STYLE REPORT: All White EVERYTHING! The Hottest Plus Size Styles for Every White Party

The summer is quickly approaching, the heat of the Summer Sun is starting to sizzle fashionable fashionistas into the less is more mantra, So you know what that means? Yes, a new wardrobe; but what else?  It means the social hierarchy will grant entry into tons of networking events, including ALL WHITE PARTIES! 

There's nothing like Summertime in the city. And the better the weather the more exclusive the events, better the venue, and more opportunity to turn up! This is also the time of year that retailers and designers SELL OUT of their beautiful white summer collections to women who attend these events throughout the metro area. One of the most stressful occasions I've experienced is traveling from store to store attempting to find the right ALL WHITE OUTFIT that no other big girl has, and pair it with the most perfect accessories to add a touch of glamour. 

Have you ever shopped last minute for an all white item? I have, and take it from me it's a NIGHTMARE! Everything is sold out, and whatever is in stock is ugly as sin. What's a girl to do if she's going to an All White yacht party and all you can find in the stores are florals, pastels, or some sort of prehistoric plus size garment that has no place in a bargain bin, let alone on the delicate curves of your body? 

POLL QUESTION!

 

How would you shop for an ALL WHITE PARTY?

To solve the problem of finding the perfect all white piece without breaking the bank, I've come up with a few tips that will add the WOW to your outfit, without bringing OUCH in your wallet. 

TIP #1. NEVER SHOP LAST MINUTE! For reasons other than previously stated, it's a nightmare. Try to anticipate what you want to wear, execute, then try to find alternatives in case the outfit you want NOW isn't the outfit you want to wear LATER!

TIP #2. Shop END of season. Fashion is ALWAYS a season ahead of the current season. For example, in the dead of Winter designers and retailers began to discount their Winter apparel, for Spring/Summer Collections. Use that knowledge and shop end of Spring/Summer Sales to find those pieces that were too expensive when the season started. If an item sells well, they restock it and when that happens the item sits in the inventory for a while; because that sudden rush has cooled down. With the Fall Season looming, those same retailers want to move that merchandise to make room for the new seasons collection. THATS WHEN YOU STOCK UP! You get the clothes you want CHEAPER than everyone else. Also, some women buy the clothes too small because they want that particular Item really bad. When that happens you can get lucky and get a returned item possibly in your size it might be discounted because it's the end of the season.

TIP #3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHOP IN PLACES YOU'VE NEVER BEEN! Branch out, shop wherever your size is available and don't be afraid to mix and match. Visit local shops, thrift stores, consignment stores, online discounted retailers, even attend CLOTHING SWAP PARTIES to find what you need to make an outfit work. 

TIP #4. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! Let's face it, white it's very bland and like black you have to dress it is give it your own spin on it to make it suit your personality. Make it fun! Add in some color to SPICE IT UP, like for example hot pink, royal blue, yellow, etc. You don't have to subscribe to the norms of the regular ALL WHITE PARTY, you can wear all white but you can stand out with the colors that you pair with it; so the goal is for you to have the best of both worlds, you abide by the rules of an All White Party by wearing all white, but your abiding by the rules dictated by your conscience by mixing color to bring out your flair for fashion.

TIP # 5. GO WITH CONFIDENCE! Believe your a BEAUTIFULLY, AMAZING, STYLISH person and that attitude will translate. Have fun, and remember who you are! 

As I previously stated, I hate not having anything to wear for an ALL WHITE PARTY so here ARE some of my favorite pics from my closet that I wanted to share with you guys!

I've also researched online to find a few more ALL WHITE pieces that can WOW with out the OWW!

BY KIYONNA

BY ZELIE FOR SHE

BLOGGER NATURALLY FASHIONABLE in BOOHOO.COM's JUMPSUIT

ASHLEY STEWART'S LINEN A LINE KEYHOLE DRESS

Full figured women can serve up a smorgasbord of PIPING HOTT FASHION honey, we just need the right INGREDIENTS!

