Monday, December 28, 2009

Gotta have FAITH...

As a plus-size woman, one of the most difficult things that I've dealt with is....CLOTHING. I've never really been a huge fan of shopping, but it was really because shopping is frustrating when you're options are oh sooo limited. Who really wants to dress as a soccer mom when you're a teenager?? There was always, and in most cases still is, the issue of trying to find trendy clothes if you're not a size 4. In most instances, you have to settle for what you can find, which can be awkward looking, with dowdy shapes and random prints...things that I sometimes look at and think "Did someone manufacture that with a straight face?"

When I was younger, there were a few stores that catered to the young plus-sized girl/woman. I remember one called GirlfriendsLA, Torrid and a few others. But if the clothes weren't SUPER expensive, the quality was SUPER cheap. So I found solace in the simple styles of Old Navy and the like.

Today, a lot more stores have opened their merchandise to include larger sizes. Now the outreach is appreciated, but there's still the issue of the availability of cute trendy clothes. It makes you think that just because I'm bigger than a size 12, I must be banished to wear muumuus forever. Thanks but NO THANKS fashion world!

My guess is this is the problem that Forever 21 was trying to solve with the creation of their Faith 21 line with extended sizes. I know what you're thinking, Forever 21?? To me, if you're bigger than a size 8, then clothing from there is not really an option. But this new line might just be what a plus-size fashionista (or one in the making) may be looking for!

The Faith 21 line has up to size 3X in certain styles. The line includes mostly tops and outerwear, with and expanding jeans/pants/skirts selection. I've personally found a fashion lifesaver in this line.

Some of their styles:


Trendy, stylish, and definitely affordable. Being that it IS forever 21, the prices are pretty reasonable. (Tops are as low as $8, most expensive coat is $45). Granted, nothing's perfect. There are definitely some items that are questionable, in taste as well as quality. Also, AVAILABILITY. The amount of stores that contain this line don't necessarily cater to me because of my location, and why not just put it in ALL stores? Just my 4 cents. All in all, I have added a bunch of their items to my wardrobe, and definitely plan to in the future.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

My endless hair journey

So I've been on this quest for a good hair regime, to strengthen my hair and get some length. I'm still in a trial-and-error phase, but I think I've got a good baseline:

Full wash (shampoo & condition) w/Deep Condition 1x per week
Conditioner Wash 1xper week

Products:
  • Moisturing Conditioner: Nexxus Humectress
  • Protein Conditioner: ORS Hair Mayo
  • Shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Moisturizing Shampoo
  • Co-Wash Conditioner: V05 Moisture Milks Moisturizing Conditioner
  • Leave-in Conditioner: Motions Nourish Leave-In

I stretch between my relaxers, usually 10-12 weeks. (Those last few weeks are always kinda rough LOL)

I try to moisturize my ends every night, if not, at least a few times a week. I've used a bunch of different products to try to get the best results. Again its a hit-or-miss, so I've been searching around for something that gives my hair the moisture that it needs.

Some of the products that I've used are:

  • ORS Carrot Oil

  • Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey

  • Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir

Reviews soon to come!

Frustration.

I've come to the realization that relying on other people is a wasted action.

Hm...that sounds a little cynical...

But sadly that is something that I've come to realize. My naivete usually leads me to be much nicer, more lenient, and accepting of things that I'm realizing are not ok. My frustration extends to my own behavior, because I find myself giving advice to other people that I myself have difficulty following. 'Easier said than done' I suppose.

I'm tired. Tired of getting my hopes up, only for them to be unfulfilled time after time. Its not good for my sanity, to be honest, and I don't think I really deserve it. I'm intelligent, a nice person, I'm caring... I have a lot to offer.

But 2010 is a new year. Too many times I've realized that I care much more about people than they care about me. So now I'm making a change.

No more acceptance of silly shit. Its a new year, I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm getting further into my 20s and honestly, I'm too grown for it.

On to the next one!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Way I See It

Welcome to my world.

what i think
where i go
what i do
things that make me laugh
things that piss me off
...


enjoy.