WHAT I WANT NOW: LEOPARD PRINT ACCESSORIES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Being that I am a leopard print lover I was shocked to review my closet and see the lack of leopard print accessories that I didn't have. Leopard print is such a fun and sexy print. Slipping on a pair of chic leopard print peeptoe oxfords will take any office look to the next level. On those days when I just can't get my look together a pair of leopard print sunnies or a scarf would be the perfect pick me up. As the weather gets colder a pair of leopard print leather gloves will look uber chic. For a night out a leopard print clutch with gold accents will be the perfect addition to a sexy look.

Are you into leopard print accessories?

Shop The Featured Items:

1. Old Navy Scarf

2. Aldo Clutch

3. Karen walker Sunnies

4. Schutz Oxfords

5. ASOS leather gloves

6. Sam Edelman Flats

TOCCARA JONES COVERS THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE

Plus Model Magazine delivers another smoking hot cover. For their October issue appropiately dubbed The "Love Your Body" issue, they featured ANTM alum and The Ultimate Merger star Toccara Jones. Toccara is heating up the plus model industry and is showing no signs of slowing down. In the October issue Toccara models sexy lingerie from the new Australian based City Chic lingerie collection. The spread was beautifully shot by Lucas Pictures.

Toccara seductively and playfully poses in retro style lingerie that consists of lace, striped, and polka dot prints.

Check out a few of the shots:

What do you think about the feature? For more check out www.plusmodelmag.com

STYLE JOURNEY:THE TRANSITION PERIOD

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This weather has been all over the place. Worst of all it has been ridiculously humid and my hair has turned into a puff ball. This is part of the season I call the transition period. You know when, when it's 50 degrees in the morning and 80 degrees in the afternoon.

This past week I have been getting some of the fall items that were on my "What I Want Now" lists. One of the pieces that came in was the Old Navy olive green utility vest (still available). I seriously like this vest because it adds a little edge to my simple and classic pieces.

For my first test run I decided to wear the vest over my striped dress (Seen Here). I swapped out the belt that came with the dress for one that had a tortoise style buckle.

 I added some gold jewelry which consisted of my old faithful Michael Kors watch, a multi chain necklace from Forever21, and a shell bracelet which I stole from my moms jewelry box. I wore a pair of peep toe lace up shooties from Steve Madden's Madden Girl shoe line to compliment the toughness of the vest.

I thought MAC's "Ruby Woo" lipstick would be a great choice to add a pop of color.

What pieces are you wearing to help you transition into fall?

OFF THE RACK: BLOOMINGDALES ON 59TH STREET

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
In my last off the rack post, I told you that I've been trying to limit my shopping online because I miss pounding the pavement checking out boutiques and my favorite chain retail stores. Last post, I re-visited H&M and realized how much I missed shopping there. Asos Faith21 Plus, and Dorothy Perkins have spoiled me so much that I left my old shopping stomping grounds in the cold.

This season I want to create a balance when it comes to shopping. Of course I will continue shopping on all the trendy websites but I will also be revisiting my favorites stores in NYC. So, you will definitely be seeing more off the rack posts.

Yesterday, I decided to do a little lunch break shopping. Since my office moved from downtown Manhattan to midtown my lunch break shopping won't consist of shoe shopping at Century 21 anymore. Now, I am just one train ride away from my old fave which is Bloomingdale's. Bloomingdale's is offering their friends and family coupon this weekend so I decided to utilize my lunch break to see what goodies I could find in 45 minutes.

Bloomingdale's has pumped up their plus section. t's not oputstanding but it looks wayyyy better than before. They actually have displays and the buyers are picking some pretty stylish pieces for the section. It no longer looks drab. This is the display of the Michael Kors section. Love the aviator jacket.

Colored denim is a hot trend and Not Your Daughters Jeans hopped on it.

The Calvin Klein Plus section offered a few sequin and metallic pieces

Went down to the lower floors and checked out the Chanel mannequins

Michael Kors Parka

I tried on a few pieces quickly. This is the Calvin Klein leather trimmed trench coat which is just so chic to wear to the office.

Loved the fit on the snakeskin print skirt

                            Michael Kors animal print shift dress. I wish it was a little shorter.

Stopped by Old Navy after to work to see if there were any hidden gems. I thought this leopard tote with a tassel was cute and it is very hard to find a black one button blazer.

The mannequins were fall ready

Yes to the leopard print sweater dress. This was the gem.

WHERE DID SHE GET IT?: QUEEN LATIFAH'S TIE NECK BLOUSE AND LEOPARD PRINT BOOTIES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Yesterday we all chimed in on Queen Latifah's outfit during her video game promotion. Well, SC has spotted where the Queen got her tan tie neck blouse. It looks like Latifah was wearing VInce Camuto's plus size tie neck studded blouse.

The blouse is quite cute especially when it's tied. It's a nice loose blouse that will work for day or evening. We like it tucked into a skirt or skinny pants or worn with a sleeveless vest over it.

