April Showers...

Good Morning!

You know how the saying goes "April Showers bring May Flowers"... blah blah WHERE IS THE SUN?

I have a friend who just got a great job (lucky lady!) that moved her out to Seattle; she recently asked me how she could stay cute with all that rain, as she's not feeling "having to keep wearing the same jacket and timbs into the office everyday". And considering the weather that we've been having this post is all too fitting!


Here are some suggestions to make sure that the wet weather doesn't put a damper on your style; just because the sky's are grey doesn't mean your clothes have to be.

First, the Jacket

If you're apprehensive to walk into work in wild colors, look for a black or khaki rain jacket (a trench coat is perfect for this kind of weather); or even patent leather! Make sure to look for materials that are waterproof (microfiber, nylon)

Patent Raincoat $27.49, Big Button Raincoat $59.99 - both from Roaman's , Purple Bubble Hem Coat $49.97, Evans

*Land's End also has an array of great quality rain jackets coming in different colors & prints*

Next, Rain Boots

Go stomp some puddles (or at least save your heels) by wearing Willies and NOT sneakers because that will just mess up your outfit. - Leave the timbs for the snow! Solid colors, cool prints,wedged, take your pick.

Wellie Boots $44.50, Land's End, 'Rayne' weather boot $34.99, Roamans (fits wide width), Sporto Drizzle Rain Boot $39.94, Cougar Fauna Printed Rain Boot $59.95 both at DSW, Pelican Rain Boot $34.90, Nordstrom

Last, The Umbrella

You could head to Duane Reade and get an umbrella on the cheap, but if you're looking for something that could instantly make you excited to actually go out in the rain, a unique umbrella might do the trick.

New YorkClear Bubble Umbrella $18, Urban Outfitters ; New York $30,Peacock $30
Big Flower Umbrella $24, all from Ebags; Pyramid Umbrella $32.35, Raindrops (this site also has beautiful umbrellas with print INSIDE the canopy)

Also, check out Nubrella- it's umm more innovative but hey it does the trick.

How do you all stay fly in the rain?


Since it never rains there, maybe we all might want to take a trip to Southern California....( this was the JAM!)

~Luvin' My Curves

P.S: Did anyone catch the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency last night? I really liked it, what did you think?

Fat Girl Flea Market is coming, will YOU be there?

Mark your calendars!!!

The Fat Girl Flea Market is coming back to NYC on April 4th!

If you have no idea what the Fat Girl Flea Market is, get ready!

You want to talk about being able to score some finds for CHEAP, you should be here. If you love a bargain,this is the place to be and especially with the craziness that is called our economy this event is definitely a budget friendly, guilt free way to shop!


If you're interested in donating (it's tax deductible), please email donations@fatgirlfleamarket.com for details on where you can drop off your clothing or have them picked up. My girl Bevin is heading it up this year and let me know that donations will also be accepted on the day of the Flea Market until 4PM so if you're not able to pick-up or drop off you can still donate!

Psst... I get overly excited about this event... like frenzied, no really I do- I have witnesses.

Every year I go in with a plan "What do I need in my closet?" Last time I needed some new blazers and coats spent $40 and had 5 new blazers and 2 name-brand coats! The year before the blazer trip, my focus were to score jeans with a $30 budget! I challenge myself by going in with a budget and seeing what I can come up with... this year I don't NEED anything but since I've been on a no-buy month and havn't shopped in a VERY LONG time I will treat myself!

What you need to know:
Saturday, April 4th, 2009
11am-8pm
$8 entrance fee
LBGT Center, 208 W. 13th St (btw 7th and 8th Ave) , NYC

FYI: Hit the ATM before you get here, it's CASH only.

I'll be volunteering and taking pics so make sure to say hi!!!
Thinking of rounding up my curvy girls, shop and then do lunch... wanna join me?

Lust of the Moment

If you know me, you know I love accessories, especially earrings (maybe one day I'll show pics of my earring collection) so when I saw these earrings on Eva Longoria I was on a hunt to jack her style, or at least the earrings. While "internet window shopping" I found these look alikes for what I'm sure is a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

These earrings are at Pink Cherie for only $20!!! For one day only, in celebration of their one year anniversary on Saturday, March 28th, take 28% of your entire order using the code PinkParty28. So, maybe I'll get these and the Gold Pearl Ring too... oh wait - I'm still on No Buy Month, aren't I? (blank stare)

~Luvin' My Curves, enjoy your weekend!

Luvin' Her Look: Storme

Good Morning!

Today's "Luvin' Her Look" submission is Storme from Washington D.C by way of NJ! I'm a fan of risk takers; ladies who like to mix n' match prints, colors and cuts. I'm feeling her eclectic style one day casual, one day glam and all that's in between.

Take a look!

