SKINNY GIRL STYLE FOR CURVES: RACHEL ROY

Designer Rachel Roy was spotted wearing an ultra chic look that is perfect for spring and for the office. A neutral color palette with a pop of color can make a simple look standout. Rachel is a master at chic looks. Even when she does simple it's always with a twist. Take the silk cargo pants, there's a tie at the ankle which adds a bit of interest to her outfit. She added personal swagger by letting the button up sleeves hang below the blazer sleeves. Rachel topped her look off with a dark brown top handle bag and peeptoe sandals.

Get this chic skinny girl look for your plus size curves with these items:

Blazer: Talbots SZ 2-20
Roll up sleeve button up-Old Navy SZ XS-XXL
Peg Leg pants- ASOS SZ 16-22
Perforated Sandals-Boutique9 SZ 6-10
Top Handle Bag- Ivanka Trump
Leather watch-Urban Outfitters

Also, Rachel's silk cargo's are available for purchase up to a size 16 HERE

CAN A FAT GIRL GET THE HOT GUY?

Photo credit: Redskyethoughts

A few weeks ago Rosie O'Donnell said that Glee star Ashley Fink's ( Lauren Zises on Glee) character's relationship with popular jock Puck was unrealistic. According to Rosie, "Every woman I know who's heavy has very strong feelings about that storyline," says Rosie. "They're like, 'Can you believe that? I think it's horrible. That never happens in school. That character is so unlikable. Why didn't they get a pretty heavy girl?'"

After reading her comment I had to think to myself and say, why can't a fat girl get the hot guy? I'll admit when I first saw that they put Lauren and Puck together I said to myself this is not realistic. Then I had to think back on my own high school experiences with dating while being a big girl. From my own experience I've never had a problem dating a popular guy or even an athlete during high school and I was a chubby high school girl. I even knew of some jocks who actually preferred bigger girls. Now I know every high school is not the same and there are women who are out there and feel like their weight is a reason why they can't get the popular guy.

What I also think is that television has embedded in our brains for years that fat girls can't get no love just because they're fat. Fat actresses either play the funny friend or the fat friend who's trying to lose some weight. It's time that we no longer accept those depictions of fat women. Ashley's character around Puck is confident and bold and that's what we need to see more of on television and in movies. It's 2011 and we this is not Mars this is America. It should not be abnormal to see a fat girl on TV being sexy and having her pick at any hot guy she wants.

I remember during my high school days of feeling insecure, a friend of my sister's changed my life when it came to being a big girl and dating. She told me to never allow my weight to make me feel like I can't get the guy I want. Her exact words were "Every dog likes a little meat on his bone." Her words forever changed me.

After hearing about Rosie's comments Ashley responded by saying this:
"I am surprised at the comments she made. I've got swagger too, so I don't find my storyline unrealistic."

And we shouldn't either. Ashley's character has shown that fat women can be confident and most importantly that fat girls can get the HOT guy too. I hope Glee producers continue to grow Lauren's character on the show as a confident plus size girl.

I would love to hear your opinions on this.

HANDBAG SPOTLIGHT: ELLY CLAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Over the weekend while hanging out with a good friend of mine, I couldn't help but to notice a zippered black clutch she was carrying. After gushing over it, I asked her where did she get it from. She then put me on to the handbag brand named Elly Clay. A luxury handbag and accessories brand.

 That night I decided to go and checkout the website she gave me and oh boy, what fabulous bags I found. After poking around the site I decided to read what Elly Clay was all about. Here's what their website had to say, "Behind each Elly Clay handbag is simple - create a handbag that women can use on a daily basis as they run their busy lives, while being extremely stylish and comfortable."  

Our concept is, "Its not just a bag, but a brand." Our designers are focused on detail ,innovation in hardware and design. We are inspired by Urban Chic, street style, art and culture of busy New York Lifestyles. In addition our designers are influenced by vintage and the fashion icons of those eras that heavily cultivated style.

