STYLISH CURVES FALL/WINTER 2012 PLUS SIZE COAT GUIDE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Before you know it the weather will be blistering cold and instead of reaching for that denim jacket, it will be time to reach for something heavier and warmer. Unlike spring and summer, coats are a key item during the fall and winter months. Having a fantastic great coat is imperative if you want to look stylish and put together.

STYLE JOURNEY: COLOR CONTRASTING

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Besides peplum and leather another fall trend I'm into is the color contrasting shirts. I think they're so chic and cool. I have started stocking up on them and surprisingly FOrever21 has been doing a good job of producing styles that are cute and roomy enough if you have an ample bosom.

WORK IT GIRL OR BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD: AMBER RILEY AT THE SAMSUNG NOKIA II LAUNCH PARTY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It's been a minute since we've last seen some red carpet footage of fellow plus size curvy girl Amber Riley. This week, Amber was spotted at the Samsung Nokia II launch party rocking the summer's hottest hairstyle, a top knot, and sporting a black lace dress with matching tights and ankle boots. I am digging the natural makeup on her.

Is she working it or is it back to the drawing board for this plus size beauty?

VOTE!

ASK SC:DAY AND EVENING LOOKS FOR A 35TH BIRTHDAY

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Yesterday, I had a million and one things to get done so I wasn't able to crank out a blog post. However, I am back on track today.

In the Ask SC inbox, reader Keniesha asked for our fashion help with her 35th birthday, it read,

CELEBRITY STYLE FOR PLUS SIZE CURVES: LALA ANTHONY'S LOOK FOR LESS WITH SEARS KARDASHIAN KURVES COLLECTION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Sears loves our celebrity style for curves feature so much that they've come up with their own look for SC. Here's what they had to say:

THE BIG GIRL BLOG HOSTS "CARDIO & CURVY CONVERSATIONS"

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

One of the biggest misconceptions about plus size women is that we don't work out. Society just thinks that we sit around eating junk all day. Well, contrary to popular belief plus size women do work out and eat healthy. A myriad of us believe in having healthy curves. To disprove those old myths, my blogger buddy Cece of The Big Girl Blog is hosting a Plus Size Princess Fitness Challenge this Saturday at New York Sports Club called "Cardio & Curvy Conversations"

Cece has enlisted the help of a professional  personal trainer to put those curves to work. Their will be lots of cardio, strength training, as well as candid conversations about working out as a plus size woman and dating. 

If this sounds like something you would be into then show your support for The Big Girl Blog and register for the event. Did I mention, it's a FREE event. So, no excuses.

Event details are below:

Cardio & Curvy Conversations

You can register at Eventbrite

When: October 27, 2012 at 2pm

Where: New York Sports Club, 34A West 14th Street 

For more info you can visit The Big Girl Blog

This is the perfect event to show your support to the plus size blogging community. So many people think we are just unhealthy but the truth is, we workout and diet just as much as the next person. So, I hope you can make it.

OSE (UH-SEH) VINTAGE PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE FALL WINTER 2012 COLLECTION, PLUS A SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR STYLISH CURVES READERS

 Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last year I introduced you guys to online vintage boutique Ose (Uh-SEH). Ose travels the US to find the best vintage styles for women with curves sized 12-22. Her online boutique uses real plus size models and her finds are truly one of a kind. Even more important, her prices are phenomenal tons of vintage styles under $100.

PLUS SIZE FALL TRENDS: LEATHER SLEEVE JACKETS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Celebrities from Olivia Palermo to Rihanna are rocking one of falls coolest trends, leather sleeve jackets. Leather accents are invading everything from shift dresses to pencil skirts. The leather sleeve jacket trend is not only trendy but it gives your outerwear that cool factor.

WIN A $1000 IGIGI SHOPPING SPREE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
IGIGI,  friends to Stylish Curves, are giving one lucky person a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree. IGIGI has lots of chic dresses and separates that will take you from day to night. They even have loads of statement accessories from bold necklaces to snakeskin totes. The winner will receive a $1,000 giftcard to use on the website.

This is one shopping spree contest that you don't want to miss.

The entry rules are super simple and you can find out about the contest details and how to enter by visiting IGIGI

CELEBRITY STYLE FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN: CHRISETTE MICHELE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

One of our favorite curvy girls, Chrisette Michele has recently emerged from a mini hiatus and posed with her signature peace sign. Showcasing her new svelte figure, the neo-soul singer rocked a sophisticated feminine look by pairing a pink wrap skirt with a pussy blow silk blouse. She finished off her look with a pair of blush and silver accented heels.

