It's Good To Be Me! Abby Z. Opens up Shop in SoHo

(outside the Abby Z. Boutique)

During my time in law school, I would walk through SoHo to clear my mind after a particularly difficult day of class. I'd observe the "beautiful people" at the trendiest bistros, and peek my head into the boutiques filled with the most elegant (and usually expensive) shoes & clothes.
I enjoyed my walks but often wondered "When will I be able to come to SoHo to actually shop for ME?"

Well, now there's a wonderful reason to keep walking through SoHo - the Abby Z Boutique is now open! I was able to take a visit to the boutique and was amazed; beautiful open space; high chandeliers, the funky art of Jeffery Dread, spacious dressing rooms and even a spa bathroom - Abby Z. has finally arrived!

(look at all the space & the dressing room!)

What I adore most about Abby Z's designs are the fit- it's designed for us curvy girls by a curvy girl herself so her pieces fit like like a good relationship- forgiving on the flaws and flattering
to the assets. I was fortunate enough to speak with Ms. Abby Z. herself, who walked through the boutique with me and encouraged me to try on different pieces; including flowing tops, jeans that fit! , and a suit that screamed "I belong to you, buy me!" (Not to fret, I'm going back for that suit.. and the jeans!)

(some goodies at the boutique, with prices ranging from $39 t0 $188 there's a piece for every budget)

I suggest you take some time to spoil and immerse yourself in the beauty of this boutique. Allow yourself to Luv' your curves; feeling secure in knowing that the clothes on the rack fit you and most importantly let your skinny friends sit on the leopard print couch and wait for you because YOU are the focus!

Abby Z. Boutique
57 Greene St (btw Broome & Spring)


Luvin' My Curves... because It's Good To be Me!

Interesting Read- "Dressing Women of a Certain Size"

Hey!

Here's an interesting article from The Wall Street Journal that I saw last week, "Dressing Women of a Certain Size" So fine, it's more expensive for a designer to offer bigger sizes, but if we're a consumer base that's willing to pay, what's the real issue behind many designers not offering anything plus-size?


Let's discuss...

Dress Me! All White Party

Happy Friday!

It seems like I'm not the only one with an "All White Party" to attend before the summer comes to an end. Diana from Long Beach, CA writes: "Hey J, there's an all white party coming up and I have no idea what to wear! I only have white t-shirts and blouses and can't find anything in my size, that's cute & white! Any ideas?"

Dressing for a white party can be difficult if you feel like there aren't any viable options around. It's interesting that white clothing is always difficult to find around this time of year- so my suggestion is if you see something in white during any other time of the year- GRAB IT! because you never know. No worries though,

I've done some searching for you, let's take a look...

... before I forget- remember you can keep the outfit purely white, add a hint of color with silver, or make your outfit POP! with bright colors in your shoes & accessories. Have fun with your outfit and have a great time at the party!

Now, back to the clothes!

Let's start at the top: ( you can even get away with a light silver tank to add some oomph!)




(l to r) Morgana Top $24 @ curvygirlclothing, cotton corset $39 -missphit, hazel $22.99 -curvygirlclothing


If you prefer pants:

(l to r): BabyPhat Silver Foil Skinny Jean $74, Linen Wide Leg Trousers $390 Anna Scholz

Or maybe you want to show some leg:

(l to r): Ingrid $28.99 curvygirlclothing, bias linen skirt 19.99 Ashley Stewart, Z. Cavaricci Denim Mini $29.98 at Torrid, Sateen High-Waist $69 BabyPhat

Or party it up in a dress...

(l to r): Abby Z Goddess Dress $188, CurvyGirlClothing Shalon Dress $26.99, Monif C Convertible $97.50 (on clearance!)


Luvin' My Curves.. in all White!!

