When Jessica Simpson is happy and in love, it shows. Unfortunately, the same holds true when the buxom blond star is in a romance rut. On the red carpet at the ACE Awards in NYC on Nov. 5, Jess looked about 10 pounds heavier — weight a friend says the singer and actress has gained since this past spring, when her love life took a disappointing turn.

Find out how Jess plans to cope with her extra pounds and heartbreak in the latest issue of Life & Style—on newsstands now!