Kicking It Around Town

One of my goals for 2018 is to travel more. It's real easy to just stay at home (especially when you live in NYC) and just use your vacation time to just catch up on all the things that you put off due to work. Don't get me wrong, a good staycation is everything, but this gal needed to get on a plane and get away- even if it was for a couple of days. 

Violeta by Mango Jacket

I took some time to visit my blogger boo The Real Sample Size in Houston. I've never been to Texas, so it was only fitting for my first trip out to the Southwest that I go to visit her. I got to check out Downtown Houston which is home to their stadiums, and their amazing mall that has some of the cutest spots for pictures. She also took me to 3rd Ward, where we gave Trap Brunch a go (brunching while listening & dancing to trap music), and other spots around the city to check out their massive murals. I also ate crawfish for the first time, and had hibachi (which I am now addicted to, thanks ShaKera).

When venturing around, I always travel with the essentials- tee, jeans, and sneakers. I'm on vacation, so I want all things comfortable. Now comfortable for me is this look, but for other's maybe not. Hey, at the end of the day it's about wearing what makes you feel your best. 

Lane Bryant Skinny Jeans

My jacket collection is pretty vast these days, so in order to catch my eye, it has to be a showstopper. This Violeta by Mango jacket that I got from Fullbeauty is definitely such. It was love at first sight. It's a satiny pink bomber with glitter accents, what's not to love? Violeta is a cool line with some great pieces that you can easily mix and match with your wardrobe. I am wearing a XL in the jacket which is a size 20. I hope that the brand decides to expand the line, because there are so many pieces a woman 20+ would love to wear. I paired the jacket with a simple mock neck tee (this one is sold out, but here is another one for $7), and my favorite curve hugging, skinny jeans from Lane Bryant. 

I will definitely say this - I have become obsessed with statement earrings. Having cool accessories can really amp up a simple look. I've had these Gabriela fringe earrings from Baublebar since last summer and they are definitely a fan favorite. Rose gold accessories just look amazing against the melanin. 

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My sneaker addiction has been in overdrive as of late, and I have been loving all the new colorways of my favorite sneakers. The Nike Air Force 1 is one of my Top 5 favorite sneakers of all time, so when I saw them in this super cute blush color I bought- cause sometimes you just gotta "Treat Yourself".

 

These are an update to the classic AF1 called the Ultraforce. I consider it a sock hybrid sneaker since you don't have to lace them up for a secure fit.  It also has side mesh panels for breathability. This color is sold out, but it does come in 6 other colors. 

I definitely enjoyed my time in Houston. Another trip is definitely in the works. I would love to do a meet up with all of the lovely bloggers in the area, as well take some time to enjoy some Texas BBQ.

So what do you wear when you are kicking it around town? Share below!!! Muah!!! 

 

Check The Rhyme

Back in the day on the boulevard of Linden...

ATCQ Mural

I met up with my bestie for brunch in Queens, and when we were done, I decided to head over to the ATCQ mural. I'm rarely- when I say rarely, I mean maybe twice a year (yeah I'm bad), in Queens so I took the opportunity to shoot at the infamous Linden Boulevard. It was referenced in one of my favorite ATCQ songs- Check The Rhyme. I have been wanting to check out the mural for a while, and it was the perfect day to do so. No wind, perfectly sunny, and all to myself (after a family had their mini photo shoot). 

I've raved about Melissa McCarthy's denim, but another favorite of mine are her jackets. I picked up the Military Jacket in black (it comes in Olive, but I have been soo obsessed with olive these days, I didn't need another thing). I am wearing a 1X, which is rare for me because of my arms. I will say her tops are roomy in the arms, and for all my big arms gals, check out her line. The jacket has pockets (I find jackets with no pockets an epic fail), and it has cool patches on it. This version is sold out, but there is another style available. 

I paired the jacket and one of my favorite oldie but goodie tee's and a pair of sequin leggings from Roamans. I wanted to have fun with the classic legging & tee look, and these definitely upped the ante. With these being all black, there are a great addition to your wardrobe. You can wear them with practically anything. With the holidays coming up, you can wear these with a great sweater or go all out and wear this with a tuxedo jacket and button down. There's definitely no wrong way to wear these. Now for those that are a part of team thick thighs, I suggest sizing up in these leggings. For me, most bottoms from Roamans require me to size up so that it fits comfortably.

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As of late I have been living in sneakers or flats. The latest to my collection are these Basket Platform sneakers from Puma. These are soo versatile and comfortable, that I practically live in these. I love them so much, I'm thinking about getting them in another color. Just slip them on and I am out the door. Can't get any better than that. 

Rules that once held us back from wearing things should no longer be a factor in ones life. If you want to wear lingerie as tops, do it. Sequins for the day- why not? Wear all the pretty things day or not, and enjoy yourself.

