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Grown and Curvy Woman
Where Style Has No Age Or Size

Spring Has Sprung!

Happy Monday all!

Although Spring arrived nearly a month ago, the temperatures didn’t catch on until the past couple of days.   Since last Thursday, Philly has been basking in  70+ degree temperatures which has recharged my love for all things color.  Although there is a cold front is on its way, I’m taking full advantage of this wonderful day by wearing all my favorite Spring colors!

What are your favorite Spring colors?

P.S.  If you are interested in a Jibri skirt here are some of my takes: the skirts are TRUE TO SIZE, so definitely read the description of the skirt and check out the size chart before you buy.  Jibri does custom sizing, so send your measurements for a custom fit (I believe there is no additional charge for custom orders but double-check just to make sure).  Also if you’re not a fan of high waist skirts, ask if  she would be willing to make the skirt with a natural waist. I absolutely love my skirt!  I’ve  been waiting for a plus size designer to make a Chartreuse colored midi and Jibri didn’t disappoint at all!  The construction and fit of the skirt was just what I wanted.    

midi skirt, jibri, plus size skirts, spring trends, pastels, nine west, color blocking, plus size full skirts, full skirts, curvy, curvy women, curvy bloggers, curvy girls, black bloggers, black fashion bloggers, plus size bloggers

midi skirt, jibri, plus size skirts, spring trends, pastels, nine west, color blocking, plus size full skirts, full skirts, curvy, curvy women, curvy bloggers, curvy girls, black bloggers, black fashion bloggers, plus size bloggers midi skirt, jibri, plus size skirts, spring trends, pastels, nine west, color blocking, plus size full skirts, full skirts, curvy, curvy women, curvy bloggers, curvy girls, black bloggers, black fashion bloggers, plus size bloggers

Skirt: Jibri (here)
Blouse: Dorothy Perkins (sold out)
Shoes: Nine West (here)
Necklace: Nordstrom Rack (old)
Clutch: old cosmetic bag!

 

City of Light Pt. 2

Happy Thursday all!

The second after I after booked our trip to Paris, I immediately purchased tickets to the Eiffel Tower.  No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to one of the most iconic monuments in the world.  If you ever visit the Eiffel Tower, I highly recommend buying your ticket in advance.  It will save you  hours waiting on a massive line  for a ticket.

As I’ve gotten older, being in high places make me nervous but I had to make an exception for the Eiffel Tower. Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t go all the way to the top.  I was quite comfortable being on the second level (which is really high too!)  Kim being the daredevil she is, went all the way up to the summit (God bless her!) while I hung out on the second level.  It was a clear, beautiful Saturday morning and the views of Paris were stunning!

After our visit to the Eiffel Tower, Kim & I  caught the Hop On/Hop Off bus and headed to the Champs-Elysees.  We spent the afternoon visiting the Arc de Triomphe, strolling the avenue, stopping by Laudree for macarons, dining al fresco and shopping (as much as I wanted to get another Louis Vuitton bag, I was a good girl and resisted temptation!)

On our final day, Kim & I decided to explore the area around our hotel (the Latin Quarter). We started our walk at the Pantheon  and then had breakfast al fresco (seeing a pattern here huh?! LOL).  We took advantage of the warm morning and took a stroll through the AMAZING Jardin du Luxembourg which is home to the French Senate at Luxembourg Palace. I instantly felt transported back into time walking through the lush garden.  I would’ve stayed in the garden all day but we had to head over to Notre Dame for a  Discover Walks  tour of the Cathedral.  Kim & I first encountered Discover Walks back in 2010 when we went to Rome.  Our walking tour back then was so fantastic we  had to do another one in Paris.  Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Notre Dame and very friendly. I find walking tours are a great way for me to  learn about the history of the places I visit.   After wrapping up the tour, Kim and I headed back to the hotel for a much needed nap before we headed out to the  Sacre-Coeur Bascillica and the Moulin Rouge.

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During my vacation, I was informed that Troy who I grew up with had died suddenly earlier in the week.  My heart was heavy after hearing this news because I knew him since I was a little girl.  Visiting the Sacre-Coeur Basilica was a comfort for me because I could feel the Lord’s presence.  I knelt and prayed for Troy and his family during this difficult time.  I know his death was tragic but I know without a doubt he is in a better place.

I want to end this post by saying that I’m SO happy my friend Andrea introduced Kim to me back in 2007.  She is my travel soul mate and we have such a great time when we’re together.  Without Kim this trip to Paris would’ve never been possible.  Love ya Kimmie Pie!

gmail29Have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

 

 

Casual Friday: Spring Renewal

TGIF all!

Winter is FINALLY outta here! Woo hoo! Although the temps aren’t Spring-like yet, I’m just grateful it’s here!

This year the arrival of Spring has a lot of meaning for me.  In my post   Shining Through, I touched on some of the emotional issues I’ve been dealing with.  Besides my family and close friends, no one knew that behind my smile I was dealing with crippling anxiety and depression. Knowing I didn’t want to live like that anymore, I made the decision to  seek help to address my “stuff”.   Since the season is all about renewal and change, the growth I’m experiencing is sort of a Spring cleaning of the soul.  I’m learning how to let go  of fear, resentment and anger which is helping me change my perspective on life.  I’m renewing my self-confidence and resiliency that were temporarily interrupted.  Making change is HARD but I know I’m blessed and fortunate to see another Spring!

What does the arrival of Spring mean to you?

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Sweatshirt: Gap (here; sold out in XL & XXL)
Skirt: Eloquii (old)
Heels: Nine West (old)

Etsy Gold

Happy Hump Day all!

Ever since I  stumbled across Etsy months ago, I’ve become smitten with stores like Clutched and Covered,  Love Cortnie (wonderfully handmade clutches),Jibri (fashion forward plus size clothing that will make you swoon!) and many more.

Now that I finally found a good seamstress, I’m always on Etsy looking for fabric for more projects. During one of my searches, I came across  Chimzi Fashion and instantly fell in love with the fabric of the skirt I’m wearing today.   The wonderful mix of primary colors was definitely what I was looking for. I’ve been wanting an African print skirt for a while now, so it felt good to finally make it a reality.  Trust me, this beauty is gonna be in heavy rotation this upcoming Spring and Summer!

Are you a fan of Etsy? If so, what are some of your favorite stores?

Have a wonderful day!

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Coat: Old Navy (old)
Turtleneck: Gap (bought last Fall)
Skirt: Custom by Curvy Urbane
Shoes: Nine West

Happy Birthday To Me!

Happy Monday all!

Today is my 42nd birthday and I’m happy that while it’s still very cold outside, the sun is shining bright on my special day.  To celebrate my 42nd year of life, I treated myself to something I’ve been wanting for years…A TRIP TO PARIS! I can’t tell you how excited I am about my upcoming trip! I think I’ll probably faint when I get to the top of the Eiffel Tower (from either excitement or from my fear of heights! LOL)! Trust me I will be taking a gazillion pictures and will post them when I get back.

Have a wonderful day!

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Coat: Talbots Woman (here)
Jeans: Lane Bryant (old)
Shirt: Old Navy (old)
Necklace Shoplately (here)
Shoes: Nine West (old)
Bag: Longchamp (gifted)