ART

This past weekend was full of excitement. I attended two amazing events that I must share with you guys. The first event I attended was the "Teach Me To Grow" Conference by Married to Medicine TV star Lisa Nicole Cloud. It took place at the Twelve Hotel in Atlanta. You can read the full story about this event at NSTYLEATLANTA.com.  I also had an opportunity to attend Wet Paint Atl; an art show that a close family friend Michael Johnson was a part of at Gallery LI.  This was my first time ever attending an art show. I really didn't know what to expect so I invited a few friends to tag along with me.  It was a remarkable event!

The atmosphere was intimate, yet fun.  Everyone was super friendly and bubbly.  I met some really cool photographers and artist. Michael Johnson, one of the featured artists at this event  scored big with his art pieces. He creates abstract wood paintings out of broken vinyl records.  Yes VINYL!  How he does it, I have no clue?  Let's just say he is super talented and sold almost all his pieces that night.  I currently own two paintings that Michael done for me a while back.  His art pieces has really taken off, so he's a little hard to keep up with these days.  Nonetheless, his work speaks for itself so the wait is definitely worth it.  Check out some of his featured paintings from the show. You can also find him HERE!  You can contact him directly if you're looking to purchase some of his pieces. With father's day vastly approaching, it will make for the perfect gift. Tell him SHETHORO sent you!
       

I wasn't quite sure what to wear to an art show so I kept it
super basic with my Fashion To Figure black dress! 

Dress: Fashion To Figure | Shoes: UrbanOG

BAD BOY

Where do I begin? This past weekend I went to New York for the Bad Boy reunion concert.  All I can say is Amazing! If you follow me on Facebook or Snapchat, I gave play by play footage of my night.  This concert was really everything and more. I grew up to this music, and never imagined experiencing some of Hip Hop and R&B's most talented artist all in one night.

The show took place at the Barclays in Brooklyn New York.  I went to the Saturday May 21st show, which was the same night as the late Notorious B.I.G. birthday. The night kicked off with an old video of Diddy doing an interview, followed by a performance of the hit single, "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down." feat Mase. The night was filled with surprises; with performances from Faith Evans, 112, Black Rob, Lil Kim, The Lox, Mario Winans, Total, French Montana, and Mary J Blige. There were guest appearances by rappers Fabolous and Desiigner.  I literally danced and sang all night. 

Concerts are always exciting and fun for me.  I started preparing for it like two months in advance.  I knew it was on Biggie's birthday, so I wanted to wear something to commemorate the late legend.  I owned a Biggie t-shirt in the past, but I wanted something different and special.  I started looking online to find a t-shirt. I didn't want just any shirt, but one that truly represented the legend birth and my style all at the same time. I went to stores like Vinnies (Brooklyn based), Karmaloop, and other urban channels that typically carry hip hop shirts. I didn't have any luck on those sites. I don't know what made me check on JC Penny website, but I was glad I did. To my surprise, I found a black and gold Biggie t-shirt.  The t-shirt was a picture of him as a baby wearing a gold chain and crown.  I love gold accessories, so this shirt was perfect. I decided to rock the shirt with a pair of faded black forever 21 jeans that I had cut.  I set my look off with my black and gold open toe booties and my faux leather jacket with the spikes on the shoulder.  I couldn't be more satisfied with my look.  I received so many compliments and out of all the people at the Barclays rocking Biggie t-shirts, I didn't see anyone with one like mine.  The shirt only cost me $11.99.  How cool was that!

This concert was everything and more.  Accompanied by my close cousins, this was by far the best concert I have ever gone to.  I met some amazing people there and even bumped into my old neighbors from South Carolina; The Rocks! The concert will be coming to a city near you.  Please check it out. Tour dates are listed below along with pictures from this incredible night!

T-Shirt: JC Penny | Jeans: Forever 21 | Shoes: K&G

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

DRESS SEXY

Feeling sexy is what I am all about these days.  As women, we should never feel guilty for wanting to look our best.  Every woman should own that one dress that demands attention when entering a room. If you don't, I am here to help!

With summer vastly approaching; all white parties, weddings, and birthday parties will be at an all time high. What better way to start the summer off in a sultry white dress.  Fashion To Figure all white collection is fierce; with sexy dresses for all shapes and sizes.  My favorite is the Jaxon lace up dress.  This dress screams SEXY! When I initially saw the dress, I thought it was a bit revealing. When I tried it on, I realized that it was purposely designed that way.  The tie up section down the middle of the dress gives off the illusion that you can see through the holes, but its slip lining makes that impossible on the lower part of the dress. This dress not only looks good, but feel good.  I particularity loved how soft and comfortable it was.

I hope after reading this you guys are running to get a sexy dress to add to your collection. Remember style is whatever you want it to be.  Clothes are supposed to make you feel good and feel free.  Don't let the summer pass you by without a simple, chic dress.  Whatever dress you choose, make sure it makes for a true trendsetter.

