The Power Play Podcast

As many of you know, I worked in professional sports for 13 seasons. I stood nearly courtside, in the visiting team’s tunnel within the historic Oracle Arena and was part of a team of people that managed the entertainment experience of the game. It was an amazing vantage point. Not only did I get to see the plays that happened on the court, I was also a piece of the Power Plays that happen off the court or field.

It was a privilege to see and be a part of the lifestyle movement of sport. In particular, the entrepreneurial side of athletics is booming. Power Players are using sport to take their careers to new heights, create change, innovate and build ventures that will outlast the shine of any season. While there are Power Players making these moves every single day, their stories are seldom told…until now.

Listen to The Power Play Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher. Join 500,000 people and subscribe to The Athletic for the full casts including bonus footage of the Power Play podcast, exclusive content and in-depth coverage of all teams.

I have partnered with The Athletic to bring you the real stories of the Power Players of sport in The Power Play Podcast. Through dynamic interviews, I will show you a side of sports you have never seen before. I have an amazing lineup and I can’t wait to share it with you. As a matter of fact, I don’t have to because the first episode is here!

Derrick Robinson, aka the Golden State Warriors official DJ, D-Sharp, is the epitome of a Power Player. I could rattle off all of his amazing accomplishments but why do that when we have this amazing podcast? The debut of the official Power Play intro that was created by Derrick and Oakland artist Kev Choice is also in the episode. Clearly, there are so many reasons to press play.

Listen to Episode 1 | DJ D Sharp of The Power Play Podcast with Alicia Jay.

I am incredibly grateful to Taneka Smothers, Brian Smith and the entire team at The Athletic for giving me this incredible opportunity to share this remarkable view of sports. I would also like to give a huge thanks to all of my guests and future guests on The Power Play Podcast. Last but certainly not least, I will be forever appreciative to Marcus Thompson for bringing my name to the table, for his mentorship and his continuous belief in me. Thank you, Marcus.

And as with every single thing that I do, thank you God. Literally nothing is possible without you.

And now. The debut of The Power Play Podcast…

Photographer Ariel Nava took the amazing photos for The Power Play launch. Check out his outstanding work HERE.

Listen to the first episode of The Power Play Podcast HERE.

Length Check

Biker Jacket - Tall Girls/Leather Look Leggings (36") - Tall Girls/Pumps (size 12) - Calvin Klein via Nordstrom Rack/Shirt and clutch - Target

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith (her new site is BOSS by the way)

My photographer LaKeela is a saint. She shoots me all of the time and I am so thankful! She also acts as my friend-therapist sometimes and this shoot was no exception.

When we shot this look I was really having a hard time seeing myself with my natural hair. I hadn't rocked it for a minute and quite frankly was uncomfortable. I felt awkward in every photo. Silly me.

It's been some weeks since this shoot and I actually had a hard time picking photos because I loved all of them! This is the longest I have had her out and I can honestly say that for the first time in my life I really, actually love my hair. Furthermore, I really don't care what others think about my hair.

That, my friends, is very freeing.

You see, I have always felt pressure to JUST wear it natural and I have always felt pressure to JUST rock the weave because I was afraid what people would say either way. being 100% certain that I don't care what people say about my pelo is incredibly freeing. I cannot express to you how great I have been feeling. We are all works in progress. I continue to work hard on my confidence every single day. This was a breakthrough for the books baby!

So guess what? My hair, like my style, has no box around it. I will define it as I see fit and can't nobody stop me!

Now for the fabulous fit. Tall Girls out of the UK is doing their thang yall! I love their fall line of tall clothes and shoes and wear this biker jacket and Leather Look Leggings on the regular. They are both cut just right and both go with everything, Two must have pieces for tall-fall.

One thing about the leggings that I specifically love is the thick waistband. It really gives you shape and keeps the leggings up. Nobody wants a saggy pair of leggings boo.

So that's my story and I'm stickin to it...have a great week beautiful!

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:-)

If The Shoe Fits

LTS Malta Lace Up Sandal - Long Tall Sally(size 12)/TTYA X LTS Origami Flower Wrap Dress - Long Tall Sally (size 10)

Photo Credit: Lakeela Smith Photography

Growing up, I was called every single name associated with the word giant, which included big foot. Ignorant people can say some really ridiculous things and when they saw my long feet, it was definitely a chance to highlight them negatively in every way.

Not only did they make fun of the size of my feet, they also made fun of my shoes because I couldn't find the cool kicks that everyone was wearing in my size. Trends were not an option. I rocked men's basketball shoes for a majority of the time and of course that made me a target for more teasing.

In addition to the teasing about the size of my feet, I also didn't like the shape of them and refused to wear heels because why would I add to the ridicule? Both limited my shoe choices in unnecessary ways.

Unfortunately, I internalized the nasty lies they (and I) were telling me about my height, shape and size of my feet for many years. I even tried wearing sizes that were too small for me. Thankfully, my Mom hunted down some options in my high school years that definitely helped and got me through until retailers started providing more options for us.

Check out this video that explores the question;  how many women are wearing the wrong size shoes?

