by Nijah J. | Aug 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
When the thought/idea of polka dots comes to mind, immediately I think of two people: the cartoon character Betty Boop and the 80s rap artist Kwame! I am neither of them, but today I decided to take a fashion risk and rock some polka dots –something I had never done before. Now, I have worn a printed scarf or jewelry, but I tend to stay in the “safe” zone by sticking with solid prints with regards to clothes. (Part of me stayed away from bold prints because I thought they made me look bigger.) But today is a new day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The other day I went to my local Target to peruse their clearance racks. Since I can fit their misses department clothes, I frequent this store to see what I can find like I do my other favorite stores. However, I didn’t go in there looking for anything in particular…but then I saw this navy blue and white polka dot dress! I thought it was the cutest thing. The idea of it looking too big never entered my mind. I saw it, and for $7.48 and I wasn’t going to leave without it. They also had other similar styles and I bought those too! Clearance rack purchases are always guilty free! J
I paired it with a white cardigan from TJ Maxx and since the dress was kind of low in the front, I layered it with a salmon colored tank top. Most people wear red with polka dots, but I wanted to think outside of the box. Therefore, I pulled out my green pumps, and accentuated the pumps with green jewelry. Lastly, my nails were polished using Sally Hansen’s Melon Sorbet.
I received so many compliments off of this outfit. I had to pat myself on the back for being bold today. So, to all my plus size fashionistas, I encourage you to take fashion risks. This was my 1st time and I’m sure it won’t be my last!
Signed,
Nijah “Boop”
by Nijah J. | Aug 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
This open letter is to all my Team Double Digit ladies. Yes, we’ve all experienced this before. We’ve gone into a shoe store; asked to see a shoe in your size, only for the sales rep to say “We only go up to size 10.” *sighs*
As a youngster, I used to be so self-conscious about my feet. As a result, I wore sneakers all the time. It seems like once my feet started to grow, they didn’t stop. By the time I reached the 8th grade, I wore a size 12 shoe (problem #1).
If that wasn’t disappointing enough, the few stores that carried size 12s were few in number and the shoes were usually very chunky looking and not “hip” (problem #2). That changed a little when I got to college and hit the club scene. The store Nine West carried size 12s, but I had worn sneakers so much that I did not know how to even walk in heels (problem #3). Are you noticing a pattern here?
I eventually got the hang of walking in heels but my closet still wasn’t full of shoes due to problem #2. Then sadly, my local Nine West closed down. My only other alternative was Payless and they rarely carried cute shoes in my size. It seemed like the bigger the shoe, the cheesier it looked. Sometimes that still happens but for the most part, I have been able to find good, quality and fashionable flats, heels and boots for reasonable prices…and I like that! So shout outs to all the designers, labels and stores who realize the diversity in shoe sizes. Us size 11+ ladies can step in a mean shoe too!
These are the latest addition to my shoe collection!!!!! I can’t wait to wear these babies!!
by Nijah J. | Aug 12, 2013 | Uncategorized
Date Taken: 8/2/13
Time: 7:16pm
Place: Brooklyn, New York
Outfit Details:
Top: Target
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Payless
Clutch & Earrings: Ashley Stewart
“I’m poor, black, I may even be ugly…but dear God I’m here! I’m here!”
Those were the words that Celie, played by Whoopi Goldberg exclaimed to Mista as she rode off with Shug Avery and her husband. It was at this poignant moment that Celie victoriously snatched her power back from Mista’s clutches. For so long, she had been a victim of his verbal and physical abuse – and finally at this pivotal moment, the battle was over!!!!! Mista knew it and Celie knew it too!
That’s how I feel these days – free!! I’m no longer bound to the opinions of people. I’m no longer a victim of what happened in the past. I’m no longer this insecure fat girl. I don’t have to hide anymore. I’m me and it’s a beautiful thing.
This was my OOTD for a modeling gig. I dreamed of this moment. Tears nearly well up in my eyes as I hear that voice loud and clear in my ear that screams…”DEAR GOD, I’M HERE!!!!!
by Nijah J. | May 19, 2013 | Uncategorized
I remember when I was a little girl, my mom would always buy these Steno Note pads. In them, she’d practice cursive handwriting. I loved to see those swirly lines and curly qs and I’d try and mimic what she did in my own notebooks. Drawing lines and practicing creative ways to write my name were of interest to me- sometimes I still doodle!
I spent some time away, kind of shying away from this whole blogging thing again but with another nudge from a total stranger, I decided it was TIME! Yeah I journal in a notebook, but it’s time for me to share pieces of me with the world.
It’s funny how when you have mission inside of you, no matter how much you try to run away from it, it always has a way to come back and knock on your heart strings….just like a first love. They have a way of leaving footprints on your heart and it’s hard to get rid of those feelings…unless someone else comes along and shows you much more!
As I close, Bonnie had his Clyde, Jay-Z has his Beyonce, and me – well I, have my pen and pad! #andIlikeitlikethat 🙂
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