Hello Hello Lovers!!

I wanted to share a little red monochrome look for Valentine’s Day. Even though I am not the biggest fan of the holiday, I will say that over the years, the switch from it just being all about romantic partners to opening it up to celebrate yourself, or your best gal pal, has me thinking differently. Now don’t get me wrong, I am still not going out on V-day, I rather do something low-key like have dinner at the house., but this look is definitely something you can wear to work, enjoying some grub with your favorite gal pal, or catching a concert with your boo!

I received this great sweater for Christmas from KayJay. It’s a super chunky turtleneck cropped number from Astra Signature. Astra Signature is a brand created by blogger Sometimes Glam. I own several pieces from her line and I have yet to be disappointed with anything of hers. I have a soft spot for chunky knits and this one is my new fave. I’m wearing a 2X and it fits perfectly. It’s definitely cute with its bold color, but this sweater kept me warm which is major. Shooting in the winter can be tough, but this sweater did a great job of keeping the cold out.

Loving this pink lip with an all red look. Lippie is called It’s Happening!

When one loves and wears a bunch of cropped items, I wear them with high waisted bottoms. Either a skirt that sits high on my waist or high waisted pants. Paperbag pants have been all over the place, and when I saw these bright red ones on sale, I added them to the cart immediately. These came with a belt, but when I tied it a bow or knotted it, I wasn’t feeling . The pants have a bit of stretch to them, so I went with a 16. The pleating around the waist is a nice touch. It’s one of those pants that calls for you to tuck in your top and show it off and if you are not the type to tuck your tops in, they still look good regardless.

Since I was rocking all this red goodness, I went with my white booties and moto. This is definitely a look that wither worn together or separately the pieces play well together or still can be stand out pieces with other looks. I would wear the sweater with a leopard skirt and gold metallic shoes, or the pants with a long line denim jacket belted. You really can’t go wrong. So what are your plans for Vday? Staying home, going out, pretending it doesn’t exist…let me know in the comments!

This summer flew to say the least. One of my goals for myself was to enjoy the summer more. I get so wrapped in running around, that before I know the summer is done.

For a gal that rarely goes away or makes a list of things to try and brushes it off, I will say that I am proud of myself. I took time for myself, but I made sure I did things that mattered to me. Whether it was getting some mac'n'cheese from S'Mac, or trying a new bar near work. I made effort to enjoy myself.

I went to Atlanta, not once, but twice in three months. I visited the A to support Life Styled created by Maui of Phat Girl Fresh in late April, and then I headed back to go to the TCF Style Expo created by Marie of the Curvy Fashionista. Lesson - getting away is needed, and spending time with your girls making memories is key.
Walked around NYC on a nice afternoon (solo). I took an afternoon to try out the newest ice cream barlour in NYC called Tipsy Scoop. I tried several flavors, and I have yet to be disappointed.
Spent time with my peeps. Life can seriously get in the way, and it is very easy to let time pass without seeing my boo's. I made the time whether it was us getting together at the Jill Scott concert, meeting up for pizza, or a random impromptu. Make time for those that you care about.
Trying new brands. I made an effort to support and try new brands. In addition to new brands, trying out new silhouettes, and just having fun with it. Never thought I would love me slides the way that I do, but if I never tried it, I would have missed out.
Supporting my summertime events- Curlfest and FFF. Summer is not summer without these two events on my calendar.

I'm proud to say that I am wearing this wonderful piece from new plus size brand Astra Signature. It's the baby of my boo Crystal of Sometimes Glam, and it's just a fun line. What I love is that she does not sacrifice quality or style for her pieces. When you are a shopaholic, you amass a lot of clothes. I look for things now that are different, and really speak to my style. This romper is definitely one of them. I love how it looks as if it is a mini dress, but it's not. It's super comfortable, and it's stretchy. It's currently on sale, so definitely check this out. I'm excited to see what Astra has in store for Fall.

Summer is done unofficially, but nice weather is still upon us so make sure you go ahead and enjoy yourself. You've heard about my summer, but what was yours? Please share in the comments! Muah!!

Happy Valentine's Day

See Ya Later Summer