In this blog post, I’m sharing how the 2022 Mom 2.0 Summit Day 1 went. What I did and wore. Keep reading for detail on my first-ever Mom 2.0 Summit.
2022 Mom 2.0 Summit Day 1 | #MOM2
thefatgirloffashion.com 💋 Plus Size Fashion + Beauty & Lifestyle
Lifestyle blog on fashion, food & travel in Chicago
In this blog post, I’m sharing how the 2022 Mom 2.0 Summit Day 1 went. What I did and wore. Keep reading for detail on my first-ever Mom 2.0 Summit.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing what I experienced at the State Farm & Essence #WOMENLETSWIN Event Chicago. The multi-city series featured Eva Marcille of Real House Wives of Atlanta fame at the Chicago stop.
Are you looking for the information on the State Farm & Essence #WOMENLETSWIN Event Chicago? Who was there? How did the vision board party go? What did Eva Marcille share about her thoughts on financial wealth? You’ve come to the right place just keep reading.
This event series features candid conversations with Eva Marcille, Angela Yee and Tina Knowles Lawson on their personal and professional journeys and how they brought their vision to life.
The event I attended featured Eva Marcille, Chicagoland State Farm owner Tenyiah Simmons Patterson and was moderated by Essence’s Senior digital Life Style editor, Charli Penn.
Also shared was how they navigated life in order to secure financial success. Each also spoke about how important it was to save and have good credit. I liked that they believed that respect for money is something that’s learned and necessary to be a successful entrepreneur.
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I found the event to be very informative and fun. A vision board party is a great way to map and manifest your aspirations.
Traditional people do vision board parties at the beginning of the year; however, at this time for me it was much needed. Doing the vision board helped me refocus on my goals. Being a visual person the images helped in realigning my thoughts on what I’m working so hard for.
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I was left with so many much needed nuggets. It was honestly hard to narrow it down to just three.
One of the gems was to make sure to take time for yourself. Tenyiah shared that for the last five years she takes off Fridays and gets a massage. She’s an owner of two State Farm locations so it’s easy for her to pick and choose her schedule. She did say even as a for hire working pick a day of the week and make that day all about you.
The second gift Tenyiah offered was to women working 9 to 5. She had encouraging words and said be sure to make your wins known. She said celebrate your wins as you climb the corporate ladder to success. If you don’t let people know what you’ve done then how are they going to know what you can do.
The last piece of advice I’d like to share came from Eva Marcille. She talked about how everyone proudly says, “I’m booked and busy.” She then went on to say real financial freedom happens when the money is made passively. She shared, the businesses she’s launching for streams of income are ones that don’t require her to be super hands on. I took that as automated money is the way to go and I’m all for that!

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Essence is having event similar to this one on October 17th called Path To Power. This event includes Essence editor Charreah Jackson, Taria Buchanan a Northwestern Mutual advisor along with curlBox founder Myleik Teele. You can RSVP here.
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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here.

S H O P T H I S L O O K
Sweater: Color Block Detail Shoulder Sweater
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WATCH MY INSTASTORIES TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH MY STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT HERE
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“A girl who puts her hair down when the right time comes”_PSY (Gangnam Style)
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Gingham, houndstooth and glen plaid are timeless patterns. As a plus-size girl, I love playing with patterns. Gingham, houndstooth and glen plaid are no exception. I have put together 40 looks of these fabulous patterns. The looks include tops, pants, skirt, shorts, swimwear, and accessories. And of course, all are Instagram ready!

I never shy away from prints of any kind and neither should you. These prints are very plus friendly. The black and white color is how you’ll find most of the prints sold. More and more brands are offering this prints styled in different color options which I love! The prints alone is beautiful so don’t worry if you’re color shy. I’ve seen the gingham, houndstooth and glen plaid in different sizes. So if you prefer large or small prints you’ll find that also. Below you’ll find 40 options. If you see anything you like simply click on the picture for a direct link to the item.
I hope you were able to find some looks you love. Remember this boss pattern can be worn in many ways. Wear it pattern on pattern like I’m doing or as an added piece as way to spice any look.
You can easily switch out heels for sneakers & athletic shoes
for a more casual look.
You can dress down an edgy crop top by swapping in a blouse or a tee.
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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here with any fashion, lifestyle or beauty news.

