Summer (time) Glow (Summer is here)

    

 

  Well the first day of summer has come and past and we all want a glow that can't be rivaled. Well ladies and gents with the help of my local Estee Lauder Associate, and a bit of tweaking of my own-- you know I have to tweak everything-- I have just that the perfect glow and this one goes to the top of the rainbow and back. It works on any skin tone how about that!

      I first discovered this look while on my quest to find the perfect foundation, believe it or not my skin was going though some weird changes ( it was lightening at a rapid pace) though spring and the sun was in the air.  ANYWAY-- I was introduced to a different way to play in the paint, a sisters secret was shared with me and I was given permission to share it with you all and YOU get my version as well, I don't call it playing in the paint for nothing.

                                      

   The look to the right was done not using a self tanning bronzer   just      the regular liquid bronzer and a powder bronzer to set and seal the bronze look.  Its a personal perference as well as applying the liquid with my fingers it gives a more flawless look.  The Glow is from the gold seashell looking bit you see in the 2nd to last pic below takes very little.                     

The First Try At the summer glow done at the local Estee Lauder counter. The main focus are the bronzers this look was done using a self tanning liquid bronzer, and a powder bronzer ,yes brown skin looks beautiful with self tanners as well.

These are My Products of choice when putting my glowing face in place only sometimes I opt not to do bold lips in that case I just use some gloss or lipchap with liner usually a brown or black just to neaten things up.

PLAY ME>>>

                                                                                                                                                                                           So no big I told you at the end of this one, well ok, I HAVE ONE which happens to be my favorite- FOUNDATION, and in this case I am referring to the skin.  It is the single largest organ  on the human  body it has to be healthy and treated well. Makeup is just a cover that has to be washed off at some point so take care of it, water it, find a good cleanser and use it every night,  good health creates a smooth layer to play with your makeup on : makeup can create an illusion which I personally do very often, but what matters most is whats underneath the fascade--AND That's My Word!!



Makeup: Naava -Hair: Jasmine W. follow on insta-@imblessed_withbeauty



Style & The Workplace (BODYPARTS)



Macy,s  after work though

    Since it's pretty much the central location of where you can obtain the styles and fashions that we all love so- I figure why not discuss work place dress codes in the world of retail, my world.  I've worked in enough to know a few facts, though I haven't hit the ranks of Neimus Marcus yet...but that's a whole other ballgame anyways onward... you know me well enough by now to know there is plenty reason behind every post....


   At Macy's I was dawned in all black, but I  was allotted my own personality with hair, makeup and
shoes, at Lane Bryant it was no holds bar dress to impress as long as you are in dress code, everyone was larger then life be it in size or personality so no one stood out in that manner, but now- well, even

Lane Bryant won a style contest here also

though everyone does not do it as fabulously as others,  modern style of the south is the dress code at hand. What that means I guess is a complete other story, because I just couldn't tell you just what that is, though most people would think I could, down here in this place- I'll just say it I love my home, but it's full of double standards and jealously. That's what rules you just have to learn to navigate it, because there is no way around it- the dress code in the book may state one thing, but personal opinions rule.  It just does not matter if  one month you were awarded for being the best as representing our southern style in the entirety of the 360 aspect. 


STARTING FROM THE BOTTOM--DRESS

FEET:

     Let's start from the bottom up it will build the suspense- the fee,t as long as you dawn a heel the thong style shoe is now workplace appropriate and any other shoe that dawns a heel though personally there are some shoes  that fit this description that I wouldn't agree is work place appropriate, but once again it personal opinion- right- that's what matters.


HIPS & KNEES:

     In this section I'll include legs, hem lengths and hips  and boy, oh boy since this is the south why not- are we not all  CORNBREAD FED.   Skirt and dress length has to be at least  3 inches above the knee no shorter. The fit well it all depends, personally I like to dress myself so that, my shape, though much larger then most, is complimented which means A lines fitted or loose as long as it's not a club dress .  I'm a dress type of diva- well at work  anyways.

FUNBAGS:

     This is always the fun part they aren't called fun bags for no reason .  Now this is the sensitive area,
I do work retail and not in a bar serving drinks this I know, but I also know that as long as I continue to pin the clothes <<<<<which by the way destroys them overtime and no one is giving me money for their replacement,  I am still in dress code.  The fact still stands that  I am  a G CUP.  I buy better bras for goodness sake I don't even wear bras from where I work  they don't come in my size and I'm GET THIS " A TRAINNED BRA SPECIALIST"  so how do I sell bras that I can't wear?  Good question  I guess I'm just gifted, and I'm sure the fact that my girls sit up and not hang to my knees has something to do with it, and I wont even get started on the shape wear new school term for girdles since they have been redesigned to be virtually undetectable and cool to the touch. Foundation is key!!

