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Vana Black

Lifestyle, Fashion, Travel, Food

Archives for 2017

Why It’s Okay To Be Petty

August 15, 2017 · 2 Comments

Petty

Lets face it everyone has a bit of pettiness in them. I know I for one have many petty moments. Now lets get into the real definition of petty. I think i’ll use the Urban dictionary definition[ Petty. An immature over reaction in retaliation of an undesired outcome]. A lot of people shame this behavior, but I honestly see nothing wrong with being petty as long as you’re petty in good manner . I’m okay being petty and I think more people should be instead of trying to deny it.

BEING PETTY FEELS GREAT 

For instance folks love saying my name as Savannah all the time. Like I have no issue with the name, but that’s not the birth given name my mama gave me. I’m STAVANA which honestly isn’t that hard to pronounce. So if I correct you the first time and you still continue to say it wrong we may have an issue. To me that just simply means you are careless. One time I had a lady screw my name up so much in a convo at the end I said” Have a great day Barbara” the women looked so shocked knowing that wasn’t her name. Well news flash lady my name isn’t Savannah either. It was in that moment my Pettiness shined bright.

 EVERYONE IS PETTY, LETS JUST MAKE THAT CLEAR

Everyone has their moment of pettiness because lets be honest people can suck. Now some folks like to act like they better than most and wont stoop to a petty level. Well sorry hun, if you ever been driving and decided to slow down because the car behind you keeps riding your ass that’s considered PETTY. In my definition any act of doing something with the intent of making someone as pissed as you are is considered? You guessed it, petty! You better embrace that pettiness girl.

SOME FOLKS JUST DESERVE IT

Some people just work my last nerve. I already get annoyed with ‘adulting’ at moments, I don’t need to add you to that list. So if you want to have a Petty war there will only be one winner, obviously ME!

 IT’S EMPOWERING FOR THE MOMENT

People need to think about the wrong they’ve done. I’m not going to make someone feel a way if they’re being an understanding human.  My little gestures make me feel like I have control in a crappy situation. I feel like I just overcame the biggest mountain when I have my little moment of shine. Plus sometimes folks won’t even know The petty level they are on till you stoop to that level.

So the next time someone tries to tell you being petty is wrong, girl you better embrace it in all of it’s glory. There’s no prize for taking the high road. Other people will treat you like crap. You can be the better person, but why should you? Sure, you’ll go to bed knowing you were the bigger person, but what does that get you at the end of the day? Pettiness is harmless and it’s fun to watch someone squirm for a minute. Hope you enjoy this read and you all flourish in being a Petty Betty or Petty Labell.

Owl see ya later!

Stavana.

2 Comments
Filed Under: LifestyleTagged: Empowerment, Great, Petty

Mellow In Yellow

August 2, 2017 · 1 Comment

Mellow Yellow

Being in front of the limelight is something I have always loved and hold near and dear to me. My mom sparked my interest early in my childhood. She would enroll me into beauty pageants,modeling schools and different theather programs. I loved being on stage or in front of a camera lense for all the world. As I got older I stuck with the hobby and tried to perfect my craft. I attend multiple workshops, conferences and entered other pageants to become more knowledgeable with what it takes to be successful in the industry.

Mellow Yellow

Well…let me tell ya this industry is not an easy one to maneuver but anything worth wanting is worth working hard for. With much hard work and determination you can most definitely  leave your mark upon it. For example the plus size modeling industry is still pretty new on the scene. Over time it has gotten better and will continue to grow. Being only 5’3 and plus size for sure has its downfalls when it comes to the real modeling world. Agencies and designers prefer plus models to be 5’8 or taller and between the sizes of a size 12-16. So at the end of the day that leaves me wondering where the heck does a petite plus size girl like myself fit in. I always have been one to show up to castings even if the requirements specified what they wanted. I feel like yes.. I may have some odds against me, but I shouldn’t let it hinder me from going for what I want.

Mellow Yellow

I don’t have the perfect body or the prefect shape. I have scars and extra skin due to weight loss; but I still strive to be seen and heard. I feel like more people should strive for what they want no matter what society may say. I may not be 5’6 with long legs and toned arms, but I can walk down a runway and slay just like the best of them. You’ll have days you want to give up and feel discouraged ( trust me those days happen ALOT). So many times I have felt like giving up from being hard on myself. At the end of the day you can’t let it get to you, One simply has to brush it off and keep pushing because a break through will happen.

Mellow Yellow

Mellow Yellow

Outfit Details

Jeans : Charlotte Russe  Top: Charlotte Russe

 So if theres something you beentrying to achieve but having a hard time. DONT GIVE UP!!! it’s just simply not your time. Maybe try something different that’s out of the norm for you when tackling goals. I would hope someday to be the face of a fashion campaign or walk a run way for a well known designer, but even if that never happens I can say I tried. What matters most is you gave it your all to achieve that goal and left a imprint on at least one person along the way.

 

Thanks for stopping by

Vana

 

1 Comment
Filed Under: BeautyTagged: blogger, boston, Boston Blogger, charlotte russe, Plus Size, yellow

**Makeup Monday ** Ft.Ruby Kisses Forever Matte

July 31, 2017 · 1 Comment

make up monday

Hey Ladies,  Happy Monday I decided to start writing a new segment on my blog called “Makeup Monday”  I know you’re probably wondering what is that? Well let me tell you…Makeup Monday will be me introducing makeup brands that I have added to my ever growing makeup collection. I’m all for finding a good brand of makeup that is affordable and gives me the most wear for my money. Now I’m usually a lover of drug store makeup, but I’ll splurge on a good high end product sometimes depending on what it is. So with all that being said lets get into a brand I have loved FOREVER and want to tell you about.

