Let God

Style posts have taken over my life for some years now. People don't understand how much work they really are. Imagine every outfit you have worn in a 2 week span, constructed, gathered and shot in a single shoot. It's taxing. While this style schedule has been draining, this post is the first time in a long time that I actually had fun doing one.

In the past I put so much pressure on myself to look perfect, have the perfect on trend clothes and obsessed about angles. I was unknowingly creating an image that I could never live up to. I was doing you a disservice and I apologize for that. 

I would toil over every detail and it was taxing.

No more.

Whenever I shoot these from now on, I will just let them unfold organically. Those veins on my hand will be poppin. If a hair is out of place, that is where it will sit. If my nails don't match, oh well. If I don't feel like rockin a trend, I won't. I will no longer push outside ideals of what I think I should be. That drug no longer has a place here.

For the past 6 months especially I have been stretched to the hilt. I have found out so many things about myself. I love the beautiful things and am repairing the ugly ones. My confidence is a constant werk in progress. It ebbs and flows. I don't want to preach that it is always positive. While our confidence is always there, no doubt there are days when it's exausted.

There will be many more days where I will need to build my strength. This doesn't make me weak, it makes me human.

And really I need to stop caring about what you think. I found myself caring more about your thoughts of my content than the purpose behind the pictures and words. 

I absolutely enjoy sharing our stories and beautiful comments about life. It is one of my favorite things about being a blogger but I need to shed the act of caring what you and other people think. The only opinion that should matter is God's. He built me, He gave me my purpose and has made me exactly who I am. He and He alone is who I should be concerned with. I love you and will listen to anything you have to say but at the end of the day, He is the only opinion that matters. To fully live my life, I must walk tall in this fact every single day.

Sweatshirt - STUZO Clothing/Tall Mom Jeans - ASOS/Glasses - Opaque Eyewear/Kicks - Nike via Nordstrom Rack

Photo credit: Ashdav Photo

This is a revelation that came out of a 14 day period of non-stop anxiety about the show. When I dropped the trailer, anxiety enveloped every being of my body. I didn't like the reactions of some people, I didn't like the way I looked with my natural hair (silly yet real thought), questioned the telling of my story and a hundred other completely fabricated things. I built a false mountain out of a non-existent molehill.

I relied on my own view of the situation instead of relying on God's principles and promises for my life. He has given me this opportunity, told me to do it and will do great things with it despite what my view of it may be. Our steps of faith are hard and often confusing but lead to God's plan that is always better than anything we could ever piece together. 

I say all of that to say this...stop trying to control your life and let God take the lead. Work on giving Him the reigns for good. Your life is strategically unfolding in the way that He wants it to. Get out of your own way and certainly get out of His. Listen to Him and unapologetically walk with Him. Be yourself, learn, grow, let go and let God be who He is. 

SUGAR AND SPICE

Today I bring you 3 items that are incredibly hard for us to find; a maxi cardigan that is actually a maxi, over-the-knee boots that are actually cover the knee and a bodysuit that you can stand up straight in without giving yourself the dreaded wedgie in both the front and back.

Kye Black Maxi Cardigan in TALL - DIMILOC/Kyla over-the-knee boots - SMASH SHOES/Neck Piece - CANDID ART/Bodysuit - ASOS Tall (similar here)/Faux Leather Mini - H&M

Makeup and Photography by Nikki Notarte

Let's start with this miraculous garm from Dimiloc. Like all of the pieces on the Dimloc site, it's custom made and as you can see the height is right. I love the detailed braided boarder and the sleeves are so long, that a tall girl shed a baby tear of thankfulness. I look forward to using this as a swimsuit cover up during the summer as well. The drama dahling...the drama!

Let me introduce you to my new bambinos. These boots are not only comfortable but truly go over our knees. They are from Smash Shoes, also come in a beautiful grey and in sizes 11-14. You read that right and it's perfectly OK to let out a little scream of joy.

Now...let's talk about bodysuits. I LOVE a great bodysuit. A shirt that you never have to tuck in? Yes please. But you know retailers don't make bodysuits in the masses for us but guess who does...ASOS! They have haute, tall bodysuits for every occasion and I for one will take one of each.

And this my friends is what happens when you find pieces that fit...smiles everywhere! Ironically, this is all you really need. Yes, I love this outfit but your smile surpasses anything you could ever put on. You alone are enough. You alone are beautiful. You alone are amazing. Whatever you put on is just icing on the cake!

She is clothed in strength and dignity and can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25.

SIMPLICITY

Chile…it’s spring! But the weather is going bananas. It doesn’t know what it wants to do. Make up your mind already!

I am really looking forward to warmth and the feel of the sun on my face but right now spring still has some winter tendencies. Thus, I split the difference with this outfit.

I threw in a little sweater action with some shorter sleeves. It’s warm for the morning chill but still works if the weather decides that it wants to change. The tall skinnies (crazy good right!?) also cover most of the leg but have the rip at the knee that provides a little air conditioning (ok…I know I’m stretching it a little here:).

