Worship the Sundress!

By now you know I am hopelessly addicted to bright colors and bold patterns. (I affectionately refer to my closet as “The Carnival.”) I especially enjoy finding a bright, beautiful color in a sexy sundress. When the sun roasts my skin from Toffee to Milk Chocolate to Dark Chocolate by late August, I just love complimenting my shoulders or my legs with a cute sundress that shows off my assets and helps me stay cool on sweltering summer days. Here are a few sundresses that I am worshiping this summer:

Who knew Calvin Klein had love for the big girls? This beautiful, geometric print halter dress ($138.00) is beyond gorgeous. The elastic waistband under the rib cage is just perfect for showcasing the “girls” and hiding a little extra cushion.

Monif C. sho’ do know how to flatter a curvy diva and this season’s collection is no exception. This divine flower-print, handkerchief dress ($245.00) is a celebration of color that makes my heart jump for joy.

Even though I was born in ’79, I can certainly appreciate this beautiful 70s inspired dress by Donna Morgan. While it’s not a traditional sundress ($98.00), I can certainly see myself sporting this fun, short number on a hot Saturday night.

Until next time,
Stay curvy and fabulous!

Better Than Babies and Puppies

Whenever I am walking about in my neighborhood, I find it nearly impossible to walk by an adorable baby without tickling her chin or a cute puppy without stroking his fur. As I lovingly stroke or pet the new object of my affection, my voice magically raises to a higher octave as I lavish the baby or puppy with adoration and praise for being so gosh darn cute. After the parent or owner allows me to indulge their baby or pet, without fail, the baby strolls away in a wash or giggles and smiles and the puppy wags his tail with even more gleeful delight. The more I reflected on this behavior, it made me think, “What if I treated every woman I knew just like a cute baby or a puppy?”

Think about it for a second. Many of us treat babies and puppies better than we treat each other. There are days when I can go throughout an entire day without saying a positive or complimentary word to another person. I will be sure to pick out a fellow diva’s flaw or mistake, but slow to give her a compliment or congratulate her on a job well done. As women of all sizes, we are taught to see each other as competition rather than as a companion or a teacher on our life’s journey. Wouldn’t it be a beautiful shift in our culture if we could all celebrate each other’s beauty and talents and not be afraid or threatened to give another woman a genuine compliment?

Granted, I would be a little freaked out if a fellow diva came up to me and started randomly stroking my hair or cooing to me in baby talk. But wouldn’t it be nice if every woman made it a goal to tell at least two other women each day how beautiful they look? Wouldn’t it be nice to hear, “Girl, you are wearing that outfit!” or “Girl, you did a great job on your presentation today!” instead of “Who does she think she is?” or “Girl, I can’t stand her!” We would all be a bunch of grinning fools if we could sincerely give and receive more of the heartfelt compliments and praise that we crave. (C’mon, it’s not just me. Some days we really NEED another diva to tell us we got it going on!)

I’m sure some of you are thinking that I live in a land of make believe and am ignorant to the fact that there women out there who may not be worthy of the attention that you would give to a crab, let alone a baby or a puppy. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of clawing and pinching from other women during my 30 years on the planet. Yet, some of the most difficult women that I have encountered have softened when I have given them even the smallest compliment. That’s not to say that I don’t have to dig WAY deep for a nice thing to say at times, but extending a genuine compliment sure does go a long way.

So, the next time you are strolling about and you see a cute baby or a puppy, just think “Did I take the time today to treat a fellow diva the way that I want to be treated?” or “Did I make the effort to give another woman a genuine compliment?” A baby or puppy probably won’t remember if you “Ooh” and “Aah” over them, but a heartfelt compliment will help a fellow diva stand taller, walk with more confidence, and believe in herself a little more.

If you haven’t heard a good word yet today, let me be the first to tell you, “Girl, you are more FABULOUS than words can say!”

Peace.

It's Time for a Panty Raid

Yes, I am guilty of owning WAY more panties than one woman should have. 75 in all to be exact (DON’T judge me!). Perhaps it’s my fear of being in an accident and not having clean drawers or my fear that I’ll be caught somewhere without a working washing machine. As I am in the process of releasing excess from my life, I thought what EXACTLY should go into a well-stocked panty drawer? Here is my advice on what’s too old, what’s worth keeping, and when it’s necessary to treat yourself to something new.

