ACTRESS GABRIELLE UNION CREATES A PLUS SIZE CLOTHING LINE

Photo:sheknows.com

 

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It has been brought to my attention that actress Gabrielle Union is putting the finishing touches on her plus size clothing line (mouth wide opened). The line will be called "Love & Blessings by Gabrielle." This is a very big surprise since Gabrielle is not a plus size woman and has never expressed  (at least to my knowledge) a desire for designing clothes. I mean, she is a red carpet darling but, a designer, hmmm!

According to YBF Gabrielle says:
"It's not completely solidified yet so I shouldn't really be talking about it. But it's been 4 years in the making."
But we still managed to squeeze out her inspiration behind the line. The "FlashForward" actress tells YBF:
"My sister is very full figured. And she's constantly telling me how going out is so hard. Mainly because it is so difficult to find clothes that look great for her size. 'Everyday' black women don't have much to choose from when looking for designers who will fit their bodies. So I want to make clothes for women at any and all sizes that look absolutely great on them."

She is looking to shop the line to QVC or HSN. I can't help but to wonder what a Gabrielle Union line would look like. Hopefully she included her plus size sister in the designing of the line and more importantly I hope her sister has amazing taste if she was included in the design process. This is a big step for an actress, especially a black actress. Dressing for the red carpet is one thing, but designing clothes is a whole other realm.

Do you think she will deliver?

 For more on the exclusive interview checkout The YBF

CURVY GIRL STYLE WATCH:YAIMA TORRES

Many of us may have never heard of latin actress Yaima Torres, but, I have a good feeling we all will be seeing more of her. This curvy girl was looking amazingly stylish as she promoted the new critically acclaimed french film Venus Noire'.

What do you think of Yaima's style?

LANE BRYANT OFFERS WIDE WIDTH/CALF BOOTS FOR FALL

If you have wide feet and thick calves then you know how hard it is to find cute boots to fit your feet. You spend endless hours in stores trying to close up a boot that won't zip pass your ankles, and when and if you do get it to zip up your feet look like they are about to explode inside the boot. 

Well, Lane Bryant has the answer to your Fall boot problems. They're adding wide widths and wide calves to their boot collection.

According to LB:

Lane Bryant has expanded their shoe collection to feature the hottest shoes and boots and the entire collection comes in sizes 8W - 12W. Boots also feature wide calves. From cowboy inspired ankle boots to sleek riding boots to sexy suede slouch boots in a variety of colors, Lane Bryant has a boot for every outfit and for every woman. With a boot circumference of 17 in. around the calf, Lane Bryant boots provide a comfortable and stylish solution for women who thought they could never wear boots.

Lane Bryant shoes and boots range in price from $49.50 to $69.50 and are available online, through the Lane Bryant catalog, and in select stores.

Lane Bryant shoes and boots range in price from $49.50 to $69.50 and are available online, through the Lane Bryant catalog, and in select stores.

Two snaps for LB thinking about women with wide feet and thick calves. This is a great direction for LB. We like that the styles are easy to incorporate in any wardrobe.

Checkout the rest of the collection at Lane Bryant

Are you feeling LB's boot collection?

JOE ZEE TALKS ABOUT GABOUREY SIDIBE'S LOOK ON THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE OF ELLE

Hey curvy girl's all over the world,
I was over at the Fashion Bomb catching up on my urban fashion when I found this exclusive interview Claire did with Joe Zee the creative director of Elle magazine about choosing Gabourey Sidibe for the cover.

Here is one of the questions the Fashion Bomb asked and we're glad she did.
I had to press about the choice of her less-than-flattering wig and also why they chose to feature just her face instead of a full body shot. He said, ‘Well Gabourey came with her own hair, I had nothing to do with the hair,” he explained, “And with the crop of the photo, we thought it best reflected her bubbly personality. When she comes into a room, she’s not Precious. She’s talkative, bright, and a total movie star. I chose the green dress because I wanted her to look like a Hollywood Starlet. And we chose this shot because I felt she carries most of her spirit and personality in her face.”

First, whoever is giving Gabourey her hair pieces needs to be checked. You know when you are a celebrity and all eyes are on you, you must make sure your looks are on point. The hair is totally unflattering and in my opinion takes away from the picture a little bit. Secondly, I want to believe his response about choosing the cropped photo, but, it seems odd that the other 3 cover girls had full body shots (were their personalities not as bubbly?). However, I am still pleased that they did honor her with her own cover, but, come on, somebody on the fashion team couldn't say hey Gabby, maybe we should try a different hair piece on you?

Just my thoughts. And I do love me some Joe Zee, but, I'm not buying the cropped picture excuse.

What are your thoughts on Joe Zee's response?


For more of what The Fashion Bomb asked checkout The Fashion Bomb's blog.

