OOTD: NYC BLUES SKIRT + JEAN JACKET

With September coming most may think skirts and bare legs are out but not for this plus size fashionista.
I love the feel of a cool breeze on these thick claves.  As a child and young adult, I coved them up.  Thinking my knees was something to cover because they didn't look like what I saw was acceptable. Now I feel if you don't like it...turn away and keep your opinions to yourself.

I had a hard time choosing just one photo so this post have more photos than usual but they are all beautiful. The outfit started with the skirt.  I wanted to pair with denim to highlight the blue and white in the skirt.

 To add a bit more color I went with a pink lip and white and green head wrap.  But I couldn't forget my fashion snob button. It has become a new item that goes on all my jackets.  Its what I love to wear. 

 OUTFIT DETAIL

Top & Jacket: Ashley Stewart

Skirt: Lu La Roe Heather Hanna

Shoes: Ashley Stewart

Shades: Mirina Collections

 photos by: Matey Ghaslow

MY SWIM SUIT STORY #myswimbody

Swimsuits For All (www.swimsuitforall.com) is calling on women from around the world to show off their swim bodies this summer by participating in the #MySwimBody movement. #MySwimBody encourages women — regardless of age, shape and size — to make a powerful statement about body positivity by tossing their cover-ups and unveiling their curves!

The event was kicked off last month by plus model Ashley Gram and other models.  Swimsuitforall wants 10,000 women showing their swim bodies by the end of summer. 

I was asked to participate in this movement by showing my swim suit without a cover-up. Needless to say....I was very nervous. I've worn bathing suits before, of course, but with very sexy and fashionable cover ups. I have participated in encouraging women to wear what they want when they want in different campaigns but I NEVER photographed myself in swimwear. 

I remember being 22 and getting into a pool with my cover up ON.  I remember being 18 and going to the beach with shorts and a tee because "big girls" not dare wear a bathing suit.

At 37, being able to wear a stylish cover up was a huge step in the right direction.  I couldn't be happier with plus designers giving us great choices.

Even in my happiness I realized something.  Rather it was a tee & short or a sexy sheer one piece....I still NEEDED to cover up.  I was hiding (even if it was in sheer fabric. lol)

I tried hiding this 6 foot frame in plain sight from onlooker, laughers and the shit talkers of the beaches.  I felt those cover ups stopped then from seeing it all. Little did I realize that no matter what they will always see and say what they want. It wasn't them who needed to change....it was me.

Body positivity is not just about plus size.  Its about looking at ones body in a positive way...no matter where you body maybe at.  Is my body perfect?...No. Yes I am overweight, yes I have VERY thick thighs and yes I have the dreaded knock knees that I inherited from my mother.  But the key to my body positivity, it to realize that I am a work in progress.  And being that work in progress doesn't mean I don't live.  It means I work AND live.  I don't start living when everything are right.  It means I start live everyday like its my last.

After a lot of soul searching I decided to bare my body without my so loved cover up. 

I threw away my cover-up and I show that a women (knock kneed and size 24-26) can live a full life while improving her life.

So this is #myswimbody of 2016.  It may be bigger or smaller in 2017 but the important thing is that I live a full and happy life NOW.

Thank you to SWIMSUITFORALL for making me apart of this campaign.
I challenge you all to add #myswimbody to your swim suit photos on instagram and other social media platforms.  Lets show the world that all women no matter what size, shape or age can enjoy there FAB SWIMBODY.

OUTFIT DETAIL

Suit can be found +swimsuitsforall 

click HERE to purchase

New customers sign up to there email list and receive 30% off first order

Photographer: Art-n-Lee

Location Scout & Assistant: LaTonya Bradley

SUMMER SHADES FEAT. MIRINA COLLECTIONS SHADES

SUMMER TIME!!!!

Summer calls for a lot of things.  Sun screen, tank tops, short and my beloved shades.  This post is dedication to all the big, beautiful, full face women out there.  \It also doubles as a guide on picking sunglasses to fit any face shape. The size of the celebrity face used may not be as yours, but you get the idea.

Hear Face-Aviators Shades

This trendy shape has been going strong for some years but has been updated to lighter colors and reflective lends

For full collection of Aviators from Marina Collection click here 

Oval Face- Cat Eye Shades
Cat eye really works for most face shapes but round to oval faces look amazing in these shades.  Play with metalic mixes and 1/2 frames to make each look different.



see full collection of cat eye from Marina by clicking here

Round Face - Rectangular Shades
I go with over sized rectangular frames most of the time (like the Olsen twins).
Its the most stylish shape for round faces.

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                   see full collection of cat eye from Marina by clicking here

Square Face-Round Shades

Beyoncé  is constantly seen in  oversize circle frames because it fits her face shape best. That being said  the trendiest of cuts feature pearls, reflective and frames built round the frame.



               see full collection of cat eye from Marina by clicking here

The truth is you can try anyone of these cuts on your face shape.  What's important is right size for your face. 

