Model | Alexa Hope Neilen Photographer | Laylonna L Hurley
A Note from the Editor Laylonna L Hurley We see this product as a refreshing of the spirit and renewal of the senses and soul. So how appropriate to launch this ad in our Water Edition. We look forward to hearing from our supporters and readers when you try this product, Order now and receive a discount by entering #EmbraceYou at check out. Water represents rebirth and renewal and as we continue to do just that in our Unfiltered Beauty journey in 2018. We continue to celebrate Raw Beauty that is unfiltered, embracing the uniqueness of artist coast to coast.
When we think of beauty, we envision perfect complexion, hair, figure and smile, what if Beauty isn't a vision but a sense of self. To me beauty is more than whats on the outside, it is what we carry inside of us. We are beautiful beings. Let your ability to embrace not only your own beauty but others as well be a continued reminder of our own individuality. It is our responsibly to encourage and support each other. Together we can be a universal unity.
From Models, Photographers, MUHA and designers, We are launching our first Water theme issue. We are celebrating the visions of our contributing artist from ethereal to splashing in the waves to the simplicity of lounging by the lake or creating fashion in the studio. HUGE Shoutout to Briana DeShields for creating the Cocoa Beach Shootout event ( Cover Image) And we are just getting started, so Embrace it with us. I AM! #EmbraceYourBeauty
I AM BOLD. I AM UNIQUE I AM BEAUTIFUL. We were honored to host a red carpet experience at the Ogle Product I AM: Beautiful Launch Party in February in Kokomo Indiana. This strikes a chord with us at Embrace Beauty, and deep inside myself. Embrace Beauty is about inner strength, embracing beauty and grace in all of us.
My Marketing Director Donna Devine said something that was so profound it moved my entire soul, "In today's world we are so consumed with labels on our sexuality, style, and even our humanity itself. It is brave and refreshing stand to identify with this product."
And their collaboration with Clean The World foundation has spawned a campaign with Embrace Beauty. As we gear up for our Recycled edition in Omega Fashion in August we want to offer Clean the World a advertisement spot, so we can continue to promote their movement and cause.
*EMBRACE*ENCOURAGE*ENHANCE*ELEVATE*EDUCATE*
Contents p3 Editor's Message p6 Ogle Products Launch p8 Civic Photos p7 Revolution of the Bikini p12 Photography of Russell Gunthorpe p14 Photography of Nicole Turner & Ryan Davey p20 Photography of Colin Ziemer p22 Horoscope p24 Photography of Johnathan Aulabaugh p29 Photography of John Bowman p36 Photography of Laylonna L Hurley p54 The Wyndham Experience p56 Photography of Victor Morales p58 DianKa DesignZ p66 Syd's Corner - Swimwear: A Brief History p71 Swimfits by Keyan Karr p72 Photography by Tarerus Moore p74 Full Figure Beauties in Bikinis (editorial) p74 Salty and Savory Snacks
Angelica Rangel Liz Miersch Maddie Ramsey Chad Rebrovic Maurice Johnson Alexa Hope Neilen Savannah Pasante Lauren Frumer Brianna Moore Dina Nordin Jenna Elizabeth Kristen Anderson
Sabrina Gamble Kendra Ayala Kassandra Ramos Alexandea Ramos Dakota Anelli Briana DeShields Alyssa Anderson Rebecca Prater Jememy Wulker Ashley Marie Barbara Ledea
Abby Santiago Anna Cristina Brewer Tiffany Ramos Caleb Stupka Alexa Ciara Silva Ashley Marie
Embrace Beauty Magazine would like to introduce you to Ogle Products! Ogle products is the creation of Dustin and Lindsey Ogle of Kokomo Indiana. They own a very unique Salon. It has a tattoo parlor and started with a focus on men and women’s “fade” style cuts. Ergo, the name… Fade Salon. Women asked for color, up-do’s and more – and in true fashion, Lindsey and Dustin provided what the customer needed from them. When you enter the salon, you see the product proudly displayed on the reception desk. You quickly are immersed in the smell of the bar soap. It is enrapturing! The first product they created, I am: Skin (my personal favorite), is there for a free moisturizing sample and that fragrance is also so relaxing to enjoy. The atmosphere is trendy and casual. Chit chat, a trip to the pizza place a few doors down, enjoying the on tap beer, bottle beer and wine the salon offers, is just part of the experience. The welcoming attitude of all, to all, is very evident. (and refreshing!) Dustin and Lindsey have 2 children and have had a few other big events in their lives. Lindsey was a survivor… I mean, on the series “Survivor” (CBS Survivor: Cagayan) but also as a single mom, she was a survivor! Never giving up she strove for a life for her and her family. Meeting Dustin was destiny for the two. Together they have built quite a legacy already. When I spoke to Dustin recently he explained that family was the inspiration behind the line. “The Product line was inspired on two fronts. The Skin Care line came from us developing our own products to use on ourselves and our children. We knew that we could get great results with a more natural approach that was better for our bodies and the environment. Over time we came up with amazing formulas combining Nature and Science. So, from great demand we started sharing with our friends and clients. Then the demand came. People begging