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Monday, July 22, 2013

what i'll be reading: nordstrom plus fashion guest bloggers

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Picture from Nordstrom.com blog, The Thread
This week, the stylish geniuses at Nordstrom partner with some of fashion's hippest curvy girl stylists, bloggers, and shoppers to bring a Plus Fashion "Summer Guide to Style" series to the Nordstrom blog [The Thread] this week, and I can't wait to tune in!

Check out their synopsis of the week of events:
Finding clothes that accentuates the body is essential for any woman looking to curate a confident wardrobe. Yet with so many options both online and in stores, the task can be daunting for even the most savviest of shoppers.
On the hunt for figure-flattering solutions, The Thread enlisted four shapely fashion influencers to share how they learned to cultivate a unique personal style by embracing their curves. Meet our guest-bloggers for the week!

Besides the fact that Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack are two of my favorite places to shop, I'll be reading the blog this week because Nordstrom really got some heavy hitters for their guest series.

They even got one of my favorites, Marie Denee of the Curvy Fashionista, to write this week. Learning more about sexy summer style that will accentuate the best of my body from some of the blogosphere's greatest? Count this curvy girl in!

Will you be reading this week? Leave a comment below.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

h-town vicious

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Jumpsuit; Forever 21, Shopper Tote; Zara, Shoes; Saks Fifth Avenue, Belt; Michael Kors, Watch; Skagen

Your favorite southern belle just returned from another weekend getaway. This time, I headed back to my hometown - Houston, TX - to see another H-Town beauty: Mrs. Beyonce Knowles-Carter.

That's right, guys and gals. The Beyonce. The show was absolutely spectacular, but I also enjoyed exploring my city for the first time as a fully legal adult.

I landed early Saturday morning and started on an endless to-do list. I got my hair done, bought all new luggage (I had to get rid of my beloved DVF set *sob*), and relaxed with family. To celebrate Austin's (my best friend of 19 years) 21st birthday, we started Saturday evening at Montrose staple Catbirds. Apparently Ryan Gosling had stopped in the week before on a visit to Houston. I really liked Catbirds; the vibe was laid back, the bartenders were nice (and made great drinks), and the jazz music pouring through the speakers made for a chill ambiance fueled by good conversation. Catbirds even helped me find my new signature drink; the Kir Royale. 


Belated Birthday Boy!

After that, we stopped into Boondocks (which used to be B.J. Oldies) right across Wesheimer on "The Curve." Boondocks is a hipster dive bar with dancing upstairs. It was 90s night, and the place was packed (and un-air conditioned). The place almost smelled of PBR and irony, but it was still a raging good time (as I genuinely love 90s music, unironically). I "pumped up the jam," "sandstormed," and "space jammed" the night away. Of course, I had to hit up Whataburger after a long night of dancing.


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The scene at Boondocks

Sunday morning, my mother, sister, and I had brunch at Lucille's in the Museum District. Lucille's is one of my favorite places to go when I'm in town. I had the Belgian waffle and wings: absolutely delectable. My mother and I spent time together shopping and running errands. That night, the whole family went for dinner at El Tiempo Cantina. 

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A casual day look for shopping. GAP t-shirt, LOFT curvy skinny jeans, necklace from Forever 21

Monday was Bey Day, and everyone was excited. I spent the day prepping my outfits and relaxing at home on my last day in the H. My parents are members at the Foundation Room, so we had drinks and dinner downtown before walking two blocks to the show at the Toyota Center (Dwight Howard's new home; GO ROCKETS!). Beyonce was absolutely spectacular. We had great seats and even saw a few local rappers walk past us. Later, we learned that Jay-Z was sitting a few rows in front of my cousin at the show (how exciting!). 


Huge and amazing Dwight Howard decal on Toyota Center


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Kir Royale at the Foundation Room


Beyonce sang "Bow Down," which apparently she doesn't do in every city, and she made me tear up when she asked the crowd if she "made [Houston] proud." It was a great night, and a spectacular performance. I can't wait to see her in another show. She's amazing! 



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My sister and I at the concert

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I left Houston on Tuesday, but I'll always remember my brief visit. It was great to see my family and spend time in the greatest city in America. 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

curvy is not a curse

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I never talk about body image or weight issues (not even with friends, but I've been asked to contribute to an e-book on body image, and it really got me thinking. If I can share my story and advice and help other women, I'm happy to do it. 

I know that a lot of curvy women, myself included, have a lot of self-conscious conversations with themselves when getting dressed in the morning. Everyone deals with self-doubt; it's a part of being human. I’ve struggled with my weight my entire life. I’ve never been the skinny girl in class; not even in elementary school. When you’re teased and made fun of in school, you get used to being abused. You start to believe that you have brought it on yourself, and that maybe you deserve to be mistreated because you’re fat, you’re ugly, or you’re not as thin as someone else. 

