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?

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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!

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MORE FAVORITES FROM LEITH

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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.

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May 23, 2019

Princess Cruises | Island Vibes Only

Among all the ports I visited while cruising aboard Caribbean Princess was in Roatan, Honduras.

Once we easily disembarked the ship with a tap of my Ocean Medallion, Carley and I took a 30 minute ride to the island of Big French Key. I share more of my love of the island in a previous post here.

After spending a few hours exploring the island and having lunch I found a two story deck with lounge chairs overlooking the water that was absolutely breathtaking and empty.

I quickly took advantage and snapped a few photos.

Changing outfits on a tropical island was no easy feat but I’m glad I did because those views were too good too miss.

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May 22, 2019

Modern Day Vintage Inspired Look

Timeless black and white gets a little modern update in this warm weather glam look.

Over the years I have expressed my love and adoration for plus size brands that just get it. They create styles and designs that are classic, trendy and modern for the plus size woman. I can’t fan girl enough over my love for Eloquii.

Ever since they stepped on the scene as an independent brand they have been killing the plus size fashion game dropping a new collection for what seems like on a weekly basis.

My head is left spinning from all the gorgeous lush fashion in the best possible way.

So let’s get into this look, shall we?

For one, it has to be one of my favorites so far this year. It’s feminine, classic and subtly sexy.

Two, I’m wearing black and white which I never do but I was immediately attracted to this darling tie shoulder body suit and the elevated Black and white is

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May 10, 2019

FRIDAY FAVORITES | WHITE DRESS EDITION

Happy Friday Darlings!

Who’s obsessed with little white dresses!

GUILTY AS CHARGED.

I openly admit that I purchase ~~way too~~ many white dresses just for Spring and Summer.

This week’s Friday Favorites I’m rounding up my current favorites that are available right now and some are even on sale. Let me know what are you loving for S/S in the comments below.

Have you been enjoying my weekly roundups? Let me know what else you want to see!

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May 9, 2019

Summer Love | New Styles from EV1 by Ellen Degeneres

Alexa, play Justin Timberlake’s Summer Love.

I’m ready for everything summer has to offer me this season, maybe even a summer romance?

I’m trying to set myself up for success. One way I’m doing that is being open to the idea of love.

I’m working on actually going out more and meeting new people.

People may think because I’m a blogger I must be surrounded by people all the time with plenty of opportunities to meet “the one’.

This may appear to be true at times, like during events and on social. But in all honesty I’m usually rolling solo to events and I have no issue with it.

Which brings me to my problem: I’ve become way to comfortable staying at home with a marathon of murder mysteries on Investigation Discovery. I can’t help that I enjoy my own company!

If you’ve dated in the last 5 years, you know it’s sucks. I just want to skip all of the awkward parts and jump right into the relationship part.

Can’t my Mr. Right just come and knock on my door, ready for monogamy, commitment, supports the idea of me keeping my last name and has the intense desire to wear matching couple outfits?

No?

Okay, I know you have to be willing to do the work, and that work starts with me.

Taking the time to know what I want and what I definitely don’t want.

Taking my singleness as a time of refinement so that when I do meet my person, I am the best possible version of myself I can be. Hopefully he’s doing the same out there too.

Shoot, he better…

Anyway I’m turning over a new leaf and wrote down some personal short-term and longterm goals in my journal to see if I can breakout of my single-not-willing-to-mingle bad habits.

I’m wearing my feelings on my sleeve — well, in this case on my shirt. Ellen DeGeneres’ new summer collection at Walmart is the perfect way to keep speaking my goals into existence. Love more.

Check out my favorites from the collection that is perfect for summer and … love.

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May 2, 2019

Every Body is Beautiful with Woman Within

With summer fast approaching many men and women are focused on shedding a few pounds to get ready for summer.

A message that I will continue to stress and promote on my platforms is that you are ready now for well, anything you want including slaying summertime! That’s why I’m a huge supporter of brands that share that sentiment and actually live and breathe it.

Woman Within has been a household name in the plus size world for over 100 years providing fashion in sizes 12-44! That’s insane, right?!

Last week they launched their Every Body is Beautiful campaign where they teamed up with with an eclectic group of customers and body posi babes to celebrate the revolutionary thought that regardless of shape, size, age or race — that you are totally deserving of all the good things in life including comfortable and stylish fashion.

In today’s post I’m sharing my favorite style from Woman Within that’s perfect for the warmer weather: a crinkle maxi dress. It’s light weight but still packs a style punch. I kept it casual with flat sandals and matching tote. Such an easy breezy simple summer outfit that will look great literally on ever body!

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April 12, 2019

Draper James Linen Front Button Dress Styled 2 Ways

A linen dress is a must have for Spring and Summer and this one from Draper James is a new classic.

Have you tried Draper James yet?

Draper James is Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand and although I knew about the brand I never wore anything from the line. I first was introduced to them as a consumer when they decide to do a collection with Eloquii last year — lots of cute stuff but it was a limited temporary collection.

I think the success of the Eloquii collaboration encouraged them to make the leap to extend the sizes to many of their classic pieces to a size 24. So although I can’t shop everything I want from Draper James, I am hopeful that they are open to idea that plus size women love darling dresses too!

If you want to try Draper James, right now is a great time because you can save 25% off your entire order during their “Friends & Family Sale Event”!

Extended the Draper Size range in their classic pieces is a step, albeit a small one in the right right direction in catering for more women of different shapes and sizes that happen to love the classics. I hope to see more lines do this because let’s face it — it’s 2019 and I’m tired of asking for the same thing that I feel I’ve been asking for my entire life.

