#BloggerLife – FABGLANCE

#NashvilleCurves presents, Melissa, the creator of Nashville Curves!

Published on August 19, 2017August 19, 2017 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

Before we get this profile started, I must say “Thank You!” to everyone who viewed, shared, and commented on the #NashvilleCurves campaign! Each woman shared an amazing part of themselves. Besides putting on a bathing suit, they shared parts of their struggle and parts of their hearts. I truly appreciate their transparency! Make sure to read about Kimmy, Nora, Kearsten, and DD; leave some comments on their posts.

So, I’m gonna answer some of the questions I asked the other ladies in their profiles. And, I’m gonna answer some questions I’ve received about the #NashvilleCurves campaign and our upcoming Plus-Size Meet-Up! Let’s go!

fabglance-nashvillecurves1 — I keep my eyes on certain women who are just doing it! Each class has 5-6 women, representing different shapes & sizes seen in plus-size community.

Name, age: Melissa, aka FabGlance, 39

What do you do, why do you do it?

I’m a lifestyle blogger and social media manager. I made a decision to leave my corporate job, after 10 years, because it was no longer fulfilling. Check out my YouTube video, “I Quit My Job to be a Full-Time Blogger“, I talk ALL about it. Blogging appeals to me because I love to write. I’ve been a writer since I knew what words meant. I write all the time, and I’m even working on a book of fiction (Jack and Ahlia) due out late fall. As a lifestyle blogger, I get to share my LIFE and my STYLE with my wonderful audience. Being plus-sized still presents a challenge for so many women. I like to show women how to dress well and be comfortable because I know what it feels like NOT to be comfortable in your own skin.

What made you embrace your curves? When did you say, “I’m ok with me?”

I can’t pinpoint the time I decided to embrace my curves. I can say as I got out of my twenties, I started to be OK with the body I have. Whether I’m on my fitness kick or I’m just chilling, I need to appreciate my body. I’ve had times when I was sick, going to hospital visits, having surgery, and I regretted not loving my body. The older I get, the more I love my body. Body confidence is truly a journey and some start earlier than others. I hope my blog can help people get on the path to body acceptance.

Have you had to deal with mean or backhanded comments from family, friends, and/or strangers? What did you do?

YES! I’ve dealt with a variety of horrible comments from strangers, WHOLE discussions from well-meaning family members, and shady comments from ‘friends’. We tend to think we know what’s best for other people, because we are on the outside looking in to their lives. So, when you go to comment on someone’s lifestyle choice, you really need to chill. You don’t know how far they’ve come.

Dealing with judgmental and mean comments is HARD! Like, if I really concentrate on ALL the mean comments I’ve received in my 39 years, I would be in a DEEP depression (I’ve been there!). What do I do? If I see a mean comment about me on the internet, I immediately delete it. I usually don’t know that person, so there’s no value in their comments. Now, dealing with family and friends is another story. Because I’m non-confrontational and an introvert, I usually distance myself from that person. After I gather my thoughts, maybe cry a bit, I usually confront them. It’s hard. I’ve lost some relationships because of nasty comments and underhanded discussions. But, I must do what’s right for my mental well-being.

What would you tell your YOUNGER curvy self?

OOH girl! I’d tell my younger curvy self to “Stop worrying!” I spent so much of my teens and twenties trying to fit in. Clearly, God got jokes! I was six-feet tall in the 10th grade, there was NO WAY I was made to fit in. I was made to stand out. People are gonna look at me, I’m usually the biggest person in the room (whoa! even typing that made me feel a way!). Like the saying goes, “If people are a gonna look, make it worth their while!”

If I really concentrate on ALL the mean comments I’ve received in my 39 years, I would be in a DEEP depression.

Now, let’s get to the questions EVERYONE has asked about the #NashvilleCurves Campaign!

How can I be apart of the NEXT swimsuit campaign? How can I be selected for the Class of 2018? How do you choose the models?

Ok! So, the women I selected for #NashvilleCurves Class of 2016 and Class of 2017 are NOT models. They are regular women, who caught my eye because of their beauty, their influence in their industry and the city of Nashville, and their social media presence. For the remainder of the year, I keep my eyes on certain women who are just doing it! Each class has 5-6 women, representing different shapes & sizes seen in plus-size community. The ladies have to be confident and willing to put on a bathing suit. I use a female photographer and find a safe space to shoot so that the women can feel comfortable and showcase their beauty.