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Cherish The Day

I'm an 80's baby, so that means I love me some R&B. Quiet Storm was a must listen when I was growing up. One of those singers that was always played was Sade. I loved her smooth voice and when I got the chance to see her videos her style was always on point. She rocked a ponytail and bold lip like it was nothing. She was the epitome of sexy meets cool, and she was one of my style icons in my tweens (In my youngun days- I was all about emulating my Mom & Miss Piggy). 

As the music loving stylish shopaholic that I am, when I saw this oversized Sade tee in Zara I had to have it. I have been feeling nostalgic these days listening to R&B from the 80's and 90's and most of that music comes from her. Since it is oversized I was able to wear a size L, and it fit perfectly. That is the upside to the oversized trend this season, you can easily wear items from straight sized stores and they fit well. Unfortunately, the tee is sold out, but there is a sweatshirt now available. 

Though I love color, most people are shocked when I tell them that grey is my favorite color. Let my boo The Real Sample Size tell it, grey is not a color...lol. Even though most don't' look at it as such, it is a great color that works with everything. While I am on the quest to own a moto in every color imaginable I found this cute one from Mango via Fullbeauty. It's muted palette makes it just as versatile as black. I am wearing a XL, which is equivalent to a 18/20. Besides the color, I love the cute studs. I went with some light grey denim jeans from Melissa McCarthy. Her jeans are great because they have a good amount of stretch and don't stretch out once you start wearing them. I found these as well on Fullbeauty and lovers you are in luck because they are one sale!! Yes that's right, you can get a pair of great quality denim for less than $50. Definitely hurry, so won't miss out. 

I ended out the look with some statement flats. Though I love the look of heels, when it comes to my day to day running around, I wear flats or block heels. I picked these up during the summer and was waiting for the right time to break them out. Sam Edelman is my go to for a great on trend shoes, so if you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary, check them out. 

Taking a cue from Sade's classic Cherish The Day, I make sure I do all the things that bring a smile to my face. Wearing what makes me feel my best, spending time with my friends, eating the burger, just doing what comes naturally to me. Enjoy yourself, enjoy those that mean the most to you, and value the little things as well as the big things. Trust me, everything else will fall into place. 

Wake Me Up Before You Kimono

When you love wearing color as much as I do, passing up a great colorful piece is hard to do. This kimono was that hard to pass up piece. 

I have talked about Melissa McCarthy on the blog several times. She has great denim, dresses, and the kimono's are a fan favorite as well. The Geo Print Kimono stole my heart immediately. It is definitely a versatile piece you can wear all year round. It is lightweight for the summer, but great for layering in the cooler months. I loved the colors, they are bold yet wearable. Her kimono's are oversized, so I am wearing a 1X, and as you can see, it's roomy, but not overwhelming. 

I wanted the kimono to be the star of the show, so I wore all white so that the colors in the kimono can really pop. I wore a simple white tank from the Gap, and my favorite white jeans from Melissa McCarthy. These are from last year, but I linked their newest pair here. For accessories I went with my block heel sandals from Nine West, and the ever so chic bag from Mango. When it comes to accessories, Violeta by Mango really has some gems that are seasonless. Their shoes are one, and their bags are another. A great tote is always needed and this one with it woven leather details is my new favorite. It holds a good deal and it goes with everything. If you are looking for a new handbag, definitely check this one out. Are you all about color, or do stick to neutrals? Have you tried a kimono- I am definitely falling in love with them, and feel like I need another. Let me know in the comments if you are all about a good kimono. 

Ga Ga for Gingham

Gingham has become a big part of my wardrobe. It started last summer when I bought this cute skirt. This season, gingham has become the ultimate summer staple and has been used in fun silhouettes. 

This top is from the Violeta from Mango is a great addition if you like a little gingham. It's cold shoulder takes it up a notch and it's extremely lightweight. I am wearing a L, which is comparable to a 18/20. This top is currently on sale, so definitely check it out (lol) before it sells out.

I am always on the lookout for new denim, so any chance I get to try a new brand I am all for it. The latest on my list was SLINK jeans. SLINK jeans are premium made denim using their exclusive technology. I have been wanting a new pair of skinny jeans, so I went with the Danika. I love the distressing of the denim, but this particular fit sits quite low on my waist. I prefer a higher rise, but for those that like low rise jeans these should be a great addition to your closet. I went with a 16, and everything fit in the legs, just that the rise was a little on the short side. I do like the denim itself, but I would have to try a different fit before I can add SLINK to my approved list of jeans.

I wanted to keep the gingham going, so I wore my gingham block heels from Betsey Johnson. Every time I wear these sandals I receive tons of compliments. It's a fun, comfy shoe that you can wear with anything. 

I was able to try Violeta and SLINK at Fullbeauty. Fullbeauty is a great one stop shop for plus. Their wide range of brands like Melissa McCarthy, Fashion to Figure, Ellos and Jessica London definitely cater to anyone's style. If you are looking to try new brands, then definitely head to Fullbeauty first. You may end up with some goodies that are on sale.