Project Lifesize wants you to never look lame again!

Apparently, I was not the only one who felt compelled to address the book, How to Never Look Fat Again on the Marcy Minute seen on SKORCH Mag.

Check out Project Lifesize...I officially have another girl crush.



Kudos!

Check out more on Project Lifesize

OH and P.S. I am not against SKORCH Magazine, I love Jessica Kane very much! I just don't think that this book is the right choice for the magazine to promote when we are working hard to banish those "rules" of fashion for fat people.  It definitely felt like a step backwards.  I don't hate Marcy either, I just do not agree with her opinion.  I don't have anything against those who have varying opinions that are not of my own.  That is what makes blogging wonderful, we can all voice our opinion, but please all I ask is that you remain respectful and do it with tact. :o)

Win a FREE makeover from A-Line Style Services and Fashion to Figure

Tamika Martell, the founder of  The Dangerous Curves Ahead Fashion Show & Expo, has teamed up with Fashion to Figure to present one curvy girl with a FREE makeover!  If you have been wanting to try a new look, all you have to do is email Tamika at tamika@a-linestyleservices.com with your pictures and why you should receive the free makeover!  If you're not a curvy plus size girl, you can most definitely recommend someone for the makeover as well!  Just email Tamika and tell her why your friend/family member deserves to win the makeover!

Tamika (on the right) walking down the runway with Netrea Strong of the Primo Center

A-line Style Services founder, Tamika Maria Martell is a fashion industry leader offering services in wardrobe consulting, personal shopping, and event planning. Whether she is shopping for staple pieces for a client's wardrobe or planning a fashion designer's trunk show, her expertise shines. Her work has been featured on the Rachael Ray Show, WCIU "The U", NBC 5 News and many more. For more information visit www.a-linestyleservices.com

Bangs, I have to have 'em!

Exhibit A, asymmetrical cut w/bang

Since the beginning of time, I have always rocked the side part bang swept to the side.  OK, so maybe not since the beginning of time, moreso like since Jr. High.  For me, my bang is a cult classic.  It doesn't matter what change my hair has went through, color, long or short, that side swept bang has always been a part of it's hairstory (teehehe).  The only variable was that in Jr. High, my swoop covered my left eye, but as I got older, I changed parts, and now it's pretty standard swept to the right.

Exhibit B, hair dye doesn't change the bang

My bang is my security blanket.  Some girls have hoodies, baggy tees, torn teddy bears, even baby blankets.  But me, ahh yes, I have my side swept bang. It frames my round face perfectly.  Now, my forehead doesn't potrude like the gorgeous Tyra Banks, but I do think that it's large enough to project feature films onto.  I don't have dreams, I have movies!

OK OK, so I probably see it as the worlds longest forehead...you know that thing of us as humans being our toughest critics.  And this is not me fishing for compliments, but I feel more attractive with my mysterious bang hiding half of my face.  Once I pull back my bang, I feel completely vulnerable and because I'm not used to seeing this forehead of mine, I feel like everyone is staring at it.

Exhibit C, changing the color of the bang

My mother has always disliked my bang.  My sister Shay who always pulled every strand of hair of mine back into my pony tail or braids hated it as well.  They think that my face is too "pretty" to hide while I some days equate my attractiveness to my hair.  Seriously, if I'm having a bad hair day, it pretty much ruins my day.  I'm done, I'm ready to go home.  Which is why I've secretly wished for at least a head full of curly hair so that if my hair swells with humidity, at the very least it would be a curly mop and not an explosion of thick straight hair.

Which finally brings me to the point of my post. HA! I can make anything more long and drawn out than it really needs to be ;o) It's the procrastinator in me.  It's barely 70 degrees in Chicago today and it's humid thanks to the showers we've had for a majority of the day.  I find that now, I MUST pin my hair back off my face because a hot sweaty bang is not cute.  So needless to say, I feel completely naked and I feel slightly anxious about going outside exposing my forehead to the world.  But at the same time, it's awesome not to have yucky bangs stuck to my forehead. Eek!

I don't really <3 the Bulls, Go DETROIT! Shirt gifted Tara (Old Navy); Chain gift from BBM

This doesn't mean R.I.P. to my bang, but they can't be going all willy nilly on me when the weather warms up!  I'm open to suggestions as to how to style my do'.

So now, I'm curious to know, what's your security blanket?

Never Look Fat Again; SKORCH #FAIL

As I post this, I am slightly infuriated! I hope this post doesn't come off as a cluster f*ck but it is a rant!

