Last 'Shift' before Fall featuring ASOS CURVE Shift Dress with Ruffle

Hey everybody!! How are y'all doing? I have really missed you guys. I had so many hopes for my blog this summer but ya girl has truly been busy with work and school. While I've had a lot of time to go out and take pictures, most of them never seem to make it to an actually post... well no further than Instagram. Please forgive me because I have honestly turned into a basic Instagram model. But fret no more... I just had to bring you one more summer blog post before fall hits.

If you've been keeping up with my photos on Instagram you will quickly notice that all my post have been dresses. There have been a few rompers and jumpers in between but mostly dresses. I really didn't notice it until one of my readers asked me if I wore anything other than dresses lol... I guarantee this was not on purpose. In retrospect I wish it would've been because then I could've possibly done a blog series on dresses... but oh well.... I promise this will be my last dress post... I think lol

Truth be told I've always felt more comfortable in dresses. I know it's ironic that this former tom-boy actually prefers dresses and skirts, but growing up I really had no choice. I went to private school until middle school and the uniform for girls was either a dress or skirt. I believe around the 5th grade they made some shorts for us, but back then you really couldn't pay me to show my legs... and I don't remember the blue, yellow and orange plaid shorts to be very flattering. But beyond being forced to wear them in school, dresses and skirts are just comfortable... especially in the summer.


As you know it can get hott down here in the South and dresses are as breathable as it gets for me... During the summer I prefer shift dresses over the usual maxis or fit and flares. The design of shift dresses basically allow the dress to flow away from your body. This is very important during those hot summer months because there's nothing worse than clothes sticking to you on a hot summer day with Georgia's humidity. I fell in love with this ASOS Curve Shift Dress!! As soon as I saw it I knew it had to be mine. I absolutely love the texture and feel of this dress. The dress is well-designed and the ruffles are an added bonus of femininity. And as if you could ever have too much pink, I paired the look with some old flats from Old Navy and my new purse I received at AKA's 67th Boule that was held here in Atlanta, Ga. I promise it's the bags that keep me going each year.


So what do you guys think? Are we loving this look? I promise I will try to do a better job of posting more looks for you guys. I have a jean series coming up soon so be on the look out for that. See you guys later!!

Jessica Simpson Floral Printed Dress

Hey ladies! How y'all feeling? Today I want to talk about something that I'm pretty sure we've all experienced... Buyer's Remorse... Remember that time you just had to get that outfit even though the price wasn't too hot... Well that happened to me not too long ago... Luckily with a little bit of patience I was able to turn this shopping tragedy into a shopping treasure...





I first saw this dress Fall 2015 while shopping in Dillard's. I can't remember the exact month (September or October), but I remember I was looking for a dress to wear to my friend's wedding in October. When I saw this dress, I knew it would be the perfect dress for the occasion. The only thing I did not like was the price tag. At this time the dress was listed at regular price around $99. Feeling that I would not find something to wear before I left for the wedding, I made the rash decision and bought the dress. After my purchase I felt really good... I could check this off of my list of things to do in preparation for my trip... but then something happened... Buyer's Remorse. Now I know to most $99 may not seem a lot, but for a graduate student whose loans continue to stack up year by year this was a very large coin to lose... Every time I would see this dress hanging in my closet all I could think about was the amount of groceries I could've gotten with that much money or how many times I could have filled up my gas tank... I just couldn't get over spending that much money on a dress I would probably wear once... and maybe a few times to church once the spring time hits. So my conscious got the best of me and I returned the dress maybe a week after it's purchase. Surprisingly, I ended up wearing something out of my closet to wedding. The older I get the more I realize that you don't have to buy a new item for every event. Now that probably was the first time in many years that I didn't buy something new for an event, but lets just say I'm still a work in progress.

