MARLEI'S ROOM

Style not only lies in the clothes you wear, but in your home as well. From accent colors to funky throw pillows, making a style statement in your home is essential.  I've always enjoyed decorating homes; bedrooms being my favorite.  My bestee MelissaChanel laugh at me still to this day because I change my curtains according to the season and iron them before putting them up.  I know I'm a bit old fashion but you will never wear a wrinkle dress to a holiday party; so what make curtains any different? Nonetheless, I spent this weekend doing just that. Ironing curtains and transforming my daughters' room into something magical.

Not sure how it happened, but my snuggly little girl is not so little anymore. She's become fiercely independent and has slowly outgrown her sweet little nursery.  The thud in the night from her jumping out of her crib was becoming more and more prevalent, so I couldn't let anymore time go by without me upgrading her room. My theme for her room was LOVE. Every morning when she wakes up, I want her to be surrounded not only by the word, but to visually see the people who love her the most; her parents.  Her room was already painted, so it made it a little easier. I had my eye on her blinged out furniture set for months, and couldn't wait to purchase it. I incorporated most of the things from her nursery, with a few additions.  I wanted to personalize her space as it not only keep the space distinctive, but also helps with her learning her name.  

Just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to give up your design.  This is one of the biggest misconceptions not only in fashion, but interior design as well.  I never understood why people feel that having kids suddenly becomes an excuse to let your inner style go. Nevertheless, for me creating a space that's fun and where my children can be energized is important to me, which is why I go the extra mile.  It's really simple to have a space that's both sophisticated and sippy-cup friendly.  By changing a few things around, and adding a few details to the room, it can create a cheerful and nurtured feel for your child. Be sure to use lots of color, scents, and cool accessories for a more inviting and fulfilled oasis.  

 

Bedroom Set: Underpriced Furniture | Picture Frames: Ross | Paintings: Marshalls 

BOOTCAMP II

I have successfully completed week two of boot camp.  Although my body is sore, I feel great.  I have been pushed mentally and physically this week.  From donkey kicks, to the one leg rocking chair with shoulder press, boot camp has went into second gear and becoming more and more intense.  I love how I feel after my workout. You would think after getting up at 4:30 a.m. every morning and going through such an intense workout I would be exhausted. Instead, I am full of energy and find myself being more productive throughout the day.

Now I promised to be as real as possible. My eating habits did take a left turn this week. I didn't stick to my diet as well as I did my first week of camp, being tempted by what I like to call "the devils" better known as fast food.  I did indulge in fast food twice this week. Ok, ok, four times this week.  Breakfast is my favorite meal and the most important meal of the day and I sneaked in a few restaurants like Chick-fil-a and Waffle House.  While I did have my bad moments, I also had some good days.  I have fell in love with spinach and use it for many of my meals. From my smoothies to my omelette, spinach has become a part of my daily life.  I made a spinach turkey wrap for dinner one day which included turkey bacon, swiss cheese, banana peppers, and spinach of course.  It was so delicious and the juices from the sweet peppers added a crisp flavor to the wrap and kept it from being dry. How's that for healthy eating!

Boot camp has definitely increase my metabolism. The interval training that we go through helps burns calories, but also tones the whole body. The three mile run keeps my heart rate up and the new exercises like the plow pose ab blaster and tricep dips creates muscle confusion.  The intense circuit that this boot camp offers has allowed me to push myself daily. As our personal trainer Latasha would say, "Always push yourself outside of your comfort zone.  That's where all of the results are!"  She challenges us daily, and also uplifts us to not only be better physically, but mentally.  I encourage any one who is the Atlanta area to please join Taddas Fitness, and watch your life be transformed.

 Taddas Fitness is one BIG Family!

 Down 2lbs

 Me and Leandria After Workout

 My Spinach Omelette

Temptation Is Real

HIGH/LOW

There have been many highs and lows in the plus size community for decades.  However, last week marked a major milestone in the plus size community. Lane Bryant, one of plus size major retailers did a takeover in Time Square, where they spoke out about being plus size in America.  There #PlusIsEqual campaign is trending all over as they celebrated women of all sizes. While progress has been made, we still have a long way to go.

