Artists Spotlight: Abe Pascual Owner/Artist of Magnitude Tattoos

The best part of supporting other artists, is knowing them personally. Abe Pascual is an amazing, and passionate tattoo artist. How do I know this? Because I've worked with him on my most recent tattoo designed by myself and made into reality by Mr. Pascual. 

Mr. Pascual has been A tattoo artist/owner of Magnitude Tattoos for over six years. As a self-taught artist, Mr. Pascual  has his studio full of books, magazines, and other media that assist him with ideas on creating one-of-a-kind unique pieces. But copying images from books is not his only talent, he also creates his own artistic images by taking into account the personality of his client. For him as an artist it's not enough to be able to simply copy an image, but to bend and molded it into something truly unique and different that will satisfy the clients particular vision for self-expression through body art, and that's exactly what he did for me when I came to him with an idea to do something totally different, and never seen before. Let's take a peek inside the studio:

When I was younger, like most young people the first thing I wanted to do was get tattoos on my body as a means of self-expression. Now that I'm older I realize that getting a tattoo for the sake of getting a tattoo is not the smartest thing. If you're going to get a permanent staple on your body such as a tattoo in my opinion, you have to get something that speaks to who you are. For years I was undecided as to what I wanted to add to my repertoire of tattoos. When I decided to become a full-time writer/blogger it became clear what I wanted to put on my body that I thought was a great representation of who I am. So, between the our meeting of the minds we came up with this design:

So being a writer, the figure that came to mind was to get a pen. But that seemed to basic to me and I've never been a basic person, so I decided to elaborate on that idea and make it more grandiose. That's when I decided that I would play on the words, "The pen is mightier than the sword." So I decided to use an Arabian Sword and have it shaped into a fountain pen and have it write out the word 'FREEDOM' to me writing meant freedom. Artistic elaboration were added by Mr. Pascual to give the design more depth. It's those additions that made the end result spectacular! Check out my new ink!

Admittedly out of all the ink I have on my body to date; this one by far is the best. Not because I designed it, but because it was a collaborative effort between two artists with a vision. To create such a unique peice that is going to be a permanent fixture on someone's body, the artists have to understand each other and believe in the end goal of the project. 

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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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Sexy turns Plus Size: My shopping trip to Torrid

Hello Dolls! I recently went on a shopping trip to Torrid. For those of you who don't know Torrid is a trendy plus size store more for twenty somethings; originally it was for people who are into Gothic type clothes, but they have branched out and really hit the mark on what a full figured women that's in her twenties likes to wear & that she wants to be sexy and trendy; instead of matronly and in bad taste. so here are a few photos of some outfits I tried on and bought.

This top I wore to work, it felt great against my skin and I felt good in it. I think it flattered my curves without revealing too much.

This is the back of it. I thought that the back being out would be too revealing but it turned out to be PERFECT!
















A better picture from the front.

This is the same top in a shimmery black color, ok I'm one of those girls that will buy the same top in different colors; because it can be worn to different occasions. Like this one for instance can be worn to a club, or party whereas the other one would be only for the office type setting. With this top I can be more playful and dress it up with booties or a high heel and accessories to give it an evening or club look.

I love this top! This is what I call multipurpose. I can were it to school or work; and dress it up to go out with my girls! It has a open section over the chest, and has a piece of fabric across the neck. I think I love this top because of the chest area. If  you don't know me I love to push my breasts up and attempt to give myself a more hour glass figure. I am plus size, but I have lost a little weight and I'm shaping up nicely. This top shows my shape coming in.

** Check out my YouTube channel to see what I'm doing to get healthy! http://Youtube.com/user/Dom4FashionPlus.

Usually, I don't like dresses; and that's because I always felt awkward in them. But every once in a while I find a dress that gives me the look & feel that I want. Though not the greatest picture; this dress is gorgeous on me. It's free flowing across my stomach so I can hide it a bit, I'm going to pair it with a short wrap to frame my top and make it look better or cleaner shaped, a pair of booties to give me some height (because I'm a shorty,lol), and a pair of fish net type tights(like the one's below) to finish it off.

These would be what I have in mind to make sexy legs, even SEXIER!








Remember to stay BEAUTIFUL, CONFIDENT, & SEXY!

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Plus size or full figured doesn't mean FAT!

