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Vana Black

Lifestyle, Fashion, Travel, Food

Beyond by Ashley Graham For DressBarn

March 29, 2017 · 1 Comment

 

Plus size Floral Dress

Spring is officially here and I can’t wait for fresh cool air and pretty little flowers to bloom. Spring happens to be my second favorite season because it’s a reminder that my birthday is around the corner. Also, it’s that time of year people start putting away the winter sweaters and pulling out all the cute floral and pastel dresses. Sadly, for me living in New England; Miss. Spring sometimes likes to show her face a little later in the season. Despite the bit of cold air that’s still lingering around I have not let it stop me from enjoying Spring fashion.

Today on the blog I wanted to tell you about a new collection that has some cute stylish pieces for the nice weather ahead. The lovely plus model Ashley Graham created a capsule collection sold exclusively at Dress Barn called “Beyond By Ashley Graham”. The Beyond collection is available in sizes 4-24w and retails between $48 -$66. Ashley’s collection for Dress Barn reflects her mantra which is — ‘beauty is beyond size”. I love that the collection is available to all women and not just a certain size range so all body shapes can enjoy.

Ashley Graham

The dress I’m wearing is called the Floral Cold Shoulder Dress ( I guess exposed shoulders has been my thing lately). I adore how this dress has so much versatility when it comes to styling. I’m totally for an outfit that has multiple uses and this dress does just that. For a daytime look, you can dress it down it with sneakers for a casual feel to run errands. Then if you want to transition into a night on the town add some cute heels and out the door, you go. I paired mine with some black heels this day, but I’m sure I’ll be styling it with some sandals or some kind of sneaker. I say if you’re in search of something cute and springy then make sure to check out The Beyond By Ashley collection exclusively at DressBarn.

Plus size Floral dress

Plus size floral dress

Plus size Floral dress

Dress : Dress Barn

Heels: Rainbow shops (Similar here )

Straw bag: Salvation Army (Similar here)

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this quick little outfit post and until next time i’ll talk to you all later!!!

Love Vana

 

 

 

 

1 Comment
Filed Under: Fashion, Personal StyleTagged: Ashley Graham, Dress Barn, Plus Size

My New Favorite Plus Size Jeans

March 15, 2017 · 1 Comment

Plus Size JeansHi guys it’s been almost a month since I put a post up. The weather in New England has been so cold and snowy it sometimes can put your life on pause. Nonetheless, I’m back and Spring time is just around the corner. That is if Mr. Winter decides to leave (major eye roll). So I have news for you about a new store that has taken over the Internet. If you have Instagram then you should already know who I’m referencing, that’s right its FASHION NOVA!!!!
  Fashion Nova is the store you hear everyone talking about how great their jeans fit. Well, I had to go check it out for myself to see if the hype was real. Fashion Nova recently released a Curve line for their Plus size customers to be able to shop cute trendy pieces just like the straight size line. Seeing that I’m a lover of all things denim I had to give a pair a try. I tried the Glistening Jeans in Black in a 1x which I really liked. The jeans are super soft and comfy and have AMAZING STRETCH made from a lycra material. I will say they do run small because I believe it’s based off Jr. Plus Sizing. Now that I own a pair I can see why folks are going crazy over them. The high waist jeans make your legs look longer and project a curvier appearance. I paired mines with a sheer shirt and black bralette to give my outfit just enough sexy. Lastly, I topped it off with my brand new jacket from City Trends that yells “GIRL POWER”.

Plus size jeans

Plus size Bomber Jacket

Plus size jeans

Plus size Jeans

Plus size Jeans

Jacket: Cititrends ( Sold out online sorry)

Jeans: Fashion Nova Glistening Jeans 1x 

Shirt: Fashion To Figure  

Bralette: Store in mall (similar here)

Shoes: Local store in mall (similar here )

If you’re looking for some cute jeans in different colors and styles then Fashion Nova is your one stop shop. Just make sure to read the sizing and go off their size chart to be sure you get the right fit. Also when checking out use my code XOVANA for a 15% discount at checkout, but move fast because the jeans sell out pretty fast. Hope you guys enjoyed this post and stay tuned I will be doing a “try on haul” of more Fashion Nova items and how other pieces from the site fit and look.

