A Thick Girl's Closet: July 2013

Thursday, July 25, 2013

ATGC On the Scene; Vines of the Mind Fashion Show

Hey Loves,

You all are always showing me love and supporting me through all of my ventures. So when on of my loves Jocelyn Pizarro asked me to attend a fashion show that she was styling. I more than happy to attend. Jocelyn is a design school student who recently started her on styling company. She had the awesome opportunity to be a part of the Vines of the Mind fashion show. It was a charity fashion show to raise money for GEMS (Girl's Education Mentoring Service.

Girls Educational and Mentoring Services’ (GEMS) mission is to empower girls and young women, ages 12–24, who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking to exit the commercial sex industry and develop to their full potential. GEMS is committed to ending commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of children by changing individual lives, transforming public perception, and revolutionizing the systems and policies that impact sexually exploited youth.

-Gems-girls.org

It was held at La Maison D' Art (a super cute space up in Harlem) It was very quaint, artistic and rather eccentric space. There were 8 up and coming designers that showcased their work on the bodies of models that were all different in shape, size, height, skin tone, hair...just beautiful.

Desi Amor Jewelry

Define Me Designs

Kash Kow

Crave; Not your Boyfriend's Closet

Shaine Errington Collection

6XII

Dollhouse

Sweet Nothings

Even in the heat of New York, the atmosphere was fun, and quite stylish. And in between the gorgeous fashion, we were graced with some fantastic singers, who I must say were absolutely dressed to a 'T'.

my love Jocelyn

So there you have it loves. If you want to see my outfit from that night, check out my last post 2 Faced Sofistafunk here. And if any of you my loves are having an event, I'm always up for coming out to to support you all.

For more information about GEMS click here
For more information about Jocelyn click here

xoxo
Shay

Saturday, July 20, 2013

2 Faced Sofistafunk

Hey Loves,

So when I got the invite to attend the Vines of the Mind, I was kinda of torn on what to wear. But after having walked in the fashion show for Sofistafunk, my choice was already made. I had the pleasure of rocking this skirt for the fashion, that I just had to have it for my outting. Be sure to check out the post after this for my recap on Vine of the Mind fashion show.

Outfit Deets:

Skirt worn as a Dress: Sofistafunk| Shoes: Shoedazzle| Earrings: Stay by Stacey Angela| Ring: Marc Jacobs

This dress is called the Tow Faced skirt, and it is absolute perfection.

If you don't know Sofistafunk is the amazing company that gifted me my beautiful white skirt that I wore to the all white cruise for Full Figured Fashion Week. If you haven't seen that post, check it out here. Ms. Arlinda definitely has a customer for life lol

Check the legs...yes ma'am

Sofistafunk makes you want to have fun

Stay tuned for pics and my write on the Vines of the Mind Fashion show. Until next time my loves.

xoxo
Shay

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

#NYCurvyCloset The Recap

Hey Loves,

SO if you didn't know I was a part of the NYCurvyCloset plus size shopping event sponsored by Simply Be and TeQava. I can say it was a better than I could have ever expected. So many of you loves came out to not only to support me and the other wonderful women that sold their items, but to support the sponsors as well. And yes I made me a little bit of change lol

It was an awesome experience. If I am invited to do this again, I'll be better prepared. Check out some of the pics below.

(I'm when don't we act up?!)

(oh my ginger snap, always on the go, but always camera ready)

(my blogging big sister, always keeps me level headed)

(My table)

Now I must say my day started a little crazy because I got to the event JUST as it started. Ugh ya'll have no idea what it's like to have to commute to the City with a 100 pound suitcase full of clothes and 15 pairs and shoes. lol The poor back that I had, the wheels dont even turn any more lol. But I digress. Once I was able to set up, and cool down (cause it was a hot ass day) I was able to grab a wonderful drink of tequila and cranberry. Yup I had to sip on a lil something after everything.

(My rack. Ya'll really did help me unload some things!)