For years women have been laboring under the misconception that a curvy woman is automatically considered a FAT woman. The stigma has lasted for as long as fashion has existed. Why? It was always thought that a woman has a shape outside of a straight line, she is fat or more commonly known as now is obese. This concept is simply not true. Like everything else in life there are degrees to measure the body type of a woman.

But I'm not talking about measuring, I'm more concerned with how we as women are made to feel when it's suggested that to be attractive you have to fit this perfect mold that all or most people want to be categorized as.

No! You do not have to be fat to be plus size. What prompted me to discuss this further it a conversation I had with a friend. During this conversation I realized I knew many people who thought of curvy women as plus size; including themselves. And for some women to come to the realization that they are not the size they use to be or not the size they want to be is scary. So what happens? You  and I both know what happens... They go after clothing that doesn't make them feel good or sexy, but depressed because it doesn't drape the right way on their bodies.

Question: Why do we lie?

Why is it so hard to come to grips with the fact that 'I need a bigger size?'  Why when we consider cars, money, houses, etc bigger is better; with people sweet is petite? And it echoes so loudly that soon that's all we hear and it becomes our obsession. Healthy is one thing forcing your body to conform to another persons standards is another story entirely.

Looking at clothing ads for full figured women you will see that most of those women are not plus size because their FAT; but because they have large breast, and wide hips. In what world is LARGE BREASTS and WIDE HIPS ever wrong?

Listen, I am every bit full figured. I have large breasts, wide hips, round stomach and yes I could be healthier but over all I am happy with myself.  I would rather buy clothes that fit and look good on me regardless of its size; then to buy something much smaller, makes me look a HOT MESS, and get me all the wrong attention simply out of pure vanity of a number size no one will see because the tags are on the inside of my clothes... Tell me what is the problem with that?

No, you don't have to be fat to be considered full figured; but you do have to be dumb to consider yourself anything short of it!

As always stay beautiful, confident, and sexy! Leave any comments below. I thank you for all your support and please visits my other pages:







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Santa baby, I know what I want under my tree...: My picks for great gifts!

What would you like Santa to leave for you under the tree this year? I know, it leaves you with the look of question marks on you face. Don't worry I have some great ideas that are sure to make your Naughty behavior seem very Nice. This year has been a rough on all of us, so when I started my Christmas shopping the first thing I did was come up with a budget; the next thing I did is go waaaay over it! I'm a lover of Christmas and I can't help but really go ham (crazy) when the season comes in, it's the only time of year when I don't quite feel the sting of life; however, I do feel it in my wallet. So to save you guys from the same pain I've just recently had the pleasure of making an acquaintance with; I've come up with some really great gift ideas that won't, YES! Won't break the bank but still have the potential to be knock out, fabulous gifts.

First,tonight lets leave the children(if you have any) at home and enjoy a romantic dinner for two, weather it be at home or at your favorite eatery make it your business to make this Christmas gift one for the record books. It doesn't have to cost a million dollars to let the person close to you know that they are appreciated, sometimes that is gift enough.

If a budget is what your on, then a romantic evening alone in a HOT bubble bath with your SWEETHEART is the all the gift you need to turn your NICE evening into a NAUGHTY one! With this gift and quick trip to the Dollar Store you can turn your plain Jane bathroom into a romantic spa getaway. Imagination, visual, ambiance is key with this gift, so be sure to color coordinate, have flow, and always make sure a beautiful sent is in the air.

Feeling a little nostalgic? Maybe this trip down memory lane will help you remember why you love Christmas! Watching this Christmas Classic, while cuddling with your honey is a great way to unwind from the liveliness of the day.

      

For the gadget person in your life an IPad case is a great way to protect your device and can also complement your style in a variety of colors, shapes, & sizes. Some of the fabric cases can be embroidered with names or special messages of love or encouragement to remind anyone of how special they are; and what they can achieve. Hope, isn't that what Christmas is all about?

For the music lover in your life Beats by dr. dre is defiantly their dream come true! The sound and clarity of these professional, and studio quality headphones can get you in the groove no matter how hectic your day.

For the man in your heart, Gucci Guilty is a great way to keep him smelling good, being confident, and  most of all trusting in your good taste to know what smells good on him and lights your fire at the same time; so basically its a win win for both of you!

