On November 15th  I had the awesome pleasure of being a part of a 2 minute segment on Good Morning America along with blogger buddy Alissa Wilson of Stylish Curves. We gave out opinions on the recent up roar that retail brand Zara has created. being the largest retail chain in fast fashion in the world Zara has chosen to not expand in the US simply because Americans are to fat -____- Now as a plus size girl myself, does this sadden me? absolutely. But am I surprised? Not in the least bit.

Our experience included about 45 minutes "shopping" trip to the Zara on 5th ave. Alissa and I along with correspondant Ju Ju Chang picked up pretty much anything that looks like it would fit. And many things she and I knew from the beginning just was not going to fit. and even for Ju Ju who is a size 8, she was picking up larges & XL's. Problem? I think so.

The retail giant was quoted as saying

“Zara to me is a European store for European style; it’s very fashion forward. And what is the problem in America? They don’t fit in the clothes. So why do it? Having to make larger sizes makes production so much more complex.’”

how many times have we heard that> Major retailers not wanting to invest in the billion dollar plus size market. And trust Zara is not the only one at fault here. In talking with Ju Ju off camera both Alissa and I explored their the notion that there are brands that do extend their sizes liek Banana Republic, J Crew, and Ann Taylor Loft but what's the issue with them? They don;t advertise! So young women that enjoy those stores have no idea they can actually but clothes in those stores. and what retailers like Zara need to understand is that if you make a quality product, we will shop. Notice I said QUALITY PRODUCT, don't be like H&M and slap something together and give basic non trendy  pieces and call it a plus size line and then stick in the back somewhere.

Alissa said it best, "plus size women are not aliens from another planet, we like to look good too" and I couldn't agree more. Places like Zara need to take a page from the Forever 21 handbook, they need to suck it up, bite the bullt and make the investment. They will thrive. And you know what trips me out....Zara wants to paint this image that only the US embraces curves....but um hello! some of the best plus size lines are out of the UK; Simply Be, Dorothy Perkins, Asos etc or City Chic (Australia) and all do very good business both domestic and internationally.

The truth is, for me, I'm not upset that Zara doesn't want to extend their sizes. I can understand that it's their choice to sell to whom ever they choose. That's fine. What I don't like is how rude they are about the situation.

I don't know what Zara's issue is but imma need them to go ahead and kick the ego to the side, crumble that chip they have on their shoulder and get with the program. The size 14's and up are here to stay and the phony responses that we are given just will not be accepted.

Thoughts?

xoxo
Shay

Yes you read the correctly. I'm aware of the fact that it is fall/ winter and it is type A cold outside. But it's the perfect time to grab some cute bathing suits, either for prepping for summer 2013 or if you're going on a cruise any time soon. I didn't get to do much this summer, but it doesn't hurt to look right? One place that I kept on the radar for myself is City Chic. They offer some real simple pieces but super cute swimwear for us curvy women.




These are just a few of my pics. Be sure to stop by Citychic.com to see what other pieces they have as well as seeing all that City Chic has to offer. Until next time ladies.

xoxo
Shay

I'm sure if you've been following the blog, would know that I live for dresses. I don't know what it is, but it's something about wearing a really great dress and pairing with the right shoes and accessories, that just makes a girl feel good. I am always on the hunt for something new and fun. So it came as no surprise that one of my favorite place to shop for plus size clothing Simply Be had some great options. I mean of course Simply Be is always a go to. So lets check out whats on my wish list shall we?





What do you think? And where are some of your favorite places to buy dresses? Until next time loves.

xoxo
Shay

Just let me say I that I couldn't wait to do this post. The second I got the email I ran to my laptop to write it up. Not only am I swooning over the clothing line, and the two young ladies I'm writing about, its my first Real Life Runway piece in A LONG time. So I am so excited to introduce you all to Nikki who is owner and creator of Decadent Industries. I had the esteem pleasure of meeting her last month at Cece's curvy convo event, and I was itching to get her on the blog. She is a designer based out of Brooklyn (BK stand up) . She has recently relaunched her online shop and will be doing one of a kind pieces in a variety of styles.She will be adding more pieces as time goes on. Nikki has carved out her own little empire and I suggest that if you like style with a little bit of edge, she needs to be on you list of places to shop.

Check her out:
Blog
Shop

And she has one of my favorite curvy women/models Essie Golden ( will be doing a post about her later) Essie is my heart (of course she doesn't know this lol) but every time I see her in front of a camera, she gives life. So it is no wonder I find her to be so awesome.


How awesome is Nikki and Essie? If you want to be apart of the RLR series click here. Until next time ladies.

xoxo
Shay

Happy Sunday all. I hope you had/are having a good weekend. This week was my 1st time back to church in a while (dont judge me lol) I knew that I had to come stepping. I like to think I have a very southern mentality when it comes to getting dressed for church. I believe in coming in your best. So needless to say, I had to look my best this morning. It's very basic, but basics are something that we all need to have.

