You Say You Want a Revolution?

Are you a curvy woman or a tall woman, or in my case, both? Have you gone shopping for something stylish and when you try it on it tugs here and there or isn’t long enough to cover your tummy, much less reach to your jeans? I know I hate that I can’t find cute and stylish outfits that can fit my curvy body, but what can you do?

How about start a Revolution? That is just what the amazing Mia Tyler and Victoria Baker-Winfrey did.

Want to be a part of the revolution? Want to be a model? Want cool AFFORDABLE clothes you never thought existed? Please help the REVOLUTION...

Our clothing line is off and running... Well, it’s just outta the gate a little.

.. Its finally happening... We are creating the clothing line you have always wished for.

This line is by us and exclusively for you. You screamed we listened. We want it too. Our goal is to create from scratch the line you and we always wanted but never got. We're talking women sizes 12-28, petite plus, longer tops, great sleeves, quality, AFFORDABILITY. Clothes that will take you from work to the club. If you're tired of not finding clothes you love, we are ready to change that. We're here for YOU. We're not creating this line to pay our bills or generate fake buzz. It's time that you get something back, made specifically for you. Join the revolution For You by Us

Who We Are:

Mia Tyler- has been a plus sized model for the last 10 years, worn every designer from plus to Chanel. Thru the years, nothing has ever been quite right, in the fit or the feel. I've heard from many of you thru the years, your disappointment in the availability of cool trendy affordable plus size fashions. I hear you loud and clear, I'm ready to revolutionize this industry with the help of you and my dear fried Victoria, whom I share this passion.

Victoria Baker-Winfrey - I've been every size from 24 to 12, and no matter which, I've always been frustrated with the options I've had to build a hot wardrobe. To the point where I taught myself how to alter and destroy my own clothes to make them a better fit and design. I'm a busy full time working mom, who doesn’t have the time or money to waste looking for clothing that doesn’t exist. I'm so excited to be part of this revolution in fashion with all of you!

I too am tired of clothes not fitting not only my budget but my body type. So join me in welcoming the next generation of fashion, fashion for real women by real women…
http://www.revolution1228.com/main.html

REVOLUTION 1228

SAG-alishous!

SAG-alishous!

Sorry I haven’t been on in a few the family is passing cooties back and forth. J
While I didn’t watch the SAG Awards, I most certainly have hit up every style sight to see what everyone was wearing. I thought it would be fun to do my own top five looks according to me a real woman (with no credentials in fashion). I am choosing based on wearability, style, color and total look. In other words if I could or would wear it.



Number 5: Ever glamorous and timeless Michelle Pfeiffer
This is classic dress that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.



Number 4: Juno’s darling Ellen Page
Simple, yet eligant little black dress. I likie!




Number 3: Actress and funny girl Amanda Bynes
I love this dress! It amakes me want to be rescued from my castle.




Number 2: British actress Julie Christie
I would totally wear this to the office party or to a play:



Number 1: Americas sweetheart-pun intended America Ferrera
Real women do have curves and this is such a complementary style for us hour glass women.



So what do you think of my picks?

How do you flash your fashion in an unfashionably bleak town?

Ok so maybe that isn’t entirely fair, but I am finding that the downtown in which I work is more blah then ahh! I know this city is dull looking because of the years of rubber companies polluting up the place, but do the people have to be so gray too?

As many have know lately I have been working hard on revealing my inner diva on the outside with chic fashion and a twist on what I already had. I scour fashion mags and websites to see how I can make my closet sing like a runway show. And I have had quiet a bit of luck with pulling out things from places here and there and pulling together fierce outfits. I even have these great full length coats (pea coat style) and scarves, hats and shades that truly give it a total "working it" look. From head to toe I am glamorous.
So why the stares?

Is it because I dare where color? That I am not in a black or grey suit? Or do you just not get "it"?

When I occasionally dressed nice like this when I lived in New Orleans, they got it. So is it because it isn’t a big city? I mean it is a decent sized city. Or is it that fashion, trends, name brands and being glamorous isn’t "in" here?

I look around me as people walk down the streets and I don’t see fashion plates, heck I don’t even see fashion bags, shoes or even outerwear.

I think the closest store that might be able to help is about 20 minutes away in a very chic town. I know this isn’t Manhattan, but geez don’t look at me like I am wearing one of Carries crazy (but cute in their own way) ensembles. I am just not gray anymore.

