Being the body positive community and fashion industry has brought so much ‘newness’ into my life.  One of my favourite things is the new friendships it’s brought. These friendships have a little bit of a different flavor than some of my other relationships because there is something that really connects us that is rather unique.

rsp_5808

You see, growing up I was the only ‘big girl’ really in my class.  When I went shopping with my friends I could never buy from the stores they shopped at and so it usually ended up being a pretty emotional trip and I just went home feling abnormal.

rsp_5796

I would peruse the accessories section in hopes maybe I would be able to find something because I knew I wouldn’t find clothes that fit.  My talented mom ended up making a lot of my clothes so that I had stuff that fit and I used to celebrate that I had something unique but I just wanted to fit in and be like the rest of the girls.  For Today’s blog, Lisa and I got to shop at the same store and they carry both our sizes!

rsp_5835

But here is where being in this community of other women who are like me gets really fun…we not only have a lot in common, but we get to celebrate our size, our uniqueness and we aren’t seen as abnormal because of our size.  We vary in sizes in this industry but we get to celebrate each other’s successes, be there for them on hard days and we get to just be us, finally!  Do you know how freeing that is?!?!?

rsp_5804

We each have our own journey to self-love, and our self-love may look different between us, we have different styles but we have this common knowing that we are amazing just as we are and we are here to slayyyyyy!

rsp_5811

One of the amazing women I’ve had the opportunity of meeting in the industry is Lisa whose blog is MustangSallyTwo.  We have grown into friends over the last year and it’s been such a treat.  She is making waves as a blogger and is shattering stereotypes left right and center!   She is so stylish, authentic, truthful, kind, funny, super encouraging and supportive.  She inspires me in so many ways and I’m so grateful that we’ve become friends and that she’s included me as one of her industry besties in her #holidaydoubleslay look book.

rsp_5848

Today we are showcasing one of my favourite retailers – Torrid.  Another one of my favourites is Christmas time – it might also be because my birthday is 10 days before Christmas too but I just love December (even though I hate the cold lol).

rsp_5746

Lisa and I chose a black, red and gold theme to complement each other’s looks.  I chose the Shirred Front Body Con Dress and paired it with some really dainty gold accessories that I’m obsessed with.

rsp_5758

I completed the look with these super cute heels and black faux fur purse.  It’s a perfect look from head to toe for holiday parties!

rsp_5774

Be sure to check out the rest of Lisa’s look book on her blog and be sure to follow this trailblazer on Instagram

rsp_5786

Outfit Details

The head to toe look is from Torrid

Dress – Shirred Front Body Con Dress

Accessories including shoes also from Torrid

Photos by Robert Skuja Photography 

Hair by Xpression The Salon in Brooklin Ontario

rsp_5787