Stand Up To Beauty Standards

Category: style

  • The Porch Chronicles: With Full Beauty Brands

    The Porch Chronicles: With Full Beauty Brands

    Before quarantine I never thought much of my porch. Now it’s one of my favorite places to sit and feel connected to the outside world! Here are some of my fave porch looks this month!

    This sleeveless eyelet dress from Jessica London is the perfect spring and summer staple! It’s available in sizes 12-28 and also comes in soft geranium. The best part: IT HAS POCKETS! Eyelet is timeless and angelic. This dress is a definite keeper.

    This stripped linen faux wrapped dress from Ellos is easy, breezy, and comfy! It comes in sizes 10-28 and goes with anything! It is a little low cut, so if you’re a busty babe like myself, I suggest wearing a bralette or cami underneath. Layering a t-shirt with a sundress is also a look and I plan on trying that!

    I’m obsessed with the knit surplice maxi dress from Ellos! It’s super soft and flowy which is just what I need for these warmer days. It comes in 6 different colors and is available in sizes S-5X. Ellos sizing is a little different, so be aware that for this dress a small is size 10-12 and 5X is 38-40. I’m wearing a 1X (22-24) because I like to size up for comfort, but the sizing is so generous I could have just stuck to my usual 18/20.


    Another winner with pockets!!! Boy, do I love dresses with pockets. This ruffled off the shoulder dress particularly! This is probably my favorite dress right now because it’s festive, comfortable, and…did I mention the pockets? It’s from Roamans and is available in size 10-32 and the fit is forgiving and flattering! This dress definitely gets me excited about future brunch plans and patio parties but it’s also comfy enough to wear while I water my plants and sip iced coffee on my porch!

    Even though my fun summer plans are on hold for the foreseeable future, I do love dressing cute for myself. It’s nice to put on a pretty dress and some hoops, sit outside with a whipped coffee (if you haven’t tried it, recipe here!) and chat on FaceTime with my mom. My neighbors walk past and wave hello and I feel human. Right now it’s all about the little things!

    You can checkout these looks and more on my Instagram!

  • Cozy Curvy Gift Guide: With Jessica London

    Can you believe the holidays are HERE!? I don’t know about you, but it totally snuck up on me! If you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your favorite curvy gal (even if that curvy gal is you!) I’ve got some great suggestions! Jessica London is your one stop shop for cozy gifts that will us curvy babes comfy all winter long!

    I know for me, finding bath towels that wrap effortlessly around my body isn’t easy. Regular bath towels just never quiet cut it. And a towel wrap? Forget it! That’s why I was beyond excited to find this terry towel wrap! It comes in sizes 14-40, 9 different colors and is only $19.99 (some colors are $24.99)!B03B2BDB-895F-4F85-AF46-BCCA95028A6C

    Similar to the towel trouble, finding robes that fit properly can be a challenge. This Spa Terry Robe is exactly what I needed! It comes in 6 colors, sizes 14-28, and is $54.99! Jessica London has a variety of robes so be sure to browse all your options!0170872A-CD41-44C9-A53C-88F0C2AD7678

    Let’s talk pajamas! When shopping for plus size pjs I alway feel like my options are limited. Either the sizes stop at XL or the the style selection is slim pickings! Thankfully Jessica London has a variety of styles and sizes up to . I tried a few different types of jammies but there are so many to chose from I think I need more!

    Some pieces are mix and match, which is awesome! I paired this penguin pajama shirt with a pair of flannel shorts. I am completely obsessed with penguins so I’m particularly excited about this set! It comes in 8 colors and patterns, sizes 14-40, and is only $14.98. These flannel pajama shorts come in sizes 14-40 and are on super sale for only $9.98! 36EF2351-F967-41BC-9346-BE70927D01B6

    Okay, so I’m usually not a night gown or sleep shirt person…but I’d think I am now! These short sleeve sleep shirts come in a pack of two for only $34.99 dollars which is a major steal! I love these Christmas prints! They come in sizes M-8X and 6 different colors and patterns. I paired them with these dreamy Wynter Slippers! They are extremely warm and I feel like I’m walking on a fluffy cloud! They come in sizes M-XXL and wide width, 4 colors and cost only $21.99!

