Looks for this Fall

Hello all! I hope this post finds you all in good health and good spirits! It's that time of year when the weather is turning, the clocks have been turned back an hour, and now we're all trying to figure out what to wear! It appears that this fall the big looks are leather, leatherette, hounds tooth, leggings, and cute sweaters and tops. I'm still working the cute light jackets in the club (because sweaters are just to hot and heavy) and to finish it off, the all-important coat or jacket is a must have. The casual look also can include a nice fitted pair of jeans with a turtleneck. Who says you can't be stylish and comfortable?  Many people are also releasing their looks for the holiday season so keep an eye out! I've found myself checking out a lot of stuff from Ashley Stewart, Fashion to Figure (check out their pre-holiday look book), and ASOS. I've found some cute accessories at forever 21 and DOTS. I've also browsed, spoken to, and viewed and various new releases from independent designers. So, with all the holiday dates, parties, and events to go to, hit up theses website or throw on your walking shoes and get out there nice and early! Remember to take into consideration what you'll be wearing for undergarments when selecting and trying on a garment. I hope you find some good stylish looks for this fall and holiday season and remember the 11th commandment (if you don't know what it is, you'll have to e-mail or facebook me to find out!). Good luck shopping and send pics of the looks you come up with. Remember, being beautiful is not just about what you wear! Until next time!

Sasha

One of my "classic" casual fall looks.

Me wearing the "Ameila" dress from Monif C. (last year's holiday collection)

About to hit the club. Jacket: Dots, Top: Rainbow, Skirt: Rue 107, Bag: Ashley Stewart, Shoes: Bordello

Halloween Season Review

Hey y'all! This past Halloween was a crazy one! There were a slew of parties I was invited to (as usual), but it also seemed like there were more parties this year due to Halloween falling on a Thursday. Some people (and companies) opted to have their parties on the weekend before Halloween while others decided to wait until Halloween night and the following Friday and Saturday.nights. What did this all mean for me? Besides attending a Halloween event with Snooki and J Woww from MTV's "Jersey Shore" featuring contestants from various seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, and doing a show at the legendary Stonewall Inn between all of this, I had to come up with a few different costumes! I also try not to repeat costumes ( I've only repeated a costume once in 15 years!) so this year was going to be interesting. Among all of this chaos came the annual problem: where to find good costumes in plus sizes.

In the past I've gotten costumes from Torrid and a few other places, but a lot of places are online and I typically have to order them well in advance so that I have time to try them on and to get the proper accessories with them. It seems that every year the options for big girls become fewer and fewer, so this year I decided to take matters into my own hands! I broke out my sketchbook, took out my colored pencils, and drew some ideas. Next, I went to the garment district here in New York City and bought fabric from some stores, and finally made stops at Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics for some pieces to accent my main costume this year. With all of the materials not in my possession, I began the process of sewing and making my own costume. It took a few days and the process was tedious, frustrating, and downright annoying, but it was all worth it in the end. There were plenty of moments when I cussed my sewing machine and when I felt like giving up, but once I had a comfortable and good looking costume, I felt quite accomplished! I was the superhero I always considered being for Halloween and I was pretty sure that I would be the only plus sized version of this lady at most events I went to. One of my other costumes included me wearing a lace top from Rainbow and lace leggings from Lane Bryant along with red gauntlets and a matching belt made by a friend. I put this all together with half of a Freddy Kruger mask glued to my face to make a commentary about beauty. This costume went over well and ended up spawning an idea for a performance for the Stonewall Inn drag show. Halloween is now a week behind us, so now what? A word of advice: This is the time to go stores and online and buy costumes! Almost all of them will be reduced (some up to 70% off) and those pop up stores try to get rid of as much as possible so that it's less to pack up. This is also the best time to load up on all of those accessories, temporary hair color (spray), and other products! This will probably be the last weekend to do such things since many stores and companies have already rolled out their Xmas holiday displays and sales. Happy shopping and remember, if they don't have it in your size, you can always make it (if you have the time and patience!). Until next time. Remember, being beautiful is not only about what you wear!

