Showing posts with label curvy girl fever. Show all posts
Showing posts with label curvy girl fever. Show all posts

12.18.2017

18 December

Preparation, Perseverance, and God's Plan: When Your Plan Doesn't Cut It

peter pan dog GIF

Here's a fun fact about me: I am a Type-A person. Type A and Type B personality theory describes two contrasting personality types. In this theory, personalities that are more competitive, highly organized, ambitious, impatient, highly aware of time management and/or aggressive are labeled Type A, while more relaxed personalities are labeled Type B.

Being so hyper organized and detail oriented has always been a blessing for me. It's just the way my brain operates. I can tell you how long it going to take me to get to the gas station and hit the ATM (barring a line), down to the very minute. Running late gives me anxiety. And being on time for things? If you tell me 4pm, I will religiously be there by 3:40pm, trying to find out what I missed. I can't help it. I've always been this way. And its worked for me.

For the most part.

In the past few years, my life has taken a few turns for the better---a thriving blog, modeling gigs and shows left and right, sponsorships, collaborations, international flights, the list goes on. Saying that I was prepared for this elevation in my life would be a lie. I didn't know that I was going to be here.

We all have plans for ourselves. This could be a plan for the day, week, month, or even the next year. We have plans for our fitness, as well as plans for eating right and drinking more water. We have plans on finding our Boaz and finding family, or even a plan to cut off relationships (romantic or platonic) altogether.

Sometimes these plans are written down.
Sometimes they're just in our head, without any concrete bullet points or planners to accompany them.
We all do it. Whether its the Type-A or Type-B way.

One thing I've learned about "planning" as a child of God is that my planning holds the assumption that I'm in control. It holds the assumption that my successful planning puts me as the front runner of accolades or praise for getting it right. Do you remember that saying from Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith of the A-Team? "I love it when a good plan comes together." We automatically feel these overwhelming sense of pride when we painstakingly plan something and it...works out?!

The adrenaline rush of making it happen.
The relief in it being over.
The determination as we play with the thought of doing it again.

On the flip side of that is the fear, anger, and disappointment we feel when things just don't work out.

THAT is where I learned I am just a passenger in the grand scheme of things. A few of my brothers and sisters in the Bible could definitely empathize with these feelings as well.You guys know I'm into annotated versions of Bible stories, so look for the corresponding Bible books and scriptures to follow.

Joseph-Sold by His Brothers into Slavery (Genesis 37)

God really messed up Joseph’s life plan. His brothers threw him into a dry well, then sold him into slavery. The wife of his Egyptian master tried to seduce him. When he refused her advances, she turned him over to the Egyptian cops, who then tossed him in prison. He spent years in prison, waiting to be released. I don’t imagine that Joseph included prison time in his life plan. Finally, after many years of painful waiting, God exalted him to the second in command in all of Egypt.
Abraham and Sarah
God really messed up Abraham and Sarah’s life plan. He allowed Sarah to be infertile and barren for years. He took them out of their homeland, away from their family and friends. Finally, after the couple waited earnestly for many years, God promised them a son. Then God made them wait some more. Finally, their hopes and dreams were realized when their son Isaac was born. Then God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Talk about a wrench in the life plan. 
After God rescued Isaac, and all was said and done, God made the following astonishing declaration to Abraham:
“By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” (Genesis 22:16–18)

The "monkey wrench" list could go on. These were firm believers in the Lord. People who trusted His will and way at every step. So as I increase my prayer life and my reading I just ask God to give me the spirit of trust. To help me to let go of my need to control variables around me. Because...sometimes you can do all you can in the flesh, and He has a better plan for you in the Spirit.

