OOTD: Little Printed Skirt

I've been on & loving African (like) prints way before they were super trendy. It's just, before, I could never find pieces in my size that were well-made and didn't break the bank. There are sooooo many options now, and I'm gracious!

One of those options are the UK-based retailer, House of Sarah 14. The site offers lined, heavy duty, quality garments available in plus and standard sizes at a reasonable price. While ordering, I'd advise you to pay extra attention to the size chart and be aware that the material has absolutely no give + zipper. Especially if you're not smaller in the middle (figure 8 shape. hourglass), you may need to elevate a size or two.

The Mina skirt, which incorporates a hot pink base with yellow, tan, white, and navy designs, is the skirt i'm rocking today. It's lined, heavy pleated, and super adorable. You can get yours here!

Yas!

I Wear What I Want Chronicles, Volume 722

When they tell you to wear maxi dresses because they conceal your fat knees and thunder thighs and drown you in material and allow you to blend in with every other obedient body <

When you do, but pick the most attention-grabbing neon green maxi you can find > 

Fatties like me are advised to generally just avoid stripes, they're just soooooo unflattering on our big bodies. But if you're going to wear them, they say to wear them vertically to appear taller as opposed to wider. Because God forbid my size 20 lower half "appears wide" -_-

I wear whatever stripes I want to wear ... and throw a high split in my skirt, too! Then, watch me rock the shit out. 

Them: "All over leopard is just soooooo tacky and overwhelming. Try a black ensemble with a leopard clutch or leopard shoes, ya' know just a touch. It's much more appropriate and favorable."

Me: You said just a touch of black right?! Got it! Wait. I messed up huh?

We all know that "black is slimming" and white is the total opposite. Which is why most big girls are extremely intimidated by it and people are so reactive (either overly excited or overly critical) when we wear the show-all color. But. #AtTheEndOfTheDay, it's simply a color. Live, and give life. 

Ain't No Middle Ground

When it comes to the big woman and the body positivity movement as a whole, either you're with it, or you're not. Ain't no middle ground.

I've been led to say this after seeing a photo of a big woman in a white dress go viral, and seeing her repeatedly get dragged by other people who are fat their damn selves (please notice the italicize, bold, and underline). I said it. I've seen this woman's photo on my timeline all weekend. It's one thing to not dig her wardrobe, but to join in with others who probably feel the same way about YOUR obesity is ignorant and silly.

Break the rules. Get this sexy, maxi dress here!

Either you love a woman that's confident in her own skin despite society's constant attempts to pull her down ... or you don't. There is no middle ground. If a woman wants to let her rolls sit up in a dress you feel she shouldn't be wearing, then that's her very own business. We don't share our images for critique, so don't tell me that simply posting to the internet is an open invitation for unwanted, forced opinions. Especially if you're not taking me shopping afterwards.

Either you love big girls, or you don't. To be entirely clear, that includes big girls with fat stomachs. That includes big girls who are cellulicious but won't wear a girdle. That includes big girls who put their flaws on frontstreet. That includes big girls who aren't hourglass-shaped. That includes big girls whose asses aren't fat. That includes big girls with no hips. There's no middle ground. There's more than one type of big woman, stop praising one and destroying the other while simultaneously proclaiming to be Team BBW. You're not on myyyy team. Girl/ boy, bye.

Stop supporting that bullshit rebuttal stating people need to dress for their size, all the while, plus women are still begging retailers for sexy clothing like everyone else. Open your mind up. If we all dressed "for our size", we'd all be walking around wearing the same floral maxi dress or all black ensemble. Support that other big women will wear what they want to wear. Whether you think they looks "a hot mess" or not. According to society, fatties are supposed to avoid white, hide our flaws, and wear looser/ appropriate clothing.

Break the rules. Get this sexy, maxi dress here!

So, you may not having a bulging tummy, you may wear shapewear, and believe you consistently dress in a"flattering" (hate that word) fashion. Cool. Just keep in mind, that shorts and swimsuits and bold colors and big prints and exposed knees/ arms and mini dresses are deemed to be "not for us". So every time you wear those, you aren't dressing "for your size" either in their eyes. And the person laughing at the fat girl who looks like you, is laughing at you as well.

SPOTLIGHT: Che' Haughton

The Spotlight is on Che Harper: store owner, blogger, stylist, financial adviser, mother, wife, and conqueror!