Sasha

Me as "Wonder Woman" in the costume I made!

Costume made by yours truly

Wearing the lace outfit and Freddy Kruger mask

The full body effect

Curvy Closets "Pretty in Pink" Charity Fashion Show Review

On Saturday, October 12th, the efforts and planning of  Colleen Stovall and Domonique Revere-Lincoln came to life as their event, The Curvy Closets "Pretty in Pink Fashion Showcase" took place at The Crane Arts space in Philadelphia. The place was full of bloggers, models, photographers, vendors, designers, and fans of full figured fashion. The evening began with time for attendees to mix and mingle. Soon after, everyone entered the room, took their seats, and got to see the styles of some very talented designers.

 Colleen Stovall and Domonique Revere-Lincoln

The evening was hosted by model (and designer) Allison McGevna who was very captivating and interactive with the audience.The designs of Empress Lingerie, K.SY+, Marle Originals, BellaNOR Boutique, Kiyonna, Sean Anthony Designs, Ace Blakley, Elocin, and Marco Hall were all featured. Empress Lingerie's swimsuit designs were very captivating and intriguing while Ace Blakley and Sean Anthony Designs showcased a sense of creativity. A crowd favorite was Elocin Plus Designs, and there were a lot of "oohs" and "aahs" from the audience as their asymmetrical and cutting edge designs went down the runway. 

Colleen Stovall in BellaNOR

Samantha Lebbie wearing Elocin Plus Designs.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of a check to the charity organization “Hairless 4 Her Awareness.” The show concluded with Allison McGevna debuting her line, TwentyFour20, to rave reviews. I've been waiting to see the TwentyFour20 designs ever since Allie and I touched base at Full Figured Fashion Week in June and she wore a pink lace dress that I loved. The other designs in her line were sleek, stylish, and classy. Allie informed us that the line will be available in time for the holiday season, so be sure to check out her designs when it's time to get that dress for the holiday party and New Year's Eve! Overall, it was a great evening for a good cause and I was happy to have the opportunity to finally meet (in person) so many people that I've touched base with on facebook, instagram, and through here on my growing blog. Congratulations to all of the featured designers and to Colleen and Domonique on a successful event. I'm already looking forward to next year! Until next time y'all. Remember, being beautiful is not just about what you wear!

Host and designer Allison McGevna

                       

The pink dress I love from TwentyFour20 Designs

Me on the pink carpet

Allie and I

Models Vanessa, Aliyah, and Christina

Blogger Sha-Sha Tucker of "A Thick Girl's Closet" and model Vanessa

                                

Curvy Closets: Pretty in Pink Plus Size Fashion Showcase

Hello all! We are less than 24 hours away from an event I've been hearing the buss about since this Spring! Curvy Closets (of Philadelphia) will be hosting a fashion show and gala featuring the designs of numerous plus sized stylists and designers including Empress Lingerie, K.SY+, Marle Originals, BellaNOR Boutique, Kiyonna, Sean Anthony Designs, Ace Blakley, Elocin, and Marco Hall.The evening will be hosted by the lovely Allison McGevna who will also debut her clothing line TwentyFour20 Designs. A portion of the proceeds from the show will go to “Hairless 4 Her Awareness.” HAIRLESS 4 HER AWARENESS Inc. is a non-profit organization that was put in place to promote the awareness of cancer, particularly breast cancer. They strive to promote awareness with visual campaigns to show the world many different faces of this disease. The inspiration behind this organization came from the stories of women in the life of the founder that have died or are in remission from this disease. It's not too late to join us at Crane Arts (1400 N. America Ave.) from 5-10PM. To purchase a ticket for the event go to the eventbrite page. I (of course) will post pics from my Instagram account and also on my facebook page. I'll also include a review of the event sometime next week. Until next time! Remember, being beautiful is not just about what you wear!

Makeup: Products, Techniques, and Tips!

