My mama taught me to suck in my gut. She taught me a lot of things. Mostly about math, engineering, and working hard. Of course she also had those “motherly” tips- the things I remember most vividly as a child. You know which ones I’m talking about. The things only a mother can tell you do….and get away with.

She would tell me that her mother used to contract her abs throughout the day. How it helps strengthen your stomach and back muscles for better posture. “Pull your belly in” advice. Well, she was correct.

According to Daily Mail’s recent article “Why leggings make you fat: Wearing them ’causes lazy muscles and leaves legs and stomach flabby”  - your firming gear may have you looking smooth, but only for now.

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo explains: “Leggings feel good and look great and I am as addicted to them as anyone, but there is a downside.

They hold in and support the quadriceps (thigh muscles), buttocks and core muscles in your tummy,  and do the job the muscles are supposed to do.

As a result, the muscles are allowed to relax and switch off, so when we reveal our bodies for the first time as summer approaches, they are not as svelte or firm as they otherwise would be.”

Ever found yourself packed into a pair of Spanx under your favorite jeans, only to catch yourself belly’d out? Yea…me too. Going into Summer, my new resolution is to stop hiding my body under shapers and start loving my body for what it is right now.

The buy some better fitting shorts! I’m in love with Torrid’s Plus Size Sophia Bermuda Shorts…

 Enjoy your Mother’s Day, and be good to those mamas. 

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Tags: belly, body, fat, shorts, summer, torrid

More than any other spot, I love being outdoors! Being a Ginger kid, I am easily reminded of the harm that comes with these beautiful Spring elements. I also vow to use natural products, because the least we can do is protect the Earth that provides so much for us! So I want to share with you some  of my favorite warm weather products that are chemical-free…

1. Kiss My Face brand “Sun Swat” is a 15 SPF sunscreen & bug spray. It works so well!! And that’s coming from a redhead!

It’s deet & paraban free too!

2. Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm- This is my must have for any season! It’s half the price of Burt’s Bees and is way more effective!

3. Honeybee Gardens “Truly Natural Mascara”- what’s better than a mascara that works, is not releasing chemicals in your eyeballs, and costs only $10.99?!?!

4. Desert Essence Jojoba Oil- I use this for everything! It’s non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog your pores. Jojoba is also an antioxidant loaded with Vitamin E, and is naturally anti-bacterial. To top it off, Jojoba oil doesn’t leave a greasy feeling so I use it as eye makeup remover!

Enjoy the sunshine, and remember that loving your body means caring for it!

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Tags: body, health, love, makeup, natural, plus size, products, spring, summer

During the Winter fashion season I had the opportunity to preview some of SWAK Design’s warmer designs! It’s that time again, but this round we’re celebrating Spring with the “Veronica” maxi dress…

(Andrew Fillmore Photography)

This dress is a best seller at SWAK for many reasons.  The fabric is soft to the touch which makes the dress oh so comfortable to wear. I have a smaller upper body so I slipped a top and belt over this wonderful dress! It’s figure flattering to say the least.  Check out the video for both looks…

Thank you SWAK Designs! And thank you Andrew Fillmore for being a wonderful photographer and friend.

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Tags: review, sealed with a kiss designs, spring, summer, swak, swak designs

Yes- Crystal Renn gained fame as a size 12/14 plus size model, but now holds the “supermodel” title at a healthy size 8. Does this mean she has ‘betrayed’ the plus size community? It has been noted that in an exclusive interview with Radar Online, Editor-in-chief of PLUS Model Magazine Madeline Jones claims that “Once she [Crystal Renn] got down to a size 10 she lost the support of a lot of people. We’re disappointed because she was our star fighting for equality and fashion for us, and now she’s going to their side.” Yet- the interview is nowhere to be found online. Hm…

Let’s not focus on Crystal Renn’s weight this go-round. I take issue with the wave of hypocritical bullying that sets focus on her body when she is striving to be healthy. When someone we idolize changes course in their life, they may no longer fall in line with our beliefs. That can be disheartening…

Within seconds of discovering Renn’s newest spread in the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue- I got a little choked up. I view Sports Illustrated as a “dood’s magazine.” One that definitely covers an array of sports (even women’s sports!), but once a year wraps their pages in nearly nude women for the ‘pleasure’ of men- its main demographic. Something completely unnecessary for the already sultry Crystal Renn.