us to sell it, make it available for their friends and families etc... So, we did.” The hair care line comes from the same sentiment, but we were driven for our clients at Fade Salon. Our Salon is very busy with over 10,000 clients. For 8 years we were using "the best" products but, always felt like it could be done; 1. Better, 2. More Responsibly, 3. For less cost to the customer. So, we got to work. After 18 months of formulations and trials we had some amazing products that were outperforming absolutely everything in the industry for about half the price to the customer. The response was incredible, and again word started to spread! Other salons wanted it for their clients, and people out of town were begging for it.” The Ogles did what the Ogles do. Embraced the challenge! They designed a business plan that would allow Manufacture, Distribution, and Wholesale Sales all over the country keeping the premium ingredients and processes the same. Remarkably they were able to keep the same price point for every customer.
The remarks online and praise that the product has received is what keeps them motivated and striving to do more, sometimes at the expense of family time. Asking Dustin how he made the decision to keep going ahead and developing more, his answer was inspiring. “Clean the World was the decision maker. We were already very busy people and this takes even more time away from our family, so for us there had to be a bigger reason to do it.” With the launch of the product line, the Ogle’s decided to donate a percentage of every sale to the Foundation. “We finally decided to do grow this Brand with the condition that the energy and success of it would positively impact the world as well. So, we decided to do it for our children as well.” Ogle Products has chosen more of a Grass Roots advertising platform (This Marketing Director completely lucked out with a Face Book connection!), and no corners are cut on ingredients. Dustin states, “Nothing has changed because we stick to dedication to keeping things the absolute best with no sacrifices.” They are now shipping in every state, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Currently are being asked to start making available overseas.” Today The USA – Tomorrow the World. In my opinion, the impact of a company does not just limit itself to a product. A true entrepreneur utilizes all they have, to benefit all they can. This is Ogle Products. More than just making us a little more beautiful, they strive to embrace humanity and create a better tomorrow. I AM: Impressed.
Notes on CWF Besides combating diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhea, improved hygiene with soap also addresses a wide range of lesser known, but nevertheless debilitating, tropical diseases. These illnesses often are neglected by an overwhelmed medical system in developing countries. Thanks to donations Clean the World Foundation 41,000,000 SOAP BARS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO OVER 127 COUNTRIES My experience with I AM: Skin was that it seemed to help relax me, the fragrance seemed to calm every part of me. He stated that in the US they cannot post the claims that it lowers blood pressure and has helped with depression. I however will say – it couldn’t hurt! Donna Devine Marketing Director, EBM
The Revolution of the Bikini Silvia Petitta – Italy - march 2018
C’mon Ladies, today we put the eyes on the Bikini, a two pieces female fashion swimsuit, so loved by women…. but not only! At the Mid ‘40’s, the first bikini has been seen in Paris, on a poolside. Such a great new fancy cloth after a period of sadness, famine and death, following the II world war’conflicts. The most remarkable Hollywood actresses have worn this swimsuit: Esther Williams in her wet performances, Ava Gadner, Anita Ekberg, Stella Stevens, Jane Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe, in 50’s and 60’s famous movies. Over all, the bikini is a controversial female cloth, a pure object of desire but not well approved by Puritans, ‘cause most of the body’skin is completely discovered. Decolteè and belly button over the top. Anyway, Bra and slip will introduce the the Pin-Up’s world and the best brands of Lingerie and intimate female cloths will launch new image and new media shoots to amplified curves, soft breast&bottom to catch the eye. Different fabrics, to shape and to make comfortable this female ornament.. And the result is an high level of seduction, with no high shoes…
In 70’s, after the famous Bond Girl, Ursula Andress beside actor 007’S Connery, the bikini became a cult, a kind of must have. The most famous photographers realized shooting around the bikini for best cover magazine, Vogue, Harper Bazaar , Elle, etc.. In the 80’s the women will consider their body worship, following the – J.Fonda - Barbarella’ gym lessons to approach their wellness as a kind of shape& healthy body, good to wear a fashionable bikini. Then in the 90’s the connection between fashion and beachwear was a new frontiers for fashion designers to increase their fashion collection to explore new way to be catchy and multifaceted, two pieces good for every hour in the day, as a dress. A Bra with no straps as an evening dress or a precious panty, seductive as a lingerie, able to create a connection between all the entire women wardrobe.
