My top 10 favorite curvy blogger looks for 2010

2010 has been the year of the blogger! It's been an exceptionally great year for fatshion bloggers. I've met so many beautiful ladies this year though this outlet, and I am definitely inspired by each and everyone of you. You all have no idea how much I've learned from clicking and spending countless hours on your blogs. So instead of doing my top ten looks, I've decided to show yours! :) I hope you don't mind. If you would like your picture and link removed, just email me and let me know.

These are arranged in no particular order! I hope no one is offended by not making the list. I promise, if I follow your blog, you are a style inspiration to me! Picking only 10 of my favorite looks was VERY HARD because I really do follow so many fabulous women!

I'm sure everyone is familiar with the fierce & spunk Sam of Stiletto Siren! Here Sam is rocking what is probably my favorite tee's of the year! Check her out in

Healthy is the New Skinny

Weesha, the curvy blogger from Dubai, has been known to push boundaries of what people are constantly saying curvy girls should not wear. I love Weesha in her shredded leggings! Check her out in

I'm wearing it anyway.

Tiffany of Fatshopaholic is one of my favorite peeps that I got the chance to meet in Chicago. She is the queen of florals and always thinks outside the box when it comes to fashion. I love her fearlessness when it comes to fashion. Her most recent outfit from Christmas just took the cake! Check out Tiffany in 

It's Not Faith if You Use Your Eyes.

Fatshion's very own sweetheart Gabi of YFF blew me away with this look right here. I love pretty much everything about this outfit from the accessories on down to the color palette. Check out Gabi in

Red, White and Black.

Veronica, bka Cid of CidStyleFile.com is one of my L.A. bff's! I love how she sassed things up when she added these black lace leggings to what could have been a simple green dress. Check her out in

Partying in Lace Leggings.

My gal pal Mo of Curves and Chaos has what I'd call a laid back So-Cal style. She's always cozy chic, yeah, that's what I like to call it. But when Mo stepped out onto the Full Figure Fashion Week(end) red carpet in her hot little red dress by SWAK, I was in love! Check Mo out in

What I Wore to FFF Week.

Sakenia of Saks in the City is one of my most favorite curvy style bloggers. I love most of her looks due to the ease of them. She never looks forced, and not to mention, she's completely gorgeous! I love this feminine, playful look that she presents us with in

Windy Paris.

Fran, my friendly 6'5" (read slightly jealous) amazon, well...I wish she posted MORE MORE MORE lol But that's just me being very greedy. My love for Fran comes mostly from our quirky twitter chats and the fact that she's probably my favorite Canadian, eh? I love her shredded tee look, that most bloggers were experimenting with over the summer. Check out Fran's look 

August 19, 2010.

Nik of Mezzo Fashionisto always brings up some great meaty topics, but I can't lie...I love it when she posts her outfits! Nik is more than a pretty face, she's also got a great singing voice. Ahh, one of my favorite looks from her was inspired by boredom...and I love it! Go check it out in

My Chic Bad.

Amanda of Fashion, Love and Martini's is probably the sweetest blogger you will ever meet! I love that her outfits are classy and chic. I love the way she styled her ASOS skater skirt. I know many bloggers have it and I like how she kept it simple and very cute! Check out Amanda in

Forever Young.

My honorable mention goes to Alissa of Stylish Curves! I wanted to fit her in my top 10, but I could not find just one look from her that I loved. I actually love all of her looks, she always looks very polished and put together. She's very New York Chic! Her shoe game? CRAZY! 

What were some of your favorite looks from curvy bloggers in 2010? Who do you look forward to seeing next year?

Just My Size wants to know, what's your plus size fashion pet peeve?

I came along this video from Just My Size today asking about your plus size fashion pet peeves. The video features some of our favorite bloggers such as Stephanie from Venus Diva Magazine, Alissa from Stylish Curves, Maddy from Plus Model Magazine, Glen of FullFigurePlus, Bella Styles and a few more!


One of my pet peeves is dressing to "flatter" which really means to HIDE your body. Why are we constantly being told that our hips are bad and we must minimize them? Burns my muffins I tell ya!

What are some of your plus size fashion pet peeves?

December purchases, ehhh, a bit of impulse shopping!

