A Thick Girl's Closet: December 2012

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Closing 2012's closet...A Pledge to Myself

I know the title may be a little misleading lol but as we all get ready to ring in 2013, I know a lot of folks are making resolutions and promises to themselves for the coming year. I'm no different but I don't want to make a resolution. I want to make a pledge to myself as person to do things bigger and better in 2013. I am excited for the things that I have planned for the blog in the coming year and cant wait to get a jump on things.

2012 has been a year of ups and downs for me, in professional life, my personal life and my blogging life. And even though I at the time I couldn't see the silver lining in the negatives, I know God had/has a plan for me, and I'm doing my best to trust in him and follow the path he is laying out for me.

As time unfolds, I will be letting you all in on so new things going on with the blog, and I hope you loves with come along for the ride with me! So as ATGC closes the 2012 closet, I hope you all ready to open 2013 with me and all the craziness that I come with! I love you all thank you for your continued support and love. And together lets make this movement of not letting the number on our clothes tag dictate our fabulous we are! Until next time.

xoxo
Shay

2013 Pledge to myself

As I embark on a new year, new and exciting ideas and things will take shape. I know that with change comes positive and negative outcomes. And I know that not everyday will be the brightest. But I am prepared to walk by faith, try new things, meet new people, and open myself up to what may come. I pledge;

-Not just lose weight but to become a healthier me
-Become a better daughter to the woman who means the most to me
-Bring quality content to all those who support me and the A Thick Girl's Closet
-Put all that I can into my future career
-To become financially stable and MORE independent

These things I pledge to myself, and with strength and push from God I know that this can and will be done. The opportunities that may come will be ones that I prepared for and some that I am not. But whatever happens I know that it is for the betterment of me.

Friday, December 28, 2012

ATGC Officially on Youtube

Hey Loves, going into the new year, ATGC is officially on Youtube! yaaaaaay *happy dance* I'm excited. As the social media junkie that I am, I made the leap to Youtube. The 1st video is live check out, and I hope that you subscribe to the ATGC Channel. If you have any ideas of what you want to see on the blog please feel free to let me know! I love you guys. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to you all. Check out the video below.

Until next time loves

xoxo
Shay

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas from ATGC

Hey loves, today is a day to celebrate the birth of our savior, the prince of peace Jesus Christ. And to be with the ones we love. I hope you all enjoy your family and your friends. I love you all and thank you for being with me every step of the way.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Until next time loves

xoxo

Shay

Monday, December 24, 2012

Fave 2012 Outfits....Sound off!

Hey loves 2012 is on its way out and we are about to usher in a new year. It's always an exciting time of the year because you have the opportunity to start over. Make new changes in life, do something different, reinvent yourself. SO in looking back at the awesome things hat have happened this year I looked through IG and picked out my fave outfits of the year. But I want to hear what you think so vote below for your fave ATGC outfit of 2012!

Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

Look 4

Look 5

Look 6

Look 7

Look 8

Look 9

Look 10

Sound of loves. Which one did you like the best. I love you all. Thank you for the continued support. Happy Holidays to you all. Party it up and stay safe and I'll see you next year!

xoxo
Shay

Sunday, December 16, 2012

ATGC Inspiration; Quelsz

I'm really excited to do this post, it is long over due. I'm always about supporting and celebrating women that are doing positive things. So I immediately thought of my friend Quelsz. I met her through a mutual friend of ours and ever since then I have kept up with her weight loss journey for the last couple years. I think for all us who are looking to loss weight, change our lifestyles, she is the ultimate inspiration. I know #lowkey when I don't wanna do my squats or anything, I look at her pictures and it pushes me. So lets meet her shall we?

How old are you?

24 years young

How much weight have you lost?

As of 12/812, I've lost 100lbs. NATURALLY! :-)

What really changed your mind to start you weight loss journey?

