Erykah Badu New Face For Givenchy's 2014 Campaign

Tis TRUE! Empress Erykah will be the the up and coming face for Givenchy's 2014 campaign! She's one of the strong women I feel has never gotten the exposure she deserved. Lyrically, Musically, Fashionably, and Spiritually, this woman has blown me away NUMEROUS of times! Although, this is a bit "mainstream" for her, I'm SUPER EXCITED about the journey this project will take her on. Her NATURAL model-esque physique and facial structure has FINALLY been recognized by the sleeping. It's ABOUT DAMN TIME!!
I've ALWAYS known she had a STUNNING exterior. Now, THE WORLD of FASHION will be graced by it. As, Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy's creative director, said, "Erykah, she's an ICON!" I second that emotion! CONGRATULATIONS MS. BADU!!

LaLa Anthony's New Clothing Line "5th and Mercer"

I'm so excited about LaLa Anthony's new clothing line, 5th and Mercer! How I describe the line?? Street meets Chic! I LOVE IT! Ever since she's hit the scene, her fashion game has been A1! She never disappoints whether she's on the red carpet, at the park with her adorable son, or on a date with her hubby. She's ALWAYS well put together, polished and ALWAYS setting trends. Lala has been my style icon for those reasons alone. So, it goes without saying that I was ECSTATIC and ANXIOUS to shop from her newest collection! I headed over to ShopBop.com and ended up grabbing the cobalt blue pencil skirt. The only size left was an 8! Now Y'ALL know, and I know I'm not a size 8.lol So, I stared at it in my cart for a few minutes. (*Sidenote* Last week I signed up with an Atlanta trainer "Kenya Crooks" and set size 8 as my goal.) So, of course I bought the skirt. It was like the universe set me up to go there for some reason (CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THAT). Anywho, UPS delivered the skirt on yesterday and I was SOOOOO excited to try it on. It was after 6pm when I got it, but I couldn't WAIT to put a few outfits together with it! The fabric is A GIRL'S DREAM! It's not that thin material that shows off your dimples. lol The zipper going down the back is TOO SEXY! You can even zip it up to create a risque split if you'd like. If this skirt hasn't sold out yet...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU GET IT BEFORE IT DOES!  Celebrities such as Gabrielle Union, Tamar Braxton, Kelly Rowland, Draya Michele, and even LaLa herself has been spotted ADORNED in 5th and Mercer garments!
Click HERE to see the other stylish pieces in the 5th and Mercer collection. I PROMISE you, you won't regret it!!

Lala Anthony in the 5th and Mercer (GORGEOUS, RIGHT??)

Tamar Braxton, Gabrielle Union, and Kelly Rowland in 5th and Mercer Jumpsuit 

Draya Michele in 5th and Mercer sweats and matching tee with faux leather sleeves

TOO PHAT FOR THAT!

This is a continuation of the post I did on Lala Anthony's "5th and Mercer". My IG is out of commission (or either I have no clue what I'm doing, lol) so I decided to try to reach you all here.

Honestly, I don't even know where to begin. I suppose I should start from the very beginning, huh?
One night, I was bored and scrolling through Twitter, reading everyone's posts. I saw Lala post a photo of a pair of HOT tuxedo stripe trousers from her new clothing line! I got all excited because I had been waiting FOREVER to get something from that collection. So, I clicked the link and went over to the site. All of a sudden, this cobalt blue skirt started speaking to me. There was only 1 skirt left, and 1 size left. It was an 8. I added it to my cart just for safekeeping (while I think about it). In the meantime, Lala had replied to one of my tweets, suggesting the same skirt I had my eyes on. When I told her that I didn't wear a size 8, she mentioned it had a lot of stretch. And for any plus size girl, (well, for ME)...that's like the MAGIC WORD! lol So, I went back to my cart, pondered a bit more, then realized that I could use the skirt as my "measuring tape" so to speak. I don't know about you, but I like giving myself an incentive (that I can see and touch) as a reward for my hard work. Kinda like a Vision Board..in HD.lol I had just signed up with a trainer last week and thought the fitness and health God's had sent me to Twitter, which in turn sent me to ShopBop, and ULTIMATELY led me to writing this post.

