Simply Be USA Makes A Splash with Editorial Style Plus Size Shoots

This post was sponsored by Simply Be USA. Let’s have a quick chat about them, shall we?  One thing I have always loved about Simply Be USA, is even though they are size inclusive (offering clothing in UK sizes 8 – 32 and US sizes 6 – 28) they have always made sure to feature plus models at the forefront.  Not many brands do that, so you already know I have some love for the Be that is Simply. Simply Be is originally UK based, size inclusive fashion house, and they are re-launching their US  brand this month. And they plan to enter this market like just like giant inflatable Godzilla on the beach, by making a statement.

As they re-launch the brand here in the good ole U. S. of A, they’re going digital first baybay- no more catalogues, just sweet sweet technology user experience action.  As a certified tech geek this makes my glitter heart swoon. They are going to start making special collections just for the US market (yesss), and also push us to reimagine how plus women are shot in campaigns. This means more ambitious editorial style content for plus size ladies to be inspired by (hell yeah). As you can see from this first campaign, these are not your average plus fashion images. Also props to model, Natalie Nootenboom for being able to hold both a sultry look and a giant inflatable dinosaur at the same time.

Rich Storer, Simply Be’s US V.P. Of Marketing shared this quote, We have a responsibility to empower women and this comes in many different forms…so our new image is an assertive step away from the often-vanilla campaign images hitherto used in the US curve market. These images convey confidence, sass, verve, sex appeal and energy and beautiful curves in a more editorial manner. “ Did we just go to church, because I just want this man to keep preaching. I’ll be over here in the choir with a tambourine and a bedazzled robe.

Simply Be USA will also celebrate this relaunch by hosting pop up events throughout the country starting off this summer in NYC. That means you’ll be able experience the clothes in person, try them on and the recieve fresh un-stranger-mangled items at your doorstep. These stores will also feature brand fit experts to help shoppers find clothes that are a perfect fit for their body. The only way this could be better is if the brand fit experts were also really attractive men with accents who really hated wearing shirts.

I am super excited to see more from Simply Be USA  over the next few months. From the looks of it they are likely  to win over our American, apple pie loving red, white and blue hearts with their sexy accents and even sexier fashion. Now I am going have some tea, crumpets, and surf through all the new plus size items  that Simply Be just launched. If you find something you love  save a sweet 30% valid today through April 16th by using the code GLITTER30.  Toodle pip, mates!

Rule Breaker? No. I Just Wear What I Want

People tell me all the time things I shouldn’t wear- often before I’ve tried it on. This patterned skirt is a great example of something many people warned me not to wear. It’s light colored. It’s vertical print. It’s short. In some sort of plus size fashion rule book, that is stored in a very secret box, that only the pure in heart can access, whose words are now passed through our society through verbal storytelling by judgemental people, it says this. In any case, that book is very very old. It probably references bloomers. And cod pieces.  And chastity belts.  And Isn’t it about time we got a rewrite?So, ancient rule book be damned! I bought the skirt anyways. Not to  be controversial. Not to make a statement. I bought it because it looked like a sweater I had purchased Data for the winter and I wanted us to match. It’s funny because often times people think I wear things for the shock value, but most of the time its because of one of 3 things: I think its it’s pretty, I can match my dog or it’s outside my comfort zone and I want to challenge myself to make it work.

As a plus size women there’s all this meaning put behind usually meaningless decisions. I need to wear clothes. I buy clothes I like. I wear those clothes. While usually I am wearing what I like and what spoke to me that day, the world sometimes interprets it into a grand statement.  I’m brave or bold. I’ve broken the antiquated rules. I went out of the house with something that actually shows the shape of my body .  In my heart of heart I can’t wait until the day when my fashion sense is praised without the caveat that I’m plus or body positive or wearing something society says I shouldn’t. How about just- ” this girl is wearing a cool outfit.” That would be nice. I’d like that.

Today my be rule breaker look is composed of a Simply Be black sweater and royal blue fitted puffer I was gifted. They are worn with a New Look mini skirt I purchase in London, worn over Maurice’s leggings and accented with a vintage scarf. I threw on the best leather wide calf boots ever from Torrid to complete the look.  Data is wearing a geometric sweater from Amazon.

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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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Fall Fashion Inspiration: Jive Talkin’ Body Suit Rockin’

Fall Fashion Inspiration: Jive Talkin’ Body Suit Rockin’

Plus size fashion fall trends 2016Unless you are blind or don’t have the internet or never leave your house or whatever you’ve probably noticed the bodysuits are cropping up EVERYWHERE. Those little snapped gussets are taking up all our clothing racks and invading our fashion lives. I have mixed feelings about body suits. Yay! No more tucking shirts in repeatedly. Boo! I can’t maneuver those snaps when drunk. Whatever you opinion, body suits are definitely trending for fall.

Plus size fashion fall trends 2016

I like to keep my body suit purchases to body looks, that are more dimensional than a standard singlet. If i am going to have to wrestle and snap I want to do it for the sake of fashion. In my opinion, a regular tank op just isn;t worth it. That said, this green number definitely is.

Plus size fashion fall trends 2016

Another major hot look for fall is the return of disco rocking, jive talkin’ flare jeans. I applaud their arrival with a sigh of relief- skinnies are comfortable, but flares are luxe. Look mom, I can feel the breeze on my calves. However be careful about length; dragging, city dirt encrusted flares are not a good look.

Plus size fashion fall trends 2016

Want to rock this look? Check out these items:

Plus size fashion fall trends 2016