STYLE JOURNEY: BERETS AND THINGS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Yesterday was such a beautiful fall day. I woke up feeling great. I had a few places to visit yesterday and opted for a chic blazer look. As I told you guys before I have been making an effort to wear clothes that sit in the back of my closet. Remember earlier this year I wore this blue blazer from Monroe and Main (Seen here), well since then, I have not worn this blazer much. I decided to revive it and create a fall look built around my new beret I purchased at Strawberry's which has awesome accessories.

I wore the blazer over an orange Fashion to Figure draped pocket dress and a statement necklace that was gifted to me by JCPenney. To complete my look I chose to breakout one of my fave pair of suede boots from Banana Republic and the faux fur top handle bag I recently bought from Aldo's. This is slightly a different look for me, which I happen to like. I will admit that I do get nervous when I wear something that I'm not sure about and people stare at me. I never know if they're thinking wow, she looks great or girl, what were you thinking. Nevertheless, I am confident enough in myself to not care too much what people think.

STYLISH CURVES PLUS SIZE HOLIDAY STYLE GUIDE: METALLICS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Christmas and New Years will be here before you know it. As the days zoom by and holiday invitations roll in every girl is looking for those perfect holiday pieces to make them standout. All this week we will be showcasing our favorite holiday pieces to help you find or get an idea to help you create your perfect holiday look.

When we think of the holidays we think of glitter, sequins, satins, and furs. Basically anything that makes us feel magical and look whimsical. The first thing in our holiday style guide is anything metallic. We love that shiny material for making a girl look and feel like she's a shining star.

We have found 8 pieces that we think will be the fix to your metallic cravings.
The Gap has created a super cute metallic mini that would go perfect with a velvet blazer or black sheer blouse. Monif C. has channeled a plus size Carrie Bradshaw with her metallic ruffled dress. Dorothy Perkins has a few casual to dressy metallic pieces like the metallic skinny jeans and draped front sleeveless top. Michael Kors makes a cool looking metallic silk blend tweed jacket that is begging to be worn with black skinny leather pants. No holiday look is complete without a few shiny accessories. We love the turquoise metallic heels from Michael Antonio, the small handheld clutch from Jessica Simpson, and for the girl that's not so into metallics, try it on your nails with YSL's metallic holiday nail polish.

STYLE JOURNEY: COZY SWEATERS

Hey curvy girls allover the world,
For me, weekends are all about cozy sweaters. I personally like to wear my sweaters with heels for an understated sexy look. That was the case today. Lately I've been rummaging through my clothes and figuring out ways to revive some of my old pieces. One of my favorite sweaters was this belted gold sparkling sweater I got from Loft about 4 years ago.

This sweater was my everything. I wore it alot throughout the holiday season whenever I went to lo- key events or little get-to-together's. It has a subtle sparkling shine to it so it gives it a dressy look. However, it's the perfect kind of sweater even to just wear around the house over a tank top and pajama bottoms. To bring it back into my life I thought my leather pants by Anna Scholz from Simply Be would be a nice relaxed pairing. I utilize my Guess red pumps to add a pop of color to my most simplest of outfits and this look was no exception. I kept my accessories gold to play off the color of the sweater.

LEOPARD PRINT PANTS FOR PLUS SIZES

                     

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Would you rock a pair of leopard print pants? Leopard print pants are a fun way to inject some edginess into your wardrobe. Celebrities from Kimora Lee to Vanessa Hudgens have all been seen donning a pair of  leopard print pants.

Since they stand out on their own you can keep tops and jackets simple. Currently the print is popular on skinny leg pants and jeans. I don't know about you but I can't imagine a pair of leopard print wide leg jeans. Can you? That may be just a little too much. The skinny leg is the perfect leg style to rock this print on.

We say, go on and get your Peg Bundy on and try a pair of leopard print pants.

