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!

I LOVE love, so naturally Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. I have fun on Valentines Day even when I’m not dating anyone and a big part of that is dressing up.

To make Vday fun for all of my PSP’s, I’d like to kickstart something new: The Plus Size Princess Style Challenge (#PSPstyle). Think of #PSPStyle as the sister hashtag to #PSPfit, the Plus Size Princess Fitness Challenge. We’ve been taking pictures of ourselves all sweaty at the gym, now lets document when we’re looking our curvaceous best!

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 #PSPstyle and I’ll RT

Instagram: Tag PlusSizePrincess #PSPstyle

#PSPstyle isn’t just for Valentines Day. From now on, whenever you post a cute pic on instagram or twitter be sure to tag #PSPstyle so that I can ReTweet/Repost your fun fashion style photos and award prizes when I can.

For the Valentines #PSPstyle challenge I’ve got FIVE prizes to give away: A $100 gift card to Igigi, a $50 gift card to Lane Bryant and 3 red satin bras from Just My Size.

The contest is open from 2/11-2/18 for those of you who celebrate Vday early or late. Enter as many times as you want, if you love your outifts every day tag them with #PSPstyle and send them on over! Here’s how to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!

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!

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

I used to be terrified that wrap dresses would accentuate my “lumps” instead of my curves… I’m realizing that’s not the case. This dress is slate blue with a pink sash, and… pockets!

p.s. I took my braids out and I’m rocking my natural hair for the winter, I’m new to the natural hair game and this was my first updo!

Dress: c/o Igigi, available here. Bag: Jessica Simpson, old. Shoes: Avenue, old. Fishnets: Spanx/Lane Bryant available here.

Photos by: Zanography

It’s that time of year again where you help me choose an outfit for my office holiday party.

Last year, I did the survey on twitter and the dress you suggested I wear was a huge hit, so let’s do it again! This year, I’m building my outfit around a vintage bag and sexy/comfy shoes. I’ve narrowed my choices down to these three dresses and these two coats from SimplyBe.com (the names and descriptions are below). Other than the faux fur coat, which would be a total splurge, everything I’m looking at is under $100.

So, chime in and tell me…. which pieces would you choose for an office holiday party?