Looking Forward....

Good Morning!

Thanks to all the readers, Twitter, MySpace & Facebook family for making 2008 a wonderful year for Luvin' My Curves. My goal for '09 is to keep bringing you the best. Stay tuned for new features, roadtrips, interviews, and even a Meet n' Greet being planned for the spring ...

The Plan for '09

1. I will shop smarter- coupons, revamping looks etc. I don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. My holiday party was a perfect example.. the whole outfit was under $60!


2. I wont make the resolution to lose weight- but I will continue to have a better and healthier relationship with my body in 2009.

3. I will have a better dating life .... nuff said. Not that 2008 hasn't been a good dating year, but let's just say it's more material for an interesting blog post than anything else.



Also... I'm in good spirits so I'll only leave you with a couple of "What Not To Wear" to close out 2008...

Black Harem Trouser ~at Evans 24.47 gbp

Reminds me of Hammer pants..... (singing "Can't Touch This:....)

Crocs Women's Mamoth Mule $45

I don't know.. I can't.. I mean seriously!!! I just looked and it's not available any longer on Macy's.com, is it because they realized that this is a serious no-no or did people like these shoes enough to be sold out?


PS: The wonderful folks over at Kiyonna are giving Luvin' My Curves readers $25 off your purchase of $100 or more, just use the code "LUVINCURVES". Hurry, the code ends January 31, 2009.

PPS: Many of you know that I will be going back into the cave called "Bar Review". I still plan on blogging but will have to cut the frequency down a bit, I have a host of guest bloggers coming to help out during this time- I can only hope you understand and bear with me. :)

2009 will be the year of 2000 & FINE (thanks Bevin!)

Have a Happy, Fun & Safe New Year's!

The Curvies- Best of '08

Good Morning!

Hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas! Mine was filled with family, friends, good food and great times!

2008 has been a great year fashion-wise- more and more clothing sites are popping up catering to our curves; 2 new awesome spots opened up here in NYC ( see my posts on Abby Z & Re/Dress)! The Full-Figured Revolution is in full swing!

As the year comes to a close this week I decided to award the Curvies to my favorite sites & stores for 2008, enjoy:

Best Pocket Protectors

Black Red Grey & White Stripe Skirt $14.49, Torrid, Embellished Faux-Gem Dress $13.99, Old Navy

I'm calling a tie on this one... Old Navy & Torrid have some of the best sales, discounts & coupons around. All three shops have clearance sections to swoon over- you can often put together an outfit based on clearance items alone. I bought 4 dresses from Old Navy for only $50! Though Torrid has yet to hit NYC and Old Navy's plus size collection is exclusively online they make up for their physical unavailability by constantly having sales, the 50% off Clearance Event at Torrid excites me... gotta love it!

Honorable Mention:
Kiyonna - For the pocket protectors- Kiyonna might be a bit too high-priced but when they have a sale, they have a sale! Take an additional %50 off FINAL SALE ITEMS at Kiyonna.com with the Coupon Code: SANTA50

Macy's - Another great place to get name brand clothes for much cheaper when they hit the sales rack! (Psst: My holiday dress was originally $189 and marked down to $37.50!)

Best Splurge

"Labelle" Zipper Dress, $134.40, MonifC

I'm all about saving money, but I do believe in splurging every once in awhile! Monif C is definitely on the high end but so splurge-worthy. (Yet again, if you catch a sale you're GOLDEN!) Even if you wear the dress only once, take alot of pics!

Honorable Mention
Igigi - the quality is top-notch, investment worthy pieces- their evening gowns are amazing.
Lee Lee's Valise - I won't tell you how much I spent the 1st time I went here- but I most definitley splurged and it was well worth it!!

