STYLE JOURNEY: PEPLUM CHIC

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Today is going to be a scorcher here in NYC. It's ok because I have been dying for the weather to really warm up. Today I decided to take my black and white striped dress from Fashion to Figure for a spin.

NEW BLOG UPDATES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I know I did. My weekend consisted of a little work and play. Over the weekend I spent some time updating the blog with a few helpful features to make shopping for your plus size curves easier.

MISIKKO HAIR TOOLS

Misikko.com sells professional flat irons and hair dryers, and you no longer have to be a professional stylist to buy their products! Get access to the same tools professionals use for perfect salon quality hair every day!

The Best Flat Iron

Flat Irons are an absolute must for most women. Even if you aren’t going for the pin straight style, flat irons today can curl, flip, and add volume to all hair types. It’s a great investment to go with a professional flat iron because it will last you years and be one of your most versatile tools!

Professional Hair Dryers

All hair dryers are not made equally. Would you rather struggle with your drug store hair dryer for 45 minutes every morning or invest in a professional hair dryer to cut your drying time in half? The ionic heat produced by the best hair dryers can offer amazing results that you never dreamed were possible!

HANA Products

Misikko.com is the only authorized retailer of HANA Salon products so you know you are getting a quality, authentic product from a brand that stands behind its products. HANA makes the 100% ceramic flat iron as well as the bestprofessional hair dryer, the HANAair. Their newest product HANA Shine Shield Black Label has quickly become Moroccan Oil’s biggest competitor.

CHI Hair Products

With any conversation about professional beauty products, the brand CHI is sure to come up. The CHI Flat Iron has been a mainstay in the collections of many stylists for years. Misikko is proud to offer CHI products as well as dozens of other high quality brands.

Ionic Products

With so many popular brands popping up in the industry, sometimes it makes more sense to take a closer look at the qualities of the product rather than the brand name. Advances in the technology of the ceramic flat iron over the last ten years have been tremendous, so if you are shopping for a new flat iron it only makes sense to buy one that offers Ionic heat.

Dozens of Brands!

The T3 Hair Dryer, the Croc Flat Iron, and the HANA flat iron are just a few of the most popular professional products Misikko offers at amazing sale prices. They’re sure to have a product that’s perfect for your hair type!

*Note this is a featured article and I have been monetarily compensated.

STYLE JOURNEY: RED AND BLACK MESH

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
One of  my favorite color combinations is red and black.

STYLE MANOR: PRODUCT REVIEW

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I recently just found out about a new site called Style Manor that sells accessory sets for only $39.99. Perfect for the fashionista on a budget. The fairly new site has stylists who hand pick a set of accessories which include, a handbag, a pair of earrings, and a necklace and features it on their website for 7 days. The accessory sets are usually inspired by a celebrity look.

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I know I've been slacking on the blog posts lately but I am hoping to be back on track with SC's regular features but kicking off this Thursday is Stylish Curves of the day Crystal Chanel. When it comes to embracing her curves, here's what she has to say:

MONIF C. 2012 SUMMER COLLECTION

STYLE JOURNEY: AT THE OFFICE

SIX SUPER CHIC PLUS SIZE SPRING STYLES FROM AVENUE

KAELA HUMPHRIES FOR ELOQUII

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Remember last month I told you about new plus size model signed to Ford Models plus division, Kaela Humphries? The sister of Kris Humphries aka the ex-husband of Kim Kardashian? Well, after signing with Ford Models last month Miss Humphries has landed her first campaign and it's with new plus size brand Eloquii. Good move Kaela!

When asked about working with Eloquii, here's what Kaela had to say,
It’s been really great,” Humphries tells PEOPLE. “The line is really fashion forward, the clothes fit and they look amazing. It’s been a really good experience.”

This is a good look for Kaela and Eloquii especially since Kaela is a true size 16 model with curves and a little cushion. Whenever a plus size brand uses real plus size models it's better not only for the brands revenue reports but even better for the plus size customer they're marketing to.

These are just two of the shots Kaela has taken for Eloquii. Can't wait to see more.

What do you guys think?

More on the story at People Style watch

STYLE JOURNEY: RED LEOPARD

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Sometimes I think that when I become a woman of a certain age that I will become a real life Peg Bundy. I will have leopard print everything. For someone who isn't print crazy, I'm always amazed at my infatuation with leopard print.

 I know for some women the print can be a little too bold and daring. However, for me, wearing leopard print makes me feel more confident. Back in January this red leopard print top caught my eye on Torrid's website. The combination of the sexy lace and bold red leopard print screamed unique.

 I thought it would be best to rock the top with black. Since the top has a blouson affect, I tucked it into a black pencil skirt and completed the look with a pair of patent leather slingback sandals.

