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Grown and Curvy Woman
Where Style Has No Age Or Size

5 Things I Love About Myself feat. Shondrika

Happy Hump Day all!

My friend Shondrika is a beautiful person inside and out.  So it was natural for me  to ask her to participate in my first “5 Things I Love About Myself” feature!

Here’s what she had to say!

1. My Smile
People say that a smile speaks louder than words and can heal a million souls. My smile just comes naturally. It’s the first thing others notice about me. I really love that I always have a smile that engages people and I believe it draws people to me. I believe that I’m speaking any healing through my smile

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2.My energy
I truly live my life wanting to be there and help people.  I think that people see and feel your energy and what you bring to them. I truly believe that a person’s energy is what really speaks to their authentic self.  For me part of my energy is my sense of humor, my sense of care, my sense of empathy for other people. These are things that I absolutely believe in and are some of my favorite things about me

3. My “TNA”
While everyone is working really hard to lose the boobs and their derriere, I love mine. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m working towards getting it together. But if you don’t love yourself and your body parts no one else will so I embrace what you have. The key is to really love YOU! And I love ME, if I could add a selfie to this I would 😜.

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4. My Family
Family is the foundation of yourself. My life, my story are all field with and grounded in the experiences that I have with my family and I love them. Family is blood and water,  there are people who I’ve been friends with for 15 years that I consider my family. So when I say family I’m talking about my mother, my sister, my brother, but I’m also talking about my best friend, my partner and people who are dear to me that I love. They are family to me.

5. The Piece of God That is in Me
Lastly I love that piece of God that is in me which is love. And not just love for myself but love for others, love for humanity in and for life. God is love, and love is within me.

IMG_6089Thank you Shondrika for sharing with us! I can personally attest to how wonderful she is!

If you ( yes you!) would like to be featured in “5 Things I Love I About Myself”, please submit your list and at least two photos of yourself to grownandcurvywoman1@gmail.com  I really hope you will participate!

Have a wonderful day!

Dress: Lane Bryant

Shoes: Payless

Bag: Coach

Casual Friday: See Ya Next Year!

TGIF all!

As Summer comes to a close, I find myself reminiscing about the past three months.   I can honestly say I really enjoyed my Summer this year.  I got work with cool brands like London Times and Lane Bryant, wore a tankini without hiding my bottom and took a much needed vacation.  While I’m a little bummed to see it go, Fall is one of my favorite times of year and I’m looking forward to enjoying it as well.

So I’m sending Summer off  in the best way I know …in a colorful ensemble!

How was your Summer?

Have a great weekend!

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Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: ModCloth

Necklace: Jeweliq

Shoes: Nine West

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!

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!

Casual Friday: Now and Later

TGIF all!

Since Fall is less than a month away (YAY!),  Ive been  starting to think of  the transitional pieces in my closet.  For me a button up shirt is one of the best transitional pieces I own.  They can be worn alone with the sleeves rolled up or layered under jackets and sweaters.  As with any new season a bunch of trends have popped up.  Plaid has been crowned one of the seasons  newest and I’m excited to try it.    Since I’m new to plaid  I kept  it simple and  went with a button down shirt.  Keeping with my love of colors, I picked a plaid combo with colors I love. So heres my take on plaid for now and later!

What are some transitional pieces in your wardrobe?

Have a great weekend!

NOW

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Shirt: Old Navy (paid $11 for this shirt!)

Shorts: Talbots

Sandals: Steve Madden

LATER

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Skirt: Sejour (Nordstrom)

Shirt: Old Navy

Jacket: Old Navy

Shoes: Nine West