Best Shopping Experience

Re/Dress
I love shopping online but there's nothing like walking into a store and knowing it's all about you! What makes Re/Dress the clear winner of the Curvy is the sheer volume and variety of clothing. You can pick up a bit of everything here, and the price points vary. You know how plus sizes are usually in the corner of the department store, well Re/Dress is the bad ass big sister with 2,000 square feet of pure plus size fashion

Honorable Mention
Abby Z- - giving me another reason to go to SoHo besides brunch!!!

Best Lingerie

Chiffon Robe,$39.95,Hips & Curves

Always luvin' the curves in lace, satin and all that sexy stuff the Curvy goes to Hips & Curves. It makes me smile to know that what's underneath is just as beautiful as what's on top of it. (don't get me wrong Fruit of the Loom works too!) I love lingerie and underwear that not just fits me but fits me well (there is a difference you know) and looks like it was made for my body type instead of simply made in a bigger size. The cherry on top: it's affordable too!!!

Best Bad-A@# Item

Metro Leather Jacket, $99, Avenue

The Metro Leather Jacket from the Avenue. It's been in Essence, it's been here. It's been months and I still want it- every time I go in the Avenue I try it on and feel like a fly biker chick!

Best International Chic

Beige Hooded Cardigan,25 GBP (~$37 U.S), Evans UK

The Curvy goes to Evans UK- the prices are decent, the shipping time rivals some the U.S stores and the styles are gorgeous. I got a couple of my "sisters-in-curves" shopping at Evans, the consensus is all positive, plus most people aren't really up on overseas shopping so the chance of someone walking into the room with your clothes on are slim.

Stay tuned and get your currency converters on in '09 because I've found some HOT overseas sites that luv' our curves.

Most Understated

Ashlyn Dress $58, B & Lu

Benina & Lu wins the Curvy for most understated because as fabulous as their clothes are so many curvy girls never heard of them. When I've mentioned B&Lu, many have had a perplexed look on their faces- that is until they go to the site and see for themselves.

Honorable Mention: JCPenny, Kohls and Target. (Yes, seriously!) The store selections are at at times depressing, but you can score affordable and cute pieces online.

Best Party Wear

Lace Layered Sexy Halter $29.99, Belle Avenue

Truth be told, I still go to Rainbow to look through their tops for a party. It's cheap and if someone loses their mind and spills a drink on me I won't be too upset. However, I'm starting to warm up to Belle Avenue - though a bit pricey for short tops/boleros, they have a really good selection of tops, dresses that are party-worthy.

Best Trend of the Year- CONFIDENCE!
More on this in the New Year...

What are your top picks this year?

~Luvin' My Curves in '08 and beyond...

Dear Santa....

Dear Santa,

I don't want much this year, being unemployed will do that to you. (Though I indulged here) For some reason, I've been filled with the Christmas spirit this go 'round- so much more than the past couple of years. I don't have much to give gift wise but have thoroughly enjoyed giving; through this blog, mentoring, volunteering, etc. I've always been a giver and had a problem with receiving but I'm learning to humble myself in order to receive because giving makes others feel good as well. "It's better to give than to receive" wasn't meant just for me... I see that now.

What I want for Christmas can't be bought, but I'll ask for it anyway. Here we go, Santa, what I want for Christmas is ....

• My best friend to come home safely from Iraq. - I miss her mucho!!! (thanks for the purple leather-cashmere lined gloves.. they are DIVINE!!)
• To pass the bar this Feb.
• A job !!!
• A nice mistletoe moment (*wink*)
  
• For my dinner guests to enjoy the loads of food that I'm preparing
• For you all to keep enjoying Luvin' My Curves
  

That's it...Really!

Leaving out the cookies & milk (and some spiked egg nog if that's your preference),

Ms. LMC

Whatever your mode of celebration; Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa (on the 26th), Boxing Day...

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!

