OUTFIT: 50 Shades of Green

I love making new friends. To me, nothing is more exciting than the first few months of getting to know someone. I invited Jennifer of Jasifer Lion's Club to have dinner with me at the newly renovated Roger Hotel (which I will post later this week). Afterward, we ran through Times Square to stop by Forever 21's plus size section - but not without snapping flicks first! 

Chiffon is everything. An overlay of this fabric is automatic drama. When I saw this irresistible chartereuse  Sofia Vergara Chiffon Overlay Top at KMart, I didn't have a choice but to get it. I was feeling 50 shades of green, so I mixed the chartreuse with teal.

Being silly with Jen, playing vogue in the middle of Times Square lol

Kmart Fashion keeps finding new ways to surprise me, and the Sofia Vergara collection does not disappoint. If I were you, I'd click this link to shop the collection now - there's a big sale going on! (Extra: stop by Forever 21+ in-store if you can, they've added some new pieces).

Top: Sofia Vergara for Kmart Fashion

Jeans: Forever 21+

Shoes: White House Black Market, thrifted

Earrings and Bracelet: Palm Beach Jewelry

Bracelets: H&M

A little bit more ridiculousness - Jen and I pretending to be tourists.

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GET THE LOOK: Chrisette Michele's Twitter

Chrisette Michele is one of my favorite singers of all time, literally. Though she hasn't released any music recently, I did get to catch her at the Blue Note Jazz Cafe in NYC last summer and I frequent her Twitter page because she honestly seems like a girl I'd be best friends with in my mind of course. While trolling (whatever don't judge me), I caught her Twitter avatar. This easy style is what I live for in the summer - braided hair, big sunglasses, lightweight t-shirt, jean jacket for cool summer nights, and a pop of color at the bottom. 

Shop the Look:

Denim Jacket - Gap

Lightweight Tee - Uniqlo

Colored Skinny Jeans - Forever 21

Retro Sunglasses - ASOS

Watch - Michael Kors

Ring - River Island

Lipstick - Dior

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Old Navy Swim: Dressing my Curves

There is a serious heatwave going on in NYC right now - I'm actually sitting here singing songs in front of my fan (don't act like I'm the only one who does it!). In an effort to prepare for the beach and a trip to Atlantic City with one of my best friends next week, I took a trip to Old Navy to find a bathing suit.

Pardon the photo quality - these are in the dressing room!

As a woman with curves in lots of places, it's really tough to find a suit that does my body justice. To be very honest, I've only recently become really comfortable with the idea of being in a bathing suit. I'm not a swimmer and I was born in December, so being in the sun half naked isn't my idea of a good time! Being top heavy, a halter swimsuit is the best choice - offering the most support without an actual bra or underwire. No halter in sight? Opt for the tried-and-true strapped suit. Since I have wonderfully meaty thighs (ha!), I tried looking for suits with brief cuts for the fullest coverage.

The result? These two pieces - one strapped in a beautiful blue jewel tone and a playful striped hot pink and white halter swimsuit. I feel like a million bucks in these, and I can't wait to share pictures of my ridiculous adventure with my friend in Atlantic City. 

Looking for some curvy girl options at Old Navy? My picks:

 

More swimwear tips for plus size:

- Suits with embellishments not only draw attention to your wonderful shape, but play up your fun personality! Think fringe and beaded necklines.

- Overlays help to transition from poolside to party time. Not looking to don your mama's usual caftan? Think sheer maxi skirts and dresses.

- 

Click on the photos above to shop Old Navy Swim. What are your favorite silhouettes for summer swimwear??

Thank you again to Old Navy for sponsoring my post. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.

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LOOKBOOK: Carmakoma AW12 Preview

During Full Figured Fashion Week, the beautiful Rikke of Sticky Sweet Danish donned the gorgeous frocks of Carmakoma, and I fell in love. A Danish plus size fashion brand, sizes 12-24, that has gained international notoriety for their elegant and trendy simplicity, Carmakoma has released photos of their AW12 collection.

I spy a number of trends in this collection - sheers, high-low hemlines, fun prints, sheers, cutouts, leather, and tapered denim. This is the epitome of my style! Carmakoma has also released a lookbook for their Lab|27 Collection featuring Fluvia Lacerda.

Visit Carmakoma's site and "Like" them on Facebook for updates. From what I saw on Rikke, Carmakoma is a hit!

