Happy New Year 2023 good people! I did a Staycation for New Years Eve / New Years Day.
Continue reading “Happy New Year 2023 | Staycation for New Years”
thefatgirloffashion.com 💋 Plus Size Fashion + Beauty & Lifestyle
Lifestyle blog on fashion, food & travel in Chicago
Happy New Year 2023 good people! I did a Staycation for New Years Eve / New Years Day.
Continue reading “Happy New Year 2023 | Staycation for New Years”
2020 ended all my travel plans. I really need to getaway. I’m planning the perfect plus-size trip (In my head). Keep reading to see what I need to make it happen.
Continue reading “Planning The Perfect Plus-size Trip (In my head)”
After an eventful Essence + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit & Target Holiday Market | Day 1 I didn’t know day two could get any better. I attend the first-ever Essence + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit and Target Holiday Market. Keep reading to see how I spent day two.
“New Voices was created to ensure economic opportunities and inclusion for women of color.”_Richelieu Dennis
Continue reading “Essence + New Voices Entrepreneur Summit & Target Holiday Market | Day 2”
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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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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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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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.
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.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.
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Within this blog post, I’ll be sharing my first day in New Orleans. It’s my first-time traveling to the Nola. Plus it’s my first time at the Essence Festival. My first full day fell the Fourth of July. Continue reading this blog post to see how this plus size fashion blogger celebrated the birth of the nation in the New Orleans’ French quarters.
“We will shape and mold this country or it will not be molded and shaped at all anymore.” _Nina Simona
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I kicked off my fourth of July in New Orleans with a photo shoot. With the help of fellow blogger Shamika, I had done some research on photographers in New Orleans. I emailed a few a settled on Britt of brittsmithphotography. Which was a wise choice! Britt worked looked amazing but more importantly, she was very professional. She’s replied to my emails in a timely manner. On the day of our shot, she was on time. She was easy going and friendly. And I love my photos and I know you will too!


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I grabbed a lite bit at a placed called Willie’s Chicken Shake. The food was good but it’s a chain restaurant so if you’re looking for a down-home meal this isn’t the place to go.
I hope to find some authentic food within the time I’m in New Orleans.




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This being my first time in New Orleans plus it’s the holiday I know I was in for a good time. And I was right! I had a few options on what to do to celebrate the fourth of July. The bar scene in New Orleans is always fun. However, I know I wanted to see a fireworks show. When I’m home I often stay in the house and watch the firework show on T.V. unless I’m with my family. I was lucky because my hotel was only a few blocks from the Dueling Barges fireworks show. Dueling Barges fireworks show is a free event that’s part of the “Go 4th on the River” celebration held at the Mississippi River’s riverfront.
I knew this was my chance to take a boat ride on the Mississippi River. Image the view of the fireworks from a boat sailing across the river. There were two options.
One option was to book a ride in the Creole Queen steamboat and watch the show from the deck. The Creole Queen cruise started at 7 p.m., and includes an open bar, a buffet of “American favorites”, and three music room choices. Adult tickets were $129 and not in my budget so I went with my other option the Algiers Ferry.
The Algiers ferry has been operation since 1827, that can be boarded at the foot of Canal Street – right next to the Aquarium of the Americas. The ferry ride only costs $2 each way. The ferry ride is about a half hour trip each way. Because I was taking the ferry to see the fireworks I quickly took the ferry back to the other side. If you’re a land lover you can plan a picnic at Woldenberg Park, at the Moon Walk (the riverside promenade, or on the other side of the river in Algiers and watch the fireworks from there. That didn’t go as planned. I ended up oversleeping so Tot and I went to the casino nearby to people watch.

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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
A FEW OTHER OPTIONS I LIKE
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WATCH MY INSTASTORIES TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH MORE OF MY ESSENCE FEST EXPERIENCE HERE
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“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it’s lethal”_Unknown
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Plus size travel is more than a trending topic. Many plus size women are coming together to visit popular tourist destinations. Honestly, it’s nothing new but we’re more vocal about it. Here are a few plus size travel groups that are offering a gathering place for curvy travelers.

Fat Girls Traveling This group is run by plus size travel blogger From Annette With Love. Fat Girls Traveling is the voice for the curvy, plus size, Fat Female Traveler. They’re reclaiming the word Fat. We’re leaving the shame and stigma behind and defying the odds. We’re jumping on that plane, jumping in front of the camera and showing the world that we’re here, we love ourselves and they should too! FGT is a Female-Only Group for travel, fashion, and lifestyle: resources, discussions, and support. We are here to encourage each other to live our best lives. A Fat Friendly and Body Positive Space. Unlike other Travel Groups, discussions do not have to be limited to travel.
The good people of Fat Girls Traveling have FAT CAMP 2018 happening Aug 24 – 27, 2018 – Won’t be your run-of-the-mill fat camp, as there won’t be any counting calories or wasting time worrying about weight. Instead, we’ll be doing the exact opposite: eating delicious meals, enjoying Happy Hour, relaxing by the pool, and so much more! There will also be arts & crafts, paddle boarding in the lake, morning yoga, and nightly dance parties – all in a fat-positive environment with some of your favorite social media mavens, travel bloggers, and body-positive advocates.
These incredible influencers will share tips on travel, fashion, and self-love through panel discussions, activities and more. There 100 spots total, so reserve yours today! More trip info here

We’re Going on a TCFCruise! This group is run by plus size lifestyle blogger Marie. You asked and they listened! She has created a plus size fashion experience and what should be an unforgettable event. The inaugural TCFCruise, is being produced by The Curvy Fashionista and B Memorable Events! What better way to relax a little bit, than with your plus size and curvy girlfriends, on a 5-day, 4-night cruise to Cozumel, Mexico? Not only will you relax in luxury in Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas boat, but enjoy TCF private parties, informational workshops, and a little fun in the sun!
The cruise takes place Oct 11 – 15, 2018. There are different available packages with total space for 80. More trip info

Another plus size group is Traveling while Plus Size! This group is run by plus size fashion blogger Garner Style. She say’s about her group “I’m kicking off this group while I am sitting here in the airport ready to start my trip to Tel Aviv. This group is for the plus size women that are well traveled and the women who have never taken a trip, but want too! I travel all the time and want to share some of my tips on reducing the anxiety of traveling while plus size. I also want this group to be a place where you can find great deals on places to go, recommended spots to visit, fabulous hotels and maybe even find a buddy or two to travel with. This is also a great place for reviews, but please critique respectfully.”
Traveling while Plus Size! does not currently have any group trips planned but I’ll be sure to let know when they do!

Do you know of any other plus size groups focused on travel that need to added to this post? Leave their name and link(s) in the comments.
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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.

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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“The gladdest moment in human life, me thinks, is a departure into unknown lands.” _Sir Richard Burton
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When I created ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST OF PLUS SIZE EVENTS in which I was simply outlining events that plus sizes girls could attend. I didn’t know so many would reach out and thank me for shining a light on what plus size events are out there. Plus note a 2018 listing is coming soon!
This year I’ll be personal been venturing outside of those events to others that caught my eye last year to attend this one. Of course, London for fashion week is a big trip for me but that’s not the only place I plan on going this year. I’m listing a few places and events in hopes that if you’re able to attend we could connect as a show of plus size force.

I sometimes suffer from a major case of FOMO (fear of missing out). Social media hasn’t helped with my condition. With that being said I want to say live your best life. Don’t look at what others are doing and think less of yourself because you can’t do. I talk a lot about travel and the importance of attending certain events for the following reasons.
First, it’s important to get out and experience life. When I started traveling I personally improved as a person. When you see how others live you learn a lot about yourself. You can go to the next state over and at times be in a whole new world. Leave your local area and expand your memories.
Second, when I was child the only family trips I can really remember were trips “down south” to places like Missippissi. My mother as a single woman raising three children on her own on a minimum wage job didn’t have expendable income to go on weeks-long trips across the world. I understand money is a factor. With that being said if you’re able to get a babysitter for the weekend TREAT YOURSELF. As I saw my mother working so hard day after day I don’t think I would have felt any kind of way if she would have went away for the weekend with her girls.
These events may not be for you but they’re on my wish list. Whether you go with my list or do your own thing just do it! Remember planning in advance and setting a budget is everything!!!!
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VC POLO CLASSIC – I’m for any reason to pop champagne and this event is a very instagramable reason too! Veuve Clicquot’s bi-annual celebration of polo and champagne is held in New York and Los Angeles. I plan on attending the New York event on June 2, 2018. Ticketing information is currently not available however you can find out more information on the overall VC Polo Classic event here.
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Essence Festival – America’s Biggest Celebration Of Black Women Is Back! Described as “the party with a purpose” and was the backdrop for 2017 hit movie “Girls Trips”. The event offers music, beauty brands pop-ups, meetups and self-love overload, lol. Essence holds their annual festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. This event This years event will run July 5-8, 2018. For tickets and additional information here.
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Crop Over Festival – Barbados crop over Monday, June 25 and ends early August. At the end of the Crop Over Festival in Barbados ends a spectacular Carnival/Kadooment Parade happens. This event celebrates the ending of the local Sugar Cane harvest, and is distinctly unique from the Carnival festivities in other Caribbean countries. The big Carnival/Kadooment parade always takes place the first Monday in August. Therefore this year’s parade will be on 6th August. Another Caribbean themed event I’m interested in attending is the Toronto carnival known as Caribana. Caribana Weekend 2018 will take place Thursday, August 2nd – Monday, August 6th 2018. What a decision?!
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Art Basel – Art Basel is an international art fair with three shows staged annually in Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, Florida; and Hong Kong. I plan on shaking the Chicago cold for to Miami beaches. This year’s Art Basel Miami event takes place December 6 – 9, 2018 at Miami Beach Convention Center. However, there’s so many events happen like pop-up art shows, music concerts, and fashion shows if I can’t attend the official “Art Basel” I can still live it up.
Where would you go if money and time wouldn’t be a factor?.
Feel free to tweet me at @fatgirl_fashion or message me on Facebook here if you’re planning to attend any of these events or for any other reasons, lol.

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“An expert knows all the answers – if you ask the right questions.” _Levi Strauss
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I’m at Blogalicious! I’m very excited to be here! This is #Blogalicious9 and my first time attending. I’ve been posting everything on my Instastories. So if you’re not following me there now is the time! I’ve done a tour of the hotel and the Blogalicious hall. I’m working with the good people of Blogalicioius so I’ll be a little of everywhere. During my recent visit to New York for theCurvycon and New York Fashion Week I connecting with the Macy’s plus size team. So you’ll be seeing some products from the Macy’s plus section on the blog.

The first Macy’s item I’m sporting is this super cute Levi’s Plus Size Graphic Logo T-Shirt . Macy’s carries a large selection of Levi’s items in plus size. There are Levi’s tops, jackets, shorts, and of course jeans. I know many don’t know that Levi’s even has plus sizes. So it’s great that Macy’s offers so much to choose from.

As far as Day 1 of Blogalicious. It was pretty chill for me. I spent the morning taking pictures in and of the hotel. I helped out at two sections. The rest of my time was spent catching up with other bloggers I know from online or with my roommate Ashley.
Oh just hanging with Kim Cole!!!! – She nicknamed me sparkly pants, lol..
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I’m happy I had a day to get myself together before jumping right into all the events. There is so much going on. I wanted to be everywhere at once so I didn’t miss anything. I’m having a great time! I’m so glad I attended. You can follow all the BeBlogalicious fun on social media by using the hashtag #Blogalicious9 .
If you’re looking for more style ideas here’s another way to wear plus size Levi’s available through Macy’s. As always add touches that make your personal style shine through.
Top |Popover Tunic ▪ Jean: | 310 Shaping Super Skinny Jeans ▪Jacket | Utility Jacket ▪Shoes | INC Created for Macy’s▪ Sunnies | Michael Kors ▪ Purse | Slouchy Hobo Created for Macy’s ▪ Jewelry | Emerald and Diamond Ensemble
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Levi’s Plus Size Graphic Logo T-Shirt goes up to 3X. I’m wearing a 2X.
Levi’s Plus Size Graphic Logo T-Shirt | Custom shorts▪SOLD OUT | Hat▪Here|Sunnies▪Here | Lippie▪Feels So Grand | Shoe▪Here
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I received this Levi’s Plus Size Graphic Logo T-Shirt compliments of the Macy’s, however; All opinions are my own.
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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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 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.
In this blog post, I’m talking about how my cycle isn’t regular & I’m o.k. with that!!! Keep reading to see how I’m dealing with menstrual issues.
“While what characterizes a “normal” period can vary, experts agree: If you think your period is a problem, you should talk with a doctor about evaluation and treatment.” _Change The Cycle
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Blogalicious will focus on this topic and hopefully be paramount in any tribe building journey. “We’ve put hundreds of hours into cultivating a space for you to do this and more. What’s great about our network is that they believe the same foundation – that tribes are important to almost every aspect of our lives.” We’ve asked our Blogalicious Weekend 2017 Speakers to share what #TribeUp means to them.
Blogalicious did a call for people to speak about issues they have with their cycle. I was honestly was fearful to share my issue that publicly. I’m now very upset with myself for not offering my story.
I’ve had irregular menstrual cycles for about 20 years now. Missed period started at the age of 18/19 years old. Because my mother really didn’t speak to me about “getting my period” beyond using a pad I really didn’t have an understanding of how regular I should be. I started going to my local Planned Parenthood and a nurse there offered my education on that.
Fast forward to 2010 I started having blood clots so big I could feel them passing through. I had so much pain I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed. At times I would have to wear a super tampon and overnight pad just to go to work. I would have to change so many times I lose count. I ended up having a D & C to relieve the issue I was having with uterine fibroids. I was placed on birth control to regulate my cycle.
Every women’s issues are different so it’s very important that you seek help from a medical professional. Preventive care is the key! Many insurance companies currently cover services like a pap smear and breast exams at no change under the affordable care act aka Obamacare. Or you can go to places like planned parenthood for these types of services for no to little cost.
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Sometimes I laugh to keep from breaking down. Sometimes I think to myself “Why is this happening to me?” I’ve found the more I talk to other women about my menstrual issue I find that I’m truly not alone. In speaking out I discovered my sister, cousin, and a lot of my friends have this issue as well. Problems with my cycle is now not an “It’s only me issue.” Women I know of all sizes, shapes, ages, and races have a similar issue too! I’m so happy for the support of my tribe I ok with sharing my story.
The good people of Change The Cycle will be hosting a super important discussion about a topic that continues to plague so many of us. Saturday, Oct. 7th during the Blogalicious. I’m going to live stream the discussion on Facebook. You can find it here. Turn on your notification so you won’t miss it!
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For anyone wanting to deets on this Sweetheart Neckline Jumpsuit with Skirt I’m wearing it’s from Eloquii and can be found here. Now I’m off to find another white look for Blogalicious’ annual #WhyIWearWhiteParty!
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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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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.