Father's Day Gift with Jord Watches + Giveaway

If you are anything like me, you find it somewhat hard to purchase gifts for Father's Day. I know my husband quite well (we have been together for almost 16 years!!!), but when it comes time to buy a unique gift (like Father's Day gifts) my mind always draw a blank!

He certainly isn't someone who has everything, and he is also not the kind of guy who wants and wants and wants (like me...hehe). Every once in a holiday/special occasion he will mention he wants something, but I don't always like to cave and get that because what kind of a surprise is that?

If your husband or significant other is anything like mine, their wardrobe is a work in progress. He has gotten a lot more stylish over the last decade (I'd like to think I had something to do with that). He is also more likely to accessorize his look with a great bow tie, a cool jacket or even a cool watch.

JORD Watches has a great selection of cool watches that make a great gift for dad! Their watches are great quality, and made to fit your wrist. They have a great measuring tool on their website so as soon as it arrives you are able to wear it-no need to take it to a jeweler to get links removed.

I chose the Delmar series watch in Red Sandalwood and White Carbon. What I liked about this particular watch is that it has just enough uniqueness to stand out, and is a great piece to transition from work to play. The glass is also a scratch resistant mineral glass, which is a plus, especially for Dad's! JORD Watches make a really great gift for Father's Day- the selection is plentiful and the quality top notch (with a 1 year limited warranty).

Outfit Details:

Top: Old Navy /// Shorts: Old Navy (similar) /// Shoes: Rainbow /// Watch: c/o JORD Watches

JORD is kind enough to give away a $75 e-voucher to one lucky winner! It gets better though!! Everyone who enters (excluding the winner) will get a $20.00 e-gift card that can be applied to any watch on their website! Yep- you read that right....everyone wins! Everyone wins!!! The winning e-voucher will be expire after 1 month after the ending date. The ending date for this contest is 6/12. You can enter the giveaway here! 

Hollywood to Housewife: Denim on Denim Take 2

I seem to have a thing for denim on denim lately. That particular pairing has never really caught my eye much over the years, but lately I seem to be drawn to it more and more. I think part of me likes it because it is so effortless. It's sort of a "when all else fails" outfit. It's easy to toss on, pretty versatile in terms of dressing up or dressing down, and even can be considered closet staples (jeans and a chambray should be in everyone's closet.

I love how Gabrielle Union styled this denim on denim. The way she dressed it down with a crisp pair of white sneakers looks perfect! This was a look I knew would be a fit for my everyday life!

This was an easy look for my Sunday last weekend-a perfect transitional outfit from church, to grocery shopping, to hanging out at home the rest of the day. If I needed to dress this up at all, I could have easily swapped out my sneakers for nude/tan wedges and some fun accessories!

Outfit Details:

Top: Target (similar) /// Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar) /// Shoes: Target /// Bag: Target /// Sunglasses: Elizabeth & West 

When You Become the 'Curvy Girl'

This is going to be a long one, so grab some popcorn. Or a glass of wine. Or both.

If you have been a reader of mine for a while, or know me personally, then this should come to no surprise to you-I have issues with my weight. Always have. I have been everything from a size 2, to a 14, everything in between (numerous times) and currently holding strong at a solid size 12. My life literally revolves around my weight and what I eat/don't eat. (as I read this, sounds like I could benefit from a therapist, right? lol....) The funny thing is though, no matter what size I am/have been, I am/was never happy with it-I could always be smaller, thinner, more fit. I've been happy and I've been sad as a size 2. I've been happy and I've been sad as a size 12.

You see, I eat my feelings. I always have. Happy? Let's celebrate by eating a piece of cake. Stressed? Let me just swing by McDonald's for a number 2. Bad mood? Let me just pop a bag of movie theater butter popcorn and dig in. Worried? What cures your worries more than a sleeve of Oreos? It's like when I am eating all of this crap, or even when I am literally in the middle of buying this crap I have the same conversation with myself "you are going to be so mad at yourself after you eat this" "shut up I will deal with it then" "ok I'm just letting you know you are going to be so pissed at yourself." "whatev I'm eating it."

