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Oprah Holiday Outfit Inspiration #TargetStyle

12/23/2020

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Have you ever looked in the magazines at a celebrity and wanted to copy their style? With the onset of COVID I have been focusing heavily on lounge wear, comfort, and affordability. Flipping through my O Magazine from November, I became inspired to up my game significantly for the Christmas Holiday Season. So I let my fingers go to my favorite store for a high-end look on a modest budget—TARGET! As a plus size women I have been so happy with Target upping their game to bing affordable and quality clothing and it’s become a favorite.
Looking first for the skirt was how this inspiration outfit got started.  I love a pleated skirt.  It’s very versatile—it can be worn dressy or casual but still feels comfy and feminine.
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If you can’t find your size at Target check out Eloquii they are having a fantastic sale right now!
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Target Skirt
Eloquii Skirt
The sweater was a challenge in the photo Oprah sports a monogram sweater that appears to be cashmere which is definitely out of my pocket book.  In the magazine they pointed to 2 sweaters; one for $250 and another for $60.  Both a bit outside of my budget for this look.  While hunting on Target I found this cardigan that while not monogram or cashmere had a similar flare of detail with a tasseled belt and also the tapered scalloped hem.  I paired it with a cable knit sweater tank top that I got from Target a few months prior on sale. Of course it’s no longer available but any tank would work.
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Target Cardigan
ALT--Target Sweater
Of course, the cardigan is likely to go quickly and so this is a sweater that I recommend as a back up.  I especially love this sweater not only for it’s color—Mauve which goes great with the red of the skirt but it’s also so soft!  I mean so soft!  I recommend that you wash before you wear it because it does shed initially.
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I even looked for earrings as well and found these at Target that helped complete the look.  Very affordable and pretty.  To help me complete my inspiration look.

I really enjoyed pulling this look together especially since it’s been a while since I’ve dressed myself up.  I'll b so glad when COVID-19 is behind us.

STAY SAFE!  WEAR YOUR MASKS! WASH YOUR HANDS!

Pearl and Crystal Earrings
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My Glow Up Process

11/10/2020

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Earlier this year I had to let go of a relationship that I had invested my heart and soul into.  It was one of the hardest things I have had to do.  My track record with men is not the best I have the tendency to give my all to someone and am left being in a committed relationship on my own.  At the age of 42, most of my close friends are either in a relationship, married, or divorced.  In my family I am the only cousin who is not married and the only one that has had a child out of wedlock (my mom has been noting that point is a bit of a trigger for me—Geechi see’s all).  While 2020 has not been the year that I anticipated it has in an odd turn of events been the year that I have needed.
2020 has oddly been about introspection and addressing areas of my life that have been consistently ignored.  During this time I have focused on my mantra of “CST—Create Space girl and Thrive”.  During the last 8 months there are 3 things that I am proud of doing:

Self Care

Taking time away from things is hard when you are trying to serve others, build a brand (if you will), or build on a project.  It can feel selfish to care for yourself when you are responsible for so many things and others in your life.  Listening to bloggers and those who are experts on brand building; consistency is important in building an audience and building a social media following and brand. However, I learned this year that I needed to be consistent to myself and carve out consistent time for myself care
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Until I could do that fully and routinely I was no good to anyone and my desire to help others would be nothing but hollow and empty.  I have also been learning that self-care can look like many different things.  My narrow view of selfceare involved a period of significant uninterrupted time to rest, relax, pamper myself.  As a single working mom it’s hard to carve out a big chunk of time to devote to just myself.  Even so when I would carve out that time I would feel guilty and often that I was imposing on others to handle my responsibility.  This resulted in me feeling run down, overwhelmed and depressed.  So often as a women of color I felt I was failing others.  It was a hard realization that in actuality I was failing myself.  So now selfceare looks different than what I envisioned.  Self-care takes the form of journaling, blogging, working out, meditating, reading a book even if it’s only for 2-3 minutes at a time.  I make it a priority to get some time in every day just for myself, my goals, and my dreams.
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Chasing My Dreams

I grew up wanting to be a lot of things.  One passion other than medicine that has been a consistent part of my life is to be an author.  I have written poetry when I was in college (I even performed some for several open mic’s).  It brought me such joy to express myself through that medium.  I wrote a novel when I was in my late 20’s early 30’s that I found satisfying; however never felt confident enough to attempt to even seek publication. 
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After the birth of my son the feeling that I had repressed began to resurface.  I started my blog seeking to write about my experiences as a single working mother as a way to satisfy that passion.  The more I wrote the more I have longed and now have decided to invest in my passion to bring authorship to fruition.  The more I denied the the passion to seek authorship the quieter my voice became for my blog.  I finally decided the listen.  The further I have come in the process my voice has become louder.  Stay turned for my newest project that I can’t wait to announce soon!

Honoring My Worth

Love for another human being can be a beautiful part of life however when lost it can be hurtful.  It’s so easy for someone to tell you they know your worth however when their actions do not match their words it’s time to take another look at the situation.  Personally for me it was a challenge to honor my worth.  I know what I have to offer in any relationship.  I know I am far from perfect. ​The challenge for me was in
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walking away from a situation where I had invested my time, my hopes, and had invested dreams in a situation where I was not valued fully.  In addition to that feeling pressure not from others but from myself to have what I saw others have.  Not in a “Keeping up with the Jonses” manner but more of falling wedded to the dream that I came close to settling for less than what I deserve.  Often we focus on others not valuing our worth that sometimes we neglect that we must value our worth as well and walk away from situations that no longer serve or honor our worth despite the investment of time and feelings.
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Don't Miss Out On These Virtual Sweatpants!

10/24/2020

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As the seasons are changing so is my wardrobe.  While leggings are still in season for my virtual visits I am finding that comfort is high on my list as it appears that my virtual days will be continuing and I am even adding a third day!.  Working as a single mom with my son periodically being at home I have found of late that my bottom attire is actually being seen if I have to get up quickly from the chair in the middle of a visit which started me looking for some comfy yet cute.
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I found these cute sweatpants from Target that have me stylish and feeling like I’m still seeing patients in my PJ’s.  If you are looking for some stylish sweatpants that are comfy as PJ’s shop below!
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SHOP HERE
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5 Pandemic Self-Care Essentials

9/16/2020

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The quarantine took a lot of us by surprise.  I anticipated that it would be coming however I never expected such a protracted period.  As reopening phases continue my family and I are still staying as quarantined as we can.  Which has left me searching for ways to engage in self-care when possible.

GiGi Honey Wax

One of the things that I miss about life Pre-COVID-19 was going routinely to get my chin threaded due to my hirsutism.  Hirsutism, if you are not familiar with the term, is abnormal hair growth on the face.  Hirsutism is a conditioned that I have suffered from since adolescence.  As an adult I have used a myriad of methods to address the abnormal hair growth on my chin.  The best methods that I have currently landed on is threading.  However the threading shops were closed and even as they are opening up it is not a place that I feel comfortable going to at this point.
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Early during the quarantine I discovered a review of GiGi Honey Wax and ordered it.  While I’m still learning my technique and I’m quite messy with it—Picture it HONEY WAX EVERYWHERE; it has become a can’t live without product that is keeping me sane and feeling a sense of normalcy during these trying times.

Yeouth 30% Glycolic Acid

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In my many attempts to address my hirsutism my skin has been left with areas of darkness called, hyperpigmentation.  I have tried turmeric masks and various skin products that have left me without any improvement.  Before COVID-19 I was looking into dermatologists to consider facial peels as a way to begin addressing this area of my skin that causes me much frustration.  During that time I was asked to try Yeouth’s 30% Glycolic Acid Gel Peel.  Slowly, over the months of quarantine but surely I have been noting more evening of my skin and lightening my hyperpigmentation.  I still have a ways to go but this is working well for me.

Pixie by Petra Vitamin C Juice Cleaner

If you you’ve been following me you might remember my previous post about my “No Water Skin Routine” not everyone was receptive but you know this mom is gonna do what she gotta do.  With things being scarce I was not able to get my usual Biore Charcoal Micellar Water so I decided to give Pixie by Petra Vitamin C Juice Cleaner a try.  It smells amazing.  I love how it makes my skin feel refreshed and soft.
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Photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash

Laneige Lip Sleep Mask

My lip sleep mask is a must have.  Currently single I’m not doing much kissing of others but my little one does appreciate the softness of my lips when I’m tickling him with mommy kisses.  If you haven’t tried this lip mask you are missing out.

Baby Feet Foot Peel

Not being able to get a pedicure was driving me nuts until I remembered the Baby Feet Foot Peel I started using this past winter.  Boy were my feet baby soft all winter long.  I may have to polish my own toe nails but there is no reason why my feet can’t be baby soft while on quarantine.
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4 Steps to Build, Rebuild, or Maintain Your Confidence

9/4/2019

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Photo by todd kent on Unsplash
Confidence is a state of flux for me.  It’s something that I constantly work on.  Why you might ask?  1) There is are always days when your girl is just not feeling it.  2) I’m always trying to enlarge my comfort zone and that can leave me in new territory and unsure.  3) There are those in the word who seek to undermine one’s confidence either because their are jealous or because they are ignorant or a combo of both. 
While there is fluctuations in my level of confidence (85%-97%) there are certain things I do to keep my tank as full as possible!

