Showing posts with label full figure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label full figure. Show all posts

Monday, April 18, 2016

Conversations Inside My Head



So, I'm randomly trying to decide if I should go the gym today or get in some much needed writing for my second book. That's when the thought hit me. At the event last weekend in Newark I met a woman who is very much into fitness, and talking to people about it. NOTHING is wrong with that, but I do think her delivery needs improving.

So I kind of took that as her insinuating that I am glorifying and unhealthy lifestyle by writing a book about full figured women in the fashion industry. I'm a lover of fashion and I like to look good when ever I go somewhere, so yes fashion is a huge part of being confident and about being a woman comfortable in my skin.  So yes I want to have things that are well-suited to my body so why not write a book a fictional novel about such women who are empowering themselves through fashion; in the fashion industry and becoming major players. 



This event is about the EMPOWERING  of Full Figured Women, this is not the arena to preach weight loss. Healthy habits maybe, but not full on beast mode. 

So, she happened to stop by my table (I vended the event) and said my book seems interesting, but I (me) have to admit that extra weight is bad. If you could see my face! 

I told her being healthy IS NOT equated to size in particular. It's about how you live. You don't have to be super thin to be healthy or super fat to have health issues. I take myself for example, I told her I've lost over 135lbs. Yet to her I'm still an obese woman. I was trying to emphasize that you don't know where people come from so you cannot criticize where they are going because you don't know where they are in their journey to getting healthy. You cannot assume that because a person has a little extra weight that they are not doing what is needed to get healthier for themselves and not for the general public. 

And in any case, I think her intentions were well intended; but poorly delivered. 

Any who...until I have the next CONVERSATION IN MY HEAD‼️ TTYL πŸ’‹

Friday, January 15, 2016

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

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Artist Spotlight: U'Asia Cowan Creator/Designer of TU2'S By UU



What started off as a mom who decided not to buy store bought gowns for her daughter's pageants, has turned into a hometown success story! Born and bred in Paterson New Jersey, U'Asia Cowan has risen from the ranks of "Pagent Mom," or "Stage Mom" to bonafide business woman and entrepreneur.    Tu2's by UU has quickly become the favorite of many who want CUSTOM MADE PAGENT GOWNS,TUTU'S, and any other complementing accessories to make the event your attending memorable. Ms. Cowan's favorite tagline is "If you think it, I can make it!" Some of you may be doubtful of that comment, I however am NOT! She's made an entire skirt from light bulbs...LIGHT BULBS! That actually light up (without an extension cord,lol)! How many people can say they have the craftsmen ship to do that?

From first hand experience, I've seen the most creative, out of the box, just plain "damn why didn't I think of that!" Custom tutus and gowns created by Ms. Cowan. U'Asia has been in the design business since the early 90's creating detailed peices for special occasions, such as proms and weddings. I've witnessed the depth of her talent during the launch party for my debuting novel THE LIFE & TIMES OF A FULL FIGURED FASHIONISTA. I personally extended an invitation to Ms. Cowan and her plethora of models ranging from children, to THICK AND SWEET to present peices of her summer collection. The show DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The models gave audience members a WALK FOR THE GODS, and wowed us with the range of precision, style, focus, and ability of each and EVERY one of them. 

But fashion isn't U'Asia's only passion. She also gives of herself unselfishly as a mentor for children in the city of Paterson. Serving as a modeling coach, drill team coach, booking agent, talent coordinator, ShayShay Productions Team member, and teacher for the Paterson Public School System Ms. Cowan is a "JILL OF MANY TRADES" I wonder how this multifaceted diva finds enough hours in a day (lord knows I need to borrow some, lol)? U'Asia Cowan is an inspiration, we had a conversation not too long ago where I had told her that when I get in a bad head space and talk to her she gives me the push I need to keep going, and all she said to me was "THAT'S WHAT I'M HERE FOR." How amazing is it that someone could have so very much on their plate as far as life is concerned and still make room to give encouragement to others? ASTONISHING! I count myself as lucky to be in her tight knit group of friends. Today Ms U'Asia is our ARTIST IN THE SPOTLIGHT! Please give this queen her crown! 

