AT THE OFFICE: CASUAL FRIDAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I  can smell that spring is in the air. I'm enjoying the 50 degree weather and can't wait until the 70's start rolling in. Yesterday at work, I wore my new blazer that I scored on sale at Loft. I love the blue piping on the sleeves, front, and back of this blazer. It's one of those blazers that can be worn with anything. For a no brainer match I wore it with a pair of my Loft modern skinny jeans that I wore in a previous post HERE. Since the weather was so nice and slightly warm I had the chance to wear my floral platforms that I scored at Forever 21. It truly saddens me to say that these shoes are completely uncomfortable to wear. I was teetering the whole time I wore them and nearly broke my ankle. Good thing I always keep flats in my bag.

I realize that casual Friday's at the office can prove to be a little difficult for some people. You're not sure how casual to go. In my opinion jeans and a blazer are a perfect combo for casual days at work. It gives you a pulled together look and allows people to still take you seriously. I'm a big fan of wearing a more dressier top underneath the blazer for that added sophistication. Which is why I wore this silk blend ruffled top in pink under mine.

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend.

What I'm Wearing

Blazer-Loft

Jeans-Loft (gifted)

Blouse-Banana Republic

Shoes-Forever21

Bracelet-Loft (gifted)

Ring-Forever21

Earrings-(gifted)

JILL SCOTT'S JACKET AT THE ESSENCE BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD LUNCHEON

Photo Credit: Zimbio

Fellow plus size curvy girl Jill Scott was spotted at the Essence Black Women In Hollywood luncheon last month rocking an abstract print jacket with a big satin bow in the back. Was she working it or is it back to the drawing board for this curvy girl?

MONIF C. SEXY SWIMWEAR

Every season we just fall in love with Monif C. for her creative, sexy, functional designs for plus size women. She knocked it out of the park last year with her holiday collection and this year she is shutting it down with her new line of swimwear. Hands down she has the best swimwear for plus size women.

This year she spiced things up with a high waisted 2 piece suit that is reminiscent of the bathing suits that women wore in the 50's and 60's. I think it's such a misconception that plus size women don't wear 2 pieces and I love that Monif has created one that's just as chic as it is sexy.

Monif is also playing with ruching. The sweetheart neckline on one of the swimsuits has very well placed ruching to flatter round stomachs and a peekaboo slit just under the rib cage. We are also fans of the draped neck swimsuit that provides just enough coverage for large breast but still looks sexy.

All we have to say is Bravo Monif, Bravo. Scurry on over to the Monif C. website and order yours today before they sell out.

CURVY GIRL TO WATCH: JULIA PACE MITCHELL

Roles for curvy women and women of color are hard to come by. Which is why it's such a breath of fresh air to see the curvaceous beauty that is Julia Pace Mitchell. The daughter of actress Judy Pace and actor Don Mitchell has displayed her acting skills on the silver screen and TV. You may remember her as the high school girlfriend of The Notorious B.I.G in the biopic "Notorious" and for you soap lovers you know her as the tough Sofia Dupre on The Young & Restless.

Mitchell has been on hit shows like SVU and just last year she had a small part in the film "Faster" starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Mitchell is also a trained actress with a Masters in Fine Arts. She brings depth and confidence to her roles. Just staring into her dough eyes on screen as Jan in Notorious made us feel her pain of being a baby mother and her take charge attitude as Sofia on YR makes us root for her in every scene. Julia's role as Sofia has made audiences take notice. Just recently she garnered a NAACP Image Award nomination.

We are enjoying watching her transform as an actress and can't wait to see what she does next.

RAVEN SYMONE AT DISNEY PARKS

Photo Credit-The Fashion Bomb

 Raven Symone was spotted at "Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine" at Epcot. She was rocking a floral jumpsuit and leather cropped jacket. Was she working it or is it back to the drawing board for this curvy girl?

JENNIFER HUDSON COVERS THE APRIL 2011 ISSUE OF ESSENCE MAGAZINE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

The newly svelte Jennifer Hudson is the cover girl for the April 2011 issue of Essence. The new mom talks about her 80lb weight loss, wedding plans, a new album, and her new movie where she plays Winnie Mandela.  Jennifer has come along way and has been through a lot. I love that she looks happy and is enjoying her life. With so much talk about her new body I'm just hoping her weightloss doesn't overshadow her new projects. We all remember what happened to Janet Jackson when she lost all of her weight. No one paid attention to that 20 Y.O.

Essence normally does good covers, but, I'm not too thrilled with Jennifer's cover shot. The outfit and wig is quite bland. I think they could have done a better cover shot.

This is the subscribers photo cover. What do you think about Jennifer's cover shot?

