We knew Amber Riley was no shrinking violet the first time we watched her belt out high note after high note on the Fox comedy-drama series "Glee." Just as her fictional character Mercedes Jones grew to accept how beautiful she is, Riley's personal style off screen also blossomed.

The Los Angeles native even turned her love for fashion into a business , launching an online clothing boutique with her sister called Rileyland Fashions . Fans can literally buy some of the clothes off Riley's back and shop for more designs that are truly figure-flattering and modern.

In honor of her 30th birthday on Feb. 15, we've listed six very good reasons below why you can always turn to the powerhouse vocalist for inspiration.

1. She isn't afraid to wear bold prints and colors from head to toe.