Featured Items (above)  Left to Right: Torrid -Red Leopard Print jeans, Faith21 Leopard Skinnies, Forever21-Red Leopard Skinny jeans,  Forever21- Leopard Skinny jeans,

Take a look at a few celebrities for outfit inspiration:

Vanessa Hudgens  

Isla Fisher

Kimora Lee

Yup, that's me, Alissa I rocked mine two years ago with my fave white blazer

PLUS SIZE TREND: BLACK LACE DRESSES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Some of our favorite curvy and plus size celebrities like Adele and Amber Riley have been spotted rocking black lace dresses. Known for its romantic look, lace dresses are a wonderful option for any upcoming holiday parties or just to strut around for a night on the town. We love the options that are currently available for the plus size stylista. Brands from ASOS to new comer Eloquii have all created their rendition of the chic little lace dress.

We suggest rocking yours with a pair of colored suede heels like Amber or going monochromatic like Adele with black opaque tights and black platform heels. To add more of a luxe feel rock a lace dress with a cropped fur jacket.

Checkout SC's picks for chic little black lace dresses:

More Options

More Asos...

Featured Dresses

Faithr21 strapless striped lace dress XL-3X

Eloquii one shoulder lace dress 14W-24W

ASOS Curve lace dress 14-24

Fashion to Figure Lace Dress

Jibri Lace Dress

Onyx Lace Dress 14W-24W

TYRA BANKS FIERCELY REAL MODEL COMPETITION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
If you're an aspiring model and live in the NYC area on December 1st (Tomorrow) head down to Wilhelmina modeling agency for your chance to enter Tyra Banks Fiercely Real Model competition. The winner will receive a modeling contract and a $1,000 check.

The judges for the contest are fellow blogger Gabi Gregg of the blog Gabi Fresh, Editor-N-Chief of Seventeen magazine Ann Shoket, and Roman Young, Director of Scouting, Wilhelmina Models

You have to between the ages of 13-29 and there are no size restrictions.

Make sure you bring the following with you:

-Two (2) close up color photographs of your face (one smiling, one not smiling)
-One (1) color photograph of your full body, each taken within the previous 30 days, and include your height, weight, shirt size, pants size, hair color and eye color
-Essay of 50 words or less describing what makes you the perfect “Seventeen Presents Tyra Banks’s Fiercely Real Model” model

If you have any questions about the casting call, please send an email to modelsearch@wilhelmina.com, and we will do our very best to get back to you!
The Wilhelmina Agency is located at
 300 Park Avenue south
(bet 22nd and 23rd street)
New York City, 2nd floor
You can stop by between 3pm and 6pm.

For more details checkout Seventeen and for official rules check here

ON TOP OF THE TRENDS: FAUX FUR VESTS FOR PLUS SIZES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

After showcasing my Torrid faux fur vest this past weekend (Seen Here), Stylish Curves reader Miss Ellis commented with the following:

"I am in LOVE with the fur vest! My goodness. I have been looking for one for the past few weeks and I am having a lot of trouble."
"Is there any way you could feature some great fur vests that are out now? If you could, I would be so grateful. Thanks!"

Thanks Miss Ellis for reading Stylish Curves.

 Faux fur vests are always in style in my opinion. It's one of those trends that should no longer be considered a trend because they never go out of style. Just like leopard print.  I like faux fur vest because they add an element of luxury to any look. They go perfect with skirts, dresses, and jeans.

Checkout my picks for the cutest and chicest faux fur vests for every budget and size.

Speaking of faux fur vests, please vote for my look on Shoeternity. I already won look of the day and now I'm trying to win look of the week so I can win a free pair of shoes.

Go here to vote. Yes, you have to register.

More MICHAEL Michael Kors...

GIVEAWAY WINNERS FOR 365 HANGERS AND LINKED N GATHERED

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
We finally have the winners for two of SC's giveaways. The first giveaway was for 365 Hangers. The winner of this giveaway will receive a $50 gift card to use at the 365 Hangers website.

