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!

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.

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.

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

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. 

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

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.

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.

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!

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.  

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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! 

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!