited to actually meet the Toledos, who are such nice and charming people. They mingled with the guests, took pictures and gave interviews. It was a treat to finally see the new pieces in person, which were all gorgeous and stunning. Everything was made with such quality and so lady-like. They had actual models wearing some of the pieces which was great to be able to see how they looked on. The guests were treated to drinks, food and music as well as an awesome photo booth that printed live photos from your instagram feed using the hashtag #LBTOLEDO. It was also hosted by the lovely Chante from Everything Curvy and Chic, who looked lovely dressed in all LB.

Casual Sunday: Denim and Tribal Print

Hi Lovies!

Sundays for me are usually very casual unless I have an event to go to. Otherwise I just like to feel relaxed and wear something that's literally "easy like Sunday morning". Now I am totally dress or skirt girl on a regular basis even throughout the cold months but I have found myself very fond of the harem/jogger trend. At first I was intimidated by them, because like a lot of women, I don't like the way my bum looks in pants lol. Since I've been trying to be more daring with my fashion, I decided to give them a try, and I have to say I'm obsessed now with about 8 pairs in my wardrobe. One of my favs are these Tribal Print ones from Forever 21. I love that they aren't overly baggy at the top and more fitted around the leg as well as having pockets which is always a plus. 

Pants (similar) & Bag (similar) - Forever 21//Top (similar) - Old Navy//Belt - ASOS Curve//Sandals (similar) - Lane Bryant 

Instagram Outfit Recap #21

Hi Lovies!

It's been a while since I did an instagram outfit recap, so here it is! See photos for outfit details and link.

Midi in the Park

Hi Lovies!

Back in August Eloquii contacted me about sending me special gift of any item from their website. I was beyond excited about this especially having been to their FFFweek event back in June and got a preview of their upcoming fashions (see post here). The hardest part was picking out which piece I wanted since there were so many great things to choose from. I'm normally not a huge fan of midi skirts because I like to show a little more leg but when they came out with the Studio Midi Skirt in Citron, I have to say I was instantly a fan. My mind was buzzing with different outfit combos that I could create with it! As much as I loved the yellow version, I decided to go with the green color because I knew it could easily be transition it into my Fall wardrobe. 

Skirt - c/o Eloquii//Crop Top (currently on sale!) - Fashion to Figure//Shoes - Payless//Bag (old) - H&M//Necklace & Bracelet - Forever 21//Earrings - Ebay

Dear Kate Queen Fancies Collection

Hey Lovies!

I was recently contacted by Dear Kate, a lingerie start-up, to check out their new Queen Fancies Collection. This is their plus size collection with sizes ranging from 1X-3X. Dear Kate is a new type of underwear with a built-in breathable lining that keeps women prepped for anything. Each pair is lined with their patent-pending fabric technology that's wicking and has a built-in breathable lining to keep you cool as a cucumber. They are perfect for working out, that time of the month, or any day you want to feel invincible. AND they're stain-releasing and machine-washable, so you never have to hand wash.

Disclaimer: Dear Kate gifted me the panty. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lane Bryant and Sophie Theallet Plus Size Lingerie Collaboration

Hey Lovies,

Yesterday I had a nice surprise in my inbox, it was the Lane Bryant and Sophie Theallet Plus Size Lingerie Collaboration Lookbook! Can we say classy, sexy, and sultry?! Lane Bryant is really on a great streak with all these designer collabs, especially the recently anticipated collab with Lela Rose. Sophie Theallet is a french designer who has worked with fashion icon Jean Paul Gautier and Azzedine Alaïa. So this lingerie collection is nothing short of amazing! I just adore the pretty floral print along with delicate lace and silk make this lingerie just so elegant. The collection will range from size 14-28 and will be available at Lane Bryant next month. 

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #20

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week or so, see photos for outfit details!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #19

Hi Lovies!

It's been a long while since I've wanted to post anything but as I was looking through my pics I realized I never posted my last instagram recap. So here it is!

FFFWeek 2014: Day 5 "Eloquii Private Trunk Sale Event"

Hi Lovies!

