The Wrap Dress

                  I remember learning in one of my fashion classes about Donna Karen and how she "invented" the wrap dress. Of course since Donne Karen is a single digit size white woman I assumed the look wouldn't be very flattering on anyone with curves. But of course I had to try it. I was originally attracted to this dress because of the print and light and airy fabric; I love animal prints and it seemed like a perfect material for summer. I actually bought this dress last year but haven't actually worn in anywhere but to shoot in. I kept either buying something else or thinking the event wasn't "worthy" enough for the dress. I was pleasantly surprised when I got it and it fit comfortably. I think it fits my pregnant body even better than my pre - pregnancy one. Hopefully Summer 17' will allow for me to showcase that wrap dresses are not just for size 6's ;)

Dress - Rebdolls, Shoes - Payhalf, Earrings - Purchased @ African Fest

Spilling The Beanz

            So the last 30 days me and my mother have been busy planning my gender reveal and I am soooo glad its over. LOL I wanted to know early what I was having because I was really hoping for a girl and I knew everyone would be recording my reaction and I knew Id be disappointed if it was a girl. Having to keep the secret for a whole month was one of the hardest things Ive had to do in a while. It was even harder for my mom who kept slipping. So needless to say we were extremely happy to finally spill the beans about Beanz. ISSA GIRL!! Everyone was extremely surprised because almost everyone thought/wanted Beanz to be a boy lol. Either way I couldn't be happier Im growing my very own little fashionista. Ill have her slaying the playground in no time. But in the mean time enjoy some snaps from the big reveal me and Grandma Bear worked really hard on it! 

The "M" Word

             Ever sense I announced my pregnancy there's been a sense of disbelief from those around me that I'm "really pregnant" (as if grown ass women lie about that type of thing). Its primarily because I either look very pregnant or not pregnant at all in my clothes. What people fail to realize is 1. I'm a big girl so my wardrobe is already catered to making me look smaller than I am anyway 2. I haven't really gained much weight during my pregnancy and 3. all pregnant bodies and women for that matter are not created equal. Most people think every single pregnant woman looks like the women you see on social media or TV with perfectly round hard bellies that peek around month 3 and remain until the end. But with MANY plus size pregnancies that's not the case. We typically don't start showing until later and don't gain much weight to be honest.
             That being said. The other problem with this cookie cutter mentality is the issue of the "m" word. "Maternity clothes" is like the ugly red head step child of fashion. Its baffling to me that so many retailers don't offer maternity clothing for plus size women. Like are they unaware fat people get pregnant too? Shocker I know fat people also have sex smh. Most places I've seen only offer maternity clothes up to an XL. Ill never forget when one of my friends was pregnant last year and wanted to know where I shopped at because "maternity clothes were the same thing as plus sized clothes" I couldn't even believe that level of ignorance came out of her mouth. But going to retailer after retailer and only seeing maternity options for skinny women I'm beginning to think she isn't the only one with that mentality.
              Luckily, my ever supportive mother took me to Orland Park one Saturday in search of the seemingly impossible. We came across Destination Maternity and I was pleasantly surprised. Not only were their designs cute and versatile but they weren't horribly expensive either. And the customer service was superior. All the women working were either pregnant and/or plus size and waited on you in a girlfriend stylist type of way instead of a pushy sales associate trying to make commission. I walked out with a bag full of clothes which so far have still held up since purchase. My manager had been telling me about these maternity pants forever and they're my favorite piece. They have an expandable insert sewn on that allows your belly to grow but still provides some tummy control. And the shirt has just enough room for my growing bosom. Definitely will be going back to my new spot over the next 3months.

Shirt & Pants - Destination Maternity, Shoes - Grasshopper

Easter's Best

             

Leggings & Earrings - F21, Shirt - JCPenny, Shoes - Platos Closet

Growing up in a Christian household one of the many traditions and expectations was dressing up an attending Easter Sunday service. Like most holidays in the church, it was usually a big show of whos wearing what. As a little girl growing up frills and puffy dresses were the norm. But, like most things I've grown out of that tradition or rather being 25 years old and 7 months pregnant I just don't care anymore. I was surprised I was even off that Sunday working retail most holidays besides Christmas and New Years aren't even recognized. And I will admit for a second as I got ready that morning I did make an attempt to at least acknowledge the pastel trend of the holiday. But in the end comfort and appropriateness won out over tradition. There's only so much of my wardrobe I can still fit anyway and I didn't particularly feel like having church mothers pet my stomach after service. So cling free clothes it was. Ironically I still got some compliments but it was so much better for me and my daughter to go incognito. It was a beautiful Sunday. =)

