Akello Chic

Monday, December 18, 2017

Meet Finding Ashley Stewart 2017 winner Theresa

Ashley Stewart is known to be the go to store for fabulous, Fashion forward fits for plus size divas. This year the fashion giant started a competition called Finding Ashley Stewart where they went around the country to pick plus size fashion enthusiasts. The finalist were then flown to New York for the star studded finale. This is where Theresa Larsen, a Virgin island native and mother was crowned and became the first Finding Ashley Stewart 2017.

On December 7th I had the great pleasure of doing a phone interview with Theresa all thanks to the PR queen of Houston Latorria Lemon of

lemon lime light media Take a read on how the interview went

Akellochic: Hello great to talk to you

Theresa: Hi nice to talk to you too

Akellochic: First I want to congratulate you on being the first Finding Ashley Stewart

T: thank you it’s exciting

A: How did you go about auditioning for the competition

T: Am a plus size model, and was encouraged by a friend to audition for the competition. I missed the Atlanta auditions due to a modeling gig I had so I had to drive to the Nashville one

A: wow you drove that shows commitment

T: it was about 4 hour drive. So drove there and made it as a finalist

A: So let’s just dive into it. What advice you give plus size girls, women especially the ones aspiring to be models

T: I live by a motto, Size dose not limit your aspirations it will enlarge them. You are beautiful no matter what size. So go for it

A: that’s a great way to look at thing. What would you say are the advantages or disadvantages of being a plus size model compared to the main stream size 2 models. Though there is definitely a movement for plus size being more accepted

T: There is definitely is definitely a movement. But I feel the advantage would be it is more relatable. Most women in America are a size 10. So it relatable and more realistic. In addition it helps plus size women boast confidence. And thanks to stores like Ashley Stewart that cater to plus size women.

A: absolutely. It is definitely relatable. Where do you see yourself in the next 5years.

T: I definitely want to build my brand and improve it. Be more out there and help other plus size women be more confident. Help them accept themselves for who they are.

I also want to bring awareness to the Virgin Islands after hurricane Irma hit, as a Virgin island native. There is still a lot of work to be done

A: those are great aspirations. Speaking of hurricane Irama is there a place one can go to help with the cause?

T: sure there is a face book page operation rebuild Virgin Island. Whatever little you can give please do.

A: Thank you so much for taking your time to talk with me. Please share your social media handles

T: thank you for having me. My instagram is Iamtheresalarsen, Facebook: Theresa Larsen

follow me

A: thank you so much. And again congrats and keep being fabulous

T: thank you

Thank you for reading be sure to check out the holiday look book on

Ashley Stewart

Thanks for stopping by

H3o Benefit concert for Hurricane Harvey

It’s been six weeks since Harvey turned the streets of Houston into rivers, homes and business flooded. It rained non stop for 5 days. I know most of you are hurricane Harvey updated out and you pretty much have read all there is to read. And quite frankly the experience was such an out of body experience that I really don’t have a choice but to make this short and to the point.

Harvey humbled me. The out pouring support the city of Houston received was moving. I had the greatest honor of attending the H3o benefit concert put together by the IT PR and one of the most kind, hardworking and inspiring women I know Latorria of Lemon Lime Light media. It was hosted by Cynthia Bailey star of the biggest housewives franchise Real Housewives of Atlanta and her sister Maroley. Cast mates such as Porsha Williams, Shamea were also in attendance as the camera crew for the show were taping the event. Victims of hurricane Harvey were also in attendance and all the proceeds for the night went to helping those affected.

With so much going on in the world now it is comforting to know that despite our differences in culture, ethnicity, race all that ceases to matter and we come together in the name of humanity. Thank you so much Latorria, for allowing me to be a part this event for a great cause. I continue to pray for those affected with hurricanes in the islands, Puerto Rico, Miami and the victims of the senseless shooting in Vegas.

Enjoy pictures from the event bellow. Thank you so much for stopping by

Fux Fur x Tulle

My weekend was very eventful. I drove to Dallas with my daughter to visit family and boy did I need it. I realized that I have been so caught up with work and forget that unwinding and recharging especially with family is necessary. And that is exactly what I did. Unwinded!