Day 5 of FFFWeek continues with event #2, the Eloquii Private Trunk Sale Event. After the Modamix event me and some of my blogger boos decided to walk over to the event to kill some time. We arrived at the attractive London Hotel where the event was taking place in the penthouse suite. The room was amazing, and the view from there was breath-taking. On the main floor they had refreshments, nibbles as well as a manicure station and a tarot card reader. They also had a super fun animated photo booth by Phhhoto which was the bees knees! Eloquii also had a few racks of clothing that are currently on the website for the guest to peruse, check out and purchase with a 20% discount. Upstairs they had 2 rooms with pieces that are coming soon to the website to preview and try on if you liked. If you been following Eloquii you know they've come back with a vengeance and it hasn't stopped. All the new things are amazing, gorgeous and so on trend.It was an awesome event and had a great time. I couldn't stay too long because me and a few other bloggers had to shoot over to the Indie show but I was able to get a few shots of the event. 

FFFWeek 2014: Day 5 "Modamix Fashions Blogger Event"

Hi Lovies,

Friday was the Godfather of days with 3 events to go to, starting with the Modamix Blogger Event. Modamix is a new plus size brand that is currently sold only online and Macy's online, soon to be hitting Macy's stores as well. It was an invitation only event and the guests got to meet and greet the design team as well as check out their Spring/Summer line and preview their Fall/Winter collection. Everything I saw was amazing, I literally wanted to take home all of it! The collection had a little bit of everything, moto jackets, skirts, dresses, outwear, you name it. They had beautiful color palettes as well as gorgeous prints and textures. They also had a delicious spread of food and drinks, including my favorite..Champagne! The room was filled to gills with some of the top plus size bloggers, some that I've met before like my main boos Georgette from Grown and Curvy Woman, and Sarah from Curvily and some that I had the pleasure of finally meeting like Emmie from Authentically Emmie and Allison from Curvy Girl Chic. It was such a nice time being surrounded by so many awesome women, enjoying fashion, chatting, and doing what bloggers do best...taking pictures! As we left the event the Modamix team graciously gave all the guest a goodie bag to take home, who doesn't love a goodie bag?! I had a great time and I can't wait to see what this new brand has in store for the plus size world. To shop their collection to go www.modamixfashions.com or www.macys.com

FFFWeek 2014: Day 4 "Just My Size 30th Birthday Blogger Breakfast"

Hi Lovies,

Day 4 of FFFWeek was a light day for me with just one event. Spent the morning at the"Just my Size" headquarters for their 30th Birthday Blogger Breakfast. I can't believe that it's been 30yrs that this plus size apparel brand has been around. I've always been a huge fan of their hosiery and panties but they have definitely grown from that in the last 30yrs. We got to see all the new things that they are bringing to the table from tops to jeans, as well as a bar with a pocket! How cool is that??? They had a delicious breakfast spread for all the guests to enjoy as well as personalized goodie bags with their signature items of a T-shirt, panties, bra, and hosiery. We also got to meet the JMS design team, who were super cool and gave us a brief informative presentation. Of course the event wouldn't be complete with out all the wonderful blogger babes that were here from all the country. We all took pictures in front of the photo booth they had set up with awesome props, such as tiaras, hats, boas and customized signs. It was a wonderful event and I had such a good time. Thank you JMS for inviting me and Happy Birthday!

Group Photo credit to Farrah Estrella of Estrella Fashion Report

FFFWeek 2014: Day 3 "Curves at sea" All White Party

Hi lovies!

Now we are well into Day 3 of FFFweek and the long awaited "Curves at Sea" event has come. This is one of the most favorite events of the week and like always it was totally sold out to capacity! This year the event was sponsored by none other than Fashion to Figure. Beautiful women from all over the globe were dressed to the nines in their white ensembles ready to set sail on the Harbor Lights cruise around NYC. The guests enjoyed a delicious buffet, tasty cocktails, great music and danced the night away. There was also raffles sponsored by some of the brands that are participating in  FFFweek as well. As always I got to hang out with all my blogger boos and snap tons of photos together as well as girl chat, which is always fun. It was a beautiful evening and I had a great time. Here some pictures from the evening...