I was going through my daily blogs and I found the Marcy Minute video for Skorch Blog thanks to Literal Gemini.  I had to re-post this video and give my two cents on it.

Watch this video, then proceed to my rant below.

This, in my opinion is a Skorch FAIL!

High fat, low fat and no fat clothing?! Really?  We are attempting to move forward with fatshion not backwards.  I thought part of the fat/size acceptance movement was to appreciate and love your body.  Most women want to dress fashionable while feeling comfortable.  I, for one, don't dress to look thin.

Truth is, if you are fat it doesn't matter what you wear, you will still be just that, FAT.

If you wear all black, you will just look like a fat girl wearing all black.  It won't make you look any thinner.  I understand completely when it comes to dressing to flatter your body type, but since when do we defy colors, styles and patterns as being " high fat"?

We now have awesome fatshion bloggers like Gabi, Christina, Tiffany, and Saks that show us; scratch that, PROVE TO US, that we can wear all the things that people always said we shouldn't wear.  If you love stripes, wear them!  Oversized trend? Loud floral prints? No problem! We can rock it and still look fab.

I think that quite possibly instead of talking about "fat" clothing as if it were a dietary chart at the doctors office, Marcy should focus on helping women find things that they are comfortable in while showing them how to take runway trends and incorporate it for their bodies.  Because, most of the time, this is what most plus size women want, fashion forward clothing in their size.

In my opinion, if you never want to look fat again, a healthy life style change is the only key.  Or maybe there really is some magical fairy dust that I can blow on my clothing in very Cinderella-esque way that will take me from my size 20/22 to a size 4.

Shouldn't we be inspiring women to express themselves how they see fit without judgment?  Why is Skorch promoting a book that goes against everything the fat community is about.  Acceptance!  Yes, that means even if you wear "fat" clothes or a fat hair style.  We accept it, why won't you?

C'mon Skorch, we can do better.

p.s. I have never asked, "does this make me look fat?" I already know the answer to that. I usually ask, "is this cute?"

I'm what you'd call a camera phone photographer

During my walk today, I felt inspired by everything that was around me.  It seems like there were positive messages everywhere.  I swear, one day I will have an awesome camera and I won't be such a camera phone photographer *day dreaming*

Loyola Beach in Rogers Park

"Get really close to another human being this lifetime"

These next few pics were actual paintings on brick/concrete benches facing Lake Michigan. I wanted to snap pictures of all of them.

This was my face when I first moved to Chicago & got my first ticket.

I concur. Be the change that you want to see.

"The course of true love never did run smooth"

Shoegasm brought to you by Torrid

I was browsing Torrid's website yesterday, I'm always on the lookout for something that screams at me.  Lately, whenever I walk into Torrid stores, I swear I feel so disappointed.  Everything looks so blah.  I usually find a few things online that are workable, but IDK, I don't think I find Torrid to be as exciting anymore since I've found all these other places to shop.  Not to mention, when I shop at Torrid I often look like a carbon print of the fab girls that work there.

I did, however, find oodles of shoes that are worth my drool.  Now, I don't think I've ever owned a pair of shoes from Torrid.  I know they make their shoes for wide feet and calves...but my feet aren't wide.  I've tried some pairs on in the past but I was never completely blown away with the fit.  Any of you have and feedback on quality of their shoes?

I have to ask because I'm completely eyeballing a few of the new pairs that I'm seeing.

$64.00

$42

$59

$45

$59

$39

$59

Apparently, I have a thing for black shoes. hehe

Love is...

Lately, I guess you could say since I left LA last month, I've been feeling quite overwhelmed with tons of emotions.  Frustration, disappointment and just being a plain ol' sour puss some days.  I've been edgy and uncharacteristically moody.  Usually, I'm always moody around that time of the month, I'm sure you ladies know exactly what I mean...but, that time of the month is a couple weeks off and this just feels bad.

My dear b-fran has been on the receiving end of my mood swings lately and I just want to publicly apologize and say thank you babe!

Thank you for trying to understand me and being patient with me.  Thank you for loving me, even during those times when you didn't quite know what was going on with me.  I never said I was easy to love, but you make it seem so simple.

My mom believes I have a case of separation anxiety.  Although typically diagnosed in children, I guess I maybe believe that she is right.  I miss my honey.  Long distance relationships aren't easy and the 2200 miles between us doesn't make it any more comforting.