Yesterday, the skirt arrived! I was so HAPPY to get it and try it on and play around with it. Yes, I'm a grown woman who LOOOVES playing dress up! I grabbed a few things from my closet and did 2 different looks. (FYI: I post photos on IG of all my thrifted, bargain, and just things I'm excited about outfits.lol) I wanted to show my fellow IG'er the AMAZING skirt, as well as give them an ideas on how it can be styled. I know the 1st thing comes to mind when people mention "pencil skirt"...they think "conservative", "dressy", or maybe "clubwear". I wanted to exhibit a different take on it. Ya'll know how I like to go against the grain.lol So, I'm all giddy like a little kid on Christmas, right?? After trying on the skirt, I posted the photos (BELOW) to my IG and tagged Lala in it. OH EM GEE! WHY DID I DO THAT??  In my head, I'm thinking, "my IG'er's are gonna buy her out of these skirts!" Well, I was only thinking of MY 600 IG friends. I didn't think Lala was going to repost the pic. She did! Someone contacted me on FB and told me she had done it. I felt so proud that she posted a chunky girl like me on her page! I go over to her page to see it. AND LOW AND BEHOLD....the fat bashers were in full effect! I saw about 4 or 5 rude comments about my weight and stomach. Don't get me wrong...I did look bout 5 months pregnant! lol But I'm not. That's what some size 14 girls look like.  I remember one saying "I hope she's pregnant!", and one saying "it fits like a glove because it's 6 sizes too small." I tried to politely, respond to them all...but they were coming TOO FAST...I just gave up.  I mean, what good would it have done anyway? I actually, laughed with them. I'm aware of my weight and aware of my body. And if I choose to wear something, why would it bother them so??? There were many nice comments made, and that's what I focused on. I don't participate in anything that wouldn't add to the quality of my life, or the quality of life of others. What's the point??

This portion took me the longest to type because I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop crying because I *Awwww SHIT here it comes again*  I couldn't stop crying because I was/am SO OVERWHELMED with GRATITUDE for what Lala Anthony and the other AMAZING WOMEN (and men) did and said! Lala removed the targeted photo and reposted this photo with a message (BELOW). She could have EASILY left the photo up. She could've EASILY, just taken it down. The fact that she reposted a photo with the most ENCOURAGING message just melted my heart! I already loved her for being such an AMAZING businesswoman and mother. But I now I admire her for her HEART! She didn't have to do that! She could've easily turned the other way, and SHE DIDN'T! The same to the other ladies and guys! You all didn't have to speak up against what was going on. AND YOU DID! You all exemplified everything this whole world SHOULD BE! The compassion and thoughtfulness just BLEW ME AWAY! *Awwww heyolllllll...tears* I think all of us Pisces are too emotional.lol

I see what happened to me occur on a daily basis. Each time I try to speak up with hopes that 1 person would learn to taste their words before they speak/type them. I will NEVER know nor understand what drives people to be so cruel and mean to someone who's done ZERO harm to them. We are ALL HUMAN! We ALL HAVE FLAWS whether you choose to believe that, it's on you. However, I'm happy being me, I'm comfortable being me, and each day I wake up, I thank God for making the way he did. FLAWS AND ALL! My heart is forgiving, my love is GENUINE, and I ALWAYS try to see the cup "half full". Life is for LIVING, not BASHING one another. I could've taken it down the wrong route, but I CHOSE not to delve into something not worth delving into. EVERYDAY, I choose to be better than I was the day before. By NO MEANS, I am NOWHERE NEAR perfect! I have buttons, and sometimes they get pushed...and I react irrationally sometimes. Fortunately, those I love holds the map to those buttons.lol

Thank you all from the bottom pit of my jello-ish belly! lol I really, TRULY APPRECIATE ALL THE LOVE AND KIND WORDS YOU'VE LEFT ON MY PAGE! You HONESTLY, have NO IDEA! I try to indulge in positivity, I promote LOVING YOURSELF and ENCOURAGE  LIVING and LAUGHING OUT LOUD! Through this, I hope Lala, and the thousands of you other positive people touch someone else's heart the way you have forever touched mine!

