Lipstick

Hi Lovies,

As you know last week the Ashley Nell Tipton x JC Penney line launched (see here) and I couldn't be more please with it. I went a little crazy and order quite a few pieces from the collection. Like I said in my previous post, there is literally something for everyone in this collection. From super feminine to chic and edgy, it covers it all. Besides the awesome sequins bomber jacket, that was a fan favorite, I also fell in love with this Lipstick Print Skirt. You already know my obsession with skirts, so this was a def must have. The print was super cute and added a touch of whimsy the skirt. It was very comfortable with the scuba material and the fact that it had pockets took it to the next level of awesomeness. This is a piece that is seasonless and will be one of my transitional pieces for the Fall.

Top & Skirt//Shoes (similar here and here)//Bag (similar)

The Culotte

Hi Lovies,

When it comes to fashion, I am constantly trying to push myself out the box. I can tend to get stuck in a rut with my style and don't venture out. I mean at times there's nothing wrong with that because at the end of the day, people will recognize it as your personal style. But on occassion I like to mix things up and bring some newness to my looks. As you know this girl here does not like to have her legs covered up. You can't get me to wear a pair of pants or jeans, I am the ultimate girly girl. Since I am always trying to evolve with my fashion, I decided to venture into the world of culottes. I know, you're probably saying "Girl you are so late!" and I am fully aware of this, but it's never too late to try something new. Culottes have been all the rave for quite a few seasons now and doesn't look like it will be dying down anytime soon. You are seeing them everywhere for the fall season, in different amazing fabrics and prints. For me since this was my first go around, I decided to keep it simple with these Denim Culotte. My love affair with anything denim has not faltered and this pair from Denim 24/7 line by Roaman's might covert me. I love the light wash color that goes with just about anything as well as how soft and comfy they were. The tencel fabric was perfect for the warmer temps but can easily transition in to my fall wardrobe. The wide leg fit gave them such a sharp and sophisticated feel to them. These culottes have totally given me the fever and will definitely be incorporating more into my looks.

Top & Pants c/o Roaman's//Shoes//Bag (similar)

Ashley Nell Tipton X JC Penney

Hi Lovies!

If you haven't heard by now, Ashley Nell Tipton, the winner of season 14 Project Runway, has paired up with JC Penney. She is their first brand ambassador and has collaborated with JCPenney's Boutique+ line to create some fun and funky pieces that totally represent her and her style. According to the press release the collection "challenges the rules of full-figured fashion by offering sophisticated silhouettes and trendy touches that appeal to millennial shoppers. JCPenney is the first and only national retailer to feature Tipton`s designs.” Boutique + line is designed specifically for us plus size gals with sizes offered in 0X-5X and up to 30W! With pieces ranging from $20-$125, you can defintiely find something that fits your budget. Today marks the official launch of her collection which can be found in stores and online as well as a runway show at the Manhattan Mall location in NYC. I'm loving her 50's inspired pieces, whimsical tops, fun skirts and one of the trendiest pieces of the fall, her sequins bomber. There's alittle something for everyone in this collection. She's definitely brought her passion and impeccable style to this collection and I couldn't be more happy with it.

Bomber, Tee, Skirt//Shoes

The Summer of the Swimsuit

Hi Lovies,

It's hard to believe that the summer is coming to a close, this weekend is the unofficial end with Labor Day quickly approaching. I have to say this has been one of the quickest one ever for me. I will chuck that up to having way too much fun and I am ok with that. I did promise myself that this summer I would make it my business to enjoy myself. Besides doing fun things here with friends and family like BBQ's, pools, etc, I was able to get away for a weekend with my Beau to Puerto Rico (see here). Then literally 2 days later I was off to LA with my Instagram Wives. Besides making a promise to myself to have fun this season, I also promised myself that I wasn't going to get hung up on being beach body ready. As we women we tend to stress all year long about bodies being ready for the summer. While yes some women do achieve their "Beach Body" and that's great, I on the other hand said "to hell with it!" I threw caution to the wind, put on as many swimsuits that I could this summer and strutted my stuff with the utmost confidence. And you know what? It felt fantastic!