Why can’t you make this in my size?!

Anywho, back to this darling linen dress. I wanted to show how this dress could be styled up or down with just switch of footwear. It’s light and airy enough for a weekend look but can be just as polished and sophisticated with heels or flats.

Dressed Down with Sneakers

Dressed Up with Heeled Sandals

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April 8, 2019

BeautiCurve X Lane Bryant Spring Collaboration

Unless you’re living under a rock — if you’re well versed and tuned into the plus size community you know that Rochelle of BeautiCurve launched a collection of dresses with Lane Bryant.

It’s a beautiful variety of edgy and feminine pieces that are perfect for all of your Springtime events from weddings, outdoor parties, warm weather date nights and more.

Rochelle was so kind enough to send over a piece from the collection and I literally squealed when I saw it because it was the one I’ve been eyeing!

It’s perfect for an upcoming event that I have to attend but I couldn’t resist styling it for the blog.

The flowy skirt has to be my favorite detail of this dress because I always love some movement when I walk.

It’s the only kind of drama I want in my life.

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This look can easily be dressed down with some sneaker and a denim jacket. Have you shopped the collection yet! Definitely check it out before they are sold out. Oh and congratulations to Ro for creating such a delightfully beautiful collection of clothes for plus women.

SHOP THE ENTIRE COLLECTION HERE

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March 26, 2019

Coachella Inspired Styled Shoot

Okay, so Coachella is right around the corner and yours truly is NOT going. But I, like the rest of the country will undoubtedly be bombarded with tons of desert-themed, boho-rocker inspired fashion in the coming weeks. This content usually features the same kind of girl — you know what I’m talking about — that girl posing with her posse in front of the iconic Ferris wheel with a few peace signs thrown in the air.

Don’t get me wrong, that in itself isn’t a bad thing and I’m not trying to hate. What I am trying to say is that Coachella fashion and culture is ~~kind of~~ predictable. The same chiseled, toned bodies, with bared extremities and midriffs enjoying the desert, sun and music. I hardly ever see someone like me represented at the 2nd largest national music festival.

Soft fat bodies love the sun and desert too — just sayin.

Well, I for one think it’s time to change the narrative and image of what it looks like to go to Coachella. And two, I think it’s really amazing when women supporting women is more than a trendy hashtag. I love seeing it in action.

So that’s what this post is really all about. It’s about one idea and how a group of women helped make that idea into a reality.

I wanted to see my version of Coachella brought to life. Lush, whimsical, feminine and fabulous.

This shoot would not be possible if it weren’t for all the amazing local Jacksonville boss babes coming together. It all started after meeting fellow JAX girl boss Lauren, owner of The Sangria Truck at an event she was working.

Her truck was so picture perfect, I started having a mini photoshoot on the spot and passerby’s thought I came along with the truck.

No, sweetie.

So after enjoying one or two of Lauren’s fabulous mixed drinks we got to talking about how cool it would be to get a styled shoot together. I was down but had no idea how to really be a creative director.

It sort of just happened because Lauren knew someone who could do props. I knew someone that could do florals and photography. Before you know it there we were orchestrating a multi vendor styled shoot in less than a month.

This was such an amazing experience and hope to do it again soon. What do you think of our Coachella inspired styled shoot? Let me know in the comments below.

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March 20, 2019

Happy Spring Fashion with Gibson

Happy First Day of Spring Everyone!

We’ve finally have come to my absolute favorite season of the year because everything is in bloom. Spring brings warmer weather, longer days and the perfect opportunity to try new fashion!

Of course I’m wearing all the pieces from the Gibson x International Women’s Day Collection on repeat because the entire line is perfect for Spring.

I love everyone’s individual pieces and it makes the collection so fun a whole. One of my ultimate fave tops is the Roselyn Ruffle Detail Blouse. It’s super feminine and romantic and had plenty of ruffles to keep this femme happy.

The color is like a mix of a pastel pink and lavender but also comes in a darling ditsy floral print.

It’s available in Petite, Regular and Plus. So all of you ladies have an opportunity to rock this lovely blouse and the rest of the collection just in time for Spring!

Have you shopped the Gibson x IWD Collection yet? Some items have been restocked so keep checking if they are back because if they are they won’t be for long.

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March 8, 2019

Launch Day! Shop the Gibson x International Women’s Day Collection

It’s finally here! The Gibson x International Women’s Day Collection is officially live and you can now shop my skirt and top on Nordstrom.com! How crazy is that!

The message behind this collection is so important to me. Not only did I have a part in designing pieces that I hope women of all shapes and sizes enjoy but it was a chance to be seen on a major platform.

Visibility of what different women look like is crucial because it reflects our reality.

I know when I was younger seeing someone that looked like me would have been so amazing. I hope all women can see that they posses their own super powers just by living life authentically themselves.

I’m so very happy to be a part of this collaboration! Thanks to Gibson and Nordstrom for allowing me to add my own little sparkle to it. Okay so here is all you need to know about how to shop the collection.

NEED TO KNOW

The collection is LIVE and available to shop Friday March 8th at 7AM EST on Nordstrom.com
The collection is made of up 16 different styles with a total of 36 pieces in different prints and colors.
Sizes range from XXSP – 3X
Sizes run a little big so you may want to size down.
In these photos I’m wearing a 3X in my tops and skirts.
The Thamarr Keyhole Tieback Top comes in three colors: yellow, green and blush leopard print. They also run a little large but the Thamarr Pleated Skirt is true to size.