Some Things Are Too Old
It’s time for your panties to hit the road if they are

• Excessively torn or stained
• No longer elastic
• More than 24-36 months old (It’s REALLY not cute to brag that you have underwear older than your children!)
• One to two sizes too tight or too loose
  

Some Things Are Worth Keeping
I’m trying to pare down to the following panty essentials:

• Everyday Panties (14-21 pairs) – I am a strong advocate for having AT LEAST a three week supply of good panties that are comfortable, breathable, and don’t show any visible panty lines (VPLs). See my favorite pairs below.
• Fancy Panties (5-10 pairs) – Every woman needs a few pair of sexy underwear to make her feel beautiful for herself or that special someone.
• Thongs (3-5 pairs) – Thongs are perfect for light-colored or linen pants or skirts, body hugging formal wear, or just a day when the panties get to be too much.
• PMS Panties (7-10 pairs) – Depending on your individual cycle, you need to hold on to just a few (and I do mean a FEW!) pairs of panties that are suitable for your time of the month.

It’s Time for Something New
It’s time for new panties if

• You have recently lost or gained 10-15 pounds
• You can see your panties or panty lines through your clothing (a sho’ nuff sign that your panties are too loose or too old)
• You haven’t purchased new panties within the last two years
• You are still wearing maternity panties and your “baby” is now in kindergarten
• It’s Monday and you just feel like treating yourself to some new drawers (LOL!)

A Few of My Favorite Things


Stretch Cotton Panties
My sister-mommy Diane turned me on to these fabulous Stretch Cotton panties from Lane Bryant ($12.99) a few years ago. I don’t know how these panties simultaneously smooth and support my belly and manage to erase VPLs, but I am a firm believer in their magic.

Comfort Choice Tag-Free Briefs
Yes, my name is Leah, and I still believe in good ol’ fashioned, cover-your-entire-tail bloomers. That’s right I said it! Well, believe it or not these classic panties from Comfort Choice have come a LONG way from the big granny panties of yore and have even branched out from the traditional pastel palette of colors. (Look how cute these are!) Even better, they are still economical at just $14.99 for five pair.

On Sale NOW!
Right now is the perfect time to work on your panty collection with the following sales this week

Victoria’s Secret Half-Yearly Sale (sale ends on Wednesday, June 24th)
Lane Bryant’s Cacique Semi-Annual Sale

As of this morning, I’m now down to 50 pairs. Let’s pray that I get down to just 40 pairs by the end of the summer.

Until next time,
Stay curvy and fabulous!

Up Next: Capris: The Summer Wonder Pant

Fire Up Your Wonder Woman Soundtrack!!

Toward the end of my graduate school studies, I was truly running on empty both physically and mentally. I was snippy, short-tempered, and full charged to curse anyone out if they stepped to me incorrectly. I was light years away from the cool and even-tempered Leah I have fallen back in love with today.

When my morning Starbucks fix no longer worked and I knew that I couldn’t complain to my family and friends one more day, I created my own Wonder Woman Soundtrack mix on my iPod. The songs I chose were simple but profound tunes that helped me to remember God’s love for me, get centered on what’s most important, and affirm my fabulousness. As I cranked up my mix in the morning (much to the displeasure of my neighbors!), I felt like I was putting on invincible Wonder Woman bracelets just like Lynda Carter. On the days when I had a full plate at work and a long class at night, these songs infused me with the strength to know that I could run on and the power to propel me to the finish line.

If you are like me, I’m sure your days are filled with juggling full schedules at home and work, providing listening ears for your girlfriends, squeezing in time for church and community, and grasping for just a chunk of ME time to call your own. It ain’t easy to always be a strong, beautiful, and confident woman. Some situations (and some people!) actually REQUIRE you to transform from Woman to Wonder Woman. On the days when you need to turn on your Wonder Woman power, fire up your own mix of tunes that will help you to stand confidently in your womanhood, celebrate the gift of life, and be assured of God’s love and grace for you.

While I like to mix up my Wonder Woman Soundtrack from time to time, a few empowering jams I can always count on are

“Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder
“Golden” by Jill Scott
“I Choose” by India.Arie
“Get Up” by Mary Mary
“Suddenly I See” by K.T. Tunstall
“I Still Have Joy” by Tye Tribbett

And when I am REALLY feeling good, I can’t live without

“Got to Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn, and
Baltimore Club Classic “Watch Out for the Big Girls”

Whatever songs you use to ignite your Wonder Woman powers, let the words encourage you to live up to your God-given potential EVERY day and fuel you to be the BEST curvy and fabulous diva that you can be!

