Essence + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit & Target Holiday Market | Day 1

I spent the last event on my 2019 calendar celebrating women of color with other women of color and I couldn’t be happier.  I attend the first-ever Essence + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit and Target Holiday Market.  Keep reading to see how I spent day one.

 

3d207dd9-9eec-4d16-95ca-1a46a97bb9b4“The ESSENCE + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit is an opportunity to highlight the vast spectrum of entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses in the city—showcasing Atlanta as a model for commerce while making a real economic impact in our community.”_Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms

Continue reading “Essence + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit & Target Holiday Market | Day 1”

COAT CHECK WITH ELOQUII

“A man with a good coat upon his back meets with a better reception than he who has a bad one.” _Unknown

 

 

 

 

With it getting more chilly outside and coat is a needs.  I attend many events and I want to look stylish while out.  Who wants to hand a ugly coat to coat check?!  Not me, lol.  I mean a coat can make or break an look.  When I first saw the ELOQUII x Katie Sturino Tie Waist Robe Coat I know I had a winner.  Eloquii has some many fabulous coats that I’m in love with so I’ve created a coat wish list.

 

ELOQUII x Katie Sturino Tie Waist Robe Coat

 

Eloquii collaborated with Katie Sturino to create an exclusive ELOQUII x Katie Sturino capsule collection for fall inspired by her signature sporty, cool style.  The tailored fit tie waist robe coat can be worn now and ten years from now, opt for this super soft wool blend trench. With a tie belt that we’ve included for you to wear either open or cinched, versatility proves its power with this style.  If you love color this style of coat comes is a beauty navy plaid hue.  You can find it here.

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img_7653Studio Military Colorblock Coat

 

We took a classic trench coat and updated it with some chic color blocking and strategically placed buttons to give it a military feel. The perfect layer for transitional weather, you can pair yours with just about anything in your closet and still maintain a put-together look with a structured silhouette.  The tailored fit front button-up closure comes with front hip pockets.

 

 

img_7652Pearl Detail Coat

 

This last layer makes a huge first impression: perfectly placed pearls amp up the chic factor. Crafted from super soft heavyweight fabric that gives you all the warmth (without the bulk).  The tailored fit fully lined coat comes with front button-up closure and side pockets.  Pearls are so on trend and this coat is everything.

 

 

drama coatDrama Sleeve Coat

 

We took a style note from one of the greats and designed a classic coat worthy of Jackie O’s iconic taste. We updated it slightly with a new silhouette and modern details like cropped, puffed sleeves.  The coat comes with front button up closure and side seam pockets.  Did I mention it comes in two more colors?  Yes, oil yellow and ivy.

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trench coat sequinLong Sequin Trench Coat

 

A classic-with-a-twist that you never saw coming: we took a classic trench coat and added thousands of sequins for a major refresh. An even bigger twist? You can also wear it with matching track pants for a head-to-toe look that simply sparkles.  This fully tailored fit lined fab coat comes with front tie closure, front lapel pockets.

 

 

 

img_7654Long Wrap Coat

 

From fancy occasions to long commutes, this coat is a multipurpose cool weather essential. With versatile lapels that could be worn fully buttoned up or open to show off a peek of your favorite blouse underneath, it gives you warmth without the bulk.  The front button up closure coat comes in two colors (black or oatmeal) as well as two shapes (regular or viola).  Self-belt included along with on-seam pockets.

 

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I received the ELOQUII x Katie Sturino Tie Waist Robe Coat compliments of the Eloquii, however; All opinions are my own.    

 

 

 

 

ELOQUII x Katie Sturino Tie Waist Robe Coat▪Here | INC International Concepts Embellished Cold-Shoulder Sweater▪Here |  TH Greenwich Skinny Jeans▪Here |  Purse ▪Similar| Fedora ▪Similar| Shoes ▪Similar

 

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

 

Gwynnie Bee Loft 7CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHEN ANN TAYLOR LOFT WILL START CARRYING PLUS SIZES

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FYI:

You can sign up for this blog’s newsletter here.  Also lately I’ve been 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

i-got-a-summer-body-4

 

 

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.”

 

shirley

 

 

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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i-got-a-summer-body-1

 

summer-body

 

 

Processed with VSCO with t1 preset

 

 

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 Random Facts About theFatGirlofFashion

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I started blogger because I wanted the world to know that Chicago had women that were plus size and fashionable. Overwhelming engagement thefatgirloffashion expanded to include lifestyle.   We discuss things like travel, food, and reviews. We all know my motto is “I’m happy with me.” If you’re happy with yourself than you will be more likely to live life on your own terms.  That’s why randomness is important.  With that being said here are 5 random facts about me.

 

 
Random fact number one is I’m going to Paris.  Paris, France is the plan for my 40th birthday.  I’m counting down the seconds!  I’m on the fence about how long to stay and what to do when I arrive.  Of course I’ll do all the regular tourist things but I want to see street culture off the beaten path. We’ll see.

 

 

m-a-c-cosmetics-x-taraji-p-henson-mactaraji-reviewed
Random fact two is I’ve grown into a real makeup junkie.  It use to take me about 3o mins to do my eyebrows.  I know along time but they were fleek.  Over time now I can do just as good of a job within a quarter of the time.  I use 3 products.  First brushing the hairs with an e.l.f. wand.  Then shaping with a Wet N Wild pencil and LA Girl concealer in color fawn & toast applied with an e.l.f. 1814 brush.

 

Random fact number 3 is that my favorite movie of all time is The Color Purple.  Followed up closely by Dream Girls.  When I first moved out on my own I didn’t have cable.  Only a VCR player.  Yes VCR, lol.  I would watch The Color Purple over and over.  The storyline was powerful and the acting was amazing.  My favorite line from the movie is captured in Miss Celie Voice.

“I’m poor, black, I might even be ugly, but dear God, I’m here. I’m here.”

 

Random fact 4.   I loooooove social media.  I adore being connected to people world wide.  Seeing things from the point of view others is how one grows.
We can connect everywhere.
Instagram: @thefatgirloffashion
Twitter: @FatGirl_Fashion
The last random fact is that if I could move today I would move to Los Angeles
NO MORE SNOW, lol.  I love Chicago.  If I could move Chicago to a warmer climate I would do it in a heartbeat.  New York would be idea for a blogger but the weather there is no better than Chicago.  Like I said before I love Chicago so they’re stuck with me.

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.  My snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo.  To top is off Chicago of course.  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.

UniverSoul Circus fun for adults

circus-20

Pictured with Keyonda of arealurbanmom and her oldest son

 

I went to the UniverSoul Circus and I think I had more fun than the kids.  I’m so glad I went.  This was my first time going to the circus and I had a blast.  UniverSoul Circus is in Chicago Sept. 28-Oct. 30, 2016 and is sponsored by the  Black McDonald’s Operating Association of Chicago.  UniverSoul Circus is taking place in Washington Park (E. 51st Street and S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60615) and I’m here for it!

UniverSoul Circus was very interactive.  I felt like I was part of the show.  The big top was rocking with the music from all genres. The cast of international performers that had me on the edge of my seat.  There was so much happening that the only was to understand my excitement is to see the show yourself.  UniverSoul Circus’s approach to family friendly live entertainment was refreshing.

 

 

I can’t tell you which was my favorite act between comedy Dog Act from Chile, Aerial Duet from Colombia, Pagoda Bowl Acrobats from China, Airborne Motorcycles from California, Caribbean Dynasty from Trinidad and Tobago, Russian Bar from Cuba, Contortionists from Ethiopia or Magical Tigers I had so must fun.  UniverSoul Circus is fun for adults.  If you can go you should!

 

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circus-6

 

circus-11

 

circus-4

 

 

 

Visit www.universoulcircus.com for more info, show times, and schedules.  Select discounts available here.  You can follow the UniverSoul Circus on Facbook,  Twitter and Instagram.  Or use the hashtags #bestcircusever & #universoulcircus to see all the fun.

 

 

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.  My snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo.  To top is off Chicago of course.  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.

 

Outfit ideas for any sporting event

basketball-look

 

I was lucky enough to score a pair of tickets to the the Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavs game.  *insert emoji smile* The blogger in me thought black ball grown! Sounds about right!!  Just kidding , lol.  I was however  a little stuck on what to wear.  Should I be a super fan wearing Bulls gear from head to toe.  Or be extra with a floor length mink with Jimmy Choo shoes like a diva.  Chicago Bulls games have become a real fashion event.  And now that the Bulls have added Dwyane Wade to the team I could find myself seating shoulder to shoulder with his wife and Birth of Nation star Gabrielle Union.  If I’m having this issue how many other fashionable sports fan were?  I came up with a few looks that’ll cover all style mavens for any sporting event.

 

 

Super Fans Love Baseball

 

sport-look-1

Earring | Hat| Jacket | Lipstick | Fan Hand | Watch | Jersey | Bracelet | Shoes | Jeans

 

 

Fashionistas Love Basketballs

sport-look-2

 

Cape | Lipstick| Earrings | Ring| Bracelet |  Blouse | Cell case | Purse | Pants | Shoes

 

 

Divas Love Basketballs 

bulls-games-outfits

 

Wrap Coat | Bodysuit | Earrings | Lipstick | Necklace | | Clutch | Pant | Heels | Ring

Comment below with which style maven you are? Super fan, the fashionistas or the diva?

Your favorite plus size Chicago blogger will be snap chatting all the sports fun of course so be sure follow along @FatGirl_Fashion.

 

 

 

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.  My snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo.  To top is off Chicago of course.  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.

Thursday Thoughts

thinking-good-thoughts

 

Thank you for all your support!

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.  My snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo.  To top is off Chicago of course.  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.

Wishlist Wednesday

wishlist-10

 

Wednesday wishlist is an online listing of a items I’ve come across throughout the week that caught my eye.  Basically in black and white things I wish I had.#shopaholicproblems.  As a Chicago blogger, I’m always on the lookout and  items listed will vary.  My wish list will range from dresses, housewares items to makeup and travel destinations.  So be sure check back weekly to see what new item I’m wishing for.

 

wishlist-1005-3

 

This ceramic traveler is part of Starbucks anniversary collection.. It comes adorned with Swarovski  crystals and cool blue lines inscribed on this white ceramic traveler form.  With a cute golden star crown on top of the her blue hair. The double-walled traveler helps keep coffee warm and hands cool, and the blue press-in slider lid helps minimize spills. starbucks.com

 

wishlist-1005-1

 

I heart this Moto Jacket.  Of course moto jacket are timeless but this one has a modern update in a new seasonal blue hue. Made of faux leather this jacket is soft and comfortable.  It also features stitched shoulder details for added interest. An asymmetrical zipper completes the long sleeve zip pocket look.  catherines.com

 

 

wishlist-1005-2

 

Spread the love this holiday season with Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Love Collection.  This luxury beauty set featuring three mini Rouge Pur Couture Lipsticks for full coverage and antioxidant protection, and three signature La Laque Couture Nail Lacquers.  It’s a must have.  nordstrom.com

 

wishlist-1005

 

It’s officially halloween time.  This year let’s get sexy.  This Nile Queen Costume includes gold shimmer catsuit, striped cutout dress with jeweled collar and matching draped head piece.  It’s super sexy yet covered up.  Just gorgeous.  www.costumesupercenter.com

 

 

wishlist-1005-5

 

Back to the Future NIKE MAG are real and I want them.  They speak to the nerd in me.  I can see this self lacing gym shoes in my closet now.  Nike.com

 

 

wishlist-10-1

If you like this week’s wishes see what I wished for last week here.

Comment below with some items from your own wish list

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.  My snaps showed L.A. for BlogHer and ATL for TCFStyleExpo.  To top is off Chicago of course.  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.

Top 5 Tracks From A Seat At The Table

Top 5 Tracks From

A Seat At The Table

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table

Solange, Tina’s daughter, BeyoncĂ©’s sister, Julez’s mom, dropped her latest album called “A Seat at the Table and basically broke the internet.”  Solange has been working on the album since 2013.  She described the new album as “a project on identity, empowerment, independence, grief, and healing.”

A Seat at the Table consists of 11 songs, an intro, a closing, and 8 interludes. Top 4 songs. The album features collaborations with the likes of  Tweet, Lil Wayne, Master P, The-Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid, Q-Tip, and Kelly Rowland just to name a few.

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table, song list

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table | Track 13) Cranes In The Sky

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table , cranes in the sky

This song speaks to what I’ve done to make myself feel better when I trying to deal with whatever I’m trying to deal with.  Be it pouring myself into my work, shopping unnecessary, or taking a lover not to feel alone.  

Favorite Line: “I ran my credit card bill up.  Thought a new dress would make it better”

 

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table | Interlude 04): For Us by Us Master P

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table,

Master P is speaking about knowing your worth. In life, you have to know that some people will offer less than what you are worth just because they want to get over on you.  

Favorite Line: “If this white man offer me a million dollars I gotta be worth forty, or fifty… Or ten or something.”

 

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table | Track 06)  Mad feat. Lil Wayne

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table, Mad

This song makes me think about how some white people view black people.  They don’t understand why blacks are mad about things happening around us.  They don’t deal with the feeling of always living with their backs against the wall.  Living with the unfairness.  For example, the Black Lives Matter movement.  Yes, All lives do matter but let’s focus on the black one for now. 

