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

SP16

Yesterday I attended the SP16 Luxe Show at lenox mall here in Atlanta.  I am still on cloud nine from the show.  Models ripped the runaway in some of this year hottest spring looks. The show included featured designers such as St. John, MCM, Diane von Furstenburg, Brooks Brothers, Escada, and CH Carolina Herrera. Before the show started, guest mingled over refreshing cocktails and lite hors d'eouvs.  I had an opportunity to meet so many talented photographers and stylist. We took selfies and laughed; as we grabbed food from the waitresses as they passed by.

I was a little daring with my look last night. I rocked a black body suit that I ordered from URBANOG curvy section.  I sophisticated the look with a black trench vest.  I added a splash of color by pairing it with a pair of fuchsia pink strappy heels that I also purchased from URBANOG. I get so excited when I'm around fashion; any kind of fashion.  Weather it's chic or edgy; bold or plus, there's always a takeaway when being in these type of settings.  My imagination takes over, as I people watch and recreate looks in my head. I literally did this all night! The night ended with more cocktails and gifts.  Each guest was allowed to pick from an array of gifts such as Chanel nail polish, to Henry Bendel card wallets; and of course I chose the card wallet in pink! 

If you've never experience a fashion show, I recommend you attend one; especially if fashion is an industry that you want to pursue. It will not only expose you to so many fashionable people, but it can help you channel your inner style.  Check out a few pictures I took from my night and comment below on what you plan on rocking this spring! 

  

Vest: Rainbow | BodySuit: UrbanOG | Shoes: UrbanOG

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

DENIM

Don't get caught this spring without something denim in your closet.  The classic piece has made its way back this year being a top five piece every fashionable woman should have. My denim fever has literally taking over my life. I can't seem to get enough of this look. I think it's mostly because it's a convenience piece for me. I absolutely hate ironing and I'm always on the go, so denim has definitely become my best friend.

Denim has the ability to be recreated to whatever you want. Weather you decide to cut them up for a "cutting edge" or simply throw bleach on them to give it a different look; it's one of the few pieces that you could do it with, without having to go through a "to do" class.  I chose to stick with a classic pair of denim jeans that I purchased from Old Navy.  Let me pause for a minute to tell you how comfortable these jeans are.  Rarely, do I brag on jeans. With my legs being so big, I'm just more comfortable in a pair of leggings, but I really struck gold when I found these jeans.  This particular pair doesn't have much stretch in them which is why I am equally surprised that they became my fav.  When I tried them on, it fit my body perfectly. It was almost like they were screaming, "WEAR ME" when hanging on the rack. While, they're not a pair of Vetements jeans that would have set me back $1300; my $20 old navy jeans hugs my booty better than any man could; accentuating my curves almost perfectly. 

"Let your legs do the talking"

In my next look, I decided to pair two types of denims. A white pair of jeans, with a denim vest. The skinny jeans gets romantic when paired with the long denim vest. Yay or Nay?

Shirt: Encore | Denim Jeans: Forever 21 |  Vest: Encore | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

                      

FLOWERS

What better way to jump into spring than delivering flowers.  Flowers are a must have!  It has managed to brighten its way to the top of my list. Bold prints and patterns are the way to go this season (view previous post); if you're looking for a vibrant look.

Flowers were my least favorite print to wear. That was way back when I didn't know how to dress my body type. It is crucial that plus size women know their shape; in order to get the best results from looks that can make your body appear larger.  Flowers, if not worn properly can be busy and unappealing if not paired correctly. 

In my first look, I decided to pair my flower blazer with my favorite white skinny jeans.  The blazer is fitted to give off a chic, sophisticated look.  This amazing blazer was thrift for me by the "Thrift Queen" over at Goodwill Fonds. Paired with some heels, this look will have you blossoming. 

My second look is my absolute favorite.  This mini flower dress will definitely turn heads this spring.  When dealing with prints, don't be afraid to wear figure hugging pieces, as these can often emphasize your figure. Pinpoint exactly what body part you are proud of and want to emphasize.  I wanted to bring more attention to the "Stems" of this flower; my legs.  Remember, size is just a number.  Revamp and restyle your look this season and watch how comfortable and confident you will feel.

Dress: Ross | Shoes: Traffic | Blazer: Goodwill | Cami: Forever 21 | Jeans: Ross 

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

MODERN STYLE

Super excited to blog about my photo shoot this past weekend for Modern Style Closet. I had the pleasure of working with a good friend of mines, Rachel Bailey for the launch of her new online boutique.  As discussed in my previous post, this spring I will be rocking nothing but BOLD prints and patterns.  When she called and asked me to model her signature skirts; I couldn't resist.

Modern Style Closet is an Atlanta based company that specializes in custom African print skirts. The skirts are super comfy and come in so many different colorful patterns and designs.  As soon as I tried the skirt on I was sold.  They are extremely versatile and can be paired with a variety of tops (crop, jean, etc).  These handmade skirts can be ordered at modernstylecloset@gmail.com.  You can also check her out on Instagram at modernstylecloset. Here's a look at just a few of the many designs available.

Skirt:  Modern Style Closet

Photography By: Carmen Simmons

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

THE BODY

Dressing your body type is extremely important. Shopping for clothes is only half the battle, but knowing what and how to find clothes that fit your body type is key.  I found this topic to be so important because I get tons of emails from people asking me where I get my clothes from.  Clothes are just like hair, just because it look good on one person, doesn't necessarily mean it will look good on others.  Once I understood what my body type was, and how to shop accordingly, it made life a lot simpler.

One of my closest friends (more like a sister) over at melissachanel.com can practically wear anything. She can literally put on a sheet that will make you want to purchase a million of them in the same color and design that she wore. I mentioned her because so many times I see something that she wears, but know it wouldn't look good on me because we have different body types.  In upcoming post, I will be blogging about certain patterns and prints that can be real tricky.  With spring approaching and so much feedback from my followers; patterns such as flowers and stripes will have you getting pulled over by the fashion police if you aren't careful; especially for my plus size crew.

According to menopause health, there are three different body types; ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Ectomorph is a lean body shape. People who are ectomorph are usually slim with a narrow waist.  These people lose weight easily and have lower levels of fat (we all know someone like that). Mesomorphs are strong athletic type bodies. Individuals who are mesomorph have a muscular build and are well developed with slim hips.  Endomorphs (THATS ME) are those with round body shapes, with larger bones than any other body type.

In addition to these three body types, woman are typically described as having a hourglass, pear, apple, or banana (straight) body shape. Women with hourglass shapes are well-proportioned all over with a narrow waist.  Pear body types have larger lower bodies and smaller upper bodies. Apple shaped women tend to be bigger up top with a smaller lower half.  Banana shape women are typically thin. They have smaller waist, shoulders and hips.  Although hourglass shapes have been the ideal shape for women, it's definitely not the norm. Whatever category you fall in, know that you are beautiful and can still dress your body as if you have an hourglass shape. It’s just simply figuring out what clothes are most flattering for your figure.  If you need help figuring out your body type, please feel free to email me @shesthoro.com.  I would love to assist you with fitting your unique body types. Remember, it's not what you wear; it's how you wear it. Embrace your shape, and know that you are as good as you look!

“Fashion is architecture; it is a matter of proportions.” ― Coco Chanel