Ruby Kisses

These are the colors available at the local BSS

  While I was browsing in my local Beauty Supply Store (BSS) I noticed some new lipsticks that have been quiet the talk on Youtube. It’s the new Ruby Kisses Forever Matte lipsticks that retail for $1.99 at select BSS and online retailers. The first thing that came to mind about the packaging was how it looks the Kylie Jenner Lip kits ( which I refuse to support, I’m sorry I can’t stand her ). Since the Forever Matte Lipsticks are so cheap you would be crazy not to rack up. I have always been a huge fan of the Ruby Kisses makeup line and how pigmented and affordable the products are. The Forever Matte line is available in 17 colors ranging from mauve pink to electric blue. What I like most about the lipsticks is that the colors are WOC (Women Of Color) friendly. I purchased about 10 colors from the line and love every single one. The lipstick pay off is really good and non drying. I love the fact my lips felt moisturized all day. I wore mine for almost 6 hrs and, only had to reapply twice between eating and drinking during the day.

Ruby Kisses

All the colors available in the collection

Forever Matte Lipstick

Some of the colors I purchased from the collection ( I love the packaging)

Forever Matte LipstickLook how bright these swatches are on my skin

Forever Matte Lipsticks

I’m currently wearing Tippy Toe which is my fav

  If you’re in the market for a brand that’s affordable and long lasting, I say give the Ruby Kisses Forever True Matte a try. Thanks for stopping by and happy shopping!!!!

 

Love Vana

1 Comment
Filed Under: BeautyTagged: beauty, cheap, lipstick junkie, matte, matte lipsticks, ruby kisses

90’s Fashion Is Making A Come Back

July 27, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Plus Size Velvet Dress

Sooo the 90’s is seriously making a come back in the fashion world and I’m loving every minute of it. Everything I recall wearing as kid is appearing in all the stores and its brings back so many memories. As a kid growing up in the 90s everyone was so carefree and full of life, not to mention we had the best TV shows and snacks to-date. Boy do I wish I could go back to being a kid again “adulating” is hard ( I really get it now why Peter Pan loved Never Never Land). Thanks to Forever 21 they give me a chance to embrace that inner child in me with the new styles they have been offering.

 I was in Forever 21 the other day and came upon the cutest Crushed Velvet Dress in blush pink.  Now listen, I’m in no way a fan of pink like that because pink is just not a color I fancy…but this dress screamed Spice Girls! Who didn’t like the Spice girls as a kid!? Baby Spice, Emma Bunton, always would wear cute little  dresses with the those funky platform sneakers. This dress screamed 90’s and made me think of so many ways to style it. I can wear a white tee under it like they use to back in the day or “as-is” the way I did over the weekend.  The dress is super comfy and was great for the summer heat to take on my weekend errands. I paired it with a cute pair of faux leather pink skippes and added my Pink Clear Satchel Bag  for a Pink monochrom finish. Now me dressed in all pink was a rare occasion and barely ever happens but I felt like such a 90s kid rocking the look.

Plus Size Velvet Dress

Plus Size Velvet Dress

Plus Size Velvet Dress

Plus Size Velvet Dress

 Dress : Forever 21

Shoes: Wet Seal ( There old never wore them)

Bag: Forever 21

 So if your looking for a store that lets you indulge in your inner youth, I say check out Forever 21 because they have you covered with everything from rock band tees, cute 90s sunglasses and all the crushed velvet looks you can think of. Is there anything you ladies wish would make a comeback into the fashion scene from the 90s let me know. As always thanks for stopping by and Owl see you later.

 

Love,

Vana

 

 

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Filed Under: Fashion, Personal StyleTagged: 90's fashion, boston, forever21, monochrom, Plus Size, psp blogger, velvet

City Chic Summer

July 24, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Zipfront Tuinc Dress

Hey my loves, Summer is in full swing with beach days and cookouts galore. So today I wanted to introduce you all to a brand by the name of City Chic that has some total style worthy pieces to add to your last minute summer wardrobe. It’s never too late to add a cute little maxi to your closet, or a fashion forward swing dress that you can flip from day to night.

So what exactly is City Chic…. A women’s clothing store with store front locations in California and carries stock in select Nordstorms and Macys. If you can’t make it to one of those you can always visit the City Chic website for all the  newest trends on the scene. I fell in love with the brand and how they deliver high quality fashion to the plus size woman. City Chic is about living life to its fullest and taking chances. The City Chic brand is all about creating an atmosphere that is “bold, confident and inspiring”. City Chic offers everything from intimates, denim, active and work wear in sizes 14w-24w . Now ladies we all know how hard it is to find cute trendy work wear that makes us feel confident in the office. I decided to step out and start my week in my new zip front love tunic dress from City Chic. Not only is the dress one of my fav colors, the light weight material is super comfy to get you through any work day. I know the dress will be getting plenty more uses whether its used for work or attending a summer event.

Zipfront Tunic Dress

zip front tuinc dress

Zipfront Tunic Dress

If any of you all are still in search for some last minute summer shopping, City Chic is the place to go for sure. Since you guys are my beloved readers, I have a special code (JUL20OFF ) just for you to get 20% off your purchase at checkout. If you all are anything like me or my mom then when I hear the word SALE OR MONEY OFF I have no choice but to check it out. Hope you all enjoyed the post and check out what City Chic has to offer. If you all see anything you like let me know in the comments below. Until next time thanks always for stopping in!!!

Love

Vana!

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Filed Under: Fashion, Personal StyleTagged: city chic, dress, Plus Size

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