And why should I be?

Yesterday’s Confidence Builder: Outfit DuJoir Current mood: confident

I woke up yesturday with a bounce today because I knew I had a fierce outfit planned for the day. From top to toes I was styling an out fit that was less then $75 but looked like a ton more.

The shirt is a black asymmetrical low-cut shirt that has a built in silver ring necklace. It is super comfy and super sexy.

My skirt is a green asymmetrical mock wrap skirt that is also really comfy and hugs in all the right places.

I wore a sheer black pantyhose and these awesome black with silver studded ankle boots .
My jewelry consisted of silver bangle braclet and silver hoop earrings with a green bead.

All this for less then $75.00!!

I was stylin' from head to toe today which gave me a bit of a strut when I walked.

I think this glam thing is really working for me!

Cashmere Mafia: a much needed guilty pleasure

Is anyone else in love with this show???

At first I thought this would be a SATC knock off but I was so wrong!

These women are at the top of their game and a fresh look at women in power. It is hard at the top and even harder for women. This shows even the classy, held together power players have weaknesses and a flair for fashion.

Seeing fashion on the small screen again is like eating a box of chocolates and not getting any of the calories! Yummy!

I am also looking forward to Lipstick Jungle. I love Bushnells books and if done right have so much potential. I am re-reading this one and love it all over again. I also recommend 4 blondes and Trading Up. They are awesome!

Well back to reading!

A shopping we will go…

Ok after work today I headed out in search of brown boots. Why? Because I only have black boots and how fair is it to my brown outfits not to have their very own boots?

Well I was originally going to head to Target since they generally have a decent footwear selection for an affordable price. Instead, my dear friend Aviva suggested I give Macy's a try because they were having sales and she had some fierce red boots on today. So since they were in the same neighborhood I headed in that direction.

I walked into Macy's and the aroma of the leather from the purses and shoes was rather intoxicating. Mind you I haven't spent a lot of money on shoes or purses in a long time so the smell was like chocolate for my nose.

After much trying alas there were no brown boots in my size and budget so I headed to the mall itself in hopes of finding the boots of my dreams. I stopped into JC Penny's and they had a great boot for a great price but alas not my size or even close. I gather my purse and trek onward.

I was heading in the direction of Payless (a great last resort because they have decently cheap shoes that will generally last a season or two before needing replaced) when I noticed they opened a Charlotte Russe Store. I was ready to do cartwheels! I hadn't seen one of these since living in New Orleans! It was one of my (and Krista's) favorite stores. They always are having ridiculous sales and have the best accessories for next to nothing. I walked in and the angel at the counter greets me, "Welcome! Our boots are on sale for $14.99." I was in heaven.

Sure enough they had THE boot, and in my size! Not only that but they had this amazing sale on shoes and sitting there staring me in the face where the most beautiful brown patent Mary Jane pumps I had ever seen. I summoned the wonderful clerk who found me the amazing boots and begged her bring this to me in every color in my size. Unfortunately there were only two colors in my size, black and brown, and they were both mine! They were regularly $22.99 and on sale for 30% off! If that wasn't awesome enough the black pair was the last in stock so I got it for 50% off!!!

That is right I got boots, black paten Mary Jane's and brown paten Mary Jane's all for a whopping $42.57! Can you believe it!!! I almost paid just that for boots at Macy's! And I like these better!!

So my proud self headed home so I could share the good news on how awesome a store Charlotte Russe can be, but wait maybe I should keep this secret to myself.

A little late but not too little…

I know, I know it is way past New Year's Day and the resolution proclaiming, but what can I say I was trying to narrow down the choices I had swimming around my head. Sure I had loose weight, get fit, read more, write more, love more, hate less, stand up for what I believe in, speak up, not back down and all sorts of things floating amid many voices past present and future. But this year I decided to take a different approach, instead of trying to change the outside to fit a mold that now matter how tiny or fit I am I never see me as fitting into, why not change the inside and how I see me.

And just as I was coming to this revelation I discovered an awesome show on Lifetime called "How to look good naked". Watching Layla expressing exactly what I think and seeing how she saw herself triggered something in me. I need to change how I see me.

