The dress code at my job is business casual .I've always though that to be one of the most ambigious terms within the workplace that I've ever come upon. My first question is always.. "what does that even mean?" I say that because sometimes I feel business...most of the time I feel casual. And if I casual decide to throw on a pair of flip flops with these khaki pants...am I wrong? This was the conversation running through my head as I threw this outfit together, because in an alternate world, I would wear something like this to work. Putting the cropped top and lightly tapered woven pant together created a "casual" work look, along with the dramatic cat frame that screamed, "How can I help you today?" in the most corporate way possible.

My textured crop top is form Forever 21+. I got in during a really big clearance sale for about $10. What's funny is, the model in the picture had it paired with these navy blue linen pants (also on clearance!). So I guess you could say Forever 21 provided a little Sunday outfit inspo for me. I paired the rather straight-up look with some dramatic accessories, including these frames (prescription not included) from Charlotte Russe. That's our little secret. Everyone I saw yesterday thought I bought a new pair of glasses.

My corpoate not-so-fancy Sunday look rose a really big question for me; what's acceptable as "business casual?" I think there's a post coming soon .

Faithfully,
Brieana

Just another thickums rocking a crop top ;)

Chunky bracelet also from Charlotte Russe

I don't classify myself as a particularly emotional person. I cry during typical occasions (weddings, funerals, Grey's Antatomy episodes, etc.) But sometimes... things will hit me, or dare I say, rub me the wrong way. So in a moment of weakness, I vent to someone for a good 10 or 15 minutes, I go to the gym for an hour to release the frustrations, and I move on. Nowadays, I've begun to take that hour and 15 minutes to pray, meditate, and "break bread" with God. I assure you that the latter works more effectively. 

Being offended is a direct result of our ego feelings that something has been taken from us, or that we have been deprived of some unspoken respect or kindness from someone else. Being offended usually means that you assume certain motives on the part of the offender, and react to what happened as something that could have and should have been prevented.

For anyone who didn't enjoy my extremely abbreviated version, please visit Genesis 4:1-17.

Cain allowed what he felt he deserved ( and didn't get), lead him on a path of destruction and unrighteousness. Many of us do this in our daily lives at work (when we don't get a promotion), at home (when the kids don't say thank you), and even at church (when others are too slow to lay out the red carpet). I read through the story of Cain and Abel just as my ego began to deflate what I felt was unfair treatment. I wanted an apology! I wanted to be treaten better! I wanted!.....

I wanted. 
I wanted.
I WANTED. 

At that moment, I had to stop myself DEAD in my tracks, beg for forgiveness and look at exactly what I was doing wrong. God states in his word that “A man can receive nothing unless it is given to him from Heaven” (John 3:27 MKJV), So it was important in that moment for me to understand that my 1. I didn't DESERVE anything at that moment and 2. The real prize doesn't come form someone's pat on the back. And my being offended at what was done to me (or what I thought was wrongdoing), was only going to prevent me form continuing to do his works that I had been placed to do. So who would have been the real loser? Me,that's who.

Expectations about what we deserve from others or how we should be treated are sure fire ways to move on the "not so good foot" within the kingdom of God. When we have a moment of "But I'm great", its important to remember whose we are. Its even more important to take a second and think, "Why am I offended anyway?" I promise you 9 times out of 10, your answer won't be enough to leave you upset for long. So pick yourself up, grab a slice of humble pie, and thank the Lord for another great day for the righteous. 

His will be done. ;)

Reference scriptures

Proverbs 19:11
Matthew 18:15-17
Luke 6:22-23

Faithfully, 
Brieana

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!






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.

 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

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.

Kari MC'ing the Premiere event

Cyrie Jackson

Kari, doubling as a model on the finale night.

Winsome Cullen

Welcome baby Quentin!

 

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

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. 

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