There's been plenty of talk on my end about What's Next for Kurvy Etiquette. I've been blogging about starting a clothing line for thee past 10+ year with one of my very best friends Katie-Marie Lewis-Fox. I must admit that for some time that's all it was. Simply something to keep our creative juices flowing. But in the back of my mind I always truly desired to become a designer. In 2014 I decided to get serious and apply to a prestigious school of art and design. I wasn't accepted. We'll talk about why at a later date. Still I insisted on learning the art of design. After several trips to Barnes and Noble I felt my design arsenal was fully loaded and ready for lift off. I decided to teach myself. I studied sketching and drafting techniques as well as took free Coursera classes on line for design and fashion marketing. Not being accepted was not allowed to be my excuse.

A year later and I have a work studio (my sun room but it does the trick). MY designs are actually hanging in my home. I've already had a few request to for custom made pieces. Recently, a friend visited my home and I revealed to her some of my work (No one has seen what I'm working on). Completely apprehensive about showing the world what I'm working on, I tried it on. Her expression spoke volumes. Not only did she like it but she was ready to put her order in.

Last night Diner en Blanc came to Atlanta. Not only did I attend but I was also one of the many fantastic volunteers involved in the event. It was there that I decided to wear a piece from my Fall 2015 collection. It received great reviews from men and women. The collection is classic with a few simple trendy pieces. Of course Diner en Blanc is an all white event so of course I adapted the design to fit the evening. What isn't shown is the pearl draped detailing in the back over a deep revealing v cut.

Not only did I get to wear one of my own designs but I of course enjoyed myself with my now world famous travel group Nomadness Travel Tribe, which is led by none other than  +Evita Robinson. I love the tribe and the additional support I receive from them.



So today I'm grateful for God's guidance. I ever so thankful for those who have encouraged me near and far. I'm even more grateful for those who were and still are skeptical. Everyone starts somewhere and I am glad I decided to start in 2012 and began walking into my destiny last year.   

Breian 'Kurvy Brei' Brockington

For the past two years I've spent my time blogging about beauty, fashion and self love. I've spent several afternoons dreaming about becoming a designer. This isn't anything new. I've had this same dream since college. At the time it was just something that kept my best friend Katie and I creatively sound. While in college and much of my adult life I've been the go to kitchen stylist. Even when I wasn't prompted I still chimed in with my own styling tips. Today I am overjoyed, overwhelmed, over worked but elated to announce that sample pieces for my first collection are in the works. 3 pieces of petit collection noir have been completed. My emotions are somewhat all over the place and I'm not quite sure how to feel about it all. It is pretty amazing watching a dream unfold before your eyes. A bit scary at times. But it's nothing I can't handle.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Breian S. Brockington born and raised in the south. I have always been the creative type. Journals and sketch pads from my childhood often remind me that my destiny has always been inside of me. What an honor it is to see and feel Gods light and hand upon my life. So today, it is a living dream to live out the process of being a fashion designer. Countless hours have been spent walking the platforms of Atlanta's Lenox mall, envisioning my collection hanging in Nordstrom or Macy's. Caressing swatch after swatch until the perfect cut of fabric 'spoke' to me. This moment right now has been a long road. The most grueling part has been learning to get out of my own way. So many doors have opened since I made to decision to step out of the proverbial box and go for IT.

Early work from 2015

Petit Collection Noir is a trendy adaptation of the little black dress. Today's plus size beauty is in command of her Kurves. No longer does she hide behind the color black. Now, the color black is an addition to each sultry curve she wishes to display. This collection comprises of only six pieces that are key to any woman's wardrobe. Think of it as a modern capsule collection for on trend millennial women. In 2015 shapely women have embraced their sex appeal but also understand that sexy can be delivered in various forms. PCN features very shapely lines as well as flare and clean straight lines. Transitioning from office to place will be easy and effortless.

I am beyond ecstatic to present Petit Collection Noir to the world.

 

Style
Yes, I am a fashion blogger but that doesn't stop me from checking out other creative like myself. It is true that I gather inspiration from everything around me but it's great to be influenced by those you consider great. From makeup to lapel flower pins, I these creative keep me on my toes and in the know with today's trends.






Mental & Spiritual
Like many of us staying above water and remaining sane can be extremely trying. With my hectic schedule, I often lose myself in work and my mental, physical and spiritual life tend to suffer. Work and life burnout is real and I can assure you that no one is happy when this occurs. When in need of a mental and spiritual rejuvenation, I turn to my spiritual building blocks: God, reaffirming music and peaceful silence. Sometimes, disconnecting from the world is necessary. It also helps to have positive individuals in your life that can pass along motivational guidance.

Breian S. Brockington is a pint sized plus size blogger and world traveler. She dreams of life on the Mediterranean with the light of the sun on her back.

Blog: Kurvy Etiquette
Faccebook: Kurvy Brei

 

The best part about friendship is supporting dreams and witnessing the transformations as those long discussed

I sat on the side of the dark bar, a little nervous but ready. Ready to perform. I've always been a singer. But that night another beautiful songstress caught m eye. Well, my ear rather. The atmosphere was loud, full of party goers, supporter, and rap hopefuls. Executives from a record company I can't recall were there scouting talent. We were both among the hopefuls. She approached the stage, a little timid at first. With each note and her eyes closed she finished her song. The crowd never quieted but I was all ears. We were the only two singers inside that Auburn, Alabama bar. And just like any other singer, you recognize talent when you hear it. During the judges critique they whispered something about song choice and stage presence. Clearly, they hadn't heard the same angelic voice I'd just heard. And by the looks her supporters were giving, they also agreed with me.




 Fast forward ten plus years to this past Sunday. That same beautiful voice and now my close friend and former choir mate, Ingrid Woode, headlined at Jazz @ The House, presented at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Augusta, Georgia. Ingrid, who is backed by her talented band; the Woode Tribe Orchestra, packed the house and had the crowd screaming for more. As an accomplished and classically trained musician Ingrid Woode is soon to be a household name. With accolades that include working with two of music's most talented Grammy Awars winning artist: Queen Latifah and Lalah Hathaway, two independent albums Two Weak's Notice, and Going Live in Five with Ingrid Woode and the Woode Tribe Orchestra, there's no limit to what accomplishments lie ahead. It's amazing watching someone grow and fulfill their dreams. Her drive and tenacity to live a fulfilled life through her artistry is awe-spiring.





Style Notes

Shirt: Target 2X, Skirt: Thrifted size 16, Belt: Ross, Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction size 7.5, Bag: Steve Madden

Because I'm a believer in shopping her closet, I always look for new creative ways to rock what I already have. +Polyvore  is always in steady rotation on my phone. Whenever I feel inspired I pull out Polyvore. It's a free app that can be downloaded on IOS or Android. It's functions allow you to not only pull together out fits but if so inclined, they can be purchased on the spot. I love this feature

Everyone has that favorite shirt that hugs you just right. Maybe it's  little slimming or falls just right. Mine happen to be the pink crop I designed with a matching skater skirt. I loved this look. More importantly, I am in love with the crop top. If you are unable to tell from the pictures I'm a bit on the short side, standing at only 5'1. I'm also a member of the itty-bitty tittie committee. And this top holds the "girls" in all the right places. I get so excited when my "girls" are at their best. So I knew that this top needed more attention. I decided to Have Fun & Mix it UP.

Original Crop Top and Skirt

Lately I've been using +Polyvore for inspiration and it's also been a source to help me shop my closet. For those of you unfamiliar with shopping your closet I'll give a brief explanation. We all wake up some mornings, riffle through our closets and utter those same unfortunate words "I don't have anything to wear". Sometimes true but mostly due to not realizing the full potential of our own wardrobe. Shopping your closet merely suggest you do just that. Its key to know exactly what you have in your closet. This way when you do head to the nearest mall duplicates wont be purchased.


 

I'll confess right here and now. I have a love and slight obsession with travel. The open road, sky, railway and water are always on my mind. Three years ago I returned from Morocco Yes, you read that correctly. This 5'0 pint-sized beauty blogger once lived on the continent of Africa. For me that was a big deal. And so much fashion, inspiration and love for culture came from living there. Because the area I lived in was so close to Europe, the fashions were very eclectic but complimenting.

Women in Morocco love color and adorn themselves accordingly. Some how they have mastered sex appeal and modesty and made it acceptable. One aspect of Morocco that I appreciated was the glamour. Dark sultry eyes, a dark pouty lip, and excessive amounts of jewelry. Generally you only saw these looks while attending weddings. I loved every minute of it.

The foot wear usually put me in the mind of Spain. There is a specific look that I'm unable to describe but I know an European made shoe when I see it. The shoe in the above mock up definitely makes me think of Morocco and Spain. Because most places outside of the US have walkable cities, there general fashion is designed for such. This heel makes it easy to strut around town without feeling like your ankle would dislocate from your entire body. Clothing that is fabulous and functional will always get my vote.

Yes, I have a love for international fashion and I'm not afraid to write about it. I'm often inspired by culture and what better way to show appreciation than to fully embrace it. Sometimes my eye for fashion can be a little off center from what my peers may deem beautiful. I hope this shines a little insight on the way my "eye" works.


Style Notes