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
Tag: body positive
Wrapping Up Winter & Springing Forward
Much like every other season in NYC, Spring is unpredictable going from warm to cold to rainy and back all in the course of an afternoon which makes layering all the more necessary. For this reason, if there is one must-have addition to your daily style that I truly believe is worthy of a splurge it is a statement layering piece as it is a great help in creating endless outfit possibilities. As someone with a very small budget, I am selective when it comes to these kinds of purchases, leaning more towards colorful pieces due to my primarily monochromatic wardrobe, however nothing beats a nice neutral with a twist like this Yona New York wrap shawl.
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.
Making Straight Sizes Werk
Shopping in general can be a very frustrating and draining experience, even more so when you attempt to do so in the straight sizes, however it doesn’t have to be. I think the key to shopping the straight size section is really not getting too focused on size. What I mean is, if you find something you like, try it on. If it fits, go for it and make it werk! But if it doesn’t fit, it really isn’t the end of the world, after all that is where the fun begins. When I find something I really like in the straight sizes that doesn’t fit I start to look into how I can recreate it. Sometimes that means getting creative with separates to recreate a dress or focusing my shopping efforts to find something very similar in retailers that carry my size. And I should note that I do the same thing for plus size pieces that I can’t afford. In fact, I have found that this shopping tactic helps keep my spending in check as I only spend what funds I have on something specific rather than being solely driven by impulse, which is not to say that doesn’t happen; as was the case with this statement top. Continue reading
Sweet Pink and Gray Floral Plaid
It’s only the third week of this new year and so much has happened in this short amount of time. For one thing, this blog has officially turned two but I’ve also started a new job. As of last week I am a part of the Dia&Co. team!. If you are not aware, Dia&Co. is an online personal styling service for plus size women sizes 14-32. You create an online profile outlining our preferences in style and fit. A stylist then styles of box for you with a selection of five pieces that is then mailed to your home where you get to try them on, keep what you like and return what you don’t want. I love the fact that I get to work for a body positive mission-focused employer that seeks to empower women through fashion. After having spent the beginning of last year of being unemployed and subsequently juggling four part time jobs by the end, I’m super excited for to see what this year holds for me professionally.
When it comes to dressing for the office, be it for work or for a work interview, I usually stay traditional, wearing black. Part of the reason behind this decision is that it is a New Yorker thing, but more importantly its safe. However, as the office dress code is business casual and even encourages trying new things, when my first day at work came I decided to go on a different route– with this bright pastel floral plaid pattern skirt as it is such a unique combination that creates visual interest. (I should point out that this skirt is currently on sale for less than $6!)
Big City, Curvy Girl, Thin Wallet 
