Custom Gold Diamond Script Necklace (via @sydneyevan)

I've never bought myself a piece of expensive jewelry, but that is all about to change -- I've found the most beautiful gold jewelry that needs to be mine -- the custom diamond script necklace from Sydney Evan!

My heart actually skipped a beat when I saw her jewelry in Neiman Marcus. It was gold, gorgeous, and eclectic! I've never experienced a designer whose pieces... every single piece... resonated with me. Rosanne Karnes, the founder of the brand, is officially my jewelry spirit animal.

I've decided that I'll invest in my first piece of "fancy" jewelry in 2016. The price makes me scrunch my face up a bit -- it'll be about $1610 for my name (not including tax/shipping) -- but I can't wait! I've had 3 gold nameplate necklaces to date (5 if you count the gold bar necklaces), but I've yet to have a REAL gold, diamond necklace. This is the personification of my gold accessory dreams come to life.

To see more of Sydney Evan's gorgeous designs check out the Instagram page.

Source

Source

Source

Beyonce's Chicago Bulls 1-piece Swimsuit

Nicki Minaj just dropped the visual for her Beyonce collab "Feeling Myself" and the scene stealer for me was the Chicago Bulls one piece swimsuit!!

Beyonce slays everything she rocks, but as a Chicago native my heart skipped an extra beat watching Queen Bey slay in my hometown colors.

I've seen a similar version of this suit at Forever21 (bodysuit, not a swimsuit), but I'm sure every online boutique will be producing their version of the suit by the end of the week.

I still haven't signed up for Tidal (I'm happy with Spotify), but I respect the artists making it a point to add that something extra. I'm on the hunt to find this suit and when I do I'll be sure to update the post with purchase options. In the meantime, I can't wait to see just how creative IG and Tumblr DIYers can get with this suit. It's a gorgeous, attainable suit for sure. Now that body? That's a different story lol.

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Rhinestone Vine Ear Cuff (via @Forever21)

Lately I've been loving the ear cuff trend and wanted to share an amazing pair I snagged earlier in the week from Forever21. The rhinestone vine ear cuff retails for $4.90 (a steal!) and is a great way to make an outfit pop. During the day I noticed a slight bit of discomfort at the top of my ear and realized I had attached the cuff too tight and in a sensitive spot. After a few tweaks I was fine, so it's not a real reason to not purchase.

Rhinestone Floral Halter Dress (via @forever21)

 A few weeks ago I was in Chicago for a wedding and had a last minute wardrobe snafu. I had originally ordered 3 dresses from Rent the Runway, but it was just my luck that none of the dresses worked out. I didn't have enough time to send them back and get a replacement, so I headed over to F21 to see what I could find. I wanted to look nice and knew I could snag something decent last minute.

The floral top, rhinestone choker/collar, and body con skirt of the dress definitely caught my eye. I ended up going with a Large and thought the fit was pretty nice. The only downside to rocking this dress for an out of state wedding was being limited in my bra selection. It was definitely my own fault for not doing a test run around the house and seeing which bra worked best... but whatever... I tried my best to make it work.

Halfway through the wedding I had to find some safety pins and try doing cleavage damage control, along with fixing a few of the straps... dumb stuff that comes along with purchasing from F21.

All in all, the dress was $32.90 and got the job done. I liked it a lot and am going to take it to the cleaners and get the stitching fixed. I'll also take the time to figure out the right bra to wear with it for next time. If you're looking for a cute, affordable dress to rock to a wedding I'd definitely suggest it.

Faux Fur Stole (via @Zara)

I was completely obsessed with the idea of getting a stole for winter. Initially it didn't matter if it was real or faux fur, but I knew I wanted a cinnamon color and for it to not break the bank.

Considering my budget (under $100) I figured that my options for real fur would be slim to none. Well, heaven saw it fit to smile down on me and bless me with the last faux fur stole in Zara!

Y'all... the moment I saw this my heart started to race and I quickly looked around to see if anyone else was eyeing it. I speed walked right over to the table and snatched it up... taking a moment to relish in my find.

If you're looking too add some joy to your Fall/Winter wardrobe, run (not walk) over to your nearest Zara or go online and snag yourself the perfect Fall/Winter accessory. They retail for $59.90

Fashion Fix: H&M Bikini for Large Breasts under $30

My boobs are a 34DDD and it's rare I can find a cute bikini top in regular stores (i.e. Forever21, H&M, Target, etc...). It's even rarer that I find a top for under $50, let alone $20 which makes my heart swoon. When I was in H&M earlier today I snagged this super cute bikini and was floored that it actually fit me! If you're repping for the Big Titty Committee and looking for a sexy, yet affordable bikini to rock this spring/summer, head to your nearest H&M and cop this one. The top costs $17.95 with the bottoms ring in at $9.95. A true deal to snag a hot suit for under $30!