Personal Side Note: This morning I felt kind of bad- I saw that alot of my law school buddies not only passed the Bar but also have new jobs. I wondered "where did I go wrong? Why couldn't I be blessed with the same fortune" - something that could have lasted a long while only lasted about 2 minutes- I shook myself out of it- my fortune is something completely different- I wasn't supposed to be blessed with the same fortune. If I pride myself on being different then a different path comes with the territory, right? Not everyone is meant to do the same thing... not every J.D is meant to be in the firm or the courtroom. I'm right where I'm supposed to be. :)
-LMC

Spotlight: Re/Dress + Peek-A-Boob Winners

Good Morning!!

I know alot of us are watching our pockets - trying to find the best deal possible on clothes, shoes, etc. What alot of us find however is that thrift shopping, consignment, resale industry isn't particularly kind to us curvy girls- places like Buffalo Exchange, Housing Works have good intentions in mind - allowing people to donate or make some extra cash off of their old clothes however it's not often you find something in your size that you would actually wear.

So I can't explain how excited I was when internet hunting I stumbled upon Re/Dress - NYC's 1st Vintage and Resale Clothing Store for sizes 14+. I got a chance to met Deb Malkin, the owner of Re/Dress at the Monif C luncheon and went to check out her spot in Boerum Hill last week.

As for the store- it's huge and well stocked. You can revamp your wardrobe at any price range - I saw vests for $9, jackets for $18, cute skirts for $20, vintage frocks for $50 and more upscale items like a beautiful Carmen Marc Valvo dress for $220. If you like vintage or just want to try it out- get ready to spend your duckets there as that's where some of the more expensive items are located - along with the "Premium Denim" section.

Even though there are more expensive pieces at the shop, Re/Dress gets my budget friendly Pocket Protector seal of approval because you can definitely score a good number of major finds for under $100. (I got 2 blouses and a vintage dress for about $60!)

Not only can you stop but you can also make some extra cash off your old clothes. Re/Dress is a buy-sell-trade store meaning that you can either take 25% of the determined resale price in cash or 40% store credit if your clothes are selected for sale. This is unlike consignment- in which you can make 35-50% of selling price after the item is sold. (more on consignment later in the very near future!)

It even has a cozy lounge area so you can take a shopping break or like my vengeful self- make my skinny friends sit and wait for me as I shop. (take that!)

Deb, who formerly worked at Alight and is involved with the Fat Girl Flea Market sees fashion as a means of self expression for plus sized women. In an industry where many of us didn't grow up with as many clothing choices as there are now- she's determined ( and successful) to allow the curvy girls a chance to get the thrift, resale, vintage experience that the majority of us have missed out on. Thanks!

The ladies of Re/Dress- Bevin, Deb & Glenn

Details:
Re/Dress
109 Boerum Place (btwn Pacific & Dean)
F/G train to Bergen St.
Thurs- Sat 12pm - 9pm
Sun 12 pm- 7pm
www.myspace.com/redressnyc


The store is in Boerum Hill (F/G to Bergen St.) - a little trek from my humble abode in Queens but definitely well worth the trip. Take another curvy friend and make a day of it- it's definitely not the place where you will just walk in and out of quickly.Who's coming with me next time?

Congratulations to Natalya & Katrina - winners of the Peek-A-Boob strips giveaway!!! Let me know how the strips work for you ladies!!

~Luvin' My Curves

Bring '09 In Right...

Good Morning,

So we've already covered the Christmas party (click here) so I figured it was only right to cover New Year's Eve - I did it early so you all could get a jump on shopping for the perfect outfit to ring in the New Year. NYE is different from Christmas, don't get me wrong you always want to look your best but New Year's Eve can be extra special- you want to put the past of the previous year behind you and start the new year at your beautiful best.

You all were thinking the same exact thing because I received more than a couple of emails - the most blunt one came from Stace;

"New Year's is coming- if you don't find something for me to wear I will blame you, wear nothing but pajamas and stay home!"

