No Tears Here

I’m pretty sure this is the trifecta of length. Like who has long enough sleeves on their sweater, jeans (I swear they are long enough and it’s not the good ol’ cover the gap up with the boot trick:) and boots that are really over the knee??

This tall girl, that’s who!

And you can too!  

This sweater though! It has the bell sleeves and they dang near go down to my knees. To say that I am infatuated by this sweater is an understatement and guess where it’s from? Boohoo. They have a tall line and I can’t even lie…I was suspect at first. Would it be long enough? Would it fall apart at those price points? The answer was very positive for both. As you can see, the arms are mad long and so far nothing has fallen apart. I have only tried out the tops, but me likey. I have this sweater and a nude bodysuit that I wore on my birthday. The price points were awesome because I got them on a flash sale. They have them all of the time so make sure to look out for them.

Now…ya’ll  know that I’m a rider for Smash Shoes. These boots are ev-a-ree-thang! They are comfortable to walk in (major key) and really hit over the knee. Now…don’t hurt me but they appear to be sold out now (except for size 12 in the grey option) but check out their full line and sign up for their emails for a first look at their new styles as they come in.

Last, but certainly not least are the skinnies. They are from newcomer Doubs Clothing. They come in 34”- 38” inseam. I love the stretch and they have an ankle detail that you can see by clicking here. I still don’t know how to pronounce their name correctly however I know the jeans fit correctly and that’s what matters my friends;)

So there you have it. The proof that it is possible to get everything in the correct length for us. I know it’s tough at times but no tears! Our choices have certainly gotten better will continue to get better. I will steady share every tall style ting I find and experience. I’m here for you girl! 

Sparkle and Shine

Tis the season to dress up! Everyone is going to holiday parties. From Glam to ugly sweater, there are so many different looks to put together. While there are many style moments remember this...

Continue to be you.

No matter what the party, let YOUR style shine through! 

You don't have to rock a dress to every soiree nor do you have to rock a traditional red and green colorblocked palette. You can make your look subtle or scream. It is completely up to you!

#ISparkleWhen I am completely myself. I love being me during the holidays and every other day of the year. I shine by being unapologetically me.  

All apparel by Long Tall Sally

Faux Fur Jacket | Embroidered Mesh Tee | Shaper Skinny Jeans | LTS Sorley Studded Boot

Photos by Lakeela Smith 

So whatever you decide to wear to your holiday parties...stand tall and rock it with confidence. You know what you like and feel best in. Get out there and strut mama!

When I wore this look, you couldn't tell me nothin! The faux fur is not only chic, it's warm too. The wrists were nice and toasty in this chilly weather. The pop of floral embroidery added a nice touch and I was completely comfy in the jeans and boots (the studs add an edge that I am completely here for). This look definitely captivated the room.

I really love the options LTS has for the holidays! There is a little bit of everything and guess what...you can win some of it! Throughout the whole month of December you can enter to win your own piece of LTS sparkle by entering to win HERE.  

I really want to see what you rock for the holidays so don't forget to tag @TallSWAG in your posts. See you soon and whatever you do...don't forget to sparkle and shine all of the time!

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!

Roll On

When life happens, it happens.

It comes at you full force.

Often it takes no names, can be uncomfortable and the only thing you can do is pray your way through it.

Personally, I have had my share of those moments lately. Not even gonna lie...I have been eating my way through some of it. Comfort foods are my jam and while it's not a lot, I have gained the freshman 15 and hunni...I'm far from a freshman.

So when I saw these photos, I almost tossed them. It was a confidence check for sure. I immediately thought of photo shopping my sides and then I literally said out loud...

Girl, stop trippin.

I rebuke the agenda setting that created the false image of beauty inside of me. Not only would that be a fake concept of who I am at this current moment, there is absolutely nothing wrong with some curves bay-be.

Custom Taylor Jay Berry Top and Midi Skirt/Mercedes by Smash Shoes (size 12)/Moja Choker by Candid Art

Photos by Ashdav Photo

There is also nothing wrong with being in a period of uncertainty. As a matter of fact, the uncomfortable times are the ones that shape you the most. Praise God for what He is doing in and around you. You are growing in ways that you can't even imagine. Without struggle, there truly is no progress. Best believe you will be stronger on the other side.

Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. |James 1:2-3|

Will I lose the weight, probably. But the lesson is that weight shouldn't dictate how we feel about ourselves and nor should the circumstances around us.

So...no matter what you or your body is going through remember who you are, who He created you to be, stand tall and roll on!

Busy Becoming Me

I'm busy yo. 

