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!

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Click the link below!

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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

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:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/life-times-of-a-full-figured-fashionista-book-launchnetworking-party-tickets-16982916360?utm_campaign=201308&ref=esfb&utm_source=Facebookenivtefor001

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

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

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Tracks show? Oh no!

Yes, we're going to take it there! I talking about long, short, and medium hair. It's our crown and glory, while simultaneously being the first thing people notice about you. If someone was to ask you, what are you saying about yourself by having the hairstyle you have now, what would it be? How would you answer?

As a woman, I have went through many hair transitions. Not as many as most; but I've had my share. I've done things to my hair that I've shouldn't have done in the name of beauty and trying to make my appearance more attractive to the opposite of sex. Ultimately, that's why we do it ladies! Not just for ourselves and confidence, but to be attractive.  With that being said we must address the weave! Listen, it doesn't matter to me if you wear a weave, wig, lace front, or whatever; but if your going to wear it please wear it right! 

I'm going to keep it straight up real with you, I've seen women go in public with their tracks (weave) showing and swear they're the hottest chick moving! No my dear, please have a seat! You cannot conduct business with your tracks interrupting the conversation, I'm going to need you to fix that!

I have naturally long hair that doesn't cooperate with some styles that I want to do, also I know that most styles ( though are cute as hell) I can't pull off with just my hair; due to the lack of volume. With those styles I would need a weave just to make my hair look full; but I know that I wouldn't be able to keep up the maintenance, so I stick to what I know. 

In the past I've tried to get a quick weave (only once) and I swear I'll never do it again! Do y'all remember the movie Cone heads? Well, that's what I looked like with hair! I had too much real hair to pull off the look. I quickly took that mess out, got me a relaxer(years before I went natural), and a wrap styled my hair. Also, I tried to get my hair braided using human hair; only to have the braiding hair slid, YES SLID off of my real hair; because my hair is thin (again I lack volume)! 

 Ladies, my point is this...know what you can and can't do.

 No business person is going to take you seriously
if you look as if you've never made it past your first year of beauty school. First impressions last a lifetime, second impressions cement who you are. With that being said let's take a look at some BAD impressions that tracks have made:

The only thing you can say to a friend that looks like this is...

But don't let the bad weave styles discourage you from being creative with your hair if you so chose to keep using a weave. In my own opinion, the point of wearing a weave is the same as wear great clothes. To look good and give you confidence. The best weaves are the ones that you can't tell its a weave. The hair looks natural and beautiful. In my research I've found so ladies who got it right, check out these styles:

 

 

For any questions, comments, or concerns please leave a comment below!

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Work Outfit of the day: Plus Size Working Sexy!

Hello Dolls! I have discovered something amazing the other day while I was searching for a phone case and multitasking everything else in my life, I found cases for my IPhone on Amazon.com, and I stumbled on a beautiful blouse by PacificPlex. The top I'm going to review for you is a Brush Stroked Floral Satin Sleeveless Blouse with crystals in the middle of the flower print, the top I ordered is in white and black in  juniors plus size 5x. I know the size seems huge, but its not the juniors equivalent is about a size 22-24 in a women's size; so this was about right for me.

TIP: When ordering on the internet for any clothing, always check the size chart. Its easy to look as the sizes listed and choose the one that you would if you were in a store. Making a size choice this way could easily fool you, Why? because you don't know where the company is located and nine times out of ten the size equivalent in another country is different than where your from. So what fits as a size 24 in one place, can be a size 18 in another. If you live in the U.S. always refer to that sizing chart.

Front and back view

Though, the color your seeing is not the color I ordered; I wanted to give you a front and back view of the top when its not being worn. The lower part of the blouse in all spandex, which is great for a full figured woman, the top of the blouse is satin and it does fit a bit snug, but the back has some lycra to allow for a bit more stretching room. The neck has a halter inspired collar of the same satin material. When I tied the satin around my neck it made to feel a bit more snug than the first time, but not at all uncomfortable. To make the top more work appropriate I put on a short stretch shrug to hide the open back and give my arms some coverage.  Overall, I give this blouse a four star rating (out of five stars)!
This top wears well and I felt sexy and beautiful in it, if you guys were to buy this top from Amazon.com you will defiantly be happy!

Tip:  if you have big breasts the fit may be a little more snug on you then me so please be every mindful of that.

PICTURE TIME!

**Also, check me out in the June 2013 Issue of Full Blossom Magazine for: Five Tips A Plus Size Diva Must Know To Be Successful**

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