CURVY GIRL NEWS: TOCCARA'S NEW SHOW ON TV ONE AND DEREK BLANKS PHOTOSHOOT

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Looks like one of our favorite curvy girls Toccara Jones is getting her pretty girl swag on. This month she will be finding love on the 2nd season of TV one's The Ultimate Merger (Airs on Aug. 4th at 9pm). Yes, the reality show that didn't find the right man for Omarosa. Hopefully Toccara will have better luck finding her tall dark and handsome man.

In addition to her new reality show Tocarra took a few sassy flicks with famed Photographer Derek Blanks. She looks absolutely dreamy in the photos and her modeling skills are developing nicely. As fans of Toccara we are loving the direction her career is going in. Since there is a lack of black plus size models it's always nice to see Toccara putting in wrok and paying her dues. All we can say is do your thing Toccara and in our Ronnie voice from The Players Club, "Make that money, don't let the money make you."

Check out Toccara's Derek Blanks photo's and tell SC what you think

Story Credit-YBF

CURVES ON THE STREET

Hey curvy girls around the world,
This week on the streets of NYC SC spotted curvy girl and fashion blogger Danielle while shopping at Forever21. We thought she looked super cute and shopper chic in her tap shorts and fedora. We asked Danielle where she got her look and she gave us the scoop on where she got her cute pieces.

Danielle's Look
Shorts: Torrid
Tank-Clothing Swap
Sandals-Avenue
Hat-Harlem Street Vendor

Danielle's Blog: The Frugal Fashionista

SC'S FAVORITE PURCHASES

Forever21 Polka Dot Top, Forever21 Striped Blazer, Jessica Simpson color block Heels, ASOS Curve sweetheart neckline dress, Forever21 denim bermuda's, interlinked chained necklace, Enzo Angiolini perforated pumps

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Time is really flying. It's the first of the month and we are officially experiencing real summer heat. Many of you expressed how much you enjoyed reading my shop like a fashion editor challenge. I've decided not to continue the shop like a fashion editor challenge but, instead, I've chosen to share with you a few of my favorite purchases of the month. July was a very big shopping month for me. There were so many sales and discounts on new items that I couldn't resist.

While shopping at Forever21 I found this very chic and classic style polka dot tie neck blouse, cuffed denim Bermuda shorts, and a black and oatmeal striped blazer which looks so cute on. If you follow me on twitter you know that I have been tweeting about my shopping at Lord & Taylor. In addition to the items above I have also purchased this really casual and cute denim shirt dress (worn in this post) from Michael Kors, a sleek and professional chic shirt dress from Calvin Klein, and a pair of fuchsia peep toe pumps from BCBG. I also bought the Fashion to Figure orange long sleeve jersey dress that was in my What I want now post (Here). That is a sexy chic dress. Can't wait until the weather gets cool so I can wear it.  I think I have enough to keep me content for a couple of weeks.

In place of the shop like a fashion editor challenge, I will be posting once amonth my favorite purchases of the month. Let me know if I should keep this up or not.

What have you guys been buying during the summer sales?

HEART TO HEART

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
The past couple of weeks have been humid and sticky. To combat the heat, besides staying in air conditioned places, I have been living in this heart printed romper. There has not been a week that I have not worn it at least once. I've dressed it up wearing it with a wide belt, perforated suede heels, and a chunky necklace. You can see the picture Here and I mainly wear it dressed down with flats or these white wedges. The romper is super comfortable and perfect to wear when running errands.
What have you been living in this summer?

What I'm Wearing

Romper-Faith21

Wedges-Banana Republic

Bracelet-Loft

Ring-Forever21

Sunnies-Ashley Stewart

OUTFIT IDEA: NEUTRAL TREND AT THE OFFICE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I know you are all ready to get your weekend started and you're probably trying to figure out what to wear this weekend, but before you know it Monday will sneak up on you like a thief in the night and you'll be forced to spend part of your Sunday or early Monday morning trying to figure out what to wear. Why not get a jump start on Monday's work look and check out SC's at the office outfit idea.

Summer work wear should be easy, comfortable, and effortless. This lightweight shirt dress from CK Jeans by Calvin Klein is the perfect summer work dress for a plus size curvy girl (Comes in straight sizes and goes up to a size 3X). I actually have it myself. Neutrals are a popular trend this season and look great paired with bright colored shoes or accessories. Since neutrals are like a blank canvas pairing them with prints are just as chic as wearing bright colors. The Ivanka Trump snakeskin tote is a fun and rich looking piece to wear to the office and adds a little flair to the simple neutral dress.