SHOP 5th AND MERCER

Still I Rise

  by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

TAMARTIAN CONTEST GIVEAWAY

HI EVERYBODY!! Today I was in a crafty mood and decided to create a little something for my fellow Tamartians. It's the CUTEST little magazine clutch (As Seen carried by Rihanna and Kerry Washington). I used Ebony's October issue showcasing Tamar Braxton and her adorable bundle of joy. I think a few of you know how much I love The Braxton's! I love them just as much as I enjoy fashion and crafting put together! Well...umm..NEVERMIND! The clutch is nice size that includes a long, silver carrying chain/strap. I'll even include the remainder of the magazine for your reading pleasure!

ME WITH THE BAG THAT'S UP FOR GRABS~

Rihanna sporting her Magazine Clutch

Kerry Washington fancied up her Magazine Clutch

  

Follow these simple instructions and the first to comment with all completed steps WINS!

1. Share/Retweet or Repost this link:
          http://twistedvixenelegance.blogspot.com/

2. Leave Tamar and Vince's baby's FIRST, MIDDLE,and LAST name in the comment section below.

3. Name this Tamar Braxton song and finish the lyrics...

"I don't know who you think you're playin

Boy you know I'm the only one you're needin"

         SIMPLE RIGHT??

    I WISH YOU ALL GOOD LUCK!! 

Beyonce Covers March Issue Of Vogue

I'm sooo excited to get a peep of these photos!! The behind the scene video was mesmerizing. I'm a FOOL for FASHION...and an even BIGGER ONE for Bey! lol I must admit, the cover doesn't even look like Beyonce. Her teeth look funny....STIL GORGEOUS....something's just throwing me off. She's giving me EVERY BIT of Brigitte Bardot! That may have been the inspiration for the cover. HAD TO BE! Anywho, Beyonce SHINES (as usual)...and I've fallen LOOOVE with all the looks! ESPECIALLY, the white fitted gowm, the red, floral ball gown, the lounge/boudoir set, and the peplum top and leggings!! I love them ALL!

Tamar Braxton Performs LIVE!

      *DOING MY HAPPY DANCE*
I was so happy to see Tamar performing her HIT single "Love And War" on The Wendy Williams show yesterday. If you loved her performance on her HIT show, Tamar & Vince, then this one is gonna BLOW YOUR MIND! Not only did Tamar "JEFFREY DAHMER" her new ballad, (ate it up, lol..I know..that's not good, huh??), she  looked STUNNING doing so! She wore a floral print, turtleneck dress that hugged her amazing figure. In the words of Tamar, "SHE was SNATCHED!" I think she is beautiful inside and out. My favorite part was watching her husband, Vince in the audience bopping his head to the beat. His facial expression shows how proud he is of his wife. It's like he's in HEAVEN when he watches her perform. I just ADORE THEM! It was a BEAUTIFUL performance altogether. It always excites and motivates me when others achieve their lifelong dreams. I'm SO VERY PROUD OF HER! I can NOT wait for the day 
HOT SUGAR hits the airwaves. I LAAAAHVIT! However, I think Love & War will always be my fave! WELL....HERE SHE, HER, TEE is !! ENJOY! 

                         

                         Tamar's Wendy Williams' Performance Dress FOR LESS

                              A'GACI 2tone Tribal Mock Neck Bodycon Dress

                                                $22.50