SimplyBe Picks

Guest Post.  If you are not familiar with SimplyBe, consider yourself informed.   Fabulous dresses a-plenty, they have much the offer the plus size woman in the frock department.  Have you ever drooled over an Anna Scholz original?  SimplyBe even has more economical line from Anna Scholz that hovers in price range from $100 - $150 as opposed to the usual $400 price tag from the original line.  My beloved white tuxedo jacket comes from SimplyBe.  Some of my favorite pieces from this site are the structured dresses that resemble that Victoria Beckham structure.  Check out some of my wishlist frocks.  What’s your favorite? 

Check out Simplybe here. Post was sponsored by SimplyBe.

Somebody that I Used to Know

Tonight I got to attend a benefit fashion show for Baylor Hospital Health Care System Foundation with celebrity host/stylist and Denim Magazine editor & chief, J. Bolin.   I met J. Bolin years ago and he gave me one of my most memorable fashion moment.  I was just starting in the industry and modeling in a fashion show. He was back stage styling for a designer and I just remember the polish on his personal presentation.   It was impeccable, complete with clean lines, perfect tailoring, and a crispness you have to see to believe.  He inspired me to be as polished as possible and to finish a look from head to toe. 

Far Left:  Bootglams segment of the show -- take your eyes down to that fancy show accessory.  Check them out here.  Middle:  Model showcasing styles from Haven Boutique (as far as I know they don't sell plus sizes).  Far Right:  Shamequia Cason, founder of Baylor Health Care Systems Foundation and kidney transplant recipient, looking gorgeous & healthy thanks to Baylor Hospital.  

Outfit Logistics:  Bow Blouse - Ladan's Closet $49, Dress - Asos $34, Sequin Leggings - JIBRI $300, Booties - $20, Gold Case - gifted from my nephew :)

 Celebrity Stylist:  Jason Bolin

And they say Dallas isn't fashionable.  Left:  Fellow stylists NekiBosh from They're Just Clothes & Courtney Guy, Right: I forgot her name, but she was so cute and can you believe her suit came from the Limited.  

Tonight's event had a station to sign up to be an organ donor.  I have a really close friend who had a kidney transplant and through her I understand the urgency of having a replacement organ.  Tonight, I signed up to be an organ donor in hopes of helping someone live when I go meet Jesus.  Click here if you want more information or would like to sign up.     

Elena Miro - Milan Fashion Week

It's almost hard to believe that these clothes are even plus size.  Elena Miro shows her Spring 2013 collection at Milan Fashion Week.  I've known about this designer for years as she is known for being the only plus size designer to show at Milan Fashion Week or any fashion week for that matter.   I've coveted pieces from her collection for probably 5 seasons now. Her collection is generally not available in the United States.   The pieces that I have seen available are generally just basics and not the fabulous pieces you see here.  Just look at the intricate details on the bustiers.  I have been wanting a bustier with the structured bust detail for years.   As my husband and I are are planning an European vacation for late summer of next year, I have full intentions on sliding in a visit to Elena Miro on the agenda.  Don't tell him, he is already set up.   It's hard to believe that I never see any of the plus size stars in her designs.  I'm going to need their stylists to do better!

You can view the entire collection here.  I'm in love with the black dress with the bustier detail and mixture of textures.  What's your favorite piece? 

Chantilly Lace

Lace is definitely back and in full effect this fall.  I'm looking for a couple of perfect pieces to add in lace to add to the arsenal. Specifically, I want a lace skirt and some kind of top.  I love lace, but it's one of those delicate fabrics that you have to be careful with.  I few posts back I wore a lace top that I had to cut the arms off of because I got a little too crazy as I was putting it on.  I'm not the most graceful individual, so things like hosiery and lace I have to consciously be careful with.  

Speaking of hosiery, do you know what time it is?  It's my annual tights/hosiery warning.  It's time to stock up, because the size you need will be gone.  It happens every year like clockwork.  Here's a heads up, Yours Clothing has some really fancy hosiery in plus size.  Check it out here. 

Outfit Post:  Dress - Kiyonna $158, Shoes - J. Renee via Nordstrom Rack, Belt - Asos - $20

Stealing Polka Dots

I saw God's Favorite Shoes in this top and said I have to have it and wouldn't you know it came from Old Navy.  Of course it's not available in the plus sizes, but the top goes up to a XXL.  I wish I would have gotten the XL, it's just a tad big and sweater has a lot of give and gets stretched out easily.    I would say the XXL would accommodate up to a 22.  Side note:  Why wouldn't they make this top in plus sizes.  It's just a simple size up.  It baffles me sometimes.  

I actually interviewed for a job today and this is what I wore.  When introducing myself to people, I use the philosophy that sometimes simple and chic is best.  

