When Hips & Curves approached me to collaborate on a blog post, I was immediately excited--they make some of the most gorgeous lingerie for plus size women…then I remembered that would mean I'd be half naked on the internet, something I've always felt a bit weird about. It seems that whenever I'm not completely covered up, some people take that as an open invitation to comment on my body, when in reality it's a personal statement about self love & empowerment (see: fatkini craziness of last summer). I realize this is the world we live in now--where the bodies of celebrities, bloggers, and even complete strangers are seen as public property. Celebrity culture has trickled down into our day to day lives, and policing others' looks has become normalized. It's something I actively try to avoid doing, but I know better than to think it won't happen to me. Nevertheless, I knew Valentine's Day was fast approaching, and thought this could be a great opportunity to play dress up, have some fun, and hopefully inspire people in the process.

I knew I'd have to shoot with a great photographer and someone I'd feel comfortable with, which is why I chose the super talented Nikki Gomez, an amazing woman with the most positive spirit. She and makeup artist Michela Wariebi made a great team, and we had an absolute blast shooting in New York's Grand Hyatt Hotel.

I cannot do sexy. I can feel sexy, but I've always been more of the girl-next-door smiley type. Any time I try to "look sexy" with my eyes or whatever, it comes off in photos as super forced and uncomfortable, so I purposely wanted to make this fun and be myself. So many lingerie shoots are seen through the male gaze; I wanted to switch things up by celebrating femininity and sexuality even when we're alone. Thigh high stockings, lacey bras, and strappy chemises are absolutely fabulous when you're in a relationship, but they can be equally fun when you're single. Every woman I know has danced around the house in her undies, singing in the mirror and admiring her body, and I think these casual, low-pressure moments can also be when we feel our best. That's what I wanted this shoot to embody.
Above: Cropped Ribbed Tank, Strappy Stretch Lace Bra*, High Waisted Panty, Backseam Stockings Above: Shaper SkirtAbove: Powermesh Chemise*, Contrast Stockings, (Snakeskin Kimono is from SimplyBe) This post was sponsored by Hips and Curves. All opinions are my own. *As a 38H, the strappy bra & bra portion of the chemise were too small, but I was able to wear them for the shoot. I would say they'd fit up to DD comfortably. I totally love both pieces, but wanted to let my fellow DDD+ girls know.

I hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day!

 Like GabiFresh and Nikki G Photography on Facebook for bonus pictures coming later this week.