It is no secret that Swagga Kings has for years feature plus size models. We have been champions of the plus fashion industry since the day we first published. After being asked to assist a few new ventures that focus on the plus community, a few reoccurring issues keep circling within the plus community that we feel need to be talked about openly.  Late March 2012 SK caught up with an up and coming plus size model Essie Golden. In her interview she talked about 2 issues that SK will continue to explore. Today we will take a peek in to our chat on weight and when is big to big.

With the season changing we must be precautious and take care of our most valuable asset, our skin! “More than 1 million people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer is largely preventable. Studies have shown that most skin cancers are linked to overexposure to sunlight (UV radiation). Therefore,

(CBS/AP) Whitney Houston's death wascaused by accidental drowning, but heart disease and cocaine use were contributing factors, according to coroner's officials.

Trayvon Martin was a 17 year old, BLACK Child that was gunned down by George Zimmerman , a Hispanic man, because Trayvon was BLACK at the wrong time.  Morning Joe Panel Discusses Trayvon Martin Case

When I think about spring the first thing that comes to mind is bright colors, sunny days and good times! With winter rapidly coming to an end it’s time to break out the shorts, flip flops & shade. Gearing up for summer I just purchased the HOLLAND COLLECTION BY OPI.

OPI is the largest manufacturer of nail polish and nail care products in the world. They distribute over 14,000 products. Its vibrant colors made it a personal favorite of mine for years until my latest research. Generally speaking nail polish has 11 basic ingredients. Depending on color and brand you will have more. While looking for the active ingredient in OPI polish I discovered that the polish itself is linked to cancer and reproductive issues in women. Why?

Did YOU see how stunning Viola Davis looked as she strutted down the red carpet, with her gorgeous dress, sexy husband and that amazing N-A-T-U-R-A-L hair?!  She was breath-taking, but it baffles me that it took her decades to climb from behind the weave; the hair that allows you to become acceptable in the eyes of the majority.

Review of  “Good Deeds” by SK Contest winner Nichele Mateo.

Tyler Perry's latest movie, "Good Deeds"  is a refreshing departure from his previous films.  Good Deeds explores the lives of two people from opposite ends of the societal spectrum. 

Police officers are the worst breakers of the law; SERIOUSLY!  Here is a short list of things I’ve seen officers do to break the law: run red lights, speed thru neighborhoods, put on sirens in order to not wait at red lights, jay walk, racial profiling, ignore cases that seem to tiny for their attention, etc….

Take a look at a real honest take at desegregation in America. I have never seen a view point like this ever before showing how both sides of the issue felt and saw it at that time. The video will play automaticly. Enjoy and comment.

Desegregation is the process of ending the separation of two groups usually referring to races. This is most commonly used in reference to the United States. Desegregation was long a focus of the American Civil Rights Movement, both before and after the United States Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education, particularly desegregation of the school systems and the military. Racial integration of society was a closely related goal.

It’s a New Year!  Yet, Valentine’s Day is around the corner and love is lurking around every corner with a chubby cherub pointing an arrow at you.  In my previous blog post, “The Power of Forgiveness”, I wrote about forgiving and letting go. It can be especially difficult during holiday times like Thanksgiving, Christmas and defiantly the “Big Love Day.” If you’re single, Valentine’s Day can put you in a place of bitterness and you’ll want to have an, “I hate Valentine’s Day” party.  I can almost guarantee that as you read my previous blog post, you may have said aloud to yourself, “I’ll forgive, but I ain’t forgetting!” Or maybe you muttered, “I know I need to forgive, but I don’t know how.”  You may have also said, “I forgave, but how can I let go and move forward?” The list of thought provoking questions could go on. And, believe it or not, I’ve asked myself the same questions, and then some. I’m not going to say that I have all the answers, but I do have some insightful thoughts I’d like to share with you.

