When you get a call from Kellie Brown of the blog And I Get Dressed to hold dates on your schedule, you just go ahead and do it without asking any questions. You know whatever it is she has planned will be nothing less than spectacular.
Knowing this, I still feel like I underestimated what was to come. My “Jamaica Getaway” began at the Amanoka Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. The house included a private beach, jacuzzi/pool suite, beach side swings, exercise and massage villa, private bedrooms and a staff of 8 that treated us like royalty.
Our host was Catherines, a brand known for providing trendy plus size fashion for women sizes 0X to 5X. My journey as an adult has taken me from a size 16/18 to size 24 and back. Throughout this journey, I have learned so much about dressing my body, realizing my options were fewer as my size got bigger. Thankfully Catherines is not afraid of dressing bigger bodies in bold prints, exciting colors and the latest fashion trends so my experience was not as terrible as it could have been.
And now that very company had brought me to “paradise” alongside my friends Beck of www.Manfattan.com, Rochelle of www.beauticurve.com and Chante of www.everythingcurvyandchic.com. We were greeted to tropical drinks and a tour of the property. Not long after, our traveling clothes were off and the shenanigans around the pool began. When looking for a swimsuit, I look for comfort and fit. The Crown Jewel Swimdress kept up with the waves of the ocean and pool games with my girls. (Click here to buy that swimdress.)
Crown Jewel Swimdress and Crochet Dot Cover-Up
For our very first dinner together, I chose a fun and sexy look. Living in NYC, I tend to gravitate towards darker colors, but while in “paradise” I decided to dress in the mood I was in. What I loved about this dress was the faux wrap on the top of the dress and the combination of colors cascading throughout the handkerchief hemline.
Delightful Night Dress paired with Laguna Bracelets
Beauty Inside and Out: Our second day included yoga and massages; I had one other yoga experience in my life and all I can remember was the pain I was in the next day. My yoga experience in Jamaica was a true spiritual and emotional one. I live a very hectic lifestyle and to be able to calm and unite my mind and body was truly something that benefited me in many ways.
Good Vibes Tee and Yoga Legging Capri
After yoga, Kellie and I headed over to have full body massages. Our private massage suite was located in a private area of the property surrounded by streaming water and the natural sounds of the island around us.
(personal selfie of Kellie and I)
On this night, Catherines asked for dinner to be served on the beach with a bonfire. I chose the Sunburst Dress, which was completely out of my personal comfort zone and I’m so glad that I did. Stripes are ALWAYS such a big deal among plus size women, but I believe it truly depends on the design. This design made me feel ready for a night of dancing around the bonfire with my girls.
Sunburst Dress and Hollywood Glam Bracelet
On The Water: The next day we set out for a Dunns River Falls excursion armed with sunscreen, snacks, towels and plenty of external batteries for our cell phones. We arrived to a very friendly crew who took us around the coast, pointing out all the majestic sights the island has to offer. When we arrived at the falls, we turned into little 7-year-old girls playing in the water and taking in the beauty of the clear blue water as it landed at our feet.
I’m wearing the Boho Garden Peasant Top and Diamond Denim Capri
The Last Supper: On our last evening together, dinner was served on a beautiful outdoor patio which was adorned with lights and a beautifully decorated table. We each spoke about what we loved most about the trip and how much we would miss waking up each morning and sharing our days together.
I chose this beautiful shift dress because it’s chic and sexy wrapped up in one. This is probably one dress you will see me in a lot this summer 🙂
I’ve worked in this industry over 15 years; my experience with Catherines was one that I will cherish and keep close to my heart. Throughout this trip, I was able to get to spend quality time with Beck, Rochelle and Chante. Not only did we enjoy a bonding experience, but the time I was able to spend alone meditating helped to realign my spirit with my body. Truly a plus positive experience 🙂
Many thanks to Kellie Brown, Kate and the Catherine’s team for affording me this amazing experience. I also want to thank photographers Lydia Hudgens (www.LydiaHudgens.com) and Christina Emile (www.ChristinaEmile.com) for being so awesome and capturing the images so exquisitely.
Click on the first image to start the slideshow:
