JACKING HER STYLE: ADELE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

We are slightly obsessed with soul singer Adele. We can't stop snapping our fingers to her foot tapping, head bopping hit, "Rolling in the deep." What we are also smitten with is Adele's simplistic chic all black style. With so much black, you would think she was a New Yorker. We know you may be saying what's so great about her all black wardrobe?!

Well, we think her all black ensembles have a feminine twist. Her looks are always chic, comfortable, and girlie. When she gets all dolled up for award shows you can catch her in sexy sleek heels with dainty accessories. She's not the type of curvy girl who belts everything and she loves comfy pieces. On her casual days she's in leggings with an over sized jacket or cardigan and she keeps her look femme with a pair of mid height heels or ballet flats, cat eye sunglasses, and sometimes she even rocks a girlie headband.

When it comes to outerwear Adele goes for princess style coats, wraps, and capes. Adele also loves her a good face. A smokey eye, heavy on the black liner can be dubbed her signature look, and her hair is always pulled back into a cute bun to show off her fierce features. She mangages to keep her looks youthful and age appropriate. It's like she said in her Rolling Stone interview,

"Even if I had a really good figure, I don't think I'd get my tits and ass out for no one."I love seeing Lady Gaga’s boobs and bum. I love seeing Katy Perry’s boobs and bum. Love it. But that’s not what my music is about. I don’t make music for eyes, I make music for ears.”

There are a number of takeaways from Adele's style that you can implement in your wardrobe. SC found a few key pieces for your curves.

New Look Boyfriend Cardigan

Dorothy Perkins Cape

Fashion to Figure Black sheer overlay Dress

Pietro Alessandro Bag

ASOS Open sleeve dress

Tahari patent leather pumps

Faith21 Skinny Jeans

Forever21 Headband

Forever21 Cat eye sunglasses

MAC liquid liner

CURVES ON THE STREET

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This week while shopping on 34th street, SC spotted this super cute Torrid floral print one shoulder dress on a tourist. She accessorized her floral print dress with silver dainty jewelry and finished her look with a bright lip. We were also digging her side braid and dark lined eyes.

SKINNY GIRL STYLE FOR CURVES: RIHANNA

Hey curvy girl all over the world,

Rihanna was spotted this week wearing a casual yet super cute outfit. Rihanna's look is simplistic but the interest is in the accessories. First, we love that she is rocking the old school Fendi clutch. Something tells us that Rihanna just made Fendi sales go up. Second, we like her choice of delicate gold accessories and the pointy toe nude pump. Everyone is always boasting about dark denim but we think Rihanna's light colored jeans and sheer shirt are a perfect combination.

Get Rihanna's look

Shirt-Gap/Jeans-Torrid/Shoes-Vince Camuto/Watch-Juicy Couture/Clutch-Fendi/Eagle Necklace-Forever21, Cuff-Lucky Brand/Earrings-Torrid

ALISSA'S HAIR CHRONICLES: CAROL'S DAUGHTER HAIR ELIXIR

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

As you can see from  my latest outfit posts I am in the process of growing my hair out. I am completely done with the short cuts and I am ready to naturally grow my hair down to the middle of my back again. I love the hair growing process because I like to try different hair care products. I'm not a junkie yet, but I probably will be by the end of this process.

 Right now, my favorite hair product is Carol's Daughter, "Lisa's hair elixir." This hair oil is everything I needed in an oil. I have a dry itchy scalp and due to lots of heat to curl my short hair, I've had a lot of breakage and with breakage comes dry hair. I've been on the hunt for the right product that could do more than one thing and when I tried this product, my search was over. The hair oil quenched my scalp and softened my strands. Most hair oils can weigh your hair down or leave your hair feeling greasy. This did the opposite. Since the oil is thick a little goes a long way. I literally put a pea size amount in my hand and it's enough for my entire head. I ran my fingers through my hair and they did not come out greasy. 

Lisa's hair elixir smells amazing. The peppermint in it is so refreshing and promotes strong hair and it tingles. It also works as a hot oil treatment which I haven't tried yet, but I will be this weekend. Due to genetics my edges are very weak and break easily. I do sleep in a silk scarf to help prevent the damage, but sometimes my edges still break off.  I rub the hair elixir on my edges to moisturize them. I love the tingling feeling it gives. 

You can check out Lisa's hair elixir HERE

ISOLA ITALIAN FOOTWEAR

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
While doing some shoe shopping yesterday at Lord & Taylor's, I came across a pair of color blocked heels from a brand called Isola Footwear. As I was checking out the tables, I spotted a cream and black color blocked peeptoe with a demi wedge. I was intrigued. I continued looking around and found a number of cute shoes and realized they were all made by Isola footwear. When I got home I checked out the site and immediately started adding a few pairs to my shopping bag.

What I like about the designs is that they are classic with a sophisticated edge. Meaning, you can wear them in the board room or for a night out. A modern shoe that works double duty is always good in my book. Isola shoes have been spotted on celebrities like Whitney Port and have been featured in the O magazine. You know when O features something, 90% of the time it's a great product.

You will also be happy to know that they go up to a size 11 and prices on average are about $170.

Priding themselves on making shoes for the modern woman here's what the brand says about their shoes:

"Isolá is a luxe collection of elegant, distinctive footwear for the modern woman. Inspired by the finest things in life with intricate details, lavish materials and sumptuous comfort. Isolá’s refined artistry and impeccable styling are perfectly suited to the discerning woman who knows that exquisite doesn’t have to mean extravagant."

You can check out Isola shoes by going to www.isolashoes.com

Well, I know I like what I see, what about you? Tell SC what you think of Isola shoes.

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

This weekend, I rocked one of my favorite tops from H&M. I bought this red and white polka dot top back in January. I've worn it with everything from capri's to my denim pencil skirt. This weekend I wore it with my white skinny's and blue suede shoes. What I like about this top is that it's over sized and billowy. A few years ago, I would have shied away from an over sized billowy top for fear of looking bigger, but, when you become confident with your body you don't allow negative thoughts of looking bigger to infiltrate your mind.

However, I do believe in creating proportions that make sense. If I wear something with a lot of volume on top I do go slimmer on the bottom. This is not the case all the time, but you get what I'm saying.

I love how vibrant the red is in this top. The light sheerness of the top makes it perfect for summer.  When I wear these white skinny jeans I feel sexy and powerful because I know skinny women who are afraid of white and skinny jeans. A long time ago I stopped telling myself what I can't wear and just started wearing what I wanted.

There are a number of plus size girls who sleep on H&M because they think they will not find anything to fit them. Let me just tell you how important it is to try things on because you never know what may work. This particular top is a size 12 and I made it work for my shape. If you need a few tips on how to shop non plus size stores then check out an old post I did last year called, "Why size doesn't always matter." As I said in that article, my clothes range from BCBG to Lane Bryant. Sometimes, you just never know.

What I'm Wearing

Top: H&M

Skinny's: Forever21

Shoes: Charles David

Bag: Given to me from my aunt

Necklace: Forever21

IT'S A SHOE THING

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

This week's shoe cravings consisted of bright bold colors in suede, leopard print and espadrille wedges as well as a pair of quirky ankle tie multi colored Marc by Marc Jacob sandals. I am a self proclaimed shoe-a-holic and every month my heart desires a diverse shoe collection. Lately, I've been so focused on buying work clothes that I haven't really been shoe shopping. I am the kind of shoe-a-holic who wears all of my shoes. You will almost never find a pair of unworn shoes in my closet. I like to update my shoe collection every month and this week, these are the shoes that have caught my eye.

Aldo

Vince Camuto

Giuseppe Zanotti

Aldo

Marc By Marc Jacobs

Rachel Roy

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY: EBONY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
We are back with more Stylish Curves of the day. Thanks again for sending in your entries. I will be posting a few more this week.

Today's Stylish Curves of the day is Ebony. I see Ebony on Facebook all the time and I love when she shares her super cute outfits. Like many of us she's a lover of ASOS and cute shoes. I had to reach out to her to send in some of her fave looks and find out, how she embraces her curves.
Here's what Ebony had to say:

I've always been the girl who had a lil more curves than my friends. Like just about every woman out there in the world I thought maybe I would be a little happier w/ myself if I thinner.

However...That's not happening and I just said I got to work what I got , and what I got ain't bad at all...LOL! I happen to carry my weight very well and have an hourglass figure... which I've come to find out is what so many would want to have. Can we say BRICKHOUSE!!! Go ME!!!LOL!

