Take Time to Smell the Sunflowers....

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Happy Wednesday, Fashionistas!

Given all that's going on in our world today, (from the political climate, to each of us just doing our best to make ends meet), when's the last time you took a moment to 'stop and smell the roses'? (Scroll down for details about this look!)

This post is sponsored by StitchFix, & all images provided courtesy of Landell Original.

'When God made the color 'yellow' he was showing off'...

Last weekend, my photographer Ryan Landell mentioned to me that he wanted to travel out to shoot in a sunflower field near Commerce City, Colorado...

It was a lonnng drive on a dusty red dirt road, on a hot sunny day, so I was a bit skeptical of what we'd find when we got there. 

But, my goodness, when we pulled up and saw this gorgeous never-ending field of sunflowers? It instantly made my heart smile, and made the long trip ohhhh so worth it.

Standing there, in the middle of that quiet gorgeous field, I was reminded about how important it is to stop, quiet the chaos around you, and truly embrace the beauty of nature. Even if you only do it once in a while? It can truly be a restorative and healing process, and soooo good for the soul..

Immediately when I saw the field, I thought of that quote in "The Color Purple", about how it ticks God off if you walk by the color purple in a field and you don't acknowledge it's beauty... ;)

Click the image below to watch one of my fave quotes from that movie!

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'More'n anything, God love admiration'...

-Shug Avery, Color Purple

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...Look Details...

Dress: CityChic via StitchFix

Shoes & Sunglasses: Cira Ltd

Bag: Gianni Bernini

What do you think of this article, Fashionistas?

Have YOU taken time out to smell the flowers lately?

Sound off in the comments below. Would love to hear what you think of this look!

This post is sponsored by Stitch Fix. All pics courtesy of Landell Original.

So, I went to my first DenverStyle Magazine event...

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Happy Wednesday, Fashionistas!

Recently, I'd heard that Denver Style Magazine was going to be hosting a Summer Mix + Mingle event in Fort Collins at a clothing boutique called Rustic Thread. The event was on a Saturday, so Ryan Landell and I packed up the car and took the 90-minute drive from Denver to check it out and do some networking!

It was great meeting the owners of DSM; Editor-in-Chief Heather Okimoto & COO/Co-Founder Kelsey Bigelow. They are two women who founded the magazine here in Denver just a few years ago, in 2014, and have been working diligently to elevate their platform and grow the magazine through their community events, print magazines, and partnerships with various boutiques and designers in the Colorado area. I truly enjoyed meeting these women, and I was inspired by their drive to fill a fashion void that they saw that was missing here in the city.

And...while I truly enjoyed meeting the owners of Denver Style Magazine- and attending their fashion event- there WAS one thing I was disappointed about, that I noticed as soon as I started shopping....

One thing that I've seen over and over again at each fashion event I've attended since moving to Denver:

None of the boutiques I visited had ANY offerings of clothing for my Plus Sized/Curvy readers... Not one... 

In fact, the highest size I could find in each boutique I visited was a 'Large'. 

Now, Colorado....you know good and well 

there are tons of us Plus Sized Fashionistas living here...

And while I know that we are making significant strides in the fashion world to be more inclusive of sizes, it's disappointing to me-as a stylish Plus Woman and a new resident in Denver- to consistently attend these shopping events where no one thinks to offer plus options to their consumers who may be in attendance.

So, how do we fix this?

I'm new to this area. And, I'm new to the fashion world as a blogger too. But, if you know me, you know it's hard for me to stand idly by and just accept that my new city- this beautiful Denver that I've fallen in love with- is not going to provide fashionable offerings to me and my fellow plus consumers...

So, what can I do about it?

My plan is to reach out to Denver Style Magazine, and other fashion boutiques in the area, and to petition them to create more events that support more inclusive fashion & extended sizes. Does this mean that every one has to offer plus sizes in every boutique? Of course not. But, if you are going to offer fashion events for ALL, shouldn't our curvy sisters be included in the style conversation? (of course we should!)

My hope is that boutiques, designers, & fashion houses in the Denver area will realize that they are missing out on a HUGE market. By not offering options for curvy women, you are essentially losing out on millions of dollars in potential revenue.

(Yes, I said millions. We curvygirls like to shop too. ;)).

And, the biggest piece in all of this -that these straight-size fashion houses may not understand- is the FEELING that a plus woman gets every time she walks into your store, sees ALL of the pretty things you have to offer, and then feels the disappointment once she realizes that none of the clothing in your store has been curated with her in mind...

