Every Rose Has Its Thorn

These jeans are only $39.99. I could just leave that right here and stop the blog because when have you found a jean that fits, with a 37” inseam, at that price lately? But where I am at right now, I can’t just talk about the clothing because there is SO MUCH going on in my life. Jeans are great. We need to clothe our body. These are fabulous, have amazing stretch and beautiful embroidery but I can’t just stop at the denim.

I want to use the rose detail to convey a truth that has revealed itself in my life:

every rose has its thorn.

I am happier than I have been in years but there are a lot of unknowns in my life that sometimes keep me awake. I am still single, building an unseen empire, hustling like I never have before and mourning some of the changes that have happened over the last 8 months. It’s been a cornucopia of emotions. Incredible highs and odd lows that I had never felt before all wrapped up in a beautiful package of purpose. I hang on to my vision knowing that is is strong, prosperous and regardless of the current foggy view, will prevail.

When I followed God’s prompt to move and begin, I thought that meant a flawless walk in the steps He had created for me but the truth is, there is no such thing as flawless. In fact, when you follow God more often than not, all of the rough spots become intense. When you are walking in what you were made to be, opposition is at it’s strongest. You can call it a test. You can call it distraction. You can call it an attack from Satan himself. Whatever you want to call it just know that you have to push through it. It’s not an end, it’s a lesson that needs to be learned in order for you to continue down the path that was made for you.

When it comes to anything in life, expect the thorns and embrace them. Nothing you will ever experience that is real and true will be without the prick of something that is perceived as unpleasant. Don’t run from the growth, feel every part of it and use it to strengthen your design.

Currently growing. Currently feeling. Currently becoming who He needs me to be. 

You gotta love a dusty booty from the concrete wall lol. I could have photoshopped it out but it was too much work and plus, who cares that I have dust on my butt from the wall (insert shrugging emoji here).

Photos by Lakeela Smith

Tall Powerstretch Sofia Skinny (shown in size 13 with a 37” inseam) - Alloy Apparel

Too Tall to Model

Me at 16:-)

This contest is now closed. Thank you for all of your amazing entries. Stay tuned for more from Alloy Apparel.

I have been modeling since I was very young. As I grew, modeling agencies started telling me that I was too tall to model. They told me that they loved my look but that nothing could fit me off the rack and thus I couldn’t be a model. This continues to happen to this day.

There are many problems with this false reasoning. Not only should there be clothing for all body types represented in the fashion industry, telling someone that height is holding them back is ridiculous. Any woman at any time should be able to thumb through a magazine or runway and see clothes that fit her and someone that looks like her. While there have been many strides made, there are still so many women and body types that remain unrepresented.

Recently I was blessed with the opportunity to model for Alloy Apparel. Not only did everything fit like a glove, I felt completely seen and heard. Alloy gets it. They understand that there is a void in fashion and they are doing their part to fill it. It’s an opportunity that I will always be thankful for and you have the chance to do it too!

Alloy Apparel just launched their model search. They are looking for new faces. It’s a great opportunity for us and I hope that you enter. Check out the logistics below. I straight up copied and pasted them so you get all of the accurate details:-)

Alloy Apparel's first model search! Show us your best pose and tag us @alloyapparel on Instagram with the hashtag #myalloy

Winner Receives:

• Flight and accommodations  

• Professional hair and make up

• Photoshoot to be the face of our next collection

Rules:

• Ages 18+ 

• Sizes 4-24 and 5'9" or taller

• Must be able to fly to California 

• Must be from the Continental US 

• THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR MORE FROM ALLOY APPAREL.

Here is another fun BTS photo from the shoot. It was so much fun! Can we talk about how beautiful Jamie Lea is though! Check out my story about the shoot in my instagram highlights.

I can’t wait to see your entries! Opportunities like this may seem small but every movement towards change for the inclusion of all women in the fashion industry is one that needs to be celebrated. A win for one of us, is a win for all of us.

Best of luck in the contest but if you don’t get picked, DO NOT GIVE UP! The people who need to see you, will. Your opportunities are coming. Continue to move your feet and your purpose will unfold in the exact way that it should. You are set apart and will achieve exactly what you were meant to conquer. Don’t let anyones perceived limitations stop you from being who God created you to be!