I watched the episode again with my husband last night. It helped him to see how I see myself. He always says I am beautiful no matter what my weight, outfit, etc but I never believe him. I figure he has to say it he is my husband. He never understood why I don't see what he does. That all I see are the imperfectness of me instead of the beauty he sees. When Layla placed herself six sizes bigger then she actually was I could see the light bulb go on in my husbands head.

Because of this view of myself, I too dressed frumpy and dumpy. No make up, no hair style, no style period. In 2008 that all will change.

I now have contacts, not that glasses are ugly, but use mine to hide behind and as an excuse not to do eye makeup. I invested in good mascara (Cover Girl Lash Blast), beautiful eye shadow shades and many eyeliner colors. I even have an eyelash curler! No more plain Jane eyes.

Next, I invested in several skin care treatments for my uneven skin tones and acne scars. I have a home microderm abrasion kit (BeautiControl) with the scrubber and after 2 treatments my skin is looking amazing. Then I invested in the Cell Block C, also by BeautiControl. It replenishes the skin and rejuvenates it.

I also have gotten my hair cut and colored as mentioned in a previous post. I invested in good shampoos, hair products and hair equipment. I never realized before the importance of using the right tools for the job until now.

Another area I took a good hard look at was my closet. But first I did a quick measurement of my various body parts to get a good idea of what sizes I should be wearing. Then I tried a few online calculators for body type and what style I should be wearing. After seeing what I shouldn't be wearing I went to my closet and took a hard look at what I had and boy have I been dressing wrong. No wonder I felt frumpy!

Instead of showing off what I have I was hiding it while accidentally accentuating what were my trouble spots. I began pulling down the entire "no's" style (still a work in progress because I have clothes in several spots in the house) and saw what I had left. I was suddenly inspired with outfit ideas. Things were like hidden treasures. I know as I move through my clothes that I have everywhere, I will find even more! I can't wait to go plundering in the boxes of stuff in the basement for new ideas!! (taking the remaining things in good condition to the Haven of Rest.)

I found that I had hidden treasures in my jewelry box too. Actually it wasn't a box and all of it was very unorganized so I found a jewelry box (reg. price was $19.99 but got it on sale for $4.99!) and sorted all of it out. Now I can play mix and match much like I did on my Barbie fashion plate set as a child (do you remember the fun those were!!)

My next step it to locate a place I can get a proper bra fitting. I have the same problem as Layla did with the excess rolls, floppy straps and little support for my ample girls. I know Victoria Secret does fittings but I also know they don't carry bras in my size. According to the "Bra Whisperer's" online calculator I am way off on what I need so I will find someplace local to go get an exact measurement.

Well, after all these fun activities I decided to take an outfit out for a spin. Suddenly people were saying hello to me. Was it the outfit or the air of confidence I had in the outfit? I wasn't sure. So I did it the next day and got the same result. Hmm, was I invisible before? I know I wanted to be, and I must have succeeded because suddenly I am getting complements, becoming more noticed and last night as I am getting out of my car I got whistled at! I checked the parking lot and I the only other person in it. Me getting cat calls? I am the same weight, same size, same outside (plus a put a more put together like I care about myself outfit) what changed?

My outlook. That's all.

Realizing that I am worth the fuss to look good and feel good. I am worth every penny of the pretty things. That the pretty things aren't just for the tinny tiny and model like, but for me a normal woman too.

So that is my resolution. To realize that I am worth everything I want, everything I dream, everything…

Rewind: Jan 21, 2006 Article:"Courtier for a Cause"

Another article I had published at the Topsail-Island.info website. I guess I had more fashion in me then a I realized.

January 21, 2006


By: Shannon Anicas

Courtier for a Cause

Ever watch the awards shows and say "I would love that dress?"

Well, now you can with the charitable foundation called "Clothes Off Our Back" founded by "Malcolm in the Middle's" Jane Kaczmarek and "The West Wing's" Bradley Whitford.

Using their celebrity and designer connection, they have formed "Clothes Off Our Back" as a way to raise money for children's charities. The items are donated and then listed for public auction with the proceeds going to the owner's charity. Some of the charities included are "Half the Sky", "Cure Autism Now" and UNICEF.

To date, the non-profit "Clothes Off Our Back" has raised thousands for these charities through auctions of celebrity and designer items such as Scarlett Johansson's red Jimmy Choo's or Pamela Anderson's Black and white vintage Bill Bass formal gown. Both of these items were worn at this year's 63rd Golden Globes on January 16.

