LIFE & TIMES BOOK EVENT: Ms. Full Figured USA Pageant

Last evening it was my honor to be among the vendors that were showing their products at the Ms. Full Figured USA Pageant. It was absolutely amazing event where BBW contestants from different parts of the U.S. showed up, showed out, and SLAYED BABY SLAYED! Each contestant brought their A Game for the category they participated in, and the roar from the crowd only amped up the adrenaline that surged through the contestants and audience members. It was an amazing show, and if you'ved missed it; you always have next year! 

FORTUNATELY, you don't have to wait that long to see me! THE LIFE & TIMES BOOK is currently available on Amazon Kindle for all your devices, or for the book lovers who love the feel and smell of a freshly printed book paperback copies are available through Amazon. 

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT STOP ON THE BOOK TOUR! I am determined to get THE LIFE & TIMES in the hands of every curvy diva! 

In the meantime, enjoy some pictures from last nights event‼️

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FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/FashionPlusBlog

INSTAGRAM: www.Instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom

YOUTUBE: www.Youtube.com/user/dom4fashionplus

*Visit The Life & Times Of A Full Figured Fashionista Facebook Page!

Click the link below!

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Life-Times-Of-A-Full-Figured-Fashionista/775151845907718

An open letter to 2016

Time: 8:55pm

Date: 1/15/16

Place: Universe

Song: Here by Alessia Cara

Mood: Open to Possibilities 

Dear 2016,

As we began our journey together, let me first introduce myself. I'm Dominique, Dom to those who know me best; mysterious to the one's who don't. What you'll soon find out about me is that I don't conform to the norms of most people, but rather do my own thing to the best that common sense will take me. Perfect by no means, but rather I dare to say hopeful with rebel like qualities. 

You see 2016, though I work a nine to five like most average joes I have but one real goal in mind.  What's that goal? Call it ambitious, but to be a successful writer. Like all artists, I have stumbled, fallen, had major doubts, and change direction; but as I said earlier, I have a goal in mind.

I being (let's call a spade, a spade) fat, that has somehow limited my climb up that ladder that people try to convince themselves doesn't exist. Some people like to say (even think) that full figure women are offered the same opportunities as everyone else, but the truth is; that shit ain't true! People have taken a first look at me and immediately put me in the fat and lazy category, but I digress. The purpose of this letter is not play the "Poor Me" card, but to OWN WHO I AM card. What I'm realizing is...It's not my job to change people's minds about what they perceive me to be, because I know who I am and I'm secure with that. People are not going to just open the doors and let me walk through, I'm going to have to knock down those doors that were meant to keep me out DOWN! And that's just the reality of the situation, THE LIFE & TIMES OF A FULL FIGURED FASHIONISTA if you will (PLUG for my book; yes, I'm shameless! Get the book boo!).

Anyway 2016, I'm not giving up. As hard as being an artist is, I will keep going (starving artist in the building!) There's a higher power in the universe and it has a great, and positive plan for me.

"Today I begin a new life, for I am the master of my destiny, and today will be a great and beautiful day"
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                      Jody from the movie Baby Boy
                                                                                                                Via Unknown Writer

DEUCES!!!

Dom 

DON'T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD PLUS SIZE NOVEL: THE LIFE & TIMES OF A FULL FIGURED FASHIONISTA ON AMAZON.COM

Click the link to purchase on Amazon.com 

http://www.amazon.com/Life-Times-Full-Figured-Fashionista-ebook/dp/B00ZOL17ZW/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435012538&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Then+life+%26+times++of+a+full+figured+fashionista

Artist Spotlight: Fatima "Miss Tima" Gaskin

Welcome to Fashion Plus Blog' s new segment Artist Spotlight, geared towards the support and  progression of various types of artists. As newcomers in our chosen industries, it's difficult to navigate, and network among our peers; for this reason we felt it was our mission to showcase the talents of a new generation of artist, established or up and coming.

