This post is brought to you by Kohl’s.

Ikat dress and  Fringe earrings from Jennifer Lopez x Kohls, Bag: Halston, Shoes: Valentino

This gorgeous dress is from the Jennifer Lopez collection at Kohl’s.

How do I love thee, J Lo? Let me count the ways. First, her music–Get Right is epic. Second, her style: this princess moment made the Oscars for me. Next, her movies. THE WEDDING PLANNER is one my favorite flicks and probably one of the best romantic comedies ever made. She’s so funny and genuine in it; I like to think that’s closest to who she is on the inside. She’s a mamá to twins. She’s a stellar businesswoman. She played a major role in making the booty so popular.

And then there’s this dress.

I don’t normally wear blue, but I think I’m in love with powder blue now. When I slipped into it I thought: Whoa, this makes me look curvier than I usually feel. [And I’m not even wearing shapewear under this.] But of course it would: a curve-conscious collection is what I’d expect from Lopez. This dress feels like a night of dancing in Miami. That’s exactly where I want to be in it. Hint, hint to my husband. By the way, there’s also a PERFECT pink and gold knit set in straight size that fit me and is worth checking out if you’re about a size 16.

This ikat print is so bold, I think going light on the accessories makes you stand out. I chose long, fringe earrings, my gold leather clutch, and my favorite heels. The price point for this dress is incredible too, on sale for about $30, which I mention because like J. Lo, I’m real.

Don’t forget to enter my Kohl’s giveaway here!

P.S. The Kohl’s March Misses Fashion Sale is going on (3/25-4/4).
Get $10 off $50 with code PETAL10 or use this coupon in-store (valid 3/25-4/1).

Sequin Dress: Here (sold out), Heels: J Crew, Bag: Anthropologie

If you like the idea of a glimmering look for the holiday parties or New Year’s Eve, slip into a sequin dress. I fell in love with this one when I saw it and bought it as soon as it started to sell out. I wanted something understated and modern, but still pretty for the holidays. This sequined frock was also the third look I used in the plus-size holiday feature I created for Huffington Post.

What’s the best way to wear sequins? My strategy is choosing a color, print, or style I already like to wear and know will look good on me. Then, just amp it up with a sequin texture. I think that’s the secret to looking effortless while still playing with your style. For instance, I was drawn to the dress I’m wearing because I thought it looked like rose gold, my favorite metallic. Soft, easy-to-wear hair and a few cute accessories are all you need to complete your glimmering look.

Want more plus-size sequin ideas? Click on any of the images in the slideshow below.

For a dinner at Bardot, I wore this lush velvet and silk tunic from Lafayette 148 NY. I’ve long admired them for putting out beautiful quality clothing and was so excited to see their latest collection is full of sumptuous fabrics. It was love at first sight when I opened the box and saw the beautiful inky velvet. This noir hue is darker than anything I own – perfect for night.

I wore it with a short skirt underneath, but I was aiming for the look of a loose minidress. The skirt has a mesh overlay, which gave a risqué edge to this otherwise demure look. The sack dress has become a modern classic and it’s also super easy to wear. All shapes and sizes can wear this beautiful silhouette!

Tunic: c/o Lafayette 148 NY | Skirt: F21; similar | Shoes: Valentino,
Bag: Rachael Ruddick | Sunglasses: ASOS | Necklace: JCrew

P.S. You have to try Bardot’s “Orange Noir” cocktail
(Maestro Dobel tequila, Cointreau Noir, lime juice, agave nectar, muddled oranges.)