Workin’ It- The Power Suit

Now that I'm officially an unemployed graduate, I'm on the hunt for a full-time gig. As I'm looking and applying through various opportunities, my mind wanders to "What to Wear?"
The "Power Suit" is sometimes the difference between landing the job or remaining unemployed. A good suit along with confidence and a positive attitude can help translate to a potential employer "Even if you never see me wear this suit again, I'm letting you know that I can dress and rise to the occasion."
Trying to find the suit that screams "Hire Me" can be a pure pain for the full-figured gal. Unflattering Suits, Boxy Jackets, Unforgiving Skirts and Elastic Bands can make the search unfruitful and frustrating. The key is to find a suit that not only fits you well in an appropriate manner; but also empowers you. Knowing what style/suit cut flatters your shape and what colors are both appropriate yet allow you to stand out are key to finding what takes you from the couch looking for a job to the office.
Knowledge of the "unspoken" dress code in your specific field is helpful to whether you can give some personality to your suit. In the legal world it appears as if the black, grey and blue suits rule with little room for conveying your personal style. Legal Interviewers tend to prefer modest length skirts, hosiery at all times, collared shirts or crew neck/high blouses, close toe low-mid height pumps and minimal yet professional looking makeup with no lingering fragrance. So, even though my eyes gravitate to unique and colorful suits; classy and colorful tweeds and shantung silk suit, I know that those kinds of suits are not going to work at a firm.
Try different styles to know what works for you because an uncomfortable suit, will distract you from your ultimate goal- getting that job! I prefer jackets that are tailored, instead of the huge jackets that make me feel like a linebacker, I can't stand straight suit skirts that don't forgive my body and tighten up around my hips when I sit. When searching for suits, I know what's going to make me cringe and what I will actually wear again; if you're going to spend the money on a suit make sure it's something worthy or your closet.
Your suit, if carefully chosen gives you that extra shot of confidence that is more than likely needed when waiting anxiously for the interview to begin.
Here are 2 last minute tips when searching for your own Power Suit:
1. Always look into the return policy- many times I've made the mistake (oftentimes in frustration) of convincing myself that an unflattering suit is "perfect", only to try it on again at home and regret it .
2. Don't wait until interview/presentation day to put your outfit together. Know exactly what you're wearing (suit, shirt, shoes, hosiery, jewelry, accessories, if any) and try it on to get an idea of what you'll look like on the big day.

Classic Picks:

Calvin Klein One Button Suit Jacket & Pant $356, Jones NY Princess Seamed Suit $164.95 (both at Macys)If you can get away with it:

Calvin Klein Pull-through Collar Suit $320, Tahari by ASL 3Button Skirt Suit $224 (Macys.com)
When you're able to call the shots:

Wrap Tie Jacket & Pencil Skirt $308, Sutton Studio Exclusive $74(Bloomingdales.com)
Need some affordable separates? Check out LaneBryant.com . My faves:

Essential Black Jacket $ 89.50

Flounce Pencil Skirt $39.50
Flatter Me Trouser Pant $49.50

Luvin My Curves! Hopefully with a job !

Good News!

I've mentioned Ashley Stewart a couple of times in this blog and some of you have emailed me telling me that there were no Ashley Stewart stores in your area. Well, now you'll all be able to enjoy, because Ashley Stewart has launched an online store!!!! With $8.95 flat rate standard shipping you really can't go wrong....there's something to start the weekend off right. Enjoy!





Luvin' My Curves!!

What Not to Wear - The LMC Edition

Oftentimes I joke “just because it fits, doesn’t mean it looks good”. However, that sentiment rings so true just walking through a department store’s plus-size section. Now granted, we all have different styles and tastes, however I wonder do the designers actually think before they produce? Do they actually use fit models and get a chance to see how their design would actually look on a plus-size woman?

The other day while strolling in the city with a friend we decided to walk into Macy’s. As a broke graduate, I knew I couldn’t buy anything but I’m always looking out for the choices that we have in regards to clothes. I saw some “ok” pieces, but I did see some straight questionable items (mind you, all on sale because no one is buying it!). And since I love to share, here we go: (Granted these lines also have some nice pieces but every line has their "hits & misses")

Let’s start with Dereon’s Ds Star Polo (aka What in the Hi-Liter Heck?) I mean, maybe in the early 90’s paired with some biking shorts , tube socks and hi-tops. It would have even worked for my “old school” birthday party! However, who wants a lime green stripe running down their back like a radioactive skunk? NEXT!

Perhaps the new trend is taking it back to the hi-liter color days.. but Dereon’s tube jumpsuit is taking it a bit far don’t you think? First off, a jumpsuit tends to only look “ok” on a taller woman that may be big in the hips but small on top and with no stomach. Otherwise, it’s a no-go

I love Kimora in all her Fabulosity, however I’ve made it a point that if I’m going to wear any Baby Phat that the logo is not emblazoned all over my clothing. So I thought it was hilarious when I saw this:

“In Kimora We Trust”

This last piece ( I believe it’s Dereon but I will confirm later) confused both me and my friend. “Is it supposed to be casual or dressy? The sequin and t-shirt combo throws me off” My sentiments exactly :

Luvin My Curves! Just Not in those clothes…

Emerging from the Books...

The Bar Exam is over.... I'm relieved, I'm drained and I'm so HAPPY that it's over.

I'll be honest..... for the most part this was a very unfashionable summer for me. I tried, I really did but my mind was clouded with legal mnemonics, practice questions and a sense of absolute dread about taking the Exam.

As the Exam got closer, I stepped it up a bit... cute shirts, dresses, and skirts. I was tired of actually LOOKING tired and went back to my usual "If I look good, I feel good". Who cares if I was alone in a room studying for 12 hours... at least I looked good and felt good!

The Exam came, and it went .....

But I'm back... and I'm so happy to be back doing what I love... brining you all the full-figured fabulousness!!!


Stay Tuned!!

Luvin My Curves!