EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH VISCERA NY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I was afforded the opportunity to meet with designer Sherita Jennings of Viscera NY. Viscera is a luxury clothing line dedicated to curvy women of all sizes.

Whenever I meet a designer I'm always worried about them coming off a little bourgeoisie. This was not the case with Sherita. After introducing myself to her we began talking about how she got started, where she's from, and of course her thoughts on plus size fashion.

Sherita comes from a family of curvy women. The South Carolina designer has been in NYC for about three years and her line has been up and running for two. Sherita's customer is the curvy girl who wants to standout and show off their curves. Her Fall collection had hints of the 60's and 70's. It consisted of Supreme worthy sequin dresses and Pam Grier approved jumpsuits, with a jazzy vibe of the glamorous 20's.

What intrigues me about this line is not just the luxurious fabrics or impeccable attention to detail, it is the passion that the designer has for making luxury clothes for curvy women of all sizes. I guess that's why she named it Viscera which comes from the word Visceral and means gut, soul. Sherita feels that plus size fashion is too buttoned up and stuffy. She likes when curves are embraced and shown off. Her designs exemplifies that and it's done so elegantly.

Currently her pieces go up to a size 16, however, she also does customized fittings. So, if you are above a size 16 you can get you a customized piece from the designer just like the celebs do.

For more information on Viscera NY checkout their website at Viscera NY

The green jumpsuit we were talking about on the video can be found in the new September issue of Plus Model Magazine.  (See below)

Checkout more of the Viscera NY Collection:

CALL IT SPRING SHOES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

If you love Aldo's shoes, then you'll love their new sister brand "Call It Spring Shoes." Call It Spring Shoes is the more affordable version of Aldo shoes. Last week SC was invited by Shine Media PR and Call It Spring to checkout the new store on 34th street inside the Manhattan Mall.

By the time I arrived to the mall it was flooded with fashion bloggers, journalists, and editor's checking out what the new line had to offer. I should probably add that the place was packed because all who attended received a $150 giftcard to use right then and there in the store to purchase shoes. I know! It was mayhem.

We all know that Aldo's can be a bit over priced and for me most times their shoes hurt my feet, so, I was intrigued at the thought of them doing a cheaper line and possibly hoping that they wouldn't be as painful as some of Aldo's shoes are. As I perused down the aisle checking out the shoes I noticed that there were a lot of runway trends like military style ankle boots, classic multi colored pumps, as well as an assortment of evening shoes.

Call It Spring shoes kind of reminded me of Baker's shoes. You know, the shoe spot you go to when you're looking for cute cheap shoes that are similar to designer styles. After checking out their selection, I did find a few pair that didn't hurt and looked really good on my feet. The shoes were sized up to a 41 which in US sizes could mean a 10 or an 11. I'm a true 9.5, but always by a size bigger for comfort so the 40 fit me just fine.

Overall the event was tons of fun and the shoes were super cute.
Check them out for yourselves and let SC know what you think. All shoes here are available for purchase on their website at My Spring Shoes

This is how long the line was

I got my shoes and I didn't have throw down for them (JK) It was well worth the wait

Here's what's in my bag, (I've worn all 3 already).

They can be purchased HERE

MY FAVORITE JUMPSUIT

I think my favorite comeback trend this year was the jumpsuit. Probably because it was one of the hottest items to have back in the 70's which is my favorite fashion era. I got this particular jumpsuit last winter at Faith 21. A jumpsuit can be styled in so many ways, but, honestly I like to wear it plain. It's the kind of piece that makes me feel sexy. When I wear this jumpsuit I channel my inner Pam Grier when she was Foxy Brown.

I think my favorite comeback trend was the jumpsuit. Probably because it was one of the hottest items to have back in the 70's which is my favorite fashion era. I got this particular jumpsuit last winter ath Faith 21. A jumpsuit can be styled in so many ways, but, honestly I like to wear it plain. It's the kind of piece that makes you feel sexy and sophisticated. When I wear this jumpsuit I channel my inner Pam Grier when she was Foxy Brown.

What I'm Wearing
Jumpsuit: Faith21
Shoes:Call It Spring Shoes (Gift)
Bracelets: Ashley Stewart (Gift)
Earrings: Call It Spring Shoes (Gift)

MIXING TRENDS:LEOPARD & LACE

So far I've been having an awesome holiday weekend. It's been non stop partying. The other night I went out with one of my closest friends and  I decided to mix up two of my favorite Fall trends. I love this leopard print mini because it is so comfortable. Although it's fitted it doesn't feel restrictive. Believe it or not, I got this oversized lace top this week from Old Navy ( I know!) . Now, I'm not an avid ON shopper, but, I do go in there from time time and I must say that this Fall season they have been paying attention to what's on the runways.

