AMBER ROSE X SIMPLY BE

ITS FINALLY HERE!!!!

The collaboration with Amber Rose and Simple Be drooped 6.30.18.  The collection, created and edited by Amber Rose, is filled with all types of fashion.  The collection is available from size 6-32 so all my plus size princesses get ready to get your sexy on.

This collection is super sexy.  There is spandex, body con dresses, body con jumpers and the most latex I have seen in an inclusive collection.   The collection also has accessories like shoes and a pink diamond choker.  They even have some high hip swim suits and even a beach towel.   I am excited to see my girls rock everything they can in this collection all white body con dress or the latex pink shirt. 

This collection is surly a collection for the sexy at heart.  I just may get my sexy on with this collection as well.  Here are a few items I love from the collection.

To see more of the collection, head over to Simply Be or click HERE to see the full collection.

Summer Chafing Solution with UnderSummers

Every Summer the dressed chafing issue that come along with bare legs is something I have to face every year.  Im always on the look out for new products that not only product my skin but it also easy to wear and fashionable.  There are tons of products on the market but a lot of the spray or rub on items work well until I am wearing silk or satin then I get stains on my clothing.   There are also bands and other under garments but they rather fit too loose or feel like they are sliding down or riding up.
Needless to say finding something that is not messy, fits great, and protects me all day against chaffing that doesn't increase my body temperature is not easy.  I was combining different items together in order to get the protection I needed. It was not idea but it was my only solution.


This summer, I found a whole new product that works for me.  A company is called Undersummer and I came across them on my Instagram.   I thought "what the hell!!! There is no harm it trying out something new!!!"   Thank God I did!!!

First a little bit about Undersummer.  CarrieRae created the "shortlette", as she calls it. out of her own need for comfortable rash protection under skirts and dresses.  Living in Houston TX, she knew she has to create a fabric that was breathable as well as absorbable to fight against the Texas humidity. She was sick of cutting of her panty hoes, ill fitting shape wear, and bulky short under her dresses and skirts.

I receive two different type of shorts.  One was with a lace detail high thigh and the second was the classic slip short.  First,  the lace shortlette color and style was so cute I found myself lounging around in them.  Usually when I am getting dress I wear a larger shirt until I put my dress on.  But with this, I found them so stylish that I didn't need to put something over them.  They just looked like I was wearing shorts.

The classic shortlette, was also very comfortable and maybe a bit too comfortable.  As soon as I put them on I felt like I was wearing nothing.  I was a bit afraid that they would role at the leg or fall at the waist as I walked but it didn't. They didn't move.  The were so good I kind of forgot I was wearing them.

I find myself lounging in Undersummer without a care in the world.  They are stylish and comfortable enough to where I didn't feel like I am wearing undergarments but a cute short pants.  I decided to snap some photos to show how great they worked for me.

I am so happy to have found this product.  I can see me wearing it not only in the summer but thought the winter to.  If you want to try Undersummer for yourself click here . Plus Undersummer is giving all my stylistas a discount.  Just add code THANKS20 to get 20% off your first order.

photos by ArtnLee

This is a sponsor post

All opinions are of my own and not affected by the sponsor

OOTD: LEATHER FLOWER POWER

BACK ON A BROOKLYN ROOF TOP were rockin' leather and jeans.  This floral embroidered jacket from the Ashley N. Tipton collection was everything a girl could as for.  It is right on trend with floral embroidery and the studded lapel gave it  the right amount of edge. 

I wanted the jacked to stand out so I wore a simple white long line tee and slim fit jeans.  The shirt is long in length but have high slits.  I can see me wearing this top for many more seasons to come.  In order t add some color, I added a skinny yellow belt and pink sandals to match the colors in the jacket but really I just let the jacket shine!!! That is the key to a great outfit

OUTFIT DETAIL

Jacket and Top: Ashley N. Tipton for J.C. Penny

Jeans: Avenue

Shoes: Torrid

VICTORIA BECKHAM X TARGET COLLECTION

Victoria Beckham brings her unique designs to a new collection for Target. This collaboration is inspired by the upbeat charm of her own line Victoria.   Victoria Beckham line, she celebrates the shared experiences between herself and her daughter. The result is a look that’s fashionable, yet free-spirited and timeless.

This collection is set to drop April 9.  The collection include women, children, toddler and plus women.  Here are a few items that will be available.

Victoria Beckham for Target includes more than 200 pieces featuring soft pastels, bright pops of color and charming spring prints. The collection has great scallop cut items as well as bright colors.  I'm excited for the black and white scallop pants suit (see below) and the drop hem pink dress.

The collection will be available April 9th.  If you plan on going to store please check you local Target to make sure they are carrying the collection in plus size at your store.  If your shopping online, good luck.  When collection drop they usually have a lot of problems online.  From my last target LillyxTaget experience let just make sure the cite doesn't crash like before.  

  Like what you see?  Well there is so much more.  Go to TARGET to see the full collection.  Good luck ladies.

