Winner of the $45 CSN Give-Away

And the winner is...S of OCityishness! S, shoot me an email at BombshellBeautyBlog@gmail.com and I'll get you the details of your prize.

S's question was:
"Other than the usual stores that carry plus-size clothes (Lane Bryant, Macy's, etc), where do you find interesting, flattering pieces?"

My answer: So many places! LucieLu, City Chic, Evans, Igigi, Kiyonna, Sealed with a Kiss Designs, Missphit and Sonsi are just a few of my favorites.

Thanks to everyone who entered- great questions! Some of them made me laugh, some of them made me think and I appreciated each and every one of them. Since you all took the time think of a question, I thought I'd go ahead and answer them (instead of just answering the winner's question).

1. What is your favorite Minneapolis restaurant? I'm more of a St. Paul girl, so I'm going to say Meritage in St. Paul.

2. Is there something in your closet that you'll never get rid of for sentimental reasons? I have a vintage plaid wool skirt of my mom's. I vividly remember her wearing it when I was young, and she's wearing it in one of my favorite pictures of her.

3. What is the one essential that all plus-sized Bombshell Beauties should have? While every Bombshell is different (which makes this a toughie!) I'm going to say a pair of red shoes. They make every outfit a bit more fun!

4. Is there any particular style, whether for hair, makeup or clothing that you've always wanted to try but been too afraid? I admire the vintage-inspired style of Lilli of Frocks and Frou Frou, and Some Girls Wander. But it's just not something I can pull off (I think...)

5. What do you think of jeggings? I was SO excited to try a pair of jeggings...and absolutely shocked that I don't like the way they feel! I'm a big fan of leggings so this revelation was mystifying. Simply from a style standpoint, though, on other people I like them.

6. what's the one thing in life that you can't live without? I'm going to forgo answers like my husband and my family, and give you something more fun. It's a toss up between a great tube of creamy lipstick and white wine.

7. I live in the Twin Cities too, so I'd love to know what your favorite stores for beauty supplies are. I have a couple go-to places: The Ulta in Roseville (amazing selection of Mario Badescu!), StormSister Spatique on Smith Avenue (and online), and Garden of Eden on Grand & Victoria in St. Paul. StormSister and Garden of Eden offer boutique brands that are hard to find elsewhere - along with super knowledgeable staff.

8. What do you think of leggings on a "plus" size girl. I am afraid I will look silly in them. Any thoughts? I know a lot of women, plus size and otherwise, who are afraid they'll look silly in leggings. I, personally, am a fan and wear them quite often. Type "leggings" in the search bar on my blog to see all the different ways I've worn them recently.

9. What is your favorite fashion season -- Fall, Winter, Summer, Spring -- and why? Fall is, hands down, my favorite fashion season. It's when fashion truly does feel new and fun, to me. Plus, I love layers.

10. What is your advice for online shopping? Online shopping can be a little tricky until you're familiar with the general fit and sizing of a particular retailer. But it's definitely worth the effort! Get out a tape measure and know your own proportions; always compare your measurements to a site's sizing chart. Read reviews (if available) of a product to see what other people have to say about potential buys. And be very familiar with the return policy (just in case).

11. Do you workout? If so, what's your routine? I don't work out consistently, though I do enjoy being active. I like to walk/run along the river here in St. Paul. I also like taking yoga classes and doing a couple of workout videos in The Firm series.

12. How does one go about choosing fashionable, fiscally conservative boots and pair them with a variety of outfits? Everyone has their own idea of being fiscally conservative, so I'll tell you that my idea of it is a pair for under $100. Lane Bryant has some really cute pairs available, as does Avenue. If you're on your feet a lot throughout the day, go for a pair of classic riding boots like these. If you're able to handle more of a heel, I like this pair.

13. As a plus sized woman, I find it easy to become intimidated when I am around large amounts of people. What do you do to keep positive? I don't know anyone who hasn't had moments of self doubt or intimidation, and I think understanding that is key to my own personal ability to cope. I try to remember that most people are more involved in themselves than in how my hair looks or whether or not they like my outfit.

14. what are your go to items (cosmetics and clothes) on a bad day when you want to feel fabulous? I reach for something in my favorite color - green - and fun accessories. I like to pull my hair partially back, and I go to town with my Smashbox Jet Set gel liner, pink cheeks and rosy lips. I create both with Bobbi Brown's Sheer Color Cheek Tint in Sheer Raspberry.

