ARE YOU READY FOR FALL YET?

Banana Republic Fall Collection

Hey curvy girls:

According to Stylelist, retailers will begin to usher in their fall collections very soon. I am talking this month soon. It's only July, fall clothing is nowhere on my mind. I am still trying to perfect my summer wardrobe. Ever since the recession, retailers have been shaking up their inventory by cutting down the amount of sizes they are shipping to stores. Could bringing out their seasonal collections early be a new tactic to boost sales? As consumers are you interested in buying fall clothes this early into the summer?

Here's what Stylelist had to say:
It's the fast-fashion retailers like H&M and Zara that are making things move more quickly these days, because they can. And if one does it, they all follow suit. However, there have been some concessions made to this insanity. Designers do show things like shorts and swimsuits for some early fall (aka summer) deliveries, and leather pieces always seem to find their way into early spring selections.

Retail trend expert Tom Julian author of "Nordstrom Guide to Men's Everyday Dressing," says,
"In the apparel world, designers and brands are always working about two years ahead, committing to fabrics and themes," Julian, author of "Nordstrom Guide to Men's Everyday Dressing," continues. "The only way to stay competitive is to embrace this model and give retailers what they ask for -- even if the shopper is not asking for it.

For more on  the story checkout Stylelist

Just in case you are one of those shoppers who hates summer and you are ready for Fall. Here are a few retailers with some great pieces for fall.

Old Navy

J.Crew

Ann Taylor

All photos from Stylelist

Are you ready for Fall yet?

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY: EBONY

Hey curvy girls,

SC fan Ebony sent in a photo of herself in that super fly ASOS tribal embellished dress. Ebony wore her dress to a class reunion. Ebony, you look hot. I love the hair and your glowing skin. The dress fits you great.

The dress is still available at ASOS

Want to be Stylish Curves of the day send in your photos to stylishcurves@gmail.com

CURVY CONVERSATIONS:CRYSTAL RENN'S FASHION FOR PASSION PHOTO

Hey curvy girls,

Today's curvy conversation is about Crystal Renn's photo for a nonprofit organization. I was reading the Ford Models blog and came across this photo of Crystal Renn shot by photographer Nicholas Routzen for his booster campaign for children and the arts. There is some controversy stirring over this photo for the obvious reason that Crystal looks super thin in this photo. Also, the photo in my opinion looks a little scary. The dark makeup, the hand on the mouth, doesn't scream fashion for passion to me. The point of the photo is to also advertise the silk screen t-shirt Crystal is wearing.

 At this point Crystal should not even be considered plus size anymore. In my opinion I think that is what her agent is working towards. Why are plus size models getting smaller? It seems that they come into this business at a 12 or above and as they get successful they start to shrink. It has been said that Crystal is losing weight because she is an active girl, sorry, but, I do not believe that for one second. I believe as she is becoming more successful, designers are probably putting on the pressure to lose a little weight, and she is obliging them. Crystal is a beautiful girl which is no wonder why designers want her. However, this is not what the plus size woman looks like.

I thought you guys would like to discuss this photo amongst yourself. I want to read your thoughts. Don't be shy, just be respectful.

Do you think Crystal is looking so thin these days do to an active lifestyle or is it to further her career as a model?

For more on the story checkout the Ford Models blog here.

NEWPORT NEWS ONLINE PLUS BOUTIQUE GRAND OPENING

Hey curvy girls:
Are any of you Newport News fans?  Well, if so, they are having a grand opening today for their online Plus Boutique. Now, I have a love hate relationship with Newport News because sometimes they do have some cute pieces and most times, well, their clothes look fugly and the material becomes questionable. I will say, that they actually stepped things up a notch by adding the ShapeFX collection, which offers built in support as well as a more modern collection of pieces. After a quick review of the online boutique, very little stood out. What I disliked the most was the fact that they used non plus size models for majority of the clothes on the site. If you are going to sell plus size clothing then atleast use plus size models so we can have some idea of what things will look like on a curvier body. They also need to rethink their tag line, "The ultimate selection of truly chic and romantic looks." I think not! Nonetheless, I did find a cute lace jacket and this polka dot swimsuit that wasn't a total fail.

Go take a peak and let me know your thoughts. Newport News Plus Boutique

 

TOCCARA JONES THE NEW FACE OF EVANS

Hey curvy girls:

A few months ago I wrote a post inquiring if Toccara of ANTM fame was modeling for Evans. I spotted only one photo of her (pictured above) at the time on the Evans website and wondered if she was the new face of the brand. Well, it looks like she is. Yesterday, I was reading Madison Plus and they had a few photos of Toccara naming her the new face of Evans. Personally, I am ecstatic to see Toccara branching out and snatching up modeling gigs besides covering men's magazines. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to be considered a sex symbol, but, I think it was a little too early in her career to do those types of magazines (just my opinion, don't hate me).  

