personal style

SIMPLICITY

Chile…it’s spring! But the weather is going bananas. It doesn’t know what it wants to do. Make up your mind already!

I am really looking forward to warmth and the feel of the sun on my face but right now spring still has some winter tendencies. Thus, I split the difference with this outfit.

I threw in a little sweater action with some shorter sleeves. It’s warm for the morning chill but still works if the weather decides that it wants to change. The tall skinnies (crazy good right!?) also cover most of the leg but have the rip at the knee that provides a little air conditioning (ok…I know I’m stretching it a little here:).

Alicia Jay Blog ASOS tall ripped skinny jeans smash shoes Joyce Forest Green Natural Hair Tall Team Girls spring fro cropped sweater H&M suede 7.JPG

The piece de resistance are these boots! I am in LOVE. Now…I am trying to buy less things (which we will talk about in another post) but when I saw these, I decided to treat myself. When you find a green boot in our size, you add them to the collection hunni! They are just the right color green, a soft suede and a bootie that doesn’t cut the leg but rather elongates it. You can wear these with pretty much everything, in every season! Did I mention that they come in sizes 11-14 and in a blush option? And all the tall girls did the happy dance!

Overall, this outfit really reflects where my personal style is morphing into...simplistic. Simplicity is key for me right now. I'm tired over overthinking. I want a wardrobe of pieces that are fiercely simple. This look definitely holds that title.

One thing about style is that it is ever evolving. You have the freedom and ability to change it not only for a season, but for a lifetime. Do what you do when you want to. Style is yours. Own it! 

Stormy Leather

Spring and leather are 2 words that you don't really hear together too often but they can definitely be a match made in Heaven. I personally believe that leather can be chic in any season and these 38" inseam High Rise Leather Skinnies from Amalli Talli prove that. They set this structured spring look off. I simply love them.

I paired them with a military inspired vest from ASOS Tall and these killer babies from Smash Shoes. I mean the lace-up fierceness is everything. Slay.

Now the foundation is great but the accessories give this look a metallic exclamation point and the lines of both the bracelet and belt compliment each other without being too matchy-matchy.  

I hope you enjoy the look as much as I enjoy wearing it! How do you rock leather is spring weather?

PS. I know this is short and sweet but the Playoffs have this Tall Girl tired hunni. I hope everything makes sense:-)

Something Old, Something New

Tall Joggers - LEL/Sequin Top - Nordstrom/Shoes (size 12) - Payless/Blazer and Bracelet - Forever21/Earrings - H&MPhoto Credit: LaKeela Smith Photography

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!

Orange Crush

Growing up, I always thought that wide leg pants would make me look taller and guess what...they do boo. They bring attention to the length of those long legs (especially when wearing a print). Now. my younger self ran from this because why in THE HECK would I want to look taller? However, I now know what a blessing this height is and why not highlight the gifts that God gave you?!?

The Abstract Chevron Palazzo is the perfect pant to accentuate your tall, beautifulness (it's a word in the Alicia dictionary:) They are cut exceptionally well, have a bold vertical print and the fabric flows like a crisp, clean river (too much Alicia). But seriously...these pants are amazing. They are one of my favorite pieces from the latest Taller Than Your Average for Long Tall Sally Collection. They are always HOT and I always want every single piece (winning that for life would be like hitting the lottery). I can't wait to see what's next.

I paired it with a hat, some killer patent ankle boots (that go up to 14) and one of the LTS Basic pieces that I love (and have in multiple colors), The Roll Neck Jersey Top. Just in case you didn't know, Long Tall Sally has amazing basics that are long and will expand your wardrobe in many ways. They enable you to have a proper fitting foundation and that is half the battle in dressing Tall.

Bottom line. Wear what you love, love what you want and leave the self-doubt behind you where it belongs. You are wonderfully made...never forget it!

She In Shine Out

Khaki Sleeveless Lapel Vest - She In/Tall Faux Leather Pants and Bodysuit - Taller Than Your Average for Long Tall Sally/Pumps - Jessica Simpson Collection via Nordstrom Rack/Dress - Collage Clothing Lounge/Bracelet and Sunnies - Forever 21Photo Cre…

Khaki Sleeveless Lapel Vest - She In/Tall Faux Leather Pants and Bodysuit - Taller Than Your Average for Long Tall Sally/Pumps - Jessica Simpson Collection via Nordstrom Rack/Dress - Collage Clothing Lounge/Bracelet and Sunnies - Forever 21

Photo Credit: Lakeela Smith Photography

Obviously we need tall clothing most of the time. From long inseams to long enough sleeves, tall specific clothing is a must. However, there are some items that you can buy right off that rack that fit us fabulously.

One item that you can count on is a longline vest. Is it going to hit us as low as it would on someone of a shorter stature? No. But because of it's length and our length...we by far look the best in them no matter where they hit us. We rock them very well.

Longline vests are also incredibly versatile. They chic up any outfit. As you can see, you can make a small change in the foundation and you have a completely different look.

I absolutely love this Khaki Sleeveless Lapel Vest from a retailer that is emerging as one of my non-tall favorites, She In. Their prices are crazy good. For example this vest is only $17.99. The quality is great for the price and they hit every trend. Both of these make a great mix because you can incorporate key pieces for the season into your wardrobe for a small amount of money. 

Check out the full selection from She In and tell me what you think. I also want to know what your favorite non-tall shops are so be sure to include those in the comments as well:-)

Thanks for reading lovely...I hope you are having a great Monday...SLAY the week!!!

Jump for my Love

Jenni Denim Jumpsuit (shown in XL) - Alloy Apparel (limited quantities. See all Alloy TALL Jumpsuits HERE)/Pumps - Vince Camuto via Nordstrom (size 12)/Oversized Clutch and Shades - Target/Rings and Bracelet - Forever 21

Jenni Denim Jumpsuit (shown in XL) - Alloy Apparel (limited quantities. See all Alloy TALL Jumpsuits HERE)/Pumps - Vince Camuto via Nordstrom (size 12)/Oversized Clutch and Shades - Target/Rings and Bracelet - Forever 21

You know as well as I do that jumpsuits come few and far between for us however Alloy Apparel has some amazing tall jumpsuits in inseams up to 37".

Take the Jenni Denim Jumpsuit. As you can see it's super long and doesn't give the dreaded camel toe. You can also stand as tall as you want to be because the body of the jumpsuit isn't too short (we can't have bad posture for anybody's ill cut jumpsuit).

I love a good Tall jumpsuit because they are a great, easy way to instantly look polished, are super comfortable and show off our tall, beautiful frames.

I chose to wear the Jenni in a little more of a "skinny jean" type of way but in general I usually order one size up in all Alloy tall Jumpsuits so keep that in mind when ordering.

Happy jumpsuit day! Well, I don't know if it really is but any day that we can find a jumpsuit is a happy one:)