    Jessica London is having a ridiculous sale with styles up to 60% off and a free gift with purchases over $75! Be sure to check them out! Hurry, The clock is ticking!

  • Holiday Party Ready

     

    Its holiday season, you know what that means: Parties! ‘Tis the season for events from Friendsgiving to Chanukah  and every Nutcracker ballet and cookie exchange in between! Don’t forget the New Years parties to follow!2BB643A3-E8A5-4E32-BA9D-5D5412847823 This is the time of year that’s both exciting and overwhelming and it always seems to sneak up to us. So, Jessica London and I are here to help you with one of the hardest parts of party season…OUTFITS! 

    I’m a huge Christmas fan myself so this red sequin top is perfect for me! I love this tank because it’s so festive on its own that you can add it to anything and you’re instantly in the spirit! Pair it with jeans, a leather skirt, or a black pantsuit, literally anything and *boom* you’re ready to party3811A9E4-B42B-4743-AB24-8143A5520B53

     

    A good party sweater is essential for staying warm during the winter months while still looking stylish. I love this sequin cowl neck sweater because it’s cozy without being too chunky and the neckline and hint of sparkle is perfect for any swanky soiree! I paired this sweater with a snake print leather swing coat and I felt like such a fashionista! Not only is this coat nice and warm, the snake print add an element of drama. If you know me at all, you know I love that!

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    Speaking of coats I’m also totally in love with this animal print wool blend coat. It’s super comfortable and practical but the subtle animal print keeps it trendy and fun. I love pieces like this because it works with virtually any outfit for any occasion. This coat is a slightly modern spin on a classic style and made with lasting quality. It’s such a great investment because I know I’ll be wearing it all season long and for many years to come.  A7E96CE9-D7C8-4739-854F-F699963C9648

     

     

    This last one is a little sneak peek of my Curvy Cozy Gift Guide! This time of year, cute jammies are a must have! Decorating the tree, lighting candles, settling in with hot cocoa, wrapping presents into the wee hours of the morning, you need to be comfy! 4E2D8D1F-A784-4E58-ADA7-8DE85159136CSo why not be cute while you’re at it! Alas, cute jammies and robes in a variety of styles are hard to find in plus sizes. I’ve alway had to shop at three different places to get a nightshirt here, flannel pjs there, and a robe somewhere else entirely! Thankfully Jessica London is now my one stop shop for all things curvy and cozy and next week I’ll be sharing my absolute faves with you all! Stay tuned!

     

  • Pumpkin Season With Jessica London

     With October in full swing and November right around the corner, Pumpkin Season is all around us! Whether you need a cute outfit for the pumpkin patch, fall themed family portraits, or Thanksgiving dinner, Jessica London has the perfect look for you!

    BC73FD36-8177-4A31-8071-D8F4A3190105This leather and ponte knit fit and flare dress is such a statement piece! I love the juxtaposition of the girlish and wholesome A-line cut with edgy and sexy black leather.This dress is a great addition to any fall and winter wardrobe but it’s an especially clever option for someone who doesn’t necessarily want to dress up for Halloween but still wants to be fun and festive. I also think this dress would be perfect for a night out on the town when you want to look fierce but its COLD! I paired my leather dress with the Alma bootie by comfortview. Sometimes boots can look too casual for events that call for a more formal dress code. But on those super chilly nights, pumps and flats sometimes leave you too exposed! This sleek, low cut style is the perfect hybrid of boots and flats. I think the Alma bootie gives off a vibe that is a bit dressier which makes it the perfect choice to pair with a skirt or dress! I love when I can be comfortable without having to compromise my style! 

    In August I did a style swap with some fall previews and I totally fell in love with the ivory peplum pullover sweater! Well I couldn’t resist getting it in dark emerald! This sweater is so comfy and cozy! The peplum style and flutter sleeves give it a feminie flare that a lot of sweaters lack. Don’t get me wrong, I love being swallowed up by a huge, warm, cable knit! But once we are deep in the middle of the colder months I start to get bored with the chunky silhouette that almost every sweater gives me. This peplum pullover is the solution! 

