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Dorothy Perkins

Happy Monday all!!! Hope everyone had a fun weekend. My weekend was really good, so I can’t complain. I watched the Oscars last night and while I was disappointed that Viola Davis didn’t win , Meryl Streep is fantastic! I wasn’t a fan of Maria Rinaldi’s dress for Melissa McCarthy. It just didn’t fit her right and I felt the blush color did nothing for her. Octavia Spencer’s Tadashi Shohji dress was beautiful but she looked a little matronly. Viola on the other hand blew me away with her gorgeous Vera Wang dress and natural hair. As someone who wears her hair natural it was amazing to see her do this on the biggest red carpet in the world.

For awhile now, I’ve been mulling over whether or not to order from Dorothy Perkins. For those who don’t know, Dorothy Perkins is a UK clothing retailer that goes up to a size 18. What propelled me to finally take the plunge was their black ivory spot peplum dress. I instantly fell in love with it! I had been looking for a peplum dress and this fit the bill perfectly. I checked out their sizing chart before I ordered and the measurements for an 18 looked like it would fit me well. With fingers crossed, I ordered that dress along with the coral V neck peplum dress and black floral print wrap top. Lemme tell ya, I was not disappointed in the least. I LOVE my dresses. The coral dress is snug on my hips but that’s something that can be remedied by a little exercising (I started running yesterday with Black Girls Run & I ran over a 1/2 mile without stopping! Yay me!). The black and ivory peplum dress fits wonderfully & hugs my curves in all the right places (there will be more on this dress on Wednesday!).

Today I’m wearing the floral print wrap top. I like how the colors stand out against the black background. While the top fit me in the waist, the V neck gaped exposing my bra. To be honest, I didn’t feel like sending it back to the UK so I put on a black lace cami underneath. I think the lace cami is kinda flirty under the top. It is a pretty blouse that can be worn with skinny jeans or jeggings to dress it down. I paired the top with my curvy fit pencil skirt from Eloquii to keep the outfit proportioned. I finished the look with off my black Target necklace and H&M bracelt.

Has anyone else bought clothing from Dorothy Perkins? Have a good evening!!!!

Top: Dorothy Perkins

Skirt: Eloquii

Cami: Old Navy

Shoes: Bandolino booties

Lady in Red Pt. 2

TGIF all!!! Hope everyone has amazing plans for the weekend. I plan to do a little bit of relaxing and hanging out.

Today I’m wearing my first pair of red jeans! Ive had a pair of red Bermuda shorts but that was it. I love the color red but I would never think to wear red jeans. I dismissed the idea because red is such a vibrant color that attracts attention to whoever wears it. At one point in my life I wouldn’t wear anything that drew attention to my body. I wore clothes that did the opposite so I could “hide”. Now I’m “out” and ready to show off my curves in my new red jeans!

I’m loving polka dots right now so paired my jeans with my Old Navy shirt I got for $9 on clearance. I topped the look off with my black Torrid blazer and Macy’s necklace (which I LOVE!) .

What are you wearing for the first time? Have a wonderful weekend!

Jeans: Evans

Shirt: Old Navy

Blazer: Torrid

Necklace: Macy’s

Shoes: Bandolino booties

I Feel Pretty!

Happy Hump Day all! Hope your week is going well so far. Mine has been pretty uneventful but I’m not complaining!

While at Target yesterday, I bought the March issue of InStyle magazine. It was their Spring edition with all the trends for the season. One of the new trends is floral dresses, shirts, etc. As I was looking at the pictures of the pretty dresses I said to myself “Do I have any floral dresses?” Us big girls know about the love/hate relationship we have with floral patterns. I remember as a teenager HATING shopping because all the plus size clothing would have these large flowers on them. Who told the designer that putting a huge carnation on my bust would be flattering?!

Inspired by InStyle, I went into my closet and pulled out my floral Old Navy dress I bought back in December. I’m a sucker for anything with fluttered sleeves. It just looks so feminine and romantic to me. I love the mix of white, green, yellow and fuchsia in the floral print. The colors are vibrant but not too crazy that I can’t wear it to work. I put on my yellow cropped cardigan also from Old Navy to finish the outfit. The yellow cardigan goes perfectly with the dress and added more color.

Will you be following the floral trend this Spring?

Dress: Old Navy

Cardigan: Old Navy

Belt: came with a blouse I bought from Macy’s

Shoes: Bandolino booties

Pretty Pleats

Happy Monday all! I’m still kinda tired from celebrating my birthday this past weekend. I had an amazing time with my friends who came out to show their love. I can honestly say it was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had.

The dress I wore for my birthday party is from Eloquii. When I first saw this dress back in December I was like “I gotta have it for New Years Eve!” but I didn’t get it because I decided to go with another outfit. About two weeks ago when I was on Eloquii’s site (something I do almost everyday!) I saw the dress was on sale WITH a coupon code!!! This time I didn’t hesitate and I snapped it up. I wasn’t a fan of pleated skirts because I was always told that they would make my lower half look bigger. So I stayed away from them until I got this dress. The pleated skirt complimented my lower half because they were small and accordion like. The the flowy material of the dress didn’t cling to me and the midi length was perfect because I didn’t have pull or tug my dress down. The sequins on the tank portion of the dress would turn different colors when the light hit them. The sequins gave the dress just the right touch of dazzle without overdoing it. I added my favorite Eloquii obi belt and my Nine West sandals to complete the look.

What style of clothing did you use to shy away from but are now embracing? Have a great evening!

Dress: Eloquii
Shoes: Nine West
Belt: Eloquii
Earrings & bangles: NY & Co

40 and Fantastic!!!

Today is my 40th birthday and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been truly blessed to have family and friends that love me. Without them, I would’ve never made it through the rough times.

While society may look upon me as “getting old”, I know I’m getting better. I have a confidence and self-love I didn’t possess in my 20s and in a good part of my 30s. I’m embracing ALL of me, even the parts that I sometimes don’t like. So on my big day I implore everyone to do the same. Love the things about yourself you think are “imperfect”. Dont waste valuable time worrying about what others think, it only cripples you. Forgive yourself for past behaviors and decisions. Bask in the glow of self acceptance and love.

I will post on Monday the events and outfits of my birthday weekend. Until then, have a wonderful weekend & take care!!!