Now being an avid window shopper, I probably visit Dillard's maybe once a month. I rarely buy something on these trips... Shopping just happens to be something I enjoy to past time. In the months to follow I continued to see this dress on display. The wedding had passed, but I was still in love with the dress. The price tag on the other hand, had yet to budge. Fast forward 5 months and I'm in Dillard's doing some window shopping and guess what I see... a sign that reads "Clearance 65% off." Usually I avoid this section... By the time clothes hit clearance in Dillard's it's usually something that I don't want or something that is not in my size... Nevertheless, I decided to check the rack out. To my surprise I see the dress hanging with a price tag that reads $34... and guess what??? It was just my size!! Yep thats right... 65% off the original price... I'm pretty sure you guys know I did not hesitate to make this purchase.

This floral printed dress from Jessica Simpson features a beaded neckline and side slit. It is the perfect combination of feminine and ultra chic. Though there's no weddings coming up any time soon and nearly half a year has passed, I do think this purchase was right on time as the weather heats up. To finish off the look I paired it with some Vince Camuto criss cross strap platform sandals that I also purchased during the Dillard's Clearance Sale. These were a whopping $24!!!!! Macy's is still selling this exact same shoe for $90... Talk about a STEAL!!! If you're trying to get my look for the same price I suggest visiting your local Dillard's or Macy's... I've searched everywhere but unfortunately the dress seems to be sold out everywhere online...

In an effort to avoid experiencing buyer's remorse I want to leave you with a few little tips.... Count to three. 1.... 2.... 3.... Let's stop buying things because we want it... First let's think if we really need it... In the event that you absolutely need to purchase an outfit for a special occasion, lets try not waiting to the last minute to buy it... In the situation above I made a rash decision in purchasing the dress because I felt like I would not have enough time to find another dress.... All it took was a little delayed gratification… Hope you guys enjoyed reading the blog today… See you next time!!

Flirts in Skirts | Valentine's Day LookBook

Hey ya'll! I know it's been a long time since I've blogged, but I have been swamped in school.  I still find it amazing that I had the time to do a shoot with a presentation and preliminary exam coming up soon.  Nevertheless, I'm back and blogging… And what better way to bring it back than during a girl's favorite holiday… Valentine's Day!!!

Valentine's Day has always been a great holiday for me because I'm obsessed with chocolate!! Yeah thats right… Forget all the flowers and dates and just give me the chocolate…  and after I've sat at home and eaten all of the chocolate I can for one day, I like to head out with friends or with that special someone and dress things up.  Those of you that know me or have read past blogs know that my wardrobe mainly consists of comfy chic items.  I'm always on the go with school and usually only buy items that I can wear all day and feel comfortable.  But on Valentine's Day I like to change things and go major girly… And what is more girly than a pink skirt?!?!  Below you will find three different outfits I've put together for Valentine's Day with each outfit featuring a pink skirt. If you like any of the items, keep reading and I will tell you where I purchased each item so that you can get your very own.

I recently discovered  Charlotte Russe carried plus size clothing.  I remember in college all of my friends loved Charlotte Russe and when they walked into the store, I went straight to the jewelry or shoe section.  I literally could not fit anything in that store.  This really upset me because my friends would always be able to find something really cute and at affordable prices.  Now, 4 years later, I get to as well.  The skirts in the first two looks and the bodysuit in the last look came from Charlotte Russe.  If I remember correctly, I got a really good deal on all items during an online sale.  I think I paid like $6 each for the tulle skirt and bandage skirt and $10 for gray bodysuit.  Yep, thats right… All three items were purchased for under $25!!! Now that's a steal!!!! I suggest frequently visiting the site before purchasing because there seems to be a different deal going on every other day.

First Look:  Breakfast at Tiffany's

So my first look is my spin on Breakfast at Tiffany's… More like brunch with my girls.  When I was single, my single friends and I would get together on Valentine's Day for brunch at our favorite restaurant… We not only did this on V-Day but basically every chance we got… lol… what can I say? We really like brunch.  Brunch is sort of our time to get together and catch up with what's going on in our lives.  Every now and again, we like to dress things up and look real fancy.