Swimsuit - Forever 21 + (similar here, here, here, here)

Wake Me When It's Friday

Hi Lovies,

I am still on a high over the fact that I was in LA just a few weeks ago. Also to be able to experience my first time there with my Instagram Wives was so awesome. I totally fell in love with the city and I'm already planning my return in my head. The flight was long and exhausting for us since we had such an early flight but it was totally worth it. When we arrived we were so hungry, so we searched for the nearest In and Out Burger, put the address into Waze and headed on over. This was definitely one of the spots on my list to visit, I had to see what all the hype was about. I've seen so many of my fellow LA bloggers on snapchat going there to eat and it looked really good. There was a pretty big line when we got there but thankfully it was moving fast. We were also lucky to find seats quickly as well because I couldn't' wait to sink my teeth into my burger. Honestly I have to say that the burger wasn't as life altering as I thought it would be. It was good don't get me wrong but nothing I haven't had before here in NYC. But at least I can say I was there, tried the food and cross it off my list of places to visit.

Tee, Jeans, Sunglasses c/o Torrid//Shoes

IG Wives Take Over Part 3 - California Dreaming with Avenue

Hi Lovies,

I hope you have been enjoying The Instagram Wives LA takeover posts so far. If you missed the first two, you can see them here and here. This whole trip could not be possible if it wasn't for our generous sponsor The Avenue. They are such an awesome brand and we are extremely grateful for them believing in The Instagram Wives. So to show our appreciation, on our last day in LA, we drove up to Santa Monica Beach and did one last shoot showcasing the outfits they sent us for the trip to create a look book. We knew while we were in sunny California, visiting one of the many beautiful beaches was a must. Since Lizza, our photographer, lives in Santa Monica she suggested me go by there for some shots. It was definitely worth the ride, it's a beautiful beach with amazing views, and not to mention the Santa Monica Pier which holds an amusement park as well. We didn't have time to check out the action at the pier but from the beach it sure did look like a lot of fun. I'll just have to add that to my list when I come back to visit. To say we had fun doing this shoot is an understatement, it was the perfect day and with Lizza keeping us on our toes the photos came out amazing.

Dress c/o Avenue

IG Wives Take Over Part 2 - LACMA

Hi Lovies,

Hopefully you have been keeping up with me and The IG Wives LA Takeover posts, last week was about us slaying the Paul Smith Pink Wall (read here). In today's post, the IG wives decided to visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). We couldn't visit LA and not capture some shots at the infamous Chris Burden's "Urban Lights" display. I've always been in awe of this light installation and how beautiful it was in pictures, which didn't do it any justice. Actually seeing them in person and standing in all their glory is the only way to appreciate this form of art work. Who would've thought 202 vintage lamp post painted a uniform gray and arranged symmetrically could be so breath taking. I wish I could've came back in the evening to see all of them lit up, I'm sure it would have been a totally whole different experience.

Top & Skirt c/o Lane Bryant//Shoes

IG Wives Takeover Part 1 - The Pink Wall

Hi Lovies,

As I mentioned in my previous post, the Instagram Wives, me, Darlene and Jami were in sunny LA recently. We were there to attended the annual Blogher conference in the JW Marriott Hotel. We definitely had a ton of fun and did a bunch of things, which I will be posting about in the upcoming weeks. Since this was my first time in LA, I was going to take every opportunity to hit up some of the iconic spots. On our last day in LA, we decided to take our blog photos with an amazing photographer named Lizza of Fabulizza. The first location on our list was the infamous Paul Smith Pink Wall. In the blogger world this wall is pretty popular for taking awesome blog photos. To our disappointment, when we arrived, there was a list of rules you had to abide by in order to actual take pics there. The worst one was you could only use a cellphone to take pics, which sucked! But we made the best of it and Lizza was able to get some great shots of us with my Samsung Galaxy Note 5.

Dress - c/o Eloquii//Shoes//Bag//Sunnies

 

Palm Trees

Hi Lovies,

The last 3 weeks for have been a little hectic, I went to Puerto Rico and then literally 2 days later I was on a plane to LA. I'm not complaining at all, it has definitely been a fun summer and I've been enjoying it to the fullest. Now that my life is getting back to some normalcy and I can start to get back into my routine with life and blogging. In the coming weeks I will be blogging about my trip to LA with my Instagram Wives Darlene and Jami. We had such a great time while we were out there and I just fell in love with the city of dreams. One of the things I was most fascinated with were the beautiful palm trees. Now I had just came from Puerto Rico (see post here) and they have some great ones too but there's something about the ones in California that are just so different. They had so many different kinds, big and super tall ones, short and full ones, I just fell on love. So it was very fitting for me to wear this Palm Print Dress from Fullbeauty while I was there.

