Sweat Equity

We have all been there. You are straight chillin on the couch, when your friend calls last minute with something fun that you just can’t pass up. You only have moments to get ready and are currently in sweat mode. What to do? Remix those sweats boo!

You can add some very small things that will make a big impact on a chic athleisure look. In this case, I added a simple faux leather jacket, hoops and some nude pumps. Seriously, thats it. I guarantee you already have accessories that you can add. No purchase necessary. Just go in that closet and mix it up.

ASOS DESIGN Tall Hoodie & Jogger Set (shown in size L)/Faux Leather Jacket - ASOS (similar here)/Glasses and Hoops - Forever 21/Pumps - Calvin Klein (shown in size 12)

Photos by Alina Mamlyuk

If you are looking for sweats, I highly recommend the ASOS loungewear line but if you already have them, there are simple, easy and free ways to pump them up 20 notches. Try some things out. The worst thing that can happen is you have to buy a new pair of sweats and the best is unlocking new looks you didn’t even know you had in your closet. That doesn’t sound like much of a risk to me. Besides, you need that emergency look on hand for that one last minute friend that we all have, know and love. Stay ready so you wont have to get ready. Period.

Easy Like Monday Morning

Madison Faux Leather Trim Straight Leg in 37" inseam - Alloy Apparel/Tall Ruched-Side Boatneck Tee - Alloy Apparel/Amber in Metallic Silver (shown in size 12) - Smash Shoes/Crossbody Satchel - The Limited

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

I'm tired y'all. I mean...TIRED.

Right now I am in the middle of the busiest part of the season. We are blessed to be in the Finals again and with every blessing, there is great responsibility. With great responsibility there is a lot of work and with a lot of work there is a lack of sleep.

Don't get me wrong...I will take the tired all day. The outcome is worth far more than any amount of sleep I could get but when times get busy, you have to think of ways to be more efficient and one of the ways I do this, is in the execution of my work outfits.

When on #TeamNoSleep you need something that is easy to put on, comfortable and requires little to no effort to put together, To me that all equates to all black. It's chic, instantly looks put together and you can't see the wrinkles as easily if you don't have time to iron or steam.

I absolutely love these tall pieces from Alloy Apparel. The pants fit like a glove, are long enough and have a hawt little faux leather detail at the waist. I paired it with the tall ruched-side boatneck tee that is long in the body and shapes you just right. It's also versatile. Easily go from work to fun in the time it takes to take the shirt off your shoulders.

Now you can take the black all the way to the shoes but I wanted a little pop, so I added these fun metallic pumps from Smash Shoes. There certainly is nothing wrong with a pop of metal hunni.

So, next time you wake up tired and need to get ready in a hot minute, throw on some black, a pop of something and watch the compliments on your effortless fit roll in!

Cold Shoulder

Marilyn Dress - Alloy Apparel Tall Shop/Neutral Pumps - Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack (size 12)/Earrings - Charlotte Russe

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

I am incredibly thankful and positively overwhelmed by the amazing response to the My Life piece that MODE was kind enough to make about me. Your support means everything to me. We are built to tell our stories and I can't wait to share more with you. Thank you so very much!

I also received a ton of questions about the outfits that I wore in the piece. Just in case you missed it, I gave a full style breakdown HERE. In particular, the Marilyn Dress from Alloy Apparel was a hot topic!

I love this dress! Not only are the arms long enough for us, it's neutral, off the shoulder and the perfect throw-on glam for a date night or night out with the girls. What's not to love!

The price, like the entire Alloy Apparel Tall Shop, is on point! When was the last time you bought a tall dress for under $35?

So, you asked and I answered. The mystery dress is no longer a mystery! Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart and enjoy the Alloy Apparel Tall line:-)

Ibena Love

Ibena Laser-Cut pump - Eleanor Anukam Footwear (shown in size 12)/Coat - Next Tall/Dress and Ring - Forever 21/Oversized Metallic Clutch - Target/Hair - Perfect Locks

Photo Credit: Meg Russell Photography

When you come across a new shoe line that is just for us...you must scream it from the rooftops! Well...

ELEANOR ANUKAM FOOTWEAR IS HERE!!!

Girl...let me tell you. The new shoe line from Eleanor Anukam comes in sizes 9-13 and is hot on another level. Not only does the line have these beautiful laser-cut pumps, they also have an array of fashion forward styles in both heels and flats and are constructed in the highest of fashion. I could go on for days about the craftsmanship however this video shows you better than I could ever explain it...

Wasn't that just breathtaking? Side note: These green babies are next on my list followed by the same pair in all black.

My first pair are the Ibena Laser-Cut pumps in nude (also comes in black). They are showstoppers. You really don't have to wear much with them because they are the outfit. From the detail to the perfect neutral color to the fit, these pumps pack a tall style punch. 