Currently it's available at Nordstrom's and comes in black too. As for the leather skirt checkout my post last week on leather skirts for Fall (HERE) Jessica London has a really good black leather knee length pencil skirt.

Also, thanks to SC reader Karina, it looks like the leopard print shoes MAY BE from Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman "Ria" Booties available at Bloomingdales. Currently Bloomingdales is having their friends and family coupon and you can get 20% off your purchase.

I found a similar pair in the form of a wedge.
Check these leopard print calf hair wedge mules out from Joie available at Saks Fifth Avenue

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY: KOURTNEY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
We have another submission for Stylish Curves of the day. Today we have Kourtney and here is what she has to say about how she embraces her curves:

Simply put, I embrace my curves by not allowing others to influence my choice in clothing.  If I love it, you better believe I'm going to work that hell outta that outfit lol!

 I refuse to pass up wearing something I love because "fashion rules" say a woman my size shouldn't wear it! When a woman truly embraces all that she is, the clothes become the accessory, not the necessity!

Fashion Tip to live by
Confidence is the fashion tip I live by.  Without it, your outfit will not live up to it's fullest potential.  I don't care how fabulous your outfit may appear, if you don't feel great in; it's useless!

 Every woman should know and believe that she is the bomb.com! Heck, if you don't know your worth no one else will!

Kourtney also has a blog called  CheapChicandCurvy.blogspot.com

If you would like to be featured as Stylish Curves of The Day then send in 3-6 full body shots of your best looks and a blurb about how you embrace your curves to stylishcurves@gmail.com

QUEEN LATIFAH PROMOTING HER NEW VIDEO GAME

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Fellow plus size curvy girl Queen Latifah was out promoting her new video game in a knee length black leather skirt and a tan tie neck blouse. She completed her look with a pair of animal print clogs.

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

VOTE!

SC AROUND THE WEB

Photo Credit: blog.nj.com

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I just wanted to give you all a heads up on some of the articles I've written on various websites. Below are links to some of my articles regarding Spring 2012 fashion week and my views on plus size fashion.

For Spring 2012 fashion week I contributed to John Simon Daily and Haute Diary. Check out my show reviews on:
Rolando Santana
Norma Kamali Spring 2012
Rochambeau Spring 2012
Guli Spring 2012

Since fall has arrived, I've also contributed some fall fashion articles for plus size women over at The Budget Fashionista. Check out my articles on:
Ten Ride or DIe Plus SIze Fashion and Shopping Tips
5 Fall Fashion Tips for Plus Sizes
Best Jeans for Plus Sizes

Thank you for all the support you have given Stylish Curves.

WHAT I WANT NOW: NEW STYLES FOR FALL

Dorothy Perkins, Michael Kors, Vince Camuto, Old Navy, Baby Phat, Eshakti (get $20 off purchase with code (SC0811)
Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Well, Fall is officially here and I am ready to dive into  all the trends and updates on classic styles. For me fall is about the art of dressing. Putting pieces together to make a statement as well as an amazing outfit. Much like the new year, the fall season is about new beginnings. This year I want to get into more prints and patterns which was a major trend on the fall and spring 2012 runways. I want pieces that make a statement but still speak to my classic personal style. As you all know, I like to look and feel put together. It empowers me when I know I actually took the time to think about what I'm wearing and the outcome is wonderful.

Some of the trends I will be stocking up on are tie neck and ruffled neck blouses, colored pants, leather, and animal prints. These are just a few items that I've been adding to my wishlists. There are tons more that includes sparkles and dope shoes. So stay tuned for more of What I Want Now.

Fashion to Figure, Ashley Stewart, Avenue, Anna Scholz, Ladans Closet, Avenue Ruffled Blouse

Fashion to Figure, Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein, Dorothy Perkins Biker Vest,Kristen Blake, City Chic, Dorothy Perkins

PLAYTEX T-SHIRT BRA GIVEAWAY WINNERS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Thanks so much for entering the Playtex T-shirt bra giveaway. My apologies for taking so long to anounce the winners. As stated in the initial contest, there will be a total of 5 winners.

The winners of the Playtex t-shirt bra are:

Ariez

Suburban Sweetheart

Nancy

Asha

Said

Congratulations ladies! Please email me your address with your full name and your bra sizes. All emails should be sent to stylishcurves@gmail.com

Thanks for entering.

STYLE JOURNEY: 70'S CHIC IN HIGHWAISTED FLARE LEGS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Have any of you tried a pair of high waisted or flare leg jeans yet? Well, I did and I love them. I have always been a lover of pants or jeans that people say big girls should not be wearing. I can't help what my eye is drawn to. Back in the summer time I scored these high waisted flare leg jeans from Old Navy. I hate to sound like a broken record, but, Old Navy every now and again offers a few fashion gems and I always keep my eyes peeled for them. These high waisted flare legs are not from their plus line and I was able to go a size down because they were extra stretchy.