TWITTER JOCKEY GABI GREGG BEST DRESSED AT THE VMA'S

I was searching the internet to find a picture of the new twitter jockey at the VMA's last night and finally I found one thanks to (Plus Model Mag Blog) Handsdown new twitter jockey Gabi Gregg was the best dressed at VMA's last night. She killed in a Monif C. Fall collection animal print dress. We love the new hair, the hot to death makeup, and new swag that Gabi has. She is definitely representing for the curvy girls.

The dress is still available at Monif C. for $198

AMBER RILEY AT THE VMA'S

I'm always a fan of Amber's personal style and think she represents for the curvy girls all the time. Last night Riley donned a new look that could have been labeled a chic geek.

Tell SC is Amber working this look or is it back to the drawing board?

Vote

CRYSTAL RENN WALKS THE ZAC POSEN Z SPOKE RUNWAY

Crystal Renn has had an amazing year. The newly slim plus size beauty was seen walking the Zac Posen Z Spoke runway at 2010's MBFW.

According to the Huffington Post: In an interview with People, Crystal says, "I'm freaking out. Zac is one of the ones you want. Zac, Calvin and Marc are the big three. I booked one of my three." She said Posen "wants women to be able to fit [into his clothes] and to be able to buy them. They're making the clothes for my size and everything. This is how fashion should be."

With Chanel under her modeling belt, Crystal is becoming a force to be reckoned with. She is making the fashion world take notice of how beautiful curves are and that curvy girls can rock the runways too. What I love most about this picture is that she is in a bright yellow onesie. A piece that the who's who of fashion would say that a curvy woman should steer clear from.

If you remember, I did a post a few months back about Zac Posen (You can read here) saying he wanted to do a line that includes size 16. Hearing Crystal say that Zac wants curvy women to be able to fit his clothes gives me high hopes that one day a size 18 can walk down the street in an outfit by Zac Posen.

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT 2010

This year SC spent Fashion's night out with the curvy girls from Manhattan to Brooklyn. First up, I stopped by Lord and Taylor's to checkout the Madison Plus contest finalist's. I got to L&T around 6:30 and the contest winner was not going to be announced until 8pm. So, I decided to checkout what other goodness L&T had going on.

Since the release of his new book "The Style Checklist" Lloyd Boston has been very busy. I spotted the stylist hosting a fashion show featuring Jones NY apparel on the 5th floor of L&T.

After a few sips of champagne, I found myself on the 2nd floor checking out a really great shoe sale that L&T was having and spent an entire hour trying on shoes and looking at handbags. Before I knew it, I missed the Madison Plus contest winner announcement. It was 8:30.

I immediately scooped up the shoes I tried on and rushed down a few blocks to hit up Lane Bryant on 34th street. While speed walking down 5th, I spotted Maddy from Plus Model Mag along with Fluvia Lacerda who both were just leaving LB to head over to ReDress in Brooklyn. I said hello and told them I would catch up with them later.

I finally made it to LB and as soon as I walked in I was greeted by a table of Lanetini's and plus size model Lizzie Miller. I chatted with Lizzie who by the way is extremely down to earth and funny. After taking a few flicks with Lizzie I spotted yet another plus size model the one and only Ashley Graham. She was so sweet and cool. I told her she resembles Eva Mendez and she said, she hears it all the time. The funny part is that she is not of Latin descent.

On my way out from LB, I saw two super stylish curvy girls and had to get their picture. Aspiring model Alicia and her friend (I didn't get the friends name :/)

 Finally I made it to ReDress and it felt like home. It was a night filled with stylish curvy women.
 On my way in, I caught a pic with designer extraordinaire Monif C.

 and when I got inside it was nothing but more stylish curvy girls.

Plus Size model Fluvia Lacerda

Plus Model Magazine editor Madeline Figueroa

Christina from Musings Of A Fatshionista 

 Overall I would say FNO was a blast and it was great to see that plus size stores participated in the event . Can't wait to see what next year brings.

OUTERWEAR TREND: WATERFALL JACKETS

One of the hottest outerwear items for Fall is the waterfall aka draped jacket. This piece is a must have especially if you are looking to update your boring old jackets or if you 're just tired of wearing the same old trench. We know how exhausting it can be trying to find the right outerwear piece to help you transition into the cooler weather and this piece is the perfect transitional piece. We love the waterfall jacket because it stands out on it's own. It instantly adds interest to anything you pair it with. The drapery of the jacket is a flattering touch to any figure. This piece is great over a dress or over a sequin tank and a pair of skinny jeans.

On the search for your very own waterfall jacket? SC has you covered with 5 options that are sure to make you forget all about that boring old trench.