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It's a matter of perception!

How do you view your world?

When you see a georgous woman in a professional, recreational, or casual setting what are your first thoughts when you see her? What do you notice first? Most women are skilled in the art of perception. We can make you see, feel, and hear what we want; but one thing that cannot be manipulated is the impression she leaves on you. I think Maya Angelou said it best when she said " I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, But people will never forget how you made them feel." 

To me that all perception really boils down to is how you make people feel when they come into contact with you. Or more commonly known as impression. Have you ever heard the phrase,you only make a first impress once? Sometimes making a speaking first impression isn't as crucial as making a visual first impression. In our society were judged on looks far more often than we are judged by the words that leave our mouths. At first glance some people think that they've got you completely figured you out; for example, your style of dress or way of speaking may cause people to believe that you are one way verses another. That assumption could be completely wrong; but again that's their visual perception of who you are, thus they "judge" based on that perception.

When it comes to work perfecting perception is crucial! From your interview to retirement you are being scrutinized for everything you do. For the contor of your speech to the style of dress you prefer. Employers need you to fit into a neat box in order to "fit" their office dynamic. It's your job to convince them that you do. 

Being plus size creates a perception all its own, which is dangerously close to stereotypeing. It's easy to see a plus size person and make assumptions on their lifestyle based on exterior. This type of catogorizing affects the possibility of gaining employment, making connections with people, and present and future relationships. The fact is that the perception of plus size people is usually a negative one, which can impact one's day to day activities. For example, as previously stated I asked... When you see a georgous woman in a professional, recreational, or casual setting what are your first thoughts when you see her? What do you notice first? What If I added the fact that this woman is full figured? Does that change the amount of attention you give? 

What about this?

(The following are asked to people who are considered straight size, and their reactions to plus size stimuli, lol)

- If she was interviewing for a position in your company and was qualified; should you consider her weight an issue? Would you think she was a health risk, cost your companies HMO more money to carry her, would she be a lazy worker, or would you simply think she would me more susceptible to calling out? These are the types of worries full figured people face when daring to enter into the career game; that's why most start their own businesses.

- If you saw a gorgeous full figured man/woman would you flirt with that person? If everything about them just turned you on. Would you ask that person out in a date? Give them an invite to your friends get together, or family dinners? Some of you might answer yes to save face. But really if in that situation...would it still be yes? I've met people in real life (associates only! I've not dated them!) that are fine with sexing you (plus size person), ok with hanging out with you (because fat people are funny, entertaining, and confident); but won't interact with outside of a personal setting. 

I'm not trying to change your mind on anything that you believe to be true or untrue, my job is to give you a different view of a world where things or people are not just black and white, up or down, but every color you can possibly imagine and going in infinite directions.

**Please check out my previous blog  Curvylicious 101: What Plus Size Women & Lovers Should know**

PERCEPTION.

Do we have a certain image that creates a perception of who we are or a public face people are use to seeing; thus making it a part of our personalities? For instance, I've found that, if people perceive you as being kind that they assimilate that with being a push over or someone easily coerced into following others. On the flip side, you can be perceived as a tough person; but really that side of you only comes out when negatively provoked. This is just one example of the many ways perception can influence how people think and associate you with their idea of who you are and what they want you to be.

CHANGING NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS:

To change a negative perception of yourself, you have to first determine if there is one. Honesty, I don't allow anyone's opinion of me change how I feel about myself. I have a strong sense of self and I know what I want. Also, because others are unsure of how to go about reaching their goals they mistake my assertiveness for anger ( totally not an angry person) I'm just hopeful and confident that the things I work hard for actually happen. But in order for that perception of me to change I've adopted ways as to not be aggressive (but still not except bullshit!) My solution: not to be engulfed into subjects that offer a debate on subject that can be ill represented. Try to keep the conversation flowing in a positive direction while standing firm in my agenda or point. I've learned that I don't have to debate fiercely with other people, but except the fact that different people have different opinions (which I'm totally cool with, I just don't want people to attempt to force me to agree with them #Petpeeve #NeverGonnaHappen). Sometimes that works for me because I'm respectful of differences, I just wish that everyone was just as respectful; but I digress. 