I wore mine with a pair of fuchsia heels from BCBG and completed my look with gold accessories similar to these drop earrings and geo patterned bracelet. Since the dress is a branch off the Calvin Klein tree it is made of quality material. It has a silky finish. You should also know that it runs big so you may have to size down.

*Reminder- SC is still accepting photos of you in your best summer office looks. You can send photos to stylishcurves@gmail.com.

WHAT I WANT NOW: TRANSITIONAL PIECES TO WEAR NOW AND LATER

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Time is flying by so fast that Fall will be here before you know it. While trying to snatch up a few goodies from all the major summer clearance sales, I have my eye on a few new pieces that I can wear now and enjoy the remaining days of summer as well as wear them later when the weather becomes a little more cooler.

I love this Fashion to Figure draped pocket dress because of the bold orange color and elbow length sleeves. At $28 it's the perfect end of summer dress when the humidity is gone and temperatures are no higher than 75 degrees. I would rock it with a pair of fuchsia peep toe patent leather pumps and a bold necklace for now and for later when the temps are cooler I would throw on a pair of sheer stockings and suede ankle boots topped with a caped trench.

Many people sleep on Old Navy. I for one don't. As I told you guys last year, Old Navy has really been stepping it up in the style section. No, not everything is a winner, but every now and again they produce a few items that you just can't pass up. For instance this army green utility vest is the perfect transitional piece from summer to fall. While the weather is still warm you can rock this vest with shorts, colored skinnies, or with a midi skirt and for later you can use it as a layering piece over long sleeve t-shirts, turtlenecks, and dresses.

Cardigans are season less. I love wearing them on cool summer days. This See by Chloe gold button deep v cardigan has a hint of sexiness to it. For now I would rock it with a pair of platform chunky heeled sandals and white skinnies and for later since it is a long cardi I would throw it on with leggings and tall boots.

This Michael Kors striped dress is the perfect casual day dress. Push the sleeves up and throw on a pair of cute wedges or ballet flats and a multi chain necklace for now and later take it up a notch by pairing it with a khaki trench coat or even a leather biker jacket for a chic look.

Last Fall red was a popular color for the season. This year I plan to incorporate a pair of red jeans into my wardrobe. It's a great color for creating color block looks. These red skinnies from ASOS Curve would look great paired with neutral colored flowy bohemian tops and dark brown chunky sandals and for later a hip length navy pea coat would create a sailor chic look.

I adore this sheer lace detailed black dress from Simply Be. Although I like my night looks to be fitted and curve hugging, this dress has an understated sexiness to it. It's perfect for dinner with the girls. The lace and sheer details are ultra feminine. For now it would call for a pair of bow front glittered slingbacks, and for later I would rock it with a pair of patterned tights, ankle boots, and a faux fur vest. The dress is a steal for $34.

There you have it. These are the pieces I am coveting to wear now and later.

What are some things you are looking to buy to prepare you for fall?

CITY GIRL CHIC

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

This summer I have been living in two items, a heart printed romper I bought from Forever 21 and these zebra print harem pants from City Chic. I bought these harem pants when City Chic had their first ever 60% off everything sale. On the weekends I wear them with tanks to the grocery store or while doing the laundry. They are super comfortable and easy to move around in. When they get old and faded I will be using them as pajama's (don't judge me).

The other day I decided to actually dress them up a little. When it comes to putting my personal looks together, I love mixing classic pieces with trendy styles which is why I chose to wear my classic white no iron easy care classic button up shirt from Jones New York. Seriously, this is one of the best button up shirts I've ever had.  It manages to always look sharp and crisp and even with my size F chest it doesn't gap in between the buttons.

I punched up the outfit by wearing my Guess big face watch, my large hoop link earrings and silver bangles from Ashley Stewart. To add a little color I wore my blush suede Steve Madden platforms and like a true New York City Girl, an over sized bag is key for completing a city girl chic look. So, I rocked one of my favorite bags from LOFT.

BABY PHAT'S TRANSFORMATION

As much as I love Kimora Lee's over the top personality and her eye for fashion, I was often times disappointed with the Baby Phat line. When Baby Phat first hit the scene every cutie with a booty was trying to get a pair of those jeans with the cat on the back pocket. I can admit that I was one of those girls too and just like all the celebrity's and fashion insiders I was always dying to see the Baby Phat show at Mercedes Benz fashion week. Kimora always had the best looking and ethnically diverse models and of course the music was always pumping.

