GabiFresh X SwimsuitsForAll - Round 2

Note: Image courtesy of Gabifresh.com

Gabi Gregg has done it again! She has teamed up with Swimsuits For all for a second time to create the ultimate Fatkini!

I don't know about you guys but I'm loving it! It is set to be available on April 16th and I know it is going to sell it in a matter of seconds.

What do you guys think? Are you feeling this bathing suit?

Boohoo Launches New Plus Size Collection

Boohoo entered the US market a little over a year ago, and since then I had quite a few friends that were raving about their products. They offer both menswear and women's clothing, and feature everything from dresses, shoes, accessories, coats and even onsies! The one thing they didn;t have though was bigger sizes.... but that is no longer the case. As of early March, they officially launched their plus size collection, and what a collection it is!

With all the bright colors, playful patterns, midi skirts, leather moto jackets, all white ensembles and jersey dresses, the collection is very much on trend for the spring! And what more, nothing is over $60!!!! if you are looking for great pieces for this coming season at an affordable price, I would definitely suggest boohoo.com as a one stop shop. In addition to this, they offer free shipping to the US and ship all over the world for pretty reasonable prices. T

Take a look at some of their pieces below:

All images courtesy of boohoo.com

Shop BOOHOO PLUS here... Let me know what some of your favorite pieces are!

Sip and Swap: The Curvy Edition

Oftentimes I hear women say that there aren't any events in the Boston area that cater to plus size women.... my response to that is LIES!!!!! You just need to know where to look and who to follow. From now on, I will be posting any upcoming curvy girl events right here on the blog so that you will always know what's popping in the Boston Curvy Girl World.

The first event that  am spotlighting is the Sip and Swap: Curvy Edition. This event was put together by Ty-Juana Flores, Boston's own curvy girl stylist. She is working with Your Desired Dream to put together a swapping event for Boston area curvaholics. This is an event that no curvy girl should miss! Check out the details below:

Date: Sunday, 26 January 2014

Time: 1pm - 4pm

Venue: Scholar's, 25 School Street, Boston, MA 02108

Here is a more in-depth description form their eventbrite website:

Bring your 12+ curvy apparel and lets get swapping!!

How It Works

• Please bring 5-10 carefully selected clothing items. if you are bringing coats please bring them on hangers IF possible. Sorry no accessories at this time.
• Give what you hope to receive: Think current and clean. The best items to bring are things you love but just happen to be too small, too short, too long, or no longer “fit” you in some way.
• Clothing should be in good to like-new condition: No holes, stains, missing buttons, broken zippers, etc.
• Vintage is okay but please mind quality control. Five seasons ago does not count as vintage…yet.
• If it’s been sitting in your closet with the tags on for over a month, bring it. Chances are you’re never going to wear something that’s been sitting there collecting dust.
• Only things in good condition (washed and/or ironed) should be welcome. 

Swap Day

Clothing Drop Off: 12noon-1:30pm ONLY. Style Your Curves and her team needs time to organize and lay your threads out for a great swapping experience. If you purchased a 12 + Swapper ticket and you have items to swap this would be your arrival time. 

Sip and Swap: 1:00-3:00pm. Enjoy mix and mingling with your fellow curvy colleagues over your complimentary cocktail and appetizers (for purchase). This is a perfect time to network, discuss wardrobe war stories and much more!

Swap Time: 3:00pm. Each 12+ Swapper has the chance to SHOP!! Detailed rules will be given before the swap begins.

The other great thing about this event is that all the clothing items that are not swapped will be donated to Dress for Success Boston. This is an organization that aims to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. So you could end up updating your wardrobe and also helping someone else do the same!

This is an event that no curvy girl should miss so make sure you head to the ticket site and purchase your tickets while you can! Make sure that you also head over and like Ty-Juana's Facebook page, Style your Curves because she posts updates about the event and trust me, you don't want to miss anything! It's also just pretty great page, lol...

I will be at the event as well so I hope to see a few of you readers, and if you can't make it, keep and eye out for my review of the event.

Stay Succulent!

2014 Style Resolutions

Last year was a great year for me, but I know 2014 is going to be AMAZING! I definitely found out a lot about myself and stepped out of my fashion box quite a bit.... but in 2014 I really want to push myself even further and explore my style and fashion sense. For that reason, I have decided not only to come up with my general resolutions, but to also come up with some style resolutions for this new year.