Upon first wear there was a little discomfort (that new-shoe moment) but it quickly went away and I fiercely walked all over the place in them. As you can see, when I wear them, I rock simple pieces with clean lines because the shoes really do speak for themselves. I am in serious love with the Ibena and the entire Eleanor Anukam Footwear line. They are crazy good, in our size and made impeccably well...what's not to like? Side Note: The box they come in is sturdy, pretty and enclosed is a durable shoe bag. You have to appreciate a shoe line that pays attention to all of the details!

So that is the skinny on an exciting new footwear line that is awesome enough to make shoes in sizes 9-13. I hope you like them as much as I do! So...what do you think?

TOP 5 SHOE STORES FOR THE TALL AND FABULOUS

Hey now!

OK...so I can admit it. My LINKS page is terrible right now. I simply have not had the time to update it. But I want you to have amazing access to the best Tall links so I am going to start posting Top 5's in all areas of Tall. From shoes, to pants and maybe even men (#eyecandy)...I will be posting about the best of the best.

With that said, what better place to start than SHOES. They will change your life won't they! I don't care what you have going on...slip on a pair of hot ones and everything goes BOOM.

Without further ado (and in no particular order)...here are my Top 5 brands that sell amazing shoes for us...

SMASH SHOES

Smash Shoes busted on to the Tall shoe scene and has been putting out FIRE ever since. They carry up to size 14, are very well made and the customer service is amazing. What I love about the line is that they are not just the basics. Yes, they have a classic pump (which I want in every color), but they also have styles that standout. Smash Shoes is definitely not the brand that just gives us the bare minimum. They actually create styles that we will covet and can't wait to be seen in. Make sure to check them out. Btw, just in case you are wondering, the over-the-knee boots really do go over the knee...yippppeeee!!!

Want another chic option? Nine West has a great selection of shoes up to a size 12 but you have to act fast because they fly off the shelves.

LONG TALL SALLY

By far, Long Tall Sally has the best selection in shoes up to size 15. They carry a ton of brands that usually don't have shoes in our sizes and then their in-house brands (BFT and LTS) are constantly putting out shoes that hit major trends. I am loving what I am seeing for this season and kudos to Long Tall Sally for giving women that wear up to size 15 haute shoes to rock!

Looking for a steal on shoes? Check out Payless. They come in sizes up to 13 and the price points are on point (especially when they have BOGO). Quick tip: Always Google coupon codes before ordering for extra savings.

SHOES OF PREY

This is the bespoke leader for us as you can custom design shoes (in a plethora of styles) up to size 15 and they even have HALF SIZES. It's a super fun process and for a shoe that fits your foot specifically, the price points don't break the bank. They have also partnered with Nordstrom so that you can actually go into a store and build them onsite at select locations.

They have an amazing contest going on right now where you can win 52 pairs of custom shoes. What!?!? Absolute shoe Heaven. Check out the winner from last year (above) and make sure you enter...I know I am (crossing all my long fingers and toes).

Another bespoke option: Poppy Barley specializes in custom boots (they also have fantastic shoes) in sizes up to 13.

NORDSTROM RACK

Sugar pie, honey bunch...you know that I love you! I can't help myself...I love you and nobody else...I seriously break out in to song when I step up in this building (you can order online too). Racks on racks on racks on shoes at great prices and a lot of them in our size! You can actually walk in and cop a pair (usually pairs). Some stores even carry up to size 14 and they have large size shoes sales (let's change the name Nordy's) that are worth the wait in line.  Create an account and they will send you all of the info.

Don't see what you need at The Rack? Never fear. Go on Nordstrom.com for more options and they will send them right to you. They have a great selection (at higher price points than The Rack) up to size 14.

TORRID

Torrid has wide options, in great price points, up to size 13. Now, I have a narrow foot so I have never tried them on BUT I have many friends that have and love them! They have a little bit of everything and are definitely worth a try. I wish they made non-wide shoes because hunni, I would rock them to the hilt!

Want another wide option? Lane Bryant has shoes in sizes up to 12.

Now, there are my 5 (well really 10 but who's counting). I want to know your go-to shoe brand for us. Please leave it in the comments below:-) Share with your Tall sisters!

Jump for my Love

Jenni Denim Jumpsuit (shown in XL) - Alloy Apparel (limited quantities. See all Alloy TALL Jumpsuits HERE)/Pumps - Vince Camuto via Nordstrom (size 12)/Oversized Clutch and Shades - Target/Rings and Bracelet - Forever 21

You know as well as I do that jumpsuits come few and far between for us however Alloy Apparel has some amazing tall jumpsuits in inseams up to 37".

Take the Jenni Denim Jumpsuit. As you can see it's super long and doesn't give the dreaded camel toe. You can also stand as tall as you want to be because the body of the jumpsuit isn't too short (we can't have bad posture for anybody's ill cut jumpsuit).

I love a good Tall jumpsuit because they are a great, easy way to instantly look polished, are super comfortable and show off our tall, beautiful frames.

I chose to wear the Jenni in a little more of a "skinny jean" type of way but in general I usually order one size up in all Alloy tall Jumpsuits so keep that in mind when ordering.

Happy jumpsuit day! Well, I don't know if it really is but any day that we can find a jumpsuit is a happy one:)