eShakti Dress Giveaway Winner

Thanks to all who entered the eShakti dress giveaway.  Congrats to Meeyeehere, she is the winner of the giveaway.  I will be emailing the you shortly!

The Pleasure Principle...or not so much - Carmakoma review & OOTD

Some of you may have already seen, but Reiko from God's Favorite Shoes invited me to a dinner at Cocina in the West Village in Dallas.  She was here visiting.  I love her blog and sometimes you feel people's energy before you even meet them and thats how it was for me.  And of course as I had already peeped out --- She is freakin awesome.  Besides being absolutely adorable, she was just super nice.  And as she mentioned we just chatted as if we have known each other for years.   She invited the lady behind Fashion nette-work, Juanette.  Juanette also sells some really great statement jewelry.  She was absolutely fabulous in her Banana Republic dress which she died from white to yellow.  I love a DIY girl...she tells you how to accomplish this on her blog.  Check it out.  I can't do anything but love another Banana girl.

My bag is from Ann Taylor.  I actually bought it last season on final clearance - orginally $160, I paid $40.

I wanted to tie this into an outfit post/review of the Carmakoma dress that I recently bought.  I really like the dress, but it did take two tries for it to get to me.  Inspired by Reiko (a lover of Janet) and my clip on bangs by Jessica Simpson.  I tried to achieve my long coveted Pleasure Principle hair style.  Just FYI I have wanted this look since I have been 8.  With the weather hot and steamy its kind of hard to pull off the look with my bangs staying oh so straight my real hair frizzing up.  So, yes I tried, but failed.  I have to wait until the Fall for me to get my Miss Jackson look off.    

(yes I picture jacked....but Reiko's looked so much better than mine)

Okay so I picked up this piece from Carmakoma in a 14/16, which is really not my size, but it was on sale and I wanted to try a cheaper piece before I really spent some money.  Even though it was smaller it definitely had good give and was somewhat baggy on me by the end of the night.  Another treat with this dress is that it was like two dresses in one.  There was an off the shoulder dress that was underneath (that was more like a shirt to me) --- This offered a few options of wearing the pieces together or apart.  Another bonus was that the dress was a razorback with a super cute sequin detail.  

Too cute right?!? The plus of the piece so far is that I really like the price, quality, and the style aesthetic. The cons are that it may take a month or so to get your piece.  My piece took two tries, I was talking to someone on Twitter and the same thing happened to them.  So while, the pieces are cute, if you plan to order for a special event, give yourself at least a month in advance. 

And so shall I leave you with the hairstyle that I have been trying to achieve for the last 20 years.   Thanks to Jessica Simpson...I know at least have some kind of hope of getting this look! 

(Now I don't know where I'm going to get some knee pads to fit my big knees. But believe when I was younger I did put my softball knee pads over my jeans)

eShakti Dress Giveaway

The generous people at eShakti have sponsored a dress giveaway with yours truly.  The dress is a 2X black and white print.  Sorry guys the dress is a little snug on the hips, so I couldn't actually model the outfit and there is no one else here but the dog and she said she didn't want to model...LOL.   The dress, from what I can tell, is sold out on eShakti, but it is very trendy and cute --- I'm sad I couldn't slip it on.  

The accessories are not included, but I wanted to style it up.   To enter the contest you must be a follower and comment "enter me" & your email address.  The contest will end at June 30th (the day the new Twilight movie come out --- cant wait) at 11:59pm.  The winner will be picked by Random.org.  Good Luck!!!

FFF Week (tm) Finale Recap

I must say I really enjoyed myself at FFF Week.  The weekend is kind of a blur with me darting to get to this event and that event, that I really didnt get to go to every event I wanted to.  This is a recap the designers I really like at the event.  For me a runway show is about the clothes, potential pieces that I can buy, or recommend to clients.  So I happy to see a lot of different styles represented on the runway.   In the mini slideshow/movie I put in my favorite designers and my favorite looks from them. 

In the order on the slideshow:

Susan Moses:  This designer was my absolute favorite at FFF Week.  I want to know where I can buy!!!  The delivery of the pieces was flawless with clean lines, immaculate details, and innovative design.  Although I have seen this style before offered in plus, I have not seen it executed to this standard, with just the extreme attention to detail in this dark and edgy style.  And the structure of the clothing was a force to be reckoned with.  I was impressed.   Susan Moses really took this look to the next level. 

Monif C - Her collection consisted of some things that I had already seen with some pieces that I haven't.   Monif C is definitely staking her claim in swimsuits in plus sizes.  Monif C actually made a bikini that works for the plus size body that actually looks good.  With a little thinking outside the box, Monif C has made the bottom and top to cover the right areas and the let the areas that work best for the curvy girl show.  I must say kudos to Monif C for her innovation the swimsuit area.

