La Vie ARTfroheme

See You Later, Dear Friend!

by LVA_Admin | Jan 4, 2023 | Lifestyle

Today, we lost a living angel, and my heart is shattered into pieces. Kelly, I don’t even have the words to fully express what you’ve meant to me. It feels impossible to capture the depth of our connection, the love, and the memories that we’ve shared. But know this—you will forever be a part of me, woven into the fabric of my soul. Your spirit, your light, and your presence will remain with me always.

I am overcome with a deep sadness. There’s a weight in my chest that feels like it may never lift, and alongside that grief is anger. Anger because life feels so unfair right now, and I wish with everything in me that we had more time—more time to laugh, to talk, to share in each other’s lives. But in my heart, I know this is the circle of life. As much as it hurts, as much as I want to scream at the universe for taking you too soon, I understand that transitions like this are part of the larger journey.

Still, I can’t help but feel like we were supposed to have more time together. More time to make memories, to lift each other up, to support one another through the highs and lows. You’ve been such a special part of my life, and now that you’re gone, it feels like there’s this gaping hole where your laughter, your energy, and your love used to be.

In your honor, I will place a special crystal on my ancestor altar, a symbol of the strength and beauty that you embodied. I will also offer 20 purple cowrie shells, each one a tribute to the ways you’ve touched my life and the lives of so many others. The cowrie shells represent the richness of our connection and the spiritual wisdom you shared with the world. Purple—because it’s a color of royalty, spirituality, and transformation, which you embodied so gracefully. I hope that in doing this, I’m able to honor you in a way that feels as powerful and sacred as your presence always was.

Kelly, you were more than a co-worker. You were my girlfriend. You showed me the ropes at African Ancestry and you were instruction to the way I operate in that space until today. I miss you already, and I will carry your memory with me in every step I take from here forward. Your legacy will live on, not only in my heart but in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know you.

#MyCoworker #MyFriend #RestInPower #HonoringYou #ForeverInMyHeart #CircleOfLife

When I Saw this Cardigan…

by LVA_Admin | Nov 7, 2022 | Curves, Fashion, Style

I am a self-proclaimed FASHION GIRL! I love putting a look together.

As I have learned to dress my body over the years and there is not much that I am afraid to do fashion-wise. My core style is full of color, textures and prints with a strong slant for the Afrocentric (also a little razzle dazzle…sparkle and shine ain’t never hurt no body either.) In terms of cuts and silhouettes, I am a fan of ruffles, peplums, wide-leg pants, maxi skirts and dresses, kimonos, dusters, cardigans and caftans.

When I am shopping I am not only looking at the article of clothing the way it appears but also for what it can be. Like many of my brothers and sisters in fashion, I keep a tailor and seamstress in my back pocket for customization and needed adjustments but I am not a stranger to needle and thread, fabric glue, and paint because above all things, I will not rest until I get it the way that I want it.

Such is the case of this #boohoo cardigan that I recently purchased online. While others may think of one of the top fashion houses when they see red, green, and black together…my mind, immediately, goes to Pan-Africanism and Black Power so I decided to make a “Black Power” cardigan. I actually purchased two articles a cardigan and a satin bomber jacket with the intent to transform them into a unique article that illuminates my style.

To complete the “Black Power” cardigan, I started by purchasing patches from Etsy. My goal was for all of the patches to have a color scheme of Red, Black, and Green and include an empowering message.

The end result is this beauty here. Once I placed the sequined Africa on the back of the cardigan, I wanted to add a final detail to finish off the piece. When I receive the final piece, I will take more pictures. For now, take a look at what I have done.

The next project will be my “Black Girl Magic” bomber…

#fashion #diy #blackpower #cultureintheclothing #lifestyle

Legs…and Hips…and Body, Body, Body!

by LVA_Admin | Oct 6, 2022 | Body Positivity, Curves

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Happy National Plus Size Appreciation Day, October 6th! Today is a day to celebrate every inch, every curve, and every unique part of our bodies. These thighs meet, this booty shakes, and yes, this belly jiggles—but I am grateful for every inch of this #plussizeframe. It’s been a journey of learning to love, accept, and embrace my body in its current form, even during those moments when I wish I could change a few things.