Went out with my little cousin for a friends birthday and let's just say It was Lit! lol. I had literally not been out to the club since September of last year. But then again that is now actually not on the top of the list of things I enjoy doing. I am more of a home body, drink a glass of wine, binge watch Netflix, play and color with my daughter kind of girl. I also love to dress up, put fits together and lately I have been finding myself altering clothing I have not worn in over a year .( more options and more use for my coin) And by altering I mean cutting clothing up no fancy sowing machine needed here. Hahahhaa

Which brings me to today's post. I absolutely love fur, any type really. Something about it that will turn any outfit into a glamorous affair. The top I have one was actually part of a dress I bought from misguided back in 2015. I only wore the dress once or twice, so I figured why not cut it; use safety pins to hold it in place and wear it as a crop top. I paired it with this sheer tulle skirt, and a long denim jacket for an edgy vibe.

I hope you like how the look come together. Love you for reading.

Lulu

SEEN ON ME

Top

misguided

Jacket

charlotte Ross

Skirt

asos ( on sale)

Bag

Aldo (4 years old)

Shoes

Zara

Little Red Dress

I get asked a lot on how I juggle being a mother, work and blog. The truth is sometimes I ask myself that too. But I believe you make time for the things you love. I sometimes well most times work a 12 hour night shift, (Am a nurse by the way) get off, go home do my makeup and shoot. I however, shoot a minimum of 3 looks with each shoot that way I just post through out the week.

This was the case with this little Red number. And yes I wore miss match socks because I somehow packed one of each when I really meant to pack two pairs so I could have options. Well as you can see, I ended up not having any options. I did not like the look without the sock trend so I figured I will make my own trend hahahaha( lies you tell yourself to rationalize things) The cone was an impromptu idea, my dress matched it's color so I figured why not stand next to it.

Hope you like how the look come together. How do you guys make time for things you are passionate about? Love you for reading

Seen on Me

Dress

Asos (hurry low stock)

Shoes

Jessica Burrman

Flower Child

The year seems to be moving too fast for me. I can not believe we are a few months before thanksgiving ,then before you know it it's Christmas. All the same looking back at all the goals I had set to achieve this year, I pretty much crossed most of them off though I have a lot more to do.

I have come to the realization that it's not all about taking pictures and blogging just for the sake of blogging but to push myself creatively, grow my brand, connect with amazing women and inspire even if it's just one person. I have to be honest I sometimes feel I want to just stop and not be bothered about it but then I realize I am my happiest when I see something anything really and am inspired to make an outfit around it

This was definitely the case when I went to one of my Ugandan ( but grow u in Zambia so she is really Zambian lol) friends house warming. I saw these woven baskets back in April and I knew I wanted them all ( yes I will do another look with the other) to somehow be in one of my ensemble. Fast forward to July I had the honor of hosting an event with some amazing women where I gave style tips. And that is when I saw this floral dress and immediately knew the two would definitely be a perfect match . Ms Tamara of tamris was kind enough to let me have the dress

I dressed it town with my most abused shoe in my closet my chucks. I swear these shoe go with everything. And thanks to my photographer the continental garden was the perfect back drop.

What do you guys thin? Do any of you bloggers also get discouraged sometimes?

Love you for reading

Seen on me

Dress:

tamris

White out

My sense of style is definitely eclectic. I can be Victoria Beckham today the next am Nicole Richie. When I saw this ensemble on Asos I immediately thought of dressing the look up like a bougie Morden day Thelma and Louise. If only I had an old vintage car with a top down and a Louise to complete the vibe. Mhhhh Makes for a great collabo idea with another blogger!

Now Let's talk about this bag!!! Gucci is so in this season and I could not pass on this Gucci inspired hand bag I saw in Aldo. I just love the colors and could not pass it by. Look am unapologetic about buying dupes or things that are inspired by high end brands that way I stay within my budget.

What do you guys think about the look? Thanks for stopping by. Love you for reading

Xo Lulu

Seen on Me

2 piece set

asos

Bag/ Shoes

Aldo

Sunnies

dress lily

Chauncey Glover Project Gala

Founded by 3 time Emmy award winning journalist and News anchor for abc 13 Houston Chancy Glover, the Chauncey Glover project is a hands on mentoring program that grooms inner-city teenage boys into upstanding and accomplished gentlemen. This is achieved through education, self empowerment, financial responsibility and college readiness. On June 9th the CPG black tie Inaugural ball was held at the Queensbury Theatre, and was hosted by actor Christian Hayes

The galas theme Breaking out: Breaking the chains, Breaking the cycle shaded light on how the troubled young men over come adversity, enhanced their characters and achieved their goals. The young men took to the stage and literally showcased a transformation out of orange jumpsuits into well groomed respectful young men headed to college with full ride scholarships.