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“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” _Billie Jean King
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It’s spring! Finally! I’ve been fighting the Winter woes. It’s been dark, cold and harsh here in Chicago. Now that the sun is peaking out I’m overjoyed. I made it through like a champ.

I couldn’t wait to wear this fun look. I was taken back to my school days. You could say I was low-key channeling Beyonce Coachella day one. I stay in formation, lol.m

This look for easy to pull off. Pair a pleated skirt with one of your favorite tees. Everyone knowsI’m a fan of fannies but you can add your favorite clutch if you want. I choose to wear tennis shoes, however, you can slip on a pair of heels and you’ll have a super chic brunch look.

To add a little spice you can destress your tee. I love a destroyed tee to add edge.



Now that spring has come to Chicago I hope it stays for a while. Winter stayed way to long. Oh! Be sure to like the fat girl of fashion on Facebook. I’ll be doing a give away soon!!!!!

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If you like this look be sure to share it on your social media platforms!!! Tell a friend to tell a friend.

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“Rrrr Reet Petite the finest girl you ever want to meet” _Jackie Wilson(Reet Petite)
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Work Smart. Reach High. Have Fun is their motto. That love for life and living well aligns with thefatgirloffashion. And because of this, I’m excited to be apart of the campaign to present Talbots’ new plus size collection. For Talbots’ it’s all about the tailoring. They have created styles to specifically compliment all the nuances and silhouettes of the plus-size shape. Within their new plus size collection, they have carved out a line just for petites.
Petite refers to stature not weight.
n fashion and clothing, a petite size is a standard clothing size designed to fit women of shorter height, typically 160 cm (5 ft 3 in). Most people still think petite means skinny when in fact petite has nothing to do with weight. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, whether they’re a size 4 or 24. Most petite clothing is designed with shorter sleeves. Rise: Many petite pants and jeans will have a slightly shorter rise than regular sizes. Waist: To accommodate a frame that is often more compact, petite dress waistlines are often a little higher than those of regular sized dresses.
The biggest trap that women who fall into the plus status are the limited availability of those pieces that are petite. While regular sized plus clothing are often too long forcing us petites to get our clothes hemmed. This makes our clothes overall more expensive. Talbots thought not only plus size women with their new collection but the petites too.

This is Talbots’ front pleat tunic a variation of three-quarter sleeves. Their modern take on a classic silhouette. Its pleated V-neck front popover silhouette lends a tailored touch and the long tunic length accentuates leaner, cleaner lines. In my personalized box, this magenta tunic was paired with these fabulous black slim-ankle denim jeans. Talbots say’s they are their most universally flattering fit is narrow from knee to hem. Designed with stretch, the classic slim ankle jean naturally moves with you, offering additional comfort to an already-easy style. Talbots feels it’s the flattering fit we love. For the curvy fit, these mid-rise jeans with a fly front with button closure flatters any figure from waist to thigh.
Plus Size Petite sizing Chart

Please note: Talbots’ standard plus sizes are carried up to 4x/26W.
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My thoughts on the Talbots’ petite plus: This year is bringing the plus community many more options than ever before. I recently tried two pieces from the Talbot plus collection. Of course, we all know all bodies aren’t the same. All plus bodies are not the same. Talbot’s petite line is a welcome addition to my wardrobe. The denim jeans I tried are excellently made. The coloring in them (curvy petite slim ankle jean in black) are very lux. The black in the jean is here to stay. The jeans feel great against the skin. They are soft yet firm by no means will they’ll fade or fall apart after a few washes. I also appreciate the firm waistband. A weak waistband is the worst! What good are jeans you have to keep pulling up? These jeans can be worn with or without a belt and you won’t have a problem. These jeans are made well and packaged for petite plus sized bodies like mine.
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I received the clothing items featured in this blog posts compliments of the Talbots, however; All opinions are my own.
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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here with any fashion, lifestyle or beauty news.