For the men out there, you weren't left out. Ryan Seacreast host of "American Idol" has donated his Taryn Rose shoes and funny man Steve Carell from "The Office" television show has given his Charles Winston Couture watch for this good cause.

If you would like a piece of celebrity go check out http://www.clothesoffourback.org.

Rewind: 2/12/06 Article: "Fine Living, My Latest Addiction"

While not a fashion article it is one about life style, which goes hand in hand with fashion. It too is published at Topsail-Island.info (great site and awesome place to live).

February 12, 2006


By: Shannon Anicas

Fine Living, My Latest Addiction


"Hello, my name is Shannon and I am a Fine Living Channel addict." Yes, I love the channel DVR, which shows constantly. I dream of living the life. Right now my two main addictions are "Parings With Andrea" and "The Thirsty Traveler." My husband I watch them religiously discussing the decadent foods, sights and spirits they sample in their shows. We have now vowed to print off Andrea's Wine Lovers Pantry List and stock our cabinets with the must have ingredients that she always has on hand.

We also are trying new and delicious wines with every trip to Camp Lejeune's Base Commissary. Local wines, American wines, and even a few foreign wines have crossed our palettes and we have loved them all. The newness of this old favorite is wonderful.

We especially enjoy two North Carolina Vineyards: Childress Vineyards (http://www.childressvineyards.com) and Duplin Winery (http://www.duplinwinery.com/). Both have wines for every occasion and meal, or just for celebrating. The combination of flavors and local originality makes for a winning combination. We are learning that wine is the perfect compliment for everything from stew to salsa and that its textures and aromas mix and enhance so many dishes.

The Thirsty Traveler is another great show that delves into worlds unknown while showing the great culinary finds, as well as the great alcohol choices of a country, city or region. From Chicha to Port to Scnapps, Kevin takes you into not only the local event, but into the secret vaults of the best spirits the world has to offer.

At first I thought that living on a Marine family's fixed budget meant that I couldn't experience the same things they show on either shows, but I found I was wrong. Andrea often shows it is not the cost of the wine that makes it good or bad, but what you eat with it that makes the wine. So go ahead and try the $10.00 Chardonnay, it is yummy.

As for the food, preparation usually only requires house-simple ingredients that compliment each other during the cooking process, allowing a richer flavor for every dish, making the meal more succulent without spending enormous fortunes on a gourmet chef or restaurant.

So check out both shows on the Fine Living Channel or go to http://www.fineliving.com for more details.

Enjoy!

Giving props to my fashion source: www.nikkimaria.blogspot.com

I began my love of fashion in the 9th grade when I would rip the collors out of my t-shirts so they would sag like Madonna's and add as many jelly braclets to my arms as I could.

From there it progressed on to looking like Amanda Woodward with smart skirts and outfits that screamed power and beauty were a good thing.

When I was introduced to Sex and the City I was once again drooling over fashion. Unsure of how to translate the beauty I saw on the show and began to discover in the pages of fashion magazines I expereimented with things here and there. I ebayed my closet full of all sorts of pretty things with matching purses and shoes. But I lacked the confidence and the know-how to pull a decent outfit together. That is until I "accidentally" became friends with a true godess of fashion Nikki. ( Nikki's Blog

She showed me that I should find my own "style" my trying things. But the most important lesson of all is that she taught me how to "work it." Whether running to the store or struting into work taking the time to look stunning was so worth it.

For those that know me, know that I am not a make up wearer and I rearly do anything with my hair that involves any sort of time. (Sleep is like air for me) But I am fashioning a routine that take no time at all!

For Christmas I got contacts so it gives me a blank slate to paint on (so to speak.) I go bold (but not too bold) on the eyes and they jump out atcha. All the rest just falls into place.

Also, I have a layered bob that allows me the freedom to do many styles depending on my mood or time. Last night (with the help of my motherinlaw) I curled my hair in plastic rollers and slept in it. When I woke up and took them out I had a head full of loose ringlets. Wa-la! My hair was done. 10 minutes for make-up, had my outfit layed out (jewlery, purse and shoes included) the night before. I chose a red button down slightly taylored shirt with a black belt and black knee lenght pencil skirt. I had black tights and my black mary jane 3 inch pumps. Added my silver (Christmas present) watch, thin silver bangle bracelts, silver butterfly necklace, silver earrings and I am out the door. Oh I almost for got my purse (a splurge from living in New Orleans) a Prada medium clutch. (I will post a pick of me and the out fit tonight).

