Messages From (26-year-old) Me to (16-year-old) Me

May 31, 2016December 4, 20161 Comment

This year my beloved baby cousin turned sixteen. It is just unbelievable to think that just ten years ago this young woman carried my crown down the aisle at my sweet sixteen. Ever since she was born I made a point to be a good role model for her though I know I needed guidance myself half the time. Earlier this month as I celebrated my twenty-sixth birthday, she asked me if I believed my 16 year old self would she be proud of who and where I am today. That random question got me thinking and to be honest, I didn’t have an answer which obviously frustrated my cousin to no end. Yet now as I sit here I thinking about it again, I am pretty sure that my sixteen-year old self would be glad, yet at the same time surprisingly furious at some things. So while I know that it isn’t actually possible for me to go back and speak to my younger self, I decided to make a list of 16 things I would say to her if I did get the chance. I am hoping that these messages also inspires my cousin and other young ladies that are just reaching this milestone.

Continue reading →

Super Casual Americana

May 22, 2016Leave a comment

Memorial day is right around the corner and while it marks a very solemn holiday, it is also the unofficial start to summer. This year I decided to welcome the season by embracing this purely American occasion of remembrance by dressing with pieces in our national colors. If anything it gave me an excuse to finally style this red plaid romper I received as a birthday present from my younger brother. This piece is made of a lightweight cotton for a very cool and casual outfit, perfect for a memorial day family picnic at the beach or park.

Style Notes: I am wearing a straight size XL but this is also available in plus sizes which I have linked to below.
Continue reading →

French Blue Stripe Shirt Dress

May 14, 2016July 30, 2017Leave a comment

It took a while, but I am finally able to share with you the second spring dress I got from Fullbeauty as a result of winning third place in their Own Your Curves Star Style contest. This i my second Ellos brand dress and I am obsessed. The shirt dress design is adorable and chic with the pastel french blue stripes. The fabric is a light and airy cotton, perfect for a spring afternoon tea party in the park or even for graduation. The full skirt is so flowly that all you want to do is twirl, as you can tell I did that a lot during this shoot. Also it HAS POCKETS! All around this is a must have dress for spring.

This dress is also available in a cherry pink stripe and you should check out how Amber from Style Plus Curves styled it on her blog here.

Style notes: Pay close attention to the sizing when ordering this dress. It took me three exchanges to get it right. The first time was my fault for having clicked on 1X (my usual dress size) not realizing that for Ellos a 1X is a 22/24. The 14/16 that I then exchanged it for was too small in the bust so I recommend that if you have a larger bust like me that you consider sizing up. Continue reading →

Spotted Blossoms

April 30, 2016May 1, 2016Leave a comment

This past week I took advantage of the mild temps to finally break out this LC Lauren Conrad knit dress I had hanging untouched in my closet since this last winter. I typically do most of my shopping out of season as that is when the lowest prices can be found. Sure you risk the chance on missing out on pieces you want but you also can stumble upon some unexpected surprises. This dress was no different, being a straight size cut and at 60% off its originally $50 price tag.
Continue reading →

My 2016 Affordable Prom Picks

April 28, 2016April 28, 2016Leave a comment

Here are my picks for the 2016 Prom season. All of these are within my affordability rules, being less than $200. I made sure to include a variety of retailers, dress lengths, and silhouettes so that everyone has options. I strongly believe that prom is a time to make a statement, which is why I included styles that wouldn’t normally be associated with prom. No matter what you decide, choose what works best for you and more importantly what makes you feel amazing. Happy shopping!