Native Daughter

Morning!

I love any kind of African print - Kente (nwotoma), Bazen, mudcloth you name it I  know it and I love it. I went through a short phase (short because I'm lazy and it took too much time) of making my own skirts and it was always a bright African printed material. During my stay in Ghana years ago I learned more about how it was made, the pride that goes into making it  and the symbolism behind the colors in the prints - even my bridesmaids gifts are reminiscent of it. Can't you tell I'm hooked? 

So it was no surprise that when I was introduced to the debut collection of Rue 114 that I would fall in lust - if only for the eye-catching prints. The collection is offered in both straight and plus sizes - and I really like that the site boasts pictures of a straight and plus-size model in the same piece. I think my seamstress in Cape Town might get jealous, but I might have to indulge myself a 'lil. What do you think of this debut line? What piece captures your eye the most? 

I.NEED.THIS.NOW 

~Luvin' My Curves

OOTD: People of Color Conference - My Academic Life

Okay so I'm late... like over a month late. (sorry!)

     This past December I presented my study on retention for faculty of color in Independent Schools at the annual People of Color Conference which was held in Philadelphia this year. Nervous cannot even begin to express how I felt - but I this study hit very close to home and I knew that I needed to get through it. I secretly hoped that only 5, max 10 folks would show up but the standing room only crowd shot that down.  I took a deep breath and dove right in, overall  I'm happy that my presentation and study were well received. 

   Besides battling nervousness, the other problem I faced was "What to Wear?" - I don't don business now if I don't have to, but I still wanted to be taken seriously by my peers. I also NEEDED to be comfortable - there was no way I standing up to present for 90 minutes if I couldn't be at least a bit comfortable in my clothes. So what did I end up wearing? 

     I put on one of my most comfortable LBD's from the Avenue (this  sleeveless dress actually has studs on the shoulders), I put my burned-out kimono top from Evans (which I wore here during FFF Week). When presenting the last thing you need is bangles dangling, so I needed to keep my accessories simple  and added a gold chain necklace that I found during my job's semiannual vintage jewelry fundraiser. Black tights and mid-height black pumps and I'm all set. :) 

Fielding loads of questions...phew!

10:00 AM .. that's me!!!

Other highlights of my trip... I finally had a Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia (#27 on my "30 by 30") and I met Lorene Carey who was my senior thesis inspiration (#10). 

~Luvin' My Curves

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa, 

      I've been very good this year, no seriously! I've been financially smart about my shopping, I've remained cool under pressure (even when my students were treading on my very last nerve) and I even finished the research for my study, you know I'm an academic at heart :) All I want for Christmas is nothing... I got exactly what I wanted a couple of days early - the flight gods looked down on me and granted me an amazing deal so that BOTH of my parents could afford to attend my wedding in March. I've been so stressed these past couple of months because I didn't think they'd be able to go or that they would have to sacrifice for the other to go. I mean I could always ask you for David Tutera but I think I'm good for now. Thanks Santa!!

Whatever your mode of celebration; Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa (on the 26th), Festivus, Boxing Day...

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!

~Luvin' My Curves 

Saying "Yes" to the Dress.....

Planning a wedding is not easy... it takes up alot of time.. I'm exhausted.

I'm lucky in that I've been able to secure the majority of my wedding vendors and even though they are on the other side of the globe they have been the best in making sure things are set. Invitations for my state-side guests have been sent and now it's just a matter of waiting for the RSVP's, and the other million little things that need to be done.

                                                     Like finding my dress.

I was excited and dreading this part. I knew that I didn't want to spend alot, I didn't want the sparkle and I didn't want to have to wear a strapless bra. What I soon found was that those three things didn't leave me with alot of options, or so I thought ;) There are so many options for the plus-size girl, especially if you are willing to venture online.

My experience:  Don't be afraid to try all different styles, including those styles that you swear you would never try. I tried sparkles, short dresses, even strapless dresses - and some of the things I thought I would hate weren't actually half bad!  Still, I had already visually imagined the kind of dress I wanted so I had an idea and wanted to search for it, but at least I knew I had some great options if it didn't work out.

I admit I was being goofy during wedding dress shopping..... I don't know what came over me. My poor bridesmaid has so many pics of me acting foolish, I feel bad for her having to deal with a clown like me.  At least we found the bridesmaids dresses that day. 

Fortunately for me, I found the exact dress I had imagined. Unfortunately it was online only - so that would mean I would have to buy it first and hope it worked. Well I loved it, too bad I couldn't breathe in it , lesson learned order your dress at least a size or two bigger than you are (duh, there's no stretch); I then realized that the only dress left in the size I needed wasn't available in "white" just "ivory". WHAT?!!

Sigh - thanks to my friend who took me off the mini-ledge I put myself on in regards to the white vs. ivory issue (stressing like this is not my style). I ordered the bigger dress in ivory and it came 2 days later - PERFECTION!! I can breathe in it and I even practiced my soca wine just to make sure.  I refuse to give myself the added pressure of dieting in order to fit into a dress - if I lose 5-10 lbs before the big day cool, if not as long as I can still "buss a whine" I'm good.


SAYING "YES" to the dress has been a  huge stress-relief; because there are so many other things that need my attention. My dress is simple, but elegant, just how I like it. I didn't think I'd be able to handle this schedule of mine along with the agony of not knowing what I was wearing on the big day  - my fiancee told me that white jeans and a blouse was not acceptable when I attempted to "simplify" my wardrobe. ;)



For those Brides, Brides-to-Be, or those who like to look what do you look for in your special dress?

~Luvin' My Curves