If you do attempt to change a negative perception, my suggestion would me to soul search. Find out how to keep peace within yourself and as time progresses you can develope the same for others.

**Find me on social media! 

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Plus Size OOTD! Supporting Awareness

 

 As discussed in a previous blog October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in bring notice to an illness that affect so many many different organizations are lending their support by raising funds, participating in walks, buying merchandise baring the pink ribbon logo, and also wearing pink in general. Today, I as well as my co-workers wore pink to support the cause! 

From head to toe, the scarf is from Nordstrom Brass Plum Department

The necklace is from a boutique in my hometown!
The Top is from Lane Bryant.
The Sweater is from Forever 21.
 

The Belt is from Lane Bryant.
The Pants are from Avenue. 
The Shoes are by Puma, and are from Nordstrom.

Zaftig Diva's #Confident #Beautiful Tee Shirt Line: Interview with Creator & Designer Mary Leandra

I absolutely love meeting new people, and that includes budding entrepreneurs like myself.  Recently,  I've had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Leandra, an up and coming diva with a mission to promote self love, appreciation, and worth among full figured women. I love the idea of a woman who is taking control of her choice to believe in herself and abilities, despite the mainstream pushing their perceptions of beauty on us (the public) through what's presented in mass media. Through our correspondence I've learned of how she wanted to expand her Facebook group Zaftig Divas into a tee shirt line. This is a huge step, let's see what Mary has to say...


1. Who is Mary Leandra? How did you come up with the idea for Zaftig Divas as a company?

She is a plus sized woman who was born and raised in South Texas.She has overcome and conquered the struggles that are associated with being a plus sized woman. She has gained confidence and boosted her self-esteem by realizing how beautiful she is and the fact that society does not make her.The idea for Zaftig Divas as a company came about my constant sightings of women on social media degrading themselves by posting provocative pictures to get reactions from men I just hate when women feel the only way to feel sexy or beautiful is if a man tell them because most of them are not looking at you as a person but as a piece of meat and it’s your fault because that is how you sold yourself.   I mean there is nothing wrong with someone complimenting you, but it should be an extra perk because you know how beautiful you are.


2. The name Zaftig is rarely heard of, what made you choose that name? Also, how does it represent you and your brand?

Zaftig meaning- a pleasantly plump figure; full-bodied or well proportioned woman.

I chose the name “Zaftig” because I hate being classified as a “BBW”, because around 1979 it was originated to be used in the context of a “Fat Fetishism” and I just could not stomach that.  Also, the words thick, curvy, phat etc, are overly used in the Plus Size community and I feel they are used more as a sex symbol than signifying who you really are. “Zaftig” represents me and my brand because I once was that “Zaftig” woman who lacked confidence and low self-esteem. I can now use my past experience to uplift these divas and help them grow, so they cannot let anyone define who they are.


 3. Expanding your brand, and perusing different venues to do so is commendable. What made you decide on expanding into a Tee Shirt line?

As some may know, Zaftig Divas started as a group on Facebook that promotes self-confidence and boost self-esteem in plus size women, so they can grow to love themselves for who they are and not how much they weigh.   I decided to expand Zaftig Divas into a tee shirt line because the more you see, hear or say how beautiful you are the deeper it will sink in your mind and release that confident inner Diva in you.

4.  What separates your line of tee's from other companies? How do you come up with unique phrases? What is your favorite phrase?

I think what separates my line is I am using my shirts as billboards to share affirmations.  As stated earlier, you will start to believe what you see, hear and say the more it is presented to you, like that song you can’t get out of your head. I try to create my phrases based the opposite of what you think of yourself.  For example, “I hate my curves” will be “I love my curves”. I want women to put on my shirts and say, “oh yea, I am beautiful, I am confident”, and when other women see them in my shirt they will think the same. My favorite phrase would be my Signature tee, “Zaftig Divas” because it will be the first step to admitting who you are and it has that reminder of who you are with the definition of Zaftig on the back of the shirt.

