Cobalt and White

Today I'm showcasing my personal style.  My love for all things girly is the reason I was so drawn to this crisp white button up.  The ruffle detail and flirty peplum hem I could not resist.  I decided to pair it with a pair of cobalt blue ankle pants from Lane Bryant.  This day was so dreary and cloudy; I wanted to infuse it with color.  Cobalt is such an electrifying color and I am HERE for it this season...lol.  

These ankle pants were purchased for a steal at just $5!  I've worn them several times since purchasing this past summer.  This ruffle detailed blouse is from Ashley Stewart and I can't wait to restyle it again.  Possibly with a blazer, velvet maybe. Denim skinnies and riding boots...yeeesss! I see so many possibilities with these.

If you were inspired by this post or you enjoyed this look, please do me a favor and drop a comment below, +1 on Google, share on Facebook or Twitter.  Thanks for reading :)

Peace and Love,

Kishina

Linked up here

November Style Recap | Fringe Trend

Soooo, I know you guys may have been wondering, why the heck is she posing with that same bag in all of her posts??!  Lol, well obviously I happen to loooove this bag.  Fringe is one of my favorite things to wear.  Whether I'm actually wearing or accessorizing it I am HERE for all things fringe.  I also wanted to show case three diffferent looks with my fringe bag.  Check them out below and let me know what you think of these three looks.  

Blog Post HERE

This weekend casual look came together just as I had imagined it would.  I love how the tribal print on my scarf blends with the studded detailing on the faux leather fringe.  

Blog Post HERE

This dressier look was given a little more oomph when I added the fringe look to it.  I felt it was very business oriented but I stayed true to my personal style and love of fringe.

Blog Post HERE

Lastly, the fringe bag added character and made a statement to a somewhat basic outfit.  With this look it screams look at me...lol!!  

Which one of these styles would you rock?  Is fringe for you, or nah?  Engage with me :)

Linked Up Below

Pink Panther

One of my favorite cartoons as a kid was Pink Panther.  I remember watching it on Saturday morning with all my siblings.  Every Saturday we let mom and dad sleep while pouring huge bowls of cereal and milk, then camped out in front of the TV set.  So, I was researching some history of the famous Pink Panther and came across these facts:  

1)  The original Pink Panther series is older than I am...lol.  Yes, this is history for me.  No, I'm not going to disclose my age.  What's the old adage? Oh yeah, a lady never tells her age :)

2) The "Pink Panther" was a fictitious large and valuable diamond in the original film series.  It earned its name due to the noticeable flaw at its center. When viewed closely and in the perfect lighting, it resembled a leaping pink panther. 

3) Inspector Jacques Clouseau, the main character, was a clumsy and incompetent but zealous police inspector.  Although he was labeled all of these terms, he still managed to solve mysteries by "accident".  

4) His incompetence drove his direct superior, Dreyfus, to the asylum.

It was great learning a little history of one of my fave cartoons as a kid!  Indeed the pink diamond truly was fictitious, however I couldn't help but learn something from that.  Although, the diamond was "flawed", it was deemed valuable.  Read the last part of that statement again... "it was deemed valuable".  When I was younger, I felt ugly and ashamed of my size.  I always considered my weight a "flaw" and had several fluctuations over the years. As I've blossomed into a woman, I now consider myself a precious and valuable "diamond"...flaws and all.  To anyone who may be feeling the same way I used to, I encourage you to look in the mirror and find something beautiful about you! We are all God's creations, and His word says everything he created he saw it as good.  You are beautiful and your life is relevant.  We only get one life and I will strive to see the good in each beautifully flawed person I encounter every day that I'm given on this earth.

Inspector Clouseau was so clumsy and incompetent that it drove his direct superior, Dreyfus, to the mad house.  Hmmm,  I can relate to Clouseau in that I'm not incompetent, but I am a bit of a klutz...lol.  I sometimes trip over my own feet and I have to be careful when cooking as I seem to drop things often...*le sigh*.  Dreyfus tried many tactics to "dead" Clouseau but was unsuccessful.  Sometimes in life we have those people who tend to "try" thwarting our every move.  I've learned that no one can truly thwart our direction in life.  I feel we all have a guiding force that sort of keeps us out of harms way.  I can recall countless times I've nearly escaped death in some situations. Some call it ESP, gut feelings, or instinct.  I call it divine intervention :)

                              

On to these outfit deets, yeeeesss!!  Okay, so I found these pink (hence the inspiration of my blogpost title) Kim Rogers slacks at my fave thrift store Goodwill for $4.25.  The black and white striped blazer is an "old" purchase from Cato's. I wore it here in this post titled Black and White Stripes.  And this fringe bag...well, can you tell that I love it? Got this from Cato's as well and "fringe is a girl's best friend".  Corny I know, but I like it...lol

I hope you've enjoyed reading! If you did, please comment, share, like, and +1 this article.  I love engaging with my readers and responding to comments.  Follow me on  Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.  Until next time....

Peace and Love, 

Kishina

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Finding a Good Bargain | Thrift Shopping

A few years ago I found myself unemployed and facing foreclosure on my home of seven years.  I have to admit, these past few years have been some of the hardest challenges I’ve ever had to face in my life.  However, when I was making a great salary, I was careless with money.  I got paid on payday and spent, spent, spent.  It was nothing for me to spend hundreds of dollars a month on my habit of excessive retail therapy.  I love fashion and if I saw something I loved, I just bought it.  I didn’t care what it cost nor did I experience one instance of “sticker shock”.  I simply whipped out my Visa and swiped with glee. 

It’s very sobering to reflect on that time in my life.  I mean, I literally bought things that hung in my closet with tags still attached as a new season began.  Shame on me!  My favorite place to visit EVERY single payday was Lane Bryant.  Their pieces gave me life each time I slid a new item over my body.  After losing my job, that came to a quick halt.  I wallowed in self-pity and misery over the fact that I couldn’t swipe my card with $0 on it.  Reality set in and I had to do some major budget cuts.  Guess which was first to go? Yep, my love for retail therapy.

During this turbulent time in my life, I met my best girl friend.  She loved and accepted me with no regard to my miserable, broken spirit.  Never once has she judged me and I thank God for her.  I owe my love of thrifting to her.  I’ll never forget our first trip together to Goodwill and the look I had on my face.  I felt like I was too good to shop there.  Lol, in hindsight, I can’t believe I actually WANTED to pay retail prices instead of looking for gems among mounds of worn, some stained and tattered clothing.  Silly me!!  We walked in, and I was so used to everything being neat and hanging nicely on mannequins that I didn’t know where to begin looking first.  I’m like, "Where’s my section??  You know these hips can't fit everything, sis!"  Lol, my friend pointed me in which direction to go.  I tell you the truth, my very first experience at Goodwill was a major score.  I found tons of new things with tags AND in a size to fit these hips…haaaa!  I’ve been sold ever since.

I apologize for the blurred photos.  I'm working with my 12 year old for photo ops :)

Still trying to get this posing thing down...lol

I said all that to say this…. To my new readers and my loyal followers, never underestimate what you can find in a thrift store.  I actually prefer shopping at thrift stores now rather than walking into the department store and getting 2 items for $100.  I can get like 100 items for that much at Goodwill…just kidding.  But a little money in a thrift store goes a long way.  Thank you Naquita (my bff) for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone!! I have finally realized the endless treasures I can find while thrifting.

Ralph Lauren Slacks ~ $7.99 (Retail 109.00 *gasp*)  <---- Sticker shock

Blazer (Dressbarn label) ~ $7.00

Animal print tank (Chico's) ~ $4.25

Clutch (It's Fashion) ~ $10.00

Patent flats (Goodwill) ~ $6.50

My face after shooting photos in the wind, cold and rain...ugh!!

Here's a few snap shots of my best friend, Naquita.  She's pretty fashion savvy herself, don't you think?  I love this lady to life!! She has been more than I could ever hope for in a friend.

Linked up HERE

Black, Yellow and a Little Fringe

I've had this outfit post sitting in the queue for months.  In fact, I snapped these shots earlier this year before spring arrived.  I just never got around to blogging it.  I found this awesome yellow blouse at Ashley Stewart for a steal as this particular location was having a store closing sale.  Sooo, it's old and you probably won't find it online or at any brick and mortar store.  Ashley Stewart has been one of my go to stores in purchasing the latest in trendy fashions for my full-figured frame.  They offer a range of sizes from 12-26W.  This particular day I decided to pair it with my pin-striped slacks that were thrifted from Goodwill for only $4.25! Can you say I scored with that?!  

These slacks are from Lane Bryant.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I love some Lane Bryant, another fabulous brand for the full-figured curvy girl.  Let's talk about this fab faux leather fringed handbag with studded detailing.  This bag is the business!! I love it and carry it often.  Found this at Cato's Fashions....and it's old too.  I love how it adds character to what some may consider a plain old outfit.  What I've learned on this personal style journey, and inspiration from other bloggers, is adding accessories to your outfit adds dimension and detail.  It's the little details that I'm trying to pay more attention to.  I sometimes struggle with choosing what accessories to add to my outfits.  So I've decided to just try new things.  This is not a bag I would have chosen years ago as I used to very much be a "plain jane"...ugh! However, when I try something and then fall in love with it, I tend to wear it out until the seams come apart...lol.

I think I was feeling myself a little this day.  Would you agree? I was striking some serious poses, huh?

In other news,  I want to point out that I am not rich! While I love fashion, I have an EXTREMELY tight budget.  So while awesome bloggers such as Chastity Valentine, Marie Denee, Nadia Aboulhosn, and Gabifresh are blessed in having opportunities to partner and collaborate with huge companies in the fashion business, I however am not...just yet...lol.  I'm genuinely inspired by each of these bloggers though.  They continue to make major moves in the plus size industry for us curvy girls.  The industry is indeed taking notice.  

I work full-time as a School Nurse and this is my hobby that I love to share with others.  My hopes are to inspire that girl who feels her frame is not ideal according to industry standards.  Eff their beauty standards!!  Do you, be you, love you!! You are the only one who is best at being who you are.  Until next time....

Peace and love,

Kishina

A Memo to My Loyal Readers | Comments Disappeared

Hello, darlings! I'm writing this post for you, my loyal followers, to first let you know how much I adore you guys!  I truly appreciate those who have read my blog and most importantly left a comment on whatever post you deemed worthy to leave a kind word.  You guys just don't know how much it means to me. To log on and see new comments on my posts instantly makes me smile... BIG wide smile at that. Your comments let me know that my posts are reaching an audience who cares about what I have to share. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Another reason I write this post today is to address the issue concerning comments that have disappeared from my previous posts.  While trying to revamp the blog, I noticed my blog traffic trending a slow but steady increase.  Although traffic was increasing, I noticed comments were marginal at best.  This led me to do some research.  I came across another blogger's post  5 Surprising Reasons Visitors Leave Your Blog.  I was enlightened by these 5 reasons people leave a blog. 

One of the reasons indicated was a reader may have actually enjoyed your post but they are unable to comment... They get all the way to the end, then suddenly they're prompted to log in to an account to comment. 

 "We often forget that our readers aren’t always connected like we are, or they may not be connected in the same ways.  They’re not always bloggers, they may not know what OnSugar is and may not have a Twitter or WordPress account.  So why make it difficult to comment?"

At the end of the day, I want to interact with readers from all backgrounds, platforms, and walks of life.  While I am ever so disappointed about losing comments on previous posts, I'm still learning as a new blogger.  Word of advice to anyone who's listening, read the fine print. Had I done so, I would have known that opting to use Google+ as my commenting option only allows persons to comment using a Google account. 

For the four other reasons visitors leave your blog, follow the link above. Thanks for reading!

Peace and love,

Kishina

Why I Started Blogging and 5 Tips I've Learned Along the Way

Blogger:  derived from the term weblog (a journal written on-line and accessible to Internet users); one who maintains a website containing written entries of one's own experiences, observations, opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other websites.

The past few years have been pretty rough.  I, like a majority of Americans have been suffering from the economic downturn since June 2010.  I remember it like yesterday.  I lost my job, my home, several vehicles, my drive, ambition, strength...the list goes on.  Fast forward to August 2011, new baby, still unemployed, second address in five months.  December 2012 still unemployed, evicted five days before Christmas, now living with family. March 2013 part-time job, living with family (who is so ready for me to get my own place at this point).  2014 has not been a great start either, sad to say.  Today, though, I reflect on the turbulent periods I've had over the past four years.  It has not been easy and truth be told I'm still recovering from economic hardships.  I'm actually moving again....for the fourth time.  This has been extremely tough for my family, especially my kids.  I pray to God all the time to comfort them and help them understand that He has a plan for our lives.  I thank God, everyday for their resilience in this situation.  See my babies below... *inserts kissy-kissy*

Which brings me to why I started blogging...   I love reading and writing, they were my most favorite subjects in grade school.  I decided to browse the web one day just to ease my mind about all the issues I was having.  I came across several blogs about fashion, body confidence, and self-love.  Since I love fashion so much I opted to start my own blog about all things fashionable and my personal style.  Hence, the birth of Kishina's Kurvy Korner!  After deciding on a blog theme I struggled, and still do, with finding my own voice in the blogosphere.  As you will notice, I blogged my first entry HERE. Yep, February 26, 2014! You will also notice I didn't blog another entry until July 2014.  Yep, there's some inconsistency there... I'll address that later.

At any rate,  I've learned some things along my blogging journey that I wanted to share.  I still consider myself a newbie at this and I know in due time I will develop a writing style that is unique to my personality.  I also want to express a huge thank you to those who follow me.  I promise not to bore you and I'll offer as much fresh, new content as I can.  Here's 5 tips I've learned along the way.

1.  Be YOU!  The absolute, number one thing I have learned is to find, develop, search for your own voice in this blogosphere.  There are millions of voices out there.  Excellent bloggers at that.  I've learned that I am the only one who is best at being...well, ME!  Honestly, I'm still trying to be the best me.  We can all find things that we want to better about ourselves, thought, right?

2.  Be consistent!  I am the world's worst for starting a project and stopping mid way because *inserts cough and excuse* I got distracted, lost my head, life happens...get my drift?  I can't count on one hand how many blog entries I've read about being consistent when blogging.  One thing to help with my consistency is setting a goal of 2-3 posts weekly.  I will try to post them around the same time weekly so my readers will know when to look out for new content.  Stay with me my loyal readers, I'm working on it!

3.  Offer blog content with substance!  If you're gonna blog about something, ultimately people will read it.  Don't blog something all willy-nilly, just because you ran out of ideas.  The internet offers a plethora of blog topics for any type of blog..use it! Finding your own voice and being consistent with your postings is one thing.  However, I've learned quickly just from browsing other blogs, that sometimes you run out of things to blog...hence writer's block.  Everybody has times in their lives when the need to be inspired and rejuvenated.  I vow to do my best in offering content that will engage my readers, evoke an emotion, and encourage interactions with me. I love all my loyal readers!!

4.  Always be open to change... I mean really, I learned at a young age that change is the only thing that is constant in this world.  When I refer to change, that means learning new things about blogging.  For example, I know you guys see the new template, right?! I got rid of the old design and opted for something with a clean background and fonts that are easy on the eye.  How do you like it? Let me know in the comments, please? I spend countless hours researching ways to offer the best blog experience ever for you guys!! Which brings me to this...ugh! Rant: Google+ should not punish me by removing all my comments because I no longer use their comment box.  When checking some analytics about traffic sources, I noticed I was getting increased traffic but no comments...bummer! I want all my readers to be able to comment without having to sign into a G+, Facebook, Twitter, Disqus or whatever...  I enjoy interacting with all my readers, so if Anonymous from Kalamazoo decides that they like what they read I need to know about it.  I don't want to have to force them to create an account just to comment on my blog...not fun!! So, I'm sad I lost all of my lovely comments since opting not to use Google+ as my comment box. Shame on you G+!! Rant over...

5.  Interact with other bloggers who share your interests.  This is simply one thing I love about blogging.  I love meeting new people and drawing inspiration from them.  One way I love interacting with bloggers is by participating in weekly linkups.  I enjoy exploring new blogs that interest me and also I gain new followers this way as well.  Linkups are a great way to increase your blog traffic.  These are some of my favorite bloggers that I look forward to linking up with each week :)

Whitney James ~ Personal Style Monday

Paige Wall ~ Stylish Tuesday

Carylee ~ Manic Monday