IS AMERICAN APPAREL CHANGING THEIR TUNE ABOUT PLUS SIZES?

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I don't know whether to praise American Apparel or throw them a side eye. I want to praise them for their Next Big Thing Contest where they are looking for curvy women to model their best-selling Disco Pant and 10 other styles that are available in size XL. On the other hand I want to give them a side eye and throw a little shade because back in May of 2010 American Apparel found themselves in the midst of controversy when plus-size adult star April Flores asked an American Apparel showroom rep if they’d ever make plus-size clothing. The representative replied, “That’s not our demographic.” Read about it here.

I know the contest doesn't use the word plus size, but the contest submissions clearly show curvy plus size women entering. Is American Apparel changing their tune?  Are they trying to make plus sizes part of their demographic now?

What do you guys think about this?

F3 SET TO RELEASE NEW TRENDY PLUS SIZE LINE IN SEPTMBER

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Remember last year I told you F3 was created  by styling duo Shuchi and Anjula Sharma, the stylists behind the styling group Material Thangs? If not, read about it HERE. As promised, Shuchi and  Anjula will be releasing their F3 Fall collection in September. The collection boasts affordable prices, quality fabrics, and trendy styles. All the pieces will come in sizes 1X-3X. You can expect soft knits, stretch jersey, sexy dresses, and cool pants.

F3 stylists are very trendy in their personal styles and after talking with them last year are serious and passionate about providing plus size women with clothes that are not frumpy or too buttoned up. I think there is a need for their designs in the plus size fashion industry and can't wait to see the full collection.

Check out their website at www.shopf3.com

Photo Credit: Bella Styles

ON THE SCENE WITH ALISSA: THE LAUNCH OF CAROL'S DAUGHTER MACADAMIA HEAT STYLING COLLECTION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last week I was on the scene at Carol's Daughter in Harlem for the launch of their new styling products called the Macadamia heat styling collection. Yes, a Brooklyn girl actually travelled to Harlem. The event was hosted by The Diva Lounge and Jones Magazine. The event was packed with natural and straight hair beauties all sniffing and touching new and old products from Carol's Daughter.

The Macadamia collection is fantastic for those of you who are already addicted to Carol's Daughter products because it's specific to heat styling. Think about the many times your hair has been damaged from curling and blow drying. The Macadamia has products like the heat styling serum that helps keep your hair strong and it even helps with shine and fly aways. I also loved the Macadamia hold and control smoother. Whether your hair is straight or natural we all have times when our edges are a little rough and that's never a good look. 

The hold and control smoother nips that right in the butt. Instead of slicking your sides down with hard gel (you know who you are) or the other sticky and greasy edge smoother's, the Macadamia hold and control smoother is not sticky and unlike gels and jams it doesn't leave those unsightly white flakes.

While cruising the store I bumped into some of my fellow bloggers Christina from Love Brown Sugar, Carmen from Lipstick Fashion Mascara, and Caprece from Caprece Knows Fresh who were looking very cute and casual chic. Everyone was having a great time. I got there a little late so I only caught a glimpse of Lisa Price who was on her way out. I must say she was looking fabulous with very bouncy and shiny straight hair. 

Thanks to the Diva Lounge and Jones Magazine for inviting me. Please be sure to check out the new Macadamia collection at www.carolsdaughter.com

SEEING SPOTS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

There is just something about girlie dresses and blazers that just scream chic to me. I think over the past year, I have really gotten into blazers and it all started with this white one from Loft. I've worn it with everything from mini skirts to leopard print jeggings. After falling in love with it, I went on a blazer binge. I've bought a few for this fall season and I can't wait to share them with you guys.

I called this post seeing spots because as I was rummaging through my closet, I saw this blue and white polka dot dress peaking out from the back. I haven't worn this dress in such a long time. This was one of the dresses from the first spring collection from Faith21 Plus. I used to wear this dress to death.

I think it's important to always look through your closets every week or at least every month. You never know. You might spot an old favorite piece of clothing you haven't worn in awhile.

What I'm Wearing

Dress-Faith21

Shoes-Enzo Angiolini

Clutch-Beacons Closet

Watch-MK

Bracelets-Ashley Stewart

Sunnie-Kensie

SC'S HOT LINKS OF THE WEEK

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It's Sunday and we thought you might want to check out a few of our favorite links of the week to get your day started:

Nadiaa Boulhosn rocks out in a super chic orange jumpsuit

The Budget Fashionista shows us how to make a gold clutch

Plus Model Magazine gives us an inside look at Tara Lynn modeling for plus line S. Oliver

Claire from The Fashion Bomb gives us an inside look into INC's Fall/Holiday 2011 Collection by Anna Della Russo

MILITARY STYLE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

This week I had a couple of bad hair days which I will be fixing this weekend. Sometimes I get lazy with my hair because I don't feel like sitting hours in the hair salon for a relaxer, wash, and curl. I've been keeping things low key with my outfits because of it. There's nothing worse than wearing a really good outfit and your hair looks a hot mess. So, instead of letting my bad hair days get me down, I decided to incorporate my straw fedora into an outfit and relied on accessories and my pink lipstick for a pick me up.

I'm wearing the Michael Kors military dress from last years spring collection. I have a love hate relationship with this dress. I love the structure and the fit but I dislike the weakness of the belt. It doesn't have a loop to hold the belt up so I have to wrap it and tuck it. By the time I get to the end of the block the belt has unraveled. Second, it gets wrinkled so fast. If I sit down for 10 min you would think I was rolling around in it for hours.

Nevertheless, I still like this dress and am on the hunt to find another belt to replace the one it came with. Tomorrow, I will be hitting up the salon to get my do done.

What I'm Wearing

Michael Kors Dress

Enzo Angiolini Shoes

Bag from Auntie's closet

Watch-Michael Kors

Fedora-H&M

Bracelets-Ashley Stewart

Ring-Forever21

Earrings-Stella&Dot (gifted)

WHAT I WANT NOW: PIECES FROM JESSICA LONDON'S FALL COLLECTION

 

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This week while cruising the net, I clicked on Jessica London's website to see their new fall catalog. While checking out the site, I came across some pretty chic pieces from their Fall collection. To tell the truth, I was quite surprised at the variety of modern and chic pieces they had to offer. As you all know, I am no stranger to Jessica London. One of my favorite pieces from them is a striped blazer that I always get tons of compliments on.

Right now, I am honestly lusting  after a pair of their leather jeggings. When I saw it, I had to tweet them about it. I am on a shopping freeze until September because I will need some pieces to get me ready for fashion week. These are at the top of my list and I am hoping my size will not be sold out.

Leather Jeggings

As for the other pieces, the leather dress, short knit dress, and printed sarong style dress would be great for work and after work events.

Leather Dress

 Print Sarong Wrap Dress

 Orange Short Knit Dress

On casual days or for trendy looks, these utility jeggings and denim shirt will be a great addition to mix and match with other pieces in my closet.

 Utility Jeggings

 Ruffle Neck Denim Shirt

Which pieces do you like?

STYLISH CURVES DENIM SERIES: DENIM DRESSES AND SKIRTS

1. ASOS cut out back denim dress 2. Torrid button front denim dress 3. City Chic Denim strapless dress  4. Baby Phat Denim Tube Dress 5. Ann Taylor Denim Pencil Skirt 6. Gap 1969 Ruffle Back Dress 7. Old Navy Button front denim skirt

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Stylish Curves denim series is almost over. Just one more day left. Today is all about the denim dress and skirt. We love the denim dress for it's versatility. A denim shirtdress or denim pencil skirt can be work appropriate. Especially on casual Fridays. They can also be sexy when paired with sky high heels and bold accessories. For a low key sexy look, just check out the denim ruched bust Baby Phat dress (#4). We even love the different spins brands and designers are putting on denim dresses. For example, Gap (#6) has created a super cute ruffle sleeve and back smock dress that looks super chic.

