CRAZY ABOUT LEOPARD PRINT

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

My name is Alissa and I am a leopard print-a-holic. There I said it. I'm crazy about leopard print. I bought this Kenneth Cole (plus collection) leopard print sheer button up last year from Lord & Taylor. I was immediately attracted to it for obvious reasons. I bought it and then I returned it, all within the same day. I went home and the shirt just stayed on my mind.

 I went back to Lord & Taylor's two weeks later with the hopes of the shirt still being there and in my size. I knew it was a gamble, but I just couldn't not go back to see if it was there. I searched the sale section high and low looking for anything that had leopard print on it. After about a good 10 minutes of searching, there it was. I purchased it with the quickness and held on to it ever since.

ESHAKTI JULY 4TH GIVEAWAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

It's July already and as promised, I have one more blog anniversary giveaway for you. The sweet people over at Eshakti is sponsoring a one item giveaway under $60 for Stylish Curves readers. As you know, Eshakti has a myriad of dresses, skirts, and accessories that cater to sizes 0-26W. They also have a number of items that are under $60. We are sure you will find something fabulous for those curves.

To enter this giveaway you must do the following:
-Become a fan of Eshakti and Stylish Curves on BOTH Facebook and Twitter
-Leave a comment with your name and email adress
-For additional entries you must tweet the following: I want to win this @eshakti giveaway from @stylishcurves

Contest is only open to US & Canada Residents
The contest ends on July 4th at 11:59 pm.

That's it! Very simple, right?

CURVY GIRL STYLE: ADELE, AMBER RILEY, LEDISI, AND JILL SCOTT

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This week in curvy girl style we spotted a few of our favorite plus size and curvy celebrities. We rounded up the best looks of the week so we can dish on our fave looks.

Let's get started:

First up is Adele, we love her laid back casual style. We thought she looked cute as a button in her signature all black look. We did like that she added pops of color with a fringed bottom tie dye button up. The chain messenger style bag looks super chic with her ensemble. We think a pair of large gold chandelier earrings would have taken the look up a notch.

Next, is the super fashionable Amber Riley. We always get to see Amber all dolled up so it's refreshing to see her in a casual look. We like the pairing of combat boots with her black and white floral dress. It's a nice combination of girlie meets bad ass.

Give it to them Jill! Yes, Miss Scott has been doing her thing this month.She was spotted at the BET awards rocking a simple yet sexy sophisticated all black gown. We adore the sheer over lay and the silver drop earrings.

Curvy singer Ledisi was also spotted at the BET awards. the soul singer rocked a super cute off the shoulder sequin romper with nude platform pumps. We normally see Ledisi in more earthy sophisticated styles. We like that she's stepping outside her comfort zone and becoming a little more daring. We also think they she could have used a pair of large flashy earrings to add a little more flavor to her look. We probably would've swapped out the nude pumps for a pair of sexy satin black peeptoes or fire engine red heels. Nevertheless, Ledisi looks great.

So, Amber was spotted again this week in another casual look. This time she opted for a girlie blue dress an burgundy flats. All we have to say is , cute, cute, and cute.

Well, that's it for this week in curvy girl style. Which looks were your faves?

Photo Credits: Zimbio, egyptsaidso.com

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS COVERS LUCKY MAGAZINE'S AUGUST2011 ISSUE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Looks like 2011 must be the year of curves. One of our favorite voluptuous vixens, Christina Hendricks graces the cover of Lucky's August 2011 issue. Christina is a seriously hot bombshell. On the cover she wears a draped Donna Karan dress in nude. The Mad Men star shares with Lucky her favorite pieces, how hard it is to find a swimsuit for large breasts,  and how she used to wear 40's house dresses to school and then turned into a "trite 90's new-wave girl."

ADELE GRACES THE COVER OF GLAMOUR UK'S JULY ISSUE IN A JIL SANDER DRESS

 Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Fellow curvy girl Adele graces the cover of Glamour UK's July issue. The soulful singer is heating up the charts with her latest album 21. I like that fashion magazines are taking interest in Adele. Not only is she a beauty but her talent is phenomenal. On the cover of Glamour Adele rocks out in a colorful vibrant floral print Jil Sander dress. It's very rare that we see Adele wearing anything other than black. It's nice to see her wearing not only bright colors, but floral prints as well. I think this is definitely one of Glamours best covers. Adele's eye's just draw you in.

What do you think of Adele's cover and beauty shots (see below)?

I'm not sure if she's wearing the short or long version of the Jil Sander's Dress, but, here's a picture of it from the Spring 2011 collection. It's definitely Haute.

