A lot of you were asking about the dresses I wore while I was in Miami earlier this month, here’s the rundown!

Maxi Dress: Asos, Shoes: Avenue, Bracelets: Avenue, Bag: Steve Madden (see links below)

Silk Maxi Dress by FatPhrocks

Dress: Jessica Simpson, Shoes: Avenue, Bag: Old (see links below)

Shop the look…

So… I’m not losing weight.

For the past 2 weeks the scale dips down and then it zooms right back up again. I don’t think I’m in a plateau situation but I’m trying to see what changes I can make to get the scale moving in the direction that I would like. The first thing I’m doing is nixing alcohol from my diet. My life in NYC is very much surrounded by cocktails. My week can have a combination of wine with Robert, after work cocktails, open bar blogging events, etc. and those are calories that aren’t necessary, so I’m starting there. The Plus Size Princess Fitness Challenge (#PSPfit) is 100% about getting fit and healthy and I’m definitely doing that but I want weight loss to be one of the results of a stronger healthier life.

The other thing I’m doing is finding inspiration to keep trying. I spent the weekend looking at plus size swimwear by Simply Be and fantasizing about wearing a more daring bathing suit this summer. Of course, I find inspiration from the #PSPfit girls on twitter/instagram/tumblr. I’ve also found motivation in having legit workout gear because new gym clothes make me want to go work out more.

The latest addition to my #PSPfit wardrobe is from JCPenney’s Xersion line, The pieces are perfect for an active Plus Size Princess. Their racer-back tank flares out at the waist, so its not tight on my tummy. Their colorful jackets are designed to loop your headphones through the pocket so you don’t drop your phone. Best of all, they make really amazing workout leggings with reflective stripes and a pocket in the back for your phone/keys/credit cards. Its nice to have plus size active wear that goes beyond leggings and a t shirt. Just call me “Sporty Spice”

Photos taken with the HTC One phone!

The sizing on these items is pretty standard. Everything I have fits like a glove and the shirt and pants have adjustable draw string waist bands. Also note that the tank doesn’t have a shelf bra, so I’m wearing a sports bra underneath, but the shirt is made to camouflage that.

How are YOUR 2013 fitness goals coming along?

Snag Plus Size workout clothes from JCPenney & Xersion below!

Has anyone seen the “skater dress” styles online?

It took me a minute, but I realized, skater dresses are just a modern version of A-line dresses and I love them! As we all know the “A-line” dress/skirt silhouette is narrower at the top, flaring gently wider toward the bottom kind of like a letter “A”. Skater dresses get their name because they resemble the dresses the figure skaters wear; that same “A” silhouette but shorter.

Sometimes, I feel like traditional A-line dresses make me look matronly, so skater dresses will be a fun alternative for me! Thanks to everyone who helped me choose my first skater dress from SimplyBe in December.

Between SimplyBe and ASOS curve, there are lots of cool skater dresses to try, including a leather one that I’ve featured below.

Photos by Zanography

Have YOU tried the skater dress trend? Did it work for you?

More Skater dresses below…

When determining the kind of wedding dress that is right for you,determining your specific body shape is a good place to start. Perhaps you carry more weight around your mid-section and chest than you do your lower half, otherwise known as “top-heavy.” If this is the case, consider having a playful hemline that swishes about the knee instead of your ankles so you can show off your lovely calves. Your overall look doesn’t have to favor one half of your body, so you can lean towards embellishments being on the skirt while you keep jewelry simple. If you do not have a distinct waist, you can raise the skirt higher along the torso so your stomach is softened by an A-line bottom.

Perhaps you are what is known as “pear-shaped,” meaning that your lower-half is thicker than your upper half. If this is the case, look for a fitted top that will help accentuate your slimmer half and have a skirt that flair out slightly above the waist to help cloak the wide hips and thighs. Use design or eye-grabbing accessories to draw attention to your slimmer top to balance your overall aesthetic.

Above all else, select a dress that makes you feel sexy and comfortable. You should be enjoying yourself on your big day and not preoccupied with the task of “sucking it in.” When trying on dresses, move around in it as you would during your wedding; this means, sit down, walk around and maybe even dance a little in it. Remember, the thing that is going to truly make you shine as a bride is confidence and the elation that comes from knowing that you are marrying the love of your life.