I opted to get the size 12 top (tops go up to a size 14) and the size 12 bottoms (fits like a large, also goes up to a size 14). Keep in mind that the bikini bottoms have a traditional bikini cut, almost Brazilian style, so you'll definitely have your cheeks coming out to play. The fit is flattering, but the bottoms won't offer any additional coverage on your stomach (they're low rise). Basically you'll get a supportive top that can handle larger busts, but the bottoms require you to be "summer ready" lol. Also note that the band around your torso is not adjustable, but the straps do adjust. There is also a side wire on the bikini top, and the thickness of the band helps support your breasts, but there is not an underwire.

H&M Bikini - Top $17.95, Bottom $9.95

Fashion Fix: Leopard Print Gold Toe Flats

When I think of cute shoes Ivanka Trump isn't the first (or second, third, or 100th) person that comes to mind. So, imagine my surprise when I was in Nordstrom Rack the other day and came across these leopard printed little gems! Turns out Ivanka Trump has an entire line of shoes, bags, etc... and I was more than happy to toss a few coins her way.

My friends know that I'm a sucker for anything gold, but I also rock pretty hard for prints. Safe to say you can find me rocking black, gold, or prints. I probably wear too much black, but what better way than to add a pop of something awesome -- enter the leopard print gold toe flats!

I got them on clearance at Nordstrom Rack for under $40 which is great. Feel free to check out your nearest Rack store if you wanna snag a pair.

Ivanka Trump "Carla" Flats

Body Image, Weight Loss & Dressing for your Body

Y'all, I'm going through a fashion identity crisis. I've lost 15 lbs since last year and suffer from a severe case of disillusion. While I KNOW I have curves, I keep dressing like I have the body of Nicole Richie. My inner force wants nothing more than to drape myself in big, shapeless clothes. Case in point: My fur vest.

Left: 15 lbs lighter, but styled wrong

Right: 15 lbs heavier, but style right

Last weekend I was rocking one of my favorite vests, but seeing how it photographed made me think about retiring it. I was like, what the french toast? I felt uber cute in it... but yeah, it wasn't a winning look. Just as I was about to throw it in a fire, I remembered that I HAD actually rocked it with a summer dress and it was the best thing ever. So, I quickly proved to myself that styling is everything and I must always dress for my body... this body... that I currently have.

I'm sure it's common to lose weight, yet be slow to transition into a new, smaller wardrobe... and that's the place I'm in. I'm slowly realizing, or maybe finally accepting that I need to make some tweaks to what I rock. Can Iyanla come fix my closet? Or better yet... I just need a few power shopping sessions with the homie Sexy and the Chi. She would NEVER steer me wrong lol.

Anyways, all of this is to say that ladies, if you've done the work to shed some lbs, the icing on the cake is embracing your body and dressing for it! And by "it" I mean the body you have right now, this very minute. Although I'm not completely done with my fitness journey (I'm still working towards shedding about 7% body fat), the 15 lbs I've dropped so far is a big deal. It's time to really pay attention to what I'm buying, how I'm styling it, and looking my best each and every day. Oh, and I really need a full length mirror lol. Time to make a trip to IKEA.

Fashion Fix: @Forever21 Cutout Geo Dress

The temps are warming up and my legs are ready to start frolicking in skirts and dresses! I headed to Forever21 today to see if they had any new stuff, and I was pretty happy to snag this Cutout Geo Dress for $24.80.

My life force does a little dance whenever I snag something cute from Forever21, and this dress is MUCH better in person. The site does the fit no justice. My rack is a DDD/G cup (depends on my weight) and a size Large fit just fine. I'm not stingy with deals, so I wanted to share this with my blog family - - plus keeping it 100 everyone in the world shops at Forever21, so it's not like you're buying something unique lol.

Anyways, Happy Spring and Happy Shopping! Time to clean those closets out and get new gear in there.

Fashion Fix: Gold Ankle Strap Sandals

Every once in a while Forever21 blesses my fashion life force with a little gem, and yesterday was one of those times. While browsing I snagged these Gold Strap Sandals, the perfect addition to my spring/summer fashion life force... and at $26.80 you can't beat the price.

The quality is also pretty good, which can sometimes be hit or miss with F21 shoes. The gold detail is pretty solid, and the back also features a gold zipper. The construction is on point and I think they'll easily hold up all season. If you're up to splurge a few more bucks, the pricier BCBG alternative might tickle your fancy.