One day on my way to work an elderly woman stopped me and broke down crying. She told me I looked just like her granddaughter, who had a "beautiful face but was too overweight". Her granddaughter died at 21. Being in my early 20s at 5'2 and 260+ lbs, something had to change. My weight was up and down at first and my lifestyle wasn't permanent until about two years after that when I was really able to get into shape MENTALLY... Now, there's no stopping me.

Who is your biggest supporter?

His name is Donnie, he's like my better half. He's been there rooting me on through every pound. When I didn't have any family on my side, I always had him. Even when I drive him up the wall with my STUPIDNESS or when I feel like quitting, he didnt stray. That's like my best friend. I love that guy with everything!

What are you favorite exercises?

Spin, turbo fire and Zumba! I love cardio!

(I rock out to zumba!)

How do you stay focused?

Simple, I think about returning to my old life and DYEING! Also, I look at how far I come, how great I feel and look and I just don't ever wanna go back. Sonething else that helps its ive broadcasted my journey. everybody is watching me i cant stop now. I'm so HAPPY, a happiness I never knew I lacked.

What are some of your favorite stores to shop in?

Im loving forever 21 and h&m right now. Honestly, I'm just now branching out into shopping at new places. When I was bigger, I kept it so simple and cheap because I didn't want to try new things. Now, I have a totally different confidence and I'm ready to SHOP!

What are some fashion trends that you are excited to try?

High-low dresses and shirts! Something so classy and sexy about it. Also, I was never really a fan of buttondowns because my stomach was freakishly huge. Now I freaking love a nice buttondown with skinny jeans. I lost weight in my feet so now I can shop for more boots and heels! WINNING!!!

(its always the little things in life that make a difference. I loved how she couldn't wait to wear a simple button up!)

A lot of girls (and guys) want to lose weight and try to but don't see results right away. What advice would you give them?

Look, baby steps! Everybody will tell you the typical "eat right and exercise" and while that is key, you also have to have patience. Don't rush it. Ask yourself this, would you rather go on a fad diet and lose a substantial amount of weight and gain or back, or would you rather take your time creating a healthy lifestyle, lose weight overtime and KEEP IT OFF?! Your ENTIRE journey will have some trial and error. Years later I still try new exercises or foods that just DON'T work and its ok. Don't target train and DON'T expect to be perfect. Sometime there's a WEEK where ill eat the FRIDGE! It happens. It's all a learning experience.

What goes through your head when someone says you're their inspiration?

It's surreal and flattering. I knew I was born to change and inspire, but I didn't know this would be how. I'm saving lives, how do you take that? Those people keep me going!

Well she keeps me going. Even if I don't tell her. I've watched very stage she has gone through. When I see her reach a new goal, it makes me think okay yea I can definitely do this. And I mean come she is rather fashionable. So its a total win/win lol But in all seriousness, check out her blog SizeQuelsz to keep up with her and see just how far she has come. So this is why Quelsz is my inspiration. She struggled but she accomplished something AMAZING. She did what she needed to do in order to better her life. And as you can see it she has no plans on going back.

So until next time loves

xoxo
Shay

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Becca etc.

Last Friday I had the awesome pleasure of attending the preview for the spring 2013 line of Becca Etc. Swimwear line. (I had a blast. check out the photos on my facebook fan page) I know you all keep thinking why do I keep writing about bathing suits in the winter. But I think this line is one that every woman can enjoy. Rebecca Virtue the designer of this rather awesome line, has been designing bathing suits for straight size women for 20+ years. And when she saw a void in the plus size community she decided to create a line that is not only appealing to the eye but is constructed to support us plus size/curvy/thick women.

Her line offers both one pieces as well as 2 pieces (owww owww) No more of only wearing black, or the nothing but ruching or buying the "miracle suit" to look 10 pound lighter. Be ready to rock bold colors, prints, different versions of 2 pieces, and one piece suits that don't look like something you grandmother should be wearing.

Lets check out the line...

This Mamba print was a hit for the night. I definitely love it. The purple and the blues are great for the spring. Yes it's one strap, and no worries the girls will be supported.