I've always known as I've gotten bigger that I should lose weight. It's not like I'm oblivious or anything to the fact that I have some lb's to lose. I mean really...I would have to be dumb and blind to not know. At this point though I know I need to lose weight to be healthier than I am, not just to be skinny. I base my worth on my weight though. I know-terrible. Awful. Not right. I base how I am/should be as a Mommy, a wife, a business owner, etc. on my weight....I am overweight, and could be/should be smaller, so I don't deserve all that I have, or I am not as good of a Mom as I should be because of my size. Why? Society. Media. My own, twisted mind maybe?

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I've noticed over the last several months that there is somewhat of a 'curvy' movement, if you will. You've been seeing more curvy, plus size gals gracing the covers of magazines, features, articles, etc. Along with all of those pictures is "good for her!" "so brave of her to be in a magazine in a bikini!"

While I think it's great that more women of varying sizes are finally gracing the covers and pages of magazines, I still kind of feel like WHAT THE EFF. WHO CARES. Who cares that she is plus size. Who cares that she is curvy. Who cares that she is not a size 2, or 'sample size' in the modeling world. It is ridiculous that we live in a world where someone is considered brave for being on the cover of a magazine when they are a size 14 or 16, or anything other than a sample size. She is beautiful, regardless of her size.

I think I have been paying more attention to this curvy movement because I am curvy. I am plus size. It's been in the last several months that it's actually sunk in that I am a 'curvy girl' or whatever phrase you want to use. I don't know, I guess because I see myself every day, and in my mind I am still my body's 'happy weight' of a size 6/8 I never really thought of myself as plus size.

Then all of a sudden, I started to get emails and comments along the lines of: "I love that you aren't skinny!" Ummm....thanks? "For being curvy you are so pretty!" Wait why not just say "you are beautiful!" and ditch the "for being curvy" part?

I guess what sort of made me lose my breath a little is seeing a pin of mine on Pinterest that has been repinned (numerous times) under "plus size fashion." I'm not going to lie, seeing that for the first time stung a little-a lot, actually. Me? Plus size? Since when?

I'm not writing this to get sympathy, for you to feel bad for me, or to try and get compliments. I am writing this because why can't we just ditch the labels? WHY. Why does someone have to be "plus size supermodel so-and-so" or "curvy blogger so-and-so" You don't see models in straight sizes being called "sample size model so-and-so" or "skinny model so-and-so." Am I right? Yes. Yes, I am right.

Seriously-why label? I know I am guilty of this-I've most likely labeled myself before. I guess that's society rubbing off on me. Which kind of sucks. Why can't I just be fashion/style blogger, Mommy, wife, sister, friend, business owner, daughter, etc. Why do I have to have 'curvy' or 'plus size' in front of my name?  I am the same me, the same person, regardless of my damn size. And so are you.

I am not ashamed to be called curvy or plus size. I don't want it to come across like that. I am just done with the labels. Can't we just drop them and move on? So what if there is a size 14 model in a bikini on the cover of a magazine. So what if there is a size 2 model in a on the cover of a magazine.

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Can't we just leave it at that? All bodies are good bodies. If this ruffles some feathers, then so be it-I just want the labels dropped. And if you are going to label someone, how about smart, beautiful, sexy, kind, intelligent, funny, stylish, a great mom, a best friend!

I realize this post is all over the place...I guess I just have a lot on my mind, a lot to say, and I am sharing this in the hopes that someone is going through the same thing, or feels the same way I do. If there is just one person, then this post served it's purpose.

I Ain't No Size 2

Have you ever had something that you had to have, and then it just sat in your closet? That's this skirt. I saw it online at Old Navy in the fall and wanted it. I was headed to Florida for a few days, so I thought it would be perfect. Fast forward to now and I am just wearing it for the first time!

Why? Beats me. It has a pretty decent amount of stretch to it, which makes it really comfortable. Plus, I feel like it can not only be worn in the warmer months, but it also can be a great transition piece into the fall.

Something like a denim pencil skirt can be a great staple for the closet this time of year. While it has a comfort factor to it, it can be quite versatile. Although it looks great with a pair of wedges, my favorite way to style it is with a great pair of sneakers.

If I am being honest I will say that I was a bit hesitant to wear this outfit. I mean I am no size 2...I'm not nearly in any sort of shape that I would like to be, and I know something like this would probably look better on someone that isn't quite as thick as I am. Have I worn more flattering things before? Yes. Have I worn less flattering things before? Probably! My point is, I guess it got to the point where I didn't really care if this was something I should or shouldn't be wearing just based on my size. Who cares what size you are...where what you want, right? When it came down to it, I thought it was a cute outfit. Not to mention, I wanted to wear something that would distract people from the massive zit on my chin-holy cow!!!

Outfit Details:

Shirt: Old Navy (similar) /// Skirt: Old Navy (option, option) /// Shoes: Adidas /// Bag: Blair Ritchey /// Sunglasses: Target 

Hollywood to Housewife: Channeling My Inner Adele

Who wouldn't want to look like Adele, am I right? During my search for this week's copycat look I stumbled on a picture of Adele. I liked it, thought it was cute, but sort of breezed over it and kept browsing other celeb looks.

I kept going back to it though....probably because Adele is built a bit more like me than the Jessica Alba's of Hollywood, and also- who can pass up a head to toe black look? It's such a classic pairing, one that never goes out of style.

One thing I love about recreating celeb looks is that I have free reign to make it my own. Like I said, I was drawn to this head to toe black- I knew I didn't have a two piece set similar to Adele's, but I did have this great jumpsuit that I knew would do the trick. Instead of strapping on my black, lace up heels I opted for a lighter, more spring like pair. I also didn't feel the need to pair my jumpsuit with a jacket like Adele simply because of the time of year. You don't have to twist my arm to wear a hat and sunglasses, that's for sure! Any chance I get to top off my look with those accessories I take!

Outfit Details:

Jumpsuit: Forever 21 /// Shoes: Guess (cute option) /// Trench Vest: Elizabeth & West (old) /// Hat: Target /// Sunglasses: Nasty Gal

The Perfect Spring Dress with Mint Julep Boutique

There really is nothing I love more than a loose fitting, flowy dress for spring/summer. Add a fun print into the mix and I am pretty much sold on it. I have noticed over the last couple of summers that I gravitate towards dresses-they are just easier, especially when it gets super hot and the temps just keep continuing to rise. Dresses are easy, it's a complete look (no need to fuss with picking out a top/bottom, am I right?), and they are cool (mainly temperature wise, but also figuratively cool).

As far as my style with dresses, I find that I prefer the more loose, flowy dresses. Amen that boho is in! I don't know if it's the fact that I am a lot curvier than I used to be, or that they are just comfier and fit my lifestyle better, but they are my go-to.

This particular dress has the perfect combo of boho and feminine-a look that I am particularly loving as of late. I also loved the high-low cut of the dress. While I don't like super short dresses or skirts, this one made the cut because it was a tad longer in the back, which is what I prefer.

The Mint Julep Boutique is totally getting it right in the dress department (and every department for that matter). They've curated a great selection of dresses, tops, skirts, and even shoes. Besides having a really great selection of on trend pieces (in small-large and curvy sizes) their prices are really affordable too, which makes them even better.

Outfit Details:

Dress: c/o Mint Julep Boutique /// Sandals: Target (similar) /// Purse: Target /// Hat: Target /// Sunglasses: Elizabeth & West (in store) 

Casual Friday

As of late (meaning the last few years, pretty much)I find myself gravitating towards pieces that are more comfortable and casual than dressy. My life just doesn't require being terribly dressed up on any given day. Anything that I can purchase that can be worn casually (and dressed up as possible) is something that I am drawn to. 

I had my eye on Who What Wear's Trench Vest at Target for a while. I waited too long and it sold out, so I was pretty bummed. I love the idea of a trench vest-so easy to toss on over anything and everything! Needless to say I was super happy to see a similar version of the Trench Vest when I was in Target the other week! I have a feeling this will be a staple for me this summer! Can't wait to toss it over dresses, jeans and tees!

I can't find it online currently, but I did find a few that are super similar that I will link below for you-this is a must have!

Outfit Details:

Trench Vest: Target (in stores, similar, similar) /// Tee: Target /// Jeans: Old Navy /// Shoes: Target /// Purse: Target /// Hat: Target 

Have you checked out my YouTube channel yet? My very first video went live last Thursday-I shared how I highlight/contour! This Thursday, I'll be sharing my favorite e.l.f. products!! Can't wait to share with you!