Have a looksey at this maxi skirt I scored at Lane Bryant. Trust, it will be worn a lot. It’s a new fav of mine. I rocked this at my Eden BodyWorks event this past weekend. Of course it was a hit. *pats self on shoulder*

I have to tell you, I feel so empowered when I try new things. Rewind my life to last year I would have never been wearing a skirt, let alone stripes. Today I am fearless with my closet.

We got up super early on a Sunday morning and caught some light around my Bmore hood. I’m soooo sad to be leaving my apartment but not those pesky folks on my stoop.

Check me out, LOL

Q: What new styles are you itching to try this fall season?

The post [style diary] I’m So Blue, pt1 appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

HEY READIES,

Real Quick! … soooooooooooooooo I’m moving to New York way sooner than I thought. Tomorrow to be exact. So I’m doing a rush packing job. Aka throw everything in bags and roll out. I will do a post about my next journey once life settles.

For now make sure you are following me on Twitter/Instagram – @gorgeousingrey. I will be posting items that have to go and I will be selling for crazy dumb cheap. So you may luck up with a cute dress or pumps. Or even a new bed spread from Crate & Barrel. LOL.

I am super excited about my next journey and I hope you continue to follow me as I follow my dreams. And maybe some of you are inspired too. XOXO

Me saying goodbye to Baltimore’s Farmers Market. (photo by MikaelAaron.com)

The post Happy Sunday, I’m moving to NY! Deets sooner or later appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

We often like to convince ourselves that our world is equal. Sure we’re not slaves anymore, and I am not running around fixing to fetch Master some tea, but our worlds are very separate. Especially in the fashion industry.

If you don’t believe me head over to the magazine section at your favorite bookstore. Have a peek inside of any magazine – OR just look at the cover. I’m usually not there. I am your average brown girl, cute – but not your typical fair skinned, tall, hair-weaved-all-down-my-back model type .. I’ve got curves. The kind of curves that make a man take a double look. The kind that make a casting director say, “You’re a bit larger than what we’re looking for.” Point blank – I am not white, slim, and pretty. Although the last adjective might be debatable.

[photo from IFB]

“have high-quality images, consistent posting schedules, spot-on design and unique style. There are many brilliant and well-done blogs whose authors and content provide a fresh and unique voice that’s also inclusive of more well-rounded audience.”

and that …

“In order for a more holistic image of fashionable women to permeate the top tier of blogging as well as traditional fashion media, there needs to be a serious commitment to higher-quality content, as well as a more committed approach to fostering their growth from brands and larger publications. At the moment, there aren’t enough blogs run by these types of women that get the notoriety they deserve.”

You know, I have to do a large LOL, and a huge le sigh at the above quotes. While I do agree with a large portion of the post I felt compelled (after a push from LoveBrownSugar) to write my own response rather than leave a comment on the IFB site.

It’s just silly and rather closed minded to think, or assume, that the reason why blogs run by women of color or size don’t get the notoriety we deserve is because our blog’s content sucks or it’s poorly designed. Simply put, it’s because I am not white, slim, and pretty.

The blogging industry is no different than corporate america. Women of color or size get passed over for numerous opportunities on a daily maybe even hourly basis. And until the powers that be understand and begin to realize the power of my influence, I believe this won’t change.

This is the reason why there’s a significant difference in the number of models of color used during fashion week. Or how white celebrities dominate the covers of fashion and lifestyle publications. I wrote a post last summer summarizing my thoughts on who’s really represented in the fashion industry — affectionately titled, Is Fashion Racist, Ageist, and Fattist?.

I ask that same question today and I say YES, it is! In order to get the notoriety we deserve we create our own networks, and publications. It would be nice if IFB highlighted more bloggers of color and size. Technically they are a part of the problem too. But kudos for having Iman as a keynote. Maybe change is near? #SHRUGS.