The winner of the 365 Hangers $50 gift card is:

 Grace

Congratulations!

I will email you by the end of the day.

The second giveaway was from independent jewelry line Linked-N-Gathered. The winner of this giveaway will receive an item of their choice from the site.

The winner of  Linked-N-Gathered jewelry is:

Asia Blair

Congratulations!

Thanks everyone for entering both giveaways. There is plenty more coming for the holiday season.

STYLE JOURNEY: OFFICE CHIC IN POLKA DOTS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
If you're reading this blog and want to use any of my personal style pictures please email me before reblogging or putting on your site. I recently  found my pictures on a not so nice site and am having a hard time getting them removed. So, please email me at stylishcurves@gmail if you would like to use any of my personal style photos. Thanks and hope you understand.

Also, please note that when I post office looks they may not work for every office. My office policies and rules are different because I work in a small office where in the summertime my boss's come to work in shorts. Some people work in very strict offices where they have to wear stockings and no open toe shoes. Others can go to the office in jeans and a t-shirt. You get my point. What I wear is what works for my office space and I have never been told I was dressed inappropriately.

Now, about today's office look:

I wanted to share with you yesterday's at the office look. I'm  such a big fan of tie neck blouses because they are so feminine and old school chic. I found this black and white polka dot top at Forever21 during the summer time. The first time I wore it, I rocked my tweed shorts with it (See it HERE). This top is probably one of the best tops I've bought at Forever21 the fit is perfect.

I originally wanted to wear the top with a red skirt during the summer.  I had been dying for a red pencil skirt and I couldn't find one. I saw one on the ASOS Curve site but it sold out in my size when I was ready to buy it. Luckily while cruising the Bloomingdales site last week, I found this red pencil skirt by Love Ady. I added to my shopping bag with the quickness because I didn't want to miss out on it. I love the combination of black, white, and red. It just looks sharp and bold to me. I thought pairing the two together would make for a dashing office look.

I chose to complete my office look with my knee high suede boots from Michael Antonio. I also chose to keep the accessories silver and simple with my over sized hoops from Forever21, a cocktail ring from Avenue, and silver bangles from Ashley Stewart.

FASHION NEWS: MARNI'S COMING TO H&M FOR SPRING 2012

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It looks like H&M is on a roll with the designer collaborations. After a much hyped Versace collaboration, H&M has teamed up with Italian brand Marni for a spring 2012 collection. For those of you unfamiliar with Marni, the design house is known for its fun and sometimes crazy prints. Their designs have a vintage lady like flair with womanly silhouettes. You've seen celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow wearing their cute bright colored dresses and Fergie rocking their uber cool printed skinny jeans.

Marni for H&M will offer both men and women's styles. According to Consuelo Castiglioni, Founder and Creative Director, “I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic and adding sporty utilitarian elements,”

"The collection boasts vivid colors and bold prints for women while men can enjoy softened colors and fabrics for a relaxed take on menswear," says Consuelo.

Marni for H&M is set to hit stores March 8, 2011. If  I'm not mistaken, this will be around the time H&M launches their online shopping site for the US (Don't quote me).  The styles will be available in store as well as online.

In the meantime you can checkout Marni's website to get an idea of what to possibly expect for the collaboration.  Go to www.marni.com 

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Kicking of this week's Stylish Curvy girl of the day is Shay from Montclair, NJ. When it comes to embracing her curves, here's what Shay had to say:

I embrace my curves by trying new and different things with my clothes. I love to play dress in my room to find outfits and new ideas.

 Going to all kinds of stores wether its for plus sizes or not, always reminds me that I am just as beautiful.

Shorts, short skirts, anything tight and form fitting, is right up my alley.

Growing up I had to learn how to love myself. I had to learn that outside people will not dictate how I feel about myself. And that is what my blog has taught me about embracing my curves.

Thanks Shay and I love that zebra print dress with the tall camel boots. Very chic!