In promotion with Mirina Collection purchase $75 or more and receive free shipping PLUS all my reader receive 20% off first purchase.  Just insert code saf149 at checkout

FFFWEEK CURVES AT SEA 2016 BEST DRESS

Its that time of year again!!!! Full Figured Fashion Week 2016 was a full week for me this year.  The effects are still working on me that I was able to cover the event for Curvysta Magazine and very happy to share my best dress for the Curves at Sea Cruise.

Once again, I had the pleasure of seeing some amazing fashions for plus women and IN WHITE on the All white Cruise!!!



As for the fashion, there was a little bit of everything.  Suits, glitter, tutu's crop tops and  chiffon skirts.

Even though I was not able to attend this year I did get a chance to go through pictures from the night and one outfit stood out to me and I crown as best dress.
Before I say winner I wanted to give an honorable mention to two curvy women who showed up and SLAYED as well.

PLUS MODEL LIRIS SLAYING IN THIS FTF DRESS AND CAMEO DE BORE CLUTCH

MODEL WEMA ENOFE KILLED THIS WHITE CROP PANT AND DUSTER LOOK 

But even though I was fab...I found an outfit that was better.  We all can agree that Tanesha Smart looks amazing!!!

ITS CROP...ITS SEXY....AND CONFIDENT WHITE

Congrats to Tanesha!!!! This ATL plus peach came to NYC and killed it all around.  Make sure to find her on FB to tell her congrats. 

Garment is by Linda Bezuidenhout Apparel

PHOTO CURTUSY OF E.F.R. AND CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

OOTD: TWO PIECE SWIMSUIT

Hey my Stylistas

I attended The Golden Confidence Pool Party and had a good time but also has a first for me.

Last year I attended the event I wore a one piece swimsuit but didn't take off my cover-up.

This year, I decided to go with a sheer jumper with a two piece suit.

My top was a razor back which was perfect for my high waist frame and kept me supported.

I'm sorry that I didn't have a chance to take as many pictures and give you guys more of my suit.  It really was a pretty suit just waiting to get wet.  But through my extra long wait to get to the pool section and bad planning on my part I only have theses pictures.

 OUTFIT DETAILS

JUMPER COVERUP: JIBRI

Swim suit: LIVI Lane Bryant

  

To all my stylistas that I didn't get to take pictures with I'm soo sorry but I will see you guys for Full Figured Fashion Week!!!!

OOTD-CIRCLE SKIRT AND SUNSHINE

Hello Stylistas.  Y'all know I love a circle skirt and was very happy to get my paws on this one from Lane Bryant.

I kept it simple and paired with black crop top (had a lime green sweater but it was too dame hot for that).  

My photographer has a bad habit of catching me in my Brooklyn face!!!
LOL

My fave combo is circle skirts and high waist belts.  This thin belt brings out the specs of sliver in the pattern.  I continue the stripes in my flats.

Detail on the skirt

For jewelry/accessories  I kept it simple with a short necklace studs and my 1/2 rim shades

OUTFIT DETAILS

Top: Eloquii

Skirt Belt: Lane Bryant

Sunnies: Mirina Collection

Shoes: Avenue.com

ACCESSORY TRENDS FOR SUMMER 2016

Now that summer has officially started, your jackets are off and your accessories will show more. 
If your not sure what's hot for summer '16 don't worry, I got your covered. From the top of your head to the sole of your feat when it comes to accessories for summer 16.

 

Crowns & Head Wraps

 
 Rather it was all the crowns being rocked on the MB Fashion week or "Snap Chat", we will not get away from head bands, crowns or bandanas
Floral crowns are HUGE not only in trend but in size.  Sizes range from small blossom on a vine to large roses set on top of the head. 
Patterns for bandanas range from the ultra feminine to floral or metallic.
My fave trends are crowns set in the top of the head,  A thorny metal rose gold crown may make its way into my ETSY bag this seasons. 

EARRINGS

 

For earrings think color and bold.  Over size and vibrant colors makes you look like your ears are dripping with color.  Rather its leather, metal or fabric the trend is authentic and industrial. Also paper (yes paper) earrings are a huge trends as they break down and can be recycled and doesn't cause harm to the environment.

ADORN YOUR NECK

 

With the influx of of the cold shoulder and flamingo like ruffles the neck is open and ready to be adorned.  With this trend comes collar bone necklace, chokers and extreme long necklace. Metal necklaces are industrial/hammered or multi layered. 
My fave trend in necklaces is chokers.  Chokers remind me of the late 90's and is a great throw back to earlier years.

 

BODY ARMOUR

Body chains have been around for a while but this summer the chains are thicker and larger in size

Arm Candy

Bracelets trends are done in two ways.  Rather one large piece or several small pieces layered together to create a large piece.  No matter what you do remember to get a leather cuff (another trend from the late 90's)
My fave trend are the statement bracelets.  Having a message stamped into a metal bracelet says a lot about my personality and who I am.