I sat back, expecting to see Renn placed in overtly sexual poses. I would mark her name off my list of trail blazers, and add her to the insurmountable pile of icons that sold their integrity to the green devil. Then go about my business.

The photos and poses in her Sports Illustrated spread are surprisingly less sexual than my thoughts had proposed. I was expecting the proverbial knees spread over the sand, arms behind her head, spilt boobs pose. Yea- you know which one I’m talkin’ about.

I am now trying to see her objectives rather than the objectification of her body. She is a size 6/8 and was offered to model for a notable men’s magazine. A special issue that usually calls for incredibly skinny women with one body type and one skin pigment. Outside of the sexualization of a sport’s magazine- I can see where this is a successful step for women of that in between size range. The healthy one that seems to have been lost alongside much of culture’s morality regarding women. I suppose you can add me to that list of slightly disheartened, who’s still trying to find some light in this tunnel…

Tell us what you think of former plus size model Crystal Renn’s latest shoot in Sports Illustrated Magazine….

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Tags: Celebrity, Crystal Renn, model, modeling, plus size, plus size modeling, sports illustrated, swimsuit

Sealed With A Kiss Designs carries plus sizes 14 to 36, and is based out of the Los Angeles, California area. SWAK offers a variety of great plus size basics among other designs. I recently had the chance to style and preview a couple of their plus size tops- the Ruched Sleeved Top & “Lily” Cardigan.

The top is hip length, but I wanted to put together a skirted outfit for you ladies. So I belted this top into my skirt, and slipped on my comfy new wedges! :]

The material is so gentle on the skin. Smooth enough that I didn’t want to take them off! Check out my video review of these two plus size tops from SWAK Designs! Let me know what you think.

I, like most women, especially enjoy basics. It’s so important to have clothing that you can mix and match with your favorite fashion bits, while remaining comfortable and sassy. Thank you Sealed With  A Kiss Designs!

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Tags: clothign reviews, plus size, plus size clothing, plus size dresses, plus size fashion, sealed with a kiss designs, swak, swak designs

She may not be the next Lauren Conrad or Whitney Port, and that is quite alright!

Fact is, Chelsea Settles is young, ambitious, full of life, and facing her own set of insecurities…just like every woman. She’s real.

 That’s exactly what makes her different from any other MTV reality star we’ve ever seen before. Well, and she’s plus size!

Chelsea does what almost every 20 something dreams of: she runs away! She leaves her small town outside of Pittsburgh, and dives right for her hopes of making it in the LA fashion industry. And how many of us have ever had a dream we actually started a new life for?

As always, MTV hooks viewers with a trailer that engages you in Chelsea’s struggle with her obesity, and how that affects her lack of confidence on a daily basis. Let’s put aside the fact that she is definitely a plus size woman, facing medical concerns due to her weight…because that’s what MTVwants us to focus on.

To me, I just see her as inspiration! She pops out of middle America to make her dreams come true, and along the way, we will get a chance to see her combat her fears and limitations in order to achieve her aspirations. All the while, not being hand fed with a silver spoon.( like, ahem…someother MTV reality fashionistas.) Chelsea is a story that we can all relate to at some point in our own lovely lives.

This isn’t about weight, or image, or even fashion. This is about discovering what you want from this life. Then doing everything in your power to be the person you’re capable of being!

 I’ll be tuning in to make sure MTV didn’t trick me with another trailer….will you be?

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Tags: chelsea settles, fashion, fat, LA, Los angeles, mtv, plus size, reality, style, television

It’s just more fun when you’re twirling.  But not too fast, that causes dizziness.

On the radar this Thursday are three fashionable plus size must haves.  Grab these items , don’t forget to use an online coupon code to create a jaw dropping (I can’t believe I just saved that much) bargain.

Roaman’s has a 40% off coupon from your entire order found on the plus size steals site, online code RDJULY40 , you’ll use that to get this!

Roamans Plus Size Leaf Print Shift Dress

Love this dress as it’s curvy girl figure flattering.  The fabric is polyester and spandex which means it’s super comfortable.  When I purchased this, I wasn’t sure how this would feel on, but I must say it’s form fitting.  And swanky!  The raisin ivory print is a color that my closet gladly welcomes.

Next up, comfort sexy sleeping..

