SUGAR AND SPICE

Today I bring you 3 items that are incredibly hard for us to find; a maxi cardigan that is actually a maxi, over-the-knee boots that are actually cover the knee and a bodysuit that you can stand up straight in without giving yourself the dreaded wedgie in both the front and back.

Kye Black Maxi Cardigan in TALL - DIMILOC/Kyla over-the-knee boots - SMASH SHOES/Neck Piece - CANDID ART/Bodysuit - ASOS Tall (similar here)/Faux Leather Mini - H&M

Makeup and Photography by Nikki Notarte

Let's start with this miraculous garm from Dimiloc. Like all of the pieces on the Dimloc site, it's custom made and as you can see the height is right. I love the detailed braided boarder and the sleeves are so long, that a tall girl shed a baby tear of thankfulness. I look forward to using this as a swimsuit cover up during the summer as well. The drama dahling...the drama!

Let me introduce you to my new bambinos. These boots are not only comfortable but truly go over our knees. They are from Smash Shoes, also come in a beautiful grey and in sizes 11-14. You read that right and it's perfectly OK to let out a little scream of joy.

Now...let's talk about bodysuits. I LOVE a great bodysuit. A shirt that you never have to tuck in? Yes please. But you know retailers don't make bodysuits in the masses for us but guess who does...ASOS! They have haute, tall bodysuits for every occasion and I for one will take one of each.

And this my friends is what happens when you find pieces that fit...smiles everywhere! Ironically, this is all you really need. Yes, I love this outfit but your smile surpasses anything you could ever put on. You alone are enough. You alone are beautiful. You alone are amazing. Whatever you put on is just icing on the cake!

She is clothed in strength and dignity and can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25.

Retrospective

Velvet dress - Retro.Honey/LTS Emilia Strappy Heel (shown in size 12) - Long Tall Sally/Pearl Clutch - Thrifted

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith Photography

I think there is a misconception among us that we can't wear vintage or thrift...this is SO FAR from the truth!

As a matter of fact, a lot of retro clothing is cut longer and really adorns our tall bodies quite nicely. Don't be afraid of it my darling. Just try it! If it doesn't fit, oh well. If it does...WINNING!

Take this velvet dress from Retro.Honey. It's not necessarily a tall dress but definitely fits my 6'6" frame. It's perfect for the holidays, is striking and doesn't need a lot of accessories because with it's beautiful, green velvet...it pops in it's own.

I paired this dress with my favorite suede heels of the season from Long Tall Sally. These Emilia's go with just about everything and I love the suede texture with the velvet.

So...step outside of your comfort zone and find a retro or thrifted gem (did I mention the clutch was thrifted:). You will show up to that holiday knowing that nobody will have the same dress as you and your bank account will be happy. Sounds like a win-win situation to me;)

Happy Holiday's beautiful! Slay those holiday parties and remember...HE is the reason for the season!.

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! :-)

Poncho Power

Let's just sit for a moment and laugh at the title of this post. Yes. I am a corny Tall girl and I love every minute of it. Poncho Power...hehehe:)

On to the real reason why we are here...this fabulous poncho! It's from Long Tall Sally and haute isn't even the word. The best part about it, is that you look completely polished but feel like you are wrapped up in a blanket all day. the true definition of comfy chic. We all know I love me some comfy chic.

I paired the poncho with my favorite boots of the season from SMASH Shoes. The Lexy actually go above the knee (gasp), are really comfortable and they look great dressed up and down. I then added a punch of color with a simple maroon skirt I picked up at Forever 21 (which is really supposed to be a midi but you know how that goes) and my favorite hat (yes, you have seen it many times. I am a firm believer in repeating).

Wow! I just realized that this is my first post of 2016. This year is going to be amazing! Not because of resolutions but because I believe and know that at all times God has great things planned for me and He does for you too. You can do all things and it doesn't take a new year to believe and begin!

Something Old, Something New

Tall Joggers - LEL/Sequin Top - Nordstrom/Shoes (size 12) - Payless/Blazer and Bracelet - Forever21/Earrings - H&M

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith Photography

If your holiday season was anything like mine, you didn't have time to look for a New Years outfit, let alone buy one. Never fear...your closet is here!

Yep, that's right. Step right on in to the comforts of the clothes that are conveniently placed in your closet. Take this look; the shoes are 3 years old, the pants and blazer are 2 years old and I bought the top on super sale last year and never wore it. Now, you are probably saying, Alicia, who just has this stuff hanging in their closet? You do boo and here are 5 tips to pull off a last minute NYE look:

1. USE BLACK AS THE FOUNDATION

Black is a color that goes with everything and is the best foundation for a last minute look because it's timeless, flattering and everyone has something black in their closet. Anything from a little black dress to a jumpsuit to a black skinny jean and crop top...start with black and the possibilities are endless. Want to ramp it up a bit? Go with a vibrant, solid color as your base.

2. ADD SOME SPARKLE

Take a scan of your clothes, shoes and makeup for anything that sparkles. Try them on with your fit and pick the option(s) that work best for you. Even something as small as an eyeshadow with some sparkle in it, can glam up your look for your NYE soirees. Don't be afraid to wear multiple sparkly pieces...go sparkle or go home!

3. SHOESTOPPERS

We all have those bold shoes that we can't rock that often because everyone would easily notice a repeat wear (it shouldn't matter but it does). Break those babies out for your NYE parties. A hot shoe will polish off your look and make your fit standout in the crowd as you bring in the New Year.

4. FROST LIKE A BOSS

Breakout those eye-catching accessories that don't get an every day wear...this is the time to rock those bad boys! I went with gold but any metallic will do. This is also something quick and inexpensive that you can buy if you absolutely have no options (but I know you do).

5. GLAM BAM

Rock out your hair, makeup and nails. It's amazing what you can create in just these 3 things alone. Even a white tee can be glammed up when all these elements are personalized and polished. Quick Tip: When it comes to parties you can't go wrong with a bold, bright lip.

THE ULTIMATE RULE: CONFIDENCE IS KEY

No matter what...rock what makes you feel great! Bring in the New Year in a fit that you love and you can never go wrong. When you look good, you feel amazing and your confidence sizzles even more than it already shines.

I wish you light, love and uber success in 2016. Pursuit those dreams, prepare for your blessings and appreciate them when they come. And please tag your Tall NYE looks with @TallSWAG so I can see how your Tall, fabulous self brought in the New Year!

Cheers to an amazing 2016!

Candy Striper

Dress - ASOS Tall/Heels - Mercedes from Smash Shoes (size 12)/Neck Piece and sunnies - Forever 21/Belt - Thrifted

Photo Credit: Nikki Notarte

I know you did a double take on that title (insert crying smiling face here)...

Anywho...pockets = magic. They are a crazy combination of comfortable and fierce (we all have a go-to pocket pose). Pockets are definitely this Tall Girl's best friend. If I find a dress that fits with pockets, it's a safe bet that it will be in my closet immediately. 

This Tall dress from ASOS not only fits the pocket bill, it also has vertical stripes to accentuate your long and leanness (yes, I know I just made that word up). The slits are placed appropriately and when you want to be office appropriate, you can zip the top up, throw on some pumps and walk through the office like the boss you are.

This is definitely one of my ASOS Tall favorites and when I was on the site the other day (ok, truth...I go on it almost every day) I saw some fall favorites that I will soon make mine. Check out the full selection of dresses and new fall arrivals on ASOS.com.

PS. Smash Shoes is the bomb diggity. So good, I clearly brought back an 80's phrase for it. They have shoes up to size 14 and styles that you will want to bag right up!