Loving Life in the Plus Lane

Its TIME to come clean

2013-11-14T23:18:00.000-05:00

Its been way to long since I've written. A lot of people have asked me where I have been and why I stopped writing. Well the truth is...I WAS LYING.

WHAT? What do you mean?

I was lying to myself. I was not loving life in the plus lane. I was miserable. I was trying to convince myself that I was OK where I was in life and what I looked like. It couldn't have been any farther from the truth. I am going to fill you in on where life has taken me since March of 2012. Keep reading I promise its filled with honesty and love.

In March of 2012 I knew I needed change and I knew my family deserved the best from me. I started following the South Beach diet March 21, 2012. To much criticism I stayed on phase 1 of the diet for many months. At a year I was down 90 lbs.

I had bouts of exercise but nothing significant until February of this year. For me getting my emotional eating under control was my biggest challenge gaining a will power that I never had before was my goal then I slowly saw a decrease in my weight loss. My hubs and I came back from an anniversary cruise and I was determined to lose the rest of this weight someway somehow so I went on a 30 day rehab. I began to follow the program Whole30 on Feb 1st, which was incredibly hard but it was so worth it. Fast forward a minute that's where I am today. I eat clean, low carb and I count macros but that's a whole other blog in itself.

During that I realized how much my body really wanted me to move so I started the couch to 5k program after deciding late one night in March I was going to be able to run a 5k on my 31st birthday which was in September . I signed up for The Color Run in NYC which happen to fall exactly on my birthday, so I joined the YMCA and started running...excuse me gasping for air at 60 seconds and crying till the end. The first week was absolute hell. My knees, my feet, my back were dying and I was only running at 60 second intervals. All I kept thinking was I ever going to be fit? Have I let myself go too far past ever being athletic? I kept going and I made it to week 4. I was running!!! I took two weeks off during a vacation and totally regretted not continuing so I started it right back up with a friend and we were off like turtles in a river of peanut butter but we were moving!!! I added spin class and was feeling more endurance each day. It still wasn't enough.

Til the the best thing happened to me!!! One day in April while treating myself to a day at the salon...Kellie Palmer walked into my life. Who is she? At the time she was just a super fit Mom who let me hold her beautiful baby girl while she was getting her haircut, we started talking and she revealed that she was a personal trainer at a cross-fit box down the road LenCo Fitness. In my head I was like OMG she was sent to me. (I had been contemplating a personal trainer for many months but felt very uncomfortable at my YMCA just running never mind with a trainer). I took her number and we met a couple of days later. Instantly I knew she was for me. We clicked and she has been kicking my butt since. I gained a level of strength and confidence I never knew I had in me and it was all from her dedication and my hard work. She truly is amazing at her craft and by that her meticulous devilish planning of training. She loves what she does and it reflects on her clients cause I seriously love working hard and that's something she developed in me.

I then went and signed up for my second 5k (before even completing my 1st) but this time I chose something WAY out of my comfort zone. I chose the Warrior Dash. Excuse me muddy what? Yeah that's right. Princess over here decided she wanted to do an obstacle course in mud while running. WHO HAVE I BECOME?? Well we trained and we trained hard and from that I did it. I FINISHED BOTH. It was the most accomplishing feeling ever. I definitely cried for a couple days after.

So then I needed more. What else could I challenge myself to? Well that was quickly answered one late night on Facebook when Krystle from Skinny Jeans Dreams posted is anyone up for a 10 week challenge...OHHHH pick me pick me I screamed at my computer. So there I was signing up for another challenge to keep me motivated. What was the challenge? It is T25 with the crazy fit guy Shaun T from Insanity...YEAH HIM...10 weeks of 25 minutes a day of high interval training, no breaks, no stopping just complete focus on your workouts. With that part of the challenge is to drink Shakeology once a day. What is it? Its a complete meal replacement. Probably the healthiest meal you will ever consume. Its not a protein drink but a completely fruit, veggie, antioxidant, vitamin loaded drink that can replace a meal or be used as a pre or post workout drink, I can't say enough about this stuff its truly amazing. Its filling, gives you energy, nice hair, nails...I could go on and on, if you want more information on it message me on my Facebook page and Ill be glad to help you out...Anyways I am 7 weeks into this challenge and I love every minute of it, its pushed me past my plateau and held me seriously accountable for my food intake. Getting thru 25 minutes a day is nothing when you've been on a path of struggle. I still workout 2xs a week with Kellie and by just adding in this program the amount of endurance I've gained is incredible. I truly feel like I can say I will become athletic. Who would have thought?

