This past weekend I visited Florida and wore a multicolored dress for a night out in West Palm Beach. I must say, I had a great time in Florida. As usual the sun loves this ebony skin and I have no complaints. My gal pal and I spent the evening catching up and reminiscing on old times while living in Korea. Did I mention the dance floor? Packed and full of "potential". Ladies if you're ever going through a dry spell, West Palm will definitely cure that. I'm just saying



Ladies, I'm a firm believer in not saving clothing for special outings. Like many women I used to save outfits for date night or a concert but I no longer adhere to this. If I waited for every event, date, or the perfect weather I might never get to wear some of my favorites. It could be a regular sunny day in July and I might feel like wearing sequins. No holidays or planned events in sight, rest assure that I will be rocking sequins that day. That's what happened with this particular dress. I was waiting on the perfect outing. It never presented itself. So, for one year and some change it collected dust in my closet. What a waste!






Outfit notes.
Dress: Kardashian Kurves; Purchased at Macy's department store. Runs about a size smaller. I haven't seen anything new from the reality show queen, however you can find a few and do mean a few dresses here.
Shoes: Juicy Couture wedge; Size 9

This past weekend I was headed to Florida on  much needed teacher turn up. Needing a little sun and fun in my life I figured why not step outside my style box as well.

Unless you've been hiding under a rock you should know who Ms. +Tess Munster   is. This plus size beauty is taking the fashion industry by storm and we're not mad at her. Tess has been making strides to break into the modeling industry for a few years. Rejection after rejection never deterred her spirit. At a full size 26 (not sure why it's reported that she is a size 22), Tess was signed by +MiLK modeling agency this past January. She is the first "fuller-figured" model to land such a monumental deal. AND on today MiLK and Tess are proud to release her first official optics with the agency. Tess also snagged the campaign for Yours Clothing and will be the new face of their summer line. This is HUGE in the plus size industry.







Women around the world whose bodies mimic the same or similar full shape are elated to finally see variety amongst plus size models. With 'plus size' ranging from a size 8 to 20, it's very uncommon to see a woman of her stature on billboards and magazine covers. I applaud this 5'5 beauty for having the confidence and tenacity to go after an industry that constantly pushes out unhealthy images of beauty and self worth. Her effort are definitely inspiring. Watching her movement over the past year has been an amazing experience. Before getting her big break Tess teamed up with other plus size aspiring models and designers and formed the #efyourbeautystandards. This hashtag can be seen all over +Facebook and +Instagram.They have cultivated an audience of confident women ready to proclaim their own standard of beauty. For that reason I salute Tess Monster for her ambition and resilience. Munster is a great example of what hard work and setting your own standard can achieve. As her story and triumphs continue to unfold, I'm sure we will be seeing more of Ms. Munster in the future. 


Check out some of her independent work on Facebook and Instagram at @tessholliday.




All photos are courtesy of MiLK. These photos are not the property of Kurvy Etiquette.
 

For several months I've been following a young lady by the name of +Maui Bigelow on Facebook. In those few months I've come to learn that she is creating quite a name for herself within the Plus size fashion industry. So much so that I couldn't leave her out of my 5 Influential Atlanta Bloggers post. On May 2nd, while attending the Life Styled event, I was introduced to plus size industry game changers; bloggers, designers, models, entrepreneurs and a plethora of other amazing beautiful business women. It was a spectacular night of fashion and honoring those who have been trail blazers for this industry. I was a bit nervous to attend. Why you ask? May 2nd was the first night I decided to wear my own designs to an event. And not just any event but an event packed with those who have been in this industry for years. This is what they DO! I was a wreck all week. However, to my surprise I received quite a few compliments. So again Ms. Maui, if you should happen to read this thank you for allowing me to step out of my way. Thank you for allowing me to connect with other Queens who were open and willing to share essential information with me. Thank you for putting me in a position to meet THE Gwen DeVoe, Marie Denee, and Rhonda Wilkins and a host of other boutique owners and designers.

The lady of the evening Ms. Maui Bigelow

Life Styled was and extraordinary event that displayed the importance and power of the collective. One of the driving forces behind the night was the #QueensConnected theme. Some of the honored Queens were:

Snatched Slayed and Served

Ready to Stare

Chuck Bmoore Designs

Diva by Temeka

Model: Jessica Carter

Cast of Confessions of a Phat Girl

Single MOM 101

All Photos are not the property of Kurvy Etiquette.

 

We all know that Lisa Raye loves to wear the color white. Well I must be her long lost twin because the same could be said about me. I've never been one to follow the rules of NO white after Memorial day. I mean why? And throughout the years I have received a lot of flack for not following this rule. My rue is, if it looks good then I'm wearing it. Period.

Over the weekend I attended my very first of many to come Plus Size fashion event. A few weeks back when I decided to attend the Phat Girl Fresh Life Styled by +Maui Bigelow, I knew I was wearing white. It's clean, fresh, and it always puts me in the mind of something new. As I walked into my favorite Atlanta fabric store I barely made it 10 feet. This satin rose pattern was calling my name. I could already visualize the sketch. It took about a weeks time to complete but I was very pleased with the outcome. What do you think?

Front

Back

The month of April was one for the books. After a crazy and tumultuous March, April turned out to be a breath of fresh air I learned a lot about myself and how far I can push as well as be pushed.  So here's my push for who ever may need it.

How April showed up for me.


In April I learned to be unapologetic while being myself and the happiness just wont stop. I let go of an old story; one that I kept reliving or revisiting and since I've been watching a dream of mine open up and flourish before my eyes. Last month taught me that it was OK to look back but I didn't have to live there. Often we get used to telling the same story and completely forget that yesterday is over and today is a brand new day.


Lately...

I've been asked about what one shouldn't wear with a certain body shape. I'm going to be very honest. You can wear anything with ANY body shape. However the cut, color, and fit have a lot to do with it. I often hear women who aren't shaped like traditional plus models complain about not being able to wear certain items. Let me say YOU CAN! You must release the image of what we (those mushing media images) tell you what you must look like. Many of the famous plus size models are not shaped like me. I have a small chest (Thank God for push -up bras), narrow shoulders, a round tummy, wide hips and back side with skinny ankles. I'm definitely not the typical image you see on ads, popular Instagram accounts or even the most talked about Facebook personalities. However, If I allowed those images to completely influence my wardrobe I'd never have the gall to assist as many women as I do. Stop living in your same fashion story, embrace change. Open a new book and turn the page to a new chapter.

All you need is a good sense of what shapes, cuts, and colors look good and a great eye for spotting investment pieces. That means BIG women you can wear lingerie, bikinis, jumpers, rompers, leggings, midi skirts and whatever other current trends you'd like to try. Step outside your box and try something new. If you need a little help shopping or encouragement I'm always here. Feel free to email me at Breiansb@gmail.com or connect with me on Facebook and IG @kurvybrei and @kurvyetiquette on Twitter


This past Sunday was absolutely beautiful and I felt just as good as the sun felt on my skin. Between teaching, designing, tutoring, writing and styling I have not had the time to actually play dress up and hit the streets of Atlanta. Sunday I had a few moments to myself so I decided to slip on a skirt and comfy sandals, and spend a day enjoying a little retail therapy and ice cream.






Top: Macy's Skirt: Cato's Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Last month I was a wreck and pretty darn nervous about introducing my company and showing the world what I can do. Through faith and faith alone I threw caution to the wind and let the cat out of the bag. Yes, I'm a blogger, a personal stylist but I'm also a budding designer. Click here to see and Click here for other design post. How will you show up in May?
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