Igigi -  Again this collection of mostly of pieces that had been on the Igigi website for months at this point.   I did like the fact that Igigi's collection really told a story.  The story was called "A walk in Paris."  With great styling Igigi really gave you the feeling of being in Paris.  She did show one piece that I had not seen before.  It was a gorgeous wedding dress (which is not on the website).  The dress made me want to buy for my own wedding.   

Jewel Shannon - This collection consisted of resort pieces.  This designer mixed swimsuit material with glamour and luxury.  I pieces from this collection, because I love luxury and the swimsuits and coverup just looked so expensive.  Ladies no swimming in these suits...LOL

Outfit of the day: Full Figured Fashion Week

Bear with me guys I am going to blog on the fashion of FFF Week....it is just my computer is so slow...I need to go home and get on the Mac...lol.  I did want to blog on the looks I had on for the different events and the fashion shows. 

This is Natalie Sandy (aka Ms New York American Beauties Plus) and I.  This was at the Lane Bryant event early Saturday.  Here I am actually wearing the Asos Curvy power should maxi dress.   The dress is actually super long, but I decide to hike it up a bit, b/c it was just too hot.  I belted it and paired it with a silver pin from eShakti which completed my little futuristic look.

As you may know this is Tiffany from Fat Shopholic & Christina from Musings of a Fatshionista.  I wanted to point out that Christina and I actually wore the same black dress from Asos (hers from the straight size colleciton, mine from the curvy ---but pretty much the same dress).  We didn't run into each other, but had we I dont know that anyone would think we had on the same dress.  I think this just stresses the point of putting your own creative spin on the pieces you purchase. 

I wore this dress to opening night.   I took so many pics, but neglected to get any by myself or even a good full length shot....I know I suck...I gotta work on that...LOL.  The dress is by Jibri. It is a floral on shoulder peplem with cutout detail on the sleeve, the bottom pencils down.  I totally loved this dress. 

 

Last, but not least. My final dress came from the wonderful people at eShakti, who sponsored pieces for me to wear during FFF Week.  I wore this dress to the book signing at Re/Dress boutique.  I usually hate taking pictures sitting down, but I kind of like this one so Ill let it pass...LOL. This dress is black with pink trim. I just found it to be the cutest daytime dress. I paired with earring that I bought from redress and my fav. boyfriend watch from Overstock.com. ----- Although you could not see my bra by the human eye through this dress you can def. see it b/c it was picked up by the flash --- excuse the bra flash guys.  Im at least glad I had on my pretty lacy bra...LOL.

I also wanted to incorporate some haute looks that I saw on some of the attendees:

Marie Denee from The Curvy Fashionista was on my best dressed list for FFF Week.  She was fabulous everytime I saw her.  What I really liked about her looks is she went for different effects each time....one was daring, one was elegant, and one was fun.  She really switched it up.  Kudos!!!

Meilee from Sheroes had the most fabulous shoes...and guess where they came from (Meilee I hope you dont hate me for putting you out there) ------ Rainbow.  They were so so so cute!

Emme, the hostess of FFF Week looked fab in her one shoulder jumpsuit by Susan Moses.

Bella Styles stops traffic in her haute Asos dress!  I love this dress....I think I might have to get one too.

On my way to Full Figured Fashion Week(TM) & Book Special!

I know I haven't really posted this week, but stay tuned.  I plan to get everyone updated on the activities at Full Figured Fashion Week in NYC.  I won't fly in until Friday, but I will be sure to find the most fabulous fashion.  I plan to do a recap every night (and it will probably be late at night) of all the festivities...so camera don't fail me now!

I'm going to keep under wraps what I am wearing until this weekend.  But I will let on a little snippet.  Most of you guys know that I have a screwed up knee, so heels are a little hard for me to wear.  Especially ones over 3 inches.  So I decided to pick up some fabulous flats (and I know they are not as fabulous as heels) from the Christian Siriano line for Payless.  Know Im not a usual matchy matchy person with shoes and a clutch, but I just couldn't resist.  These are probably by far the most fabulous flats I have every seen.  Because a lot of stores don't carry them in the store, I ordered them and had them shipped to the store (its free shipping if you have them sent to the store).  When I got to the sore they actually had the clutch and the buy1 get 1 half off was on, so I couldnt leave the clutch behind.  They both look so expensive...way over the $29,99 price tag that each of them carry.  I must say that on my list of designers that have done affordable collections this one is a favorite of mine.  It is nice to see a designer not only backing their affordable line not only with thier name, but with a great product.  The detail on this flat is fabulous!