I’m here to tell you right now that if you feel that way, you shouldn’t. Please, please KNOW that you don’t deserve to be mistreated. You are a human being. You are beautiful. You deserve to be loved. I love myself, and when you see yourself as beautiful, that love shines through. Many women limit themselves and undermine their own love lives because they don’t think they’re “good enough” or have a “hot enough” body to date certain guys. I’ve never let my curves define me. I’ve dated guys who have modeled, I’ve dated extremely athletic guys whose bodies are in tip-top shape, and they’ve all accepted me for who I am. I honestly think it's because it’s because they see that beauty shine through; confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can ever wear. 

The most important thing in life is being able to love yourself, and love your flaws fully. It comes with age and experience, but eventually at some point you really stop caring what other people might think you look like. If you think you look beautiful, then that’s all that matters. You become a MUCH happier person when you believe you are amazing just how you are. 

You have to be able to embrace who you are, what you look like, and the things you love, and say, "Okay, this is me, and I'm absolutely GORGEOUS today.” Put your best foot forward and wear whatever makes you feel happy and sexy regardless of what anyone else thinks. And if you’re not completely comfortable with how you look right now, then you should fake it until you make it! The best thing you can do for yourself and for your emotional health is to stay positive and stop comparing yourself to others. Be confident, love selflessly, and be you.

Have you struggled with self image? Did this post bring up any grade school memories? Leave a comment below.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

concrete jungle



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Diane von Furstenberg luggage, Zara shopper bag

To celebrate the Fourth of July, I went to New York City and had the time of my life. I stayed for four glorious days with my good friend-slash-the World's most hospitable host, Jeremy.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

long time no see



Why hello, loyal reader! Oh, how I’ve missed you... It’s been almost three (embarrassing) months since my last post! That’s insane.

A lot has happened since you last heard from me. I’m 21 now! I turned 21 on May 11, and I went on a glorious trip to Vegas on the 21st. I had so much fun, and I can’t wait to get back (I'll post a recap later). I actually may be going back with old friends for New Year’s Eve!




This summer, I’ve been enjoying D.C. nightlife and spending lots of time with a few of my friends here from Houston who are here for their summer internships. I’m staying in the city for the summer working as a Summer Insider at MSLGROUP (the number five PR network in the world) in their D.C. office. It’s been a tremendous learning experience, and I can’t wait to learn even more! I’ve also been busy at work in my new role as Howard’s PRSSA chapter president.





 


On a personal front, 21 is going to be the year of embracing my single-dom (singleness?). I’ve been technically single for over two years now, and I think I’m finally accepting it. I’ve also recently gone through a period of cleansing. I’ve cut out many negative influences and am excited to create and re-envision a new, happier, more centered self. I’m actively working to change the things I do not like and become a more self-aware individual.

That being said, I know most of you come here to see my style choices! I’m learning to embrace my curves more, and will be introducing more bodycon and curve-hugging styles into my posts. Now that I've moved my entire closet from Houston to my D.C. home, I’ll be able to share a wider variety of curvy fashion tips with you. I hope you are ready for summer full of fabulous fashion and fun! I sure am.

Did you miss me? Leave a comment below.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Hot Child In the City


I love this outfit! I rocked it a lot this winter. I'm kind of sad to see the cooler weather go, because I loved wearing this GAP turtleneck! I paired the outfit with my Forever 21 bib necklace, Calvin Klein coat, and Nine West booties. I feel very metropolitan in this look!






What do you guys think of my "all black everything" look?

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Put some PEP in Your Step




It goes without saying that peplum dresses are a curvy girls best friend. However, it deserves to be said that this INC peplum dress from Macy's is easily one of the best purchases that I've ever made.

At $12, this dress was a steal. Macy's amazing sales is one of the reasons I love the store; you can buy expensive-looking dresses for a ridiculously low price. 

I bought this dress to wear on my Valentine's Day date this year. Since then, the frock has been in heavy rotation in my wardrobe. It works for so many things: date nights, going to the lounge with friends, or even a concert. I could even dress it up for work with a tailored blazer and shorter business pumps.



Peplums have had a great two years in fashion. Once a forgotten trend of the late eighties, peplums came back in full swing in 2010. Surprisingly, peplums will continue to be in vogue throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall 2013. 




However, the types and shapes of peplum dresses and tops have changed. Designers sent asymmetrical,  hybrid, and short peplums down their runways this season. Buy peplums in varying shades, shapes, and patterns from fast-fashion sites like ASOS.



I loved shooting this dress for the blog. I felt like a socialite in this tailored, slimming look! I paired the I.N.C. dress with a bib necklace from Urban Outfitters, 14k gold hoop earrings, and my coveted, but barely utilized, Christian Siriano for Payless heels (they're super difficult to walk in, but super stylish!).


What do you all think of my peplum look? Leave a comment below!