Just before my vacation to Hawaii, Torrid send me two swimsuits from their new 2018 swim collection to try out. Both suits featured a vibrant tropical print I adored- mama love herself some color! I tried the first suit out- a super sassy laced up one piece– on a catamaran cruise around Oahu.
What I liked most about this suit is that it felt sexy, but was also super practical and pretty modest. While the suit laced up the front- giving the air of drama and a peak of extra skin- there was no need to fear any thing slipping out of place. This is the type of suit one could easily take tubing without fear. If you’ve been behind a boat, pulled in a tube- you know what I mean. If you haven’t- lets just say many a girl had lost her bikini top falling off said tube on a tight turn.
The longer I wore the suit the more I wanted to wear it. I can imagine wearing this plus size one piece swimsuit as a body suit with some cute distressed denim shorts or a flowy skirt. It’s definitely going to get as much air time away from the pool as in it.
I also received a plus size bikini top with a peplum in the same bright jungle floral. This suit top came with black bottoms and a matching cover up. I wore this set to the infamous Waikiki beach for some sun and wave action. Here I am rocking this babelicious look in front of the infamous Royal Hawaiian hotel- an icon in Honolulu.
My first impressions is that Torrid has definitely improved the fit of the top this year. In previous suits sometimes the underwire would dig into me; in the 2018 variation I did not have that issue. Additionally, this year’s suits allows you to have the choice to push-up remove the padding from the cup. You would have to claw the extra padding from my cold dead hands, but girls with larger cup sizes will appreciate this little added detail and the extra cup room.
The cover up was really soft, but the color was noticeably darker than the suit. As a result, I personally think the two items would look better not wore together. Overall these suits are great example that Torrid continues to innovate and invest in creating great fitting a plus size women’s swimsuits.
My Favorites from the Torrid 2018 Plus Size Collection
Below are some more of my favorite pieces from the new collection. Click the images to shop.
While I received this product in exchange for an honest review, I was not financially compensated for this post.
Recently I headed out on a fun little weekend getaway to San Antonio, Texas. You may not know it, but Amazon called this Texas jewel the “Most Romantic City in the US.” Maybe something I should have researched before heading out on my road trip. Because of course, I go to the most warm fuzzy, love filled city as a single girl who’s closest love is a bottle of wine and internet shopping.
My Road Warrior Look
For my on the road experience, I kept things comfortable. I like to wear clothes that I can move in. Bonus, if they can hide the inevitable chip dust that gets on everything as a result of driving and road trip snacking simultaneously. Hence, the patterned shirt. Also if you’re looking for the ultimate road trip bathroom experience, you ought to check out Buccee’s- it’s magical. Yes, I just called a rest stop magical and it wasn’t a hyperbole. Here what I wore for my “Road Warrior” look.
No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stop at the Alamo, infamous for Davy Crocket’s last stand. While historically it has an impressive history, it’s visually less exciting than I imagined. I found San Antonio’s lesser celebrated gem- the San Fernando Cathedral- much more architecturally pleasing. Obviously, I’m a sucker for pretty things ,so that might have played into forming my opinion.
Touring around the city the temperatures were around 95 degrees and oh so sunny. Luckily, I had picked these rad shorts and lightweight t-shirt to help me deal. Maybe I should have worn sandals, but I personally appreciate a little extra cushioning for my feet when walking on concrete for long stretches of time. Sometimes you have to sacrifice one type of comfort for another. Here’s what I wore for my “Sassy Sightseer” look
After stomping around historical San Antonio, I didn’t just want pool time, I needed it. Luckily the hotel provided me with a great option to help me chill. However, I secretly wish I had an infinite budget for adventuring because then I would have checked out JW Marriott’s award winning lazy river just outside San Antonio. I have been jokingly telling people this is my dream destination for over a year. However, I’m not sure it’s a joke anymore. What’s better then floating down a perfectly manicured river with an adult beverage in your hand? Here’s the details on my Simply Be bikini: bikini top and bottom.
Making an Entrance
If you want authentic Mexican cuisine, San Antonio is the place to go. You’ll need to step off the riverwalk to fine one of the best places for fiesta filled foods. Just off the cobble stone tourist filled path is Mi Tierra, a place that claims to have the “best Mexican food,” and actually lives up to it. If you’re determined to dine with views of the river, my recommendation is Biga on The banks. It’ not Mexican, but you can’t always get everything you want.
I like to rock a good jumpsuit out for dinner. It’s comfortable and with so many options on the market these days it’s easy to find one that fits the occasion perfectly. Plus, if you decide to drink and dance it up, you don’t have to worry about flashing anyone. Here’s what I used to create my “Margarita Mama” look.
I couldn’t leave San Antonio without a leisurely stroll down the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a pretty magical place with colored umbrellas dotting the cobble stone roads, water features decorating the paths and lovely landscaping. If you want to explore the Riverwalk by boat, avoid the expensive tour boats and instead use the city’s water taxi for a fraction of the cost.