As a plus size woman and a body positive advocate, just existing in this world is an act of protest. Every day, I push back against the societal standards that try to tell us what we can and cannot do with our bodies. We’ve all heard it: “You can’t wear that,” “Don’t show this,” or “Hide that.” But I believe in something greater—body autonomy and self-love. When you learn to dress for your body type and walk with confidence, you can own any space you enter. You can be as fabulous as you want to feel, no matter what the world says!

So often, I hear people talk about what they’re uncomfortable with, what they’re too afraid to show, or what parts of their body they wish to shrink or hide. But let me tell you—there’s a freedom in learning to embrace your body right now, as it is. Sure, we all have goals and dreams about how we want our bodies to look or feel, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that we are beautiful today. Your body deserves love and celebration in its present state, not just when it fits a certain mold or after it changes.

To all my voluptuous beauties out there, today is for you! Let’s celebrate the curves, the rolls, the softness, and the strength that makes up our bodies. You are radiant just as you are. Whether you’re rocking something form-fitting or flowy, something bold or understated, you are a walking masterpiece.

Remember: Confidence is the best outfit, and when you wear it, there are no limits to how amazing you can feel. So go ahead, embrace those curves, strut your stuff, and give the world all of this #plussize magic. We are fabulous today and every day!

#NationalPlusSizeAppreciationDay #BodyPositive #YallAreGettingTheseCurvesToday #LoveYourselfNow

How You Supposed to Breathe with NO AIR?!

by LVA_Admin | Oct 4, 2022 | Art, Culture & Entertainment

Not commenting on #Kanye is my way of not giving him energy. (although I am doing just that with this post). It is my protest.

I wear my Blackness with supreme honor, pride and will fight for it until the end…but I will not argue with attention seekers. When fire does not get air, it is extinguished…and that is on my #shamanshit.

Hoping that he gets the help and counseling that he needs. Where are his family and friends? It is time for an extreme #pullup.

Target’s Future Collective – Dear Kahlana

by LVA_Admin | Sep 11, 2022 | Body Positivity, Curves, Fashion, Style

Dear Kahlana Barfield Brown,

First off, congratulations on your latest Target curation! You continue to set the pace in fashion, consistently raising the bar and reminding us all why you are a true trailblazer in the fashion industry. Your eye for style, coupled with your ability to bring fresh and innovative designs to accessible spaces, is truly unmatched.

But I want to take a moment to say thank you for something even more significant—thank you for understanding that #RepresentationMatters in every aspect of fashion, including body type. When I saw your #TargetFutureCollective collection, I was excited. Too often, I find myself hyped about a new collection, only to realize the options for my body type are either unavailable or feel like an afterthought. It’s disappointing when I’m reminded that the fashion world still has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity, especially when it comes to serving plus-size women.

But your collection was different. I was not only able to find pieces that worked for me, but I also saw my plus-size sistren represented and celebrated in the designs. You understood that plus-size girls like to slay too! You’ve made sure that we are not an afterthought but part of the vision from the start. The fact that I could find items that fit me beautifully, while also knowing that my sisters who needed expanded sizes could do the same, felt empowering.

I copped this little diddy from your collection, and you know I’ll be adding my own flavor to it—gonna #Africanize it to suit my vibe, because that’s how we do. I’m all about making a piece my own, and with your collection, it’s easy to do that.

So, from one creative woman to another, thank you for considering us. Thank you for making sure that fashion is for all bodies, and for continuing to push the envelope on what it means to be stylish, inclusive, and true to ourselves.

#DeltasDoItBetter #AlphaMade #SupportBlackCreators #PlusSizeFashion #TargetFutureCollective

Keep leading the way, Kahlana! We see you, and we appreciate you!