 What I'm Wearing

Top-Torrid

Skirt-Torrid

Shoes-Jessica Simpson

Cuff-H&M

Earrings-Forever21

MY LATEST OBSESSION: VINCE CAMUTO HEELS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
My name is Alissa and I am a shoe-a-holic. Any and everyone who knows me knows that I have an obsession with shoes. I could literally have 2 outfits and 20 pairs of shoes with no problem. I have always favored shoes over clothes which at times has left me with very little clothes to wear. So, working directly across the street from a shoe store is probably not good for a shoe lover, right? For the past few months I have been in and out of the Vince Camuto shoe store in Grand Central terminal. Vince Camuto shoes are always on trend, chic, and surprisingly comfortable. I love the bright lights in the store and the friendly sales girls. When I go in there I feel at home which means I am not leaving empty handed.

Needless to say, the store has become my latest obsession and I have four pair of brand spanking new shoes to prove it. The glitter heels were my most recent purchase and I wore them in my last post (seen here). The suede turquoise sandals are very comfortable and easy to walk in. I get tons of compliments on them. The colorblocked cap toe heels are so dashing. I haven't worn them yet but I can't wait to rock them with a cobalt blue Michael Kors dress. The black suede and pink platform Mary Jane's are so simple and classic bu the color combo is bold and strong. Sometimes I just walk around the house in my heels because I can't wait to wear them.

Checkout Vince Camuto for yourself

CURVY GIRL NEWS: MARIE DENEE THE CURVY FASHIONISTA PARTNERS WITH MARINA RINALDI FOR THEIR NEW FACEBOOK APP

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Fellow plus size blogger and my personal blogging friend Marie Denee is making super big moves. The Curvy. Confident. Chic blogger  has been tapped by super luxe plus size designer Marina Rinaldi to be the fashion blogger for their new Facebook app entitled "You Are The Experts."

According to The Curvy Fashionista the app will "share travel tips in Rome, the ins and outs of Marina Rinaldi, the Must Haves from the collection, and so much more!"

Marie will be sharing her expert fashion tips and will talk with you on Facebook. 

This is so cool and I am excited for Marie. Visit Marina Rinaldi for new looks and you can checkout the app on Facebook and for more info head on over to The Curvy Fashionista.

CURVY GIRL EVENT: SHOP & SWAP

Hey curvy girls,
I am so honored and excited  to be part of an event that Kellie B from Fatshion Insider put together. It's called a shop & swap. If you're in the NYC area I would like to personally invite you to join me and a few of your fave NYC plus size blogger's for a shop and swap.

On May 1st you can come and shop the personal closets of the following plus size blogger's:

Gabi Fresh
Nicolette Mason
Nadia Aboulhouson
Gorgeous In Grey
Love Brown Sugar
Fatshion Insider

The event will be a night to remember. There will be fun cocktails and door prizes. We have some AMAZING sponsors like Simply Be, Rachel Pally, and Sonsi. It is also an opportunity for us to chat because you guys show me so much love on this blog that I would love to meet you in person so we can just talk and take tons of pictures.

Between all the bloggers, clothes will range from sizes 10-26. I will be selling clothes that are new with tags, never worn w/o tags, and some lightly used pieces. Cash Only for purchases.

If you would like to come out and show some love and support please RSVP at info@fatshioninsider.com

Event Details
Place: Tammany Hall, 152 Orchard Street, NY, NY
Time: 6-9pm


Can't wait to see you there. Mark your calendars. May 1st.

STYLE JOURNEY: PINK LEMONADE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
For the past couple of weeks I have been in a funk. As women, we do so much and often forget about ourselves. As adults we have so much responsibility that we are always on the go, and again, often forget about ourselves. Time is flying by and I often find myself asking where did the day go. Today, I took the opportunity to indulge in a little me time.

Normally, I always head to Manhattan when I take the day off but this time I wanted to embrace my own neighborhood that is Bayridge. Bayridge is such a beautiful and family oriented area. Plus it has tons of quaint restaurants and oh there is 86th street where you can shop for designer gear at the huge Century21. Also, we get beautiful views of the Verrazano bridge on 95th street.

It was such a beautiful sunny spring day and I wanted to wear something that was bright, colorful, and easy to move around in for the day. I am a fan of the neon trend and when I found this neon knit short sleeve sweater at the Loft I thought it was an easy and simple way to try out the trend. Pleats are also a popular trend this season and when I spotted this pink pleated skirt at Eloquii I figured it would be one of those pieces that can work double duty.


To add a special touch, I had to breakout my new glitter slingback pumps. What girl doesn't like a little sparkle?! I received numerous compliments on them and they kind of made me feel a little special.

I kicked off my me time by checking out a popular neighborhood restaurant called Circles. Out of 4 years of living in Bayridge I've never eaten at Circles and thought today would be a good day to give it a try.

I had a very tasty shrimp parm

with a tall glass of ice cold pink lemonade which matched my outfit.

After lunch I went for a mani and pedi and got a massage. Just spending time by myself gave my mind a rest. I didn't think about work or the things that needed to be done at home. My mind was still and it felt pretty good. Just a few hours to myself rejuvenated my spirit.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed by life and your responsibilites or you find that you haven't had a day off or even a few hours to yourself, stop and take sometime for yourself.

