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Showing posts with label fullbeauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fullbeauty. Show all posts
How An All-Girls Staycation Weekend Reminded Me To Be Present in the Moment
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Every day is a reminder to accept myself as I am. ~ Molly Tarlov
This year, my 47th birthday fell on a Saturday. That had to be a sign, right? The last few birthdays I spent feeling sad that my dad and brother were not here in the physical sense to celebrate with me. And I also made plans that I never followed through with.
I always want to be THAT person who hangs out with friends on my birthday or walks in on a surprise birthday party that friends organized for me. But it never happened. I learned over the years that I had to be accountable for that because I wasn't always present or put myself out there to build those relationships with others.
This year, when I mentioned that to my blogger sister Nanthale of N.E.C. Style, she came up with this wonderful idea to have a girls only staycation and do it during my birthday weekend.
I was down but nervous. It would be a group of six of us and while I had hung out with four of the other five girls in the group, I have never been one to hang out with a large group of women before and this was for two days!
But we did it and I have to say, I am very surprised at myself. This weekend was life-changing for me.
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| Nanthale, Brooke, Me, Marlena, Jonquel & Fabiola |
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| Marlena from Big City, Curvy Girl, Thin Wallet gifted me with the most amazing crown to wear during my birthday weekend. |
Day #1 kicked off at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where we did the #MuseumHack Badass Bitches Tour. Museum Hack offers what they call "renegade museum adventures in NYC, DC, SF, LA, and Chicago".
The tour was super dope and our guide Sara was the best. We learned that only 6% of the art in the museum was created by women (I know, damn!) and we also learned more about fun things like vaginas and how bootys were considered magical.
Seriously, I loved this tour because it was a feminist's dream. It was inspiring, empowering and very eye-opening. There are so many women like Audrey Munson (America's first Supermodel), who changed history and are still not given major recognition.
It was a great way to see the Met from a different point of view. We also had a blast from mirrored ceilings in the elevators to taking fun pictures and laughing a lot.
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| Us posting with Sara, our awesome tour guide (lower left) |
We also met Lilith, Adam's first wife before Eve, who became a demon who steals babies in the darkness. Yeah, it was creepy. Sara said that the statue is moved periodically along the wall so it never stays in one place.
I highly recommend doing this tour if you're interested in learning more about the history of women in art and female artists.
Best part of the tour was when Sara asked Brooke what her name was for the name tag and she said "Cardi" as in Cardi B. LOL!
Plus, Sara also works at The Meatball Shop location on 76th St and 2nd Avenue and she told us to stop by with our name tags and we'd get a free ice sandwich, which we did. Fresh baked cookies and in-house made ice cream... yes, please!
We ended the day with dinner and a movie at iPic Theaters in downtown Manhattan at Fulton Market. We thought it was fitting to see Girls Trip. I had never been to a theater that had pod seating and was a bit scared I wouldn't fit but I did and it was super comfortable!
I decided to go full-on cute and comfy for my birthday, wearing this amazing Chelsea Studio Smocked Knit Dress from Woman Within via fullbeauty.com. I ended up wearing my Adidas sneakers after the museum tour because my feet were killing me but it was so worth it.
Special thanks to fullbeauty for the pretty birthday dress and to the Met for the tour as well as the ice cream sandwich at The Meatball Shop. I had such an amazing time and it showed me that I can be present in a group of women and be myself. That's the most magical gift I received on my birthday.
Stay tuned for Day #2 of this All-Girls Staycation Weekend to come on the blog on Saturday!
Want to hear more about this magical day? Click on the links below to read about it on Nanthale's, Marlena's and Brooke's blogs:
Fabiola: #BloggerBooStaycation Part 1
Jonquel: Girl Staycation Weekend! Day 1
You can shop my dress here at fullbeauty.com.
Year 47 is looking to be amazing so far!
"There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude" ~ Iris Apfel
Even though I love me some dresses, on my every day adventures to the supermarket (lol) and other exciting places (the post office is so lit on Mondays), I'm more of a streetwear girl who likes to layer.
I live in a place that has four seasons and brutal winters. But I hate wearing a coat or anything that feels bulky. So layering is my jam in the colder months.
I am so keeping it real with y'all right now. I know you see fashion bloggers walking the streets like they are stepping out of an issue of Vogue and they're just running errands while drinking a latte. No sir, not me. I have to be comfortable and while I am not opposed to wearing a ball gown and some sequins to the supermarket, I need to be practical.
I have become quite a pro at layering and I love it. I tend to be hot one minute and then cold the next. So the freedom to remove or add layers to my look is a godsend.
This was me on a recent cold winter day where it was about 40 degrees. I've dealt with -10 days so this is nothing to me.
One of my favorite layering pieces is a vest. This faux suede one is comfortable and fits well. I scored it at Catherines about two years ago and it is a staple in my closet that I wear every fall and winter since then.
If you see a vest like this on sale in a color you love (black is always a great choice since it goes well with everything), scoop it up! You will not be disappointed.
