Paper Planes

I'm getting geared up for a trip...wait for it...TO CUBA! I have always wanted to go and now that most everybody can, I want to visit before it gets 'touristy' (is that even a word?). So...away I will go later this month.

I am going with 3 of my friends and we will be visiting Havana, Santiago and Holguin. It's going to be amazing and I am so thankful that God has placed me in a position to have the experience.

Of course I will be documenting my entire trip and fits:-) Depending on the internet access, it may be after the trip...but regardless of when...I can't wait to share it with you.

This outfit is a little preview of what I will be wearing in Cuba. Easy, breezy and simple. I'm bringing 3 pairs of neutral colored shoes and pieces that are easy to mix and match because we can't bring a lot of luggage. We will be staying in casas particulares (private homestays) and on-the-move from city to city...so less is definitely more.

I really think that this trip is going to be a life changing experience. Right now I am at a point in my life where I have to make some overdue decisions (which I will talk more about at a later time) and I feel the experience that I will have on this getaway will definitely have an impact on the choices that I make.

With all of this said...if you know of any photographers or videographers in any of the cities that I am going to in Cuba, please let me know! I will capture most of the trip myself but would love to work with someone in each city. Info@TallSWAG.com :-)

Thanks in advance and have a great weekend beautiful!

Across Patterns and Time

Animal Print Bodysuit - ASOS Tall (Tall bodysuits HERE)/Shoes - Smash Shoes/Pants - Collage Clothing Lounge/All jewelry - Candid ArtPhoto Credit: LaKeela Smith

Animal Print Bodysuit - ASOS Tall (Tall bodysuits HERE)/Shoes - Smash Shoes/Pants - Collage Clothing Lounge/All jewelry - Candid Art

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

This outfit is a testament to many things...

1. You don't have to buy something new to rock a new and exciting outfit. These are all pieces I have owned for some time remixed in to a fabulous fit. I can't tell you how many compliments I received. If you want a new look, it's often right there in your closet.

2. Try everything on! I saw these pants at the Collage Clothing Lounge in Oakland and thought what we all think while shopping in stores...there is no way those are gonna be long enough. I tried them on anyway and I am so thankful that I did because there are some of my favorite pants! You just never truly know until you try.

3. Ignore the RULES. If you let some people tell it, mixing patterns is wrong and furthermore tall women shouldn't wear loud colors or patterns because it draws more attention to them. Pish to the posh! SO FAR from the truth. Wear what makes you feel best, Give them something to stare at hunni! Don't let anyone limit your style and how you express it. From neon to patterns, don't let anyone hold your style back because often times they are afraid to express theirs themselves. Society, get away from with all that!

What I wish for you is freedom. Freedom in what you do. Freedom in what you wear. Freedom in what you feel about yourself. You are exceptionally beautiful inside and out and I want you to show the world your strength and self-love in every single way that you can whether it be in your style, walk or words...

Live out your purpose, live in your purpose and freely show the world who you are!

BUSTED

There is nothing I love more than a simple, chic, black and white combo. You seriously can't go wrong. No matter the type of dress, from casual to a night out, a black and white ensemble is a surefire way to look put together and polished.

These jeans from ASOS Tall set this black-white fit off! The rips are in all of the right places. I mean the bust at the knee is actually AT THE KNEE which is unheard of for us. They are super flattering, comfy and can go from day to night with ease. These jeans are one of those amazing Tall finds that you squeal about when you put them on. I might have hugged them at one point but don't tell nobody.

I paired them with this thrifted shirt from Savers (one of my thrift favs) and a neutral pump, from your favorite and mine, Nordstrom Rack. When all was said in done this entire fit was under $100! I just love fits that are comfy, polished and economical don't you?

BTW...HAPPY FRIDAY! Slay the weekend beautiful:-)

XONecole

We are completely built to tell our stories. When we share who we are and what we have been through, every single word makes an impact in ways that we can't even imagine. I dare you to tell your story to someone and see what happens. 

With that said, I am completely honored to be a top feature on XONecole.com! It was a pleasure speaking with Kiah McBride. She did a phenomenal job telling my story and I am very grateful to both her, the entire XONecole team and the founder and Editor-In-Chief, Necole Kane. If you haven't checked out XONecole.com, please do! It is an amazing site, with a remarkable message and the path that Necole took to create it is both brave and inspiring.

Please let me know what you think about the feature...I would love to hear it:) Thank you so very much for reading!

Easy Like Monday Morning

I'm tired y'all. I mean...TIRED.

Right now I am in the middle of the busiest part of the season. We are blessed to be in the Finals again and with every blessing, there is great responsibility. With great responsibility there is a lot of work and with a lot of work there is a lack of sleep.

Don't get me wrong...I will take the tired all day. The outcome is worth far more than any amount of sleep I could get but when times get busy, you have to think of ways to be more efficient and one of the ways I do this, is in the execution of my work outfits.

When on #TeamNoSleep you need something that is easy to put on, comfortable and requires little to no effort to put together, To me that all equates to all black. It's chic, instantly looks put together and you can't see the wrinkles as easily if you don't have time to iron or steam.

I absolutely love these tall pieces from Alloy Apparel. The pants fit like a glove, are long enough and have a hawt little faux leather detail at the waist. I paired it with the tall ruched-side boatneck tee that is long in the body and shapes you just right. It's also versatile. Easily go from work to fun in the time it takes to take the shirt off your shoulders.

Now you can take the black all the way to the shoes but I wanted a little pop, so I added these fun metallic pumps from Smash Shoes. There certainly is nothing wrong with a pop of metal hunni.

So, next time you wake up tired and need to get ready in a hot minute, throw on some black, a pop of something and watch the compliments on your effortless fit roll in!

Cold Shoulder

Marilyn Dress - Alloy Apparel Tall Shop/Neutral Pumps - Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack (size 12)/Earrings - Charlotte RussePhoto Credit: LaKeela Smith

Marilyn Dress - Alloy Apparel Tall Shop/Neutral Pumps - Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack (size 12)/Earrings - Charlotte Russe

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

I am incredibly thankful and positively overwhelmed by the amazing response to the My Life piece that MODE was kind enough to make about me. Your support means everything to me. We are built to tell our stories and I can't wait to share more with you. Thank you so very much!

I also received a ton of questions about the outfits that I wore in the piece. Just in case you missed it, I gave a full style breakdown HERE. In particular, the Marilyn Dress from Alloy Apparel was a hot topic!

I love this dress! Not only are the arms long enough for us, it's neutral, off the shoulder and the perfect throw-on glam for a date night or night out with the girls. What's not to love!

The price, like the entire Alloy Apparel Tall Shop, is on point! When was the last time you bought a tall dress for under $35?

So, you asked and I answered. The mystery dress is no longer a mystery! Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart and enjoy the Alloy Apparel Tall line:-)