Modeling for Evans will be a great addition to her resume and portfolio. I have to admit I did wonder where she went after those historical and beautiful Vogue Italia pics she did. I love Toccara's bone structure and the attitude she exudes that come across so well in her pics. I think her looks are sweet, sexy, and sassy. I wish her nothing but more success in this business.

Let me know your thoughts on Toccara's looks for Evans

For more pictures checkout Madison Plus

FASHION TO FIGURE GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY

Hey curvy girls:
Finally a giveaway! In honor of June being SC's one year anniversary (YEAH!), Fashion To Figure is giving one lucky winner a chance to win one of the below dresses to add to their stylish wardrobe. Fashion To Figure is a trendy plus size store that is making a name for themselves amongst curvy fashionista's. I've posted about them a couple of times and even hooked you guy's up with a 15% coupon. FTF has an awesome variety of trendy looks to keep us curvy girls looking stylish.

The giveaway will run from June 29th-July 5th.

How to enter:

1. In order to enter, you must be a follower of Stylish Curves either via Facebook, Twitter, or Google.
2. Leave your name and email in the comment section of this post

Additional entries:
1. You can repost this giveaway on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook. Just be sure to leave a comment linking back to your repost.

The winner will be chosen by Random.org.

So, please, enter, enter, enter.
.

EARNING MY STRIPES!

                  

Hey curvy girls,

One of the myths that stylists or fashion insiders will have you believe is that curvy girls or large chested women can't wear stripes. I have always refused to believe that and have been a stripe lover for years. No matter the size, curvy girls can wear stripes. Its all about finding what works best for your body and what makes you feel and look your best.

 I bought this striped dress from Faith 21 last year, but, I had to get it taken in at the top because it was a little too big. A tailor works wonders for us curvy girls (I will talk more about this in a later post). I was drawn to this dress not just because of the stripes but because of the mixture of bold colors. I wanted to keep the integrity of the dress by not adding too many accessories.because the dress stands out on its own. I chose to focus on the shoes and earrings to make the look more interesting. I was going to wear red shoes with this and a red belt, but,I decided against it and went for these super cute fuchsia gladiator style heels to make the pink in the dress standout more. I found these silver leaf earrings at Forever 21 when I was in Baltimore.

When the Fall comes, I will add a little cropped leather jacket to toughen up the look, but, since it's warm and sunny, I thought I would keep things girlie.

If I, a curvy, large chested woman can rock stripes, so can you.

Since the dress was a popular item. Faith 21 brought it back for the Spring season on their website.

All pictures taken by Deirdre Simon

***Also, today is the last day to use SC's exclusive Fashion To Figure coupon. To receive 15% off your purchase use code FTF15CURVE.

SKINNY GIRL FASHION FOR CURVY BODIES

Hey curvy girls,
It's been awhile since I've done a "Skinny girl fashion for curvy bodies" feature. For all my new readers, the skinny girl fashion feature is where I take a slim celebrity's look and recreate it for the plus size curvy girl. Yes, it's similar to The Look For Less features that a myriad of blogs do, but, SC's small twist is that we particularly use a slim celebrity just to show you that curvy girls can rock the same looks as the slim girls do.

Also for some of my new readers who don't know. I am a contributor for The Budget Fashionista created by Kathryn Finney (My Fairy God Mother). I do the Look For Less features which caters more to the Missy sizes. This week my Look For Less feature was on Katy Perry's fringe dress. While searching for a replica of Katy's look I came across, damn near the same dress at ASOS.

To see the rest of the look, check out my Look For Less post on The Budget Fashionista.

WHO WEARS SHORT SHORTS?

Hey curvy girls:

I signed up to be a guest blogger for the fabulous Boutique Larrieux's blog. This month's post is dedicated to shorts. I know so many curvy girls who are afraid to wear shorts and stick to capri's or bermudas out of fear of showing their legs. The post offers you a few options besides bermudas to help you find the right pair of shorts for your curvy body.

My favorite pair this summer is culottes. I thought I would never hear that word again since the 90's. I'm ordering a pair from Torrid.

Check out my post on Boutique Larrieux's blog corner here.