Another great layering piece for winter, in my opinion, is a long sleeve medium weight basic top. I love this Roaman's Thermal Shawl Tunic from fullbeauty because the thermal fabric is perfect for brisk days and the collar gives it a chic touch. Also, you can't go wrong with a neutral color top.
I paired the vest and top with these Woman Within Premium Denim Skinny Ankle Jeans that I blogged about previously here. And of course, I am a sucker for leopard print so when I saw these Comfortview leopard high top sneakers at fullbeauty, I had to have them.
It's a challenge for me to find wide width sneakers that fit me well, especially high tops. These are comfy and fit perfectly (and they are available in a WW).
So this is a look I would rock daily and feel good in. I just put on some big hoop earrings, add a fun clutch, a red lip and be on my way.
At the end of the day, you have to own your style. This is what I have learned later in life. I don't get caught up in what everyone else is wearing. I wear what I love and feel good in.
Whether I'm wearing a layered look in the colder months, rocking a bold printed dress or just wearing a graphic tee with jeans and sneakers, fashion is such an amazing way for me to express who I am and keep my confident attitude present.
Shop my look below:
"I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence." ~ Yves Saint Laurent
Jumpsuits have been pivotal in my journey to feeling confident and loving myself.
It may sound weird that a piece of clothing could have such an impact on my life but this one piece of clothing represents all the fear I have felt in my life.
The center of my anxiety is control. Having control means staying comfortable and never venturing out into the unknown. And that is what jumpsuits were for me.
Yes, were. They are no longer holding me prisoner. And it feels so good.
I'm still working on my anxiety but I am in such a different place today and have made many major accomplishments in my life where I am in a better space.
I don't like to talk about my anxiety too much publicly because there is such a negative stigma attached to mental health in general. But to know me, is to know all of me, even the bad stuff.
And this is what my blog is all about. I may sound like the Dalai Lama sometimes but know that it's a daily struggle for me. I work on me every day. Some days are great and some are not. But on those bad days, I do things I love and know will uplift my spirit. Like wearing a jumpsuit and a red lip.
I think this is why I like shiny, sparkly things and bold colors and prints. It's a way for me to forget the bad stuff and have fun with things I love. And it's not just fashion that heals my spirit.
Sometimes it's watching my favorite TV show, dancing around the living room with my nieces, going to Starbucks to get a grande Mocha Frappachino with extra whipped cream or just having a dinner date with my mom.
I think this is why I love to travel and see wide open spaces and different parts of the world. Most people dream of being on a beach somewhere hot whereas I dream of going on an Alaskan cruise or seeing the Moais on Easter Island (bucket list trip!) or castle hopping in Ireland.
Jumpsuits are one of my happy places, just like traveling, iced coffee, my nieces and etc.
That wasn't always so. I used to loath my body on some serious levels, especially my lumpy thighs so I used to tend to shy away from pants in general. Jumpsuits don't provide any kind of coverage and everything is just out there to see, so it used to scare the hell out of me.
Meanwhile, I did have confidence but I was conflicted because I wasn't fully there with loving myself completely and knowing that flaws are flaws. Everyone has them but they are what makes us unique. No one is perfect.
Jumpsuits now remind me that it's okay to step out of my comfort zone and take a chance. I don't always need to control everything. Being comfortable can be boring. And I have learned that while the unknown can be frightening, it can also be exciting. You just have to take a chance.
So whenever I am presented with an opportunity to take a chance, I think of how it felt when I made the choice to try on a jumpsuit and discovered that it did look good on me. That feeling of fear that turned into hope that led to happiness.
Not all choices have a happy ending but you'll never know until you take a chance. And that's how we live fully and grow.
Shop My Look below:
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein
I have made no secret of my hunt for the perfect fitting jean. I especially have yet to find a pair of skinny jeans that fit me.When you're plus size, you know all too well how sizing is inconsistent across the board and that because of all of our different shapes and sizes, shopping is a challenge.
For me, I have a small waist, wide hips and turkey leg shaped calves, where my upper calves measure 22" around but then I have smaller ankles.
Most skinny jeans fit tight on the calves and I can't even get them up my leg. Some boot cut jeans fit tight in the knee but super baggy in the calves. And let's not discuss the gaping at the back of my waist. I hate wearing belts but to keep my pants up, it's a necessary evil.
Jeans are not the only item I have fit issues with.
My hips are wide so sometimes with coats, I struggle to find one that fits well AND will button up without looking like I'm going to burst out of it. So most times with coats, I leave the bottom button undone. And then there's my larger upper arms, which make sleeves the enemy.
After making do with what I have available to me and having many "making it work" moments, the day has come when my dreams have finally come true.
fullbeauty delivered a Christmas miracle my way this year BIG TIME. Not only did they have skinny jeans that fit me but also mid-calf boots that I am able to wear OVER my jeans as well as a comfy plaid coat that fits perfectly.