PRABAL GURUNG x LANE BRYANT COLABORATION 2.27.17

“We simply believe that all women should be seen and celebrated as they are"

- Brian Beitler Lane Bryant CMO

Lane Bryant has come together with designer Prabal Gurung.  The 22pc collection was release today and can be bought in store or online.  Lane Bryant has once again partner with another designer to give women of all sizes a high end collection but at an affordable price. 

Prabal’s  has been added to Lane Bryant list of collaborators like Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, Sophie Theallet and Isabel Toledo. Prabal's collection, with super model Ashely Graham, is made up of a collection of minimalistic jumpsuits, full skirts and form fitting dresses paired with feminine flora's and bold color blocking creating sexy yet stylish pieces.

Prabal’s said " I am grateful to the Lane Bryant team for giving us the opportunity to create beautiful clothes that celebrate women who inspire us. Our goal has always been to create a luxury brand with soul, and inclusion is inherent to this ideal.”

Lane Bryant's campaign has always asked for women to embrace their confidence, curves and be fearless.  This collection is a celebration of women being unique and being themselves.  Lane Bryant always push for women to be beautiful but to not confirm to what society say is beautiful.  This collection says just that.

"The collaboration of Prabal Gurung and Lane Bryant exemplifies that celebration by praising the female form and redefining the traditional standard of beauty. The groundbreaking designs and innovative vision that have made Prabal such a massive success come to life in each piece within this collection. We are thrilled to share Prabal’s designs with the Lane Bryant customer.” said Brian Beitler, Lane Bryant CMO.

Click HERE to shop the collection online 2.27.17

photos complement of Lane Bryant

sponsor post

Move Fashion Forward Campaign with Dia & Co.

Today Dia & Co., personal styling and subscription box company for the plus size women, took out a full page at in the New York Times calling for ALL fashion designers to start being size inclusive.  This would call for them to not stop at a size 10 but to go up to a size 24 to include the plus size market.  The ad is published on the first day of the most recognize fashion event in the world, New York Fashion Week. 

With 67% of the population being over a size 14, its crazy that in 2016 such an ad has to be done.   Designer should be more than happy to carry every size in order to gain over half the population and gain more revenue.  Why hasn't the industry as a whole changed?  Most think it has to do with the brands loosing their skinny target audience and being rejecting the brand.  We all see that that is not true.  When Christian Siriano made a line of plus size clothing for Lane Bryant, put plus size models on his runway and dressed some of Hollywood hottest plus size starlets, his fan base increase, his brand presents increase and revenue increased. 

He is proof that the old way of fashion is dyeing.  I'm here to say that the old way of the fashion industry is rapidly changing with the rapid change in technology, population and social media. 

I applaud Dia & Co.  for giving am opportunity for designer like Kate Spade and DVF to recognize the change in fashion and move with the times.  Plus size designers have already seen the change and done something about it.  A lot of plus designers and retailers have added size 10/12 to gain that "not so plus" market. Now its the designers turn to do what's right. 

So what can you do to help the movement?

Join in on the campaign and let your favorite designer know you want them to be size inclusive.

Copy this picture, or the one above, and post it to your social media page with hashtags #movefashionforward

#nyfw

Make sure to @ the designers 

Also visit Dia&Co campaign site www.dia.com/movefashionforward also
Check out Dia &Co. HERE to see what this company is all about.

Tweet, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram this movement today!!!!

#style@anysize

OOTD: SMILE THROUGH THE SHADOWS....

Back in the fall, I took  photos with a heavy shadow falling on me.  I don't know why but I held back on these photos.  I wasn't sure if I should show them at all.  The outfit was fine and the lighting was perfect but still I didn't want to show them. 

I now realize why.

During the time I took these photos I was dealing with a lot of change.   I'd gain 20lbs. My mini me was starting middle school and would be taking public transportation for the first time by herself.  I had major doubts about my application to my Masters program.  I loss contact with friends that I considered dear to me and wasn't sure why.  My body was hurting and I was mentally drain. 

When I took the photos, I had all these thoughts and doubt and wasn't sure how to deal with them.  When I saw these photos I just saw all the shadows.  All the darkness around me.  Nothing stood out but the shadows. 

"In 2017 I will be...." is the phrase heard over and over again.  A new year signify a new beginning.  Feeling like the world is on re-set every year maybe great for most but not the way I handle a new year. Most New Year goals crash and burn because people can not plan.  I should now.  I was a terrible "New Year New Me" resolution setter. 

 

Maybe its because I'm a Cancer but, doing things that way didn't work for me.  I've walked to the beat of my own drum and done things on my time. Now, I don't reset for 2017 or create goals for beginning of the year.  I set goals throughout the year.  I make a commitment to work towards the goal and work it every day. 

 I move forward through the shadows.