My resolutions may seem to cover a broad spectrum of things but that's just because for me, style not only refers to the clothes you wear, but encompasses a whole lot of things. From the way you style your hair, to the nail polish color you choose to wear to the accessories you use and how you use them.... but this is just how I define style.

I have already started working on one of my style resolutions, which was to take better care of my hair and figure out what works best for it. In an effort to start fresh and not to hinder my efforts, I decided to... 

SHAVE MY HEAD!!! Some of my friends think I look like a boy, and some say I look a lot younger now, but oh well. The choice was mine and I like it! Which is another one of my style resolutions..... 

Here is a list of some of my style resolutions:

• Buy cute gym clothes
• Get my eyebrows done regularly
• Invest in some good shape wear
• Wear more colors
• Experiment with patterns
• Take more pictures
• Shop somewhere new
• Buy a pair of running shoes
• Thrift more
• Invest in some amazing signature pieces
• Get my tragus pierced.... again
• Play around with length.... whether it be shorts, skirts, tops or dresses
• Do more with my nails
• Get more accessories, especially necklaces
• Wear actual pants.... not leggings
• Don't get scared away by the price, especially if it is a versatile or signature piece
• Practice accessorizing
• Believe that there are no rules
• If I can't find it, i will learn to DIY it!

I think my biggest style resolution that I think everyone should add to their list, no matter who they are, is to wear whatever you want and feel good in the process.

Did you come up with any style resolutions this year? Send me an email if you can think of any good ones that I should add to my list. Feel free to share them down below as well.... and remember:

Stay Succulent!

UNABASHED: Chardline Chanel Faiteau

This week, I am introducing a new segment!!!!! The segment will be called "Unabashed" and every week I will feature a plus size person who I think epitomizes the phrase "big and beautiful." Through this segment, I want to share with you some of the people who inspire me, and hopefully inspire you all in the process. I will feature everybody and anybody from bloggers, models, plus size industry prifessionals and even the girl next door! Inspiration comes from various sources, and you can be inspirational in many ways so there will be a wide variety of features... :-)

Now that I've introduced the segment, I would like to introduce my first feature, Chardline. She is one of the most inspirational people that I have met since moving to Boston. I don't care what anyone says, this girl is my best friend in my head, and i look up to her in so many ways. She is a 24 year young plus size fashion and health enthusiast who has been inspiring people through her amazing fitness journey.

She describes herself as a LIFE ENTHUSIAST who loves all the blessings that GOD has put in her life and, as a person who loves to encourage people to reach their fullest potential as well as find what makes THEM special.

Name: Chardline Chanel Faiteau
Location: Dorchester, MA
Occupation: Community Liasion fo Mayor’s Office.
Blog: Plus Size Beausion (www.chardline.com)

Follow me: @itsameechardio (twitter)
                    @fabulouslyfat2fit (instagram)
                     www.facebook.com/chardline



When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging as a means to express my love for myself in 2011. At first it started out by self-hate and not being able to find ANYTHING to wear…but little by little I found myself growing to love myself and seeing myself in a light I never knew existed. Through finding fashionable clothing I saw that I was beautiful. Then I learned to embrace the IMMATERIAL. I saw that I was more than a pretty face and that when I chose what to wear, a piece of the joyful and effervescent person that I am shines through my style. Then I thought to myself, “if I am going through this struggle, I am sure there are other women who can benefit from this.” It was then Plus Size Beausion was born. I first started on Tumblr then in 2013 I went on to start publishing under www.chardline.com

What amazing experiences have you had because of blogging?

Networking. I love to meet woman like me from all over the world. From Brazil to Cali to right here in Boston I have met some AMAZING women! I’ve also met women who said that I’ve inspired them to come out of their shell. Hearing that was music to my soul because I remember a time when I lived in a shell and didn’t want to look at mirror. From aspiring models, to fashionistas, to health enthusiasts, it is always an adventure!

Who are your fashion icons?

My fashion Icons today are: Rihanna, Solange, Joie Fulani, Angel Wonder, Shainna Tucker, Tamara Wilson, Marilyn Monroe, Marcia Kim, Nadia Aboulhosn, Smallie, and Allison McGevna. They embrace all different types of fashion and I wish I could raid their closets in my size.

Favorite Trends for this season?

My favorite trend this season has to be black and white. I know…very plain BUT I’VE NEVER SEEN SO MUCH LIFE when they are combined. Add a little neon in there and you're good to go.