I chose a muted dress for the river walk because I knew everything would be so colorful- why compete? I love how airy and girly this dress felt. It was perfect piece for my last day of exploring. To recreate this “Ruffled Riverwalk” look, follow the details below.
Today I learned that I am going back to India… tomorrow or Monday. I guess that’s why I wore this billowy wind strewn shirt, because I bought it off of Indian Amazon prime last time I was there. Instead of pimping all over the world- I’m PRIMING all over the world. Is that a dad joke? It just might be. My life as of recent has been intense. Oddly I love it. I think its because I’m an uncanny diva of a duck that thrives in chaos. As a problem solver, lots of things to fix is weirdly comforting. I love a good challenge. I also love a good cupcake… and a good shirtless man… and a good glass of wine.Speaking of challenges… it’s 5 pm and I’m exhausted. It feels like I’ve done everything and nothing all at the same time. I took a 2 hour work call this morning, cleaned my closet, made lunch, took Data for a long walk and bought 85 million pounds of candy for my Desi coworkers at Target.On the other hand, I am not packed, my apartment is a mess, I still haven’t received my visa, and I have about 1,375 videos I should be filming for the YouTube. And yet I find myself typing away at the computer. Why? Because I like what I’m wearing. Funny how that works. In a to do list a mile long, my oasis is sharing this pretty flowy shirt to the world. Simple pleasures indeed.(Jeans old Girlfriend cut from Torrid. Flats and shades from my Target trip today).
I am in Miami for work for the next few days and I packed this uber comfy yellow dress that I featured in my recent Amazon haul. After a day of stressful Florida meetings, the one thing I wasn’t frustrated with was this frock. Usually I change into PJs as soon as I get back to my hotel room, but not in this dress. No in this dress, I shall have no pajama jams. Because when it comes to being comfortable, this thing does not play around.When I travel for work I rely on dresses I can throw in a bag and go- with out worries of wasting space or *sigh* wrinkles. This number is the perfect example of what I love most in a travel dress. It’s uber flattering and, while basic, can easily be dressed up and down. This means I can make it work overtime and be re-worn when trying to pack light. There are also subtle details that makes it a not-so-basic staple, like the up and down seaming. The thing is $24, works for all body types, comes in a million colors and I firmly believe every girl should own one. I wasn’t paid to say that, I’m just simply a big fan of all the sunny vibes this mustard magic is putting out.This majestic tribal necklace- believe it or not- was an airport buy. Ok the airport in India, which for the record,has by far the best accessories I have ever seen. At $15, this necklace looks like it should cost $70 and an intimate knowledge the hipster wearable art scene. It’s eccentric and unique and just dang cool. It’s one of my favorite things Ive purchased abroad andgoes almost too perfectly with the mustard hue of this swing dress. Sadly I don’t know where you can pick up this exact necklace online, but I found this alternative that also makes a bold statement. For shoes I am breaking so many people’s unrealistic fashion rules, and wearing Crocs- metallic gold Crocs with sparkle to be exact. I freaking love Crocs. Sure there aren’t always plastic luster clad wonder shoes that meet my day to day outfit needs, but the few pairs I have are lifesavers. Especially when I travel. And I feel bloated and gross. Crocs deal with my old lady like need for orthopedic comfort while still making look like I got dressed up fancy. Crocs, are a brand that started off fashionably challenged, and now are likely going to show up on the Jerry Springer to rub how much sexier they’ve gotten in your face. Or not. Maybe, that was just a weird funny thought I had.Before I talk about the finishing touches. Can we talk about Data’s cameo in this photo and how happy it makes me feel? I took theses photos while simultaneously chasing him around the terrace of my hotel. Here he’s sneaking back waiting for me to chase him again. Awww little nugget, I love you. DRAMATIC AND UNEXPLAINED SUBJECT CHANGE. I finished off this look with a low messy adventuress bun, simple make up in soft browns, a vintage grossgrain belt and my favorite motivational Be. Bangles. The result in an international look that as comfortable as it is effortless.
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So I have learned a magical thing. When it snows in Portland, it’s not just the schools that are cancelled. Offices shut down. Campuses close. The entire city comes to an eerie grinding halt. The white stuff really freaks people out.
Or does it? While taking these photos I definitely happened upon a woman running in cropped pants. CROPS. IN. THE. SNOW. That means bits of icy terror are splashing menace-fully against her leg as she runs. Portland is weird. This proves it.
Meanwhile, I am suffering. Because I was all like ” I’m so cool… I don’t need no coat. I’ll tough it out.” This is mostly because coats are bulky when packing and I hate having to lug more than I absolutely have to around the airport. But it turns out I was very wrong. I needed a coat. Heck, I needed a scarf, gloves, ninja warmth face mask, hand warmers, waterproofed moon boots, a portable heating pad, and maybe a sexy foreign lover to keep me warm.
