ONE YEAR BLOGGER ANNIVERSARY SOIREE

 

The time has finally come. I will be celebrating my one year blog anniversary on Saturday June 25th.  I can't believe it has been a whole year. Last year this time I started writing with simply a vision to promote self confidence and highlight women entrepreneurs.  I never anticipated for things to turn out the way it has. I am truly thankful and can't wait to celebrate this night with you guys. Next week, I will have all of the highlights from the event. If you plan on attending, please RSVP.  Tickets are limited and it's a must to enter the venue. Please see flyer and link below.  Thank you for all the support this past year.  I promise to give you bigger and better in the years to follow.  See you Saturday! 

 

 

 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shethoro-presents-blogger-anniversary-soiree-tickets-26082837469

PLUSH BOUTIQUE

What better way to start of the week then by shopping and saving. I am super excited about my collaboration with Plush Boutique, a plus size store offering chic and sophisticated pieces. This boutique is truly special to me; I'll get to why that is in a second.  I appreciate how much time and effort goes into selecting pieces to sell at this store.  All of the clothes sold here are from indie designers; which makes for more unique pieces. I can go on and on about this place, but after I tell you my personal experience with this establishment; I'll let you be the judge.

This boutique was established in 2009 by owner and creative director Wendy. I had an opportunity to meet Wendy back in 2010 when I was looking for an all white dress for my 24th birthday party. She probably wouldn't remember this; it's been so long. I was over 250lbs back then and finding clothes to fit my shape was a complete nightmare.  My self esteem was always high surprisingly, it was just depressing when I would go shopping and couldn't find clothes that fit. Anyway, one day I googled "plus size boutique in ATL" and Plush Boutique popped up.  I had never shopped at a boutique before and didn't know what to expect.  I GPS the location and to the store I went.  When I walked into the boutique I was pleasantly surprised. It smelled so nice, candles were burning, and the atmosphere was so serene.  I thought I had walked into a spa for a second.  Wendy greeted me as if we were friends and hung out every weekend. She offered me a glass of champagne and water; I took both (I never turn down free stuff). I told her what I was looking for, and she picked five pieces and placed it in the fitting room.  She had the best fitting room in all of Atlanta.  The mirror and lighting was to die for. After taking a few selfies (back then it was just a picture of yourself), I tried on the dresses.  Some fit, some didn't, but she was right there to assist with different sizes and to answer any questions I had.  

One of the most memorable things I remembered about this boutique was that it was just me and her in the store. I felt like I had my own personal stylist and store all at the same time.  I felt important, entitled, and special.  Imagine shopping at Bloomingdale's, and it's just you and the sales person in the entire store.  How do you think you would feel?  That's how Plush Boutique made me feel that day.  Here I am, six years later, 40lbs lighter, and serving as Brand Ambassador for this amazing company. Surreal to say the least!  

Nonetheless, I am here to tell you guys about this amazing dress Wendy recently sent me to review.  The "PAYTON" dress is by far my favorite right now.  Remember when I blogged about flowers a month ago and told you how much I use to hate it.  Well, clothes that I typically stayed away from are things that I most gravitate to now.  Primarily because the only thing that is constant is change.  If we never try new things or confront things that we would usually shy away from; how would we ever grow? I picked this dress out of about four other pieces.  I also picked it because I thought it would be the most challenging. I'm glad I did! It was the total opposite of what I thought it would be. It was super light and comfortable. Initially, I thought the chest area would be too revealing and distasteful. The dress was very flattering and gave me a shape I didn't even know existed.  This is not a bodycon dress, but it held me in like one. The colors in the dress and the big flower print disguised my midsection, which is my heaviest.

Ladies I recommend you order this dress.  The colors in this dress screams MODERN and SEXY.  Wendy is offering 15% off your complete purchase and free shipping on orders of $50 or more.  Simply use code SHETHORO15 to receive this discount.  I need all my curvy followers to help me sell this item out.  I get absolutely no proceeds from the sell of this dress.  I'm just helping a woman who helped me six years ago. She has worked extremely hard to provide better options for plus size women; and to have a boutique opened for over seven years in two locations is a huge accomplishment. She also has a store in Jacksonville Florida, so if you are ever in the area check it out!  #SHETHORO15

The First Dress I Purchased @ Plush Boutique in 2010

The "Payton"

This post is sponsored by Plush Boutique. All words are my own*

Dress: Plush Boutique | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS Extension

MODERN WOMEN: STREET STYLE

As I get closer to my one year blog anniversary on the 24th of this month, I reflect back to where it all started.  Last year this time I experienced some challenging moments in my life.  It suddenly clicked that I deserved and needed better so I made a few changes.  Not just for me, but for an amazing two year old by the name of Marlei. Your children have a way of creating binary lenses for you that ignites super powers.  I find myself doing things that I never thought I could do; breaking barriers that I never even thought existed. That is what depicts the Modern women; a true Thoroughbred that can take some of life toughest situations and turn them into new opportunities.

My first post that I ever wrote, I gave the definition of a Thoroughbred and what it stood for.  Here I am, a year later talking about the same thing.  Why?  Well, the answer is simple.  This is who I am and this is the message that I want to spread; the BOLD and FEARLESS woman.  How do we become that Toya? Well, that's simple too; YOU JUST DO.  Don't be fooled by the propaganda, the hype on social media, or these philanthropists that seem to have all the answers on how to be this self confident person.  There's no book in this world that can give you confidence or ways of being bold and fearless.  It literally has to come from within; and God of course.  I laughed when I hear of these quick fixes people try to sell or people who offer advice on healing.  I say that because it's something that takes time and everyone move at a different pace in life.  It literally took for me to realize my own self worth, on my own time, in my own space.

As women of the 21st century, we fill many shoes.  When we think about the theory of evolution, women today are stronger than ever.  The Modern women aren't just housewives anymore.  The Modern women are hustling harder than men now a day.  How many men you know work a nine to five, pursue their passion after the nine to five, take care of a child/children, go home and cook, workout to keep their body looking somewhat in shape, and wear heels and a smile while doing it?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  The Modern women is more then strong, but damn there HEROIC! You know, having characteristics of a hero; somewhat like an Iron Man.

Today as Modern women, I celebrate you!  Let us get away from society nonsensical rules and expectations and continue to be women with a purpose.  Modern women are women who embody grace and confidence; hustle and strength. I titled this post "Modern Women: Street Style" because that is what we are.  We are in these streets, putting in long hours to create better opportunities for our families and ourselves.  Isn't that what street hustlers do? So let's continue to be above average, never settling for mediocrity.  Let's continue to dream big in our already fast paced roles and look good while doing it.  Not because it is easy, but because it is a must. Because Modern women of today are setting new trends, and creating a different type of society.  Will you join me?

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

Shirt & Jeans: Fashion To Figure | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Richard Woumn

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

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