When I put this outfit on I felt super chic and sexy. I was going to put a tank under the top, but, I said screw it and I danced the night away.

What I'm Wearing
Lace top-Old Navy
Skirt-Faith 21
Shoes-Gifted by Call it Spring Shoes
Necklace-Gifted by Call it Spring Shoes
Bracelet- Gifted by Loft

WITH LANVIN JOINING H&M, WILL THERE EVER BE AN AFFORDABLE LUXURY DESIGNER PLUS LINE?

For all you high fashion lovers Lanvin is set to do a designer collection with H&M.

According to Refinery 29:

The launch of both womenswear and menswear will be available on November 20th in 200 H&M stores worldwide. Images from the collection will be available on November 2. Even though Alber Elbaz from Lanvin has been quoted as saying that he'd never do a mass-market collection, he was too tickled at the thought of H&M going luxury: "This has been an exceptional exercise, where two companies at opposite poles can work together because we share the same philosophy of bringing joy and beauty to men and women around the world," he says. Says Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor at H&M, "We are thrilled about Lanvin's collection for H&M, it is such an exciting moment.

Exciting indeed. Lanvin is a well respected line and worn by the most famous celebrities. This collection is one that I will be standing in line for. I love when designers create affordable lines, I just wish that they would include plus sizes when they do. H&M is probably the most affordable clothing brand that offers the latest styles in fashion, so why haven't past designers who've created affordable lines with H&M include plus sizes.When designers say that it cost too much money to add plus sizes to their collections, it's opportunities like this that are a great way to include plus sizes. How come no designer has done so yet. In my opinion, a luxury designer line at a store like H&M, Kohls, and even Target would be a match made in heaven. If the designs are great an affordable plus line at any of these budget friendly stores could possibly prove to be a great test run to see the financial response from plus size shoppers.

Check out what Alber Elbaz Lanvin's Artistic Director had to say about joining forces with H&M:

RACHEL ROY USES REAL WOMEN IN HER FALL 2010 COLLECTION LOOK BOOK

It seems that 2010 is the year for the everyday real woman. So many magazines and designers are starting to actually realize that the everyday woman is buying their clothes not just models and waif thin celebrities. This Fall season Rachel Roy has decided to embrace everyday real women with realistic body types by putting them in her Fall 2010 Look book.

SC is a fan of Rachel Roy for her eclectic style, use of colors, and fabrics. Her looks are always glamorous with a little bit of edge. We loved Rachel even more when she linked up with Macy's to create a much more affordable line.

20 women with various body types are all styled in the new collection and featured in an inspirational video telling how they "Live Out Loud." We say kudos to Rachel Roy for thinking of real women with realistic bodies who just want to look good in her clothes.

To see the inspirational videos and looks checkout Rachel Roy

KELLY OSBOURNE ONLY DOES A HALF HOUR OF CARDIO TO LOSE WEIGHT. YEAH RIGHT!

According to People.com Kelly Osbourne says:
“Ever since Dancing with the Stars, I’ve tried to get in at least a half hour of cardio a day–nothing too crazy,” she tells PEOPLE. “My trainer Sarah Hagaman is amazing! She knows how to motivate me to go that extra bit without frustrating me.”

Now, I'm no fitness expert, but she has done a little more than a half hour of cardio to get her new slimmer body. I am all for celebrities being happy with their new smaller bodies but let's not make it seem like losing weight is as easy as a half hour of cardio. I like when celebrities keep it real about weightloss and how they maintain their shapes. I wish Kelly would have divulged a little more info about how she lost the weight and how she is maintaining. I'm just saying.

8 SUPER CUTE SWEATER DRESSES FOR FALL

Sweater Dresses are in my top ten favorite pieces for Fall and Winter. They look great with tall or ankle boots and are a great layering piece for those cold winter months. What I like about the sweater dress this season is that they are more feminine. I love the Forever 21 ruched sleeve empire waist dress as well as the Old Navy studded dress. Both would be a great option for work or after work.

For something more edgy or trendy, the striped and off the shoulder sweater dresses with dolman sleeves are perfect if you want to bring out that inner tough girl or vixen. A sweater dress is the perfect item for the curvy girl and it should definitely be on your Fall shopping list.

Are you a fan of sweater dresses?

