I am SO happy Spring has Sprung!  Spring is my FAVORITE season...the sun is shining, the flowers and blooming, and the FASHION IS SO CUTE!!!!!!

Here are 3 spring tops from Shein, that not only are perfect for Spring time adventures, but also, wont break the bank, so you can stay fabulous for not a lot of money!  

Not only that, but when you spend $59 on regular priced plus size clothing, and use the code RUBYROXX20 for 20% off your purchase!  Shop HERE!

This ADORABLE mustard yellow top is the perfect addition to my Spring wardrobe.  It is SUCH a cute, bright colour, of the shoulder (which I am obsessed with), pleated, and so light and flowy!  It doesn't lose its shape or pleats, and is so comfortable for either a casual lunch, or a night on the town!

Anyone that knows me, knows that GREEN is my favourite colour to wear!  I love how it pairs with my hair, and eyes, and I always feel like a million bucks when I wear Green.  This top is no different.  Not only is the material thick and sturdy, but the colour is gorgeous, and check out those BELL SLEEVES!  Asymmetrical tops are so eye catching, I always get so many compliments whenever I wear this out!  This is a show stopping Spring top for SURE!  

One of my favourite WINTER staples, is the Sweater Dress!  I LOVE this piece, as it can be worn as a dress, OR, as an adorable, off the shoulder, loose sweater!  Oh the possibilities.  This sweater is super casual, and SUPER soft!  The perfect addition!  Who doesn't need a great black sweater, especially one that can be worn as a dress too!!!!

​Everyday, women and men all over the world are put into a box.  A box ruled by numbers.  Dress and pant sizes, weight, BMI’s, calories, and many more.  Not only these, but we are ruled by test scores, mortgage payments, likes on our most recent post, price tags and more. Well I am here to ask you to join me in a movement.  A war is raging on these numbers, and it is time to remove yourself from that box and a life ruled by numbers, and free yourself to live a life of freedom, happiness, healthy living, and, most importantly, self love and respect.

This blog post was quoted in Simply Be's Body Positivity Superstars Post!  For more amazing, inspirational quotes and people, check out their blog post here: 
​ www.simplyme-blog.com/2018/05/01/body-confidence-plus-size-swimwear/

The suit features 
​* Tropical floral print
* Ruched front
* Control mesh
* Soft cup
* Mid scoop back

You can purchase this amazing suit, or ANY of the other Miraclesuit's available at UKSwimwear.  

I recently found a new shopping destination, where curvy clothing is PLENTIFUL (seriously...SO much variety), affordable (nothing over this post is above $30!), and ADORABLE!   These pieces have all been worn by me already on multiple occasions, and I cannot WAIT to shop the site again soon!  Here are my 5 favourite pieces!  Follow the link, and use my coupon code RUBYROXX20 for 20% off your order of $59 or more on plus size clothing!!!  SCORE!!!

 Use coupon code RUBYROXX20 to get 20% off 
​based on original price and ONLY valid for the order over $59 of plus-size items

I've been a fan of Archie comics for as LONG as I can remember.  I remember when I was really young, they had Baby Archie (do you remember?).  My mom was an Archie fan as a kid too, so when she saw Baby Archie, she just had to get it for me and my sister to check out!  I for one, was hooked right away, and the next trip to the super market, I saw the BEAUTIFUL Betty and Veronica on the cover of a Double Digest, I knew I had to have it.  I collected ALL the comics over the years.  Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Archie and Jughead.  I even collected all the spin off comics like Jose and the Pussycats, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.  I  have a picture somewhere of me in my Betty and Veronica PJ's, with ALL my Archie Comics lay out on the living room floor, with me in the middle.  I think I had over 500 comics and other memorabilia!  The photo was in the back of one of comics, which at the tender age of 12, was like, major stardom!!!  If only I could find that photo now ;)  

I remember the first time I saw Cheryl Blossom in a comic.  I had ALWAYS wanted red hair (this is before the days of dying my hair), and I always thought she was the BEST character.  I loved her spunk, her energy, her independence, her CLOTHING, and especially her HAIR!

Veronica (Belle) first came to me with the idea of doing a Riverdale inspired shoot (as we all love the show now too obviously!!), but with a CURVY, Betty, Veronica, and Cheryl.  How could I say no!  The only thing I noticed about Archie Comics growing up, is that the bodies (of course, they are cartoons) are totally unrealistic.  Everyone (except for a few older characters) are thin, tall, and "perfect".  Wouldn't it be great to give Riverdale a dose of CURVES?  A dose of reality!  What do you think the Archiekins would say?  I think he could handle some curvy babes, don't you?

