9.23.2016

23 September

It's a New Season!: Essentials for the Fall

Happy Friday everyone! To say that I am as happy as a clam would be an understatement. Why you ask? Because as of yesterday September 22nd, the fall season is officially underway. This doesn't quite mean that we can pull out our fall boots and trench coats, but who says we can't be prepared. So in the spirit of proactiveness (word?), I dusted off (and unwrapped) some of my pieces for the fall. Get ready to see lots of green garments, colorful booties, and the recently re-incarnated bomber jacket

Outerwear:

As easy as it is to just throw on your favorite leather jacket (because let's face it...it's convenient and matches with EVERYTHING), a true fashionista has a couple of fall choice jackets in her arsenal. This is a time to make sure the wind stays outside, while also looking cool with minimalist colors and features. Many of my jackets follow suit with this, while differing in lengths and fabrics. I give you a few examples here:

Similar|Similar
The not so basic moto leather jacket, that creates a scarf of sorts when zipped up. I got this from JCPenney a few seasons back, but the updated leather jacket is everywhere for those of us who are sick of black (not!), or would rather something more than a vertical zipper.

Similar
This purple trench coat screams fall with it burgundy undertones. Trench coats are especially good for the rainy days (we know they're coming). The collard neck will be sure to shield you from Mother Nature's wet kisses.








Longline Cardigans/Vests

One of the best ways to be chic, unique, and comfortable all at the same time?! The long cardigan. Their usual flowiness makes it look like you tried, while the coziness makes you feel like you didn't have to try too hard. Score two for you! These babies are my literal go to for everything; running errands, going to work, laying around the house, etc.
Sweater: Forever 21+
Longline cardigans: Similar
Sleeveless Blazer: Here

 Bomber Jackets:

And on today's episode of Fashion History repeating itself, we have the Bomber Jacket, straight from the 90's. Those were the days. Contrary to my fashion musings when I was 14, the bomber jacket has come a long from its big, sometimes lifeless form. It now features fab colors (some even still come in that Pepto Bismol pink), and even more fabulous pockets. I was even able to score this silk one from one of my favorite boutiques,  Stacked Apparel
Satin Bomber
Similar

Shoes:

We definitely cannot forget the most important staple to any well put together fall outfit. Fall is the time where we pull out the high and mid ankle booties, as well as the wine, green,and beige colors. 



Shoes from:

What kinds of items have you stocked up on for the fall? Leave a comment, quip, or photo below with your favorite fall outfit, or store to shop for fall staples. I love hearing from you!

Don't forget to subscribe!

Faithfully,
Brieana





9.16.2016

16 September

Transitioning into Fall: Bye Summer '16-Casual Friday

Happy Friday everyone! As September rolls through, the days continue to become shorter and the leaves become darker. I tend to throw on items of clothing that match the season. In this case, I'm talking hues of dark green, oranges, reds, and brown. These colors give off a great sense of warmth of comfort during the transitional season of fall.

Today's outfit revolves around Ava & Viv, Target's trendy plus size collection for the full figured fashionista. The line features pieces between the $20-$50 mark. It's a long time coming for the super retail brand, as consumers began to complain about the lack of diversity in their clothing. Although this dress is summery, the hunter green reminds me of the fast coming fall weather. Their fall line is now in stores and on Target.com through October 2016. Good on ya Target!

Shoes: Lola Shoetique



What are you wearing in the last days of warm weather? Leave a comment, quip, or photo. I love hearing from you!

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog!

Faithfully,
Brieana

9.11.2016

11 September

Transitioning into Fall: Week 2

Happy Sunday everyone! This week's Fall into Fashion series features the coveted vest; a staple item in any fashionista's closet as of late. These vests come in a number of colors, shapes, and fabrics for an easy transition to dressed up or down ensembles. The open concept vest has been all the rage throughout the summer, in flowy and sheer fabrics. I'm re-introducing it in a heavier fabric; the scuba. If you're unfamiliar with a "Scuba Knit" fabric, think of it as a lovechild between polyester and spandex, with less breathing ability and less drape. These fabrics are perfect for the "in-between" seasons, as they don't allow for so much wind to get through. They're fabulous for windy days, especially since they're normally double knit pieces. So even though this piece was sleeveless, I was definitely warm.

