TrendyCurvy Travels: Maui

December 21, 2018

Outfit details: Top and Pants from Astra Signature

So I’m finally getting around to posting about my recent trip to Maui. It was my first time in Hawaii and it was nothing short of amazing. Maui is an absolute dream and seven days wasn’t enough time to explore all of the beauty of this island. Before we get into the details, I have to give a huge thank you to Alaska Airlines for the flight. Alaska Airlines has become one my favorite airlines to travel seeing as though they go to all of my favorite destinations including San Francisco, New York and my new favorite, Maui. Their service, hospitality and ease of booking make traveling a lot less stressful.

Where I stayed: Wailea

I am the hotel research queen (self proclaimed of course). I don’t splurge on much but when it comes to vacations and getaways, I like to stay where I can get a bit of luxury and an experience all in one. I look at getting out of town as an escape/reset from everyday life so the hotels need to provide me with just that. With that being said, it seemed like there were two main tourist areas on the island. One is Wailea and the other Lahaina. I couldn’t make up my mind as to which location to stay at, so I split the trip in half so that I could experience both. One resort stood out the most to me for the first half and that was the Wailea Beach Resort.

As soon as you step foot on this property, you are instantly put into vacation mode. You are greeted with smiling faces that offer you leis and guava juice while you check in. The open air lobby is absolutely STUNNING and perfectly captures the Hawaiian landscape.

The Room & Amenities

The rooms are equally as beautiful. I opted for an ocean view room because all I wanted to look at all day was the ocean while I was there. The room we received was on the ground level so it included an extended lanai and a great view of the Serenity pool.

The Serenity pool is a breathtaking adults-only infinity pool that is the epitome of relaxation. You have a front row seat to the ocean and it has the most beautiful sunsets!

Click “Continue Reading” to see more of my trip!

TrendyCurvy Travels: Napa

November 18, 2018

4 Comments

Outfit details: Kimono | Pants | Booties (similar) | Bag

I’m just coming to the end of my travels up to the Bay Area. I got to spend a few up in Napa for the first time and had a great time. As always, I wanted to share my experiences and give you all of the details about my travels. So without further adieu, let’s get into it!

Where I Stayed

Napa is marked with many luxury options for lodging. There are actually several different areas within Napa Valley that you can stay, each with their own unique offerings. I narrowed my search down to either staying in downtown Napa or a neighboring town called Yountville. From what I gathered, Yountville is where many of the wineries are with some hotels having views of the vineyards. It also seemed to be more laid back and on the quieter side. Downtown Napa was said to be more happening, being closer to “nightlife” (and I use that term very loosely), as well as tasting rooms and restaurants. Since it was my first time, I decided to go with the latter option to be in the heart of Napa.

After reviewing many different locations, I decided to book a room at the Archer Hotel. I cannot say enough about this hotel. It is beautifully designed and decorated, centrally located, and has great customer service.

When I envisioned a place to stay in Napa, I thought of a cozy, yet modern room with a fireplace to sip wine and unwind at night. This had all of that and more. Everything from the dreamy canopy bed, to the oversized balcony, to the huge soaking tub just fit what I was looking for perfectly.

Click on “Continue Reading” to see some must-do wine tastings and tours!

Continue Reading…

Stitch Fix Plus Size Tastemakers

November 6, 2018

8 Comments

If you’ve been following me on social media, you know that last month I flew to San Francisco to spend some time with my Stitch Fix family. I call them family because they really are just that. It’s rare to feel so connected to a brand but with Stitch Fix, it’s about much more than just a partnership. I was first introduced to Stitch Fix a couple of years ago when they brought me on, along with two other influencers, to be consultants for their plus size launch. They really wanted to make sure that they got it right so instead of just relying on their own expertise and research (of which they did a ton of), they wanted to hear straight from the mouths of consumers.

For those that have been rocking with me for a while, you may remember this post where I talked about the intensive meetings and fit sessions that we had with the team, giving our honest feedback. You may also remember this post where I excitedly announced the official plus launch. Since then, I have done a host of other things with the brand including being a part of a national commercial (of which I still can’t believe). So needless to say, Stitch Fix is near and dear to my heart.

What makes Stitch Fix different?

What sets Stitch Fix a part is that they are relentless on improving the plus business. Although they are a very popular brand, they don’t rely on that to get them through day-to-day operations. They realize that there are so many opportunities for growth within the plus business in offering trendy styles and quality fabrics. So, it’s no surprise that Stitch Fix brought me back, along with this time seven other amazing women of whom you will see below. They not only wanted to catch us up on all of the things that they have been working on, but to also hear our opinions and our insight…along with having a little fun in SF!

{Sign up to try Stitch Fix today}

Stitch Fix Plus Size Event

Here are all of the ladies. From left to right, starting from the top row and working your way down, we have: Hunter McGrady, plus size model, Katie Sturino of The 12ish Style, Nicole Simone of Curves On A Budget, Chante Burkett of Everything Curvy & Chic, Alex of Learning To Be Fearless, Allison of Curvy Girl Chic, Tanesha of Girl With Curves, and finally me! We started off our day at the Stitch Fix headquarters, which is one of my favorite offices by the way, to talk with the team and meet the CEO and founder!

The amazing Katrina Lake, CEO & founder of Stitch Fix

Click “Continue Reading” to view the rest of the post!

TrendyCurvy Travels: NYFW 2018

September 19, 2018

6 Comments

Dress: Prabal Gurung courtesy of 11 Honore. Can be purchased here

I’m just getting around to posting my New York Fashion Week recap and let me tell you, this time was one for the books! My first fashion week was last year and it was truly an amazing experience. I was lucky enough to snag a front row seat at the Christian Siriano show which I’m still pinching myself about. I also attended shows of plus size retailers such as Torrid and Addition Elle. It’s an amazing experience to see women that look like you on the runway!

This year was equally as amazing because I was able to attend another designer’s show, Prabal Gurung. Not only was I able to attend, but I got to wear one of his designs to the show! This was such a surreal moment for me. New York Fashion Week alone is a momentous occasion but as a plus size woman, you attend runway shows to admire. You know that the majority of the clothing presented doesn’t come in your size so it’s a different experience. To know that this designer, like Christian Siriano and others, makes garments for my body is really encouraging to see. Also, being able to wear said garment was a truly special moment that I will never forget.

With Patrick Herning, Founder & CEO of 11 Honore

I got to meet Tiffanie Hadish!

Of course, since it was Fashion Week, I had to bring the fashions. My favorite line every time I think about NYFW is from Dwight who was on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. This was a long time ago so you have to be a real fan to remember this. Dwight was attending Sheree’s fashion show of her new clothing line and she didn’t get the clothes in time for the show. So he walks in and says “A fashion show with no fashions?…How dreadful!” I laugh about that line to this day! Any who, the week was marked with all kinds of events and parties so I had to represent for the curvies!

Outfit details – Jumpsuit: Charlotte Russe | Pumps: Nine West | Hat (old)