The 7-Minute Workout

I’ll start with heath. You’ve probably heard of this before. The New York Times did an article entitled The Scientific 7-Minute Workout. They state, “In 12 exercises deploying only body weight, a chair and a wall, it fulfills the latest mandates for high-intensity effort, which essentially combines a long run and a visit to the weight room into about seven minutes of steady discomfort — all of it based on science.”

Seven minutes isn’t so bad…right? A quick hard core workout before work to help get you in shape for the summer. Someone even created a cool website that will time you and show you what exercise you’re suppose to be doing: www.7-min.com.

If you commit for a week I say treat your self to one of Elle Mayers workout pants (34″-38″)!!

52 Week Money Challenge

You’re not going to be a millionaire after doing this. But if you already save a portion of your money you may want to save another pot of money for a vacation, jewelry, or furniture. On the 52 week challenge you start with saving $1 on week 1, then $2 on week two, them $3 dollars on week three and so on, and so on. Within a year you will have saved $1378 (cruise money!).

For those who want to save some serious money and get their finances together I highly recommend the following books:

• Girl, Get Your Money Straight: A Sister’s Guide to Healing you Bank by Glinda BridgeWorth
• 7 Money Montras for A Richer Life: How to Live Well with the Money You Have by Michelle Singletary
• Your Money and Your Man by Michelle Singletary

In addition, I’m highlighting a sponsor today, ÉVOCATEUR. If you’ve ever seen my Pinterest page, Everything that glitters….Gold, you know that I’m starting to fall in love with gold again and so is the fashion industry. ÉVOCATEUR is a collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories. It reminisces the past with exquisite images and hand set vintage treasures, while celebrating the present in 22K gold leaf brilliance.

LTS Embellished Maxi Dress
Size: 6-18
Length: 62″

Note: Love the dress, love the bracelet!!

ÉVOCATEUR Many Moons Link Bracelet

Anthropologie Carmen Maxi Dress
Size: 2-12
Length: 61″

ÉVOCATEUR Diana Cuff

Height Goddess Isabella Strapless Maxi Dress – Tangerine
Size: S-XL
Length: 67″ or 70″

Note: This is as close as I could get to a flapper dress maxi style. I love how simple and elegant it is.

ÉVOCATEURAztec Earrings

ÉVOCATEUR Milano Cuff

BFT specializes in large size shoes so if you have smaller feet you’ll may have to see if they’re avail other places.

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Kelley’ Oxford (Blue Beige)

Size: Only 11 and 14 left in this color as of June 6!
I didn’t wear these shoes with that outfit. I just took some pics so you all can see them on.

Rocket Dog ‘Tonic’ Wedge (Mai Tai Black)

Size: 12, 13, 14

A Little Bit of Everything

Pop Sugar Must Have Box (Women and Men)
Price: $35 per month (one time only or several subscription options); Men there is one special box for $100

This is the only one I’ve signed up for. It’s a mix of food, beauty, accessories, and clothes. For the most part I use everything in the box. Everything else I gift to friends, family and coworkers (they love that!). If you decide to get it please click on the image so I can get credit! Yes, support my addiction!! lol

Beauty

Sample Society (by BeautyBar.com)
Price: $15 per month

“…Sample Society clues you in to the best-of-the-best in beauty, without you having to do any guesswork. Each month, our beauty experts handpick five deluxe-sized samples (read: you can use them more than once) from the world’s best luxury brands, then deliver them right to your doorstep. ” It also comes with a mini mag with info from Allure and editors and gift code for purchases $50 and more.

Glossy Box
Price: $21 per month (they also have a 3, 6, 12 month plan)

“Glossybox is a bespoke box of 5-6 luxury-sized cosmetic and wellness samples hand-picked by our beauty experts and mailed directly to your door. No matter which subscription plan you choose, from once-a-month to just once, this box is perfect little present from you to you!”

Beauty Box 5
Price: $12 per month (discount if you subscribe quarterly or yearly)

“Once a month, we deliver a Beauty Box with four or five handpicked samples directly to your doorstep. Your Beauty Box will contain items like makeup, skin care products, hair care products, fragrances and a few other surprises!”

Birch Box (Women and Men)
Price: $10 per month (Men $20 per month)

“Birchbox is the best way to discover new grooming, beauty and lifestyle products. Sample top products from high-end brands, get expert advice, buy new favorites and earn points with every purchase.”

Boxes Specifically Created for African Americans

curlBox
Price: $20 per month

This box is geared toward african americans with natural hair. “… exclusive and effortless way to explore new hair products. You can discover hand-selected curly hair products delivered to your doorstep every month.”

We Are Onyx
Price: $20 per month

“Every month, pick 4 luxury samples to add to your OnyxBox directly from the hosts tutorial, plus get a fifth we love and want to share with you!”