Having seen one of the bags up close and personal (via my good friend) I can say that they definitely have style and luxury material. Most of the bags are designed with a number of spicy details like studs, zippers, fringe, and tassels. You can tell that the bags have an urban appeal to them because they come in standout colors and fabrics. The bags range from $120 to about $550. One of my favorites is the Billie Jean zip front clutch that also turns into a cross body bag. I like that the bags have a tough stylish street appeal. These are the kind of bags that can easily take your look to the next level or be the conversation starter when wearing a simple outfit. I definitely can't wait to see more from this brand.

To purchase or find out mor about Elly Clay checkout their website HERE

What do you think about Elly Clay?

AMBER RILEY AT MEDIA'S PALEYFESST 2011

Photo Credit: Zimbio

Our fave curvy girl Amber Riley was spotted at the 2011 Paleyfest in a cropped draped denim jacket, aztec print dress, and combat boots. Is she working this casual look or is it back to the drawing board for her?

VOTE!

CURVY GIRL TREND: THE CUT OUT SHOULDER

When we think of sexy looks we think of deep v's to show off cleavage or mini skirts to show off our legs. This year it's a new sexy body part ready to get its shine on and it's the shoulders. As women we complain about our breast, thighs, and butts being too big or small. What we rarely hear is a woman complaining about her shoulders. Shoulders are a great body part to show off and when shown off right it can be just as sexy as showing off your cleavage.

SC has found a few cute dresses and tops to help you get in on the cut out shoulder trend.


1. Soprano Striped Cut Out Top, SZ XS-XL

2. ASOS Cut Out Shoulder Dress, SZ 16-22

3. Anna Scholz Cut Out Top, SZ 10-28

4. Long line Tie-Dye Top, SZ 16-30

5. Rachel Pally Shoulder Cut Out Tunic, SZ 1X-3X

6. Peek a boo tie-dye top, SZ XL-3X

7. Flutter Sleeve Sequin Top, SZ 16-30

SPRING TREND: STRIPED BLAZERS

A striped blazer is a fantastic piece to add to your spring wardrobe. The nautical look goes perfect with ripped jeans (A la Kim K.), skinny jeans, dresses, you name it, it goes. SC loves the variety of striped blazers that are out there. From wide stripes to skinny ones, we think you will find the right style for your shape. We even helped you out with 6 of our favorite picks.

Are you into the striped blazer trend?

1. Covington Striped Knit Blazer, SZ 6-18

2. Ralph Lauren Blazer, SZ 2-16

3. Jessica London Striped Cotton Blazer, SZ 14-22 SC has this one and it's super cute. Check it out in an older ootd post HERE

4. Missphit Striped Blazer, SZ 1X-3X

5. 525 America Blazer, SZ XS-XL

6. Loft Crinkle Striped Jacket, SZ 0-18 

TYRA BANKS AT THE STOCK EXCHANGE

Fellow curvy girl Tyra Banks was spotted at NYSE wearing a jumpsuit, flesh tone stockings (EEK!), and tall gray boots.  Is she working this look or is it back to the drawing board for this media mogul?

FASHION TO FIGURE SPRING LOOKBOOK

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Fashion to Figure has released their Spring lookbook which is filled with body con dresses, blouson tops, and maxi dresses. With the exception of a few bright colored dresses, these pieces don't necessarily scream spring. We do like the little white dress, striped maxi, and the statement cocktail dress in cobalt blue.

Some pieces from the collection are available to purchase now. Are you feeling Fashion to Figure's Spring collection?

TYRA BANKS LAUNCHES TYPE F

Model and media mogul Tyra Banks is at it again. There have been talks over the last year that Tyra would be launching a new fashion site catered to all women and today that site has been launched and it's called Type F. Tyra says, TypeF.com is “a place that’s about personalization for fashion and beauty,” TypeF celebrates women’s uniqueness” and offers users advice and info based on their specific attributes and features.

As we all know it has been Tyra's mission to show the world that beauty is not one size, color, or shape. The new fashion site boasts to offer helpful tips from the best in the fashion industry on how to play up your best assets and find the right clothes and beauty tips for you. There's tips Go checkout the site TypeF and let SC know what you think.

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