I have to admit that I have seen a major change in my shopping experience.  Being plus size basically all my life, shopping use to be a drag.  It was always hard finding trendy pieces in my size.  I dreaded going in stores and having to walk alllllllllllllllll the way to the back of the store to the plus size section.  Only to get back there and find what I like to call "granny clothes."  Finally, stores are now carrying a wider selection of clothes and sizes to fit the masses. I could never understand why plus size clothes were so scarce to begin with; especially here in Atlanta where the majority of women are shapely.  Nonetheless, I'm ecstatic to see major progress among retailers, who are starting to carry sexier clothing and not just that "granny" stuff.  Who wants to wear that?

 The desire for high quality has been something that the plus size community has struggled with.  However, we are vastly approaching some high times.  I recently purchased this high/low dress.  I instantly fell in love with it when I saw it. The color was perfect for the fall and matches my "Flat Out Fabulous" Mac lipstick I purchased a month ago. The quality of the dress is what was most impressive; tailored made.  This dress only set me back $22 dollars.TWENTY TWO DOLLARS! How cool is that. High and low skirts and dresses have been trending for some time now.  For me, it's bigger then a trend. This dress represents how far we have come.  The ability to go in a store and find trendy clothes that not only fit, but are made of good quality is truly progress. As top model Ashley Graham stated, "Size shouldn't matter when you're talking about a women who just wants to be fashionable." Let's continue to embark on this journey and make strides, as we ourselves have a voice.  Join the cause in the #PlusIsEqual campaign, and be apart of the fight for equal representation.

Dress: Encore | Shoes: Traffic | Lipstick: MAC

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

BUTTON-UP

It's clear that a crisp white button up is a classic essential in every closet.  I'm big on versatility and love clothes that I can pair with almost anything. What does it better than this!  The white button up can be worn as a tunic to the beach, tucked inside a pair of your favorite jeans, or even to a black tie event.  It is inherently appropriate for any occasion. I usually wear mines to work with a suit, or as seen below tied in the front with the sleeves rolled up. As a plus girl, I'm always looking for ways to slim my body out.  Rolling the sleeves up near my elbows adds a nice casing for the upper arm (a tricked I learned).  Tying the shirt in the front and pairing it with some high waist jeans accentuate my curves and make my waist appear smaller.

The white button up is that multi functional wardrobe piece to have. It has proven time after time to be the perfect solution to many fashion ruts.  The key to this look is keeping it soft. Remember, adding your own spin to this classic look makes it fun and even more fashionable.  

White Button-Up: Old Navy | Jeans: Forever 21 | Shoes: Traffic 

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

BOOTCAMP

As I prepare to leave out of my twenties in less than a year, I'm continuously challenging myself.  I have a long bucket list to get through and I am on a mission to check each thing off, one by one.  So far this year I was able to check three things off my bucket list. One was travel to Jamaica. The other was to go zip lining through the rain forest (which I did in Jamaica).  Starting a blog was at the top of my bucket list.  With so many ideas and thoughts I have daily, I wanted a place to channel those thoughts but also inspire others in the process.  So I'm proud to say that I'm on the right track to bring my thirty years of living in with a BANG!!

My bucket list consist of an array of things; from wild and crazy like skydiving to learning how to ride a motorcycle, to other things like run a marathon and join a boot camp.  Yes a BOOT CAMP! I decided to join a 6 week boot camp to challenge me to not just loose more weight but to tone. I had been going to this particular gym on and off. I would go there for some of their fitness classes and fell in love with the place.  I knew they offered a boot camp, but never wanted to spend the money for it ($250). After losing 59lbs, I stayed very consistent with my workouts on my own as I would walk Stone Mountain Park, run at a park near my home a few times a week and go to Planet Fitness.  For four months however, I wasn't really loosing, just simply maintaining.  My mid area was becoming saggier and I was eating fast food at least four times a week (bad I know).  My weight fluctuated from 225lbs to 219lbs (my lowest weight) for four months. One day I got on the scale and realized how ridiculous that was because I was working out consistently but only to gain and loose 6lbs.  And then I had REVELATION......