My prayer today:
Father God, I thank you for the blessings you have bestowed on me thus far. I thank you for your never ending  love and adoration for me, that you have loved me so deeply to provide me with all of the things my heart never knew I wanted. I beg your forgiveness for all of the times I tried to snatch the driver's wheel out of your hands, as you rode this unsafe vehicle (my plans) into safer terrain (your plans). I ask that you forgive me when I forget what your word states in Ephesians 3:20

                            "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly
abundantly above all that we
ask or think,
according to the power that works in us,"

I thank you God for being the first and final say in every step of my life. And I thank you for being a better planner than I could ever be. 

Faithfully,
Brieana





12.17.2017

17 December

Trend Alert: Athleisure

Happy Sunday Divas!

I have a confession; I'm not a big fad of fads and trends. If I like something, I'll grab it. If I don't, I walk past it. Typically I don't get into the latest styles, as they make for loads of unused items in your closet, made for purging. So, I usually find myself turning a blind eye, until I see something I know I can use in a bunch of different ways.

One such trend whose pieces  I know can be dressed up or down, is the althleisure trend sweeping the blogger nations. 

For anyone sleeping under a rock, Athleisure is a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, at school, or at other casual or social occasions. This means that those Adidas sweatpants, or your favorite hoodie can actually be worn as a chic look to the latest holiday party! Fear not on what not to wear, as this trend puts the "purpose" in re-purposing your clothes.



I took a swing at the athleisure trend with this Gucci inspired leggings I scored from TNicole Boutique. Although workout inspired clothing is typically baggy and less form fitting, these leggings had an awesome stretch, perfect for doubling as yoga, or even running pants.








I paired it with this comfy sweater from Burlington Coat Factor and vibrant red heels, for an ensemble made in Chic and comfy heaven.

What's one of your favorite trends sweeping the blogosphere? Leave a comment or picture below! I love hearing from you!



Faithfully,
Brieana



4.27.2017

27 April

Power Suit

Fashion bucket list item #53526748: A nice, form-fitting, head spinning pants suit.

I realized this year that in addition to my regular vision board with all of my dreams aspirations, and hopes, I also need to add my fashion vision board to that list. I'm going to fill it with all of my wants,. fashion icon inspirations, and outfit to-do's. If I had thought of this a few years ago, an all white suit would have been on this list...FOR SURE.

I had an event the other day. The attire: formal. So in come the last minute mad dash for a nice form-fitting lacy gown (as I do best), and when I came up empty and almost lost hope, my darling mother rushes into the rescue with a pretty risky idea.

"Didn't see you see those suit separates the other day? What if you wore those? How crazy would that be?!"

Now we're talking ball gowns, pressed edges, and the most expensive jewelry. And here I was toying around the idea of wearing a SUIT. But if there's one thing I've learned in my few years in the blogospehere is that fashion is whatever the heck you want it to be. And that night...I wanted it to be an off white suit.

These pieces came from Dress Barn. Another surprise deviation from my normal go-to shop, as Dress Barn always felt a little mature for my tastes. So now I had the task of dressing up a power suit, while not trying to look too mature.

I paired the powerful outfit with this shimmery rose-gold body I scored from Charlotte Russe, as well as this gold chandelier choker.

Top it off with a pop of color on my feet, and I was ready to go head to the ball...in a pants suit. Take THAT dress attire.


Don't forget to subscribe to my blog! Stay tuned for more daring choices and great finds1

Cropped pocket blazer here: Plus|Straight


Pants:Here 



Faithfully,
Brieana

4.14.2017

14 April

Casual Friday: Coachella Inspired

Happy Friday everyone! And what a good one it is! I'm kicking off this wonderful Easter weekend with my head in 80 degree weather, complete with palm trees and indie music. That's right., I'm in California at Coachella weekend.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is an annual music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, located in the Inland Empire's Coachella Valley, in the Colorado Desert. It was co-founded by Paul Tollett and Rick Van Santen in 1999, and is organized by Goldenvoice, a subsidiary of AEG Live. The event features musical artists from many genres of music, including rock, indie, hip hop, and electronic dance music, as well as art installations and sculptures. Across the grounds, several stages continuously host live music.