High waisted jeans: Similar|Similar


I got this sleeveless blazer from one of my favorite boutiques, Stacked Apparel.  I'm in love with the ivory color, which I had to have to compliment the crisp air we're sure to  experience in the next few weeks. The mid thigh length will also come in handy.
Gold cuff bracelet: Similar|Similar


I paired the blazer with this gold boomerang choker necklace I got from Wish. Look at that gold! I'm still getting used to this whole choker thing, but it really does add an element of regal goddess to any look.

Choker: Similar

How are you combating the wind? How are you getting ready for the fall?What would you like to see next? Comment below.I love hearing from you!

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog!

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!

Don't forget to subscribe!

Faithfully,
Brieana
Dress: Similar|Similar

Booties: Similar



8.28.2016

28 August

OOTD: 70's Boho Chic

The 1970's called for lots of bohemian far, from fringes to bell bottoms, the 70's was a very bold and happening time for all fashion lovers. My outfit today,complete with the natural ponytail afro puff, was very reminiscent of a time that called for bold prints and flowy fabrics.

My bell-sleeved peasant blouse is a throwback to my mom's Nine West days. With lots of flowers and fun abstract shapes, this sheer blouse made for easy breathing on this 90 degree day. I really love the slit in the bicep area, which added some sexiness in addition to the the wrinkled fabric.

These ripped/distress jeans are from Rainbow Shops. They're having a wonderful end of the season clearance sale, with items up to 75% off. You can check them out here.

Last but not least, are these denim block heels I got from Go Jane. I am so IN LOVE with these shoes, and slightly sad that I got them as the season ended. As all of my plus size divas know, the thicker the heel, the more comfortable we are. So I was very lucky to score these shoes with a block platform AND block heel. Comfort times 2. I actually purchased a few shoes from GoJane this past week. Blog post coming soon.

How do YOU do a flashback to past fashionable decades?Leave a comment, quip, or photo below. I love hearing from you!

Don't forget to subscribe to the blog for updates and more fashions!

Faithfully,
Brieana
Blouse: Similar|Similar




A pair of jeans on my feet!

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!

Don't forget to like, and subscribe to my blog for more updates on modeling gigs and photo shoots,

Faithfully,
Brieana


8.16.2016

16 August

OOTD: Blushing Pink

Have you ever gone on an impromptu shopping trip and picked up an item that you would never in a million years think would fit?I had a similar experience to this at my most recent trip to Target (or Tarjay as me and my sisters affectionately call it). As I perused through the clearance section, I came upon the recently coveted plus size line from Target, Ava and Viv.Ava & Viv is new fashion brand designed specifically for plus size woman. The line, designed by Target’s in-house team, offers clothing in sizes 14W to 26W and X to 4X and is currently available in stores and online.Plus size fashionistas rejoice everywhere!

One of the many gems I found in the clearance section (though not from Ava &Viv), was this flowy mid length maternity dress in this nice blushing pink color. Yes...you read that correctly. MATERNITY dress. Prior to my blogging exploits, I would have been embarassed to even breathe "maternity" and "I'm wearing" in the same sentence. But thanks to the Gods of innovation and fashionable fabrics, I say it loud and proud. This dress was also another lesson learned that day: TRY ON YOUR CLOTHES.Being that this was a maternity gown, the midsection area was forigving without compromise style. The shoulder are had this nice raise fabric design. Other than that, the dress was pretty simple, and I adored it. I may have to frequent maternity items more oftten. Sans the state of pregnancy. Check out Target's ever growing plus size line and all other fantastic plus friendly fashions. They're improving everyday! Thanks for listening Target!







Faithfully,
Brieana

8.10.2016

10 August

Grecian Goddess

Hello everyone! I hope you all haven't missed me too much! My life has been pretty hectic, but I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

My most recent fashion discovery was this gem of a dress. I foresee lots of wear out of this cotton ruched maxi dress from H&M. I love it for many reasons, two of the top reasons being the classic cut and elegant air.

This dress was actually a thrift find, making it an even bigger score in my book. Some more great features of this maxi is its ability to "transform" into an off-the-shoulder number. The original cut is just a normal scoop neck, but with the neck line being low, it was just a shift of the sleeves in order to create a sexier look. And the sleeves managed to stay "off" my shoulders!

I was also in love with the double slit on either side of the dress. They made for effortless versatility and allowed me to show off a little leg too.

With all of the many ways I can wear this, as well as its ability to hit ALL the right places, you'll definitely be seeing more of this soon!

Faithfully,
Brieana