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It's been a whole NINE YEARS since I took a trip to Mexico to cut up my stomach with a permanent procedure called the Gastric Sleeve Surgery (VSG) and I am no pioneer in the game at all. I do love seeing more people opt for the procedure n many peek into my DM's to ask me about it. I've never shy'd away from sharing my experience n after almost a whole azz decade, I am confident with more insight on it after going thru the ups n downs n being pregnant (a few times) after the weight-loss procedure. Numerous body altering jobs get done these days in the name of beauty enhancements n once upon a time, it was dmn near taboo to go under the knife. While "back in my day" folks side eye'd me at the mere mention of getting surgery let alone outside of the US; today it's celebrated to the point where u drop ur doctors name in a caption while showing off ur new body. For me, I needed the sleeve becuz of my struggle with weight loss. While yes, I could've got a trainer and nutritionist to get on an exercise regimen n blah blah blah. I chose the route of going to Mexico to avoid the long process through insurance n trusted the doctor based on my girl's journey after using him as well. Quick Tips for those thinkin or getting WLS: Be Realistic: Do NOT base ur results or what could be from someone else's. While I did follow my girl's journey I knew my experience wouldn't mirror hers so I had no expectation outside of the process. Ur outcome is based on ur own unique body n how it heals n more importantly the lifestyle changes YOU make thereafter. Understand the risks: Had I listened to everyone who tried to talk me out of it, I can assure u I would prolly be well over an unhealthy weight of 300+ by now. DO UR OWN RESEARCH n trust ur instincts. Whether u are in the states or not, there are risks goin under-period. I chose a well accredited n experienced surgeon in Tijuana who on the day of explained the risks n procedure. He was adamant on not doin more than 4 operations a day to maintain integrity of his practice n also to not overwhelm himself which I appreciated. No matter how much research u do, there are no guarantees...welcome to life. Recovery: I was there from Fri-Mon. The procedure was Fri with an overnight stay in the hospital to monitor n rest. I actually had a better experience with the nurses n cleanliness there than here n my drainage went well enuff to be removed earlier than expected. By Sunday I was recouping n resting in a recovery house with an aide nearby n Mon I was cleared to go home. My roommate, not so much! The Dr. recommended her to extend her stay to monitor her blood pressure n etc after inconclusive tests (she's fine now n only stayed an extra 2 days). I could've easily went back to work by Wed but I returned 2 wks after surgery-just becuz! Pre-Op n Post Op Instructions: I can't give no advice here becuz I followed nere nothing!! I know they say...liquid diet n **insert other directions I didn't follow** lol. I can't call it. I had pizza as my "last meal" that Thurs before surgery n when I got back I had soups n smoothies only cuz I had no appetite but by week 2...I was easing back into solids already n took it easy on greasy foods cuz I was scared. Oh and drinkin thru a straw...I did that lol. They tell u not to so u don't drink too fast so I practiced sips. U can get back to chugging after a month or so lol. Things to note: After surgery if u continue to overeat pass being full, ur stomach WILL expand. In forums you'll read people mention how their sleeve "stopped working" n doing pouch test by fasting or goin back to the pre-op/post-op diets to "re-adjust" their sleeve. What they fail to mention is the binging on junk foods n one too many happy hours. Hairloss: This must be for yall new sleevers. I didn't experience nor read anyone else mention hair loss during my research a year prior to 2014 of getting my sleeve. I've only recently been getting this question from those getting sleeved this year. I am no Dr. Love but I don't see it happening unless u have underlined health issues and deficiencies. I took no medication outside of what they gave me in the hospital so I can't relate! Weight Loss: On average, u will lose between 80-100lbs in a year. After the surgery, you'll prolly lose about 16lbs in ur first month. I am no doctor...anything more than 20lbs in a month doesn't sound healthy to me only becuz ur body is settling after its been shocked from surgery. Now once ur healed n u get on an exercise regimen n clean eating...l can easily see dropping 20lbs in a month but let's be real here...it's a whole lifestyle change so maintaining losing that much every month when u don't come from a consistent background of doin so...eeeeeh!!! Also, u WILL hit a plateau at some point no matter what u doin. My plateau was 200lbs for soooo long n it can be discouraging when u putting so much work in-it's normal. Overall, I am excited for those who take the plunge. I've shared my early journey on my previous blog: Life of Uh Former Fat Girl series. I love hearing everyone's experience. I had intentions on getting a mommy makeover (tummy tuck n breast lift for $7500) after my Toot. Those dreams became a distant memory becuz I swung my focus on growing spiritually n mentally in other aspects of life that became more important than the physical. When I see these back rolls I still re-think it lol but at my age...it honestly doesn't make or break me **shrugs** My inner work outshines my outer appearance making the physical a cherry on top. I'm taking pilates to re-ignite my like of working out (I'll never love) n incorporating a plant-based diet once a week while cutting back on meats (I am loyal to chicken). So will I ever get back to 197? Yes. I know I am NOT getting back to nothing over 250 again!! Hellllll naaaaaah. I will never forget having a dressing room breakdown when the plus sizes were too big or having room in the waist after fastening the seat belt on the plane n being able to not get light headed n dizzy after racing Mason. The process is so much more than "just surgery". It's a full overhaul on changing urself n u shed more than just pounds ;) I can't believe it's been so long...wow!! Cheers to healthier lifestyles n enjoying food in moderation.