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OUTFIT: Polka Pop

Photo Credit: Danimezza.com

On Day 2 of Full Figured Fashion Week, I made my way to District 36 for the Networking Event (see my post here with the recap). I ran into Danimezza, Caitlyn, and Samantha outside and we decided to snap some flicks. 

I've become a bit obsessed with hi-low hemlines, and what girl can resist polka dots? This skirt is at the top of my summer wardrobe - I love how it flaps in the wind. Curvy Girl Tip: when shopping the hi-low trend, look for a dramatic difference between the length of the front and back hemline. "Barely" hi-low cuts end up looking like regular skirts because the coverage in the back (for those with lady humps!) raises the skirt to equal the length in the front.

In true New Yorker fashion, I usually end up wearing black and pairing with a bright pop of color. This day was no different, with me adding a bit of Christian Dior's "Rouge Favori" in Favori Red 752. With such a bright lip and a polka dot skirt, I kept my accessories monotone with a silver/black/rhinestone statement necklace, silver ball earrings, a silver ring, and silver bangles.

Top: thrifted

Skirt: High Energy

Necklace: Ebay

Ring: Street Vendor

Shoes: Gap

Bangles: H&M

Knocking off "Hi Lo" for Jasifers Lions Club "Big Fat Summer Challenge"! 

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Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week 2012: Day 4 [Retailers/Boutiques Runway Showcase]

Saturday night concluded Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week 2012, and we went out with a bang. Sexy lingerie, fun rompers, beautiful gowns, and ready-to-wear pieces made their way down the runway. Read more for a peek at looks from Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, Eyani Couture, Evie Foster, and more...

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Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week: Day 4 [A Torrid Affair]

On Saturday afternoon during Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week 2012, Jessica Kane invited a close-knit group out to preview Torrid's denim collection. Torrid had their classic fits - Skinny, Black Skinny, Curvy Skinny, Slim Bootleg, and Bootleg - on hand for us to try on while introducing the new "Stiletto Jean" fit.

I love the fit of Torrid's "Stiletto Jean"! The stretch denim hugs each and every curve while smoothing out any bumps along the way. I can't describe how sexy I felt when I slid this pair of pants onto my body. More sexy bodies in these slim 'thangs under the hood...

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Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week: Day 3 [Indie Designers Showcase]

Pictured with Cornelius of Pure Chic Visions

Friday night was the Indie Designers Showcase for Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week - the one event I was looking forward to the most. I've been waiting for months and was so excited to see Ashley Nell Tipton's Spring 2013 collection.

For the event, I wanted to keep it comfortable (as always!) so I opted for this knee-length dress with embellished sleeve and neckline. I don't usually like strong shoulders, but the sequins were too irresistible. I cinched my waist with a silver fish scale belt and kept it demure with an ankle strap D'Orsay pump. 

Dress: Vintage

Belt: Thrifted

Shoes: Thrifted, White House | Black Market, $6

Earrings: Random NYC store, $3

Read more for pictures of my favorite outfits from each designer and a video of the final walk...

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OUTFIT: All That Glitters

I am a true believer in fashion being as comfortable as it is beautiful. I'm beginning to really embrace the idea of mixing basics with over-the-top pieces - element of suprise, perhaps? 

I am in love with these gold glitter mules. Can you believe I got them for $5?! And they are super comfortable.

Forever 21 knew what they were doing when they created these slim-fitting Fab Skinny Jeans. I like to wear them with big tops to balance out my proportions. And at a price you can't beat, they've become a wardrobe staple because I can buy them again and again. 

Check the orange bracelet - it was a gift from Jennifer of Jasifer Lions Club! My necklace in the first picture was also a DIY project that I did with some extra gold chains I had hanging around. I wrapped them and added a closure.

How do you do casual?

Top: thrifted

Skinny Jeans: Forever 21, $13.50

Glitter Mule Shoes: Rainbow, $5

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Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week 2012: Day 3 [Sonsi Blogger Event]

Along with showcases and networking opportunities, bloggers had the opportunity to preview upcoming projects from plus brands. The Sonsi Blogger Pop-Up Party was a fun chance for us to become familiar.

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Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week 2012: Day 2 [Curves, Connections & Cocktails x Skorch TV Launch]

Pictured with the ever-fabulous Marie Denee and Elann Zelie

Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week 2012 is moving right along - ladies (and gentlemen) got the chance to mix, mingle, and catch some down time with the Curves, Connections, & Cocktails event. Hosted by Catherine's, this event was such a success. Again, who doesn't have fun with photobooths?! 