THE 4 STEPS

1. ​Daily Prayer and Affirmations:  this is a process that starts the moment I become aware of being awake.  Before my eyes open I pray and thank God for His many blessings.  I pray for strength, patience , and confidence to embrace the present of the day.  I eventually wake up and then I say by daily affirmations—they change based on my mood but they center around reminding myself that I am worthy, that I am loved and that no woman is more beautiful than when she is loved.
2. Careful selection of influencers/friends: While the term “influencer” is not my favorite term I really can’t come up with another one but I have a few select influencers that I follow on social media.  I follow them because they inspire me.  Their content is uplifting, positive, and funny.  It’s said that if you are the smartest  person in the room then you are in the wrong room.  I am careful with who my friends are.  I select friends that are strivers and doers.  Those that I can uplift and who uplift me.  Intentionality is key in confidence rebuilding and maintenance. 
3. Enlarging my comfort zone: While the journey of increasing my comfort zone can undermine my confidence on a basic level.  The fact that there are things I’m comfortable doing now that I wasn’t before is a motivator for me.  I look at where I am in my life and what I’ve overcome and realize that I can overcome what is before me!  What a great confidence builder past success is.  It’s important to acknowledge your past success and even failures.  However, do not rest on those laurels and strive for progress. 

​4.   Share and Uplift others: I know you might be thinking wait how is my uplifting of others going to help build my confidence?   Those who feel good about themselves find it easy to encourage others.  Having a positive outlook in others will turn inward and you will see the positive in your own life.  It’s a form of paying it forward.  It doesn’t detract from you to support, encourage, or compliment someone else.  Their smile will reflect back to you.  
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Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash
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Photo by John-Mark Smith on Unsplash
Overall one must be intentional.  Intentional with how you start and end your day.  Intentional with your inner circle of friends and what you allow to influence your sphere.  Intentional in seeking out opportunities for growth and new experiences.  Intentional in spreading positivity towards others.
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40 and an Ounce: Outfits to kick off my birthday

6/27/2019

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It was my birthday so you know I had to go into the closet and create a special look or two 😘. This year my birthday plans were pretty low key. I had lunch with a “friend” and dinner with my awesome family so I only needed two outfit changes.
For my late lunch outfit I drew inspiration from @GarnerStyle. However $300 dollar jeans were not in my budget. Thanks to Lane Bryant I was able to find something comparable in my price range. I’m wearing an 18P because ya girl is “shorty by nature”. I’m thinking about getting another pair in non-petite size to have a wider cuff. What do you think?

The top was courtesy from my closet from long ago. I’m not sure where I got it from but you can get a similar look here. I accessorized the outfit with a necklace from Zulily and earrings I’ve had for years. I pulled the necklace into the look with a cute and surprisingly comfortable pair shoes from Target and a lovely MKF purse from Zulily (don’t sleep on Zulily). But if you slept on Zulily here is a comparable purse also at Target that you can get while you pick up the shoes 😁
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Outfit Inspiration—Chasity Garner of Garner Style
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I purchased a few dresses from the Beauticurve x Lane Bryant collection when it initially launched but I saved one of my favorites for my birthday; the Beauticurve Animal Print Maxi Dress. I fell in love as soon as I saw it. I paired it with a structured black belt. kept the same comfortable Target shoes and MKF purse for a sophisticated yet comfortable look.  The best thing about this outfit is that it camouflaged the messy "love grip" from sticky messy little fingers!
With these looks my 41st is off to a fabulous and stylish start!
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Mama's Got A New Swimsuit!!!

6/26/2019

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Summer time has come and the pools have opened up! It’s the time for skin exposure. Getting my wardrobe ready for summer is fun and this year it called for new swimsuits. This year I decided to step out of my comfort zone and look for a two piece 👙. While I technically I have worn a two piece in the past it’s usually been a tankini style to cover my belly and rolls of fat. This year I vowed not to purchase a tankini and to purchase a true two piece and become more comfortable with my new body. On my hunt I found 2–one that was sporty and one that was sexy. I was done but a surprising one-piece suit caught my eye and begged to to be worn 😇
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TOP: LANEBRYANT
BOTTOM: Unfortunately the mathing bottom has sold out but if you want to kee the sporty look try this one  also from LANE BRYANT

FIRST 

My first stop in my search was Lane Bryant. Lane Bryant always has cute options and I was sure I would find a cute two piece that I would feel comfortable in. I found this one and fell in love! This has a Hawaiian and sporty feel that left me feeling exotic. It’s great for waterpark fun, playing with my little one in his wading pool, or just showing a bit of skin. I can even pair it with shorts or jeans for a relaxed at home feel.