The Coachella trends are always on point, with the rends never straying too far from simplicity meets statement. White tees, afros, big round sunglasses, and fringe everything dominate the fields of grass in one way or another each year. And although I couldn't be there, I figured I'd live vicariously through my wardrobe, at least for the day.

The star of the show? These embellished clogs I snagged from Burlington Coat Factory. Clogs have been on my fashion bucket list for some time, and when I found these in the shoe racks for $24.99, I had one more hot item checked off. They're super comfy and just the height and comfort I needed for my button front skirt.

Add a white tee and gold jewelry, and I was all set and ready to go for the spring's hottest music festival. And anyone reading that's going to enjoy the Coachella experience...I'm officially jealous.



Button Front Skirt: Similar

Clogs: Similar






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Faithfully,
Brieana



4.03.2017

03 April

Mixed Up in the Spring

Happy Spring everyone! It's been a while, and I figured I should re-surface during the season of growth! Along with my re-vamped blog site, I come gracing you with a new outfit of the day!

Today, I decided to mix prints like only I can. I was talking to a fellow fashionista the other day, and she asked me what were some of my go-to spring trends/fashions. My answer was simple; mixing prints, dramatic sleeves, and an ode to the 80's and 90's fashions that have quickly been resurfacing.

I did 2 of my 3 staples in this outfit, and I'll have to resist the urge to wear the outfit again and again.

This peep shoulder top is a couture find I scored from California. A funny story about this piece: I almost  regretted purchasing it. You see, I'm a bit of a thrifty shopper, and there a certain pieces I wouldn't dare spending so much money on. And one look at this top, and I thought I could find it somewhere cheaper. But the quality put into this is like no other! My plus size gals know what a struggle the arm area can be. This piece does not disappoint, with extra roomy arms, mostly due to the stretch elastic feature near the shoulders. The bell half-sleeve also provided some extra airiness, perfect for a warmer spring day.

The mixing part of my ensemble came easily with the horizontal stripes. A tip for you curvy girls who love stripes, the smaller the stripe, the better!



Balloon-Sleeve Tops: Here


Midi Pencil Skirt: Here



Moral of the story: Don't be afraid to mix it up a bit! Fashion is what you make it!
Don't forget to comment, share, and subscribe. I love hearing from you!

Faithfully,
Brieana

1.15.2017

15 January

OOTD: Minimalist Shades of Gray

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope everyone is having a prosperous and productive New Year thus far. I know I am!

Today's outfit was head to toe proof that muted and dark tones do not have to be boring. I didn't wear anything brighter than a dark taupe today. and I still felt as bright and chic as if I was wearing a pink or red. It was definitely a sophisticated start to 2017.

This gray denim skirt is from City Chic, which is becoming one of my favorite shops this year. Contrary to my other pencil skirts, this one has lots of stretch, just enough space for a small waist, and a pencil silhouette that doesn't "stretch out" after my hips are in them. My fellow plus size skirt wearers, you know what I mean. It's that awkward moment between sitting and standing where your favorite denim item doesn't quite go back into place. Plus size problem #234967463.

Paired with a cozy turtleneck and some taupe accessories, this outfit was one for the minimalist books!




Acid denim washed skirt: Similar

Booties: Similar


How do you put together a minimalist outfit? Leave a comment, quip, or photo in the comments. I love hearing from you!

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog!

Faithfully,
Brieana

1.08.2017

08 January

OOTD: Over-All Chic

Happy Sunday! Today's outfit post if an ode to the comfort of the 90's fashions, with the effortlessness of a flowy dress. This combo was brought to me straight from City Chic. This overall dress (affectionately called the Soft Hunter Dress) was the perfect love child of comfort. class, and a flattering silhouette all in one bundle. I'm excited to wear it again and again just to show you all how versatile one dress can be. I keep it simple this time with a black shirt, but I know the possibilities are endless. This number is super easy to slip on and off, and the silver accents bring it together perfectly!