The world betta watch out for the BIG GIRLS!

Much love!

Taking Dresses to the Max

I’m in LOVE with maxidresses this season. Not only am I in love with their length, but I am grateful that their long layers cover a multitude of my body sins. I am currently on the hunt for the perfect maxidress that has a bright, vivid summer color, sufficiently hides my tummy, and can easily be worn in the office and on the weekends. Quite a tall order for one piece of clothing, but I’m determined to make it happen. Here are a few contenders on my list.

I adore this classic white maxidress from Ashley Stewart ($49.00). It is super comfortable and has a beautiful lightweight fabric.

I realize the next two dresses are a bit luxe in their price range, but a girl can dream, can’t she? Besides, I know that someone wants to give me a present for the six-month anniversary of my 30th birthday or for just being me. Right? LOL!

How much do I LOVE this beautiful, one shoulder, hot pink maxidress by the Rachel Pally White Label? Let me count the ways. You can find this lovely number at Nordstrom’s for $260.00.

The stripes on this gorgeous, ombre maxidress by Adrianna Papell are just right. They will lengthen and beautify your figure without stretching you out in the wrong direction. The dress is also available from Nordstrom’s for $188.00.


Until next time,
Stay curvy and fabulous!

Up Next: Fire Up Your Wonder Woman Soundtrack!!!

To Thine Own Breasts Be True

For those of us curvy and fab divas who have been blessed with beautiful, bountiful bosoms, we all know that our breasts can be our best friends or our worst enemies. If you are a D cup and above like me, you are acutely aware of the frustration of finding a gorgeous top or dress and then not be able to fit your girls into the garment (Argh!). Here is my list of tips for embracing, enhancing, and showing off your breasts tastefully and avoiding a Janet Jackson Nipplegate scandal of your own.

Bra Fittings and Essentials

1. Know Your Current Bra Size. The first step to embracing your breasts is to know your current bra size. If you have lost or gained 10-15 pounds since the last time you purchased a bra, you will need to adjust your bra size accordingly. You can get a bra fitting at most major department stores (e.g., Macy’s, Nordstrom’s) and most plus-size retail stores (e.g., Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart).

2. Fit, Fit, FIT. After you discover your correct bra size, you should invest in properly fitted bras that do the following:

• Provide support from the band, not the bra straps
• Have comfortable bra straps that do not dig into your shoulders
• Allow your breasts to be aligned midway between your shoulder and your elbow

3. Take inventory. Every curvy and fab diva should strive to have the following items in her bra inventory:

• 6-8 everyday, properly fitting bras
• 2-3 fancy bras (with coordinating panties!)
• 1 strapless bra with convertible straps
• 1 minimizing bra
• 1 enhancing bra
• 2-4 sports bras

4. Embrace Camisoles As Your New Best Friend. If you have a low-cut blouse or dress that you love but shows a little more clevage tha you need, camisoles will be your new best friend. I have a few low-cut sundresses that I love to wear to work and I have gotten more mileage out of them by pairing them with a cute coordinating camisole underneath. You can also pair up a cami with a shirt that may have become a little too snug in the front.

Breast Etiquette

5. Timing is EVERYTHING! I’m all for tastefully showing your cleavage as appropriate, but just remember that timing is everything. If you are attending a more formal or conservative event (e.g., church, formal gala), then you probably want to keep the girls under wraps or show as little cleavage as possible. For a night on the town with the girls, I say let ‘em out to your comfort level.

6. Mind the gap! Yes, I know we all hate going up to that next size, but, really, if your shirt or blouse is gaping in the front, you are not doing yourself any favors by parading around with a big hole all day. And trying to minimize it with a safety pin just makes it worse. As a general rule, let’s not wearing anything that doesn’t show the best of who we are.

7. How low is too low? My personal rule for showing off any body part is that YOU have to feel comfortable FIRST. If you go on the town with a beautiful top that has a plunging neckline, but you spend all your time pulling at your top or adjusting your bra, then that top is too low for you. Personally, I’m still working on my cleavage confidence, but I say “Bravo” to my curvy and fab girls who can tastefully and beautifully show their breasts with pride. And you get two snaps in “Z” formation from me if you can dip it as low as the late, great Phyllis Hyman in this picture.