Shay also has a blog called: A Thick Girls Closet. Check it out

If you would like to be featured as Stylish Curves of The Day send in 3-6 full length pictures of you in your best outfits to stylishcurves@gmail.com with a blurb about how you embrace your curves and where you are from.

WHERE TO FIND PLUS SIZE PATTERNED TIGHTS AND THIGH HIGH'S

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Bare leg season is over and it's time to breakout the patterned tights and thigh high's to keep those legs looking chic and sexy. Patterned tights are a great way to spice up some of your most simplest dresses or skirts. They give any look a dose of coolness. They also look quite artsy when paired with sandals nd peeptoe heels. I have always been a fan of patterned tights but could never really get into thigh high's. Thanks to Rihanna, this year I may just try a pair of thigh high's.

If you're looking for the best places to find patterned tights for your thick thighs and curvy calves below is a mini list of hot spots perfect for the plus size curvy girl who is looking for a variety of styles in a variety of sizes.

Avenue

 Avenue

Avenue/Onestopplus has one of the best selections of patterened tights for plus sizes. They have everything from sheer lace to textured animal prints. They even go up to a size EE in select styles.


Torrid

 Torrid Cheetah Tights

Torrid is building quite an impressive selection of patterend thigh high's as well as tights. They offer a variety of patterns which are fun and girlie.


Figuresque

Figuresque

Figuresque has the sexiest collection of tights. Some of them wearable in the streets and the others are strictly for the bedroom only. Nevertheless the selection is definitely for the girl who is not afraid to show her sexy side.

A number of department stores like JCPenney, Macy's, and Nordstrom also carry patterned tights for plus sizes.

JCPenney

Also, checkout a few of your favorite celebs and how they rock patterned tights and thigh high's

Katy Perry rocks hers with a little black dress

Rihanna rocks her with denim shorts and a fur vest

                                    Miley Cyrus mixes hers with a leopard print scarf

STYLISH CELEBRITY CURVES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It looks like some of our favorite plus size and curvy celebs were performing and working red carpets last week. Let's take a look at who worked it and who needed to head back to the drawing board.

First up is Jill Scott who wore a LBD with over the knee boots and topped her look off with a black fedora while performing at the Borgata in Atlantic City

Next we have Miss Jordin Sparks who also donned a LBD while working the red carpet at a Winter in Venice event. I must say that Jordin is working the heck out of this dress with her curves.

Queen Latifah was spotted performing at a Black Eyed Peas concert in one of her signature tuxedo blazers with a black tank top, leggings, and biker boots. I love the star necklace she is wearing.


Photo Credits: Essence.com

STYLE JOURNEY: FURGIVENESS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did. Please forgive the lack of post over the last couple of days but I honestly needed a little break from blogging. However, the rest was much needed. Today, I am just hanging out with some family and getting ready for the work week.

I am definitely looking forward to getting some packages this week from all the stuff I ordered on Black Friday. Yes, I ordered online. There is no way I was standing in anyone's line at 2AM or risking mace being sprayed in my face for a flat screen TV.

 Since the weather was so pleasant today, I decided to rock my faux fur vest that I got from Torrid last year which is perfect for a breezy fall day. I also wore a pair of biker skinny jeans that I also got from Torrid last year. These jeans are fantastic. I love the fit and they add a cool factor to anything I wear them with. I also brought back one of my fave tie neck blouses that I wore non stop (Seen Here)) last year from NY&CO. This tie neck blouse is sheer and loose and I love how I can wear it with so many things. 

 For jewels, I wore these cool dagger earrings from Forever21, my Michael Kors watch, and a few gold bangles. My shoes are Steve Madden. I told you guys before that I am building a handbag collection because I don't have many. I found this faux fur bag at Aldo's last month. It has a short top handle but it also comes with a long strap to carry on your shoulders. I know it's a little cheesy to be matchy matchy with the fur vest and bag but, I could not help myself.

I hope everyone had a great holiday.