Outfit Logistics - Top - SimplyBe (similar), Belt - Asos $20, Skirt - Nordstrom, Shoes - 6pm

Boutiques to Know: My Curve Appeal

I wanted to start a new series similar to the Designers to Watch.  It is called Boutiques to Know.  There are a ton of independent plus size boutiques out there that cater strictly to you. They carry from the mainstream to the indie designers.  A lot of the owners are plus size and more than just a business, helping their customers look fabulous is a passion.

First on deck is blog supporter, My Curve Appeal.  This boutique hovers on the outskirts of Atlanta, GA and it was actually one of my first jobs as a indie buyer.  This boutique carries plus size fashion, but the most special about this boutique is that they have plus size gown samples for weddings, proms, and bridesmaid that you can actually go in the store and try on.  I WISH I had this option here in Dallas when I was in search of a wedding gown.  I had to eyeball my gown instead of being able to try it on first.  You can check them out here.  

I frequent indie shops for the following reasons:

• Sometimes I find that item that I thought was sold out.  Brands sell to boutiques too, so  the item may be sold out on their site, but the boutique could still have the item in stock. 
• Items are generally always in stock so there is no wait time.  With indie designers there may be a processing time.  Boutiques offer the inventory they have, so items can be shipped immediately. 
• They look out for you!  Most of the boutique owners I know are plus size, so they really care about the options that they bring to you.  They are not a huge corporation, none of which know what it is to be plus size, amassing together trying to figure out what you want when they really have no clue.  They generally have great selections of pieces they scouted out just for you!

Check out My Curve Appeal here:

799 West Ave. suite 102
Cartersville GA 30120

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Love this post, shout out some of your favorite indie boutiques.  

Fall Fashion

Even Texas is getting a little cooler these days.  I am totally ready for fall fashion, so I decided to play around with some prints.  I decided to mix a little dog's tooth and leopard.  With September well underway, I'm glad to be able to wear some of the ideas that have been stirring in my head.  

I picked up the Asos top and it's adorable, but runs a little big.  Get your size, no need to size up.   I often get the question as to wear to find belts.  I know it can get a little tricky if you waist is over 45 inches.  Asos has excellent belts in the curve section.  The hardware is sick!  I've never seen fun belts like these in plus.  

Outfit:  Top - Asos $65, Skirt - Lane Bryant $55, Belt - Asos $25, Shoes - Gifted many moons ago, Bracelets - Joe Brown $8/Charming Charlie $6/Evans $10

Harlem World - Day 3 Fashion Week

I want to say going to Harlem was probably my favorite day in NYC and Fashion Week.  I'm not sure why, but I was really excited to go.  It's such a historical place in American history.  I was excited to walk the same streets W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughes, Josephine Baker, and so many other greats. I wanted to see the place that gave birth to so much culture, talent, and leadership.  I loved being there, it just felt right...like home.  It's hard to explain in words. 

This trip, I really shopped my own closet.  I did add in a couple inexpensive pieces.  I've been traveling a lot and spending a lot, so to offset some of the spending I didn't buy anything major.  I just used what I had.  

Outfit Logistics:  Top - Target $22, Skirt - JIBRI (super old), Shoes - Gap $50, Necklace - Charming Charlie $6

Because we can never put our phones down. 

My quick getup for dinner or what you might call Purple Rain Chic LOL:  Jeans - Torrid $48, T-shirt - Target $10 (my fav. t-shirt of all time), Jacket - Archive Vintage $30, Shoes - Gap $50 (soldout)

While in Harlem, we had brunch at the Corner Social.  I had the chicken and pancakes (top-right), which were delish!  We meet up with Audrey from Miss Moons Musings (bottom-right).   I loved meeting Audrey, she was so super sweet and fun to talk to.   I loved her hair too.   While having brunch, we spotted fellow blogger Paola (bottom-left), from Finding Paola, taking some shots for her blog.  She was so freaking adorable, I had to get a pic.  Last but not least, another random fabulous moment arises when we spotted, Anya(top-left), winner of last year's Project Runway and resort wear extraordinaire. She was nice enough to pose for an instagram photo.  

I would just like to point out the top-right photo of Reiko proceeding to sit on Juanette's suitcase while she zipped.  When I saw this, I didn't say a word, I just kindly got up and snapped my photo.  Instagram wins again! This by far was my favorite instagram picture of the trip.  

That's my trip to New York for Fashion Week.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time and I am going try to visit every year at the same time.  Next year, I work on attending some shows.  

Day 2 #NYFW

I have to give it to the NYC fashionista.  It's hard to be running around the city in full gear, make-up, and hair walking the longest blocks ever known to man.  A southern girl has it easy, because all we do is get in our cars, find the closest parking space, then get out.  In New York your walking the streets, going up and down stairs....oh the humanity!  I swear I walked 20 miles, but my workout conditioning had me feeling a lot better this go round.   Needless to say, I went in NYC with outfits prepared, but had to rework all of my looks to provide me with easier mobility and comfort.  I ended up wearing back up pieces instead of my planned pieces.  

