Phatabulous Magazine

Listen, don't think for one second that just because you read Candace's Closet that I am some fashion expert! Uh not! And please don't think that I can afford designer brands---uh not! I don't not now or ever claim to be any of those things. I have to work with what I have--and to be honest it's not much but it's me!

I'm a single mother of three boys and I haven't shopped for anything for myself in months--sad I know. But there are just more important things in my life for me to focus on right now. I like to say this: I'm currently under construction---it sounds better than saying I'm broke right?

Well, either way its the truth! I am currently under construction and so is this website. This magazine of mine has been apart of my life for almost 10 years. I've birthed it, nurtured it, neglected it, cried over it, been frustrated with it---but it's still here!

Still, I recognize that nothing stays the same and everything must change. And there will definitely be some changes to this magazine. I'm going to be trying some new things just to see how it all works out. I hope that you stick around and leave a comment or two to let me know what you think of all the changes.

Candace's Closet will be a sporadic post that will appear every now and then just to talk about my wardrobe and how I put my outfits together for whatever I'm doing and where ever I'm going. This magazine has always been centered around plus size men and women because I am a plus size woman. This magazine has and always will be an extension of my life. Well, my life is changing and so will this magazine. We're going to go through these changes together.

My closet doesn't have much. It's not glamorous or fancy. It holds your typical size 18-20 and an occasional size 16 (on a good no water weight day) casual, business and formal wear. Honestly, if I have to pull something out of the closet it's a real good day. Normally, I grab some stretch pants and a nice shirt and I'm out the door (cue sad music).

I decided to go to church this Sunday, (don't ask why it's not an every Sunday thing--too long of a story) so Saturday night we prep night. I grabbed two of my favorite dresses out--one a light peach and the other a pastel pink. I've worn both several times for different occassions--church, events, weddings, and dinner. I've worn both while pregnant because their both very comfortable and easy to slip in and out. I've even nursed (breastfed) in one--quite easily actually- so these are definitely two of my go-to dresses.

Since I couldn't decide between the two dresses I just decided to move on to accessories. I really like to put together my accessories the night before because I hate to get dressed and can't find that one earring or bracelet that I feel matches perfectly.

I decided to wear pearls because no matter which dress I picked I felt like they would go perfectly. I have a good selection of pearl jewelry so I just picked out a few pieces that would go great and decided that I would pick the perfect pieces after I put on my dress.

Sometimes I can overdue it in the accessory department. I decided to pull out one of my flowers. I couldn't decide if I would put it in my hair or my dress. I ended up not wearing it at all even though you see me in the pictures with them on. After I took the picture I showed my son and he said the flower was too much LOL!! You gotta love boys--they will be so honest with you!

When it comes to shoes I don't quite have the extensive collection as most women do. I feel so crazy sometimes that I'm just not that into shoes the way other women are. I decided to go with my pastel pink pumps for the first part of the day--before and during church--and then my pastel pink sandals for after church!

May 19^th, 2018 marked the 2^nd annual Black Magic Live Art Museum Event. This event was created and put together by the Tiffney Funches and Chelsey Pough of Isupportdreams Inc. group—an organization that creates an atmosphere for creative expression for the youth and young adults in Jacksonville, Florida.

Tiffany Funches spends the bulk of her day working with the city of Jacksonville youth at the Leadership Academy formally Eugene Butler Middle school. During this time she is instructing her students on the importance of peer to peer learning and teaching valuable skills such as using context clues, how to define words, how to look up words. She also instills in them cell skills such as personal accountability, self-management, and attendance. She works with students that are just out of high school on up to 25 years of age.

Children live in a world ran by adults who often forget that they were once children. I step into their lives as a mentor or advocate when needed. I try to empower them by teaching them how to advocate for themselves as well as leading by example. I don’t hide my imperfections from the kids that I work with. They see me make mistakes, come back and apologize. This is important because they need to know that in life you mess up, but it’s all about how you recover from what you’ve done.”

Business partner and best friend Chelsey Pough also plays a significant role in the isupportdreams

inc. organization. They're both two phenomenal young women brought together by their passion for their communities, their crafts and the youth.

Isupportdreams inc. was birthed about five years ago in a small room in a Moncrief apartments called Palm Terrace. Pough and Funchess along with two others wondered how far they would be in life if they'd had positive reinforcements pushing them towards greatness in their creative lives. At the time the adults in their lives wanted them to do the regular-- finish high school, go to college, and start a career--there's nothing wrong with those goals but they all realized that their passions were not being molded as they should've been.

It was a conversation that would birth an organization that created a space for them to explore their creativity and empower the youth of Jacksonville, Florida to do the same. It was also how the Black Magic Live Art Museum came into fruition. The BMLAM is an event held each year in Jacksonville to showcase and show support to local black artists.

