For He has not given me the Spirit of Fear

7.15.2016

Summer Midi Skirts

Summer is in full swing! To celebrate, I donned this textured midi swing skirt I got form Forman Mills last summer.Anyone who's not familiar with Forman Mills should get familiar ASAP. Think Burlington Coat Factory crossed with Rainbow Shops. They keep up with the trends and make nice with your pockets at the same time. It's funny how we women buy something in the moment and then cast it away to the nether-regions of our closet for a WAY later date. Either way, this skirt was comfortable, cute, and classic with its texture, style, and color. The waist band is an elastic, perfect for tucking a longer top into it. I paired the ensemble with this cross strap open toe cork wedges I got from Charlotte Russe, also a few summers back. No worries though! I've put the link to some similar items.

Floral earrings: Similar

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Faithfully,

Brieana

7.13.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 13 July unity

I Was Angry Too...

It was about 2:30AM when I stumbled upon the 2nd most disturbing video I had ever seen. It was only 2 days after the murder of Alton Sterling, and I had done my best to avoid the gruesome video at all costs. I got an idea of the nature of it from my FB and Instagram friends and I knew I wouldn't be able to stomach it. But at 2:30 in the morning,my inhibitions weren't as alert to be able to look away from the bloodied body of Philando Castile,as a visibly shaken cop (or from what I could see, gun),screamed out from what Philando's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds described as 4 rounds to the chest for complying with orders.

I wanted to look away. So badly. But I couldn't.

So what ensued was another 20 minutes of looking through the hashtag #PhilandoCastile, as my eyes looked through news snippets, more pleasant pictures of Philando,and a video that originally came from Facebook of Diamond Reynolds and who I later found out to be a 4 year old child, in the aftermath of their loved one's shooting by a Minnesota police sergeant.

I couldn't believe it. And what I did next wasn't something familiar to me in the wake of killings of Black men by police officers.

I cried.

For hours. I cried and I screamed as the visions of these two men swirled around in my head as I put the faces of my boyfriend, brother, and best friends on the bodies of other Black citizens whose lives were gone so soon.

For a busted tail light.

For selling CD's with permission.

For Skittles and an Arizona Iced tea.

For [insert justification here].

I mourned the death of these two strangers so violently at 2:30 in the morning that when the well of tears had run dry...the only feeling I had left was anger.

Another black man. Another hashtag.

WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?

That seething and relentless anger didn't really allow me to function for the rest of the day. I went to work with a headache. I cried some more. And I looked at all of the Caucasian people at my job like they held those guns themselves. I became cynical. I locked myself in my office. I didn't care who noticed.

But then something happened...

My office manager came into my office after a Facebook post that called for no debates, just empathy. She came into my office and said "I just watched the video of that man and I am so pissed off. These cops are getting out of control."

I looked at her for a quick second. And beneath the tears I began to cry again,I saw a few of her tears. It was then that I realized...I wasn't alone.

Now when I say I wasn't alone, I mean it in more of an ally sense. The notion that a white woman could empathize with how I felt definitely wasn't a far-fetched notion, but at that time, in that mindset, it was what I needed. Because after seeing one of my black brothers killed and the idea of the same happening to the other, the only person who could understand my pain would be someone Black, right?

Wrong.

The next few days went by quickly as I wrapped my brain around the fact that others besides African-Americans could be upset and enraged about what they've seen on TV,Facebook,Twitter,etc. What I realized in those few days though, was that my mind went to a place where many of my comrades minds still are.

Anger.

Rage.

Blaming.

Those WELL warranted feelings took me past thinking clearly. I hated cops. I hated the system that bred them. And I was one of those Facebook users silently reading through the comments of people who supported them and hating them too.

My snap back into reality was on July 9th, when a protest claimed the lives of 5 Dallas, Texas police officers. With all of my burning rage, I wanted to be excited that they "got what they deserved." Just typing that today makes me shudder with fear that even for a second, I felt victory over another's death. That was when it hit me.

It's ALL wrong.

Now stay with me. I am an avid Black Lives Matter supporter. It is evident that there is a systematic misfire when officers of the law are dealing with Black men versus White men. I've seen it. I've heard it. My loved ones have been prey to it. The strength of the Black man may likely be the most jarring existence to institutions.

