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

Style: Blue Cheese

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to my blue cheese pants.  At least that's what I like to call them.  They remind me of Blue Cheese and what could be better than covering your body in that, right?  I saw these jeans years ago at Nordstrom Rack and had to have them... Even if they were two sizes too small and absent of any form of elastic.

Colored and patterned pants seem to be all the rage right now so I was excited to pull these babies out of the closet.  They have that 80's acid-washed look but still neutral enough to not distract from the entire outfit.   You know what fancy pants means though... basic everything else.  This solid black Ella Moss tanktop has lasted hundreds of wears and can be a staple with almost anything.  It's been a bit chilly by the beach lately so I paired it with my summery Theory blazer.  My friend Lisa makes some of the coolest Jewelry and this necklace is my favorite ever.  It is a large crystal with a chain of three different styles and I get compliments on it every time I wear it!

And lastly, I told you I would be genuine and so I have to let you in on a little secret...

You know what they say... When life gives you lemons, just keep eating them until your pants no longer fit.  And then wear the pants more.

Pants- William Rast; Black Top- Ella Moss; White Blazer- Theory; Crystal Necklace- St. Eve Jewelry; Watch- Michael Kors; Shoes- Halogen

Photographer: Angela Lupinetti

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Style: White Bodycon Dress

I think one of the greatest things that a woman with curves can do is flaunt them.  Years ago when I struggled with my body image and size, I did my best to cover the parts of my body I saw as "imperfections".  I'd often wear baggy dresses that had no shape and I felt self conscious regularly.  It took me a while to get to a point when I really started loving the body I was given, and gaining confidence in the fact that though I may not have seen women like me in the magazines and on TV, it didn't mean I couldn't look beautiful or sexy.

When I saw this dress I remained hesitant but forced myself to try it on anyways.  I had been shopping for a dress for a party and though I knew this wouldn't be for the event, I loved the shape and style of it.  Something that you should know about me is that I'm in love with Spanx.   The particular pair I am wearing in this photo is nude colored and goes from right below my bra line to just above the knee.  One of the best things I can recommend for a curvy woman while shopping is to Bring.Your.Spanx.  I often wear heels too.  If you can love something in that horrible dressing room lighting then you can love it anywhere!

My style can be all over the place but with something as classic as this all white dress, I prefer to keep things simple.  A dress like this definitely calls for the "less is more" attitude.

Dress- Reality, Shoes- Woodies by Jeffrey Campbell, Necklace- St. Eve Jewelry, Lip Color- MAC Russian Red

Photographer:  Stefan Brysha

Location:  Lido Island, Newport Beach, CA