The top I just got in the mail from Zelie for She a clothing line own by one of my fave and fierce bloggers Elann Zelie. It took the US postal service forever to get it to me. But I'm glad I finally have it. The skirt is a basic black skirt fro Fashion to Figure. My mother's best friend bought and didn't care for it, so she gave it to me. Paired it simple earrings & and a watch along with my favorite Dereon black pumps and I was ready to go.

Outfit Details:
Top: Zelie for She
Skirt: Fashion to Figure
Shoes: Dereon via Shoe Depo
Bag: thrift store





Until next time loves

xoxo
Shay

So If you were up this morning (Nov. 15th) myself and one of my favorite bloggers Alissa of Stylish Curves had the awesome honor to be a part of 2 minute segment for Good Morning America. You know that I'm all about making it work, as well as loving your body. So when asked to give my opinion on the NY Times article about Zara it was a no-brainer.
Is so important for us plus size women to have some kind of voice, especially when the largest retail chain out right says they do not want to extend their sizes.

“There’s also the delicate matter of sizing.Would you expand in the United States?’ Fraiman asks. “Zara to me is a European store for European style; it’s very fashion forward. And what is the problem in America? They don’t fit in the clothes. So why do it? Having to make larger sizes makes production so much more complex.’”

I mean hey, if we're not your cup of tea, I understand that but to be so rude and disrespectful is completely uncalled for.

Check out the video below.


Until next time loves. What is your opinion?

xoxo
Shay

A lot of young women have been asking me about wear to find leather skirts. I must admit, I am wanting to get on this trend as wll. I mean how can you go wrong? There's leather which is great for fall, and a skirt! Clearly it is a win/win lol So with so many of you wanting to know where to find a great leather or faux leather skirt to rock this season, I made a point to find options for you all. Different cuts and price ranges, there is something for everyone.

Simply Be PU box pleat skirt 

Also for those who like one of a kind pieces Leathercult.com makes custom leather skirts in different colors and styles. I first heard about them when Fran of Frantic Dreams did a post about her leather skirt. Be sure to check them out. Until next time ladies!

xoxo
Shay

Now you all know I love helping out and shopping at plus size boutiques and stores here in the US. but sometimes we have to go outside our boarders to find cute and casual pieces to wear. No I'm not just talking about Simply Be, Evans, and Dorothy Perkins. One of my favorite countries that always seems to catch my eye for fashion is Australia  They tend to have a lot of hidden gems, and this post is not different Crossroads is an Australian based clothing store that offers sizes 8-22. If you're looking for cute and casual piece they are some place to look into. They offer the basics that we all need as well everything that is on trend. So it's really a great combination.

So let's get into it...




All in all I think you all should check out Crossroads and see what else they have to offer. They don't ship internationally just yet, but I'm sure they will eventually. But for all my Australian followers they ship domestic and have an actually store #win. They also use paypal, so I mean really there is no reason why Crossroad shouldn't be a go-to! What do you all think?

xoxo
Shay

Now let me say, I was totally experimenting with this look, and I'm not sure how i feel about it just yet. Yes, I am wearing green lipstick. Honestly I have been a huge fan of different colored lips sitcks like greens, blues and yellows. I got my green lip stick in a gift bag from the Style Bloggers of color event back in Sept. and for the life of me couldn't figure out the best way to wear it. So as usual, I was bored at home the other day so decided to play around to see what I could come up with. The sun was out on Monday even though it was freezing I had to take advantage. I build the outfit around my lipstick, I tried to channel all the awesome hipster/ effortless fashionable people I see on tumblr everyday. What do you think did I pull it off?

Now about the lips stick, its made by the fantastic company called The Lip Bar they offer different color lip stick that are sure to make not only your lips pop, but your entire look pop. And all their colors are named after cocktails. The color I have is called apple martini. But they have other great names like Hot Toddy, Tequila Sunrise and so much more. Be sure to check out their site.

Outfit Details:
Top: Goodwill
Pants: Forever 21
Shoes: Shoedazzle
Bow tie: Sproos...really a bow for my hair (see main pic ->)
Bag: DIY
Earrings: Vintage

Folks like to ask me about hair, I promise I will do a post on all my up dos. SO what do you think about the green lips loves? Yay? or Nay?

Until next time loves

xoxo
Shay

Ok and yet again here I am swooning over Monif C. Her holiday collection 2012 has just been launched and I have to say if you are into the drama get you wallets ready. I always enjoy the holiday times because of all the parties the decorations and the spirit in the air. And what better way to show up at the party, than to be in a fabulous dress!




So my dear ladies, as usual we got nothing short of fabulous from Monif C. to see the rest of her holiday collection and any other of the past lines check her website Monifc.com Most of these pieces won't ship out until December, so be sure to put your order in. When you get yours, be sure to take pics and send them on over. Until next time loves.

xoxo
Shay

Hello My loves,


Thanks in advance!