Sweet Summer Shades

 This month's blog theme is the cool palette pulling colors from nature and surroundings.  Honestly, I don't wear many colors in these ranges so it was something I stepped a little out of the comfort zone.  I naturally am very pale, (obviously) and these colors tend to blend in with my skin and hair color combination.  When I saw this dress, I instantly loved it and had to have it, even though I am not sure when I will wear it again. 

This is a cool mint/aqua blue green from Lane Bryant it is Item #221014.  It is still available and it is considered a skater style dress.  These dresses tend to look very flattering on any body type in my opinion.  This dress is a 22/24 and I usually wear a 28.  I would recommend sizing down in order to get the correct fit.  I paired it with a simple black lace cami and some jeweled sandals from Maurices and I couldn't find them on the website but they have similar ones available and so far they have worn pretty well for being a more reasonably priced shoe.

Here is an old picture of me that also has a very nature type vibe with a little rich tone of green.  I generally would wear something more in this range of jewel-tones opposed to a cooler lighter pastel tone.  This top is from Kiyonna and I know a variation of this top is still available but not sure about the color.

Every month Ahead of the Curve Bloggers picks a topic and shares several ways and takes on particular topics.  This month is it Nature's Palette and ways to wear the cool earthy, nature tones.  Follow us on social media in order to keep up and see what we do next.

Peace and Happiness,
xoxo
Valerie

Simply Summer

Simple Summer 

This month the looks are the looks of summer.  Summer is by far my favorite season from shorts, sleeveless tops, maxi dresses, flip flops, and everything in between.  This month I decided to change it up a little bit.  I purchased a dress from a resale site and decided that I liked the way it looked and it would be perfect for the dressier summer event.  

This dress is a size 4 from ModCloth the name is Starlet's Web dress in Peach.  I love the way this dress fits.  My only concern is I am 5'6" and I could not wear this without leggings, it was way too short.  I would pair this in the summer with capri leggings or even take this into fall and winter by pairing a cardigan and tights. 

For a more casual look, I bought this white ruffled top from Maurice's and paired it with a pink tank.  I have a pair of old denim shorts on with the top as well.  Lastly, I have these leopard print Sketchers GoWalk shoes from QVC and they are the best shoes for comfort that I own. 

I am also including a picture of my new summer nails!! They are acrylics and I used the shellac colors from Essie in a pretty cobalt blue and coral with a sunflower design.  I don't know what the names of the colors are but I know the blue is in Essie's regular line available at Walgreens and other drug stores.  

Head on over to Ahead of the Curve to check out a group of amazing bloggers who are all blogging this month about summer looks.  Look for us each month posting about a wide variety of plus size fashion ideas for all body types. 

Talk soon xoxo,
Valerie
#prayforpeace
 

For the Love of Lace

I absolutely love lace so when this topic was picked, I was extremely excited.  I found this see through black lace top and coral cami at Maurice's .  They carry a plus size line which has limited pieces (my opinion) from sizes 0 to 4.  I feel like the 4 fits anywhere from a 24 to a 28.  I am pretty much a true 28 so not all of their things fit me.  This lace shirt fits me amazing and I feel like this is a perfect outfit to wear out. Jeans and boots are from Lane Bryant .

 Love your body...

Love yourself....

 Repair and restore....
body positive movement...

#nohate

#nofilter

Love is simple..

You are beautiful as you are...

#bootyrevolution

 The Ahead of the Curve Bloggers are a monthly collaboration between several plus-size bloggers doing what they love talking about fashion, trends, and everything else in between.  Make sure to visit all of the bloggers and show them some love after all this month is the month of love, Ahead of the Curve Bloggers is the place to be.


XOXO,
Valerie
#love

Floral Frenzy!!

Top from Lane Bryant

 The theme for this months blog collective is Garden Party or Pastels.  Neither of these two things are in the range of clothing that I wear but every since starting this blog I am really trying to broaden my horizons and step out of that comfort zone...And come to find out I really love a floral print, even though I don't have many prints I have recently started buying a few more things.. Here is a collection of what I am currently loving right now...

Add a pop of pastel with a scarf!

I am wearing a floral tank from Lane Bryant

 It never hurts to accessorize, try adding in pastels or floral prints with a bold scarf, nail, jewelry, or even a shoe this will get you used to the color if this is something that might intimidate you.

              

Accessorize with a pop of nail color!

I have noticed in my recent shopping trips that the major plus size stores that I frequent, Lane Bryant , Torrid , and Simply Be all have a wide variety of floral dresses, shirts, and accessories with a pop of pastel or floral in them.  Most of those sites plus a few others have been running great sales to get ready for summer, especially Lane Bryant, it seems like to me that their sales have been really good recently so why not save!!!

I am lucky enough to be included in a monthly blog collective with a great group of plus size girls who all have great blogs, please go check them out here Ahead of the Curve ...feel free to leave comments and love for everyone!!!









Love and Blessings,

Valerie xoxo

My Vintage Holiday Glam

    I have to start off by saying, I am not really a glam kind of person.  Most of the festivities that I attend during the holiday season consist of ugly sweater parties or casual gift exchanges, so glam and dressy really isn't the norm for me.  I was, however, excited to try it out even if I didn't really have the appropriate setting or place to display my outfits. This is the Smitten Lace Top in Onyx paired with an amazing vintage headband from Icing on the Cake by Betsy.  This picture does not do this headband justice it is an amazing color and so comfortable...

When I first started exploring different options in the plus size world, mainly online opposed to the local brick and mortar stores (very few and not good selection in my neck of the woods), the one name that several people recommend I try was Kiyonna.  I initially loved what they had but really didn't have a need for the type of clothes that they offer but one of the first must haves that caught my eye was the Smitten Lace Top .  I felt this was gorgeous and I just had to have it in a couple different colors.  I had been waiting and searching for awhile a possible sale or maybe end of the year clearance but that top seems to linger and stay around.  I finally found it one day on Zulily for half price and I jumped on the deal and bought the Retro Jade and Onyx. 

A couple more views of this top in the Retro Jade.  I bought this in a 4x because of the website size chart and the Retro Jade top fit perfect and possibly a tad big.  However, the onyx in the same size and brand fit a little snug, so go figure.  Overall, the quality is luxurious and I would purchase from Kiyonna again and again just for the quality alone.  But, these shirts are very flattering and can be worn with a skirt and heels to dress it up or denim and pearls for a more of a casual look.

Make sure you check out all the links below there has been a few changes and other ways to view all of the bloggers in this collective blog hop... Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!!!

             Peace&Love,
                 Valerie 

Banner created by Elizabeth Tamny: http://www.elizabethtamny.com

We are a collective of plus size bloggers coming together to post on the same subject. This month we are sharing our take on “Holiday Glitz and Glam” so check them out by clicking on each link, also visit our Facebook page here- Ahead of the Curve.

  

 Sydney's Closet Plus Size 30 Glitz

Glitz and Glam Wave Eshakti Leather 

Don't wait for the perfect occaison, wear it NOW!  

The Fat Girl Glams It Up 

Glam It Up 

Regency Style: A Jane Austen Costume Event 

Fearlessly Fashion: Holidays = Glitz and Glam FABULOUSNESS 

Holiday Looks 

Holiday Party Looks! 

You can find more information about Ahead of the Curve or our past topics HERE