Xoxo
​Ruby 

I’ve loved Archie comics since I was a kid - literally, I had hundreds! - so my dream to portray the iconic Betty Cooper (but bigger and better wink) finally came true! Of course, Veronica and Ruby were my dream team for Veronica Lodge and Cheryl Blossom! The cherry on top was having Sarah Sovereign shoot it, especially in an old-school diner! No matter what we were feeling that day, everyone brought a playful, upbeat energy to the shoot. For one day, we were all living in Riverdale, and no one was fighting over any Archie’s

Carly Stone

Thank you so much to our AMAZING clothing sponsor, Betty and Veronica Clothing, for supplying these amazing, quality, BEAUTIFUL items to make our Riverdale Themed Photoshoot even BETTER than we could have expected.

Also a huge thank you to our assistants for the day, Danielle and Siobhan.  We couldn't have done it without you.  <3  

Read to the end to view my personal favourite photos from 2017!

  Well.  The year has come to an end yet again, and I must say, I'm rather relieved.  I love the new year, as, to me, it signifies a fresh start, new beginnings, and leaving the past in the past.  And I don't know if I've ever felt that to be more true than this New Year.  

2017 started out with high hopes, a list of professional goals (which I'm happy to say I nearly completed!!).  Professionally, 2017 was a fantastic year!  I worked with and collaborated with some fantastic creative people...worked with some fantastic companies, and brands, and continued to write, create, grow, and expand my mind and career.  I reached 2 million followers this year on Facebook, and nearly 250K followers on Instagram!  I started my membership page, and my Patreon, and thanks to your support, am able to create more content for you to enjoy!  I am so thankful for all your continued love and support this year.  It means the wold to me.  For that I will pop the champagne, and raise a glass to my amazing support system.  My fans, followers, family and friends.  I would be nothing without all of you!    

My 2018 Calendar, (shot by Lanaya Flavelle Photography, and amazing MUAH by Ashley Paints Faces) sold better than any other year!  Signed copies totally sold out, but luckily you can order an unsigned copy, which comes with a free digital copy, for only $25!  Get your copy HERE

Personally, the year started with the shocking loss of a friend, taken far too soon, in a freak accident.  My mom's health took a turn for the worst as well in January.  She had us worried, and was in so much discomfort, for apparently, no reason.  Thankfully, she is now feeling much better in that regard, although they are still struggling with a firm diagnosis.  In February, I got to escape the world for a while on my Honeymoon, with my new Hubby, to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Miami/South Beach!  I was lucky to travel this year, to Arizona (twice!) Vegas (twice as well!) LA, Seattle, Spokane, Salt Spring Island, and a few other little weekend get away's here and there. I travelled both for work and pleasure, but I also however, had to cancel a couple of trips this year, due to circumstances beyond my control.  I am however hoping to travel more this year, so hopefully I can make up those cancelled trips!  

I also had some health changes this year.  My mental health continues to be a daily struggle.  It seems the older I get, the more intense it gets.  Some anxiety and depression was circumstantial, most, was just my brain being a bully.  I finally found a good blend of medications that work well for me and my mood, pared with other forms of healing like counselling, and meditation.  A side effect of my new medication, is lowered appetite, and, due to my VERY low appetite, and a large amount of stress, I have lost 50 lbs since the start of the year.  I'm feeling OK about the loss of weight, as I feel I still look great, and I feel a little better too!  I didn't try to lose weight, but sometimes your body just takes care of things and does whats best.  I listen to my body, and what it craves.  Since I've been eating less, I've also been way more conscious of what I actually AM eating, so my diet has become far healthier.  Just a reminder however, that someone else's body and weight is no ones business, unless they share their concerns with you and ask for your opinion.  I got a lot of comments and questions asking me about my weight.  Weight loss isn't always a good, or planned thing.  You can never tell someones health just by looking at them, or, what is causing a change in weight. Unless someone is asking for opinions or help, its no ones business but their own's, and their Doctors. 

I also got glasses this year!  I was the ONLY one in my family who didn't have glasses already.  I knew eventually I would need them, and hey, I made it 32 years!  And I LOVE my glasses!  Just another way to accessorise my outfits!   