Ladies, enjoy your breasts. There are women all over this country who would kill to have the naturally, curvy, and voluptuous bosoms that many of us curvy and fab enjoy. Find your comfort level with your cleavage and look for tops and dresses that make the most of your assets.

But, ladies, oh ladies, no matter how confident you feel in revealing your cleavage, NOBODY (and I do mean NOBODY!) needs to see your nipples. And to quote the illustrious rap duo OutKast – Ever? Ever? Never EVER!!!!

Until next time,
Stay curvy and fabulous!

Up Next: Taking Dresses to the Max

It’s Time to Get a Divorce

I was listening to one of my favorite groups, The Roots, a few weeks ago and I was struck by a particularly profound lyric from their song “Clock with No Hands.” In this song rapper Black Thought says,

I was married to a state of mind and then I divorced it.

Wow! How many of us are married to thoughts and ideas that are weighing us down and keeping us from feeling beautiful? I entered into a very toxic marriage of the mind during my teenage years growing up in Baltimore. In the early to mid 90s, seemingly every guy was looking for girls who were light-skinned, thin, and had long hair. There wasn’t but so much I could do to change my medium-brown skin, my predestined genes for being a plus-size woman, and my coarse, curly hair that resisted every super, duper, bone-straight perm known to man. Building a strong and healthy body image and learning to love me felt down right impossible.

As I grew and matured, I realized that the true value of my beauty had to begin with my beliefs about myself. I had to stop hating the beautiful body that God gave me and begin celebrating all the wonderful things that I’ve been blessed to do with this vessel for the past 30 years. What I have learned (and still am learning!), is that when I TRULY focus my thoughts on loving me, regardless of what the scale says or what pants I can fit into for the day, I become a magnet for good people who support me and help me create a love-filled life that works for me.

Like me, I’m sure that many of you have had to leap over mountains to build and maintain a healthy sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. Some days it is really challenging to feel good about being a curvy and fabulous diva when you are faced with the reality of a limited selection of plus-size clothing in most retail stores, a fashion industry focused on ridiculously thin women, and the general prejudice that is perpetuated in this country against overweight people.

But today, let’s get a divorce from our own negative beliefs and self-talk. Let’s get a divorce from negative people and their negative ideas about what is or is not beautiful. Let’s get a divorce from the fashion industry’s standards and ideas about who deserves to wear and flaunt beautiful clothes. Let’s not spend one more moment married to thoughts, ideas, and beliefs that don’t help us to create and celebrate the beautiful bodies God gave each and every one of us.

We’ve all heard unhappily married folks joke and say “It’s cheaper to keep her.” When it comes to our bodies, it might be cheaper to hold to your old familiar beliefs, but it’s far too costly to miss out on what your life could be by not accepting and loving all of who you are right now.

Wishing you a happy marriage to the new and ever improving you!

Up Next: Taking Dresses to the Max

Releasing Your Chicken Wings, Pt. 2

Now that you have the tools to confidently flaunt those bare arms, what’s a girl to wear? Here are a few of my favorite short sleeved and sleeveless tops this season.

Short and Cap Sleeve Shirts

I am SO loving this cute rhinestone embellished tee from The Avenue. And who can resist that recession-friendly price at just $14.90?

My girls know that I am a sucker for a bold splash of color. That’s why I am digging this cap-sleeved flower-print tee, also available from The Avenue ($27.90).

Sleeveless Shirts

Typically, ruffles are not my friend (unless they are ruffle potato chips!), but this gorgeous ruffled sleeveless top from Lane Bryant ($19.99) was too cute to pass up.

This bold scoop neck top from Ashley Stewart ($29.00) just knocks me out. I love this beautiful mélange of greens and yellows and the wide black bands are figure forgiving.

Until next time,
Stay curvy and fabulous!

Up Next: It’s Time to Get a Divorce!

Releasing Your Chicken Wings, Pt.1

One topic that seems to ring true for many of my fellow curvy and fabulous divas in the summer is the dread of releasing our voluptuous upper arms or as I like to call them—the chicken wings— from the cage. If you are like me, I know that many of you are not fond of that extra skin that keeps jiggling and wiggling long after you stopped waiving. While I feel a little self-conscious about letting my wings flap from time to time, it gets much too hot in the DC Metro area to keep my wings in the cage. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for letting your arms loose for the summer.

