My Fuerza Story

Last week, Sealed with a Kiss Designs contacted me to talk about a new collaboration they're launching with plus size supermodel, Rosie Mercado.  The collection is called Fuerza, which is Spanish for 'strength'.  SWAK asked me to share with about what Fuerza means to me, or to tell them a story about when I had to tap into my own Fuerza. 

I told them about my trip to Guatemala last year with the non-profit organization, Common Hope.  It was such an intense, incredible week of my life- one during which I had to draw on many sources of strength. It changed my life in so many ways and taught me a lot about the strength within.  Click here to read my story, and stories from other friends in the plus size industry (like Aimee of Madison Plus and Maddy of Plus Model Magazine) - plus SWAK customers.  You can even submit your own story of Fuerza to the site. 

I haven't tried on any of the clothes from Rosie's Fuerza collection, yet, so I can't tell you how they fit.  But they look great on the website! A few of my early favorites include:

Plus Size Style- Everyday Bombshell

I had one of those moments a couple weeks ago where I realized that I'd completely forgotten about one of my favorite plus size retailers - City Chic.  I wore a lot of City Chic clothes after meeting their executive team at the Curvy Revolution back in 2010.  I liked the quality of the clothing, the fresh trendy styles and the fact that their sales are frequent and fantastic. 

And that's exactly how I came to add this pretty, emerald green dress to my wardrobe - on sale for $17.  And the best part?  Free shipping both ways, so shopping online with City Chic is a total no-brainer.  Love that. 

The Outfit:
Green ruffle dress- City Chic
Black cardigan - Avenue
Jeweled buckle belt - Gap Outlet
Teardrop necklace- Patinastores.com
Missoni-print flats- Report

Plus Size Style - Belts

Last week, I asked you guys to send me questions over Facebook, Twitter, email (wherever!  however!) that you'd like me to answer or topics you'd like me to address in upcoming YouTube videos.  I received lots of great ideas that I'll be incorporating into my YouTube channel, but had to pick one to get started.  So I went with the most popular question that was asked...How do I make belts work?  Here you go!



So...what are your thoughts?  How do you make belts work for you?  Where do you find great belts?

Plus Size Style- Everyday Bombshell

I'm wearing not one but TWO mythical, baseless -but -widely- accepted fashion taboos today...can you spot them?

Do I look like  a  taboo? 

No.  Of course not

 

 

Stripes on a plus size woman!  Mixing black and navy blue...the horror!  You know what?  It feels great to go against the grain.  Although I really have to wonder if many people still abide by those fashion "rules," anymore.  Do you?  If you don't follow these two "rules" - are there others that you just can't get yourself to break?

 



 

The Double Taboo Outfit:

Navy blue and red striped dress- Old Navy

Black leggings - Lane Bryant

Black kitten heels - Payless Shoe Source

Mixed metal necklace - gift from  Lane Bryant

Limoncello necklace- Lia Sophia

Crystal cocktail ring - gift from my friend, Jenn

Plus Size Style- Everyday Bombshell

I've said it before, and I'll say it again (probably every time I wear this dress...) but I hope you have something in your closet that makes you feel like POW!  Check me out, world!

I don't know why, but this dress is it for me.  Something about the way it fits over my curves without clinging...I don't know.  I also don't question it - I just enjoy the way I feel when I pull this baby on.

The Outfit:

POW-inducing dress- Avenue

Open cardigan - TJ Maxx

Pink skinny belt - Old Navy

Triple strand of pearls - QVC

Kitten heels - Payless

Plus Size Style- Everyday Bombshell

This LucieLu lace dress is quickly becoming a favorite.  It has a really cute bow detail on one shoulder that I can't wait to show off once it's warm enough to peel off all the layers and wear it sleeveless.  In the meantime - a ruffled shrug adds just a little necessary coverage. 

The Outfit:
Primrose Dress in Dusty Rose/Slate - provided by LucieLu
Ruffled shrug- Lane Bryant
Beaded necklace - Mark
Link bracelet - Lia Sophia
Black kitten heels- Payless

Plus Size Style- As Seen on Twin Cities Live

Happy Earth Day, everyone!  I hope you had a chance to show your appreciation for our wonderful planet in some way, today - whether it was taking an extra moment to recycle something, choosing to buy something made locally or grown organically, or sitting outside and enjoying what nature has to offer.  I celebrated with an appearance on Twin Cities Live, where I shared a few of my favorite beauty products that are committed to Earth-friendly ingredient and/or sustainable sourcing.

I wanted to wear something a little springier for the appearance, especially since we were talking about Earth Day...but with snow STILL falling here in St. Paul, it just felt a little unseasonal.  I know.  How is that possible? 

Anyway I chose to layer a striped tee shirt from Talbots underneath an Alfani Woman sheath dress.  Heavy metal acccessories, including a layered necklace from Lane Bryant and a bunch of bracelets, completed the look.   I'll be on again with the month...so let's pray I'll be wearing sandals and a few less layers next time!