Summer is here and that means fun in the sun with family and friends.  One of my favorite summer activities are barbeques. There is something to be said about how much better hot dogs, burgers and even fish taste fresh off the grill.  Anyway, while I am still working on organizing one, I  happy to know that I have my outfits ready for the occasion.  So  with this  Independence day weekend already in full swing,  I figured why not celebrate in style with my new favorite pieces from Lovesick., the affordable sister brand of Torrid.

Lovesick officially launched in late April with most of the pieces clearly having a more boho vibe, which is far away from my usual  style; this is not to say that I haven’t given it a try in the past.  Though it is nice to have a new affordable plus size fashion brand out there and I also greatly appreciate the fact that when you make a purchase Lovesick donates 1% to Plan International USA’s Because I am a Girl project. Their projects are designed to end the cycle of poverty and to empower girls through education. They use the funds donated to provide tuition, uniforms and school supplies to girls around the world.  As someone who has been homeless due to poverty, and has also volunteered for a the women’s empowerment non-profit (4 Real Women International, Inc.) for the last 5 years, this is a cause I am more than happy to support.

That said, check out my two Summer BBQ inspired looks styled with two of my first Lovesick purchases.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post.

Look #1: Oversized Boho

This gauze fabric top with sharkbite hem was made for summer. It is really lightweight and airy so you can stay cool in the summer heat. Unfortunately by the time I finally got around to placing my order they no longer had any in a my usual size, yet I feel that going up a size gives this look a more laid-back fit.  I paired it with these midrise jean shorts I got early fall last year. As you can imagine, shopping out of season I scored a major steal, but more than that I had some time to work up the courage to actually wearing these.  It took me 8 years before I started wearing shorts again and these are currently the shortest pair I own, yet they won’t be the last.

~Get the look~

Embroidered Cold Shoulder Top (wearing a 2)  | Lovesick (Also available in black and white) 
Midrise shorts | Sears (similar here)
B.O.C. braided Macedonia gladiators | DSW (similar here and here)
Blue/Green Tinted Aviator Sunglasses | H&M (similar here and here)

Look #2: Flirty Denim

I happened upon this dress while doing some wardrobe inventory last spring and decided to reintroduce it to my summer wardrobe this year. This is a dress I got while I was still in high school and I can honestly say that since then I have only wore it a handful of times, mostly due to the fact that I was often at odds with the concept of femininity as a teen. This dress is actually meant to be a maxi length, but it has a drawstring waist which I tied to make it shorter. I tucked the drawstring behind this double buckle belt that immediately caught my eye the first time I visited the Lovesick site. With its gold-tone and rustic western-style hardware, it is such a unique accessory that I am looking forward to including in my fall and winter looks later in the year. 

~Get the look~

 American Living Denim Ruffle Dress (old) | JcPenney (similar here and here)
Double-buckle Belt | Lovesick
Rose Gold Square Cat Sunglasses| ELOQUII (available in black here)
Micheal Kors Cross-body Bag | Gifted (similar here)

Have you checked out Lovesick yet?  Which summer look is your favorite?

Style notes: It would be remiss of me to not mention that although Lovesick is the sister-brand of Torrid, you cannot use Torrid gift cards or your Torrid Insider card. That said, I have yet to find any word if any store locations will be making its way to the east-coast, but for now give it a shot online.