I’ve never met a polka dot that I did not like. How can I resist such a classic, feminine print that has stood the test of time? Polka dots are just one of those things that will never go out of style. Fashion is constantly changing and popular trends are different with every passing season. However, this print remains and adapts to whatever is current. I think that is partly due to how simplistic  and versatile it is. I’ve worn polka everything just about, from jackets to tops, pants and of course skirts. Each of them were unique in their style and vibe but pieces that I can keep for a lifetime.

So, I think at this point I can name myself the queen of pencil skirts. I really don’t know how many that I own or have worn but let’s just say its a lot. I just love how they hug my curves in all of the right places. I know that some women feel self-conscious about wearing tops tucked in to form fitting skirts but there are many other ways to wear them without having to do so. My preference is this way since I feel as though it accentuates my waist the best (even with my tum tum sticking out but…who cares!). However, a great way to conceal is by wearing a peplum top or a loose fitting blouse and belting it so that you can still get the same effect. Finally, none of my outfits are complete without a little pop of something. In this case, it’s a pop of color. Pink, yellow, blue, you name it, all pair well with black and white polka dots. I was so tempted to wear yellow instead since it’s one of my favorite colors to wear. But I said to myself that I would mix it up and went with this hot pink instead. Bright colors, classic prints, curvy style…what more can a girl ask for?

Outfit details:

Top: Bar III (wearing size XXL) | Skirt: INC International Concepts (wearing size XXL) | Shoes: BCBGeneration (similar)

Photographer: Steve Suavemente

Today is Mother’s Day and I, like many of you, are blessed to be able to celebrate and give honor to our mothers. There is absolutely nothing like a mother’s love. It is the definition of unconditional and the personification of selflessness. She can easily take the place of others, yet no one can ever take her place. She is a comforter, a therapist, a reliable friend, a voice of reason, a shopping buddy, and so much more.

My mother’s name is Iris and I think that it’s so fitting to describe the type of person that she is. Irises are famous for their beautiful blooms and their fragrance. Their vibrant color and iconic structure just stand out among the others. Irises are known to symbolize faith, wisdom, peace of mind, friendship and hope. Each of the colors that they bloom in represent one of those characteristics. I couldn’t think of a better set of words to describe my mom. Her unwavering faith is evident in the way she trusts God to guide her life and fulfill her purpose. She is more wise than she knows. She exemplifies that having peace of mind doesn’t mean you have to have all of the answers. Her friendship is one that always lifts you up, supports and empowers you. And you can always count on her for a hopeful and encouraging word.

My mom is special…like really special. She is not the flower that comes a dime a dozen, but the one that you come encounter with on rare occasions. The one that you can’t help but admire her strength and beauty. She is the flower that shows you that rain will only help you bloom.

I love you so much mom. Happy Mother’s Day.

Outfit Details:

Blazer: Bar III | Top: Nordstrom | Jeans: KUT from the Kloth (same brand, lighter wash) | Shoes: Sam Edelman

Photographer: Steve Suavemente

Today, I’m partnering with a brand that is a new one for me but not at all new to the plus size space. That brand is called Woman Within. I’ve heard of Woman Within through passing but just have never tried them out for myself. Upon going to their website, I was honestly very excited about several things. The first was a campaign called Every. Body. Is. Beautiful. Upon reading into it, I discovered that Woman Within has been making sizes 12-44 for over 50 years!! I don’t think you know how major that is for a brand to make clothes above a size 24 (which is where many plus brands stop) and to have been doing so for decades. That means that they are very invested in plus size women of all shapes and sizes. That alone is reason enough to support them.

So now, on to the clothing. Woman Within tends to lean towards the more comfortable, casual type of aesthetic. There are a lot of flowy dresses, tunics and tanks, and a wide variety of bottoms to choose from. Because there is a such a wide range of sizing, the styles tend to be loosely fitting, which is great for every day. They also have so many prints and bright colors that are right up my alley.

I went with this bright daffodil button down tunic because…I just can’t resist yellow lately. I have been loving button down tops lately because they are really versatile. I can wear it the classic way but I can also add a little flair by tying it up as I have done. The top fit me a bit oversized so I had enough room to be able to tie and not feel like I was wearing a crop top.

I paired it with these smooth Waist Skinny Jeans that almost fit like leggings since they are pull on. They don’t have a ton of tummy control but are those jeans that you reach for when you just want maximum comfort. Lastly, Woman Within has shoes! These studded gladiator-like sandals were the perfect accessory to finish off this look. Plus, they carry wide widths and extra wide widths. Woman Within has you covered!

Outfit Details:

Photographer: Steve Suavemente

*This post is sponsored by Woman Within. All opinions are my own

If you didn’t already know, yellow is one of my favorite colors to wear. I just love how vibrant it is against my melanin skin so I try to wear it as often as I can. Plus, the warmer weather is just begging for bold hues so it just fits right in with the season. Now, I have worn yellow with probably every combination under the sun but one of my favorites is to wear it with black. It’s something about the stark contrast between the two shades that really make the outfit pop. And you know me, it’s all about statement looks.

Because the outfit consists of mostly two shades, I figured that I’d add another element with my accessory. That’s the great thing about accessories is that they can not only enhance your outfit, but also add in some extra elements that your look may be missing. So the clutch that I chose is a black and white color block design. Black, white and yellow go seamlessly together so it fit right in. With my white toe nail polish against my black lace up heels, I carried that theme to even the smallest of details.

Be sure to check out the outfit details below and be prepared to shine bright in your day-to-day life!

Outfit details:

Top: Bar III | Skirt: Thalia Sodi | Shoes: Similar here and here | Clutch: Nordstrom (similar)

Photographer: Steve Suavemente