I consider myself a shopaholic...however, I pay my bills first! LOL! I like to buy clothes that make me feel good when I look in the mirror. I recently was told I have great legs...I never really thought about them before...but now I see them and I do have great legs...LOL! So it's been the summer of the LEGS!! LOL! Summer dresses, rompers, & shorts have taken over my summer.

 I do believe not all trends were created equal...but I think if you find the right fit for your body it can definitely work... if not, don't do it. I guarantee you will be pulling,adjusting, and just not happy with it.

My fashion tip to all my fellow Curves...Make sure you wear your smile! The outfit that you put on that makes you look and feel good is awesome, but the smile you wear really kicks it up! Sorry.. Its the social worker in me! Smooches

PLAYTEX ELEGANT UPLIFT AND SUPPORT UNDERWIRE BRA REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

  Hey curvy girls all over the world,

When I was pregnant, the two things I worried about changing on my body were my nose becoming bigger and my derriere becoming flat. What I didn’t worry about was my breasts getting larger. Although I knew bigger breasts were synonymous with having a baby, I thought that I was going to be exempt because I already had large breasts. After my baby was born, almost immediately my breasts grew from a DD to a DDD/F and everyone noticed it. Ever since I became a DDD, buying and wearing a bra has been challenging for me.

 

 

First I had to accept the fact that I was no longer a DD cup and before I accepted it, I was the woman running around town looking like I had four breasts.

One of the challenges with having large breasts is that they become heavy and finding a bra that’s supportive enough and doesn’t make it look like your breasts are touching your knees can leave anyone frustrated. I would spend hours shopping around for the right bra and when I thought I had it, after a few days the support magically disappeared and I would have to adjust the straps repeatedly to get the support I needed.

 

 

As a Strap Solutions Ambassador for Playtex bras, I get to try out the newest and the latest styles they have.  It is also my duty to report, to not only Playtex but to you, the pros and cons of their bras. So please trust that I will do just that.

Last week Playtex sent me my first bra and it happened to be their Elegant Uplift and Support Underwire bra. Of course I was excited to try it on and see if it lived up to its name.

First, let me share with you a few details about the bra.

-Made of stretch fabric

-Has stop-the-slip straps that stay on your shoulder

-Full Coverage, seamed cups with under-cup support panels

When I opened the box, my immediate reaction was beige, I couldn’t get another color? Once I got past the color, I focused on the design and structure of the bra.  What I liked most about the construction of this bra is how supportive the under-cup panel was. For me, the bra also served as a shaper. Sometimes bras can make your breasts look shapeless. However, when I tried on the Uplift Support bra it gave me a nice round shape. It felt like I had a breast lift. It also didn’t smash my breasts together to make it look like I had a uni-boob.

Since the cups were seamed on the inside, when I put on the bra I popped a few threads. I’m not sure if this was the result of the way I put it on or if the seams were faulty.  I also liked the back coverage. It held in all my back rolls and gave me a smooth look.  The straps did not fall off once and the back of the bra did not ride up. I didn’t have to adjust anything.  After wearing the Uplift Support bra for a few days, I felt like it gave me the everyday coverage and support that I was looking for.  I only wish it came in some fun bright colors and prints.

Out of 5 stars, I give the Playtex Secrets Elegant Uplift and Support bra 4 Stars for the comfort, shaping and support it provided.  The bra had to lose a star for color!

The bra retails for $33 and comes in sizes 36-42B, 36-44C,D, DD, and 36-42DDD

Also, check out the Playtex website. You can read other buyers review of the bra and see what other
styles they have to offer. View their website HERE

Playtex is offering 5 lucky winners the lift and support bra in their size.

Here are the entry rules:

-Follow Playtex and Stylish Curves on Facebook

-Leave a comment with your name and email address

-For additional entries you can post about the giveaway on your Facebook page.

Giveaway ends Friday July 22, 2011.

Good Luck!

Note: Playtex requested that I send the bra back to them to check out why the seams popped. When they return it, I will show you the amazing support it provided.

*This is a sponsored post and I am being monetarily compensated for being part of this program. However, my thoughts and opinions are not affected by the compensation and everything I have written are my true thoughts and feelings.

