By Breian S. Brockington


Shoes! SHOES! SHOES!

Summer is around the corner and there isn't much time to finish getting the wardrobe in order. I've been working tirelessly on getting this boutique up and running so I haven't had much time for leisure shopping. But what woman doesn't window shop? In my case it's Internet coveting. These days I'm all about comfort and it's been a while since I've worn a pair of stilettos. I'm looking forward to purchasing Items D & H. They will definitely make their way into my life. There's nothing like a relaxed pair of jeans and cute stiletto heel. Here's a list of the uber cute flats that have been waiting in their prospective e-shopping carts.



A.


Express: $20.93

 C.




DSW: 49.95 D 

Sigerson Morroson Mella: $475.00

E.


DSW: $49.95

F.


Target: $34.99

Ivanka Trump: $135.00     

Express: $88.00

Options B & F are definitely out of my comfort zone. I definitely wouldn't take a second look at these options if shopping in a store. However,  I'm taking the advice I normally give my clients and adding an "outside the box" item to my closet.

The jewel of the South and a Mecca for entrepreneurs, Atlanta is the place to be in 2015. According to Fox News 'Small Business Center' women owned businesses have increased over 60 percent in almost 20 years. I highly recommend the read, as it further breaks down male to female ratio among young entrepreneurs. The article also continued to lay out why female businesses are here to stay and are expected to continue growing.

Among that group of women are the style trendsetters of Atlanta. Through independent editorials, YouTube, Instagram post and even plus size fashion weeks, women are changing the way we do fashion and style. Gone are the days where large fashion houses and A list celebrities are the sole influencers of new trends. Today, a trendy educator from the east side of Atlanta can be seen as a social media style icon. These women have created careers through blogging the latest fashion trends, opening online clothing boutiques as well as planning and executing Atlanta's own Curvy Fashion Week. This list only scratches the surface but here are 6 of Atlanta's newest and burgeoning style Trailblazers.



Galyn Fergerson





I'm so excited to share something that I've been dreaming about and now it's coming to fruition. This year I intend to release my own line of clothing. EEEEKKKK!!!!! This is so exciting for me Since my college years at Tuskegee University I've discussed how I want to develop my own line of clothing. Well it's happening.


For the longest I've mulled over whether or not to take sewing classes. After deciding that it as I must I begn scouring the internet looking for classes. I couldn't find a single class hat would teach me the basics. But because I believe in the super natural I know that God and the niverse made a wa because I'd finally taken the lea and said yes. A long time mentor of mine Mrs. DeAnna Drain posted on Facebook that her mother would be giving sewing classes at the local community service. I paid to the course that night. I didn't want to wait another minute.

After 8 weeks of learning I was ready to create on my own. But there was one problem. I didn't have my own personal machine. Again, I put my desires out for the world to se and just that quick I was paying for the shipping only for a gently used sewing machine from a dear friend. She will never understand how grateful I am to her for sewing in my dreams.

As of August or September of 2014 I've been practicing the art of sketching. I decided that If I was going to do this then I wanted to be all in. Today some of those sketches have become actual pieces that I've created. It's amazing to hold something that you dreamt, sketched or talked about for the past few years.

The sketch above is not a final product but it is a snap shot of my progress. I haven't been working at this for as long as some of the pros so I know I have to prove that I can maintain my own lane in this industry. At the moment I'm still understanding the direction in which  my new collection is going but I believe that I've finally come up with the winning combination. I'll be sure to keep you all current.





For anyone doubting their talents, gifts, purpose or dreams please take these final words. According to society and the way it's constructed, I should be successful in anything that I'm doing. But I don't believe that. I never have and neither should you.

Hey Kurvy Kuties! Recently I decided that I needed a pair of relaxed pants to take me through this coming summer. I just know it's going to be disrespectfully HAUT. I make my way to my local Target. Again, thanks to Chastity Garner of Garner Style the plus size community now has a better selection of garments to choose from. I try on this uber cute blue number with a top to match. This outfit was so comfortable that it inspired me to create my own. Those of you Kurvy Kuties that have been keeping up with me know that I'm in the process of designing my own collection. I'm unsure if this pattern will be included in the collection but they were fun to create and I can't wait to rock them.
Here are three fun flirty ways to sashay in your own Palazzo Pants.





Top and Pants: Designed by Brei Both the top and pants are designed by Brei. I find that the mixture of material brings more depth to the ensemble. The top is made of stretch pleather with fine intricate circles throughout. This was a great find while I was rummaging through my favorite local fabric store. The pants are a spandex cotton blend. There is plenty of swing and flounce in this material. I can't wait to hit the beach in these. 

Top: Thrifted This neon pink beauty is one of my favorite thrifted finds. Unfortunately I was not the creator of this crop sweater. The stressed and deconstructed look make the outfit suitable and ready for any day party, beach run, or a relaxing day sipping mimosas. And the pop of color brings vibrancy to the black and white palate of the pants.     

Top: The Avenue On a nice breezy summer day, nothing says relaxed style like a crisp white shirt and a pair of palazzo pants. These pants could be dressed up with accessories, a small clutch and a pair of wedge sandals. It's even work friendly, just untie the front of the blouse and go. 

 

Ensemble from Target

Before last Wednesday it had been 3 years since I'd taken a flight anywhere. Before teaching in the US, I taught English abroad in several different countries. I'd live in a country for a few years then move to the next. During that time I traveled extensively. I've been to Korea, Mexico, The Philippines, Belgium and a host of other countries. Nowadays, my traveling has slowed down but I looking forward a change in pace within the next couple of months.


A few weeks ago I was in an accident and walking away with my life definitely changed my view on living. I have made the decision to shift my perspective about my lack of travel, business and living in general. Even though I am actively pursuing other goals, I found myself comparing my reality with past achievements. Not realizing that if I spent less time harping on trivial details and focused more on the here and now, my life would significantly improve. So today I'm focused on shifting my focus and changing my perspective. Each month I intend to travel to a different state or city and live life like as a tourist.

Top: Torrid Bottoms: Target Bag: Marshalls

So far I'm having the most fun I've had since moving states side. It only took shifting my perspective to see that good things and experiences have always been available. Today, I'm the owner of an online boutique that is set to open in late summer. I'm in the process of pinning my first book and working on a few other projects. I hope this inspires someone to pay attention to where your life is now and make the most out of this moment. Perspective is everything and your tomorrow depends on how you spend time right now.  

By Breian S. Brockington


Everyone who knows me has heard me say at least once "I am a tropical people". If I ever move again, trust it will be to live by the beach. I'm quite partial to the Mediterranean but I'll settle for the Pacific too. It's spring time and I'm loving every drop of it. I love to hear the birds chirping, watching the color yellow dance across the sky and of course the change in wardrobe.

Speaking of wardrobes, I must say I am definitely loving the changes Target has made to their "Fluffy" selection. I was filled with utter excitement to see they had trouser selections sized to a 28. And they really fit. No I don't wear a 28 but I know who men who do and it's about time we all can find affordable pants in these sizes. After trying on sizes 22 and 24, I must say that as a woman with tummy, hips and thighs, these Ava & Viv jeans were true to size. The denim has a soft brushed feel with sufficient stretch. At 29.99 I'll definitely be back for another pair.

pants: Target (24sz) shirt: Target(3X) shoes: Marshalls

In addition to the jeanss I also purchased a pair of Av & Viv Ponte trousers. The slacks were a welcomed surprise as well. It's customary for me to be able to wear a pair off jeans in one size and size up for a pair of dress slacks. Not the case here. They fit perfectly with no bulging or tightening around the tummy or thigh area. Well done Target. Well done.

I must give a special thank you to THE Garner Style for standing up for thee plus size consumer. please read and understand why this movement was monumental for "fluffy" women every where.
Read Here