Nevermind I've served yall two different looks with ONE outfit ;) let's carry on...on today's episode of More Slingback's for That Azz, lol. I found a new brand after scrolling Nordies which I snatched up becuz they were so affordable. These Lisa Vicky jonts (dmv slang lol) came in an array of colors. Unfortunately, I shared these a tad too late wit yall cuz they've dwindled down to like 4 shades. I am hoping they'll restock becuz for these to be under $100 is a win! I chose this shade becuz I envision my shoes being the statement when I transition my Werk Couture to a uniform of black n white. These fit perfectly into the future vision. Lisa Vicky Piper Slingback ($100) are not too high to where it's uncomfortable. I didn't test em out long enuff to do over 4 hours n walk a mile or nothing so I can't attest to walking on pillows. These do have a cushioned footbed tho. Anything taller than kittens for me are meant to prance n practice around the office NOT long walks in the hallway! I have a love/hate for the slingback tho. I typically like mine with the buckle to have the option of making it tighter n it also let's me play around in case the sizing off. I grabbed a 9 becuz they are pointy but could've totally went with 8.5. Luckily the sling of the back wasn't baggy which is where the hate comes in. It's more so love when it hugs my heel just right but I don't know how much I can trust it if I had to run in these. Happy to have came across Lisa Vicky at Nordstrom (I wanna put an S on the end so bad lol) n look forward to checking out more from this line becuz they have contemporary styles for the office. I can appreciate how polished it makes an outfit with the suede touch yall know I am all about the point-Y. Have u heard of Lisa V n are u down for a pop of color on ur feet to bring life to a basic outfit? Let me know in the comments.

Well, Well, Well...looky here. As a member of the Kitten Heel Committee, not only does the heel get me but I am at the age where slingback's are just IT. The style is versatile making it easy to slip on n off. The same way yall look at crocs in sport mode w/the back strap on **giggles** these are like mules in sport mode lol. Eleanor has been heavy on my wishlist for months. To keep from impulse shopping, I'll typically toss em in the wishlist n if they still linger across my mind after a week or so, I'll revisit. If they're still there I'll keep lurking waiting on a random sale to pounce on em. After about 3 months, they would still be on my mind, that's how I knew it was time to budget them in. I also recently shared how my #WerkCouture was gonna have to be revised n grow up ( here ). So these fell right in place at the right time. These signature T logo'd Tory Burch ($350) pumps are vampy n a classic statement shoe. The leather is superb as I would expect nothing less from this brand n will be good for any occasion. I did get these in a size 9 (could've did 8.5) but the straps are adjustable so it works. These are comfy n soft given its a pointy toe n yall know I initially gawk'd at the price-hence why I got em in black (cost per wear). I am absolutely in love with these n couldn't keep putting these off in fear of losing them in my size. I will also dress em down with jeans n a blazer in the future. They also come in 2 other colors which I would grab IF they are on sale for under $200 **crosses fingers** For a classic shoe to add to the wardrobe at this price point, these are totally worth it becuz it can basically be apart of a uniform i.e basic white blouse, black pants n gold accessories for starters. Plus being named Eleanor makes me feel like I'm infused in the 70's visiting a friend at the Brownstone in NY. Vintage Chic! Are u a Tory Burch fan or shoe collector? Let me know what ur favorite shoe style is below n if u have a formula on what helps u check out ur cart or pass.

I made a pledge this year to do an overhaul on not just my style but my wallet. During the warm seasons I wanna keep it simple yet effective as it remains true to my style. As a Tory Burch fan these caught my eye. So did these Jimmy Choo's. I toggled with the idea of this or that for weeks on end n since it was over the threshold of $200 of course I had to search for reviews n sizing. I ultimately settled on grabbing TB over JC becuz of the design giving the vibrant color n of course the lower cost solidified the purchase. While I didn't see the Choo's in person to compare, I can tell u these TB's in person have not disappointed. I got my true size 8's (instead of sizing up) n they fit perfect. Becuz it is suede I'll be checking the weather before tossing these on, lol. Although I typically like to save my finds until I do a full photoshoot wearing them, I didn't wanna waste anymore time becuz these are ON SALE!!! I grabbed mine from Neiman's (n had em price adjust) but they are $180 at Nordies . When u do see me in these, I'll be wearing a white top n jeans but these will be the focal point of a chill mode outfit. Let me know what u think...I haven't been in the espadrille game for a long time but glad to hop back with these.

I have always loved a good SET. It's easy attire to toss on when u don't wanna think too hard. Fun part for me when it comes to sets is...well TALL GIRL problems **whomp whomp** becuz it's not like u can buy the top a different size than the pants (and vice versa) so one or the other will be oversized given my body shape. I am hippy n smaller up top but this swirly number from Amazon surprisingly fit me both ways! Becuz I am tall, I like my pants to be slightly draggy (as pictured) but its still a win! The elastic waist gives it some stretch n leeway to enjoy a buffet. The shirt-surprisingly was long enuff to cover my wrists. Often times when it comes up short, I'll do the cuff it look. The fun part about sets are...dressing em up or down. I will say...this set isn't the best of qualities but for the price n short term wear-it's not bad. If u get them too small u could end up with the camel toe look or it'll be bunched up in the crotch area (for those of us with thighs n all). It's light enuff for Spring/Summer which I can appreciate but overall the design is trendy. Tuck the shirt in or out. I prefer out so it doesn't emphasize my FUPA given the material is light but if I wanted to give this outfit some shape, I'd add a skinny belt. Two piece sets are great to run errands in which is clearly what I look like I'm doin lol. No worries, at work I keep black mules n random heels in the drawer. So what do ya think? Curves n Swirls Couture for the win!! Also don't forget to take a peek at my Amazon Storefront where I toss in my random finds for Werk Couture n more.