Photo Credits: Stuff Fly People Like, Coco's Tea Party

A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

When it comes to floral prints I'm a bit picky. I prefer large floral prints oppose to small and busy. It is also very rare that I find an all over floral print top that I like. Last week while on my lunch break I found this very cute and chic rose print knit cardigan that belts at the waist and has a lace back. There wasn't an immediate attraction when I walked by it, but, somehow I was intrigued. I circled around it like bees on honey and decided to stop staring and just try it on. I took it to the fitting room and after I tried it on I was sold, mainly because I thought the lace detail on the back was so feminine and cool.

I planned on wearing my white Faith21 jeans with it but when I put them on the zipper was broke (you get what you pay for). Instead I went for the next best thing, my black super fitted skinny jeans. I wish I could wear this top to work, but, that lace detailing on the back is just a little inappropriate for the office (I think). I like to call this top my bouquet of flowers.

Are you into floral prints?

All Photos taken by Deirdre Simon

What I'm Wearing

Belted Cardigan:Faith21 Plus

Skinny Jeans-ASOS

Shoes: Guess

Earrings: Ashley Stewart

Bracelets: Ashley Stewart

Bag: Loft

THREE PLUS SIZE COLLECTIONS TO SHAKE YOUR WARDROBE UP

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I feel like the plus size fashion industry is beginning to grow with more plus size brands and more straight size designers creating real plus size collections. For many of us, we all have our signature looks but sometimes we need to branch out and shake our wardrobes up by trying different brands and new collections. SC has found three plus size collections that are classic, fun, and on trend. Even if you can't see yourself in head to toe looks, we are quite sure you can find a piece in each of these collections that will work for your personal style.

Check out these three plus size collections:

First Up:

Domino Dollhouse just realeased their new circus collection which is chock full of stripes, bows, and flirty skirts. We are fans of their red bow front skirt. We would rock it with a white tank, chunky gold necklace, and tan wedges.

Check out Domino Dollhouse HERE

Rachel Pally is a classic brand that uses luxe jersey fabrics in flattering cuts. Her slightly new White Label collection is chic and sophisticated. The one shoulder tulip skirt dress is our favorite.
Check out Rachel Pally Here

We like 17 Sundays youthful edge. Plenty of trendy styles for the curvy girl who likes to keep up with the times. We love the black sheer sweater and dress. It's great over a tank dress.

Check out 17 Sundays Here

Tell SC what you think about these collections.

PLUS SIZE MODEL FLUVIA LACERDA FEATURED ON VOGUE.IT

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This morning I woke up to some curvy girl goodness. One of my favorite models Fluvia Lacerda was featured on the Vogue Italia website in an interview by Gabi Hudson (MTV TJ). For those of you who never met Fluvia, she is truly a beauty inside and out. She's also quite funny. In this feature Fluvia talks about how she's proud of her curves and what the future holds for her. She is known in the plus world as the plus size Gisele Bundchen. Fluvia's past work includes gracing the cover of Plus Model Magazine, face of plus size brand Igigi, and Monif C.

What you can expect in the future is a plus size clothing line, more editorials, and campaigns. What I do hope is that the plus size brands and collections out there like Michael Kors, Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, and Jessica London, recognize Fluvia's talent and beauty. She is a size 18 model and can work the camera just like any of the top so called plus size models out there.

If I were a gambling woman, I'd be willing to put a little money on it that if Fluvia were representing plus size brands, sales would sky rocket.

Read more of the interview with Fluvia HERE

KMART BLOGGER CONFERENCE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Forget everything you thought about Kmart's plus size styles. Like so many of the old school plus size brands and collections, Kmart has done a complete 360. As far as I can remember I've never shopped Kmart for clothes because as a teen in the 90's that was not hot. Even as I got older and didn't care what people thought, Kmart was not a place for me to shop at.

 Earlier this year Kmart released a new campaign for their plus size collection called Love your Size, Love your style. It featured plus size models wearing their new spring designs. They even did a video with plus model Fluvia Lacerda and Editor of Plus Model Magazine Madeline Figueroa showcasing their new plus size designer and new plus size collection. Their spring looks were intriguing and left many optimistic about future collections

While briefly attending the Kmart blogger conference at FFFWeek Kmart unveiled a few of their new looks which surprisingly were even better than their first spring collection. The new looks featured tribal prints, sexy cut out dresses, and racer back rompers. Definitely not your old school Kmart style.

Check out the pieces for yourselves and tell SC what you think. Are these looks drawing you in?

Tribal Print Romper

Leopard Print cut out back exposed zipper dress

Tie Waist Jumpsuit

Velvet Leggings

Tribal Print Dress

JILL SCOTT AT THE PRE BET AWARDS SHOW

Jill Scott was spotted at the BET Awards Pre show in an all black spandex ensemble. Is she working it or is it back to the drawing board for this curvy girl?

VOTE!

OFF THE SHOULDER

It has been such a beautiful weekend. I was able to get plenty of rest plus I had a chance to spend time with my family and hang out with a few friends. Today,  I wore this white off the shoulder dress from Fashion to Figure. They were so kind to hook me up with a gift card to their store. I wish I would have had it for the all white party for FFFWeek but oh well.

