.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.

Brands I love: Domino Dollhouse!

 

Sunglasses & necklace are Domino Dollhouse

Since everyone always asks me "Where do you shop?" I'm going to start doing reviews on my favorite brands- Starting with Domino Dollhouse! Yes, I happen to model for them, but that's not why I love them. For the longest time I craved fun fashion in MY size (22 US), and when Domino Dollhouse launched, all of my dreams became a reality. Not only do they have one of a kind, fun prints and designs, but it's all made in America. They do carry other brands, so make sure to check the site out when ordering :) Another thing I love is that their clothing is true plus size clothing, not junior plus, so you know that what you are ordering will be true to size.  

.Stripped: Learning to love a fat body...naked.

While packing for my shoot tomorrow I started playing dress up in my new lingerie from Hips & Curves. I couldn't help but realize how much I love adorning my body with garments I used to fear. Frankly, I have always loved to be naked & lacked modesty at home, but never with a partner until my current one that is. The bigger I became, whether through having a son, trauma, etc- the thought of someone seeing my body, at what I used to consider "my worst" nearly brought me to tears.

Now I cannot imagine a life without cage bras (like the photos below taken tonight) corsets, negligee's, or dare I say... bare. How did I get there, to a place of lingerie and self awareness heaven?

(Bra: Lane Bryant, Lace Robe from Hips & Curves, 

Underwear from Downtown LA)

.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,