15. What fashion tips do you have for plus size "petites? I think it's important to dress your body to scale. When possible, shop in plus petites sections of a store (Talbots has a great selection of wardobe basics in petite plus sizes). Otherwise, make sure your clothes fit correctly within the arm holes of shirts/tops; ensure that sleeves, pants and skirts are all hemmed to best fit your frame. Shorter legs can get away with shorter skirts without looking tawdry; just above the knee should be fine.

16. As a fellow 6'0" girl, where you find jeans long enough to go with heels? I have a helluva time finding longer inseams in stores, so I always turn to online shopping. I try on jeans in-store in the regular inseam, then purchase online from Gap, Lee, and Lane Bryant.

17. If you could only shop at one store for a year, what would it be? I would say the Macy's in downtown Minneapolis because they have everything I'd want in clothes, jewelry, makeup counters, and free food samples on the weekends.

18. What is your favorite makeup look for each season? Sept-December, I like to wear nude pink lips and more dramatic eyeshadow. January-February, I suddenly want a super girly, ethereal look in the form of pastel shadows, really pink cheeks and just a touch of lipgloss. March-June is when I start breaking out the bronzing powder and coppery eyeshadows, and smudgy red lips. July and August, I barely even bother with more than mascara and tinted moisturizer because it's just not worth the effort in the dead of summer.

19. What is the number one fashion mistake a Bombshell Beauty can make? I think the biggest mistake a Bombshell can make is in making no effort. Whatever your style, whatever you like, put in the effort to find clothes that fit and flatter you - it'll make you feel so good about yourself! And I think everyone can benefit from mascara and a great moisturizer.

20. Why did you decide to start a blog? I decided to start Bombshell Beauty because I wanted to share all the resources and ideas for finding plus size fashion with women who don't know all the great stuff that's out there.

21. What do you like most about your personal appearance? Hmm...I think I like that my personal appearance reflects exactly who I am as a person.

22. What colors and styles are best to wear if you are a plus size -- and also SHORT! Something that makes me look tall and thin (Ha Ha, I wish...but some things must be better than others!) LOL - well, dressing as a plus size woman is rarely about trying to look thin. I take comfort in that idea- I'm not thin so I don't even bother getting hung up on that. I do think there are a few tricks to making a curvy body look its best: draw attention to a specific focal point like your waist or your bust. Belts, cropped sweaters or jackets, and other layers can do the trick. As for colors...I say yes to color! Use black as an accent, but don't be afraid of color.

23. What is your favorite season to dress for? The holiday season! I love getting dressed up and wearing more festive clothes/makeup.

24. Hmmm.... Any suggestions on wear to find knee high boots for a curvy girl that won't break the bank? Yep - as I said above, check out Lane Bryant and Avenue. I've also seen some great deals at DSW.com.

25. What is your current favorite trend and why? I am all about the ladylike trend (structured jackets, pencil skirts, and pearls galore) that's going on right now. I'm also finally getting into skinny jeans.

26. Three questions in one: Where do you think your sense of style came from? I grew up playing dress up in my mom's closet, and my parents always supported my style experiments (no matter how bad they were).

You have to choose between these two things to buy for the rest of your life...Makeup or jewelry.. which one do you chose? Makeup, hands down.

Gabourey Sidebe's cover on VF.. I think it was VF anyway.. Did you think they did her justice? I didn't see her cover for VF, but I did see Elle. I didn't think they did her justice - would have liked to have seen more of her body instead of the extreme close up shot.

27. Who is one ugly actor you have a shameful little crush on?? He's not exactly ugly, but he is definitely kind of "dirty" - Johnny Knoxville. No idea why I like him. :)

28. What type and brand of eyeliner do you like best for a little winged eyeliner action? I like gel eyeliners for a winged eyeliner look - right now I'm using Smashbox Jet Set liner, but I also like Bobbi Brown's gel liner.

29. I really like going to thrift stores, what are your local fav's? I'll admit that I'm not much of a thrifter. I do like Clothes Mentor in Roseville - not sure it really qualifies as a thrift store, it's more consignment. To be honest, I don't really know the difference. Can anyone fill me in?

30. What is your favorite outfit to wear at any of Minnesota's numerous lakes? If I'm on a lake, I'm hopefully in a swimsuit! Otherwise, I like a cute pair of cargo shorts, a cotton tank and pushup bra, and my plaid Converse tennis shoes.

31. Can I pick the question? I have 5 faavorites & will even give you the answer to one of them - Mom. Mom, you can pick any question you want especially if you have the answers!! Love you!

32. What was your biggest fashion mistake in high school? I tried to cover up my body in high school by wearing oversized jeans and t-shirts. I spent a lot of time on my hair and makeup, but I didn't feel very good about my clothes.