5. Who or what inspired you?

What inspired me was a female who told me she lives her life through me. She was a plus size woman who was not confident enough to wear that Yellow pump or those Purple skinny jeans, so she got life by watching me do it. From that moment on I wanted to help women gain my confidence and self-esteem.That is how my group “Zaftig Divas” was born.


6. In fashion, what colors and styles are available? Do you have tee shirts with phrases unique to the season?

As of right now I will start with White Tees and work my way to other colors once I start receiving feed back on what the Divas want or like. I am very big on input from my Divas. Yes, I am planning to create phrases based on seasons and holidays, so stay tuned

7.  Do you customize tee shirts? What are the size ranges?

Unfortunately, at this time I do not customize the shirts but plan on implementing it in the future. I will carry sizes XL-4X depending on the style of the shirt.


8. If I asked you to design a tee for me using your own creative license, what would you design for me?

For you Dominique, I would have designed my “Hash Tag Tee” for you. #Curvy #Beautiful #Smart #Confident.

9. Where can we find Zaftig Divas Tee Shirts? And what are any other social media outlets?

You can find Zaftig Divas tee shirt line on zaftigdivas.bigcartel.com.We can also be found on instagram @zaftigdivas and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/zaftigdivas. As of a week ago, I also have a Zaftig Divas public page where I will be promoting Zaftig Divas tee shirt line and other plus size events, it’s accessible to anyone.

10.  What is in the future for Zaftig Divas as a company and brand?

There is a lot in the future for Zaftig Divas. There will be a Curves and Confidence Boutique, Beauty Within Plus Size modeling agency, non-profit organization, book and a couture clothing line. Stay tuned!

There you have it a woman on a mission to succeed in the plus size fashion industry by making her own rules, while creating and reaching her goals. This interview has left me with so much hope for the plus size industry as a whole. While being a difficult arena to break into it has created a wonderful platform for young artists and entrepreneurs to grow, flourish, and most of all make great relationships with other people who understand that passion you have in this particular market. Please support this beautiful this diva to reach her ultimate success by visiting www.zaftigdivas.bigcartel.com.

Stay Beautiful, Confident, & Sexy!

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For Bookings or inquires email me @ Fabulouslyp@gmail.com 

The Diary of a FAT FASHIONISTA: I don't have anything to wear!

Hello! Lovely, Fluffy, Divas! In the Confessions series we addressed plus size lifestyles that included careers, love, relationships, mental, physical, & emotional aspects of being FAT in a skinny world. In this series, were going to focus more on the journey plus size women take through fashion and coming into their own. Though it's talked about all throughout this blog, this series will be geared for women like myself who have a hard time staying on trends, keeping up with the seasons must have 'IT' item, and everything in between due to the fact that we are slightly heavier than the more solid plus size women. In other words, we might have a little extra in our tummy pockets then other women. This is for the extra meaty sistas of the world, I got you!

I've been going through my closet trying desperately to find something different to wear; The worst feeling in the world is to realize you have absolutely nothing or that you've worn everything in there at least more
than a dozen times. What's a girl to do! Ok ladies, I'm not the only fluffy woman who's thighs rub and because of that your pants start to show wearing in that area; so I know the pain of having to fix a good pair of pants because of it. Also, we truly get tired of mixing and matching the same items over and over. If any of you are like me and crave variety  then we know the same old wardrobe just won't due.

So, whats a big girl to do? First things first, 'New Year' new revelations! Use your connections or make some if you don't have any. Be a little more friendly when going into a store to make a purchase. Become friends with the sales people, in doing that you will find out when new items are coming in; or when something goes on sale. These people will become your fashion insiders; telling you what you need to know.