 The top in this first look was actually purchased maybe 2 years ago at Target.  I found it in the clearance section for under $10.  I had so many plans for this bodysuit but could never find the right bottoms to pair it with… Fast forward two years later and I finally found the right bottoms lol.  My shoes were purchased in college from Dillard's… The brand is Gianni Bini.  Though this is possibly my second time wearing the shoes, they are so comfortable.  I doubt this style is still available seeing as though I purchased them in 2012… but you can never go wrong with a nice heel sandal.

Skirt Found Here; Similar Top Found Here; Similar Shoe Found Here

Being busy with school is definitely one of the reasons I haven't posted a blog in a while… but the second reason is because all my friends are busy too and I have nobody to take pictures of me… So I really appreciate my friend Shari helping me out with this one… I even told her to dress up so she can take a couple of pics too… I didn't tell her much about my looks just that I would be shooting a post for Valentine's Day-- and what do you know? She shows up in a tulle skirt as well… So there you have it ladies… 

Tulle Skirt = Valentine's Day lol…

Second Look: Date Night

So Bae has already told you he's got Valentine's Day covered.. and if your dreams have come true, he's made reservations at that fancy little restaurant you've been wanting to try.  He finally got it right, ladies.  So you look into your closet to find something that shows off your figure just right.  This bandage skirt from Charlotte Russe does just that--hugs my curves in just the right place!  I paired it with a top that I've had for so long I can't even remember where I got it… Oh wait… JcPenny… Yep! I absolutely love this top because I can pair it with jeans for a quick cute look.  The shoes, like at least 90% of the shoes in my closet, were purchased in college.  Let's just say during college my line sisters and I totally visited Dillard's and DSW once a week.  I hardly even buy shoes these days unless it's flats for work or church… These shoes were purchased from DSW and the brand is Chinese Laundry.  While they're not the most comfortable, they probably are one of my most worn heels.  I just slip a gel insole in them before I go out and before you know it, I'm dancing the night away and my feet aren't even hurting.

Skirt Found Here; Similar Top Here and Here; Similar Shoes Here

Third Look: V-Day to the Max(i)

Now this third look is by far my favorite look because it fits in with my comfy chic style… And I get to wear flats….  Now I'm kinda short so you really can't see the flats I had on with this outfit, but they were a really cute pair of sparkly Steve Madden Conncord Flats like the ones being sold here.  The maxi skirt was purchased last year from Target.  I absolutely love Target clothes… in fact… I may do a haul from them soon.  The gray top is actually a bodysuit from Charlotte Russe.  Though it's not pictured here, the top has a cute little key hole on the back.  This look is truly universal.  No matter what plans you have on Valentine's Day you can wear this outfit.  

Similar Skirt Here; BodySuit Found Here

Well, folks there you have it… My Valentine's Day LookBook!  I hope you enjoyed it…. Have suggestions for future looks and blog post? Let me know… See ya soon! 

Go Fourth and Fashion!

Fourth of July is right around the corner… and believe it or not, the Fourth is one of my favorite holidays … Not only because of the good food, spending time with family, and watching fireworks, but because I get to plan my Fourth of July outfit…There's just something very patriotic in planning an outfit for that day…  Take a look at all my social media feeds and you will find that on the Fourth I am smiling and sporting my red, white and blue…

Instead of buying something new this year, I decided to look in my closet and do a little matching.  The outfit below has been in my closet for at least a year… The red and blue printed pants came from Old Navy, while the blue peplum top came from Forever21.  Because these items are so old it was hard to find the direct link to them… But don't worry… I've included some looks that you can find right now for some last minute Fourth of July fashion ideas…

Still in need of an outfit for the Fourth? Check out these sites below. 