SECOND

I have to admit I peeped this on two of my favorite influencers--@GarnerStyle & @CallieThorpe.  I loved the juxtaposition of the black and white and the idea of showing a some cleavage.  I was worried however about of how my girls would look.  Having breastfed for 18+ months and having a baby I still had some adjustments to make mentally about my new body and trying to “get my sexy back” and this was the swimsuit to do it.   While the look is sold out this is one that I would recommend that is on sale.
Of course this set sold out quickly however if still looking for a loos that has a bit of sass and sexiness try--

TOP:  ASOS
BOTTOM: ASOS
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BONUS

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Now truthfully I was done shopping after the first two; I mean how many swimsuits can a girl wear in one season. But when GabiFresh revealed her line I couldn’t resist this one. I grew up with Barbie and the idea to be a fatabulous Barbie needed to made into a reality!
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ONEPIECE: GABIFRESH 
Now I think all I need is a splash of water 💦, a martini 🍸, and a man to fan me and I’m all set. 🥰
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TADOW

2/15/2019

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I have been waiting to bring this blogger inspired outfit to you ever since I saw it in 2018 and started crafting the look. Geechi inadvertently added the extra spice with her and Jeremy’s Christmas gift to me! So If you haven’t caught my previous blogger inspired look of CeCe Olisa you can check it out here.
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​This look was inspired by Faith Lasha and when I saw it I knew it would be perfect for Valentine’s Day.


​​​I needed a special look to celebrate my singleness this year. If you aren’t following her on IG I recommend that you do because she has some fierce looks, and fierceness is what I wanted to channel.

So what do you think…TADOW???

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I got the skirt from Lane Bryant 2018 was the Flounce Scuba Pencil Skirt but here's another option Ruffle-Hem Ponte Pencil Skirt or Faux Leather Ruffle Skirt.

Shirt is a Crew-Neck Tee also from Lane Bryant
Faux Fur Shrug came from Amazon which was a win for me.

Pink Velvet Shoes from Just Fab were the coup de gras! 
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ALICE BANDS...IT'S NOT A TREND BUT A LIFESTYLE

1/30/2019

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So my mom sent me a link this morning from a reputable online magazine (​The ZOE Report) talking about the new trend that has been sweeping the nation of headbands. I am here to say that headbands which really should be called Alice Bands have been well aquatinted  for years.  I also encourage you to try this "trend" but view it as a lifestyle!

I have been wearing Alice bands for years.  It all started when I was a child; my mom would do my hair and adorn it with either barrettes or  headbands.  However, I did not really start using Alice Bands (a.k.a headbands) again until I went natural.  Initially I used it because I did not know how to style natural hair (truthfully I still don’t );  but the more I learned about my hair and my personality style it reminded me of the whimsical side of life.  That era when  you never took yourself too seriously.   There is something about the Alice Band that brings forth my inner child which I feel resides in all of us but often gets put to the back burner as we begin adulting.  

I found most of headbands featured on The ZOE Report a bit expensive for my pocketbook👛👜; you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy this trend.  There are many stores online and brick and mortar that carry very cute and affordable Alice Bands--Target, Walmart, Amazon, Charming Charlie’s, and (one of my favorite stores) Lane Bryant.  Of course who I will have to put the prosaic term Headbands in the search box 🤣. 

While The ZOE Report features some cute and unique styles check out the links above because you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy this trend.   So if you are going to indulge in the trend by all means enjoy the whimsy of your childhood in the process that hopefully comes along for the ride.
I'll even use Sunglasses in a pinch!
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A Little Dress Up Never Hurts...

1/13/2019

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If you don’t know I LOVE to dress up and look cute.  I don’t know where I got that from 😉 (I get it from my momma!)  

There is a blogger/influencer (I’m still confused by the titles to be honest) that I follow in IG that I find inspirational and of similar kindred spirit (no I am not stalking her).  If you are not following CeCe Olisa on her many social media platforms--YouTube, Blog, or Instagram you are missing out!  She is hilarious and seems to be very transparent with certain aspects of her life (she keeps her “Fan Fam” in ✔️).  

So, there was this look that she wore several times on her IG stories at the end of last year that just caught my eye and I had to rush out and get it as a Christmas present to myself.  Now truthfully, I didn’t rush out anywhere I ordered it on line from Amazon but I know I wanted to play dress up with this look.  

The thing that made this looks so awesome if that first it’s my signature color pink.  Secondly, it looked comfortable as heck and still stylish; and as mothers know comfort with a 2 year old is paramount.  Thirdly, the jacket can be worn on its own therefore giving you different outfit options—pair it with jeans, skirt, or even leggings.

Click the links below the pictures for details of my CeCe Olisa inspired look.
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INSPIRATION

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EXECUTION

ADIDAS  JACKET  | ​ LIVI ACTIVE PEPLUM TOP  |  ​​​ADIDAS PANTS
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