Christmas Past

These are pretty pictures but I didn’t wear this dress to any holiday parties. As a matter of fact, I wasn’t invited to not a one.

It’s been strange. Actually even more strange than not working in an office anymore. Being apart from the corporate situation for nearly 6 months now, there have been many changes but for some reason this change is bizarre. When you leave your job you don’t think about things like that. You think of the overall picture, know that it’s not painted for you and free yourself but you don’t think of your situational social scene being snatched from you.

I grieved for a moment and shortly realized it was just that, situational. Who wants a holiday party full of faux cheer? I certainly don’t. A lot of revelations have occurred since I chose faith and this isn’t a mistake. When you take a path to purpose everything can’t come with you. While you don’t know what’s ahead, you must be different when you get there. That difference isn’t merely internal. You will lose a lot of external things. Many won’t make sense but what does, is God’s plan. He knows what needs to go. You gain much more than you lose when you trust him with the loss.

Do not pity me. She is truly the happiest she has been in years. Mourn for those that remain in the comfort of a Christmas party that is no longer serving them. This unused holiday dress is a revolution in growth.

Applaud the faith and pray for the woman that I am becoming. She looks strong to me. I can’t wait to see what God does with her life. He is already working wonders. Believe me.

Multiway Dress - Long Tall Sally (shown in a size 10)/ Shoes - Payless/Accessories - Forever21

Photos by Lakeela Smith

*This moment of truth is brought to you by a woman who is finally walking in hers. It’s a gorgeous walk and she is thankful for every step.

Gated

Apricot Sleeveless Lapel Vest - She In (shown in size Large)/Michelle Suede Mesh Booties (Comes in sizes 11-14 and 11-12W, Shown in size 12. Also comes in Burgundy) - Smash Shoes/Dress - Next Tall/Belt - H&M

You can rock this affordable, fierce vest ($21.99) multiple ways but to achieve this look, wear a basic foundation and some statement shoes like the Michelle from Smash Shoes. Add a belt for a little flare in a metallic of your choice.

Photo Credit: Marc Allen

There will be people who try to put limits on your style because they don't think that they can pull it off and in-turn project their insecurities onto you. Leave that madness behind you as you walk away in the fiercest way possible. When you accept them, it festers and paints your insides in the saddest of shades. The moment you accept that lie it begins to deplete your self-esteem immediately. Protect your self-worth. It's in your arsenal of essentials that will strengthen your path in this thing called life.

When I wore this vest for the first time, this lady told me, I love that you wear things that standout even at your height. Even? Lady...that was a dig. I recognized it, smiled and said Always and then left it right where she stood. I didn't waste anger on her or the time and weight it would take to carry it with me. I actually appreciated it because it gave me a platform to provide this point to you:

You are the gatekeeper.

One thing that comes with this beautiful height is a peanut gallery that can't have it and will remind you at every turn. They can say some idiotic things but at the end of the day it's the strength of your shield that matters.

Am I always this strong? No. Everyone has their days as well as a period of growth to gain strength BUT the more you practice this the taller you will stand every day, in every way.

OK Ladies, now let's get those gates in formation! :-)

Holiday Height

Striped Sweater Midi Dress (shown in M/L) - The Height/BFT Celena Patent Ankle Boots (come in sizes up to 15 and shown in size 12) - Long Tall Sally/Tights - GEORGE for Walmart/Faux Leather Quilted Vest - Forever 21

Photo credit: Nikki Notarte

Can you believe it's November 2nd!?! Well, it is and guess what that means...the holidays are right around the corner! It's time to get festive and I have partnered with THE HEIGHT to show you 2 amazing tall dresses for your holiday soirees.

Today's look is for the casual get-together, candle light service, tree decorating party and the list goes on and on. Obviously this tall sweater dress can worn throughout fall and winter months but the vibrant red, midi length and the actually long enough sleeves make this dress perfect for the holiday season. 

So red isn't your thing? Never fear. THE HEIGHT had the same exact dress in blue and olive at the same wonderful price point of $52.

I paired the sweater dress with these killer patent ankle boots from Long Tall Sally, some tights and a faux leather vest but you can wear it by itself with some flats, throw a blazer on with some basic black pumps or even throw on a long line vest with some lace-up boots...there are a plethora of ways to rock this tall dress.

So now that your casual holiday dress is taken care of, it's time for the fancy smancy fit. I have one on the way. Stay tuned to TallSWAG to see my pick. HINT: It's a show stopper!

Pretty in the City

Mini Dress - ASOS Tall/Faux Fur - WAYF via Nordstrom/Shoes - Nine West/Neck Piece - Forever 21/Bracelets - Charlotte Russe/Tights - Hanes/Clutch - Thrifted

Photo Credit: YBowyer Photography

I feel pretty,

oh so pretty.