So that long story brings me to TODAY. I am a healthier 118 lbs lighter but worlds stronger person. I have decided that I want to become a nutrition specialist to help and inspire those who are seeking. I want to live the rest of my life with this passion in me and no longer lie to myself or anyone else about who I really am. I still love clothes and I know at my frame of 5'10 I will always be considered plus size. I currently wear a solid 18. I am 52 lbs away from my Dr's goal and 70 from my own. I look back and wish I blogged this all along but I needed to find myself, but I am ready and nothing is going to hold me back anymore.

So now I can truthfully say. I am LOVING LIFE IN THE PLUS LANE!!!

New Direction

2012-04-17T23:23:00.000-04:00

So after finding out I won tickets to New Jersey Full Figured Fashion week in Atlantic City I was super excited but that quickly turned into “oh no I am not good enough to go to something like that” and “who are you trying to fool”? You shop at Lane Bryant, Target and Dots you are not cut out for a fashion week!! Wait…Wasn’t this the same girl who was writing just months ago about a new found self confidence and loving life in the PLUS lane??? WELL yes but again have I been caught up in the winter blues. These past months I fell into a serious funk even though I had promised myself I wouldn’t.

Days before leaving for NJFFFW I was contemplating on whether or not I should go. I packed at the very last minute (sooo not like me) and I stared at my closet thinking WTH am I going to wear. These women are going to be rocking some serious duds and blah screamed my closet. In my usual self I reached out to my friends and as with their encouraging words I began to pack. As each piece of clothing fell from the racks to my hands my gears were spinning. I ended up with a huge suitcase filled with clothes and no room for shoes!! I could feel my energy rising and started to look forward to the trip. The day came and I was so excited to pack up the car and hit the road. My dear friend Heather came along for the trip and she was just as excited as I.

After 7 long hours of driving we made it. We stepped off the elevator at Ballys Hotel and could feel the rush of excitement in the air. We headed up to register and took one wide eyed look and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

"HOLY blllleeeep" look at these women!!

Oh my Gawd did you see her?? She’s gorgeous!!

I then looked down at my yoga pants and sweatshirt and immediately turned around and booked it to the room. I could not be seen looking like this.

After settling into the hotel room our luggage arrived. The bellman joked and asked “Staying a week??” I shamefully admitted to the two short nights. He laughed saying its not the worse he has seen.

As we unpacked our 7 bags total of clothing, shoes, and makeup and accessories. I realized this is exactly where I am supposed to be. Like I could take a deep breathe for the first time that week.

I laid out my outfit A one sleeved multi animal print and ruffled blue dress with black leggings. The two strapless bras it takes to hold these suckers up and my jewels, I stared at my 8 pairs of shoes lined up on the floor and pondered heels or not, usually I have a hard time wearing heels...Not because they hurt (well ok they do) but because everyone is so much shorter than me. I am 5'10 and all my friends I swear are 5'3 and under. So I always feel like the amazon woman walking around towering over them and leaning down to hear what they are saying. Heather the tiniest of them all said You are wearing heels and that’s that. So we got dressed did our hair and makeup and took off. As we walked down the halls of the hotel I stopped at each mirror scrutinizing every inch of myself. I was feeling uneasy as if I was too tall, too big, too round. Too everything lets turn around and go back I kept thinking. Then I remember what I saw when we first got there and I knew this was what I needed.

We entered the ballroom where the first fashion show was and I felt at home. I didn’t tug or pull at my clothing once. I walked with pride because everyone there was doing the same. There was no looks of OMG a big girl...It was more like DAMN I love your dress or where did you get those heels?!