All of this being said, I am truly hoping that in the future we'll start to see more fashion offerings by and for EVERY woman -not just the fashionistas who fit in sizes from XS-Large- and that Denver's 'Style' community by and large will be hosting more size-inclusive events.

Fingers crossed, Fashionistas. I will keep you posted on any developments. ;)

(Scroll down for details about my look this week!)

Dear Gwynnie Bee, you sure do know how to dress a girl. ;)

...Look Details..

Dress: Jessica Howard (courtesy of Gwynnie Bee)

Bag: Gianni Bernini

Shoes: Dream Pairs

Sunglasses: Toms (similar here)

 

(all pics in this article courtesy of Ryan Landell)

What did you think of my event recap, Fashionista? Did you like this article?

Do you live in Denver, are you PLUS-sized, and have you had a similar shopping experience?

Sound off in the comments below!

In love with this dramatic Eloquii top!

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When you embrace your own style

and what makes YOU unique? Trends become irrelevant..

 

(Photography & Styling by Ryan Landell)

Happy Wednesday Fashionistas!

Don't you just LOVE a beautiful dramatic off-the-shoulder top?

I'm addicted to this one from Eloquii, and I felt like a true diva wearing it!

(Scroll down for full outfit details.)

For this look, we paired the top with a curve-hugging pencil skirt and my new favorite gold pointy-toe pumps,

but you could also rock this with some skinny jeans and a pair of flats (making the top your statement piece),

or even with your favorite slacks for an extra-fab work look! 

How would YOU rock it, Fashionista?

Sound off in the comments below!

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...Look Details...

 

 

Top: Eloquii

Skirt: StitchFix

Shoes: Daya by Zendaya

Sunglasses: Wish.com

 

..photographed & styled by Ryan Landell

Fleur 'Le Lis'...

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Fleur 'Le Lis'

In love w/this beautiful dress from StitchFix!

Happy Wednesday, Fashionista!

How are you handling with this summer weather? We've been experiencing a true heatwave here in Denver- with daily temps in the mid-90s- and this is my first time experiencing Colorado's sizzling hot summer temperatures.

I won't complain, though, I LOVE the heat, especially when I have a cool & breezy dress to wear, like this 'Le Lis' Dress that just came in my latest StitchFix box!

All pics cc: Ryan Landell

I've been determined to wear more color this season, and this dress is just perfect.

I really liked the floral pattern and the bold yellow & blue colors,

and pretty much fell in love with it the minute I pulled it out of the box!

I love how it frames my hips,

..hitting just below the knees, but not too long for my 5'3" height...

Hangs perfectly at my waistline,

(no belt needed, I also love the pleats and the relaxed shape..)

And, the back length accentuates my curves!

...covering my behind & thighs just right (thank you very much!)...

All in all, I am in LOVE with this dress,

and wish I could buy it in several more colors.

Thanks StitchFix!

(Scroll down for look details below.)

What do you think, Fashionistas,

would you wear this dress?

 Sound off in the comments below!

...Look Details...

 

 

dress | Le Lis 'Piper' via StitchFix

clutch | (vintage) Poshmark

shoes | BCBG (no longer avail.)

accessories | Bracelets & Earrings

 

All pics courtesy of Photographer: Ryan Landell

In love w/this Lovedrobe Jumpsuit!

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Happy Wednesday Fashionistas

I can't even begin to tell you how much I'm in love with wearing easy breezy, comfy jumpsuits these days.

I've been wearing them a LOT lately, and this one is my favorite!

(Pics cc: Photographer Ryan Landell)

Some summer days, it's just way too hot to throw on some spanx and a dress, don't you agree?

In this breezy jumpsuit I feel comfortable, care free, and it's perfect for my curves!

What about you, Fashionista? What plus fashion fave are you rocking this summer?

Do you prefer sundresses? Or are you more of a shorts-and-tank-top girl? Sound off in the comments below!

What I love the most about this jumpsuit, is that it's super comfy, yet elegant looking.

You can dress it up with heels (and a fabulous headwrap ;)), or you can just wear it with sandals and let your hair down. Either way, you'll look chic and feel comfortable and trendy at the same time!

Scroll down for outfit details. ;)

Pictured here w/my beautiful sis-in-law, KERRIE JOY.

Jumpsuit: Lovedrobe via Asos Curve | Headwrap: FanmDjanm | Sandals: Steve Madden

All pics in this series courtesy of Photographer: Ryan Landell

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