Dress & Shoes c/o Fullbeauty

#MySwimBody

Hi Lovies,

A few weeks ago I was approached by Swimsuits for All to be a part of their newest campaign called #MySwimBody. They are calling on women from around the world to show off their swim bodies this summer by participating in the #MySwimBody movement. It encourages women, regardless of age, shape and size, to make a powerful statement about body positivity by tossing their cover-ups and unveiling their curves! Sports Illustrated model, Ashley Graham kicked off the campaign earlier this month by posting a selfie of her swim body with fellow models Philomena Kwao and Nicola Griffin, photographer Jessica Lavoie, as well as professional athlete Amanda Bingson. Now, Ashley is inviting you to join the movement and share a swimsuit selfie on Instagram with the tag #MySwimBody and to challenge a friend to do the same by tagging her in your caption. The goal is to have 10,000 women show off their unique swim bodies as a united front, celebrating female empowerment and body appreciation. 

Swimsuit

Paradise in Puerto Rico

Hi Lovies,

If you follow me on social media or snap chat, then you know I was in Puerto Rico this weekend. Me and my Beau decided to do a quick little weekend getaway and it was one of the best times I've ever had. My fellow Instagram Wife Darlene was already there for work so I got to spend the vacation with her, her boyfriend and her parents. It was great because it was like having our own personal tour guides, she knows the island very well and her parents live there. Even though it was a short trip, we were able to do a lot while we where there. We stayed at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, which is an amazing 5 star hotel. I can't say enough about this place, from the customer service to the room and all the amenities, it was top notch all the way. I got a great deal through Hotels.com and got upgraded to a one bedroom Biltmore Suite which was just jaw dropping. I seriously didn't want to leave the hotel at all. They had several pools within the hotel, and also easy access to the beach. It was truly paradise...

Ouidad Curl Immersion Line & Giveaway

Hi lovies,

I'm back at it again with another review from Ouidad. This time I am reviewing their new Curl Immersion Line. This collection is specifically made for women with kinky Curly Hair. Ouidad felt they were missing something for the 4A, 4B & 4C curl type and came up with this amazing collection. Now my curl type is between 3B & 3C but I am still able to use these products and all the benefits they have for my hair. I was sold just on the ingredients alone, and not to mention the amazing scent which was just so yummy. The lines key ingredients goes as follows:

• Mafura Butter - Softens the hair cuticle and improves elasticity
• Avocado Oil - Moisturizes hair at the cortex level
• Coconut Oil - Penetrates curls to strengthen, moisturize and increase shine
• Grape Seed Oil - Acts like a sealant to lock moisture in 

These are all amazing ingredients and I couldn't wait to get this stuff in my hair!

All Smiles

Hi Lovies,

You ever have one of those days where you can actually stop what you're doing and just smile because of all the great things happening in your life? Well I had one of those moments the other day, and it just came upon me out of no where. I don't know about you but I can be my own worst enemy. I can sit and brew about all the not so good things that are going on in my life and forget all the awesome things. I do a lot of my deep thinking on my commute to and from work, I don't know why but I do. While sitting on the 2 train Tuesday, I found myself just smiling bigger than I have in a long time. I realized how blessed and lucky I am for the life I am currently living. I have wonderful family and friends that are always there for me when I need them. An amazing Son that I am so proud of who is entering his junior year of college and got his first real job. A loving boyfriend who is my rock and constant supporter of everything I do. And my blog that I am extremely proud of, but constantly strive to make it better, even after 4 years. So I sat there on that train, enjoyed my thoughts and  just smiled.

Cape//Top//Skirt//Shoes

West Side Story

Hi Lovies,

Since I was a kid, I loved to watch musicals. My mom took me to so many when I was young, it was our thing we enjoyed doing together. I can remember seeing Stephanie Mills play Dorothy in the musical The Wiz like it was yesterday. These memories will stay with me forever and keep a constant connection to my Mom. One of our favorites was West Side Story, whenever it came on we would make sure to watch it. Mostly for Rita Moreno because she represented Puerto Ricans in theater, especially for a time when there weren't many Latinos in that industry. She was one out of twelve to have won all four major annual American Entertainment Awards: An Oscar, An Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony. It's safe to say she was definitely an inspiration to many. 

