What I NEED For Spring

This weekend is my seasonal closet shift. I think I got Goodwill pile happy last season, because there are A LOT of pieces missing from my wardrobe. (I threw in a few things that I WANT too...of course.)


1. Old Navy Women's Plus Double Weave Blazer retail: $44.94 sale: $39.50
2. Lane Bryant Short Sleeve Denim Jacket retail: $59.95
3. DSW Birkenstock Women's Arizona Birkoflor Sandal in Black retail: $69.95
(I travel a lot during the summer. Birkenstocks are comfy to walk in. I need them for Disney World in July.)
4. Kohls Sag Harbour Tiered Crinkle Skirt retail: $44.00 sale: $30.80
5. Torrid Emily Khaki Steen Roll Up Tab Cargo Pant retail: $48.00

I have to look through all my totes and boxes. These are main staples of my spring into summer wardrobe. I would hate to have to repurchase them...but it will give me an excuse to shop. *Reminder ~ to go by that new Marshall's on the way home.*

Plus Size TV Commericals

My husband noticed some commercials that use plus size women spark a lot of controversy. Brands are showing more of the plus size body than the public is used to. Lately a lot of commercials have been banned from daytime television due to being too racy for television; there are certain times these commercial can be aired. I like Lane Bryant's commercial. It shows a woman meeting her boyfriend in her bra, panties and a trench coat. Makes me want to go get a trench coat!

This commercial was banned, but you can see it online.

Serena has a shape men and women fantasize about. She's a great tennis player and has brought fashion to the tennis world. She is comfortable with her muscular curvy frame. Yes...some of Serena's outfits can be questionable (What was she thinking?) I would like her to make a new commercial so her fans and people who look up to her can view her in a positive light.

Takia

Miredy is a Smooth Criminal

Hi, hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!

 Today, I am going to blog about a Michael Jackson impersonator we have on the island. Michael was my favorite singer and I found a beautiful young girl from Puerto Rico that imitates him.

 I was introduced to her by my friend and co-worker, Gladys Rodríguez. Her son, Christian, is one of her backup dancers. Her name is Miredy Rivera from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and she's eleven years old. Her show, dance and its projection makes you believe you are actually experiencing the emotion that Michael Jackson caused us when he was alive.

Miredy Rivera

Miredy has never taken dance classes; her talent and stage presence is as natural as breathing. After Michael Jackson died, Miredy was at The Normandie Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico where she stood up on a stage and danced a small choreography to pay tribute to Michael. This is how her journey as a Michael Jackson impersonator began. She has so much passion and commitment, that you can see it in her videos as her magical talent is reflected in her performance.

Like Michael, Miredy has made it her mission and responsibility to bring a message of peace, love and protection for our world. She has been on many shows and has done concerts to collect money for the people in Haiti. She has a heart of gold! Miredy is so lucky her parents support her on her journey. God bless you, thank God for people like you in this world. I wish you all the luck in the world!!

Miredy with an Elvis impersonator in Night of Kings at The Conquistador Hotel in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Blessings to all,

Marta

LOTD: Torrid Must Be My Lucky Star

Last week, Torrid had their 50%-80% off clearance. I don't shop at Torrid UNLESS it's something I really really really want or they have one of their killer clearance sales. Their prices have jumped a little and I'm always looking for a deal.

It's a rainy day here in Indianapolis. It's supposed to rain ALL weekend...like all the rivers are at flood levels. So I decided since it's Friday; it is a fun day. So I rocked the TWA (teeny weenie fro for all yawh that don't know), t-shirt and jeans.

Madonna Tee: Torrid Clearance $8.99, Necklace: Methodist Hospital Gift Shop: $5

 

Jeans: Z Cavarichi Torrid Clearance $14.99. (need to get them hemmed)



Cheryl (a co-worker) & I

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

So You Think You Can Dance

Hi, today’s blog is a fun one. Who doesn’t like to dance? Almost everyone. On the Island we have Salsa, Merengue, Plena and Belly Dancing among others. This last dance caught my eye because it's not common here and not everyone can do this. The dancer needs certain qualities in his/her natural disposition, in his/her physical constitution and character and in his/her performance. 

