BLOOMINGDALE'S FALL 2012 PLUS SIZE STYLE GUIDE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
September has finally arrived and it's going to be a pretty stylish one, especially if you shop at Bloomingdale's. All this week SC is going to be bringing you fashion upon fashion in honor of Fall. So, today we are kicking things off with Bloomingdale's new fall plus size style guide. As you know I am a big fan of Bloomingdale's and I do a lot of lunch break shopping there since it's two train stops from my office.

STYLE JOURNEY: A CASUAL WIDE LEG LABOR DAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful labor day weekend. I kept things lo-key by taking my little love love to the movies to see the Ooogieloves and we just hung out in our neighborhood. I love a laid back weekend because it gives me the opportunity to wear my lounge clothes. 

STYLE JOURNEY: CHIC AND CURVY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I love when blogger's branch out from just blogging and do other things that still involve their love for fashion. Recently, I came across a blogger's online boutique called Chic and Curvy. Blogger Melissa has turned her blog's namesake into her very own boutique of trendy styles for plus sizes. Melissa was kind enough to send me a piece from her boutique. I chose a cobalt blue peplum dress because I am completely obsessed with the peplum trend.

BIG NEWS: ALISSA WILSON NAMED THE NEW SHOPPING EDITOR FOR PLUS MODEL MAGAZINE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I can finally share some fabulous news with you guys. I have been holding it for the past month and it was killing me. I am so happy to announce that I am the new shopping editor for Plus Model Magazine. Plus Model Magazine is the #1 plus size online magazine and it is seriously a dream come true. My family and friends can attest to the fact that one of my dreams was to be a fashion magazine editor and last month Editor & Chief of PMM, Madeline Jones made that dream come true for me.

It is my passion to show plus size women that they can be stylish and to make shopping for them easier. That is the ultimate goal of my blog and why I do more than just outfit posts. My first piece is in the September issue which has 3 covers featuring plus models Fluvia Lacerda, Chasity Saunders, and Khatya. Please, please, please checkout the September issue and let me know your thoughts on my first feature. It involves the hot new fall shoe trends.

As I told you guys before, it is important to be thankful for small opportunities and blessings because bigger ones are sure to follow. This for me is my big opportunity and blessing and I plan to give it 200%. I thank you my readers for all your encouragement over the past 3 years and for letting me know not to give up.

Thank you so much Plus Model Magazine, Maddy, Marie Denee, Reah Norman, Valery, and the whole team for making me part of this ground breaking magazine.

Read the new September issue below:

Open publication - Free publishing

Checkout my press release below and thanks so much to Lucas Pictures for my new head shot:

PLUS Model Magazine (PMM), the #1 magazine celebrating the plus size fashion and plus modeling industry, who hit viral status in January for their explosive editorial, “PLUS SIZE BODIES, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM ANYWAY?” names Alissa Wilson, Editor of Stylish Curves, as the new Plus Size Shopping Editor; as such she will be scouring the globe for the latest curvy trends and bringing you the must haveitems at a great value. “While I am at PMM I plan to get our readers excited about shopping,” shares Ms. Wilson. “Excited about finding those items that makes them feel comfortable in their skin. I plan to show plus size women that you can be stylish on a budget and how to really maximize their wardrobes with key items.”

Ms. Wilson has been Editor & Chief of Stylish Curves for three years and has worked with some of the who’s who in the plus size fashion industry. She’s interviewed designers from Christian Siriano to Farah Angsanaand celebrity stylists like Lori Goldstein. She has also worked with plus size brands Fashion to Figure, One Stop Plus, Lane Bryant, and Just My Size.

In addition to working with some of the who’s who of the fashion industry, Ms. Wilson has been featured in national magazines such as Essence magazine and on websites such as Glamour.comand has been part of brand campaigns for large well-known brands like JCPenney.

“It’s funny… I have always referred to Alissa as the ‘classy’ blogger because her style is so neat and elegant,” comments PMM Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Jones. “What I love most is that she can appreciate all trends even if they are not her personal style; this is the sign of a well-rounded fashionista.”

