My Day in Harlem, NY Part 2

My day in Harlem was great. I met great people, had great food, and did some shopping. I was ready to hit the streets at night and see what fun we could have. First let me say I did not pack accordingly. I packed a ton of skirts and only a few pants and a couple flat shoes, but the pants I packed didn't flow and I hated the flats I brought. So I don't know what I was thinking when I packed them.

Our first thought was to go to a club BUT my friend forgot her i.d. (I don't know how that happen lol). The next thing to do was hit up Time Square. My biggest problem is that it takes me forever to get dressed and out of all the clothes I never like anything. It got a lot colder than I thought it would so I know I needed to wear pants. The pants I brought though was not making the cut. So I opted for what I call a blackout. A blackout is an all black outfit with little color added. The only shoes I liked was my combat boots. So there you have it a thrown together outfit.

As we go to walk out of the hotel, it is pouring. That's right it is raining pretty heavy. That pretty much killed the mood. How could we enjoy walking around NYC holding an umbrella. That killed the night. Instead we got some White Castle (another first for me) and chilled in our room. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep and I was out cold. The next morning it was time to hit the road and it was definitely bittersweet. I was happy to get home to my 3 little ones but I loved Harlem and wanted to stay longer. The drive home was cool and we even stopped at an outlet to check out some stores. Not to mention they had stores like Versace, Tom Ford, and Gucci just to name a few. A girl can dream can't I lol.

Overall the trip was so much fun and I will definitely be back to the city.

 

 

 

Don't worry NYC I will be back!!!!!!!

My Day in Harlem, NY Part 1

People are completely shocked when I tell them I have never been to New York City. Growing up we didn't take many vacations because it was so many of us and as I got older I never had a reason to go or friends that wanted to go, so I never cared to take a trip down. After visiting I can say that I have fallen in love. The New York City vibe is something that you will never find in Syracuse. It was heaven and I fit right in.

A few people were worried about my trip but I am 27, I think I can handle it lol. I kept joking that I would need a fanny pack, map and huge camera around my neck. I travel every year so I know the does and don'ts of traveling and did I mention I'm 27 lol. This was however the first time I took a trip and my daughters were not with me. So I hit the road with my cousin and our friend and the ride was a breeze. It's usually around 4 hours but we got there in little under that, thanks to little to no traffic.

The basis of the trip was business (read about that here) and after that it was time to take the city all in. I knew there would be a ton of walking so I wore flats, but still kept it cute. We spent most of the day shopping and checking out the scenery. The amount of stores that carried plus size clothing was more than I can count. In Syracuse we have about 4, so having a ton of options was a breath of fresh air. Tere were so many choices to make which definitely did not help my shopping problem.

It was also nice to see the murals and artwork painted on buildings. I am a fan of graffiti too and there are some very talented people out here. The buildings were beautiful, especially the brownstones. I loved them and they reminded me of the movie Crooklyn. I could see myself rehabbing one and making it fabulous. We spent so much time walking around we didn't even think about eating until around 8pm (we had breakfast at like 9am).

 

 

My coworker and the fabulous stylist Kendra Porter told me a few great places to eat and we decided on Sylvia's. There was a ton of people there and we thought it would be a long but it wasn't, only around 20 minutes. We ate outside and the service was excellent. The food......A+ it was delicious. I had chicken and waffles but I tried what my cousin ordered too. I definitely recommend Sylvia's if you have never been. We ended up sitting next to a retired basketball player (how cool). We didn't know who he was but a ton of guys did and our waiter gave us all of the details.

 

 

All in all the day went of without a hitch and we had a blast. This was not the end of our night though so stay tuned for part 2.

Ashley Stewart Signature Collection Launch with Kendra Porter

I was invited to attend Ashley Stewart's Signature Collection Launch event in Harlem, NY by the fabulous stylist Kendra Porter. I couldn't believe she invited me herself. Being that I am in Syracuse and this event is in NYC (like most plus size events), I probably wouldn't have went if I was invited by a random person. I saw this as an opportunity to connect and network with people that can help me grow my craft and business.

I created a plan, got a couple of girls to go with me and we hit the road. Three and a half hours later we were checking into our hotel and getting ready for the launch. Believe it or not but this was my first time in New York City and I was excited. I definitely wanted to jump into the city life and feel the vibe. The event was great! Kendra gave a very nice presentation of the collection and provided helpful information on finding clothing to flatter our body types. We also got to shop in the mean time and who wouldn't love that.

Meeting Kendra Porter was awesome. She actually recognized and came up to me and we ended up speaking for majority of the event when we could. I was also able to meet and speak with Erica from the corporate side of Ashley Stewart. I know that Ashley Stewart is very active in the community and also does a lot of work with bloggers and other plus size fashion mediums. I left the event with my goals accomplished. I got to meet and have great conversations with Kendra and Erica. I planted the seeds that I firmly believe will grow.

 

 

 

This will not be the last time I head to NYC for Size Fabulous. I only see great things in it's future!!!

Call Me Bond......Jasmon Bond

You ever put on an outfit and instantly feel bad ass? Well that's me today. I was unsure of what to wear but knew I wanted to wear this skirt because I have not worn it yet and the weather is getting colder. We're in that in between stage were in the morning it's really cold but gets warm by the afternoon. Once I figured out everything to wear, you couldn't tell me nothing. I am at a stage in my life were I dress to put me in a better mood. I have said many times that what you wear can brighten up your day and I stand by it. I woke very angry due to lack of sleep but by the time I finished getting dressed I was in a better mood...Why??? Because I felt I looked like a true BOSS and very BAD ASS lol.