Interview:


What is the origin behind your moniker?

Three years ago, I began to FULLY embrace how and what I was designed to be and do.

EyeCandyINC was reinvented, and even though it’s a clothing boutique, it was mainly focused on

body-positivity and loving oneself. This turned into CheInspires where I (by chance) began

inspiring people with my story. I have lost over 100 pounds. I want to show every man, woman

and child that at whatever size, you should not only love yourself ... but put in the work to feel even

better about what you have been blessed with.


Describe your signature style.

My signature style is whatever suits me. Typically, I shop all over piecing things together that fit

my personality. I want to be comfortable yet stand out and leave a lasting impression. I can be

bohemian, eclectic, traditional, trendy, and on and on. I love it all.



What moved you to launch your blog and/ or website?

My blog www.cheinspires.com is solely based on fitness and how I am fighting obesity. I was

moved to launch this blog because I received so many questions daily. So I decided to just write

about it (which became a therapeutic outlet for me).

What are some goals for your brand in 2016?

For 2016, I have a back-to-school event planned where we will fill backpacks and donate them to

families in need. I am currently designing a fitness journal; it will help to track meals,

workouts, and goals. In early 2017, I will be producing another fashion event that will

incorporate my love for fashion, fitness, and finance.


What makes you (and what you do) different/ stand out from the next coach?

My openness and candor with anyone that approaches me is what sets me apart. I enjoy giving

advice to whomever needs it. It’s definitely my purpose in life.


Name your top pro/ con of being in the public eye.

Pro is definitely being looked to for advice. It keeps me grounded and focused on my goals,

because I know that someone is watching

My con is a catch 22. Even though having someone watching keeps me grounded and focused, I

can never have an off day or a weak moment because someone is counting on me to be strong

for them.


If you could only shop at 2 places for the rest of your life, where would they be and why?

Old Navy – best fitness wear

Thrift stores – you can always find SOMETHING to go with SOMETHING


Describe your most recent, life-changing event.

Stepping on the scale and being 6 pounds away from 199 pounds. I weighed 199 in the fourth

grade, maybe. I am blown away by my desire to get fit and live in the moment.

What's the most important advice you can give to someone wanting to do what you do?

Be fully vested. If you want to place your life on display, be prepared for the questions, the

scrutiny, the feedback. Give it everything you have. Build a legacy for your children

to follow. Always do your best work even when you don’t feel like it. Lastly, go for it! Nothing beats

a failure but a try.


Keep Up with Che:

www.cheinspires.com
@cheinspires/IG
@eyecandyinc/IG
cheharper@gmail.com

#SavingsInTheCiti Challenge

In April, I celebrated my three-year blogiversary! Reflecting back on my post subjects and overall niche' ... I was zoomed in on being frugal and finding deals. And that's still the case. I'm no slave to labels. I can literally find something (to be transformed into dopeness) ANYWHERE. The grocery store. The thrift store. Your granny's closet. The throw away pile. Just let me scour through!

The retail clothing chain, Citi Trends, is a frugal souls' paradise. The chain, launched in 1958, has stood the tests of time and the economy by offering trendy fashion at a fraction of the price, for everyone, in one stop. The departments of this super store include Children, Juniors, Plus, Men, Accessories, & Shoes. While there are over 500 locations available in 31 states, they've recently taken service and affordability to the next level by launching a website for our shopping convenience.

The Challenge

I wanted to compare how far less than $200 goes in Citi Trends, versus a boutique. Most of us are counting all of our dimes and definitely don't mind saving a coin or two. We all know off top that $100 will get you 1-2 trendy garments at your standard boutique, add shipping if you're shopping online. You'll still need to get your shoes and accessories (elsewhere) for an additional amount.

The challenge is to use an allotted amount (your choice) in-store and leave with one full #OOTD; use the same amount online and checkout with one full #OOTD, accessories, and lots of kick back gear!

My amount will be about $100 in-store, $100 online. Simple enough, right?! I knew Citi Trends was a competitively priced retailer, but was absolutely surprised by the results of this project. Check out the outcome.

Join in on the challenge, and tag us @Charisma_Monroe/ @CitiTrends 

The Savings

Online:

After spending a measly $25, free shipping kicked in. So that fee was cut. I loaded my E-cart with 10 pieces, subtotal $95.91. Come onnnn!