Hello all! I hope this posts finds you all feeling well. This blog post is going to talk about how I use cosmetics.Over the years I have had many battles and struggles with my makeup. There have been moments when I stumbled upon a great look by accident and there have been times when my makeup hasn't come out the way I want and I feel like a hot mess! Through these exercises in trial and error, I've learned a lot of things and people have said that it would be a good idea to share some of my knowledge. So, with that said, the tips and advice I post are based on what works for me. They may not entirely work for you, so you should experiment and tweak things so they work for you. I hope you find some of my tips interesting and helpful!

First, before we even get into talking about makeup techniques there are a few things to address:

One thing you should definitely do is answer this important question: "What kind of event is it that you are attending?" There are so many styles of makeup and so many looks that can be achieved, so you should take into consideration what would be appropriate. Surely you don't want to show up to a family BBQ with your "girls night out/clubbing" look!

A more subtle look for a night out 

a little more dramatic for a girl's night out at a local bar

A quick pic between numbers during a show in Long Island

 Before heading out to do a show at a club

Another thing you should so is make sure you have the proper tools in order to beat the hell out of a mug! These things include a good set of brushes (note: expensive brushes does not always mean that they are good), quality makeup products (shadows, pencils, powders, etc.), wedge sponges, tissues, q-tips, and a well lit space to paint! A few other things you should make sure you have before painting. is a good face wash, moisturizer, and a good primer (to apply before doing makeup). Now that you have this collection of tools, let's talk about how to use them:

Prepping: It's important to wash your face and moisturize before doing your makeup. I have really oily skin, so I make sure I wash my face well, dab it dry with a towel, and apply an oil-free moisturizer. I usually give the moisturizer at least five minutes to sink into my pores before applying my makeup.

Foundation: The type of event you are attending will determine how much foundation you are going to use. I ALWAYS use a full coverage foundation, but how much I use depends on the purpose of me doing my makeup. If I'm going to be on stage for a show, I will heavily apply the foundation so that it survives under the hot stage lights and spotlight. If I'm getting together with friend for a girls' night out, my foundation won't be as heavy, but it will still be well applied. I've used wedge sponges, my bare hands (fingers), and a foundation brush to apply my foundation before. They all work and have their advantages (and disadvantages), so I encourage you to experiment and find out which technique works for you. Tip: when I've had a manicure done but wanted to use my fingers to apply my foundation, I've worn the disposable latex gloves to apply my foundation. It works well because the warmth from your hands transfer through the glove and so the foundation will still react as if you are using your own skin (without the mess!). I've used all kinds of foundation from Brands like MAC to Black Opal to Dermablend to theatrical makeup brands like Mehron, Ben Nye, and Kryolan. I'm not going to plug a specific brand, but if you would like to know the difference between each, send me a message and let's chat! Reminder: when testing a foundation shade DO NOT test it on your hand or your wrist. You should put it on your jawline to find the closest match possible.

Setting Powder: I find that many women do not set their makeup (I was so shocked!). Using a setting powder does a few things. 1: It preserves the life of your foundation. 2: It keeps you looking matte and not greasy (aka shiny face) and 3: it locks your makeup in place so that it doesn't easily rub off on clothes. I apply my setting powders with big powder puffs and I do not lightly tap the powder onto my face; I literally beat the powder into my skin with a firm dabbing motion. I then use a big powder brush to remove the excess powder. If I'm out for a night and my makeup is on point, I may only have to touch up my face with a translucent face powder once or twice during that evening.

Highlighting and contouring: A big part of makeup that some people overlook is highlighting and contouring. These techniques are done so that your face is ready for pictures and so that you do not have a flat monotone look when a camera flash goes off or when the natural light hits you. Remember, you should highlight areas that you want to recede/disappear and highlight the things you want to pop out/protrude  (such as the "T-Zone" which it the forehead, down the nose, under the eyes, and the base of the chin right under the lips). I usually highlight and contour before doing my eye shadow, blush, or lips and I let the powder sit in place until I finish all of my makeup (we call that letting your face "cook" on the drag scene). I sometimes may even reapply while I'm doing other parts of my makeup.You'll see that your skin will absorb some of the powder as the natural oils in your skin are trying to come through your foundation and setting powder.