When I wasn't working, I spent A LOT of time at home this year.  Due to my mental health struggles, leaving my home that I love so much, and my puppy, well, it just becomes less and less appealing.  I'm so thankful to those friends (and photographers for that matter) that came to my place to hang and and/or work!  You have no idea how thankful I am for people like you.  And thank you to those who have checked in with me when they noticed me slinking away into seclusion.  Its so nice to know I have friends who care about me, and you have no idea how much I care about you.  

Speaking of friends...there were a lot of changes in friendships this year,  My circle is much smaller and very different than it was at the beginning of the year.   A lot of my close friends no longer live in Vancouver, so I miss them terribly and think of them daily.  Some friendships have faded away or apart, and some toxic relationships were ended. And that's all OK.  This is a really personal and sensitive subject for me, as my friends are my family, and, although I likely don't say it enough, they are so important to me and loved by me.  As we get older, and our lives get busier, sometimes we outgrow people, or lives drift apart.  Or circumstances happen where its harder to get together.  Its a sad but true part of life.  I always imagine however that true friends are there when you need them, no matter the distance or time its been since you've seen them last.  At the start of 2017, there were people in my life, who I thought would be there till the day I die, who now, for a wide variety of reasons, are no longer in my life.  I went through a lot this year on a personal level.  From being manipulated, lied to and abused by someone I totally trusted, and thought was a friend, to seeing peoples true colours come out when I really need them, or when things got tough.  Its funny how fast things can change.  People, ideas, circumstances, everything really.  There has been so much loss, sadness, heartache, and betrayal this year...for everyone...the whole world! All I know, is that as hard as the hurt this year has been, I have learned some very valuable lessons, and also, in turn, have become much closer to other people.  New friendships have formed, and existing, deserving friendships have been fostered, and have grown and blossomed, and I am so thankful for that.  I am also thankful for the lessons I've learned, and the clarity and gratitude I now feel and see for those who love me, and I love in return.  Ive grown SO much this year.  I cannot remember a year in my adult life that I've been through so much personal growth and self discovery.  My husband and I both lost friends, and family this year, but in return, we are even more thankful for each other, and other, deserving relationship in our lives.   There are just some things that nothing but an internet quote can quite express.  ;)

One of the biggest news stories, and movements of 2017, was the #MeToo movement which shone light on the problem which is sexual harassment and assault. Nearly every woman I know, has been effected by such terrible events. It happens in ALL industries, not only the entertainment industry. It effected me personally, as I have been the victim of sexual assault, and harassment, on countless occasions.  In fact, I even had to deal with unwanted sexual advances and assault, earlier this year by someone I trusted and thought was a friend.  It happens every single day on line, and has happened more times than I care to remember in person. Since this was such huge news, It made me think a lot, and it brought back a lot of buried and suppressed memories for me from years gone by.  It also made me realise the truth about certain situations in my life, and basically sent me down a very deep spiral of depression, shame, and guilt.  To be honest, I`m still not out of my depression, but I am so grateful to this movement, as it made people finally stop and take notice of this monumental problem.  Women and victims are banding together, and abusers are finally being called out and held accountable for their actions.  Women are becoming braver and stronger and standing up for themselves.  It is time this ended, and I am so glad to be here to witness this change taking place in front of our eyes.  Although its been a rough road mentally, Its about damn time this happened!!!!  And while were talking about sexual harassment, let me just say, just because I love lingerie, and am a lingerie model, who is in touch with her sexuality, and enjoys taking sexy photos, that doesn`t make me any less deserving of respect and kindness.  It does not make it ok to leave rude, aggressive, or sexual comments.  These actions will not be tolerated on any platforms by me, and all culprits will be blocked and reported immediately.  

In November, the love of my life, my puppy Cash, had to have emergency spinal surgery.  He started screaming in pain one night, and when we took him to the ER, were informed that he needed surgery.  He had 2 ruptured disks in his spine, and 2 others that were about to rupture.  He was already starting to lose movement in his back legs due to pressure on his spinal cord.  If he didn't have surgery to release the pressure, he could be permanently paralized.  Of course, we agreed.  Cost didn't matter.  We have pet insurance.  And we are SO thankful for that pet insurance, as we got most of the cost of the surgery back...however we still had to pay the bill up front.  So I am also so thankful for credit cards, and my parents, who, although were out of town throughout all this, were able to help us financially during this unexpected financial hardship.  

