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‼️

**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

*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

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

On this day we celebrate women and the achievements we've accomplished throughout history and in our everyday lives. I'm proud of all women who've kept stead fast in chasing their visions in the hopes of accomplishing a dream. Please remember to continue to feed your spirits and know that all things are possible.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 💋💋

Artist Spotlight: Full Figured & Fierce Model Martina Knight- Boyd

With a model walk & pose for the gawds, Martina Knight Boyd has taken the Youngstown Ohio plus fashion scene by storm!

As a plus size model Martina has dedicated herself to the encouraging, uplifting, and empowering of plus positive body images; while being determined to make positive changes in her community. Such dedication to helping others resulted in the organizing of a benefit concert for the less fortunate with her husband. Martina is an accomplished model, actress, singer, and spokeswoman for the Lupus Foundation; who has worked with an array of full figured brands to hone her craft and gain experience that will allow her to further pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. Her work with the Angel of Avay Agency helped to share her experience in other parts of the country and learning the importance of dedication, hard work, and working with different personalities. 

Martina continues to grow her bodies of work by tireless becoming involved in local full figured events throughout Ohio. These events include Majorly Loving Me Fashion Show, modeling for a locally based radio and t.v. ads, has starred on an indie film in 2014 called NO MORE UGLY JESSICA, and she has hosted the an event for Saving Our Women Domestic Violence campaign. 

When she's not performing in making appearances, Martina is working on a CONFIDENCE & BEAUTY Campaign for the clothing line called AYENIE which she has cofounded in is the currently the face of the brand that is debuting some time this year.

Using her entrepreneurial skills, along with her yearning to lend a helping hand to all who are in need Ms. Boyd spreads her personal message of confidence and beauty to all of the major U.S. fashion cities that promote the beauty of a full figured women. 

As a modern day Jane of all trades there's nothing this size sexy woman isn't capable of, whomever said big girls can't do it better surly haven't met Martina! As a plus size writer it makes me proud to see my sisters doing what's in their hearts to do and achieve with absolutely no apologies for who they are, or what they look like. Full figured women aren't beautiful because of our personalities, we're beautiful because we simply are! Bookings and contact info for Ms. Knight-Boyd below!

ENOUGH TALK, STRIKE THAT POSE!

Links:

www.facebook.com/martinaknightboyd

Twitter: @marty3176
Intagram: martinaknightboyd

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

Poem: Hey Fat Girl!

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

Artists SPOTLIGHT!

If you haven't guessed by now, Fashion Plus is debuting and new segment and its totally dedicated to showcasing new artists! Twice a month starting March 4th, 2015 Fashion Plus Blog will be showcasing ARTST SPOTLIGHT, giving recognition to upcoming and established artists of all genres! It doesn't matter what your art form is, everyone is welcome!

CRITERIA:

1. Be an artist

2. In the email: send three photos, resume (body of work), where it can be found if not your own site, short bio including interests, goals, and personal philosophy.

3. Contact info

4. Send email to Fabulouslyp.blogspot.com with ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT in the subject line

ATTENTION ARTISTS OF ALL TYPES! I'm developing a new segment on my blog and Youtube highlighting established and upcoming artists. If you RAP, DRAW, RECITE SPOKEN WORD, SINGERS, DANCERS, MODELS, WRITERS, COMEDIANS, DESIGNERS, and MAKEUP ARTISTS, ETC.

This is my way of SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT ARTISTS, as one myself I know how hard it is to get a start. I will select one artist a month to highlight on my media outlets. This is FREE exposure for all! PLEASE SERIOUS INQUIRES ONLY! 

If interested email me with Artist Spotlight in the subject to Fabulouslyp@gmail.com

#artist #urbanfiction #urbanliterature #pluspositive #plussizelife #fullfigured #fashion #psmodels #writers #publishing #bbw #blackart #bbwmovement #motivation #vsg#weightlosstransformation #novelist #naturalhaircommunity #curvacious #curvesreign #creativemind 

NEWS & UPDATES:

Greeting fellow beautiful people, I have lots of great news to share. First, I will be dropping my book cover in March, and I'm adding this new segment to my blog and Youtube, so PLEASE stay tuned for that. 

**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

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

Holiday Outfit Of The Day

Tis the season for great outfits, and yes your girl partook in the festivities! The holidays can be stressful on everyone, but imagine shopping for family, working, cooking, writing, and traveling to three different destinations; I think I just defined holiday burnout! Nevertheless, I looked fabulous while doing it. Veiw my holiday travel look!

1. Top from Ashley Stewart 

2. Belt: Lane Bryant, leggings: local plus size store

3. Boots: Avenue, Bracelet: Gift

4. Earrings: Baublebar, Necklace: Nordstrom. Lips: M.A.C. Ruby Woo, Brick liner, Russian Red Gloss. Jacket: YoursClothing UK

Thanx for tuning in!

What's going on for 2015??

**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

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! 

BLOGSPOT: www.Fabulouslyp.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/FashionPlusBlog

INSTAGRAM: www.Instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom

YOUTUBE: www.Youtube.com/user/dom4fashionplus