Colorful weave.  Long, acrylic nails.  Gold teeth.  Colorful cars with spinning rims.  Designs cut into a haircut. Dilapidated houses.  Dirty streets.  High crime.  Poor people. Over-crowded neighborhoods.  When you look at everything I’ve listed, what words come to mind?  When I asked a friend of mine about phrases similar to the ones I’ve listed, he instantly said that those terms are associated with being GHETTO, HOOD and/or RATCHET.  Some might say those descriptions are what we’d associate with someone who is black or African-American, but why?

I love to people watch, so while traveling for work I took the opportunity to just observe them. People wear anything to the airport in an effort to be comfortable unless they are on business, then they are in suits or business casual attire. Personally, I have to be cute at the airport you never know who you will meet. So what do you wear while traveling? I am glad you asked. I took pictures of a few individuals that got it right.

Be Edgy: You can be edgy and comfy as Martina proves here wearing black over-the-knee riding boots with jean skinnies, rolled up boyfriend blazer and colorful scarf.

Why must black people continuously seek approval from white people? I've heard over and over again black men and women stating this phrase, "You're making US look bad." As I shake my head at the ignorance of my fellow black people, I can only help but wonder how many of us feel this way.

Honestly, I'm guilty of it, which is the reason for this piece. This morning I found myself thinking this same thing about a fellow, black co-worker of mine. This person comes to work late everyday they're scheduled, they check their social site notifications before touching work and if they aren't asked to complete a task, they will watch movies all day. Fortunately, our supervisor is driven by guilt, so she would feel guilty if she fired this individual and they couldn't afford to purchase food; but enough is enough, don't you think?

Dear Sideline hoe,

Hello again. It's me...your spirit.  You know, the one who connects your heart, your soul and your emotions. The one who feels every struggle that you endure.  The one who believes in you when no one else will.  I feel as though I am very important in your life so I had a meeting with your heart, your soul and your emotions because we are concerned about you.  They asked me to speak to you about your behaviour because we need to understand your motive. 

What makes a man still fill his friends ears with accolades for his wife? What keeps the stars in his eyes in good and bad times? The Seven Habits of Highly Praised Wives, what else?

Habit Number One...She’s Secure With Herself and Self-Confident.

One of my biggest pet peeves is woman looking like they just stepped off the short bus when they are at work or out and about. I know I know, being a stylist this should bother me, but it is just starting to get ridiculous. Being busy is no excuse for landing on the “Walmart” video. I know we should not judge a book by its cover but we do, get over it and create a better cover. The point is that your clothing should reflect who you are and show your personality.

Moving from "pre-engagement", to engagement, to marriage can be a long, albeit fun, process. The waiting is often the hardest part. Hours can fly by while the hopeful imagine how their mates will pop the big question. Then there are those who will never go beyond the "pre-engaged" stage because of mistakes they unknowingly to make. Let’s take a look at the seven of those mistakes...

When I first heard that Beyonce song, it became my anthem! My girl B put it down! She said "Pull me into your arms, Say I'm the one you want, If you don't, you'll be alone and like a ghost I'll be gone!"   How powerful!  Here is the problem that I pose this evening ladies... what happens when he doesn't say your the one he wants?  Do you leave? Do you stay? Do you set ultimatums and force the issue? Do you let him give you one ring and wait another 5 years for a second one?

I'm a little upset with the plus size industry and I need to vent about how I'm feeling, I know I'm but so small in it, But everyone is entitled to their opinion so here it goes.

Something on my mind... wont somebody please tell me whats RIGHT!

Recently ( since October) I have discovered this renewed interest in hosiery of different prints. I mean from colored fish nets to striped thigh highs... 14 years ago I would of thought nothing of it simply trying to imitate the Babysitters club or Clueless! Awh or even need I say Romy and Michelles highschool Reunion with thier flirty little minis and killer platform sandals perplexed in their boring dead end jobs. Does being young and beautiful in America really pay off. If so can we really afford to be bias of females whom are comfortable with their sexuality and yet just love to exploit their legs?