    D7F013CF-6FD8-44E7-81C7-FB978F66F4C7Speaking of sweaters, I was pleasantly surprised by this ribbed cotton turtleneck! I’m not usually a huge fan of turtlenecks. Many are not sized properly in plus sizes and I often feel suffocated. I also have a general suspicion of sweaters for fear of the blob effect i stated above. However, this turtle neck is perfect! The fit is cozy but still flattering and the neck has enough room for me to breath! It’s safe to say this sweater has become a staple for me and I plan on getting more colors! 

    Another great staple piece is this cotton cashmere duster sweater. It’s perfect for layering and can be easily dressed up or down! This sweater is soft like cashmere but machine washable! I love a luxury feel with low maintenance upkeep and an affordable price tag! This is another one i feel I need in every color! CE80228B-2616-4826-B38A-492AC36062AAWith all these sweaters I wore the black patent leather all weather bootie by comfortview. I love the practical comfort of these bootie and the trendy look of the patent leather. They come in a variety of colors from a neutral tan to a metallic gunmetal. Depending on the color you choose, these boots could be a classy statement or a practical staple! I personally love statement boots, coats and scarves in the fall and winter months so I can express myself with fashion even when I’m bundled up to keep warm. Jessica London has so many cute options for winter, I’m actually looking forward to the chill! If you have any requests or suggestions about what I should style for November and December, I’d love to hear from you! Follow me on Instagram and lets connect!

     

  • Fall Haul With Jessica London

    Fall is here babes! Time to transition our closets from sundresses and sandals to sweaters and booties! Jessica London has the best staples for your Autumn wardrobe as well as fabulous statement pieces. To get my Fall looks started this season I chose pieces that I could incorporate gradually with my Summer clothes. The warm southern weather won’t keep me from living my best Fall life!

    Right now Jessica London is having several awesome sales, one of which is half off sweaters! This cable twist sweater was previously $79.99 and is now only $39.99! It comes in three colors, wild berry, ivory, and medium heather grey. This sweater is so soft and the perfect staple piece for a cute fall fit! I paired it with denim shorts because it’s not chilly in Nashville yet. I opted for a neutral grey so that i can add a pop of color with fun accessories.

    Included in the sweater sale is this luxuriously soft chenille cardigan sweater. It comes in three colors, ultra blue, rich gold, and classic red. Previously priced at $99.99, this cardigan is now only $49.99! I chose rich gold for that Autumn vibe and It’s the perfect cozy piece for sippin a pumpkin spice latte! I love that it comes in all three primary colors and I’m a big believer in wearing bright colors in fall and Winter, not just the warmer months!

    Another 50% off sweater I fell in love with is this jacquard duster. This duster comes in plaid and houndstooth and is a perfect statement sweater for the season. I’m a total sucker for plaid so for me it was the obvious choice, but both patterns are must-haves! Originally $119.99 this duster is now just $59.99! With jeans and my fave Jessica London animal print booties(currently BOBO 50% off), I’m ready for pumpkin carving and apple picking!

    Jessica London coats and jackets are now up to 40% off and thank goodness because I don’t know if I could survive the Autumn months without this blazer! This wool blend peplum blazer is thicker and warmer than most blazers which is perfect for those chilly days. It comes in black, ivory, red and the best of all worlds, plaid! Can you guess which one I choose? PLAID! I’m going to wear this blazer with everything and no one can stop me!

    This last top is one of those magical pieces that could genuinely be worn in any season. This silky placket front blouse comes in ivory and ultra blue floral and is over 40% off! Paired with my fave Jessica London twill ankle pants (currently 40% off) and the mischa shootie (40% off and BOGO 50% off) it’s the perfect outfit for early fall! I’m excited to see what Jessica London had instore for us next month because they really know how to do fall fashion right! Let me know what goodies you find during these amazing sales and be sure to tag me and Jessica london on instagram so we can see how you style your fall haul!

