Sightseeing

top ~ Simply Fashions, maxi skirt ~ TJ Maxx, sandals ~ Burlington Coat Factory, Dooney & Bourke Flap Wristlet , sunglasses ~ Retrocitysunglasses

Today I had fun with hubby as we explored the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington, D.C.  This is such a beautiful city, with good shopping and a lot of cultural landmarks to visit.  We were only in town briefly to attend a graduation party, so we chose to visit this memorial before we ventured back home.  Lately, I have been bored with shopping at the same places.  One day, I walked into a local store called "Simply Fashions," that is next to a beauty supply store that I frequent.  Most of the clothes are not the best quality, and it is not the most desirable atmosphere to shop in, but I found some cute items at very low prices.  If you have one in your area check it out!  I scored this crop top in that store for $5.00.  I immediately knew that it was the perfect shirt to complete the "Wear A Cropped Top" section of the Big Fat Summer Challenge, that I have been obsessed with lately.  Cropped tops are nothing new to me, and my readers who have been with me for awhile know that I enjoy wearing them. I love to expose just a little peek of skin without going to far.  I knew that I wanted to be comfortable, so the pleated maxi skirt was the perfect match with the top.  I was relaxed, and I had such a lovely day sightseeing!

Wear Short Shorts: Day 2 of "Big Fat Summer Challenge"

shorts ~ H&M
tuxedo blazer ~ Dorothy Perkins
pumps - Nine West
clutch ~ thrifted
watch ~ Michael Kors
cross earrings ~ Fashionology

An associate of mine mentioned that a growing  number of "plus size" bloggers are putting disclaimers on their blogs about not being a supporter of being overweight or "fat," and promoting a healthy lifestyle.  In her opinion, this is due to the backlash and harsh criticism that is directed towards the plus size community at times.  The purpose of my disclaimer in my last post was to ensure that people understand my point of view on the "fat revolution."  I don't feel like I have to explain my weight or fashion choices to anybody, but I want to have a relationship with my readers and be open and honest about my feelings.  This blog is about fashion, and not health, but I like to discuss all types of issues that affect my fashion choices.  Today's post will complete the "wear short shorts" portion of the Big Fat Summer Challenge.  The point of me sharing my insecurities with you is not to receive approval, but to show you that confidence is key in having a sense of personal style.  Everybody says that they accept themselves unconditionally, but many people have not scratched the surface to truly understand what that means.  Now on to the outfit deeds:-)

If you have an overall classic style like myself,  I would recommend wearing a "flowy" style of shorts.  I have bumps and lumps, also known as cellulite, so I wanted to make sure that I do not wear tight shorts, which only draws unnecessary attention to my problem areas.  Just because you don't have smooth legs, it dosen't mean that you don't want to have the option of wearing a shorter length.  That is your prerogative, but pick the right style of shorts for you.  This is the shortest I would wear, due to my style and taste, but some woman truly have amazing legs and can pull off shorts effortlessly. I finished the look off with a basic pair of open-toe pumps and my favorite tuxedo blazer, that I do not get to wear much. Thanks to all of those positive fashionistas that support my blog and youtube channel.  Keep up with me on Instagram (NaturallyFashionable) because I spend a lot of my time there.  You leave lovely and encouraging comments that empower woman to be fashionable and love themselves unconditionally.  Kudos to you!

Wear Something That You Normally Wouldn't Wear

top ~ Old Navy, shorts ~ Belk Department Store, necklace ~ NY&Co, shoes ~ Steve Madden, handbag ~ Via Spiga

So I have decided to participate in the "Big Fat Summer Challenge" started by the lovely Jennifer of Jasifer Lions Club.  As confident as I think I am, I have realized that it is time for me to step out of my shell and take some fashion risks that are outside of my "comfort zone."  I decided to start with the category of wearing something that I normally wouldn't wear, and that would be shorts.  I hardly ever wear shorts in public.  I have a few times, but it is very seldom.  There is another part of this challenge that will require me to wear even "shorter shorts," but I have that covered.  I just wanted to ease myself into the process before I went there.   I want to start out by saying I do not endorse or condone being overweight!  I think that everyone should be as healthy as they can possibly be, but my weight should not hender me from loving myself or dictate my fashion choices (within reason).  As you already know, I believe in keeping my attire classy and ladylike.

I know that my health is important , and I do not feel that this challenge changes my views on that issue.  I had to ask myself the question, "What are you afraid of?"  Am I afraid of facing the reality of what my legs truly look like, or I am afraid of what people may say, which does not match my personality at all!  I know my legs are chubby, and not the most attractive, but at this point I do not care because I have one life on this earth.  I must accept myself totally at every stage.  To me, this is what this challenge truly represents.  What are you afraid of when it comes to your fashion selections?

YouTube Fashion Collaboration: Day to Night

 

I was excited to collaborate with my fellow youtuber SuppleChic!  She has amazing style, and I absolutely adore her channel.  We bought the same top from Forever 21 and decided to style it from day to night.  She took the "day" look and I took the "night."  I really enjoy collaborating with other fashion lovers.  The blogger and vlogger world can be competitive, but I am in a race with no one but myself, and I enjoy receiving inspiration from you all.  I hope to do more collaborations in the future, so make sure that you go check out both of our YouTube channels to watch us in action!

Check out SupplelChic's YouTube channel and Tumblr.   You can also find her on Twitter!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Don't you just love her style!

Outfit Details

Top - Forever 21

Skirt - ASOS

Clutch - H&M

Pumps- Nine West

Earrings - Ashley Stewart

Thanks for reading, and remember to stay fabulous!

eShakti Giveaway Winner

Thanks to all of you that entered the giveaway.  I enjoy having giveaways, and I have another one coming up!  The winner of the eShakti giveaway is Jazmine Jade!  Please email me with your size and your address, so that eShakti can send out your prize:-)