These Woman Within Premium Denim Skinny Ankle Jeans are amazing. They're a true skinny fit and the stretch denim fabric makes them so comfortable. I ordered the regular women's length and at 5'7", they are long enough where I can roll them up and still have a decent length. I opted for the Indigo wash, which I love. The jeans come in six other washes and I plan to stock up on them.
What I love the most about fullbeauty is their massive shoe selection in wide and double wide widths. I have flat feet with no arch so I wear custom insoles in my shoes to give me arch support. So I always opt for a double wide shoe when I can.
These Madison Booties by Comfortview are so comfy and had more than enough room for me to add my insoles. They're available in M, W, and WW widths and also have half sizes! I'm a solid 9 but always get 9 1/2 because of my insoles.
The boots fit perfectly over my jeans and this is something I have not been able to do since high school! I was so happy that my confidence went from a 10 to 100.
Last but certainly not least... this coat!!!! I have been on the hunt for a coat with a hood that's warm without feeling bulky. I tend to get hot quickly and since I live in New York City, winters can be unpredictable.
I have never owned a plaid coat before so when I saw this Jessica London Shawl Collar Hooded Coat, it called out to me. The neutral grey and black print would go with almost everything and the hood looked super warm. I also loved how it had a tie waist and snap button closure.
This is definitely a cozy winter look that I will be wearing on repeat this season. I love the casual aspect of it but it also has a stylish touch to it courtesy of the boots and skinny jean. I would so throw on a sequin sweatshirt for some bling or maybe add a fur hat. I'm all about having fun with fashion but still making it work on a daily basis since I am always running around town or at work.
You can shop my look at the links below:
Woman Within Premium Denim Skinny Ankle Jeans, available in sizes 12W to 34W in Average, Petite and Tall (I'm wearing a 28W in Indigo)
Madison Booties by Comfortview, available in sizes 7 to 12 in M, W, WW in burgundy, black and brown (I'm wearing a 9 1/2 WW in black)
Jessica London Shawl Collar Hooded Coat, available in sizes 12 to 28 (I'm wearing a 28)
What do you think of my look? What about your fashion struggles? Comment below and let's chat!
**Clothing was sponsored via fullbeauty but all opinions are my own.
"The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you." ~ Coco Chanel
And I look damn good in some blue, let me tell you. That is why when my blogger sister Jaye contacted me about being involved in a Pantone Spring 2016 blogger collaboration, I, not only, jumped at the chance to do it but chose Snorkel Blue as my color.
There was a time I didn't think blue was my color. But once I got out of my fashion box and started trying new styles and colors in fashion, I realized I look amazing in blue. And it has now become one of my favorite colors.
I'm a prints girl, as you can see on this blog. And of course, I wanted to incorporate my love for prints with my Pantone color choice. When I saw this Avenue floral skater dress, I had to have it. It's perfect. Snorkel Blue is mixed in the floral print with a deeper navy shade and a hint of a lighter blue.
According to Pantone, "A maritime -inspired blue, PANTONE 19-4049 Snorkel Blue plays in the navy family, but with a happier, more energetic context. The name alone implies a relaxing vacation and encourages escape. It is striking yet still, with lots of activity bursting from its undertones."
Happier, energetic? Relaxing vacation and encourages escape? Yes, this color is me all the way. LOL!
This dress is the star and main attraction of this look so I went very minimal with accessories. I wore my go-to classic black flats from Gap Outlet and added my Cherie Glam black clutch from fullbeauty to the mix. As I have mentioned a few times on this blog, I am now in love with Obi belts so I added my beloved Smooth Obi Belt from Lane Bryant to show off my waist.
This print is pretty and makes a statement on its own. So I opted to not wear a necklace. Just my usual stack of sterling silver bracelets.
And yes, that's snow you see. The remains of Winter Storm Jonas... Thankfully on the day I took these pics, it was around 50 degrees and sunny, which is warm for January on the Northeast.
Snorkel Blue represents me because it reminds me of the ocean. I grew up seeing the Atlantic Ocean on a daily basis and it is something I will always be grateful for.
You can pick up this amazing floral dress for yourself over at Avenue here. It's currently on sale for $42. Plus, if you spend $125 buying New Arrivals, you'll also get an additional $25 taken off your total. I shop on a budget all the time so if I can score a deal, I jump on it and I am not afraid to share it with the world.
Want to check out the other 9 amazingly stylish and beautiful bloggers in this collaboration?
Here's the links to their blogs and the colors they are featuring:
Darlene (Rose Quartz) - www.suitsheelsandcurves.com
Jeniese (Serenity) - www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com
Georgette (Buttercup) - www.grownandcurvywoman.com
Sandra (Green Flash) - www.lapecosapreciosa.com
Pepper (Lilac Grey) - www.prettypluspep.com
Jay (Fiesta) - www.styleoversize.com
Ashley (Iced Coffee) - www.fabellis.com
Mo (Limpet Shell) - www.lion-hunter.com
Assa (Peach Echo) - www.mycurvesandcurls.com
We also got fancy and did a lookbook - check it out below!
Would love to know what you think of my look and the overall collaboration... #beinspired
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