This style is my absolute favorite. The bustier is so sexy. Again it offers incredible support, and has an adjustable lace up back It is available in this great Peacock (blue), Hibiscus (purple) and black. And the little skirt keeps the suit young and modern, but still gives you that feeling of being covered. It is a full bottom.

For those who may not be ready to show that stomach just yet, you still have really great tankini options. In the same great colors, offer the same proper support. She offers regular bottoms as well as skirt bottoms with adjustable sides.

Talk about not the 1 piece we're use to. I HATE when I see plus size bathing suits and all they offer is those horrid bathing suits with that skirt at the bottom. Im 22 not 72. I don't want to cover up everything. Becca etc, made sure to keep the sexy and sassy all the while giving us piece of mind that we are covered. And I mean really lace is always the best.

For those that need and or like a cover up, she's got you covered! *Pun definitely intended*

All in all I was really pleased with Becca's vision. She really kept us in mind when creating her line and that is so important.To find more looks and colors and any other information you would like to know be sure to check out the Becca Etc. website what do you think?

xoxo

Shay

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Boutique Called Smoke & Glamour

I think one of the best things about being a blogger is finding cute places to shop, whether it be online or actual stores. And Being that I'm living that college grad lifestyle, a decent price for clothes is a must. So I am quite excited to talk about a new online called Smoke & Glamour. What I adore about S&G, is that she uses real models to show off the clothes. So that we can have an idea as to what to expect with certain items. Call me anal but things like that really important to me.

But S&G is all about providing fashionable affordable clothing for us plus size/curvy/thick women. So that we can always have cute options and not feel like we are breaking the bank.

Smoke & Glamour Boutique was created for ladies of all sizes and ages who love to flaunt their curves. The chick that walks into the room and let her style speak before she does. Every piece featured in the boutique is handpick by a self-proclamied "Fun-sized FLY girl" ensuring that the styles are unique. Loving anything that stands out, studded, sheer, sparkly and just plain fly. We aim to make high quality, trendy clothing affordable for everyone! We appreciate each & every customer

-Smokeandglamour.bigcartel.com

So in true Shainna fashion I went through the site and made my little wish list. Let's check it out shall we!

So the print dress is definitely calling my name. Who says plus size women cant rock heavy prints!?

Leggings are like my second skin. And the trend has really gone in new directions. I mean I'm really swooning for the see through. And I love the spikes wrapped around leg...

Contrast tops are always a way to go. They could be dressed up or dressed down. Super chic and so on trend.

Smoke and Glamour ships both domestic and international. You don't have to have a paypal account but if you do then great. Smoke & Glamour is still in its beginning stages but I'm all about supporting small businesses. So be sure to check out the site and let me know what you think. Until next time loves.

xoxo
Shay

Monday, December 3, 2012

Summer meets Fall

One thing we as bloggers go through is that change in weather, but not wanting to have to buy all new clothes. So as our lovely summer days fade to cool fall, and now chilly winter nights I still have the urge to wear my adorable summer dresses. So that begs the question, what does one do? For the last week and some change, I made a point to wear my favorite summer pieces adding a pair of boots and some stockings and ya girl was ready to go.

This little black dress made me feel so sexy. And I had to rock it with pops of color to break of the black. And to bring my girl into fall I DIY'd so holes in my stockings, my lovely denim jacket from Forever 21 and my thrifted black rider boots. You couldn't tell me I was hot in this cold weather.

Over the summer Target was my place to shop, I was going HAM. The top, which is actually a simple body-con dress worked perfectly with this high/low skirt that i couldn't get enough of. so to move it from my summer heels, I tossed on my opaque tights (from target) my fave leopard print wedges from Just fab and I was ready to brave this rather chilly NJ weather.

When I say this dress at Old Navy, I just knew that it had to be mine. And ever since I got it, it has been nothing but a head turn for me! To stay cool in the heat I paired it with my leopard print sandal wedges they just made my legs look sooooo choice lol To keep it warm for the fall/winter tights and knee high boots...POW!! lol

So my loves how did you transition from summer to fall/winter? Until next time love.

xoxo
Shay

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