My First Style Segment

I updated the last post with this video but just in case you didn't see it...this is my first style segment on Good Day Sacramento!

It was such an amazing day! My beautiful friends slayed the segment and we had a blast. It is truly a blessing to be surrounded and loved by all of the dynamic, successful women in my life.

We also got to meet the ridiculously gorgeous (inside and out) Goapele. We all definitely had official fan girl moments.

I am just so thankful to Carly, Monica, Monique and Lameka for doing this. It meant and means so much to me! I mean...just look at their beautiful, tall selves. I couldn't have done it without them! 

To check out their looks...click the pics!

Carly. 6'2". Click photo for details. 

Monique. 6'5". Click photo for Details.

Monica. 6'1". Click photo for Details.

Lameka. 6'2". Click photo for Details. 

My dear friend Nikki (you may have seen her on MGL) went above and beyond for this segment. Her support means the world to me! She did all of the makeup for the segment and took amazing photos and videos after. I am so thankful for her talents but more importantly, beyond grateful for her friendship. 

Nikki Notarte Artistry

The entire day felt like one of those moments where you literally feel God doing His work. I was working right within my purpose all day, He showed me the love that He has created all around me and He certainly started my 37th year on this earth with a bang so I can't wait to see what He does next!

I am forever grateful to Good Day Sacramento for having us on the show. It was an amazing start to what I know will continue to flourish. My friend Courtney Dempsey is the real MVP for setting the whole segment up. I look up to you in so many ways. Thank you from the bottom of my tall heart:-)    

Long Tall Sally Dress (last season) | Eleanor Anukam Pumps (shown in size 12)

Please let me know what you think about the piece (comment below or email info@TallSWAG.com). Personally, I am cutting it up and studying it like game film. We must always do, learn and improve.

Also, if you have any ideas/connections for more pieces, please let me know. I mean...a closed mouth doesn't get fed lol. I am here for all of the constructive criticism, suggestions and connections:-)

Thanks for reading about this awesome day...I can't wait to share many more with you!

Good Day Sacramento

November 30th not only marks my birthday, it will now also be known as the day that I recorded my first style segment on Good Day Sacramento. I am so incredibly thankful for the opportunity and here it is! Drumroll please...

Now for the deets! Neutrals will be taking over this season and to celebrate the trend, I styled 4 Tall looks that go a little somethin like this:

 ISSA WRAP

Carly (6'2") rocked a Tall wrap dress from Alloy Apparel. The arms are super long and the midi actually hits where a midi is supposed to. The shoes are by House No. 3028. You can order any shade of nude in sizes up to 13. In addition you have the option for a 2"-5" heel and a matte or shine finish. 

SPORTY SPICE

Monique (6'5") beautified an all black look with a little edge to it. The jumpsuit is from Height Goddess and is built just for our tall frames. It's not available right now but here are some options from asos and Long Tall Sally. The asos Tall leather look jacket and BRASH sneakers (up to size 13) completed this look.

PS. Neva, eva, eva, eva buy Payless Shoes without googling a coupon code or waiting for a BOGO. Also, you can order online and get them shipped to the store for free. I always order all the styles that I like, try them on in the store and return the ones I want right on the spot. 

SWEAT EQUITY

High necks and belled sleeves are both on-trend this season. With this tall sweater dress from Long Tall Sally you get both! Monica (6'1") served this navy piece (up to size 18) with a belt and these killer over-the-knee boots from Smash Shoes (they are REALLY over-the-knee and up to size 14). A simple, chic look that will never go out of style.  

COAT OF ARMS

Now you know it's hard to find a coat that keeps those wrists warm and hunni asos has one straight from heaven. Lameka (6'1") slayed it on Good Day with some 36" Height Goddess Jeans, a roll neck top from LTS and some beautiful Smash booties (up to size 14). Check out these jean options from asos, LTS, Alloy Apparel, Doubs Clothing and Amalli Talli.  

As for me...I have on a Long Tall Sally dress from last season and a pair of Eleanor Anukam heels (size 12).

A segment like this really takes a village to execute and let me tell you...my village is gorgeous and strong! Thank you to my dear friends Carly, Monique, Monica and Lameka for shutting these looks all the way down, my ace Nikki Notarte for always having my back and enhancing all of our beauty with her talents and last but certainly not least Courtney Dempsey for making all of this possible! God has really placed some incredible people in my life. I am blessed in every single way!

Let me know what you think about the piece. Also, if you have any ideas/connections for more pieces...please let me know. I mean...a closed mouth doesn't get fed lol. I am here for all of the constructive criticism, suggestions and connections:-) 

Editing

There is nothing like a custom piece unless it's 2 of them!

This cropped shirt and maxi skirt from Dimiloc are everything! Peep the long arms and almost too long length of the skirt. Man...isn't it amazing when something is too long? I really love the fabric in both pieces. They feel great and the construction is very thoughtful.