What new piece in your wardrobe are you most excited to style?

My friend Jeminatu is one of the founders of Afrik Inspired and she is making an outfit for me that I am ECSTATIC about from Ankara patterns. It will be neck tie, earrings, bangles, shorts, peplum skirt and scarf! I can’t wait to do it up!

 Favorite places to shop?

I don’t know if this list will ever end but my top 10 place would be:

• Thift Shops
• Etsy
• Ebay
• Fashion to Figure
• Wole
• Ose Uhseh
• Grandmother’s Closet
• Forever 21
• Instagram Boutiques (there’s at least 60 of them)
• TJ Maxx

What is your number 1 piece of advice when shopping?

If it doesn’t call to you, don’t buy it. I used to be a trend shopper. A trend shopper is someone who loves to shop by whatever is trending at the moment. EVEN IF I DIDN’T LIKE THE TREND I’D BUY IT. But now, I embrace all trends no matter what the season. Vintage has to be my favorite because they are timeless so ALWAYS TRY TO ADD SOME VINTAGE ITEMS TO THAT CLOSET!

So I know you started an amazing fitness journey. Could you tell us a bit about that?

Recently, the doctor told me that I was very unhealthy and that I was on the verge of getting diabetes and other weight related diseases. With the recent discovery of my grandmother’s heart failure, I chose to take back my health a step at a time. I researched different ways to try and get there and I am happy to say I am 40lbs down! I can run faster, breathe better, and I eat COMPLETELY DIFFERENT then how I used to eat. I exercise 6 times a week and LOVE IT! I actually fill incomplete when I am standing still!

What is your current favorite new healthy meal?

My favorite meal would have to be Salmon with Teriyaki Mango seasoning…Multigrain Mixed Veggie Medley and Red Quinoa.

What tips would you give for girls out there who want healthy curves?

Start small work your way up. Talk to people who are on their own journey. Or schedule an appointment to see a nutrionist. Eating is truly 70% of the battle. Make sure you double check all your research and write down EVERYTHING so that you don’t skip a beat and it will be easier for you to figure out why weight was gained or lost.

Any last minute words of inspiration?

Always find that one spark that induces SELF LOVE! Just because you want to lose weight, doesn’t mean you don’t love yourself or how you look IT JUST MEANS THAT YOU ARE TAKING TIME TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY THAT LOVE SO DEARLY! Also, don’t let someone tell you are ugly or you can’t dress that’s just a person imparting their insecurities about themselves in hopes that you’ll feel as nasty as they do! EMBRACE YOUR BEAUTY!!

Everyone needs to head over to Chardline's blog and check it out. She has some great fashion advice on there as well as ideas for whenever you are not sure where to look for certain clothing.

I hope you all enjoyed my first feature, and if you know anyone who deserves to be featured or if you would like to be featured, feel free to email me at forbiddenvanity@gmail.com with some pictures, a link to any websites as well as a short description.

Stay Succulent!

2 Pieces For Your Curves

When I was younger, I never used to care. Whenever we were going to the beach or to the pool, I used to go into my closet and grab the first 2 piece bathing suit I could find. I would rock that bathing suit and walk around the beach or pool area like I owned it, and I thought I was pretty and that I looked good. I was unashamed and didn't care what anyone said, because I know for sure there were some whispers going on poolside but I could have cared less....

This summer, I want all you ladies to get back to that place. That time when you gave not a single hoot what anyone thought of your outfit or bathing suit. That time when you looked in the mirror and didn't count the number of back rolls you were able to hide or how much of your love handles that you were able to tuck in... That time when you felt pretty and carefree. This summer, I want you to rock a TWO PIECE BATHING SUIT!!!

The first swimsuit destination I am going to share is Rue 107. With their newly launched Rue+, they are really making waves in the swimsuit arena, Check out some of my favorite pieces below:

Monif C is a well-known name in the plus size fashion industry, and judging from just her swimsuit offerings, it is no wonder why. Every year, she always comes up with the most amazing swimsuit collection that could drive anyone to fall in love with bigger girls, and this year is no exception. Here are some of the pieces modeled by Anita Marshall.

This year, Swimsuits For All partnered with my all time favorite blogger, Gabi Gregg of Gabifresh, to create a capsule collection featuring 2 pieces, 1 pieces and cover ups to die for. Below is Gabi wearing my favorite piece form the collection, the galaxy 2 pieces bathing suit. This suit is currently sold out but be sure to head over to the site and shop the other bathing suits.