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Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week 2012: Day 1 [All White Cruise]

Last night began my Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week 2012 adventure, with the All White Cruise. Though I have serious motion sickness issues (boats, long car rides - can't do 'em!), I made it through and can live to tell the story.

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OUTFIT: Brunch Chic

This Wednesday kicks off Full Figured Fashion Week and the plus-size industry's top models, designers, editors, and bloggers are pouring into New York City for this exciting annual event. To celebrate, Jennifer of Jasifers Lions Club, Jessica of Too Many Sequins, Tanya of Miss Cherry Lipz, Rikke of Sticky Sweet Danish, Caitlin of Closet Confessions, and Danielle of Danimezza and I met up for dinner. Drinks, laughs, and camera shots galore - it's so exciting to meet bloggers just as passionate as I am from all parts of the world! 

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COLLECTION: Dorothy Perkins "Oh So Pretty"

Ever since Keyondra of The Red Glasses Sisters posted a gorgeous Dorothy Perkins dress on my Facebook page last week, I have been mildly obsessed with the brand. They've recently launched a collection, "Oh So Pretty", and it is an homage to all things feminine. Aquas, lace, blush, and delicate prints adorn the "Oh So Pretty" collection pieces, while pussy bows, peter pan collars, and high-low hems serve as demure accents. 

My favorites of the Dorothy Perkins "Oh So Pretty" collection:

Grey Daisy Midi Dress - $57.00

Mint Dandelion Pussybow Blouse - $45.00

Nude Smoking Slippers - $44.00

Mint/Cream Structured Clutch - $27.00 

To view the rest of the "Oh So Pretty" collection, visit the Dorothy Perkins website. What are your favorite pieces? 

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HAIR: Flat Twist Extensions Tutorial

I've been getting lots of questions (in real life) about my current hairstyle. It's a flat twist extensions protective hairstyle that I concocted while confined to my couch one weekend. It's much easier than it looks, and I've done a flat wist extensions tutorial to prove it!

Products used:

Mizani D'Tangle Moisturizing Leave-In Milk

Dr. Miracle's Curl Care Leave In Conditioner

Eco Styler Morccan Argan Oil Styling Gel

Afro Marley Braid Synthetic Hair

TOP TIP:  Always moisturize your hair before putting extensions in! 

What are your go-to protective styles for the summer?

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FUN: Jasifer Lion's Club "Big Fat Summer Challenge"

This past weekend was brutal. I searched feverishly for Full Figured Fashion Week outfits (I'm finally done, yay!) and had absolutely NO luck. I came across two peplum dresses at a local store that my best friend had incredible patience in while I groveled over length, material, color.... I took the dresses home and both the cut and length were not flattering. 

BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? FORGET THAT!!! I'm sick of being conscious about the meat around my thighs, my tummy, and this luscious behind! I WILL EMBRACE MY BODY. I repeat:

I WILL EMBRACE MY BODY.

So Jasifer Lion's Club's "Big Fat Summer Challenge" is so timely and appropriate. I accept said challenge - I vow to wear EVERYTHING on this list. I actually own a couple of these items. 

GAME ON. 

I challenge you ladies to try it too! If you are participating, leave me a comment letting me know (also visit Jasifer's post - the lady with the best outfit post wins something awesome). Challenge closes July 31st. 

A fancy badge for your blog if you're participating :)

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GET THE LOOK: Janelle Monae 2012 MTV Movie Awards

Janelle Monae looked like a million bucks in her signature black and white look, this time donning a casual menstyle suit for the 2012 MTV Movie Awards. This is absolutely something I'd wear on a laid back Saturday afternoon or Sunday brunch. The pop of color on the lip with the winged liner is a fun way to dress up this monochromatic scheme.

Shop the look:

Black Straw Bowler Hat - ASOS

Modern Rise Supreme Curve Skinny Jeans in Black - Levi's

Plus Size Tuxedo Ruffle Long Sleeve Shirt - Lane Bryant

Plus Size Black Blazer - Nordstrom

MARKY Patent Leather Traditional Brogues - ASOS

Phillips Head Screw Earrings - Uncommon Goods

Alexander McQueen Skull Enamel Ring - Neiman Marcus

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