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Grown and Curvy Woman
Where Style Has No Age Or Size

5 Things I Love About Myself

Happy Hump Day all!

Last night while scrolling through Facebook, my friend Shondrika posted this Huffington Post article  23 Things Every Woman Should Stop Doing on her page.  Usually when people post articles I tend to scroll past them but this one piqued my curiosity so I read it.  This article was so timely and spoke to me on many levels. I can honestly say I’m guilty of doing 80% of the things on this list.  I know I can be my own worst critic, especially when it comes to past mistakes and missteps.  Instead of focusing on forgiving myself I get caught up in  “should’ve, could’ve, would’ve”.   I realize that kind of thinking only serves to minimize how far Ive come and stops me from being good to myself. 

Despite my flaws, I still have love for myself.  It’s easy to make a laundry list of things we don’t like about ourselves but it’s difficult to acknowledge the wonderful people we are. 

1. My Smile:  I have a big, beautiful smile. I love how it instantly brightens my face.

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2. My Shape: While I’m not crazy about the number on the scale, I don’t have a problem with my voluptuous shape.  I think I’m perfectly proportioned and wouldn’t have it any other way.

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3. My Relationship With My Nephew, Frederick: My nephew is my hero.  Frederick has overcome so many obstacles in his life to transform himself into an awesome adult.   He is truly one of my favorite people in the world.

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4. My Sense of Humor: I’m not the funniest person but I like my goofiness.   It’s the simple things that make me laugh.pic3

 5. My Passion For Travel: I love visiting other countries and learning about their culture and people. My mom instilled the love of travel in me when I was a teen.  My goal is to visit every continent on this planet.  Ive got three down…four to go!

What do you love about yourself?

Have a wonderful day!

Transitions Pt 1: The Sleeveless Dress

Happy Monday all!

Whenever I buy clothes I think primarily about sustainability.  If I can’t wear an item for at least two seasons, I’m probably not going to get it. Having an interchangeable wardrobe is essential because you’re getting more wear out of your clothes and it decreases the need to constantly replenish your closet.   Sleeveless dresses are definitely an item that you can get a lot of wear from. Plus  they  transition smoothly  from season to season.  The next time you want to wear a cardigan with  your sleevless dress, dont leave it open.  Button it up to create a crew neck sweater to wear over your dress.  Add a belt and ta da…its now a skirt!  This pretty much works on most sleeveless dresses so get creative, try it with your favorite printed or patterned sweater. 

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 The easiest way to transition a sleeveless  dress is by adding a blazer. But instead of  reaching for a blazer, try a fitted leather jacket. It adds instant polish and  edge to your dress but Is still appropriate for work.

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How do you transition your sleevless dresses? 

Have a wonderful day!

OUTFIT 1:
Dress: JCPenney
Sweater: Old Navy
Necklace: Lane Bryant
Shoes: BCBGeneration
Belt: from an old dress

OUTFIT 2:
Dress: JCPenney
Jacket: Kohls
Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes: Nine West

Casual Friday: Moto, Moto!

TGIF all!

As you have probably seen in the latest fashion magazines, leather motorcycle jackets are on trend for Fall.   It’s  funny how old standbys suddenly become a trend.  I mean when has leather NOT been appropriate for Fall and Winter?  I bet if you think about it, you’ve been rocking leather since you were a kid!  In college I saved enough money from my part-time job to finally get a leather jacket.  I remember instantly feeling like a bad ass when I slipped it on.  I would strut across campus to class in my jacket.   I wore that poor thing until it was coming apart at the seams!  Since then I havent come across a jacket that made me feel that way until now.     This ASOS Curve moto jacket (which I’ve been eyeing since last year)  makes me feel  cool and edgy (something plus size women  40+  are not supposed to feel!).    The jacket is very soft  not stiff so you don’t feel constricted.  It’s roomy enough that I can wear layers underneath once the temperature start to drop.   I plan on wearing it with everything because there is nothing more versatile than a black leather jacket.   I couldn’t wait until our mini heat wave ended yesterday so I could wear it today!

Are you going to hop on the  motorcycle jacket “trend”? If so, how would you wear it?

Have a wonderful weekend!  

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Jacket: ASOS Curve

Skirt: SWAK (Sealed With A Kiss)

Shirt: Eloquii

Shoes: Nine West

 

Cabiria Making History at NYFW

Happy Thursday all!

Last week I had the honor of attending the FIRST ever plus size collection to officially show at New York Fashion Week.   Cabiria is the creation of Eden Miller who wanted to provide plus size women with well made fashionable clothing that accentuated  our wonderful curves .  Eden was selected to participate in the Fashion Law Institute’s 3rd annual runway show with five other designers.  The fact that Cabiria is a plus size line was not a factor in their decision to invite her. Eden was invited because the Fashion Law Institute was impressed with her clothing and talent. I was very happy to hear this because often plus size fashion is  included as a novelty or as an afterthought.  People need to understand that plus size designers are just as talented and creative as mainstream designers.  Cabiria showing at Fashion Week gave the plus size fashion industry a huge platform to show that we too can be chic and stylish!

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Eden taking a bow with her gorgeous models!
Eden taking a bow with her gorgeous models!
Eden Miller designer of Cabiria
Eden Miller designer of Cabiria

In attendance were plus size bloggers such as Gorgeous in Grey and Little Lime Dress and industry leaders Plus Model Magazine and Madison Plus.  I also had the  pleasure of finally meeting Sheri from Shapely Chic Sheri and Sarah from Curvily. Both ladies were wonderfully dressed and so friendly.  After our introductions,  we carried on like old friends laughing and enjoying the show!

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get a full body shot of what I wore Friday (my floral peplum skirt was FABULOUS!)  but Sheri was kind enough to get picture of some of my outfit.  I have to give a big shout out to Corrinn of  Beauty Box Style for putting me together for this event!

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Although the entire Cabiria collection was fantastic, this bold mixed print skirt and blouse ensemble was my absolute FAVORITE! I can definitely see myself wearing this especially the wonderful print skirt.  I plan on snatching this up ASAP once it becomes available!

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What do you think about Cabiria showing at NYFW? Do you think it will have any impact on how plus size fashion is viewed? And lastly, what do you think of the collection?!

Have a wonderful day!

Weekend Edition: Summer Rewind

Happy Labor Day all!

I hope everyone is enjoying the three day holiday weekend so far.  I’ve been spending this holiday enjoying not doing one darn thing! To me, lazy weekends are the best!

Now that Summer is pretty much over (even the temperature is changing tomorrow), I thought it be cool to pick my favorite outfits of the season.  This Summer I was more open to trying to new color combinations than I was last year. I’ve decided that no matter the season I will always add color to my outfit.  I will be color blocking to the day I die! LOL

What are some of your favorite outfits from this Summer?

Have a wonderful day!