Style: A Backless Bodycon Birthday

A couple weeks ago I headed down to Newport Beach to celebrate my mom's birthday.  I hung out on the patio with my mom and dad drinking wine, and then dined at The Cannery Restaurant overlooking the bay.

Now, this dress is usually one I'd save for a night out with the girls or a hot date, but I couldn't wait to wear it so consider it a birthday gift to my mother.  You're supposed to shake what your mama gave you, right?

When I saw this dress from Tart on Hautelook, I wasn't even sure my eyes were registering what I was seeing.  Backless AND Bodycon AND the perfect length AND long sleeves.  SOLD... ten times over!  I'm pretty sure this dress was made for me and though I must admit that the backless bra/lower rise Spanx combination was a bit tricky and slightly uncomfortable, it was worth ever tug and tuck.

Because this dress is so va-va-voom, I chose to keep the jewelry simple.  Even though the dinner wasn't very dressy, I threw on some cascading gold earrings from the luxury designer known as Target.  Please forgive the following deer in headlights phenomenon...

It was a wonderful night of celebration and there may have been one too many bottles of wine involved but who's counting?  It is so wonderful to have my parents living so close and I will certainly miss that when I make the big move to New York next year.  But hey, the career calls and I refuse to be left behind.  I've got myself some big dreams and by God I'm going to chase them!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful mother!

Dress- Tart; Shoes- Dolce Vita; Earrings- Target

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: Electric Blue Romper

I've always loved fashion but I had a hard time while growing up finding clothing that fit me well.  I remember when the upper arm bracelet was in style and the only way that was happening was if I used a headband or a belt.  Working in the fashion industry has shown me how many options are out there for whatever your body shape may be, and trying on outfit after outfit has taught me what flatters my body best.  I may not be the most stylish person in the world but I know what works for my body and who better to show you than than the girl who tries on clothes all day and watches the professionals as they style it to perfection?

I am 5'10 and I wear a size 12/14.  I usually go for the 14 unless it is something that sits at my waist like a skirt or high waisted jeans or a certain style of dress, as my waist is rather small compared to my hips and ba-donk.  Everyone's body shape is different, but for me personally, belts have become my new best friend, I wear heels almost always (which usually puts me well above 6 feet), and I prefer things with sleeves.  We all have our little preferences and if we feel confident and comfortable in what we are wearing, then nobody should make us feel otherwise!

 I saw this romper on Gilt and had to have it.  A bright blue is one of my favorite colors to wear and I liked that the pleats of fabric in front appeared forgiving.

As some of you may know, rompers are a bit risky when you are tall like me but fortunately, the extra fabric was on my team when it came to cameltoe protection.  Is it even socially acceptable to say "cameltoe" out loud?  I don't care.  Cameltoe.

It came with a black belt but I chose to change it up a bit with this snakeskin one by Steve Madden.  I paired it with sky high tan pumps as they make the legs appear longer and I thought the bright all-over blue was loud enough to keep the shoe neutral.

Electic Blue Romper- Dolce Vita;  Tan Pumps- Sam Edelman;  Belt- Steve Madden

Photography: Ashley Barrett Hair and Makeup: Stephanie Lizabeth Location: Playa Del Rey, California

*Just a note:  I have no intention of photoshopping or retouching my body to look smoother, thinner, firmer, etc. in my personal photos that I put up within blog posts.  I think it is important to realize that we all have imperfections and they're not something to be ashamed of.  Maybe if I have a giant booger on my forehead or something like... well... no, I'd DEFINITELY leave that.