 

Until next time thanks for always stopping by!!

Love

Vana

1 Comment
Filed Under: Fashion, Personal StyleTagged: Boston Blogger, fashionnova, novababe, Plus Size, PLUS SIZE FASHION, plus size jeans

That Christian Ome’shun Love

February 13, 2017 · 8 Comments

Plus Size Fashion

So Valentine’s Day is tomorrow which means all those signs of Love and Happiness will be around us. I’m celebrating with ladies who empower me to be better. What better way to display women empowerment and love than connecting with three other Boston plus size bloggers with the same attitude. The amazing brand Christian Ome’Shun collaborated with us to bring this fun colorful Plus Size fashion look to life.

 

Christian Ome’Shun is a Plus Size brand founded by owner A’shontay Hubbard.  A’shontay created Christian Ome’Shun for the sophisticated curvy woman who values modern fashion. I love a brand that shows even though I may be plus size, I to can be fashionable and dress with class and style. Christian Ome’Shun made me fall in love because theres something for everyone no mater the size. Christian Ome’Shun shows diverse women on her website ranging from size 14 all the way to a 30. Not many plus size brands do that. I love how she displays “Body Diversity” which is very empowering to me.  The three bloggers I got to link up with for this collab are all plus size women of different heights and sizes with one goal in mind, to be great and empower one another. If that’s not some #SQUADGOALS for you then I don’t know what is. Each of us got to pick a different outfit to display our personal style and taste for this fun collab.

Plus Size Fashion

The outfit I went with was the Cold Shoulder Set in red. Red has always been a color I fancied. I’m not sure if it’s the Latina side of me or just because it’s a sexy color combo( maybe it’s both haha). I love how this set sits off the shoulders and gives a sexy feel making my upper half look longer since I’m quiet short. The Cold Shoulder Set comes in two options: a crop top (the top I’m wearing ) or a Full top. This whole look alone made me feel like a Spanish señorita ready to cha cha thru the town. You can customize this set in any color and size which is really cool. The Choker I’m wearing is from a boutique named TriceVault who I have featured on the blog before. If you missed that post, click here to check out the fresh pieces TriceVault has to offer.

Plus Size Fashion

Plus Size Fashion

Plus Size Fashion

My Outfit Details

Outfit: Cold Shoulder Set

Choker and Bracelet: TriceVault

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Being able to connect with these women from all different backgrounds and different perspectives on life was an uplifting experience. I loved the fact I was able to connect with women who share the same views and interest as I do. It’s important for women to uplift their fellow sisters because at the end of the day you never know who you may help or the new friend you may gain. I can honestly say I gained some some true friends for life.

Plus Size Fashion

Plus size fashionPlus Size Fashion

Plus Size Fashion

Plus Size Fashion

If you like the set I am wearing or any of the ones my fellow gal pals have on go on over to Christian Ome’Shun site and browse around. For all our readers Christian Ome’Shun is offering 20% off your order at checkout when you enter the code “SQUADGOALS“.  Also be sure to check out my ladies Veronica, Bianca and Chardline  who I collaborated with on this post to see how they styled their outfits. Thanks so much to Christian Ome’Shun and also Brad our photographer for taking these lovely pics .

Talk to you soon!!

Love

Vana

 

8 Comments
Filed Under: Fashion, Personal StyleTagged: Boston Blogger, Christian Ome'shun, EMPOWER, love Valentines day, Plus Size, Plus size Blogger, PLUS SIZE FASHION

Yes I’m 30 Single With No Kids!!!