Outfit Logistics:  Top - H&M $10 ( size L -- more than big enough), Skirt - JIBRI (similar at LB and it's adorable) $55, Shoes - ShoeDazzle $40, Bag - Kate Spade (old)

Literally around every corner there was fashion.   I was getting off the train and ran into the Style Network and the "How do I look" host, Jeannie.  It was a small crowd, so I decided to takes some pics for the blog and was asked to participate in their Pop Up Style segment.  Of course I said yes!  The next day, I get a tweet saying that they saw me on the style network. Please note that Jeannie is just as adorable in person as she is on TV.   This moment was probably the most coolest random moment of my life.  Proving that you should always look your best, because you never know what's around the corner.  

See the commercial below shot guerrilla style on my T.V.  ~ Don't judge me. 

Friday I also got to have a late lunch with fellow author of Counter Girls (which is a story about make up artists and their juicy lives), Felicia York.  She's a MAC make-up artist at the Big Macys in NYC with stories to tell.  I'm intrigued and can't wait to read.  My own sheer nosiness has me rubbing my hands together.  

And then I had dinner with fellow blogger and new fashion editor to Plus Model Magazine,  Alissa from Stylish Curves.  I really enjoyed her blog on the H&M plus size section and I even had a chance to take a look at it with her! The plus size collection is here in Dallas as well, but I heard it was so bad that I never even took the time to look.  The fit is bad, there were a couple of cute pieces, but the fit was so bad that I couldn't work with them.  Anyways, it was so nice to actually get a moment to chat with these girls.  I've met Alyssa several times, but it was always in some kind of event setting, so getting a chance to sit and chat about fashion was great.  My last day blog post in NYC is coming up so stay tuned.  

#FNO #NYFW

Night 1.  So what village idiot lost their cell phone in a cab the first night of New York Fashion Week?  Raises hand.  An even better question is, what girl is having a blast at her first #NYFW?  Raises hand again.  Beside the phone fiasco, I had a ball.  There are gazelles (models) everywhere.  The thing I like about watching the models is their style.  It's kind of non-existent, it's their look that is their wow factor, not what they wear. So they are some of the most simplest dressed women, but so striking you can't help but stare. 

The atmosphere that accompanies fashion week is unyielding.  It just won't let you go.  Fashion at every corner, music blasting, and tons of crowds.  Everyone trying to take home their own piece of this elite week.  With that being said the people watching is phenominal.  Every type of girl that you've see on any given t.v show can be seen on this particular night....gossip girl, Jenny from the block, the jersey girl, the list goes on and on.  I must say the fashion that I've been most impressed with is the men's fashion.  The guys here go for the gusto.  They are fearless, committed, and it all paid off.  I saw a dude pull off a Huckleberry Finn jumpsuit (see instagram photo below) AND he wore the hell out of it!!! I LOVE IT!!!



I attended fashion week with Juanette from Fashionette Work and Reiko from God's Favorite Shoes.  We started out at the Meatpacking District and attempted to go to Diane von Furstenburg to see Solange Knowles get her DJ on.  Well, not so much...the line was literally around the block.  Every natural girl in the city was eagerly waiting to get in to see their Solange in all of her fabulously natural haired glory.  Then we checked out the Shops at Target, where their yet to be released lines were available for purchase.  It was a super cute venue, where the DJ played "Party all the Time" by Eddie Murphy.  You know I got my dance and my sing on.  We then skipped over to 5th ave to do some shopping at H&M.  There are so many things going on  a cab ride literally left me phoneless in Manhattan.  I was determined not to let that spoil my time...and it didn't.  Needless to say, I got a new phone the next morning.  

Group #FNO Shot

 Huckleberry Chic

 Models Crossing

   DVF Line

Stayed tuned, I have 2 more days of #NYFW to cover and more posts coming on dining with awesome bloggers, my Style Network experience, and much more.  



Clements Ribeiro Swan Fall Collection

Clements Ribeiro goes for round two with Evans this fall, bringing lady like sophistication combined with a hint of rocker edge.  As I am not typically a fan or consumer of the regular Evans clothes, but I am a fan of the Clement Ribeiro for Evans.  Reason being it's just that the regular clothes rarely tickle my fancy, but this designer line does.  

I tried out some pieces from the first collection that launched last spring.  I loved the last collection, but I will say that it was hard to wear for someone with my body type.  The last collection was a boxier cut, so it was great was rectangles, apples, and inverted triangle body shapes.  If you are extremely curvy, like I am, it was harder fit.  I stuck to picking up the tops and a jacket.   I do have my eye on that lace pencil skirt, which I feel will probably work because the alteration will be simple as I will just get the waist taken in.  What do you think of the link and what do you have your eye on?

Mimosa Print Top $75/Belt $27/Mimosa Print Pants $75

 Cardi $115/Lace Grace Skirt $100

 Lace Grace Dress $165

Metallic Kimmy Blouse $100

Salome Dress $115

Lou Lou Tunic $105