I have started almost every post this year with, "so I haven't blogged in a while...". It's not because I've run out of ideas, or because I don't find a passion in writing for my fellow Curvy women. I still do! I've just found like most things, I've evolved a bit, and the scope of this blog is not just the spot for all things #Curvy (although we will still be celebrating that here).
I've also found that the reason I started this blog, to celebrate our Curves that make us feels good, is not the only thing that makes me feel good. I want to blog about those other things, too!
Some content will still be fashion related (hello, I have 2 closets; full of clothes and full of shoes) but some will be thoughts still relevant, and hopefully helpful, too!
Thank you for being patient and I hope you stick with me through this new transition. You will not be sorry ;)
Happy (Almost) New Year! Aren't you excited the world didn't end?
While we are all busy making NYE resolutions, and vowing to never do some things again, I think it's important to take time to realize all the things that have helped bring you to yet another New Years Eve day. There's a journey every year and even the bad, the horrible times you went through, are the reason you're making new decisions right now.
So! With that being said, below are the 12 things that I am promising to bring into my New Year. Some are fashion related, some are not. I hope they help you with your revelations and resolutions in being a better you in 2013:
Remember- All those bad things that happened to you this year, they happened and guess what? They're not the worst things that will ever happen to you. Again, the things of this year are NOT worst things that will ever happen to you. The worst thing, would be to not have an opportunity to try and do better and since the Mayans were wrong about the world ending, you have a chance in 2013 to do better because you now know better.
Party Nails- There's something fun about not matching and making a fashion statement with arguably your smallest accessory, and this trend won't cost you an arm and a leg ;)
OWN IT - Something so simple that has stuck with me ever since I've heard it! YOU are the only person who can do what YOU do, so do it! Unfortunately this goes for both good and bad things, but if you have the balls to say or do something bold then you better take credit for it.
Peplum - It's frilly and compliments all shapes! It's moved from skirts to jackets, pants, shorts, and dresses. Peplum is the new LBD.
Just Keep Swimming - Dorie had some wise words from 'Finding Nemo' but it's true. Also similar to #3, you cannot do anything but move forward in life. When an obstacle does come into your life, time doesn't stop and you can't either. In time, you may find the answer on how to conquer your problem anyway!
High, High Heels - you saw the return of the platform this year right? You either go High or go Low, and I for one, am not a fan of the Kitten Heel.
Believe in a Higher Power- I respect all Religions and Spiritual Beliefs in the world, but the one thing that truly helped me this year was the understanding that there is a Power greater than myself guiding me with the will to accomplish some pretty hefty goals I set for myself in 2012.
Sequins - No explanation needed.
GO TO THE GYM - No really. You know all the talk: "your metabolism slows down when you get older blah blah blah", and all that might be true. But I feel better when I know I did something healthy for myself (I also feel better that I went for a run while eating a LARGE #1 from McDonalds). Just do it, the hour will go faster than you think.
Wedge Kicks - Let's just all embrace the fact the we live in the new age 80s, and pumped up kicks are here to stay.
Value Your Friends & Family - I don't know what I would do without the awesome support and honesty of all my loved ones, and I think you guys can say the same for yours.
Collars - Peter Pan was onto something, and I'm especially happy since I make them myself! Besides, looking dapper never hurt anyone.
and one more for good luck:
Obviously Number 13 would be my Curves, and yours! It has been an amazing year for me on this blog, and it's because of all of you! I am so glad to write and have readers like you that love to read so thank you for being loyal visitors, and embrace your curves in the New Year because they're apart of you.
Have a glass of bubbly tonight, and I'll see you in 2013 ;)
-TLW
Photo Credit: Pinterest, Evolution Revolution , Christian Louboutin, ASOS, Style Blazer, SodaHead, Castle Blog
"We are not as divided as our politics suggest" - The Nation's 44th President
*Please Note: This post was written at 11:39 AM on November 6, 2012; that's how much faith I had in our nation and President Obama.
As an African American, Citizen of the United States of America, a Woman, a resident of Hyde Park, and a 24 year old, I couldn't be more proud of our President and the effect he's had on a generation of Millennials who want their opinion to matter. Take that Grandma's/Grandpa's of the world: we may be spoiled with technology, but we sure know how to vote.
This year I was more tight lipped about my choice for President and all the conversations surrounding the election. Not because I was embarrassed of my love for the President (isn't he dreamy?), but my choice is my own and not up for debate or criticism with anyone who disagrees with me. I'm also not on the bandwagon to hate anyone who voted for Mitt Romney. That's stupid; it's not my place to judge you or think anything less of you because your educational or economic background is different than my own.
I'm not here to get too political, fact check the debates and statements by either candidates, or address the "Celebrity President" we've come to know for the last 4 years. Although I will say, the man is a genius. If it weren't for his media tour on Jay Leno, The View, The Ryan Seacrest Show, 106 & Park and more, I don't think very many 18+ year olds would feel a connection to The Obama's, and truthfully his desire to appeal to my crowd makes me even prouder to be a young American. I'm here for my neighbor, a man, a father, a leader who genuinely cares about the progression of a nation [regardless of color], an advocate for health care and coverage for those with preexisting health conditions, the 'crazy' idea that Women have the right to choose what goes on inside their own bodies, and the idea that the LGBT community has the right to love and be loved in the world. I'm here for President Obama, our leader of the Free World.
Thank you, Mr. President, for bringing me back to blogging.
If you are as elated as I am at the outcome of the election, feel free to show your pride with the memorabilia below. Erika Pena, I will get these earrings as soon as you make more!
Recently at the 2012 ALMA Awards, the controversial Grammy winner & The Voice coach, Ms. Christina Aguilera, put her backside forward in a rather form fitting frock:
If you got it, flaunt it!
According to the Huff Post:
The "Voice" star and singer poured herself into a skin-tight black Michael Kors slit gown at Sunday night's NCLR ALMA awards, a ceremony held to honor Latino newsmakers. Her curves, which she's been showing off in a LOT of sexy black frocks lately, reminded us of Kim Kardashian another famous figure-flaunter.
Aguilera, 31, also showed off a pair of Louboutins, Neil Lane jewelry and her new ombre hair, pulling her purple and pink-dipped locks into a low ponytail to receive her NCLR Special Achievement Award.
Is this the start of a fresh new look for the singer? After all, Aguilera's cover for her new "Your Body" single oozed sex appeal, with Aguilera appearing nearly nude save for some pink gauze. And maybe it's about time: "The challenge I’ve always had is being too thin," Aguilera recently told Lucky magazine, "so I love that now I have a booty, and obviously I love showing my cleavage...”
...And boy does she ever:
Still from "F*ck Your Body" Music Video
We've talked about her before, Curvy girls. I know Christina Aguilera gets a lot of heat for her weight and wardrobe choices, but do you agree with her Curvlosophy?
Photo Credit: Huffington Post
Let me know what you think & check out the teaser from her new single below!
In Other Curvy News:
Adele is reportedly in talks to partner up with Burberry on a plus-size collection, reports British Vogue. [NY Mag Online] Melissa McCarthy is "getting closer" to launching her Plus Size clothing line [Popstyle]
Can you believe the title? Neither can I! This is no hoax, Curvy Nation, this little known fact is true. According to the CBS News Report,
As CBS News correspondent Susan McGinnis reported on The Early Show Tuesday, the study shows women with fuller, "hourglass" figures seem to be smarter, and give birth to brighter children.
The research, published this week in the journal "Evolution and Human Behavior," indicates hips don't lie. In effect, says the study of some 16,000 women,the smaller your waist and bigger your hips, the smarter you are.
Say What!
And, McGinnis points out, there's a formula: Divide waist circumference by hip circumference. The lower the result, the better.
For instance, notes McGinnis, Jennifer Lopez's waist measures 26 inches, her hips, 39 -- for a waist-to-hip ratio of .66. The less curvy Keira Knightley's waist is 25 inches, and her hips, 33, for a ratio of .76.
The researchers say it has to do with omega-3 fatty acids, which gather around fuller hips and thighs, and are important for the growth of the brain during pregnancy. The curvier the hips, the higher the level of omega-3s.
It may also explain other studies that show men prefer women with a low waist-to-hip ratio.
Not only that but, according to the research, women with smaller waists and larger hips live longer!
If all of this isn't a reason to celebrate Curvyness, then I don't know what is! What's even better about this tidbit of information Ladies, you can always win a battle of wits with your significant other, because you can't argue with science! ;-)
It's Thursday, which means 1 more day 'til the weekend (we made it!), and 5 more days until Independence Day. While we're in the thick of Summer Style and some of us in 101 degree heat, what better way to find the perfect holiday outfit than tips for this Haute weather.
PR Maven and overall Fashion Genius, Kelly Cutrone, stopped to chat with Marlo Thomas for her "Do's and Don'ts" this Summer. 25 pro's and faux - pas made her list. Check out my top 4 - do you agree with Kelly?
"Do wear all of the wonderful 1920's and 1930's clothes that are out now. This trending style is a nod to Gatsby and Fitzgerald. Think sleek and silky in bias cut gowns, bejeweled multi chain necklaces and headbands, wide leg trousers and drop waist dresses"
"Do not wear neon. Not this season, not next, not ever. Accessories are the only exception to this rule."
Don't spend over $15 on flip flops. EVER.
"Do celebrate your curves with a vintage inspired bikini. Can you say 'Hello, Annette Funicello!?'"
So the core of this blog (pun intended), is to put your best Curvy self forward right? So let's start from the inside out and work on getting in our best shape. It's officially May and Summer waits for no one!
I know. Working out is not fun, but we all have to do it!
Recently I have tried a variety of workouts- major Cardio workouts: stints of sprinting, and long distance running. I felt great! I built up my endurance and I felt healthier and lighter. The only problem with those exercises is they're fat burning exercises, and I lost 2" everywhere! I was losing my Curves! So I decided to look further into better work outs and I found the following:
When you run or do any type of Cardio and there isn't fat to burn, your body will look for other sources to take from i.e your hips, butt, bust, thighs, you name it. It's great for your heart muscle, but shouldn't be your only workout regimen.
No pain. no gain is a real truth; I'm talking about weight lifting. Weight lifting sculpts. It builds muscle and general tonality in your body.
I generally believe toning this is the best workout for Women everywhere. You can get it from various types of Yoga, Stretching, Strength Training, and Resistance workouts. Overall this is the workout that targets areas of the body instead of an overhaul weight loss.
I am not a Trainer, Cardio God, or claim to be anything such. All I know is these workouts work for me, and it would be a shame to not share with my fellow Shapely Women! Below is my workout regimen that I do 2 - 3 times a week + some suggestions for workout clothes; 'cause Ladies, we really go to work when we look good, right?. Check it out:
Incline on the treadmill for 30 minutes! You will sweat. It helps tone your legs, butt, and lower abs. I try to do it at a 3.0 speed so I am power walking, and in the last 5 minutes increase my speed every minute.
Arms! Any kind of arm workouts I generally do: Bicep Curls, Tricep Extensions, Lateral Raises (front & side) Chest Presses all work. I try to do 2 reps of 10 with 5 - 10lb weights.
Abs! I know you should workout with energy throughout, but here is where I kind of give it my all - especially since I think this is the body part you show the most! (Think 80 degree beach days).
Planks - 2 sets (1 at the beginning of your Ab set and one at the end for 1 minute each)
Regular Sit Ups/Oblique Sit Ups - 25 regular, 25 on each side
Butt Lifts - 25 sets *I like this one because you're using you're lower abs as well as your glutes
You can obviously exchange my exercises for any of your own preferences, but these are the ones I have used to get bikini ready. Now onto the wardrobe...
