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!

Winter Werk

Hey! It’s been a minute. I’m working hard and for me that meant I had to step away from the blog for a moment to lay a foundation. I had to plan some things, connect with a lot of people, present some concepts and prepare like no other. I have also been applying to programs that will strengthen my knowledge and preparation. Basically, I have been out here hustlin.

While I was hustlin, I asked you on IG what you wanted to see more of and overwhelmingly you said jeans, shoes and coats. I will be working to bring you more coverage of all of those things but it’s cold right now so let’s start off with an amazing tall coat…

This beauty right here is the Teddy Bear Faux Fur coat from Long Tall Sally. It really is soft like a teddy bear, the proportions are spot on (meaning the arms and body are actually long enough) and it’s timeless. I love the color and it’s super warm. Everything I need in outerwear this season. You will probably see me wearing it a lot in the coming months. When I like something, I stick to it.

It just so happens that I am also wearing the other 2 items you wanted to see (don’t worry, there will be many more). While I have already showed both on the blog, I think they deserve another mention don’t you?

Hey skinny jeans! These are haute, go with anything and I love the rip detail in the appropriate places. They go up to a 38” inseam. Check out all of the skinny jean options HERE. Including these maternity options that I was so excited to see (NOT BECAUSE I’M PREGNANT BECAUSE I AM FAR FROM IT LOL) because it’s hard out there for expecting Tall mamas.

These are from last season. I know, I suck for showing something that has low inventory but it went best with the outfit (shrugs shoulders). BUT Long Tall Sally does have some amazing selections HERE that come in sizes up to 15.

Photos by Lakeela Smith

Teddy Bear Faux Fur Coat (shown in size 10), LTS Sorley Stud Suede Ankle boot (shown in size 12), Slashed Power Skinny Jean (shown in 10/38”) and Essential Roll Neck Top (shown in size M) ALL from Long Tall Sally.

I will be werking this coat all winter and want to see your favorite LTS winter looks. In fact, you can enter to win your own winter wardrobe from Long Tall Sally! Check out THE CHRISTMAS SHOP for more details about the #MerryEverything contest.

Great luck on winning the wardrobe…talk to you soon beautiful!

Celebrate the Luxury of YOU

 INVEST IN FIT. Enter to win a luxury wardrobe of your choice from Poppy Barley (valued at $500) and MARGE Clothing (valued at $1000) when you sign up to the #PoppyBarleyxMARGE mailing list. Plus, automatically claim your exclusive discount code just for entering. Indulge in beautifully curated, thoughtfully constructed clothing and footwear essentials. Celebrate the luxury of you with Poppy Barley & MARGE. 

Fit Details: Two Point Five Ankle Boot in Army Green, Luna Blue Luxe Knit Cardigan and LIV Grey Crepe Slip Dress.

Photo Credit: Lakeela Smith  

Tell me when was the last time you tried on a garment or pair of shoes that had the trifecta of luxury: custom fit, quality and great design?

I know. That's a tough one. Especially for us.

Fit is probably the hardest of the three however I've partnered with @PoppyBarley & @MARGEClothing to champion a message to tall women everywhere: Celebrate the luxury of you with clothing and footwear exclusively designed to your unique frame and lifestyle.

Poppy Barley is a premier designer of ethically handcrafted leather footwear in custom foot widths, calf widths and boot heights ranging in sizes 5 to 12. MARGE is a premier upscale womenswear brand designing luxurious collections and custom pieces for the tall, confident, modern woman.

Want a chance to win a little bit of this luxury? Enter to win a luxury wardrobe of your choice from Poppy Barley (valued at $500) and MARGE Clothing (valued at $1000) when you sign up to the #PoppyBarleyxMARGE mailing list (link in profile), plus, automatically claim your exclusive discount code just for entering. Indulge in beautifully curated, thoughtfully constructed clothing and footwear essentials. 

If I could enter, I most certainly would...there is nothing like a custom made piece and both Both MARGE and Poppy Barley craft key pieces that are custom made for Tall women. Both companies hold themselves to the highest standards of construction and ensure that their products are special for every customer. They value the process and the final product and that makes their shoes and clothes valuable to me in more ways than one.  

Now there are some little rules to go with this amazing contest, so make sure you check them out and enter away. Also, stay tuned to the other lovely tall bloggers included in this giveaway and see how they styled Poppy Barely and MARGE! @CarolineGault, @GinnysCloset and @PrettyTallStyle.  

I wish you the best of luck! You deserve luxurious moments like these;) Celebrate the luxury of you with Poppy Barley & MARGE!

*This opportunity ends Nov. 28th, 2016, and is open to Canadian and US residents only. By entering the contest, you agree to become a subscriber to PoppyBarley.com and MARGEClothing.com. If you are already a subscriber, you can still enter the contest. The prize is valued at $500 from Poppy Barley Inc. and $1000 from MARGE Clothing. Your orders will be placed and discounts applied in-house by Poppy Barley Inc. and MARGE Clothing after the contest closes. The winner will be selected at random and contacted via email the week of Nov. 28th, 2016.

WIN KACY

Photo Credit: Lakeela Smith

In my last post, I introduced THE INCREDIBLE KACY and guess what!?!? You can WIN her!!! Yes..this beautiful dress that comes in 68" and 72" lengths can be in your closet just by entering the #LoveTall Contest presented by Height Goddess! Here is what you need to do...