1. Evans Khaki Waterfall Jacket

2. ASOS Ruched Sleeved Draped Jacket

3. ASOS Black Pearl Waterfall blazer

4. Z. Cavaricci Faux leather jacket

5. John Lewis Waterfall Silk Jacket

GABOUREY SIDIBE COVERS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE OF ELLE MAGAZINE

 I can't believe it! Elle has put "Precious" star Gabourey Sidibe on the cover of their 25th Anniversary issue. Elle's 25th anniversary issue has four cover girls. Along with Gabourey is Amanda Seyfried, Lauren Conrad, and Megan Fox. The October issue is not only celebrating it's 25th anniversary but it's also shining a light on 25 celebrity women in their 20's who have successful careers.

Gabourey has graced the cover of V magazine and Ebony magazine in the past. Currently she plays a H.S. student on the Showtime series The Big C.

I love that Gabourey's star has not faded. So many people doubted her mainly because of her size, but, she consistently proves that she is here to stay and not going anywhere. Kudos to Elle for putting her on the cover of their 25th anniversary issue. I'm hoping that this issue is a big seller, especially Gabourey's cover. This is another opportunity to show the publishing and fashion industry that plus size women can sell magazines.

Although this is wonderful news for the plus size community, we must demand more from magazines. It's nice to be featured on the cover, but, is Elle going to consistently show plus size clothing in their magazine's? Let's hope so.

After being blown away at the fact that another major fashion magazine actually put another plus size girl on their cover. I do have two questions. What happened to Essence? The premiere magazine for African American women has not yet given Miss Sidibe her own cover. Hmm, I wonder why?

Secondly. Oh, why did they choose this wig for Sidibe? It looks a little dry and most importantly, it looks like a wig. I think they could have done better with the hair.

Checkout the rest of the cover girls

All I can say is, take that Howard Stern. Never underestimate the power of Fat Girls.

Will you be buying the October issue of  Elle with Gabourey?

FORGET THE LBD, WE WANT THE LITTLE RED DRESS FOR FALL

The little black dress will always remain a wardrobe must have, however, we think it's time to shake things up. Red is one of the major color trends for the 2010 Fall season. Why not push that LBD to the back of the closet and reach for that sexy red number that will have all eyes on you. Don't have a Little Red Dress? No worries, SC has 5 LRD's that's guaranteed to get you noticed in a good and fabulous way. 

1. Dorothy Perkins Batwing Dress

2. ASOS one shoulder chiffon dress

3. Monif C. Ivana Ruffle Dress

4. Ruby Rox one shoulder satin bubble

5. Old Navy Flutter Sleeve Dress

STYLISH CURVES FASHION'S NIGHT OUT EVENTS TO ATTEND

This year Fashion's night out is bigger and better. There are so many events going on that it was hard for SC to choose which events to attend. It was a hard decision, but, I think I finally got my line up.

First SC is going to hit up Lord &Taylor for the Lord &Taylor and Madison Plus contest. They have narrowed it down to 3 finalists and I can't wait to see who's gonna win that amazing $1,000 giftcard from L&T. Checkout the 3 finalists on Madison Plus

Then I'll be heading over to Lane Bryant on 34th street to checkout  Lizzie Miller and Ashley Graham. Plus, I can't wait to sip on one of those Lane Bryant Martini's called the Lanetini. For more info checkout
Lane Bryant

After that, I will be heading over to Teen Vogue and ASOS FNO Event.

Last but surely not least, I'll be ending FNO at ReDress NYC in Brooklyn to checkout Lotis clothing and chat with some of my fellow bloggers. For more info checkout ReDressNYC

Good thing FNO is on a Friday, after all this traveling, shopping, and drinking, I'm gonna need to sleep in the next day.


Tell SC, where will you be on FNO?

METROPOLITAN GREEN'S POP-UP STORE FOR PLUS SIZES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

If you are going to be in the NYC area next week, then get ready, because we will have our very own plus size pop-up store with great plus size designer clothing. This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to try on some of your fave plus designers without the hassle of ordering on line and having to ship back what doesn't fit.

Even if you won't be in NYC, you should probably make plans for this event. SC will be attending and so should you. Don't you just love the month of September, it's all about fashion.

According to Metropolitan Green's website:
Calling All NYC Curvy Girls - Size 12 and up Plus Size Fashion and Fun!
Contemporary fall fashion from Michael Kors, DKNYC, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Cookie Johnson “CJ” jeans will be for sale. Pop up Plus will also feature emerging plus size designers.

Cocktail Party Celebration Friday September 17, 6-9 pm


Open daily from September 16 til 26, 12-9 pm.

Metropolitan Green is located in Williamsburg Brooklyn on Metropolitan Avenue. It is a pop-up space that offers short term rentals for a variety of projects (like shopping) if you don't want a long term rental commitment.

For more checkout their website at Metropolitan Green

SC will be attending this event on the 17th.

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