In this outfit she says that she's rather wary of sheath dresses, because she has hips and thighs that are "MIGHTY MIGHTY" (haha!) So since Old Navy's Women Plus is only online (boo!) she ordered it in a larger size to account for the way it might have fit. She's a huge fan on tights from the Avenue ($5) and loves ankle boots because "I have calves that could kill and most calf boots don't fit". (girl me too!)

Her personal style:

"I might be a bit of an impulse buyer, but at least I'm a fierce, albeit economically thrifty one. "

What I like about Storme's style is that she incorporates color and small details, yet it's all budget friendly - she takes risks but still looks cute in the process. I love how her confidence shines through in every single picture. She says she's all about "shopping stylishly on a budget, because my fashion moods change often enough", I like that philosophy.

What do you all think, are you luvin' her look?

Interested in being a Luvin' Your Look feature: If you have fun with your clothes and not afraid to show it off, send some photos, tell us what you're wearing and a description of your own personal style to luvinycurves@gmail.com.

~Luvin' My Curves

Ask Katrina: For the Mature and Fashionable Woman

Good Morning!

It was so cold this weekend that I feel like I should be posting about winter wear rather than spring wear because its so cold out! Snow on the 1st day of spring, seriously?

Today's "Ask LMC" question could not be answered solo, so I had no hesitation asking Ms. Katrina, frequent reader and self-proclaimed "old hen" (she's only 52) for her help. Since I'm still a baby she gave me amazing insight onto what a " mature" should be looking for..

let's get to it...

"My mom has just recently turned 55 and after being widowed for 5 years would now like to go out and be more "social". -Her closet is filled with nothing, just sweats ! She's recently come down to a size 18 but has no clue of how to dress! I would love your suggestions on things we could do get her out of her fashion rut but still look her age."

I call myself an old hen but really I'm a fierce 52 yr. old kitty. I'm a size 22 and love every inch of my body, because of this I wear alot of color,prints and have a love for with my tailor because he makes everything fit me to a "T". As I got older I realized that I couldn't wear the things I used to wear or maybe I just didn't want to any longer, I figured I'd pass the torch and leave it to the young girls like our baby here. I feel comfortable in what I call the "classics"; pants suits, wrap dresses, sheath dresses and colorful tunic tops. I just can't wear a mini skirt and stiletto's like I used to- I feel awkward and out of place. (plus my son is not having it!)

After 40 some people say that a woman should start dressing more demurely- but I do what I want! I understand that I'm a mother but I won't dress in anything that would embarrass myself, my employment or my son if I decided to show some cleavage. I've lived my youth so there is no reason to relive it when it's clear that I'm not nor look the way I used to; I revel in my age, silver grey streak in my hair and all. :)

Here is a short list of some basic suggestions for your mom. Maybe you should try and go shopping with your mom, make her try on different cuts, colors and fits- see what makes her smile, feel confident and ready to hit the town.. those are the pieces you'll want to buy for her.

1. A wrap dress can work wonders- form fitting, without being too fitting

Tina Faux Wrap Dress $82, Igigi

2. A-line skirt if she's concious of her size- especially in a nice print with a solid top or cardigan.

Floral Print Sateen Skirt $44.50, Lane Bryant, Dolman Sleeve Cardigan $22.40, Macy's

3. I like to "flow"- fabrics that are lightweight and just give me not only a comfortable fit but a shillouette that makes a man wonder.Olivia Harper is a designer that I adore, she has the whole "flow" thing down to a science!


4. Bright tunic tops if she doesn't like to show her arms or is concious of her belly! (Blouson Blouse)

AK Anne Klein Paisley Print Tunic $109 Macy's, Felicity Blouson Blouse $88, Kiyonna

5.You mentioned that your mom used to wear alot of skirts and dresses, but if she's looking to change maybe she should try a Wide Leg or Trouser cut pant.

Right Fit Trouser Pants $44.50 Lane Bryant

I don't know your mother but if she's conscious of her size yet wants to go out and be social it's going to be a process. You don't want her to just turn into "hot mama" over night- she might not be that comfortable with her "new" self yet and girl if she meets herself somebody YOU might have a fit!

Some more places to look at:
Peggy Lutz
Gayla Bentley
Igigi
Nordstrom
Oliva Harper
Cherised Woman

I'm new to this blogging thing but I hope that my suggestions help.
~Ms. Katrina

It's Springtime

Good Morning!!

Today is the first official day of spring - does it feel like spring in your area?

I'm taking lil' vacay, be back Monday!

Enjoy your weekend!
~Luvin' My Curves

Dress Me: Ruffles Galore!

Good Morning!

I'm in a wonderful mood today...great things are happening, the weather is getting better and I'm just sooooo excited.

S.C from Baltimore wants to know "What's a spring trend that I can rock for both work and play?"

Hey S.C, I'm thinking ruffles.... it's definitley been all over the spring collection runways! I used to hate ruffles, I wasn't feeling extra "volume" on my chest so I used to stay away from them as much as possible. However, it's an embellishment that's not only ultra feminine but has an understated flirty appeal.


