6.03.2016

03 June

Blogger Chronicles: Memorial Day Weekend

Soooo,  Memorial Day has come and gone. And in the days that it's taken me to recuperate from a fun-filled weekend (at 25, I seriously cannot hang anymore), I've come up with an informal lookbook for my style choices while I was down in Hotlanta. There were some new pieces, as well as some well worn ones from the back of my closet. Either way, going from day-to-night was easy when everyone in the city was so fabulous. I didn't feel weird wearing a statement necklace or a pair of heels. It was all acceptable!

My first ensemble for the weekend was not your run-of-the-mill airport attire. I substituted the sweatpants and head scarf for something as equally comfortable in structure, but what left little to be desired in the style department. This asymmetrical skirt was similar in the ruched nature of this number I wore a couple weeks back. What I enjoyed most about it was its tye-dye color scheme, which screamed vacation. I was able to move through the hustle and bustle of airport terminals in comfort without compromising style.

I paired them with these bedazzled sandals from Lola Shoetique. These are a couple years old, but Lola, as I affectionately call them, always has loads of summer goodies. Check them out!


 

My night ensemble was a casual maxi dress outfit. I purchased this maxi dress from Forever 21+ about 3 years ago, and I haven't stopped wearing it since! As you guys can tell, I'm not a fan of wearing things just once or twice, and this was no different. The newest piece in this ensemble was this statement necklace I got form Charlotte Russe. I was able to get it within their typical 2 for $10 jewelry sale.You'll see the other item I purchased later. 



Onward to Saturday! After recuperating from the first night in ATL, I was hesitant to wear anything about no inches off the ground, but I did it anyway. Besides, a wedge is pretty easy and sturdy wear. These corkscrew wedges were a gift, purchased form JustFab.com, a concierge service that matches up your favorite styles for a monthly suggestion box where you can purchase the latest fashions for really low prices.These bermuda shorts are from Rainbow sometime back. The light denim wash complimented the bright orange perfectly for a nice spring/summer ensemble. The two were then paired with this statement piece, also from Forever 21.


My last night in town,I decided to be a bit less conservative than I normally am, while still maintaining some class in my club outfit. This scuba texture assymetircal mini dress is from Forever 21+. I've only worn in once, and it fit even better the 2nd time. The blank black canvas allowed for a lot of nice gold accents, including this chunky bangle I also got from Charlottee Russe. This lightweight sheer cardigan from Hautelife plus helped me to tone down t conserve the curve, while I still showed some leg. It was my perfect blend of sexy and safe!
My weekend in Atlanta was one that allowed me to dust off some old items in my closet and put some things together that my normal environment may not allow. That's what vacation is for right?!

How did you spend your Memorial Day? Leave a comment below and don't forget to subscribe. I love hearing from you!


Faithfully,
Brieana

6.01.2016

01 June

Working Woman Wednesday: Meet the Curvy Girl Fever Ambassadors

 In a world of ever-changing technology and a growing social media platform, entrepeneurs and the like are able to build and maintain a presence with something as simple as picture, 30 second video, or even a hashtag. These items have made doing what you love and walking i your purpose easy with a few late nights and inspired epiphanies. Social media is literally helping so many of us achieve our goals.

#GOALS. I've seen this hashtag float around in many ways across my social media accounts. Normally, I find it attached to a sweet picture of a happily dating or married couple, or to the latest video vixen with a perfect V and killer abs (all white maintaining a butt...jealous). Some of us peruse this hashtag, as well as many others, gazing at where and what they wish they could be. Others of us have decided to take a bit of a different route, and be our own biggest fan.

Insert, CurvyGirlFever, a movement created for those of us who want to create our own personal meaning of loving ourselves, with ten moons of confidence in tow.

Clevona Simmons, CEO IG:curvygirlfever
 CURVY GIRL FEVER is a Limited Liability Company operating in the State of FL. It was created by the CEO Clevona Simons.CGF started off as a simple social media hashtag #curvygirlfever in Oct. 2015. Fast forward to 2016 it has now become a full-fledged business and movement to promote body positivity and women empowerment. With a multitude of women supporting the movement, Curvygirlfever.com is now officially an online store catering to women of different shapes and sizes. CURVY GIRL FEVER's aim is to showcase the diversity of women. What's better than that?

