Life

June 23, 2019

My Housewarming Party + Why You Should Hire My DJ for Your Next Event

The process of buying a home is so stressful on it’s own but throw in life’s curveballs and well I was ready to pull out my hair and call it quits by the end of it.

The fact that I got through the home buying process solo was enough reason to celebrate but I wanted to have a special day with everyone that I love, the ones that prayed for me, gave me advice and helped me get through it all. That’s why I knew wanted to throw an epic housewarming party to say thank you to all of them.

I wanted it to be a real party where my friends could let loose and dance. When searching for a DJ I knew it would be the key to making the party seamless and enjoyable for all. No lulls of awkward silence when trying to transition to the next song.

My friend Carla suggested Generation Y Entertainment — her friends from college had started their own music entertainment company and have been killing it on the wedding vendor scene here in Jacksonville, Florida.

Generation Y Entertainment is made up of husband and wife duo and new parents, Caleb and Charlee Stoner. They are the experts in bringing the party minus the cheese to any wedding or event.

I was beyond fortunate that they were interested in gigging my party since they mostly do weddings. After I talked to Charlee and Caleb I knew they would help make my event more than just a housewarming — it was going to be a house party!

Charlee is the organizer and Caleb, the innovator and after a few phone calls, emails and text we were on the same page and knew the feel of the party.

Caleb was totally on board with keeping the music clean, hype and enjoyable. My friends are a pretty eclectic group varied in age and I just didn’t want to worry about any embarrassing lyrics while hosting.

We talked about some of my must have songs and I was just so thankful for Caleb’s expertise because I’ve never had done this before. He totally made me feel secure and trusted him.

The day of the party Caleb came to set up his gear and brought his equipment that totally goes with my personal aesthetic and made the party legit.

Pink uplighting anyone?!

He thought of little things that made me feel special and cared for as a client. He made sure everyone was having a good time and was comfortable– he even helped out with putting out chairs. Just a good guy, you know!

When the party got started he interacted with my friends getting people on the dance floor and having time for me to come up and thank all of my guest.

I loved that he wasn’t all business and he genuinely enjoyed himself and even got on the dance floor for a little battle between the guys and the girls. The guys won because of his amazing Dougie skills.

All I can say is that I had the best time at my housewarming party and a huge part of that was because of Generation Y Entertainment. I can only imagine what they can provide for a bigger event like a wedding or an anniversary party.

All of my friends said that the party was lit and the music was poppin’ and there is no way I can take the credit. Thank you Caleb and Charlee for helping make this big moment something I will never forget!

Visit Generation Y Entertainment on Instagram and on their website!

SHOP MY LOOK

WATCH THE VIDEO

Stay Lovely!

Leave A Comment

Style

June 23, 2019

LTK Day Shopping Guide

On Sunday June 23rd LIKEtoKNOW.it app users will have access to exclusive discounts and promo codes — it’s the very first LTK Day — an exclusive in-app shopping day!

Brands like Abercrombie, Anthropologie, Outdoor Voices, Urban Outfitters and more are offering major deals for Liketoknow.it app users and I’ve rounded up my favorites to help you navigate your way through all of it.

I personally have a game plan to hit up Anthropologie and Urban Outfitter to stock up on furniture and home decor. Here is a complete list of brands with their offered discount.

Don’t have the app?

Go to your App Store or Google Play and download LIKEtoKNOW.it

Search for Musings of a Curvy Lady under Influencer Search

Start shopping my Instagram posts with a screenshot and start saving!