GUEST POST: HOW TO THRIFT

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

A few months ago a few readers sent in emails requesting tips on how to thrift. I love a good thrift find like the next girl, but,  I really have no strategies when I thrift. I just go in and pick what looks good to me and alter it if necessary. I didn't want to leave the readers hanging so I reached out to a blog friend and a fabulous experienced thrifter that you may know, Reiko from God's Favorite Shoes. Reiko was so nice to hook SC readers up with her tips on thrifting.

Checkout Reiko's tips:

How to thrift! I can't say that there is an exact science. I just kind of go with what feels right and usually get really lucky. So, I'll share what I know. This is based totally on my experience alone. If it works for you...great. If not, just laugh at me :).

1. NEVER, EVER, EVER go in "looking for something" specific. You will get let down every time. I always find what I am not looking for when I am looking for something else.

(Badgley Mischka top)

2. Go in with the mindset of finding basics for your wardrobe. My go-to areas of any thrift store are dresses and blazers. I look for items that I can’t find in a local department store. Usually if I get the feeling where I’m nervous to leave an item, that means I need to get it.

 

(Vintage 70’s dress, altered by taking off the sleeves)

3. Don't get stuck on sizing. Usually when thrifting, the clothes are older which means that the sizing system may have been different than it is today. What was a size 14 in the 70’s might be a size 10 today.

4. Know your name brands...really I should say "quality". Know what is worth it, and what's not worth even a dollar.

(Chloe’ dress styled as blouse)

5. On the flip side of #4, don't buy things just because you recognize the name brand. Buy it because you like it. Yes, every designer makes at least one piece in a collection that totally should not be worn by humans. Acknowledge that. Leave it on the rack.


6. "Envision" when you thrift. I’ve bought plenty of dresses that I envision as a cute shirt. Maybe the bottom is not flattering but the top is fabulous. Sometimes changing buttons on a dress or a shirt can give you a whole new wardrobe piece. You've got to be a visionary.

(Vintage Kimono worn as jacket and a dress)

7. Find an alterations person/tailor. They are invaluable when you need to tailor an dress or jacket to fit perfectly. I invite “my tailor” to birthday parties. She never shows up but still...the invitation is there! HA!

(This dress was severely altered. I turned into a v-neck/sleeveless dress)

8. Make sure to ALWAYS check for broken threading, buttons, holes, fading...if it can be fixed...great. But you don't want to spend 60 bucks repairing a 6 DOLLAR DRESS. (yes, I've done that). If you are a procrastinator by nature...you know good and well you are not going to "fix that button" or "shorten that hem"... so don't buy it! (sorry...I had to be tough on you)
9. Do not overlook the men's department and boys department. There are treasures there! There is nothing like a crisp oversized button down shirt cinched with a belt and rolled up sleeves. Men's button downs are often in perfect condition in thrift stores.

(Vintage Burberry Blazer, thrifted men’s shirt))

10. Find alternate ways to wear the obvious. Turn a daishiki backwards and give your wardrobe new life!

(Vintage Daishiki I gifted to Juanette of Fashionnette-work.blogspot.com_

Thanks Reiko!

 Checkout Reiko's online boutique Sisters From Another Mister

CURVES AT THE 42ND NAACP IMAGE AWARDS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

The 42nd Annual NAACP Image Awards brought out some of our favorite curvy girls in Hollywood. Let's take a look at who was working it and who needed to go back to the drawing board.

Of course Miss Amber Riley shuts down another red carpet event in a navy peplum corset style dress from Jennifer Salzman

The Young & The Restless star Julia Pace Mitchell beams in a peach colored ruffled dress. I just wish she would have done some better accessories to take the look up a notch.

Curvy girls Mary Mary go for edgy looks in black and purple. I'm feeling Erica's purple ruched dress but I'm on the fence about Tina's black satin number.

Niecey Nash in a v-neck sequin gown

Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes goes for a red off the shoulder gown. Nice, but I wish someone told her her that her strapless bra was showing.

Sofia Vergara rocks out in a a sexy LBD

These are just my thoughts and opinions. Who's looks are you loving or hating?



MARQUITA PRING GETS PERSONAL ABOUT BEING A PLUS SIZE MODEL

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
You know SC is a big fan of plus model Marquita Pring. Having met her numerous times we can truly say along with being beautiful she is such a sweetheart and super honest. Recently she was interviewed by NY Magazine where she talks about how she got discovered as a model, her stance on being a plus size model, and her thoughts on the word Plus Size.