One day I decided to stop being so complacent and do better. I realize how close I was getting to thirty and how I haven't weighed less then 200lbs since my tenth grade year in high school and wanted to change that. So I ask a friend to join a boot camp with me, and we joined Taddas Fitness Camp.  Now, let's be clear, this not just a boot camp, but THE BOOT CAMP! Owned and operated by my Soror Tasha "Tadda" Lewis, Taddas Fitness Camp is definitely intense. I will blog about Latasha in the next few weeks during my entrepreneur spotlight. But for the next 6 weeks, I want you to follow my journey as I work hard to get into the hundred pound club.  What is the hundred pound club you may be wondering?  That is me loosing thirty pounds (get it) and weighing under 200lbs.  I will share my ups and downs with you and promise to be as real as possible. I will be sprinting, straining, and jumping at maximum capacity.  Loosing 30lbs will put me at 195lbs. How cool will that be!

Essentially, I strive to be a better me.  I've always been overly ambitious, but the older I get and more mature I become, challenging myself mentally and physically becomes more and more imperative.  So, let's do this together. It truly doesn't matter what age you are or how big or small you may be, it should always be that part of you that wants to be better.  So let's PUSH ourselves. For you it may not be joining a boot camp or losing weight, but maybe being your own boss one day or writing a book. Whatever it is, lets do it together. Let's encourage each other to become better as people and live a more productive life.  Check out my stats and watch me decrease these numbers by the end of these 6 weeks. Be sure to post your updates on whatever you are accomplishing underneath this post, as we begin to transform our lives.

My Stats:

Weighing in at 225 (as of 9/14/15)

Body Fat % 40

Right Arm 14.25

Waist 38

Hips 45

Right Thigh 28

 

PONCHO

If you are looking for a cover up this fall, the Poncho should be your first choice.  This timeless piece has once again proven to be this fall trend.  Each year the prints and colors get bolder and brighter, making it more versatile for any look. Whether you're looking to go conservative or sporty, the poncho is a by far the statement piece to have.

What I love most about the poncho is its's made for the plus and petite. For my plus size ladies, you can always go smaller in the poncho because it runs big.  You do have to  make sure it's paired with a streamline bottom, because some ponchos can run extremely big and make you look much bigger then you really are.  Its versatility allows you to pair it with almost anything.  It can be embellished with a statement scarf, gaudy accessories, pumps, leggings, shorts, etc.  Most importantly it keeps the chill off during the cool weather without being bulky.  I own over four ponchos in different prints and colors.  However, my most recent one I purchased was a plain Olive one. The one modeled below is a lot more draped then my other ones so I decided to rock it two ways; with a pair of skinny jeans and as a dress.  The poncho will sure enough be a show stopper for any occasion. Click HERE to find different flavors of ponchos at an affordable price.  Thank me later!

Poncho: Encore |  Jeans: Macys | Shoes: UrbanOg

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

OLIVE

Fall is here and I'm ecstatic! We are getting closer to cooler weather, which is by far my favorite time of the year.  With holidays vastly approaching, this means for more time spent with family and friends. There are a few fall favorites that I needed to blog about to prepare you this year.  It is imperative that we are looking our absolute best at holiday parties and family functions, in fashion forward clothing that will catch everyone's eyes.

Let's start with the must have color for the fall, Olive. Olive is definitely in this fall.  When seeing this color, it always seems to add a little fall inspiration to almost any outfit.  I have become overly obsess with the color over the past few weeks, with my last five purchases being in Olive. Each item that I purchased is something comfortable and stretchy because during the holidays I tend to eat more (just being honest).  I'm always looking for something that's trendy, but always having an extra stretch in it (tip for my plusies).  The dress modeled below was ideal because it's not only spandex but the folds in the dress camouflage my most insecure area on my body; my tummy. I paired it with another fall favorite, fringes. Fringes are trending right now, whether it be on a vest or on a nice pair of open toe sandals.  It adds a special element to your look. Be on the look out for more of my fall favorites.  Remember, let's fall in love with the new season in style!

Dress: UrbanOG | Shoes: Traffic

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR