Take 16: My Style Icon

Loves me some Queen Latifah.

As a plus-size chick myself, there's no doubt that my obsession with her is because she's a plus-size actress/singer who rocks a classy, fun, notice-me style and she isn't afraid of who she is. She is a BAMF (and no, I won't explain what that means).

Even if you're not plus-size yourself, you can learn a lot from studying her style. Here are some of the Queen's best looks:

This dress is so flattering. The cinching in at the waist, the wide shoulder straps, the eye-catching lace detail and shorter length. It's just perfect! I also love the gold-tone shoes—they totally elongate her legs.

One thing every girl needs—a pair of perfectly fitting, tailored bermuda shorts. I like the all black here, and the blouse is still sexy, even if the girls aren't on display. Usually I shy away from sandals that have a strap around the top part of my foot because they tend to cut the legs off, making them appear shorter. I think this works here because of the substantial heel, and, hello! The shiny bling! 

I almost bought this Lane Bryant shirt on four different occasions this summer—seeing it on her, I regret that I didn't! The cut is very becoming, and the dark jean is a nice compliment. She's looks relaxed and chic for her appearance on BET's 106 & Park.

I just admire Queen Latifah so much for wearing a body-hugging dress like this. Again, the deep neckline and cumberbund-like band is crazy flattering. She just looks va-va-va-voom!

This is my #2 favorite outfit—I love the pop of color of the shirt and the way it fits across the bust. And a bigger girl can never go wrong with a tailored pair of pants and close-fitting blazer. Plus, her flashes of bling, her hip-hop style all grown up, adds the right amount of flash.

By far, this is my favorite look from the Queen. This leopard print is so. Freaking. Hot! And I love the little peak of lingerie at the neckline—sexy, provocative, but not trashy. The simple shoes and clutch tone the vampiness of this outfit down, and the shiny bangles and earrings add just enough glow.