Checkout a few snippets of what Marquita had to say:
On being discovered
I was discovered through a scouting agency. My mother and I had read about the casting call going on in a town close to me, and next thing I knew, we were in the car and off to the Radisson Hotel, where I met with a panel of people telling me they "liked my look" and that I could go on to the next round happening in Canada. My mother and I headed to Toronto shortly thereafter. I walked a runway in front of tons of different agencies — some big names, some not. At the end of the weekend I had received several callbacks; I decided to go with the agency with the closest location and best reputation of agencies that I attended. I went to NYC for my first test shoot and immediately brought the photos into the agency, where they signed me then and there. I was with them for a couple of years and did fairly well, then went to Ford, where my career was taken to the next level and continues to rise.

How she maintains her curves
I work hard to maintain my size. People often think that by being a plus-size model we just let go of ourselves and have no self-control. I work harder than some of the smaller girls. We have to maintain our size and be careful not to fluctuate too drastically, especially when we have consistent clients that need us at specific measurements. I've always been athletic, so working out is something I enjoy and do regularly. As far as diet goes, I'm a fairly healthy eater. Love to start my day with oatmeal or Ezekiel bread and fruit. Salads, chicken, and fish are major parts of my diet. I've never been a fan of red meat. I also try to be as gluten-free as possible because I find I feel a lot less bloated after a meal. But of course everyone has their own indulgences. Chocolate happens to be my guilty pleasure.

Her stance on plus size modeling
 My stance is that the industry needs to embrace diverse women. I find it interesting that the fashion industry is notorious for change and constantly coming out with newest hottest trends before the previous one has even been played out. I don't think this uprising of curvier models is just a trend. I think people are realizing that we are healthy, beautiful, happy women who are finally being discovered. I mean, let's be honest, economically and psychologically it is in everyone's best interest to include all sizes and models, regardless of the titles put on them. Designers will be making a lot more money by embracing a wider range of sizes, and women everywhere will start to feel better about themselves when they finally realize that to be beautiful, they do not need to conform to someone else’s ideal.

Continue reading at NY Magazine

Also, please checkout the article "What's wrong with being plus?" written by Editor &Chief of Plus Model Magazine Madeline Figueroa.

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS IS THE FACE OF VIVIENNE WESTWOOD'S JEWELRY LINE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Photos of Christina Hendricks for Vivienne Westwood's Palladium jewelry line have been released.

Vivienne Westwood said Christina is the "embodiment of beauty" and that's why she chose the Mad Men star.

What do you think of Christina's photos?

Story Credit: People.com

GABOUREY SIDIBE ROCKS TRENCH CAPE FROM THE KARDASHIANS QVC LINE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Oscar nominee and fellow plus size curvy girl Gabourey Sidibe was spotted at the Berlin premiere of her Indie flick "Yelling to the sky" which she stars in with Zoe Kravitz. While sometimes we are on the fence about Gabourey's fashion choices, we were quite pleased to see her rocking a super chic trench cape from the K-Dash line at QVC. Yes, you heard us right. K-Dash at QVC!

You know that SC is a big fan of buying clothes from the tv shopping networks. It's another resource for us plus size girls to get current trends and classic styles in our size. The trench cape is still available at QVC and it's only $95, not bad at all.

The cape comes in sizes XXS-3X. You can also purchase it in the luggage color which is just as cute.

Two thumbs up for the K-Dash line at QVC.

Photo credit:Zimbio.com

Coat credit:Cool spotters

QUEEN LATIFAH AS URSULA FROM THE LITTLE MERMAID

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
In a Disney photo remake fellow curvy girl Queen Latifah poses as Ursula from "The Little Mermaid." The Queen was shot by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz for Disney Parks. A slew of celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Alec Baldwin, and Jeff Bridges are part of a Disney campaign called , "Let the memories begin." They are all being photographed as some of Disney's old school characters. This looks like such a fun project to be part of  and I'm loving the energy that Queen Latifah is bringing to the character.

According to Zimbio.com- The tag line under the photo will read, "Where memories take hold and never let go". The campaign premieres as a special insert in the April issues of O, The Oprah Magazine, People, People En Espanol, Real Simple, Essence, and InStyle.

I think the Queen looks great as Ursula. What do you think?

Behind the scenes shots

ALISSA TAKES INSTYLE MAGAZINE'S SHOP LIKE A FASHION EDITOR CHALLENGE

SHOP LIKE A FASHION EDITOR

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Instyle magazine is doing a series with 3 of their staff members called, "Shop Like A Fashion Editor." The three editors are given a budget of $400, $2,000, and $4,000 to spend over the course of four months. Each of the editors share their monthly fashion inspirations and buy items according to what they were inspired by. After reading the the March issue I became inspired by this series and have decided to make this a personal challenge and to document it right here on Stylish Curves.
This is the perfect time for me to do this because I'm still deciding on what I would like my spring wardrobe to look like. Every spring season I feel like I have no clothes. At the end of the season I can pack everything away in one medium size bin which always makes me wonder how I got through the season with such a small amount of clothes.