Today, in our Millennium, we could say the Triikini is a (r) evolution , on swim/beach wear, cause it seems as a kind of trick : you wear swimsuit but in a typically bikini’fashion. Yum”! Let’s open the a poll: what’s your fav 4 u ladies? On FB page your answers ….
water, rocks and wind can be great inspiration for creating beautiful and amazing photographs. There are many examples of ways to capture images around these elements from the bohemian inspire photography shoot of Angelica. Staring off by the Old Galveston Fishing Pier she dressed in multiple shades of pink to style by the giant rocks near the seawall. Using the area under the pier created various type of lighting to affect the mood of the images. For the next scene Angelica styled in a bohemian black dress and a vintage hat as the wind blew the sashes she brought. The beach town area, with its white sane and expanded greenery was a great backdrop for capturing the softer light available at that time.
Model| Angelica Rangel Captured by Civic Photos Courtesy of Two Bright Lights Platform
Model | Liz Miersch
The Photography of Nicole Turner and Ryan Davey of Lasting Impressions by Nicole
Model | Maddie Ramsey
Model | Chad Rebrovic
Model | Maurice Johnson
Models | Alexa Hope Neilen & Savannah Pasante
Photography of Colin Ziemer
Model | Lauren Frumer
B
rianna , not just a lovely face this beauty has it all, looks, career and determination. She started off out as a event planner ( weddings are her specialty) and soon found herself walking the runways at fashion shows along side her bestie Briana DeSheilds. Together they have launched and created a popular podcast, Bri's Brew and Brunch. You can find the Bri's together often at a local pub where they love to cast their podcast weekly.
Model | Brianna Moore
I'm excited to launch my career in the modeling industry. I have always dreamed of becoming a model since I was a child. I would put on fashion shows with my sisters for our mom in my living room. I graduated in 2016 from UCF with my bs degree in Event Management . For the past 3 months I have had the honor to assist Brianna Dashields,co-owner of The Model Wearhouse, with setting up social photoshoots and fashion shows. In my spare time you can catch me at your local open Mic nights doing stand up, at the Coalition feeding the homeless.