Myself, along with 10 other beautiful ladies were hand picked by Clevona herself to represent the beaty and the melting pot that is women. I have to say that I couldn't be more happy to be amongst like-minded individuals who just want everyone to slay to their maximum capacity.

Please check out my sister in ambassador-hood below and follow them on IG for their everyday lives in fabulosity. They are all shades of fine and divine. And don't forget to check out Curvygirlfever.com and purchase your own "I'm My Own Body Goals" Tee.You can use my code BRIE20 for 20% off your total purchase.  Trust me, there's one for everybody.
Sogand Zakerhaghihi IG: S0gand_

Aspen Cristina IG: aspencristi

Roxanne Antoinette IG: roxieantoinette
Ashley Underwood IG: beachflowergal
Zonyai Sahara IG: itszozotho




Michelle Tez IG: miss_meechyy
Amber Johnson IG: mrsbambij
Michelle Rogers IG:BodyPosiPower
Domi Chnee' IG: domichnee







5.22.2016

22 May

OOTD: Wrap Skirts and Wild Hair


                                                                                                Good afternoon fashionistas in faith! The focus of today's outfit is this wrap skirt I purchased online from Charlotte Russe. They recently launched a plus sized line and this was the first item I've worn from it. And what a time for it. For me, Charlotte Russe is known for their trendy jewelry sales as well as their fabulous shoe selection. The store is never short of sales that are kind to the your pockets. I actually started shopping at Charlotte Russe when I was in my undergrad at Penn State. It was the best place to find a quick club night outfit for the LOW LOW. Their straight sized clothing actually worked for me as well, but I'm happy that as of March 9th, I don't have to look too hard through the racks for a Large or XL. 
The collection is available in 1X-3X sizes, with jeans and pants in sizes 16-24. Oh happy day!
The wrapped asymmetrical skirt comes in pink and blue. I chose the pink for a softer feminine look, but I was eyeing the blue also. They have a great selection of skirts that aren't too short, but can also be work for a less modest look when paired with the right items. This skirt was lots of fun, and the slip underneath had a fantastic material that made any shape wear unnecessary. And anytime I can go out sans shape wear, I am a HAPPY girl!

I pulled everything together with some items you've seen before, but also with these caged heels I got from none other than Payless! I almost feel like it isn't a surprise to say that anymore because Payless' glo up is REAL! They've really become a place for trendy items timeless pieces. These Christian Siriano heels came in this nude/beige as well as black. What I loved about them was they slip on option. By that I mean the easy access in which I could just zip them down and slide them off. There is also the option to lace them up in the front. The heel was a smaller 4 inches, also allowing me to leave the flats at home for the day. No sore feet here. 
I love that our favorite retailers are keeping up with the times. Whether that means clothing or shoes for all demographics, I'm definitely happy that I can shop in more places than I was before. What a time to be alive!

Don't forget to leave a comment and please, please, PLEASE don't forget to subscribe to the blog. I love hearing from you!



Faithfully,
Brieana




5.18.2016

18 May

Working Woman Wednesday: The Faces of Lehigh Valley Fashion Week

Several weeks ago, I participated in what was one of the most time-turning and unique experiences of my 25 years; I participated and walked as a curvy model for my first time EVER in a fashion show. When I began my blog in December of 2015, I did it moreso to spread the seeds of confidence God has planted in me to embrace ALL of me as he should have it, according to His glory. I prayed to God to allow me to bear the fruit of His spirit in putting me in positions of prosperity and networking if He saw fit. I never imagined the doors this blog would open for me, in terms of feeling great about me, as well as meeting others who feel great about themselves and were likeminded in spreading messages of self-love and self-worth.

Fast forward not even 4 months later, and the connections I have made have made allof the 'what if's', 'I don't think I can's', and the occasional 'why did I take this on' seem a thing of the distant past. Lehigh Valley Fashion Week was not only a premiere event within the Valley to showcase unique and fine fashions of local business owners, it was also an opportunity for myself and many others to see 1st hand that IT IS POSSIBLE. In our whirlwind lives, we can prevail. And it may not be in the way that the woman beside us did it, but it will be as He saw it.