A fun pair of tights and cute boots will make some of your summer denim dresses and skirts work for fall. Try a button up shirt or long sleeve crew neck under those strapless denim dresses. Or pair a printed cardigan or chic blazer with those denim skirts. These are easy ways to transition your summer denim into fall.

Back in June we told you that denim skirts are popular this season. Especially the button front styles. Read our previous post HERE. You should also check out one of my outfit posts wearing the Michael Kors drawstring denim shirtdress. I put a 70's spin on it with a floral scarf. See it HERE.

Just like denim jackets, denim dresses and skirts sell out fast. So, check out a few of SC's picks that will fit and flatter your plus size curves.

Also, check out a few more options below

More Old Navy...

CURVY CELEBRITY STYLE WATCH

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
From the Hoodie awards to the UNCF Evening Of Stars event, some of our favorite curvy and plus size celebrities were out strutting their style. Let's take a look at who hit and missed the mark.

Gabourey Sidibe rocks an oranfe draped sleeve drees, brown belt, and nude pumps. Definitely a step up from previous looks.

Jill Scott opts for a draped dress with a jewel encrusted waist paired with ankle boots for a performance.

 Love Ledisi's sparkly off the shoulder mini dress at the UNCF event

Marsha Ambrosious rocks a gold blazer and black mini skirt. Chic look, but a different pair of shoes would have taken it to the next level.

Raven Symone also opts for a draped oversize sheer dress with a multi chain necklace and black pumps

Photo Credits-Zimbio and Essence

Toccarra goes for a 70's vibe in a multi colored printed cape style dress and sparkly bow sandals

So, who do you think was working it and who needed to head back to the drawing board?

 Tell SC what you think.

ALISSA ON THE SCENE: EXCLUSIVE DAMN YOU ALEXIS SUMMER/RESORT 2012 COLLECTION PREVIEW

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
On Tuesday, SC was invited to attend the preview of Damn You Alexis summer/resort collection 2012. Earlier this year, Damn You Alexis created major buzz in the blogosphere with an uber chic and seductive collection of black body con dresses for plus sizes. The fall collection was so chic, SC reached out to the designer, Meagan Moir Pardy for an exclusive interview (Read here). The line of sexy dresses even garnered the designer a partnership with fellow Australian plus brand City Chic.

Well, Meagan is back with a new collection that is all about simplicity. Her focus was creating those classic summer staples in soft sheer fabrics while providing the plus size girl with an understated sexy look. I must tell you, the collection is completely opposite of the black body con dresses from her fall collection. When I arrived at the luxe suite at the Setai hotel on 5th avenue, I was greeted by Meagan who was wearing a sexy strapless leather bustier maxi dress from her fall collection. Next to Meagan was a gorgeous blond curvy model wearing an all white dress with a long sheer overlay and bright red lips. She was stunning.

Meagan walked me through the collection piece by piece and told me that the inspiration behind it was to give plus size girls that casual summer resort style. She used natural fabrics like silk and cotton and just about everything in the collection has stretch in it. The collection consists of sheer cotton crop tops, cut off shorts, low cut racer back tanks, silk maxi dresses, rompers, hot pink crop pants, and leather shorts, Yes, leather shorts for the curvy girls.

We thought the collection had an airy light summer feel to it. It was compiled of basic pieces but made with quality. The color palette was shades of pastel pinks and blues. Summer is the season of easy dressing and that's what this collection offered. Sleek easy pieces for plus size women.

For more info go to www.damnyoualexis.com.au

Check out a few pieces and tell SC what you think. The collection will be available in October.

Silk maxi gown with a leather  strap back (comes in blue)

White spaghetti strap dress with sheer overlay (also comes in the form of a skirt)

Soft cotton sheer crop top (comes in pink & white)

Cut off denim shorts

Leather shorts. These are just divine?

