.I like bathing suits & I cannot lie.

I know it's been quite a while since I blogged-but I'm back! Thanks to my son spilling water on my mac book, I've been out of commission for a bit, but wanted to do a quick post about my new favorite time of year- BATHING SUIT SEASON.

I never thought those words would come out of my mouth, because believe it or not I haven't always embraced my size. 7 years and 100lbs ago before I had my son, I wouldn't have been caught dead in a bathing suit, much less a bikini. Yes, I've put on a good deal of weight, but weight isn't the only thing I have gained... confidence came with it. It's been such a journey, and a very eye opening one at that. I went from finding anything and DOING anything to conceal my curves when I was a 16..heck, I even put duct tape on my stomach one evening when I lived in Seattle to try and pull my "fat stomach" in! Let me tell you, it was a..well..you know what to get off. Now, I don't even wear shapewear unless I'm shooting and I really need to for the garment. It's so refreshing to be able to feel the breeze on my skin, to be comfortable in not only my clothing, but my skin. I was taught my whole life to cover up my body, that the bigger I was, the more I should wear. I can't even count the hours wasted flipping through fashion magazines about how to "dress for my shape" or certain clothing to "avoid" to "flatter" my figure. Now, I wear whatever I want, and the bigger I've gotten, the less I've worn. Not because I don't care about how I look, but because I don't care what others think. I don't dress based on society thinks I should as plus woman, or a fat woman..I wear what I want because I feel good! That's why I created my #effyourbeautystandards hashtag- to help other women embrace their bodies through fashion and hopefully find the confidence I have regardless of their size.

That's why today, when I opened my mailbox and saw this beautiful custom bikini from Black Cat Bikinis staring back at me, I couldn't wait to put it on & even *gasp* take photos.

 Life can be as beautiful, or as miserable as we want it to be- so why not choose to be happy and lift each other up?

xx,

Summertime tropical trends!

Since most of my fans are plus size babes, I felt it important to write about some fashion trends that we could incorporate into our lives, there is no reason to feel like we can't be fashion forward and bold just because of our size!

Some great trends for summer are bold, colorful and sometimes tropical patterns! Don't be afraid of colors and patterns and showing some skin this summer!

.Domino Dollhouse Pop Up Shop Fun!.

On Saturday, Sept 29th Domino Dollhouse had their first ever Pop Up Shop, and as you can see, it was FUUUUUUUUUN! 

photobooth fun with: Mama DD aka Tracy Broxterman! 

photobooth fun with: Chenese Lewis!

.Chubby Cartwheels review.

As a Plus Size legging lovin' lady, I find it nearly impossible to get cute COMFY leggings that don't break the bank. Torrid has limited selections, and the fit is usually too big, or too small. We all know that major retailers such as Target, Wal Mart, etc., don't carry leggings that fit anyone past a 16. One day while wasting time on Tumblr, I stumbled across Shawna, owner of Chubby Cartwheels. I instantly thought she was fierce, bold, & a total doll. Like myself, she doesn't let her larger frame hold her back from making daring fashion choices. I found it refreshing to see an independent designer making cute clothing/accessories for larger plus women (up to size 32) that are normally snubbed by even plus retailers. Instantly, I wanted to get my paws on a pair of her leggings or signature velvet skirts, and I finally did! 

They carry four different styles of leggings: Classic, Lace, Two Toned, & Velvet... The possibilities!

After staring at patterns/fabric for over an hour, I settled on the Classic Abstract Leopard Leggings. I sent her my measurements, & to my surprise they fit like a glove, and were out of this world comfortable. Not to mention, show stoppers!

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