With the exception of Ashley Stewart Baby Phat was the only other place a young plus size girl could get trendy looks in her size. However, for some reason, I never felt like the clothes on the runway translated well to what was being sold in the stores. Baby Phat has always catered to the urban community. It tried to blend street style with catwalk style. In the beginning it was doing a very good job, but over the years they started to fall a little short. You could barely find everyday wear that didn't have the cat logo on it. Just about every piece was something that should have only been worn after 11pm. My problem  with that was so many young girls was wearing these pieces that were a little too sexy for them and some pieces lacked a little sophisticated edge for the mid 20's to early 30's crowd.

Back in the 90's it was considered hot to have logo's all over your clothes. Depending on the logos, it showed that you had money or style. As times changed, people no longer wanted to be a walking billboard and started buying brands that took a sutler approach. I think this is one of the reasons Sean John was so popular.

A few months ago on Twitter we all found out that Kimora was no longer with Baby Phat. While there still is no real explanation as to why Kimora parted ways everyone was wondering what was going to happen to the brand.

Everyday I get tons of press releases from PR agencies trying to promote everything from skincare products to shoes. I also get tons of press releases of agencies telling me about a celebrity spotted wearing one of their clients clothes. Often times the clothes are not plus.

For the past couple of weeks I've been receiving press releases about celebrities like Maria Menounos and AnnaLynn McCord all rocking Baby Phat. At first I didn't pay any attention to it because I thought they would be wearing the same old tacky club wear designs. Well, this week I actually opened up the emails and to my surprise the clothes were actually cute and the cat logo was nowhere in plain sight to be found.

A number of pieces have sleeker flattering silhouettes, while keeping up with current trends. In true Baby Phat fashion the colors remain bold and bright. So far, the styles are more universal and less, lets hit the club tonight. In a ll honesty I would like to see a few more classic styles with a twist. For instance why not do a pencil skirt or a cool trench, and maybe can the ruched tops and actually design tops that have interesting details. Just a thought.

After cruising the site I kept thinking to myself, could Baby Phat be turning over a new leaf? Are the days of outrageously logo tees and tacky club wear designs gone? Is the brand in trouble and are they trying to appeal to a new audience? I don't know, but, I have to say, not all, but some of the styles look soooooooooooo much better. Yes, they still have the polyester and spandex blends and they're still offering way too many ruched pieces, but I can tell that they are trying to leave behind the old look.

I also noticed that they're even using better models. For the website, they've tapped ANTM alum Latina beauty Diana Hernandez to model some of their looks. The new styles are definitely a transformation from the old ones. I am curious to see where the brand is heading.

For more looks checkout www.babyphat.com

What are your thoughts on the new styles for plus sizes?

COOL JEWELS: PIXEL PIXEL

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Pixel jewelry is on the rise and SC has found a cool new jewelry site called Pixel Pixel. We've seen celebs like Kanye rocking them. Remember his pixel heart button he wore on his denim jacket? Pixel jewelry is cool because they look like little tiny Lego pieces glued together or something out of a video game like Super Mario Brothers and Pac Man. Yes, I took it there.

Pixel Pixel offers super cute and fun pieces that come in the form of earrings, necklaces, rings, and buttons all made with beads by designer Dee Dee Fresh. The site also offers custom orders and allows you to choose the colors that you want. Prices are extremely affordable with earrings starting at $3.

You can check out some of Dee Dee Fresh's pieces at her online store by going to http://pixelheartpixel.bigcartel.com/ or check out her Facebook page.

What do you think of Pixel Pixel?

FASHION NEWS: MARQUITA PRING TALKS ABOUT PADDING HERSELF TO LOOK BIGGER

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Curvy model Marquita Pring reveals in a recent interview with WWD that sometimes she has to pad herself to look bigger for some of her clients.

Here's what she had to say:
"Every client is different. You got a wide range. Some people like you much smaller, size 10, size 8. Some people would prefer a 14 or 16. So for me, I’m right in the middle at a sort of small 14, high 12. So I pad sometimes since I’ve got clients who would prefer a solid 14 or 16."

 Padding is nothing new to the fashion industry. I just find it somewhat absurd to pad a curvy model to make her look bigger when you can just use a bigger size model. Don't get me wrong, Marquita is a beautiful girl inside and out, so I am quite sure her clients want her face for their product, but there are other beautiful bigger than a size 12/14 models who can give good face. Um, here's a thought, why not use Fluvia Lacerda?


For the past couple of months there have been on going debates about the absence of size 16 and size 18 models. They are out there but very few are willing to take the chance on them. With the exception of Tara Lynn it's very rare that you see a plus size model over a size 14.

