ALISSA ON THE SCENE: FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK FINALE AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

This year was the final Full Figured Fashion Week. When I heard that I would be the recipient of the Blogger of the year award, I hollered. I was so excited, humbled, and shocked simultaneously. I remember the first year I went to Full Figured Fashion Week. It was 2010. I was a fairly new blogger who didn’t know anyone. I was sent to cover the event for The Budget Fashionista. My first impression of FFFWeek was good. I thought what an outstanding idea. To be at an event where there were women who I could identify with was beyond. I had been to Mercedes Benz fashion week and let ME tell you, there are a handful of plus size women who attend the event. So, to see beautiful and stylish plus size women in one place was awesome.

Each year since 2010 I went to FFFWeek. I made new blogging buddies and had the opportunity to connect with some of my favorite plus size brands. FFFWeek has grown to be more of a reunion. Bloggers from all over the world would come to partake in the week long festivities and when we all got together, it was nothing but a good time. Being honored in FFFWeek’s final year is very sentimental to me. For those of you that don’t know, I have been blogging for 5 years and I have had so many blessings throughout my five years. Winnng the Blogger of the year award is one of my top 5 moments.

I thought I would share with you a little recap of the event.

Early that morning, I woke up to get a fresh manicure.

After my manicure, I went back home and started working on my makeup. Personally, I like to do my own hair and make up for special events because I don’t want anyone messing me up. There is nothing worst than having a big event and your hair and makeup is busted. So, I do it myself to be on the safe side. If I messed it up, then I can only be mad at me.

After doing my makeup with the help of my mom, I slipped on my clothes and headed into a taxi. Below is my finished hair and makeup. Not bad right? *brushes off shoulder* LOL! I went for a blue smokey eye with Black Opal Color Splurge Eyeshadow Duo- Midnight Allure I also went for a red lip with YSL Lip Rouge in Danger

I took a cab from Brooklyn to lower Manhattan and then stopped for an impromptu photo shoot of my outfit. For the evening I wanted to feel glamorous, young, and chic. So, I opted for a white tutu from Eshakti and a sequin top from Simply Be. (unfortunately, all pieces are sold out)

I kept accessories bold by going for an oversized pearl necklace, chandelier earrings, and a zebra print clutch from SK Wilbur

My shoes were from Enzo Angiolini (last year).It was a little breezy that day, so I threw on a tribal print cropped jacket that was gifted to me from Evans.

For the event, I asked my mom to be my date. She is a pastor and was trying to wear a church suit and I said, Ma, it’s FFFWeek, you have to put a little shazam in your look. I talked her into a cobalt blue lace dress from Simply Be (gifted).

Then we took a few photos on the red carpet.

Once we went further inside, we were escorted to our seats and look what was in mine. Ow!

We sat down and the runway show began (photos coming in a separate post). After two retailers hit the runway, it was time for the awards portion of the finale. When they told me I had to go to the back so I could come out on stage, I was so nervous and all of a sudden, I had to pee. I was like come on!

My award was presented to me by plus size model Nina Taylor.

I had been working on my speech for about a month by writing down little snippets of what I wanted to say. I knew I wanted to deliver one of those Oprah speeches that made you cry but the trick was stopping myself from crying. I got on that stage, took a deep breath and said what I had and needed to say. I was so shocked when people actually stood up and clapped during my speech.

The night was wonderful and one to remember. I want to Thank Gwen Devoe and FFFWeek team for blessing me with this award. I want to thank Evans for sponsoring clothes for me and allowing me to take over their social media for the entire week.

Most importantly, thank you readers for following me, re-tweeting my posts, writing me words of encouragement, and just being supportive.

I love you all!