STYLE JOURNEY: A NEW ME

For the past two weeks I've been pondering on a  new look. Every season, I like to switch my hair up and my personal style. I figured the fall season would be a perfect time to unveil a new me.I am still in the process of growing out my hair so I decided to add pieces to my hair (post on that tomorrow) for a longer look. 

PHOTO INSPIRATION: OPRAH WINFREY FOR HARPERS BAZAAR

 Hey curvy girls all over the world,
All I have to say is Queen O. is working it out in her Harper's Bazaar shoot by Terry Richardson. Be Inspired!

PLUS SIZE STREET STYLE: CURVES ON THE STREET

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This week, I had my street style point and shoot camera ready. I spotted 3 super cute curvy girls while doing a little lunch break shopping. Check them out:

 I ran into a shopper who caught my eye with her pink leopard print studded moccasins, paired with a leather jacket and matching top.

SHOE CRUSH: 18 SUPER HOT FALL STYLES FROM NINE WEST

Hey curvy girl all over the world,
It's been a minute since I checked out the Nine West site. Yesterday, I spent about an hour just mesmerized at their fall styles. Rather than just sharing what I liked on Facebook and Twitter, I decided to create a little mini lookbook for you to see what caught my eye from their fall styles.

STYLISH CURVES PICK OF THE DAY: FOREVER21 PLUS SPIKED MOTO JACKET

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last month Forever21 released a super bad spiked moto jacket that sold out in 2.5 seconds. I was mildly traumatized when I put it in my cart and then went back the next day to order it only to find that an XL was left. Yesterday, while doing my usual Internet stroll, I saw that the moto jacket is back and they were stocked up to a 3X. Like any fashion lover, I snagged that bad boy up with the quickness and can't wait for it to arrive. You know how I love my moto jackets over dresses.

I just wanted to share with you guys, in hopes that you can snag you one too before it disappears again.

Forever 21 Spiked Moto Jacket $37.80

ACCESSORY TRENDS: COLLAR NECKLACES

Written By: Kawana

Hey there beautiful curvy ladies, 

This week's must have accessory is the collar necklace. This accessory is perfect for the lady that isn't afraid to stand out and bring attention to her outfit. How can you tell the difference between a collar necklace and a regular necklace? It's pretty simple, look for a necklace that doesn't hang low. A collar necklace is very similar to a choker but it always space between your neck and the garment. If you decide to pair it with a collared shirt.

PLUS SIZE SHOPPING: HOUSE OF FRASER

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This week SC got the scoop on a new website to shop for stylish plus size dresses and its called House of Fraser. I checked out the site and found a bevy of chic and sophisticated dresses for both misses and plus sizes. House of Fraser has a medley of casual everyday dresses and a nicely curated collection of cocktail and evening dresses.

FALL OUTFIT IDEAS: 3 FALL PLUS SIZE COLORED DENIM LOOKS TO WEAR ON THE WEEKENDS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It looks like the colored denim trend isn't going anywhere. We are hoping it stays around as long as skinny jeans have. Colored denim is an easy way to inject fun into your wardrobe. It's one of those trends that speak volumes on its own. This year we are seeing more colors then ever before from plus size designers and retailers. They've moved beyond red and cobalt blue. Now, we have purple, orange, greens, mustard, and orange hues to choose from. Retail chains like Old Navy have a bevy of colored plus size jeans up to a size 26. Even UK brands like New Look, ASOS, and Simply Be offer a healthy selection.

STYLISH CURVES PICK OF THE DAY: NINE WEST MULTI COLORED BAROQUE SHOE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
I am a self-professed shoe-a-holic. When fall rolls around I actually jump for joy because I can start my shoe wishlist and then search for coupons to get my most coveted ones on sale. Yeah, I don't believe in paying full price for anything. This week, I spotted a pair of Nine West multi colored Baroque shoes called Founder that are so colorful and fun. Oh, and they go up to a size 12!

I'm going to snag me a pair this week before they sell out. They are a perfect shoe to add interest to your looks.

Are you digging these as much as I am?

Nine West Founder $99

ASK SC: PLUS SIZE OUTFIT IDEAS, BIRTHDAY EDITION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

A few weeks ago, we received an email from SC reader April. She asked us for her some help with birthday outfit ideas. Her email read:

"Hi Alissa, I love your blog and how you show different looks. I will be turning 30 at the end of October and I wanted to know if you could, please, please, pretty please help me out with some ideas on what to wear. I want to look, sexy, edgy, and classy, if that makes sense. Please help!"

Thanks so much April for emailing me and so sorry for the late response. You're turning the big 30. When I think about hitting a b'day milestone, I think of getting my grown and sexy on. Since you want a look that is sexy, edgy and classy, I came up with 3 looks that definitely offer what you're looking for.

Look 1

QUEEN LATIFAH AT VARIETY'S POWER OF WOMEN

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last week Queen Latifah was spotted at Variety's Power of Women event in Cali. She showed up in a white  printed colorblocked dress and leopard print pumps. Was she working it or is it back to the drawing board.

VOTE!

PLUS SIZE SHOPPING: 20+ SUPER CUTE SWEATER DRESSES FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Its that time of year again, where we pack up our summer dresses and swap them for a thicker version, aka the sweater dress. This year, as plus size women we have more options than ever before. From sleek light weight cashmere styles to heavy duty snow storm ready styles, there is a sweater dress for you.

PLUS SIZE SHOPPING: STYLISH PLUS SIZE FASHION AT AUTOGRAPH

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last week I was put on to the Australian based plus size fashion site Autograph. A shopping site that carries everything from bohemian style dresses to retro swimsuits in sizes 14-26.

LUCKY BRAND PLUS SIZE COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE IN STORES

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
After launching their plus size "Ginger" denim line, Lucky Brand has just announced that you can shop Lucky Plus in store and online at www.luckybrand.com. "The plus-size collection is an extension of the brand's core apparel offering and is comprised of denim jackets and jeans, blouses and figure flattering tops. Available in sizes 14-24, the collection is priced from $49.50 for knits to $129 for denim, says Lucky  Brand

They've also unveiled their spring 2013 collection which ha a California girl bohemian vibe. I can personally vouch for their denim. I tried a pair on at Lord & Taylor and they were fantastic. I personally enjoy that Lucky Brand is offering casual youthful separates for plus size girls. I always think about the young plus size teenagers who are sometimes subjected only to body con club dresses, so having another place to shop for casual cool pieces is a good thing.  It is also fantastic to be able to shop in store for plus size clothes. We all know how that can be a challenge. 

PLUS SIZE SHOPPING: TARGET WOMENS PLUS LABWORKS COLLECTION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Have you guys checked out Target's Labworks collection yet? Well, let me be the first to say, it's worth a look. The exclusive online collection boasts high-end edgy style at affordable prices. The labworks plus size collection is made up of a color palette of black, gray, and gold. While the collection is simple, It offers modern silhouettes with trendy details like leather trimming, tweed, and metallic's.

STYLE JOURNEY: BLACK & WHITE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Lately, I have been inspired by the newest it couple Kimye. At first I wasn't feeling the whole black and white color combo that they were doing only because I was so used to seeing Kim K. in colorful trendy looks. So, when she started to date Kanye and went for a more sophisticated and edgy style it took me a few takes to adjust. While I am a girl who loves wearing bright bold colors I can appreciate a classic black and white ensemble.

FALL TRENDS: PLUS SIZE MOTO JACKETS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
From Jessica Alba to Carly Rae Jempsen, the moto jacket trend is everywhere. Moto jackets to me aren't really a trend, but they seem to be a bit more popular this season. It is one of the best pieces to have in your wardrobe because it just adds a little bad girl flair to your look.

STYLISH CURVES PICK OF THE DAY: PINK ROSE FAUX WRAP CABLE KNIT SWEATER DRESS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It's sweater season and what better way to keep your plus size curves looking fly than by rocking a super sassy sweater dress. Sweater dresses are a fall staple and offers an easy no muss, no fuss look. Currently we are digging this Pink Rose faux wrap dress from Macy's. It also comes in blue and baby pink.

Pink Rose Faux Wrap Sweater Dress  Get 20% off with code: OUTFIT

STYLE JOURNEY: TORRID LUXE SKINNY BLACK JEANS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Back in June I was invited to a Torrid denim event hosted by Jessica Kane the EIC of Skorch magazine.

The event was all about the new fall denim Torrid was offering, with a special emphasis on their new stiletto ankle jean. You can read about it  (Here). While everyone was smitten with the stiletto jean, it actually didn't work for me. Although I am not super tall. I'm 5ft 8in, I just felt the stiletto jean was a little too short for my taste and the leg was too baggy.