FFFWeek 2014: Day Two "Press/Buyer Reception"

Hi Lovies!

FFFWeek is in full swing and I made it through day two. I headed over to the Press/Buyer reception at 320 Studios during my lunch break, where I got to meet and chat with all the different brands that are participating in FFFweek's fsahions shows. A lot of my favorites were there like Evans, Kiyonna, & Rue 114 as well as some new ones that are coming up on the scene like Poppy & Bloom and ModaMix. As a blogger it was a great opportunity to speak in depth with the designers about their brands and visions for their company. Everyone was super nice and informative. And as usual the room was full of beautiful women dressed to impress! Before I had to make a mad dash back to work, I snapped a few pics of the event.

Me with the Lindsey Tabor Head of Marketing for Poppy & Bloom

FFFweek 2014: Day One "90′s Theme Launch Party"

Hi Lovies!

Yesterday was the official start of FFFWeek in NYC and what way to kick it off than with a 90's theme party! The shindig was held at the Hudson Bond in Times Square conveniently up the block from my job, yay! Folks were dressed in their best 90's outfits and danced the night away to old school music. There was plenty of eating, drinking, networking and of course picture taking. There were also raffles for tickets to the fashions shows and also for best 90's outfit. What was also great was a portion of the proceeds from the night will be donated to the Alex House Project, who was also a sponsor for the event. The Alex House is a multifaceted program designed and led by young mothers with a mission to increase long term self sufficiency and independence by providing parenting and leadership development in a safe and caring environment. All in all it was a great night and an even better start to FFFWeek! Here are some pictures from last night.

Gwen Devoe and Sponsors of the night The Ladies of Bandelettes

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #18

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Repeat Offender

Hi Lovies!

So the other day I was looking through some of my photos and I realized I'm a total repeat offender! With my clothes that is lol! This is definitely not a bad thing, it just means there are certain pieces in our wardrobe that we love more than others. It also shows how versatile you can be with remixing pieces from your closet. In my case, it means I can't buy anything new because I have a college bound son and all my money is going to that so I better get creative with what I have! At the end of the day, it's all good. The fashion police isn't going to come and arrest you if you're caught wearing the same thing twice, (or in my case, thrice!). Where what you want, when you want and how many times as you want, as long as it makes you happy. Here are some of my favorite repeat offender looks...

Repeat: Vest from Target 

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #17

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #16

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #15

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Kisses and Tulle

Hi Lovies!

If I could wear a tulle skirt every day, I totally would. There's just some thing about it that brings me back to my childhood and always wanting to be a princess of some sort. The pretty frill of it, the poofiness that makes you think of cotton candy, and just the all around whimsy. Now in my world, you can never have enough tulle skirts, so when I saw the pink tutu skirt from Zelie for She Spring collection, I absolutely fell in love. Zelie for She was started by designer & plus size blogger Elann Zelie. Elann launched Zelie for She in 2012 with a mission to provide fashionable and affordable clothing for the curvy fashionista. If you didn't get a chance to check out Zelie for She lastest collection, then you need to do so now! It was chock full of girly, pink fun, including this gorg tutu. 

Skirt - Zelie for She//Top - H&M//Shoes - Sam Edelman//Purse - Nordstroms//Necklace (here) & Bracelet - Forever 21

Coral and Denim

Hi Lovies!

If you read my last post, I attended the Monif C. "My Beach is Better" Preview event. It was one of the best events I've been to in a long time, had a total blast! Since I had to work that day I wanted to wear something work appropriate but also can be chic enough for the event. After stalking this Coral Midi Skirt with Pleats on ASOS for months, I finally caught it on sale for $27! I adore this skirt and as much as I like showing off some legs, I'm beginning to dig the midi lengths skirts now. The color is so vibrant and eye catching as well as very versatile. I can dress it up or down as I did here with a denim shirt, moto jacket and gold accessories to make the outfit pop!

