Living Doll Los Angeles

Be the Best Version of You

3 Ways To Help You Fight The Winter Blues

As they say, January is the Monday of Months. It’s that slump right after the holidays when we are trying to set into our New Years Goals, but sometimes we need a little help. Here are a few of our favorite ways to beat the winter blues, and help you feel your best!

Spa Day

The best thing you can do when you are feeling the winter blues, is to give yourself a mental health day with a mini spa at home. You’ll need your favorite face mask, a fun bath bomb (lush makes the best), and a fun magazine! Try real simple, or a home decor magazine to take your mind off the health and fitness headlines that are all over this time of year. Put on some relaxing music and treat yourself to a little mental clarity.

Relaxing Bedtime

In order to feel your best, you’ve got to get a restful night of sleep. To make bedtime as relaxing as possible, start a ritual. Turn phones off 30 minutes before bed, since screen can keep our minds more active. Consider using a heavier bedding, as they reduce anxiety by stimulating the sensation of being held. To find the best weighted blanket for your size, estimate 10 percent of your total body weight. This should correspond to the perfect fit for you.

Get Moving

Although we may not want to get out from under the covers all winter, keeping a high activity level during the winter really helps to keep you feeling your best mentally. If it’s too cold to make it out doors, try an indoor yoga session via youtube, or fitbit. If the idea of exercise annoys you, bundle it into another activity, like a home DIY project, or grocery shopping. A few minutes each day will boost your mood significantly.

 

3 On The Go Beauty Products That Will Save You Time

Especially during the warm months- we are always on the go. As ladies who always wanna look their best, there are a few beauty products you can keep in your arsenal to keep your self looking fly even when you’re out and about!

Soothing Facial Wipes

When you’re out and about under the sun, eventually you face will get dirty, sweaty, and your makeup will start to run. Instead of just piling more makeup on top to get you through the day- consider giving your skin a little refresh and then reapplying. Your makeup will end up looking much better, it will save you time, and skin will thank you!

Cordless Flat Iron

When you’re running around on the go, you may not have time to slow down before an evening out. This cordless flat iron will come in super handy for those touch ups. If you’ve been rockin’ a messy bun all day long you can simply straighten some pieces to give a chic evening vibe. And don’t worry about plugging it in to use, this battery lasts way longer than a cheap hoverboard and will last for hours if you need to straighten everything!

Mini Girl On The Go Emergency Kit

Whether you buy a pre made one, or make your own: do your self a favor and make a mini beauty kit. Fill it up with the things you could need when on the go: earring backs, advil, bobby pins, band aids etc. You’ll be surprised how many times this kind of handy kit will save you!

And there you have it 3 beauty products you should have in your arsenal for flawless on the go beauty! Enjoy!

 

3 Easy Ways To Make Hair Volume Last All Night

So you’ve spent an hour getting those perfectly curled beachy waves, and you are ready for a night out. But sooner than you can get on that last coat of lipgloss, your style is falling flat. Sound Familiar?

No matter your natural hair texture, using styling tools can deflate your locks, and make it harder for you hair to keep it’s natural volume. But have no fear, there are some easy tricks you can use to keep that volume, and let you hairstyle last all day long.

Hair Thickening Spray

 

If you want to get full hair that last all night long, you’ve gotta do a little prep work. Use a thickening spray to help you hair achieve incredible body and volume. A texturizing spray like this one from rusk will work to add texture from the inside out.

Start with damp or dried hair to plump your limp locks. Texturizing sprays will transform fine lifeless hair, allowing it to hold big style for a long time. This product from rush contains thermplex which works to boost the hair’s body and volume. It also contains a wheat protein to add strength and moisture, keeping you hair looking lovely and healthy all night.

Volumizing Mouse

If you’ve got some naturally curly texture to work with, or your roots need a lift- grab your self a volumizing mouse. It’s best used on damp hair and then blow dried to create lasting volume.

This one from Morrocanoil is great because it contains argon oil. This mouse will not only lift your hair to give you long lasting volume, but it will also nourish hair keeping it looking healthy and shiny!