I absolutely LOVE playing dress up especially for work. During a hiatus of wearing uniforms as a dispatcher for about 8 yrs, I got back into the 9 to 5 world with a newfound freedom in which I could dress to impress. I've shared my Werk Couture series previously and also my style story to give a glimpse of how we got here n now I am updating to where we goin! All my life I had to fight...ok no I ain't had to fight but if u are familiar with "playing the game" from our beloved Baby Boomers, you'd understand the gratitude I have to be where I am today. I've never had to do any strenuous work like I'm in construction but I've definitely made some sacrifices n decisions for the greater good. Taking 2 steps back to get 3 steps forward n not knowing how long I had to sit in those steps back n often times the vision of forward looked murky. I am so blessed to have come across fairy godmothers in previous jobs who I keep in touch with to this day. I tell yall all the time...u need a group of elders to keep u grounded. They will give u the truth with no spoons of sugar. I am open to solicited n unsolicited advice from elders becuz while times may have changed...shyt really do remain the same. They hold u accountable way more than ur friends wit no cut cards. It's all outta love! They tell me all the time, I've been down this road before n I don't want u making the same mistakes I made. Take it or leave it. I am able to chew the meat n spit out the bone as it relates to life advice. I learned how to professionally dress from watching my mother. She died before I entered into the office environment hence my fairy godmothers who continued to lead the way. While I do not show up to work in a full fledge suit, I am modernized in my office attire. I do not wear anything off the shoulder, spaghetti straps, distressed, tight or too short. I am a bit old school in that aspect n I know it's a fine line we teeter as it relates to what is appropriate n offices are.a bit relaxed to business casual. These younger generations should be able to look to us for options n examples but that's another convo! Fast forward to my current position. I am in a position to where I gotta officially grow up n looking the part is encompassed in that-I am up for the challenge. I am venturing off to making black n white with a splash of color my signature office look. Trust me the thought of this transition caused my tear ducts to tickle becuz yall know I love me some color. To be honest tho...it's time! I want my style to show growth, maturity n mirror the elevation in my career as well. Make no mistake, color will always be apart of my aesthetics just on the wknds n out of the office days. I am in my 40's n I am as young as I'll ever be in this moment. Is ya ready? Are u ready? I am ready! Have u had a style shift lately? Thinking of toning it down or turning it up? Where are u in ur style journey? Let me know in the comments.

I have no qualms of letting yall know...I am enjoying whatever era of aging yall dodging becuz honeychiiiiiile...middle age is where it's at. The best is yet to come! With that, one must recognize how our style will evolve to reflect where we are during different stages of our life. Mine...I wanna say comfortable but yall take that to the max n be out here lookin TOO comfy so I'll say...my style in my early 40's is...enjoyable n agreeable. Lisseeeeen...I've been in mules as long as early as I've been walking in heels by way of my mama. I will always credit that woman for being THE example of sophistication n what it looks like to properly dress as a lady. Mules were "sneakers" for my mama n I didn't appreciate the style until I got older. It's a classic style that hands down...a summer staple! Quick history: The early days of mules were meant to be worn in the bedroom like slippers. Wealthy laydeez of the French court like Marie Antoinette n nem, would wear them under their gowns. Thanks to Muva Marilyn Monroe, she made em popular with the open toe'd versions to wear under shift dresses n trousers. Part of the 90's fashion with our aunties n nem was mules. They wore em with a t-shirt, belted jeans n Coach bag in tow! The versatility to be able to dress em up or down makes them a staple to have in the wardrobe and I don't discriminate cuz I do closed and open toe. How did I end up with these specifically tho... I totally drooled n fell IN LOVE with these. I tossed these Prada ones in my wishlist last summer n the price hasn't budged lol. I am not a fan of Bottega but the sculptured heel captured my heart. The best part is...they point longer than Arsenio Hall's finger! It's always a point for me. While I daydreamed n toggled between who could stand to not get paid for the month...I snapped out of it quickly becuz I have no bidness nor room to drop anything comma's after purgin n working on having a better relationship wit money. These Vince Tahoe Suede Wedge Mules ($270) came through in the clutch n saved a GRIP!! They were on sale n the hardest decision to make was black or tan. I went with this shade becuz I plan to wear em with my "Nautical Couture" which is my blue n white stripe tops. I've also envisioned wearing these with white blouses n (any style) jeans a lot. I've tested them out n they are comfortable n easy to keep on longer than 6 hrs. Becuz they are suede-check the weather n don't get caught in the rain lol. What chew think? Are yall holding yall mules n how are u holdin' em? Let me know...

