A Modern Take on Valentine’s Day

I remember very clearly the day I became obsessed with the colors red + pink together. My tale isn’t one of Valentine’s day glory, but rather vignette into my own education in color. I was around 5 or 6 at a church activity. We were cutting shapes out of fabric to decorate white t-shirts. I’d fallen in love with this bright strawberry print and I was meticulously cutting out each individual berry to glue onto my soon to be very fashionable tee. Even as a child, I was type A. My strawberries were perfect. Once glued into place, the next step was to trace them in puffy paint to help them stay in place.

I remember grabbing a red puffy paint to begin my perfect outline only to realize I had mistakenly selected a bright pink shade. I was devastated. I cried big emotional tears at my failure. Red didn’t go with pink. It was wrong. It was different. My shirt was ruined. Now I don’t have a lot of good memories of my mother as she was sick so much of my life, but what she did next will always stick with me. She stopped, looked me right in the eyes and said,

“When something you have no control of in your life is different from the norm you have two choices: You can be upset and fight it or you can embrace it and help everyone see how beautiful it is.” 

We went back to that t-shirt and outlined each red berry in that bright pink. We added little pink dots to each of the fabric fruits. In the end, I loved that t-shirt so much more than I ever could imagine. What I learned from that moment is that we have opportunities every day to choose how to view our experiences. How often do we cry and lament because they feel weird instead of seeing them just as they really are- pretty darn awesome.

Pink Strawberry Fashion Magic

This modern take on that childhood learning is perhaps one of my favorite I’ve ever put together. I’ve literally been showing it to strangers all week, because I’m proud of it. It’s not just super cool looking, but it’s an ode to my own journey. The dress I snagged off amazon. I adore it’s asymmetrical neckline and feel it gives a nice modern swagger to the look. The oversized sweater is from H&M and is one of my favorite pieces I’ve purchased in the last 6 months. I’ve closed the sweater with a red leather tassel belt- an oldie but still goody- from Lane Bryant. The flats are my favorite neutral shoes found at Old Navy.

I embraced the pink and red magic in my eye shadow as well. I created a half circle of bold bubble gum pink using Sugar Pills Dollipop shadow on each eye lid. I then used Nyx Vivid Brights in Fire to line my lids and water line. Using Colour Pops Creme Gel Liner in Exit  I added white accents under the water line and at the brow.  I kept my face completely neutral otherwise and used Winky Luxes Lip Velour Matte Lipstick  in Ghosting with a light pink slightly creamy gloss on top to dull the sparkle just a smidge.

Red And Pink Essentials:

I’ve rounded up some of my red and items that are perfect for Valentine’s Day or just for any day really. Love is love and should be celebrated always.

I earn affiliate commissions on some of these links that help support my creation process. 

3 Things I Learned From Wearing A Hot Pink Fur Coat

3 Things I Learned From Wearing A Hot Pink Fur Coat

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When I first indulged in this hot pink plus size faux fur jacket I remember I had to convince myself to buy it. It was such a debate. I mean did I really need to be clad in radioactive bubble gum furriness? That’s not adult attire. Luckily, drunk me did me a solid and finally pulled the trigger on this now epic purchase. However, it’s not just another silly investment made my drunk fingers, this jacket has taught me things. Here’s what I’ve learned from wearing a bold, out of this world jacket.

Standing Out Is Scary.
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I remember the first night the nylon lining of the jacket slid over my arms for a night out. I was terrified. Everyone was going to be looking at me. I was going to be a spectacle. I remember that pit that sat heavily in my stomach as I approach the first bar.  It was like an anvil pinning me to the car seat. And in that moment I had a choice, I could leave the coat in the car and have  another normal night in normal clothes or I could experience a different, unpredictable night clad in trippy choif of magenta magic. And even me- a text book extrovert- debated my choice heavily and nervously before finally caving into the unknown.

Taking the Leap is a Conversation Starter.

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When you wear a bold item, it serves two purposes. First, you look informed as if you are aware of trends that the rest of the world hasn’t caught onto. Second, you have this false halo of confidence. To wear something bold and fearless leads the world to think that you are just that- a bold mother trucker that don’t take no crap from anyone. But, drinks- oh you’ll take those.  But there’s a rare third benefit that I think may only be the fruits of an investment in a statement fur- tactile introductions. I’ve met more people as a result of the them, petting, batting or flat out laying against my fur. It’s a drunk hello in the most splendid of ways. Everyone loves a good snuggle with hot pink fur.

Taking Risks Creates A New Kind Of Confidence.

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It’s funny, there’s a rare nuance to confidence that is bred when you approach something anticipating failure and instead succeed wildly. There’s the warmth in facing your fears. There’s the pride- pride that you trusted your own judgement. Even if it was scary. Even though it was hard. Lastly, there’s the “damn I’m good” good vibes that only come from standing out in a crowded room of strangers. The longer I wear this crazy ass jacket, the more I find confirmation and peace in my opinion that I can wear anything.  Sure it may not be my every day attire, but it’s there waiting for me when I need a little push to break my pattern, to trust myself and just let my confidence shine.

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Risks aren’t just manifested in bizarre fur coats or other daring ensembles- they are everywhere. And I find when I feel stuck or too comfortable, that taking a chance on something new and scary is exactly what I need to keep moving forward and to remember myself in the process. It’s terrifying and sometimes you fail terribly, but at the very least you learn some amazing new things about yourself in the process.

Shop This Look

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This outfit is composed of some of my favorite fashion essentials topped with an insanely bright, bonkers and beautiful bold faux fur jacket:

  • Shoes: These are from Sam & Libby’s  Collaboration with Target. They are my go to kicks for a night out where my feet don’t ache. I love the little leather bows and how they add splash of girliness to a basic black flat
  • Jeans: These are the Good American plus size jeans I am sure you are sick of seeing. I love them. You can read my post about them if your curious about how our love affair got started
  • Tshirt: This is a plain black t shirt. I got mine from Old navy, but serious everywhere sells a black v neck.
  • Jacket: This faux fur pink parade is made by the Scottish brand, Isolated heroes. They are an inclusive brand offering small sizes all the way up to plus. They also will provide custom sizing upon request if your current size isn’t available. So finger snaps to them for being awesome.

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Fall Fashion Inspiration: Mustard and Rose with a Touch of Bold

Fall Fashion Inspiration: Mustard and Rose with a Touch of Bold

Plus size fashion fall ideas 6One of the most unusually pervasive trends this fall season was the pairing of mustard yellow hues with soft delicate rose quartz touches. While the color combination seems nothing short of an odd couple, getting the right balance can make a look really stand out.
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So how do you make it work? Keep it simple. Choose one hue to rock the stage and the other to play a supporting role. For example, in this look I only added a light nod of pale pink as a sleeve under a deliciously golden dress.

Plus size fashion fall ideas 3Highlighting another popular Fall 2016 trend – statement wrap chokers, Ive pair this look with rope belt wrapped twice around my neck and tied as a necklace. The red adds a pop of color and adds dimension to the look .Plus size fashion fall ideas 1

The result is a look that has a vintage feel, with a modern color palate. So many trends this season bring in the old while providing something new. I really enjoy the yellow pink pairing because it feels fresh and young, but at the same time makes me want to go to a disco.

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Want to rock a look like this? The items used in this look are no longer available, but I’ve found some amazing alternatives. Check out the items below:
Golden rod dress: Asos
Rose t-shirt: Old Navy
Tassel wrap choker: Etsy
Metallic Court shoes:  Jason Wu

Photo by the amazing Dr Photo

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Plus Size Fall Fashion Inspiration: Sheerly Bohemian

Plus Size Fall Fashion Inspiration: Sheerly Bohemian

For the next 5 days, I am going to be showing off my favorite fall trends, made for plus size bodies. To kick things off I’m showcasing one of my favorite trends- modern bohemian. This trend takes hippy vibes and mixes them with decidedly urban elements to create a new style aesthetic that is both nostalgic and modern. Plus size fall fashion trends 2016 bohemian 1

You can spot this trend cropping up everywhere if you look for the signs. First and foremost- deconstructed denim. Jeans this season provide a variety of washes all with a truly lived in feeling. Expect everything from hole filled denims, to completely reconstructed denims- like this pair from Lovesick.

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Second there’s a return of bohemian inspired elements, on refreshing forms. Expect to see unexpected embroidery, folk style prints, and sheer prairie cuts ( like this dress from Eloquii). This shirt is a perfect example- its a refreshed take on a sheer over shirt with  a Scandinavian inspired embroidery. The result is a cool way to pop some color, while still rocking an of the time silhouette.

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Another unusually pairing is the resurgence of velvet on fashion forward and bold accessories. I am digging velvet chokers- because of my unhealthy love of all things 90s – like this one from alapopjewelery on Etsy. The key is a one per outfit rule, so I added a nod to this other fall fashion trend by adding a little funky chunky crushed velvet to my step.

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If you’d like to score this plus size fall fashion look:

Photos  taken by Dr. Photo.

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