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

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.

Things Gisele Bundchen and I Have in Common

(Originally published: October 25, 2010)

I was staring at myself in the bathroom mirror at work and suddenly realized that Giselle Bundchen and I have A LOT in common.

Below are some of the most prominent and obvious similarities

#1.  She is a Supermodel.  I am (occasionally rarely) a Plus-Size Model.

#2.  She is married to an NFL quarterback.  I once made out with an unnamed NFL quarterback.

#3.  She is from Brazil.  I went to Brazil one time and stepped on a Red Ant Hill

#4. After I stepped on the Brazilian Ant Hill I went to wash off my bare foot and stepped in dog feces.  Gisele has dogs.

#5. She models for Victoria’s Secret.  I like to order clothes from Victoria’s secret because they run big and make me feel thinner.

#6.  She models for Christian Dior.  I model for Indian Taxi-Bicycles.

#7.  She likes Louis Vuitton bags.  My friend Kayley has a Louis Vuitton bag and I'm pretty sure my mom has an LV wallet insert.

#8.  She has a baby named Ben.  When I was in 5th grade I watched Ben Affleck in "The Voyage of the Mimi".

Ok, cool.  I think I covered all the bases.