I will be taking on the $400 budget. The same budget that Instyle's Market Editor Erin Sumwalt (pictured above) is doing. The $400 breaks down to only spending $100 a month on clothes, shoes, and accessories. I'm excited about the challenge because it will help me to only buy what I love and need. Most importantly, this challenge will help me to save some much needed cash.

How the challenge works
For the next four months, each time I purchase something I will post it here on Stylish Curves and keep a tally for each month. I'm relying on the honor system so you guys can trust that I will only spend $100 a month and if I go over you can count on me telling you, but, the point is to stick to the budget (pray for me!).

My personal spring fashion goals
I'm such a sucker for simple looks in bright colors that this spring season my goal is to wear more prints. Right now I'm obsessed with animal prints, but, I actually want to wear more florals. I am truly not a floral print fan, but, for some reason I'm liking the big bold floral prints. I feel like they are less dizzy looking (You can read about large floral prints in my previous post here).

Loved Vanessa Hudgen's 70's style spread in the March issue of Instyle

In case you didn't know my favorite fashion era is the 70's. I'm a sucker for jumpsuits, wide leg trousers, frilly sheer tops, and sky high heels. I'm hoping to incorporate some of that into my spring wardrobe too. I also would like to accessorize more. I want more cocktail rings, large shoulder skimming earrings, colorful belts, straw hats, and big bangles. My blazer section in my closet is looking kind of weak so before the heat hits I would like to add some new blazers to my wardrobe. Preferably one or three button blazers. I'm hoping to score a striped blazer like the one from Alice & Olivia.

A few more pics of my inspirations. Wide leg trousers are so 70's and this bold floral print dress from Etro is nothing short of chic.



OK, I think that's it. Here goes! Wish me luck!

Kicking off the challenge, today I was perusing the Walmart site and found this Norma Kamali animal print dress for $20. I love the silhouette and the draped neck. I also  like that the animal print is nice and big. A true statement piece. I could wear this with a blazer for work and wear it with a sexy pair of heels for dinner with my gentlemen caller.

What do you guys think about my first purchase?

**Please not that this is a personal challenge and I do not have any affiliations with Instyle magazine.

LARGE BOLD FLORAL PRINTS FOR SPRING

OK, so floral prints are a no brainer for spring. Nevertheless, we are loving the large bold floral prints that came down the spring runways of Etro, Jil Sander, and D&G. Sometimes floral prints can be extremely scary. Especially when not worn the right way, but they can also be chic and sophisticated when worn the right way. Large floral prints are statement making and ultra feminine. SC thinks this is a perfect look for curvy girls to rock for that upcoming spring/summer wedding or for a chic spring get together.

To make sure that you are not looking like an order from 1-800 flowers, we suggest pairing a large floral print dress with a super cute leather cropped jacket like this one from Sears

 to add some edginess. For the curvy girl who doesn't mind large statement making floral prints we recommend that you pair this large print with a neutral pair of shoes like these super cute natural colored Pierre Dumas sandals

to balance out the boldness.


Baby Phat One Shoulder Ruched Dress $41.30
Baby Phat Removeable Strap Floral Printed Dress $69.00
ASOS Curve Floral Workwear Dress $50.20
EVANS Tulip Printed Tunic $60
Yours Clothing Cream Floral Top $54

SPRING STYLE AT AMERICAN EAGLE FOR UNDER $40

As plus size women we have to be creative when it comes to shopping in order to broaden our personal style. Every now and again we have to venture into straight size stores to see what new styles they have. As I advocate on this blog, sometimes you have to focus on the cut and not the size when you're not shopping in plus size stores in order to get some of the trends and looks that plus size brands don't carry. You never know what goodies you may find.

Today I wanted to share with you a few spring pieces that I love from American Eagle. Aside from carrying jeans and super cute tees, surprisingly American Eagle has a pretty nice collection of dresses, blazers, and bags. While I can't fit any of their jeans because they're all low rise and do not accommodate my voluptuous hips and derriere, I do love buying their girlie tops and feminine blazers. In case you didn't know, American Eagle goes up to a size 18 and XXL in their clothes. For this spring season I'm coveting quite a few of their pieces to update my wardrobe and the best part is that they're all under $40.

 1. Ikat Print Scarf, $19.50

 2. Striped Strapless Dress, $34.50

3. White Corset Tube Dress, $39.50

4. Striped Schoolboy Blazer, $39.95

5. FEED tote bag, 39.50

6. Aerie Yellow Open Stitch Nautical Sweater, $33.37

7. AE Camp Shirt, $34.50