I paired the dress with this red cheetah print handbag I got from TJ Maxx. If nobody has every told you about their legendary purse section, I'm telling you. They have something for the understated clutch lover all the way to the dramatic tote holder, in all color and textures, and at the right price! This purse was a step down from my typical suitcase-esque purses, but it definitely did the trick, especially when put together with my wine strappy heels from Go Jane.








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Faithfully,
Brieana


10.03.2016

03 October

Layered Skirts & Denim Shirts

*inhales deeply* Do you smell that? It's the wonderful aroma of crisp, windy air, wet leaves, and everything Pumpkin Spice. 'Tis the season of Hocus Pocus, hoodies, sweaters, and long skirts.

I'm in heaven.

Today's outfit is a seamless shift from the thin maxi skirt and dress, right into the flowy fabrics for fall that don't sacrifice style for the needed warmth. I typically save this layered skirt for the fall not only for its deep burgundy color, but also for its easy breezy nature. Its a perfect companion for the wind!

I paired the outfit with some other fall friendly items, my faux denim button up and these comfy booties from Maurices. The only thing I was missing was a latte!


Skirt: Similar|Similar





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Faithfully,
Brieana

9.04.2016

04 September

Transitioning Into Fall:Week 1

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope everyone's weeks were productive and powerful.

So we're officially into September. And we all know what that means. Hoodies, sweaters, long boots, pumpkin spice everything, and lots and lots of leaves. As fall quickly approaches, the dresses will get a little longer, the day a bit shorter, and breeze a bit...cooler. I know that I used to have some issues transitioning from maxi dresses into fall boots. Honestly, how DO you dress when the weather was 55 degrees this morning and a hazy 78 degrees only a few hours later?!Soooo...in the spirit of the season, I'll be doing a bit of a series for the next few weeks entitled, "Transitioning into the Fall", specifically for those who just don't know what to do during these in between times. I feel your pain.


First up, is this tribal print dress I got from Target a few years back. The brand is Merona, and its a perfect transition piece for the fall. The material is key here, as I didn't want to go full on sweater, and the  cool, dewy weather didn't quite permit for flowy fabrics. This mid length dress allowed for me to still show some leg when the sun came up, while still being sure to cover up and reduce the likelihood of a chest cold with the high and tie neck detailing.

On my feet, I donned this booties from Maurices. In true transitional form, my toes are slowly descending back into my shoes, with only a peep toe featured on this booties. The brown, rustic color is also reminiscent of fall.

What kinds of things do you wear as you try and muddle through the in-between of Summer/Fall? What kinds of outfits do you need? Leave a comment below. I love hearing from you!

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Faithfully,
Brieana
Dress: Similar|Similar

Booties: Similar



8.22.2016

22 August

Model Mondays: Lehigh Valley Fashion Week 1 Year Anniversary

Happy Monday everyone! I'm coming off of a pretty emotional week. And although I can take the time to complain, I'll focus on the excitement of one of my latest modeling gigs. August 12th-14th, was the one year celebratory fashion show for Lehigh Valley Fashion Week, a fashion show that showcases some local fashions by fabulous and unique designers within the Lehigh Valley area and other local areas. This weekend was a monumental one for the founders and visionaries,who started this as an attempt to create a new niche for the fashionable. And what an experience its been! The weekend  saw fashions for everyone of all sizes. Coming off the heels of last season's show in April, I was super excited to be one of only 3 curvy/plus sized models. Designers showcased throughout the show were;

Picture credit: Michael Madden

Picture Credit: Michael Madden

Picture:Michael Madden

Picture credit:Michael Madden

Picture credit: Jonathan Hill (depictions by J. Hill)

Picture credit: Jonathan Hill

Picture credit: Jonathan Hill

Dress and leather jacket:Clothes Mentor



Click here to find out all the updates on Lehigh Valley's most fashionable event, including dates for the Season 4, scheduled for April 2017!

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Faithfully,
Brieana