FREE MOVIE PASSES TO BUMBLE BEE

Within this blog post, I’ll giving away a limited amount of free movie pass to Bumble Bee.

Let’s go to the movies.  Be the first to see the latest movies with The Fat Girl of Fashion!

 

The current movie being screened:

Movie: Bumble Bee 

Screening date: MONDAY, DECEMBER 17th

Screening time: 6:30 PM

Screen location:

AMC RIVER EAST 21

322 E Illinois ST

Chicago, IL 60610

 

Use the link below to be the first one to see the new movie

Bumble Bee 

 

Movie Info

On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.

I want to let you know a little about the passes.  These are first come first serve.  This means signing up for a pass does not guarantee entry to the movie.  Entry is based on seat availability when you reach the first of the line.  I suggest that you arrive to the movie theater early so that you can gain entry to the movie showing.  I will only be offering FREE viewing passes.  You will NEVER have to pay.  Don’t pay for passes or entry.  If someone ask for you to pay they are scamming you.  I only ask that you use my hashtag #FatGirlApproved on social media when sharing info on the movie you’re going to see or have seen using my link.  PASSES ARE UPDATED OFTEN SO CHECK BACK DAILY FOR NEW MOVIE PASSES Oh one last thing, Food is not included.  So bring a few dollars to cover food and drink if you want to have a snack while watching the movie.  I’m excited to offer you free viewings and I hope you enjoy the movie!!

For travel information, visit http://www.transitchicago.com or save with my codes for Uber latoyaw21 or Lyft LATOYA308013.  If you drive can save $5 on your parking space with my SpotHero link. 

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Friendsgiving with IfOnly

In this blog post,  I’m talking about friendsgiving with IFOnly.  Life is made up of experiences and IFOnly.com wants to help with those experiences.  If you’re looking for a new ways to create memories than keep reading.

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Friendsgiving with IFOnly | What is IFOnly?

IFOnly is like the Ticketmaster for personal events.  They have formed a marketplace for those of us looking to create memorable experiences. IFOnly has something for everyone.  If you’re new in town you can see the town with local experts.  Maybe you’re looking to improve you fashion & style there is options for you.  Are you a foodie?  You’ll find experiences featuring wine pairing, cocktail making, or culinary lessons.  IFOnly also offers once-in-a-lifetime connections with lauded luminaries, providing access to a curated selection of extraordinary experiences that benefit worthy causes around the world.

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Friendsgiving with IFOnly |Friendsgiving with my girls

IFOnly believe that life is not about buying things, it’s about the extraordinary experiences to be remembered and shared.  This is something that I very much agree with.  So, when I was given the opportunity to receive an experience I know I wanted one were I could include my friends.

The IFOnly marketplace can delivers 1000s if everything everyday of they year.  For me timing was perfect for my experience.  Because I know I wanted to share my experience with my friends I thought what better time than friendsgiving?!  Friendsgiving being a blend of friend and Thanksgiving, and refers to a large meal eaten with friends either on or near Thanksgiving I know I wanted to break bread as part of the offer.

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Friendsgiving with IFOnly | How to use IFOnly?

Using IFOnly was very easy.  I had my experience selected with only a few steps.

I first selected the city, available in 26 cities world wide as on 11/17/2018, I wanted to have my experience in.  Next, I selected my group size.  I then picked the date I wanted to have my experience on.  I followed up by selecting my price point and categories options.  You don’t have to select your experience following my selection path but just know it’s easy.

My peeps worldwide can save $50 on their first IFOnly experience using code IFOnlyGift44.  Be sure to select an offer fast because code IFOnlyGift44 expires 12/31/2018.

Friendsgiving with IfOnly | IfOnly experience My Thoughts

The IFOnly experience overall was great!  The site was very easy to use.  My experience was processed and confirmed in less than 24 hours.  The IFOnly site as well as the restaurant sent a reminder email and text.  The restaurant was lovely and the worth the value of the IFOnly price point.

I would definitely use IFOnly again.  With an upcoming trip to New York and saw an experience that has already caught my eye that.  I really like the wide range of pricing options as well as experiences to be done.

I really like that the giving aspect offered by IFOnly.  You can give to charities via the site.  You can bid on experiences for charity.  Anything from Ariana Grande Signed ‘Moonlight’ Perfume Box to a voicemail greeting from the Original ‘Star Trek’ Captain William Shatner. Or maybe you want to meet Chris Noth, Sex and the City’s “Mr. Big,” at his Private Invite-Only Event for Ambhar Tequila.  Hmmmm yeah!

Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here.  If you can find thefatgirloffashion lifestyle inspiration on Instagram here.      

DISCLAIMER: I received my personal IFOnly experience compliments of the IFOnly, however; All opinions are my own.

Save $50 worldwide on your first IFOnly experience using code IFOnlyGift44.  Code IFOnlyGift44 expires 12/31/2018.


SHOP THE LOOK

DRESS: Plaid Mini Dress
HAT: Similar Fedora
TIGHTS: Ultra Sheer Control Top Hosiery
HEELS: Similar Bow-Accented Pumps

What do see yourself doing an IFOnly experience? If so, which one?  Let me know!  Sound off in the comments.

Happy Friendsgiving, Cheers! 

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STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media

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.  

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago mediaAre 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.

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO | THE MONEY TALK

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.

 

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media.
STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO | VISION BOARD

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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STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO | THREE TAKEAWAYS

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!

 

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media

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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.     

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media

S H O P   T H I S  L O O K

STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT CHICAGO, State Farm, Essence, #womenletswin, womenletswin, chicago event, chicago, Chicagoblogger, Chicago media

WATCH MY INSTASTORIES TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH MY STATE FARM & ESSENCE #WOMENLETSWIN EVENT HERE

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Mcdonald’s Chicago Office With BMOA

mcdonald's Chicago office with BMOA, mcdonald's Chicago office, BMOA, bmoachicagoland, bmoa chicagoland, Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Black McDonald's Operators Association

This blog post is about visiting McDonald’s New Chicago headquarters with Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana (BMOA).  The Mcdonald’s Chicago Office With BMOA does include a food sampling which is a bonus!  I’m also slipping the tea.  Thank me later, lol.

 

mcdonald's Chicago office with BMOA, mcdonald's Chicago office, BMOA, bmoachicagoland, bmoa chicagoland, Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Black McDonald's Operators Association

Are you looking for me to give you the behind the scene look at McDonald’s new home office in Chicago?  Do you know about BMOA?  Do you know what they do in the community? Keep reading to see what McDonald’s is doing beyond serving hot fries!

 

 

mcdonald's Chicago office with BMOA, mcdonald's Chicago office, BMOA, bmoachicagoland, bmoa chicagoland, Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Black McDonald's Operators Association

McDonald’s Chicago Office With BMOA | What’s BMOA?

The Black McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana is committed to help the area’s African American communities by providing educational resources, promoting tolerance and acceptance, and empowering the people they serve. These meaningful efforts engage Chicagoland’s neighborhoods and embody the true spirit of family and community.

There is currently over 60 BMOA located in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.  They spoke about how BMOA touches the communities they service.  I was especially touched when I learned about the annual turkey drive called Food for the Body & Spirit” Thanksgiving program.  Of course BMOA are apart of the Bud Billiken Day Parade and I’ve personally seen BMOA support CPS students.

Find out more about BMOA here.

 

mcdonald's Chicago office with BMOA, mcdonald's Chicago office, BMOA, bmoachicagoland, bmoa chicagoland, Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana

McDonald’s Chicago Office With BMOA | Building Tour

Moving to a new location can be hard but McDonald’s made it look so easy.  Originally in Oak brook the corporate office moved to the old Oprah Harpo studios site.

The exterior of the building has a warehouse look to keep inline with the neighborhood.  However the the interior is very modern.  There is a lot to see while you’re there.  You  can easily learn a ton of McDonald’s history.

I currently have the full tour in my Instastories.  You can see it here.  While you’re there be sure to like a few on my photo, lol.

 

 

mcdonald's Chicago office with BMOA, mcdonald's Chicago office, BMOA, bmoachicagoland, bmoa chicagoland, Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Black McDonald's Operators Association

McDonald’s Chicago Office With BMOA | In The Future

I learned some behind the veil info about McDonald’s.  THEY ARE WORKING ON A NEW BREAKFAST SANDWICH AND IT’S BOMB!!!!  Tell everybody you know I said it’s a banger.  Sadly, the french toast breakfast sandwich is only be served in Minnesota for testing.  It’s so good I can’t see why it’s wouldn’t be hitting the Chicagoland area soon.  Thank me later, lol

McDonald’s is also working on improving their computer network as a way to improve the customer experience.  I learned that changes at McDonald’s don’t happen over night.  For example the idea on the self service kiosk was an almost 15 year roll out.

Management told us what happen to the beloved orange soda and I had to say was ok sis, lol.  Overall I had a good time and thankful that the BMOA tapped me for their first influencer visit.  In case your wondering McDonald’s employee don’t get free food, yipes!

 

I attended this event as a guest of BMOA in honor on national breakfast month, however; All opinions are my own.  Dress gifted by Eloquii while in NYC for theCurvycon.

mcdonald's Chicago office with BMOA, mcdonald's Chicago office, BMOA, bmoachicagoland, bmoa chicagoland, Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Black McDonald's Operators Association

S H O P  T H I S   L O O K

mcdonald's Chicago office with BMOA, mcdonald's Chicago office, BMOA, bmoachicagoland, bmoa chicagoland, Black McDonald's Operators Association of Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Black McDonald's Operators Association

 

Are you hungry because from reading this post?  Are you planning on ordering from McDonald’s but don’t want to leave the house?  Use my code for UberEats (get $5 off your first order on #UberEats with my code: eats-latoyaw21).  Thank me later, lol.

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

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SHOULD THE BRANDS WE LOVE REQUIRE INCLUSION RIDERS?

INCLUSION RIDERS Black Chicago plus size blogger of color wearing red & yellow and sequins“I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: inclusion rider.” _Frances McDormand

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France McDormand shook the table while giving her acceptance speech during the Oscars and introduced inclusion rider into the popular culture lexicon.  Google noted that the term inclusion rider search spiked that night.  Before you leave to go look up what inclusion rider means I tell you.  Inclusion rider is a stipulation that actors and actresses can ask (or demand) to have inserted into their contracts, which would require a certain level of diversity among a film’s cast and crew.
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Public relation INCLUSION RIDERS Black Chicago plus size blogger of color wearing red & yellow and sequins
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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..

 

Marketing Black Chicago plus size blogger wearing yellow and sequins

 

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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PR Black Chicago plus size blogger of color wearing yellow & colorful sequins

 

INCLUSION RIDERS Black Chicago plus size blogger of color wearing yellow pants with sequins jacket

 

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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Marketing riders Black Chicago plus size blogger of color wearing yellow and sequins

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Support bloggers of color

CLICK HERE FOR MY NIGHTLY BEAUTY ROUTINE WITH THE DOVE BEAUTY BAR

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8 STEPS TO A GREAT SPRING BRUNCH FASHION LOOK

plus size spring brunch look ‘Don’t let your food get cold worrying about what’s on someone else’s plate.”_Unknown

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While getting ready for my first brunch date of this spring with a few of my blogger boos in fashion I got to thinking.  What’s the foundation for a great spring brunch look?  What does it take to look fashionable yet comfortable?  How many steps does it take to look Instagram ready?

 

plus size dress spring brunch look

 

I believe anyone can look amazing at brunch in 8 or less steps.  A few springtime wardrobe staples are a feminine dress, straw bag and Keds like tennis shoes.  Those items are a most.  These can be interchanged to fit your liking.  Add a few accessories and wala MAGIC!!!!

 

 plus size dresses for spring fashion look DRESSES 

A brunch look doesn’t require you to wear a dress.  A pair of jeans and tee could easily be swapped in for a dress if you like.  It’s just fashion!  Wear what you want.

  1. Floral Wrap Dress – A crepe woven wrap dress featuring an allover floral print, surplice neckline, a self-tie front closure, darting at the bust, short sleeves with ruffle trim, and a ruffle hem (available up to size 3x).
  2. Ruffle Fit And Flare Dress – Deemed irresistible by basically every woman, this dress in a vivid print features ruffle detailing and. Flutter sleeves, front cutouts, and swingy silhouette heighten the feminine vibe (available up to size 28).
  3. Floral Drape Midi Dress – Beautiful floral print midi dress comes with round neck and tie-keyhole back (available up to size 24).
  4. Frill Bardot Maxi – This gorgeous yellow woven fabric dress has a bardot neck.  Comes in floral print and frill detail.  It also has a shirred waist and high low frill hem (available up to size 24).
  5. Ruffle Sleeve Midi Dress – This V neck midi dress comes with inner button.  This sleeveless dress has no pockets (available up to size 4x).

 

img_2597PURSES

Woven clutch purses have been in style since forever which means they are a great investment piece.  They can be playful yet very stylish.  If you’re not a fan of the woven look exchange it for a solid brown bag.

  1. Circle Straw Crossbody – A straw handbag in a circle shape featuring top loop-button closure, interior compartment with canvas support design, and a faux leather crossbody strap.
  2. Bamboo Square Boxy Clutch – Square clutch bag designed with a have and to hold grab handle and open top.
  3. Woven slim purse – Woven fabric outer with lurex stitch centre panel and patent trims.  Also comes with gold-tone hardware and internal card slots.  There is a back zip top coin compartment along with popper button fastening.
  4. LA Regale Sarah Clutch – Woven satin clutch with push lock closure.  Also has a concealable chain link strap keep this handbag versatile yet timeless.
  5. Straw Flap Pocket Clutch – This bag is hand woven with rattan and leather trim and strap.   It’s made of sustainable, sourced natural materials such as grasses, palm leaf, rattan, and bamboo. All items are handwoven with any slight variations reflecting individuality. The purchase of these products directly supports remote Indonesian communities.

 

shoes for spring fashion look up to size 12 11SHOES

The option for shoes can be endless.  You can pair this look with tennis shoes or heels.  Brunch can be laid back or super dressy.  It’s really all up to you.

  1. Woven Backless Slip On Mules – Tan slides that feature a woven upper that’s full of casual weekend style. These loafer-inspired slides can be paired with skinny jeans, a breezy dress or any casual outfit (available up to size 12 and comes in 3 colors).
  2. Wide Fit Leather Summer Shoes – These peep toe flat sole shoes are wide width.  The slip-on style (available up to size 12).
  3. High Heel Sandal – A bold, block heel and skinny straps make a play on proportion in this statement suede sandal. (available up to size 11).
  4. Bootie – These bootie exudes trendy chic style. Laser cut detailing and a split topline will upgrade any outfit. (available up to size 12).
  5. Slip-On Sneaker – Super cute round toe.  Comes with dual side goring and a perforated upper (available up to size 13 and comes in 3 colors).

 

spring fashion look jacket sunglasses hat watch earrings ACCESSORIES

Accessories are the topper to any look.  They can be worn all together or just pick the one you like best.

  1. Ruffle Denim Jacket – A light-wash denim jacket with a ruffle detail along the sleeves and yoke seam. Two snap-button flap pockets. Two welted pockets. Button front. Single-button cuffs (available up to sizes 28 petite & 28 regular).

  2. Sunglasses – Dark tortoise polarized frames. No prescription required (available in two other colors).
  3. Straw Hat – This hat is made of braided paper straw with a grosgrain band. The width of the brim is 3 1/2 in.
  4. Watch – Women’s Wind-Up Two-Tone Crystal Bracelet Watch.
  5. Earrings – This classic hoop softens up with a rubber cover for textural interest.

 

plus size spring fashion look jacket sunglasses watch

plus size spring fashion look sunglasses watch

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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.     

 

plus size floral spring dress  look with jacket sunglasses watch

plussize fashion 2 pc green suit

FIND PLUS SIZE SPRING TRENDS HERE

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STRANGE THINGS

0f0610bf-07a6-4a3f-8779-28187c981c4a“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.     

 

758f2ea2-b79d-4f64-bc5e-be2952649dc6S H O P   T H I S  L O O K

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READ ABOUT B.E.T. THE QUAD CHICAGO EVENT HERE

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BREACH AND BLACK BEAUTY FESTIVAL AT VICTORY GARDENS THEATER

65ad83c8-f4d9-4b92-ad55-0c4fbb6e1c74“I hide the takeout menus under the couch pillows.” _ Aunt Sylvia (Breach)

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This past weekend, Victory Gardens Theater and the Black Women’s Expo teamed up to be the shopping destination for Black-owned and operated beauty companies in Chicago. Victory Gardens did this while being the home of Antoinette Nwandu’s play Breach.  You got so much bang for your buck.  The ticket for Breach included entrance into the Black Beauty festival, a champagne cocktail, and a Victory Gardens Theater swag bag.

 

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Black Beauty Festival hosted by Victory Gardens Theater and the Black Women’s Expo had vendors like Shea Body Works, Luv That Scrub, Entwine Couture, OXO Cosmetics, Chocolate Kinks & Curls, Eden Body Works and many more.  It was wonderful to be able to do a little shopping before the play.

BWe Chicago 2018 will be held at McCormick Place April 6th-8th.

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After the shopping, I attended the stage play Breach at the same theater.  Breach written by Antoinette Nwandu is a manifesto on race in America through the eyes of a black girl recovering from self-hate.  I can say the play was more than I was expecting.  I went through a range of emotions during the two-hour play.  Breach tells the story of a woman named Margaret at a time in her life during self-caused chaos and reflection.   Margaret is trying to do what’s best for her and her future while dealing with her aunt’s treatment of her during her youth.  I left the play touched.  The play runs to March 11th.  I encourage you to see Breach for yourself.  To save on your ticket use the code BEAUTY.

 

 

 

 

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target-www-5CLICK HERE TO SEE WHY I’M CHICAGO’S PLUS SIZE AUTHORITY

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Black McDonald’s Operators Association Treat 300 CPS Students To Black Panther

6d715f2c-dc25-40d9-a1b4-f9a5ec3dc994“Only YOU can decide what kind of king you want to be.” _Nakia (Black Panther, 2018)

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Black McDonald’s Operators Association and Creative Cypher host a day at the movie for 300 plus Chicago Public School students in celebration of Black History Month.  The Studio Movie Grill – 210 W. 87th St., Chicago, IL 60620 played host to the two simultaneous private screening of the much anticipated Black Panther film.   This was also done to promote diversity in the film industry and beyond.

The hand-selected youth-focused non-profit organizations to gather students for the screening include Donda’s House, Common Ground Foundation, Free Lunch Academy, Free Spirit Media, True Star Foundation, Chicago Scholars and more.

Select Chicago’s tastemakers took part in a unique experience Q&A on careers in entertainment. I must say it was a fabulous time!!

21d3f7c6-6c75-4f23-a7a9-8ebeb79304d3Photos are courtesy of BMOAChicagoland

 

After the film, CPS students had the opportunity to learn about careers in film and related industries from a panel of African American professionals.  The moderators were Troy Pryor, Founder, Creative Cypher and Board Member, SAG-AFTRA Chicago President Charles Gardner.  Panelists include:

  • Chris Walker (Pictured) – Comic Illustrator and former Colorist for Marvel Comics
  • Mark Willis (Pictured) – Professional Stunt Performer currently featured in “Black Panther”
  • Tai Davis (Pictured) – Chicago-born Actress currently featured in “The Chi”
  • Jonathan Kirkland – Vocalist and Actor currently featured in “Hamilton”
  • Natasha Parker  – Location Manager/ Scout – Directors Guild of America
  • David Leonard  – Location Manager/  Scout
  • Craig Harris (Pictured)  – Emmy Award-Winning Producer and Writer

 

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The most powerful message I got from this panel is the power of you!  The panels spoke about amplified creative control.  Know that your voice matters.  The panelists said that everyone is creative. “Even how you talk to your friends already is an experience in creativity.”  Panelist Mark mentioned how happy he was that the Black Panther movie showed people of color in a positive light.  “An all-black cast in a movie without any drug dealers or drug addicts.”  I agree with him this movie was needed especially in times like this.

 

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BMOA couldn’t have picked a better film than Black Panther.  Black Panther is the story of T’Challa.  After the death of his father, T’Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king — and as Black Panther — gets tested when he’s drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk.  Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

Derrick Taylor, President, Black McDonald’s Operators Association offered thanks to everyone who came together and arranged the event.  I personally want to thank Black McDonald’s Operators Association and Creative Cypher for offering CPS students and their family the opportunity to see a powerful movie that shows people that look like many of them in leadership roles.

 

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER FROM BLACK PANTHER?

 

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 CLICK HERE FOR THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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B.E.T’s The Quad visits Chicago

212edc6d-49a7-4369-b649-5eb7028a3835“Wake up!” _ Dap (School Daze, 1988)

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In celebration of the second season of B.E.T.’s The Quad the B.E.T. team visited the award-winning Huetiful Salon.  Select Chicago’s tastemakers took part in a unique experience.  I must say it was a fabulous night!! 

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The B.E.T. team partnering with pprcstrategy delivered everything I needed in a party at the “quad”.  The star of the event, of course, was “The Quad”.  B.E.T.’s the Quad just started it’s second season.  The drama field show is set at the fictional Georgia A&M University and centered around Dr. Eva Fletcher played by Anika Noni Rose. Dr. Eva Fletcher is charged with saving the prestigious HBCU from bankruptcy and her twenty-year marriage from crumbling while managing a tumultuous relationship with her rebellious only daughter.

 

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WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER FROM B.E.T.’S THE QUAD?

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img_0083CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW ORS CELEBRATES PATRICE “AFROBELLA” YURSIK

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You can sign up for this blog’s newsletter here and follow on InstagramFacebookTwitter and snapchat and now YOUTUBE!