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“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it’s lethal”_Unknown
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If you follow me on Instagram you know I love a glammed up face that glows. A well-lit face puts me in my happy place. So I’m over the moon to present to you my thoughts on the brand BECCA cosmetics. This post will focus on 5 gifted items BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter in the color Prosecco Pop, BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector in Medium to Deep, BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush in Blushed Copper, BECCA Sunlit Bronzer in the shade Maui Nights, and BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in the color Topaz. I also used items I purchased like the BECCA’s First Light Priming Filter and Luminous Blush in the color Dahlia.
Currently, I’m not possession any BECCA complexion (foundation) products. The brand currently carries 3 foundation products. BECCA offers the Ultimate Coverage Foundation which comes in 19 shades. In the Ultimate Coverage Foundation, I believe I would use the shade Maple (previously Tobacco) which is dark golden for neutral to warm undertones. Becca says it’s a full-coverage yet breathable liquid foundation enriched with high concentrations of pigment and water—achieving coverage without the cake. The second foundation is Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation which also comes in 20 shades. In Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation my shade should be Tobacco a dark golden for neutral to warm undertones. This is a creamy, medium coverage foundation controls shine throughout the day and leaves an exceptionally smooth, matte finish. The last BECCA foundation currently available is the Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation. The Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation comes in 9 shades. It’s a flexible, liquid foundation made from pigments that blur and perfect to reflect your perfect skin tone for light, buildable coverage and a radiant finish in which I should need the deep with neutral/golden undertones offered in Dark Golden. As for what I used for complexion it was a drugstore brand and the under eye concealer is prestige brand. Let me know if you’d like to see a post featuring one or all of these foundation options.

5 makeup items from the BECCA line used in the look
♦ BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter – Prosecco Pop – warm gold
A dewy, liquid luminizer for a natural-looking, effortless glow.
♦ BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector – Medium to Deep – for medium to dark skin tones
A full-coverage corrector that brightens the appearance of under-eye darkness and lifts with light—it’s like eight hours of sleep in a jar.
♦ BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush – Blushed Copper – copper
One of a curated, colorful collection of six lustrous blushes to let cheeks glow with light.
♦ BECCA Sunlit Bronzer – Maui Nights – sienna-kissed bronze
A bronzer that’s inspired by sun-drenched destinations for a sunkissed glow.
♦ BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter – Topaz – golden bronze pearl
A creamy, highlighter powder to light up your best features with a high-shine finish.

I received the BECCA products featured compliments of the BECCA cosmetics, however; All opinions are my own.

Thought: I love the lux Becca packaging. It’s super cute and eye-catching when you pull the collection from your makeup bag all eyes will be on you. As I said before I didn’t use any complexion products. However, I love the products I have been using. I received this package in February and I honestly been using it every time I glammed up. The pigment in the blushes and highlighters a great on darker skin tones. Yes! Becca shows up and shows out. The quality is top notch. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Under Eye Brightening Corrector. I’m unsure if the formula wasn’t a good mix with the foundation I use or I was applying too much. I believe it’s best when used alone for a fresh face look. See how BECCA suggest it’s used here. I did, however, fell instantly in love with the Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid. It gave me the under glow I love. I wore it under my foundation as well as on top. Either way was a hit! And a little goes a long way. The Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid really made my skin look sun-kissed. I must say I’ve very pleased with not only Becca products but the diversity they display on their social media platforms. They display a range of hues for they’re followers to which I believe helps in breaking down the old standard of beauty.
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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BECCA MAKEUP PRODUCTS?
Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here with any beauty news.