**FOR CUSTOMS DESIGNS PLEASE SEARCH TU2'S by UU ON FACEBOOK!

TU2'S by UU FASHIONS:













Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Diary of a FAT Fashionista: The Unlikely Leading Lady



The Best friend, side kick, the DUFF; these are the type of roals available for full figured actors and actresses, or is it? Once upon a time, Hollywood headliners were actors that reflected real life situations, but not reall life people in their actor portrayals in most major motion pictures and network TV shows. The executiveives reluctance to cast plus size stars and or co-stars unless they are the witty, funny, sarcastic, confrontational, non romantic, and less attractive side kick of a more popularized personality has caused the more curvylicious to be more determined than ever to break those stereotypes.

Everyday I am amazed by how far the Full Figured Community has come. Starring and co starring in ore and more major TV series and motion pictures catapults the curvy figure into being more accepted Than in years past. 
Let's examine the facts! More and more plus size  actresses are joining the ranks of prestige by pursuing
and creating memorable characters that appeal to all audiences. On the 'Big Screen', we have Rebel Wilson; who not only takes back her power by calling herself 'Fat Amy', she continuously asserts her power by embracing who she is regardless to the people that are around her, she maintains her own sense of self and doesn't take herself too seriously, but allows herself to be comedic and in that she keeps the momentum in the movie going. 


The next actress that has become the trendsetter for acting while PLUS is Gabourey Sidibe, making her acting debut in movies like Precious, Gabourey has broken doors that have stood so long that  they've begun to rot. Showing range In her acting ability she has transition from dramatic roles, to comedic rules such as the character she played in Tower Heist, to A mix of both the dramatic and comedic when she co-starred in American Horror Story Coven, and her most recent role as feisty assistant Becky in Fox's TV hit drama Empire. 


Another one of my favorite curvy actresses is America Ferrera. She brings a wonderful, spicy, Latin twist on what it is to be curvy and want to be taken seriously in the industry. From starring in movies such as real women have curves, America inspired me to embrace my curvy figure in not to be ashamed, or embarrassed by it watching that movie gave me The courage not to care what people thought about what my body looks like. Starring in movies like, our family wedding America has shown in that movie that curvy women find love and get married too. We are regular women and we have the same goals, aspirations, and hangups as any other woman in the world.

We can't forget the legends!

Actresses such as Queen Latifah, Monique, Ricki Lake, S. Epatha Merkerson, Kathy Bates Jennifer Hudson, Nikki Blonsky, Kirstie Alley, and Tamala Mann have all shown me that it's okay to be the size that you are in the industry that you're in and be successful beyond your wildest dreams. They also showed me that it's okay to be a little silly and not take yourself so seriously, just as long as it does not inhibit the integrity of your work.

What about the TV networks?

In my growing up, it was normal to NOT see anyone like me on TV. Much like not seeing a race similar to yours (something to relate to), I began to have an obscure view of what was deemed beautiful, intelligent, and worthy of being taken seriously; which is exactly what I feel like the network executives of the past wanted. As time progressed, so did the expectations of the audience they sought to contain. In this era, new TV series's were born that project real life people, scenarios, and relationships.  Ushering in this new era are shows, books, and movies like:






















I can't wait to see more PLUS POSITIVE entertainment through these different media outlets in the upcoming new seasons! 

**Find me on social media!





*Visit The Life & Times Of A Full Figured Fashionista Facebook Page!
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My book is now LIVE on Kindle and on Paperback! The Life & Times of a Full Figured Fashionista is available for purchase on any of your devices! Thank you for all your continued support! Click the link to view on Amazon.com  

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








Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Life & Times of a Full Figured Fashionista BOOK LAUNCH/ NETWORKINGEXTRAVAGANZA!


The Life & Times of a Full Figured Fashionista will be hosting a book launch party for the first novel Saturday, August 15th at 176 7th Avenue Paterson, NJ! 
Come and enjoy:
*Networking
*Music
*Food
*Book Signing/Reading
*Drinks
*Raffle Prizes 
*And Swag Bags!

*ONLY FOR PICK UP AT THE EVENT, PLEASE RESERVE BELOW!*

Please reserve your copy today, links to Eventbrite is:

Who's helping to make the dream a reality?

Shay from SW Consulting at ShayRozay.com



And also the Event Planner to the Stars, Iasha Harris of Dazzling Touch Events! 


Thank you for ALL your support! Don't forget to get your copy!

MEET THE AUTHOR! 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15th 2015. 
176 East 7th Steeet, Paterson NJ
EVENT STARTS AT 4:00pm









Monday, May 18, 2015

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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