Totsiens! A word before I leave...

Totsiens means "See you later" or "Goodbye" in Afrikaans... ;)

As you know I'm off to Cape Town, South Africa for the next two weeks! I am beyond excited to go back to this beautiful city! The flight is long (about 21 hours) but the experience is so worth it, trust me.

I will make sure to channel an appropriate, transcontinental Airport Style - as I learned my lesson when I looked like garbage and saw LL Cool J and Kevin Liles in the D.C airport. I made that vow to never again walk into the airport with a headscarf and cap on- I can at least comb my hair out!


When I think about this trip, I can't help but to think about shopping. This shopping addiction of mine was present even in college, which was the last time I went to Cape Town. I made sure to learn how to say some of the major shopping phrases in Afrikaans (English is spoken in South Africa- but when I was there before I received the craziest discounts when I spoke Afrikaans at the shops !)

I want to buy .. Ek wil ... koop
I’m just looking Ek kyk net ‘n bietjie
How much is it? Hoeveel kos dit?

and my absolute favorite....

Do you accept credit cards? Aanvaar julle kredietkaarte?

The 90 day challenge is going to be really hard as the art markets in Cape Town are drool-worthy and I know that I will want to buy, buy buy! Nevertheless I will only buy souvenirs for friends & family - I've given myself a budget so that I don't go overboard as a means to quell my inner shopper. I'm serious - I'm going to make it to 90 days!


I will do my best to post while abroad! Bon Voyage!

~Luvin' My Curves

Calendar Worthy: Curves & Cocktails & Full Figured Fashion Week 2010

Mark your calendars..... I know it's only March but if you don't want to get left behind then put the pen to the calendar and start to mark it up! As the plus-size community gets stronger and starts to mobilize more events that allow us to network and just "be".



The "Premiere Shopping Event for Women with Curves" , Curves & Cocktails is back in NYC on May 8th at the DUMBO Arts Center from 11am- 5pm. If you've never been, read my review of last year's event here - make sure to buy your tickets and get more information on the official site.

It's baaack...

The dates are set.... it's seems not so long ago that we were in the midst of the 1st Full Figured Fashion Week and now we are here again!

FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK 2010 June 16-19, 2010

Grab your friends, pack your bags and get ready for something that's made just with you in mind!


As events and happenings are updated I will make sure to keep you informed - but I urge you to not wait until the last minute.If you are looking for a place to stay- click here for a list of the Full Figured Fashion Week 2010 host hotels. If you're from out of town, I would definitely suggest booking one of these rooms early - you don't want to miss out on the action! The tentative schedule is up; and it includes a Young Designer Showcase, The State of the Curvy Community Panel, Big and Tall Male Showcase, an Escorted Shopping Trip amongst so many other events.

Follow FFFWeek on Twitter, join the Facebook group- get involved and get to NY!

Stay tuned!!

~Luvin' My Curves

P.S: I didn't forget the Fat Girl Flea Market- the dates havn't been announced yet- once they are I'll be sure to let you know.

Mentioning the Unmentionables

Good Morning,


If you're a full-figured chick then you know there are not alot of fun panties for our sizes . Actually, let me rephrase, I mean everyday panties.

In my opinion.. there are the practical panties (aka bloomers) or there are pleasure panties.. (get what I'm saying). The spectrum appears to be extreme , either lingerie or bloomers. Where are the fun, colorful, and comfortable underwear?

Practical.

Pleasure.

Where's the playful?

Excuse me, but I like to have fun.... even with my underwear. I love being comfortable - but I enjoy ruffles, lace trim, colors and different cuts . If you've been reading for awhile then you know I find that what's underneath our clothes is just as important as what we put over it. I do my best to make sure that everything I put on/adorn myself with not only serves a purpose but makes me feel and look my best- underwear included.

Periodically I overhaul my drawer and I always to make sure to have a mix of practical, pleasure and playful panties to choose from. I like to have choices, don't you?


So what did I find? Retailers are finally getting the message that GASP! plus size women do want fun underwear? Now, the market is nowhere near perfect, I'm still looking for some of the styles that I see in the "regular" stores but it's come a long way from the holy trinity of underwear; black, beige and brown bloomers.

Mentioning the Unmentionables by LuvinMyCurves on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Fantasie Simone Brief Panty 2305 at BareNecessities.com, $36
Plus Size Lingerie | Plus Size Panties | Hips & Curves, $25
Rumba boyshort | Lane Bryant, $20
Lace applique hipster | Lane Bryant, $18
Lace trim hipster | Lane Bryant, $18

In my search I also found some etsy designers that do custom sizes; after this 90 Days No Shopping Madness - I might treat myself to some custom-made draws. On my Etsy underwear radar: OnTheInside, TouchMeNot & KAntoinette. (If you know of any others, please share!)

Am I the only one who likes to have choices?