“[Rejecting fashion rules] has been a main ideal behind my blog.” _GabiFresh
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Gabi Fresh has released her latest collections with Swimsuits For All. This Spring collection is called “Power Play.” With the backdrop of the iconic Santa Monica Pier and beach, the campaign stars Gabi alongside a cast of nine enthusiastic fans. This spring release has a total of 11 pieces. Five 2 piece bikinis, 4 one-pieces, 1 coverups style dress and 1 shirt with bold designs and is full of beautiful bright colors. Please note that photos are all from the Swimsuits For All website.





Gabi has clearly hit it out the park again and this collection will sell out. My personal thoughts are I love love love love this collection. It speaks to my whimsical glam style and I’ve already purchased a few pieces. I can wait to rock this looks!
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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE FROM THE LATEST GABI FRESH SWIMWEAR COLLECTION?

Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here with any plus size news.
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GET DETAILS ON THE PERFECT SPRING SUIT HERE.
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“I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: inclusion rider.” _Frances McDormand
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Director Ava DuVernay: ‘We didn’t need any inclusion riders‘. Ava Duvernay, director of Wrinkle in Time, said that there was no need for inclusion riders in her latest film because ‘we just hired talented people of all kinds and colours and we hope that more people do that.’
We would hope more people in a position of power would think like Ms. DuVernay however sadly that’s not the case. This got me to thinking “How does that apply to the brands I support?” As a plus size woman of color I find myself fighting this fight for representation on two fronts. Being plus size I see many hour-glass or retouched body in plus size campaigns. And as a woman of color in plus size or campaigns, in general, I don’t see women or men for that matter whos skins looks like mine. Should I be happy just seeing a racially ambiguous model?
I personally believe the issue with representation starts long before the brand’s ad hits the magazine or social media. It starts with the marketing and or PR companies many brands work with. As an influencer, I receive a ton of emails to from marketing and public relation firms. A quick google search will let you know who you’re dealing with. Often times the owners, main principals or lead decision-making associates are not people of color. Please note: When I say of color I mean any color African American, Hispanic, Asian, etc..

Brands hire these firms to come up with campaigns and marketing strategies often time to reach a diverse market. But I wonder do those same brands look at who they’re hiring to implement that diversity they seek. I in no way am saying hiring all ” insert any minority group here” marketing or public relations firms. What I am saying is brands would be better serviced by firms that are inclusive from the top down.
I can tell when a brand’s firm is diverse. Their social media (Instagram) doesn’t look whitewashed. The ad work looks realistic. The brand’s message comes off relateable. There is a subtle nuance that ropes you into those campaigns that groupthink will never be able to deliver.
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Now I find myself going back to my original question. Should brands the brands we love require inclusion riders? Or should I accept I and people like me are not their demographic?
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“Nobody normal ever accomplished anything meaningful in this world.”_Strange Things
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When I started blogging it was a leap of faith. I’m so thankful for all the blessing that thefatgirloffashion has brought me. In life, things don’t always come easy. However, with hard work, one can make it look that way. When people see your “sudden” success they want to believe it happened overnight. When more than not your success is after years of blood, sweat, and tears. A stranger thing is when people chalk God’s plan to luck.
Strange thing is your really have to perpare for success.


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Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here with any fashion, lifestyle or beauty news.
S H O P T H I S L O O K
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“For the first time in my life, I see I need love” _ LL Cool J (I Need Love)
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I writing this for my family, friends and even the people that read my thoughts regularly here. Writing and running a personal blog is very difficult. Add to that the issue of race and you in a sense have doubled or tripled complication of getting your message out. Almost every time I talk with a fellow blogger of color, the conversation turns to business, money, and blogging while brown. As bloggers of color, we have the same issues as every other blogger like how should my blog look, what to place in sidebar, ads or no ads, affiliate programs and of course how to get noticed. Often times we’re left to figure it out on our own. If you’re not getting a true return on the investment being made into your blog one could be left feeling that like you’re paying to blog.
Bloggers often are the voice of their community. We alert you to things that are happening in your area. Bloggers tell you about new things on the market. Bloggers try before you buy. We. We proved you with valuable and trusted voice free of change. I started thefatgirloffashion.com five years ago to give a voice to Chicago plus size community. Some have mastered the gauntlet to turn this their content into compensation. For those among us who haven’t here are a few things that can be done to help us along our way.