Black Magic 2 Live Art Museum Event 2018

This year’s event took place in Jacksonville’s very own somewhat hidden treasure WonderlandJax—an establishment that was specifically created for the artists in Jacksonville, Florida. Attendees of the Black Magic 2 Live Art Museum gave positive remarks about this year’s location, stating that the experience began when you first arrive.

Driving up to the location the first thing you see is a warehouse with different compartments. You climb a few steps strategically placed along a long wooded platform. Guests have the choice of climbing steps or taking the lift which is an experience not all Jacksonville natives are used to but definitely adds to the whole artistic experience.

Music could be heard from outside building, and if the HoneyDripper House and Hazelnut Grill food trucks didn’t keep you outside the vibrations from the beat lulled you inside. High Fashion models from Jacksonville’s very own Ione Fashion ModelAgency greeted every guest upon arrival and gracefully collected tickets.

From there guests were free to explore an open space filled to the brim with black expression.

Immediately to the left were hanging works from photographer AlfonsoJarrod. His collection included “lady in Red” series-- a tribute to strong black women that he feels magnifies their beauty-- and a fan favorite “Infinity Waters” a moment he captured while at the beach during sunrise. Jarrod admits that he loves sharing his perspective of the world through his camera lens and hopes to start conversations with his works.

Dominic Haynes better known as Rex-D, a designer who provided the audience with some live art using only trash bags and duct tape. He was inspired by episodes of project Runway and various YouTube videos. Rex-D admits that he was nervous but definitely up for the challenge. Last year’s event he presented a full collection of his designs but stated he wanted to do something a little different this year. He really wowed the crowd with how quickly he was able to construct a two piece gown together. He’s looking forward to the day when he can see his brand everywhere and dress his

favorite muse Rihanna for one of her many glamorous events.

Alexis Harley debuted her collection of paintings named “TheMind of A”. She admits that all of her paintings are inspired by her imagination. Her series of paintings are filled with vibrant colors but are layered with so much meaning. Some of her paintings speak about fear and control. Harley’s been in the art world for 4 years. She started her journey after taking an art class during her freshman year in college. Since then she has developed a great love for artistic expression. She stated that she doesn’t really have a style just yet but rather, just paints whatever makes her happy. She admits that she is still developing as an artist. Harley is an artist to keep up with because in a few years she will be more developed and will have a lot to say with her art.

Jacksonville native, Aset is a self-taught artist who showcases her artistry through painting. She has works that are now featured and can be purchased at Zsa Zsa Lapree Art Gallery in Jacksonville, Florida. Aset admits that she’s only been painting for two years. Her first works were debuted at last year’s event but since then she’s created a whole new collection that was featured at this year’s show. Aset has a unique artistic voice that speaks volumes about the beauty, sensuality and complexity of the Black woman.

Attendees of the BMLAM constantly admired the works of Kiations “Adam and Eve” three-piece set. Kiations admits that what she ended up with was not her initial vision but the end results speak volumes about her skills.

Other artists that featured their works included photographer Larry Key, Sonye Locksmith, Dante Jennings, FOXX, and Tavian Teage .

The “House of Xhaos Dance & Co.” presented art in the form of dance, Share and Seed Academy blessed the audience with their artistic expression through song and Ebonie, Keisha and Johnakesha presented a fashion runway show like you’ve never seen before. Most runways shows send their models down the catwalk while blasting house or techno music, these ladies sent their fashions down with their voices. It was a great experience that allowed you to enjoy fashion with a message.

The hosts of the evening were none other than iOne Fashion model Takerra and Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood. LoveReigns is a poet that has been performing for over 10 years and is the cofounder of “The Cypher” and open mic poetry event.

Along with the art and entertainment were vendors that offered a taste of Jacksonville’s hidden treasures. Unapologetically Single is definitely one of those treasures that celebrate the single black woman. This organization brought an array of items that included buttons with clever slogans, journals, natural soaps, apparel, and beauty products that are very affordable.

The Elite Group which is a company that specializes in event management, marketing and promotions for small business clients came to show support as well.

Many attendees had nothing but positive remarks about the event. First time attendee Sharletta Stephens stated that the BMLAM2 “was the best event she’s attended in a very long time” and she was happy to have been invited.

Writer, Producer and Rap artist RIZM attended and thought that it was awesome that black artists got together to support each other. “It was good to see that black people were able to get together and showcase their artistry in a positive environment. This doesn’t happen enough here in Jacksonville. The artwork was phenomenal.”

Photo: Edward Denson

Phatabulous Magazine