URBAN DESIGNERS:THEIR FLASHY LOGOS AND LOVE OF POLYESTER

Hey curvy girls:
I have two small beefs with urban designers that I would like to get off my chest. Yesterday I posted a black strapless trench coat dress on the SC Facebook page. I posted this dress because I thought it was cute until I saw the big golden Baby Phat cat printed clear as day on the front of the dress. I can't tell you how annoyed I was and a few SC readers understood why.
(You can see in the pictures below how logo's detract from the designs.)


Some urban designers who appeal to the younger consumer are still branding their clothes with big logos. Why is this still happening? You would think since Baby Phat, Rocawear, Apple Bottoms, and Dereon have been out for awhile that they would see logo's all over everything is not cool anymore. In the early 2000's you were not fly if you did not rock anything with a logo on it. Remember when Biggie had everybody in the hood rocking Versace shirts or when rappers would be out in head to toe denim Gucci suits with the G's all over? I don't mind a t-shirt, but, on a dress it just looks tacky. I don't want to be a walking billboard.

My second beef with urban designers is the use of polyester and ruching, especially for their plus size lines. Every time I see a polyester ruched dress or top with the big logo on it, I want to cut it up and stomp on it. It's as if there is no other fabric they can use for the curvy girls. Frankly, the polyester and the ruching makes the clothes look cheap. It's bad enough that we have to deal with other plus size designers making everything in jersey material. Curvy women like structured clothing too. Everything doesn't have to be stretchy. Can I get some cotton and silk, please?

 In a perfect world, I would love to have an urban designer create a collection that covers every aspect of a young woman's life, because, we are all not at the club every night. We do work and go to school. I would like to see an urban line that offers work, weekend, and after hours attire that can still have you looking fly when you're hanging with your girls. My hope and faith was in Diddy's Sean John for women, but, I was disappointed in what I saw in the ads with Lauren London and Cassie. He did such a great job with SJ for men (he did small logos) that I thought it was going to translate over to his women's line, but, it didn't. As a woman who lives an urban lifestyle, I love to dress sexy, sophisticated, and chic. Can I get an urban line that reflects all of that and uses natural fibers? I'm Just Saying!

What are your thoughts on urban clothing lines?

MUST HAVE WHITE SUMMER DRESSES

Hey curvy girls,

It's the official first week of summer and this week SC will be hooking you up with must have items to start your summer right. There is no better season to break out a cute white dress than the summertime. Whether you're going to the beach or an all white party SC has got you covered.

Checkout SC's picks:

Alloy

 Just imagine yourself taking a midday stroll in this super cute eyelet dress rocking a pair of bright colored wedges sipping on an iced coffee from Starbucks.

Dorothy Perkins

 This sexy body con dress would be great for that all white party boat ride you've been looking forward to all summer. Throw on some sexy silver heels and you're ready to turn heads.

 

ASOS

 Add some colorful accessories to this adorable strapless number for a swanky garden or cocktail party.

Ralph Lauren

Who doesn't need a shirt dress for the summer? I do.You'll be casual Friday ready in this office chic shape skimming shirtdress.

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Adriana Papell

Take a walk on the beach with that special someone in this pretty maxi dress.

Told you SC has you covered!

STYLISH CURVY GIRLS AT FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK

Hey curvy girls:

Looks like FFFWeek has come to an end. My schedule was so hectic that I was only able to make two of the events. Nevertheless, I had a great time looking at all the fly curvy girl fashions and chatting it up with some of my favorite curvy girl bloggers like Musings of a Fatshionista and The Curvy Fashionista. To kick off my FFFWeek review, I thought I would give all my curvy and non curvy readers out there a dose of inspiration from some of the flyest curvy girls who attended the events. You know I ran them down like paparazzi just to get a picture.

Check out these stylish curvy girls

I kept staring at this girl all night. I was so mesmerized by her entire outfit. The mixture of colors and those fly ass shoes just made me smile.

I loved the black contrast in this outfit. She took a sweet dress and toughened it up with a wide black belt and strappy sandals. I also loved the fan as an accessory.

The Curvy Fashionista Marie Denee AKA my big sister looked super fly in this SimplyBe jumpsuit. I wanted to rip it off and take it home with me. I can't wait until SimplyBe hits the US next month.

Who knew all black could look so fierce and chic. I cornered this beauty in the back of the room just to get her picture. I know she was probably saying, this girl better back up off me or else. I didn't care. I just loved her swag. She is wearing the vest that all attendees received in our T.J.Maxx swag bag.

Oh, and here I am. I was strolling in from work sweating like a boiled frank. Aimee from Madison Plus snapped this pic of me.

More FFFWeek recap to come this week.