What I'm Wearing

Neon Knit Sweater-Loft

Pink Pleated Skirt-Eloquii

Sparkly slingbacks-Vince Camuto

Necklace-Peppermint Chic-Gifted (Similar Here)

Earrings-Forever21-Gifted

Watch-Michael Kors

Cuff-H&M

CHRISETTE MICHELE IN MIAMI AT REMY MARTIN PRESENT CHRIS BOSH'S COMEDY CLUB & CASINO NIGHT

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It's been a minute since we've last seen fellow curvy girl and soul singer Chrisette Michele hit the red carpet. Last week Chrisette was spotted in Miami attending Remy Martin presents “Chris Bosh Comedy Club & Boardwalk Casino Night.” The natural haired beauty went for a lace floral print knee length dress and gold satin peeptoes.

Was Chrisette working this look or is it back to the drawing board for this curvy girl?

VOTE! 

Photo Credit: Essence

STYLE JOURNEY: RED AND BLUE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I am crazy obsessed with the trends from this spring season because it involves oodles of color. From colorblocking to neon brights color is everywhere and I am taking full advantage. Reds, yellows, pinks, and blues, oh my! I'm in color heaven.  A lot women are afraid of wearing bright colors for fear of looking bigger or for fear of just looking too bright. Let me say this, color is your friend. You don't have to be doused head to toe in bright color but you can incorporate it with your neutrals or darks and still be on trend and feel comfortable. I think we need to look at color in a different way. Use color as a punctuation to your outfits. Whether it be with a pair of shoes or a piece of jewelry.

I personally don't have a problem with bright colors or mixing and matching colors. Rich bright reds and blues go well with my complexion and actually brighten up my face. As a dark skin woman I embrace it now more than ever.

Today, I felt a color wave flow through me and decided to get my colorblocking on. I picked out a red blazer and teamed it up with my cobalt blue skinny jeans and a white tank for a strong yet simplistic look. I chose a pair of floral print platform pumps to add a bit of interest and topped the look off with gold layered triangle earrings, a gold cuff, and my Michael Kors oversized watch.

As you can see, I switched my hair up again. I went for an exaggerated ponytail with a bang for the early spring season. I love wearing ponytails because it frees up my time getting dressed in the morning and it hold up well when the weather gets windy and humid.

Are you into the bright color trend this season?

 What I'm Wearing

Blazer-Faith21 Plus (get it here)

Jeans-Faith21 Plus (similar here)

Shoes-Faith21 Plus (similar here)

Earrings-Strawberry's

Cuff-H&M

Watch-Michael Kors (similar here)

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY: ASHLEY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Today's Stylish Curves of The Day is Ashley. When it comes to embracing her curves, here's what she had to say,

 "I embrace my curves by not being afraid to stand out!

 I'm a fashion addict who isn't afraid to walk into ANY store and find something for me, I call myself the hunter of plus size fashion as in Australia we have a only a handful of stores catering for larger sizes!

Thanks Ashley for submitting. You have such a nice variety of looks. My fave is the leopard top, white blazer, and red skinny's.

Ashley also has a blog called "Ashley Rose."

What do you think of Ashley's style?

If you would like to be featured as Stylish Curves of the day, send in 4-8 photos of your best looks with a blurb about where you're from and how you embrace your curves to stylishcurves@gmail.com

And no you don't have to be a blogger to submit.

CLEMENTS RIBEIRO DESIGNS A SEXY AND FEMININE PLUS SIZE COLLECTION FOR EVANS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
While we can't get plus size collaborations at main stream giant stores like Target and H&M, every now and again we get our own little plus size collabo's from UK plus size retailers and they actually turn out pretty good. Remember Beth Ditto for Evans? Well, Evan's in keeping up the momentum. In the month of April, husband and wife design duo Clements Ribeiro will release a plus size collection at Evans. The collection promises to deliver quality fabrics, structured designs, flattering details, and on trend styles. It will read both sexy and feminine. Clements Ribeiro has never designed for plus size women and wanted to make this special collection to give plus size women what they've been missing in fashion.

We can expect to see vibrant colors, non traditional prints for plus sizes, and a a sex appeal that every woman possesses. According to UK's Daily Mail, the designers used a size 22 fit model and paid close attention to how the clothes looked on the larger parts of plus size women. They designed dresses with sleeves and made enough room in the bust area for a comfortable fit.

To get an idea of what their clothes will look like on plus size women you can refer back to Adele at the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2011 at Grosvenor House. She wore one of their black lace dresses.

Photo Credit: Zimbio

The collection is expected to drop on March 31st on www.evans.co.uk and at Evansusa.com For all my UK readers you can actually go in store to see the collection on April 1st.

Read More on this collaboration at the Daily Mail. And checkout more looks over at The Guardian

In the meantime, checkout the campaign