There were so many women who were the same height if not taller than me and that was incredible. There were women bigger, smaller than me and I felt just right. I couldn’t express my words at that time of how I felt so my tears did it. I was so overwhelmed at the feeling of completeness. I sat in the audience and watched these curvy full women strut their stuff down that long runway in the most amazing clothes from some of my favorite designers Igigi, Monif C, Marc Jacobs, Eliza Parker, Seven for Lane Bryant and many more.

I could feel the love in the air and the pride of being a woman it ran through my body and out the goose bumps covering my skin. It was an incredible beginning to an amazing weekend that has changed my life. It was like my wings began to grow and I knew exactly where I wanted to fly, a feeling I have never found before. This was a new beginning to a new life, my life. Since that day I have walked a little taller (thank you heels) smiled a little brighter and I have got to say it feels amazing.

This is a must see!!

2012-02-14T08:11:00.000-05:00

OK ladies, This has to be one of the most inspiring post I have ever come across. Ms Jessica Kane has done it again!! She has gone where I have wanted to go for so long but haven't found a photographer or even the courage to do so.

Please check out her amazing blog.

Her boudoir photos are real. A real woman with real curves who is not ashamed to show them off. We are so conditioned to believe real isn't beautiful but look at her pictures and tell me she isn't GORGEOUS!! It hits so deep for me because we are the same size she is a size 26, with DD breast and the curves as I. I am going to challenge myself to do the same. I need to get an amazing photographer who is comfortable shooting the plus size skin and has the talent to go with.

Thank you Jessica for being so AMAZINGLY honest and real.

Much Love to all my readers. I hope your day is filled with beauty and love. May your Valentines shower you with kisses and treats!!!

Its been too long

2012-02-10T08:42:00.000-05:00

When I first started writing I was feeling so liberated. I held my head higher. It was amazing. Then I got distracted.

The holidays came and went, my schedule changed at work, we lost a close family friend and then my daughter just yesterday had surgery. Which that in itself through me over the edge of worry for weeks before. Seeing my baby laying in the OR with her life in someone else hands, no longer in my control. Letting her go and walking away not knowing what they were doing. I had to trust they would take care of her. I knew she would be fine, a small surgery but she had never been under general anesthesia before and well I am a mom and I do what all Moms do...Worry.

During the operation my husband and I sat quietly in the waiting room. He began to drift into a nap and I stared at the patient screen checking to see any updates on her progress. I had to distract myself from worry so I pulled out my phone and began reading my old blogs. Resolutions hit me. I realize I have been slipping back into my old routine. I am not taking time for myself whether its a long walk or quiet time writing. I need to find that focus again. I have been keeping a confident mind. I still feel good about myself. I still dress the part. I am forever scrounging through my clothes to find a new outfit and watching the sales racks to put a new look together. I just have been putting a hold on taking a deep breath and relaxing for me.

So this weekend I am going to take advantage of the girls going off to basketball and sit and read a book. Perhaps I will catch up on the three months of cosmo sitting wrapped in plastic on my dresser. I will make myself a hot cup of tea and enjoy it. I deserve it. I am sure you deserve it as well!! Join me in taking an hour and doing what relaxes you.

I am putting it out there I will be posting more, taking more picts and enjoying my own time!! I hope all of you are keeping to your resolutions and if not remember its never to late to start back up!!

Much love!!!

Lauren

Inheritance

2012-01-13T01:39:00.005-05:00

Growing up I can remember longing for the day to be old enough to wear my Mothers clothes.

I would stand for hours in front of her dresser going through her jewelry boxes, draws, closets, racks and racks of shoes. I would try on everything, mix and match outfits for her and throw together my best Cyndi Lauper look.

Meanwhile...She always looked like she was straight out of Cosmo. Perfect slim leg fitted jeans paired with an elongated leather belt adorned with an oversized brass buckle that she so perfectly looped, a blazer with fitted darting in just the right places, accompanying an over sized white collard blouse pleated to a dream. For the next outing she would switch the blazer and jeans out for leggings while taking the same belt, placing it over the blouse letting it loosely hang on her size 4 hips. I took careful inventory of her things. I knew just about every piece of her wardrobe (after all it was going to be mine someday).