So I kinda went a lil craze this morning. I have not done any real shopping for me in hmm, about a year or so. Yesterday morning I found myself flippin' through the Torrid Spring 2011 look book and I was fighting an urge to shop. I filled up a cart and took out a coupon for $50 off a purchase of $150 or more that expired today. On top of that, everything was BOGO! How can you pass that up? Nonetheless, I decided I should probably save my money, since I'm having car issues, so I deleted my cart and went about my business. I woke up this morning, with the coupon staring me down and decided, what the hell!? I need new clothes and shoes, it's almost imperative! So I hopped back online and this is what I scored!

Click pictures to be taken to product

Yeah, mostly shoes. But, I admit, my shoe game has suffered quite a bit with all the moves I've made over the last two year. I'm sure I won't be buying any more shoes until the Spring, so this should hold me over as I attempt to get used to this California weather.

Oh and of course, while I was out Christmas shopping this morning with Cid of CidStyleFile, I came across this beautiful sequin butterfly top from Forever 21. I promise I went to the mall to buy gifts, but I've been wanting a top like this for so long, but I could never find one in my price range! At $22.80, I had to snag it!

I have to admit, I feel a bit of buyers remorse, but the fact that I am so uninspired by my clothing lately feels like a good enough reason to add some sparkle and panache back into my life! I never have anything to wear! Now slowly but surely, I can add things in to take that phrase completely out of my wardrobe!

Happy Holidays

I wish I could take the time to personally thank each and every one of you for every kind word, comment, email, tweet and phone call. I am so gracious to have met such wonderful people this year and it's all thanks to this wonderful blogging community. I wish you and your family, no matter what you celebrate a very happy, safe holiday season!


May the holidays refresh your spirit and bring you new inspiration and happiness. I look forward to getting to know you more and more throughout the new year! Cheers! :-)


With love and appreciation at Christmastime and always.

I spotted myself on the Sealed With a Kiss Boutique homepage!

Really quickly, I wanted to share with you all, in case you hadn't seen, the current homepage of Seal With A Kiss!

click for larger image

These pictures are from a shoot I did in November! :) Sarah posted on my facebook wall that I was on the homepage and I was totally stoked to see me there!


I have to give kudos to Sarah & the rest of the SWAK Designs team for not being afraid to use a larger plus size model in their campaigns! I know it means a lot to other plus size consumers who constantly complain to retailers about the size of their models.

This is a huge part of why I am still modeling at the size that I am. I almost gave up on the idea of modeling when I gained weight back, but oddly enough it has worked in my favor. I not only do this because I enjoy modeling, but I do this because I want larger plus women to know that FASHION DOES NOT BEGIN 5 OR 10 LBS FROM NOW!


This is why I say to you to USE YOUR VOICE! Let retailers and designers know that you want to see bodies of all shapes and sizes in their clothing. It definitely helps you determine how the clothing will fit on you. I really want you all to THANK those retailers that use plus models in all shapes and definitely keep harassing knocking on the doors of those who don't. Eventually, I think they have to listen ;)


You can thank Sarah & the rest of the SWAK Designs Team for raising the bar by using a size 20/22 model by leaving a positive post on their facebook wall!


SideBAR, just in case you are wondering, the outfit that I am wearing is actually an outfit that I would totally rock on a night out. The tank is super soft and fit perfectly. The pencil skirt, I think I really need to own. I see so many outfits in my head. Yeah, I'm now currently obsessing over it!

Christmas gift suggestions that don't cost a thing!

"To your enemy, forgiveness. 

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity. To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect."

Quote by Oren Arnold

 

Make New Year's Eve Magical with eShakti

Christmas isn't even here but I'm already thinking about what to wear for New Year's Eve! If you haven't found that perfect dress yet, check out some of these fabulous options from eShakti! These are just some of my very favorites. I am really in love with #4!

Do you spot any that would make the cut for your NYE party?

1. $59.95

2. $59.95

3. $59.95

4. $84.95

5. $64.95

6. $79.95

Steppin' Out; Snow Boots

Trekking through the snow (or rain if you live in So-Cal) doesn't have to be as hideous as you may think! Check out these options for great fashionable and warm winter boots! Rain boots if your winter is anything like what I am experiencing at the moment. Check out these boots by Ugg Australia, Sorel, Skechers, Coach, Burberry and Columbia.

**Sidebar** Am I the only one who noticed that Skechers makes Shape Ups in a snow boot? I mean, as if walking in the snow wasn't challenging enough.

Tis the season to be jolly

Or maybe not.


The Christmas holiday has always been one of my favorite times of the year. I look forward to the sights, smells and just over all good spirit of Christmas. The fact that I have always pretty much worked retail has not changed my mind on this.


Lately, I've been forcing myself to watch Christmas movies with the two kids that I baby sit. This is my sad attempt to get in the holiday spirit. It has not worked thus far. For most, including myself, the holidays can be a depressing time. Being away from my family doesn't help, although Thanksgiving is my mom's "family holiday." I survived last Christmas without them, but now that I'm 2,200 miles away, the distance stings a bit more. So when I watch these movies that have these perfect endings, it makes me a bit sad.

I have not shopped, and I love to shop for others. I like to think that I am one hell of a gift giver. I pay attention to people and I never seem to disappoint. BUT since my funds have been as dry as the desert, I haven't had monies to buy gifts for anyone. The least I want to do is buy my boyfriend something meaningful and budget friendly, although he will tell me not to. "Save your money Nikki," that's what he always says.


I want a white Christmas! California has taken all of the magic out of the holiday season for me. Sure, the weather is decent, although it's been raining like crazy lately, but, I grew up with snow! I miss snow! Sure, people joke that I can drive to the mountains for the snow, but eh, it's not the same! The weather has been a HUGE adjustment for me. Even though I fully realize where I am, I keep expecting snow. Seeing brightly lit houses and reindeer and snowmen propped against lush green grass and palm trees is very awkward. It almost feels like a cruel joke.


Holiday music doesn't do it for me either. I sing along, but it's mostly because I recognize the song. Growing up in school choirs has always made Christmas music some of my favorite music to sing. I just can't find it in me.

If you follow me on twitter, then I'm sure you've seen some of my rants. I hate to be or sound so negative around this time of year...or anytime of year for that matter. I've just been in such a slump. My personal life and financial life kind of, well, to be frank, suck right now. I have a lot to be thankful for and I am forever grateful for the family that has adopted me...but I just can't seem to find that silver lining right now. I promise, I am trying!


My mom says that Christmas is for little kids, which is probably why I feel so Grinch-like. But I definitely disagree. Christmas is about family, love and giving (not always material gifts, but giving of yourself) if you ask me. I am loved, even if they are far away. Maybe I need to find out if it's still possible to volunteer somewhere. That always makes me feel better.


I actually look forward to spending Christmas with Ryan and his family. I guess over the next couple of days I better join the ranks of all the other last minute Christmas shoppers. Eek! Wish me luck!


Thanks for listening! :) I just needed to vent a bit. I'm sure there are some of you who can relate. Do you get the "BAH-HUMBUG" feeling around the holidays? If so, how do you manage to make it through?


***DISCLAIMER*** Even though I may not be the most festive, I do still wish each and every one of you a happy, safe and healthy holiday season! <3

What is your favorite Christmas song?

I have some of the most random and quirky friends and  I WOULDN'T CHANGE IT! My friend Donny, back home in Michigan is no stranger to random acts of strangeness. I came across his vlog asking, what is your favorite Christmas song? I always thoroughly enjoy his videos and I felt, whelp, why not share all this greatness with you all! He doesn't know it, but I stalk his videos just so that I can stay in touch.

If you enjoy complete and utter randomness like I do, check out my friend Donny at his blog, Donny is as Donny Does.

After you watch the video, I wanna know, what is your favorite Christmas song? If you're feeling cheeky, create a video response and post it on Donny's youtube page and then link back for us all to enjoy!

Keeping the romance alive during the holiday season

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, long lines at the malls, credit card crunch and a poor economy, it's easy to take on role as the Grinch. Who feels it the most? Your loving significant other! During the holiday season, don't forget to let your love know how much they mean to you. In between the egg nog, holiday office parties and visits from the dreaded mother in law, make time with your sweetie to avoid burn out!

Here are some ideas to keep the flame burning bright during the holiday season...If you have children, over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house they go for the night!


On your way home from work, stop at the nearest Redbox and stock up on dollar movies...silly comedies, a mushy romance or even your favorite holiday movie. Once you're home, grab your sweetie, cozy blankets and jammies or maybe even a soft robe like this one from Evans and curl up on the couch. Pop some corn or maybe heat up things with Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa. Don't forget to steal a few kisses in between! Once the movies are over, fresh baked brownies make a delicious end to a cozy night. Bake them together and who knows, maybe you can spoon feed each other some batter? ;)

If you would rather spice things up a bit more with your honey, throw on a sexy little number like the Black and Nude Lace Bodysuit or the Red Lace Halter Teddy (both from Torrid) and get ready to steam up the bedroom! You and your partner can give each other a sensuous massages to relax away the stress of the holidays. The Liquid Love Warming Lotion 4 pk from Spencers Gifts or maybe try the Wicked Wax Edible Massage Oil Candle in Sex on the Beach. Om nom nom! Wanna tap into your naughty sex kitten? Try playing Dirty Minds (btw, I've played this game & I love it, I'D SURELY TAKE ONE FOR CHRISTMAS *wink, hint*) or tease and/or please your partner with Fun in Bed.