I also love how many ways you can wear this skirt. I personally like to pull it up and wear it like a maxi dress. You can even belt it to give the silhouette more shape. In the summer, take off the top completely and just rock the skirt as a maxi or throw on a white tee for a casual summer fit. I also have a look coming up that uses just the top. There are so many outfits you can rock with just these 2 pieces.  

Crop Top and Skirt - Dimiloc/Boots - Smash Shoes (size 12)/Wig - Made by Taya Jae with Perfect Locks hair/Earrings - Candid Art/Necklace and Belt - Forever21

Images: Jay Cox

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about custom pieces is that they are too expensive. Yes, they cost more money in most case but it's an investment. Would you rather buy clothing that doesn't fit and needs to be purchased more often because of the quality or save up and buy something that is versatile and will last you. The latter is where I'm now taking my wardrobe too. I want everything in my closet to fit the way it should and be of the quality that it should be. I will be editing my entire wardrobe but these 2 pieces will definitely be stayng right in my closet!

Roll On

When life happens, it happens.

It comes at you full force.

Often it takes no names, can be uncomfortable and the only thing you can do is pray your way through it.

Personally, I have had my share of those moments lately. Not even gonna lie...I have been eating my way through some of it. Comfort foods are my jam and while it's not a lot, I have gained the freshman 15 and hunni...I'm far from a freshman.

So when I saw these photos, I almost tossed them. It was a confidence check for sure. I immediately thought of photo shopping my sides and then I literally said out loud...

Girl, stop trippin.

I rebuke the agenda setting that created the false image of beauty inside of me. Not only would that be a fake concept of who I am at this current moment, there is absolutely nothing wrong with some curves bay-be.

Custom Taylor Jay Berry Top and Midi Skirt/Mercedes by Smash Shoes (size 12)/Moja Choker by Candid Art

Photos by Ashdav Photo

There is also nothing wrong with being in a period of uncertainty. As a matter of fact, the uncomfortable times are the ones that shape you the most. Praise God for what He is doing in and around you. You are growing in ways that you can't even imagine. Without struggle, there truly is no progress. Best believe you will be stronger on the other side.

Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. |James 1:2-3|

Will I lose the weight, probably. But the lesson is that weight shouldn't dictate how we feel about ourselves and nor should the circumstances around us.

So...no matter what you or your body is going through remember who you are, who He created you to be, stand tall and roll on!

Werk in Progress

It's here...The Werk in Progress podcast is live! Check out this introduction. I cant wait to empower and improve with you every week!

Click here to listen...let's werk!

One Giant Night

Photo by Nikki Notarte

Today is a GIANT day for many reasons..

1. Season 3 of My Giant Life on TLC premieres TONIGHT at 10/9c! I am blessed to have been added to the cast. I am proud to be the first African American cast member and hope that ALL women find inspiration through the lives of the women on the show.

2. I am stepping ALL THE WAY outside my comfort zone. Listen, putting your story in the hands of someone else is completely uncomfortable. It has stretched me and in turn I have grown in ways that I never would have. I now see the beauty in being uncomfortable and I know that no matter what comes out of this show, that I will be better in the end and God will ultimately use it for my good. It certainly will not look that way that I think it should, but I rest in the fact that it will be exactly what it needs to be.

3. I get to share my story on a major level. I was built to tell my story. It's part of my purpose. This opportunity was mapped out for me before I was even born. Having the faith to be so vulnerable in front of hundreds of thousands of people is a step of obedience. I am blessed to have been given this responsibility. If I inspire just one person from this show, my transparency will have been worth it.

4. This is a huge step in loving myself completely. Man...when ya girl saw the trailer I was like ummmm that's not the way I look! I freaked out. I wasn't used to seeing myself with natural hair (as I stopped wearing a weave a short time before the filming), the angles aren't the most flattering and I indeed look taller than everyone else. Well Alicia, I hate to break it to you (in my sarcastic voice) but you are. See, we tend to only show the world our best angles. We can scream we love ourselves from the mountain tops until the perspective changes. Can your confidence remain strong despite an unsavory viewpoint? Will you continue to stay resilient despite what others think and say? Without a doubt, this is a test of self-love and I'm here to pass it.

5. It's an accomplishment. It took a lot of work to get to this point and really, this is just the beginning. I'm going to work harder than ever but tomorrow is a time to celebrate this milestone in my journey.

6. I get to share this win with all of you. God has given me a community that I share every accomplishment with. I am honored to be on this journey with friends and family which includes you. We are standing Talll every day, in every way together and today is no different. Thank you for your support. It means the world to me!

Those are just some of the many reasons that today is truly a giant of a day. Check out the preview below as well as a segment that I did with Right this minute previewing tonight's premiere. I am blessed to have had many opportunities to tell my story which I will share with you soon!

See you tonight at 10/9c...it's going to be a wild ride!

Click for a preview of season 3 of My Giant Life

I had so much fun with the Right This Minute Crew. Click to check out my segment on RTM!