Eye shadows and blushes: Again, there are many brands out there so you will have to experiment to find what works best for you. I've come to find that the best shades of shadows that work on my dark skin are one that are well pigmented. I tend to use MAC, NYX, and LaFemme for my eye shadows. I also use a combination of brands for my blush. No matter what brands you use remember to BLEND! BLEND! BLEND!

Eye liners: When I first began using makeup, I only used pencils to to my eyeliner. I was terrified of using liquid products. I now use liquids, powders, pencils, and gels (again, it depends on the look I'm going for). When doing eyeliner, remember that pencils will give you a sharp finish (tip: warm the pencil by quickly putting it up to a lighter or candle for 2 seconds to soften it), powder will easily help you achieve a smokey look, and liquid liner can give you a nice finish, but be sure to use a waterproof one. Otherwise you may look like a raccoon if you cry or sweat easily. If you are going to use liquid products, you have to be sure to have a steady hand!

Lip liner and lipstick: The way you do your lips can make or break the overall look. I used to only use lipsticks and liners, but I found myself getting tired of having to reapply my lipstick after having some drinks, eating, or from the lipstick fading after hours of being out. Depending on the look, I might just use pencils and gloss to do my lips. I still have lipsticks, but a trick I do to help it last longer is that I go over my lips with my foundation before apply lipstick. The foundation will grab the lipstick and then I put a tissue over my lips and I lightly set the lipstick with setting powder. This will help the lipstick to last longer. I usually top off my lipstick with a gloss to give me a nice juicy finish.

So, that's my post about my battles, success, and moments with makeup. I'm sorry this post is so long! You should also experiment! Don't be afraid to try new looks, products, and techniques! You'll be surprised with what you come up with. I recommend checking out youtube. There are some wonderful tutorials there. I actually follow certain mua's and personalities there. Some of my favorites include Glam Jackie, Beat Face Honey, Misty Eyez, Next Level Artist, Dollface The BFQ, Queen of Blending, and Pollo del Mar .

If there is something I didn't cover that you would like for me to discuss, please send me a message and I'll gladly reply or include it in another post.Feel free to find me on facebook and be sure to follow me on instagram @sashatheglamazon. Thanks for reading. Until next time!

"Being beautiful is not just about what you wear!"

Sasha

"Sasha, where do you shop?"

Hello all! I hope this blog post finds you all doing well. I've been busy attending events (more to come on that in upcoming posts), being busy with work, and trying to stay healthy. It seems like the turn of seasons is causing many to get sick here in New York City! Anyhow, I wanted to answer a question I've gotten from many people. I've lost count of how many times people have asked "Sasha, where do you get your clothes." Well, it's no secret that my figure is large and curvy (52-40-58), so I have to be pretty creative and "on watch" to keep my style trendy. Sometimes, I make my own stuff. I learned how to sew when I was younger (thanks to my mom!), so instead of spending hours and sometimes days going to stores to look for something, I head to the garment district, go fabric shopping and then get to work at home. I also have a few friends that are amazing seamstresses/seamsters and so I can take them a sketch I've made and together we bring it to life. This, of course, requires a lot of time and patience. I can't emphasize enough the patience part. There have been many nights where I've ruined fabric, broken sewing needles, and cursed my sewing machine.

When I don't have time to sew, there are a few places I like to go to buy things. Some of my "go to" stores (especially if I have an outing) include Ashley Stewart, Fashion to Figure, Torrid, and DOTS. In all of these stores you can find cute outfits, handbags and purses, and accessories. For me it's usually the concept of mixing and matching. Warning: just because it looks good on the model on the website or on the mannequin in the store means it'll look good on you! It's important to know your body type and what features you want to accentuate and which parts you want to minimize (or not bring much attention to). I have curvy hips, am top heavy, and have broad shoulders, so I take all of those things into consideration when picking out an outfit. Because of my exposure to indie designers and boutiques during Full Figured Fashion Week, I've also begun to shop at plus sized boutiques. I've gotten a few things from some boutiques and will continue to keep an eye out for more boutiques. If you are a indie designer or own a boutique, please drop me a line! I must also admit that as of late, I've been on a kick with thick belts.