Concerning the plus size woman, Wilson points out, “We live in a world that would rather you be sad an unhappy about being plus size than actually saying they you love and embrace your body.  So many women feed into the negative stereotypes about plus size women that they feel they are not worthy of looking good or having stylish clothes just because they’re plus. As a plus size woman myself, I love fashion and I love helping other plus size women find the best places to shop for their bodies. While I am at PMM I plan to get women excited about shopping. Excited about finding those items that makes them feel comfortable in their skin. I plan to show plus size women that you can be stylish on a budget and how to really maximize their wardrobes with key items.”

“I am elated to be working with a magazine that continues to push the envelope with plus size models and fashion,” shares Ms. Wilson. “I have always wanted to be part of the PLUS Model Magazine team and this new position is honestly a dream come true.”

AT THE OFFICE: GEOMETRIC PRINTS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

When I don't want summer to end, I make sure I wear as many summer pieces as I can before that fall weather hits. We are in the last days of summer and I am going to make sure I enjoy it to the fullest, with style of course.Today's office look was all about bright colored geometric prints. I love shaking my week up with fun prints for the office.

CELEBRITY STYLE FOR PLUS SIZE CURVES: TYRA BANKS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Bankable Productions creative master mind Tyra Banks has been on a promo tour for the new season of ANTM. This week she stopped by Good Afternoon America rocking a super chic and trendy color blocked body con dress accented with black suede platform pumps. For the month of August Tyra has been looking ridiculously sexy and chic sporting a bevy of body con dresses that show off her iconic figure. 

LA LA BELLE SPRING COLLECTION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
We just got our hands on a few pieces from plus size brand LALA Belle's spring 2012 collection. I know, I know,  we are gearing up for fall but down under in Australia, they're gearing up for the spring season. LALA Belle is a budding Australian brand that makes luxury plus size clothes. They have a good eye for detail and creating pieces with impeccable cuts.

MONIF C. 2012 FALL COLLECTION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

The Monif C. fall collection has been revealed and it's trendy and sexy. What else did you expect from one of plus size women's favorite designers? After a super sexy curve hugging spring collection, Monif C. has come back with a fall line that is all about embracing the trends. This season she produced a series of colorful colorblocked Marilyn dresses and played around with the exposed shoulder and high/low hem trends. She even added a few vampire-esque details like a high ruffled neck collared dress and a ruched batwing dress. 

The new fall collection is available for pre-order now and will ship this October. Get your bids in quick because Monif C. does sell out quickly. Visit the Monif C website HERE

Checkout Monif C. new fall styles. What do you think?

SAY WHAT! AVON SELLS PLUS SIZE CLOTHES?!

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
A few weeks ago I was introduced to the fashion side of Avon. Now, I pride myself on being in the know when it comes to anything fashion related whether its plus or standard sizes. However, my fashion radar must be having technical difficulties because I did not know that Avon the iconic beauty brand sold apparel, footwear, and accessories. Avon's fashion department hosts a bevy of classic cut dresses, tops, handbags and footwear. While the accessories and footwear selection is skimpy to say the least, the clothing, surprisingly is pretty alright. There are no groundbreaking styles but there were a few pieces that made you look twice, like a black and blue colorblocked dress, a faux wrap printed dress, and faux fur vest.

STYLE JOURNEY: ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I know its been a minute since my last outfit post but it was just getting too hot and it is extremely time consuming trying to snap pictures when sweat is beading down your face.

I've been posting a lot of my looks on Instagram. Luckily this weekend was pretty breezy so I was able to fit a proper outfit post in.

 I got this dress from the H&M plus section a few weeks ago. It is an over-sized  dress that I thought was kind of cute. The lace detail is what drew me to it. 

I've been wearing it at least once a week since I bought it because it is very comfortable, especially after a hearty meal. I normally wear it without a belt but today I decided to add some shape to it with a black patent skinny belt.

I've also been wearing flats with this dress but decided to dress it up a little with a pair of lace peep toe heels from Betsey Johnson. 

This weekend was filled with activities for me and my son so I had to utilize  my work bag to hold snacks, wipes, my flats, and a toy for the train ride.

This is a really cute dress from the H&M plus collection and its simple but the interest is all in the lace detailing. Checkout the exposed zipper in the back. Cute, right?!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Also follow me on Instagram under Stylishcurves to see more of my everyday looks.