Reading the Stars Aries ( 21 March – 19 April ) - You stand to learn much about the types of power and control you possess within yourself during this period. Issues from the past, such as resentments and anxieties, come up for inspection. You have a need to look more deeply into the meaning of things, your mind becomes more profound, and even your style of communication changes to reflect a deeper level of thinking, There would be much of constructive developments in your relationship area. You would be able to express your love and affection in a more better way. Favorable Dates : Mar 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 30 Favorable Colors : Red & Yellow Taurus ( 20 April – 20 May ) – This month may keep you dreaming and planning for the future. You can focus on getting your budget in order and settling your finances. You can discuss financial options with someone, get advice, and do research on the best ways to handle a financial situation. You may meet new acquaintances who help you to further your goals, or you could join a new group or association that gives you considerable pleasure and satisfaction. This is a good month for attracting what you want and improving your relations with others. Favorable Dates : Mar 6, 9, 15, 18, 24, 27 Favorable Colors : Grey & Yellow
Gemini ( 21 May – 20 June ) - You feel most like yourself when you’re pursuing mental projects and engaging your mind. The more mental stimulation you have, the better you perform. You’re more of an idea person now. You’re a little more impulsive and impatient, but you’re excited about life and about the new things you can try, new places you can go, new people you can meet, and new paths you can go down. It’s a great time to start something new. You would move on a practical note and you shall be blessed with a better lifestyle. Favorable Dates : Mar 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favorable Colors : Red & Blue
Cancer( 21 June – 22 July ) – You enjoy expanding your world and your mind. Travel can go quite well. Social activity increases, and you enjoy greater freedom of thought, inspiration, and fresh ideas and insights that seem to come out of the blue. You may be inclined to seek out pleasure and recreation away from your neighborhood and private circle. If single, you could meet someone who is from a different culture. If in a relationship, you can try to have a new experience with your partner. With friends, you develop an unspoken rapport. Favorable Dates : Mar 1, 8, 10, 17, 19, 26 Favorable Colors : Red & White Leo ( 23 July – 22 August ) - You may feel most like yourself when you’ve got enough money to feel secure. If you’re squandering money, it could affect the way you feel about yourself, and lower your sense of self-esteem/self-worth, though an impulse buy may initially make you feel better. You may feel bogged down by duty and responsibility,
and that you’re not being allowed to spend time doing whatever you want. Messages or arrangements with your partner may go astray or become confused. You would need to talk things through with partners so that each of you knows where you stand. Favorable Dates : Mar 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favorable Colors : Red & Purple Virgo ( 23 August – 22 September ) - Your energy may shift towards being focused on more serious aspects of life. You seem to have more depth than usual, and you think more about life questions. You need to view your relations with partner from a new angle. You have less patience for superficiality and want to be more intimate. Forging deeper emotional connections may be more important to you now. Your sex drive will likely increase too, you may find it a ripe period for turning over a new leaf in an existing partnership or for finding a new partner. Favorable Dates : Mar 5, 9, 14, 18, 23, 27 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Green Libra ( 23 September – 22 October ) - You’re practical and you stick to your guns, and you’re not going to rush through things, preferring to take your time. If you're in for the long haul and set something important and meaningful in motion, you'll be richly rewarded in time. A calculated risk backed by good advice and good support could pay a good dividend. On a personal level, you may feel restricted by, and sensitive to, pressures from an intimate partner. Issues of trust and control come into play, and they cause you to feel somewhat caged. Favorable Dates : Mar 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 27 Favorable Colors : Grey & Purple
Scorpio ( 23 October – 21 November ) – You are tapping health through enjoyable recreational activity. Some of you into good energy for solving problems and talking things through with objectivity. In fact, you can be very rational about tricky or sensitive topics right now. Business and career matters might improve with new methods or approaches New possibilities or dimensions will emerge. f single, you want someone who is commitment -minded, not having the patience for games. New avenues seem to open up and it shall bring you closer to achieving your set ideals for life. If attached, you want more romance with your partner. Favorable Dates : Mar 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 29 Favorable Colors : Red & Blue