     

  • Esthetics By P. Brown: My Healing Experience

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    Esthetics By P. Brown is way more than esthetics, its a community. I think it’s safe to say, anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting the owner Porsche Brown would agree. Porsche radiates light and positivity and not in the kind of phony way that many people in the service and beauty industry do (like when you walk into Sephora and everyone is suddenly your bff!). Her kindness, joy, and compassion are completely genuine and every soul that walks through the door is greeted with friendship, a big hug, and a cup of tea. I know, this sounds fake! But y’all I’m telling you, I went in for a facial and came out feeling seen, understood, and comforted! How often can you say that

    I met Porche and her team through the Nashville Blogger Collective and they invited me to come in for a complimentary facial, lash lift, manicure, and reiki session. I made the appointment weeks and advance, not knowing that the night before I would have my first panic attack of 2019. I’m very open about my mental health on social media because it’s something ive been living with my whole life. I believe it’s important for me to be transparent so that i can help break the stigma around mental health and encourage others who are struggling to seek help. I’ve had a really good handle on my anxiety for a long time but i’ve been on edge lately. When I had this panic attack, it had been so long since I’d had one, I was frightened and shocked which only added to the intensity of the experience. The next day when I arrived at Esthetics By P. Brown for my appointment I walked in feeling emotionally hungover and totally drained.

    I painted on a fake smile smile and pretended to be my usual bubbly blogger self. I was greeted by Porsche and her team with hugs and laughter! Porsche handed me the best cup of tea ive ever had and we all sat down to catch up a little before beginning my treatments. A few mins into our chat, Porsche began to tear up and asked me if I was okay. I was honestly caught off guard, I thought I had covered up my pain really well. I told her I wasn’t okay and a calm washed over me. She encouraged me to open up as much as I was comfortable with, and I did. These women listened to me, supported me, and made me feel safe. They told me that this is what their mission is all about. Everyone who works there or visits is a part of a family and is always welcomed to curl up on the couch with a blanket and find sanctuary here. 

    I started with a reiki session which was totally new to me. It was a relaxing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs energy healing. If you’re not familiar with reiki, it’s like an energy massage! The practitioner transfers universal energy through the palms of their hands to promote emotional and physical healing. Then I moved on to my facial. I was so relaxed I fell asleep! My skin felt so hydrated and smooth. I was glowing! I had a fashion show a week later and the makeup artist was so impressed with my skin. My skin is so healthy even my makeup looks better. Next up was my manicure. We went with a gel manicure and some shimmery neutral colors. We finished the day with a lash lift! I had never had a lash lift before and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The process made me a bit nervous, having stuff over my eyes for several minutes is a little unnerving. But Porsche talked me through and it was painless! I was shocked with the results. My lashes are perfectly curled and it looked like I was wearing mascara! At the fashion show my makeup artist didn’t put mascara on me because he thought I already had some on! I put a tiny bit on and-WOAH my lashes were amazing!

    After my visit I went home feeling beautiful and at peace. I can’t thank Porsche and her team enough for this experience. I highly recommend checking out Esthetics By P. Brown for beauty services, though I know you’ll be receiving so much more! 

     

  • I Said Heck Yes To The Eleven Bridal Dress! (Updated with photos!)

    I’ve been singing the praises of Eleven Bridal Curvy Couture since they opened their doors in October 2018 and I’ve had the honor of modeling Eleven Bridal gown at various events and photo shoots. But now I’m a BRIDE (eeekkk!) and I have a whole new appreciation for Eleven Bridal and the amazing owner Taneka!

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    If you don’t already know, Eleven Bridal is the only bridal shop in Tennessee that caters specifically to curvy brides. They carry a variety of high quality bridal gowns in sizes 12-34 on the rack! If you’ve ever shopped for a wedding dress as a person over a size 6 you’ll understand the struggle! Bridal gowns generally require the bride to size up from their pant size between 1-3 sizes. So a lot of women don’t realize that they need “plus” options when they begin wedding dress shopping. And if you’re a true plus size (like me, a size 20) then you are discouraged from the get go. Read this blog post here about wedding dress shopping as a plus size bride (unfortunately i was married once before lol).