LOL, Ummm well Stace - I wouldn't want you to stay home on my account so I HUNTED LIKE MAD...I found alot of black dresses and though I still believe black is used as a crutch color ( see "Backing Away From Black") - a cute black dress paired with the right accessories would be a good outfit for New Year's.

(l to r): Ruby Rox Lace Trimmed Dress $53.99 Macy's , David Meister Black Floral Lace Dress $348 Nordstrom, Cecille Asymmetrical Lace Dress $117 Igigi, Black Chiffon Tiered Tube Dress $68 Torrid

If you prefer color here are some suggestions....

(l tor): Suzy Chin Silk Bubble Dress $99 Nordstrom ,Olivia Sequin Party Dress $158 Monif C, $Siren Dress $50 Igigi, Silver Jacquard Sheath Dress $49.99 Avenue

Yes, I know I posted the Monif C dress on my Christmas list-but it's HOT!

As for shoes- metallics are definitely in this season- if you're going to dress like you're ready for what '09 brings then you have to come correct on all fronts!

(l to r): Electra $89.95, Chinese Laundry "Willie" $60, Nina "Usoa" $99,Guess "Okanarra" $59.40

Resolutions aside- you're still great-why not let everyone else see what they've been missing all year??

**And whatever you do, don't forget the Chapstick- gotta make sure the lips are ready for smooching. (For the single ladies like me- maybe a hearty hug lol)**

~Luvin' My Curves

I'm healthy, I'm happy, I love my curves

Good Morning!

I had a WONDERFUL weekend! I had a great dinner date, went to a club to "wuk up" for my sister-friends's birthday, and did a little shopping with another sister-friend as we tried to find shoes for my upcoming holiday get down.

I had a post all planned for today- but last night as I checked my email I got the sweetest email from a reader- I love comments and emails, but this one in particular touched me, read on...

"Hello,
I don't read your blog, but my wife does faithfully. When she first started her weight loss journey she was determined to be "skinny" - she didn't realize that her curves were sexy, she didn't appreciate that in a sea of thin women - she was just as- if not -more beautiful. She's recently shed about 80 lbs but she is still a beautiful full figured woman - and I couldn't be happier. Recently a friend reminded her that her goal was to be a size 8- not 14 - my wife proudly replied "I'm healthy, I'm happy, I love my curves". I asked her later about her change in attitude and she mentioned your blog- where we're from there aren't many places to purchase plus size clothing but she credits your blog with helping her find her confidence as a plus size woman along with places to shop! ( my credit card thanks you too!). I decided to check you out for myself- and I'm impressed and I'm thankful. I tell her she's beautiful all the time -but I think that she finally BELIEVES it now - and the closet space ,along with the new lingerie that she has taken up proves it. I'd spend all the money, time, whatever in the world in order to make my wife smile and feel the way she has always yearned to feel. Thank You for sharing your voice - if you ever come across a day where you don't feel as if you haven't touched someone through this blog- please think of my confident wife and a very grateful husband.

Humbly,
James "


Wow, James.. thank you. I'm touched. I'm humbled - there's nothing like a new found confidence because it's the foundation to so many wonderful things- including an expanding closet. I'm also excited for you- how wonderful is it to have your wife finally BELIEVE in her beauty ? Revel in it.. and enjoy the lingerie!


On another note: I'm blessed to have wonderful people in my life- I know my friends read my blog to support me but I never thought that my friends would actually buy some of the things on my wish list- so I just want to say thank you to my friends- the beautiful dress and the Nina Garcia books- thank you. It's not about the gift themselves but the sentiments behind them, so lovely and extremely appreciated.

Reminder: I'm loving the stories I'm receiving as part of the Peek-A-Boob strips holiday giveaway. (my post here) Keep them coming!

Next up.... What to Wear for New Year's Eve!

~Luvin' My Curves

No More Safety Pins! (Peek-A-Boob Strips)

Morning!