~Luvin' My Curves

What J is Jonesin' For: Can Spring just hurry up and come?

Good Morning!

When outside looks like this...

My mind goes into spring mode, corals, nudes, detailing....this month I'm Jonesin' for better weather and pieces that welcome springtime back into my wardrobe.

Givenchy Peep Toe Sandal $774 ,FarFetch

I will hurt someone for these shoes... seriously!

Lela Rose for Payless Paloma Clutch, $29.99, Payless

Payless and another designer join forces; Lela Rose. So far, I like the Payless collaborations, do you?

Taffeta silk strapless sheath dress $69.95, eShakti

This is a such the perfect frock for a spring wedding or graduation- I would wear this with a cardigan, pearls and simple pumps.



In other news....


Today makes exactly 60 days of No Shopping..... I'm surprising myself everyday. This is not easy, but it's a great challenge to put something back on it's hanger because I made the promise to myself to not buy a thing.

There's alot of work to be done before I fly out next week - but in that rare moment of down time I find myself envisioning outfits in my head. The other day I went to the mail room and the manager told me that she missed seeing packages with my name on it, she liked to see me get excited and oftentimes ripping the package right in front of her.

I'm already making the list for my post 90 day celebration-it's ridiculously long and I know that I won't get all of the items but it's nice to lust in moderation.


What are you jonesin' for this month?

~Luvin' My Curves

90 Day Challenge: The Halfway Mark

Hey Everyone!

Day 45, actually today is day 46.....what was I was thinking?

I just want to shop... this challenge has allowed me to see that at times I can be an emotional shopper. I've been really stressed at work and I've started to notice that I run right to the computer to soothe myself. I've sent numerous emails to my friends with pictures and links to things that I want to buy at that very moment- some gently send me the link to my initial "No Shopping" post and others simply reply back with "NO".

All I know is that I want to swipe the card and get something!

The other day I got into a "What am I wearing closet frenzy" and I realized that I have similar pairs of shoes- which led me to think about my shopping decisions... am I really thinking about what I already have when I make a purchase?

In the same light, I also started to think about the pieces that I do buy which are brimming with outfit possibilities only to be put in the back of my closet. So yes, now that I'm halfway done this challenge is starting to drive me insane ... but it's also opened my eyes as to the psychological effects as to why I shop and my thought process while doing so. Who would have thought that this challenge would be so deep?

So back to my closet frenzy... I don't remember what I was looking for- but I do remember what I found, too many damn similarities and too many things that I bought but don't wear. (Yes, I can argue that having shoes that look similar are not necessarily the same.. but still)

How many pairs of brown flats do I need, yes they look different but the essence is still the same they are brown flats. The same sentiment goes for the grey heels.

Also.. these shoes are the exact same shoe just different colors. All I can say to myself right now is "Seriously?"

So what I'm learning is this - I'm ridiculous. And buying something that looks like or is in general the same as something I have already is not a good look and not a smart purchase. When I think about my students loans I think about if the shopping decisions I've made could have amounted to smarter financial decisions- it's not to beat myself up, it's just making smarter decisions. If I take into consideration what I have in my closet already, then that's more money in my account.

Don't get me wrong, we all deserve the occasional splurge.. but let's be real too many "special occasion splurges" eventually turn into poor excuses.

As for the clothes that I bought but have yet to wear ... I think we all have a dose of this. But I can remember that some of these things are items I bought as recently as during the holidays... so I just need to wear them!!

this looks waaaaay better on me than it does on the rack!

Are any of you challenging yourself to not shop? Have you ever really looked at your shopping thought process, do you shop because you need, want or just to get your mind off of something else?


~Luvin' My Curves


P.S: In about 3 weeks I will be heading off to Capetown, South Africa! Some of you have asked what I did about the shorts situation. Well, one of my friends without me even asking sent three pairs of her shorts -2 of which still have the tag on them because she shops without thinking (birds of a feather ....). The shorts fit just fine and I am eternally grateful to her for not making me break my pact with the No-Shopping Devil.

Showin' Love: I Love Me!

Good Morning!

With the S.A.D (Single Awareness Day) holiday approaching - many people will tend to dwell on the lack of love in their lives , all without realizing just how much love they really have in their lives. This year, I'm showing love to myself, because loving myself is where it all starts. The confidence, the clothes, everything starts with the reflection in the mirror. It can't be expressed enough that love starts within, so here's to a Happy Valentine's Day to my Body... Love you!!

Dear My Beautiful Size 18 Body,

I am absolutely in love with you.

I know there have been times when I haven't treated you with the respect that you deserve, I didn't understand why you would refuse to look like my friends, I didn't see the joy in being unique, in being me. I got upset with you when guys didn't like me, when they didn't want to dance with me - instead of realizing that it was their ignorance and not you - my lovely, beautiful curves. I know my body may be the basis for ridicule in other eyes but my body is the one that carries me, nurtures me and gives me the power to get through each and every day.

