Redefining Healthy

Redefining Healthy is the brainchild of Darlene of Suits, Heels & Curves. It's all about shattering the myths that being being plus size does not equate being unhealthy. How many posts have you seen online where a plus size person is judged and threatened with diabetes if they do not lose weight? Darlene wanted to create a space where we can talk about confidence, health, fitness, style and just get the dialogue going. 

The event started off with Owning You Confidence moderated by Marcy Cruz (Blog Editor of Plus Model Mag & Blogger, Fearlessly Just Me) featuring:

  • Valeria Serenil- Tween Contributing Blogger of Suits, Heels & Curves
  • Sasha Renee- Drag Performance Artist
  • Ally Gursky- Blogger, Candied Curves
  • Rosaliz Jimenez- Photo Editor, People Style Watch

The panel spent time talking about past experiences and really delving into how one can build their confidence. It's amazing how many stories you can hear with similarities to your own. It was refreshing to see so many people open and honest about their daily struggles. 

Next up was a quick sexy dance lesson from the ladies of Vixen Dance. Dancing has always been a confident booster, it was one of the few things that when I was in the moment I was not worried about what others thought. Jessie has such a great energy that I definitely want to take a class. 

Gypsy in the City is a beauty and fashion blogger. Ada has the most down to earth personality that shines through her speaking about how makeup was the pivotal driver in her life. After hearing her story, and just giving simple tips on how to look great with a good 5 minute routine was greatly needed. I am not at a point in my life where I wan to do a full blown beat just to go to the store, but a little tips and tricks to help out my morning routine. 

Next up was my one of my favorite stylists Steffany Allen. She is one of the most nicest people you can meet. She does not only know her way to dress a body, she is smart about the business of fashion. She gave great tips for those out there that were a bit timid of trying new things and just overall how can you make what's in your closet work without completely overhauling your wardrobe. A lot of times there are gems in your closet that you never thought you can get a lot of use of. Other times, it's the emotional attachment we have to our clothes, and we have to let them go in order to bring in something new. 

Last, but not least was Sahar Paz, author of Find Your Voice. Let's just say that I was not ready for the the knowledge she dropped.  She spoke about the voice that we all have that tells you you are not worthy, always tearing you down and just leaving in stuck. She told us to name that voice so that when he/she comes around, you know that it is not the real you speaking. Us being in that space to share stories and truths was heavy. It was beautiful, and at the end of her session, I walked up to her, gave Sahar a hug and cried. I struggle with impostor syndrome. I always think that I am not good enough, so I work twice as hard to accomplish things because I do not want others to think that giving me a chance was a huge mistake and that I am a fraud. I always over compensated and would take on so much without even thinking about my well being. When I went to a work event, and found out about this and how so many women of color suffer from this fear of being a fraud, it was a sigh of relief. Sahar touching on that, brought me back to the point that I am worthy no matter what. 

I was afraid to leave my old position because I thought what if I am not smart enough to handle the demand, or why start a blog, no one is going to like it. When I stopped doubting myself, and went back to to the thought of this is for me, and I won't know until I try- this blog would still be on a to do list somewhere. We all deal with our struggles, and it is by being open can we move past to achieve what we desire. 

I tried to get as many pictures as possible of the attendee's and speakers, so here you go!

Since I was helping out Darlene with the event, I wanted to wear something that I can easily move in, not worry much about wrinkles, and still looked pulled together. This jumpsuit was the answer. This was the first item that I saw last Fall during Lane Bryant's Spring Preview that I was swooning over. I love how it gives the illusion of a dress, but it is just a wide legged jumpsuit. This has been in my closet for months, and I felt that this was the perfect time to showcase it. While waiting for takeout, I received an email from Nordstrom about sandals under $50. Of course, I just had to see what they were offering, and I came across the Copa sandal (on sale) from Matisse. The snakeskin makes it a showstopper, but the tie up fringe really take the shoe to the next level. The shoe just tied the whole look together. The event was a success, and I am so proud of my blogger boo. Can't wait for Redefining Healthy LA. Muah!

 

Pool Party

June- the start of summer, FFF Week, Curvy Con, and Essie's Golden Confidence Pool Party. June is a very busy month for this gal, and Essie Golden's Pool Party kicks off the fun. Last year I attended the first one, and had soo much fun, that when she announced the 2nd Annual, I knew I was going. Now for such an awesome event, I knew I had to bring it, because I knew the attendee's were going to bring their A game. 

What to wear, what to wear...at first I was going to wear cutout one piece, then I changed my mind, then a tropical bikini, but then I didn't want to wear that.  When it comes to my day to day or even blog posts, I am quite decisive about what I want to wear, but this pool party really had me thinking hard. Swimwear is the one thing that I don't buy often, and at one time I completely avoided it. The styles were so matronly, that I refused to look for one. When Gabi showcased the fatkini, I was intrigued. I walked into a Forever 21, found one and loved how it looked. Ever since that day each summer, the options for plus size have increased tremendously. Having options is what it's all about. I love my cute swimsuits, but for the party, I wanted to bring out my inner bombshell, and I finally found the suit of my dreams while browsing online.  