Gaping blouse, constantly looking down to "check", hoping that your shirt doesn't spontaneously bust- the "endowed" chicas definitely know what I'm talking about. I've always had that problem even in junior high school - getting a bigger shirt didn't work, believe me my mama tried. Everything would fit fine until that chest area; making pre-pubescent boys happy and me overly conscious -

I've been able to connect with a bunch of great folks on Twitter - including the brains behind "Peek-A-Boob" strips. I just knew I had to try it out...and even gave some strips to one of my fellow busty gals to make a fair assessment.

So what do I think? I LUV THEM!

Now we all know better between a little gap and "it's not your size" - so don't expect the strips to correct the wrong that was made when the too-small shirt was bought. I tried it on 4 different tops- from those that have minimal gap to a shirt that has a noticeable gap so that I wear it open with a tank underneath because it's too cute to give up. Beside the too-small shirt (of which I am guilty) the strips worked great at keeping the gap together- and easy to remove at the end of the day.

Introducing Peek-A-Boob - the Blouse Gap Eliminator...

Ashley, the brains behind "Peek-A-Boob" came up with the idea when she put on a brand new shirt that she loved but then noticed the blouse gap. I feel your pain....

I gave some of my strips to Carmen, who is just as "boobified" as me. We often commiserate together about our breasts- and the cost of quality bras. So when I told her about the strips- she had to try them! Days later she called me proclaiming her "crush" for these- she even dusted off some old shirts just to see if she could wear them again- and she did- even on a date! (Bold... I would have been too afraid that it would be my luck that it would gap)

Not only did I try it on the shirts that gave me "blouse gap", I also tried it on my always-gaping wrap shirt, and pants hem line. I even used the strips on my tummy area (just in case) - stress has caused me to put on some lbs - and it worked damn near every time.

For $8.89 you can get a cute little tin of 30 strips over at the official site. Peek-A-Boob

If you have that gap, definitely give these a try. Just Say No to Safety Pins!

Holiday Giveaway: Send me your most embarrassing blouse gap story! The two funniest stories will receive a free tin of Peek-A-Boob strips. Send your story to luvinmycurves@gmail.com . Contest ends on Wednesday, December 17th. ACT FAST!


Have a great weekend!

~Luvin' My Curves

All I want for Christmas....

Good Morning,

Feeling a lil' bit better- there's nothing some nasty, NASTY Buckley's cough syrup can't fix. Trying to nurse my blahs I made my "list"- my Christmas list that is. Funny thing- I had to REALLY think about what I wanted or needed-that's what unemployment and living below my meager means has done! Check it out...

All I want for Christmas pt.1 by LuvinMyCurves

The details...

• Set of Stacked Detail Ring $7.24, Asos
• On Stage Powered Speaker System $149, J & R
• "Olivia" Sequin Party Dress $158, Monif C.
• Padma's Purple Hued CZ Cocktail Ring $68;95, Emitations
• Cross Over Detail Ring $11.56, Asos
• The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own ($14.93)& The Little Black Book of Style ($13.57), Amazon.com ( I think if the librarian has to renew these books for me ONE more time she'll have a fit!)
• Lindsey Black Pearl Necklace $58, All Girls Love Pearls
• Samara Skirt $28, B&Lu
• Spin Class Series@ Soul Cycle
  

What's on YOUR Christmas wish list?


****Make sure to check out the "12 Days of Diva" over at Belle-Noir- myself along with some other fabulous bloggers have contributed to making sure your holiday list is ultra through- ENJOY!****

~Luvin' My Curves

Funky Feet

Good Morning,

I'm feeling a bit under the weather- hopefully I'll be back in full swing by mid-week. My "full" weekend was cut down to size and I was only able to make it out to one birthday/bar pass get-together. (Congrats nat!)


Between sneezing and the case of the blahs I came across some *interesting* heels during a serious internet hunt session. Is it really possible to walk in these heels, would you even attempt to ? I see it more as art - but maybe not so "wearable". What do you think- Do you get it?

via monicel & pierre silber

~Luvin' My Curves... even when I'm under the weather

What's up for the weekend?