Need some other ideas?

• Head out to a local park and learn how to ice skate
• Make snow angels!
• SNOW BALL FIGHT
• Hold hands while Christmas shopping in the packed mall
• If there is no one to watch the kids, bake cookies together as a family
• Send sweet (or naughty, your choice) text messages throughout the work day
• Drive around town and enjoy the views of the holiday lights
• Go Christmas caroling
• Kiss under the mistletoe
• Put that fire place to use and cuddle in front of it
• Dance to your favorite holiday song together, better yet, go to a karaoke bar and sing it together in front of everyone
• Cook breakfast together
• Kiss at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve
• Sit in the backseat of your car in your driveway and steam up the windows by kissing the same way you did when you first met

www.tippiepics.com

Of course all of these things can be done year 'round! Remember, the important thing is that you let your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife know that they are still number one in your life. Make them feel special and enjoy the holiday season together!


How do you and your significant other keep your fire burning during the cold holiday season?

Have you seen Mia Amber Davis in Redman's New video?

Congrats to Mia Amber Davis! Girl you look super fly in this video, yes, FRYING PAN & ALL!



If you are a hip hop fan and have ever followed Redman, he's actually admitted to favoring the fluffier girls ;)

I must say this, I look forward to the day when the curvy big girl plays a love interest instead of the comedic relief. I am not sure if I could be a video chic, but if someone offered, I'd want to be the object of interest. But I am not mad at all about this video. Mia looks amazing and I don't think they downplayed her like I've seen some artists do.

What do you think?

30 Days of Me; Day 3, Your favorite programme

When I moved to Chicago, that's when I met my girl Raven. Raven has all these different tv programs that she watches, and at the time I had none. The nicest thing she did for me after discovering that I had never watched a full episode of Grey's Anatomy was lend me her Season 1, 2 and 4 boxed sets.

I've been hooked ever since.

I spent countless days lounging in front of the tube in my room, submerged in the dark, learning about the cast of Seattle Grace. One by one, each episode would finish and I found myself losing track of the days. When season 2 ended, I just turned on netflix to continue my journey.

My favorite character was George and when he died from that car accident, honestly, a bit of me died along with him. *sniff sniff*

Recently, I've been a bad tv watcher and I'd say it's time to get on Hulu and catch up!

30 Days of Me; Day 2, Your favorite movie

As if choosing a favorite song wasn't tough enough...

The first movie that comes to mind when someone asks me what my favorite is has to be Walk the Line starring Joaquin Pheonix and Reese Witherspoon. I missed this movie when it first hit theaters and I didn't catch it until it hit the dollar show. It was definitely the best dollar I ever spent on a movie! A few weeks later, good ol' Target had it for $3 for their 2 day sale, so you know I scored it!

Not only did I become slightly obsessed with Johnny Cash shortly after, with added pressure from a friend that I worked with, I watched this movie countless times. It was either this, or The Notebook.

This is when I really noticed how attractive Joaquin really is. He even strongly resembles John in his younger years. And I've always adored Reese as an actress and I love her role as June Carter in this movie. I imagine that there are many strong women just like June out there. You know? The strong-stand-by-your-man-but-know-when-to-give-him-a-dose-of-tough-love types? Both played roles that were laden with a whirlwind of emotions and ultimately I do believe that is why I am in love with walk the line.

Body shaming; Let's talk about it

As I sat down on the couch to go through my daily blog roll, I came across Alyssa of Stylish Curves (which should most definitely be on your blogroll!) SC usually shares her awesome finds with fashion for fuller figures and she's no stranger to curvy girl celebrity news....But, one of her entries today really got me thinking about body shaming. The post is titled, Lucky Magazine Shows Love to Curvy Girls in the January 2011 Issue. Here she talks about how it's very rare to see curvy bodies in Lucky magazine and questions whether this is their attempt to pacify the majority of the female population.