But all cops are not bad. Most cops are not bad. There is an enormous lack of accountability and lack of responsibility on these particular police departments that requires a systemic change. But the change does not come by being anti-cop. The change does not come by being anti-black. The change comes by being pro-justice-accountability, and pro-life. PERIOD.

There's a call to action for us as a nation to account for everyone's life. Because if you celebrated the death of the cops, while morning the lives of your brothers, you’re a part of the problem.

Our nation is in a state of unrest. I call out to all of you to find out how to be a part of the solution. Take that anger and fear and do your due diligence to find out what we can do next. As Blacks. As cops. As human beings. .Do not spread more propaganda of hate. And do not cast down your brother who disagrees with you. Ignorance only breeds more ignorance. Do not succumb to your anger. Re-purpose it instead. Be educated. Be safe. Be knowledgeable.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only love can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King Jr.

7.06.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 06 July working woman wednesday

Working Woman Wednesday: Yona Love

"We do so much as women. We spend our day to day lives being the providers, child rearers,cooks, and business women. I'm not going to torture myself trying to find something in my size, with the needed quality. How are we supposed to do it all?-Yona Love

Yona Love may just be the poster woman for a fed-up consumer. Forgotten and under-represented, she took matters into her own hands and created a fashion forward line for the working woman. Sophisticated styling based on the latest trends, structured to fit a fuller figured woman, cuts that drape, fabrics that give and designs that cover but don’t hug the body are all part of Yona’s signature style. Yona New York is the debut collection from deisgner Yona Love, exclusivelt for women sizes 14W-24W. With stripes, florals, and textures to die for, Yona New York aims to please for the day to night commuter, mom, and all around busy bee.

I sat down with Yona Love to speak about the originis of Yona New York, her passion behind the fashion, and what's up next.

What drove you to start Yona New York?

I always loved clothes. But it's so hard to find the quality and price I need as a plus sized business women. They just don't make clothes in my size. I was tired of being uncomfortable during the day and torturing myself to find clothes that I liked.

What message does your clothing portray? Is there a theme?

It definitely is an ode to the different hats we as women wear daily .I try to add stretcy fabrics in all of my pieces (Lycra etc.) You won't feel suffocated or constricted. You're going to be comfy in something that breathes from A.M to P.M. This is something so important because unfortunately there's no time to go home and change. My goal is to make all of the clothing so effortless, that going from work to drinks with your girlfriends is easy. You don't have to do much with the clothing and it is one less thing to worry about.

Do you have any pieces of advice for another entreprenneur lookig to start a business?

Listen to your people. Keep your ears and eyes open for what your people want. I can never get enough criticisms. You have to take the good with the bad ones, and pick what will be the most beneficial for your business. There will always be haters.

Is there anything new we can look forward to for the upcoming seasons?

I'm super excited about our fall collection. We might also start including some accessories into the line.

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I for one have never been so excited for the fall! Until then, be sure to check out Yona New York's current stock in skirts, dresses, tops, and wraps. And a special just for reading today, you can enjoy 10% off of your total purchase by using the promo code faithandfashion360.

Stay tuned for more features of women just like you, living our their dreams one day at a time. Don't forget to subscribe to the blog by providing your e-mail address above.

Faithfully,

Brieana

7.04.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 04 July rainbow shops

OOTD: Easy Street

Happy Monday! I hope you're all enjoying your Independence Day with a nice burger,or just a well deserved day off. My outfit yesterday was simple in throwing on,but chic and effortless in design. Anyone that knows me knows that I love a good jumpsuit. They're not the easiest to find,so when I do, I'm quick to pick one up! This beige number is from my favorite quick stop shop,Rainbow. It was one of the newer items they had in the store. I love the stretchy (and forgiving material) as well as the added plate belt that was included. The deep V made it easy for me to throw a nice statement necklace on. It was practically made for the space!

What are some of your easy outfits? Leave a comment below. I love hearing from you!