It's Friday!!!

If you're a full-figured bride-to-be you should check out Bara Luxe- better yet if you're in the Alexandria, VA area this weekend make it a point to check out the collection up close & personal. Here's all the info:

Bara Luxe plus-size gown trunk show

Saturday ,December 6 10am-7pm

Try on gowns, sip some champagne & enjoy a 10% discount on any Bara Luxe gown ordered on the day of the trunk show.
There's also a raffle to win a free gown!!!

Hannelore's of Olde Town
106 N. Lee Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 549-0387


Sounds good to me and I'm not even getting married!

"BARA LUXE understands the fuller figure and designs modern glamour that shapes and slims the silhouette to lovely proportions," states Yvonne D. McClendon, Director of Strategic Planning for Marimo USA. "Because we focus on design elements that accentuate the positive BARA LUXE gives women in larger sizes the grace, beauty and fantasy that up to this time eluded this figure type."


My weekend is full! MBE questions, light studying, a date to the Museum, 2 birthday parties/dinners, helping a friend hunt for a holiday party dress and maybe some ice skating & treasure hunting of my own. Have a great weekend everyone!

What are you all up to for the weekend?

~Luvin' My Curves

Ask LMC: Holiday Party Help

Good Afternoon!

(Sorry for the late post... PC issues)

It's that time of year again - it's after Thanksgiving and then all of a sudden your inbox is flooded with Holiday Party invites. Pretty soon your calendar is full of party's and you're faced with "what to wear"?

I knew I wasn't the only one in this predicament -

Camille writes " I just landed a new job and they are having their annual Holiday Office Party- I'm not too sure about what to wear- HELP!"

Tani also wrote in " Our office party was canceled- but my friend's annual holiday party is still on- I'm feeling flirty , I'm thinking sparkly, glitter, any suggestions?"

Ladies...I'm with you. I have so many holiday parties coming up- including my own Holiday potluck . Let's see what we find...

The Office Party

I would keep it simple- because regardless of what some may think -it's still an office party; as in you work with these people and when the holidays & good cheer are done - these are STILL the folks you spend your 9 to 5 with. How you behave at an office party may effect your "office life" later on, just something to think about. My suggestions would be to play it up a bit.. but not too much. Maybe a nice blouse, or a dress or skirt with cute details- that would work. Think a simple black pencil skirt with a shiny silver tank - you can put a cardigan on during the day and take it off during the party- you like?

Evita Skirt, $48 B & Lu, Brocade Tailored Pencil Skirt, Trentacosta

Organza Side-Tie Blouse, 39.99, Just My Size,Black Sleevless Shimmer Top $48, Evans,Black Belted High-Waisted Skirt $44 Torrid, Scarlet Satin Top $17.99, Alight

Black & Silver Satin Ruffle Secretary Dress $58 , Torrid

Formal Party /Cocktail

For Ms. Sparkle (aka Tani), here are some pieces to dance or flirt the night away. These dresses would go great with shiny metallic peep-toes, flirt on sister!

Red Gorgeous Sparkling Dress $42.99, Belle Avenue, Adrianna Pappell Ruffle Halter Dress $218,Nordstrom

Black Sleeveless Lace Dress, $88 Evans Uk, Sequined Short Party Dress 99Au, Dream Diva

Calvin Klein Sweetheart Satin Dress $178, Nordstroms, London Times Ruched V-Neck Sheath $89, Macy's

I would love to splurge on that Calvin Klein Dress for my on Holiday party/potluck but with this recession (because now we're "officially" in one) I'll just revamp something from my closet.


As always, have a fabulous time and don't be the person swining off the chandelier -there's always someone that gets whispered about after the party. :)

~Luvin' My Curves

P.S: For those who wrote me about New Year's - my take it right around the corner, stay tuned...