February 8, 2017 · 15 Comments

30 and single

Yes folks I am 30, Childless and Single. However, I am not the only one. Many of my friends are in the same position as me. Therefore why it is in society there’s an unwritten rule that says we are supposed to have our (Sugar Honey Ice Tea) in order by the age of 30. Now I understand in earlier generations most females had the ring, children and a house before age 30. Well let me tell ya times have changed and more and more Millennials are taking longer to adapt to that lifestyle.

It seems like this point in my life I have just grown accustomed to the endless questions/comments “Why aren’t you married yet?”, “You are so beautiful, why are you still single”, “Omg, no baby you better hurry”. Let me tell you, I have heard it all. Not having children or a significant other does not signify that my life is not in order. I am simply just living life day by day, enjoying the atmosphere and my growth as a woman. I have moments I become lonely and want the love and affection of a significant other or the bond between a mother and child, but I know when it does happen it will be amazing. I just wish people really would stop asking ALL THE DAMN TIME!!!!

single over 30

I think people get lost in planning and putting a time frame on things. Nobody has that just go with the flow mentality and let things fall into place. We live on large planet with so much to see and enjoy and at this moment that is what I take pleasure in without having to worry about someone depending on me to care for them. I like the freedom of being able to get up and go as I please. Some may say that is selfish but don’t we all deserve to spoil ourselves. If we do not enjoy life and take advantage of everything that it offers we will never know that experience. I want to be able to share my life story with my “future family” and maybe make new adventures together.

single over 30

So folks please stop telling people they need to have things in ordered by a certain point in life or hurry before its too late. Every one moves at their own pace and things will fall into place for them when the time is right. So next time someone asks “why don’t you have kids or a husband?” take a breath, stand confident and say I’M LIVING MY LIFE AND IM HAPPY!!!!!!

Is anyone else in the same boat as me, single with no kids? Let me know what you face I love to hear.

Hope you all enjoyed reading this post. Until next time thanks for stopping by!!!!

Love stavana

15 Comments
Filed Under: LifestyleTagged: dating, marriage, no kids, over30, Plus Size, single

Always Wear Your Invisible Crown

January 24, 2017 · 10 Comments

Plus Size Queen Sweatshirt

Believing in yourself and loving yourself is something many women and even some men all battle with in everyday life, it’s one of the hardest things to do in the world! Many of us don’t know about the power we possess within ourselves until later in life. I think all people deserve to be loved and empowered. That’s why I’m such a believer in the quote, “Always wear your invisible crown”. That quote can mean many different things to many different people.

While browsing the Internet (as I usually do), I discovered this awesome shirt on REBDOLLS that had the word QUEEN written on it. Now me being a former beauty pageant girl, I was like “shut up and take my money”, But the slogan on the sweatshirt meant a bit more to me than just the word QUEEN. For me, this sweatshirt mimics the way I live my life daily as the queen that I am. I try my best to always remain positive and smile as I take on life. I remember to always remain confident because loving myself first is important. If i don’t hold value within myself, who else will? My queen sweatshirt symbolizes me walking with my invisible crown, showing power, confidence and strength. My eagerness to take on anything that comes my way.

I love the fact that Rebdolls has such an empowering sweatshirt for women of all shapes and sizes to enjoy. If you are interested in showing your inner queen, make sure to head to Rebdolls and get your QUEEN sweatshirt available in sizes  small-4x. Currently I’m wearing a large and recommended to size down. This shirt also comes with a crop top option if you want a different look.

 

 

Plus Size Queen Sweatshirt

Plus Size Queen Sweatshirt

Plus Size Queen Sweatshirt

Plus Size Queen Sweatshirt

 

I hope all of you enjoyed reading my post, but most of all I hope you all remember to uphold and treat yourselves with the love and respect you deserve. We are all kings and queens and should live our life as such. Until next time keep on living life like the royalty you are hunny!

 

 Love

Vana

10 Comments
Filed Under: Fashion, Personal StyleTagged: CONFIDENCE, CROWN, EMPOWER, LOVE, Plus Size, PLUS SIZE FASHION, QUEEN, REBDOLLS

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