Ladies, I didn't forget about us! I am a woman that LOVES to smell good! I like to smell like a man can eat me right up at the mere passing of me in the office, at home, and anywhere in between; so I know my ladies like the same type of attention. Philosophy products can do that for you with their bubble baths, shower gels, fragrances, and body lotions! You will be supple, and soft while remaining on your best behavior( at least for a little while).

Like I said before, I love to smell good and using Pink Sugar is one of the ways I like to do it! This smell is pretty, with a candy smell that isn't over powering. It can be worn with anything to anything, this sent is a multipurpose sent  that can fit  any occasion.

Sometimes a nice relaxing drink while reminiscing can be the best conversation you ever have with friends or loved ones. Doing this can oddly put things in perspective for you. Also, it can put you in line to face things you would otherwise turn from; and set goal that have been pushed to the back burner of your mind. Taking this time to focus can and will set you on the path of knowing or asking the common question; Whats next?

  Lastly, but certainly not least is LOVE. Giving someone your heart without any stipulation, or conditions is the best gift you could ever give another human being. This gift shouldn't be taken lightly and cherished for as long as possible for it is fragile; even though sometimes it cannot be easily broken it can definitely be wounded. So, please handle it with care!

So, that's my TOP 10 Christmas Picks I hope you like them as much as I do!

Remember your gift don't have to be the most expensive as long as when you give it, its from the heart! If you have anything to add please comment as you see fit.

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Dating the Voluptuous way: How curvy women should dress for a day or night out on the town!

YES! I'm absolutely going to go there! Dating is hard enough without adding the prep time it takes to get ready for it, but when you also add to the equation being plus sized it takes the "Dating Game" to a new level entirely.

The first date can make or break a possible future relationship, so it's important to identify whether or not your comfortable with this person in a setting were it will be the two of you and no other daters (double dating), or group setting. If you can, find out what type of date your going out on so that dressing for the occasion will be as effortless as possible. Not only will knowing ahead of time give you an edge, but it will also provide you with back up conversation material should you run out of things to talk about. But if your date is cute, articulate, and knowledgeable trust me you should not be lacking in the communication department. But should you find that they're all looks and no substance cut and run ASAP! Because there's nothing worst that a cute DULL date; whose only conversation is about me, myself, & I.

For a casual date: whether it be two people or a group, I would recommend a versatile flowing top maybe a solid color; something not too busy, a slim cute pair of jeans (to show off your shape or your hour glass shape), and a cute flat or booties to complement with limited accessories. It's best to stick to earrings and bangles to draw attention to your face and hands. Go light on the makeup, your date shouldn't be tempted to use a butter knife to chisel the foundation off of your face!

For a lunch date: I suggest to try and be dressy casual. That way you will be prepared for any lunch setting; wether it be in a bistro, a deli, a cafe, or a hot dog in the park; always put your best foot forward. P.S. Wear comfy shoes nothing too over the top that screams expensive & uncomfortable. That way if you two go for a walk you won't be unpleasant because your feet hurt. And we ALL know that when our feet starts to hurt the date or occasion is pretty much over.

For a beach or boardwalk date: Humm?That's a little more playful, so something light and airy would work best on this date. Possible a breathable cotton top, a crop pant or Capri, and a comfy light weight sneaker like Toms or a wedge. Little to no accessories and a light handbag if needed. On a beach date its likely that you will be out in the sun a majority of the time; so light clothing is essential. Also, there are plenty of boardwalk activities to do so wearing pants are a must! This date should be really fun so you can be sure there will be no awkward silences between you. Makeup should be minimal, and sun screen a must.

Now the date I know you've been waiting for the " Dinner Date" : This date is the most important date of all the dates previous. On this date there are no distractions. No friends, activities, or interruptions. This is when you really show who you are, and this is your chance to really WOW your date! When dressing show your personality; be classic but memorable. If wearing something black, be sure that your jewelry & accessories including your shoes stands out and brightens your ensemble. For your make up bring the attention to your eyes and mouth. You should always want to hold the attention there so that during conversation you'll be able to gage their reactions.

Over all, dating when with a great person can be a memorable experience or a disaster waiting to happen; but whatever the outcome please believe that you will be the best part of it! As always stay beautiful, confident, sexy, and full figured!!

Until next time, leave any questions, comments, or concerns below. Or LIKE Fashion Plus on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/FashionPlusBlog or email me at fabulouslyp@gmail.com