I am SO happy to say that after 6 weeks, Cash is doing so much better!  He is walking on his own again without assistance!  He still has a bit of trouble with his back legs, and may walk with a bit of a wobble from here on out.  He still needs some physio and rehabilitation, but considering what he has been through, he has been recovering like a champion!  Thank goodness.  I don't know what I would do without Cash.  He was also trained and registered as my ESA (emotional support animal) this year, so that he can travel with me, to help me with my anxiety.  I honestly think I need him more than he needs me. Seeing him in pain, and not being able to help or explain anything, was complete torture and living hell.  I am so grateful that he is recovering as well as he is, and that we are so blessed to live somewhere where we have access to that kind of veterinary care.  His 6 week check up is tomorrow morning, and were expecting nothing but continued progress for our little monkey.  Thank you so much for all the concern and messages about my little guy.  We appreciate it and love you all so much.   

Normally  I love Christmas, but this year, due to everything else, I just wasn't feeling it.  Cash was requiring daily rehabilitation, and I couldn`t leave the house, or Cash`s side for more than an hour.  We were all so tired, and I was very stressed and depressed.  So December this year was spent, mostly at home, with loved ones, taking care of each other, and reflecting on the past year and the year to come.  The few days before New Years were spent in Seattle, visiting good friends, shooting some gorgeous new sets with amazing new creative collaborators, and getting excited to say goodbye to 2017, and WELCOME to all the blessings that 2018 is sure to bring.  I am hoping for nothing more than continued growing health, and continuing to have an open heart and open mind to love, friendship and life.  I will strive to better myself, mentally, physically, as well as spiritually.  I will continue to expand my career and endeavours...My husband gifted me some online photography courses for Christmas so that I can learn how to take better photos, not only of my self, but perhaps of other beautiful women and creatures as well!  I will guide my heart and intentions with kindness first, and leave judgement for the very last resort.  I will continue to try and see the good in everyone, but will also be content with my circle being smaller, if that's what is necessary to keep it loyal and true.   I will strive to continue to spread a message of self love, realistic body expectations, kindness, and smashing mental health stigmas.  I hope to write more, speak more, and have as many opportunities as possible to spread my message and voice.  I want to get RIGHT out of this depressed funk Ive been in lately, and put my energy into bettering myself and the world around me.  

2017 had many highs and lows, but it's very safe to say, that I'm pleased to see 2017 go, and to welcome in a fresh year, and a fresh start in 2018.   Thank you for following along on my journey, and I wish you all the health, love, and happiness you deserve in 2018.  xoxo Ruby.  

Lady V London is one of my favourite brands for vintage style dresses.  Not only are they well made (in the UK), but the styles are so flattering, and the prints...I mean come on!  Look at the birdcage dahlia print on the Liliana Dress.  I also love this style for the off the shoulder cut (obsessed!!) and the full skirt that hits me just below the knee.  Perfect!  I also paired the dress with a old belt for a couple photos as I loved the contrast.  It was a bit small on me however, so I decided I was more comfortable without the belt...but either way, the dress is stunning!  

The second dress, the Ursula dress in teal polka dots, is the perfect addition to my closet!  I love the classic polka dot, but with a bright pop of colour (we all know how much I love colour!).  The neckline on this dress is so flattering, with just the perfect amount of cleavage, but I paired it with a cable knit cardi to keep the fall chill off my shoulders!  SO CUTE!  

Check out Lady V London HERE!  So many cute prints and styles.  And they have sizes from UK 16-32!!!!  I wear a 16!  Happy Shopping!!!!

This ADORABLE dress from Wax Poetic has not only been a summer staple for me, but will also transition into fall with the right accessories!  The fit is perfect, it has pockets (who doesn't love pockets??) and is a perfect flirty length, with the hem hitting just above the knee!  This dress will be a constant in my wardrobe for many weeks to come!  

I recently collaborated with one of my favourite vintage reproduction clothing brands, based out of LA, Stop Staring!   I first heard of Stop Staring almost 10 years ago when I first discovered the "pinup trend".  They have always been a go-to for classic pinup and retro looks, and their new dresses and collection are no different.  Perfect vintage silhouettes, with modern and classic colours and prints. 

I loved this dress, with a gorgeous sweetheart neckline, back cut out, and bow detail at the lower back.  I got SO many compliments on this dress, even in the 15 min I had it on for this shoot!  This will be a go-to in my closet in the future for sure!