Fashion Plus Blog's first artist in the spotlight FATIMA GASKIN! This young woman has not only accomplished incredible things, she has also done it with determination and grace. Hailing from Newark, New Jersey Fatima attended Spelman College in Atlanta, has joined the Navy and is currently on active duty, while nurturing a modeling career, and raising a young man.  Forget Jack of all trades; take your left hand and beat the hell out of your right hand, and give it up to JANE OF ALL TRADES!

Realizing that giving back to the community is beneficial for not only the soul, but teaches our youth to appreciate their beginnings, and  look forward to future possibilities, Fatima and her son work as volunteers in a number of charities including Goodwill Drives, Breast Cancer Awareness fundraising, and sign up for work in soup kitchens. Never missing a beat, she also supports her son in his extra curricular activities; such as karate, gymnastics, and Lego robotics club.

Her bodies of work include:

- Print/Runway modeling
- Fashion/Film/ and Video services\
- Writings for print/online publications 
- Advertisements for clothing/shoes/accessory/ and other products campaigns
- TV/Radio 

My favorite quote from Fatima "Miss Tima" Gaskin:

"I learned I don't fit into the box of standard or plus size in modeling and instead of letting that stop me I owned it as another unique factor about myself."

Fatima has defiantly earned her spot on ARTIST SPOTLIGHT!

* FOR SERIOUS INQUIRES: Contact Ms. Gaskin via email at gaskinti@yahoo.com

Please help SUPPORT all of our very talented artists! 

** Find out how to qualify for ARTIST SPOTLIGHT below!

**Find me on social media!

BLOGSPOT: www.Fabulouslyp.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/FashionPlusBlog

INSTAGRAM: www.Instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom

YOUTUBE: www.Youtube.com/user/dom4fashionplus

Who can apply?

Comedians

Hairstylists/Makeup Artists

Actors 

Models

Singers/Rappers/Dancers

Illustrators 

Fashion gurus

Chefs

designers

Writers/Producers/Publishers

Authors

Spoken word artists/poets

*ALL are welcome!

Email submissions to: Fabulouslyp@gmail.com

With:

-short bio-include goals,and inspirations

-Photos

-Contact Info/website

- Other relevant info

Full Figured Outfit of the day!

Hello beautiful people! lately I've been trying not to shop. Due to my weight loss surgery I've dropped 100 pounds and for a girl like me than means a NEW wardrobe. But, because my weight hasn't stabilized yet buying clothes would be a waste of money :-(. So I've been indulging in accessories starting with these two handbags from Express.

1. Patent Bowler Bag

2. Hawaiian Print Bowler Bag

But that's not enough to satisfy the shopping beast on my back. So, strolling through Nordstrom I came upon an Adrianna Papell Colorblock Sheath Dress. Available in sizes 14-24, I had to try it on! The fit was AMAZING, and I have to say your girl was looking type professional, with a hint of SEXY! Yes, I made my big girls proud. The only think that stopped me from buying the dress, was the fact that the strap was falling off of my shoulders (sad face), and my weight hadn't stabilized yet; Gastric Sleeve surgery has struck again!

But I just had to show you how the dress looked on me, now being able to fit a size 20; which is six sizes smaller than I use to be, I'm on the road to finding my healthy! Check out the dress that has given me LIFE!

* Stay tuned for more!*

**Find me on social media!

BLOGSPOT: www.Fabulouslyp.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/FashionPlusBlog

INSTAGRAM: www.Instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom

YOUTUBE: www.Youtube.com/user/dom4fashionplus

Oh How they SHINE! The IT Clutch Bags & Trends of the Season 👛!

It sparkles, shines and leaves imitatiors green with envy! What could I possibly be talking about? Glittery clutch bags, shoes, and to die for jewelry. YES, it's that time again; the Holidays! This is the time of year where women go crazy tring to look perfect for up coming events, office paries, social events, and all around gatherings.

With the holidays fast approaching its essential to have the right accessories with your outfit. It's too easy to overwhelm an ensemble with too much of a good thing. When dressing for any event where your featuring a sparkling item think balance. For example, if your going to attend a cocktail party and plan to put a glittery clutch to good use; please remit wearing a glittery or sequin dress (or anything that can out shine your clutch). The clutch is the focus peice, any other assessories worn will be to complement it; not wash it out with too many contrasting colors. 