A Fashion to Figure Fourth by curvescouragecurlscouturechrist on Polyvore

Fourth of July by curvescouragecurlscouturechrist featuring high waisted jeans

Sitting on Top of the World

During the summer we are always on the go... Heading to this BBQ, that festival, this picnic, that party... I think you pretty much get it... Summer is all about fun and food, but let's not forget about fashion!  

I've always lived outside the city in the suburbs.  While living in Mississippi this wasn't a problem... A 15 mile drive only took you 15 minutes... Moving to Atlanta, however, changed my life... Traffic, traffic, traffic... This small town girl just could not get used to a 15 mile drive turning into an hour long road trip.  For the first 6 months I was literally late to everything...  I even arrived to my own pinning ceremony an hour late because I was stuck in traffic...

Fast forward... I've been living here for two years and I think I've finally gotten a hang of traffic... I know when and when not to leave my house lol... But most of all I've learned how to pack for a day.. Yes really... Everyday before I leave my house I pack a bag for the day...  It usually includes some workout clothes, pjs and an outfit for the next day... You just never know...  Especially after Snow Apocalypse '14 -- Yes I survived after being stranded... 

Just a little background...  

I live 33 miles north of Downtown Atlanta (according to Siri it would take me 51 minutes to get to downtown); my school is 23 miles from where I live (it takes 48 minutes to get to my school); however, my school is only 13 miles/25 minutes away from downtown... 

I spend most of my day at school... After classes there's always that one friend that wants to go somewhere downtown... But wait... I can't just rush home and change my outfit...  That's when I finally got the hang of Day to Night looks.. I always went places in my "school clothes" because I just refused to drive all the way back home and then head back downtown... In case you guys haven't checked... Gas is a little too high... and AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!! 

Since I've moved to Atlanta and now that I'm in professional school my wardrobe has totally changed... I find myself only buying clothes that are functional to my lifestyle... Can I wear it to school?  How can I transform it in case a friend wants to go out to dinner or to a party after class?  The easiest transformation pieces for me are skirts and dresses...  I always find myself taking a dress and pulling a skirt over it... Check out this Day to Night look I pulled off...  

This first look is perfect for brunch with friends or a BBQ with coworkers 

Have a date planned after that BBQ?  Slip off the skirt to show a more fitted dress perfect for any date! 

Dress from Target, Shoes from ASOS 

Skirt from Ross

Pictures were taken on the Jackson Street Bridge, Atlanta, Ga 

Stepping Out

Tis the season for Crop Tops + Florals…. So I've heard…

Summer Fashion is all about being bold and stepping out in tiny shorts, floral prints, tank/halter/crop tops, and short dresses.  Now I'm a fan of summer fashion,  but I've always played it safe with more "covered" approaches of summer fashion -- maxi dresses, long flowy skirts and kimonos.  Let's just say I've always been a little self conscious about certain things on my body -- especially my arms (I still don't think I'm ready to rock a tank).  Just recently a friend and I had a conversation about stepping out of our comfort zone.  As creatures of habit its so easy to get stuck into not doing something just because we've never tried it.  It reminded me of a blog post I read a while ago from For Colored Gurls.  If you've been following me since the beginning you know that my sole purpose for creating this blog was to be an inspiration to others.  The other day while watching +Chante' Burkett and +Kelly Augustine +Size Tag Video, Chante answered that her biggest pet peeve in the plus size community was women who claimed to be confident and an inspiration to other plus size women while opting to cover their bellies with oversized purses in every shoot.  After reflecting on what she said, I totally had to agree.  How can I be an inspiration to you guys and tell you to love your body when I choose to hide certain things about my body…. So guys… I stepped out!

I found this gorgeous floral two piece crop top set from Stacked Apparel

Shoes: Urban Outfitters Purse: Michael Kors 

Everything you ever wanted is one step out of your comfort zone. 

Looking to find a matching crop set of your own? Check out +Alissa Wilson and her blog +Stylish Curves where she tells you were to get the latest Two Piece Crop Top Set