When I'm having a bad day or even a great day, I just want to run home and lay in his lap, hold his hand, watch his face as he laughs (usually at me), watch movies together, be lazy in bed together, steal kisses...GOSH, when I'm mad at him, I want to be able to kiss his face after it's all over.  Those are the little things that I believe people take for granted.

Yes, distance makes the heart grow fonder, yada yada yada, trust me I know.  I most definitely cherish every physical moment that we have together.  I guess, well, I guess I'm just ready to be where he is and continue this madness that some have called love.

Anyone out there in a long distance relationship?  How do you cope with that feeling of being "alone"?

A peek into my weekend

My weekend consisted of lots of walking (I've been doing great on getting my cardio in, you can keep up with me by following my blog Run Big Girl Run), lots of beer, hummus, laughter and karaoke!

Friday was pretty uneventful...The only thing I can recall doing is going to the beach and walking 6 miles! Whew! Talk about BURN.  There are a few of walking paths along Lake Michigan...a couple days before I chose to jog in the sand/grassy hills and my glutes hollered later that day!  I rested up and treated myself to a yummy dinner of blackened salmon, rice and a garlic biscuit. Ohh shame, I definitely need to add more veggies to my diet. Oh I totally love watching the sunset while I'm in the kitchen.  Friday night, it was especially beautiful.

Saturday, the roomie and I decided to walk to run his errands.  We walked to the Loyola train station, then headed into Lakeview.  I felt the energy of the North side of Chicago come alive as we attempted to keep up our pace and cut through the crowds for the Cubs home game.  Chicago is a beautiful city (even through all the crap that happens) and it's great to see everyone coming together to cheer the Cubs on.  I'm no Cubs fan though, I'm a Tigers kind of girl, Detroit, DUH! hehe

On the way home, I was being a total creeper and I snapped a picture of a couple on the train.  I really wanted to show them, but I already felt super awkward about snapping a picture of strangers.  They were beautiful though.  This is my attempt at being an "photographer".  I can't wait until I get a real camera, and by real I mean a DSLR. I'm definitely into photography, and I love capturing people at their best, when it's not stuffy and posed.

Later that night, the roomie and I played a game of truth or dare on the balcony.  OK, mostly truth because he's gay and I'm not a boy, and earlier that week when some friends and I played back home in Michigan, the dares got a bit riske.  We drank almost an entire bottle of burbon...we sipped wrapped up in fuzzy throws exposing deep parts of our sexual life.  Of course, we couldn't sit there and let our happiness go to waste.  We got dressed, picked up my favorite Chicago girl Rae and hit Ukrainian Village for a BBQ filled with hipsters and thee most cutest dogs ever!  I officially want a pug or a bull dog right now!

Blazer, Jens Fashion Plus, Necklace aka "The Mini Ga", Tracy Lynn Jewelry

The awesome door guy @ Bobby Loves

 After the BBQ, Bobby Loves was next on the menu.  I've mentioned before that I go here to do karaoke. It's pretty awesome when you walk in and the owner pulls you to the bar and buys you a drink! I've only sang there maybe 3 times so far, but Saturday night, I felt brave enough to do two songs.  I rapped Kid Cudi's "Day and Night" and unfortunately, due to my drunkenness, I cannot remember the second song.  I danced and channeled my inner Beyonce.  I totally worked the stage which is weird cause I have HORRIBLE stage fright.  I suppose liquid courage will definitely lead you to believing that you are some sort of pop star when you're on a stage with a microphone! There was a glitch at the end of the night which lead to me being super mean to someone I had just met (within good reason though) and then walking home with Raven from Boys Town to Edgewater. If you live in Chicago, you know that's a nice walk for two inebriated girls at 3:30 in the morning.

Vivien Leigh is simply beautiful!

For the better half of Sunday afternoon, I was left to nurse my hangover, rightfully so.  Then later I hung out around the house and proceeded to watch That Hamilton Woman.  I'm a lover of old black and white films and Vivien Leigh (Gone with the Wind) is totally amazing and breathtaking.  I love the way they speak in older films probably about as much as my love for the fashion.  This movie is excellent.  I'm shocked that I had never seen it before.  It's a love story, of course, aren't they all?  I was so sleepy when I put it in, I was just sure I'd fall asleep but I stayed awake and watched all 2 hours of this sweet movie. Seriously, if you're into old love stories, you must see this!

I apologize for no real pictures of my outfit. I am without an adapter for my SD card and I will probably be without it until Friday. *sigh*  So the outfit posts probably won't happen this week like I'd like them to.  Which is why I haven't updated much within the last week.  I will remix the outfit and show you all soon!