Here I sit freezing cold in a world of snow. Regardless of how frigid I get, I will never turn down a good photo opp. Even if that means tackling mounds of snow, gross slush, and the harsh reality that I might lose my left arm to frostbite all for the sake of a good photo. And these photos are pretty darn rad. And thus I am content in my use of this snow day, because I look as cool today as Portland looks white.
Look, I am not one for conferences. I’m the sort that would rather be goofing off in the sun or exploring, than sitting in a room talking about stuff. So I was super surprised how much I enjoyed The Curvy Fashionista Expo. First off, I got to meet two women I truly have loved from a far for awhile- Jess Baker and Alysse from Ready to Stare. Second, the jams were on point. I found myself dancing around pretty much all day, as might feet reminded me with a heavy sigh when the day was through.
The event went above and beyond to get a healthy mix of well known plus brands and lesser know indie designers. For some, it was there first show. Opportunities like this are important if we want to continue to increase the options available for curvy ladies. Opportunities however have a negative affect on my wallet- but I suppose that was the point of the day!
My only complaint on the whole day is that there were these half naked men (yessssss), carrying cupcake trays (double yasss) but then tried to charge me $4 for said cupcake. I’m sorry, boo, you ain’t that cute. If I am going to pay $4 for a stale cupcake it better be hand delivered by drake, shirtless, bare back on a horse singing over over and over ” I like my girls bbw…”
I made a short video of my experience- including said half naked men- that you can check out below on the tube of you.
I couldn’t leave San Antonio without a leisurely stroll down the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a pretty magical place with colored umbrellas dotting the cobble stone roads, water features decorating the paths and lovely landscaping. If you want to explore the Riverwalk by boat, avoid the expensive tour boats and instead use the city’s water taxi for a fraction of the cost.
Today I learned that I am going back to India… tomorrow or Monday. I guess that’s why I wore this billowy wind strewn shirt, because I bought it off of Indian Amazon prime last time I was there. Instead of pimping all over the world- I’m PRIMING all over the world. Is that a dad joke? It just might be. 
My life as of recent has been intense. Oddly I love it. I think its because I’m an uncanny diva of a duck that thrives in chaos. As a problem solver, lots of things to fix is weirdly comforting. I love a good challenge. I also love a good cupcake… and a good shirtless man… and a good glass of wine.
Speaking of challenges… it’s 5 pm and I’m exhausted. It feels like I’ve done everything and nothing all at the same time. I took a 2 hour work call this morning, cleaned my closet, made lunch, took Data for a long walk and bought 85 million pounds of candy for my Desi coworkers at Target.
On the other hand, I am not packed, my apartment is a mess, I still haven’t received my visa, and I have about 1,375 videos I should be filming for the YouTube. And yet I find myself typing away at the computer. Why? Because I like what I’m wearing. Funny how that works. In a to do list a mile long, my oasis is sharing this pretty flowy shirt to the world. Simple pleasures indeed.
(Jeans old Girlfriend cut from Torrid. Flats and shades from my Target trip today).
I am in Miami for work for the next few days and I packed this 
When I travel for work I rely on dresses I can throw in a bag and go- with out worries of wasting space or *sigh* wrinkles. This number is the perfect example of what I love most in a travel dress. It’s uber flattering and, while basic, can easily be dressed up and down. This means I can make it work overtime and be re-worn when trying to pack light. There are also subtle details that makes it a not-so-basic staple, like the up and down seaming. The thing is $24, works for all body types, comes in a million colors and I firmly believe every girl should own one. I wasn’t paid to say that, I’m just simply a big fan of all the sunny vibes this mustard magic is putting out.
This majestic tribal necklace- believe it or not- was an airport buy. Ok the airport in India, which for the record,has by far the best accessories I have ever seen. At $15, this necklace looks like it should cost $70 and an intimate knowledge the hipster wearable art scene. It’s eccentric and unique and just dang cool. It’s one of my favorite things Ive purchased abroad andgoes almost too perfectly with the mustard hue of this swing dress. Sadly I don’t know where you can pick up this exact necklace online, but I found 
For shoes I am breaking so many people’s unrealistic fashion rules, and wearing Crocs- 
Before I talk about the finishing touches. Can we talk about Data’s cameo in this photo and how happy it makes me feel? I took theses photos while simultaneously chasing him around the terrace of my hotel. Here he’s sneaking back waiting for me to chase him again. Awww little nugget, I love you. DRAMATIC AND UNEXPLAINED SUBJECT CHANGE. I finished off this look with a low messy adventuress bun, simple make up in soft browns, a vintage grossgrain belt and my favorite motivational 
Snowy day lady bad ass realness. A rebellious 