I saw that Lane Bryant dropped another designer swimwear collection from Lela Rose. Last year the suits were cute, but there was nothing to support the twins, so I had to take a pass. All the swimsuits this year were gorgeous, but the white eyelet had to be mine. The top came in my bra size (which I wish all of their swim was carried in a H cup- wink wink), and the brief's were high waisted which I like because it shows off my waist. The top could have been worn as a strapless, but I kept the straps on for extra support. I do wish the straps were wider so it doesn't cut into your shoulders, but all in all, I did have adequate support. I could have went with the traditional coverup, but I did that last year, and I wanted to switch it up. When I saw this crochet skirt, I said this will make my outfit complete. It's sexy, and it pulled my entire look together.  I ended my look with my favorite shoes from Vince Camuto and my Christian Siriano shades. I felt the pop of color would be a nice touch. 

It was great catching up with my friends, and also getting a chance to officially meet a lot of women that I met on Instagram. The women looked amazing. It's pretty powerful being in a room full of women just enjoying themselves and wearing what makes them feel beautiful. Added bonus, there was a swimsuit fashion show (my boo Darlene was one of the models), and Essie & Chante announced their upcoming swim collection from Rebdolls dropping in July. The suits are sexy and fun (there is one that glows in the dark). This was a great start to kick off the week of events. Stayed tuned, cause there are a lot more outfits and pics of wonderful ladies coming to you soon!

Kimono

Kimono's are one of the prettiest article's of clothing one can own. I remember when I saw my first kimono on a museum trip when I was younger. It was red with gold cherry blossoms, it was magnificent. It also prompted me to add Japan to my travel list so I can get one of my very own. Here is it some time later, and I have not been to Japan (yet), but I did find a kimono that was swoon worthy sans a 16 hour flight. 

Modamix has been a brand that I admire. I met the wonderful ladies of Moda last year at Curvy Con. Since then there has not been a collection they drop that I do not own a piece of. From their late Spring collection, they had this beautiful printed kimono called Daphne. It's scuba (my favorite), and has a tie belt that can cinch in your waist to have you nice and snatched. 

Once I had the kimono, I was thinking about what would be the best thing to pair it with. My first choice was a pair of jeans, but I wanted to switch it up and pull out my scuba pencil skirt. If you are a fan of a pencil skirt, then definitely give this scuba version a try from Eloquii. I love the way scuba holds you in, but it still has enough stretch to move with you. A good flirty shoe brings the entire look together, and these platform sandals called the Peppa from Vince Camuto were perfect. Suede shoes are a weakness of mine, and the turquoise color brought out the colors in the kimono. The platform makes them easy to walk in, due to the one inch platform. I picked these up on sale, and they have not let me down. All that was left was my trusty white clutch, and I'm ready for some cocktails. Muah!!

Boho

Out of all the different styles one can try, boho was not my favorite. I enjoy a good maxi, prints, but I just did not think I could pull it off without it looking forced. Years later, I have found myself figuring out how I can make boho my own. Off the shoulder tops are my obsession and it is through this super cute top from Violeta that I was able to give boho a try. 

I came across Violeta from Mango a year ago (My first post about them was this amazing leather cape). Without any stores in the US that carry the line, online has been my resource. Fullbeauty carries the line and there are so many great items that I added to my cart. The first was this flowy printed top. This top was an attention grabber, when I saw it, I knew I could wear it with so many different things. I bought the top in a 18 because I wanted to make sure I had enough room in the arms. This top has no stretch, so on the safe side I suggest sizing up so you can have room. For this post I went with the casual vibe and paired the top with a pair of jeggings from Fashion to Figure. These jeggings have been a mainstay in my wardrobe. They have the right amount of stretch without the worry of them stretching out. I wore my new flatforms, which was also a part of my Fullbeauty haul, and they are comfortable, cute and stylish. There are elements of boho with the paisley top and flatforms, but it's still all me. To bring out the pink in my top I paired the outfit with my bright pink Kate Spade crossbody. It's small, but it holds a lot. Great for the weekend. 

When trying different things, the key is making it work for you and what you like. Wearing jeans and flatforms worked for me but heels and a skirt could work for you. At the end of the day try different things and see how they work for you. You will never know how it can turn out if you don't try. When it comes to being plus size we tend to stop and think we can't wear something due to rules that we are told that we must listen to, but in actuality no one does. This blog has been my platform to not only wear what I love, but also try new things. If there is something you want me to try, let me know. Any questions, just ask. At the end of the day be you and be happy. Muah!

Romper Room

Another post, another romper. Anything that is an instant outfit maker is a must have for me. It makes your life easier when you can throw on something and walk out the door. Lane Bryant has been doing small capsule collections called Fast Lane, and the one from last month called Basic Training had a lot of goodies that work well with my style. One of the goodies I picked up was this pink romper. 

The zip front romper is great for first timers. The zip front makes it easy to get in and out of (which can be a chore sometimes when you wear jumpsuits/rompers). The drawstring waist accentuates, and the leg opening is not tight. Since it is a pastel pink the entire romper is lined so you do not have to worry about your undies showing. Since it was a beautiful day I wanted to break out my Lizzy block heel sandals (they are wide width!!) from Eloquii. I have been eyeing these since I first saw these on their site as a part of their Spring preview. The jewel blocked heel gives my outfit some added interest and the block heel is a big part of the Spring shoe trends. I topped off my outfit with my hologram crossbody. This one is from Banana Republic, but I found a cute drawstring version from Asos. 

So lovers what do you think? Are you ready to try out a romper?