What I'm Wearing

Dress: H&M +

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Earrings: H&M

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Loft
Bag: Aldo

Sunnies: H&M

ACCESSORY REPORT: JEWEL TONE ACCESSORIES

Written By: Kawana

Hey there beautiful curvy ladies, 

Fall is knocking at our doors. It's time to start thinking about what trends you want to add to your wardrobe. Jewel color accessories will be a big trend for the fall and winter seasons. If you're one of those ladies that are afraid to wear bold colors, start slow. Purchase a colorful bag, scarf, or shoes until you are ready to wear a colorful top or jacket.

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY: CECE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Today's Stylish Curves of the day is one of my ultimate blogging buddies, Cece of the The Big Girl Blog. After blogging anonymously for years. Cece has finally come out to the blogging community and she's showing us what she is working with in the style department.

When it comes to embracing her curves, here's what she had to say:

NEW EBOOK BY KAWANA DUPREE GIVES 10 SIMPLE RULES TO BEING STYLISH

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Our resident accessories contributor not only has a great eye for picking accessories but she's also a stylist and designer. She can now add author to her accomplishments. Yup, Kawana just released her very first e-book called "10 Simple Rules To Being Stylish."

When asked about her book, Kawana says:

"10 Simple Rules To Being Stylish" will teach you how to find who you are style wise and how to explore your fashion boundaries while using a mixture of color, trends and accessories.

When asked, why she wrote the book, Kawana says:

I wrote this because I wanted to teach women the basics: How do to dress your body and how to become an educated shopper.

The book is a little handy dandy guide to helping you look your best. You can get the e-book for $2.99 at Amazon. Click Here to purchase a copy.

Also don't forget to checkout Kawana's blog Heart Soul and Curves

WORD ON THE STREET: KARDASHIAN'S TO LAUNCH A PLUS SIZE LINE AT SEARS, SIZED 18-24

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Word on the street this morning is the Kardashian Klan is taking a full dive into the plus size fashion arena and it's about time. After announcing their new plus size denim line they are also set to launch a full fledged plus size line at Sears. At SC we are big fans of the Kardashian girls and frequently feature Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney in our celebrity style for curves features (see here).

If you love the way the Kardashian's dress then this is your opportunity to snag a piece of their individual styles. The new Sears collection will offer a variety of ready to wear pieces which will include, dresses, jackets, tops, and pants. The price range will be from $68-$110 and is planned to hit Sears stores in October.

I am definitely a little excited to see what the girls come up with for plus sizes. My fingers are crossed that they will actually use plus size models for the campaigns and that the quality and cuts will truly be designed for plus size women. Meaning, I hope the size 18 doesn't fit like a 14. Hopefully they've done their homework.

Say what you want, but these girls have a head for business and their styles are easy for everyday girls to relate to. The only view of the collection that we can get is a few sketches.

What do you think about the sketches of some of the designs. I already love the blazer and skater dress. What about you?

Read more on the story over at Slaves to Fashion

AMBER RILEY AT THE SPARKLE MOVIE SCREENING

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I can't believe I missed an Amber Riley sighting. You guys know I'm normally on my curvy celebrity sighting game but last week I was slipping. I recently just spotted a photo of Amber Riley rocking the peplum trend at the Sparkle premiere.How did I miss it?!

FREDERICK'S OF HOLLYWOOD REVAMPS THEIR PLUS SIZE LINE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

I just got word that Fredericks of Hollywood has revamped their plus size line of lingerie and party dresses and it includes plus size model  Katya Zharkova. They've sent me the updates to share with you. 

PLUS SIZE CLOTHING SWAP PARTY IN NYC HOSTED BY XOXO NETTA P.

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
If you're on the thrifting hunt for some plus size clothes then you may want to head to the Plus size clothing swap party hosted by XOXO Netta P. The swap event will take place tomorrow August 22nd from 6:00-8:30 pm and there is a $15 fee to attend. 

The clothing swap will be held at katra lounge, 217 bowery st., Manhattan, NY

To purchase your ticket go to this link http://plusclothingswapnyc001.eventbrite.com/

The NYC Plus Size Clothing Swap has also partnered with Pop Up Plus, a plus size pop up store that sells on-trend designer clothing for sizes 14 and up. Pop Up Plus will be selling some items on site. Eddy & Bri, the newest premier shopping destination for curvy fashionistas, will be offering discounted items for sale, donating a portion of the proceeds to Women in Need. Bella Creations will be selling jewelry during the event, as well.

We have partnered with food blogger and plus size fashion designer Eryn Stutts from Dimestore Diamond, a southern belle who has happily settled into Brooklyn. We will have a photographer on hand at the event from Shots by Carrie Lou to capture the event in photos. Don’t forget to have your photo taken and then upload it straight to Facebook and Google+ from the event!

Sounds like a fun event and if you're interested please go and get your tickets HERE

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY: KELLY

Hey curvy girls all over the world, 
We are kicking off this Tuesday morning with Stylish Curves of the day. Kelly is representing curvy girls in NYC. When it comes to embracing her curves, here's what she had to say:

BLOGGING TIPS: 6 ENCOURAGING TIPS TO KEEP YOU MOTIVATED TO BLOG WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR BLOG ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH

Today I'm not going to greet you with my signature saying, "Hey curvy girls all over the world," because today's post is for all the seasoned and upcoming bloggers who actually enjoy blogging but may be feeling a bit discouraged about continuing with blogging because they're not considered a top tier blogger or a famous blogger. At this point, I very much consider blogging like the music industry, filled with talented artists who are just waiting to get their shot and shine. I look at each post as the equivalent of creating a single. Some posts are instant and major hits and can get you the press and exposure to sky rocket your blogging career and some posts will just get you local community buzz and other posts which are good will just get lost.

PLUS SIZE SHOPPING: PLUS SIZE CHAIN PRINT DRESSES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Before last week, I would have scarfed at the idea of a chain print anything. Not to sound redundant but my prints of choice are leopard, polka dots, and stripes. However, my views of trying a chain printed anything changed when I received a little gift from Redress, see outfit post (HERE).

PLUS SIZE STREET STYLE: CURVES ON THE STREET

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last night while doing a  little shopping, I spotted this super cute girl headed into Forever21. I had to stop her and get a pic of her outfit. I would be lying if I didn't say that her leopard print top is what caught my eye first. Then I saw her big chunky chain link necklace and heart printed fishnet tights. She topped off her look  with a blue hat and pointed toe flats.

 I thought her look was young and fun. What do you think?

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
For those of you who didn't catch my post this week, I wanted to let you know that Stylish Curves of the day has been extended to Tumblr. Yup, now you can submit your cute everyday looks to our Tumblr page. I know many of you find it a bit time consuming to gather your best looks and then write a paragraph about your style and then have to submit them to the blog, so for you lazy gals :), now you can submit just one look to the Tumblr page. If you have a cute outfit on today submit your pic to the Tumblr. Here's the link www.stylishcurvesoftheday.tumblr.com

CURVY CELEBRITY RED CARPET STYLE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

This week some of our favorite curvy and plus size celebrities were spotted on the red carpet for the Sparkle premiere. Let's take a look at who was working it:

Jordin Sparks looked fabulous in a red peplum fitted dress and red pointed toe pumps. Now, I would have nixed the red closed toe pumps and went for ankle strap peeptoe or a contrasting colored shoe.

Gabourey Sidibe opted for a dark purple aka eggplant banded waist dress with leopard print flats.

Queen Latifah was spotted at a CW event in a laid back casual look that included a black, white, and yellow color contrasting top, studded bag, and black slim fit jeans with boots.

Who's look were you feeling the most?

Photo Credit: Zimbio

ACCESSORY TRENDS: AMP UP YOUR LOOKS WITH LEOPARD PRINT ACCESSORIES

Written By: Kawana

 Hey there stylish curvy ladies!

Hoping you all are having a great week.

Every woman must have at least one leopard print accessory in their wardrobe.

Leopard print is a great way to make any simple outfit pop. For example: It's dress down Friday and you are tired of thinking about what to wear to work. Pair a simple button down shirt, skinny jeans with a pointy pair of leopard flats. You have a sexy date night with your beau. Wear a simple body con dress, your favorite red lipstick and a pair of leopard pumps.

TREND ALERT: PLUS SIZE DRESSES WITH THIGH HIGH SPLITS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
From J. Lo to Kim Kardashian the thigh high split is a head turning trend you just may want to try. Just don't do a mini with a thigh high split in my opinion,you don't want to send out the wrong message. Whether your style is casual, sophisticated, girly, or tom boyish, every girl can appreciate showing a little leg once in awhile, right?!