Sheer low racer back tank and pleated trousers

Bright pink cropped pants

Relaxed blazer

Designer Meagan Moir Pardy

Me and the design team

DENIM JACKETS WITH GIRLIE DRESSES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Right now I am into dressing down my dressier pieces. One of the ways I am doing that is by rocking my ultra feminine pieces with denim. Previously I wore my sequin skirt during the day with  a denim tie neck blouse (seen here) for a more casual look. The same goes for this polka dot prom dress from Evans. I really didn't feel like it was a prom dress but I thought it was girlie and dressy enough to wear to a wedding or those fancy smancy luncheons. However, being the true Brooklyn girl that I am, I wanted to wear my girlie dress just to wear it. I have no problem walking the streets of NYC all dressed up for no reason, but with this dress, I wanted to wear a casual piece with it to create a cool and cute look.

I thought a denim jacket would be a no brainer piece to create a cool not so precious girlie look. To add another element of coolness, I wore my cat eye sunglasses. I thought my pink peep toes would be a great pop of color against the black and white dress and it makes the look a tad bit more interesting. Isn't that what shoes are for?

What I'm Wearing

Dress-Evans (gifted)

Denim Jacket-Old Navy

Shoes-BCBG

Cat Eye Sunnies-Forever21

Bracelets-Ashley Stewart-(gifted)

Watch-Michael Kors

Necklace-Logo Instant Chic (gifted)

STYLISH CURVES DENIM SERIES: DENIM JACKETS AND VESTS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Have you ever noticed when fall rolls around one of the fastest items to sell out in a store is a denim jacket. You would think there would be loads of this item left in stores. Nope! I can't tell you how  many times I've been on the hunt for a denim jacket or vest only to be disappointed by my size being sold out or the store being completely sold out. The denim jacket is another wardrobe staple that every girl should have. We love the different spins brands have put on the denim jacket. Old Navy's collarless denim jacket is chic and refreshing and the nearly sold out City Chic and Dorothy Perkins denim vests have an effortless cool effect.

 I am not going to bore you with the myriad of ways you can wear one because you  already know, right!? Instead SC just wants to share with you a few plus size friendly styles that are available now.

1. Faith21 Plus denim jacket

2. City Chic Online Denim vest

3. Eddie Bauer Stitch denim jacket

4. Dorothy Perkins denim vest

5. Old Navy Collarless denim jacket

6. Wet Seal Cropped denim jacket

7. Dorothy Perkins denim jacket

More Options

More Old Navy...

DENIM SHIRTS AND SEQUIN SKIRTS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I've said countless times, I am a sucker for tie neck blouses. When I saw this tie neck blouse at the Gap at the beginning of spring, I just knew I had to have it.The last time I wore it was with a pair of denim skinny jeans and a pink blazer (Seen here). Since this week is all about denim for the plus size curvy girl, I decided to show you how I like to rock my denim shirt. I love denim on denim and I love denim with sequins. I'm the kind of girl who likes to dress up, but sometimes I don't want to reserve my dressier pieces just for evening.

A great way to wear my dressier pieces during the day is pairing them with casual pieces. Remember J. Crews creative Director Jenna Lyons on Oprah with the striped shirt and sequin pants? That to me was a perfect example of mixing casual and dressy. I have not worn my Calvin Klein sequin skirt in awhile and I wanted to wear it during the day. Since it's denim week on SC, I thought putting my tie neck blouse with my black sequin skirt would be a chic no brainer look. I wore it with one of my favorite pairs of shoes, my lace peeptoe booties to add a little edginess to the mix. The juxtaposition of casual pieces and dressy pieces always makes for an easy chic look.

How do you wear your denim shirts?

What I'm Wearing

Denim Shirt-Gap

Sequin Skirt-Calvin Klein

Lace ankle boots-Betsey Johnson

Earrings-Armani Exchange

Bracelets-Ashley Stewart

Cuff-Alexis Bittar (gifted)