Other popular boxes on the rise that specifically cater towards African American’s:

CurlKit $20 per month
My Brown Box $20per month
My Shade of Brown $10 per month

Handmade

Umba Box
Price: $25 per month (they also have a prepaid 3, 6, 12 month plan)

ok, seriously … I want this box!! “We provide consumers with a better way to get their hands on beautiful handmade products. We scour the handmade community to find the freshest handmade goods from a wide variety of categories including home goods, women’s accessories, jewelry, stationery, and bath products.”

Organic

Conscious Box 
Price: $19.95 per month (they also have a 3, 6, 12 month plan)

Conscious Box is the best way to discover the most ethical and sustainable products on the planet! Focusing on strict tenets of organic, fair trade, and pure and natural products, each month Conscious Box will introduce you to healthy and honest alternatives for every aspect of your life and for every member of your family. Discover the best natural products, earn points for leaving feedback and reviews, and buy your favorites at incredible discounts!

Bonus:

The Honest Co.  (diaper and wipe bundles) $79.95

As you you see there are a TON of subscription boxes. It really depends on what your needs are. The nice thing about all of these boxes are you can stop the subscription at anytime and they make awesome gifts!. If you want to find more options, but you don’t feel like scouring the net check out the blog My Subscription Addiction. She has all of the boxes she’s tried and you can search by category! Now that’s what you call an addiction. I don’t feel so bad now.

Image sources: Respective sites.

Paisley Print Carnegie Cropped Pants $78
Ann Taylor 0-18

J.Renee Women’s Chacha Sandal $84.95
Amazon 6-13

Printed Skinny Mini Skimmer Khakis $54.95
Gap 4-16

B.F.T. by Barefoot Tess ‘Veneta’ Sandal (Orange) $89
BFT 11-15

Tall Paley Pant In Pinstripe Super 120S $128
J.Crew 2-14

Gabriella Rocha Shelby2 47.99 (sale)
Zappos 5-13

For more styles check the stores listed below. Most of them carry several styles in longer lengths.

Nordstom (Has adjustable straps)
‘Dapper’ One Piece Maillot Swimsuit
Size 8-16
Price $68

Long Tall Sally
Jewelled Halterneck Tankini
Size 6-18
Price $75

J.Crew
Long Torso Ruched Femme Tank
Size 2-16
Price $92

Eddie Bauer
Miraclesuit® Sonatina One-Piece Swimsuit
Size 6-16
Price $154

Athleta
Space Dye Kata One Piece
Size S-XL
Price $79

swimsuitsforall (PLUS SIZE!)
Swim Sexy Polka Dot Halter Bikini
Size 14-24
Price $68

Ok, so this one doesn’t come in tall, but it’s super cute so I though I would include it.

Nordstrom
‘Black Tie’ Skirted One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit
Size 6-16
Price $138

For those of you who have been following me for awhile you know I love my flats. It’s not because I have issues with being extremely tall with heels, I just find them more comfortable because I’m always running around and I can’t afford to be slowed down with swollen feet (or tripping…I am clumsy). I discovered Tieks by Gavrieli on FB. I saw that two of my friends had liked their page. They became extremely popular when Oprah featured them in her magazine because she liked them so much. Surprisingly these high-end flat go up to size 13!! Most high-end shoes stop at 10 or 11. I also like that this company is giving back. Check out their about page to find out more on how they custom make each shoe.

Some of the really cute colors are already out of size 13, but you can sign up to be put on their waiting list. My only wish is that they made their soles black instead of there trademark turquoise. The $165-$295 price tag would make this a BIG splurge item for me. I’ll let you know if I take the plunge  Here are some of my favorites in different views:

Matte Black ($165)

This view shows how flexible they are. All of them fold up so you can put them in your bag. It even comes with a little pouch and larger shoe bag for your pumps.

Sunset Stripe (Vegan) ($165)

They also have some vegan options for those of you who prefer not to wear leather. I love the polka-dots.

Rose Garden ($295)

I’m a flower girl. I love these. I can see wearing these with jeans or at a wedding.

White Rose ($295)

Perfect bridal shoe.

Romantic Blush ($265)

I love that you can dress these up or down.

Sunset Stripe (Vegan) ($165)

These are my favorite. I think they will go with any colored outfit. I already have some cute stripe flates from BFT so I’m set.

Don’t you hate when you see images like this and you KNOW that the denim probably doesn’t come in tall and you KNOW you can’t replicate the  outfit because  it doesn’t seem like there are any stylish tall denim selections for us to choose from!! Everyone needs, loves, and wears jeans. And we only want them to flood if they’re suppose to! In particular, I’m thinking of ankle jeans, which are extremely hot right now. I’ve compiled the top seven places to purchase stylish tall jeans. I haven’t personally tested jeans from all of these place, but based on other tall blogs I follow they seem to be pretty popular. Looking for shoes to go with you new stylish jeans? Check out my Guide for Large Shoes.