UPDATE (8/15/2012 10:58AM). First let me thank all of you for your comments, tweets, and emails. It’s encouraging to know that your voice is heard and truly understood. IFB has received a lot of backlash for this article. So much so that the founder decided to pen an open letter. In my opinion the letter does more harm than good.  One sentence stands out, mainly because it’s in bold – Being featured by another publication is a privilege, not a right. I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. And I am elated when I am featured on a site or in magazines because of my blogging efforts. But as a community of bloggers, as IFB claims to be, it’s OUR responsibility to immolate the diversity that exists in our world. Again these are JUST my opinions. Check out a few other posts around the blogosphere on this topic.

* Race, Body Image and the Conversation Bloggers Should Be Having by ThoseGraces.com 

* Breaking The Silence: A Response To “Bloggers & Body Image” by LoveBrownSugar.com 

* IFB Says Not Enough Women Who Aren’t Thin, Beautiful Have High Quality Blogs by GetOffMyInternets.com 

* Removing Myself from IFB by dreafashionista.blogspot.com 

* Diversity in the Blogging Industry by deejayspeaks.blogspot.com 

* Requesting Your Assistance by WardrobeOxygen.com

AND of course .. SOUND OFF below!

I LIVE ONLINE, LET’S CHAT: TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FACEBOOK | TUMBLR | BLOG UPDATES

The post White Slim and Pretty – But what about me! (my response to IFB’s Blogging and Body Image + the Founders Open Letter to YOU!) appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

Recently one of my favorite plus size brands, SimplyBe, invited me and a few other bloggers to get a sneak peak at their new fall collection. Although mother nature and I aren’t kickin’ it these days I am happily awaiting the days where I can throw on my sweaters, furs, and wool jackets.

This fall you will see a lot of designers bring a deeper palette. SimplyBe’s new collection embodies those perfect threads for a cultured curvy gal **points to self**. Check out some of my favorite pieces PLUS a few images of my good blogger friends. 

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FatshionInsider and StylishCurves

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GabiFresh and Nicolette Mason

LoveBrownSugar, StylishCurves, and Me

StylishCurves and LoveBrownSugar

I LIVE ONLINE, LET’S CHAT: TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FACEBOOK | TUMBLR | BLOG UPDATES

The post Let’s Shop for Fall Stuff with @SimplyBeUSA appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

I have to thank blogging for a lot of my style these days. I feel kinda pressure to live up to this confident big girl I’ve created. (Le sigh) But I think I’m doing a good job, yes? Wait don’t answer that. LOL.

I’ve got less than a week to finish my Big Fat Summer Challenge and I’m gonna try my best but … Anyways, here’s my maxi. This dress is from Old Navy and boy do I love her. Check it out!

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The post Big Fat Summer Challenge: To The Max appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

You know that moment when a magazine comes in the mail and you see your own face … I know it rarely happens to anyone but that just happened to me.

A few months ago I was contacted by the editor of BUST Magazine to submit pictures of myself in a fall look and give my trendcast for the upcoming season. I was super excited but I held my emotions in because it was still a submission. Meaning — no guarantee that my face would be in print. I called on my loves, Mikael Aaron, to take my pics and one rushed evening I stood in front of a window and snapped 4 pictures. I took all of 10 minutes. I typed up my snippet of what I believe to be this fall’s trends, pressed send and I WAITED. A few weeks ago I was notified that I made the cut, LOL.

Check out my trendcast and what I wore.

Neons and bright colors were all over the runway for fall 2012, and I definitely plan to buy a neon trench. So that you don’t look like a complete ’90s baby, you can pair your bright colors with muted shades for a bit of balance. 

And here are the outtakes from the shoot.