DO

1. Love your arms NOW. While we all press toward the mark of the prize of Michelle Obama’s biceps, it’s OK if we are not there yet. In the meantime, focus on loving the arms that you have right NOW. Be grateful for all that your arms do for you every day, whether it’s picking up your child or browsing through clothing racks when you are nowhere near payday. Love your arms NOW!


2. Start small. If you aren’t comfortable with fully exposing your arms now, start small with a cap sleeve, quarter sleeve, or ruffle sleeve. These extra few inches will help you feel a little more covered and keep you cool.


3. Choose wider straps. When you are ready to let your wings loose, look for sleeveless tops with wider straps. The wider straps will help your body to look more proportioned and balanced.


4. Invest in a good strapless bra. Nothing says tacky like visible bra straps. A good strapless bra will help the “girls” stay high and lifted up and make your sleeveless tops look even better.


5. Moisturize! After you find the cute top to cap off your newfound confidence, show your arms off with a beautiful rich moisturizer. Two of my current favorites are Carol’s Daughter Shea Souffle in Almond Cookie (Absolute HEAVEN in a jar!) and Berry Butter.com’s Shea Butter in Cranberry Passion (Smells just like an island breeze). For a fun night on the town, add a little body glitter on for a more luminuous glow.

DON'T

1. Select straps that are too thin. For my curvy and fab divas who are a D cup and above (self included), thin straps are NOT a good look for us. Thin straps will make your breasts look like they are hanging from a leash and make your “cups” overflow.


2. Wear bear arms in the office. While most offices have relaxed dress codes in the summer, be sure that you have a nice summer-weight sweater or wrap to cover your bare arms in the office.


3. Go without a bra. If your sleeveless top is too sheer or too tight to wear with a bra, it needs to stay on the rack or only be worn for private audiences.


4. Let the wild kingdom emerge from your underarms. Don’t ruin your beautiful outfit by allowing the hair under your arms to get too wild. Take a few moments to ensure that you have the wild kingdom under control.

When you do venture out with your new sleeveless top, don’t spend the day pinching at your arms or trying to squeeze them at your sides. Get comfortable with the beautiful arms God gave you. Where ever you are in your journey to let your chicken wings loose, remember that the most beautiful part of any outfit is how good you feel about yourself.

Until next time,
Stay curvy and fabulous!

Up Next: Releasing Your Chicken Wings, Pt. 2

A Beautiful New Beginning

It’s been a long time, and I shouldn’t have left you without some dope fashion tips to step to! I’m back in the saddle with my 2.0 version of my plus-size fashion and beauty blog. I was hesitant to start blogging again and express my point of view because seemingly everybody and their Mama has a blog. But, I figured that I could convince a few people to enjoy my quirky blend of fashion, beauty, and spirituality. Here’s a taste of what you will find every week on this blog

• Tips and reviews on the latest plus-size fashions and beauty trends
• Open discussion about your plus-size fashion successes and challenges
• Inspiration to help you learn to LOVE the skin you are in NOW!

And, here’s what will NOT be happening on this blog

• Hate for my fellow long, lean, and fabulous divas
• Malicious gossip about celebrities

In addition to being ridiculously fanatical about good plus-size fashion, I am equally passionate about exploring and strengthening my spirituality. Why in the world would I choose to infuse spirituality on a fashion blog? I’ve yet to meet a plus-size woman who hasn’t had to fight tooth and nail to feel strong and beautiful about herself. I know many curvy divas who can rock any outfit, any day of the week. But the most beautiful of these women are those who know and celebrate their beauty from the inside out.

I could give you all the latest and greatest plus-size fashion advice (which I intend to do!), but if you don’t feel confident and truly know that you are beautiful just as you are, then my work is in vain. It is NEVER my intention to shove my belief in God or my spiritual findings down anyone’s throat. If you find a quote or a thought that resonates with you, wear it with you as brightly as you would a beautiful new scarf. Take what you like and leave behind anything that doesn’t ring true for you. Hopefully, we call all learn how to be a bit more beautiful each day together.

Cheers to the new beginning of a BEAUTIFUL relationship, ladies.

Until next time,
Stay curvy and fabulous!

Up Next: Releasing Your Chicken Wings, Pt. 1