Gap Tall Jeans

Size 4-18
Longest length depending on style is 37″
Average price is $70

My personal favorite is Gap jeans. Some people love em others don’t. I’ve always had good luck with them and I have jeans from several years ago that still look and fit great (a couple may have gotten a little tight…but I’m working out!). I like trying the regular fit on in store and then I’ll order the tall sizes at the counter for delivery. Usually I’ll go for their 1969 curvy fit.

Long Tall Sally (LTS)

Size 4-16
Tall Jeans available in 34″, 36″ & 38″
Average price is around $80-$100

I really, really miss their pop up shops! I’ve purchased several jeans from them. I would also add them to my personal favorites. The length is always just right and they carry multiple brands.

Height Goddess

Size 26-35
Tall Jeans available in 36″-40″
Prices range from $98-$129

I haven’t personally tried these jeans, but other tall blogs have written about them and they seem to be pretty popular. My goal is to get a pair this year. They are specifically tailor for tall figures so I’m sure they’re going to be a perfect fit.

Tall Water

Size 4-16
Tall Jeans available in 37″or 38″ depending on style
Average price is $145

This tall boutique only sales jeans. I remember when they first came out and they are still going strong. I love the clean lines of their jeans. I also want to try them this year.

PZI Jeans

Size 4-18
Tall Jeans available in 34″or 38″ depending on style
Average price is $70 – $100

I’ve been meaning to purchase some PZI jeans for years. Women with curves are always raving about these jeans. This is also on my must purchase list this year.

Method Boutique

Size 25-34
Tall Jeans available in 36″-40″
Prices range from $98-$129

These jeans are also specifically tailored for tall figures. They are available in several colors and styles.

Hudson Jeans

Size 24-32
Tall Jeans available in 36″
Average price is $200

These jeans are crazy expensive, only available in a few sizes, but I love that their long length is called Supermodel!

Here are some other stores that sale tall jeans (not the ones that consider a 32″ inseam as “tall”) and other tall denim selections.  If the ones above are to pricey there are several in here that have nice jeans for $50. Depending on which store the quality might not be as nice, but we’re all on budget! For my plus size ladies several of these stores go up to 16-18. There are a couple that have larger sizes. I’ve also included their longest available inseam next to the link, but remember to double check before you buy because some stores have a “long” and “tall” inseam. Also, keep in mind that the ankle jeans are really popular so the inseam is going to be a bit shorter for those styles.

• Ann Taylor (36″)
• Avenue (35″) +size
• Banana Republic (36″)
• Eddie Bauer (36″)
• Lane Bryant (35.5″)  +size
• Lucky Brand (36″)
• New York and Co (35.5″)
• Skinny Jeans (36″)
• Top Shop (36″)
• Torrid (36″) +size
• Victoria Secret (36″)

Jeans on a Budget

• American Eagle Outfitters (36″)
• Kohls (34″)
• Old Navy (36″)
• Walmart (34″)

Perfect for Women Who Want More Coverage

• Chadwicks (36″)
• Cold Water Creek (35.5″)
• J.Jill (35″)
• Not Your Daughter Jeans (35″)

Perfect for Teens

• Delia’s (37″)
• Buckle (37.5″)
• Rock and Republic (36″; varies at different online shops)
• Rue 21
• Singer22 (35″)

Tiny talls these stores/brands go up to 34″: I Love These Jeans, Yummy Jeans, UNIQLO, 7 For All Mankind, Raven Denim, Agave Denim, and Ralph Lauren.

What did I miss? Let me know what you think of my selections.

To kick it off my bff sent me this fabulous purse. If you haven’t noticed I’m addicted to the color Green.

On Friday I saw GI Joe aka men in tight shirts (lol) and ate some yummy soul food at Carolina Kitchen:

Saturday we were off to stay overnight at a local resort where I stuffed my face and had an awesome back message. This is me standing out in the rain…it was still quite lovely.

Then he topped off my b-day by giving me these lovely peridot earrings. It’s his birthstone so I get to rock my favorite color, but it also has some sentimental value.

I hope you had a wonderful Easter! Here’s to getting older and wiser!

I told you I was on the hunt for some cute tops! So of course I had to order a few from Long Tall Sally.

I’ve featured two here. I haven’t been able to find any bottoms to go with the third one I purchased so the jury is still out on it. If I can make it work I’ll take some pictures. I also purchased some pants, but they’re to big so I may get a smaller size.

This is the Peplum Jersey Top.  Originally $69 now on sale for $39 and it looks like sizes are going quick. It’s really cute and has a long back zipper that gives it some texture.

This Short Sleeve Slub Jersey Henley Top may look like just another tee to you … I love it!! Just got it couple of weeks and I’ve already worn it twice. It’s super long and comfortable. It didn’t fade in the washer or shrink in the dryer. I’m wearing the color Ink, but they also have Pistachio. I hope they start making it in a few other colors. It is currently $49.