Next, though you may know this already shop clearence, not just any clearence ALL clearance. We all have our favorite spots to shop, but try to branch out. Go to stores you wouldn't  normally go to find a deal. Basically be more flexable, just because a store doesn't traditionally sell plus sizes doesn't mean they don't have wardrobe pieces that can work with you style. for example, I use to avoid J.C. Penny like the plague because what they offered in plus sizes was hiddious! Some garments fell apart in the wash, lost color, or stretched out. Because of that i stopped shopping there, now I visit a little more often and stick to  the items I now would look good, fit, and above all LAST! I will never find a a pair of pants there to fit me, but at least I can find a good, inexpensive top. 

Finally, ladies we have to get over the fear of the dressing room. This is the place nightmares are made of. I remember when I use to be so scared to go into the dressing room and be disappointed that my heart would pound has I opened the door. Dramatic? Yes. The truth? Hell yes! I don't know if I've completely gotten over the anxiety, but I do know that I've learned how to not let it strike fear in me.

Have you taken something in the dressing room and you were sure it would fit or that you would look good in it, only to find out that it doesn't even come close to what your imagination thought it would look like? Yeah, I've done that too. So, whats the point? How is this going to help you? I'll tell you how. Try not to be upset by the fact that whatever the item is that is doesn't flatter your body, recognize the fact that your found out in the dressing room and not at home, work, or a night out. It's the worse when your busy throughout your day and you have a wardrobe malfunction. So, think of it as saving you from spending money that would be better spent on something that would actually look good. 

ARE PLUS SIZE WOMEN VAIN?

Ladies, lets face it. Although we are plus size we are very vain in a way when it comes to letting the world know that we hold ourselves at a high standard even if they don't. We view it as a shame if your plus sized and not well maintained, in that we may try to squeeze into clothes that have long stop fitting; THIS MUST STOP! In our vanity, we refuse to see that though we're plus size weight has been gained making the size were are, become the size we were. Stop buying things in your old size in an attempt to save face with the fact that your maintain your size instead of growing out of it. Try making positive changes in your diet. Look, I'm no nutritionist but I have the same problem and I try to make healthier choices as to not grow out of my clothes. We all know the bigger you are the more money the clothes cost, but allowing your muffin top to take center attention over your personality, style, and essence of being is a far

bigger crime. 

I'm not therapist, but I call it like it is. I talk about things that have happened to me, or I've gone through myself. Shopping isn't always a quick therapy session, but if your going out to the malls to find something to wear; don't bring baggage with you. If you do, all you will bring how with you is more baggage than what you had the first time. Let the weight of finding something to wear go (no pun intended) in order to find something that fits. 

Stay plus size, sexy, and confident!

Please leave any questions or comments below!

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Expanding Fashion Plus: Taking a new direction on the Business of Curves!

Hello my darlings! Being an independent writer I wear many hats. Recently I've been researching ways to grow my business. I've decided to put my degrees to use and get involved in:

- Hosting events

- Speaking engagements

- Creative directing/assisting

- and Plus Size Personal Styling

Although, plus size fashion blogging is my priority; I would like explore what it means to be a full figured business woman. In all honesty it's always been a dream of mine to expand Fashion Plus, and really be a positive voice on full figured fashion; whether its the good, bad, or the ugly. In the beginning of my blogging career I've always made it known that fashion is just the tip of the iceberg, and that women (especially full figured women) have different levels, and situations that if your not plus size won't be understood. 

My goal is to reach the women who like me felt like no one understood their hopes, dreams, aspirations, and
of course their sorrows. If I can reach them through speaking I will do that. If I can make them feel better by being a personal stylist and revamping their wardrobe; then so be it. I want to contribute to an industry that helped me find my niche as well as my voice.

Please support me in my ventures by helping me put the word out. My talents extend beyond writing and I'd like to explore them in the plus size business world! 

For any inquires email me at: Fabulouslyp@gmail.com

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*Images by Google and Myself