Sagittarius ( 22 November -21 December ) - This is an excellent time for consulting others, increasing your understanding of a special person in your life, and coming up with bold new ideas. Interactions with people close to you can be energizing now. You are a little more sensitive to imbalances, but fortunately want to take action to correct problem areas. You begin to project a more confident, focused personality. A stronger sense of purpose benefits you in March. Business/Job, in general, is favored, and you enjoy a healthy relationship with bosses and other authority figures in your life. Favorable Dates : Mar 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, 26 Favorable Colors : White & Blue
Capricorn ( 22 December – 19 January ) – In work and career, this is a powerful time for renovations, redesign, and dramatic improvements. Your ambition increases pleasantly now, and you are especially resourceful in your methods. There could be some recognition for efforts that previously were taken for granted. Make sure you build some beneficial activities into your busy day so that you can keep good
may have to budget your time to do this. Others may experience a loss of familiar leisure activities because of a major change of circumstances or commitments. Favorable Dates : Mar 1, 9, 10, 18, 19, 28 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Blue
Aquarius ( 20 January – 18 February ) - You would be in excellent shape mentally. Work benefits the most from this, but relationships improve considerably as well with open lines of communication and attentiveness. Projects or plans that seemed to be working at a standstill begin to push forward slowly but surely. Enthusiasm for hobbies, entertainment, and other forms of playful expression increases, and opportunities emerge to more thoroughly enjoy yourself. This is also a good month for learning and travel. You’re feeling increasingly freer of the need to sort out family and home matters, and confidence improves. Favorable Dates : Mar 2, 9, 11, 18, 20, 27 Favorable Colors : Red & Green
Pisces ( 19 February – 20 March ) – You feel most like yourself when you’re being productive, efficient, and getting things done. You don’t want a list of tasks to pile up, and try to get things done as quickly as you can and to the best of your abilities. Business endeavors will go more smoothly for you if you recognize the value of the team at this time. You feel strong and vital, and can put your attention toward your health. You want to take control in all of your relationships, but need to make sure you’re giving them the ability to be themselves too. Favorable Dates : Mar 4, 5, 13, 14, 18, 22, 23 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Green
"Manish Kumar Arora is a renowned KP Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Reader & Vastu Consultant. He has been rendering professional advice to clients with a reasonable degree of success. He has been conferred with the title of 'Jyotish Varahamihir' and 'Jyotish Aryabhatt.' He has been writing monthly astrological columns for 40 international magazines. For personalized predictions, he can be contacted at manish@manishastrologer.com
Photography of Johnathan Aulabaugh
Johnathan Aulabaugh Melbourne FL. Originally from Northern California, I got my start attempting to help my ex get into modeling. 18 years later I have become proficient in multiple genre of photography and enjoy each one in different ways. Over the last few years I have really focused on people and have had the pleasure of working with some amazing models, designers, and businesses. For me photography is my creative outlet, a continuous learning curve and challenge that never lets me down. https://www.johnathanaulabaugh.com
Model | Dina Nordin
J
enna Elizabeth Co-Founder of The Model Wearhouse. Experience beauty, fashion and runway model this talented Blonde is making waves for the others in this industry with her petite status , long golden hair and big blue eyes, proving that beauty is not defines by height, standing 5' 5. Jenna and her co-partner Briana DeSheilds are opening doors for the many models that come network at the The Model Wearhouse Shootouts done monthly at the studio located at Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando.
Models | Janna Elizabeth | Maurice Johnson, Kristen Anderson and Evelina Siska
Models | Maurice Johnson & Sabrina Gamble
Model | Kendra Ayala
The Photography of John Bowman IG: photographydoc
Models | Kendra Ayala | Kassandra Ramos | Alexandra Ramos
Model | Kassandra Ramos
Model | Dakota Anelli
Photography of Laylonna L Hurley
B
riana DeShields, Founder of The Model Wearhouse, experienced fashion, print and beauty model, model scout and soon to open her own Modeling Agency. This entrepreneur host networking shootouts monthly at the Model Wearhouse Studio located on Orange Blossom Trail, host fashion shows and many group shoots. CEO of TruLuv Media this multifaceted model is on the fast track to taking this industry to a new level of networking. Stay Tune.
Shout out to Bri for creating and organizing the Cocoa Beach Shootout!!
https://www.facebook.com/ModelWearhouse/
Models | Kristen Anderson | Alyssa Schoenrocks Evelina Siska | Rebecca Prater
Model | Maurice Johnson Location | Cocoa Beach Beach shootout hosted and created by The Model Wearhouse founder Briana DeShields
Models Jeremy Wubker and Maddie Ramsey
Cover Models- Alexa Hope Neilen and Savannah Pasante
Embrace Beauty is about united sisters and our brothers in this industry, we want to encourage growth and friendships. The cover image signifies what and why I started Embrace Beauty! To elevate, encourage, enhance, educate and embrace one another to accept and not only see our beauty but the beauty in each other.
Model | MUHA Ashley Marie- Prolific Worldwide
Model | MUHA Barbara Ledea - Prolific Worldwide
Model \ MUHA Abby Marie Santiago wearing Endrina Brooks Ruffle one piece
Model \ MUHA Anna Cristina Brewer
Anna is wearing a Black & White bikini and wrap by ElioArt ( above) and white ruffle bikini by Endrina Brooks
The Wyndham Experience Tiffany Ramos, Caleb Stupka and Alexa Ciara Silva
The Photography of Victor Morales
The girls shot a regional commercial in Mississippi, their agent is Angie Moncrief. They’ve been in a couple regional commercials, 2 movies as twins, Laney shot a book trailer. The Girls recently were offered a contract with Westhaven Model management group out of New York and they show no signs of slowing down, with their mom turned manager turned designers this family is one of talent and determination to success.
Twin fashion, beauty, print and runway Models Laney and Lily Simmons wow the CEO of EBM in late August in GA while walking the runway for Victoria Henley Magnifique and again in New Orleans Dec. 16th and later to be brand ambassadors of Embrace Beauty Magazine Legacy Models. Natalia Garcia calls them KK Girls. She picks 10 girls every year to be “brand ambassadors” the twins didn’t get selected this year. That’s what they were in Miami competing for, like a mini pageant. the twins made top 20 but not top 10. We’ve been to Orlando & Miami to Model for them.
DianKaDesignZ Our featured designer this month is Dianka Maresova. DianKa blends a boho style with modern touches, to create a very unique look. Her 2018 swimwear line, featured here in our pages, typically runs between $35 and $50. You can find her creations at WWW.DIANKADESIGNZ.STOREENVY.COM.
Model: Rachel Madison Makeup: GlamEffects Hair Stylist: Amber McCoy Photographer: Eric Dawson
Model: Cayti Jade Makeup: GlamEffects Hair Stylist: Amber McCoy Photographer: Eric Dawson
Model: Joyce Effie Makeup: GlamEffects Hair Stylist: Amber McCoy Photographer: Eric Dawson
D
Swimwear: A Brief History
o you like to go swimming? Perhaps in your gym pool, or your school, or the lake, or the ocean? I bet you have a favorite style of swimsuit for these occasions too. Is it a one-piece? A bikini? Perhaps old-fashioned pinup style? Maybe you’re a man and you enjoy just wearing your swim trunks to swim. Or, perhaps you wear a speedo. What color do you want your swimming outfit to be? Do you like flames? Polka dots? Personally, I have about 7 swimsuits. I have three one-pieces, one blue, one orange, and one with American Flag colors. I have an old-fashioned pinup style suit with red polka dots. I have two regular bikini style suits, one with white polka dots, the other plain black. I have another regular swimsuit, it’s yellow and black. Something for any occasion, probably? Well, unbeknownst to most individuals today, swimming wasn’t always this exciting. In the times before the Middle Ages in Europe, swimming was done almost exclusively in the nude. People in those times just didn’t find it practical to wear clothing that would slow down their movement while in the water. A few cultures did wear small garments, but nothing more than a loincloth or something of the sort. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that swimming started to be regarded as a “sinful pastime” by the Christian West and highly discouraged. While other nations remained more free for awhile, Europe became increasingly strict and the only time people really got in the water was to clean themselves in private. In the 1600’s, at some point women and men began to bathe with full clothes on. The were instructed to wear styles of clothes that fit them in such a way you could not see the outline of the human form in order to discourage people from having “lewd thoughts”. There were spas that had women bathing in the nude during this time, but at the end of the 1600s clothes were pretty much everywhere. However, there were still plenty of countries and cities where people bathed in the nude, throughout the 1700s as well. It wasn’t until the late 1800s when nude swimming was outlawed in the United Kingdom, for example.
The bikini finally came into being for good in the 1940s. This was a result of the war, and manufacturers had to cut back on the amount of fibers being used in beachwear specifically. Designers responded by simply removing the midriff and we had the permanent style of the bikini. After this, it’s simply been playing with the designs of the bikini. After WWII the bikini was super popular, even though it still had a lot of hate from certain individuals. We also had the monokinia style that extended to the thigh and came up as a halter around the neck. All the fun stuff started happening in the 1950s. However, we didn’t get into the extremely tiny bikinis that you see later on until the 1960s and 1970s. Currently, a lot of old styles have been making a comeback. A lot of the pinup styles and the pone-pieces we struggled so hard to leave behind are people’s favorites. Also, with the expansion of curvier people in America specifically, the one-piece has become a bathing suit of choice for many plus size women. Men still haven’t changed. It’s pretty much either a speedo or swim trunks. What kind of style would you like to introduce into the bathing universe? Do you think maybe we need some expansion on the men’s styles of swimwear? Write us and tell us about it. embracebeautymagazine@gmail.com We look forward to seeing your ideas. Happy swimming!