Also, I want to thank Monique of Curves and Chaos for featuring me in her blogger spotlight this past Friday! YAY!  I love that she is featuring a new blogger each week.  Definitely a great way to find new reads!  Make sure you go check out my interview! 

Inspiration

WE need to show the media that beauty comes in all shapes & sizes!

My day with mama through pictures

Today, I celebrated the most wonderful female hero I've ever known.  My mama! I heart her very much.  She may not always understand the decisions that I make, but in the end, she supports me fully and that is something that I am grateful for.  She has taught me how to be a good, kind, caring, stand-up type of woman. 
I wish I could buy my mother all the candles, jewelry, energy drinks and veggie burgers that money could buy, but I'm not a rich woman in terms of wealth, but I am definitely rich in other ways.

Thank you mama!

Today, mom and I hit up a BlackFinn Saloon in Royal Oak (Michigan) down town on Main St.  Mama feasted on a black bean veggie burger with fries and a pama acai martini to wash it all down, while I pigged out on a porkolis burger and a couple of coconut lime mojitos. YUM!

My mom isn't a fan of the camera, matter of fact, no one in my family is! Haha, it's just me, but my mama posed as we walked along the streets of Royal Oak.  P.S. Mama loves her Camaro!  Life is short, drive fast!

• 
  
  Liquid Leggings, I purchased these last year, these are the same ones I wore in Cali
• Plaid Dress, only 10 bucks from The Fat and Skinny Shop
• Belt, Torrid (couple winters ago)
• Cardigan, DEB (last fall)
• Flower & Necklace, I've had these for a while
• Bracelet, Gift from my mama
• Clutch, Ashley Stewart (Last Summer)
• Ring, LuShae Jewelry

Happy Mothers Day to all of you wonderful women out there!

LuShae Jewelry review

Before I left for Michigan last week, I received an email from LuShae Jewelry in regards to a review.  It's been a while since I've been able to update some of the pieces in my jewelry box, so I was happy to oblige.  I took a look at the site and I instantly found myself surfing through the promise ring page.  The pieces were SUPER cute.  I am a sucker for sparkly anything, that's definitely the girly side of me.  Although these aren't diamonds, CZ's sparkle just as well until it's time for the real thing.

 

I went back and forth over the pieces but I always came back to the same ring.  The Princess Promise Ring! This is exactly the type of ring I described to Ryan when we discussed possible wedding rings down the line. (NO, there are no wedding plans of yet and I promise those previous pictures were NOT engagement pictures)  I continued to look at more pieces and finally decided on my gut instinct. The dazzling Princess Promise Ring was to be worn on my finger.  In the "I'm dating and in love but not engaged world" we call this a "c*ck block" ring...but I will refer to it as my "block block" (insert Terry Crews Old Spice Commercial here) ring.

 

I placed the order through the website on Monday and I received the ring at my moms house on Wednesday.  Wow, talk about speedy delivery!  It arrived in a little blue box and I couldn't contain myself when I went to open it.

 

 

Pros:

• 
  
  Speedy delivery!  For a limited time, shipping is FREE to all destinations.  That means, you will receive your purchase in 2-5 days if you live in the U.S. but international orders can take up to 14 days depending on location.
• 
  
  Great low prices, definitely affordable if you are searching for a vacation ring to use instead of your diamond wedding ring or other fine jewelry.
• 
  
  Easy to navigate website, great informational links about your jewelry.
• 
  
  Ring sizes range from a size 5-10.  The site even includes a page in which you can print out a ring size guide.
• 
  
  There's more than rings, there's pendants, bracelets and earrings too!

 

Cons:

• On the second day of wear (cause I planned to make this an everyday ring) it did unfortunately leave a slight green ring on my finger.  And really, this is my only con.  I know that the chemicals in your body can cause different reactions to metals and whatnot, it's a bit disappointing, but I still plan on wearing it.

I have received many congrats and well wishes on my new "engagement".  Women have eyeballed my new bling with envy and guys, well yeah, a few of them seemed a tad bit heart broken when I flashed my ring inconspicuously by running my fingers through my hair.  This ring absolutely sparkles and although it's not a real diamond, it will definitely do for now.  

 

Here are some of the other pieces that I went back and forth on.

 

Pride $72.00

 

Bleu Elegance $64.00

 

Flower Buds $76.00

 

Azul Classic Antique Ring $66.00

 

Doggy Tag $72.00

 

Matrix $71.00