Black Girls Rock Jogger < $13

Curved Tank < $9

PROS:
 • Various sizes available
 • No plus discrimination (same garments in plus/ juniors),
 • Order

CONS:
 • Less shoes and jewelry than in-store

In-Store:

#PressPlay

All in all, I got 7 pairs of shoes, accessories, and multiple garments for under $200! Find me a better deal and you would have found the 8th wonder of the world. Citi Trend is the treasure box!

The Outcome Outfits

Minnie Mouse Tee: Online $8.00

Jeggings: In-Store $12.99  

Colorblock Pumps: In-Store $10 

Leopard Bag: Online (Sold Out) $5.00 

Glasses: Online (Sold Out) $3.99 

Denim Top: Online $12.99

Denim Pencil Skirt: In-Store $12.99

"Queen" Necklace Set: In-Store $3.99

Aztec Clutch: In-Store $7.99

Suede Sandals: In-Store $9.99

#Sponsored

Stop Calling Me Brave.

Often times I post wearing outfits that some of my other plus peers shy away from (see: viral banana suit, food-printed swim). Or I post wearing a swimsuit with my fat pouch visible as hell. As a result, i'm swarmed with commentary that i'm "brave" and I am "courageous". People tag their friends like "I wish I had this type of confidence". All the while, I'm sitting back unresponsive, but rolling my eyes to the back of my head. 

Why am I such a super hero for wearing apparel that's worn by women every single day? 

Like "Gosh, Charisma, you're awesome for being so courageous in a society that thinks you look gross. I couldn't do it, but you are everything". 

Like "Good for you for wearing a swimsuit that's not black, even though you knew your FUPA would show in it and that's #unflattering". But you're so confident, so brave."

If you aren't praising my 112-pound (adult) sister for being such a brave soul and comfortably showing her small frame, then don't praise me because my frame is large. We're in the same boat. Society sees her in her swim wear and assumes she's a teenager (she's 23) or that she could use a burger; society sees me and assumes i'm nearly handicapped and suffering from diabetes/ hypertension. Meanwhile, we're both GOOD. 

I am not brave. 

I am simply disregarding the bylaws that have been laid out for women like me and living my life how I want to live it. 

I am rebellious. 

Suit sent from Stacked Apparel's #Summer16 Swim

"If I breathe in public for five seconds, it’s also common that someone will feel the need to tell me, “YASSSSS!” in an attempt to cheer on my fat, black, femme existence. Like I’m a damn animal learning how to be housebroken. People love to be voyeurs of fat blackness, and inadvertently become more problematic by trying to “yas” us through anything we do. Our mere survival is read as motivational to all those witnessing our existence, and it inspires everyone who’s not us because they’re actually partaking in the subordination of our humanity. Our humanity and beauty are seen as less than thin able bodied-ness, maintaining a hierarchy even when we receive these empty-ass compliments or praises. It only reaffirms that our dehumanization validates your safety." 

- Ashleigh Shackelford (Radical, Fat, Black Femme). 

Welcome to Summer '16

Over the weekend I linked up with photographer, Ashley Canay, to shoot my branding video. I don't know what it is when i'm not shooting my own self. I just get a tad anxious! But Ash is so great at not only photographing you, but keeping you composed and contributing to your creative concept. You may recall her from my lingerie shoot, she's still amazing and I definitely recommend utilizing her services if you're in the Tampa Bay area. (Unaffiliated).

I'm working on expanding my network and branching out into the world of Youtube (subscribe!) I'd originally planned to avoid it, but, it's been highly requested for some time and I feel like it would be a beneficial move. I have a lot of learning to do, but we all have to start somewhere. So long as we actually START.

Besides that, I have a plethora of (AFFORDABLE!) swimsuit features pending for all of my fat baddies along with some local project. Subscribe to my blog to stay "in the know" and be sure you're following my social media platforms. As well, July is wide open for collaboration. Let's work! (contact.charisma@gmail.com)

Shhhh...
Enjoy some shots from my shoot. #SneakPeak #StayTuned
Thanks to Grass-Fields & Boutique115 for wardrobe ♡

SN - This is the same exact spot I had my FIRST photoshoot 3 years ago! Strategically planned. When I had little direction and didn't really know how to handle CTRF. The glowup has been REAL, but i'm not even halfway to my final destination. Wait on me.