FIVE PANT TRENDS EVERY CURVY GIRL SHOULD TRY

Hey curvy girls:

Have you ever found yourself saying this, "That won't look right on me." At one time or another we have all been discouraged to participate in fashion trends due to the model in the ad. She is slim and the article of clothing just drapes her body like she was a tall hanger. You think to yourself, oh, I can't wear that. My hips are too big, my butt is too big, or, you say, that's for skinny people. I have been an offender of using these lines when shopping, but, I always stop myself and say, just try it on, you never know. Forget the tall blonde hanger in the ad.

Last week Loft unveiled advertisement for their new silk cargos (tall blonde hanger included) and Facebook fans wrote in asking the retailer to show pictures of real bodies rocking the silk cargos. Loft accepted the challenge and emerged victoriously with photos of their employees, sizes 2-12 wearing the slim looking silk cargos according to their personal styles and fans loved it. This goes to show that women want to see more ads with bodies that they can relate to.

This spring/summer season, the hottest pants to wear are cropped cargos, pleated harem pants, and slouchy jogging pants. Below are a few of these trendy pants that I think every curvy girl should try and not dismiss. 

Not sure how to style these quirky looks? A blazer and gladiator sandals will give these pants a polished look.

Sonsi

Loft Silk Cargos

Dorothy Perkins Twill Joggers

ASOS Pleated Jersey Pants

Evans Harem Trousers

CURVY GIRL NEWS:MARK FAST FOR TOPSHOP

Hey curvy girls,
I was going through my daily fashion news reads and I came across this post on New York mag's fashion blog, The Cut.

Next week, knit wear designer Mark Fast (the designer who uses plus size models in his runway shows) will debut his line of knit wear at Topshop on June 25th. Mark Fast is one who always creates a stir when it comes to his designs and of course the models he chooses. With this Topshop line he is sure to blow the lid off the pot with five Hot and Sexy pieces at Topshop. All items range from $170-$310. A little rich for your blood? Me too. However, for those of you with CEO or Executive money, you can probably snag one of these knit pieces without skipping out on the rent.  I love the peek-a-boo and fishnet cutouts. It's in your face sexiness with a hint of raunchiness. The gray dress looks the most wearable, but, you will have to be sure to get the proper undergarments to prevent yourself from looking trashy, unless you're wearing it in private for that special someone.

Not sure what the sizing will be like, but, knit wear is very forgiving, so, I definitely don't see a problem for curvy girl's to fit into any of these pieces.

Check out the rest of the line and let me know your thoughts.

CURVY GIRL NEWS: QUEEN LATIFAH COVERS UPSCALE MAGAZINE

Hey curvy girls:
Queen Latifah is the May/June cover girl for Upscale magazine. The queen looks radiant on the cover in a form fitting frock. Latifah has never been one to shy away from telling it like it is. She is one of those celebrities whose business is not all out in the street (except for those stripper pictures). She has managed to have a strong career for the past 20 years. In the issue Latifah discusses her thoughts and feelings about social networking.

Here are a couple of questions from the interview:

You’ve been asked so much about your sexuality. Wouldn’t it be easier at this point to just speak on it-once-and be done with it?

I don’t have to explain anything. I don’t have to confirm anything. Look, I need my time. I need my life.

But isn’t that a part of being a celebrity, letting people into your personal life?
You know, I was looking at something the other day. A magazine with Jennifer Aniston on the cover. That’s a strong woman right there. All of these people in her business-who is she dating? Angie this. Brad that. They come up with so much stuff. That’s a tough situation to be in. My situation is small compared to that. But still, I don’t feel like I need to explain. I’m the one living it. You write about it. You go ahead and speculate. I’ll just live it.

Why she is skeptical about social media
When I meet someone I want to enjoy the moment of connecting with them. If they’re scrambling to get a picture to post on twitter, they’re losing the memory by missing the moment. Real life and social networking are not the same. I’m in a hotel room right now looking out at Central Park. The people out there are living life, playing soccer. Do I want to kick the ball? Or take a picture of it? I want to kick it

My Thoughts:I have to agree with her last statement. Today with Twitter, Facebook, and, Myspace there is a lack of connection with people. I remember back in the day when emailing was the biggest way to communicate with people. When texting came, oh, you could forget it. I hated to even pick up the phone and talk to anyone. I would say just text me. Sometimes, I do just long for that personal time with a friend or family member. I miss the face to face with people. Being able to see their expressions while they talk about their day or what's going on in their lives. I've always found that whenever you email or text a person, you can never be too sure of the tone of the email or text. I have gotten into plenty of disagreements because someone misread what I wrote.

I say that to say this (lol). Every once in awhile take a moment to pick up the phone and talk or schedule a time to meet with that friend you have been rain checking for almost a month now.