1 Norma Kamali Striped Sweater Dress XS-XXL $20
2 Fashion To Figure Open Shoulder Sweater Dress 1X-3X, $34 Get 15% off w/code FTF15CURVE
3 Alloy Dolman Sweater Dress XS-3X, $39.90
4 Old Navy Studded Sweater Dress 1X-4X, $59.50
5 Faith 21 Ruched Sleeve Dress XL-3X, $15.50
6 Evans Love Sweater 10-28
7 CarmaKoma Knit Dress $110
8 Loft Striped Sweater Dress XS-XXL, $79.50

CURVY GIRL STYLE BATTLE:RAVEN SYMONE VS FANTASIA

In today's curvy girl style battle we have Fantasia in a sequin mini dress with tall black boots and then we have Raven Symone in a printed skirt and cream colored top with silver gladiator sandals. Both looks are trendy and edgy.

Which curvy girl wins this style battle?

Vote!

Fantasia

VS

Raven Symone

LAUREN CONRAD'S FALL COLLECTION FOR KOHLS

I just may be the only girl in the world who was not into The Hills. I just couldn't get with it. Sorry :(.  Lauren Conrad by far has been the most successful of her Hill's cast. With the exception of Whitney Port who is definitely riding her tail with positive reviews from her Whitney Eve line. Lauren seems to just be a success magnet. Can we say, NY Times Best Selling author. With the success of her LC line for Kohls Lauren is back with her new Fall collection for Kohls.

LC's style is very feminine and girlie yet casual and in her Fall 2010 collection she translates her personal style. The collection offers floaty feminine dresses, cozy sweaters, lace and chiffon tops.

The Fall collection will hit stores this September and the collection goes up to sizes XL-16. Which is in women's sizes and not juniors. It's nice to see a celeb collection that doesn't stop at a 12 and is affordable.

Are you a fan of Lauren Conrad's style and what do you think of her collection?

Please note: Pictures are from People.com and La Viva Fashion blog.

GET A SNEAK PEEK AT THE K-DASH QVC CLOTHING LINE

WWD has released a few pics from the Kardashian's QVC line. The K-Dash line is priced from $19.50 -$240 (The quality better be worth these prices). The line is contemporary sportswear and is set to have 31 styles. Based off  a few of the pictures I am not impressed, however some of the pieces are cute. They do look more wearable for the everyday woman who is not a reality star.

The Kardashian's, especially with Kim in the forefront are selling power houses and this collection could prove to be a win win deal for both the Kardashian's and QVC.

According to WWD Ginny Hilfiger is the designer of the line.

What are your thoughts on the looks. Sound Off!

A 50's VIBE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last weekend I was over at Redress NYC (fave resale shop) to meet Tupieta blogger Courtney. Whenever I go into Redress I never leave empty handed. As I snacked on crackers and cheese my eyes gazed upon this beautiful multi colored skirt. It's as if the skirt was calling me. I love color and I love a lot of it. When I pulled it from the rack I immediately fell in love with it and carried it around the store with me as I continued to look around for some more treasures. I took the skirt into the fitting room with me and when I tried it on it was a perfect fit. No alterations needed.

I just knew I was going to buy it until I started second guessing myself (I hate when I do that). "Are the colors too loud?" "Are people going to think this skirt is ugly?" I even had a 10 minute conversation with one of the shop girls on what to wear it with for now and for Fall.
When I brought it home, I just felt like it was giving off a 50's vibe because of the fullness in the skirt. All I needed was a pair of ankle socks and shoes to complete the look.  I am not a fan of ankle socks and shoes, so, I wore it my way, which was to let the skirt shine on it's own. So I decided to wear it with my short sleeve ruffled front top and my pink sandals (I know ya'll are tired of seeing them,but, I just love them) and a clutch that I got from Beacons Closet on 5th Ave. in Brooklyn. I decided to wear bangles on both hands and a pair of gold earrings that I got as a gift from

When I got on the train this morning for work, I got so many compliments about the skirt and when I went out for lunch a few people stopped me to tell me how great the skirt was. One lady even asked me if it was vintage. I told her no, that the skirt was actually from Isaac Mizrahi's Target line. Her mouth fell wide open. Just think, I almost let this treasure pass me by.

If you don't know by now, ReDress NYC is such a great store and I am not just saying that because the people are so nice and helpful or because they are in the best borough in NYC, BROOKLYN. Some of my favorite vintage looking pieces are from their store.

Be sure to check them out if you haven't already ReDressNYC. This is no promo, it's simply the truth.