(my pud Kelly B and her rack)

I must say I'm keep TeQava in my back pocket, cause truly that was some of the best tequila I've had. And lowkey, I was excited for them to be apart of this event. Because this is the second time I was able to indulge in the wonderfulness that is TeQava. I was actually able to try it for the 1st time during Fashion Week back in September. It's super smooth, it's almost like you're not drinking, cause it's not so harsh. Being that TeQava is a mix of premium triple distilled Tequila and fruit infusion, it's just fun to drink #winning. So two thumbs way way up Teqava.

(one of our give-a-ways)

So there you have it loves. Until next time. For deets on my outfit, check my previous post Here. Again a huge thank you to Simply Be and TeQava. Be sure to check out both of their websites.

xoxo
Shay

Thursday, July 11, 2013

My Asos Jumpsuit

Hey Loves,

The second I ordered this jumpsuit from Asos curve, I already knew how and wear I wanted to wear it. Last night (7/10) I had the awesome opportunity to be a part of the #NYCurvyCloset plus size shopping event. Me and 5 other awesome plus size bloggers sold some great pieces from our closets. The event was an absolute success.

I knew I wanted something light and airy. But still fresh and fashion forward. I told you all in a post I did a few days ago that I really into prints right now. This jumpsuit was perfection.

And surprisingly these shoes are ACTUALLY comfortable. The heel isn't insanely high (which is what I use to wearing) and the the 1st time I put them on, I did need to stretch them a bit. But for the most part, I'm probably gonna be wearing these for days to come.

Jumpsuit: Asos|Shoes: Shoedazzle|Bag: Urban Outfitters

There you have it loves. What do you think?

Until next time

xoxo
Shay

Friday, July 5, 2013

#NYCurvyCloset

Hey Loves,

If you live in the NJ/NY area, on Julth 10th, myself Cece of Thebiggirlblog, Meaghan of Littlelimedress, Kelly of MasqueMag, Liz of PsitsFashion and Aimee of Madison Plus will be having an awesome shopping event selling some pieces from our closets..

YES you heard it right, we are selling out closets. We're selling shoes, and dresses and everything in between. And a huge special shout out goes to Simply Be for sponsoring the event. we are so grateful. So make sure you click the like to register (click here) and we'll see you on the 10th.

Hope to see you guys there :)

xoxo
Shay

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Boss in a Graphic Tee & Jeans

Hey Loves,

I finally found the perfect jeans that give me the boyfriend look and in the future will be cut off shorts. Lately I've been feeling very urban chic. Check my last OOTD post with me rocking my Biggie Graphic Tee. I want to wear big door knocker hoops and graphic tees and boyfriend jeans/cut off shorts, very 80's 90's vibe. I don't know where this came from but, please know you'll see me like this for most of the summer. And if you follow me on instagram you know that my 'go to' look will be just his, my hair up in a bun (the summer heat can be so rude to those with locs), basic eyes and a red lips. Super easy, and can stand this heat.

I'm so digging this look cause both my t-shirt and jeans are from Goodwill. I've been waiting to find an outfit that consisted mostly of thrifted items and this one did it for me.

Shirt& Jeans: Goodwill/ Shoes: Shoedazzle/ Bag: 5 Preview/ Jewelry: Various Places

Shout out to my photographer today my buddy Kyle lol Thanks being in the heat and the slight rain with me lol

Until next time loves

xoxo

Shay

Monday, July 1, 2013

Model Spotlight; Alex LaRosa

Hey Loves,

We have been on a roll these last couple months with some amazing women as the Model Spotlight. And this month is no different. This young woman I'm sure you've seen so many places. She has a golden smile, and hair that jsut gives nothing but life. This month's Model Spotlight Alex LaRosa.