Subscribe! Follow! Subscribe! Follow!
If you have an email subscribe to bloggers of colors newsletter. You can start with mine here. Subscribing is much appreciated. (Pull the newsletter out of spam) It doesn’t cost anything! Follow them everywhere you can, but the newsletter is definitely a biggie. If you’re on social media follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter also.
Share their content and credit them
I don’t know many bloggers that aren’t present on every social network. If you prefer Facebook and want share a post you just read tag the blogger’s Facebook like page. On the chance that post goes viral it helps to note who created the content. If you don’t know how to tag it’s ok! But please know a like, share or retweet is much appreciated. We want our community, and at the end of the day, to find what we’re sharing helpful and that’s an easy way for us to know you’re enjoying the content.
Leave a comment
We are a family like a giant tree reaching up to the sky (Random Dreamgirls quote). However, it does work here. We are a family. We are a community. Voice your questions. Voice your concerns. Voice your thoughts. I get a lot of DMs when I post something of social media. At times I’m DM’d the same question by multiple people. For aesthetic purposes some post’s captions are informational. Those lead to questions. As a micro-blogger, I have the luxury of responding to every comment made on all my platforms. If your question isn’t personal like the question in the comments. Leaving the question in the comments does two things. It may be a question already answered and reading the comments you might see your answer. Second, it shows brands that bloggers of color have engaged communities. It says “We’re here! We’re a part of this!” You don’t have to do it on every blog post or Instagram picture buttttttttt we would be mad if you do!

Shop your favorite brands through bloggers of color
All the bloggers of color you love are part of an affiliate program or two. What’s an affiliate program? It’s a program set up by brands to pay an influencer for products that their community buys. No blogger is quitting their day job over an affiliate payout. Honestly, it’s often pennies. With that being said every penny counts! I’m an “I’ll try before you buy blogger”. As a petite plus size blogger, I purchase new collection so that my community can see how it looks on some that looks more like them and not the hourglass models most brands use. For example, the post I did for Target’s Universal Thread. This is a new label by Target and I had a post out on the day of the release. The clothing wasn’t gifted nor was the post sponsored. Shopping through our links helps us in purchasing the products you want to be reviewed.
Let us know when we got it wrong
I’m dyslexic. I openly share this because I have nothing to be ashamed of. I know I get things wrong. I push through! I also know a lot of people feel some kind of way when it comes to letting people know they’ve made a mistake. I believe if you’re coming from a place of helpfulness people won’t take offense. I use correction apps but I still make mistakes just let a sister know. Now that something for the DMs, lol. This also includes if a link doesn’t work or a page it’s loading. Tell us so we can fix it!

Show up and bring a friend
When your favorite blogger is hosting an event purchase a ticket and show up. Take pictures and post them on social media. Use their hashtag. The hashtag I recently started is #afatgirlwithstyle. Don’t go to the event alone. If you can bring a friend with you. The more the merrier! Community participation is how bloggers of color get sponsors to support the swag bags we all love.

Pass along our business cards
If you receive a business called for a blogger of color. Please use that card to follow their blog and find them on social media. Then please pass that same card to someone you know that would like their content. Don’t leave it at the bottom of your purse or take it our your wallet and place it in a drawer. Keep their message moving by handing off their business card.
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In being this post to an end I want to thank each and everyone who has supported me along the way of my blog journey. Who would have known a random thought in my head would turn into me being a part of a wonderful community. As bloggers of color, we have a unique voice. We often represent the underrepresented. Support us so we can continue to support you!

Twist-Front Shirt // Tapered Leg Patent Paperbag Trouser // Similar Sunglasses // Caraglio Purse // Similar Patent Leather Heel // Lip in color Ruby Woo Retro Matte
If you like this look be sure to share it on your social media platforms!!! Tell a friend to tell a friend.

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