My First Style Segment

I updated the last post with this video but just in case you didn't see it...this is my first style segment on Good Day Sacramento!

It was such an amazing day! My beautiful friends slayed the segment and we had a blast. It is truly a blessing to be surrounded and loved by all of the dynamic, successful women in my life.

We also got to meet the ridiculously gorgeous (inside and out) Goapele. We all definitely had official fan girl moments.

I am just so thankful to Carly, Monica, Monique and Lameka for doing this. It meant and means so much to me! I mean...just look at their beautiful, tall selves. I couldn't have done it without them! 

To check out their looks...click the pics!

Carly. 6'2". Click photo for details. 

Monique. 6'5". Click photo for Details.

Monica. 6'1". Click photo for Details.

Lameka. 6'2". Click photo for Details. 

My dear friend Nikki (you may have seen her on MGL) went above and beyond for this segment. Her support means the world to me! She did all of the makeup for the segment and took amazing photos and videos after. I am so thankful for her talents but more importantly, beyond grateful for her friendship. 

Nikki Notarte Artistry

The entire day felt like one of those moments where you literally feel God doing His work. I was working right within my purpose all day, He showed me the love that He has created all around me and He certainly started my 37th year on this earth with a bang so I can't wait to see what He does next!

I am forever grateful to Good Day Sacramento for having us on the show. It was an amazing start to what I know will continue to flourish. My friend Courtney Dempsey is the real MVP for setting the whole segment up. I look up to you in so many ways. Thank you from the bottom of my tall heart:-)    

Long Tall Sally Dress (last season) | Eleanor Anukam Pumps (shown in size 12)

Please let me know what you think about the piece (comment below or email info@TallSWAG.com). Personally, I am cutting it up and studying it like game film. We must always do, learn and improve.

Also, if you have any ideas/connections for more pieces, please let me know. I mean...a closed mouth doesn't get fed lol. I am here for all of the constructive criticism, suggestions and connections:-)

Thanks for reading about this awesome day...I can't wait to share many more with you!

Good Day Sacramento

November 30th not only marks my birthday, it will now also be known as the day that I recorded my first style segment on Good Day Sacramento. I am so incredibly thankful for the opportunity and here it is! Drumroll please...

Now for the deets! Neutrals will be taking over this season and to celebrate the trend, I styled 4 Tall looks that go a little somethin like this:

 ISSA WRAP

Carly (6'2") rocked a Tall wrap dress from Alloy Apparel. The arms are super long and the midi actually hits where a midi is supposed to. The shoes are by House No. 3028. You can order any shade of nude in sizes up to 13. In addition you have the option for a 2"-5" heel and a matte or shine finish. 

SPORTY SPICE

Monique (6'5") beautified an all black look with a little edge to it. The jumpsuit is from Height Goddess and is built just for our tall frames. It's not available right now but here are some options from asos and Long Tall Sally. The asos Tall leather look jacket and BRASH sneakers (up to size 13) completed this look.

PS. Neva, eva, eva, eva buy Payless Shoes without googling a coupon code or waiting for a BOGO. Also, you can order online and get them shipped to the store for free. I always order all the styles that I like, try them on in the store and return the ones I want right on the spot. 

SWEAT EQUITY

High necks and belled sleeves are both on-trend this season. With this tall sweater dress from Long Tall Sally you get both! Monica (6'1") served this navy piece (up to size 18) with a belt and these killer over-the-knee boots from Smash Shoes (they are REALLY over-the-knee and up to size 14). A simple, chic look that will never go out of style.  

COAT OF ARMS

Now you know it's hard to find a coat that keeps those wrists warm and hunni asos has one straight from heaven. Lameka (6'1") slayed it on Good Day with some 36" Height Goddess Jeans, a roll neck top from LTS and some beautiful Smash booties (up to size 14). Check out these jean options from asos, LTS, Alloy Apparel, Doubs Clothing and Amalli Talli.  

As for me...I have on a Long Tall Sally dress from last season and a pair of Eleanor Anukam heels (size 12).

A segment like this really takes a village to execute and let me tell you...my village is gorgeous and strong! Thank you to my dear friends Carly, Monique, Monica and Lameka for shutting these looks all the way down, my ace Nikki Notarte for always having my back and enhancing all of our beauty with her talents and last but certainly not least Courtney Dempsey for making all of this possible! God has really placed some incredible people in my life. I am blessed in every single way!