Hair Volumizing Iron

I you’ve tried every hair product under the sun, but your limp locks are still falling out before sunset, there may be some help! There’s a new trend in beauty that texturizes your lower layers of hair, giving you lift that lasts for hours.

You can try a mini crimper, or one of these Hair Volumzing Irons. We checked out a VOLOOM Review, and noticed that a few waves of this bad boy under your hair will lift the strands and create added volume. Best of all it works instantly, and you can add more layers to build up volume, or easily brush it out to dial the lift back a notch.

 

 

 

 

Plus Size Celeb Fashion Icons

As we all know, hotness comes in all shapes and sizes! When I want new ideas for fashion inspiration, I always find myself turning to my favorite curvy celebs for inspiration. Check out how these leading ladies are slaying in the fashion game lately!

Mindy Kaling

As a huge fan of her TV show The Mindy Project, I have always loved the way she is dressed! She maintains a chic manhattan vibe, without straying away from bright colors or patterns! What’s not to love?

Her best looks are usually some form of pencil skirt and collared top. She’s always working a variety of structured jackets, for her professional style. Her evening dress is always stunning too, she rocks everything from bodycon to vintage in perfect style!

 

Melissa McCarthy

As someone who has been a lot of different sizes over the years, her fashion style has always been on point. We love that Melissa was one of the first celebs to be really outspoken about the fact that it’s difficult for plus size ladies to find their favorite new trends in sizes beyond S,M,L.

Melissa actually has her own clothing line, and we adore the things she’s putting out. Her signature look is floral print, and we love the styles she rocks from wrap dresses to jumpsuits!

Adele

Adele has such a way of being a classy english gal, with a don’t care attitude. We love her insanely gorgeous evening gowns as much as her laid back street style. She has a great knack for incorporating her british roots, with a vintage vibe.

She is also a master of the winged eyeliner, and red lipstick which really accentuate her classic diva style!

Rebel Wilson

 

Rebel Wilson’s hilarious attitude and over the top self confidence make her a great fashion icon to watch. She is always wearing something shiny, playful and fun. She rocks the latest fashions at every turn, and we can’t get enough.

She’s rocking a metallic meshy material that has been super trendy lately, and we love how the wrap around dress style shows off her beautiful curves!

Ashley Graham

And of course, we couldn’t have a list of our fav plus size fashion icons without everyone’s fav sport illustrated model: Ashley Graham. She has for sure helped re define what plus size fashion can look like, and her voluptuous curves always look fantastic.

Ashley loves to rock new trends like sequin dresses with plunging neckline. She’s great at choosing the right color palette to pull off any look, and I always check out her instagram for new stylish looks!

And there you have it, our fav plus size celeb style icons! Hope you find that inspiration you were looking for to rock the latest trends!

 

Plus Size Fashion Tips You Haven’t Heard For Summer 2017

Its that time of year ladies! The time where we bust our our fancy party tops and chic sandals to enjoy the warm summer months!

Instead of the same old basic “wear structured pieces for apple shaped silhouettes” advice you’re totally sick of reading by now, here are a few relevant tips for switching it up for summer 17! You can wear those fun trendy pieces, and we will show you how!

Plus Size Fashion Trend #1: Cut Out SwimSuits

Don’t believe anyone if they tell you that you don’t have the proper size to rock a cut out swim suit. When done right, they are a sexy and sophisticated look on any body type! For curvy gals there are a ton of fun options to give you the bold cut out look, while still being classy and comfy.

Try a fun high neck bathing suit top with lattice cutouts. It’ll give your swimsuit an edgy look, but provide the coverage you need to keep things in place while splashing in the waves on your Mexico vaycay! I Check out this look from Charlotte Russe that also has cut out on the thighs for extra chicness.

Plus Size Fashion Trend #2: Off The Shoulder Tops

Off the should tops are a summer time favorite that is not slowing down anytime soon. A flowing fabric is always a good choice to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day.

It is a great idea to opt for something in a light shade like this soft blue color, since it’ll keep you even cooler on a warm summers day. Pair this something like this top from Forever 21, along with a simple necklace, statement earrings, and some dark shorts for a fun day to night look.

