I hope you guys are having a fabulous Valentines Day!

Mine is off to a great start, flowers from my Dad arrived yesterday (he’s my #1 Valentine) and Robert is doing a good job coming in second

I’m always a fan of a day devoted to love. I always take this day to remind myself that my relationship status has no bearing on my value as a person. I wrote a post called “I Haven’t Changed” a few Vdays ago where I reminded myself that having a boy in my life doesn’t change/validate me and it still rings true. I will continue to work on loving myself and keep my fingers that the people around me will do the same.

Now for today’s fashion! Don’t forget that I’m giving away FIVE prizes for the Plus Size Princess Style challenge (#PSPstyle). For details on how to enter/win click here!

Here’s my #PSPstyle outfit from last night and todays Valentines day festivities (you can’t tell but I’m wearing fishnets with a seam and cute little bows up the back… and an awesome bra/panty set from Lane Bryant):

Paisley Pink Dress by Igigi, everything else is available below!

As I walked across Eldridge street I had butterflies in my stomach. I’d been talking to Brian, the guy I gave my number to for a week and this was our first date. Brian had suggested that we go dancing at bOb, a hole in the wall dance club on the Lower East Side that plays hip hop and reggae until the wee hours of the morning.

As I approached the club, I saw a broad, 6’4 cutie waiting for me on the corner.

“Hi,” I smiled.

“Hi,” he pulled me in for a hug and I closed my eyes as he gave me a little squeeze. He took a step back, “you look good”.

“Thanks,” I felt good in a black and white mini dress and knee-high boots. My braids were pulled back into a ponytail and my face was done with bronzer, a smokey eye and clear lip gloss.

I was excited. The electricity I felt from across the counter in Urban Outfitters was even more intense as Brian took my hand and lead me into the crowded club. Without saying much, Brian took me into the middle of the dance floor and we started to move. The music at bOb, a tiny sweat box of a club, created a sultry mood. We danced all night, with Brian taking time out to buy me drinks from time to time.

The chemistry I had with Brian was great and as first dates went, this one was going very well. As the night went on I could feel my soft 5’10 inch frame melting into his solid 6’4 inch frame. His hands moved from my waist to my hips and back again as he wrapped his arms around me from behind. Then I felt his hands push my ponytail to the side to make room for his lips on my neck.

You know that old school Mya song? The one when she sings “your lips are telling me yes when they’re kissing on my neck… should I stay? should I go? I don’t know!” I was basically having the real life experience of that song with Brian on the dance floor at bOb.

I was melting in his hands and it felt great, but I wanted more than something physical and I felt like if we got any closer, our chances of dating in the traditional sense would be ruined. It was getting late, so I told him I was ready to go home. I was hoping that by pumping the breaks, Brian and I could get to know each other more and take our time. He seemed cool about it, he hailed me a cab, handed the driver $40 to get me home and then leaned down into the back seat, his face hovering in front of mine.

“I had fun,” he whispered.

“Me too,” I said.

Then he kissed me.

Part Three, next week….

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…

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!

2013 is just around the corner, which means its time for us all to reevaluate our lives, where we are and where we’re going.

Gaiam has released a video that sparks the question “What makes you happy?” For me, I’m finding that my happiness comes from doing the things I love: music, writing and trying to create a fulfilling life for myself. A lot of the things that will make me happy take time to cultivate, as sites like GaiamTV.com remind us; one thing I can control, is my health.

That post-workout “high” that comes after taking time towards my Plus Size Princess Fitness Challenge goals gives instant gratification while helping me achieve the fitness goals that will improve my daily life.

For those of you looking to start the New Year with happiness releasing endorphins, GaiamTV is offering streaming video with over 2,000 titles. Gaiam TV is like Netflix with streaming capabilities on your computer, iPads and smartphone.

Sign up for a GaiamTV free 10-day trial and you’re automatically entered to win a 3-month subscription!

Here’s to a healthy and happy New Year!

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

Cardio & Curvy Conversations was such a fun event! We did an intense workout with TruDog and then had enriching conversations on what its like to be a Plus Size Princess living a healthy lifestyle, dating and trying to make it all work.

Thanks to everyone who came out… I’ve got lots more planned for us in 2013. I’ve also uploaded the photos from the event on my personal facebook page so add me as a friend to see them and tag yourselves (CeCe Olisa).

I thought this video would be a great conversation starter for this weeks Plus Size Princess Fitness Challenge Weigh-in. So, watch the video and chime in with your comments on any of the subjects (Whats the most you’ve spent to lose weight? Do you find it hard to date while on your fitness journey? Do you like dating bigger guys?). I’d love to hear your thoughts and I’ll be online all day responding to comments!

As far as my weight goes, I’m maintaining but holding on by a thread… the holidays are killing me, I cant wait till its all over and I can go back to my salads and grilled chicken- augh.

The first time I saw a Plus Size Princess in a tutu, I knew I had to have one. I spent hours searching online and everyone seemed to have sold out of them the minute they became available. But I was obsessed and refused to give up… somehow I discovered Ouma on Etsy and she made my dreams come true! I sent her my measurements and told her the color and length I wanted and she custom made me a tulle skirt and included a satin sash (although I prefer to wear mine with a more structured belt).

I’ve worn my tutu mostly for singing performances, but when I’m feeling extra princess-like I’ll wear it to a special event.

Tulle Skirt: Ouma, Sweater: Old Navy, Shoes Avenue, Bag: Vintage

Bronzer: Covergirl Queen Collection, Eye Shadow: Sonia Kashuk matte pallete, Blush: Tarte

Twistout Fro-hawk done with shea butter and bobby-pins

Photos by: Zanography