When you do things differently you handle things differently.  By then end of 2016 I had done more then I expected.  I'm in school (meaning I got my ass in gear finished my application and got accepted).  Mini me is doing just fine and even made new friends while taking the bus home. The weight came down and my mental health is getting back on track.  I realize I may have lost some friends but I gain SO much more and even though I am sad at the lost connections I am also grateful for my new ones.
I guess the main thing I learned is to smile.  Smile though your shadows.  They are there ( they will always be there) but that doesn't mean they hold you down.  Sometimes you have to pick your head up, smile and move forward.  The shadows will always be there, but you just smile and everything will get better.
I started this as just an outfit post but I want to send a message to my Stylistas that you have to smile through your shadows and remember to always keep moving forward.

In 2017 lets smile through our shadows

Outfit details (because it was a fly outfit)

Jacket: Lane Bryant

Jeans top boots: Avenue 

Much love to my photographer Lee!!!

Hit her up on Insagram @artnlee

12 DRESSES OF CHRISTMAS: DRESS 4 SKIRT & SWEATER by Torrid

On the 4th day of Christmas my fashion fairy gave to me....

Skirt and kitten sweater by Torrid

Who says your sweaters have to be ugly for the holiday!!!

This kitten sweater is a perfect match for a striped flow skirt.

Detail on the sweater and skirt

 I love this red color from Untamed Colors.  It shimmers in the sun and perfect for a holiday party!!!

 I love any skirt that makes my legs long and my bootie pop!!!

 OUTFIT DETAIL

Sweater: Torrid

Skirt: Torrid

Scarf: Thrift store find

photos by Morgan

OOTD:THANK YOU & CAPE COAT

Happy Monday stylistas!!! Hope you had a great holiday.  Hope you were with family, friends and love ones.  I wish most of you had the a chance to let them know how thankful you are for them. 

I spend my holiday with my immediate family and didn't go out as much.  Spent most of my time starting my final project (did I mention I'm getting my Masters).

I am so very thankful for 2016.  Not so much for everything that happened in the word but for my personal accomplishments.  I made great strides in my blog but I'm VERY grateful to friends who have stood by me during this crazy year.  It's not an easy life being so busy but for the people who stand by me I say thanks you!!! I couldn't do it without the late night texting, facetime or the occasional meetup when I've gone dark too long.
Also a special thank you to my mini me.  She is my support and my reason for doing it all.  She recognize where we are and where we want to me and is patient as ever when I say "not right now." I couldn't have ask for a better, more understanding, 11 year old gamer.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.   

Now back to fashion....

The weather is getting colder so the cape coat came out.  I paired this heather grey coat with a blush pink hat jeans and booties. Even though you cant see it too much, I had a blush sweater under my cape. For makeup I kept it simple with a berry lip. 

That's it!!! And shoutout to the hipster Brooklyn women who complemented me on my cape coat.  this is why I love Brooklyn...they never scared to throw a complement from across the street and for that...THANK YOU!!! 

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Cape: Avenue

Hat: Lane Bryant

Jeans: Torrid

Bootie: Avenue

photo by: Art-in-Lee

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS I LOVE AND SO WILL YOU

HEY STYLISTAS, Or should I say Save-istas

There is nothing more stylish then a woman who knows her sales!!!!
I've research, pre-load my carts, and wrote down all of my Black Friday deals that I MUST take advantage of.

Take note!!!
Here are some that I'm looking forward too, you should you...

Eloquii

Everything online will be 50% off .  Plus, there holiday line for 50% off is a steal. Click HERE to start saving.

CVS

YES...CVS! I get small gifts, chocolate boxes, toys, and Christmas stocking suffers this time.  You must be a CVS extra care member to get most of these deals advertised.  If you play your game right you can walk out of there with free items.  So pop into CVS (they are open on Thanksgiving) to get some free candy and free water for when your standing in line for other deals!!

Chick HERE to see more deals.

JIBRI

This is my fave designer (as most of you know).  So anything I can get for 50% off is just what I need.  A jibri pants for 55-60 bucks!!!! Such a steel  Click HERE to find deals

JONQUEL ART STUDIO

Jonquel is known as the plus size artist and her recent collection of re-imagine Disney character has been a major talk in the media.  Her collection of prints, skins and wall art can be purchase at 20% off  Click HERE to shop her store.  

YONA NEW YORK

YONA maybe one of the new designers on the block but they understand how to give a great Black Friday Deal.  BOGO Free will make each about 75-100.  For a private plus line that is amazing!!!!  Click HERE to start saving on YONA

BOOHOO

No need to say any more than 60% off for me to jump all over this deal.  They carry plus size but also menswear as well.  You can get your Christmas gift giving started today.  Click HERE to shop

Lane Bryant

WHAT ISN'T ON SALE HERE!!!! LOL

They have BOGO $5 for clearance, 40% off purchase plus a different discount item every day!!!! Cray right??? Click HERE to see more see more discounts.

Rite Aid

Again I know what your saying but I LOVE shopping at Rite Aid.  With coupons, reward points and sales I should walk out the store paying zero.   If you follow my on SNAPCHAT I plan to show all of my savings.  Click HERE to see all the deals from Rite Aid.

Society +

Society plus already started their Black Friday AND they have add a whole slew of new products for winter.   Can you smell the argyle!!!

Click HERE to shop and save.