Curvy Cover Girl

A couple of weeks ago the French press were thrown into the dog house of poor media ethics for  publishing the topless photos of  Kate Middleton.  I would like to take this moment to shake my head at this attempt for cheap sales, while also giving a standing ovation to the recent special edition of French Elle magazine for finally giving women a hope that the fashion industry can successfully promote the beauty of a real woman's body, hips, thighs and all.

Tara Lynn, a gorgeous and curvy fashion model was the featured star in this issue and her fashion spread was a refreshing taste of just how authentic fashion could be.  Her curvy figure showcases the clothes in a very flattering manner, and in my opinion made the designers' collections appear much more wearable.  And that has to be a good thing, right?

Photo credit: French Elle

My hope and prayer for our future generation of girls is that the media will evolve to the point that Tara Lynn's deliciously curvy body type becomes a norm in high fashion coverage.  So more women can relate and celebrate their true beauty, which should not be compared to an unattainable size 0.

The argument magazine publishers and advertisers give is that women don't want to purchase products or magazines that feature 'average'-sized women.  Well, how can you be sure when we women haven't really been given the chance to see a reflection of our own sizes in mainstream media?!

So, Tara Lynn, I admire your real beauty and thank you French Elle for breaking the mold.  Here's toasting to more curvy cover girls in the future.

Peace & Blessings,

Fiona Olubunmi

Timeless Stylin'

I love adore styling clothes!  I remember the first time my Mom allowed me and my friend Debbie to venture into the city centre to buy our own outfits.  The thrill, the excitement of putting together our own 'stylish' outfits...pure bliss. That lavender sweatshirt and white skin-tight jean buying shopping adventure is one of my all-time happiest tween memories. Years later, working as a fashion stylist/ women's boutique employee was probably the most fun I ever had at a part-time job.

Fast forward to this week when I interviewed a 60-something year-old woman fashion store owner for an article I am working on (more about that venture another time) I was inspired by her effortless elegance and style.  Belted maxi dress, cropped cardigan, brightly colored nails, rose red lipstick, all wrapped together with a confidence and love for fashion that oozed out of this woman's pores.  When I asked her what her best style advice is, without thinking she said, "Wear what you love!"   Yes, this woman was timeless stylin' indeed.

So in honor of New York Fashion Week (which I will one day hopefully attend), here are some of my favorite timeless stylin' fashion trends.

1.  Belt It.  Every woman has a waist no matter how many inches it comprises.  Belting an outfit showcases that waist and really makes a difference in your look and posture.  Just ask Nashville fashionista Miss Tiffany Johnson :-) Hey, Cleopatra wore a midriff belt so I'm thinking she knew what she was doing.

2.  Lipstick.  Ok, so Jedward wrote a song about it (Google Jedward and lipstick music video if you want a good laugh), and I shamefully admit they are right.  Wearing a great colored lipstick is a statement piece all by itself.  Burgundy is apparently a big trend for fall, but I love a soft baby pink or traditional red.

Photo Credit:  Keiko Lynn Fashion Blogger

3. Accessorize.  Adding a statement piece of jewelry is like placing a frame on a beautiful work of art.  Since I have a tendency to lose expensive jewelry, I actually prefer the low-investment involvement of trendy accessories from stores like Charming Charlie, Forever 21 and H&M.  Who said you can't make a statement with $10?!

Photo credit: Statement necklace from Piperlime

4. Shoes.  Ballet flats, pumps, wedges, boots...can a woman every have enough pairs of shoes? That would be a high-heeled Hell No! Comfort and style really do mix and don't forget to invest in some soft sole inserts; seriously changed my shoe life.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

5. Wrap Dress.  Flatters every shape and size... if you are a woman you need a wrap dress in your basic style pile.

Photo Credit: Polyvore

6. Confidence.  Fashion is what you buy but style is how you add in your personality and carry yourself with confidence.  Since it hasn't been socially appropriate to live a naked life full time, clothes are probably going to be a daily necessity for the rest of your life. If you wear clothes then you have a personal style, embrace it!

Peace & Blessings,
Fiona Olubunmi

What I'm Reading...

"There is no cheaper travel, education or humor than the reading of a good book!"

So, a couple of weeks ago I made a conscious decision to spend more time opening a book than changing the channel.  I am a non-committal TV watcher and often found myself flicking through mindless reality shows that was kind of like eating empty calories... unfulfilled at best.

So score! In the last six weeks, I have read three novels.  My favorite two are very different and I loved them both.

1)  Bossypants by Tina Fey

This autobiography is like watching Tina Fey's life journey being re-enacted live on the set of SNL.  In other words, you can't help but laugh at the scenarios and sense of humor that Fey weaves into her personal stories of youth, work, motherhood and her rise to fame.  But Fey's story is also one of inspiration and girl power, reminding us ladies that its ok to wear the pants now and then.

2) The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi Durrow

You know sometimes when you read a book and the characters become like old-friends and family members.  So much so, that you begin to hope and guess how people will act in future chapters.  Well, yes, this is one of those books.  There are many deep themes such as interracial relations, depression, alcoholism and family ties that penetrate the main character Rachel's young life.  However, most of all, this is a story that reminded me of the power of acceptance, personal recovery and hope.