    So when my prince charming popped the question I was so excited to start the journey of finding the perfect dress at Eleven Bridal! I scheduled my private appointment and invited my squad, three family members and three bridesmaids. It was so nice to have the whole shop to ourselves! We bought champagne and cookies and made a mini party out if it! Teneka is a pure light and joy by nature, so having her help me pick out gowns was so relaxed and fun! We chatted about my vision, preference and stye and she pulled dresses that fit exactly my description as well as dresses that pushed me a bit out of my comfort zone. And I’m so glad she did! I thought I wanted something poofy and super sparkling. I tried on poofy sparkly, classic, modern, girly, royal… and if I hadn’t seen myself in such a variety of gowns I might have never found my perfect dress.

    UPDATE:

    My HUSBAND (yay!) and I said “I do” February 22, 2020 and my dress was perfection! I wore my mothers veil as my “something old” and “borrowed” and it was so special to me. I also accessorized with a rhinestone belt from JJ’s House (only $15), earrings from Dillard’s (clearance $15), and silver glitter sneakers by Kate Spade and Keds (found at Goodwill for $8). After alterations on my dress, the total cost for my bridal look was only $785! I’m a girl with expensive taste and a bargain budget so I took my time to find pieces I loved and prices that worked for me. It’s never to early to start collecting all the little details of your ensemble so I recommend taking advantage of a great sale even if you’re worried it’s “too soon”. Don’t feel pressured to spend thousands of dollars if that’s not what works for you. You can absolutely achieve your vision without breaking the bank and the first step is Eleven Bridal! There’s no better combination of quality and value! Most dresses at Eleven Bridal are under $2000 and they even have sales on occasion (Mine was 50% off!) so you can absolutely find a dress that fits your budget and makes everyone cry in a good way!

    ****Due to COVID-19 Eleven Bridal is temporarily closed until further notice but they are still receiving new shipment and adding gorgeous new gowns to their collection! You can get in contact with the team directly to book a future appointment or discuss alternatives!

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  • JL Style Swap With Memphis Mandy Sue

    JL Style Swap With Memphis Mandy Sue

    Okay funny story: so @memphismanysue and I had been following each other on instagram for a while and we are both proudly partnered with Jessica London. A few months ago I started to notice a pattern…we not only do we post a bunch of the same outfits, our poses were even eerily similar! And it wasn’t just Jessica London clothes! We had the same Draper james outfits too!  What can I say, the girl has great style! I thought it was hilarious, so I made a bunch of side by side collages and posted them in my stories. Thankfully she got a kick out of it too. We got to talking about our similarities and thought it’d be fun to collaborate with each other for our August Jessica London picks. I chose two items, she chose two items, and we styled them independently. The results were so interesting because some of our looks and poses ended up being identically and some totally different! 

     

    Amanda’s First Pick: Pleated Maxi Skirt

    For this boho chic skirt, I opted for green khaki snake and Amanda went with black botanical floral. It also comes in white rose garden and black polka dot! I love this full skirt because it sits high on the waist and has a gorgeous twirl! I don’t usually go for a bohemian look but i’m really feeling it! Even though Amanda and I chose different patterns, we ended up styling our skirts really similarly!

     

    My First Pick: Fine Gauge Mock Neck Sweater

    This sweater gives me 90’s vibes! I chose classic red and Amanda opted for Ivory. It also comes in black, gemstone green, and wild berry. This is such a versatile piece and the perfect staple for your fall and winter wardrobe. It’s especially handy in the south were the weather can’t make up its mind and you end up with 75 degree weather in november! For this look Amanda and I went different directions. I went for a bit of an edgy look, while Amanda channeled her feminine side! 

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    Amanda’s Second Pick: Peplum Pullover Sweater

    This is such a cute little sweater! I think it’s super fun and flirty. Amanda and I not only chose the same color, Ivory, but we styled it and posed almost EXACTLY the same! Both our outfits give me a 60’s vibe and i’m here for it! Unfortunately this color is sold out. The good news is, it comes in three gorgeous fall jewel tones, dark emerald, dark berry, and ultra blue. 