Dress (Culottes Version)//Shoes

Festival

Hi lovies,

A few weekends ago, I attend the Curlfest which is the ultimate natural beauty festival. I attended last year for the first time and had the best time so there was no question I was going to go this year. The festival was held in Prospect Park in Brooklyn where you are surrounded by the mecca of afros, twist-outs and of course curls. It's so much fun, positive vibes, just a unity of people all there for the same reason. Me and my Instagram Wife Jami came along with me and we had the best time. We check out all the vendors, took pictures and just chilled and enjoyed the amazing sea of beautiful people. Not to mention the huge goodie bag we took home full of awesome hair products from the sponsors of the event. I definitely can't wait for next year to attend again!

Dress c/o Roaman's//Shoes //Bag

Hot Pink in the City

Hi Lovies,

The color pink for me is definitely a staple in my closet, and one of my favorites. From the lightest of pinks to the bright and boldest, I love them all. It just represents the epidemy of femininity and girliness. When I can pair that color with a chic, no nonsense dress, then I'm a happy girl. This dress from the Rachel Roy Curvy Collection is just perfect for the summer. I bought this at their booth at The Curvy Con and I've worn it already like 3 times. Besides the obvious beautiful color, this dress is super functional, comfortably flowy and lightweight, so perfect for these hot summer days. The v-neckline, flattering silhouette and hi/low design makes this easy to wear almost anywhere. Not to mention I can totally rock this way into the fall with a cool leather jacket and leggings. I'm totally into transitional pieces, and when I can get a bang for my buck, I'm all about it.

Dress //Shoes//Bag (similar)

 

Slay

Hi Lovies,

The word "Slay" has became such a popular word to describe someone "killing it". Now most people us it to refer to how someone looks, their outfit, make-up etc. But to me the word can be use to refer to someone's life. Things are going so well these days, I feel like I am slaying life. As hard as it might be at times, I do stop and appreciate the little things that have been making me happy in life. Today marks the 2 year anniversary of my Mom's passing, and I take any opportunity to bring her up in conversation, to make it feel like she is always with me. I could be sad or depressed on this day but I know that's not what she would want. The day we had to take her to the hospital, she grabbed my hand said "You have to be strong" is embedded in my mind forever. She knew she was never going to return home and needed me to be strong for her and the family. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life, and continues to be. But I made a promise to her that I do not plan on breaking, so with that I will "slay" the day in her memory.

Tee//Skirt//Shoes//Bag (similar)

Lace Dress

Hi Lovies,

When the temps start to rise and the NYC heats kicks in, I don't want to think too much about what I'm going to wear. Quick and easy outfits are essential for me, especially when getting ready for work. Summer dresses are my go to for the season, it's a one and done. Appropriate for work with a short sleeve cardigan or blazer, which you can easily remove after work. This Lace Cold Shoulder Dress is perfect for the summer, right on trend with the off the shoulder design. It's such a delicate, feminine vintage style dress with the beautiful lace fabric. Along with the shape defining fit and flare design which suits most body types. I don't know about you but whenever I wear anything lace, I instantly feel sophisticated and elegant. 

Dress (similar) c/o Torrid//Shoes //Bag (similar)

 

Fun in the Sun on July 4th

Hi Lovies,

July 4th weekend has come and it's officially Summer now. School is out, pools are open and it's time to enjoy ourselves. This 4th of July I didn't do the typical BBQ party, me and my Instagram Wife decided to head to Rye Beach and have some fun in the sun. I hardly make it to a beach or a pool during the summer so if an opportunity arises, I jump at it. Rye Beach holds many memories for me as a child, I use to go up there with my family, a huge crew of us. We would first hit the beach or the pool for a few hours and then end up at Playland for some amusement park fun. I was totally nostalgic, because it was like I was in a time warp. Not much has changed, the same rides I got on when I was 7 were still there. I could close my eyes end see myself as a kid having the best time on one of the fun rides. It's definitely different as an adult but I can still enjoy myself, it's fun just people watching and seeing all the young kids with happy face just having the time of their lives.