RUE 114 DEBUTS FALL 2012 COLLECTION, THE AFUA BEMPOMMA COLLECTION

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Last year I introduced you guys to the modern, African, chic, designer brand Rue 114. A new designer that creates clothes for all women of all shapes and sizes. Rue 114's debut collection was nothing short of sexy, feminine styles. Well, the budding design house is back with their A/W 2012 collection.

STYLISH CURVES PICK OF THE DAY:

ING Plus Size Dress, Three-Quarter-Sleeve Colorblocked Belted

ALISSA ON THE SCENE: BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY GRAND OPENING IN UNION SQUARE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
A few weeks ago I was invited to attend Burlington Coat Factory's grand opening in Union Square. After Filene's went bankrupt last year, the retail space above DSW was desolate.

STYLISH CURVES PICK OF THE DAY: EVANS IVORY LACE BLOUSE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

Fall is the perfect time for layering. This black lace ivory blouse from Evan will look fantastic peeking out from under a cropped cardigan or blazer. 

Evans Ivory Lace Blouse $59.50

STYLE JOURNEY: AND DEAR SUMMER

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
It looks like this weekend is the end of warm weather, long bright sunny days, and the sound of the ice cream truck cruising down the block. I am ready to fully embrace the fall season. I'm looking forward to leather jackets, dark tights, boots, and scarves.

CELEBRITY STYLE FOR PLUS SIZE CURVES: QUEEN LATIFAH IN KAY UNGER

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Queen Latifah was spotted this week rocking a chic ombre animal print Kay Unger dress.

SHOE TRENDS: CAP TOE HEELS

Written By: Kawana

Hey there stylish curvy ladies, 

Fall is officially here! It's that time to decide what trends will we fall in love with or just leave it on the runway. A huge trend this season are cap toe shoes. I personally love this trend because it adds a little attitude to any simple outfit.

CLASSIC COATS FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN AT BONMARCHE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
The days are flying by so fast that before you know it, coat season will be here. Have you thought about what kind of coat you will be wearing this season? I personally love classic coats. Coats that stand the test of  time. Believe it or not it can be very hard to find classic coats in plus sizes. Every brand is so focused on trends that they forget sometimes you're just looking for a classic look that goes with everything in your closet.

STYLISH CURVES PICK OF THE DAY: FOREVER 21 PLUS METALLIC JEANS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,

As stated in our plus size fall guide, metallics are a hot fall trend. We spotted these super cute metallic skinny jeans over at Forever 21 and have already created 3 outfits in our minds with them. 

Are you into the metallic trend?

Metallic Skinny Jeans $27.80

Oh, did we mention they also come in silver too

STYLE JOURNEY: ELIE TAHARI PLUS WIDE LEG TROUSERS

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This past summer one of the pieces I was most excited about was these orange pants from Tahari Plus. Like every girl I enjoy a good deal at Forever21 and Fashion to Figure, but I am a big believer in having quality pieces that will last a very long time. It's one of the reasons why I like shopping at Department stores especially Bloomingdales and Lord & Taylor. Those two are my absolute faves.

JILL SCOTT AND QUEEN LATIFAH AT THE STEEL MAGNOLIA'S PREMIERE

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
This week two of our favorite plus size celebrities were spotted at their new TV movie premiere Steel Magnolias. I don't know about you but I am super excited to see the TV version because I am such a big fan of the original.

Jill Scott always brings it and the Steel Magnolia's premiere was no different. She rocked a sequin faux wrapped dress and her natural locks. I love it all. Werk it!

Queen Latifah kept things classy and simple in a black asymmetrical dress and statement necklace. This is a little demure for the Queen but I think she looks classy. What about you?

OCTAVIA SPENCER COVERS ELLE MAGAZINES NOVEMBER WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD ISSUE

Hey curvy girls allover the world,
I am doing back flips this morning because Academy Award winning actress and fellow plus size curvy woman, Octavia Spencer is looking smoking hot on the cover of Elle magazine's November issue aka Women in Hollywood issue.

LUCKY MAGAZINE GOES SHOPPING FOR PLUS SIZE CLOTHES WITH BRIDESMAIDS REBEL WILSON

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Rebel Wilson is my new girl crush. After seeing her in Bridesmaids I was eagerly waiting to see what her next move was going to be. She has a new movie coming out called "Pitch Perfect" and I can't wait to see it. She has such a natural talent for comedy. What I also like about Rebel is her fun and funky personality that we see when she gets interviewed. There is just something so magnetic about it.