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So if you follow plus size bloggers you HAVE to know the Queen B...Miss Gabi Fresh! Well a few weeks back she posted a picture of herself on vacation looking stunning in her "Fatkini" and received an overwhelming amount of positive responses. Pushing the envelope as always, she linked up with xoJane and decided to put together an album of other plus size women in their Fatkini's as inspiration to others, and I was selected! I thought that the gallery was just going to be a post on her blog...but to my surprise it made the Today Show NYC!!! How freakin' neat is that??! I love what she is doing and the message that she is sending to women to love themselves no matter what size you are. If you missed Gabi in her Fatikini you can check her out here in all her freshness :) Also, check out xoJane's article: The xoJane and Gabi Fresh Fatkini Gallery: 31 Hot Sexy Fat Girls in Skimpy Swimwear to view the rest of the ladies featured!

Much love,

@lacenleopard

lacenleopard@gmail.com

Photo Op: Meet Michelle

*all photos property of Tiffany Crawford of Pose N Play Photography.

I met with Michelle a few weeks ago for the first time to do this photoshoot. When I met her it was hard for me to believe that she didn't model and that she was just taking pictures for fun. She fit the model type and was gorgeous, yet...she was very humble, sweet and soft spoken. I really did love shooting with her...she reminded me how beautiful natural can be...

Much love,

@lacenleopard

lacenleopard@gmail.com

Versatile Blogger Award

Blazer: Thrifted

Sheer Top: Zeanna Outfitters

Tights: Feathers

Shoes: Thrifted

Watch: Geneva

Necklace:Grandmothers

Shades: Previously owned

I am incredibly honored to say that I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by two bloggers this weekend! I would like to give a special shoutout and big THANK YOU to Naty of A Love Affair With Fashion and Crissy of Splash Kouture for nominating me! I truly appreciate the blogger love and support :)

Each Nominee Should:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers that you recently discovered or follow regularly

2. Add an image of the Versatile Blogger Award

3. Thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link to their site

4. Share seven completely random facts about yourself

5. Include this set of rules

6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination

7 Random Facts About Me

1. I hate touching cardboard. I get goosebumps and it makes me grind my teeth.
2. I have a weird relationship with chicken wings. I get totally grossed out breaking a wing.
3. One of the best pictures I’ve taken was because the model farted.
4. I have 2 degrees. One in Mass Communications and one in Biblical Studies.
5. I was named “Best Personality” in my high school year book.
6. I’ve gotten the chance to meet and party in VIP with my favorite celeb T.I. (best night ever)
7. I would love to design plus size clothing one day.

Nominations

The Official Jennifer Le Blog

Chicmuse

Nadia Aboulhosn

A Pair and a Spare

Fashion Du Jour

Pockets and Bows

Cherrie Amore

Milk and Honeeyz

A Fat Girls Blues

Stylish Curves

Crystal Chanel

High Heels & Good Meals

Peace Love And Sew

Snazzy Savvy Shanise

Fashion With Ellie

Much love,

@lacenleopard

lacenleopard@gmail.com

Refashion Your Jewelry

Some of my old jewelry

Ok, so we have all heard of refashion'ing your clothing...but get your money's worth and refashion your jewelry too! On some down time, I took some of my old bracelets that showed a little wear and tear or that were outdated and fabric wrapped them! It didn't take much time and it added some spunk to my jewelry collection! I didn't get a chance to do a tutorial or anything..but I really dont think you'll need one..its fairly simple. Here's what you'll need:

1. Old bracelets

2. Desired fabric

3. Fabric glue

4. Scissors

Start off by cutting fabric in 2-3 inch strips. Use fabric glue at your starting point. Secure fabric strip in place. Wrap the fabric around the bracelet and secure with fabric glue at your ending point (may need to be repeated depending on how long your fabric strip is and how big your bracelet is). And there you have it, a brand new piece to add to your collection full of color and texture! The best thing about this is that you could use the same bracelet over and over with new fabrics! If you decide to try it out...send me some pics..I would love to share with everyone :) So what do you think?

Much love,

@lacenleopard

lacenleopard@gmail.com

She's A Bright Girl

This weekend my mother treated me and some of the ladies from Set Free WDI to the KJLH Gospel Brunch at the Reef. Though I've been to The Reef before I never went to the gospel celebration. It was quite a treat with various performances, comedic hosts, great food and trivia---which I'm proud to say, our table answered the most questions correctly...go Set Free :) Anyhoo...I wanted to be bright and springy-ish<--- totally not a word, without being a spectacle lol..so this is what I chose...

Blazer: Thrifted

Top: First Issue by Liz Claiborne

Stonewashed Jeans: Milky Way

Heels: Mossimo at Target (got them on clearance for $14.99!)

Earrings: From grandma

Necklace: Red Tag

Clutch: Thrifted

 

I probably gained a million and one pounds, but hey, YOLO :)

Much love,

@lacenleopard

lacenleopard@gmail.com

Oh...and follow me on Instagram @Mz_jucee :P

OOTD: Whole Fit From The Thrift

Top: thrifted for $1

Skirt: thrifted for $1

I wore this outfit to work today and everybody LOVED it to my surprise! Sometimes I can’t believe how the outfits I spend the most money on, nobody says anything. But an outfit that costs a whole $2 gets the most compliments...mind boggling..lol. The top/jacket seems to be Japanese inspired with an asymmetrical cut and black & cream lace. Though I wasn’t sure about it at first, it was very flattering and after I put it on I felt like a sexy school teacher. Only thing I was missing was my wooden ruler lol :)

Much love,

@lacenleopard

lacenleopard@gmail.com

Blessed With A Miracle

I say I have been blessed with a miracle because I truly have. Trenton was born at 23 weeks and 5 days and 1 pound 7oz. Not even 6 months yet, I couldn't imagine having a baby at that stage of my pregnancy. But with God and only with God that I can say that Trenton is here today alive, healthy and well. I cant say that it was easy, but with faith, prayer and never leaving his side...we made it through 5 tough months in the NICU.

I just thank my God, family, friends, CHOC hospital, UC Irvine Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House for all they have done for Trenton. I am truly blessed to say I am a mother, and to have a full of energy, fun spirited and loving boy like my Trenton.

Mommy love you Doot Doot!

Happy Mother's Day to all and especially those mothers who haven't or didnt bare any children of their own but were and are mothers to neices, nephews, and close friends children. May the Lord bless you this day and everyday. I send my love and gratitude.

Tiff