Swimsuit & Beach Pants //Kimono Top (similar)

To The Max

Hi lovies,

I have to admit, I can be a creature of habit when it comes to my style. I know what trends, styles and silhouettes work best for my body. When purchasing dresses or skirts, I prefer a length that shows off my legs. But my fellow Instagram Wife Darlene has been pushing me to try new things and has got me to look into the maxi length. She's a petite size gal and she rocks a maxi with the best and tallest of ladies with such ease. So I took her advice and took the plunge, first with this skirt from Jibri (see post) and now with this amazing denim dress. Eloquii never disappoints when it comes to their clothing, and it's not a surprise why they are one of my top favorite brands. They continue to bring us on trend and fashion forward pieces that will always make its way to closet. This dress for example, it immediately sold out when it first hit the site a few months back. Of course I waited too long and missed out on it but in true Eloquii fashion, they heard our cries and restocked it. This time I wasn't going to miss out, I ordered it and it was one the best decisions I made.

Dress //Shoes & Belt (similar)//Bag - (similar)

Party like a Rockstar!

Hi Lovies,

There's nothing better than attending an event/party and you literally have fun from the minute you get there to minute you leave. Well that's how I felt at the Gwynnie Bee VIP Kick Off Party for The Curvy Con. At the end of Curvy Con day 1, platinum ticket holders and selected guests were invited,  and we were party bused to the GB headquarters in Long Island City. The ride over there was almost as fun as the event, we had great music, travel wine tumblers for libations and all around great company. We arrive at the location and took the very decorative elevator upstairs, checked in and enter the space where the party was. Let's just say GW spared no expense with this party, there was music, food, drinks, and multiple photo booths to take fun pictures. Then half way through the event, the GW Ceo Christine Hunsicker announced that they were going to a have fashion show right in the middle of the space featuring their new collection designed by Rachel Antonoff. It was such a fun, whimsical collection adorned with colorful fruit an tropical colors. Once that was done, everyone got a chance to hit the runway and start an impromptu Soul Train line, it was the perfect way to end the evening. I for sure didn't want it to end and day one of The Curvy Con was a total hit.

Top - FTF//Skirt - Jibri//Shoes - Eloquii

Printed

Hi Lovies,

It's hard to believe that 2 weeks have passed since FFFWeek and The Curvy Con. Not to mention it has also been a few crazy weeks for me, so I am still catching up to blog posts. Nevertheless, the show must go on and it will go on in style. Prints of any kind are always big for me any time of the year but more so during the warmer months. In my recent post here, I talked about how much I loved floral prints and how they are a must have for the summer. Today I am stepping out of my norm and kicking my print game up a notch with this beautiful Geometric Print Tie Midi Skirt from Eloquii. This skirt has instantly become one of their most popular pieces, and with good reason. The "paper plane" print  is such a bold statement with the amazing mixture of colors. The self tie sash added an extra touch of flair to the skirt and the A-line silhouette flatters just about any figure. But just when you thought that the skirt couldn't get any better, they added pockets! Yassss Eloquii!

Top - Lane Bryant//Skirt - Eloquii//Shoes c/o Fullbeauty

Summer Ready

Hi Lovies,

Last Wednesday was Day 3 of FFFWeek for me and I attended The Avenue Blogger Brunch. They spoiled us with a nice spread of breakfast goodies and fashion. We got to see a sneak peek of what was coming for the Fall and talk with their PR team. They also had a small presnetation where they went through each rack of clothing talked in depth about some of the pieces. We also got to mingle with some of my other favorite bloggers and just chit chat while enjoy the morning. Of course no event would be complete without some pictures by the step and repeat.  

Dress c/o The Avenue//Shoes c/o Fullbeauty//Clutch (similar) c/o FTF

Voodoo Vixen

Hi lovies,

As you all know if you've been following me on social media, last week was Full Figured Fashion Week and The Curvy Con. So to say I had a busy week is an understatement. It was full of awesome events, hanging out with my fav bloggers from here in NYC and out of town as well. My week started Tuesday evening with the Marla Wynne Fashion for everyBODY Blogger event. I've worked with Marla before and did a post on her collection back in the winter (see here). Marla is such a character and a wonderful designer, and her clothes show that. We were able to get a preview of her upcoming pieces and got some goodies to take home with us as well. It was definitely a fun night and great way to kick off my week.