Angelina Cami Tap Set

I found this plus size cami set at the Hips and Curves sale page.  It’s a rare find when you have sleepwear that’s both comfortable and “visually appealing”.  The sexy part comes from softness of the fabric and the lace accents.  This Cami set lingerie, is on top of my list and is wonderful for the plus sized women.  Count how many minutes it actually stays on, let us know on Facebook.

My final Twirling Thursday pick..

Woman Within Plus Size Ultrasoft cover-up by Resorts Plus

Color!  And when Woman Within says this cover-up is soft, they mean SOFT.  The fabric is lightweight, which means it’s perfect for those really hot summer days, (which I’m not a big fan of).  Perfect for the beach, though I’m hesitant to wear it as a casual dress (maybe a little too thin).  There is no potato sack look to this cover-up.  The buyers at Woman Within are experienced and bright girls, they have a great sense of plus size women needs.  Find a Woman Within online coupon at the steals site and you’ll get this cover-up for a great price.

And now.. we continue twirling!

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Tags: hips and curves, plus size cami, plus size cover-up, plus sizes dresses, roamans coupon, woman within coupon

Each season we tirelessly search for that ‘go to’ summer dress. You know exactly what I’m talking about- it’s that comfortable plus size dress that you just can’t live without. The dress must be perfect for the beach, perfect for that romantic picnic under the stars and just about every summer activity in between.

I’m happy to report- we’ve found it!

Check out our video report on the Woman Within Cool Crinkled Textured Dress.  We love it because it’s easy to wear and comes in a variety of colors.

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Tags: plus size, plus size coverup, plus size dress, plus size fashion, plus size maxi dress, woman within

Soft Surroundings is essentially a brand you need to know!

Whether it’s plus size clothing, home decor, beauty or even music- it can all be found at this unique and special retailer.  Soft Surroundings Spring 2011 clothes are on Spring Summer trend (horizontal nautical stripes, 70′s influenced pieces). The silhouettes are fresh and new while the attention to detail is great.

This is bohemian chic for the plus size woman.  While they are a straight sized retailer, one can assume they have great buyers dedicated to the plus size shape.

The plus size shirt we received to review is a great addition to any summer wardrobe.  This button down shirt, the 3/4 sleeve half moon bay top, made me so happy. The details of the shirt is what stands out most, the sleeves and hem line have a scalloped edge with detailed flower embroidery.

Check out the Plus Size Steals review:

The shirt reminds me of something fashion trendsetters Whitney Port or Kate Hudson would wear.  It is very So-Cal. I was planning on going to a music festival this summer, so this shirt is definitely something I want to wear. I cant wait to bring a little bohemian to NYC.
Visit Soft Surroundings on the Plus Size Steals site.

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Tags: plus size bohemian, plus size spring 2011, plus size trendy, soft surroundings, soft surroundings shirt

Last week, I took a trip to the Woman Within corporate office to see their Spring 2011 preview. Was excited to see their new items for the new season.  It was great! They were right on trend with everything that came off the runway. Woman Within is known for their variety of colors. This season is no exception, they have introduced tons of new colors, including.. pastels. Haven’t personally been a big fan of pastels, but I think they make you feel feminine.  I must say..it was nice to see color in general.

Another great addition to the Woman Within spring preview is the accessories. The lightweight scarves are an amazing way to dress up any outfit. The material is soft and colorful, which makes you feel ready for spring.

Video review 1:

I was surprised by all of the white bottoms they had, since plus size women tend to stray away from white.  However, I was excited to see that they were breaking the rules because white is such a great departure from the drab clothing of winter.

Video review 2:

Loved the different shapes, including asymmetrical, of their Spring 2011 plus size line. Tunics are no longer boring, as seen with Woman Within’s trapeze mega tunic, introduced are metals, a pointed hem and of course great colors.

Video review 3:

We’d like to thank Woman Within and their great staff for meeting with us New York. They are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the plus size woman’s needs. For the fashionable, budget conscious plus size consumer- Woman Within is a top choice. Visit us for Woman Within coupons !

FTC Disclaimer: The products in this video were sponsored by Woman Within. This is an honest opinion expressed in this video. I am not being paid to do videos by company.

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Tags: plus size, plus size denim, plus size jeggings, plus size tunic, woman within, woman within coupons, woman within review