GET $20 OFF YOUR ESHAKTI PURCHASE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Eshakti is continuing the special SC coupon of $20 off your Eshakti purchase (excludes sale stock items).
They've recently updated their new arrivals section with color blocked dresses and tailored blazers. Check out the website and use exclusive SC code SC0811 to get $20 off.

www.eshakti.com

Happy Shopping!



*Please note that for every purchase made I receive store credit

CUTE TEES FOR THE CURVY GIRL: THICKNESS TEES & FEMININE FUNK TEES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Thanks to FFFWeek and Twitter SC has found two t-shirt lines that cater to the plus size and curvy. During FFFWeek this summer I met Ingrid Harrell creator of Thickness Tees. I chatted with Ingrid after one of the conferences at FFFWeek and she was passionately telling me about her t-shirt site called Thickness Tees. She created the line of tees to "fulfill a niche that is missing in the clothing industry. We believe whether you are a curvy size 2 or 22, everyone should have the same clothing options, without compromising style and quality."

Thickness tees are for those thick girls who are proud of their bodies and believe that "Thickness is a mindset…be sexy, be vivacious…at any size!"

Thickness Tees are sized from Small-3X.

Checkout Thickness Tees at www.thicknesstees.net and their Facebook page HERE

During my daily twitter chats, I found out about Funky Feminine Tees. A t-shirt line that "accentuates the positive of a feminine figure," according to the company's website. Funky Feminine Tees boasts "eclectic styles with an emphasis on comfort, femininity, and funkiness." Their tees are adorned with feminine designs like perfume bottles, stilettos, and lipstick. They also offer a variety of cuts such as off the shoulder tees and crew necks. The tees are made from a cotton blend to insure a soft feel. Their tees are sized from Medium-4X. You can check out more selections at www.femininefunk.com

So curvy girls, what do you think about these two t-shirt lines?

STYLE JOURNEY: WHEN THE DRESS DOESN'T LOOK GOOD ON THE MODEL, TRY IT ON ANYWAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Today's title is exactly what happened with this leopard print dress from Avenue (See It Here). For Fashion's Night Out Avenue invited me and a few other bloggers to celebrate FNO. They gave us all a gift card to purchase pieces from their new fall collection. Now, I am not an Avenue customer but I have been noticing the strides they have been making to produce more stylish fashion forward styles. Remember the sequin skirt from last year? That made everyone do a bouble take.

The day after FNO I went to the Avenue store near Lexington Ave.  because it was a block away from my office. I walked around the store a few times and my eyes kept gravitating towards two dresses. One was a brown leopard print asymmetrical dress and this black and gray animal print dress.

I knew I had spotted this dress in the Avenue catalog but I didn't like it on the model. For one, I thought it just didn't suit the models figure and the print just over powered her complexion. However, when I saw it in the store on the mannequin it looked completely different than on the model, a little voice in my head said just try it on. I tried it on and I thought it looked pretty good but it needed a few alterations.

I took it to the tailor and had them shorten the dress to hit above my knee. I also had it pulled in so it could fit a little snug around my hips and knees. The dress came with a tie belt but I swapped it out for a black belt with a silver buckle. To make the dress fit my style I threw on my draped leather jacket I got from Torrid last year and threw on my red suede pumps for some color, and rocked my Loft tote bag.

With the giftcard, I also bought the asymmetrical dress, a red tie neck blouse, and a pleated sleeveless blouse. Being that I was not compelled to buy this dress because of the model got me to thinking how important it is for plus size brands to use bigger models for atleast some of their pieces. At the end of the day we all just want a true representation of how something will fit.

For accessories, I rocked a silver plate necklace from forever21, black and silver link dropped earrings and silver bracelets from Ashley Stewart.  I also wore my Alexis Bittar bracelet.

LOOK MA, I'M IN THE NOVEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF ESSENCE MAGAZINE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I am super excited to share with you some fantastic news. I Alissa Wilson have been featured inside the pages of Essence magazine. Yes, me! Essence contacted me back in sweaty August to submit some pics for a special cyber feature they were doing on fashion bloggers. I was beyond elated that they would even contact me. Why was I surprised you say? Well, I'm not your edgy style blogger. I like to say my style is fashion forward with a sophisticated edge. So, I didn't think I would be considered.Nevertheless, they asked me to send in two looks that would work for fall.