Dress c/o Voodoo Vixen//Shoes c/o Torrid//Bow Tie Belt - Wonder Lee 123

Golden Confidence Pool Party and Always For Me

Hi Lovies,

Saturday officially kicked off the week long events that I will be attending in conjunction with Full Figure Fashion Week and The Curvy Con. Starting with the 2nd Annual Golden Confidence Pool Party. Now if you been following me for a while, I attended this event last year (check out here) and had the best time at an event EVER! This year was no different, Essie Golden spared no expense this year to make this one just as a success as last year. The rooftop of The Holiday Inn was a sea of beautiful plus size women adorned in the best swimsuits out there. Strutting their stuff around the pool area with such confidence. Just like last year there was food, drinks and great music throughout the evening. To cap of the night, they had a swimsuit runway show showcasing awesome swimwear from different brands. Then Essie Golden and Chante from Everything Curvy & Chic surprised us all with announcing that they collaborated with Rebdolls to create a swimsuit line. They had some of the same girls from the runway show, sashay down giving us a sneak peek of the line. They were all so fabulous and chic, with a little something for everyone. 

Swimsuit & Coverup c/o Always For Me//Sandals - Ashley Stewart

But First, Wine!

Hi Lovies,

There are rare occasions that I do step out of my dress or skirt and throw on a pair of comfortable jeans. This is usually accompanied by a t-shirt of some kind, a graphic one preferably. I love me a graphic tee, it's a subtle way of showing off your personality and be cool doing it. I have tons of graphic tees but this strappy one from Charlotte Russe, basically had my name written all over it. Me and wine have this crazy love affair and it isn't ending any time soon. In my book, nothing gets done before wine, so the fact that this one said "But First, Wine" was awesome. Some things are just better when they are accompanied by a smooth boozy beverage lol! What drew me to the tee, besides the phrase, was the strappy neckline and hi/lo design, it was definitely different than any one I had. Extremely soft and comfy, this tee instantly became one of my favorites.

Jacket (similar) c/o Eloquii//T-shirt - Charlotte Russe +//Jeans - FTF//Sneakers c/o Fullbeauty

Gingham

Hi Lovies,

Gingham print was never one of my favorites, but over the last few years it has made a come back. It was the print of 2015 and has trickled into 2016. Most people think of it as more of a mascline print but what helped to make the trend feel more sophisticated were the ladylike silhouettes, like tailored blouses and blazers, dresses with hourglass shapes, and pencil skirts with up-to-there slits. It has definitely grown on my me and have actually added a few items to my wardrobe, like this Studio Pleated Midi from Eloquii. This has to be my absolute favorite skirt from them, the stretch scuba was comfortable and had great movement. The gingham print was so pretty and feminine along with the midi silhouette made this the perfect skirt. Not to mention Eloquii has finally answered my prayers and added pockets to it, Hallelujah!!! Eloquii, please this skirt in every color of the rainbow!!

Top (similar) - Torrid//Skirt - Eloquii/Shoes c/o Fullbeauty//Bag (similar) - Sole Society

Whoopsy Daisy

Hi Lovies,

Lately it seems like whenever I go to get dressed, I have to grab something with a floral print. It's just something about the spring/summer season that just entices you to these you to them. All my other prints in my closet have become jealous of my sudden obsession, but not to worry, you have not been forgotten! As you know skirts are one of my vices, I have lost count of how many I actually own. Out of all the styles and silhouettes I own, by far my favorite has to be a full circle skirt. I just love how the skirt is very full but hangs smoothly from the waist without pleats, or gathers. It's such an iconic image of fashion in the 50's and is still popular to till this day. This style is even more amazing when you can find it in such a bold print like this Daisy Circle Skirt from Lane Bryant. The large daisy print is such a statement while still remaining delicate and feminine. The light colors with the pops of pink in it make this such a versatile piece, perfect for any summer parties you might have. Oh did I mention it has pockets as well? 

Top  - Eloquii//Skirt - Lane Bryant//Sandals (similar) - Torrid

Hey Summer Hey!

