Happy Monday all!

Initially this post was going to be about my 70’s inspired outfit but when I saw the pics all I could focus on is my gut.  I’ve been in a tug of war battle with my gut for over a year.   Since I’ve gained weight my pooch has gotten noticeably bigger and I’ve become super self conscious about it.  I’ve become so self conscious  I stopped tucking my shirt into my pants to conceal the size of it.  I now only wear pants with shirts I know that will would cover my gut.  During my blog shoots I would make myself almost dizzy sucking in my pooch to make it look smaller.  Doing all of these extra things to conceal my gut has made me unhappy.  I don’t want to stop tucking shirts in my shirts or avoiding pants. So I’ve decided to to take control and restart my exercise routine to reduce the size of my pooch.  My goal is not to have a flat stomach but to be comfortable with my fleshy pooch again.

So if you have something you are super self conscious about know that you are not alone.  We all have something we want to change about our bodies.  The trick is still loving yourself despite your flaws.

Have a wonderful day!

Blouse: H&M (wearing a 14, here & similar here)
Jeans: Eloquii ( here and similar here)
Boots: Simply Be (no longer available, similar here and here)
Bag: Etsy (here)

TGIF all!

When it was announced that one of my favorite bloggers Tanesha from Girl With Curves was collaborating  with Dia & Co. I couldn’t wait to see her collection. The collection completely embodies her style with sleek, classic pieces that can easily transition into any wardrobe.  From skirts to coats the collection provides another affordable (prices range from $49-99) option for clothing for plus size women.  What is even better is that you can try out the collection at home when you sign up for  Dia & Co.  subscription based service.  You only pay for what items you keep and the rest you send back with no additional charge.  Dia does charge a $20 styling fee that goes towards the items you keep and provides a 25% discount if you decide to keep everything in your box.  Now thats what I call incentive!

Sign up and shop the collection here!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Outfit 1
Maxi Dress: c/o GCW x Dia & Co
Bag: Etsy (here and similar here)
Earrings: Mango (here)
Boots: Franco Sarto (old, similar here and here)

Outfit 2
Dress: c/o GCW x Dia & Co.
Jeans: c/o GCW x Dia & Co.
Boots: Franco Sarto (old)
Clutch: Banana Republic (old, similar here and here)

TGIF all!

When people usually think of velvet, images of grandma’s curtains probably pop in their heads.  While velvet has gotten a bad rap, this seasons crop of new offerings will definitely change that.  From kimonos to boots there are are great velvet pieces to add to your Fall wardrobe.  It’s also a trend that isn’t intimidating to try.  Choosing simple, easy to wear pieces are the key to trying new trends.  A pleated skirt is a great way to wear velvet without feeling outdated.  A pair of velvet boots instantly upgrades a pair of jeans.  If you’re really feeling bold try a velvet pant suit in a rich Fall color such as burgundy for a sleek look.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Skirt: c/o Simply Be (here; similar here)
Blouse: Eloquii (here; similar here)
Shoes: Zara (not available; similar here)
Purse: Longchamp (old, similar here)
Earrings: NY & Co (similar here and here)

Happy Tuesday all!

Sorry for the hiatus! I had to take a mini break from blogging but now I’m back!

As y’all already know, I love me some eShakti. Their entire line of clothing is offered in size 0-36 which shatters the myth that straight size clothing can’t be made for us.  There is no cherry picking certain “flattering” items  only for plus sizes.   eShakti  recognizes that we are  the experts when it comes to  what styles, colors and prints that look good on us.  That’s why the option to customize the items is so important.   By using this feature, you get to restructure the item to fit your personal style. For example, I really like mandarin/stand collars. When I saw I could change the collar on this  gingham shirt dress for a mandarin collar, I was sold.   After I lengthened it to below the knee, I felt like this dress represented my style perfectly.  I’m glad eShakti allows you to  modify their clothing to fit to your satisfaction.  They understand that choosing clothing is a personal decision that should be made by the consumer, not the retailer.

Have a wonderful day!

Disclaimer: eShakti gifted me this dress. Opinions expressed are all my own. 

Dress: c/o eShakti (here, similar here and here)
Jeans: c/o Lane Bryant (here, love this pair too!)
Boots: Zara (here)

Happy Monday all!

I’ve never been a fan of skinny jeans. I felt like for a while they were crammed down our throats which turned me off even further.  So when Lane Bryant sent me a pair of their new super stretch skinny jeans I immediately put them to the side.  Eventually I decided to give them a try and I was instantly taken aback.  I was shocked at how AMAZING these  jeans looked on me!  What completely sold me was the stretch in the jeans.   They contour to your body allowing you to move around without feeling like an encased sausage.  The stretch in the waistband eliminates the appearance of the dreaded muffin top.  Not only do they hug my curves they don’t gap in the back like the majority of my jeans do. Lane Bryant really outdid themselves with these jeans and have turned this skinny jean hater into a believer!

Have a wonderful day!

Shirt: Who What Wear x Target (here)
Jeans: c/o Lane Bryant (here)
Shoes: Steve Madden (no longer available, similar here)