I personally have a game plan to hit up Anthropologie and Urban Outfitter to stock up on furniture and home decor. Â Here is a complete list of brands with their offered discount:

Abercrombie & Fitch – 25% off, excludes fragrance and abercrombie kids merchandise
Anthropologie – 15% off, exclusions: sale items, BHLDN, Terrain, FP Movement, Mara Hoffman, Spanx, Rachel Comey, Birkenstock, Sirciam, NICHA, Stasher Bag, Curated by Anthropologie, previous purchases, and/or the purchase of gift cards.
Colleen Rothschild – 25% off, excludes eGift cards.
Express – 25% off $125+, Not valid on Featured Brands, NBA or MLB merchandise, Insta Sale items, Edition Collection, clearance or previous purchases.
Kendra Scott – 20% off, excludes fine jewelry.
Outdoor Voices – 20% off, excludes gift cards, 3rd party merchandise, kits, or other already-discounted merchandise. One time per customer.
Serena + Lily – 15% off, excludes art, sale, gift cards, and bike
Sole Society – 15% off $80+, excludes sale
The Styled Collection – 30% off, sitewide!
Urban Outfitters – 20% off $100+, excludes gift cards
Victoria Emerson – 40% off, sitewide!

ANTHRO TOP PICKS

Home

Fashion

Accessories

URBAN OUTFITTERS TOP PICKS

Stay Lovely!

Leave A Comment

Style

June 20, 2019

Chic and Simple LC Lauren Conrad Summer Outfit

Is it just me or does your mood improve when you love your outfit?! I know mine does, exponentially! And who doesn’t love a great everyday look that can take you from meetings to meetups with friends in no time.

I’ve been a fan of the pieces from Lauren Conrad’s line at Kohl’s for a long time so when they made the jump a few years ago to extend their sizes to include plus I was so happy!

I don’t have to try and make certain styles work for my body since the clothes now are designed with me in mind.

With the summer heat upon us it can be so overwhelming to think about getting dressed — can’t I just go out in public my skivvies?

But no worries, I honestly have getting dressed in the Florida heat down to a science that will keep you looking and feeling fresh and cool.

What you’re going to need first are some white jeans. Whether cropped, wide or straight leg or white jeans are a summer fashion staple and are a perfect way to balance and anchor any outfit. I love these from LC Lauren Conrad because they stop right at my ankle so I can show off my fun brocade printed mules.

Next you’re going to need a light and airy top that will move with you. Finding one with fun details like an accent sleeve or ditsy print adds a bit more pizzaz!

All you need next is the perfect shoe. Wear heels, mules or slides depending on the feel of your look and don’t forget a bold statement earring. I am obsessed with all natural and straw bags and this one is the perfect size to carry all your must haves while out and about.

I could re-wear this kind of outfit all summer long. It really is a new spin on a uniform. There is no need to overthink it because it will look great every single time.

What does your summer go-to style uniform consist of?

SHOP THE LOOK

Stay Lovely!

Leave A Comment

Style

June 17, 2019

Feeling Sexy in my Two Piece Polka Dot Leith Set

I’m a big believer that modest fashion can be stylish and dare I say, sexy.

My goal in writing this post is not to make anyone who disagrees with me feel bad about their choices of dress but instead to start the conversation of challenging the idea of what is sexy or beautiful by simply being true to yourself even if that means baring no midriff or cleavage.

To be honest, over the years I felt the pressure to wear daring styles that showed more skin than I’m comfortable with.

You have to remember I was 23 when I started blogging. I wanted my outfits to make an impression so of course there are some cringe worthy OOTD posts if you scroll back far enough.

Personal style changes and evolves (thank goodness) and although I don’t regret anything that I have shared on this platform I am definitely more confident in my choices of not baring more than what I feel comfortable with.

So even though I am more of a modest style influencer that doesn’t mean I don’t feel sexy in what I’m wearing.

Sexiness to me is a spectrum that includes Rihanna and Audrey Hepburn. I can appreciate both but I personally am more of an Audrey than a Rihanna.

Instead of letting others decide what sexiness looks like or even allow societal standards pressure me to feel like I’m an old fashioned prude — I’ve come to totally embrace my personal views of modest dress and sexiness. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.

Case in point, this outfit.

I felt incredibly sexy in this look.

Although it might not be anything remarkable or overtly sexy per the standards of others, it was the soft flow of the fabric. The delicate cut of the neckline that showed off my sun-kissed skin that made me feel so amazing in this outfit.