In the 1900s is when we start to see a lot of drastic change. In the early 1900s, women would wear a bathing gown, if you were in the West. It was huge, covered the entire body and was made so that no one could see the human form, again. Men wore a bathing suit similar to long underwear and that was the style for quite some time- in fact, it’s only recently begun to change and not by that much. Women’s bathing suits would undergo tons of changes over the next century. In the 1920s we began to see much shorter swimming outfits, without sleeves and less bulky. However, they still hid the human form and there was only one style that came out prior to the 1920s that was form-fitting, the Annette Kellerman. It was a style adopted from England and was quite form-fitting, while resembling men’s styles of that time as well. There was a ton of controversy over that style because many groups felt it was extremely indecent and immoral to wear such things. In the 1930s, we began to see men only wearing bottoms to swim in, and that stayed for good. There were several places that had also began to toy with the idea of the bikini, and lots of burlesque performers would wear two-pieces. We also began to see women’s styles that were V-neck, exposing more and more of the female body.
Syd Innovaria is a columnist, model, photographer, musician and artist located in Indiana. You can find more of her work at www. sydinnovaria.wordpress.com.
ModelS: SYD INNOVARIA (in blue) & SELENE ASTREA Makeup: SYDNEY ALEXANDER Photography: ERIC DAWSON Designer: KEYAN KARR
Don't Call Them Swimsuits! Introducing Luxury Swimfits By Keyan Karr. Each piece is hand sewn by Kirstia Renee Drury. She is the lead designer and seamstress for Keyan Karr, an Urban Couture Fashion House in Louisville Kentucky named and created in the memory of the designer's late sister Keyanna M. Karr who succumbed to leukemia. Since the runway debut of Keyan Karr February 26th 2017 the line has been displayed in 5 runway shows and countless photoshoot collaborations. Ms. Drury has been designing and sewing since the age of 7. Her talents were first recognized by her great grandmother Nellie Thomas Atelier whom she watched create various garments for years until her retirement from sewing, then she proceeded to study from her grandmother Donna Mcgrew who was a seamstress and costume maker until the launch of Keyan Karr. In late Spring 2018 they will release a line of swimfits titled Luxury, suited to the needs of the everyday day lady with a rapture of bold colors and risque designs. You're sure to find the perfect swimfit to suit your personal style! With prices starting at $70.00, Keyan Karr Luxury Swimfits can be worn from the party to the pool or from the bar to the beach. We strive to make women of all sizes feel alive and beautiful. To get in contact with Kirstia Renee Drury or for more information about Keyan Karr contact the links below. Facebook:
Keyan Karr https://www.facebook.com/KeyanKarrPrestige95/ Instagram: @Keyankarrparis
Beauty & Symmetry
The Photography of Tarerus Moore
Model | Ashley Marie
Full Figure Beauties in Bikinis
T
hough I have seen some gorgeous plus size women in bikinis, I’ve never considered wearing one. It’s less because of my weight, but more of my mindset that I have no business wearing one no matter how much they are now appealing to full figures. I’m grateful and proud that the fashion industry has caught on that full figured women demand more options for their swimwear needs. Thanks to designs of tucking high waist brief bottoms, tankinis, and creative bikini tops, a full figured woman can wear a two piece. Add a beautiful, sheer cover up that offers a bit of protection for those, like myself, that are selfconscientious of our midsection, upper thighs, or muffin top. I was so against this whole idea of me trying on two piece suits, but I figured I’ve recently lost almost 40 pounds so I felt safe in the comforts of a fitting room. Plus, I took my self-conscious teenager to show her that size doesn’t matter. She bought the idea more than I did. So off we went to the local full figure stores to try on two piece suits. At first, I tried to cover up with tankini style suits, but honestly I hated them. IT was then I realized I might as well go for broke and show my midriff. Some were less flattering than others, but I allowed my daughter to take some fitting room pictures. Later, I deleted over half. Some were just not flattering.