Three testaments to that were the powers that be of Lehigh Valley Fashioin Week. I had a chance to chat with Cyrie Jackson, Winsome Cullen, and Kari Holmes after  the excitement had subsided (if only for a little bit) to speak to them about what their successes, struggles, and takeways have been while being involved in Lehigh Valley Fashion Week. And like most of us women, its what you would expect; lots of juggling, some doors slammed in your face, and the will to carry on--
despite the rain.



1. What is your personal tie to fashion (or your specific title within the event)?

Cyrie: I am the founder and creative director.
Kari: My personal tie to Lehigh Valley Fashion Week is being the Fashion Director for Lehigh Valley Fashion Week. Miss Jackson and I partnered together for a series of successful community events. I really enjoyed working with her and when I got the call inviting me to be the Fashion Director I was super elated to be working with her.
Kari MC'ing the Premiere event
Winsome: I am the marketing and Public Relations director.  I was always involved in the retail world  in some way throughout  my life. The opportunity to  be a part of Lehigh Valley Fashioin Week was a dream come true to help this organization gain visibility in the area and beyond.


 2. What struggles were you met with in making sure the event went off?
Cyrie: Getting the brand out and bringing people from various backgrounds together.
Cyrie Jackson
Kari: The same you would probably find in any major production: managing relationships and learning how to work together as a team. Each person that is a part of the Lehigh Valley Fashion Week team has really big personalities, ( I'm a super huge people person and have a huge vivacious personality myself, so you know I fit right in lol), and each of the team members are very professional and some of the best in their field. You have to be secure and strong while also giving respect to other people. So the most important thing was making sure to respect each person's roles and their way of doing things, but also knowing that I had something to contribute as a part of the team as a creative professional myself. One of the best examples of this was in communicating with the designers. Miss Jackson already has established relationships with each of the designers because she's already known as a leader in the fashion industry here in the Lehigh Valley and Tri-State region PA / NJ / NY. To be a new name and a new voice communicating with the designers required a lot of determination.The great part about having a professional and well experienced team is that they could give a platform for how to communicate with the designers and I could also add some additional tools and templates to create the optimum experience for each of the designers to really feel like a special part of Lehigh Valley Fashion Week again this year.
Kari, doubling as a model on the finale night.
Winsome: Since I deal with marketing I am not directly involved in the production of the show.

 3. How did you balance the additional roles you took on with your personal life?
Cyrie: That was a tough one. Time management was so important. We all have to set time aside for the business and then have peace of mind by enjoying our personal lives. I meditate a lot and then the balance of personal and business just works its self out.
Winsome Cullen



Kari: Child, you remember what MC Hammer said? You got to pray just to make it today. Haha! Seriously, every day in our lives is a new day in our divine Destiny. There is something that God has given you breath for to accomplish in each and every day. So taking the time to pray and read His word so you know what He's likely to say and where He's likely to lead you and reading His word  to let you know what you're supposed to do when you get there. There was no way I was going to check my faith at the door to be a part of a new industry that I had never really stepped into before. I considered being apart of Lehigh Valley Fashion Week as an open door from God. So, I prayed each step of the way and asked Him how I could be a blessing to the lives of others and especially Miss Jackson because I know what it is like to be a founder, visionary, and leader, and how much work it takes to make something major happen in the Lehigh Valley area. I think because of that, our friendship has grown so much. Prayer and reading the Word and listening to the spirit of God were the key ingredients to balancing everything
Welcome baby Quentin!
Winsome: I recently  gave birth to my baby so I  do most of my work from home.  During  fashion week I brought my  little one with me. 

 4. What have you learned from this experience?
Cyrie: I learned that planning way in advance helps a whole lot but also learned that me and the team have super strength to put on a show with just a snap of a finger. Not a lot of people can pull off what we have and still have more positive feedback than negative.
Kari: As a pastor and person of faith who absolutely loves fashion, seeing that God will use you in every area of life, in any profession, and on any platform was the biggest lesson reiterated for me.
Winsome: Nothing is impossible and God will make a way through difficult times.

