Torrid 2018 Plus Size Swimsuit + Bikini Review

Just before my vacation to Hawaii, Torrid send me two swimsuits from their new 2018 swim collection to try out. Both suits featured a vibrant tropical print I adored- mama love herself some color! I tried the first suit out- a super sassy laced up one piece– on a catamaran cruise around Oahu.

What I liked most about this suit is that it felt sexy, but was also super practical and pretty modest. While the suit laced up the front- giving the air of drama and a peak of extra skin- there was no need to fear any thing slipping out of place. This is the type of suit one could easily take tubing without fear. If you’ve been behind a boat, pulled in a tube- you know what I mean. If you haven’t- lets just say many a girl had lost her bikini top falling off said tube on a tight turn.

The longer I wore the suit the more I wanted to wear it. I can imagine wearing this plus size one piece swimsuit as a body suit with some cute distressed denim shorts or a flowy skirt.  It’s definitely going to get as much air time away from the pool as in it.

I also received a plus size bikini top with a peplum in the same bright jungle floral. This suit top came with black bottoms and a matching cover up.  I wore this set to the infamous Waikiki beach for some sun and wave action. Here I am rocking this babelicious look in front of the infamous Royal Hawaiian hotel- an icon in Honolulu.

My first impressions is that Torrid has definitely improved the fit of the top this year. In previous suits sometimes the underwire would dig into me; in the 2018 variation I did not have that issue. Additionally, this year’s suits allows you to have the choice to push-up  remove the padding from the cup. You would have to claw  the extra padding from my cold dead hands, but girls with larger cup sizes will appreciate this little added detail and the extra cup room.

The cover up was really soft, but the color was noticeably darker than the suit. As a result, I personally think the two items would look better not wore together. Overall these suits are great example that Torrid continues to innovate and invest in creating great fitting a plus size women’s swimsuits.

My Favorites from the Torrid 2018 Plus Size Collection

Below are some more of my favorite pieces from the new collection. Click the images to shop.


While I received this  product in exchange for an honest review, I was not financially compensated for this post.

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. 

Save

Save

Save

Save

In Portland, Adults Get Snowdays.

In Portland, Adults Get Snowdays.

Snowy day lady bad ass realness. A rebellious printed t-shirt/tunic/ skanky dress looks hip paired with a Nike plus off center zip up hoodie in the oh so of the moment color- mauve. Maurice’s leggings and Nike heeled sneakers ( I like this alternative) complete the look, while  the almighty mini bun proclaims to the world…. “I have a snow day and I’m about to do whatever I want with it. Watch me, people, WATCH ME.”

So I have learned a magical thing. When it snows in Portland, it’s not just the schools that are cancelled. Offices shut down. Campuses close. The entire city comes to an eerie grinding halt. The white stuff really freaks people out.

Or does it? While taking these photos I definitely happened upon a woman running in cropped pants. CROPS. IN. THE. SNOW. That means bits of icy terror are splashing menace-fully against her leg as she runs. Portland is weird. This proves it.

Meanwhile, I am suffering. Because I was all like ” I’m so cool… I don’t need no coat. I’ll tough it out.” This is mostly because coats are bulky when packing and I hate having to lug more than I absolutely  have to around the airport. But it turns out I was very wrong. I needed a coat. Heck, I needed a scarf, gloves, ninja warmth face mask, hand warmers, waterproofed moon boots, a portable heating pad, and maybe a sexy foreign lover to keep me warm.

Here I sit freezing cold in a world of snow. Regardless of how frigid I get, I will never turn down a good photo opp. Even if that means tackling mounds of snow, gross slush, and the harsh reality that I might lose my left arm to frostbite all for the sake of a good photo. And these photos are pretty darn rad. And thus I am content in my use of this snow day, because I look as cool today as Portland looks white.

21 Pairs of Earrings Drunk Me Thought I Needed

21 Pairs of Earrings Drunk Me Thought I Needed

So I am going to Jamaica exactly one week from today. Thank the sweet heavens, because after crying over creative differences in ginger bread house building contest yesterday, I have realized I am very desperately in need of some time away from work and some time with alcohol, sun and gratuitous booty shaking. So last night, after what I can only define as the worst day ever, I found myself on amazon thinking about my super fun trip.

Earring Power

And then I began to panic. See, when I lived in Brazil I remember very well a stern conversation my friend Luciana had with me. When girls go out they must always wear cute earrings to attract the eyes of the world. I remember he proceeded to drag me to a market to fill my purse with as many baubles as I could afford to change my barren ear ways. Now I could have reflected on how antiquated this thinking was, but instead I found myself ripping through the pages of Amazon convinced I would not have enough flashy lobe decorations to truly enjoy my vacation. This is what stress and wine do to me- turn me into a one women earring consumption machine.

Drunk Me Strikes Again

I woke up this morning to 21 pairs of earrings in my shopping bag. No joke. 21. I am not sure how I intended to wear 21 pairs of earring over a 4 day stint in the sun- heck I’ll be lucky if I ever make it out of my swim suit. I am sure drunk me had a plan, but given sober me has “taken the wheel,” I need to make some cuts. I am faced with a dilemma, which to choose? The reality is drunk or sober I appear to have great taste. Here are the 21 one pairs of earrings that ended up in my cart primed for purchase, I’d love to hear which you think I should jam in my ears in Jamaica and which I should add to my Amazon wishlist to be purchased by the imaginary person I have convinced myself will someday fall deeply in love with me and will be intent to woo me with internet purchases.

Which Earrings Should I Keep?


Painted Coloured Petal Earrings


Multi-Colored Sequin Hoop Gold Earrings

Natural Agate Slice Geode Earrings


Multicoloured Sequin Hoop Earrings


Enameled Shrimp Door Knockers

POP C Purple Cupcake Earrings

Women’s Simple Gold Box Earrings


Leverback Dangle Drop Earrings in Rainbow

Fashion Straight Shape Silver Earrings

 Black Tassel Drop Dangle Earrings

Multi-Bright Statement Earrings

Crystal Loop Beaded Tassels Earring


Black Long Tassel Earrings


Healing Point Dangle Earrings

Maying Multi-color Lightweight Copper Earrings


Tortoise and Blue Kite Earrings

Bohemian Tassel Earrings

 V Shape Earrings

Drop Outline Earrings

 Cage Crystal Silver Plated Earrings

Rose Gold Spike Stud Earrings

Save

Save

Save

Profesh to Death Part 1: Polish Poplin Peplum

Profesh to Death Part 1: Polish Poplin Peplum

Plus Size Office attireSo since I have to dress very professionally the next few days I thought it would be mucho fun to do a little mini blog series on plus size professional wear thats corporate, but still bananas stylish. Today we kick of the series with a bang by keeping simple while also keeping it bold.
Plus Size Office attireA white blouse is the staple essential in any power bitch’s wardrobe, but that does not mean it has to be boring. This perfect poplin peplum white blouse demands the attention fo the board and the power of the board. The mandarin collar with simply but unique embroidery adds a nice umph to the shirt while also saying I’ve got expensive taste boys. Plus Size Professional WearI keep the simple but luxe look going by pairing this amazing top with a sassy stretch pencil skirt, with a modern zipper detail. It says I like to be comfortable and kick ass at the same time. The waffle like texture of the skirt adds interest with out complicating the look with unnecessary details.
Plus Size Office attire
Wanna rock this look? Linky links to all the corporate kitten magic below: