I love fashion. I love creating fashion. Looking at trends, prints, patterns and working with textiles is kind of my thing. It's the project that gets my blood pumping and also something that gives me creative purpose.
So.....
I opened an Etsy store! Introducing "Assata Designs". You can read my post here and herebehind the meaning of Assata Designs and who Assata is (spoiler alert: I get it from my mama).
You can visit the shop here and right now I'm exclusively focusing on accessories for Men, Women and Baby. I wanted to share this with you all because I am finally ready to do this.
Note: The Etsy store is debuting, and like me, it will evolve over time. A full bottle of Shiraz was a fuel for this project so be gentle with your thoughts.
And since I turned 27 use code "ASSATA" to get 27% of your very first order.
Although it may not feel like Autumn to us Chicagoans (seriously with this 90 + degree weather), Fall is definitely upon us.
With all the Fashion Week buzz and prep for the school year, it seems that Fall is the start of anew. What better way to embrace the cold than with some things to look forward to on a bucket list!
Official notebook for my bucket list
Below are some goals that I think will make a transformative season for me, and hopefully you all can apply them to your season or put a spin on them! Here we go:
Make At Least 5 Recipes From Cookbook
I bought this amazing cookbook as a suggestion from a friend and have tagged basically every page. They have everything from 'Grown Up Grilled Cheese' to 'Bomb Breakfast Wraps'. The best part? They're ALL good for you! I just have to actually make these dishes instead of stopping at the Dollar Menu...
Be EXCELLENT At Work
Seems kind of redundant, but making real goals for yourself at work takes away from the cycle of getting up, going to sit at a desk, going home to sleep and repeat. It makes work exciting and you get to push yourself to achieve extraordinary goals. The bonus? You might actually get a bonus (or a raise) at the gig.
Make At Least 4 Fall Staple Fashions
I keep putting off sewing because of all the things I can buy from a store that rhymes with 'smorever funny one' on my way home. Lazy, right? My goal is to make what I see in the window everyday and put a spin on it! Also, sewing 101 isn't as hard as it looks! I've learned a lot of cool tips on YouTube.
Keep Trying New Forms Of Exercise
I'm in a Bar Method mood as of late, but I've tried running, Bikram Yoga, NTC classes, sculpt and toning at Core Power and more. It's all about finding something to keep your attention and getting you excited to move.
I'm sure my list will get longer as the season passes, but what are some of yours? Share with me in the comments and remember to make attainable goals for yourselves. Once you get in the habit of crossing items off your list, I'm sure you'll feel unstoppable and want to conquer more. ;)
So, I know..it's another Beyoncé post. But I can't help it! Beyoncé is a machine:
Now, onto the goods. Mrs. Carter recently became the poster child for the new H&M Summer Collection. I was a little skeptical at first, I must admit. We now live in a fashion world where true Couture is lost in the midst of Celebrity endorsement, but I have to give it to H&M on this one!
It's a perfect summer set for us Curvy Girls. Not only are the pieces modestly priced, the silhouettes are very generous when it comes to the sizing. In plain text, there's enough room for boobs and some junk in the trunk in this assortment! I even got a size SMALL in my purchase from today!
The collection is filled with much more than we see Beyoncé in, standing under the sun (see what I did there?). From a color palette of Neutrals to Prints, and Staples from Shorts to Rompers and Dresses, there is such a stand out variety.
My only advice for this: choose your accessories wisely.Mrs. Carter is everywhere these days and everyone will no doubt be adding these pieces to their closet. Think of how you can add your own personal spunk, and add some color. It is summer after all!
Below are some of pics of her collection and possibly a piece I've added to mine. Happy Shopping!
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
I'm back! I have missed all of you in stylish blogosphere, but let me tell you that Puerto Vallarta sun is a paradise not to be missed!
See what I'm sayin?!
But now that I am back it is my pleasure to share with you, a chance meeting with famed Chicago Stylist, Tracy Clifford.
In Ms. Clifford's career, she has assisted Oscar De La Renta with the assistance of her strong background in retail buying. She is fluent in the prose of textiles, learning fabrics and best fit from interacting with influential designers world wide. Her niche is fashion shows in Milan, Paris and New York, and aside from these accomplishments, most importantly "[Tracy] is attuned to the way fabric and cut can complement the body by accentuating each woman's natural beauty." - Tracy Clifford (Shout out to us Curvy girls!) See in Part 1 of my interview her take and inside scoop on styling, Chicago Fashion, Spring/Summer Trends, and how to be your personal best with rehabbing your closet:
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.
So originally this was 2 posts but I combined it into one, since I saw both of my messages had the same theme :)
As I aim to empower us Women of all shapes, sizes, and colors by embracing the beauty in ourselves, I also want you readers to feel a sense of confidence; to be proud of what you wear and how you wear it. I know I typically do a lot of posts about clothes that aren't "normal wear" - but that is kind of my point. I think everyone should define the normal from their own wardrobes! There may be a dress code where you go, but I have never heard of a "Style Code" and believe me if there was one, I would be breaking it everyday. There is a time and place for every frock but that doesn't mean you can't express who you are from inside your closet. One woman I think embodies this ideology truly, is my ultimate style icon, Ms. Fran Fine:
Wasn't TV so much better back then?