Nothing is impossible indeed. I truly enjoyed seeing these women in action and getting to be apart of the fabulous production that was LVFW. I am even more overjoyed that I got to do so at the hands and prayers of such powerful and productive women. So today, I dedicate this #WCW to these 3 working visionaries. And today, I dub thee: Working Woman Wednesday. 

Don't forget to subscribe to my blog and leave a comment below about a fabulous woman who's inspired you. I love hearing from you!

Faithfully. 
Brieana

 



5.15.2016

15 May

Embrace the Curve: Maxi Dress Season

The maxi dress has been the cornerstone/premiere item of the spring/summer season for years. Women love it because its simplicity in outfit planning as well as the reduction of putting various pieces together. Men love them because they hit all of the right spots, emphasizing the fine creation that is the female. Maxi dresses have stood the test of time and now emerge in various lengths, sizes, shapes, and colors. Today's outfit was centered around this beige maxi dress I scored during a women's fellowship event at my church in Bushkill, PA. Once a year, we clean out our closets and bring them in for our sisters to peruse and "swap" out for the treasures we find in their closets. I think its a fantastic idea, and I haven't been disappointed yet.

This dress was great for my spring maxi dress season, as the material wasn't as light and flowing as a summer maxi. I almost steered clear of this dress because of how close it was to my skin tone, but then I decided to go for it, and wasn't disappointed. So many of my fashion mentors have told me to always try things on, because you just never know.

I really enjoy the dress due to the ruched/gathered detailing in the front. It created a nice bust line along with this chunky gold necklace.

Similar shoes here
I paired the dress with my moccasin heels from eBay. These heels and other fringe/moccasin details have become all the rage the past few seasons, as outlined in this post.
Put together, the ensemble gave off this Glamazon boho look that didn't disappoint.

What are some of your favorite wardrobe items for the spring and summer? Leave a comment below and don't forget to subscribe! I love hearing from you!

Faithfully,
Brieana

5.08.2016

08 May

Sunshine On a Cloudy Day

This week's weather has been a direct contrast to last week's warm breeze and sunny skies. There's been a lot of rain generously watering our grass and plants. I'm excited to actually have a spring season though. For anyone who's lived in the Poconos for an extended period of time,you know that we've had a Winter to Summer season shift. There's rarely an in between,so these mid temperature days are more than welcomed. 
Find this floral skirt here

This week's outfit reflected the spring season,but still represented the cold rainy days we've been having with the warm blues and vibrant flowers that usually grow as a result of a plentiful rain. 

This floral midi skirt if from the brand Bobeau. I got it form Bon-Ton at 30% off. Purchasing this skirt was one of the times where "try it on" definitely rang true. It has a lot of stretch to it that I wouldn't have known had I not trusted my gut and stepped into the fitting room.Also, I don't normally shop in Bon-Ton because the price tags turn me away, but I wasn't disappointed. 

I paired the ensemble with this light wash denim top as well as these bright blue/green pumps from Lola Shoetique. Every year, the store sells pumps in all colors of the rainbow. Beware, they run a bit big. This pair is an 8.5 (my regular shoe size), and I still had some space in the shoe

Leave a comment below telling me what you'd like to see next! I love hearing you. And don't forget to subscribe for the latest post and updates above! 

Faithfully,




5.02.2016

02 May

Blogger Chronicles: Lehigh Valley Fashion Week



One of my biggest conerns related to starting a blog was being...extra , for a lack of a better word. When I say this, I mean that I wasn't 100% comfortable walking around in bright yellow stilettos half of the time, or that contrasting colors in one outfit wasn't acceptable everyday wear. But this weekend, I was shown that I could do it, and I was shown where to find it. Moral of the sptry: DAMMIT, be fabulous

This past weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to moonlight as a blog correspondent and plus sized model for the 2ND Annual Lehigh Valley Fashion Week in Allentown, PA. This event was truly one of a kind, as it paid homage to some of the most beautiful and unique fashions in "The Valley." Hailing from the Poconos for the past 10 years, this was HUGE, as we're not used to doing too much besides a nice peplum top and a 5 inch heel (if we're feeling really frisky).