Anywho, look out for a day to day coverage of FFF Week and the fabulous fashion!  Also, in conjunction with the festivities of FFF Week(tm)  I will be offering The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style (book) at $!3.00 until Sunday ------ ONLINE ONLY!

Outfit of the Day with some Arizona Goodies!

So I learned an interesting fact while at Strut Bridal this past week....and that is there are only 6 plus size bridal shops (total) between the U.S. and Canada.  Strut Bridal in Arizona happens to be one of them.  I had to talk about this gem of a boutique first, because as many of you know I will getting married next April.  I know I will be taking a trip back, so that I can have a one on one consultation, because the dresses in this shop do not look like the tradition plus size dress that I oh so hate! They are gorgeous and they look really expensive, but in actuality they range from $500 - $2400.  I have been looking in shops where the dresses that I like are minimum $7000 and of course I would have to get them custom to my body (b/c they are not offered in plus) which could possibly cost me double the original price of the dress.  Ann from Strut says that when she got married she encountered the issue of not wanting the "plus size" dresses and this is what inspired her to open the boutique.   From what I have seen of them they are terrible and on my wedding day I don't want to settle for a dress.   I, personally, think for brides to be this place is definitely worth flying to...HAND DOWN...for a breathtaking bridal gown.   

Photo Credit:  Fashion Phoenix

Photo Credit:  Fashion Phoenix

Bear with me this post is a little long than usual.   Next I wanted to talk about my outfit from the Arizona Book Signing.  I actually choose to go a little more casual chic with this look.  I had been bound for two weeks, I feel, in heavy foundations and "posture correcting" dresses...that I wanted a little break.  So I decided to use an outfit from Torrid to give me a chic, but more comfortable look.  Hey...even I need a break...LOL.  You can see me pictured here with my new BFF (Best Friend in Fashion) - Kira from Fashion Phoenix.  She is the lady behind Phoenix's main fashion blog. Be sure to check it out...she has a great post on her site now about Ted Baker - - the line is adorable!

Photo Credit:  Fashion Phoenix

In this look, I wore a pair of black leggings, an oversized top (with zipper detail on the shoulder - cute, but I know you can see it, and a black blazer with gathered sleeves, all of which are from Torrid.   I added the black blazer to give the outfit a little more structure.  The necklace is from H&M. 

MonifC Swimsuit Review

Ok so I know you guys have been waiting on the MonifC swimsuit review.  I ordered the one shoulder ruffle dress seen here on Fluvia.  I must say I really like the swimsuit.  Besides being super cute, the swimsuit has some nice features for the curvy girl, including the optional strap, the double lined material with bra cups, and the material is nice and thick to hold you in.   My only wish for the swimsuit is that I wish the ruffle would have been extended to the back part of the swimsuit, as the ruffle is only in the front.  This swimsuit gets The Curvy Girl's stamp of approval as a fabulous addition to your resort and summer pool wear. Oh and one other thing...the cut around the crotch area is a little high...so make sure if you order this suit to have your bikini area in check.

As I have said many times before I am a fan of playing up your look at the pool.  Besides the traditional shades I added a pair of emerald green earrings that I got from Asos and a red bracelet from Evans for this day at the pool.  You can kind of see them in the picture above.  

Before I go, I'm not sure if you guys have noticed, but I have been wearing my hair in a ballerina bun lately.  Apparently it is one of the "in" hairstyles of the season. But I wanted to tell you guys about those Goody's hair accessories that allow you do you hair in a bun, a pumped up pony tail, or a updo.  Now I know I sound like a commercial, but I promise I am not getting anything for this plug.  I just know with the summer here the weather can keep our hair from looking it's best, so I have opted to try out these products from Goody.  And I love them....they make doing chic styles to your hair super easy.  I ordered my through the mail, but you get all three hair accessories for $14 and they add in a little comb to give you a small bump.   Just thought I would share.

SATC Giveaway Winner, GM Arizonia, & a Little More

So much has gone on in the last couple of weeks, but first I want to announce the SATC giveaway winner.

The winner is Bobbie Denise.  Bobbie please look out for an email from me so I can get your address.  Congrats to the winner.

There is so much that has happened and I have so much to blog about, so please check out the blog this week.

I will be blogging on merchandise received from MonifC(swimsuit) among others.  I know you guys have been waiting on the swimsuit review.  I will also be blogging on the first couple of book tours that I participated in.  Outfit posts will come from those.  So although I have lacked in posts the past couple of weeks...get ready...I have a lot to say.  Thanks all for being patient with me.  See you this week!


Oh and check me on on Good Morning Arizonia!