Here is a review of week one of my two month long, summer shopping ban. I will list items purchased that may not have been completely necessary. These purchases have been monitored by my husband, but I want to share them with you in light of being open. The rules state that I can not make unnecessary purchases, but I want to monitor my purchases that could go either way too.

Day 1- a replacement lock after I had to cut my old lock at the gym. I locked the key inside= $8 snack mix for Lyla= $3

Day 2- chai frappe at Starbucks while Lyla enjoyed her free birthday cookie= $4

Here is a list of participating blogs. Feel free to join in and share with us.

I have credits to use at eShakti, and I’m trying to decide which of the beautiful pieces I want to get. I love the dress I already have from eShakti, but I don’t get to wear nice dresses as much these days. I’m leaning toward getting a cute tank or knit top instead.

20120613-095150.jpg

I still have my eye on a few dresses too. I think this brown, floral, high-low maxi is too cute. I could see styling it for this fall too.

20120613-095418.jpg

I have a few other pieces that I want too, but these are at the top of my list for there use and being in my budget. Tell me what you think.

This week for Friend Friday we are discussing the “Thinsporation” trend that has taken over sites like Tumblr and some boards on Pinterest. Basically, they are posts and pins of extremely skinny girls. I’m sure guys have their own form, but that can be discussed separately. Sometimes these girls are also very muscular too, but mostly the focus is that they are skinny. I personally have a thin, athletic build, however, I find these pictures with captions that shout out being thin to the extreme is the goal as annoying. In more ways than one too! First off, there is an insane amount of this type of inspirational posts/pins. Secondly, they put an unhealthy focus on one ,more often than it is, unattainable body type. 20120419-130223.jpg

Personally, my inspirational pins focus on keeping me motivated to stay healthy and make proper choices for me. Not something that I want to attain by being unreasonable with my exercise, diet, and attitude.

I could go on and on about the Thinspo pins, but what would be the real point in that?!? Honestly, I just want to see this type of thing be banned across the board (no pun intended). I will advocate for health and fitness within reason and encourage others with these goals too. After all, I have a little girl looking up to me, and I want her to know I am happy with my body. I will do what it takes to keep it healthy, because, I want to be around to see her grow up and appreciate her body in the same way I do.

This week the bloggers participating in Katy’s, of ModlyChicFriend Friday are talking about the seeming phenomenon of one time wear clothing. Read my answers below then jump to ModlyChic for everybody else’s answers.

owl necklace
1. Are you a one-time wearer?
No way! I think everything in my closet has been worn multiple times. some of the items, being second hand, have even had multiple wearers.x
2. Do you feel the need to purchase something new for an evening out or a
special event?

Not necessarily, if it is a special event I may purchase something new, but that is if I don’t already have something appropriate to wear that I think fits the bill for the event. I do think certain events require something special, so I may opt to purchase some new shoes or accessories to update something I already own. Then, I satisfy the want for something new while not breaking the bank either.
3. Re-mixing is something a lot of bloggers are proud of being able to
accomplish – are you a re-mixing pro or do you shy away from posting items
frequently? Why?

I have to answer yes to both questions. I have no problem re-mixing and finding new ways to wear the same old things. However, I don’t like to post outfits that are eerily similar or the same piece too many times in a row.

spotted moth scarf, scarf, scarves, spotted moth
4. Do you have a clothing budget or are you an impulse buyer?
Again, I will answer yes and no to both of these questions. I do not have a specific “clothing budget” yet, I consider myself to be a budget friendly style blogger. That being said, if I see something I really want, and I can afford it I’m going to get it!

yellow and white purse, Target purse, stripes
5. Do you find yourself bored when reading a blog in which clothing items
are often remixed and appear frequently?

I don’t think I pay close enough attention to get bored by other fashion bloggers. I can read a personal style blog everyday while they are re-mixing the same jacket or skirt for a week straight. One of those days I am going to be inspired by how they did something different than I would have thought of! How can re-mixing be boring? After all, don’t they have regular features in magazines like Lucky and In Style that feature different ways to re-mix five different pieces with your current wardrobe for a month of new looks?

I wrote a post after my three year old daughter told me why she wears clothes. I asked at the end of that post if anybody wanted to guest post telling us why they wear clothes. This is what Curvy CEO sent me. If you would like to submit a guest post on why you wear clothes email me at danit AT noguiltfashion DOT com

Why I Wear Clothes – Guest Blog for No Guilt Fashion by Curvy CEO

I wear the clothes I do for one very simple reason.

I am a fat, black woman.

I don’t say this to denigrate myself. I gave up fear of the word “fat” long ago. To me, it’s just an adjective. Sure, I’d prefer something a little more musical sounding like “curvy,” “voluptuous” or “zaftig.” I’ll take “plus-sized” or “full-figured.” I am even comfortable with “overweight.” But, when most people see me they will not think of these polite euphemisms. Instead, I will just be “fat” and all of the negative connotations that come with that term.

Unfortunately, due to the pervasiveness of prejudice and stereotypes, once you add my race into the equation, many people will see me as this:

Hattie McDaniel as “Mammy” in 1939’s “Gone with the Wind”

 

Well, let’s be fair. It’s 2012. So maybe they might see me as this:

Mo’Nique as “Mary” in the 2009 film “Precious”

Lest you think I’m being too sensitive, I offer up the fact that even our beloved First Lady, who is noted for her commitment to health and fitness as well as her incredible physique, has been (wrongly!) subjected to this stereotype as well.

 

Now, if people can attack and mislabel one of the smartest, most powerful and most beautiful black women in the world, that makes it clear that they have no issue with stereotyping lil’ ol’ me.

That is why I wear clothes – I dress to impress. With my clothes, I want to say, “Yes, I may be ‘fat,’ but I am classy and fierce.” By doing so, I hope that maybe, just maybe, more often when they see women like me they won’t think of the stereotypes, but think of the elegance and achievement of plus-size women of color.

 

Hattie McDaniel after receiving the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1940

Mo’Nique giving her acceptance speech for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2010

WordPress SEO