Velvet

I always thought velvet was old school. I wasn't sure about the fabric choice at first but blue never fails to make my melanin glow. I had originally planned to wear this dress out for my last New Years Eve as a childless woman but I ended up eating Wingstop on my friends couch. I'll keep this piece in the vault though. Its super stretchy fabric and the velvet will keep me warm in Chicago winds. I love that the halter tie it is so long it can be put in a bow or leave it long. I added my go to leopard wedges  and texture gold hoops to finish the look. Cheers to the LBD (little blue dress)

Dress - Stacked Apparel, Shoes - Torrid

Love Bug

            I love getting dressed up especially for holidays (even if its just a Hallmark one). I cant seem to shake the idea that I have to wear either pink or red for Valentine's Day. I didn't know what I wanted at first but by the time I got done styling the whole look I guess I was going for a modern day ballerina look. I was a tad over dressed to see Fifty Shades Darker, especially in not so warm weather. But I fit right in for dinner at Chi Tung. I felt very girly and comfortable all night. I usually like wearing slim fitting bottoms with bodysuits but I felt like a full skirt was necessary while pregnant and it helped to hide the baby bump a little while longer. Hope you all had a great Love Day as well!

Bodysuit, Skirt & Earrings - Forever21 Purse & Flats- Discovery Clothing

 

Black is the new Black

       I recently heard black was my color. I've always believed in the power of black though. Black can be so many things. It can be mysterious, sexy, punk, polished, classic. Its slimming and versatile. With this outfit I was thinking of black as both bad ass and classic. Black and white is a classic combination that will never fail. I love the super flattering high waist jeans and body suit combination. Even for us curvy girls it works. And I loved the idea of pairing this super feminine chocker with the more edgy/trendy jeans. Yes, I actually bought a pair of jeans.

       I heard from fellow blogger MiaTheBoss that Fashion Nova was now doing plus size. Ill admit I was weary at first but these jeans had me pleasantly surprised.  They have appropriate amounts of length (for us taller girls), thickness, and stretch. All for a reasonable price. Unfortunately, I bought them after I was already pregnant so wont be able to really enjoy them until after I give birth.

Blooper: when you're pregnant and have to keep zipping up your jeans

Bodysuit - ASOS, Jeans - Fashion Nova, Chocker - Rainbow, Shoes - Target

Remain a Classic

Ive had this jumpsuit for awhile. I actually probably bought it over a year ago from Charlotte Russe. I haven't worn it anywhere yet but its a nice piece to have because its so classy and timeless. I love the juxtaposition between the lacy bodice and the kinda manly cigarette pant bottom. I was quite surprised at the detail and sturdy fabric being from a chain store that just started doing plus apparel but its a pretty quality jumpsuit. It looks nice with heels or flats but considering my current conditions I just wore it with some simple flats. There's so many different ways you can accessorize this piece : hair up or down, red lip or nude lip or even a purple lip, studs or dangly earrings, that it definitely is a staple statement piece for fancier events. I probably wont fit it by the time one of these wedding come around but after I give birth hopefully Ill be able to finally show this piece off. 

Jumpsuit - Charlotte Russe, Flats - Target

Champagne Mami

Everyone knows that my deep love for Aubrey Drake Graham is passionate and long lasting. When I saw this shirt on Stacked Apparel's instagram I immediately ordered it. It comes as a crop and long shirt. I wanted the long shirt because on the model it looked more like tunic length. On me it just looks like my daddy's shirt lol. I think in the future Ill keep it as a crop. I love the destroyed style even tho it shed a little bit. I thought pairing it with slit knee leggins and combat boots was a no brainer. Throw on some DIVA lipstick by MAC, and there you have a down ass chick look.

Shirt- Stacked Apparel, Leggings - Forever 21, Boots - Macys

Dressed to *Chill

Sweatshirt -Rebdolls, Leggings - Torrid, Shoes - Converse

I sincerely apologize for the delay on content to my fans, but I am finally back. Its a new year and so in the spirit of all things new The Brittany Show blog and instagram is going to take a little turn in direction because.....IM PREGANT!. Some of you probably know and the ones who don't are probably just as shocked as me. But now that everything is out in the open and has settled down a bit I am back dedicated to my blog and bringing you guys all the big girl slayage you want and for my fellow mommies some pregnancy slayage as my belly continue to grow! Thankyou in advance to all those continuing on this journey of evolution with me! XOXO Brittany Nichole.