The piece de resistance are these boots! I am in LOVE. Now…I am trying to buy less things (which we will talk about in another post) but when I saw these, I decided to treat myself. When you find a green boot in our size, you add them to the collection hunni! They are just the right color green, a soft suede and a bootie that doesn’t cut the leg but rather elongates it. You can wear these with pretty much everything, in every season! Did I mention that they come in sizes 11-14 and in a blush option? And all the tall girls did the happy dance!

JOYCE (comes in sizes 11-14) - SMASH SHOES/Skinnies - ASOS Tall (similar Here)/Sweater - H&M

Makeup and Photos by Nikki Notarte Artistry

Overall, this outfit really reflects where my personal style is morphing into...simplistic. Simplicity is key for me right now. I'm tired over overthinking. I want a wardrobe of pieces that are fiercely simple. This look definitely holds that title.

One thing about style is that it is ever evolving. You have the freedom and ability to change it not only for a season, but for a lifetime. Do what you do when you want to. Style is yours. Own it! 

New Jack City

Tall Quilted Bomber Jacket, Ottoman Rib Sweat Top and boots (similar here) - Long Tall Sally/Leather Look Smoothing Tall Legging - Tall Girls UK

Photo Credit: Lakeela Smith

So...I have been living in this coat! I swear to you, I can't remember the last day that I went without it. It's chic and really, you feel like you are wearing a blanket. I'm truly obsessed with it. Especially because this weather has been so crazy. You never really know what you are going to get!

I really love the length...it's a true longline on us! Another thing that I love is the sporty vibe. Yea, It's on trend but it's not too much sport. You can wear this coat with something casual or dressy. It's incredibly versatile and for me, hands down the coat of the season and seasons to come!

I paired it with my current fav legging at the moment from Tall Girls UK. Like the coat, they go with everything and admittedly I have been wearing them too often! I finished the look with some chic boots (similar here) and a remix on a turtleneck from Long Tall Sally (the neck is going crazy in these photos but I like the wide neck of the top ion real life lol).

Life note: I began another Daniel Fast (and also added television)! For 21 days I will be fasting, praying and reading my Bible. While I normally pray and read, while you fast it uncovers things that just amaze me! Things blossom in my life and I just love spending time with God. I will keep you updated on my fast journey on my Instagram story so join if you are interested...HERE is my last Daniel Fast experience:)

Thanks for reading...have a fabulous day beautiful! 

The CURATD Life

Relaxed Sweat Top/Raw Frayed Hem Jeans/High Split Front Denim Skirt/Heavy Turtle Neck Knit

Shot and Edited by Jay Cox

 

I have a pretty good sized closet and a separate wardrobe. The amount of clothes that I have is kinda ridiculous and today solidified it. My poor wardrobe basically crumbled because the weight of the clothes bent the dang bar in half.

Even prior to my wardrobegate, I have been looking at ways to downsize all of my stuff. I have accumulated some clutter and she has to go! With that said, I have been looking at ways to adopt a life of giving away the old and efficiently acquiring the new. 

Enter the CURATD collection from Long Tall Sally. The pieces are very well made, forward thinking and importantly versatile. As you can see in this lookbook, you can create a plethora of outfits from minimal pieces. It's a smart, stylish buy that will foster your fierce for seasons to come and right now...it's even better because the collection in on discount!

Thanks for checking out the lookbook and tell me what you want to see next!

I also have it on my heart to tell you this...

You are amazing. Stop believing those lies that they are telling you. Nothing about you is a mistake and every single part of you was meant for a purpose. You are here to make a change in a way that only YOU can. Stop comparing yourself to others and walk forward in faith knowing that He built you to do all things!

Desert Flower

WANNA SEE THIS MAXI MOVE? Check out my Instagram for a short video of this beautiful dress.

Blossom Print Boho Maxi Dress - Tall Girls UK/Heart Necklace - Candid Art/Shoes - Payless/Hat - Forever 21

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

I seriously canNOT believe that summer is almost over. I'm sad but going to enjoy this last month in chic dresses like this crazy-good maxi dress from Tall Girls UK.

Not only is it long enough (I am wearing 3.5" heels and it's STILL the perfect length), it is also the perfect floral print and a piece that you can transition right into fall.

How you ask?

1) SPORT IT UP. Add a sweatshirt and some tennies for a sporty look. I plan to throw on a light grey simple cotton shirt and some metallic Converse like THIS OPTION from Tall Girls UK. A comfy, fab, fall remix for all of your maxi dresses.

2) WILD WEST IT. Throw on a long cardigan, belt and boots of your choice. This Long Line Cardigan is the perfect tall option for this western inspired look. 

3) BLAZE A TRIAL. You can easily wear your maxi dress to the office by adding a chunky necklace, blazer and loafer. Check out these tall blazer options that will transform this summer dress in to a chic office fit.

So slow your roll on putting those maxi dresses in the back of the closet and keep them out to incorporate in your fall repertoire!

I really want to see YOUR tall looks so please tag them with @TallSWAG. See you soon sweet stuff!;)