I’ve already got my eye on some ladies for 2018. I am thinking about doing an official model search and teaming up with a plus-size retailer to make the campaign even bigger. So, be on the look-out for info about that . . . if I decide to go that route.

But, I REALLY wanna be apart of Plus-Size style in NASHVILLE! Help me!

I got you GIRL! So, this year I am hosting Nashville’s first OFFICIAL plus-size meet-up! The #NashvilleCurves Plus-Size Meet-up is happening October 8 at Millennium Maxwell House Hotel! We are planning workshops, shopping, entertainment, and a FASHION SHOW! Official Model Call for the fashion show will be posted on the website and on my instagram, so follow me to stay posted.

EARLY BIRD VIP Tickets are now available on EVENTBRITE and we are currently seeking vendors and sponsors. Email me, melissa@fabglance.com for more details.

fabglance-nashvillecurves-2 — People are gonna look at me, I’m usually the biggest person in the room!

Once again, THANK YOU for all the love on the campaign! FabGlance is now dedicated to bringing the Curvy Conversation to Nashville. It’s evident that plus-size women aren’t represented in the city, even though there’s so many curvy ladies making it happen in our city. Special thanks to Toni Denisa for her amazing photography and editing skills. Also, a VERY special thanks to Sunny Fitz, creator of SunnyBand! She sponsored our amazing sunglasses and gave us the space to shoot at her pool.

You can find me on the internet as FabGlance: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.

Shop my looks here:

Black two-piece peplum suit from Avenue – Top, Bottom
Royal blue ruched one-piece from Target – Buy Here
Sunglasses – Black w/Bling (my faves), Pink Ice Cream Cone Sunnies

MY STYLE: Do It Afraid!

Published on July 26, 2017August 1, 2017 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

Hola Fab Family! Welcome! Stretch out and walk around; do you see anything you like? Why, yes, yes we do have a new site design! And is it FABULOUS! The whole experience is a metaphor in how my life is going right now: DO IT, DO IT AFRAID, You’ll be ok! So this week’s MY STYLE post is all about how, even with fear you can do something fab!

For the last year I have been lamenting on how to make FABGLANCE.COM more fabulous. Truth be told, my coins are limited and all the great web designers I called, wanted BIG BUCKS (no whammies). I tried to redo the design on my own, but my mind would freeze. I didn’t have the patience to take eight years worth of content to a new spot. If you blog, you know that migrating content is a coin toss. You could lose EVERYTHING, jack up your analytics, and/or end up killing everyone around you.

Continue reading “MY STYLE: Do It Afraid!” →

Night at the Frist Museum with URBAANITE!

Published on May 9, 2017July 25, 2017 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

You guys already know how much I LOVE the Frist Museum. Last month, I shot some amazing looks using the Frist as a backdrop for my stories. This month, I was happy to be invited to a ‘Girls Night Out’ event sponsored by Urbaanite. We had exclusive access to two of the museum’s most amazing exhibits: The Irving Penn Photography exhibit and the Secrets of Buddhist Art. I love going to one of my favorite place with some of my favorite people.

l to r: Me, Sarah of Creative Minds, Tiffany of Tiff & Coco, Sheena of Love at Any Stage, Kay of I am Kay Elle, Malaka of Scales of Style, India of India Marie, and Jasmine of Jasmine Hockett online

You know I love working with local bloggers. Nashville’s lifestyle and fashion blogging scene has grown immensely. Each of us has something special to offer our readers. Click the links above to visit some of Nashville’s newest & brightest bloggers. Just like your local museum, you have to visit our blogs regularly because we always have something new to share with you. Also, just like a museum, we are introducing our visitors to things that will help you feel amazing about the beauty of the world.

When we arrived at the Frist we were greeted by the museum’s marketing director. Not only did she inform us about the museum’s current exhibits, she gave us information about the design of the building. The Frist center is one of my favorite building in the city. The renovated post office offers amazing architecture and open space great for rotating new exhibits. After our info session we headed to the exhibits starting with Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty.

If you don’t know who Irving Penn is take a visit to the Irving Penn Foundation website. Irving Penn was one of the most prolific photographers of our generation. His photography is some of the most amazing work I’ve seen and spans across so many genres. The exhibit is arranged in reverse chronological order so that you can ‘peel back the layers of Penn’s photographic experience’ – source. I was familiar with Penn’s work from Vogue Magazine but not some of his early work. His catalogue is filled with surrealist imagery and fashion forward innovative imagery.