Plus Size Princesses around the world brought in 2013 in style and shared their pics with me on Instagram (I’m PlusSizePrincess on IG), it was so much fun to see the different outfits that we all put together. Thank you to all the PSPs that participated, we’ll definitely do this again soon! For the full range of photos click #PSPNYE on instagram.

I started my New Years Eve at church, praying in the New Year with my sister who was in NYC with me. After service I met up with Robert, his brother and their friends at a party in the village. Church and the club definitely require different outfits so… I went from “Holy” to “Hoochie” in one night Here’s what I wore:

Old Navy stopped carrying their +size section in the store and moved it exclusively online but I’ve still been able to find clothes there. I never have a problem getting into an XL or XXL dresses or sweater in the stores (I’m working on fitting into their size 20 jeans, but I’m not there yet!). For the Hoochie portion of the evening, I took a knee length sequined skirt and wore it high on my waist to make it into a mini.

Shop my look:

It was hard to choose, but here are six of my favorite looks from the #PSPNYE feed. There was a great variety of casual looks as well as glamorous plus size dresses in the #PSPNYE feed, showing that there’s no right or wrong way to dress up for the New Year. Special shout out to Jwunderlin who borrowed her fur vest from her grandma (Love!)

Shop their looks:

Happy New Year, Lovelies!

2013 has started off with something super fun. I’m featured in this months issue of Plus Model Magazine! PMM asked five bloggers to share their fall/winter style… mine was color.

This was also one of the last photo shoots I did with my natural hair out of braids, I had just gotten a cut/flat iron. I’m so happy with how healthy it is right now.

Coincidentally, as you flip through this months issue, you’ll notice that the Rachel Pally dress I’m wearing is featured in another spread worn by the fabulous +size model, Marquita Pring. At first I kind of panicked at the idea of being compared to a +size model in the same dress, but then I reminded myself that when it comes to +size fashion, our different body shapes can make outfits look completely different from one Plus Size Princess to another. So, here’s a chance for you guys to see the same dress on two very different bodies.

The fact that we’re both rocking the same dress goes to show that it’s always good to try things on even if you think it might not work for you… you never know!

Thanks to Plus Model Mag for featuring me! Be sure to check out the rest of this months issue here. A lot of you ask where I get my wide calf boots, check out my fave affordable boots below!

As Plus Size Princesses, we often have to work extra hard to find our glitz, glamour and semi-comfortable shoes for New Years Eve. I’ve been tweeting and emailing with some of you about where to find your perfect New Years Eve dress (some of us have been looking for weeks, augh!) and in a few short days we’ll all be celebrating in style.

I see you guys on twitter/instagram/facebook and I know you’ve got great style, so I’m curious to see what you come up with. Whether you’re cozy at home in your PJ’s or rocking the stilettos at a party, I want to see your New Years outfit pics!

I’ll be sharing them all on facebook/twitter/instagram as they come in and I’ll choose my favorites to be featured here on the blog.

Here’s how to get your pics to me:

Facebook: Tag TBGB’s facebook page and once I get the notification, I’ll share your fabulous pic.

Twitter: Tweet your outfit pic to @thebiggirlblog #PSPNYE and I’ll RT

Instagram: Tag PlusSizePrincess #PSPNYE

Can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with!

xoxo

Merry Christmas!

Thanks to everyone who helped me choose an outfit for my holiday party. Of course, I can only wear the dress once in a while but the Capelet Trench Coat I ordered from SimplyBe might be my best purchase this winter. I’ve worn it every day since it arrived haha! It was $99, but I had a coupon for $40 off any purchase, so it was a steal at $59! Also, the coat is super heavy and warm. I have a collection of brooches, so I added a few sparkly ones on the lapel for a some glamorous flair.

For those of you wondering, the cape does come off if you want to wear it in a more simple style.

Coat: SimplyBe here, Bag: SimplyBe here, Shoes: Avenue (sold out), Tights: JustMySize (in-store at Walgreens), Glasses: H&M (Old), Infinity Scarf: H&M (Old).

Hair: Bantu Knot-out, Nails: Essie “Jazz”, LipGloss Anastasia