Forever21 Gold Strap Sandal - $26.80

BCBG Gold Strap Sandal - $69.95

Everyone knows that my inner Persian excites whenever I see some Gold, so these sandals are the perfect go-to shoe for me. I think I might go back and pick up the nude as well. You seriously can't go wrong with gold accents.

Have you started getting your spring/summer wardrobe in order?

Fashion Fix: Using a Belt to Define your Waist

When I found this leopard print top with leather collar/sleeve detail at F21 I was beyond thrilled. Curly Nikki was coming to Chicago that weekend and I couldn't wait to wear it with a cute pair of shorts. Fast forward to the end of the night and I was annoyed to see how terrible it looked in pictures. My eyes had deceived me and I temporarily forgot the struggles that plague those with big breasts. Sidebar: I actually just got re-fitted last week and went from a 36DDD to a 34G/GG, but I digress...

Women with large breasts take for granted the benefits of using a belt to define the waist, thus making your overall appearance neater and showing you actually have a figure. I'm a size 10/12 and not skinny nor plus size. I think I have decent proportions, but know my huge rack on a 5'2" frame cancels out a lot of fashion choices. I can easily look overwhelmed in tunic tops when my boobs push it out and my short legs get swallowed whole by the fabric. Some tops are too small and make my rack look like a porn star (and I'm not getting paid to look like that lol)... and my 2 best friends are like size 0s, so in order to not look like I've eaten them for lunch in pictures, it's necessary to dress for my body lol.

After having photographic evidence of how unflattering my top looked, I was dead set on redeeming myself. You can see the before and after of how I styled this item at the Curly Nikki event and later corrected it at a birthday party. Of course I hands down prefer the second photo with the belt. I actually was wondering why none of my friends told me at the Curly Nikki event how the top was fitting and photographing o_O

Thank God I can be honest with myself (and depend on my life force twinsie to keep it 100)... so yeah, check out the before and after and you can see the significance it makes. These pics were taken like a week or so apart.

What are your favorite fashion fixes?

Fashion Fix via @Gabifresh

Source

One of my favorite fashion bloggers, @Gabifresh, recently featured an amazeballs ASOS dress on her site that I had to have. After a few days of stalking the ASOS site, the previously sold out dress was finally available in my size!!! Score. I can't wait to have this be a part of my life and put some mileage on it this Spring.

Lately I've become obsessed with prints, usually opting for anything black/white or ethnic inspired. Chicago has been experiencing weather in the 70s and 80s (not typical for March) and I'm soaking it up! I think I'm just about ready to fold up all of my sweaters and bid adieu to the uber mild winter we had. Time to ditch the tights and showcase these legs - - Let's usher in the spring :)

What are your favorite pieces for Spring?

Hot Fashion from Iggy Azalea's "My World" Video

By no means am I proclaiming Iggy Azalea as the next "big thing" in the world of female rappers, but after watching her "My World" video, I need to give her stylist props! I'm absolutely loving the fashion she's rocking and actually think she's a pretty cute girl... Almost too cute to be rapping about her "Pu$$y" and what not lol... but to each their own. Those black/white stripe wedges, black leather studded vest, leopard print wedges, Dalmatian dot skirt, and hot pink dress (which Forever21 has a version of - - not yet on the site, but in store)... give me all that PLEASE!

I'm not someone to jump on the "white girls can't be rappers" bandwagon, and after watching a few of her videos I kinda like her style. I think it satisfies my nasty, "Three 6 Mafia" loving side. Oh, you didn't know? I'm OBSESSED with Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat. Actually, most people who know me already are aware of that gem and have been privy to hear me go ape shit crazy rapping their songs lol...

Sidebar: A few months back I was at the club with LadyLaLaCPA and the DJ played a 30 min Three 6 Mafia set!!! Oh-Em-Gee! That is unheard of - - especially in Chicago clubs. I think that may have been the best 30 minutes of my life in terms of club moments.

If a rap career doesn't pan out, the Australian looker could easily be a model. What do you think?

Wrist Candy (via Monica Rose)

When it comes to bracelets and watches my motto is the more the merrier, the bigger the better! Monica Rose recently posted some great arm candy on her blog and I had to share. I'm drooling over each of these pieces and can't wait to start building up my very own collection of wrist candy.

Absolutely LOVING the nail jewelry!! Super hot...

A gold watch is still a staple for me. I need to get the battery replaced in mine...

What are your must-have accessories to rock this fall? Sidebar: I think I want to start rocking a friendship bracelet... very old school, but the colors used to make me so happy! lol...