I wore it with my wedges and a pair of pink zebra ball earrings that were gifted to me from Forever 21.

What I'm Wearing

Dress: Fashion to Figure (gifted)

Wedges: Nine West

Bracelets: Loft and Ashley Stewart (gifted)

Earrings: Forever21 (gifted)

JILL SCOTT COVERS BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

Can I just say how happy I am for the beautiful curvy woman that is Jill Scott. She's taken a 4 year hiatus from music and is coming back stronger than ever. Not only has Jill garnered attention and fan love for her new CD "Light of The Sun" Miss Scott is also commanding major magazine covers. Her newest cover is Billboard magazine. Jill looks stunning on the cover of Billboard magazine with dark dramatic eyes and crimson lips. Her cover shot is just as spellbinding as her music.

We are truly loving the new sexy, fun, and fearless Jill Scott. We can't wait to read what this dynamic woman has to say. Go Jill, let your light shine.

WINNER OF FASHION TO FIGURE FINAL GIVEAWAY

Thank you all for entering the final Fashion to Figure giveaway. I would also like to say Thank You to Fashion to Figure for being such an awesome sponsor for all the giveaways this month.

Now, the winner of the super cute strapless ruffled dress is:

SYDNEY

Congratulations Sydney!

The month is not over yet and I have two more giveaways left. Keep your browsers locked to Stylish Curves.

FAB SITE:STOP STARING VINTAGE INSPIRED DRESSES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
If you love vintage dresses, your favorite show is Mad Men, or your favorite style is 1950's rockabilly then you definitely need to check out curvy girl friendly site Stop Staring. SC was introduced to Stop Staring via an email from the company. Once I clicked the link to their site I started getting excited about all the fabulous vintage style dresses they offered.

Stop Staring is an LA Based company with vintage dresses designed by Alicia Estrada. The dresses are made of quality fabrics and are made in the USA. Celebrities like Toccara Jones to Kim Kardashian have been spotted in a Stop Staring dress. The company boasts versatile dresses that can take you from day to night. These are not the kind of dresses that hide your curves, they do the exact opposite.

They offer a myriad number of cocktail dresses, prom dresses, and rockabilly dresses. In a ddition to dresses, they do offer a few separates as well. You will be happy to know that they go up to a size 3X which is more like a size 18, but the dresses are made with benagaline stretch fabric. We love that their site even has a plus size link that shows you which dresses are best for the plus size body type. The company has been around for 10 years and doesn't plan on stopping any time soon.

SC had the chance to do a mini interview with the designer Alicia Estrada. Check out what she had to say and be sure to visit their site at http://www.stopstaringclothing.com/ and tell SC hat you think.

Now read my mini inerview with Alicia Estrada the designer:

SC: How did Stop Staring come about?

SS:I really love sewing, and was making my wardrobe in college. I got the attention of a boutique on melrose ave in Hollywood. Dozens of stores followed, thus stop staring! was born. It was so much fun, and the dresses caught on like wildfire! 

SC: Why do you think people love vintage dresses so much? SS:Stop Staring! Dresses are vintage inspired with a modern touch, women love this timeless and classic look. Our dresses enhance all shapes and sizes, and men love this sexy yet classic look. Besides, I think most women just drool over the dresses in those classic black and white movies!

What do you think separates your site from other vintage dresses sites? SS: Well, first off, we have been in business for over 13 years, our experience and excellent fit is unmatched. People consider us the pioneers for retro inspired dresses. Plus, we have hundreds of styles to choose from, and available up to size 18.

I've seen a number of celebrties wearing your dresses who was your favorite? 

SS: My favorite celeb, hmmmm? I have lots...right now I'm loving Kristin baurer, she just wore our dress on the True Blood posters! Also Jillian Barberie, she's been wearing them all over Fox 11. We love seeing Paris in our dresses, she always looks great.

What has been your best selling dress?

SS: Our red gathered Ava dress, it is so sexy, and the cut fits everyone! But, it also helps that so many celebs have worn it, like Kim Kardashian , and miss Mexico just wore it recently. Lately our bombshell dress is flying, Olivia Munn just wore it!

What materials are the dresses made of to make them hug the body so well?

SS: Of course we use stretch fabrics, like poplin stretch, and bengaline, women love this fabric! It really sucks you in, but allows you to breath! Stop Staring is notorious for giving us a beautiful style, while allowing comfort!

What plus size celebrity would you like to see wearing your a Stop Staring dress? SS: Kirsty Allie just ordered a few, so I can't wait to see her wear them!

This is the fab dress they sent me. I can't wait to wear it.

 

Please note: Although I received a dress from this company it did not in any way influence my write up. The goal of Stylish Curves is to show a variety of brands that do cater to plus size curvy women whether you are size 14 or 26.