Sneak Peek at Sonsi's 2013 Costume Shop

I had the privilege to get a sneak peek at Sonsi's Costume Shop for 2013, which will officially launch this Saturday with sizes 12-30. I know Halloween is a couple months away but many people start to look for costumes as early as the end of August. I haven't dressed up much for Halloween since my teenage years and even then I would have to throw things together from my closet since most stores didn't carry costumes in my size or all the cute costumes were sold out by the time I went.

I am learning that to stay on top of the fashion game as well as to get the bomb items,us plus size women want, that online is wear it's at. Although I hate it, I am happy that there are options for us. Since my little ones are old enough to start going trick or treating I am definitely going to join in the festivities of getting a costume.

Sonsi's Costume Shop has every costume you can think of from characters to occupations. I know where I'll be getting my costume from. Here are a few pictures of fabulous costumes they have in the shop.

This year is all about having fun for Halloween so what do you want to dress up as?

I'm the Biggest Girl in The Gym

Finally deciding to get healthy is a big step for anyone. Regardless of size, health is the most important factor to maintain. I congratulate all of you who have starting and are currently working hard to become and living healthy. It is no secret that I am battling my own weight loss and healthy journey. After many years of not actually working out in the gym (I usually work out at home) I have signed up with my love to get back in there.

I have found that I will work harder and stay focused if I have other people around me, not to mention I'm spending money on it. When walking to the cardio equipment, I was surveying the area and sure enough I was the biggest person in the room. Did that stop me....NOPE! Many women and men tend to shy away from gyms and other fitness areas because they are scared to show their larger bodies and ultimately feeling judged by others. I sometimes feel that way too. Its always in the back of my mind what others may think but IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS!

The other gym members do not know your story. It is up to you to stay focused on your goal and strive for the best. Just think about the end result and how happy you will be when you reach your goal of a healthier life. I wanted to give you a few tips to make it easier to handle being the big girl in the gym.

• There will being other plus size people at the gym even if you are bigger than them just know that you are not alone in your journey.

• If possible bring a friend you can talk to. It will keep your mind off of everyone else.

• Create a workout plan. This will keep you focused on your tasks.

• Take your time and do it right! Do not kill or hurt yourself trying to do things you can't handle.

• Say positive messages to yourself to keep you going.

• Wear cute a colorful workout clothes.

• If you need help, ask the staff. Most gyms provide trainers or staff to help you with equipment.

• REMEMBER YOUR HEALTH COMES FIRST!!!

Did Harper's Bazaar Fail Gabourey Sidibe????

Not often, if ever do we get to see a plus size celebrity, model, woman in an editorial spread for Harper's Bazaar. When I heard Gabourey Sidibe was featured along with other celebrities and models I was excited. I am still excited about it. It shows that we are making our way to being included in mainstream and popular magazines.

I feel like the only difference between plus and straight size women is their size. They are still as beautiful and fabulous as their counterparts. Yet we are still treated as if we can and don't have the same life. I recently had a high school friend on Facebook talk about her horrible experience over hearing a group of boys say she would be cute if her body was smaller. She is now in the process of planning  weight loss surgery and I hurt for her. Plus size women is constantly made to feel that we are not good enough simple because we carry a heavier frame. It's not that we are mean or hurtful people, we just weigh more.

Looking at plus size women in magazines and on TV gives us hope that we are on the verge of being completely accepted. HOWEVER when a plus size person is featured in something and they make her look worse than everyone else it is a big let down and the feeling that we are still not accepted is heard loud and clear. I love that Gabby was featured but her clothing selection was beyond terrible and a bit disrespectful is you ask me.

After looking at the other women that was features it is very clear that they had no idea how to dress Gabby. I find it hard to believe that at this time they could not find more flattering pieces to have her wear. I understand that this was a high fashion editorial spread by lets get real. The title of the shoot is called "Singular Beauty", but there is nothing beautiful about how they made Gabby look.

Let's breakdown her outfit. She is in all black for the most part. I don't know if they thought it would make her look more slim, but fist of all the blacks are two different shades. They look like pajamas and do nothing for her figure. She has on basic black pumps also which is fine. Now this jacket honey.....Fail.The coat is very straight and makes her look boxy. It would have been better if it was buttoned up and tied around the waist to give her a more feminine silhouette. To top of this horrible look the put a scarf on her head. The scarf is cute but makes her face look very round. It would have looked better if maybe they created a wrap style or turban style head piece.

I have not seen one person say anything positive about Gabourey's photo and doubt we will. I think it is a disservice to feature a plus size woman and dress her horribly. We have too many plus size high fashion designers for her to not have something fabulous to wear. All I can do is SMH at this photo of Gabourey. I have included some of the other people photographed for "Singular Beauty" so you can see how they look.





How do you feel about Gabby's picture?????

Are You RED-y for Mission Alfresco

When I think of all red for a Rescue Mission event I think of love for my family, friends and my community. Mission Alfresco is a wonderful event the Rescue Mission has planned and everyone’s excitement is bursting at the seams. For those who are unfamiliar, you and your family or friends will meet at a location for dinner and fun with others in the community while wearing red. Not only do you have to wear red but all of the items you bring have to be red as well. This is a time to enjoy family, friends, food and fun while supporting a great cause – ending hunger and homelessness in our community

I had the pleasure to speak with some of the awesome ladies that are helping coordinate this event. I can tell you that this is an occasion you don’t want to miss. This year will also focus on fabulous fashions finds and the outfits you put together. There is no specific style stated, so you can be as creative as you would like. This cause is all about having fun and enjoying the night so keep that in mind. You want to wear things that you are most comfortable in while still incorporating your style.

To further support the Rescue Mission, They are encouraging everyone to create a look from your local Rescue Mission Thrifty Shopper Store. Not only will you further support the cause, you will also save money. I love exploring the local thrift store. You will always find great items and clothing you wouldn’t expect to see in a thrift store. With having unlimited options to create your look the biggest tip I can give you is to have fun.

There are a few things you can incorporate into your clothing items to make it more engaging. Prints like floral, polka-dot and strips will always give your outfit a little boost. But don’t forget about your accessories and shoes. These are items that you will have more leeway with and they don’t have to necessarily be red. Although red is the theme it can be hard to find shoes and jewelry that is completely red so this gives you the opportunity to add subtle colorful touches.

As you put your look together think about the love you will share with your community. At first glance wearing one color may not be your ideal outfit choice, but wearing one color to show your support of others is what matters. It will be fun to see what everyone puts together. Whether you are coming with your spouse or your entire family this is the time to get inspired.

Simple Goes a Long Way OOTD

It takes me forever to get dressed most mornings. Either I can't find what I really want to wear or I hate what I picked out the night before. Today was one of those days. I wanted to wear a skirt but didn't want to wear heels. I'm still working on my mid heel options as most of my shoes are at least 4 inches. BUT I didn't have any flats that I was feeling....The Struggle

After finding the skirt I wanted to wear I was stuck without a shirt....that was a journey too. I wish I could have a closet like Cher in Clueless or my own stylist. So what I ended up doing was just put on a simple black top and cute 3 inch sandals. I added some jewelry to keep my look from not being boring also. Today was a very simple look but it goes a long way.

 

Outfit Deets: Top: Burlington / Skirt: ASOS Curve / Shoes: ShoeDazzle / Necklace: Rainbow / Bracelet: Gifted