Let me know what you think about the piece. Also, if you have any ideas/connections for more pieces...please let me know. I mean...a closed mouth doesn't get fed lol. I am here for all of the constructive criticism, suggestions and connections:-) 

Easy Like Monday Morning

Madison Faux Leather Trim Straight Leg in 37" inseam - Alloy Apparel/Tall Ruched-Side Boatneck Tee - Alloy Apparel/Amber in Metallic Silver (shown in size 12) - Smash Shoes/Crossbody Satchel - The Limited

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

I'm tired y'all. I mean...TIRED.

Right now I am in the middle of the busiest part of the season. We are blessed to be in the Finals again and with every blessing, there is great responsibility. With great responsibility there is a lot of work and with a lot of work there is a lack of sleep.

Don't get me wrong...I will take the tired all day. The outcome is worth far more than any amount of sleep I could get but when times get busy, you have to think of ways to be more efficient and one of the ways I do this, is in the execution of my work outfits.

When on #TeamNoSleep you need something that is easy to put on, comfortable and requires little to no effort to put together, To me that all equates to all black. It's chic, instantly looks put together and you can't see the wrinkles as easily if you don't have time to iron or steam.

I absolutely love these tall pieces from Alloy Apparel. The pants fit like a glove, are long enough and have a hawt little faux leather detail at the waist. I paired it with the tall ruched-side boatneck tee that is long in the body and shapes you just right. It's also versatile. Easily go from work to fun in the time it takes to take the shirt off your shoulders.

Now you can take the black all the way to the shoes but I wanted a little pop, so I added these fun metallic pumps from Smash Shoes. There certainly is nothing wrong with a pop of metal hunni.

So, next time you wake up tired and need to get ready in a hot minute, throw on some black, a pop of something and watch the compliments on your effortless fit roll in!

#INSTAstyle Dos

Hello Lovely! I hope this blog finds you well. How do you like the new site? Personally, I think it's FAB but I'm kind of partial to it. Anywho, it's time for a little INSTAstyle roundup! These are everyday looks that I post on my IG and since you might not have one...I thought I would share them altogether:)

Photo credit: Tiffany Williams

This is a little workflow look. I absolutely adore these animal print pants (36" inseam) from Long Tall Sally. They are on sale for $49! Since they are relaxed, I wore them with relaxed oversized pieces. The blazer is from Forever 21 and the shirt is from H&M. See...in-store pieces do work for us! You thought I forgot about the shoes...never. Nordstrom Rack baby (size 12).

Photo credit: Janet Fong

This shirt! Can you deal!? I squealed when I got it. You're darn right Life is short, but I'm not. It was perfect for a casual Friday with Alloy Apparel skinnies (37" inseam) and classic Converse kicks. If you like this tee, check out the entire tall t-shirt line from Height Goddess.

Photo credit: Michelle Mino

So this dress is extremely old. One of those LBD's that lasts a lifetime. I copped it from H&M when I was in college which I would like to say was last year but it wasn't. Let's leave it at that. I rocked it with a thrifted belt, old faithful clutch and some sick ones from Nine West (size 12).

Photo credit: Janet Fong

Oh, hello denim! I love the Canadian tuxedo. One of my favorite trends this season. The top is from Gap Tall, the cropped jeans are from Democracy (not tall but they work). Yes, these are the same booties you saw earlier. I repeat for many reasons but mainly because being broke isn't cute. Being fiscally responsible is gorgeous.

Photo credit: Sabrina Ellison

This. Dress. Is. Amazing. I love the way it fits. The perfect tall-short length. I wore it to a baby shower but there are so many occasions at which you could rock it. Get this...it's only $45. WARNING! Clicking too fast on a length could result in a hurt finger. Be careful my friend.

Photo credit: Moi

I know this guy named Christian. He's one of the Nice Guys and he has a t-shirt line to prove it. I am a huge fan of the Nice Brand and one of the best things about it, is that with every purchase 20% of the proceeds go to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It's an awesome brand for an awesome cause. As you can see, I'm Nice.

Well, that's another INSTAstyle roundup. If you are more into the instant thing than the roundup thing, follow TallSWAG on the gram: @TallSWAG. See you there or be square:) Later beautiful!