Archive for November 2015
(Photos Courtesy of Ready To Stare)
11/24/15
Ready To Stare
Holiday Collection Launch
Cleveland, OH
(Owner: Alysse Dalessandro)
Around the time I started my own blog, I searched Instagram for a few fabulous fatties such as myself. I came across Alysse Dalessandro of Ready To Stare. I loved the name of her business. I loved her attitude. Her style is quirky, funky, and most importantly unapologetic.
Not only is she creative and cool. She’s a writer and is also a huge body positive advocate. In everything she does, there is intent and purpose. She’s fearful and pushes the boundaries of not only fashion but the status quo.
(Model: April Raquel)
I’ve never met Alysse in person, but I follow her on basically every social media network and can see the changes she’s making in the industry. I feel as though we have a connection, because she paves her own path of style and business as she sees fit. And frankly, she does a stellar job at it. With that said, she is absolutely kick-ass! She’s one of my fave bloggers and businesswoman. I am sooooooooo excited to be one of the + bloggers to view her first holiday collection.
And Psst. I heard they already sold out some of the exclusive pieces already!
Ready To Stare: “The collection was inspired by taboo silhouettes for fat bodies and the idea that the use of the word “flattering” in plus size fashion is just another way that our society polices fat bodies.”
“Instead of only presenting items that “hug your curves” or “create an hourglass illusion,” this collection is about a love of fashion. If Rihanna can wear a pouffy hot pink gown to the Grammy’s, why can’t a fat person wear a similar silhouette to their Holiday party?”
Yaaaaaaaaaassssss!
So, here’s my verdict. Wear what you want, when you want, and how YOU want. Don’t let trends or bloggers or the catwalk dictate what YOU feel good in. It seems like the world has become this super critical ball of confusion. You’re too this or too that! How about you be the best YOU. And I’ll leave my little rant at that. Haha.
I love the colors, the prints, the velvety textures, the ridiculously huge bows, and fierceness accompanying the shoot.
So yall go cop these sweet high-quality pieces. And check out the website for the entire lookbook @ http://www.readytostare.com/
ABOUT READY TO STARE
Ready to Stare is the brainchild of Alysse Dalessandro. A jewelry designer, trained metalsmith, creator and selfempowerment advocate, she handcrafts statement jewelry and bold size inclusive apparel with an unapologetic confident attitude. Ready to Stare is designed for those who believe in following their passion, loving themselves and inspiring others to do the same.
(Photo Sets by Reel Clever Films)
Bedrock Beauty Leather Ad Campaign
Ken Paves Salon
Clinton Township, MI
11.16.15
An epic situation occurred this fall. I was called on to become the lead stylist with Reel Clever Films to work with an amazing cast of artists to create this bomb set of photos. I am super happy to finally be able to release these photos. I just want to thank the entire team, including the small business, Green & Glamorous of Canton and Flossy’s Suitcase of Highland Park, for hooking us up with some dope wardrobe.
Bedrock Beauty Leather was such a cool duo to work with. They are just starting their handmade luxury leather handbag business and wanted a sophisticated yet timeless touch to promote their new line.
I chose ten of Detroit’s top models and had Bedrock Beauty choose which one they thought would represent their bags with confidence and grace.
Drum rolllllllll….They chose the fierce Fatima Kojima…
For the “Lady in Red” set. I wanted to do a monochromatic look. So I paired this Green & Glamorous long sleeve form fitting dress with the snakeskin clutch. Sprinkled a little sexy into the mix. And bam! An outfit and bag for the nighttime businesswoman.
For the second set, I wanted to mix it up and go in the opposite direction. I aimed for “European Swag”. We have texture, we have muted colors, and leg skin. Trendy yet very fall.
All the pieces here were from Green & Glamorous
The hat is mine: Forever 21
Leather bag: Bedrock Beauty
“Simple Chic”
Ladies want to be able to stylish yet work appropriate. Add that one statement piece that’ll take your style from 0 to 100. Real quick.
Houndstooth Open Poncho: TJ MAXX
Top & Pants: Green & Glamorous
Perfect 1940’s vintage style from Flossy’s Suitcase
I was definitely feeling the “Ginger Rogers” vibe going on here.
We wrapped up the shoot with “Old Hollywood Glam”
Shades: Pitaya
Fur Throw: Flossy’s Suitcase
Dress: Green & Glamorous
Thanks to Reel Clever Films for making it possible as well as Bedrock Beauty for allowing us to get really creative!
I also want to say thanks to the staff at Ken Paves Salon of Clinton Township. Shout out to Brianna and Hannah for hair and makeup 🙂
Idakoos X Fall Hoodie Style
Posted on: November 2, 2015
(Photos by my crazy little brother. He did a good job. hehe.)
Fall Fashion
“Rockin’ The Hoodie”
Dearborn, MI
November 2 2015
Got an email from Idakoos wanting to send me a customized hoodie. I am in love with hoodies. So warm and snuggly. And it being customized was even better.
It took me a long time to come up with something to put on the front. I’m a writer. This should be easy for me, right? There was so many things I wanted to say, but I wanted the hoodie to reflect who I am to the person whose reading it.
Since hashtags are trendy, I stared with those.
#Curvy
#Black
#Hijabi
Killen’ The Game.
I chose these words because they are who I am. And frankly, I am a quite unapologetic about each one. I’m curvy, so there is a stigma that I’m lazy or unhealthy. I am Black, so I am ghetto or poor. I am Muslim, so I am oppressed or a terrorist. I can be all of those words and be none of the stigmas attached. So I put the last phrase on there to solidify it all. I kill the game, which means I am confident in my abilities to go above and beyond. So boom!
The Idakoos sweater was easy to create and shipped pretty fast. The material is heavy duty and the inside is warm and soft. You have the option to buy one or 100+ Definitely check them out.
Back view.
Yeah. #LeahVDaily
Was trying to get a shot of myself throwing leaves in the air, but it was a total fail. Ha.
Wardrobe Breakdown:
Shades: Flossy’s Suitcase in Highland Park MI
Hoodie: Idakoos
Jeans: One 5 One Woman (the best!)
Ballet Flats: Torrid
Beauty and the Muse 