This was during the 80's and like most young families we were sruggling. So what did she do to find such style on NO budget? She would thumb through Cosmo and other popular magazines, cut out the pictures and sew them herself!! Seriously amazing what she could do with a sewing machine and an idea. Starting off with just a mere photo she would create her own patterns, hide in her sewing room and come out with looking like it was born for the runways of Milan.

Enamored by her sense of creativity, and taste for fashion, I dreamed of being such when I as "OLD" as her. Now here I am the same age, although not able to fit in her vintage; I am seeing where my passion lies. Fashion.

For christmas a dear friend of mine, sent me a package. In the package was a thick sketchbook and colored pencils. No note, no letter, just a small card with simple writing. To the Richmond's. Love, Kris. My girls asked if it was for them, no I said its for me. What are you going to do with it they laughed. I said exactly what Kris wants me to do...Follow my dreams.

In this book kept near my bed atop a shelf, is the neatly aligned 36 pigmented pencils, crisp pages slowly being filled and the Christmas card from a woman who puts its into perspective its as easy as a piece of paper and a dream. I am now doing as my mother does bringing shapes into forms and forms into designs. While these designs may never hit the runway, I hope they make it to my mothers needles. I can hear the spinning of her machine wheel and smell the fresh cut threads, I picture the tiny hands finishing the buttons and the smile of anticipation as the fabric graces my skin. I hope to soon share with you these things but for now, I write and color.

As always Much Love,

Lauren

SO FRUSTRATED!!!!

2012-01-10T20:45:00.001-05:00

So FRUSTRATED....

That was the text I received yesterday...Two words felt most when shopping.

"How glorious it would be if we were not plus sized and were able to walk into any store and they only problem was...What color?" She said

She is soooo right!!!!!

Close your eyes, envision your local mall. Now tell me how many plus size stores there are. For me NONE!! Now think of how many retailers offer their line to sizes 16+ I can think of three. Sears, Macy's and JcPenney all with less than 10 racks of clothes that are less than appealing. I mean if large shapeless knitted garments are your thing well YAY for you but 99.99 percent of plus size woman want what everyone else is getting. Great fitting, stylish clothes that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Why have retailers missed this mark?

No wonder we walk around feeling shitty about ourselves. We can't find anything to wear!! How much better would you feel about yourself if you could walk into the Gap at a size 22 and purchase the same cute trendy sweater the girl who a size 6 is wearing?? Probably amazing.

Don't get me wrong I love the stores that I am able to go to. Lane Bryant, Avenue, Torrid. But really thats all I got? Come on world wake up!!! I don't want to hide myself I want to embrace it. I want to do more than peruse online companies to chance that something might fit right and have to deal with the return process. I want to walk out from the mall with more than bags from Yankee candle and damn accessories from Charlotte Rouse.

Ok I maybe reaching here but if you are going to listen to what us plus size ladies want, do us a favor use actual plus size measurements. Take into consideration, hips, thighs, butts. Realize that not every size 18 waist has the same size legs or rear. Customize your clothes to the real woman.

Am I alone here?? I want your feedback. I want to know what you need from manufacturers, what you want to see designed, what you feel you are missing out on. Together perhaps, one voice at a time we can be that change we want to see!!!

I look forward to hearing from you!!

Much love,

Lauren

Come join my Fan Page!!

2012-01-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

After much support, I have added a fan page on Facebook.

Make sure to come on by and "Like" me.

Thanks for the love,

Lauren

OOTW!

2012-01-07T23:36:00.001-05:00

I was soooooo excited when I stepped into the Avenue this week, I had an hour to kill during my lunch break and I totally needed some therapy!! RETAIL THERAPY!!

I don't own a ton of stuff from Avenue, I have had issues in the past with their fit and design but always go back hoping its better and this time it was great! I found several items at 70% off that I am in LOVE with!! This weeks outfit features a few of my new faves.

Super comfy skinny jeans at 11 bucks a pair!!

Simply cute necklace, its opens locket style to a working watch face a steal at 6 bucks!

Boots from Dots which are my best friends this season!

The cardigan is Pure Energy from Target. Both top and cami are from Avenue. The cardigan was $3!! The top was $14.