Photo Credit: StyleNBeautyDoc

August was very steamy and humid. The day I decided to take my pictures, it was rainy and humid. I couldn't find anyone at the time who was available to take my pics so I reached for my trusty tripod and got busy, well, sweaty. Since it was raining I had to keep the location local. I settled on my apartment buildings court yard. The first look I shot was the blue ASOS midi skirt and the black and white top is actually a Fashion to Figure dress tucked into the skirt. You've seen me wear the dress HERE. I know people are still on the fence about the midi skirt but I've actually taken a liking to them. I try to wear a full chiffon midid skirt like this blue ASOS one with bright colors or a top that shows a little skin so I won't feel as if I look like an old lady.

My second look was my paperbag waist trousers from Faith21 Plus, a leopard print tunic from Evans, and my white Loft blazer, complete with my red suede Guess pumps. This look best describes how I like to look during the day for fall. I'm all about trousers, skinny jeans, and blazers. That is my fall uniform. I was also featured along side two of my personal fave blogs. Daniel from StyleandBeautyDoctor and Temisha of The Fab Chick. Check them out too.

Below are the rest of the shots I took that day with my tripod:

Thank you so much to Essence for even thinking about me and for reading my blog. I turn 30 this November and by far being featured in the November issue of Essence is the best birthday present ever.

STYLE JOURNEY: I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF YOU

Hey Curvy Girls All Over The World,
This is what I wore this past weekend. Yup, it's the green vest again. I just can't get enough of it. This time I thought it looked pretty cool over my orange draped pocket dress from Fashion to Figure. I rocked it with my Michael Antonio tan ankle studded boots. It felt very safari, but considering the humid, sometimes warm, sometimes cool weather we've been having, I might as well have been in a safari.

Fellow blogger Sterling Style has the same green vest and she rocked hers with a plaid shirt. I was thinking about trying the look out myself this week, but, I don't know if I could pull it off. We shall see.

Hope you guys are having a great day.

STYLE JOURNEY: COLORBLOCKING MY WAY INTO FALL

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I love that the color blocking trend is popular for fall. I had a ball this summer mixing and matching different colors. I wanted to keep the colorblocking momentum going so I took two of my summer pieces which were my cobalt blue midi skirt from ASOS and a green silk top from Banana Republic and wore them with my old faithful cropped double breasted jacket from NY&CO. To add a little fun and youthfulness to the look, I wore my leopard print Michael Kors pumps.  I know that this midi skirt has a lot of volume and probably makes me look bigger. However, I'm comfortable enough with my body that it doesn't bother me. I'm definitely looking to produce more color blocked looks this fall as well as rocking this midi skirt with a leather jacket.

SAY WHAT? THE LIMITED GOES PLUS WITH ELOQUII

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
So, the talk of the plus size fashion industry is a new line by the Limited called Eloquii. Yeeeeessss, The Limited finally listened after all these years and has produced a special line specifically for plus size women. The line is being spearheaded by none other than plus size fashion blogger Gabi Gregg of Young Fat & Fabulous Gabi Fresh.

According to the brand, "Eloquii celebrates your love of fashion with styles that look fabulous and fit your curves. This is women's clothing, designed for you and inspired by you."

All we have to say is, "It's about time." The Limited has always offered modern, sophisticated trendy pieces. Every year I attend their fall previews and long for those items to come in plus. Now, they will. However, they do carry a few styles in size 16 &18 now. To get an entire line dedicated to the women with a little or a lot of meat on their bones deserves 3 cheers for The Limited. There is a little teaser video featuring Gabi and fellow fashion blogger Nicolette Mason. Check it out here.

The line boasts a collection of dresses, skirts, tops, pants, and outerwear. It is set to launch its online store on October 26th on the Eloquii website which is www.eloquii.com

In the mean time check out two of the promotional looks and tell me what you think. Also you can check out Gabi's blog to see an oversized sheer top that the line will be offering.

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Today's Stylish Curves of the day comes from Kendra. when it comes to embracing her curves here's what Kendra has to say:
"I have never been one to follow the trends.  My style has always been about finding garments that look great on, are classic and make me feel sexy.

 The bulk of my wardrobe is heels and dresses (my trademark) and funky accessories. 