To my belly, thanks for making me soft, for giving my hands something to rest on as I watch TV. I may not be able to wear a belly shirt or bikini without sideeye glances but I love you regardless.

I love you breasts, thank you for NEVER having to make me stuff my bra. You came early and became the object of many a junior high schooler's affection, you crack me up at the fact that you have the ability to have a conversation with folks without them even saying hello to me! (the awkward moments crack me up!) We had some issues because my bras cost an arm and a leg, but I love you still, thanks for the free drinks!

My derriere... oh how I adore you. I am just realizing that you are full and round when I could have sworn you were flat, and now we have a whole new relationship. You BRING IT when I wear jeans, so it's only right that I wear clothes to complement you instead of act like you don't exist. Thighs, thank you holding me up- keeping me strong and for making me look good in everything!

love what's staring back at you, you're all you've got!

Muffin Top, we're in a constant fight because you make my t-shirts ride up and sometimes you just don't work! However, you are where I see the joy in my nephew's eyes when he hugs me because that's all he can reach- his happiness means more to me than any t-shirt.

I apologize for not dressing you in clothes that didn't work with you- because you deserve only the best. I love you MonifC, Hips & Curves, Abby Z,Lane Bryant, Tadashi, B&Lu, Town Shop, Jimmy Choo, Carlos Santana and all my other friends in my closet- because you fit me like a glove and are the armor that adorns this fashion warrior as she faces the world.

I've always liked you, but I had a problem TRULY loving you because I was too caught up in what others thought of you. Ironic how I truly focused on YOU and fell madly in love at a time in my life when I was questioning what love with another truly meant. Regardless of what the mainstream media tries to tell me , I know that there is nothing wrong with you and that my curves are more than just the latest trend - they will always be SEXY, CHIC and IN STYLE.

I promise to always take care of you; giving you all that you need and indulging you in the things you may want. I vow to never disrespect you or put you in a position that comprises all that you mean to me. I can never go back to envying & wishing to be someone I'm not - I love you and wouldn't trade you for anything or anyone.

MUAH, Happy Valentine's Day!!

If you had to write a love letter to yourself, how would it go? Sound off :)

~Luvin' My Curves

Closet Essentials: Show Some Leg... Thigh high style!

Good Morning!

With Valentine's Day coming up, I'm literally seeing all shades of red, lots of hearts and plenty of lingerie in anticipation of the holiday. You can't go wrong with lingerie, but what if you're not "there" yet- what's another piece that's alluring , loaded with sex appeal , all without showing it all?

Solid Band Stockings $13.95, Hips & Curves

That's right, the Thigh High.

Charlena asks "I know nothing about thigh highs, aren't they only for costumes? My BF has said he likes them but I have no idea why, I can' t imagine wearing them to work and personally think I'm too big to wear them. What do you think?"

In my search for the perfect pair, I've found that it's all about finding the pair that's right for you- which in my case means the pair that looks good and stays up.

Lace Thigh Highs $10.99, Jessica London

Black Rhinestone Fishnet Thigh High Stocking $15.00, Torrid

Thigh Highs are not just for costumes, if you like they can be a part of your hosiery arsenal. Lace Top, Studded Back Seam, Glitter Finish, Fishnet or Silk - you can't go wrong with buying different pairs to suit your different moods. Thigh highs come in a huge variety of materials; nylon, wool, cashmere, even silk! Granted the material choice will determine how much stretch you get, and might not stay up on your leg alone. This leads me to the Garter Belt, depending on how you see things the garter can be used to hold up your thigh highs or just to add extra umpph to your outfit.

You're not the only one that's expressed that thigh highs are not in your closet because you're afraid that they will slip. To prevent thigh high "slippage" I would suggest getting a pair with an inner silicone or plastic seam that runs along the top. If it's too loose it will fall, but on the other hand if it's too it tight might cause it to squeeze your leg and run, it's all about the right size.

Lace Trim Thigh High Stockings $12.50, Avenue

There's lot to do with thigh highs - many folks think that they are only worn with short skirts or lingerie, but that's where the allure factor comes in, thigh highs are unexpected. (Your BF knows what's up!) Sometimes the most fun you have with your undergarments is the fact that no one else has to know what you have on underneath. So.. feel free to be an undercover office vixen and wear them under your corporate attire.

Don't let your size keep you from trying on a pair- I really believe that thigh highs were made with curves in mind. Imagine lacy thigh highs on a skinny leg with no shape? Not as appealing in my book ;)

Other good places to look:
Just My Size
One Hanes Place
Torrid
Hips & Curves

How do you feel about thighs highs? Sexy, too much or just what your wardrobe needs?

~Luvin' My Curves...the mystery is what lies underneath ;)