WHAT I WORE – Knit Sweater from GAP|Skirt from OLD NAVY|Booties from NINE WEST|Clutch from Steve Madden via TJ Maxx

The post *Cartwheels & Flips* – See my BUST Magazine Feature!! appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

For my next style challenge for #BFSC (catch up here), I decided to knock out two trends in the same post — short shorts and sleeveless tops. The sleeveless part isn’t a big deal at all. My arms have inherited a little extra flab but it’s like 109 degrees out. So. Umm. Yeah.

But these short shorts will probably never see the light of day as the saying goes. And although I was brave enough to photograph in a pair of short shorts, I’m not ready for the looks my hams will get. But regardless I still think I look kinda cute, so perhaps if you leave me comments and boost my ego I will rock it ….. one day. 

Simply Be Top|Forever21 short shorts|Nine West sandals|Wholesale Jewelry

[photo credit: MikaelAaron.com]

Check out Jasifer’s BFSC weekly summary from all the other bloggers participating. 

Q: So what new trends will you be sporting as we wrap up this summer season?

The post Big Fat Summer Challenge: Shorts Shorts & Sleeveless tops appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

As I was posting recaps for FFFWeek, I came across a really cute blog — http://www.jasiferlionsclub.com. Which I will admit I fell in love IMMEDIATELY.

I perused her site for about 10 minutes before I found this genius post with a super, cute, and doable style challenge. I am SO doing this one. I have until July 31 to complete it. I think I can do. Join me?

The post Big Fat Summer Challenge — I am so doing this, YAY @JasiferlionsC appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

I highly recommend that you at least attend this event next year during FFFWeek. I will go on record and say it was one of my favorite fashion shows EVER! And I’ve been to a many a fashion weeks.

EVERY SINGLE DESIGNER had several pieces that I loved and needed in my closet. Check a video & pics of my favorite looks from the show. 

AH-MAZING right! OMG I get gooseys watching it. Although I love them all I do have my favorites. Youtheary Khmer and Ashley Nell Tipton both rocked my socks off. I swear I was doing fashionable cartwheels quietly in my seat as I watched their collections.

Youtheary Khmer is such a spirit. One that you can relate to. One that’s been here before. She’s just freaking awesome and it shines through her collection. I love EVERY piece and I have a feeling that I will be purchasing a lot from her.

Ashley Nell Tipton is a newbie with raw talent. Her collection perfectly fused what plus size girls want. The size 2 shirt in a size 18 — same design please! I look forward to seeing her growth. 

I had a blast at this show. I wish all the indie designers the best of luck. I have a feeling you will be seeing them all soon!

The post [event recap, #SonsiFFFWeek] Indie Designer showcase appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.

For those close to me you guys know how much I truly hate all white. There is nothing about it that makes me feel sexy, happy, or confident. But I sucked in all of my own insecurities and partied with the oh-so-fab curvy divas, and my FFFWeek family.

I ended up wearing a DKNY linen dress which was still too big even after I had my bff’s mother take it in. I think I did a good job at masking how miserable I was. And can you believe 2 other people had the dress on. Le sigh. To top all of that off — of course Auntie Red decided to show up. Lawrd I was so nervous. But once again my roomies, Marie & Elann, got me through it.

Since I failed miserably at recapping this event (I left the cam in the hotel room) I though I would do a link round up from my fav curvy gals. Check it… 

Life & Style of Jessica Kane – I loved her pics. I only saw her one time, just before I crashed in a corner. Looks like they had a blast.

Plus Side of Me – How cute, she captured the blogger who received a proposal on the boat & became FFFWeek legend! *screams*.

Longuette - came in from Italy for the first time in the states. She was so adorable. I loved it.

MasqueMag.com – She always brightens my day. I loved her dress, very VA VA VOOM!

Curvatude — and captured some video, oh my at that mens fashion show … 

OOOOOH! Almost forgot. Here’s a few pics I found around Facebook of me and my curvy family. XOXO

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The post [event recap, #SonsiFFFWeek] Link Roundup for “Curves at Sea” All White Sunset Cruise appeared first on GorgeousInGrey.com.