Earlier this month I managed to convince my mother to drive me and a friend to New Jersey for the Ashley Stewart sample sale, (3 items for $10? I couldn’t pass that up!) and I am so glad I did, as not only were my “partners-in-crime” able to get a full bag of clothes and shoes, but my mother found me this great spring top amidst the massive maze that made up the sale. From the lace up front and crochet detailing to the ruffle cuff bell sleeves, it really brings the drama as it’s product name implies. 
My favorite thing about this new addition to my wardrobe is its versatility, due to the fact that it is made of gauze fabric so it can easily transition into summer even with the long sleeves. Considering the fact that it is meant to be an airy top, you may want to size down if you prefer a more fitted look, though I sized up for a laid-back and relaxed feel. I paired it with my cuffed boyfriend jeans, rolled up to capri length, and red print flats which I rediscovered recently during my annual spring closet sweep last week.
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Tag: body positive
Blushing Fabulously into Spring
So last month I took a chance and submitted an entry to the Full Beauty Own Your Curves Star Style contest. I have never won anything like this before so this was a big thing for me even if I only got third place. Major thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for me. It truly means a lot. With the winnings I decided to get some spring dresses to feature on the blog, the first of which is this zip front A-line belted dress by Ellos.
Getting Spring Ready at Old Navy
NYC has been warming up so I figured that it was time to check out some spring collections and my first stop was Old Navy. Now I’ll be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with Old Navy mostly due to the fact that they have yet to offer their plus size clothing in any of their store locations. Although it is yet to be seen if they will ever offer plus sizes in store, I often make a point to try on their straight size offerings when I can as they are very budget friendly. I say this because I believe one shouldn’t avoid certain retailers just because they don’t cater to the needs of plus size consumers as there are possible styles for a full figure hanging on the straight size racks. Of course they tend to be limited in number, but they are worth taking a look at. I didn’t purchase anything during this visit, yet I wanted to share some of my current favorites some of which are available in plus size. Check them out and let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: Originally this post was meant to be my first “inside the fitting room” video but due to some technical difficulties I was not able to get this edited. For this reason I must apologize for the limited images.
1.) Dresses
Cutwork Cami Dress | Eyelet Tie-Waist Shirt Dress (not found online but available in store)
I’m not sure what is is about spring that brings out so many cami dresses at various retailers, but the navy blue detail on the hem of this cami dress makes up for the repetition of this style. I should note that while this dress is lined the material has a bit of sheer. Even so, with some flats or sandals this is a great piece to wear for a spring picnic in the park and when paired with a cardigan it can be used at work. I have a very low tolerance for heat which makes me sweat buckets once the temperature goes higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit so I have made a point in the last five years to find some comfortable and office appropriate summer work wear. I think that paired with some wedged sandals or nude heels the tie-waist dress will definitely fit the bill. I am wearing an XXL in both, but considering how roomy these dresses are (the cami dress actually has a smocked back) I suggest sizing down in both. Continue reading
Black History Month and My Afro-Latina Identity
For the entire month of February I have grappled with writing this post. Yet the subject is something that is very important to me and what better way to the end Black History Month than by complicating its annual observance. If you take a look at my “about” page or the bios provided on most of my social media channels for the blog, you will notice that I identify as an “Afro-Latina.” In my experience the term “Afro-Latino” is one that either stumps or angers a couple of people; it usually depends on where you are and who you are talking to. It stumps some people because they are not aware that “Latino” is not a racial category, but an ethnicity, and it angers others because of the misconception that Latinos cannot be Black.
This misunderstanding is one that is sadly shared by Latinos as we generally reference ourselves through our national ties or those of our parents. I grew up understanding that I was the daughter of Panamanian immigrants. Though I was born and raised in the United States, I wasn’t considered “American” by many of my peers as evident from the ever present: “Where are you FROM?” America sees things plainly Black or white and anything that shatters that mentality often brings negative responses. As a result, I was taught to hate my hair, skin color and the fact that my first words were in another language other than English. (I blame the media and the American education system, but that’s a topic for another time.)
Me at 12 years old wearing the Panamanian pollera.
+Size Matters: Glee
I’ll be honest, I didn’t get into Glee until I heard that Darren Criss of YouTube/StarKid fame was cast to play a new character during Season 2. (As of today I still haven’t completed season one, mostly because I can’t stand the character of Terri, Will Schuster’s first wife.) An American musical dramedy, Glee aired on Fox from 2009 to 2015. The series initially focused on performing arts-loving Spanish teacher William Schuster reinventing the McKinley High School Glee Club, the New Directions, challenging outcast students to follow their dreams by taking part of the show choir competition circuit. While they work on their performances the members of the New Directions struggle with low self-esteem, relationships, race, sexuality, bulling, eating disorders and other social issues. Though working to present show had a lot of flaws (many of the serious issues and problems are resolved in a very ridiculous, unrealistic way) though that still doesn’t take away from much of the positive representation it brought on. Glee is rare in that it made a point to have racial, gender and size diversity with its protagonists, antagonists and supporting cast. They weren’t completely left in the side lines, and even better was the fact that the story lines of these characters rarely dealt with the fact that they were different. Note that I said RARELY, and I will get to that in a minute. As always we will start with the good by looking at four of the plus size characters of Glee. Continue reading
Big City, Curvy Girl, Thin Wallet 