I feel pretty and whitty and bright!!! (in my Julie Andrews voice)

This outfit has me all giddy y'all. I mean, what girl doesn't want to prance around The City in a frilly dress, fab heels and a faux fur coat??? This Tall Girl does and did.

Last weekend my friend was having a little soiree in San Fran so I hopped on the Alameda ferry and floated right over. As you can imagine it was chilly (and it's always a bit windy in SF) so I opted for tights instead of bare legs. I also thought it added a pinch of glam to the look.

I absolutely love everything in the pink-blush family right now and this dress definitely hit the color mark. I paired the pink with greys to keep the whole look soft. And don't you just love the tall-short length? It's definitely showing some leg (as we should) but we would also be showcasing some buns too without the tall ASOS cut of this mini frock.

The shoes take the glam meter up a notch as well because of the t-strap. It's a nod to those proper times where bustles were très chic.

Last but certainly not least, my neck was definitely frosted out cubic zirconia style (fake it til you make it boo) courtesy of the one and only Forever 21. I am pretty sure I put one of the owners kids through college with all of the accessories I have purchased over the years (a bit over the top, but you get my drift). You just can't beat the chic options and price points.

We had a fabulous time but it really didn't matter in the end because...I felt so dang pretty!

So dress in what makes you feel giddy and have some fun this weekend! I will be mad at you if you don't and nobody likes a mad Alicia;)

Sock it to Me

Tall Black Check Dress - NEXT/Easy Knit Cardigan - LONG ELEGANT LEGS/Long Sleeve Jersey Body - TTYA for LONG TALL SALLY/Lace Up Booties - Z LONDON FOR PAYLESS/Knee High Socks - TARGET/Mini Dome Satchel Bag - THE LIMITED/Sunnies - COLLAGE CLOTHING LOUNGE

Photo Credit: Lindsay Carlisle

Hey tall, beautiful people! It's been way too long. A little thing called the NBA season hit me like a ton of bricks (as I work for the Golden State Warriors). I had to get into a work-werk balance. I am here now. Let's talk tall style shall we? Of course we shall...

You may have heard me talk about tall-short length. It is one of the hardest things for us to find. When retailers cut tall garments, they often overcompensate on all of the clothing and go WAY too long on something that is supposed to be short. Yes, wearing short dresses off the rack is often a no-no for many reasons including unintentional flashes of your lady (we certainly can't have that) but that doesn't mean we have to go all the way to the other side and rock a dowdy dress. No can do. Those legs deserve to be showed off in a sexy, acceptable manner.

The Tall Black Check Dress from Next certainly fits the tall-short bill. It shows off the legs but keeps the rest concealed. It has a classic look with all kinds of sass woven into it. I also love the high collar and I wanted to accentuate it even more so I put on the Long Sleeve Jersey Body from TTYA for Long Tall Sally right underneath. I am a huge fan of a layered neckline.

I paired the fab dress with some knee high socks because that school girl look is always fun right? Plus they went perfectly with these timb-esk booties. I've been trying to tell yall that Payless is where it's at!

Lastly, it's fall and in the Bay Area that means it's just starting to get a little chilly so I threw on this Easy Knit Cardigan from Long Elegant Legs. I love the long length in both the arms and body. It's super soft too.

Wow, I must say that I missed you terribly for the last 16 days. I am so glad we are back together again and looking fabulous as usual:)

Blanca

TALL Asymmetric Body Concious Dress - ASOS (size 10) (Also comes in a strapless version HERE)/Neck piece and cuff - Forever 21/Shoes (size 12) - Preview International via Nordstrom Rack/Clutch - Thrifted

Photo credit: Shannon Warf 

I live for an amazing white dress. They are super hard to find because white isn't the most forgiving color in the world. The wrong cut and you will grossly misrepresent yourself. That's why I absolutely fell in love with this white hot dress from the ASOS Tall line (did I mention it's only $41.92).

It has super clean lines, the fabric is very forgiving and the arms are super long! Bottom line, it's a show stopper. Now, please believe I have a nude body shaper on underneath. Not so much for the shaping but for the foundation. After all, it's a white dress and my Mama would kill me if I didn't wear something underneath to make sure you couldn't see through it. Slips are not my thing, so I opted for the body shaper (that I picked up from Target for $16.99) and it worked out beautifully.

With a dress like this...who really need accessories!? Thus I opted for simple, metallic pieces that compliment but don't steal the show. I love a great metallic piece because it gives a pinch of pizazz but still keeps it neutral. 

What do you look for in a white dress?