Susan with belly dancers Darlyl Montaez and Tracey Ortega

I was on Facebook one day and to my surprise I found a beautiful plus size belly dancer from Puerto Rico. I know her because I have her as a friend on Facebook. Her name is Susan Santana, a lovely girl from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. I contacted her and she was gracious enough to tell me her story as a plus size belly dancer. I was in shock to see this beautiful plus size girl dancing. Susan has so much grace; I don’t impress easily and this girl impressed me. 

She told me while she was at the University, she met up with a childhood friend named Stephanie, who told Susan she gave Belly Dancing classes. Susan decided to give it a shot and  loved it. It makes her relax and she's lost some weight. 

Last month she had the honor of dancing for an ex-governor of Puerto Rico, Sila Maria Calderon. The ex-governor sent for her and told her she was one of the best dancers there. She was so happy because it was her birthday and this was the best present. 

Susan, Darlyl, Tracey and Sila Maria Calderon, ex-governor of Puerto Rico.

Susan wanted me to write this message from her, “for anyone that is reading this, I want you to know that you can control your mind, because the mind is powerful. Love yourself the way you are, with your virtues and defects, because nobody is perfect. If you have a dream, go for it. Try it because this is the only way you will know if you could do it. You can show others that you and all the plus size girls can do what they want because they are talented just like anyone else. Our dreams have to go one more size!!!!” 

I loved her message, my eyes teared up because she is doing what I always say you should do. PERSEVERE and NEVER give up your dreams!!!! I wish Susan the best of luck because she is brave enough to pursue her dreams!

Blessings to all,

Marta

LOTD & Weekend Love Mash Up: Roc Da Mic Media Day

I don't post a lot of pictures of myself on the blog. You know when I look at my own pictures, I cringe. Not that I don't think I'm gorgeous, I just cringe disbelief...that's what I look like. I can't explain it. AND I can't find my tripod and my fiance is a HORRIBLE photog! I feel left out sometimes...so many blogger routinely do LOTD. I'm going to try!

 

Anyhoo...it was cold and rainy today, but I felt like putting on a mini. I helped one of our (Aesthetic Design Style) clients sell tickets for his fashion show tomorrow. I thought I looked kinda cute.

Shirt: Old Navy, Denim Skirt: Torrid, Necklace: JCPenney, Shoes: Shoe Carnival

I definitely need to work on some LOTD post. I did score some great clearance buys at K&G Fashion Superstore today!!! I can't wait to get into that stuff....PLUS the goods I got from Torrid on Friday from their 50% clearance sale. My fiance says I have an addiction...no I just can't turn down a good sale!

Lovelace in the City: Online Dating

Hello World!

I want to talk about the interesting world of online dating! As a single person, I am open to the idea of meeting men in unconventional ways; such as online. The whole bump into each other at the grocery store or gym scenario just hasn't worked for me yet, so until then, I will be entertained by meeting men through the internet. I know several people who have met, dated, and married men they met online. I figure, why not give it a shot!

A few months ago, my friend bullied me into signing up to an online dating site. I started receiving messages within the first few days of having my profile set up. I will admit, I was excited and open to the process...until the first message came from a man old enough to be my grandfather! Eewww! I made an effort to be VERY specific about what I was looking for, including the age range 23-36. Anyone over the age of forty is TOO old. I’m not going to even think about why a sixty-year old man wants to date a 28 year-old? I’m still disgusted at the thought.

My experience with the site did not get much better after that. I was ready to cancel my membership after the first month, but my wonderful friend encouraged me to keep my membership until it expired, which was six months later.

Grandpa was the first of MANY old men to send messages and flirts, followed by men from other countries (not really my cup of tea!)...then there were men with three or more kids. Don’t get me wrong, there were some that could have potential, but they did not pay for their membership and had very limited access. So limited, in fact, they could not even send a message, just a “flirt” message. I received so many of those messages; I finally put on my profile page, No Flirt Messages! After a few months of this, I was so excited when my membership expired. Since I had such a horrible experience, you would think I would stay off online dating sites. Nope, not me! I think I am gluten for punishment.

I experimented with another site that is SUPPOSED to be for dating, but seems to be more for “hooking up”. The messages I receive on that website are at first flattering, and then turned appalling, very quickly. They start as “how are you” to “nice ass, nice boobs”. At this point, I never respond to the messages, I just use it as simple entertainment. Unfortunately, online dating has not worked out; I guess it’s back to hoping to bump carts at the grocery store or reaching for the same weight at the gym to meet my Mr. Right!

Always remember, love yourself first and laugh at the fools who don’t!

XOXO Angel