Style

Discover Her Journey

If you don't know, the Taylor Jay Collection is an amazing line with pieces that not only look great together but can be paired with other pieces to create looks that empower anyone's style. They are comfortable, chic and perfect for a woman on the go. 

Behind the line is Taylor. She is a mom, relentless entrepreneur and someone that I am honored to call my friend. She is passionate about what she does and created the #DiscoverHerJourney campaign to expand her scope of sizes to cater to plus as well as special collections that cater to all women in special ways.

I have always been amazed that her pieces are long enough for me. I have been rocking her collections for years and always look forward to her new, thoughtful styles. She really makes things that not only make sense but also make you feel stylish and carefree when you wear them.

Support a brand that supports you. #DiscoverHerJourney.

Support a brand that supports you. #DiscoverHerJourney.

As a Tall, African American woman who is very underserved in the media and fashion industries, I am so thankful for designers like Taylor who cater to all women and are making strides to include everyone.

It is incredibly important that we support each other and brands that believe in US, so please support #DiscoverHerJourney in any way that you can. From sharing the campaign, to donation, there is no such thing as a small contribution. Every supportive move is a move towards an industry that represents all of us!

Thanks in advance. We all thank you! #DiscoverHerJourney

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 PaylessMakeup and Photography: Nikki Notarte 

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] 

Desert Flower

WANNA SEE THIS MAXI MOVE? Check out my Instagram for a short video of this beautiful dress.Blossom Print Boho Maxi Dress - Tall Girls UK/Heart Necklace - Candid Art/Shoes - Payless/Hat - Forever 21Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

WANNA SEE THIS MAXI MOVE? Check out my Instagram for a short video of this beautiful dress.

Blossom Print Boho Maxi Dress - Tall Girls UK/Heart Necklace - Candid Art/Shoes - Payless/Hat - Forever 21

Photo Credit: LaKeela Smith

I seriously canNOT believe that summer is almost over. I'm sad but going to enjoy this last month in chic dresses like this crazy-good maxi dress from Tall Girls UK.

Not only is it long enough (I am wearing 3.5" heels and it's STILL the perfect length), it is also the perfect floral print and a piece that you can transition right into fall.

How you ask?

1) SPORT IT UP. Add a sweatshirt and some tennies for a sporty look. I plan to throw on a light grey simple cotton shirt and some metallic Converse like THIS OPTION from Tall Girls UK. A comfy, fab, fall remix for all of your maxi dresses.

2) WILD WEST IT. Throw on a long cardigan, belt and boots of your choice. This Long Line Cardigan is the perfect tall option for this western inspired look. 

3) BLAZE A TRIAL. You can easily wear your maxi dress to the office by adding a chunky necklace, blazer and loafer. Check out these tall blazer options that will transform this summer dress in to a chic office fit.

So slow your roll on putting those maxi dresses in the back of the closet and keep them out to incorporate in your fall repertoire!

I really want to see YOUR tall looks so please tag them with @TallSWAG. See you soon sweet stuff!;)

Spice Girl

This tall dress is out of this world!  It's on the way from the TTYA London BLACK line that debuted on ASOS this week. 

The line is nothing like you have ever seen in Tall. Clean, modern and completely unique. I love every piece, especially this fab dress which is next up to be released.

I feel incredibly sexy in this dress! The foundation of the dress is a great tall-short length and the mesh overlay adds that spice that takes the little black dress to new levels. Most importantly, the overlay is the perfect length; a true midi, appropriate arm length and a slit that doesn't go all the way up to the bottom of our cheeks. You can definitely tell that a lot of thought went in to the piece right down to the thin rubber strip that lines the entire top seam of the dress to prevent it from moving around underneath the mesh. Well done TTYA London!

I am wearing a dress and paired it with Calvin Klein neutral pumps (size 12 via Nordstrom Rack) because this dress needs nothin else to make it pop.

Definitly look out for this dress to drop soon and check out all of the other new releases from #TTYABlack!

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!

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:-)