Curves Rock!

Hey beautiful people! As promsied, this post is all about my Curves Rock Weekend, Runway Show experience. Most of you know that I won the tickets, thank to Kim over at Curvy CEO. I was SUPER excited to attend, seeing as how this was the first runway show I've been to that caters to women my size. The founders, Tykesha "Ms. Diva Doll" Reed and Chanell "Stallion N' Stilettos" Jones are both plus size models. The ladies brought this Curves Rock Weekend to the DMV and their 1st event was a huge success, to say the least. Both ladies are involved in the community and from what I have read/seen, they're ambitious and extremely talented young ladies. 

(click pic for more info)

Thinking about the event, the first thing that came to my mind was, of course, what am I going to wear??? I turned to my mother and little sister, fashion diva in training, and they gave me a few suggestions. I knew what look I was going for and when I saw this one-shouldered, maxi dress, I just KNEW it was the one for me! I wanted soemthing to accentuate my curves, but above all I wanted to be comfortable. This Allen B. dress fit all the criteria. I borrowed my mom's jewelry, bag and did my own make up. I felt like a million bucks ;-)

So outfit, done! Now onto the event...it took place at the BWI Hilton, which also happens to be the place where I will be getting married :-) I walked in and there were several vendors, participants and fabolous women! I knew I was going to have a great time. As I was eyeing some nice items on a accessory table, I glanced up and saw a gorgeous woman with a head full of hair. I looked again, and realized it was Shanda from the popular YouTube show, Shanda Says! She was so sweet when I introduced myself, she was kind enough to take this photo with me....talk about starstruck ;-) Check out her YouTube channel, HERE. She also has her own clothing line coming out, the Gemini Collection, which she will showcase at Maryland Fashion Week on August 12th. The dress in the picture is a piece from her line. Yes, it looks just as fabulous in person ;-)

These are some of the accessories I saw while browsing the table(s). I ended up purchasing a pair of earrings and they are SO unique. I can't wait to wear them!

The earrings, and the jewelry seen above, are from the House of Mimi. She has some VERY unique and stylish pieces and I can't wait to shop for some more items very soon.

Now onto the show...the show consisted of several designers but my favorite collections were from Baltimore's own Couture Queen, Tru Diva, and the featured designer, Qristyl Fraiser. Fraiser, who has been on Project Runway, had some great designs. I did not get pictures of her looks (unfortunately) but there is a swim suit HERE that I am dying for!! I also  LOVED the bustiers that were showcased. The designer, Alter Ego Clothing, did a great job and my favorite is the animal print on pictured below. I can do some thangs with that right there!!! LOL. Below are other looks from different designers that really caught my eye. Let's just say I can't wait to go birthday shopping in a few weeks!

The hosts of the events, Liris Crosse (more info, HERE) and Chenese Lewis (more info, HERE), were great and really kept the audience engaged. Both ladies who are very active in the plus-size industry and looked great every time they an outfit change throughout the show. 

All in all, the event was one I won't forget. I met a lot of great people, was able to network, and I gained even more confidence. Being a curvy woman in today's society may not be the 'norm' but it sure is A-OK with me. Curves Rock and I intend to flaunt them every chance I get ;-)

Gone too soon...(the weekend)

Happy Sunday everyone! Is it me or did this weekend fly by?? I feel like it was just Friday afternoon. Anywho, I am glad that I had time to relax and really not do much. Well ok, I did do things BUT nothing work related and no 'events' I had to attend. 

Friday, the fiance' and I headed to the movies to see Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man and we really enjoyed the movie. The entire cast did an excellent job! If you have not seen it, I would definitely recommend it. I also took the family to my favorite thrifting spot (2nd Avenue) and my parents had a ball. My dad went back today for their 1/2 off sale and got even more items (3 blazers, 2 pair of jeans, and 2 shirts).  My little sister bought (with her money) a book, a cute belt, skirt, pair of brand new Children's Place shorts, and the prettiest white dress I've ever seen!  My mom is more of an online shopper, her patience when it comes to sifting through items is limited. However, she found some GREAT vintage shoes and a LV bag. She has found her niche when it comes to thrifting; accessories and shoes. Speaking of shoes and accessories, I found 3 pair of shoes (2 vintage), a Lane Bryant skirt, pair of sunglasses (seen in pics below), and a top. As I said before, all pics coming soon :-) 

Side-note: If you follow me on Instagram/Facebook, you'll notice that I have a new hairstyle, which by the way I absolutely LOVE! A little hesitant at first, I was unsure how the style would look on me. But, I took the plunge and tried it out anyway. I am glad I stepped out and tried something differnent because I really do like it :-) 

Saturday, Darrius and I were on babysitting duty while my parents went to see Act Like a Lady. The three of us (me, lill sis and D) played a heated game of UNO, and shared lots of good laughs and goofy moments. I also enjoyed church this morning with the fiance' and our friends Matt and Jess (and their adorable daughter). We went to Bridgeway Community Church (see, HERE) and as usual, the pastor was on point. He finished up his series on Love today and spoke on the Fruit of Love. Very powerful and right on time, as most of his messages are. Aftrerwards, we all went to the Tomato Palace for brunch, and then Darrius and I enjoyed Rita's on the way home. 

The last thing that I MUST tell you all is that this morning, I got an email notification that plus-size model Anansa Sims is now following me on Twitter! I followed her last night and this morning, bam! She followed back!  Yes, I was excited beyond belief but who wouldn't be??? She is really someone I look up to when it comes to being a plus size/curvy woman. She is lovely, and such a lady and watching her show (with her mother Beverly Johnson) on OWN has made me like her even more. I am so honored to have her follow lil 'ol me :-)

So, enjoy the pics and I hope you all have a great Monday tomorrow. Be blessed...and be a blessing to someone ;-)

{ carreid my love, cortnie Ray bag today }

Prints & the Blazer

So this morning, I decided to take a "party dress" and make it into an appropriate outfit for church. Thank goodness for blazers, lol. I wore this dress to a birthday party once with boots and no blazer and it was hot ;-) But to make it more conservative, I added the blazer and the flats. I love the gold details on the shoes and they are very comfortable. I am all about comfort! The purse, well it was handed down to me from my mother. She and I both have a purse addiction (as I said before, I own well over 50 bags). It's a deep bag and can go from dressy to casual. The weather is beginning to break so I didn't wear a coat or wrap. Let's just hope the weather continues to cooperate.

Happy Sunday :-)

~Nic

Dress: Marshall's ($10.99)

Blazer: Denim 24/7 (Plus Size Fashion)

Shoes: Enzo Angiolini

Necklace: *it was gifted to me*

Purse: Nine West