FLOWER GIRL

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

My taste in clothing is truly changing. Two years ago, I would have never bought a floral print dress. I used to hate anything with flowers on it. Now, my tune has changed. This summer you have seen me wear and write about a few floral pieces. For some reason, I have been attracted to floral prints like crazy. When I saw this floral print dress on ASOS I fell madly in love with it. What really caught my attention was the color combination of black and red. The boldness of the print and the flared bottom of the dress just screamed chic to me. It also has a rectangular cutout in the back which gives a hint of sexiness. It was just what my wardrobe needed. I thought it would be fun to top the look off with a pair of cat eye sunnies which I wrote about last week (Read Here) and I am enjoying my bright yellow nails.

As you can see I have a new hairstyle. As my short hair is growing out, I've decided to play around with a few hairstyles until I reach my desired length. I enjoyed having the ponytail especially during those super hot days. For the next few weeks I will be rocking this short above  the chin bob. I like it because there is no hair on my neck. I had my stylist make one side shorter than the other for an asymmetrical look. It is super easy to maintain and I can create a few different looks with it.

Well, that's it for me. Hope you guys had an awesome weekend.

What I'm Wearing

Dress:ASOS

Shoes: Call It Spring (Gifted)

Clutch:Century 21

Belt: NY&Co

Cuff: Loft (gifted)

Earrings: Forever21

Sunglasses: Forever21

QUEEN LATIFAH AT NET-A-PORTER AND DOLCE AND GABBANA EVENT

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This week we spotted fellow plus size curvy girl Queen Latifah at the Net-A-Porter and Dolce & Gabbana event in London. The Queen is known for being ultra feminine, but, every now and again she likes to show her inner tomboy. The Queen rocked an all black tuxedo style suit with a tapered leg. She completed the look with a white crisp button up and Mr. T style gold chains.

Is she working it or is back to the drawing board for this curvy girl?

Vote!

PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE'S SEXY SWIMSUIT ISSUE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Plus Model Magazine pushes the envelope again with their sexy July swimsuit issue. The supplemental issue is part of the magazine's 5th year anniversary. In true Plus Model Magazine fashion, Editor and Chief Madeline Figueroa is bringing you nothing less than amazing and sexy photos of beautiful plus size models looking uber hot in fierce swimsuits.

Madeline gave five photographers who love shooting plus size women full creative control to come up with their own visions, models of their choice, and locations of their choice to bring you a Sports Illustrated-esque swimsuit edition of the magazine. All we have to say is, you haven't seen plus size swimwear like this.

We suggest you head over to Plus Model Mag's site and check it out for yourself HERE

Open publication - Free publishing - More arts

SEXUALLY EXPLOITING OR SEXUALLY EMBRACING: THE TERRY RICHARDSON TONS OF FUN PHOTOSHOOT WITH PLUS SIZE WOMEN

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Legendary and controversial photographer Terry Richardson recently shot a few plus size women (some models) for Vice Magazine in a spread called "Tons of Fun." The spread features the women in sexy clothes positioned in provacative poses. Some of the women are grabbing, shall we say a few of their assets, and some are just standing proud in lingerie or a swimsuit. At first glance I immediately thought yes, plus size power. Then, after staring at the pictures for awhile, I couldn't help but to think what is the true message these photos are sending?  As a plus size girl myself, I am all for being proud of my body and showing that plus size women are beautiful and sexy.

 Part of me loves the raunchiness of the photos but the other part of me, questions the message. The title and the poses are enough to say that the message is sexually exploiting the plus size woman. However, the confidence of the women say they're sexually embracing their curves.

What do you say?

Check out the rest of the photos HERE

SNEAK PEAK: SIMPLY BE FALL 2011

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Simply Be gives us a sneak peek of what's to come from their fall 2011 collection. The new collection is 60's and 70's inspired with ditsy print maxi skirts, palazzo trousers, and double breasted pea coats. You will also see designer inspirations from Louis Vuitton and Diane Von Furstenberg.

The color palette for the new collection will be rich neutrals like caramel, toffee, and terracotta. They will also be packing a punch with a few vibrant reds.  For holiday parties, Simply Be may be your go to spot because they will be serving up velvet gowns, chiffon maxi's, and colored lace dresses.

SC will keep you updated when they unveil the rest of their Autumn/Winter 2011 collection.

