FINDING ASHLEY 2018 BASH IN BROOKLYN

On September 15^th at the Brooklyn Kings Theatre, comedian, actress and Emmy Award-winning host of "The Real" Loni Love hosted Ashley Stewart Finding Ashley Finale.  
This is the second year the plus size store has held this event commencing their country wide search for their representative of their company.  

The event featured performances by  Naughty by Nature, SWV, MC Lyte,  Denise "Saucy Wow" Belfon.,  We cant forget about DJ Kid Capri keeping us dancing and grooving all night long.  I got a chance to be in the media pit with the likes of Plus Model Magazine, Queen Size Magazine as well as other bloggers and Influencers. 

It was a start studded night that I started off on the pink carpet.  I got a chance to talk to some of the judges, host, celebrities and guess of Ashley Stewart event.  

In its second year, this was the first year I got to photograph and interview and truthfully, being in the press pit acts up my social anxitey to the 10th power.  But this was one of the most chill press pits I've been in.  Here are some photos of host and events going on outside the event. 

Here are some of my best looks from the finalist.  The best is that all these looks are available at Ashley Sewarts today

After getting a chance to meet with and photograph some of the attendees and special guess we moved inside to have some fun and meet with some of the finalist for this event.

We then headed inside to party

  
What really was amazing was all the money Ashley Stewarts donated to several charities.  They even gave some Brooklyn HS students money for College.  Y'all know a great education is very close to my heart so I love that they are looking out for the young women and men in our community. 

In the end, we all came to see who was Miss Ashley Stewart 2018.  Congratulations to Tiffany Flamer for winning this year crown.  I honestly couldn't think of anyone who deserves it more.  Not only is she a school teacher but she organized for her town of Chester to come out and support her.  To see that kind of support you know she has done alot for her community if they love her that much.  

photos by: Tyesha Campbell (afrovocative)

All photos are property of Afrovocative

Any use of these photos without permission will resort in legal action

This is a promotional paid post.  All opinion are from NEC Style

SUMMER '18 SWIMSUIT: Jessica Milagros for Boutique+

Recently I had the opportunity to join JCPenney & Jessica Milagros in celebrating the launch of the first-ever Boutique+ Swim collection.  

                                                                     

JCPenney expanded its plus size private label brand, Boutique+, to include swimwear that fits and flatters curvy silhouettes. This first collection was in collaboration with Jessica Milagros, the first plus size Latina model to land a national campaign with JCPenney.

Sitting pool size with fellow plus size beauties, while it was still freezing temperatures outside, was a refreshing and welcoming change.  Through eating, drinking, toasting and conversation we got a chance to see the amazing collection that Jessica has put together.  

I love that the sizing of the swimwear was generious and the colors were very flattering.  Being top heavy, I sometimes find suits that fit my top but is too big for my bottom or vice versa.  

But with this collection, I did not have that problem.  

I also loved all of the patterns and colors that were available in two AND one piece suits.  

Here are a few more suits I am in love with.

The Boutique+ Swim collection is available exclusively at jcpenney.com and in select stores now.

BLACK PANTHER: WHY I LOVE THIS MOVIE AND WHAT TO WEAR???

The highly anticipated Marvel Studios’ Black Panther comes to theaters everywhere on 2/16/18 (some cities have fan showing 2/15) and I’m SUPER excited about this.   This movie has already blown out in pre-sales, setting records and no one has seen it yet!!!  Fandingo announced that  this movie has the highest pre-sale tickets of any Marvel movie.  The previous holder was Captain America: Civil War.  (sidebar: wasn't this the same movie that introduced Black Panther?  Humm...no wonder it did so good...)

Here’s a brief synopsis of the film:
"Marvel Studios’ Black Panther follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king—and Black Panther—is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life."

Rather its the anticipation of another Mavel Movie or the start studded cast, this movie has everything I need and wanted in a Marvel Comic movie but it also holds sentimental value from my childhood.  

I remember reading the Black Panther fir the first time as a kid by accident.  I was at the library (remember that place) looking for comics to read.  (Another side note:  my mom would not buy comics/books because she said "that what the library's for". I think I single handily kept my local branch open because I spent a LOT of time there).   
When I found it I thought its a comic about the Black Panther Party!!! It wasn't but I also saw it was really really good. I cant remember the issue exactly, but 
I remember wanting to read more.  Unfortunately, this was a library and they only had one issue, which in comic book land is like having one chapter to a book.  I also remember being amazed that black pPanther wasn't a white man wearing a panther suit but a black man. That meant a lot to me because outside of Storm I hadn't seen another black super hero.  

Later in life, thanks to the internet, I got a chance to learn the back story and enjoy the story of T'Challa.  Plus it was great to learn that he was the boyfriend/husband/ex-husband of Storm.  I totally expect to see this in the next Panther Movie.  hint hint

So with tickets purchases and fan parties to attend the next question is....

WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR!!!

Here are a few outfit ideas for your Black Panther (Movie) Party

Cos Play

Rather you going as Black Panther, a Dora Milaje or Romonda make sure to get the costume right.  Plus if you are Cos Playing you probably been creating you costume from the announcement of this movie at Comic Con.  lol

African Print Item

 Since T'Challa is a African Prince, its appropriate to wear some African prints.  I've heard a few of my friends say they will dress in Dashiki's but African Garb is so much more.  I've seen so many Dresses, skirts, tops and jackets in bold color prints.  The choices are endless. For my plus size stylistas here is a fellow blogger and her list of plus size providers of African print clothing.  

Diyanu is a online store that not only offer women's clothing but kids and men as well.  From skirts and dresses to tops, tees and jackets its all here.  You and the whole family can dress the part.  

Head Wraps

 If all over print is too much for you, try a Head wrap instead.  Her prints are great for a touch of print or color at any movie theater.  I have become a huge fan of Wrapgirlmagic.  She also has head wrap tutorials on Facebook.  

Black Panther Party

Like I said earlier, I thought the comic would be about the 1970's Black Panther Party.  Little did I know that Stan Lee came up with the name because of the Black Panthers.  Humm!!! So why not honor Stan by dressing as a Black Panther.  I don't think that Stan naming the comic Black Panther was just a coincidence considering that the Party was on every ones lips in the early 70's.  

Maybe its the Militant in me but I think dressing as a black panther is so easy but so bad ass.  

They did so much for the black community so any time I can show homage to the The Party I do so.  Plus there is nothing more bad ass then black leather jackets and a black barrette.  Its so fuck'n commanding!!!! 

Now that you have some fashion ideas I cant wait to see everyone attend this movie and blow out the first weekend.  It's a big thing to see a comic I love come to life and with this group of actors "mini me" and I will have a great time.