The most important thing to remember when dressing up is to have FUN! There's nothing worst that looking FABULOUS while sporting a sour attitude. Holiday time is about fun, catching up with loved ones, and enjoying the company of good friends and a glass of Chardonnay! Check out some beautiful clutch bags that will bring the WOW factor to you wardrobe. 

1.  Natasha Couture 'Ice Crystal' 

2. Diane Von Furstenberg 'Evil Eye' Minaudière 

3. (Found on Pinterest)

4. These bags I own and found on Amazon.com

Silver tone:

Blue tone with gold rim:

5. Steave Madden 'Porttt-R' Pump

6. Christian Louboutin 'Follies Spikes' Pointy Toe Pump

7. Jessica Simpson 'Rebecca' Platform Pump

8. Arielle Collection Cocktail Ring

9. BP Crystal Flower Statement Necklace 

10.  Givenchy Small Faux Pearl Bracelet 

 **Find me on social media!**

BLOGSPOT: www.Fabulouslyp.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/FashionPlusBlog

INSTAGRAM: www.Instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom

YOUTUBE: www.Youtube.com/user/dom4fashionplus

Belly Dance Or Die! Plus Size Rhythmically Hypnotizing Art Of Dance

Plus Size Belly Dancer Adina Gamal.

Who says a big girl can't Belly Dance? Certainly not Adina Gamal! What this beauty has done only few voluptuous ladies dare to perform. Using tantric hip thrusts, while moving seductively to hypnotizing music, Adina has made a traditionally straight size dance available to plus size women who are daring enough to put on a jeweled bustier and skirt, harem pants, or any other body reveling outfit and sensually dance in front of a room of strangers! Talk about a rush of adrenaline! Allowing yourself to be completely taken over by the tantric sounds of the music, while putting all of your emotions into visually intoxicating sequence of moves. Exciting isn't it?

With roots in various Middle Eastern countries, belly dancing  is a type of performance art usually done by women who are societal slim, very flexible, and in some way studied the art of different dances. Due to the athleticism and controlled movements involved in the dance, we can see why plus size women didn't attempt to master such a physically challenging dance....UNTIL NOW!

Adina started belly dancing as a means to gain confidence, also what better way for a plus sized woman to show tenacity of ones self than to sever the ties that bind plus size women to being unattractive, undesirable, and un-sensual. By expressing herself through something as difficult as belly dancing Adina has set the bar high for what expectations are regarding the abilities of voluptuous women. Intrigued by the concept I had to interview Adina check out what happens!

Interview with Adina GAMAL:

ME: How does belly dancing make you feel? Do you feel sexy, seductive, etc.? How much does your alter ego take over when your performing?

ADINA GAMAL:  Belly dance or die.... Belly dancing makes me feel beautiful confident sexy and it also makes me feel like I'm in another world it out of body experience when I'm on stage much like Beyonce has Sasha Fierce take over, Adina takes over Adina Gamal takes over janine is not the same person.

ME: I want to know how well received was plus size belly dancing when you first started? How did you feel, and what was the audience reactions?

ADINA GAMAL:  When I first started belly dancing people made fun of me I actually had a cyber stalker I still do actually he sometimes going to my post and makes fun of me many people didn't believe I was a belly dancer I've even had people tell me that I would never perform professionally do to my size. 

ME:  What is the message you want to convey to people regarding belly dancing for plus women?

ADINA GAMAL:  I've helped to change perceptions of many people through the love for the dance in existing the beauty that I have inside and on stage as a very good dancer.

Well said Adina, well said. She has definitely created a new and exciting get platform for curvy woman to have fun, engage in low impact exercising, and feel sexy at the same time; what woman or man for that matter can argue with that? I for one can't wait to catch the show. Together with nine performance instructors Adina has created PlusSizeBellyDancersConvention.com, they offer workshops and guide you through mastering the Art of belly dancing. Also, they've hosted their first Belly Dancers Convention with another in the works for 2015, I love a woman with vision and ambition! Check out their home page below for information on the next upcoming event!

