.OOTD- I'm no saint.

                                  

Being fashionable and plus size is often a challenge, and you have to get creative with clothing, and most importantly, not to read the size on the labels. Not for self preservation, but because it doesn't matter what brand something is or size, if it looks like it will fit- try it! 

With that said, I recently fell in love with All Saints, and after years of wishing I could wear their clothing (that isn't plus size AT ALL), I finally had a chance to when my friend gifted me some of their tops. To my surprise not only did it fit, it was was comfortable and in my opinion..I looked good! Plus I love a good a-symmetrical top. 

Again, going with what I said about not reading labels previously, the vest is a large from the straight size of Forever 21 that I patched, studded and made it into my own rocker vest. I paired it with some leggings from Torrid and, last but not least, what rocker outfit is complete without leather boots?! My boots are from Simply Be and I'm in love! Casual rocker look for a gloomy and perfect LA day.

(Hair and color by Jonathon at Stile Salon in Beverly Hills )

xx,

.It's okay to be fat. No, really.

I'm often asked, "Since you are a role model, why not promote healthy living?" I will only say this once: Your size is not an indicator of health. It's a fact. Besides, it's not my place to tell women they need to lose weight or what to do with their bodies. We have enough people in our society and media that push the message down our throats that we aren't good enough if we are overweight, or "curvy".

We are constantly told that the true key to happiness is limited to the size you wear. Frankly, that's the real problem here.  What we need is more people saying it's okay to be your size, to love your body, regardless. There also needs to be more diversity of sizes, and honestly races, showing what the majority of women look like. If I sound like a broken record, it's because I am.

.Giveaway with Benefit Cosmetics!.

For me being a makeup artist was a lifelong dream, and at every step along the way Benefit Cosmetics has been in my kit. So it was a no brainier that when I wanted to team up and do a giveaway, Benefit was top of my list! I've put together a couple of my essentials into a package, and to say thank you for your support, a few of you lucky ladies will get one!

 

Photos by Revecka Natalia Photography

.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,

.The Curvy Fashionista Turns 4!.

Last year I had the pleasure of attending the lovely Marie Denee's aka The Curvy Fashionista's Blogiversary, & looked forward to it this year!

When I thought of the perfect dress for the evening, Igigi popped in my head. Don't get me wrong, I love a lot of other plus designers, but I needed the perfect cocktail dress, & in my opinion, that's what Yuliya Raquel does best! The graciously dressed me for the evening in the 'Ambrosia', & I can honestly say I have never felt like more of a modern 40's siren in my life! I was hesitant at first with my dress choice because it was modeled by Denise Bidot, & our proportions are very different, however to my surprise it hugged me in all the right places & showed off the "girls" nicely :)

 

On the red carpet wearing Igigi