Jacket (similar here) & Shirt - Forever 21//Skirt (here), Bag (here) & Belt (similar here) - ASOS Curve//Shoes - Torrid

Monif C. "My Beach is Better" Preview Event

Hi Lovies!

Friday night I had the pleasure of attending the Monif C. "My Beach is Better" Preview. She unveiled her new swimsuit collection and all I can say is it was HOT, HOT, HOT! Monif really went all out with this collection with the colorful, vibrant styles and fabulous prints. Each swimsuit was unique in their own way as well as super sexy. All the gorgeous models looked amazing rocking these suits, I just couldn't stop looking at them, the swimsuits are so enticing and eye catching They also had a pseudo beach complete with sand, beach chairs, and sexy women laying out catching imaginary sun..lol  

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #14

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Pop Up Plus Spring '14 Collection

Hey Lovies!

In one of my recent posts (here), I participated in a Spring challenge by Indie brand Pop Up Plus featuring their awesome Joggers. Me and a bunch of other fab bloggers were asked to style one of their joggers, it was great fun and I really loved the ones I chose. Well Pop Up Plus has shared with me their Spring '14 Lookbook and it looks like their bringing some great trends and styles for us plus size gals. There's definitely lots of vibrant colors, striking styles and funky pieces that are fabulous for the spring. This collection is definitely worth a look, here are some of the styles you can expect to see.

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #13

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #12

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Pop Up Plus Spring Challenge

Hey Lovies!

Being in this plus size blogger world, you get approached by a lot of different brands. But I always seem to gravitate towards the small, independent designers because they normally have more fun, unique things that you don't see everywhere. So when I was contacted by Camy of the brand Pop up Plus about joining in their Spring challenge, I was more than delighted to participate. The brand started as a pop-up shop and has currently expanded to an online website, which is great. So to grow more exposure and engage members of the plus size community to their brand, they asked a few bloggers to join in their Jogger Challenge. We were asked to choose from 3 different jogger pants, (see here, here and here) give them our own flare and style them.

Joggers - c/o Pop Up Plus//Top, Bag & Belt - ASOS Curve//Shoes - Torrid

Splurge vs. Steal: Slip-on Sneakers

Hey Lovies!

As you may know, I'm not a fan of sneakers and own only one pair that was literally worn once! Nonetheless, I've found myself drawn to the whole slip-on sneaker rave. They look super comfortable and can go with a bunch of different things in my wardrobe. Plus there's no rhyme or reason to them, you literally just slip them on and keep it moving. No laces to deal with, straps etc.. I've been looking into getting a pair and of course I fell in love with the leopard print version (duh!). I'm all for a bargain, so before I invest in anything I do my research and see what I can find at the best price. Now some folks are all about brand names and luxury, me on the other hand doesn't mind finding a knock off that can easily be pulled off as the designer version. Here are a few that I found online.

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #11

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Getting Out of Your Wardrobe Slump: Wearing dresses as skirts

Hi Lovies!

No matter how much clothing you have, there's always that inevitable wardrobe slump. You stand in front of your overflowing closet and utter the words "I have nothing to wear!" I know it's crazy but we all go through it. I've been trying to be good about over shopping and spending unnecessarily, especially with my son graduating high school this year and going to college. During this time I am super grateful for my Gwynnie Bee subscription (read about them here) and my ample wardrobe. But what do you do when you're bored with everything you have?? That's when you get creative and take a really good look at your wardrobe to come up with new and fresh styles with what you already have. My new favorite thing to do is wearing my dresses as a skirt. It changes the whole look and gives you the opportunity to add more to the outfit to make it unique. 

Crop Top Obsessed

Hi Lovies!

I know I might be kind of late but I have totally become crop top obsessed! As my confidence has grown over the last year and a half since blogging, I find myself becoming more daring with my fashion. Things that I told myself that I'll never be caught dead in, are more appealing to me and the crop top is one of them. Now if you follow my blog, you know that I try to keep my style classy and sophisticated. You're definitely not going to see me in a ratchet crop top ensemble with booty shorts lol. I went for a comfy, urban, casual look with a graphic crop tee and harem pants.