Ruffles are great for both work and play (in moderation of course) because a bright ruffle top could jazz up a solid color work pant or skirt, or even jeans after work. Like you mentioned, it's spring so look for a bright color (Backing Away from Black) or a black top with unique details.

Here are a load of options, hope this helps!

B&Lu is all over the ruffle trend:

(from l to r) Emilia Blouse $38, Nina Blouse $39, Sabina Top (don't forget the proper bra!)$28, Nanette Dress $49, Valentina Blouse $42, Beatriz Blouse $42 all from B & Lu.

Missphit also has some nice options, though depending on your office dress code these might be better for after work:

Femme Ruffle $36, Ruffles Classique $36, & Buffalo Ruffles $39 all from Missphit.

Here are some other pieces that might tickle your fancy;

A safe bet from House of Dereon , Ruffled Coat $139, Macys; this very cute Ruffle-neck tunic $59, from Baby Phat; I love this!! Ruffle Faux Wrap Dress $99.50, Lane Bryant.

How do you feel about ruffles? Any recommendations?

~Luvin' My Curves

Tailormade: Why You NEED aTailor

Good Morning!

One essential we ALL need in our closet (or at least in our speed dial) is a good tailor/seamstress. If you want to truly WEAR your clothes, and I mean look fierce then it's not just WHAT you wear, it's how it fits you. A skirt that could stand to be taken in a inch (or let out an inch) isn't worth the $$ you paid for it if it doesn't do your body justice.

Jacob Lawrence "The Seamstress", 1946 (courtesy of negroartist.com)

Do yourself a favor get a tailor and make every piece you own fit you like it was made with your curves in mind. I have relied on tailors for a very long time- I get a kick out transforming ordinary clothes into something that's custom-made. Most of my Jackets, dresses, suits have all been prey to my seamstress hands and creativity- she has knack for adding little embellishments like new buttons or a tuck in the back that I always end up loving. A good tailor can also save you money; instead of buying new clothes, just fix what you have already.When you jeans start fraying in the thigh/crotch area, get them patched for about $7-$10 and it's just as new!

For Example: I wore this beautiful London Times Woman Gold Dress for my Holiday Party; big in the bust so my seamstress not only shortened the straps but she took in the bust and even went ahead and took up the hem, she told me I need to show some more leg. (It was kind of long for me). Amazing! (Sorry, I don't have a good shot to show, the night was crazy!)

I would suggest that you should "test your tailor", give them something easy like taking up a hem or taking in a skirt, take note to how (or if) they measure, pin and tuck on you. If the results are great, then make sure to keep their name, contact info because you'll get addicted, trust!

The next best thing to a tailor is to get your clothes custom made to your measurements! Just like getting your pieces tailored is addictive, getting a dress made specifically for you is just as euphoric. I did this for my high school prom dress and I've been a fan ever since.

There's also a site called Designer Curves that makes clothing specified to your measurements, also look on Etsy , many of the designers make clothing according to your measurements take a look Peta Pledger & JaneBonBon (post on Etsy coming soon) both who make their beautiful dresses that are perfect for the spring and summer. Yes this route may be a bit more pricey than just buying retail but you never have to worry about it not fitting quite right.

Silk Evening Dress, $150 Janebonbon

Do any of you use a seamstress? What have you gotten done? I'd love to know!

~Luvin' My Curves

Do You Remember? Door Knockers

Good Morning and welcome to another installment of "Throwback Theater"...

I wasn't allowed to wear Door Knockers when they came on the scene in the late 80's... mom said I was too young and she didn't want me looking like a "ruffian". So.. like the good little girl I was, I used to sneak and wear my older cousin's door knockers around the house when I would go to visit. :)

Door Knockers & Bamboo Earrings became popular in the mid to late 80's; both were seen as symbols of "freshness"; every around the way girl according to LL "had at least 2 pair" . Every female MC rocked a pair, different shapes, different styles, always fly. Though many people use both styles interchangeably, the main difference is that while Bamboo Earrings have the bamboo striations, Door Knockers refer to the traingular shape of the earring. (ok, history lesson done)

Worn by celebrities then ....

Can you count how many door knockers are in this pic? via the study of racialism

and now

Meagan Good can't get enough of 'em, Lily Allen

You can pay big bucks or save your money and buy different styles, sizes and colors on the cheap.

Swarovski Door Knocker Earrings $154, Tuff Cookie Accessories, Vintage Door Knockers $5.99, Girl Props

Good places to get your bamboo on: Girl Props, Soul Jewelry, HipHopCloset

Gotta love these things, what "Old School Party" would be complete without them?

Me @ my Throwback 25th Birthday Party, trying to look "tough" with my door knockers and name plate chain :)

~Luvin' My Curves...bringing it back.