Favorite Line: “I ran into this girl I said I’m tired of explaining.  Man this shit is draining.  But I’m not really allowed to be mad”

 

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table | Track 09)  Don’t Touch My Hair

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table, solange

Black people have “fit in” to be accepted.  No, don’t be so Black, please.  Being a Black woman if I stand up for myself I’m seen as being a problem or a trouble maker.  I just want to be viewed as equal.  No better than and certainly not less than.  I don’t want to have to take my braids down in order to get the job.  

Favorite Line: “You know this hair is my shit, rode the ride, I gave it time/But this here is mine”

 

Top 5 Tracks from A seat at the table | Interlude 09) I Got So Much Magic, You Can Have It Kelly Rowland & Nia Andrews

Beware of cultural appropriation *drops mic*

Favorite Line: “Don’t let anybody steal your magic yeah”

 

Do you agree with my list? Comment below!

Check out the digital book on http://www.solangemusic.com

I listened to A Seat At The Table on Spotify.

seat-at-the-table-8

Sign up for this blog’s newsletter here.  Follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, and TikTok!

If you like this content be sure to share it!!

 

Thank you for reading this Chicago-based lifestyle blog,  Your support allows us to continue to bring content focused on plus-size fashion, beauty, lifestyle and, Black women in luxury. 

Top 5 Tracks from #ASeatAtTheTable

seat-at-the-table-7

Solange, Tina’s daughter, BeyoncĂ©’s sister, Julez ‘s mom and Alan’s wife, dropped her latest album called “A Seat at the Table and basically broke the internet.”  Solange has been working on the album since 2013 and described the new album as “a project on identity, empowerment, independence, grief and healing.”

A Seat at the Table consist of 11 songs, an intro, a closing, and 8 interludes. Top 4 songs. The album features collaborations with the likes of  Tweet, Lil Wayne, Master P, The-Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid, Q-Tip, and Kelly Rowland just to name a few.

seat-at-the-table-1

 

Track 13) Cranes In The Sky

seat-at-the-table

The song speaks to what I’ve done to make myself feel better when I trying to deal with whatever I’m trying to deal with.  Be it pouring myself into my work, shopping unnecessary, or taking a lover not to feel alone.  

Favorite Line: “I ran my credit card bill up.  Thought a new dress would make it better”

Interlude 04) : For Us by Us Master P

seat-at-the-table-2

Master P is speaking about knowing your worth. In life you have to know that some people will offer less than what you worth just because they want to get over on you.  

Favorite Line: “If this white man offer me a million dollars I gotta be worth forty, or fifty… Or ten or something.”

Track 06)  Mad feat. Lil Wayne

seat-at-the-table-4

This song makes me think how some white people think about black people.  They don’t understand why blacks are mad about things happening around us.  They don’t deal with the always living with their backs against the wall.  Living with the unfairness.  For example Black Lives Matter movement.  Yes, All lives do matter but let’s focus on the black one for now. 

Favorite Line: “I ran into this girl I said I’m tired of explaining.  Man this shit is draining.  But I’m not really allowed to be mad”

Track 09)  Don’t Touch My Hair

aseatatthetable

Black people have “fit in”to accepted in.  No be so black.  Being black woman if I stand up for myself I’m seen as being a problem or a trouble maker.  I just want to be viewed as equal.  No better than and certainly not less than.  I don’t want to have to take my braids down in order to get the job.  

Favorite Line: “You know this hair is my shit, rode the ride, I gave it time/But this here is mine”

Interlude 09) I Got So Much Magic, You Can Have It Kelly Rowland & Nia Andrews

seat-at-the-table-1

Beware of cultural appropriation *drops mic

Favorite Line: “Don’t let anybody steal your magic yeah”

Do you agree with my list? Comment below!

Check out the digital book on http://www.solangemusic.com

I listened to A Seat At The Table on Spotify.

seat-at-the-table-8

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 that happened on June 12th. They saw first hand my Beyonce’s Formation tour experience, and my NYC trip for theCurvycon.  I was in L.A. in August for BlogHer & some fun in the sun.  Then off to ATL for TCFStyleExpo.  Followed up by trip to Florida for the Black Enterprise Golf Tennis Challenge.  Be sure to follow me on snapchat so you don’t miss any of the action.  thefatgirloffashion.com can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter also.