That's it! I hope I've made getting in shape a little more bearable for us all. And if you won't listen to me, then listen to Queen Bey and 'Work It Out" !
-TLW
Photo & Exercise Credits: FatBurninTips4Women Online, Fitness Magazine Online, Real Age Health Online, SD Chiropractic Blog, Wikipedia, Picky Eater Blog, Women's Health Online, Livestrong Online, Does This Blog Make Us Look Fat?, Divine. Ca, Target, Gap, Macy's
I've had a great time here at The Last Word. I have been connecting with many of you, and I hope readers get as much empowerment from my posts as I do writing them. Embracing Curvy here on this blog has even helped me escape my own hip hugging insecurities, and I am so happy to have a medium to do so!
That being said, I know you have seen all these posts:
..but I want you all to know this blog is about you too! I want to know what Curvy obstacles you think you may have to we can blaze through them together.
Email me at the blog's official email: The Last Word
Follow me: @AriannaAKG
& add me on Google Reader!
I can't wait to hear from you all & remember: Curvy Girls have The Last Word.
I know it has been quite a while since I've had a blog post, but I can assure you it is for good reason. Like I said in my last post, I have a few things in the pipeline and among them are some of my personal projects. I adore fashion and as a constant consumer and student of the craft, I decided to dive in myself!
It's Me!
More on that in a later post and be on the lookout for my dear friend, ChiStyleMaven to post about some of my work!
On the point of this post!
I can't stop shopping. Ever. It is an outstanding habit that has unfortunately overflowed my closet space (both of them). I especially can't stop around this time of year because it's what I like to call "Peek & Steal" time. That time between each season where you get a peek at all the new season items, colors, and trends to come, and all the last season items are at a steal of almost 80% off! I have fallen prey and I wanted to show you all why:
This was one of my first steals. Akira had an amazing sale this past weekend with 50% off of already reduced items. Never fear - the sale items have been further marked down including some fab Jefferey Campbell, For Love & Lemons, and LAMB gear. I love this dress because of the drama. While it is a bit mini, the hood gives it a different effect. You're immediately drawn to the top of your body with a silhouette that's rarely seen, and it sparkles! What more could you want? :)
Style Inspiration - Lindsay Lohan & Kim Kardashian in Brian Lichtenberg
*note the link takes you to a similar style dress.
This was another item I got in a blowout sale from Karmaloop. Not only do I love the brand, but this versatile vest is currently under $20. I know Fur or puffy vests usually add bulk or volume, but here I think it's a necessary evil. Even in the picture the model is wearing a fitted piece and the vest accentuates her body, especially where it hits her hips. You can wear this sleeveless in warm weather, or as outerwear in the Winter! The best part? The vest is under $20.
Style Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez, Amerie & Audrina Patridge in Fur
Peek #1 & #2
Since the boom of Collar Necklaces, I really liked the idea of jewelry having more of a presence VS an accent in your outfit. A lot of designers have expanded the size and idea of the necklaces, bracelets, and even Avant Garde earrings. One trend that I will be a front runner in making sure it stays is the Body (Arm) Chains:
Love them!
This trend is derived from Belly Dancers & Gypsies as an accent piece to show form and movement in the body. This could easily move into the realm of statement necklaces/body Jewels and can be dressed up with Gala attire, or give identity to a simple Tank or Tee. So far, one of my favorite sellers I have found is on eBay at a great price!
Style Inspiration: Evelyn Lozada from Basketball Wives
I could go on all day with my latest shopping trip, but I think these are the main ideas from both the items and how to approach this season and its clearance racks with strategy!
Until next time - Shop 'til You Drop!
-TLW
Photo Credit: VH1, Google Images, eBay, Karmaloop.com, ShopAkira.com
.JPG)
.JPG)
.jpeg)
.JPG){kind=link}
