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

All Good

What's crazy about this outfit is...none of it is new. I literally had every piece in my closet.

I think we often overlook what we already have. We see everything in pieces, not knowing that when put together, they create something beautiful. In this case, it was an outfit but how would this apply to your life?

Life is a stunning mess of ups and downs. The highs fuel the lows but it's hard to appreciate them when you are in the middle of your struggles. Personally, I rest in Romans 8:28. God is always at work for us, gathering everything that happens and crafting it for those who love Him.

What a beautiful promise!

With all of the things that happen in life, apart, they may not make sense...but when you let Him bring all of the pieces together, it creates a purpose driven life that we could never comprehend or accomplish on our own.

Don't get it twisted, letting Him lead is not an easy thing. I am notorious for wanting to control every single step of my life. From relationships to occupation to wardrobe, I am traditionally a control freak. I have put my plans in front of God's plans for long enough. In the last 2 months I have relinquished this control (for the most part, admittedly I have my moments) and the peace that I have received is nothing less than astounding.

This doesn't mean you stop working hard. You must move your feet. I am putting in the work but seeking His guidance, listening to Him and going after what He wants (even when I don't understand the move). His plan is greater than anything I ever could compose. 

Top - TTYA for Long Tall Sally/Skirt - Thrifted/Belt - H&M/Shoes - Christian Siriano for Payless

Makeup and Photography: Nikki Notarte 

Let Go. Let God. You hear this often but it's absolutely true. Stop looking at things as they are and start letting Him put them together. Trust that He is putting every piece to work for you. Have faith that He has it all in control. You are a vessel that was created to accomplish great things. Let Him steer the ship! 

With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. [Proverbs 3: 5-6] 

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:).

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!

JOYCE (comes in sizes 11-14) - SMASH SHOES/Skinnies - ASOS Tall (similar Here)/Sweater - H&M

Makeup and Photos by Nikki Notarte Artistry

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! 

New Jack City

Tall Quilted Bomber Jacket, Ottoman Rib Sweat Top and boots (similar here) - Long Tall Sally/Leather Look Smoothing Tall Legging - Tall Girls UK

Photo Credit: Lakeela Smith

So...I have been living in this coat! I swear to you, I can't remember the last day that I went without it. It's chic and really, you feel like you are wearing a blanket. I'm truly obsessed with it. Especially because this weather has been so crazy. You never really know what you are going to get!

I really love the length...it's a true longline on us! Another thing that I love is the sporty vibe. Yea, It's on trend but it's not too much sport. You can wear this coat with something casual or dressy. It's incredibly versatile and for me, hands down the coat of the season and seasons to come!

I paired it with my current fav legging at the moment from Tall Girls UK. Like the coat, they go with everything and admittedly I have been wearing them too often! I finished the look with some chic boots (similar here) and a remix on a turtleneck from Long Tall Sally (the neck is going crazy in these photos but I like the wide neck of the top ion real life lol).

Life note: I began another Daniel Fast (and also added television)! For 21 days I will be fasting, praying and reading my Bible. While I normally pray and read, while you fast it uncovers things that just amaze me! Things blossom in my life and I just love spending time with God. I will keep you updated on my fast journey on my Instagram story so join if you are interested...HERE is my last Daniel Fast experience:)

Thanks for reading...have a fabulous day beautiful! 

Stormy Leather

Tall Vest - ASOS/High Rise Leather Skinny (38" inseam) - Amalli Talli/Shoes - Rollie in Black from Smash Shoes (shown in size 12)/Bracelet and Belt - H&M/Sunnies - Forever 21

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

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:-)

WIN KACY

Photo Credit: Lakeela Smith

In my last post, I introduced THE INCREDIBLE KACY and guess what!?!? You can WIN her!!! Yes..this beautiful dress that comes in 68" and 72" lengths can be in your closet just by entering the #LoveTall Contest presented by Height Goddess! Here is what you need to do...

1. Post a pic on Instagram.

2. Tag and follow @TallSWAG and @HeightGoddess in the post as well as use the #LoveTall. Tell us why you love your height...we can't wait to hear why!

3. After you post, fill out the form HERE.

It's simple and spoiler alert!...there is also an awesome coupon code at the end of the contest that is good through April 19th, so regardless you get something for entering!

One thing...HURRY! The winner will be chosen on April 15th so it doesn't give you much time.

Enter now! Can't you just see this beauty in your closet?