Style: Pumped Up Kicks

I've recently teamed up with a new friend and fabulous photographer, Annie Vovan, who shot today's style post and is definitely a woman to watch.  I met up with her one recent afternoon in Santa Monica where she had told me about a local bar that had a few cool spots to shoot some photos.  Imagine our joy when we found this classic piece of man metal parked just outside.  So I decided to get comfortable...

Leather is all the rage right now (but really when is it not?) and I wanted to make this outfit a bit more casual to go with the laid back Santa Monica vibe.  I purchased this top not too long ago from The Limited's (somewhat) new plus size line, Eloquii.  I loved the classic color blocking but I wanted to give it a little more shape to accentuate my fine girlish figure.  This turquoise belt is falling apart and as vintage as they come.  I stole it from my mom's closet years ago and it's been a favorite staple of mine since.  (Sorry mom)

Now, I've been DYING to rock my wedge sneakers and I finally found the outfit that I felt deserved them.  I went back and forth on this trend for a long time.  I couldn't tell if they were hideos or genius and to be honest I'm still not completely sure.  When I saw these on the Topshop website I fell in love though and I know it was what my elementary school science teacher would call an "educated guess".  I guessed that I needed them on my feet.  And so I ordered them.  And they are horribly uncomfortable yet so epically fabulous that I continue to wear them on the reg.  "Is that a sneaker or a heel that you're wearing?"... "Maybe if we slip into something a little  more comfortable you can find out..."  (said nobody)

This post is a little photo-heavy but I couldn't choose just 5 or 6 I loved because my photographer Annie gave me so much to work with!  You can check out more of her stuff here or even book one of her empowering Just BE sessions for yourself!

Colorblock Black/White Top- Eloquii; Leather Paneled Skirt- Forever 21; HighTop Wedge Sneakers- Topshop; Turquoise Belt- Vintage; Watch- Michael Kors; Earrings- Target; Cougar Ring- Nasty Gal; Car-strangers

Style: Sun Seeker

My favorite color is yellow.  Not necessarily to wear, eat, or smell, but I think the color overall has such a happy, vibrant connotation to it.  When I saw this leotard for sale on ASOS (I'm a huge fan of leotards in general), I knew I had to have it!  I wear a ton of things that sit at my waist as I think they flatter my shape better and they are generally much more comfortable.  As a result, leotards have become a staple when it comes to that pairing.

Now unlike the average real housewife, I can't just open a Vogue magazine and pick out something from an ad and well... buy it.  But when I saw this purse by Mulberry in a magazine, took a screenshot of the ad, and found myself still thinking about it on the reg months later, I made my very first high society exception.  I was in London for a bit of work and a bit more fun with friends.  Considering I'd done plenty of research on the bag, I knew there were a few Mulberry stores in the city.  I justified it by telling myself that because I wouldn't be paying tax for it, it was actually quite practical to get it during my time there.  And I mean... when in London (or New York, or Kentucky, or when the internet is available...)

Yellow Zig Zag Leotard- ASOS.com; High Waisted Denim- J Brand; Tan Platform Wedges- Dolce Vita;  Gold Square Patterned Earrings- Target;  Brown Leather Purse- Mulberry

Style: Fall Feathers

Ahh, the Fall weather is finally starting to peek on in to my life and I couldn't be happier. Of course, my biased Southern California perspective should be noted here, but nonetheless, the cool calm of the final months of the year are, in my opinion, the most beautiful.

Now I must start by saying that I've never been a huge fan of wearing the color brown.  I've always thought that it washed me out by blending in with my pale-ish skin color and neutral hair color.  But I've learned there is actually an easy way around that!  Add a pop of color to break up that "blah" territory.  I always feel like my lips blend in with my face, which blends in with my hair, so I added a bright red lip and it made all the difference.

And because I like to live on the edge... I chose to pair black and brown TOGETHER.  Think of the risk.  I'm a slave for a good waist belt and this one had a little edginess to it with the studs.  I love a fresh stud in the morning.  And these black boots were a gift from my ever so stylish father Andre.  He once told me that the most important thing in a person's wardrobe is to have great shoes.  Any man that wore platforms with real fishtanks and live fish in them during the 70's should be trusted.  That is just something I know for sure.

Brown shirtdress with feather pattern- Old Navy; Black Studded Belt- Zara; Black Leather Ankle Boots- Jessica Simpson; Cream Crochet Beanie- H&M; Gold band ring- Michael Kors;  Gold Leaf earrings- Target;  Red Lipstick- Makeup Forever "Rogue Artist Intense 42"; Hair by Lindsey Carter

Style: Party in the Back...

I was out on my yacht the other day... kidding.  I mean life has been good to me so far but not that good.  Why or how I got on this boat is not important nor legal.  As I was saying...

When it comes to plus size shopping in Los Angeles, I’ve found that the best option has always been to stay at home and shop online.  It is unfortunate but there aren’t a lot of options if you want to try on clothing before purchasing.  Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised on one of my most recent Forever 21 trips.  I went into the store with the usual intention of trying to squeeze myself into their size "Large" and was ecstatic to see that not only did they have a somewhat decent sized plus section, but it was also featured in one of the front window displays!... in Beverly Hills!  Baby steps my friends!  I tried on tons of stuff and was excited to finally leave that store with something that wouldn’t tear upon the first Dougie I tried to teach.

This coral top really stood out to me and I loved the sheer patterned design on the back.  I also liked that it was light enough for summer but still had sleeves.

I had originally planned on wearing it buttoned and loose, as it was meant to be, and pairing it over this basic short-sleeved, black dress.  But when I put it on I realized it would better flatter my hourglass figure if I could cinch it at the waist.  And though I’ve previously harped on my love affair with waist belts, I thought this tied-up-yet-relaxed style was a nice change.  Hey Boys!!!

I like to mix things that are tight and loose together.  Wearing two baggy pieces can look frumpy and unflattering, so with this flowing top I chose to wear a tighter dress underneath to show off the shape of my hips and butt while still being comfortable and not too revealing.

I threw my hair up in a messy ponytail to showcase the unique back pattern, and kept things simple by accessorizing with black shoes, a black purse, and this white plastic chain bracelet.

Photographer: Stefan Brysha

Location: Newport Beach, CA

Coral Blouse- Forever21+; Black Short Sleeve Dress- H&M; Black Caged Sandal- Halogen; White Plastic Chain Bracelet- St. Eve Jewelry, Black Studded Fur Purse- Street Level