I appreciate the love n support yall give to sice me up in my honorary styling endeavors. I still have friends who'll randomly hit me up to ask for suggestions n I oblige becuz I'm honored in the consideration alone. The beauty of the fashion game is...inspiration n influence can come from anywhere n anybody. I'm never above submissions from u all n welcome whatever it is u think would look good on me. This post is an ode to my girl LoLo from IG: Cystumofcurves. A few weeks ago she sent me a message saying how she thought of me when this bag popped up. I said mmmm...yea it's cute n thought nothing of it. I've been in Spring mode since Jan so the idea of a fuzzy bag didn't make me jump to grab it. I checked it out n tossed in my wishlist. I totally thought nothing of this bag until a sweatshirt I've been eyeballing went on sale n I immediately thought of this bag to pair it with. That solidified me going for the bag becuz I knew I'd be able to wear it on multiple occasions n a pair it elsewhere as well. This is the formula I use to justify my buying these days. This NIKE Colorblock Sweatshirt went on sale ($50) n I couldn't pass it up. I keep forgetting how oversized these are n ordered a size L making it extra baggy but not enuff for me to exchange cuz if I ever wear em with leggings they'll fall under my wagon I'm draggin! THANK YOU LOLO!! This bag is prettier in person n feels so good. It's a perfect bag to run errands in all over the weekend. The inside isn't overly huge tho but just enuff to fit my essentials (iPad lol). It comes with the optional shoulder strap-I love how chic it looks to hold bags via handles-n totally worth the full price tag. I just didn't wanna chance it waiting for a sale (n will keep my eye out IN CASE it goes on sale for a price adjustment...I am not above!). How well do ur friends n fam know u to dress u? Are they typically spot on or misses? It would be a fun challenge to dress someone n be their stylists for the day...I might try that (again lol).

Happy 5th Cherry Blossom-versary to meeeee!! Five years ago I made a promise to myself to make time to be here EVERY year n not even the covid year stopped me-look at gawd!! This is the consistency u heaux be looking for in a man lol. Being as tho, I'm almost a pro lol...I got some tips n tricks I've learned throughout the years to maximize efforts n time when going to take part in what many people fly over to flock to downtown. Let me say....as a Washingtonian (by way of PG), I absolutely HATE driving in DC n I've had this emotion since the days of my Lerner's so it just won't change. If nothing else, it gets worse lol. With that being said, pack ur patience if nothing else. I keep an eye out on the Cherry Blossom watch via the news around Feb to gauge when or if I'll take off to see them. This year the peak was the week of March 20th. Becuz I know how popular the event is, I do NOT want to go anytime from Fri-Sun in order to comfortably snap pics n avoid crowds (and traffic). I went earlier in the week before the lunch rush (about 10am) n was able to get parking by the hair on my chin. I didn't walk a full round of the Tidal Basin n stayed close to where I could remember I parked. I wanted to cap my time at no more than 2 hrs becuz the weather was nice n I anticipated it to get more people-y after noon (lunch rush) n didn't wanna get mixed up leaving too late to get home with rush hour (again, traffic). I started off on the National Mall near the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial which was new to me! It was quite interesting to read some history on with the era of economic depression but I had to stay the course n I know me...I can take pics all day if I let time get away from me. The crowds wasn't too bad-initially. Unlike previous years, the weather was cooperating so I was out on the early shift with other photographers n joggers sprinkled with tourists. Cherry Blossom etiquette is...when u come across a good spot for pics (typically anything in view of the Jefferson n monument along the waters) u wait in line. U must also act fast. The pace of the crowd that is moving back n forth doesn't allot u time to perfect ur poses. Snap n go NOT snap n review to snap again! I started walkin towards the MLK memorial but seen the party was there n I passed lol. I'm still not down with crowded-ness anywhere (hence being an early bird) so I turned around n was going to make my way towards the Jefferson Memorial but the "closer" I got it seemed to move further away from me lol. At this time, it's flowing into the lunch rush so more people were comin out n droves. I decided to keep it along the strip where I started. I was done a little before 1pm n the streets were on lock! The street I parked on became blocked off on one end so I was able to skidaddle but no matter the exit there was traffic from people coming IN. There was no "backway" to avoid this but luckily I was leaving OUT. Goal for 2024 Blossoms is to see Stumpy . I will need to do a full lap which I don't think I've done since starting the tradition. Stumpy may not be around too much longer given it's position on the Tidal Basin which is sinking on the south bank as the water rises. Cheers to 5 years of being able to partake in such a beautiful spectacle. It's something I've grown into looking forward to after hibernation in Winter. Although there's been highs n lows throughout these last few years, I'm grateful for the ability to have the time n vision to see them up close n personal. Everyone should definitely do this at least once, for me...I'm looking forward to 6 in 2024 :D

