Sweat Equity

We have all been there. You are straight chillin on the couch, when your friend calls last minute with something fun that you just can’t pass up. You only have moments to get ready and are currently in sweat mode. What to do? Remix those sweats boo!

You can add some very small things that will make a big impact on a chic athleisure look. In this case, I added a simple faux leather jacket, hoops and some nude pumps. Seriously, thats it. I guarantee you already have accessories that you can add. No purchase necessary. Just go in that closet and mix it up.

ASOS DESIGN Tall Hoodie & Jogger Set (shown in size L)/Faux Leather Jacket - ASOS (similar here)/Glasses and Hoops - Forever 21/Pumps - Calvin Klein (shown in size 12)

Photos by Alina Mamlyuk

If you are looking for sweats, I highly recommend the ASOS loungewear line but if you already have them, there are simple, easy and free ways to pump them up 20 notches. Try some things out. The worst thing that can happen is you have to buy a new pair of sweats and the best is unlocking new looks you didn’t even know you had in your closet. That doesn’t sound like much of a risk to me. Besides, you need that emergency look on hand for that one last minute friend that we all have, know and love. Stay ready so you wont have to get ready. Period.

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.

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;)

Pop Quizzes and Speed Bumps

This story has been on my heart since last week. I am not sure why I am sharing it, but know that there is a purpose for it.

On this particular day I was extremely tired, in a bad mood but had a lot to accomplish. I was running errands at lunch and noticed a woman who was riddled with illness. Her hands were permanently clenched, back painfully arched and both legs were barely keeping her up. She had a cane and was literally stepping in inches to her destination.

Regardless of her illness, her pride was shining through. She wasn’t giving up. Even if it took her hour to get down the corridor, she was going to make it on her own. I wanted to help her but could tell that it would be an insult to do so. She was determined to beat her body. Her mind wouldn’t let her physical state win.

I immediately felt ashamed of my ridiculous worries and insignificant feelings. Who was I to inflict self-strife for such futile emotions? She had every reason to throw an extravagant pity party and chose life, faith and focus. With tears welling up in my eyes, I looked away from her in sheer disgust for myself.

And then she stopped,

smiled,

demanded eye contact,

and said hello to me.

Her hello was a distinct lesson for me. She was not her illness, she was a person walking forward in faith through the fire who would not let me walk by without showing me that I could do it too.

I have been through a lot in my life, weathered many storms, but the insignificant day-to-day ‘struggles’ in many ways affect me more than life changing events. Why do I have insurmountable faith in overcoming large obstacles in my life and not the same resolve for the speed bumps that happen on a daily basis? If this woman could take the time out to smile through her enormous test how could I continuously fail pop quizzes?

The answer is, I can, I will and you can too. No matter what is going on, from tiny to gigantic, walk in constant faith knowing that this is all in the plan. Every state is there to shape you into the exact form that you need to be in to execute God’s plans for you. The tests prepare you for the execution. They all require faith. One isn’t any more important than the other. Stand tall and learn from them rather than wallowing in the discomfort they create.

I am going to make a concerted effort to live these words and maybe I wrote this to show you that you can do it too. Thanks for listening.