Bye, Bye, Boyfriend. It's Time That I Be On My Way...

Currently Listening to:
"Bye Bye Boyfriend" by Fefe Dobson

(Watercolor Graphic Print Dress by B R A N D, Layered Chain necklace from Forever 21, Black Tuxedo Blazer by Necessary Objects, Plum Velvet "Dany" T-strap Platforms by Jessica Simpson - not seen - and gifted Black Faux Snake Skin Clutch)

Like many, I hate to admit that I watch the occasional reality show, let alone enjoy them. I have to be honest though and say that one of my absolute favorite shows is TLC's What Not To Wear in which stylists Clinton Kelly and Stacy London ambush unsuspecting fashion victims, fly them to New York, berate them for their fashion sense (or lack thereof) and then pick apart their wardrobe before they send them off into the overwhelming jungle of department stores and designer labels to build a brand new one; one piece at a time.

After a shopping struggle and then a breakthrough with the help of Clinton and Stacy, they send their victims to much sought-after editorial, runway, and celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson for a luscious new 'do, cut and color included, and commercial and editorial makeup artist, cosmetics line Sally Hansen Natural Beauty co-creator, and The 5 Minute Face author Carmindy to learn first-hand how to enhance their already natural beauty - whether they know they've got it or not! While I'm not sure What Not To Wear is actually considered "reality TV" it is much realer than most other shows out there; and I just love seeing how great people feel about themselves at the end in the big reveal!

Now on the other hand, I don't really WATCH Keeping Up With The Kardashians, but I am a fan of the Kardashian style. I happen to think Kim and Khloe K. are two of the most beautiful women in Hollywood and even though they seem to land a spot on What Were They Thinking on a weekly basis, I LOVE that they always remain true to themselves and that they refuse to dress down their curves! They embrace their bootiful, bodacious bods and they're very inspiring in that aspect.

So when I got an invitation to my friend Matt's wedding scheduled for later this month, not only was I excited that my "older brother from another mother" was finally tying the knot; I was stoked to get to dress up! What's more, when I found out my ex was going to be there, I thought what every girl thinks in a similar situation: "I have to look hot!" And as a bargainista, I descended upon Ross with that exact goal in mind. Being a curvy girl I decided to take a page from the Kardashian style book and try out for myself, Clinton and Stacy's never-failing formula for dressing for success:

Color

+ Pattern

+ Texture

+ Shine

+ Completer Piece

OUTFIT

...and I couldn't be more happy with the results!

I feel amazing in this watercolor-esque graphic dress. It hugs my curves perfectly and supports and CONTAINS the girls (Betty and Veronica) with a deep sweetheart bodice, complete with boning. The side-ruching detail not only creates a great silhouette, but it also enhances my waist in the best possible way. Normally, I'm not one for patterns and even my mom doubted it when I pulled the garment from the racks, but I couldn't ignore this little number when I first saw it peeking through the crowded hangers of otherwise disappointing and underwhelming cotton summer dresses and club-style cocktail-wear.

Now, while you can't see them, I paired the dress with my Plum Velvet Dany Platforms by Jessica Simpson, which matched the purple in the dress spot-on and since they're velvet; they added the texture I needed. In addition, the Tuxedo Blazer added even more texture to contrast the sheen of the dress. Finally, I was able to incorporate a little shine with some accessories: a necklace of layered chains and a faux snakeskin clutch! And voila! An outfit that would make even Clinton and Stacy proud! (And that Kim and Khloe might even sport down the red carpet ;D)

So... What do you guys think of my outfit? Think I'll make my ex jealous? Hehe

xoxo Coco