The Irving Penn exhibit is at the Frist until May 27. You should make your way to see these amazing images. You’ll be impressed with the fashion images but be deeply moved by his early work featuring every day people. The exhibit is a great conversation starter as it takes almost one hour to get through.

What I wore: Top from Walmart, Skirt from Styles Boutique, and Bag from Runway Boutique

Of course I had to wear something cute for this Girls Night Out. I brought back my favorite skirt from the holiday season, added a simple white button-down to remix it for Spring. Visiting the museum is a great way to spend time with your friends. We ended the night at the Frist museum’s cafe. Ladies, they have WINE and some of the best small bites in the city. If you want to have a chill night on the town, check out the Frist.

And if you REALLY want to go, scroll down to see a special offer from Fabglance and Urbaanite. We’ve partnered with the Frist museum to give you and a friend a FREE visit to the museum!

CLICK HERE to get your FREE Day Out at the Frist sponsored by Urbaanite

—————————————————————
Photo Credits: Museum photography by Toya Michele, ‘Life on Forty West‘

Irving Penn. Bee, New York, 1995, printed 2001. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation. © The Irving Penn Foundation

Irving Penn. Issey Miyake Fashion: White and Black, New York, 1990, printed 1992. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation. © The Irving Penn Foundation

Celebrating National Picnic Day with my Blogger Besties!

Published on April 24, 2017July 25, 2017 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

Blogger friends: Passports & Grub, Kay Elle, Wine’ing Momma, and Lia Went Where

According to the internet, it’s National Picnic Day! I don’t know who comes up with these fun social celebrations, but I’m always happy for a reason to celebrate (and take pictures!). When I received an invitation to an impromptu picnic from my blogger friend, Malia of Lia Went Where, I was so happy to attend. Malia is the ULTIMATE food blogger and knows all the tasty (and FAB) places to eat. When I saw the invite list, I knew we were in for a good time. What a way to celebrate National Picnic Day, than with blogger friends, let’s get into it!

Ok, can I talk about this spread? I love making a meal out of ‘light-bites’. Fancy dip, tasty cheeses, elegant crackers, and a fun drink, makes for a lovely outdoor picnic. Every blogger brought something tasty to share; I made a homemade lemon pound-cake! Listen, when you work from home, you got time to tap into your kitchen creating skills!

Bourbon Fruit Punch, recipe on Lia Went Where

Now, I’m not a big drinker, but Malia’s Bourbon Fruit Punch is something I’d serve any day! This refreshing mixed drink packed a delightful punch (lol) and loosened us up to talk about the ups-and-downs of blogging. And, anything served with a fancy straw in a fancy glass is something you need to drink immediately! It was the perfect edition to a cute picnic.

When bloggers get together, inevitably we talk about blogging. As bloggers of color, we love to collaborate. During out National Picnic Day outing we talked about ‘blogging while brown’, how to increase engagement, when blogging isn’t fun anymore, and working together more often. It’s great to be able to talk to people who do what you do and understand the challenges. Lia, Alicia, Kay Elle, Tomiko and I will definitely create again. We are thinking of bringing you an even bigger & better picnic style event (stay tuned).

Next time you have the time, grab your buddies and do an impromptu picnic. It doesn’t have to be National Picnic Day, it can be any day. Take some time out of your week to spend time with your ladies, have some girl time, and enjoy nature. I know you will enjoy it.

photos by Joshua Blackmon, shot at Cumberland Park in Downtown Nashville

Sign-Up for my NEWSLETTER, win a Visa Giftcard!

Published on November 29, 2016July 26, 2017 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

Let’s face it, everyone isn’t on social media, everyone doesn’t read all the blog posts, and everyone isn’t available all the time! Sometimes you miss out. As a blogger, it’s my job to be up to date the latest & greatest. For you, it may not be that important. That’s why I decided to develop the Fab Glance Newsletter!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP

Every week, I’ll drop an amazing newsletter in your email that will give you updates about the blog, shopping deals from my partners (this week I’m partnering with Limonada Couture), motivation, and style tips! Actually, you’ll get a taste of Fab Glance online, with a little bit more of Melissa in your life.

So, sign-up for the newsletter, I promise not to fill your email with unnecessary stuff – I’ll keep it fun and FAB!

MY STYLE: Turning a side-hustle into a career, fashionably!

