Stay safe. Give forward. Stand Tall.

I want to start this out by giving you a round of applause. I really don’t have the words to describe the time that we are in but what I do know is that if you are reading this, you are here, doing the best that you can, and I am proud of you for that.

While we don’t know what the future holds, we do know that we are going to have to continue to take measures to stay safe. There are many ways that we do this but one that is at the center of them all is wearing a mask at all times outside of your home.

While wearing a mask is not something that we would normally choose, it is an essential act of love for all of us. It slows the spread of viral particles, which helps to protect ourselves and others. it is literally a shield in our battle and I wanted to do my part to provide well constructed (and I would be lying if I didn’t say stylish) masks to those who want them and also vital masks to vulnerable communities in the Bay Area that need them. So I put on my creative cap and got to work…

Stay safe. Give Forward. Stand Tall. Check out the limited edition Pineapple, Gingham, and Animal Print face masks HERE. Also, learn how you can Give Forward HERE.

Shop TallSWAG masks Here. Give Forward HERE.

PS. Shoutout to the absolutely terrible job that I did on my eyebrows. When Eyebrows Go Wrong should be a show that I clearly should star in. I was going to throw this montage in the computer trash but I have to live my terrible eyebrow makeup truth. I mean, were the lights even on when I was filling them in? Sadly yes, yes they were. Now, back to our regularly scheduled program. Focus on the Pineapple mask;)

The limited-edition Pineapple, Gingham and Animal Print masks allow you to practice safety while also expressing who you are. Most importantly, they reserve surgical and N95 masks for the healthcare works on the frontlines that desperately need them.

The best mask out of all of these are the masks that you can help provide for vulnerable communities in the Bay Area. For every $5 you donate, someone in need of a mask will receive a handmade, 100% tightly woven cotton, double layer, washable, durable, reusable face mask. It’s well constructed, universal and will provide essential coverage for those who need it.

Give Forward HERE.

Thank you for helping all of us! I can’t wait to bless people with these masks. It is vital that we all stand together against this. Thank you for your support! I will continue to pray that you, and all of us, Stand Tall through it all!

Change Cadet Podcast LIVE

Listen to the first LIVE Change Cadet Podcast. SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD | GOOGLE PLAY | ITUNES

Recently, I had the honor of being the first LIVE guest on The Change Cadet Podcast. It was an amazing night that I am so happy I get to share with all of you! Get ready to Stand Tall in Your Purpose on the first LIVE episode of the Change Cadet Podcast!

SPOTIFY | SOUNDCLOUD | GOOGLE PLAY | ITUNES

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!

Starting Line

When I took the leap to follow my dreams, I knew it would take a lot of hard work. Being a dream slayer is a relentless pursuit of getting the bag your way, every day. I’m knocking on every door that I am passionate about, and praising God for the ones that He opens, as well as the doors he creates. It’s a faith fueled grind and I am here for every minute of it.

Perhaps the thing that is hardest, is my budget. While I was saving up for this time before, now I am living solely off of my pursuit and savings. By no means am I broke but there is still a change in the way that I spend my money. I was a baby about it at first, but I am adjusting in the best way I know how. I am well aware that I have more than most and every single day God shows me that money doesn’t make you rich. It’s a lesson that humbles me constantly. My eyes are being opened in ways that I didn’t know I desperately needed.

With that said, mixing and matching are my jam right now. The days of acquiring pieces that aren’t thoughtful are over. If I can’t wear them in every season, in multiple ways, it more than likely won’t end up in my cart. Also, I am moving into a time of living in a more minimalistic manner. I have too much stuff and it’s time to simplify everything (something exciting is on the way there so stay tuned).

Take these pants for example. I have been wearing them all summer with some sandals and a bodysuit but now that it’s fall, they will get a remix. Not only because I love them, but also because they are a pant that you can literally wear everything with.

All of these pieces are from Long Tall Sally. The construction is stellar. Wanna try their pieces on? Check to see if there is a pop-up shop near you. I’m telling you, it’s worth your time. When was the last time you walked in and were able to try everything on? It also helps to know your LTS sizing for future online orders. THE BEST part is meeting your fellow tall queens. It’s magical.

Throw on a cardigan and sneaks and walk right into fall.

From a cardigan, to a blazer, to a sweatshirt, these leggings are on trend and go with everything. I have been channeling sporty spice like a mug. I’m also incredibly comfortable which has been very important to me these days. I’m working hard and not trying to be irritated by my clothing or shoes. Actually never but you know what I mean.

