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Shapewear can be so confusing! Which is why I called on Samantha (Sam) Walker, my homegirl in fashion, fellow blogger, runway queen and fashion show host to ask if she could write a guest blog post to help break down shapewear for us curvy girls. As a plus size model that is always on the go, constantly photographed and spotted at a variety of events around Cleveland, Sam is definitely a shapewear expert, so read on to see what she has to say...

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(Velvet) Crush on You
There is nothing sexier than velvet to me- not even thin, flimsy silk lol.  The fabric looks so plush and touchable that you can't even get mad if a complete strangers asks you for a quick touch... Well, yes you can- especially since the trend is so hot that every store is now carrying SOMETHING in velvet whether it's clothes, shoes or an accessory. Because of that I've come up with a shoppable guide to help style your velvet for all the fabulous soiree's, get together's and kick backs that you will attend this season...

The Duster Is The Jacket For Fall!
Let's talk about the duster- they are usually lightweight, knee length and have a slouchier cut and fit than a trench coat- but most importantly they add an extra dose of style to your outfits from the most basic to the extraordinarily glam. Originally used by cowboys to protect their clothes, this fall dusters are in all the stores in  a variety of fabrics, styles, colors and textures and easy enough for anybody to wear.

I discovered this earlier in the year when I needed some sort of jacket  to go over the champagne gold party dress I wore to the Cleveland International Film Festival staff party, and then again when I needed to zhoosh up my plain long sleeve tee and jeans combo...

Major Trend Alert
The duster is a major fall trend and is about the only new purchase you will need for the season, if you don't already have one. I have a few ideas on how to style these wardrobe changers below...

Shopping with the Girls: Throw on a sleeveless duster in contrasting color over a black and white pair of leggings and a long sleeve tee. You can switch the shoes to flats if the platform mules are too much to walk around in, accessorize with chunky gold jewelry and voila'! #Squadgoals

Fashion Show with the Bestie Fall is the perfect time to attend a fashion show in your city! Dress up a sexy Little Black Dress (LBD) with hyper playful accessories and top it off with an elegantly belted black duster.

Casual Date Night with Bae Tired of Netflix&Chill'n with bae and actually want to enjoy the movie theater again? Dress up a cold shoulder body suit and jeans with a sexy platform shoe, rose gold accessories and tie it all up with a blush toned duster. You can also tie the ribbon on the side instead of the front if you choose.

High School Football Game No doubt, you will be the flyest aunt in the bleachers when you rock your old school rap tee, a denim skirt and Rihanna's Puma Creepers underneath a sophisticated floral duster. Add a  Moschino waist pouch and a thick gold rope necklace for a real deal "ghetto fabulous" feel.

Day to night, sexy to casual, the duster can help elevate and stretch your entire wardrobe. How do you style your duster? I have a few picks below from Amazon at different price ranges to help you shop..

*Please note that I am using affiliate links that allow me to receive a small amount of change if you decide to click and shop. Thanks!

The latest trend to sweep mainstream America has been popular for a few seasons and even found itself at the center of early controversy, but it is without a doubt that the African dashiki has landed it's spot on the street fashion radar and is here to stay. Again...

The garment- a loose fitting tunic sewed from bright African patterns and colors, often with embroidery around the collar, the sleeves and bottom half- first became popular in America in the mid 1960's as a style extension of the Black Pride movement. Worn by Black Panthers, Black leaders and diplomats,as well as the people on the streets, the dashiki served as an identity marker right a long with Afros, beads and head wraps.

Today is really no different. Yes, we see them worn on people who do not traditionally identify with the culture, but the same thing happened in the '60s when the hippies who were attracted to the embroidery and bright colors started wearing them. It doesn't take anything away from the tradition, the struggle or the meaning behind the fabrics and colors because other races chooses to embrace a style of dress as long as it is done in a tasteful and appropriate way. But buyer beware because most dashikis sold in stores or online today are directly from China, some vintage ones may have been imported from India or Pakistan. Check the "hand" (the heaviness of the fabric) and ask about the country of origin if you want authenticity!

With that being said, let's talk about three easy ways to introduce the garment into your wardrobe!

1. Trendy: If you are the trend setting stay fly by any means necessary type of guy then this should be easy for you. Pair a fitted dashiki with your designer jeans and the sneakers you purchased last week. Add a coordinating team snap-back, then stand off to the side so somebody can wipe you down.
2. Casual: You have a pair of Polo shorts in every color? Cool, find a dashiki with a color story that will match your shorts. You can't go wrong with navy, it's less serious than black, not as flashy as a bright yellow or teal short and you probably already have a pair in your closet. Finish the look off with a laid back pair of shades and a neutral pair of sandals or a boat shoe  wit' yo' grown and sexy ass...
3. Modern: You might be a borderline mixture of both trendy and casual; like you have never owned a pair of skinny jeans- but you do pay closer attention to the fit of your pants. Or you might have grown up wearing Ralph Lauren, but now you don't mind experimenting with other brands that have similar cuts and styles. If so, try your dashiki with a pair of black slim fit jeans, and a sophisticated but practical desert boot. Try a camo accessory if you are feeling risque', but no pressure lol!