Some industry insiders like Maddy who is the editor and chief of  Plus Model Magazine have said, "Whenever I ask a brand, they tell me the agencies don't have high-caliber bigger models. When I speak to agencies, they tell me that the clients are calling for smaller models, so I'm not exactly sure what is going on. All I know is that I can't get a clear answer from anyone."
 (Source:*Refinery29 interview)

With all this back and forth, I am totally confused now. If brands are requiring a size 12/14 model to pad herself to look bigger then why not get a model who is a size 16/18 or even a 20? There are high caliber size 18 plus models, but how can they expand if brands aren't giving them a shot. We had Mia Amber who's face was just as recognize able as Crystal Renn's. Personally my size 18 model of choice is Fluvia Lacerda as I stated above. A vast majority of women can identify with her body type to a certain extent and even on her low key days Fluvia gives a good face.

Joanna Borgella also comes to mind when I think of bigger plus size models. Maybe some of these clients should switch things up a bit and take the chance on a size 16/18 model.

What are your thoughts?

A 70'S VIBE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Shirt dresses are synonymous with 70's fashion. Whenever I see them in a store I can never pass them up. Just like the wrap dress, they are one of the most chicest and simplest pieces to throw on. They're a no brainer look. The 70's are one of my favorite era's. I always wished I was a teen during those times. The fashion and the movements were iconic and I wish I could have been part of that era. I can imagine myself with a tight Afro sitting on the stoop with my wedges and bell bottom jeans picking my hair with the afro pick that had the fist at the end.

While shopping at Lord & Taylor's this week, I came across this Michael Kors light denim utility pocket shirt dress. I wanted the dress the first time I saw it at Bloomingdale's, but my size was sold out and I had to settle for the blush pink version of the dress which is equally just as cute. I love the loose casual laid back fit of this dress. It's so comfortable. I decided to rock it with my gold and silver disc earrings, my straw bag from my aunts closet, and a purple floral scarf that was in my FFFWeek Sonsi gift bag. I thought tying the scarf around my head and putting on my wide frame shades from Ashley Stewart, and my white wedges from Banana Republic would really give me a 70's vibe.

WINNERS OF PLAYTEX UPLIFT AND SUPPORT BRA

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Thank you all so much for entering the giveaway. There will be more giveaways throughout the next few months as well as bra reviews. This week I am going to meet with a Playtex bra expert for a fitting. So stay tuned.

Now, what you have been waiting for. We have selected 5 winners.

The winners of the Playtex Uplift and Support Strap solution bra are

1. Jessica Ranne

2. Tiki Green

3. Tracy

4. Howsweetisthat1

5. Bunni

CARMAKOMA AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COLLECTION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Danish brand Carmakoma is back again with a fantabulous Fall collection. Carmakoma is a rare brand that creates edgy fashion rule breaking silhouettes for the plus size girl. Every year they consistently create styles that grab our attention and make us want a wardrobe where black is the dominant color.

This season it looks like the interest is in the details. The collection consists of a funnel neck coat with button details, a tiered ruffled skirt, and tailored button accented blazers. We also see the return of the strong shoulder made famous again by Balmain and Carmakoma has even taken an interest in pleated accents. Our favorites are the one shoulder silver satin dress and the wrap tie waist lace detailed skirt.

We find that this is the kind of collection that offers plus size girls a cool and chic edgy look. The cuts and styles are completely different from what other plus size brands are offering and we think it's quite refreshing.

Check out the looks for yourself and check out www.carmakoma.com .

TLC'S BIG SEXY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Looks like there will be a new reality show catered to the plus size community. TLC the network that produces odd yet interesting reality shows is adding a new show to their roster. Big Sexy is a reality show that focuses on the life of 5 plus size women who are trying to break in and make it in the the weight discriminating fashion industry. The show will follow the five New York women (Leslie, Tiffany, Audrey, Nikki and Heather) in their prospective job fields.

According to TLC  the girls "hope to expand and revise this commonly-accepted idea of what is beautiful and sexy - giving viewers a candid look into their lives as confident plus-size women who are shooting for the stars with their careers.

"Each episode will feature the women as they attend major industry events, parties and opportunities, all while giving a candid peek into the balancing of their personal, dating and family relationships as plus-size women. They are big, they are beautiful, and they are not sitting at home waiting for life to happen. They know better than anyone that real women can be sexy with curves -- no matter what society says."

If you shop Redress then you will probably recognize Leslie who is one of the shop girls. I must say that this show sounds more dignified than VH1's Big Girls Club. Hopefully the show will be able to open up society's eyes to see that big girls have jobs, relationships, dress just as stylish as their skinny counterparts, and love who they are and what they look like.

My only personal beef with this show is the name. Big Sexy, really?!

Big Sexy premieres August 30th at 10 pm. It will be a 3 part series. For more info checkout www.tlc.com

What are your thoughts on the new plus size reality show?

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