Name: Alex LaRosa

Age: 22

Clothing Size: 16/18

Agency (if applicable):

Blog name (if applicable):

What made you want to become a model? When I was in high school, I would shop online a lot! I would always look at the women modeling online for these plus size companies! I thought it was so cool that these women were my size and considered models! I began to think that if they were able to be models, couldn't I be a model too? I ended up sending in my pictures to Torrid and the rest is history

What are some of the brands that you have worked with? I started off modeling for Torrid. I have walked the runway for Ashley Stewart, Purple Diva Designs, Curvzz, 12oh!1 Designs, Nakimuli Inc., T-Tyme Lady Couture, and True Diva Designs! And I currently have campaigns out with Swak Designs, ModCloth, Chic and Curvy Boutique, and A Clothes Mind!

How long have you been working? I started modeling in 2009, so 4 years!

So many girls want to become a model what advice would give them? What should they expect? I think people often underestimate how much work is required to be model! I know I did at first! If you are serious about becoming a plus model expect to sacrifice a lot of time, effort, and money; but know that I don’t regret it for a minute! I love what I do and I think that is so important! If you are an aspiring model, you must really enjoy every aspect of the business, work hard, and never take an opportunity for granted!

A common misconception is that plus size/curvy/thick models live unhealthy life styles. What do you say to people who think like that? I always try to remind people that size is not an indicator of health! Healthy doesn't look any specific way! Just by looking at my size 16 self, you cannot know that I play football with the kids I volunteer with each week or that I can run a mile just fine.

Was this your dream career? How did you get to this point in your career? I have had so many dream careers haha! From ages 5 to 15, I wanted to be a vet, a marine biologist, a power ranger, a motivational speaker, Beyonce, etc... So I wouldn't say that modeling was my dream career from a young age, but I have always wanted be someone who helps others! I have found that modeling has allowed me to do that! Building my modeling career has helped me learn how to truly love myself and how to help others love and accept themselves too!

If you could be doing anything else other than modeling, what would it be? I’m currently in school majoring in Critical Theory and Social Justice with an emphasis in Racial Justice. Although there has been tons of progress, this country is still not a post-racial society. As I continue to build my modeling career, I plan on organizing conferences about around current racial justice issues and possible solutions for junior high and high school students.

Where do you get your confidence from? How do you stay in a positive frame of mind? I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence by reevaluated and adjusting who I hang out with! I definitely feed off of all of the incredibly strong, smart, bold, confident, and bad ass women that I have the pleasure of calling friends! I have surrounded myself who only take me higher and who genuinely have my best interest in mind!

Why do you think it so important for plus size/curvy/thick models to have the same respect as straight size models? Unfortunately, this society thinks that skinny is ideal and better than plus size. However, the average person in the United States is a size 14. Respecting plus size models as much as standard size models tells this society that all sizes are beautiful and acceptable. This is a huge deal in generating a culture that teaches people how to love themselves and that is what is really most important

So many girls grow with such low self esteem. Were you ever like that? If so what advice would you give young girls struggling with her self esteem? For years I thought that I was too big to ever feel pretty or elegant. I felt that my body was a huge waste of space that I should absolutely be ashamed of. And I was. I abused my body daily with hateful thoughts and a 3 year battle with an eating disorder. Fast forward to today and I am the happiest with my body than I ever have been before. I have learned to love and value my body not because of a number on a scale or the way in which people respond to it, but I love and value my body simply because I am inside it! I love and appreciate every inch of my size 16 self. If you are struggling with self esteem issues, I would again emphasize the importance of have a solid group of women around you who value you! I would also say 5 things that I love about myself in the mirror each morning! Whether its physical attributes or personality traits, there ARE great things about you! Learn how to acknowledge those things!

The last couple questions are just to have fun with….

Hagen Daz or Ben & Jerry? Ben & Jerry for sure!

Favorite tv show growing up? Boy Meets World, That’s So Raven, Psych!

Favorite Halloween costume? One year I was a Ninja Turtle! Haha, that is still the coolest costume I’ve ever worn!

Louis Vitton or Hermes? I’m a shoe addict, so I’m going to have to go with Louis Vitton!

Buying your boyfriend his favorite video game or those new pair of shoes? I’d have to say video game because I’ll get to play that too! We can’t share a pair of shoes haha!

There you have it loves. Check her out and show her some love. Stay tuned for next month.