The show featured deisgns from designers of local boutiques such as Abundant Style (my personal favorite), Cat's Meow, Dartanya, Clotheversity, and Clothes Mentor, to name a few. All of the fashions ranged from casual to dressy, while many of the fashions featured edgy designs for the upcoming Spring and Summer 2016 seasons.




One of the newer features of the show? US!!! And by us I mean the curvy. The full figured and fabulous plus sized models. Last year's show featured straight models in dressy, formal, and swimwear. This year's line-up threw a curve-ball (literally) with a diverse line-up of beautfiul ladies flaunting all of their God-given assets on the runway in styles such as jeans by Melissa McCarthy and Michel Kor's. All of the fashions were sure to hug our curves in just the right places, while being kind to our pockets.

Other new faces this year were the children's scenes, where girls as young as 5 years old (being fashionable has NO limit) modeled pieces from local designers.

Lehigh Valley Fashion Week will be gracing our catwalks and social media platforms for a 2nd run sometime in August. There will be more behind-the-scenes looks as well as updates on upcoming promotional events. You can also check Lehigh Valley Fashion Week's Facebook page for links to their fabulous deisgners and models. Don't forget to subscribe to my page for more updates on the fly and fashionable of the Valley!

Faithfully,
Brieana











4.25.2016

25 April

A Night Out

Good afternoon! Normally, my OOTD posts are centered around th pieces I wear on Sundays. It makes for mor econvenient shooting since I'm already dressed and in great spirits to take some good photos. However, today's post will be a bit different. I attended a black tie affair this past Saturday and the pieces are too good not to tell you all about!

My curve hugging and stomach thinning dress is from my favorite place to purchase quality and low price pieces...ASOS! This dress was super flattering. I wore very minimal shapewear due to the corset-type slype underneath the lace detail. And speaking of lace...every year at the Fatih International Church Anniversary dinner, my aim is to show out. I attempt to do so in different ways, but lace is for sure one of my favorites. My draw to the fabric is that it adds a soft sexiness just about everytime. This number was no different, although the all over lace ffect was what sold me on it.

My shoes were a pair of strappy heels I got from Marshall's on the clearance shelf. They're actually a pair of Nine West heels that I scored, sans the Nine West price. I decided on a simpler heel to go with the rather dramatic dress. The dress had to be the center of attention. And that it was.

I don't normally get to do ball gowns or formal wear in this capacity, but I was glad that ASOS didn't disappoint!

Leave a comment below and don't forget to follow me on Instagram!

Faithfully,
Brieana

4.17.2016

17 April

OOTD: April 17,2016

Good evening everyone! This week's outfit was a homage to one of my favorite stylists (soon turned blogger) D. Nicole! She was one of the people who inspired me to begin creating Polyvore sets. She's a fellow plus sized diva, but she creates some amazing ensembles for the petite and straight sized fashionistas as well! Check out her IG page, Stylebydnicole. She'll have some great outfits for the upcoming warm weather. No matter where you are, you'll be sure to find something that works for you! And while you're at it, check out my Polyvore page for new outfit creations. Happy Sunday!

Faithfully,

Brieana


Caged heels: ASOS
Purse: TJ Maxx
Peasant blouse: similar here/here




4.10.2016

10 April

OOTD: Detailed Skirts

Good evening all! As the warmer weather approaches, I've pulled out some of my favorite skirts from the past few years. I'm not much of a dress wearer (unless in special occasions), but skirts allow me to dress up or down, while still bringing a feminine allure to any outfit. This particular skirt is from a few years ago at Forever 21+. It features some tribal yellow print details, and some slits on each side that reach up to the thigh area. The skirt features an elastic waist, which makes tucking a shirt in really easy and seamless. I paired it with my distressed jeans jacket, also Forever 21+. My fringed purse is from H&M, and I finished it off with my chunky heel from Charlotte Russe for an ultimate boho chic Sunday look.
Similar here/ here

You'll be seeing plenty of skirts from me in the weeks to come. Let me know what your preference is. Long? Shirt? Mini? Maxi? I love hearing from you!



Faithfully,
Brieana