Now, I would have never resolved to discover my inner diva if it weren't for the orignal fashion diva Nikki. She is a editor, writer, blogger, fashionista and so much more. She inspires beauty in all no matter the size, shape or budget. She is the real deal. She is listed in my "top" friends as Editing Diva. Go check her and her blog out. It is totally worth the time!!

So I am going back to work where I feel confident (and am getting buku complements) and inspired.

Ciao!

Rewind: 2/12/2006 Article: "Topsail Sense of Style"

I decided to go back and bring back my articles I wrote on fashion. Here is the first one published Feb. 12, 2006 at Topsail-Island.info an news and information website on Topsail Island, NC.

Here is the article:

February 12, 2006

By: Shannon Anicas

A Topsail Sense Of Style Via The Telly?

For years now, even before moving to the Topsail Island area, I have been a fan of Sex and the City and the cast's stories of triumph and tragedy seen through the eyes of four girlfriends in a very trendy Manhattan landscape. I have wanted to be determined like Miranda, optimistic like Charlotte, daring like Samantha and a writer and "fanshionista" like Carrie.

I laughed and cried, but most of all, loved the friendship they shared. They had a no-holds barred approach to their coffee shop discussions. It portrayed women showing you it was ok to say what you wanted, to do what you wanted and, in the end, the only things you need are fabulous friends and a fabulous outfit.

Some saw the show as a man-bashing, over-sexed version of what really goes on in a woman's head. For the naysayer, I think you are way off base. Women are equal to men in jobs and in politics so why not in the bedroom too? Or at least in the discussion of what goes on behind those bedroom doors and in our goody drawers.

I often think of the fifth character on the show as the clothes. From Charlotte's conservative sexy to Samantha's put-it-all-out-there courtier to Miranda's no-nonsense suits to Carrie's quirky and trendsetting attire, the clothes should have their names in the credits with the rest of them. Because of the show, I actually know who Dolce-Gabbana, Fendi, and Manola-Blanik are and, believe me, they are fabulous.

When I lived in New Orleans last year, my girlfriend and I used to like going to Macy's at the Riverwalk and drool over the Prada's and the Jimmi Choo's, being careful not to leave a stain. We pretended that we belonged in this fashion world and lived it up sipping designer coffee. Even with our designer knock-off's, it was so much fun. I really miss her and our outings.

My love of the art of fashion was spawned because of Sex and the City. I started becoming addicted to Vogue, Elle, In Style and any other fashion magazines I could get my hands on. I loved some things and hated others but I always respected them either way. Just because their vision wasn't my dream doesn't mean that they aren't talented and shouldn't deserve respect for their hard work and insight to think outside the box and push the limits of fashion.

This week began fashion week 2 in New York and, again, I am drawn to the webcasts and updates of the latest lines and trends. The pageantry of the whole event is intoxicating, luring you in with sights and sounds beyond your wildest dreams.

Fashion Weeks 2006 will not disappoint.

"I couldn’t help but wonder..."

I am not sure why, but I have been on this vintage clothing kick lately. Well, I guess you can't call it vintage if you already wore it once upon a life time ago, or can you?

I have been hitting the most awesome thrift stores lately and having a ball trying on outfits (or making fun of them). Yesterday, I had awesome luck at Goodwill on some fabulous suits and vintage tops. One of which I wore yesterday. It was bright and loud and pheasant style. Super comfy. I wore it with some Capri's and dress shoes. I stopped before in the ladies room on the way to the class I am teaching and it dawned on me why this new kick…I have been channeling my inner Carrie.

I have been watching the tons of "sneak peek" footage and pics from the filming of Sex and the City Movie and I realized how much I miss my gals. Crazy outfits and all. Guys have there car shows while I have my Sex and the City. Much like the men getting ideas on how to fix up their latest hot rod, I get ideas on how to fix up or even wake up my wardrobe.

So, in this crazy thing we call life sometimes ya gotta dig deep and play a part that is fun and different from your normal personal. It keeps you and others on their toes, as well as helps keep ruts at bay. So dust off your stilettos ladies…its time to dance!