On top of being super affordable and cute. It is wicked comfortable. The jeans have amazing stretch and sit perfect at my waist, not to high and not to low. Even after hours of wearing, the jeans held up their shape. No saggy butt here!!

The top is sheer by wearing a bright pink cami underneath it made the print which made the sparkle detailing on the chest really pop. I mostly buy pieces that allow wear for different occasions. This can also be worn business casual being paired with a cream tank , wide leg dress pants, flats and bolero. Ohhhh perhaps an OOTW for a later time??? Love thinking aloud LOL!!

Let me know what you think of this weeks OOTW!!! I Hope you all have a relaxing weekend!!!

Much Love,

Lauren

Resolutions

2011-12-29T13:52:00.003-05:00

So I have always been one to HATE New Years resolutions. I used to feel it was a way to just let yourself down. If there is something you have a problem with, go out and fix it. As my Mom would say do not put off what you know you can do today, for what you think you can do tomorrow. Except the problems in my mind were not that easy to fix. There was no magic wrench or pill for my problems.

There were so many years I would make the resolution of I am going to lose 100lbs this year. I will do it. I have to do it. I'll find love if I do it. I will be able to love myself when it does happen.

One year my friend and I even made a vow on a bible (like totally wrote on the inside cover with our oaths hahaha) vowing we were going to the gym 7 days a week. Eating nothing but meat and cheese aka Atkins and push towards what the Atkins author wrote as a NWOL a New Way Of Life. It started off good, we passed the nauseating two week period surviving on eggs, chicken and lettuce that's what our minimum wage salary could allow. We DROVE the one mile to the gym, pretended we knew what we were doing. Walked the treadmill and lifted a few weights at my Aunt's studio after it had closed because HELLO who wants to work out when there are a ton of fit people around?? LOL!! Well it didn't last too long lets say ummm til February. Then I was back to hating my body again along with praying to God that this fat joke was over. I Came out even madder at myself for failing...ONCE AGAIN. That was 2002, the end of believing in New Years Resolutions.

Sure of course I have had goals in between, but they weren't for me. After the marriage to the most wonderful man in 2003 and the births of our daughters in 03 and 05 my goals revolved around their success. I put myself in the background and took on everyones needs but my own, which does not lead to a happy wife or mother. I was so slumped in a depression and couldn't stand to even look at myself in the mirror. My husband could not understand how I was unable to see what he saw when he looked at me.

Then something clicked* slowly and surely I came around to a normal frame of mind, with the love and guidance of my hubby, true family that believed in me and the hearts of my amazing girlfriends. I learned to believe in myself. Its amazing how much love you can put out towards others when you feel so good inside!!

I started Weight Watchers in October, I have lost 20 lbs since inception, I have had slip ups but the most important thing I have learned is to just pick up where I have left off. My goal this time is not to be Kate Moss, but to be healthy for life. Choosing healthier foods, moving more and most importantly loving myself and embracing life in the now.

I will be starting my New Year with resolutions for the first time in 10 years. Not unreachable ones but obtainable goals that will better my life. Our family has a lot of changes this year ahead and with the chaos of raising two young girls, working full-time, being a wife and supporter to my husband and his new business. I am setting a goal...right here and now.

I will not lose myself. I will make time for me, I will allow myself to have selfish moments. I will accept any failures and push forward with a positive heart. I will continue to strive towards self love and body acceptance.

I am asking all of you out there reading to send me some feedback. I want to hear about your goals, dreams and resolutions or your standpoint on New Years resolutions. If you do not want to publicly post a comment here, feel free to email me at Lovinglifeinthepluslane@gmail.com.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you all and hearing all about yours.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Much Love,

Lauren

P.S. Be on the lookout for OOTW...Its a good one!!

Foundations

2011-12-28T13:28:00.000-05:00

Here goes a HUGE secret of mine.

I LOVE SPANX...There I said it...I am in love with layers of spandex that shape and smooth and make me feel amazing.

All because of this woman right here.

As seen here on Oprah

This woman is a genius!! Who is this you ask?? Sara Blakely that's who!! Through her invention of Spanx undergarment line she has allowed women and men (that's right men love them too) of all sizes to be able to feel amazing under their clothes. Her designs smooth your shape to allow that little black dress to flow just right and your jeans that smooth look.