Long Tall Sally has an amazing, vast inventory of shoes in our sizes. They carry up to size 15 which is unheard of for 99% of shoe stores. Pretty much any occasion you have, they have a shoe for it that is perfect and actually fits the way that it's supposed to.

Take these LTS Malta Lace Up Suede Sandals. Not only do they go with the TTYA X LTS Oragami Wrap Dress perfectly, the fit is fabulous (no hanging of the toe off the front of the shoe), they hit 4 summer shoe trends (suede, fringe, lace up and block heel) and can be worn in so many ways. This shoe definitely should be worn in every way this season.

Check out this video look book featuring many of the Long Tall Sally summer footwear options on the beautiful Donya-Patrice Campbell.

The moral of the story? Rock shoes that fit, are fab and express exactly what you want them to. Don't let others, and especially yourself, limit anything that you want to wear. Your style is an expression of you. Convey your message to the world in any way you darn well please. I am blessed to have found my voice and pray the same for every woman in the world! Be YOU. Stand Tall every day, in every way!

Today Long Tall Sally launched their If The Shoe Fits campaign that brings all of our unnecessary struggles with shoes to the forefront and help you find the perfect fit. In fact, there is a guide to finding the perfect fit, links to their amazing summer shoe collection, some very awesome Shoefie inspiration from bloggers across the country. Last, but certainly not least, there is a chance for you to win a free pair every month. Yes, you read that right! You could win a free pair of shoes every month for an entire year!

So right now, throw all of your limitations about your feet out the window and find the Shoe That Fits!

#MoreShoeToLove #IfTheShoeFits #LongTallMe #LongTallSally

Orange Crush

Abstract Chevron Palazzo - Taller Than Your Average for Long Tall Sally (Shown in size 12. On sale for $65)/Roll Neck Jersey Top - Long Tall Sally (Shown in a medium. 1 for $35 or 2 for $55. Come in 6 color options.)/BFT Celena Patent Ankle Boot - Long Tall Sally (Shown in size 12. Comes in sizes up to 14.)/Hat - Forever 21

Photo Credit: Lakeelah Smith Photography

Growing up, I always thought that wide leg pants would make me look taller and guess what...they do boo. They bring attention to the length of those long legs (especially when wearing a print). Now. my younger self ran from this because why in THE HECK would I want to look taller? However, I now know what a blessing this height is and why not highlight the gifts that God gave you?!?

The Abstract Chevron Palazzo is the perfect pant to accentuate your tall, beautifulness (it's a word in the Alicia dictionary:) They are cut exceptionally well, have a bold vertical print and the fabric flows like a crisp, clean river (too much Alicia). But seriously...these pants are amazing. They are one of my favorite pieces from the latest Taller Than Your Average for Long Tall Sally Collection. They are always HOT and I always want every single piece (winning that for life would be like hitting the lottery). I can't wait to see what's next.

I paired it with a hat, some killer patent ankle boots (that go up to 14) and one of the LTS Basic pieces that I love (and have in multiple colors), The Roll Neck Jersey Top. Just in case you didn't know, Long Tall Sally has amazing basics that are long and will expand your wardrobe in many ways. They enable you to have a proper fitting foundation and that is half the battle in dressing Tall.

Bottom line. Wear what you love, love what you want and leave the self-doubt behind you where it belongs. You are wonderfully made...never forget it!

Meet MARGE

Today I want to introduce you to my new friend MARGE. She is elegant, one-of-a-kind, tall and beautiful. MARGE is a brand new line of tall clothing created by 6’1” fashion fatale, Kaersten Cooper.

Today’s look features the MARGE Gitte Silk Print Top. I cannot express how amazing this piece feels and the fit is impeccable. Like the entire line, the Gitte is not your run-of-the-mill garment. It is a top that is exclusively tall and exquisite. Now, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t point out that the price points are higher than clothes that I usually spotlight on TallSWAG but the line really is groundbreaking and something I feel that every tall woman should know about. 

Gitte Silk Print Top - MARGE/Joggers (36") - Long Elegant Legs/Heather Snakeskin Heel - Christian Siriano for Payless (up to size 13. On sale for $15)/Sunnies and neck piece - Forever 21/Clutch H&M

Photo Credit: Meg Russell

Recently I had the pleasure of having a ladies' lunch with the amazing creator of this leading edge tall line and here is what she had to say about her beloved MARGE…

ALICIA JAY: Where did your inspiration for MARGE come from?

KAERSTEN COOPER: MARGE is inspired by my grandmother. She was a fashion illustrator in the 30’s and 40’s. She has been my inspiration from a very early age. Although at her top height she was 4’11,” and I quickly grew past her, I was always very inspired by her because she was always incredibly creative, driven and very sure of herself. She was the ultimate female role model for me and always encouraged me to embrace my differences such as height. She told me it was a gift, a blessing and told me that clothes can fit you in a way that won’t fit other women. I look fondly at her teachings. She not only inspired the brand, she inspired me to embrace my elevated perspective every day.

Check out this video of The Story of MARGE in motion. Below are the sketches that creator Kaerston Cooper shared with me at our ladies lunch. I was honored that she shared this precious memory of her grandmother Marjorie Boldt with me.