 

 

 

 

Outfit Deets: Blazer: Forever21 / Top: JcPenney / Skirt: ASOS Curve / Shoes: Guess

40 Degrees....Don't Nobody Have Time for That!!!!!!!

I did not give the ok for this cold weather so early into September. Syracuse and the rest of Central New York is notorious for this bipolar weather. It's supposed to get up to the low 60's today but Friday it's supposed to be near the 80's. That is why everyone gets sick, this weather don't know what to do. Now is the time to seriously take out those sweaters, button-ups and figure out my dress slacks selections. I'm not happy about it, but it must be done.

 

 

 

Outfit Deets: Top and Pants: CW Price / Shoes: Target / Necklace: Rainbow

Style Has No Size

Syracuse Style Presents The Landmark Theatre Window Project was a great success. It was an amazing event with awesome windows, companies and attendees. The turnout was great and there were a ton of news sources out. Like most of the time in fashion you will not see many plus size things. I knew like the others that this event would not feature a plus size model or company. This was a great opportunity to spread body love and style regardless of your size through Size Fabulous.

The positive feedback on my window, model, and message was outstanding. I cannot thank Syracuse Style and The Landmark Theatre more for this opportunity. I met fabulous women and men and even educated a few people lol. My model name is Hope Reese and was serving it in the window. She was a great model and I will definitely use her in the future.

I have included her outfit deets at the bottom as well as one of the many video news reports and they get a great up close shot of my model at the end.

 

 

 

 

Outfit Deets: Blazer: JcPenney / Top: Walmart / Skirt: Loft / Shoes: Walmart / Clutch: Don't Remember

Cute and Comfortable

Yesterday was the night for The Landmark Theatre Window Project to kick off Syracuse Fashion Week. It was an outside event without any sitting sections so I knew I had to have comfortable shoes. I am learning more that as much as I LOVE me some heels it is ok to avoid the "my feet hurt" conversation. Nothing is more chic than heels BUT you can still be cute, chic and most important COMFORTABLE. This was a very cute look and it was also very comfortable. Ladies it is ok if you don't wear heels when you are out. Heels do not define was fabulous is.

 

 

Outfit Deets: Top: Forever21 / Jeans: Rainbow / Shoes: Target / Clutch: DSW

The Landmark Theatre Window Project

I was blessed to get one of the 44 windows that surround Syracuse's Landmark Theatre. The window display is to promote your business, but it will also kick off Syracuse Fashion week. I am having a blast designing and creating looks. I have to admit that styling a person is one thing but to create an entire window display is very nerve racking. Will I do enough?, will it be cute?, will people like it?????

Now for the month of September the window will be decorated as you see fit, BUT, on the 12th we have to have a live fabulous model in the window (how cool is that) to kick of Syracuse Fashion Week. I have a great plus size model and I am definitely looking forward to this Thursday.

Another great thing about this project is that I created and made the skirts both my dress form and model is wearing (I'm a jack of all trades lol). Since I have been sewing since the age of 5 I have made many pieces and thought this would be a great opportunity to go all in. My window is complete and set up and now I just wait until Friday for the event.

I encourage all of you to come and check it out. It will start at 7:30pm and an after party will follow.

Celebrating Healthy Curves is Still Celebrating Curves....Right??

I have noticed that when I post things related to fashion/style/body image I get a great response from my fabulous followers, but when I post about living a healthy lifestyle I either get no response, negative response or people start to unfollow me. Now I know everyone is on their own journey and I in no way push my thoughts and opinions onto to others, but it does make me think. Do people feel like I am not still celebrating curves if I talk about healthy foods and exercise?

I am a full figured woman full of curves and I believe I will always be plus size (I don't want to become skinny). I do however want to be HEALTHY...is that a crime? Size Fabulous was created to have women love their bodies while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Do I criticise people for eating foods I don't or not exercising...absolutely not. Everyone is in charge of their own life and like I said many times, losing weight and eating healthy is your decision and your journey.

Would I like to see you fabulous ladies on a healthy journey...Yes! I am a firm believer that everyone regardless of size should eat healthy and get a little exercise in their daily routine. I want us all to be healthy. I know I am not perfect and nor do I claim to be. I have been up and down on my journey since the birth of my twins (which was 2 years ago) so I know and understand the struggle. I love you guys and if my posting of health and wellness bothers you then I am sorry, BUT I will continue to share my journey.

Size Fabulous has a goal and you don't have to agree with everything that is shared. I am sharing my stories through my blog so those who are going through the same journey has someone they can relate to and reach out to. I love all of my followers whether you hit the gym or not and I will always be here for you guys in all aspect of being fabulous at any size.

12 Facts About Body Image You May Not Know

• Twenty years ago, models weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, they weigh 23% less than the average woman.

• The average American woman is 5’4” tall and weighs 140 pounds. The average American model is 5’11” tall and weighs 117 pounds.

• If Barbie was a real woman, she’d have to walk on all fours due to her proportions.

• About 7% of 12th grade males have used steroids in order to become more muscular.

• If GI Joe were human, he’d have larger biceps than any bodybuilder in history.

• One out of every four college aged women has an eating disorder.

• It is estimated that 40 to 50% of American women are trying to lose weight at any point in time.

• Americans spend more than 40 billion dollars a year on dieting and diet-related products – that’s roughly equivalent to the amount the U.S. Federal Government spends on education each year!

• Almost half of all women smokers smoke because they see it as the best way to control their weight. Of these women, 25% will die of a disease caused by smoking.

• In 2007, there were about 11.7 million cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. Ninety one percent of these were performed on women.

• A study found that 53% of thirteen-year-old American girls are unhappy with their bodies. This number grows to 78% by the time girls reach seventeen.

• According to the Girl Scouts Research Institute, one-third of all girls have a distorted idea about their weight.