Published on October 6, 2016July 25, 2017 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

If you are a regular reader and you follow me on social media, you know that blogging is my side-hustle. Yes, I know it seems like I’m always blogging, or hosting a class, taking photos, or attending an event. But y’all, I really have a FULL-TIME corporate job! Many days I have to dress for a 12hr day. I may not get back to my house until 9pm because I’ve been out networking and blogging. I have to craft looks that can go from night to day, like the look above. Let’s get into how I work day & night to achieve my dream:

BUY THIS LOOK: Jacket, Cami, Skirt, and Shoes – Torrid

First, let’s get into dressing professionally as a plus-size woman. It’s tough. Actually, for most women it’s tough. For one, most women are the same size from top-to-bottom. But, we are taught to buy suits for professional occasions. I say, FORGET THAT!

I’m a fan of separates. Easily, there’s a two size difference between my top and bottom. I like to purchase skirts, pants, and blazers that can be easily interchanged with one another. In addition, I’m a big fan of DRESSES in the office. Dresses are easy to wear, usually don’t need alot of accessories, and can go from day-to-night. Don’t forget to stock up on cami’s! Those little tank tops are life savers especially if you live in a warm climate.

I keep my professional looks super simple. I buy pieces in primary colors, and get fancy with the accessories. My professional dress code is all about EASY separates that MATCH each other so I can get out the house and be at the desk on time. My favorite spots to buy work clothes: Macy’s, JCPenney, Torrid, and Lane Bryant.

So, why do I do so much blog-adjacent stuff if I have a full-time job? Well, my full-time job is not my passion. At one time I used to love my day job, but no more. So what’s my plan to move forward? NETWORKING! I’m networking my way into a new life while making my current life work in my favor. So if that means:

Dressing for the job I want, not the job I have
Teaching style workshops at my local church and community centers
Seeking out FREE networking events on Eventbrite
Connecting with other bloggers to share posts
Partnering with companies that share my reader’s interests
Posting engaging content on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat

These techniques are getting me one step closer to blogging full-time. Soon I’ll be bringing the Fab Glance lifestyle to you everyday! No matter what your side-hustle may be, make sure to partner with like-minded individuals who can inspire your ideas. It gets hard to be the only one in your crew who is working toward their dream job.

If you are a blogger, make sure to attend The Blogger Girls ‘Listen & Learn – Blogger Meet-Up‘! No matter what your blogger genre, you should be at this event. We are discussing the basics of branding, pitching, and networking. I can guarantee you’ll leave with some gems that will help you get closer to your dreams.

So, as I am pursuing my dreams, I’m praying for you as you attempt yours. Don’t feel bad if each day is a knock-out. Just connect with a creative friend and develop a new technique. I guarantee, you’re closer to your dream than you think!

Do you have a side-hustle? How do you balance your days? Let’s discuss it in the comments section!

FEATURED: Talking FAB on The Perfect Little Life

Published on October 4, 2016July 25, 2017 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

I love partnering with other bloggers, especially Nashville bloggers. So, when Abbey, from The Perfect Little Life, contacted me to be featured on her blog I was so excited. Y’all, she follows me on snapchat and STILL thinks I’m worthy of a feature (b/c I’m crazy ridiculous on Snapchat).

So, go see my feature on The Perfect Little Life. I talk about my favorite snacks, my favorite quote, and even my favorite item of clothing. Then give Abbey a follow. Her blog celebrates all things great about bloggers, food, music, and travel! Trust, there’s something for everybody.

Click here to read my feature

BLOGGERLIFE: I’m featured on Black Bloggers United

Published on July 22, 2016 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

I get so excited when bloggers, businesses, and brands want to work with or feature me. As soon as I feel like I’m all alone, and no one is paying attention, one of these entities sends me a email! It makes my day feel that much better! This week I was featured on the site, Black Bloggers United.

About BBU:

The Mission of Black Bloggers United is to be a community that highlights male and female black bloggers. We look to help all members grow their blogs, connect with members at local meetups, learn useful information about blogging and make many connections.

Having been in this blogging game for a LONG time, I’m always excited to see blogger collaborative organizations work to bridge the gaps in the community. It’s hard out here, especially when you realize you want to be a FULL-TIME blogger, you need all the inspiration and resources you can gather.

The folks at BBU asked me to share why I think it’s important to promote body-positivity on social media. Below, you’ll see my answer. I always strive to use my platform to encourage and inspire. I hope you do too! Make sure to follow Black Bloggers United on Instagram!