I truly believe that in order to feel good in clothes the most important step is what we put on first. Starting with bra's that fit right, no sagging boobs, torpedo's or the infamous back cleavage from a bra that is way too tight, even better the twin muffin tops from a cup to small. The best gift as a woman you can give yourself is a properly fitting bra. Yes, ladies that means having someone fit you!! Most stores out there have an assigned bra fitter, just ask if you are not sure.

I buy my bras from Lane Bryant. I wear a 42DDD so in general its hard for me to find a good fitting bra so when I do I always hit up their Semi-annual Buy 2 get 2 free bra sale which is actually taking place now until January 16th!!

Since discovering LB dating back to my senior year in high school, I have bought all my bras there AND I will admit to a slight addiction to my bras...You can never have enough right?? Anyways...I buy these for my everyday wear and these for when I need a smaller strap. They are both comfortable and totally lift and separate.

I have been asked many times where I find a strapless bra that actually works, well after much failure, aka paying 90 bucks for a bra that made me look like I was Madonna from her Blonde Ambition tour back in the 80's yeah you know the one!! I found the PERFECT strapless bra made by Cacique from Lane Bryant as seen here. Bra6 is amazing, with the ability to be worn 6 different ways and most important the lift and hold of a normal bra. Here is the trick to wearing it. Don't try to put it on like a normal bra, put it on like you would a t-shit arms first and slip it over your head then shove those babies in. Because of the back panel having two side closures its so much easier to put it on and adjust that way.

So I suggest if you aren't already wearing the right bra go soon...LIKE NOW...well after you are done reading...get fitted and see how amazing a good bra feels.

So now on to my FAVE undergarment!!

This right here is my all time favorite piece of slim wear

Add caption

What is this you say?? SLIM COGNITO that's what!!

The best 76 bucks I have ever spent. I know that seems like a alot but you can not go wrong with it. Spanx labels this with super duper hold. HA HA perhaps that is why I love it so. But really its amazing, I probably wear it with 90 percent of my outfits. It smooths and holds and lifts my booty. I don't wear the silly bra strap things, I don't feel there is a need to with a good pull it doesn't roll down at all or roll up at the knees even better. It comes in sizes Small-3x it can be purchased online through Spanx.com or in certain stores as well as online through Lane Bryant for my plus size ladies.

There are so many different options for slim wear that range from light hold to my oh so favorite super duper hold. Find what is comfortable for you and makes you feel FAB!!

Have a wonderful day and don't forget...BRA FITTING!!

Much love,

Lauren

Baby steps

2011-12-26T16:30:00.000-05:00

Merry belated Christmas!!

I have to say it was the first holiday in years I was filled with so much happiness, I think it's because it was simple. Too be honest we all stayed in our Jammie's yesterday while our family filtered in and out. It was just so relaxing almost too relaxing, my mind is not used to that lol perhaps we should practice that again soooooon. All in all just a happy day.

But....

I am writting with a confession. It's not easy for me to be candid about this but I think you all need to know where my struggles came in this weekend.

All of my family are total goobers like myself so we decided to rip open the new Michael Jackson dance experience I got in my stocking and have a battle. I was kicking some major bootie, that's right I got moves like Jagger. It was a total blast, my Mom was doing some serious crazy knee moves and my nephew was working his swagger, I think he has a secret stash with a red leather jacket and white glove! He rocked it!! In the spirit of laughter and fun, a video was posted onto Facebook. Now everyone thought it was great, but all I felt, was gross. I could feel myself slipping back into my previous mindset. I watched it like twenty times, each time picking out "gross" things about myself. I did everything in my power to make myself ignore it and just accept the fun that we had. Don't worry about the jiggle, no one is paying attention to the dimples I repeated over and over in my head but I just couldn't let it go. I asked for it to be removed and of course it was.

I was really upset with myself, I vented to my gorgeous girlfriend Caitlin and then got to Skype with my beautiful friend Dani, I told them what was going on in my head and they both said immediatly said write about it. Be truthful, be yourself. That's exactly what I needed to hear.

