Just a quick glance through many of my outfit posts one immediately notices that I have a strong and committed relationship with the color black – particularly NYC-black. Part of this is just a left over from my high school goth days, but the truth is that bright hues make me nervous. It draws immediate attention and for a recovering wallflower that can be pretty unnerving. However, even with those feelings I think fashion calls for challenging yourself, like I did with this bold African print mini skirt.*
I got this skirt at the Curvy Expo during Full Figured Fashion Week this past June from the Obioma fashion booth and I was so excited about this new statement piece that I wore it a little more than two weeks after. I remember the face of my best friend when I descended the stairs to meet her and her hubby at her car to head over to Brooklyn for Curl Fest. They both were stunned to not only see me forgo black but to go for something so bright. I’m still not used to getting compliments but I think I can get used to being greeted with, “You look gorgeous.”
Tag: body image
+Size Matters: Shrek Franchise
It’s been a while since I’ve done another media-literacy study of plus representation in media but after this unplanned hiatus I’m back with some new content for this ongoing series. So for this come-back I thought it was only fitting to finally deliver on a promised post – my review of “Shrek.”
Image Credit : DreamWorks
Yes, the “Shrek” franchise received it fame for being the most anti-fairy tale family film ever conceived though it does play with many of the tropes, many of which were created by Disney, in order to make fun of them. However, the franchise is noteworthy for depicting a very real relationship in an animated feature with characters that are visibly plus. (Now as an adult I can’t help but wonder if this is meant to convey that only “average people” have relationship problems that need solving, but that is a discussion for another time and place.) Continue reading
A Day With Mom Featuring ELOQUII
When it comes to celebrating Mother’s Day my family tends to celebrate on Saturday instead so that we can avoid the Sunday crowds and so that my mother can actually use Mother’s Day as a day for her to relax at home. This year, our celebrations were a bit of a washout given the pouring rain that came from the weekend’s Nor’Easter storm. Anyone else would have wanted to call our plans off but my mother wouldn’t hear of it. As far as she was concerned, it was her day and she had new clothes that had to be shown off. So we got dressed and went ahead with our plans. I promised my mother that I wouldn’t interrupt the festivities with my blogging (her words, not mine) so I didn’t. However I did manage to convince her to do a mini shoot before the Uber came to get us.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Clothes were gifted for feature, but all opinions are my own.
Chic Pink, & Black With a Hint of Gold
Spring has finally sprung and that means sun, flowers, pastels, and some light layering, well at least it does for me. This year I didn’t get a chance to have some spring fun with my Easter outfit as I was working on some projects last weekend so I figured I should try to bring it to work instead. I’ll admit that until this point I have only had experience working in places with a rigid traditional work dress code so I feel very fortunate to currently work for a company that is a safe space for trying new styles. Ever since I bought this silky pale pink with black polka-dots blouse when I started college nine years ago it has been my go-to spring work piece that I would normally pair with a blazer and pencil skirt so I decided to give this traditional work outfit a bit of a casual, cute remix. Continue reading
Q & A With Journalist & “The Souls of Black Girls” Documentary Producer, Daphne Valerius
Last November I had the privilege of attending a screening of a documentary involving the representation of black women in media entitled, “The Souls of Black girls.” Featuring Regina King, Jada Pinkett-Smith, the late Gwen Ifill, and Rapper Chuck D to name a few, this film presented hard truths that are often ignored even now, ten years after it was first produced. The screening and the discussion that followed left me wanting more, so I reached out to the creator and producer, Daphne Valerius for some insights as to her film and the planned sequel that is in the works.
Host, Producer and Entrepreneur Daphne Valerius
Check out my talk with her below.
Disclaimer: Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Big City, Curvy Girl, Thin Wallet 