I am a fan of the high waist jean because the 70's is one of my favorite fashion era's. I love to see old pictures of my mom with her jeans on and a tie neck blouse or t-shirt tucked in with super duper high platforms on. I rocked the jeans with a pink silk blend tie neck blouse from my fave boutique in Brooklyn, which is Redressnyc. I couldn't wait until the weather got a little breezy just so I could wear it.

I completed my look with my old faithful Enzo Angiolini tan perforated slingbacks and my straw bag. I accessorized with a pair of chandelier earrings from Forever21, cuff from Loft (gifted), and my Michael Kors watch.

I dabbed on some purple Urban Decay eyeshadow and gave my lips some color with MAC's "Girl About Town." I felt 70's chic in this look and have so many plans for these high waisted jeans.

Are you into the highwaisted or flare leg jeans?

FALL 2011 TRENDS: LEATHER SKIRTS

1. Talbots leather skirt 2. Sears navy leather skirt 3. Jessica London leather skirt 4. Sears A-line Skirt 5. Hips and Curves leather skirt 6. Dress me wicked plus size school girl skirt 7. Leatherette Attraction full length leather skirt

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Fall is producing some rather luxe and bold trends. One trend that just seems to be popping up everywhere is the leather skirt trend. It began blooming last year and is now a full fledged trend. We love the leather skirt for its chicness, luxe feel, and understated sexiness. In fall of 2010, celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Alexa Chung, Rihanna, and Kerry Washington have all embraced the trend. Leather skirts are coming in the form of pleated, pencil, and mini styles. We love it paired with a blazer, chunky sweater, or for a semi glam chic look pair your pencil skirts with a chiffon or sheer top.

Designers like Oscar De la Renta, Zac Posen, and Cynthia Steffe created their own versions of the leather skirt during the Fall 2011 fashion shows. They all showed how universal and easy the style could be worn. SC has taken the liberty to find a few styles for you that work for your plus size curves. Now that this trend is in full bloom. I'm hoping a few of the trendy plus size brands create a pleated leather skirt and a tie waist one like Oscar De La Renta.

PS- I actually have the Jessica London leather skirt (#3) in black and it is definitely a winner and fits true to size.

If you need a little outfit inspiration check out these celebrity looks:

Try a hip length blazer like Gwyneth

Kerry looks very classy and chic in a sheer white blouse

Agynes Deyns goes rocker chic by pairing her leather pencil skirt with a fitted tee

Alexa Chung looks casual cool in a mini leather skirt and angora sweater

Courtney Kardashian paired her pleated leather skirt with a white button up and black neck tie for a school girl look.

ASK SC: WHAT TO WEAR ON A DATE?

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
We all know how scary it can be to go on a date with someone you've never met or someone you want to get to know a little more. Twitter follower Shanae tweeted SC and said "I am getting back on the dating scene, and looking for cute outfit ideas. Have any?" Yes Shanae, we do have a few in mind.

When it comes to finding that right outfit it's all about how you want to feel on that date. There is no rule book on what to wear on a date. However you want to make sure that you're leaving things to the imagination while showing what a knockout you are.

Everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to going on dates. Since you're getting back on the dating scene we say stick to what you know when it comes to choosing the right outfit. For weekend dates you can play around and go for an understated sexy look. Sometimes dates happen during the week and you may just want to play it cool. That's when you reach for your trusty blazer and jeans that will make all the boys want to come to your yard, a la Kelis.

Whatever look you go for just make sure you wear pieces that add interest and make you look pulled together.

 Here are a few ideas on what to wear on a date whether it's with a new man, a current man, or someone who you've taken an interest in:
Look 1

Dorothy Perkins cropped blazer, Wet Seal leopard print skirt, Old Navy v-neck tee, Sam Edelman pumps, Mac lipstick in Ruby Woo, dior eyeshadow, clutch, charm bracelet, Drop earrings

We like to call this look show him what you're working with. The animal print skirt is the standout piece because of the bold print and because it shows off your curves. We think by adding a cropped blazer with a v-neck tee pulls the look together and makes it polished. For a little attitude push the sleeves up on your jackets.

Look 2

Fashion to figure faux leather jacket, ASOS Curve ruffled dress, Avenue textured tights, ASOS shoes, Matt & Nat zippered bag, forever21 bracelets, dior nail polish, urban decay eyeshadow, BCBG earrings

This look to us screams girlie with a little edge. A leather jacket can instantly toughen up your feminine dresses. It will make him think, hey, she seems cool and sweet but she does have a little edge to her.

Look 3 

Dorothy Perkins Blazer, Marc Jacobs bag, Levis curve jeans, Juicy Couture watch,  ASOS pussy bow blouse, lancome eyeshadow, Vince Camuto sandals, swarovski bamboo earrings
Our final look is for the casual date where the two of you catch a movie or the kind of date that leaves you talking for hours while drinking a skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks. It shows that you have a sophistication about you but the pops of color in the shoes and accessories lets him know you do like to have fun.

Well, thanks for reaching out Shanae and we hope these looks help you draw inspiration and create a winning date look for you.