AFTER THOUGHT:
      With that being said basically it's stated we must wear the correct foundation to work starting underneath  or even then, we are out of dress code. So in so many words no jiggling buns or flab is allowed I mean how would the customers know the correct way to dress if they don't have good example from the people that specialize in it.
      How much leg is to much leg, are my thunder thighs a reason to be put on blast in a meeting, even though its within dress code, are MY larger then life breast a reason to be put on blast even though I'm within dress code. I mean the suits never have a complaint about me. I am Beautiful I am large and larger then life, but is it any reason to treat me any different life is not fair, but in certain traces and certain places the LAW states otherwise....AND THAT'S MY WORD!!!

proper foundation

on lunch break tucked and pinned

Feel Your P.H.A.T. Assetz--

      The PROBLEM with Stylcon being now so plus size friendly is well to be quiet frank--I'm a mean P.H.A.T. chica I say what's on my mind caring less who, what , when OR  where doesn't like it.  Think about it how can I give advice on plus style and fashion tiptoeing around the fact that a lot and I do mean a lot of my big girls wear things that --JUST ARENT MEANT FOR THEM!!! In lames terms most people even the slim divas don't know how to dress their body types.  I'm sorry once you get past a certain age you already know what is or isn't a no, no- you may not know quite how to style it &  that my divas is where I come in.

                                            

      Now that we have that understanding, understand this, I am not at all telling you not to be the most confident and fierce you do so -PLEASE work it from every angle, work every roll, dent and dimple I have dimples on my lower back...ha, ha.  I urge you to FEEL YOURSELF!!!! I'm feeling myself -- as well as some of the seasons trends that are reemerging...i.e., the leopard print, well to be honest animal print in general.


  

  Bright Colors in the makeup and clothing oh my I'm just a bundle of joy --COLOR IS MY SECRET LOVE  LOVE...

AND Speaking of color know the ombre trend in everything from clothing to hair well view my new Lancôme pallet and be so jealous ill probably be flexing with the ombre eyes tomorrow...FEELIN MYSELF IJS

 

Aquatic Essence Ombre Effects Sensational Eyeshadow





 MY FAVORITES: sHOpPING

Swimsuits/coverups

RealDivas
 

 

                                                       MY FAVORITES:  nAiL TrEnDs

 

 

      I won't sit here and rephrase everything because my point really is HECK FEEL YOUR-SELF BE CONFIDENT I mean its something I swear by it opens doors in more ways then on confidence is in its own right--SEXY AS HELL!!  This is coming from the quiet meek some even think innocence me so  play it in YOUR favor.  If you don't believe me In the last 2 days I've and to very very fly men tell me just that....ha,ha and THAT'S MY WORD!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plussize & Pattern : Yes We Can

Who Says We can't Do Patterns-Makeup & Styling by Naava L

  Spring is in the air BRIGHTS, FLORALS and OTHER PATTERNS are everywhere literally and to even my plus size self, the pattern trends/fashion use to be a nightmare.   Then I had a revelation I can wear pattern we all can, because it's not what you wear it's how you wear it.  For instance, that dress in the picture let's say I was in denial about my size and swore on God's green earth I was a medium instead of and extra large, and I have  to say it like this "I most defiantly would look like a busted can of biscuits".  Now with that being said, find your favorite patterns layer them play with them, but first please make sure you know what size clothing you wear there is no reason you are in your twenties and do not know this.  If you don't find a trusted sales person and the key word is TRUSTED and let her/him assist you. As a sales person helping people look fabulous surely  is my favorite part of the job.

 
 
 
 

  



Right now I'm loving the Print Trend in Fashion I don't know how long it will be around this strong ,but some things are always in style and will repeat it's self like history. To find more on trend prints visit Lane Bryant, Torrid or any Plus Size Fashion House I will be adding links later in the week on my favorite Plus Shopping Websites.

     Everyone that knows me knows that I am a makeup junky how else can you portray a beautiful_fascade. Anyways heads up, because there is a FASHION FAIR product or rather products that I actually recommend and love. Those that know me also know that I have a hate to love relationship with that line so this is big they have come out with a trio,  THE CAPUSLE COLLECTION, lips (lipstick &gloss), nails and blush that is reminiscent of the 70's, 80's, 90's  and 2000's in different shades of pink that are perfect for any and I do mean any skin tone and it actually stays on and looks beautiful.  If you ask me they need to keep Mr. Sam Fine around.  I really believe he had a hand in this.  The original Capsule Collection, was developed by Eunice W. Johnson and since FASHION FAIR is celebrating it's 40th Anniversary this year this is there homage the Person and the brand for women who Celebrate their life with a Touch of Luxury!

More Loves



Loving the Heat protector/straightener for my hair, the on trend glass shades, my natural hair straightened, I finally warmed up to the nail thing, my wink mineral shadows visit the site you can schedule parties and all and last, but not least my signature red lipstick- I'm loving the long wear of the Chanel Passion is the color.

So now that we know that is alright for the plus diva to wear the pattern print, because I am neurotic about it let's not forget foundation is still key...Support, support, shape wear, shape wear. Be who you want to be dress how you feel not how you think you have to, but most of all have fun with it make a day out of ....you only live once but since I'm not on that Y.O.L.O. mess I won't say it like that it's so much more it's about expressing and Living in the day the hour the moment...you only have one chance to live and be who you want to be so do it- darn it in a PATTERN PEICE and that's my WORD.....