This dress is in my FAVOURITE colour.  I LOVE wearing green!  I love what it does for my skin tone, eyes and hair.  And this dress was no exception!  This dress really is timeless.  It has the perfect amount of vintage detail, while also being modern enough to wear to the office, a dinner date, or really anywhere! Comfortable and fitted while still being easy to move in.   

This dress is GORGEOUS for Fall and back to school.  The deep green/pine colour, and tiny, subtle hounds-tooth make this dress a dream for Autumn.  I also LOVE a good twirly skirt, and the bust detail on this dress is so flattering!  This one seems to be out of stock on the stop staring website, but I did spy it on ModCloth!  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I for one am SO excited about 2017 and all the possibilites it holds.  2016 was a year full of love, but also full of hard times.  
​
To start on the positives, I GOT MARRIED THIS YEAR!!!!  I got to marry the love of my life in Las Vegas, surrornded by family and friends.  It was not only the happiest day of the year, but of my life.  Looking back on 2016, THAT is what I will think of, and that is pretty amazing!  Thank you so much to everyone for all the well wishes and love sent our way in regards to our wedding.  We are so so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing loving people.  

Two of my bestfriends also got married this year (we're all looking forward to being able to tell people 10 years from now that "we got married 10 years ago" hehe.  I was maid of honor for Sabrina and best (wo)man for Robin.  My other bestie Kristy also got engaged and is getting married in a couple weeks in Hawaii!

2016 was filled with travel to LA, Las Vegas, across Canada, and the pacific north west, and im looking forward to much more travel in 2017 including Phoenix, Miami, LA and Vegas again, and the Carribian!  Im hoping to travel at least once a month in 2017.  I worked really hard this year and hit 1 million followers on my facebook page and 100K on instagram!  My social media continues to grow daily and I am so so thankful for that.

 I got opportunities to speak publiclly about body positivity and mental health stigma, and became a columnest for FabUPlus magazine (look for my column Plus Size Modeling 101, on newstands now).   I did a lot of writing this year for publications both in print and online.  

I hosted Vancouver Alternative Fashion Week (as well as walked for 3 designers) and walked for the first time in Vancovuer Fashion Week for Leslie Hampton and Gatsbylady (whose images ended up in VOGUE!  Another acceavement unlocked!)

I also be came a home owner in 2016!  We bought a condo in downtown Vancouver and are just LOVING our new home!  

2016 also had its hardships.  I lost the remaining 3 grandparents which as really difficult.  My grandparents were always a huge part of my life and as much as I am happy they are no longer suffering, I miss them every day.  I made new friends, and lost a few. I found out some peoples true colours (which is never easy) and had to let some people go from my life for the sake of my own well being.  

My anxiety and depression snuck up on me this past year, and I realized that although im very open about  it, I wasn't taking as good care of myslef as I thought I was, so in 2017 I will be starting with a counceller again, as well as starting meditation, getting back into yoga, and doing things to take care of my body, my mind, and my spirit.  

I shot for some new brands and some of my old favourites!  I shot for Nettles Tale Swimwear, Diane Kennedy, Cherry Velvet, Ivido Brand Jeans, Heart of Haute, Lace Canada Lingerie, Playful Promises, Got Curves, BGN Workshop, Hell Bunny, and many many more!  I updated my website and created a new Members Only page to showcase my work to my loyal fans!

​ I continued to grow as both an model, an artist, and a woman.  I strive to always be evoving and changing and growing, and I think I did ALOT of that this year!   I strated "trying" not to care what people think as much (always been a very hard thing for me), and continued to strive to be a bad ass, body positive, babe! 

Moving forward, I feel GREAT about 2017 and what it will bring for this girl!  I feel like I have a wide open door infront of me and nothing to hold me back!   This year I will be focusing more on my blogging, as well as modeling.  I have some projects I want to start in 2017 (nothing I can share QUITE yet...but trust me, you will LOVE it).   I will also be striving to take better care of myself, not only physically, but more so, mentally.  I look forward to spreading my wings and branching out.  I look forward to travel, love, and laughter.  I want to volunteer more.  I want to spend more time with those I love.  I want to live a happy and authentic life.  


I hope each and every one of you reading this has an amazing a safe time ringing in the New Year, and I wish you nothing by happiness, health and love in 2017.  Lets make this year the best one YET!!!