1. Post a pic on Instagram.

2. Tag and follow @TallSWAG and @HeightGoddess in the post as well as use the #LoveTall. Tell us why you love your height...we can't wait to hear why!

3. After you post, fill out the form HERE.

It's simple and spoiler alert!...there is also an awesome coupon code at the end of the contest that is good through April 19th, so regardless you get something for entering!

One thing...HURRY! The winner will be chosen on April 15th so it doesn't give you much time.

Enter now! Can't you just see this beauty in your closet?

The Limited Goes Tall

Congratulations to our winner Crystal! Thank you to everyone that entered and please check-in to TallSWAG for more contests and of course Tall style!

Tall Lace Detail Blouse - The Limited/Tall Insert Skater Skirt - The Limited/Mini Dome Satchel - The Limited/Shoes - Joan & David 

Photo credit: Shannon Warf 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Limited. All opinions are 100% mine.

There is a newbie in town and I am so excited to tell you all about it! Wait for it...The Limited launched a new Tall Shop! Yep. It's brand spankin new and I am here to tell you all about it!

First, I absolutely love the quality. These pieces feel great and are constructed really well. Not only are they constructed well, the proportions are gravy! The line is actually crafted to fit our long, beautiful limbs and areas that particularly matter to us like rise, inseam and even the bend at the knee. Let me break it down for you...

The Tall Lace Detail Blouse is plenty long in the body and the arms hit right where they should. I am always a skeptical one when it comes to the arm length of "tall" blouses but this one actually came correct. The detail on the blouse is amazing. No accessories needed with this baby.

Now for the Tall Inset Skater Skirt. Again, skeptical city. Was it going to cover the buns? Yeah buddy! Not only does it cover them, it hits where a skater skirt is supposed to hit. Well, fancy that! It is a great piece and the flow of the skirt just makes you feel like a pretty princess.

As if the tall line wasn't enough, The Limited has some amazing accessories too. This mini Dome Satchel is the perfect little sidekick. It holds everything nicely and you can cross body or carry it.  It polishes off the pretty.

The full collection looks stunning. There are many tall options in the LTD Tall Shop from jackets to suiting to versatile dresses, giving you ample opportunities to mix and match. A little birdie also told me that they will be offering select Scandal items in tall in September...and all of the tall girls squealed at once!

Now, for the time being the items in the LTD Tall Shop will only be available online but keep those side eyes to yourself because you can return them to THELIMITED.com or in-store for free of charge. Yay for stress free online shopping!

Speaking of shopping...how does $100 gift card to The Limited sound? You could win it with one comment. Check out the Tall Shop and comment below with what your favorites are from the Tall collection to be automatically entered to in the $100 LTD gift card (make sure you include your email address). The winner will be picked at random and announced on TallSWAG.com on Wednesday, August 20th.

I can't wait to see your favorite picks! I also look forward to showing more pieces from the line soon so make sure you check back into TallSWAG for more reviews and options from the new Tall Shop from The Limited.

CONTEST: Shop with H&M and TallSWAG

Are there a lot of options for us off the rack? No. It's greatly increased but the fact is that there is still a small window of opportunity for us to walk into a store and walk out with a fit.  However we all have that favorite line that allows us some options that we can directly buy from the store.

One of the main lines for me is H&M.  Almost every time I walk into the store, I find something that is not necessarily tall BUT fits fabulously.  From the skirts, to the dresses to the tops, not all of the garments fit but there are many options that do. In fact, if you thumb through my closet and accessories right now, you will find a plethora of H&M pieces for every season.

If you haven't seen the autumn line...you have to check it out!  I am lightweight in love.

The H&M Autumn Line is in store right now. Don't be afraid to walk in the store and try on some pieces. I think you will be surprised at what amazing fashion you will find!Specifically, here are some fabulous options and why they work for us:

The length of this is fabulous and will elongate and accentuate our tall frames. The faux fur collar is an added bonus.

This shirt is super long and is perfect to wear with leggings or skinny jeans. Are the arms going to be long enough? Probably not. But you can easily roll these up, layer with a long sleeved top underneath or even just leave the cuffs unbuttoned with a small scrunch of the sleeve. You can layer this dress with so many things! It's a great foundational piece and calf length so it will fit very comfortably right above the knee.This jacket will go with everything this season. Check out the bottom of the sleeves. This is great for us because the lack of buttons make them easy to roll and the structure of this sleeve in particular makes it easy to scrunch.

This is a calf length skirt. It will fit like a knee length skirt on us which is perfect for the office or dressed down for a casual day out. I love the denim detail.

I have the pleasure of attending the opening of their new store in Solano this Thursday!  I can't wait to get a first look at brand spankin new store and guess what...I want you to come with me!  We will...

1. Shop the new store together before anyone else...

2. I will style a look for you that you will get to walk out of the store with (top, bottom and accessory)...

3. You will get a $100 H&M gift card!

How do you enter?  It's simple.  Share you favorite H&M option from the Autumn line on twitter and make sure to include @hmusa and @TallSWAG.  The deadline for entering is 8:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 6th. I will pick the winner at random and send you all the deets! 

Here is a little reminder of the location and time:) You must be able to attend to win.

Grand Opening of the H&M Solano location at 10:30 a.m. - Solano Town Center: 1350 Travis Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533

I can't wait to shop with you and H&M Solano!