Now, I am going to post a thousand more pictures in this outfit because it’s a lot of work to take them (check out my IGTV episode on blog shoots on IG) AND Nikki shot some killer shots. She not only shot the photos, she also slayed the makeup. Please follow her page @TheEyeThatGetsThePicture. Enjoy the blizzard of photos and like the great blogger that I am, I will sum them all up at the end.

Sneaks shown in size 13.

Side Stripe Ponte Leggings (shown in size s)/LTS Peyton Lace Detail Sneaker (shown in s size 13. I always personally size up for LTS Sneakers)/Bodysuit and necklace - Forever 21 (some of the bodysuits actually fit me. Emphasis on some.)/Block Sandals above - Target (shown in size 12).

While I definitely still have my moments of uncertainty, I rest in knowing that I am rockin whatever I wear on the right path with God leading me all of the way. I am working harder, smarter and in a fiscally responsible manner. The lessons that I am learning far outweigh the change in my payroll. God wants it ALL for me and I will faith it forward, achieving His purposes for my life along the way.

It’s the start of fall, but every day is a start of something great that God has planned for you. Whether a new path, new project, or new frame of mind, it’s never too late to start. Are you ready? Get set. Go!

I Give Up

Admittedly my love life has kind of sucked. There have been a lot of lows and some amazing moments which enabled me to completely understand what love is and why it is so important to have it in some capacity in your life. I have toiled over the reasons why it is taking me so long to find it. There have been tears, confusion and often times sheer anger that it has not come my way. I have had years of constant control along this road that have led me to one life-changing conclusion...

I don't have control over it at all.

Yes. My steering of the love ship has been fruitless because God is the one who should be steering it. While it may be His choice for me to be single, there is a reason for it and no matter what I do, His plan for my life will prevail. There isn't a worry, a moment of anger or a pit of confusion that will stop it, so why am I wasting that energy? Quite simply...

I. GIVE. UP.

That's right. I completely and totally give up the control to God. I lay it down right in front of Lord knowing that it was always yours in the first place. You have merely been waiting for the moment for me to give it to you. IT IS YOURS!

I will not toil over it, run after it or try to figure it out. I will not plan it out in my head or orchestrate a picture in my mind of who it will be. When it comes to love, if it doesn't come from you, I don't want it. Point. Blank. Period.

I am completely open to your picture of it. I know that love will come in an unlikely package and it will be the best one that I have ever opened. God, I know that if it is in your will, it is you and you alone that will make it happen. Your will for love in my life be done.

And really...this should translate to EVERYTHING in our lives. If God doesn't send it, return that bad boy right to the sender. He orchestrates everything in our lives for our good because we love Him. Control in everything is not yours, it is HIS.

This is undoubtedly easier said than done but try your hardest to take a breath, drop that elephant of anxiety from your chest and rest in His perfect timing.  The picture He paints is different for each and every one of us but one thing is for sure...they are ALL masterpieces. 

SHIRT - God is Dope | Shoes - Target (shown in size 12, sorry out of stock, similar HERE) | Ankle Pants - ASOS Tall (similar HERE) | Crossbody - Forever 21 | Earrings - Candid Art

Photo credit - Lakeela Smith

Do you still care?

Blouse and Pants - asos tall/Shoes - Smash Shoes/Earrings - The Alicia by Candid Art

Photo Credit - Lakeela Smith

I’m doing this post for 2 reasons…

1. This outfit is fabulous. The top and pants are straight asos tall. If you know me, you know that the asos tall line is my jam. And these shoes (enter eye bulging emoji). I am in love. They are from Smash Shoes. Again, if you know me, you know that Smash Shoes is also my jam. Quick note: order a size down in this shoe. It also comes in beige and I am here for it. Last but certainly not least...I die for these earrings! Full disclosure, my bestie makes them and she named them after me (emotional tear) but even if I didn't know her, I would buy ALL of her creations because they are fly. Actually fly doesn't even begin to describe her pieces. Don't believe me? See for yourself:-)

2. Do you care about style posts anymore?

No seriously. Be honest. I want to know.

While I will always share tall tips with you, do you still want to see what I am wearing? For me personally, I am moving into a space where my overall life is far more important than what I put on.

Gasp. Try not to fall out. Hold yourself up. It’s going to be ok.

I have a lot of life changes going on. Some amazing. Some very unpleasant. But the one thing that I know, is that the important things are being highlighted in the most vibrant way and clothing really isn’t anywhere in the top 10 right now. Do I strongly like clothing? Heck yes. Do I think I will die without it? Heck no.

So basically, I wanted to see if you were on the same wave. I feel like the Cinderella days of style blogs are over. Style posts or not, my evolution will be televised on TallSWAG. I’m going to do what I want to do, when I feel like doing it but I’m highly curious about your thoughts.

Let a tall girl know…are you still into what people are wearing? Por que?