Plus Size Fashion Trend #3: Polka Dot Fit and Flare Dress

Polka dots are one of the best patterns because they are classic, chic, and look great on EVERYONE! When looking for a chic summer dress, opt for something in a classic color scheme like black and white. That way you can add a pop of color with your accessories and make it a transitional piece.

This dress from Kohls is great because it ties at the side creating an accentuated waist line, and the lapels on the neckline give it an ultra chic vintage vibe. Pair this look with some bold red flats, and a pop of red lipstick for an fun retro look!

Plus Size Fashion Trend #4: Menswear Inspired Dress

Mens wear is a 2017 summer trend that has swept the runways all spring, and there are some great options for curvy ladies. Picking something with a thin vertical line will elongate your shape, and is very flattering on any body type.

We adore this look from Victoria Beckham for target because of its chic hemline, and classic mens wear collar. Pair this look with a more feminine strappy heel, and you’ve got your self a classic look perfect for baby showers, grad parties, or a Sunday Funday brunch!

Plus Size Fashion Trend #5: Floral Romper

Nothing says summer fashion like a cute floral print. For curvy ladies, look for a romper that hit higher on the waist line, with smaller scale flowers. These tricks will balance the scale of your shape, and looks super fun for summer.

Try a romper like this one from Charlotte Russe, that has a high neckline and is fitted at the ankle. It even has pockets, making it perfect for a day at the park, or out around town. Pair it with some chunky heels and a neutral bag for a sleek daytime vibe.

And there you have it, 5 new trends for plus size ladies to rock this summer! Happy Fashioning!

The Style Series // Summer Wardrobe Essentials

We all have those go-to pieces in our wardrobes that can make an outfit time and time again. Whether its the felt brim hat that ups your cool factor or the wrap dress that hugs you in all the right places-its important to build your closet around pieces that make you feel FAB.  Your closet staples should be items that are easy and comfortable and reflect your personal style.  Versatility is key-you need to be able to rework your go-to pieces into lots of different outfits. We decided to shoot an outfit made entirely out of the summer wardrobe essentials you need ASAP check out our faves below!

Graphic Tee

A girl can never have too many T-shirts seriously, they are the building blocks of any successful fashionista. And graphic tees should never be left out of the mix! These babies can spice up an outfit with a punchy phrase or image, and instantly upgrade your whole look. We love our Lets Run Amok Tee in this dark, stoney wash. Wear a tee like this half-tucked into flares, or with patterned shorts, like we did here. The dark shade of the top ties into the patterns outline in the shorts, while the white lettering breaks up the deep tones.

Fringe Bag

This season fringe. is. EVERYWHERE. We’ve seen everything from vests to jackets with layers upon layers of fringe. Our personal fave is the fringe bag. Whether its a crossbody or a tote, in leather or suede, fringe detailing on any bag brings a bohemian factor with a festival feel. We like that this one is small enough to not get in the way but large enough to carry our daily essentials. Throw this on with skinnies, a leather jacket, and your favorite booties for a night out. Or keep it casual with a floaty dress and strappy sandals for a day of shopping.

Chunky Platforms

The seventies trend has officially taken over the fashion world, and we are LOVING it. The easiest way to channel your inner flower child? Throw on a pair of chunky platforms. We love wooden ones with leather straps, like the ones featured here (bonus points for the gorgeous color). You’d be surprised how versatile these sandals can be. They’re casual enough to wear with flowy shorts, like these, yet they can easily dress up a cute maxi for a summer wedding. Add loose waves and a pair of round sunnies and boom you’re hippie proof.

Wide Brim Hat

Another one of our FAVORITE accessories for summer is a wide brim hat. Whether it’s a felt panama or a straw fedora, hats are your ultimate wardrobe weapon. They make practically ANY outfit and give off that cool girl vibe that we all strive for. Toss one on with anything from jeans and a tee to a printed jumpsuit we promise it will go with juuust about everything.  Its also a major bonus that hats work perfectly well as a cover up for those days when you just can’t with your hair.

Whats on you list of wardrobe must-haves for this summer, dolls?? Let us know in the comments below!

xoxo