That’s what your fashion choices should do for you; they should make you feel good, confident and sexy. Never posing to be something that you’re not.

So whether you’re more of an Audrey or if you’re a Rihanna; you should be saying the same thing to yourself when you get dressed: I look so darn good in this!

SHOP THE LOOK

MORE FAVORITES FROM LEITH

Stay Lovely!

Leave A Comment

Style

June 14, 2019

Friday Favorites | Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Summer of Color Collection

WEAR COLOR! That’s what summertime is all about when it comes to my personal fashion and style choices.

I want bright, bold, fun and flirty and the latest collaboration with Gibson and Cassie of Hi Sugarplum is just that!

For this week’s Friday Favorites I’ve rounded up my fave pieces from the collection that is now available to purchase on Nordstrom.com

The collection is available is XSP to 3X and was created to mix and match. I created a lookbook to give you some ideas now available to watch on my IGTV. Make sure to follow me along on Instagram and YouTube to never miss a curvy lady upload.

SHOP THE LOOK

SHOP MY FAVORITES FROM THE COLLECTION

Stay Lovely!

Leave A Comment

Home

June 7, 2019

Install Day and Home Office Reveal

Earlier this month I shared the big news that I bought my first home! Working on making my house a home has been, well, a struggle. That’s why I’m so excited to be working with Levity of Levity Interiors to help create the office of my dreams.

My decision to buy a home of my own has been one in the making for years– 10 to be exact.

Moving after graduation from my hometown of Boston to Jacksonville was not the plan. I figured I had a year or two before moving out of state. But circumstances outside of my control brought me to Florida.

New city, new job, new friends. It was a lot of new and I had a lot on my plate that made the idea of venturing out on my own overwhelming and scary. And over the next decade I would start the process of getting my own place multiple times without it coming to fruition. I ended up psyching myself out, crippled by fear and resorted to just making it work with what I had.

In that time I started Musings of a Curvy Lady as a hobby that has turned into a part-time job that I adore.

I love creating content to share on my platforms but the idea of creating over time felt more like a chore than something I would get excited about. My feelings had a lot to do with not having a proper space of my own that I could work and grow in.

After losing my studio rental space and having to haul all of my equipment solo into my mom’s garage I made the decision right then and there; enough was enough.

At that moment I decided that I was going to buy a house so not only I would have my own living space but a creative work space that was my own. No need to haul or store equipment on someone else’s property.

I knew once I got my house the first room that I wanted to fully furnish would be my home office.

This is where I would essentially create the career of my dreams and I needed the space to reflect that. I wanted it to be beautiful and chic but to be honest I was so overwhelmed by the entire process I didn’t know where to begin.

I’m so fortunate to have discovered Levity Interiors via Instagram. Levity is a local design consultant here in Jacksonville and soon after following one another on the ‘gram I fell in love with her gumption and design work. Her and her fiancé Clayton are renovating their second home and it’s amazing to watch the transformation.

One day I decided to email Levity and ask if she would be interested in helping me design a room in my new home.

No answer.

Crickets.

Nada.

A whole week went by. I was bummed but could understand why. We’re all just so busy.

But I decided to send her a DM just to follow up on the initial email and after just a few moments later, Levity wrote back with an astounding yes! She was so excited to want to collaborate and I was so surprised she said yes.

We immediately got to work starting with answering a design questionnaire and pulling ideas onto a Pinterest board. Levity drafted a design board and after one revision we had our final draft ready to implement.

I can’t believe this is my office! You can watch my initial reaction to seeing it on my YouTube Channel.

WATCH THE REVEAL

I am just over the moon with the final result. It’s beautiful, chic, romantic, feminine and perfectly cozy.

This office means so much more than just a work space. This is where I’m going to make my dreams a reality. I’m so thankful to Levity for taking the thoughts runnings around in my head and helping me create this perfect creative space.