**For more info please visit their website at www.plussizebellydancersconvention.com**

Photos from PlusSizeBellyDancersconvention.com:

 
To book me For: Appearances, Interview, and More! Please email me at Fabulouslyp@gmail.com

Find me on Social Media:

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/FashionPlusBlog

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom

Youtube: www.Youtube.com/Dom4FashionPlus

 

Releasing My 1st Ever Novel!

It's finally happening! I have plans to finish and release my first ever novel called The Life & Times. This book is dedicated to plus size women of course! This is a strictly fiction novel I'm sure you will fall in love with, I've allowed a few sample read and I was excited to report that those readers fell for it and we're anxious to find out what happens next! I'm so proud of the work I've done, and believe me this is just the beginning! Please SUBCRIBE here and on my social media outlets for release dates and more info! Thank you for all your support, and I would love to see you all at the launch party!

Synopsis:

The Life & Times... Chronicles the life of plus size writer/any odd job to pay the bills Chloe. As the main character the story follows how she comes into her own after graduating from college and dealing with failed relationships, astranged family, and budding career. Along the way we get a glimps into the life of Chloe's party girl best friend Dee. Dee is the friend we all have sweet, caring, loud mouth who loves to spend money just as much as she likes the feel of a new man. As you read, you'll find that Each character has a secret they don't want revieled, hard decisions, and lots of DRAMA! Each character brings a peice of their real self and the face they give to the world.  The also interact with each other at one point or another and  are important in making Chloe's story come full circle. Complete with plus size fashion elements, dating, sex, money, lies, cheating, and surprising twists at the turn of a page The Life & Times has a character that everyone can relate to, is in real life, or dreams of meeting! 

Unlike other full figured novels, a sense of realness is brought to the table. Though a fiction novel it was created to reach everyone regardless of race, gender, profession, and financial background. This is a novel for the new age plus size women who is career minded, fashionable, and professional! 

I hope you enjoy this classic in the making!

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Caner Awareness month, and in honor of the all women affect by this disease I'm dedicating this weeks post to the women who continue to fight the good fight and look beautiful will battling their illness.Before researching Breast Cancer, I didn't know much about it. The most I knew without researching is that it is deadly to some, and treatments include radiation treatment and/or mastectomy. I was basically ignorant to the causes of this illness. The first I found in my research was that Breast Cancer affects 1 in 8 women. Let's rewind that...1 in 8 woman, can you imagine that? Well, imagine this; get seven of your closest friends together, now visualize that one of you statistically may have a high chance of developing breast cancer. Scary right!

 What's the facts? 

Breast Cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal breast cells. It occurs as a result of abnormality in genes that regulate the growth of healthy cells. The presents of the mutated cells can divide like normal healthy cells usually do, and continue to replicate itself until a tumor is formed. 

There are 2 types of tumors. Tumors can be benign which isn't dangerous or it can be malignant which can has not only the ability to be dangerous, but deadly. Most likely cancerous, malignant cells can spread to other parts of the body causing the process to repeat.

*Information provided from BreastCancer.org

Fabulous regardless of diagnosis!

In fashion, we tend to want to make everything appear perfect regardless of the chaos born of trying to give the appearance of being flawless. In life we all know that avoiding chaos is damn near impossible, so instead of celebrating the the false sense of perfection we all crave; we should embrace if only for a moment the fact that beauty is found within. 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awarness Month I've found several retailers and designers that have georgous items that we all can wear to show support to women who fight everyday. 

(NOTE: these items are not all associated with Breast Cancer Awarness, I just thought it would be a great way for us plus sized girls to show support.)

We can show our support through fashion!

Zelie for She

Monif C

Bella Rene'

Torrid

Eloquii 

Hips & Curves

Amazon.com

Nordstrom

Asos Curve

Together We Conquer, Divided We Fall!

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INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom 

BLOGSPOT: www.Fabulouslyp.blogspot.com