With each year of visiting the Cherry Blossoms, I've been able to strategize my planning but ultimately my plans mean nothing becuz they're based on how the weather operates. This year they came early n protocol for Vid was still in place but at this point...it's bout "back to normal" or folks just like...phk it. After last year, I knew I would go alone or pretty much swap out my plus one for my tripod. Welp! Due to how windy AND cold it was...my plus one (tripod) struck out lol. I wasn't there as an early riser but was there early enuff to park a few blocks away. Typical crowds but enuff to still have personal space unevaded. As I gallivanted as much as I could stand against gusting winds...I was able to get some shots n even bumped into friendly tourists who offered to be my photographer. One in particular was a lady who came in for a wknd trip just to see the blossoms. She was a family woman who paused from being a nurse to visit DC. We chatted for almost an hour as she shared her upbringing from Nawlins n taking the leap to do her solo trip to visit the Nation's Capital. The fulfillment of engaging with strangers was heartwarming to the point the winds paused n I was able to check year 4 off the books. U know it was cold cuz iiiiiii had a coat on haha. U can easily get lost in time out there so block off at least four hours between where u park to the actual walk around. U can tell how the cold winds was beating up the blossoms so its good to keep an eye out on the weather during the peak season.

Well, Well, Well...guess who's bizack!! After all, just last year (2020) didn't go as planned n with things easing up this year....we was all making up for lost times. This year full peak came later n I planned the day with a plus one to bring along. Kids weren't back in school yet n while we weren't on lockdown persay...we were still HOME n trying to incorporate how to re-enter to pre-panny world. This year it was still cold at the end of March....actually this was the year Winter seemed to last well into Summer! I didn't do my full lap around the Tidal Basin becuz by the time we got there it was getting crowded n I still operated on keeping my distance n again...it was COLD AF. I found pockets of emptiness (no people) to say "I was here" with a quick photoshoot. My plus one was so over it due to the weather so I kept notes to strategize for next year n knew moving fwd...I'd make Cherry Blossoms part of some ME time.

After 2019, I enjoyed my experience of seeing the Cherry Blossoms so much that I made a pact with myself to visit every year. Peak bloom forecast was March 21-24th n unfortunately it was a week after our normal lives was halted by a pandemic. My last day in the office was Friday, March 13th (the irony right lol), 2020 when we officially got declared for a National Emergency due to outbreak of the vid. EVERYTHING was cancelled. While during that week everyone was glued to the TV n scratching their heads to figure out WTF IS GOIN ON, it was hard for people to grasp being indoors. The beginning of the full peak, people still flocked n adhering to the 6ft rule was laughable. Park Services n the Mayor strongly urged folks to reconsider partaking. In efforts to "flatten the curve" (yall remember that lol), I risk'd it all to once again keep my tradition goin. However, my "risk" was always lowered becuz again...I am always up n out to rise with the sun or often beating it to where I move when it's less people-y. I didn't do much of a photoshoot cuz I already wasn't suppose to be out in them streets lol but to be honest...I only stopped to gaze becuz I had went to my grandma's to make sure she was straight with groceries n etc. She doesn't live too far n as I headed home, I swung pass. I didn't walk far n parked as close as I'll ever be again since it was so empty. Dmn! what a time to be alive or live through I guess!