STYLE JOURNEY: GIVING THE COLD SHOULDER

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

These photos were taken back in June and were sitting in my drafts folder. I meant to post them but I probably got side tracked. Nevertheless, I'm posting it now.

I am a really big fan of the cut out shoulder trend. There is something so sexy and chic about it. It's like playing peek-a-boo with your arms. I loved the color of the dress and wanted to add an additional pop of color to it, so I rocked it with my neon yellow belt and at the time a pair of new heels from Calvin Klein that had a yellow patent heel. I thought it made for a cute look.

What I'm wearing

Dress: Soprano

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Calvin

Bracelet: Loft

Cuff: H&M

Earrings: H&M

STYLISH CURVES OF THE DAY IS NOW ON TUMBLR

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I'm excited to announce that Stylish Curves of The Day is now on Tumblr. Yes, SCOD is one of the most piopular features on this blog and I thought it would be great to have an extension of it by creating its own Tumblr. If you are rocking a cute outfit that embraces your plus size curves then feel free to submit your photo on our new Tumblr page. I will still be doing the SCOD on the blog, just remember to be featured on the blog you have to send in about 4-6 full length pictures of your best looks.

However, if you just want to submit one photo (full length) you can submit via the new Tumblr. So, follow us on Tumblr at www.stylishcurvesoftheday.tumblr.com

To submit your pictures just click the Submit button in the top left hand corner (pictured above). I've already started putting up some old SCOD features. So head on over and check it out.

STYLE JOURNEY: A CASUAL DAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
A casual day for me and majority of women are jeans and a top. However, I still like to look polished so I keep a stock of cute chic tops to just throw on with my jeans so I look pulled together.

ANNA SCHOLZ BLACK LABEL A/W 2012 COLLECTION, "ALL DOLLED UP"

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Anna Scholz is back with her new Fall/Winter 2012 collection for her black label line. The A/W collection is entitled "All Dolled Up" The All Dolled Up collection is playful and girly with sophisticated feminine touches. The collection is all about dressing up in a whimiscal, colorful, and playful way. It's like the childhood game of tea party is now all grown up.

STEALS & DEALS: GET 25% OFF AT CLUTCH CULTURE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Remember a few weeks ago when I featured Mo from Canada as Stylish Curves of the Day?

STYLE JOURNEY: CHAIN GANG

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

When it comes to prints my go to's are leopard, stripes, and polka dots. I rarely branch out unless its a graphic print.

ELOQUII'S PLUS SIZE FASHION FALL LOOK BOOK

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Yesterday, the Eloquii team sent over images from their fall 2012 collection. Eloquii has been producing some solid, modern, trendy styles for women over a size 14 and they are continuing with their chic styles for fall. They're offering loads of prints, metallic's, and a deep rich color scheme of cobalt blue, white, black, and oxblood red. The tailored collection will have you looking sharp and put together at the office and sexy and sophisticated for those special nights that involve a cocktail or two.

ALISSA ON THE SCENE: LUNCH WITH SIMPLY BE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last month I was invited to Les Femmes who lunch with Simply Be. First let me say how much I love Simply Be as a brand. They are super professional, fun, and know how to treat blogger's. I've been to quite a few Simply Be events and each time I go, I have a blast and leave wanting to buy everything on their website.

STYLISH CURVES PLUS SIZE FALL DENIM GUIDE, PART I

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It's SC's 3rd annual fall plus size denim guide. Each year denim gets injected with fresh prints, trendy cuts, and bold colors. Fall is just around the corner and we've picked some of the hottest on trend plus size jeans  that will have you looking super duper fly.

PLUS SIZE SHOPPING: NEW FALL STYLES FROM H&M PLUS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last night I took a trip to H&M on 34th street because I didn't have time to go on my lunch break. For those of you who follow me on twitter and Instagram, know that I do most of my shopping on my lunch breaks. I just feel I find the best pieces when I have a limited amount of time to shop. Fortunately, I had to save my lunch break shopping for after work and I'm glad I did. To my surprise, the H&M + section was filled with stylish goodies.