In the mean time, Simply Be still has some great summer pieces on sale check it out at www.simplybe.com

OUTFIT IDEA: AT THE OFFICE

Dress-ASOS, Shoes-Steve Madden, Tote-Dorothy Perkins, Earrings-TopShop, Watch-Michael Kors, Necklace-Nordstrom

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Living in NYC , I've seen a myriad of chic office looks for the summer and a number of looks that just leaves me shaking my head. Last week I told you the challenge I had finding summer dresses that were appropriate for work (my office).  I've been on a hunt to find a few really cute and chic summer dresses that weren't too sheer, too short, or too tight. I've been making my wish lists of my favorite work appropriate summer dresses and I thought I would share one of them with you. I absolutely love this green ruffled sleeve dress from ASOS (also comes in cork). Not only do I think the cut is chic and work appropriate, but the color is rich and amazing.

 I am aware that many people still work under those old school office dress codes but I don't. I feel like company's are changing their dress codes and finally getting with the times.

A bold color dress like this works for my office environment. Since the color is bold I would definitely keep the shoes neutral. The nude pump is a major hot item this year and the Mary Jane style is ultra feminine yet professional. I love to wear a bright colored bag with bold colored dresses. It just makes your look more interesting. 

If you're like me and in a summer work wear rut, I hope this look gives you inspiration and sparks your own summer at the office outfit ideas.

Side Note:

I'm looking for readers to send in pictures of their best summer work wear looks to be featured on the blog for a special post. You can send your full body shots (no cut off heads) to stylishcurves@gmail.com.

NEW CURVY GIRL SITE: SORELLA SWIMWEAR

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

SC was just alerted about a new swimwear line called Sorella Swimwear. The designer and owner of Sorella swimwear goes by the name Jessica Petersen. Jessica's line specifically caters to the curvy girl who wants luxury swimwear that she can not only look good in but feel good in.

When asked about her luxury swimwear line for curves, here's what Jessica had to say:

"I am offering curvy women a level of style that has never been offered in the world of swimwear for sizes 10-24."

The Sorella collection is a mixture of retro and trendy swim styles with branded gold metal hardware that creates a signature look. Sorella swimwear will begin hitting stores around Nov/Dec and they will be participating in Miami's famous Swim Fashion Week. Now, that's what we call a good look.

For more information and to see the full line check out Sorella at:

 http://www.sorellaswim.com/

View a few of the pieces below and tell SC what you think:

AMERICA FERRERA AT HARRY POTTER PREMIERE

Fellow curvy girl America Ferrera was spotted at the Harry Potter premiere in a neutral lace fringed dress and black peeptoe pumps. Normally when we see America on the red carpet she's either in a chic shift or one shoulder draped dress. This is a different look for her.

Tell SC is she working it or is it back to the drawing board for this curvy girl?

ASOS CURVE GETS INSPIRED BY PRADA

ASOS Curve is quickly becoming one of the top places for young and hip plus size girls to shop. They are consistently keeping up with the trends and recreating designer looks for the plus size curvy girl. Creating inspired designer pieces are nothing new but, it is very rare for plus size brands or plus bridge lines to recreate designer looks. Many of them think that plus size women don't want those looks.

While checking out the ASOS Curve site yesterday, I came across one of their newer items. A multi colored striped fishtail Prada inspired dress designed for a girl with a little meat on her bones. We love the thicker straps and the smaller stripes. We wish that the fishtail was a little more full, but, it's ok. I think our hearts just grew a little bigger for ASOS Curve.

The best thing about this dress is that it will only run you $60 and it goes up to a size 22.

What do you think of ASOS's take on the Prada multi colored striped fishtail dress? If you love it, then get the look HERE

Buy it HERE

FOLLOW THE ARROWS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

When it comes to choosing prints, I find it to be quite challenging. I feel like my eye automatically goes to bold prints that many may interpret as ugly. When I saw this arrow print one shoulder dress on Fashion to Figure's website a few weeks ago I thought it was interesting and kind of cool. It's the kind of print that stands out in a crowd. In addition to the dress catching my eye, I also saw a pair of red jewel encrusted earrings that I thought would go well with it.

I really do like that Fashion to Figure offers on trend styles but their sizing is what I would categorize as junior plus. Often times I have to go two sizes up just to get the right fit. Which was the case with this dress.

I pinned my ponytail up into a bun because the weave was getting ruff, rugged, and raw. Basically, it's time for a new do.

Hope you guys have a pleasant evening.

What I'm Wearing

Dress: Fashion to Figure

Shoes: Guess

Earrings: Fashion to Figure

Bracelets: Ashley Stewart