DENIM

I have to be honest, denim is not generally the first thing I pick out in my closet. Give me a black pair of leggings though and I will create a fashion miracle.  I think my obsession with leggings supersedes that for denim because they are so comfortable and flattering on me. It also gives my butt the extra lift it needs.  It use to be hard finding the perfect denim that accentuates my curves and comes all the way up on my waist without flattening my butt. Forever 21 has been the only place where I could find a nice pair of denim that actually fits. While, I like shopping there (I prefer online), it can get a little depressing traveling all the way to the back of the store to that small section that plus size women are often limited to.

I am a frequent shopper at Ross stores. I have been since college (when my dad would put $30 in my account and I would come out of Ross with an outfit, shoes and accessories). I'm frugal when it comes to certain things and love a good bargain, so Ross motto  "Dress For Less" truly lives up to its meaning.  One good thing about women is we can have on a $20 outfit and pair it with a designer bag and/or shoes and make it look like a million bucks. With my new obsession with white, comes a new love for denim. I recently came across some white denim.  I only paid $12 bucks for them. Denim can be dressed up or down and that's what I love about them. I decided to pair mines with some black sandals and a white t-shirt. I usually cuff my jeans for a more trendy look. I've found myself choosing denim over leggings lately. As long as they have a little stretch in them (for us curvy girls), it makes for a more comfortable experience.  Wish me luck on some more denim finds.

Jeans: Ross | Shoes: Traffic | Shades: Ross | Purse: Aldo

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

JAMAICA

I recently traveled to Jamaica with my childhood friend Nikki, and we had a blast! The weather was perfect and the people were amazing. We stayed at the Riu Resort in Montego Bay (a must stay). We went zip lining and rode ATV's through the lush forest of Montego Bay. Amazing!!!

I wanted to share the swimsuit I wore while in Jamaica.  I rocked an all white (YES WHITE) bathing suit for the first time by plus size designer Monif C.  It was her "Tahiti" one shoulder swimsuit that fit me perfectly. It was even more special because it was a gift from my sister Pkeitha who lives in Brooklyn. I particularly appreciated how well it held my stomach in.  It's soft bra cups kept my chest from sagging and allowed me to enjoy the water without having to constantly make adjustments. I paired it with a chiffon high low blouse from Fashion to Figure that I had purchased two years ago.  Love! Love! Love!

Swimwear: Monif C | Blouse: Fashion to Figure | Shades: RayBan | Sandals: Aldo

Nikki Swimwear: Asos

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

WHITE

How many of us stay far away from white as possible? This has been my story for years. Being plus size all my life, I spent so much time trying to conceal my rolls and fat underneath this beautiful color called "black." Why? Duh, naturally it makes you look slimmer. I have been a lover of black for some time now. After losing over 65lbs (ssshhhhhh), I have found a greater appreciation for white clothing. I recently did a photo shoot with an amazing photographer who too has lost over 65lbs.  This shoot was so special to me because we not only share the same story, but it shows how confident I've become with my body over the past year. It depicts me embracing a color that I once feared.

After having my daughter Marlei in December of 2013, my main focus was her. Like most woman, after having kids, you no longer think about yourself, and quite frankly to damn exhausted to worry about your appearance. Now, let’s not get this twisted, I was still fashionable when I went out, it was just hard finding clothes that fit or that looked good on me, so I found myself staying home most of the time.  My daughter is now 18 months and I'm BACK!! I've grown so much in the past year. I've become more comfortable with my body and the skin that I live in each and every day. To even be seen in all white still makes me chuckle, because I seriously feared white like people fear dogs or heights. By the way, my name is Latoya. I'm new to this blogging thing. I decided to create a blog to express myself as not only being "Plus Size" in America, but being a "Woman" in America.  This blog will depict our struggles, our fears, what to wear, and what not to wear, our highs, and our lows. Women who have kicked adversity in the face, and remain steadfast on this journey we call life. Whether it’s through fashion, mentoring, nurturing, etc., women who have remain true to themselves and never lost their spirit.

Dress: PinkClove | Shoes: Urbanog

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

THOROUGHBRED

What is a Thoroughbred? I get ask this question often times. I laugh because so many of my friends that call me this really don't even know the true definition of the name. They think it’s merely an Instagram or Twitter name I have given myself to satisfy my oh so confident attitude.  Well, surprisingly it’s more to the name then that.  Thoroughbred was a name given to me when I pledged Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. in April 2006.  I was that girl on the line with the New York attitude who felt I couldn't be broken. Being reared in Queens New York, I've always had a rough demeanor. A boldness about myself that I could never quite explain. Confident needless to say to the 100th power.  No matter how challenging things were, I seemed to always push my way through it. Mostly through laughter (I was the person on line who thought everything was funny).  See my brother Nasim had prepared me for Greek life; and the challenges that I would probably face while being on line.  His words were, "It’s all mental Toya, never take it personal." "If you are able to get through this, you will be able to overcome anything in life." That always stuck with me throughout the entire process and even now in my daily living.  After crossing those burning sands, my name was announced along with my other ten lovely line sisters, and I was astounded.  I felt like the name fit me perfectly.

Thoroughbred describes the specific breed of horses since the 17th century. Thoroughbreds are horses known for their speed, agility, and spirit (Wikipedia). A distinct breed, generally considered spirited and bold.  After looking up the meaning of the word, it made even more sense as to why the name was given to me. If I put my mind to doing something it has to get done immediately. I've never had problems meeting new people and building lasting relationships so I guess it’s safe to say I have a very positive and energetic spirit. So here we are!  I figured why not share this name with the world. The name "SheThoro" was derived from the word Thoroughbred. Taking the meaning of the word and making it specific for BOLD and SPIRITED women. Women who walk in style and grace no matter how hard life gets. Women who are able to turn adversity into success. Woman who are mothers, entrepreneurs and leaders. That's what this word represents.  It's more than just a name. Anyone can have a name. It’s a movement.  It’s a lifestyle. It takes actions to be considered Thoro.  Like I always say, "By her moves, you will know, SheThoro."

Dress: PinkClove

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR