Black creatives and our unprecedented impact

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WARNING: The post is a mashup of ideas swirling in my head

“I think part of it is accepting that it’s so much beauty in being black and that’s the thing that, I guess, I get emotional about because I’ve always known that. I’ve always been proud to be black. Never wanted to be nothing else. Loved everything about it, just…

It’s such beauty in black people, and it really saddens me when we’re not allowed to express that pride in being black, and that if you do, then it’s considered anti-white. No! You just pro-black. And that’s okay. The two don’t go together. Because you celebrate black culture does not mean that you don’t like white culture or that you putting it down. It’s just taking pride in it, but what’s irritating is when somebody says, you know, “They’re racist!”, “That’s reverse racism!” or, “They have a Black History Month, but we don’t have a White History Month!”

Well, all we’ve ever been taught is white history. So, why are you mad at that? Why does that make you angry? That is to suppress me and to make me not be proud” Tina (Knowles) Lawson‘s Tina Taught Me Interlude

Black females have the largest influence of any demographic.  Black women create many of the styles that are on trend.  Black Americans and their “unprecedented impact” across a number of areas, especially television, music, social media and on social issues. Demographic trends combined with the power of social media have collided to empower an increasingly educated, affluent, and tech-savvy black consumer base. As a result, it’s a key time for companies to “build and sustain deeper, more meaningful connections” with black consumers, according to Nielsen report.  Relating to blacks an especially black women can go a long way when looking for social shares. A good example of this is when JCPenney‘s twitter account let go and let have on a few twitter trolls that shaded them when dissing BeyoncĂ©’s pregnancy announcement pictures.  JCPenney become a twitter trending topic.

 

 

 

The black experience is like no other.  At times being a black women one could be left with the feeling of being loved and hated at the same time.  I take these situations as a blessing and an opportunity to teach.  For example: Don’t touch my hair however we can discuss it.

It’s can be tough being a black creative trying to break though to the gatekeepers.

I’ll end this rambling post with an Amandla Stenberg quote

“What would America be like if it loved black people as much as it loves black culture?” 

 

 

 

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Processed with VSCO with f2 presetSweater ▪ similar | Skirt ▪ thrifted  | Shoes ▪ similar

FYI:

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also

5 WAYS TO PAMPER YOURSELF ON VALENTINE’S DAY

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We all know that Valentine’s day is a day for lovers.  However, this Valentine’s day I going to practice self love.  I’d like to focus on us and pampering ourselves.  I’m always looking for easy ways to get back to me that won’t break the bank.  Here are 5 ways I came up with to pamper yourself on Valentine’s day.

 

 

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Set aside time for you

Many of us are living a fast paced life.  We’re always on the go.  We always have something to do.  This is a great time to pull out the calendar book and block off 4 hours for you.  Do it now and thank me later.  Not everyone can fly off to a private island but planning a few hours alone time can help you collect your thoughts and clear your head.  Unplug and block off time for us.  We have to disconnect.  No T.V., computer or phone.  Unplugging from the noise of the world will give us a chance to shut off the noise that’s seems like it’s always playing in our ears.  Being in a quiet place helps with feelings of being overwhelmed when trying to pampering yourself.

 

 

 

Create a peaceful place with candles

Organize space in your home.  Take a few minutes to reorganize your bathroom.  The bathroom is often times the easiest room to make completely free of stress so you relax. Set up a comfortable chair or light some incense and disappear there for a few minutes until the tension dissipates.  Aromatherapy also helps.  It takes only seconds for a beautiful smelling candle to release stress that has built up.  Aromatherapy is a great way to pampering ourself.  Oils and incense are prefect too.  The soothing scents help combat stress and anxiety.  It’s know that the smell of citrus can help us relax by increasing levels of the stress-related.  Just the smell of coffee can help reduce stress hormones.

Meditation and Peaceful Music

Five minutes of self reflection is all it takes to start to see the benefits of meditation. Silent meditation can relieve stress and depression.  Being in a comfortable quiet place, concentrating on breathing help the anxieties start to disappear.  Meditation takes you into focusing on your whole being as a form of relaxation, rather than just focusing on one area of your body as any other relaxation technique tends to do.  If you’re like me you may want to have a little music playing in the background.  Make a playlist of music you love that will allow you to relax your mind.

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 Move A Little

A quick stretch can help with muscle tension.  Do a few minute of yoga.  Dancing is great too. A good stretch, but it helps create peace of mind.  Cardio is great for the enhancing endorphins.  The chemical release of moving will make you happy and block any feelings of pain.

 

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Treat yourself 

 

Give yourself a gift.  Send yourself some flowers or an edible arrangment.  Order yourself a dress or those shoes you’ve been really wanting!  It’s ok TREAT YO SELF!

 

If worst comes to worst spend Valentine’s day planning a vacation.  A get away is yet another great way to pamper ourself.

FYI:

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also.

 

 

HOW I WORE A DRESS AS A TOP

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Being a black female blogger from Chicago my influence reaches many demographic.  The blog thefatgirloffashion has been bubbling under the surface for years.  As a Generation X kids I’m a products of shifting social norms.  With my mom having to work to support 3 children I was left to make many choices for myself and my younger siblings.  You can say they were the first group to fall under my influence, lol.  I can remember watching MTV and dancing in the mirror.  Or sitting in front of my television on Thursday nights and wishing I could be a Cosby kid.  They call people in my age range “Xers” to refer to an unknown variable or our desire not to be defined.  However, At some point we’ll all have to check a box or two.  That still doesn’t mean we have to be pigeonholed just because of some label.   And it’s the same with clothes.

Like people clothes don’t have to pigeonholed on a specific label.  A dress is just a top waiting to happen.  I took a gray bodycon dress and tucked it into a pair of my favorite jeans to turn this summer staple into a form fitting top.  This is great to maximize your clothes.  I also took this swimsuit cover up and paired with this causal look as a duster.  This adds a little extra pop of color to this monochromatic look with the flowers.  The duster also adds a flowy element to fitted look of the top and jeans.  Thinking outside of the box a little allows me away to bring some of my favorite summer pieces to colder months seamlessly.

I hope this little tips can help anyone who has favorite pieces that they don’t want to wait and wear.  Plus this can save us a few coins so we can go to fun events plus size events like theCurvycon.

 

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Processed with VSCO with f2 presetDress ▪ similar | Jeans ▪ similar | Duster ▪ similar |  Shoes ▪ similar

 

 

 

FYI:

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On My Worst Behavior

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I was randomly listening music and Drake’s Worst Behavior came on.  First off this song came out in 2013.  Seems like just yesterday.  Man things get old fast.  I must have played it like 30 times.  I listen to what he was really saying.  It started feeling like it could be my 2017 theme song.

 

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Flex, I’m just flexin’
Never loved us, do it look like we stressin’?

I’m doing me and living a carefree fat girl life.  When people say they don’t like how I look, dress, or I need to coverup, To tell you the truth, I never cared!

 

Look at you, look at you, and look at you,
Ah, I’m glad that they chose us

You’re talking about me, you’re laughing at me and judging me but that means nothing because at the end of the day my people are going to love and support me.

 

Command, it’s a mission trying to fight to the finish just to see ’em all finish

I require respect and I will not stand for anything less.  I’m going to be a source of inspiration for all the girls who have ever been made to feel less than.  Remember beauty comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes.

 

It just seems like Drake gets me, lol….. What’s your 2017 theme song?

 

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sheer-denim-3Top ▪ here | Bra ▪ similar | Denim Shorts ▪ similar | Lace Shorts ▪ similar | Shoes ▪ similar | Sunnies ▪ similar

 

 

FYI:

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also

 

7 Plus Size Bloggers say “I’m A Carefree Fat Girl”

 

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Last week I spoke about what it takes to be a carefree fat girl. I got so much support from my readers.  Of course my Chicago people reached out however, I had some many other ladies comment on Instagram, twitter and Facebook saying how they wish they could live a more carefree life.  In the age of social media bullying it can be hard to grow your self confidence.  And sadly easier to have it torn down.

I reached out to a few plus size bloggers who with their style and personal mission are living life carefree.  Beside me telling you to block fat-shamers on social media or attending the theCurvyCon these ladies will offer you other options to a carefree fat life.

 

 

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“I’m a carefree fat girl because I value me, the mental and physical. The opposite of carefree is anxious and careful. Hunny, when I step onto the scene, adorned in whatever, I’m confident and very much so unapologetic.” Leah of beautyandthemuse.net

 

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Chasi of sweatinmascara.com “I’m an athlete and I do not wait on others to validate my passion for fitness. I love dance and I teach it passionately regardless of the size stereotypes and that makes me a carefree fat girl.”

 

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“I think you’re a carefree fat girl when you’ve created your own lane in plus size fashion and you can see that the success of other fat girls doesn’t represent your own failure. When you can lift others up and instead of tear others down, you’re truly carefree!” Alysse of readytostare.com

 

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Ashley “I know I’m a care free fat girl because I live by my own set of rules! No matter what anyone says about my weight, my clothes, my size, my aspirations…I do whatever makes me happy and feels good to my soul!”

 

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“To be a carefree fat girl you have to live and walk in your purpose apologetically. You can’t spend your days trying to fit your large frame in the world’s narrow view of beauty. Don’t let your weight decide what you can and cannot do. Dance as a fat girl, love as a fat girl, and live as a fat girl!” Faith.

 

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Darlene of suitsheelsandcurves.com “If you can look at yourself naked and smile at every curve, mark. lump and bump then you are a carefree fat girl.”

 

I want to thank all the ladies again for offering their feelings on what it takes to be a  carefree fat girl.  As you can see each has their on approach to happiness.  Personal joy can be achieved in many different ways.  Be sure too follow all of these influencers on social media for encouragement and style inspiration.

 

 

FYI:

You can follow this blog by newsletter here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You Can Wear What You Want When You’re Poppin’

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You do what you want when you got it, yeah
You do what you want when you poppin’
You do what you want when you got it.”

Future

 

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I walk into a room like Miranda Priestly.  Demanding respect and killing the weak.  OK let me stop.  I like to describe my personal style as whimsically sexy.  I love the mix of playfulness and sexy.  I honestly stepped away from my own personal style to blend in with what I saw other “bloggers” wearing.

That was one of the worst mistakes I’ve ever made.  I should have stayed true to myself.  Fashion allow you to express yourself without words.  When I was trying to blend in I was silencing myself.  Let me be clear no I’m not wearing a crop top to work or a super short skirt to church.  I’m respectful of the situation I’m going to be in.  However, I do know that I can switch up my style and not worry about what others think.

I love mixing prints.  I love adding a pop of color.  I love being me.  Fashion allows me to be the bold, funny and carefree fat girl.  Yes, sometimes I get looks.  *insert neck roll*  lol.  People can look all they want.  Just don’t touch me!  And if someone has something to say please believe they’ll catch these words.

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Vest ▪ similar | Top ▪ similar | Pants ▪ similar | Shoes ▪ similar | Purse ▪ similar
 

  

“Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want. “

 

FYI:

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also

I Represent Confidence

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Liz Black asked Gabi Gregg; Style blogger and swimwear designer,  “How can someone who is struggling with self-confidence break out of that and embrace themselves as they are?”  Gabi responded “It’s important to know that the road to self-confidence doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey. My advice would be to follow people who have a similar body type to your own on social media, because representation is more important than we realize. The more often you see confident women with bodies that look like yours, the more you will grow to love your own.”

 

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I agree with Gabi representation matters.  It can be hard to picture yourself doing or wearing something if you’ve never seen someone that looks like you ever doing it before.  It can be hard for plus size girls and young women to find beauty in themselves when they never see it.  Never seeing yourself in a position of confidence can leave a person feeling less than beautiful.

Before someone yells out it’s called self confidence.  Self confidence needs to be supported by others just like any other learned skill.  I was lucky to grow up within a family that always made me feel beautiful.  I’ve always been a fat girl.  However, my mom wasn’t plus size.  The first time I regularly saw a woman who looked like me in my home was on television.  It was Shirley Hemphill’s character Shirley Wilson from What’s Happening!!.  She was  short, brown, and round like me.  She was sassy and garnered respect for everyone around her.  Even though she was the butt of many fat jokes she was beautiful to me.

Now that I’m older, I fully appreciate the importance of being represented.  Within the plus size community you can find all different body types.  However, It can sometimes feel that the hour glass shape is the only shape that’s celebrated.  That’s not my shape and I’m ok with that.  I represent the short girls with a little extra in the middle.  Not everyone is going to comply with .70 waist-to-hip ratio to have  that socially acceptable curvy figure.  Like Gabi said follow a few people that represent you in images and know that if she can rock a style so can you.  You’re beauty isn’t limited to what society tells you what beauty is.

 

con·fi·dence  

a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.
“she’s brimming with confidence”

 

 

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Swimsuit ▪ GabiFresh X Swimsuitsforall
Swim Top: 22 D/DD | Bottom: 18
You may want to order a size up in the top.  Bottom runs true to size.

 

 

Who is the person or character you feel represents you in media?

 

 

FYI:

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also.

5 Signs That You’re A Carefree Fat Girl

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1) You’re a carefree fat girl if you’ve ever been minding your on business and someone had something to say about what you were wearing.  And you responded with “If it comes in my size I’m going to wear it!

2) If you own a fatkini and live for the Summertime.  Then all signs point to you being a carefree fat girl.

3) You see another plus size cutie looking super fly and you don’t hate on her; instead you show her love.  You’re a true carefree fat girl.

4) If you’re been trolled by a fat-shammer on social media and you blocked them without breaking a sweat then you’re a carefree fat girl.

5) You make sure you spend time with other plus size girls.  You make sure to go to all the plus size kick backs.  If you’ve ever been to theCurvyCon than you’re definitely a carefree fat girl.

 

 

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Processed with VSCO with f2 presetDress â–Ş similar | Skirt â–Ş similar *on sale* | Tights â–Ş here | Shoes â–Ş similar

 

I show body positive images to the world  with my pictures.  I also write this blog as to way to show I’m a carefree fat girl.

How do you show that you’re a carefree fat girl?

 

 

FYI:

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also.

5 Signs That You’re A Carefree Fat Girl

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1) You’re a carefree fat girl if you’ve ever been minding your on business and someone had something to say about what you were wearing.  And you responded with “If it comes in my size I’m going to wear it!

2) If you own a fatkini and live for the Summertime.  Then all signs point to you being a carefree fat girl.

3) You see another plus size cutie looking super fly and you don’t hate on her; instead you show her love.  You’re a true carefree fat girl.

4) If you’re been trolled by a fat-shammer on social media and you blocked them without breaking a sweat then you’re a carefree fat girl.

5) You make sure you spend time with other plus size girls.  You make sure to go to all the plus size kick backs.  If you’ve ever been to theCurvyCon than you’re definitely a carefree fat girl.

 

 

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Processed with VSCO with f2 presetDress â–Ş similar | Skirt â–Ş similar | Tights â–Ş options | Shoes â–Ş similar

 

I show body positive images to the world  with my pictures.  I also write this blog as to way to show I’m a carefree fat girl.

How do you show that you’re a carefree fat girl?

 

 

FYI:

You can sign up for this blog’s newsletter here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on InstagramFacebook and Twitter also.

Jealous Of My Future Self

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The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.  We’ve all heard this before right?! We’ve been told repeatedly “People are never satisfied with their own situation; they always think others have it better.”  However, thinking like that can make a girl complacent.  Thinking like that can have a girl stuck.  Sometime the grass on the other side is so green you can make your old self green with envy.

 

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I’ve found myself thinking why not me.  I then have to step back and remember what’s for me is for me.  For now I have to take care of my own grass until I get to the other side.  I have my own journey.  I have my own testimony.  I see people getting breaks I wish I had but I can’t envy them.  I know I’ll never win that way.  I must support my sisters whenever possible.  I think that’s we as women trend to be jealous of what other women have.  Focusing on what other’s have will make you lose track of all the blessings you already have.  I can only jealous of my future self because that girl is truly living the life I want.

 

To get ready for our future selves we must work on the current us.  However we see our future self we have to work hard to get ourselves there.  If you want to make more money.  Look for a new job that pays more or go back to school for a degree.  If you want to loss weight start working out or skip that late night snack.  If you want to meet new people start going out more.  Start being jealous of your future self!  But let’s not forget to support others on our journey to our future selves.  Compliment the girl at work when you notices she spent a little more time of her makeup.  Tell the lady on the train her hair looks nice when you see she’s done something different with her hair.  When you see me on the gram double tap a playa’s pic, lol.  Your future self will thank you for it!

 

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Dress ▪ similar | Tights ▪ here | Shoes ▪ similar | Cape ▪ similar

 

FYI:

You can follow this blog on Bloglovin here.  Also lately I’ve be doing most of my posting on snapchat@fatgirl_fashion. My snapchat friends were the first to know about the location I selected for my blog’s 3rd year anniversary brunch.  They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience and a NYC trip for theCurvycon.  Snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo and The MakeUp Show Chicago.  So be sure to follow on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also.