One thing stood out to me as I was reading her post..."It would be nice to see a feature that reads how to embrace your curves stylishly. If you have large round hips show women how to embrace them and not hide them." 

The only way I know how to hide 10 lbs in seconds
is by hiding my two 5 lb dumbbells in my closet!

Those of us in the fat acceptance/body acceptance community recognize that the media and fashion industry plays a huge role in how women feel about their bodies. I think most of us larger women would be surprised to know that even our slimmer counterparts feel the pressure too! Magazine covers scream at us to "Lose weight & be sexy" or "How to flatter your figure at any size". I, too, pose the question, "Why can't we just teach women how to accept and love their bodies?"


Inspired by SC, I created a status on facebook:

"Instead of dressing to flatter, i.e. dressing to make yourself appear slimmer because fashion magazines say that is what is favorable, learn how to embrace your large hips, fluffy thighs or ample breasts! Embrace your curvy body, don't hide it! It's beautiful too!"

This opened up a discussion between my friends and I about body image. As we went back and forth, a male friend of mine even opened up about how he sometimes feels the way that we do, but for the opposite reason; He thinks he's too skinny for a man. Needless to say, I found this quite interesting. Body acceptance isn't just something that women and teens struggle with.

How confusing? How can you tell women to love their
shape & flatter your body? That's not loving
your shape, IMO...that's body shaming.

I, too, have been known to bash my body. As a matter of fact, just this morning, I was dropping my roommate off at work and our discussion went from finding the right bra to us both complaining about how we don't like our inner thighs. "They jiggle too much." Liz (current roomie) pointed how her ex loved her thighs but she never cared for them. I shook my head in agreement. Never have I had a boyfriend or any guy in general tell me, "Nichole, your thighs are too big." If anything, it's one body part that they found sexy.


So I sat back and thought about it. If guys can find our jiggly bits irresistible then why do we find the need to only see it as being disgusting? 


I mean, when you take a look at what society's idea of beauty is, I don't technically fit that. Blond hair, blue eyes, slim thighs and a flat stomach. Then there's the exotic beautiful like Angelina Jolie types. Where does that leave me, a brown hair, brown eyes  5'10" curvy size 20/22? Where do I fit in? Sure, I've been told that I'm an attractive woman, but I've also been told I'd be much prettier if I lost weight, more successful, etc. When I was younger, I thought the back handed compliment was the truth. As I grow older and come to terms with the fact that this is the only body I'm going to have, I definitely treat it much nicer. I give myself compliments daily. My body is like a well oiled machine. Currently, I have no medical issues and I can run up a flight of stairs and not pass out once I hit the top.


But still, I have my moments like today where I bashed my thighs and confessed that it's their evil doing as to why I will not wear shorts. It's a constant struggle to not revert back to that awkward 17 year old girl who seemed to always tower over everyone in school. The girl who sometimes put on that confidence just to fool everyone else.


I went on a bit of a tangent, I apologize. It's just that when I read the titles of these magazines, I'm peeved beyond imagination. SERIOUSLY! It burns my muffins! It takes me back to the days when I was completely uncomfortable with my body...and there are still tons (no pun intended) of women out there that believe the fluff that beauty magazines pump out! If the media and fashion industry doesn't do more to help teach women and young girls how to love their bodies instead of hiding, flattering and covering up, then really, how much have we progressed as a movement? Now that magazines are attempting to embrace "plus size" models (read size 8-12) and showcasing them in their magazines I feel a bit of hope. This was definitely unheard of when I was growing up. 


I want to ask every magazine that publishes such shame, What is wrong with me? Why must I want to look small in order to feel good about myself? Why be ashamed of my body? Shouldn't we continue teaching young girls that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, yada, yada, yada? I recognize that not all women want to be the size that they may be for whatever reason, and that is your personal choice, but I want you to know LIFE DOES NOT BEGIN 5 LBS FROM NOW. Life is/should be happening as we speak. FASHION DOES NOT ONLY EXIST FOR SLIM WOMEN. You don't have to cover up your arms, unless you want to. You can wear stripes going in whatever direction you please. Skinny jeans? Pft, BRING IT!


I want us to openly talk about body shame. I definitely want your thoughts on the subject too. Do you find yourself going back and forth about your own body acceptance?

While you're thinking and discussing, check Erika's post on how she views herself. I promise, it's a great read and you won't be disappointed. Add her to your daily reads as well!