I love to pair a great classic dress with a popped shoe, necklace or bag. Growing up in a family of plus-sized women, I learned at an early age to love your body no matter what any one tells you.  My great-grandmother used to say, "You had better embrace your shape chile' because even a round circle is a shape."  :) 

The fashion tip that I live by is not only for full figured women, but people everywhere.  GET YOUR GARMENTS TAILORED! It is best to buy those higher quality prices and have them customized to fit your body. 

You can buy the most amazing suit in the world at the best price in the world, but if it doesn't fit well then none of that matters.

What do you guys think of Kendra's style?

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

CURVY CELEBRITY STYLE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Looks like this week some of our favorite curvy and plus size celebrities were out doing their red carpet rounds. Let's check out what they wore:

Man, that Amber Riley never disappoints. For the premiere of Fox's horror Story, the voluptuous style icon in the making wore her current fave designer Donna Morgan again. This time the star opted for a blue and gray leopard print fitted dress complete with purple suede peeptoe sandals. Afteer debuting a cute and curly bob during the Emmy's, the star went back to her long tresses. She looks good either way.

Khloe Kardashian looks super chic and might I say well put together in a star print Dolce&Gabbana star print skirt, red blouse, and a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. this is a very grown up look for Khloe and we like it.

Jessica Simpson also gets her chic on in an all black ensemble that consisted of a fringe trim dress, peeptoe heels, and black blazer.

Kim Kardashian was also spotted this week looking trendy and youthful in a snake skin print dress with over the knee boots complete with a wide belt and gold hoops. Looks like marriage is treating her well

Which is your favorite curvy celeb look this week?

STYLE JOURNEY: AT THE OFFICE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It's been awhile since I've done an at the office look. Today 's office look is centered around neutral colors and the focal points of today's office look is my new Michael Kors bag and my Faith21 Plus paper bag waist pants . You've probably noticed that I have about 3 bags in rotation. Honestly, it's because I am not a bag person. Yes, they complete and can make an outfit but cute shoes have always been my obsession.

I like to have quality leather bags to carry me through each season which is why I have about three in rotation which is my black leather Loft bag, a coach clutch (rarely wear), and the straw bag I robbed from my aunt. The black bag is what I wear the most.

 However, my friends are brutally honest and let me know when I am slipping. And that's just what they did. They said, "Alissa, you need to get some new bags because I am tired of seeing that black one." I laughed and said, "you guys are right." Bag shopping is overwhelming to me.

As a self proclaimed fashion lover, handbags don't intrigue me like shoes do. So this week, I made an effort and went to search for some leather handbags.

 I am a fan of just about everything Michael Kors except for his occasional pretentious attitude on Project Runway. Nevertheless, I thought if I am going to build a better handbag wardrobe I would start with a designer that I like. I picked up this Michael Kors gold hobo style bag at Century21. It's big enough to wear to work and I like that the gold color will punch up my outfits. Plus, it fits over my shoulder comfortably and can hold all my junk.

I wore the bag to work today with my Calvin Klein one button beige blazer and my Forever21 paperbag waist pants. I find myself liking pants that fashion experts say plus size women shouldn't like. I've been a fan of paperbag waist pants for about 3 years now. I just couldn't find the right pair for  my shape. Luckily Faith21 created a pair and I love the fit. I wore the pants with my, Avenue pleated blouse, Michael Kors leopard print pumps, and accessorized with Banana Republic green bauble necklace, MK watch, and a vintage bracelet I stole from my mom.

 Oh and I tried out my new orange lipstick. It's Revlon's coral lipstick. I was nervous about the orange being to bright so I only put a little bit on and Danielle from Style & Beauty Doc told me to put a raspberry lip gloss over it to tone it down. I will also be checking out the bag snob for some good handbag advice.

FALL SHOE TREND: HIGH HEEL LOAFERS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Looks like high heeled loafers are blazing the trail for hot fall shoes. The classic style has been made popular again and every fashionista is dying to get their hands on a pair. I personally love the high heeled loafer for its versatility. You can rock it with trousers for a menswear inspired look or you can chic it up like Katie Holmes and wear it with a pair of leather pants and a casual sweater. Every shoe designer from Alexander Wang to Jessica Simpson has put their own little spin on the high  heeled loafer.  Check out a few of my picks.

More Options

More Opening Ceremony...

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?