THICK THIGHS SAVE LIVES: My Body Positive Story

FOR SO LONG...I was ashamed of my thighs.  I hated that they were the biggest thing on my body. No matter how I improved my self esteem, they were always the thing on my body I didn't like. Plus, being 6 ft tall my legs are the first thing people see. So having big thighs made it even harder.

As you can imagine, wearing anything short was a huge NO NO for me. If I wore a skirt, I added leggings. No matter how hot is was outside, leggings was a must.

With popularity of the maxi dress came my salvation.  My prayers was answered.  No longer would I have to wear short dresses. That was until last summer.

Last summer, my mini me saw me getting dress and asked why I was wearing a long dress on a hot day.  She said, "Just wear your skirt and a top or a shirt dress mom." I said to her, "Mom is not really proud of her legs." She look down and said "But don't you say all part of me is beautiful. So all parts of you is beautiful too." (SMART GIRL RIGHT!!!!) I gave her a huge hug with watery eyes and said thank you.

Now I realize that my think thighs are fine.  If and when I want them to be smaller slimmer then they will be but I shouldn't sacrifice my fashion for my fears.  So let the thick thighs fly!!!!
To all my fashionista..lets pledge to let one body part out this summer.

Rather its your legs, chest, upper arms, or whatever lets you think is too big.....its not.  Throw aside the leggings, cami and sweaters for the summer.

Let your thick ____ shine!!!

Outfit detail

Shirt dress: Eloquii

Shoes: Avenue

Jewelry: Stylist own

Sunglasses: Mariana Collection

photos by Matey @MGPhotograhy

WEEK OF PINK: ROSÉ APPRECIATION WEEK IN NYC

IT'S EVERYTHING ROSÉ THIS WEEK IN NYC

If your anything like me you living for the Pink Week events all over NYC!!!.  My love Rosé and the color Rose Gold go hand in hand.  I'm not sure if my obsession with the color is because of the wine or vise versa.  All I know is the two always makes me happy and brings up my spirits.

I just look at these Spectrum Brushes.  I could never actually use them

In NYC #pinkweek has some FAB events centered around the celebration this fine wine. food to go

with it and fun as the summer months start.  

If your not in NYC or just cant make it to a mid afternoon brunch with bottomless Rosé (yes that is a real event) here are some ways you can celebrate.

Get your bottle of Rosé and turn up
 I have so many faves I cant list them all but this article does a fine job of listing some of the best I have tasted.  Bonus, they are all under 20 bucks!!!

http://www.delish.com/food-news/g3417/best-rose-wines-under-20-dollars/?slide=4

Rosé your life
Rather its your throw pillow or some new stationary or a retro  phone (yes I did that) little bit of rose gold in your decor brightens up a room and keeps it looking fresh.

Here an article for  home items on Popsugar 
Amazon.com  has a bunch more you have to see.  
Here is another article for my Rose Gold Junkies Buzzfeed

From the LeLa Rose Lane Bryant

Wear a little Rosè on you bodè
Glasses, rings, skirts, shoes or hats, you cant stop the trend of blush or rose gold in fashion this season.  See a few of the items I love to see on my plus size fashionista that you can get right now.  

Nike.com

Torrid

Lane Bryant

Lane Bryant

Torrid

FASHION REPORT: SPRING PLUS SIZE TRENDS FOR 2017

Spring is the the air!!! Every were you look around....

Okay...that was cheesy but you can see spring trying to come.  Now that the air is not so biting and the sun is shinning a bit longer our closets need to change from sweaters and overcoats to jackets and floral tops.  But what are the top trends of the season? What items do you need in your closet this spring to keep trendy?  Don't worry stylistas.  Here's a list of trends you'll love to add to your closet this Spring.

"Hit em with the shoulder"
This is the biggest and most prominent trend for Spring 2017.  Rather is a cold shoulder, off the shoulder or cut out, expect to see a lot of decolletage (using my French like a mo fo) this spring.