Hi Lovies,

Memorial day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer, beaches open, temps start to rise and this weekend was a scorcher! Unfortunately I didn't get to beach this weekend but was able to hit a BBQ or 2. My family and friends always laugh at me because I never dress like I am going to one. I don't do the typical shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops, that is so not me. I prefer to go with my usual uniform which consist of some kinda dress and sandals. This Floral Shift Dress from Lane Bryant wasn't BBQ attire but I didn't care. I loved the beautiful floral print, the colors were fresh and vibrant. I was super comfortable due to the shift dress silhouette and slight flared sleeves. This type of dress can be worn loosely as is or you can cinch it at the waist with a belt to give the look more shape and structure. Definitely a dress that can take you to work and right after for drinks with friends. Just do a quick change of accessories and you are ready to go.

Dress (similar) & Belt (similar) c/o Lane Bryant//Shoes c/o Torrid//Bag (similar)- Street Fair

Casual Friday: White Denim

Hi Lovies,

The color white and me aren't the best of friends. As much as I love the color, it's always a challenge for me to wear. I tend to be a magnet for food dropping on me whenever I eat, so white isn't the best color for me to wear. But when I am having one of my brave days and derive a contingency plan for possible spills, I love to rock a pair of white jeans. It definitely makes me feel as if summer has finally arrived. The crispness of the color and the fact that it practically goes with anything is a pure joy. You know I am a sucker for a skinny jean and these Women Within Smooth Waist Jeans from Fullbeauty were such a hit. They are amazingly comfortable due to the pull on design and 3 inch waistband that smooths out your tummy. The give the illusion of a regular pair of jeans but in the form of a jegging. The length was great, since I'm on the taller side, they fit me like an ankle pant which are great for the summer. These are an awesome pant and will be trying out some of  the other washes.

Top, Pants, Shoes c/o Fullbeauty//Bag (similar) - Just Fab

Melissa McCarthy Seven7

Hi Lovies,

It's always great seeing new full size brands popping up on the scene, especially ones that are created by awesome celebrities like Melissa McCarthy. The fact that she is a plus size woman, she understands our aesthetic and what we are looking for in fashion. Melissa believes that we shouldn't have to sacrifice style just because we are above a size 12 and designed Melissa McCarthy Seven7 line to give women a whole new love for shopping. There is definitely something for everyone, work wear, casual and dressy pieces. She isn't afraid to use bold prints and colors, and you see this in her tops, bottoms and dresses. Amazing silhouettes, fabrics and top notch quality can be seen throughout this high end line. Collections like this gives the plus size fashion world hope that people and designers are finally getting it.

Dress c/o Melissa McCarthy//Shoes - Macy's//Bag (similar) - H&M

The Mini Skirt

Hi Lovies,

For some women, the idea of wearing a mini skirt can be a daunting one. Adding to the many "so called" plus size fashion rules, mini skirt are a no-no. But as you know, rules are made to be broken and we will not tolerate anyone telling us what they think plus size woman should be wearing. So me being the rebel that I am, I decided to prove the nay-sayers wrong and rock this awesome Zip Front Denim Mini Skirt from Simply Be. The zip detailing and large front pockets make this such a fashionable take on the mini skirt. I am also a fan of the dark wash denim which goes well with so many different colors. I love that the denim isn't super heavy so I can wear this on those warmer days and not be too hot. If you're the type who likes to show off your legs, then this is the perfect skirt for you! Oh hello gams!! LOL!

Top, Skirt, Shoes, Bag c/o Simply Be

Summer Time

Hi Lovies,

Nothing say summer time quite like a floral print and with temps going up to almost 80 today, it's sure going to feel like it. Florals are another one of my favorite type of prints, next to stripes and polka dots. The floral trend still continues from previous years with printed pants, mini-dresses, skirts, and everything else retailers can put a flower on. Florals are all about having fun with fashion and embracing the joy and romance of summer. I am definitely embracing my inner lady with this Floral Cut Out Swing Dress from Torrid. It's a charming and dainty dress, while still giving some sexiness with the sweetheart neckline. The fit and flare design looks great on most body shapes and gives the dress such a retro feel. The floral print was so fresh and fun with the pinks and hints of green in it. Get ready to be the belle of the ball with this dress.