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #10

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #9

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Bandelettes Blogger Event

Hi Lovies!

Last night I attended an event given by the company Bandelettes. It was sort of a meet and greet, get acquainted with the product, and mingle with the staff as well as other bloggers event. Julie and Rena the owners of the company and their staff were total dolls, so welcoming, funny and sweet. They provided us with delicious cocktails and yummy treats throughout the night as well as having a manicure station for anyone who want to pretty up their nails. We all got measured by Julie to be fitted with the correct size Bandelettes and was given complimentary pairs! 

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #8

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

SWAK Designs: Pretty Cami Challenge

Hi Lovies!

I'm back again with another feature showcasing SWAK Designs!  This time we had to style one of their best selling plus size tops, the Pretty Cami. When SWAK gifted me a few things back in December, one of the items was the Pretty Cami in purple and I instantly feel in love with it. It's such a feminine, fun,  girly top, with the delicate straps and the flowing fit. I also enjoy how comfortable and soft it is. SWAK has brought the cami back in brand new fresh colors for the upcoming season. Us blogger were ask to style it, make it our own and show our readers just how versatile this awesome camisole is. 

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #7

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Eloquii is back!

Hi Lovies,

Well ladies, the day is finally here, Eloquii is back! And they are taking no prisoners either with their all new revamped collection. It's a big change from years before and they obviously heard our cries after they closed last summer. They finally listened and have turned out some amazing pieces. Check out the pics below from their Spring 2014 Lookbook

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #6

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #5

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #4

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

SWAK Designs: Valentine's Date Night Style

Hi Lovies,

It's hard to believe that January is almost over, it went just as quickly as it came. Now February is knocking on our doors and it's bringing along all things Valentine's Day. Besides the usual chocolates, flowers and jewelry being advertised every where you look, there is also Valentine's Day style. So I was super excited to be collaborating with SWAK Designs and their Valentine's Day Date Look feature. We were asked to put date looks together using some of our favorite swak styles. It was very hard to choose which pieces I wanted to style, there was so many great pieces. But I finally made my choices and couldn't be happier with the looks I put together. Since Valentine's Day is on a Friday this year, I wanted to put together looks that you could wear to work and easily transition into a night out with that special someone. Hope you enjoy them!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #3

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

SWAK Designs: The Kayla Dress

Hi Lovies!

Last month I had the pleasure of being gifted a few pieces from the contemporary plus size fashion brand SWAK Designs by the lovely Sarah Sapora. I've known about this brand for a while and have been coveting pieces but never purchased anything, so it was wonderful to receive 3 of their most popular pieces on the site. I immediately fell in love with each piece, but one of them was definitely out of my comfort zone and that was the Kayla Dress. It's a simple but lovely tank dress that leaves nothing to the imagination, if you know what I mean lol I normally don't wear anything clingy especially since I carry most of my weight in the middle, tummy area. I tried it on and was a wee bit uncomfortable due to it being form fitting, but I promised myself that I would take more risks this year and step out of my comfort zone as much as possible. So to challenge myself I decided to see how many looks I could get with one dress. Amazingly I came up with quite a few using pieces from my own closet and decided to showcase these three. I braved the cold weather Sunday and for the first time I used my tripod and little remote control to take my own pictures. Despite probably catching pneumonia, I think I did a great job for a first try!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #2

Hi Lovies!

Here's my outfit recap from last week, see photos for outfit details!

Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap #1

Hey Lovies!

Hope every one's new year is starting off great! I'm going to start trying some new things on the blog this year and one of them is my Instagram Weekly Outfit Recap. Since I can't always get blog post up as often as I like, I keep my readers up on what I'm wearing via instagram with my daily outfit post. So every Monday I'll do a little recap on what I wore for the week. This week apparently I had leopard print on the brain since I wore it 4 times last week! Hey what can I say, I love leopard print! Enjoy!