Salty and Savory Snacks by Shannon Harris
Stress, it’s a killer, Sir” - Bartok from Anastasia Stress tends to bring out the munchies and not for the healthy stuff. Trust me, I know. After several months of nonstop and very emotional stress, I managed to overcome those stress munchies by finding some snacks that are healthy and that curb those cravings. This lead to a 35 pound weight loss. My first suggestion is seaweed snacks. You’re probably cringing on the idea of it, and I was the same way. I bought a pack of Kroger’s Simple Truth Sea Salt Roasted Seaweed snacks and got hooked. From there, I tried other flavors from their line like Sweet ‘N’ Salty which I also enjoyed because of the hint of sweetness with the salty. The wasabi was too spicy for me, but if you like heat, go for it. Of course, I wanted more options as I was using these snacks to replace my cravings of chips and other salty snacks. I found flavored ones at Fresh Thyme under the store’s own brand. I love, love, love the BBQ flavored ones. The teriyaki was good but not my preference. Personally, the ones from Fresh Thyme are the better bargain coming in at double the size for only $.50 more over the Simple Truth. Kroger does have another type of seaweed snacks in their international aisle was good too. They come out a penny cheaper than the Simple Truth and double the amount.
I want to note that I love a sexy a bra and panty set, and I love to show those off to my husband and boudoir photographers, but I cover up with a lace robe or sheer shirt more often than not. Plus, my husband and my photographer buddies are super supportive, but I know the public won’t be as kind. I need to take a page from Taylor Swift and “Shake it Off” if I ever intend to fully support full figured women. Although my boudoir photographers know I am getting bolder and more confident. Stand me in front of long window or door where people can see me standing there in all my lingerie glory, no problem. Mainly this works because I don’t have to hear their comments in that moment, and I look darn good in natural light. I have even started a yet-to-be-published blog with several of my boudoir pictures, but I haven’t been brave enough to publish it because I worry about hateful internet trolls. So after hours of trying on two pieces, I fell in love with one and a sheer lace cover up. I almost bought it. Almost. I have a shopping rule, if I doubt it, I don't buy it. Can you guess how much doubt I had about that purchase? The price tag was another big reason for the doubt. The two piece, even with the Buy One, Get One 50%, was still over $100. That’s something I believe needs to be worked on, more affordable, full figure swimwear.
The lady who helped me, Allie, suggested Ashley Graham online. I looked, but I haven’t cracked to buy one since I am unsure about buying something without trying it on. However, the site does have more affordable swimwear for the full figure. Some of the two pieces were cute, and they offered separates for those with different sized tops and bottoms.
I admit I did have fun trying the two pieces on for the sake of this article. It was nice to see that fashion has expanded to allow us fuller figures to wear two pieces. The tops allowed a fuller breast cup (my boobs actually looked really good in the tops), and the bottoms helped me tuck that yet-to-loseyears-later baby belly. It was nice to find out I dropped two sizes from what I buy in normal clothes and still feel pretty good. I just couldn’t do it. Not yet. I would say though any full figured woman should feel better knowing that it is possible. Just because I am a chicken, doesn’t mean you have to be.
Now to go along with my seaweed snacks, I find myself craving something a bit more savory. So I ended up putting together my beef rolls. I am hooked on these because one can be a complete snack or a couple as part of a great entree to a lunch partnered with the seaweed snacks and some Greek yogurt. Beef Rolls (Snack Size) 1 slice of Boar Head’s London Broil Roast Beef 1 slice Swiss cheese or other preferred cheese* 1 dollop of Horseradish Sauce A few pieces of ranch flavored dried kale (crumbles) Place beef on plate, add cheese, horseradish sauce, and kale crumbles. Roll roast beef up around the other ingredients short side across. Enjoy! *You can substitute the Swiss cheese and horseradish sauce for horseradish cheddar cheese also by Boar’s Head.
Model | Alexa Hope Neilson Location | Cocoa Beach Florida Photographer | Nicole Turner Lasting Impressions by Nicole http://www.lastingimpressionsbynicole.com