Make It You....

When I am putting together what I plan on wearing to work, social engagements, religious events, or just to the store and shopping, I always try to make sure that my outfit represents who I am...the inner me (happy, fun, sexy, seductive, intelligent, sassy, and witty).

Sometimes we are slaves to fashion because "someone" tells us that it is fashionable. My suggestion to you is to be unique and an individual. Go for a classic look. It is interesting that the word "Classic" means (in the fashion sense) of enduring interest, quality, or style: a classic design; classic clothes. When putting together that next outfit make sure it is something that looks good on YOU. For us curvy girls we have a "classic" look all our own that varies from girl to girl. A great look for almost everyone is an outfit that enhances the good and distracts the eyes of onlookers from the parts we'd rather not reveal. Don't be afraid to try different cuts and styles. For those of us with a bit more around the mid-section, yet a healthy looking bosom, go for empire waist dresses and tops.

Don't like your arms, enhance them with long and/or loose sleeves. A cute style that I've noticed (works for me) are bell sleeves but not extremely long.

Before putting all these great ideas together remember that in order to have a sound structure (your outfit) you must start with a great foundation. A good foundation is like a good friend; it will stop you from embarrassing yourself while yet giving you room to be yourself. In other words the foundation piece (bottom, top, or full) you choose should give you room to move while keeping things smooth and appealing.

Who you are will show through your outfit and possibly even brighten your day more so knowing that you are letting your inner person shine through fabulous fashion choices, knowing that you are looking good!

Fabulously Yours,

Gretchen

Thank You!

I just want to send a very special thank you to my girls who are following all my blogs right now. I am so glad to get my stuff out there and so glad that I have your support.

Love & Hugs!

Ms.G

Body Shape Justify's Personality?

I'm just on my soapbox right now...I've been around many different women, plus size curvies, slim women, sorta slim, and waif-like, and there is one thing I've noticed the "skinny" ones (not trying to be offensive) have in common: a very stank attitude. They seem to be of the opinion that because they are skinny it doesn't matter what type of personality they have. Now I'm not saying this of all women who are not Plus Size; many of my friends who aren't Plus Size girls are nice and have great personalities. Yet there is the one thing I notice when some of them do see a Plus Size woman who isn't depressed over her curves they are rude and have stank attitudes. First I'd like to say "stop hatin'" and second, if you can stand tall and be proud of who you are why shouldn't we also. Our confidence isn't glass-like as some of the other non Plus Size girls'. We really do like ourselves.

On the same note we are all WOMEN and wonderful creations. Life and society are hard enough on us in general why hate on one another? Instead why not try building each other up; truly be sisters, sistahs, swesters (German), hermanas, and so forth. We are a formidable group already...stop being the division, Plus Size or Non Plus Size.

Be beautiful, bold; a REAL WOMAN

Mistress Material??

I've met many people in my life...some of which are men. Years pass as they normally do and people's lives change. When a life changing moment happens most people will share this information with you when you meet up with them again.

Most people do...

In my case I meet the men who don't relate this information. I must cloud their minds when we are talking. Today I spoke with an old "friend", who when I knew him before, was not married.

We chatted off and on over a period of 3 hours using Instant Messenger. Not once did he mention a wife.

When I related some details and that he should come and visit me, he tells me about the wife...

Ok

Wait a minute!!!

This is the third time in a year and a half...do these idiots have brain freezes or do they honestly think that I'm cool with the second place position....lord! half of them aren't my type anyways!!

Watch out ladies....there are some low punks out there!

Goals, Resolutions, Reflections....

Many are putting together a new list of resolutions since the turning of the year last night.  Some are beating themselves up because they did not follow through on the resolutions from 2008 fully.  But take a moment and reflect on where you are at this very moment; what helped you to get there; what steps did you take and did they prove beneficial?  If you are alive and reading this blog then I think that you made a great accomplishment for 2008...you are alive!  As my mother says "where there is life there is hope."  And with hope you can always accomplish a great many things but remember to recognize the small things that you do along the way to get to the big goal.

In the new year 2009 set small short term goals that eventually funnel into the larger goal you want to accomplish.  This will help you to feel better about yourself and what you are doing and plus you will build your self-esteem.

Organization is a big part of accomplishing things.  Make sure that you have your weekly road map to life (a paper or electronic planner), for example things you want to accomplish that week, things you need to accomplish that week and be reasonable with your list.  A good rule of thumb is to keep your daily task list to 5 things.  You will begin to see the progress and feel the satisfaction of truly living comfortably instead of overloaded and stressed out of your gourd.

So enjoy your life, keep pursuing your goals, build your self-esteem, and you will not only enhance your life but make it a life you want to live.

Drive-Thru Banking

OK I have a simple request to everyone who uses a drive thru banking machine...DRIVE THRU!

Oh good grief! Where I live they have put in more drive thru ATM machines as a convenience, not a digital version of the inside of the bank. I was recently at one of these behind a woman (and I'll complain about that fact a little later) who pulled up to the machine, got out of her car and began to use the machine. For goodness sakes lady the walk-up machine was only 10 paces away and she felt it was her right to waste other peoples time. No wonder men talk so badly about women and their idiosyncrasies. I felt embarrassed to be a woman.

Then there are the folks who drive monster vehicles and their window opens only to the top of the machine where the bank's sign is at.

Now here is another favorite of mine people who are horrible drivers and never learned to park or parallel park so their depth of perception is Nil. They drive up to the ATM Machine and have about five feet of distance between their car door and the ATM. Next usually these "special" individuals have passengers but actually at times like this they behave like rock climbing teams. The driver will hang out the car window and reach to put in their ATM Card and pass code while the passenger is holding their ankles trying to balance them in the car.

Now how many of you have watched the folks in line in front of you and they have now taken 15 minutes on the drive -thru and then to add insult to injury just when you think they have finished their "banking" their passenger hands them another card and the horror starts all over again, but you cannot leave because you are trapped in a single line and there is another car behind you.

I have one suggestion to all those folks out there who do dumb stuff like this...go inside the bank or walk up to the ATM for pedestrians. Who knows, I complain and write about it, others may take out their rage on you in the middle of trying to figure out if you want a receipt or not...lol

What's On Your Mind?

Now that I have the blog and I am conveying my thoughts to you on a weekly basis, it is quite different from the norm, since I am used to writing once every other month.


But since this great medium is being used, I'd like to know what is on your mind about fashion for the plus-size ladies. Many times I have been shopping at my local Avenue store and come across women having a tough time finding what works for them, or just not sure if they look ok. This is what helps me write my articles that many of you are enjoying.


So my blog today is a request for input from you, our readers of VENOM Magazine and anyone else. Send me your thoughts; what outfits make you feel powerful, do you need help finding ones that do, or just tell me what is on your mind.


Thanks Ladies....


Thought for the Day: "You'll never really know what you are capable of if you quit before you give it a good try."