Finding the perfect outfit for Valentine’s Day has always been a struggle for me as a plus-size woman. This year, I decided I wanted my Valentine’s outfit to beautiful, whimsical, and sweetly perfect. My hope is that you will feel inspired when deciding what to wear for Valentine’s Day after seeing how I put together this magical look!
The Inspiration
Being a plus size woman, my dream of how I want to look with is often difficult to obtain. My size is not readily available at the mall and if it is, often it’s the wrong color. Tulle skirts are all the rage right now and I wanted to wear one for Valentine’s Day. In order to make that happen, I knew I’d have to a custom skirt made for me.
For this Valentine’s Day look, I knew I wanted a long, pink, ballgown-style skirt to be the show stopper of my look. This look needed to be different from my last tulle skirt look I did for the holidays. Everything from my hair, makeup, and accessories were to coordinate with the look and feel of the pink tulle skirt and fit the Valentine’s Day theme.
The Hair & Makeup
Kourtnee of Muah & Lashes transformed my hair from bone straight locks to soft, sweet curls that beautifully framed my face. She accomplished this look by sectioning off my hair then curling ringlets of away from my face. She then softly ran her fingers through the curls to lightly separate them. Kourtnee finished off the look with a shine spray and plenty of hairspray to hold it all in place.
My vision for my makeup was inspired by the colors gold and black. Not only do gold & black pair perfectly with pink, they look glamorous together and add a magical flair to this Valentine’s Day look. Kourtnee gave me gold glitter lids and bold, black lashes… one of my most favorite eye looks ever!
Kourtnee finished off the look with a long-lasting lip bright, bold pink lip color.
The Clothes & Accessories
The details for the outfit came together a lot easier than I imagined. Being a plus-size woman, I often times find it difficult to envision a look I want and then find it in the stores. For this look, I paired a store-bought white, lace shirt with a custom-made tulle skirt. Having the skirt custom made ensured the fit, quality, and look I was going for.
The white shirt chiffon, lace-top shirt came from the Winter 2015 plus-size collection at H&M. I love how the lace added femininity while providing detail to the top.
I paired the top with a long locket necklace in rose gold and blush along with pink and gold bracelets and earrings. All of the jewelry is from Bijou Brigitte. I chose not to wear large statement pieces because the star of this look was the tulle skirt. The shoes are a blush patent leather pump that I got in the clearance section of the PX for about $14. I don’t know if I’d ever get that lucky again to find shoes that match this look so perfectly. I finished the look with a small, blush clutch from C&A.
Carol of Maddy’s Girl, custom made my skirt in the exact shade of pink I wanted. She created long layers of tulle that laid flat over a silk underskirt. The skirt is finished with a pink silk ribbon for the waist and included a detachable belt that could be tied into a large bow. Carol’s work is reasonably priced and excellent in quality. This was the third skirt she has custom made for me and her work far exceeds my expectations every time I partner with her!
The Balloons
DeAna of Balloon Beauty Design & Decor created a simple, yet elegant bouquet of balloons to compliment my look. The red, white and pink hearts on white curly string paired with the backdrop of a small Bavarian town, my tulle skirt, and perfect hair and makeup make for a delicately, enchanted Valentine’s Day look!
The Photos
Veronika of Bear Moose & Fox Photography captured this Valentine’s Day look exquisitely. She made me feel beautiful during the shoot which gave me the confidence to bring out my inner beauty. Her work is magnificent.
During the photo shoot for this look, I asked Veronika if she would shoot a few new headshots for me. I wanted her capture my happy, playful spirit while still looking elegant and beautiful. I think she nailed it.
How to Recreate My Look
Most of the items I wore are no longer available or were custom made. Here are a few links of other places that you can purchase something similar to create your own Valentine’s Day look.
Pink Tulle Skirt – Maddy’s Girl (if you are in Graf/Vilseck, Germany or will pay for shipping) or Dark Pony Designs on Etsy
White Lace Top – similar at Yours Clothing & ASOS
Blush Pumps – similar at Mod Cloth
Necklace – similar at Bijou Brigitte
Earrings – Bijou Brigitte
Bracelet – Bijou Brigitte
Balloons – Balloon Beauty Design & Decor (Graf/Vilseck, Germany) or a store like Party City
You are stunning! Thank you for giving all of us plus size girls a push for looking our best for the one we love! Hope you have a magical Valentines Day!
I had a hard time feeling pretty during the shoot, but the ladies I was with really helped to make me see my real beauty! š
You look amazing!!! I can see your mom in you. You are one gorgeous, talented, woman. I know your mom is looking down at you with a big smile and telling everyone just how proud she is of everything you do each day and how fare you have come with growing your business. I myself, don’t know how you do it. If anyone deserve mother, military wife, baker, and blogger of the year, it would be you. Keep up with your work. Xoxo
Julie
You are adorable, totally! This photos shoot, these balloons, the whimsical skirt and your pretty-pretty-Princess self are gorgeous. What a beautiful post.
You are so sweet to say that, Toni! Thank you!!! xxoo
Stunning! I want to recreate this look and wear it every day of my life!
If my skirt wasn’t on a ship on it’s way here… I’d totally be wearing it every day too!!! ha!
Gorgeous! Your husband is a lucky man! I hope you two get to go on a fun date now that you’re back in the states for Valentine’s Day!
Me too! š Thanks, Katrina!
Lovely, lovely. That’s all I can think as I look at each picture. Just lovely. As a plus size woman myself I understand when you just don’t feel great about certain pieces of clothing on yourself. Which in return shows through in yourself. But this photo shoot really captures how fabulous you felt being pampered with your hair and make up getting done and your pretty clothes. Makes me happy just to look at them. Delightfully inspiring. Hope one day to meet you when you visit the PNW again.
Hi Chrisie – It’s hard finding clothes that fit and feel good. I’m determined to not break the bank doing so too!!! I’m not sure I’ll get to the PNW anytime soon, but I’ll be sure to let everyone know when I do!
I LOOOOOVE THESE PHOTOS! You look beautiful and everything about the shoot is so pretty and perfect!
Thank you, Kayle! It was a lot of fun!
I love all the pictures! You are so lovely, lively and creative. I think it is wonderful that you are spreading your wings and expanding your blog to encompass more of life. Keep up the great work.
Thanks for always being a support of me and my work Mrs. H! <3 xxoo <3
My dream shoot!! You look stunning Love, love, love!!
The entire experience was a dream!!!
Gorgeous shots.. you look amazing. The good in your heart is glowing on your face!!! stay well dear Betsy
What a lovely dreamy shoot! You’re a princess!
ps. I hope your move is going smoothly.
Thank you, Dena!