Dress & Shoes c/o Torrid//Bag - ASOS

Pink Lady

Hi Lovies,

I know saying that most women love the color pink is kinda cliche, but this woman right here really does. The color pink just signifies girlishness and feminism, it's also very nostalgic as it always reminds me of my childhood. I adore pink in any shade I can get my hands on, and this Trapeze Shirt Dress was definitely on my hit list. This dress has my two favorite things, the color pink and it's a shirt dress. You already know that I love this silhouette, and this one is great for the summer because it's sleeveless as well as being made of a lightweight fabric. It's so versatile, I can wear this to work with no problem as well on the weekends. Not to mention the awesome hi-low hem and working pockets that makes this shirt dress so different from any other that I own. 

Dress & Shoes c/o Fullbeauty//Bag (similar) c/o FTF//Belt - Torrid

Make Up Conversation

Hi Lovies,

If you know me, then you know I can tend to become obsessed with things very easily. Obviously fashion is one of them but my newest obsession is make-up. Within a year I have accumulated a huge collection of make-up and it still continues to grow. I just love everything about it, the concept, the application process and most of all the end product. Just like my beloved fashion, make-up has no rules and I'm all about that. Don't let people tell you that "You have too much make-up!", or "Why do you wear make-up, you don't need it." If it makes you feel good and you enjoy it, then give them a "bye Felicia" and carry on. So when there's a way to combine both of my loves, make-up and fashion, I'm going to be all over it. This Make Up Conversation Print Tee from Lane Bryant was totally meant for me, I loved the little foiled embellished lipsticks and mascaras on it. Such a fun, and girly tee that most women can relate too.

Jacket, T-shirt, Skirt, Sunglasses c/o Lane Bryant//Shoes c/o Fullbeauty

Shark Bite

Hi Lovies,

Every year fashion graces with so many new trends, designs, and silhouettes. It's always a pleasure to see what exciting new things the world of fashion has in store. One trend that I am seeing a lot is the shark bite hem. This type of hem can be the difference between the ordinary and the exciting. With an inverted deep scoop design that resembles the impression left after a shark has taken a bite out of some food source, the outline of the scoops are somewhat ragged in appearance, as well as having the rather dramatic plunge effect. You are seeing this design in an array of skirts, dresses and even tops. I fell in love with this Graphic Print Sharkbite Dress from Fullbeauty, the bright colors and print is so different. The flowy fabric has so much movement and the tie belt made the dress very flattering. This is such a versatile dress and can be worn for work with a blazer like I did here or by itself with a pair of heels. I love statement pieces and this one is definitely one of them.

Jacket c/o Modamix//Dress & Shoes c/o Fullbeauty//Bag (similar) - ASOS

Christian Siriano x Lane Bryant

Hi lovies,

This past Monday I had the pleasure of attending the Christian Siriano for Lane Bryant runway show at the United Nations. OMG, I am still reeling from the experience, it was just an amazing day. The runway show was on the open patio and the day couldn't have been more perfect for it. The space was all a buzz with so many people from bloggers, influencers, media and celebrities. To say I was beyond giddy was an understatement. As we waited for the show to start, everyone mingled, took pictures and just hung out. Finally we took out seats and the show began, it was just breath taking. I loved that it was no only models who adorned the cat walk but bloggers as well. People were engulfed in the beauty of every pieces that strutted down the runway. At the end Danielle Brooke walked down the runway like a yellow bird, she was a total vision. 

Jacket & Sunglasses - Lane Bryant//Dress - Eloquii/Shoes - Torrid//Bag (similar) - JCPenney

May Flowers

Hi Lovies,

This weekend I went up to Albany to visit my dad and family for Mother's Day. I lost my Mom 2 yrs ago so naturally this day is hard for me. But I decided that it was best to celebrate my Mother's memory and be surrounded by the people I love. My mom loved flowers and without knowing, up in Albany this weekend was their annual Tulip festival. It's like the unofficial start to the summer and their version of Central Park is adorned with all types of beautiful tulips, events, music and vendors. So I couldn't be more happier to have picked this weekend to go visit. This Floral Print Shift Dress was perfect for the occasion and definitely went with the theme of the day, which was flowers. I loved the lightweight flowy fabric along with the beautiful floral print that made this such a charming dress. The deep v-neck gave it just the right amount of sexy while still remaining appropriate for work or play. Super comfortable and easy going, which is something I enjoy in clothing.

Dress - Charlotte Russe//Shoes - Torrid//Bag (similar) - Aldo