Body acceptance and self love isn't easy when for so many years it was hate. We are our own worst critics, but by being honest with the process it will get easier. I'm not going to give this up!!

I woke up this morning feeling so much better, I woke up with outfit ideas in my head for this weeks OOTW, where I want this blog to go and most importantly how I want to feel.

I hoping all of you had a blessed holiday, I am excited what the New Year has in store, and in store hehehehe...Nothing makes me feel better than a little retail therapy...Oh Yah!!!

Much love,

Lauren

P.S I totally forgot to mention that Lane Bryant is having their annual Buy 2 get 2 bras free sale!!!! Best sale of the year IMO!!!!

Outfit Of The Week

2011-12-22T10:17:00.001-05:00

So for my first OOTW, I am pulling from my archives, This outfit I wore back in September for my Besties Bachelorette party. I wanted something sexy, sassy and comfortable. I had an idea in my head of exactly what I wanted and pulled pieces from different stores and VIOLA!!

I apologize for the cell phone snapshot. I promise better shots from here on out. But..I JUST LOVE THIS OUTFIT!!!

Outfit Details:

I found the jeggings at Avenue for only 10 bucks! They fit like a dream so I had to buy more than one pair. Its rare to find jeggings that actually fit me in all the right places, not saggy in the ankles or behind the knees.

The top I assume was meant to be a dress but THAT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!!! It is from Dots and only $22 and with a few minor adjustments (I had to remove the so-called bra padding my ladies are not shaped like a chicken cutlets so they had to go) and it fit just right.

My favorite Shoes ever which will probably be making numerous appearances, peep toe bootie heels from Lane Bryant I paid around $40 for them. I got them last season and they are so comfortable. They have edgy grommet detailing on the heel of the shoe to add just enough "rock and roll" look.

Now my FAVORITE piece of all is the cropped "leather" bomber jacket. The jacket which I searched high and low for is also from Dots and get this paid $28!!

All my jewels are mixed pieces that I have gathered over the years. As always my Pandora bracelet, and a few bangles that I probably paid less than $5 for 20. My signature hoops earrings a little extra eyeliner and I was ready!!!

It was an amazing night out with amazing women while feeling totally confident!!

As you go out this weekend and enjoy your families make sure you take an extra step to make your self feel beautiful, add a little gloss, blow dry your hair and throw on something that makes you feel gorgeous. Just remember there is nothing more beautiful than a confident smile!!

Much love,

Lauren

Hello Ladies!!

2011-12-21T13:23:00.001-05:00

I have been thinking about writing a blog for years, So here I go I am FINALLY doing it!!

I am coming here with so many ideas but my main focus is acceptance. I want all of us ladies to start accepting ourselves. So much time we spend hating on what we see in the mirror, the clothes we wear, our hair, our makeup or lack of, the sagging in our breasts, the folds of our skin, the microscopic lines you think are forming around your eyes, or whatever else negative image you have formed in that brain of yours...

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

We need to stop with this self hate and learn to accept what we have been blessed with. That's right girl I am saying this size 24/26 bootie is a BLESSING!!

Now hold up don't roll your eyes, I know exactly what you are thinking, isn't this the girl who is the first to crack a joke about herself? Isn't this the girl who used to complain and whine about her appearance. You are right but that is the old me I am going to learn to push those insecurities away. I am on a movement, a movement of strength. Gone are the days of self hate. I would love to see you feel the same!

So when you see new posts, what you will find will range from outfit ideas, favorite trends, deals and steals at my favorite store and positive uplifting words to inspire us all to love ourselves.

Every week I am going to post an OOTW (outfit of the week) and GASP*** its going to be a full length shot!

That's right ladies I'm gonna bear it all not just a picture of the shoulders up! What inspired me to do this is an amazing woman Jessica Kane of lifeandstyleofjessica.com she is a leader in the plus size community. She started the full body photo project on her site and it has formed an amazing support group with thousands of women showing off their amazing selves in full photo form! Beautiful women showing it all heads, shoulders, knees and toes!!

I look forward to sharing with all of you and I want to hear feedback, I want to hear your stories too!

Love,

Lauren