The other question I get is "where do you get your shoes?". This question is usually asked because I wear anything from a size 13W to a 15 (or sometimes 16) in shoes, and you will rarely catch me at an event in nothing less than 4-inch heels! When it comes to larger sizes, you have to look for brands rather than stores. It's also unlikely that you will find shoe stores that you can walk into that will have a section with shoes that big. Some of the online places I like to shop for shoes include Snaz75, Pierre Silber, and The Highest Heel. The brands that I tend to rely on are Bordello (by Pleaser), Dallas Heights, and Elie. Again, searching for these brands and on the aforementioned sites can be a hit or miss, but I usually find something I like, and if there are a pair of shoes I like, I'll buy a few pairs in multiple colors (I've actually lost count of how many pairs of Bordellos I have!).

More than anything, I guess the key to my looks is to constantly be aware and on the lookout for places that may have a thing or two here or there than you can use for an outfit. You'll be amazed at what an outfit can look like if you piece it together with items from various places. If you liked/loved this post, please comment or drop me a message and feel free to show me what styles you've come up with by piecing together things from various stores. Remember, being beautiful is not just about what you wear!

Until next time,
Sasha

Me @ Full Figured Fashion Week's All White Cruise in a dress I designed.
Dress (made by): Planet Pepper, Shoes: Bordello (amazon.com), Purse: Target

At the club taking a selfie of the dress I designed and made.
Jacket and Belt: Ashley Stewart, Bracelets: DOTS, rings: garment district NYC

Outside of a restaurant in NYC during a night out with friends.
jacket: Ashley Stewart, corset: Amazon.com, pants: Disco Pants from American Apparel, Shoes: Bordello (snaz75.com)

Plus Night Out 2013: A Night of Glamorous Full Figured Fashion

It's the middle of Fashion Week here in New York and the city is crawling with more models, designers, and personalities than ever, but the event that I'm looking forward to is on Friday the 13th. That night at the Hotel Pennsylvania (401 7th Ave., right across from Madison Square Garden) will be the 3rd Annual "Plus Night Out." It will be hosted by Joanne Borgella (from American Idol and NUVO TV's "Curvy Girls"). The event, started by Jovanna Reyes, will also sponsored by plus sized retailer Ashley Stewart. It is guaranteed to be an amazing event and the who's who of the full figured community will be there. There will be a showcase of design from the likes of Ashley Stewart, Igigi, The Cotrice Collection, Intimates Plus, and many others. The night will also include the announcement of the Plus Night Out Model Search winner, to whom a contract with True Model Management will be given. So, find something trendy, fashionable, and come on out to Plus Night Out. For more info on the event, check out Plus Night Out. Be sure to also check out the NY Daily News' coverage of Plus Night Out (featuring model Na'imah Terry) here: 

Daily News

Welcome to "The Glamazone"

Hello all! I want to take a moment to officially welcome you to "The Glamazone"! I'm Sasha and I'm known as the ebony glamazon goddess. I'm a full figured, plus size entertainer, and aspiring model. I've been on stages for years and women constantly approach me and ask questions. I found myself answering the same questions time and time again, so I've decided to dedicate this blog to Full figured/ Plus sized women and women of color. "Why?" you may ask. Well because those are areas that specifically pertain to me and what people often ask me about. My idea to start this blog was confirmed this past summer while I attended Full Figured Fashion Week. I want to give a special thanks to all of the bloggers, models, agents, and attendees I met that week that gave me feedback, advice, and encouragement. I hope that you enjoy reading my posts and hope that you find them to be relevant and useful. If you have any questions or topics you'd like for me to tackle, please feel free to drop me a line. Thanks for reading. Remember, being beautiful is not just about how you look!
                                                                Sasha