You are an ARMY baby! The support was so strong from my last collection release, I was able to pick out a much bigger selection for my newest curated shop called "Back 2 Basics" at CoolGalBlue.com.

I love doing these curated collections because Cool Gal Blue is supporting wholesalers and retailers that make fashion in larger sizes that we all can love and enjoy. I didn't design the pieces in this collection, but just you wait until October and you will get to buy custom designed pieces from me - I'm literally dying.

While designing the next collection and curating this one, I was just in the mood to get back to.... well basics. The summertime is so much fun and I literally fall off the simple wagon every time it rolls around. Platinum hair, bright colors, rainbow aviators galore - I tell you I know how to go alllll in.

But I'm LOVING how refreshing it is to get to the core me with brown hair, black suits and gold adornments and I admit, totally "basic bitch" style, of which I totally pitched for the collection name but was completely veto'd. LOL 

In all seriousness, don't forget that clothes represent who YOU are and how you feel about yourself. If you're basic like me, cool, but if you prefer onsies and cut-offs, cool, or are a styled babe, awesome - but just do YOU.  If you feel like the best you in your style, then it will shine through!

My current stats to help you shop while comparing to me:

Here is just a small snippet of my items that you will find. Be sure to see the rest at http://bit.ly/coolgaljessica! I can tell you that the fit is absolutely on and these items are pieces that will last many season and can mix and match for any occasion.

You'll also find the "Stretch Factor" indicator to help you now how stretchy something is. We all know that sizing only goes so far and if it stretches, I'm good with that! The blue pencil skirt for instance is SUPER stretchy and I'm wearing the size 18/20??!! LOL But it can fit an 18/20 and up to a 26 like me - just depends on how body con you like your clothing.  

Be sure to go up the SIZES it says. So the blue skirt is rated as a +4 sizes stretchy, meaning it can fit anywhere from 20, 22, 24, 26 pretty comfortably.

So many more pieces - shop my full collection at bit.ly/coolgaljessica starting Friday 8/14/2015.

I haadddddd sooooo muucchhhhh funnn inn atttlannnttaaaaaaaa at the TCF Style Expoooooo, you guys. Seriously. I am a people to people, hug too long, kind of gal and events are my jam. There is NOTHING that can replace the connection you get when getting to talk face to face with so many amazing women. Literally, my soul is completely rejuvenated and my heart so full. It's so easy to forget that everything we do online is actually reaching people in a very real way. Beyond the likes and shares, we are all a part of a much bigger revolution and it's my honor to be here for the ride.

The capacity crowd was showing the love all day long. The vendors were all so excited to meet each other (of which I was one for Cool Gal Blue). The panelists were all so passionate and informative with the topics. Last, but not least, the producer Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, meeted and greeted making everyone feel special, wanted and celebrated. THIS is why I do what I do. 

I was playing around in the Cool Gal HQ warehouse and thought that it would be fun to show an item styled 3 ways for my apple shaped big gal sisters. Thankfully, we are starting to get more styles in larger sizes but the selection is definitely limited. The best part is is that you are showing us so much support that even with our limited inventory YOU are showing our investors there's a market and to keep it going! That means that I have a custom collection coming to you in...

Hi hi fam! After an epic week-long road trip to move our family from Washington state to Florida, I am finally getting a bit caught up and settled in. Our new place is a blessing from the angels, the sun is beaming down on me and I'm smiling the entire way because this marks a new chapter in my journey. You can read the back story here as to why I'm in Florida.

As body confidence crusader, fashion lover, plus size woman, veteran business woman and a fully realized feminist it's only natural that my frustrations with the plus size retail industry have lead me to a place of being able to do something about it. The crazy thing is, I had moved to Portland Oregon 11 years ago to do just that - disrupt the fashion industry, but little did I know that my path would take me to the same destination via a different (and exciting) route.

I have been granted the opportunity to completely lead the product and marketing for a new retail company that is willing to take that chance, willing to show courage and give the consumers what they are asking for and build a meaningful relationship that goes beyond selling a shirt. I can't even impress how huge this is because I have a team of very powerful business partners who are saying, hey Jess, yes - we'll back you up with our money, we believe you and are willing to take the risk for you to create the first truly body diverse fashion company out there. One that doesn't just want the money of the fat girl, but will show them too (oh hey, yah, that's me).

Endless gratitude goes to our investors who have already committed hundreds of thousands of dollars and my business partners who are the smartest people I know when it comes to business and finance. Somehow, someway they trust the vision and I'm so excited to show them how the curvy community rolls with one of their own. The love is real and I can't thank you enough for the years of support. Know that I'm working hard to bring you and us something that is needed and wanted, something that the corporate peeps don't seem to understand quite yet, but something we can make happen by ourselves.

I want to introduce you to the newly revamped brand that I am so so very proud to be the new Creative Director for, Cool Gal Blue. Funny thing is I struggled with that damn name for so long, and now it's growing on me?!! LOL So let me know what you think. This company is your company and we are doing things differently. When I first met Cool Gal and it's CEO Michelle Crawford, I fell in love with the mission and passion but instantly felt that potential needed some serious help - and thanks to many calls, emails, flights and coffees - I'm now Michelle's partner in crime/fashion. I will bring you behind the scenes as we build a company that screams body love and curvy fashion all in one sentence.

Meet Liz a teacher from Tennessee and blogger of With Wonder and Whimsy. She curated her ultimate curvy wardrobe for Spring.

The first thing I added? Sizes on every image so you can truly see if that item would maybe fit the same on you.

THE COOL GAL BLUE PROMISE

Courage to do things different

Please check out the site and I look forward to collaborating and featuring more up and coming bloggers/stylists and just all around fab ladies who would love to take pictures in our clothes. If you're in the Orlando/Space Coast area - let me know! And yes, you KNOW I will be doing a collection too! :) #perks #ohyah! xx Jess