Nakimuli is another store that I am absolutely obsessed with. They always have fun pieces and have my favorite upcoming model, Essie Golden, modeling for them. They had a giveaway last week that I unfortunately didn't win... but I still love them, lol.

For all you budget fashionistas, Forever 21+ is a great place to look at for some cute swimwear at an affordable price. Below is an example of some of their 2 pieces:

There are so many choices now when it comes to swimwear. In addition to 2 piece bathing suits, the above mentioned stores have a selection of 1 pieces, cover ups and other swimwear and beach accessories. So even if 2 pieces are really not your thing, be sure to check them out for all your summer necessities.

Some additional places to check out are:

• Sorella Swim
• Ashley Stewart
• Lane Bryant
• Asos
• Macy's
• JC Penney
• Avenue
• Old Navy

Fel free to share links to your favorite places to buy swimwear down below in the comments. Get ready ladies, this summer is our summer!!!!

Stay Succulent!!!

I was an Ashley Stewart model.... for a day

A couple of weeks ago, I got the opportunity to model for Ashley Stewart. For those of you who don't know, Ashley Stewart is a chain of plus size stores located around the United States. According to their website, "The Ashley Stewart brand is truly an eclectic mix. It is fashion forward, sexy and inspirational. It provides the customer with head-to-toe outfits from trendy sportswear to lingerie to outerwear. Ashley Stewart dresses the women from the bedroom to the boardroom. Fashion conscious plus-size urban women shop at Ashley Stewart to find the latest fashions that reflects their inner-confidence."

 Their local branch in Dudley Square was having a store event a couple of weeks ago, and I got the chance to be one of the models along with 9 other ladies. We each had to model two outfits. The first outfits we had to model in were "tropical" themed outfits. Basically, this scene required us to wear bright colors, particularly greens, blues, oranges and pinks. With summer just around the corner, and bold colors being one of the trends for the season, this scene gave the ladies ideas on what outfits they could put together using Ashley Stewart's latest collection. Take a look at some of the outfits that we were able to put together:



Apparently, here in America, the one time that it is acceptable to wear all white without people giving you strange looks is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Although many of you ladies (and I am one of the culprits) shy away from wearing all white, take a look at some of the models serving some all white fabulousness!

                                 

Initially, I had thought that Ashley Stewart didn't have much to offer for the trendy, younger woman. I never thought that I would be able to get day to day clothing from their store, but I was definitely wrong. Everything we are wearing, except maybe some of the shoes are from the store. And yes, that includes the jewelry, bags and sunglasses too!

The store event was put together by the amazing ladies of Escape Image Consulting, Nicole Flynt and Danita Lee. They found the models and came up with the wonderful outfits that you see in the pictures. BE sure to like their Facebook page. They are looking to make these store events a monthly thing and are definitely interested in collaborating with anyone who is interested.

Oh by the way, here are the outfits that I had the pleasure of modeling in:

For those who might be interested in modeling for Ashley Stewart for real, Plus Model Magazine and Ashley Stewart have teamed up for a model search to find their next spokesmodel. I will be making a post about it but in the mean time, click on the link below for more details. The deadline to enter is May 31st 2013

http://www.plus-model-mag.com/2013/03/ashley-stewart-and-plus-model-magazine-model-search/

Ladies, be sure to check Ashley Stewart for all these gorgeous clothes, and remember....

Stay Succulent!

I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!

So I know I've been M.I.A for a loooooooooong while but I'm officially back and ready to get back in the blogging saddle. I have some great things planned for the blog, but I'm sure most of you are wondering where I've been....

So I moved to Boston, so I live here now while I'm finishing up my college degree. I'm studying Public Relations at Suffolk University, and I'm a junior right now. I love this city, minus the cold. That's the only thing that I can't handle here. Other than that, I love my school and I love this city!

I've been able to do a lot of great things since I've moved here. I started modeling and I have done a few shows and photo shoots. Here are some random shots of some of my "work". I will be posting some more stuff as I carry on with the blog.

I'm really glad to be back blogging, and I can't wait for you guys to read all the exciting articles and things that I have planned for you and that I've been up to. I'm not going to tell you what exactly I have planned because I want you to keep checking back on the blog.... but don't worry, you won't be disappointed.

 Feel free to follow me on twitter, tumblr and instagram so that you can stay in touch with me more often, and see what I'm up to.

Watch this space!

Stay succulent!