My busy has increased ten fold over the last 3 months. I'm blessed. It's what I have been praying for and please believe that I will move my feet right to the promises that God has for me. I'm listening and more importantly acting on the last thing God told me to do.

With that busy, comes a craving for a streamlined look. I need it to be easy, chic and reflect me. 

Enter neutral pieces like this versatile skirt. Long Tall Sally killed it with this one. Love the length, the color and shape. I can wear this with anything and I do. I often wear it more than once a week and dare someone to say something. Who cares?

Now, I am sure that this hits some type of trend, but this is also something that I no longer care about. In the past I picked things to fulfill a style quota of sorts. I would comb the Internets looking for the next big thing. What a waste of time. Style is a reflection of you. I love a good fashion show just like the next person but never should a runway dictate what you put on your body. 

Tall Tie Waist Skirt - Long Tall Sally/Sheer Top - Long Tall Sally/Earrings - Candid Art/Pumps - Calvin Klein via Nordstrom Rack (size 12)

Photo Credit: Ashdav Photography

I must say, shedding strongholds is hard work. From style to love letting go of things that no longer serve you is uncomfortable but it's necessary to get closer to who we are and who we need to be. God cannot give you anything new if you are constantly holding on to things He didn't give you in the first place. Society is good for telling you who you should be but God set you apart. He created you specifically and you must walk the path He tailored for you. It's the best, most beautiful place to be.

This really got deep. I was talking about a skirt and went in lol. Probably because this is where I'm at. Everything is deep. I'm changing and moving closer to God every single day. I am right smack dab in the middle of a refinement period and I'm thankful.

Where are you at? Wherever it is, know that it is making you stronger. We are all learning and growing. There is no time like the present to stand tall in your truth and let God do His best, most formative work on YOU. 

Let God

Style posts have taken over my life for some years now. People don't understand how much work they really are. Imagine every outfit you have worn in a 2 week span, constructed, gathered and shot in a single shoot. It's taxing. While this style schedule has been draining, this post is the first time in a long time that I actually had fun doing one.

In the past I put so much pressure on myself to look perfect, have the perfect on trend clothes and obsessed about angles. I was unknowingly creating an image that I could never live up to. I was doing you a disservice and I apologize for that. 

I would toil over every detail and it was taxing.

No more.

Whenever I shoot these from now on, I will just let them unfold organically. Those veins on my hand will be poppin. If a hair is out of place, that is where it will sit. If my nails don't match, oh well. If I don't feel like rockin a trend, I won't. I will no longer push outside ideals of what I think I should be. That drug no longer has a place here.

For the past 6 months especially I have been stretched to the hilt. I have found out so many things about myself. I love the beautiful things and am repairing the ugly ones. My confidence is a constant werk in progress. It ebbs and flows. I don't want to preach that it is always positive. While our confidence is always there, no doubt there are days when it's exausted.

There will be many more days where I will need to build my strength. This doesn't make me weak, it makes me human.

And really I need to stop caring about what you think. I found myself caring more about your thoughts of my content than the purpose behind the pictures and words. 

I absolutely enjoy sharing our stories and beautiful comments about life. It is one of my favorite things about being a blogger but I need to shed the act of caring what you and other people think. The only opinion that should matter is God's. He built me, He gave me my purpose and has made me exactly who I am. He and He alone is who I should be concerned with. I love you and will listen to anything you have to say but at the end of the day, He is the only opinion that matters. To fully live my life, I must walk tall in this fact every single day.

Sweatshirt - STUZO Clothing/Tall Mom Jeans - ASOS/Glasses - Opaque Eyewear/Kicks - Nike via Nordstrom Rack

Photo credit: Ashdav Photo

This is a revelation that came out of a 14 day period of non-stop anxiety about the show. When I dropped the trailer, anxiety enveloped every being of my body. I didn't like the reactions of some people, I didn't like the way I looked with my natural hair (silly yet real thought), questioned the telling of my story and a hundred other completely fabricated things. I built a false mountain out of a non-existent molehill.

I relied on my own view of the situation instead of relying on God's principles and promises for my life. He has given me this opportunity, told me to do it and will do great things with it despite what my view of it may be. Our steps of faith are hard and often confusing but lead to God's plan that is always better than anything we could ever piece together. 

I say all of that to say this...stop trying to control your life and let God take the lead. Work on giving Him the reigns for good. Your life is strategically unfolding in the way that He wants it to. Get out of your own way and certainly get out of His. Listen to Him and unapologetically walk with Him. Be yourself, learn, grow, let go and let God be who He is.