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6.26.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 26 June white

OOTD: Summer Whites

HAPPY 1st day of Summer! Today's blog post revolves around the bright, airy hues of the summer season. I picked up these white pants from Rainbow and couldn't wait to throw them on. After all, the weather is easy and breezy...what better time to don white?

The rest of my outfit featured some mixed prints of a floral pattern and stripes. I've only just started to experiment more in my closet and I've found through my closet purging that I really like to mix my prints. Today's mix-up stayed true to the blue hued family. My vertical striped top is from Forever 21+, which I bought on clearance.I'm wearing this shirt in a 2x, which is a little big for me, but I was going for more of a casual feel and look, hence the bigger size. I also always err on the side of caution when it comes to button ups, because the mid-section may not always cover my hips in the way I need it to. Either way, you'll definitely see this top again. It's just what I needed for the upcoming still, warm weather.

My wedges are form Target a few seasons back. These excel in comfort as well as versatility believe it or not. I've worn these wedges with jeans, skirts, and even shorts. They're my pick for the summer. You know what they say about a plus sized girl and her wedges. Hours and HOURS of wear. No flats here!

How will you wear your white this summer?Leave a comment below. And please don't forget to subscribe to my blog by providing your e-mail address above. I love hearing from you!

Faithfully,

Brieana

6.24.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 24 June support small businesses

Casual Friday- June 24,2016

Happy Friday! Today's hot and hazy weather called for short sleeved and open toes. My spotlight items this week is this body -con midi dress from Forever 21+ and these fringed gladiator sandals. Both items together made for a chic and comfortable Friday outfit, made for running errands.

My dress from Forever 21+ is a few seasons old, but some variations of the dress are available on the store's website. I love the dress for it super light material that reduces the sweat and hot flashes of a 95 degree summer day. The length is also perfect for the hot fay. Not too long, not too short.

My fringed gladiator sandals come from my favorite small business owner at Step N' Out on Faith Shoe Salon. These shoes are truly one of a kind. I've seen fringed heels, and I'v also seen gladiator sandals, but I cannot say I've seen both! These can easily be dressed up or down, adding to their versatility and comfort! I was fearful that my calves wouldn't fit in these, but the semi-stretchable straps helped me out. And even at full stretch, I still had some space. SCORE!

My flannel shirt is a thrift find from the Salvation Army. Increased the casual!

How's everyone's Friday going? What are you wearing? Let's see it!

Don't forget to subscribe to my blog posts by providing your e-mail! Who knows what you'll see next.

Faithfully,
Brieana

6.17.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 17 June support small businesses

Casual Friday: I am My Own Body Goals Tee

Happy Friday! Today's warm breezy weather called for some bermuda shorts and some self-motivation written across my chest!

As you may all remember, a couple of weeks ago I announced that I am one of 11 new brand ambassadors to the Curvy Girl Fever movement. a sisterhood and self-love movement created back in 2012 for women of all shapes and sizes. Today I come to you modeling one of their premiere pieces, the "I Am My Own Body Goals" tee. This slogan is basically what Curvy Girl Fever is about, and not just for its body positivity message, but also due to the nature of its meaning: YOU are your own competition. I like those odds!

Don't forget to visit curvygirlfever.com for your own "I Am My Own Body Goals" shirt. They come in tanks and tees (just in time for the summer), ranging in sizes XS-3X. Also look for us on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates, events, and some good old pick-me-ups. Feel free to use my code "BRIE20" for 20% off your total purchase.

Don't forget to comment and subscribe to the blog! I love hearing from you!

6.13.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 13 June love your curves

OOTD: Corporate Sunday

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

6.08.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 08 June prayer

Someone Hurt my Feelings Today....

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.

The Bible talks about the story of Cain and Abel and Cain becoming offended that his brother Abel's gift was received better than his. For all of my non Bible scholars, I'll give you a quick rundown. Two brothers.Two sacrifices to the Lord. One brother brings fruits of the Earth. The other brother brings lambs of his flock (plus their fat). The Lord likes the fruits. The brother who brought the lambs was all "What about my amazing gift?" Jealousy and murder ensue.

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

6.03.2016

Faith and Fashion 360 03 June statement necklaces

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

Faith and Fashion 360 01 June plus size. target

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.