*This post is sponsored by Fashion To Figure. All words are my own*

Blazer & Jeans: Fashion To Figure | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

BLAZER

Often times we consider ourselves "modern," but are afraid to try new things.  I was totally guilty of this some time ago, stuck in my same ways of dressing; never venturing out to try new pieces.  I felt that if I did I would be changing my identity.  After coming to my senses years later, I realize that the only way to stay present is stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new options. Exploring new options can open up so many doors.

This metropolitan cape blazer from fashion to figure was just the modern piece that I needed.  When I first seen it, I didn't think it was quite my style; so I ignored it.  I thought this piece would be more fitting for someone like my fashionable sister in Brooklyn (she loves elaborate and flamboyant pieces).  When Fashion to Figure asked me to purchase some clothes from their "All White Collection," and do a review on them, this was actually the first piece added to my cart.  Surprisingly, I had never tried on anything like it. I thought I was crazy to have even considered it; but I figured why not!

This is not just a "blazer" or a "cape" or whatever you want to call it.  This piece is "Modern."  You may be thinking, "what do you mean Thoro?'  Well, let me tell you.  The moment I put this blazer on, I got a feeling of heroism; I felt like I could conquer the world.  One moment I felt that I could be at the head of a round table with CEO's and the next minute I felt I could play an acoustic guitar and sing in a sold out stadium.  As silly as that sound, no other piece has ever made me feel that way. Its tailored look and cape silhouette screams high fashion.  I got so many compliments when shooting this look.  Suddenly, I realized that the feeling that I felt in this blazer was the feeling that we should feel in everything we wear.  I dare you to step out of your comfort zone and try pieces that you think would never look good on you. You'll be surprise how by immersing yourself in different clothes, it will open up a world that you never thought existed.  The world I entered with this blazer was; FEARLESS!

*This post is sponsored by Fashion To Figure. All words are my own*

Blazer & Jeans: Fashion To Figure | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

MODERN

What is modern? Webster defines it as something relating to present or recent times.  When I read that I chuckled a little. I constantly think about how far we have come; not just as plus size women but WOMEN period.  I love how fashion has evolved and how designers are using words to make statement pieces with their clothes. It's all over the place now; from graphic shirts with positive words on them; to now a dress. How cool is that!  

This MODERN dress is very special to me. I purchased it here at forever21.  Aside from its fit, I love how this dress makes me feel.  You know the saying, "There’s power in words."  I don't know exactly who quoted it that way but you get my drift.  The words we write and speak to others can leave a major impact on someone's life.  In this case, it’s the same thing.  Words we see on clothes, whether good or bad, can have a lasting memory on someone.  So why not start positively wearing your words; and watch how it makes you feel.

I have to tell you, this shoot with my amazing photographer Richard was super special to me. Everyone who personally knows me, know I love to laugh and live life to the fullest.  When I think about the word "Modern,” I pondered for a minute and asked myself what that word meant to me.  Modern to me, much how Webster described it is something relating to the present. When I take that and apply it to what I am presently doing; plus size fashion is just that.  The industry has evolved and has gone further than I could have ever imagined fifteen years ago.  With better styles, trendier selections, and more options, plus size fashion is the new "Modern." Modern to me is being fearless and breaking barriers.  Modern to me is taking objections of the past and turning them into present opportunities.  Modern for me, well it’s turning a negative into a positive.  Because this is not just about skinny or fat, black or white, but "Modern" today, is about who you are, and what you want to be known for.  So, tell me, what do "Modern" mean to you?

Dress: Forever21 | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

KIMONO

May is finally here!  I hope you are as excited as I am. The spring has truly been good to me.  Despite the unpredictable weather, I have been traveling like crazy and attending so many fashion events that I can hardly keep up with myself these days.  Due to my busy schedule, I unknowingly adopted a look that has become a uniform for me.  To adapt to the weather changes, I needed something that I could take on and off; while remaining comfortable and trendy.  What am I talking about? Well let me tell you.

In the past month I have purchased over five Kimono or "Duster" as some like to call it.  Ladies you have no idea how this lightweight cover-up can turn your worst look into something whimsical.  Not to mention keep you warm during those cool spring nights.  I prefer printed kimonos as it can take something like a pair of denim shorts and cami and turn it into bohemian chic. Kimonos use to serve solely as a cover-up for swimwear, but that has since change.  It is perfect over dresses, jumpsuits, and skirts.  You can practically pair anything with a kimono.  I dare you to try this.  If you're home lounging around one day in a pair of leggings and a cami; throw on your favorite kimono and watch how fabulous you will feel.  I do it all the time. It makes me feel like a plus size cast member on Sex and the City. BOOM!

Kimonos are a big hit this season.  This is truly a must have.  For those who are self conscious about their midsection, don't worry! It serves perfect for concealing those areas. Click HERE for some of my favorite Kimonos that Forever 21 has.  I purchased those ones modeled below from Rainbow and Forever 21.  Check it out!

Kimono: Rainbow | Kimono II: Forever 21 | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Omar

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR