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. 

Plus Size Spring 2018 Trend: Multi-Color Magic

In Spring 2018, the color is, well, all of them. Multicolor prints are having a moment- primarily in two bold variations. One is the concept of rainbow or multicolor variations of traditional stripes, dots and patterns. Dolce & Gabana sent bold multi-color  dress with rainbow corsets down the aisle, while Emporio Armani showed off crisp many hued pinstripe suiting.  The second popular iteration of this trend is art inspired multicolored pieces. Missoni sent pieces with prints inspired by Andy Warhol down the spring 2018 runway and Coach doubled down on their collaboration with Keith Haring’s estate.

Multi-Color For the Real World

For most of us a wardrobe of technicolor fashion may seem way beyond our comfort zone; heck sometimes all rainbow print can be scary. However, have no fear!  Rocking this trend doesn’t mean that you need a full ROY G BIV moment. Nay! Instead looks for dress, skirts, shirts, and more with patterns that boast at least 4 different colors. This is fashion, not skittles, you don’t need to actually taste the rainbow.

Styled: Stripes of Many Shades

The dress pictured above is from Modcloth. It’s 100% on trend with out looking like my annual outfit for the pride parade.  I particularly like the unusual color pairings; who knew mint could look so good with orange? The cardigan layered over top pulls the look together. with it’s multi-colored buttons. It’s a subtle and wearable way to give a nod to this season’s most colorful trend. The shoes and bag featured here are no longer available

Score Some Multi-Color Magic of Your Own.

To help you live your most colorful life this spring, I’ve rounded up my favorite pieces with plentiful pigments below.  Click the images to shop.


One some of these links I earn affiliate commissions.

Exploring San Antonio, Texas in SimplyBe

Exploring San Antonio, Texas in SimplyBe

Recently I headed out on a fun little weekend getaway to San Antonio, Texas. You may not know it, but Amazon called this Texas jewel the “Most Romantic City in the US.” Maybe something I should have researched before heading out on my road trip.  Because of course, I go to the most warm fuzzy, love filled city as a single girl who’s closest love is a bottle of wine and internet shopping.

My Road Warrior Look


For my on the road experience, I kept things comfortable. I like to wear clothes that I can move in. Bonus, if they can hide the inevitable chip dust that gets on everything  as a result of driving and road trip snacking simultaneously. Hence, the patterned shirt. Also if you’re looking for the ultimate road trip bathroom experience, you ought to check out Buccee’s- it’s magical. Yes, I just called a  rest stop magical and it wasn’t a hyperbole. Here what I wore for my “Road Warrior” look.

How To Be A Sassy Sightseer


No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stop at the Alamo, infamous for Davy Crocket’s last stand. While historically it has an impressive history, it’s visually less exciting than I imagined.  I found San Antonio’s lesser celebrated gem- the San Fernando Cathedral- much more architecturally pleasing. Obviously, I’m a sucker for pretty things ,so that might have played into forming my opinion.

Touring around the city the temperatures were around 95 degrees and oh so sunny. Luckily, I had picked these rad shorts and lightweight t-shirt to help me deal. Maybe I should have worn sandals, but I personally appreciate a little extra cushioning for my feet when walking on concrete for long stretches of time. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one type of comfort for another. Here’s what I wore for my “Sassy Sightseer” look

Beat The Heat With A Pool Party


After stomping around historical San Antonio, I didn’t just want pool time, I needed it. Luckily the hotel provided me with a great option to help me chill. However, I secretly wish I had an infinite budget for adventuring because then I would have checked out JW Marriott’s award winning lazy river just outside San Antonio. I have been jokingly telling people this is my dream destination for over a year. However, I’m not sure it’s a joke anymore. What’s better then floating down a perfectly manicured river with an adult beverage in your hand? Here’s the details on my Simply Be bikini: bikini top and bottom.

Making an Entrance


If you want authentic Mexican cuisine, San Antonio is the place to go. You’ll need to step off the riverwalk to fine one of  the best places for fiesta filled foods. Just off the cobble stone tourist filled path is Mi Tierra, a place that claims to have the “best Mexican food,” and actually lives up to it. If you’re determined to dine with views of the river, my recommendation is Biga on The banks. It’ not Mexican, but you can’t always get everything you want.

I like to rock a good jumpsuit out for dinner. It’s comfortable and with so many options on the market these days it’s easy to find one that fits the occasion perfectly. Plus, if you decide to drink and dance it up, you don’t have to worry about flashing anyone. Here’s what I used to create my “Margarita Mama” look.

Rolling Down the Riverwalk

I couldn’t leave San Antonio without a leisurely stroll down the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk  is a pretty magical place with  colored umbrellas dotting the cobble stone roads, water features decorating the paths and lovely landscaping. If you want to explore the Riverwalk by boat, avoid the expensive tour boats and instead use the city’s water taxi for a fraction of the cost.

I chose a muted dress for the river walk because I knew everything would be so colorful- why compete? I love how airy and girly this dress felt. It was perfect piece for my last day of exploring. To recreate this “Ruffled Riverwalk” look, follow the details below.

A big thanks for Simply Be for sponsoring this amazing adventure in fashion. Where should I go next?

On some links I earn affiliate commissions that help support my blog. 

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