Simply Be

Eloquii

Simply Be

Lane Bryant

"The Skipper too.."
Its all about being on the waters in blues, white and stripes.  The nautical theme has made it way big time this Spring.  Boat leg pants, blue and white stripes, and navy trench coats are all apart of this nautical theme.  So, get on a boat with you navy blues and set sail into the summer.

Eloquii

Lane Bryant

Simply Be

Eloquii

"50 Shades of Yellow"
Yellow was named one of the Pantone color of Spring 2017 and rightfully so.  From highly saturated golden yellow to pale yellow, is all throughout retail and designer collections.  Rather its all over yellow or yellow in the print you can see that the sunshine color in every collection this season.   That's what we are craving.

Ashley Stewart

Eloquii

Lane Bryant

Ellen Fisher

Ashley Stewart

"April Showers bring embroidered flowers"
 This 80's trend has made its way back into our closet and is a great way to inject spring into your closet this spring.  Instead of flower prints, we're seeing flowers embroidered.  From bags (as seen in my post on spring bags), jeans and jackets the flower embroiders is the new way to get your floral on this spring

 Simply Be

Simply Be

Target

"I made a statement jacket"
The jackets this season is all about making a statement.  Rather is embroidered, metallic, bomber, military, deconstructed denim or well placed patches just remember to make a statement with your jacket.  Find your statement and letting it shine.

Simply Be

Simply Be

Simply Be

Now your ready to shop shop shop.  Special thanks to 

Eloquii

Simply Be

Lane Bryant

Ashley Stewart

Shop their latest collection by clicking there names above

photos provided by Simply Be, Lane Bryant, Eloquii

DESIGNER CHARNAE & RAW HANDBAG

"I have always wanted to be a designer since I was a little girl and although I took a different path in college I never lost sight of my passion and dream."-Charnae', designer and owner of RAWH

I first came across RAW Handbag designer while at a shopping event geared towards women.  I instantly gravitated to the images of black women  women with unapologetic black hair!!  From that day forward I have cultivated a relationship with Charnae, the designer of RAW.  

Here is more information and photos on the brand I have fallen for...

Charnae describes RAW Handbags as "unique, handmade handbags that are guaranteed to make a statement and compliment your wardrobe. RAWH are designed for ALL women to; “Wear fearlessly, Spread womanhood and Inspire other women to be phenomenal.”

Charnae started RAW after years of working in a career she did not like.  She dreamed of working in fashion and designing.  At that time, she was more into social norms of success.  She couldn't continue doing something she didn't love and decided to follow her passion and dreams to make her happy.

RAW was created to help women.  RAW stands for Recognize A Woman. Her main reason for creating these handbags was to to empower, uplift and motivate women through fashion. How could I not love a brand that is made for women by a women with a message like this.  

Here are some bags I am loving:

To purchase these bags and see more from the collection click HERE 

photos provided and owned by Charnae

model in phots: Nakitende Esther

12 DRESSES OF CHRISTMAS NO. 11: SPARKLE AND ROSE GOLD

 On the 11th day of Christmas my Fashion Fairy gave to me.....

Sequins Dress from Eloquii

 NOW THIS IS WHAT I CALL A PARTY DRESS!!!!

The sequins on the Eloquii dress changes change to gold, black, silver, yellow and pink sparkles as you run you hands across it.  I spent a good 10 min changing the colors on my dress the first time I tried it on.  (Side Bar: Mini me took one looked at me, shook her head and retreated back into her video games....oh well)

To keep  the party going I added more sparkle with my gold clutch bag and rose gold heels.  Two things to love about this bag: the gold chain and its ability to become a side bag.  Being from NYC,  I need a bag that I can change to go over my shoulder keeping my hands free. 
Added the rose gold strappy heels to complement the pink in the dress.

I didn't add any jewelry to this look (I am the sparkle and shine).

Just a little peplum leather jacket, I'm ready to party my New Years Eve Away!!!!

 OUTFIT DETAILS

 Dress: Eloquii

Jacket: Lane Bryant

Bag: Torrid (no longer available)

Shoes: Ashley Stewart (no longer available)

jacket sponsored by Lane Bryant

photos by MGP photography