    My Second Pick: Leather Moto Jacket 

    This leather jacket is the perfect addition to any fall or winter look! I think amanda and I demonstrated that very well, because we ended up staying this jacket super differently. I selected black and created a look with a bit of edge. Amanda went for ultra blue and paired it with a dress for a girly vibe. Like many of jessica London’s pieces, this is a great staple piece for any wardrobe. Investment pieces like this will last for years and make an outfit look put together and complete! 


    Jessica London always has awesome sales, and right now the fall collection is 30% off! AND Use code JLE40FS to take $20 off $60 or $40 off $100 purchase, plus free shipping with $85+! Don’t forget to tag me in your Jessica London pics on instagram. Happy shopping yall!

  • Jessica London Summer Edit

    6C1A70A4-2EDE-4894-9A82-F5FEA8B7E87FBy now it’s no mystery that I am a huge Jessica London fan! But I mean, come one, can you blame me? Jessica London is an online women’s clothing retailer that carries sizes 10-32 in a variety of styles and trends both classic and new! There’s truly something for everyone and that’s not something you see often! Right now Jessica London is having an awesome sale, an extra $25 off orders $50+ plus free shipping on order $75+ with code JLESUMMER25! So before you rush over for your new summer wardrobe,  I put together a little look book of my favorite Jessica London Summer styles! 

     

    The Every Occasion Dress

    There’s honestly no better feeling than finding THE perfect dress. You know the one! The dress that fits practically every occasion, is comfortable AND cute! Well this is *that* dress and babe, it has pockets! I know, I know, you’re welcome! This dress is currently available in sizes 12-28 and also comes in floral print! DFCD8327-5658-4883-BAE7-A4E6B474C66A

     

    Peppy Pink Blazer (aka the Barbie Blazer)

    Everyone needs a good blazer for work, interviews and networking events because nothing says, I’m professional and fabulous like a sharp blazer! Pink is my signature color so I love adding this Jessica London blazer to any neutral outfit for a pop of summer color and a flare of Lexi! Pink not your thing? Fear not! This blazer comes in white as well! This stye is currently available in size 12-28. JL also carries a variety of blazers in many other colors if you’re in need of a classic back or grey! 6050A07B-9999-42EE-A4D5-C9B1565FC49A

     

    Date Night Dress

    Summer style is all about colors! I’ve been gravitating toward sunny happy yellow this season! This bow sleeve dress is the perfect dress for a night on the town that will surely help you make a statement. This dress is currently available in sizes 12-24, and is only one of many eye catching, brightly colored pieces Jessica London has to offer. 2F73AF60-3E40-4562-B83C-7C8EC059AD9D

     

    Classic Black and White 

    As much as I love bright fun colors, sometimes a girl just needs a classic black and white look (paired with red lips, of course!) It’s a timeless trend that compliments everyone. You can’t go wrong! These Tummy Control Twill Ankle Pants are both comfortable and chic! They come in a variety of colors and patterns and are currently available in size 12-28. This black and white Lace Tunic is refined with a bit of flare. This feminine and flouncy top is currently available in sizes 12-26. C164D32C-CCC6-42DF-A875-E8B93D698F6B

     

    The Ultimate Comfy Fit 

    This last outfit is hands down the most comfortable summer look ever! This soft Cross Neck Tunic is both flattering and versatile and is currently available in sizes 12-32 as well as different colors and patterns! These stretchy and stylish Palazzo Pants are also available in sizes 12-32 as well multiple colors and patterns. Whether you’re chillin’ in your backyard, running errands, or attending an outdoor concert, this is a go-to for those hot summer days! 543F4176-64BB-48D1-B40F-AF9BF719A556

     

    98B82D3E-038E-4A9C-BECA-2374AF090DD0I’d love to see what goodies you find, so be sure to post a pic of you in your new outfit on instagram and tag @lexinimmo and @jessicalondonstyle! If you want to be featured on the Jessica London page, use hashtag #imwithjessica. For a feature on my page, be sure to use my hashtag #standuptobeautystandards! Happy shopping, y’all!