AJ: How did you come up with MARGE as the name for your brand?

KC: Marjorie is my grandmother’s name but I actually decided to name the brand after her the day that I found some love letters that she had written to my grandfather while they were courting. They were wrapped in fabric and each letter was signed XO MARGE. Before then I only knew her as Marjorie and in a way MARGE was like the younger version of my grandmother that I didn’t know. That resonated with me and I embraced that as the name for my tall brand.

AJ: What an amazing story! Your grandmother sounds like an amazing woman.

KC: She definitely was! Even though she didn’t give me my height, she gave me an appreciation for it. In many ways she gifted me a lifelong love story of empowerment, unconditional love and the power to be expressive and thoughtful. I tried to bring everything from my relationship with my grandmother into the line. Every detail from the opening of the garment box to wearing the pieces, I tried to make it an emotional experience that you can see, touch and feel.

This is the box that every MARGE order comes in. I absolutely love all of the details of the brand.

AJ: I would say that you achieved the experience in every way. On top of the experience, what message do you want MARGE to convey to tall women?

KC: Our goal at MARGE is to create a community of and an appreciation for, this amazing bountiful life. Even outside of height. Yes, we live a Life Up Here but we live a beautiful, multidimensional life. We are very dynamic. Tall women are strong, successful, smart and talented. It’s more than being tall but tall is one of the strongest assets you have.

AJ: That is quite a message and I couldn’t agree more! Why did you use fashion to convey this message?

KC: I have always been inspired by fashion and fashion has been in my life since day one. My grandmother taught me how to sew and my mother and aunt made all of their clothes and my mother made all of my clothes as well. When I entered college I felt like I was being put into a box career wise but it came to a point where I knew it wasn’t my passion. I didn’t fit and felt very empty. I knew I always had a love for fashion and after college I jumped in and never looked back.

AJ: I admire your fearlessness to pursue your passion! Why a tall line specifically?

KC: I just saw a real massive void in the market for elegant tall clothing with rich textures that you can easily transition from day to night and do so in a very elegant and sophisticated way. There are some silhouettes that are really simple and very classic that enable the woman who wears them to infuse her own personality into the look. You can add your own flare and make the pieces yours. They invite the MARGE woman to express herself through the elegant, easy to wear options.

This live lookbook is everything. I seriously love everything but the ANJA dress is ridiculously awesome. Swooon! Side note: The shoe selection in this video is perfect for each look. Love the styling and feel of this video.

AJ: You can definitely see that attention to detail in the line. How long did it take you to create the debut line of MARGE from start to finish?

 KC: That’s a good question…a long time! I started almost 5 years ago and that was just coming up with the brand concept and what MARGE needed to look and feel like. It then took a mountain of a business plan, hundreds of fabric trade shows in places from Paris to New York, endless fittings with fit models from 5’9” to 6’5” and an immense amount of work to make MARGE what is it today. It was a long process but I wanted to be really thoughtful about it and launch when we felt it was complete and right. We also had to do a ton of research to see what is out there. I think there are some great options for tall women but we wanted to come out with a line in a different way, in a different fashion and that took some time.

AJ: Thank you for the taking the time because the line is truly beautiful. Will it always be online or will we have a chance to buy MARGE in stores?

KC: There will be some opportunities to be up close and personal with MARGE. We are planning on pop-up shops and we’ve got some great ideas on how to create a more intimate setting for people to experience the line and also what is behind the brand. In many ways we are redefining the fit for tall. Our measurements are different than the standard tall measurements. Having an opportunity for women to come and experience that first hand is essential. 

The MARGE Clothing fit.

AJ: I can’t wait for those…I love a great pop-up shop! Now that your first line of MARGE has finally arrived, what is your favorite part about it?

KC: My favorite part would be getting the reaction from clients, actually seeing the garments on them and seeing how my vision enhances lives through fashion. It feels great to adorn a tall woman’s body with fabulous clothes and to see her face light up because the clothes enhance the beauty that she already has. That is why I love what I do and I would not be doing anything else.

AJ: What reaction have you been getting from clients about the brand?

KC: A lot of the feedback has been about the fabrics in a sense that they are ones that they have never seen before, or haven’t necessarily been catered to their tall frame. From our silks to jacquards, we have definitely been getting positive feedback on our one-of-a-kind fabrics. Another great thing is the fit. Clients are giving us positive feedback on our fit modifications in our pants, arm and body length. It’s more of a surprise and a thanks from people for bringing something to the market that didn’t exist.

AJ: Where do you see MARGE in the future?

KC: I’m really excited for MARGE. We have so many exciting things coming up. We are already in production for Spring 16 with more size offerings and beautiful options. We are looking to possibly be in stores that are in line with our brand and are growing in leaps and bounds every day!

It was truly a pleasure to interview Kaersten. The line is beautiful and I can't wait to see what MARGE has for us next! Make sure you let me know what you think about the line in the comment section and for the most up-to-date information on MARGE, including shopping the Fall 15 line, visit MargeClothing.com.

Don't forget to follow MARGE on Instagram:-)