Pretty is Not Enough

It's been awhile Dolls and Diva's I know I've just been ubber busy and rethinking a few things-- with that being said we all know that beauty is so much more then the makeup and the clothes I mean take it all off and what do we have.....foundation is key......

                                          SO BE BEAUTIFUL IN YOUR OWN RIGHT!!!



Speaking of foundation in one of my early blogs I wrote something about foundation-- well I figured it would have a greater impact if it was a picture of me actually practicing what I  preach so here goes...

 

 

If you all are wondering that's  pile of clothes that I'm going to be putting up to see behind me

 

 

 

Personally I will always think beauty is in the eye of the beholder-- be you strive to be no one else you sure will feel a lot better. This here to the immediate right is me, but...     

 

 

This is me as well-- and as of late this is how I've been rocking my mane... not necessarily this style but I been wearing my natural hair. I love being like a chameleon I mean I am natural-- perm free for almost 3 years now, but I just like style and fashion so you never know how you will find me....beauty is so many things, but as I was stating earlier-- foundation is key if you don't have good foundation none of it matters....

 

Flexx By Maidenform shaper

                                                                                                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As surprised as you may all be by this statement, I actually prefer being natural my hair loves moisture. I don't have to run from rain and  w.a.g. (was and go)  is actually a style no dryer needed. Beauty comes in all shape and sizes, fashion is evident and style well you either have it or you don't. In any case be yourself in all of your faded glory primp, paint, twist, curl, perm and most of all work with what you were given....AND THAT'S MY WORD!   I am where fashion meets style

 

Angry Black Woman

So I  must say this : Today a lady comes into  the store who I was assisting she was staring which does not bother me because its the norm (you never know what you will see me looking like)...still standing at the checkout out of the blue she says ...OH YOU MUST BE A FAN OF JILL SCOTT...me in my calm polite voice i say "no not really" and she gets this blank wow look on her face and walks off....after they leave I sit there wondering why the question, cause you see at the time it didn't dawn on me that it is much assumed thats why i went natural.....lol...anyways.....I say that only to say if its my hair, if its my smile, or even my style BLACK SISTER its ok to pay a compliment to another sister in free form  rater then bringing it down to the most unflattering form......it is ok to LIFT one another up heck its one of the rules I live by. Why not? So many people are so quick to judge other races, BUT atleast it does not give them a sore throat to give a compliment geeze .   MY BLACK WOMEN GET IT TOGETHER AN YOU WONDER WHY WE ARE CLASSIFIED AS THE ANGRY SPECIES....I'M JUST SAYING!!!

Jill Scott is one of the most physically beautiful women I have ever seen and if I hear or music or any for that matter I'll listen I'm just not the go and hunt for a song type at any rate right now natural is suppose to be a trend .  I'm almost 3 years in I don't know why others do it but let me clear this up now.  I went natural because I never wanted a perm in the first place and when I becasue old enough and ready mentally enough to change back (well not completely cause when i was younger I was a straight not kinky natural) I did. NOT BECAUSE I WANNA LOOK LIKE JILL SCOTT.

     My black women learn to treat each other like the QUEENS we are don't down one another and well to be quite frank it not my fault that I have style and you still trying to figure out the definition of it.  Not to sound cocky-I consider myself confident.  If you like  I can give you advices, magazine, teach you the color wheel and point you in the right direction .  Presentation is a personal perference I chose and am partially  inclinded to be a bit dramatic after all I am My Fathers Child.   And That's My Word.

 

 

 

 

Beauty Finds-I HEART Thump, Thump

    I haven't updated in a  while I know but then I guess I hadn't found anything worth raving for in awhile.  I mean every fashion magazine is going to tell you that emerald green is going to be the big color for the season and that the pinks and peaches are still going to be huge this coming season so I have to dig deeper do I not.

* Well before I begin have to rave about this dress I finally found one I've been looking forever....Yah!*











   First on my list of big finds comes from Estee Lauder : to put it short it's everything you need in a nice travel case literally all you need to add is foundation and setting powder and you are good to go!

Next a few things from Lancôme Paris

 

Makes them Look Fake

So Many Uses its Crazy love this brush

Khole Liner






 

 





 

Look I created with my products

 

 

 

 Here is a makeup kit for the beauty on a budget I love it I have it I even bought my sister one for Christmas the colors last all day and made special for Belk and the price ranges from $50.00 to $9.99 you can actually find one on the lower end if you are lucky!

lip gloss blush eye shadow bronzer ...nice!



 

 

 

 

Leggings I love see the HUE ads in ELLE Mag

 

 

Some boots that actually fit my big fit not good on comfort though

 

My money strapless bra from Lane Bryant...love it!!

Beauty is what it is products are meant to enhance what you already have naturally and maybe cover a big no, no until it heals.  Most products have the same base ingredients so price is just that of course we all have favorites but that's just the way the cookie crumbles.....A new year maybe a fresh start but words from the wise it will be exactly like the year before if you the make the effort to change it in beauty and life ....and that's my word!!!