I know some of you are thinking I'm crazy!! Some of you may think The Nanny was loud, brash, and her outfits were downright tacky, but that is exactly why I love her! Fran was fearless in every sense of the word. On top of the fact that in any given episode she had at least 5 wardrobe changes that alternated different jewelry, shoes, and hairpieces (NOTE: embrace faux hair - that's a blog post for later), Fran wore what she pleased to where she pleased and she wasn't sorry about it! That is a TRUE Fashionista.
Work, Fran!
Fran welcomed the challenge of defying the "Style Quo" and from the looks of these images, she had a blast in doing so. That is why I am so eager to bring you all posts and outfit combinations that you may not normally see. It's fun to push the limits, but more importantly to push yourselves. There's so much untapped individuality in Fashion and there is definitely a difference in the way you & I wear this seasons pieces.
The woman was not without her suits!
With all that said, I'm sure the question is 'how am I supposed to do this?' 'It's great to be fearless, but when?' And 'where am I ever going to wear a snack inspired dress like the one above?' That's what I'm here for :)
Here are some rules in breaking the rules:
People will stare. I don't say this to be cocky, or encourage you to be, it's just the truth. If you push the limits it will both intrigue and confuse people. Either way you will gain some onlookers in your bravery of Couture. Accept it now! It's just a silent compliment ;)
Don't let your clothes be your leash. What I mean is this: it was almost 80 degrees in the past couple of weeks and I wore my fair share of leather. It doesn't matter the season at times, just have a little fun! Some of your clothes are too cute to be confined to one season! Remember those sleeveless turtlenecks?
Treat the Movie Theatre, Mall, Club, and Grocery Store the same. I don't encourage you to wear party dresses everywhere (but if you do I won't stop you!); but like I said before there isn't a dress code to the general public. You are expressing yourself in everything you wear and just because you wear heels to the Supermarket, does not mean you are out of place. The Nanny sure pulled it off!
You will stillbe in season! Fashion moves in cycles, and each year there is an expansion of a similar idea (i.e. first came Cargo pants, now Cargo skinnies). Wear the clothes you love to wear because chances are you will still mesh in the overall theme, but with your own twist!
No outfit suggestions today! I dare you all to delve into your own closets to find something FAB to stand out in. I know I did:
Happy Leap Day!! It seems strange doesn't it that we have this extra day of the year, and for those of you in Chicagoland, this 60 degree day? In any case, it's a day to celebrate and what better way than to spoil yourselves and your closets with a new Spring trend.
Does anyone remember this show-stopping explanation?
Fabulous Meryl; I hope to be a Silver Coiffed Fox in my late Fashionista days, too. Nevertheless this video is the essence of Spring. Bright may be in, but Blue is definitely back.
Here's the good bad news about Blues & Brights: there is no way to be subtle. Color is going to make you stand out and your figure will look much fuller with a block of color. That's just the principal of not wearing black. It brings attention to the peaks and valleys of your curves and I need you ladies to be OK with that! Because guess what? All this doesn't mean you can't wear it ;) Embrace it! Color is in, and who are you to not to put your own sassy spin on this solstice?
Time for some Blue Clues:
First and foremost, this is your new Spring/Summer Bestie:
This color wheel shows you exactly which colors compliment your hues. That's not to say you cannot pair Blue with any other color, but it does show you the best fit and helps avoid looking like Crayola. (Google Images)
Cuts, cuts, and more cuts! The color is one statement - the cut of the garment is entirely another. Like you may have read in other posts onThe Last Word it's all about how you style yourself. With Blue's I would stick with something simple and structure. Remember, the garment is to for your body to fill out, not overpower your beauty!
For accessories - stick to metals! For special occasions of course have a ball, but for every day wear I would stick to Silver or Gold. All eyes on Blue!
The Vintage lover in me adores this trend and it is indeed from the olden days. Originally, Split Skirts were created in the Victorian Era for Women to be remain feminine whilst taking more active roles in society. From bike/horseback riding, to gardening, the Split Skirt was the way for Women to still act like a Lady doing everyday things. (Read: What Are Culottes?) But that's just my problem - how am I supposed to wear this every day?
I was annoyed with this trend in the beginning because Split Skirts seemed like everything I wanted, but nothing I could have. I thought there is no way I could wear them unless I turned every day into a Gala (which I am not against). Until I realized that the Split Skirt is the new summer MAXI:
An evolution of one of Summer's hottest and staple trends! Pretty cool, huh? Here's some tips to avoid looking like you're going to the Queens Ball in Split Maxi's:
For the office or corporate affairs, stick to Neutral & Dark tones. I know you want the world to see that split, but you are showing off enough leg that the lack of bright color won't matter. Stay demure and play up a fun blouse or bright statement jewelry.
For that EXTRA Vintage touch: belt it at the waist! (Remember The Natural Waist ?) It will make your legs look longer and depending on your belt style, it can give your outfit that extra causal flair.
Your skirt is long so your shirt doesn't have to be. I know this is pretty typical advice for Maxi's, but think about this: There is a lot of extra fabric in this version of the Maxi to give you the flow as you walk, and the peek-a-boo for your legs. Wearing a long top, especially here, will make you look like your clothes are dragging. Try fitted or printed tops for balance.
Lastly if you WANT to dress up - DO IT! There isn't a soul stopping you, and you have your own personal endorser. ME! If I were to wear this on a night out, I would do a low cut top, sparkle accessories, and a bright lip. It's summer anyway ;)
So what do you think? I love these skirts mostly because they don't limit anyone regardless of their shape and size - that's the kind of style this blog is for! Show off those Gams this summer!
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