“Plus-Size women are still under-represented in society. For a long time I wasn’t comfortable sharing my body online. But then I realized, If someone can see themselves in me, a plus-size woman pursuing her dreams, then I know I’m doing my job. Social media is used by so many women; we scan timelines more than 20x a day. Seeing positive images helps build self-esteem and I’m happy to be apart of the process!” @fabglance1 www.fabglance.com

A photo posted by Black Bloggers United (@blackbloggersunited) on Jul 21, 2016 at 12:44pm PDT

//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js

SIGN-UP: How To Blog – The Basics

Published on April 28, 2016 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

It’s crazy to think that I’ve been blogging for almost TEN YEARS! When I started this little site, I just wanted a place to put my knowledge & opinions about fashion. Each year, this blog has changed: become more personal, worked with businesses, and even helped more people. It was just a matter of time before I decided to teach blogging to others.

Now, I don’t profess to know EVERYTHING about the blogging game, but I am proficient in getting you started in the game. Blogging is still an effective means of communication for even the most niche topics. Seriously, everyone has a voice and blogging is a way to influence people with your quality input on a selected topic.

So, if you are ready to start blogging, but need a bit of guidance, contact me for a One-on-One session. This intimate two hour class will get you set up to be the best blogger in the game. My sessions cover:

What’s your purpose
Writing compelling content
Selecting the right platform
Finding your audience
Sharing with social media

If this sounds like something you want to do, send me an email to set up a one-on-one session. Each session costs $50, and you are guaranteed to leave with a wealth of information and confidence to start your blog. Shoot me an email, let’s get you started -> melissa@fabglance.com

Why should you attend Nashville Fashion Week 2016?

Published on March 29, 2016July 25, 2017 by FABGLANCELeave a comment

It’s that time of year! Nashville Fashion Week starts April 5, 2016! This is a the time when Nashville’s fashion forward residents and designers shine. I like to tell people, Nashville is more than rhinestones and cowboy boots, and we have a successful fashion week to prove you wrong. With five days of fashion in store for us, I’m here to tell why it’s important that you attend. After six years of attending Nashville Fashion Week, I have some tips and tricks. Let’s get started:

If you’re a fashionista . . . you should attend all five nights of NFW. Why? Because any fashionista or fashionisto worth their weight in Ruby Woo lipstick knows that this is the prime-time to flaunt your fabulous clothes and learn more about the people who make the clothes. This year NFW is hosting three runway shows, one art installation, a gala, and educational panels. Whew, your head may be spinning, but I can guarantee that this week’s worth of events will give you all the inspiration you need to shop local and believe in the talent of the city. Click here for fashion show details.

If you’re a blogger . . . you may not be able to attend all five nights, but you should attend opening night and the fashion + photography night. As blogger, I’m all about getting pictures (for my Instagram), info for my readers, and education for myself. Going to these three events wil give you a comprehensive overview of the week, while allowing you to take in the fashionable affair. Seriously, the installation night is always my fave. Oh yeah, you MUST attend The Blogger Girls Create.Connect Networking Event, it’s the PREMIERE networking event for Nashville’s fashionable bloggers.

If you’re a student . . . your fashionable pockets may be fill with lint, not with coins for tickets. That’s ok. You should attend the the Create.Connect Networking event (student tickets are only $10), the educational panels, and opening night. Attending these three events is under $100. You’ll get the best parts of fashion week and you’ll get a chance to networking with Nashville’s fashionable movers & shakers.

If you’re a business owner . . . Nashville Fashion Week is the premiere networking event for you! Of course I’ll tell you to attend all five nights. But, you should really focus your sights on the Nashville Designer showcase (Tuesday Night) and the Fashion Forward Gala. Why these two events? Business owners should always support local designers and local non-profit organizations. These two events encompass both these platforms and are EXCELLENT networking events for business owners in the city.

If you love Nashville . . . then you’d love Nashville Fashion week! The fact that the event takes place around the city while spotlighting the city’s newest and most chic creative spaces should give you more than enough reason to support the event. Attending any night would give you a glimpse of what the city has to offer when it comes to fashion & business.

So, get your tickets today. I’ve attend every year since the event’s inception. I can say that it’s an event that every Nashvillian should attend at least once. Even Forbes cited Nashville Fashion Week as a “Reason Why Nashville is Heating Up”!

Will you attend Nashville Fashion Week? Let me know in the comments section!