90 Days of No Shopping.. Day 29

29 Days and I havn't shopped...

I'm pretty proud of myself actually- I thought that I would have subconsciously "slipped" by now. I'm doing a good job of deleting the sale emails that litter my inbox; the sweet nothings of "free shipping" tempt me. I still look at catalogs and my favorite sites, thinking of what the item would look like on me, especially with the launch of ASOS Curve and the fab Monif C's Swim 2010 line - but these are all wants not needs .. and what I need most of all is to get my shopping and financial act together.

Student loans have also been getting on my last nerve; they depress me because they are just way too high. Student loans should NOT be equivalent with a mortgage!! That stark realization about my student loans has forced me to find other ways besides shopping to pass the time and make me happy; I've been getting more involved with the campus life here and putting more energy into improving my apartment. All of these things have been easy on the pockets (the maintenance department here gave me all the painting supplies I needed and I was able to print pictures in the campus photo lab) My mentor came up for a visit and took me on a mini housewarming trip, so my pockets have been ok.

I still want clothes- but I've also been thinking less about my wants and more about others needs. Which is why I donated money to the Haitian earthquake relief - it's easy to not think about getting new shoes when you know that others are in desperate need for the basics. In my position, I teach kids that serving others allows one to learn so much more about themselves - and they've ramped up their efforts to give because it makes them feel good. In hindsight I think of how not shopping has allowed me to give more to others and in the process I'm learning that what I thought I needed before (clothes, shoes) isn't that serious.


But now I'm faced with a slight dilemma; I am taking a group of students to Cape Town, South Africa in March and I might need to get some clothes.

I asked the question on twitter and facebook "Is this considered an exception?"

Some said no, while others said an international trip for work is considered a valid excuse to shop. Others gave me a compromise- get what you need but set a small budget.

I went through my clothes- lots of sundresses, lots of tees, but no shorts. With temperatures in Cape Town at 92 degrees and I know we'll be working/building I think shorts would be appropriate. (I'm not really trying to climb a ladder or the side of a mountain in a dress). I've already started to throw clothes in my suitcase because it will help me to assess what I do have and what I might need.



What do you all think I should do? Grin and bear it? Make an exception and shop? Give myself a limit and get only what I need? What would you do?

~Luvin' My Curves

I'm a tough cookie kind of gal & Tyra gets "Fiercely Real"

Good Morning!


I have a soft spot for bath products; potions and lotions that smell good and leave me feeling soft. I'm a product junkie, Soul Purpose, Carol's Daughter, Origins and other similar brands adorn my bathroom and vanity. I can't get enough of the "smell good".

So when my fellow curvy-gal and frequent guest-blogger Felicia aka DaLipstickBandit asked me to try out samples of her new line DLB Cosmetics, there was no hesitation. Her line consists of body butters, facial scrubs, bath salts & body wash - all the yummy bath products that make me swoon. I received products from the Tough Cookie line.. where is the cookie dough when you need it?

So.. on my pre-determined spa day I decided to "luxuriate" with Tough Cookie.. first of all it smells so good!! Tough Cookie is blend of French Vanilla, Cinnamon and Brown Sugar (no, it's not edible- although it sounds like it could be) A small amount goes a long way, the scrub feels so good and when it washes off, my skin is so smooth. The body wash also leaves my skin feeling refreshingly clean and soft, not with a slight residue that tends to plague other body wash brands .

Best thing.. these things are super-affordable.. 2 oz for $4!! It's a lil' spa in a bottle. (not like I can buy anything soon, but if I were to buy it wouldn't break my bank)

If you're in the NY area you should head out to the DLB Cosmetics line Launch Party on Thursday, February 4th at Madame X Lounge (94 W.Houston St. from 6-10 pm). Best thing, the party is FREE!!


~Luvin' My Curves


P.S: Just in case you didn't get yesterday's "tweet" Tyra Banks recently announced that she is holding a plus-sized teen modeling competion called the "Tyra's Fiercely Real Teen Model Search". If you are between the ages of 13-19 , size 12-20 and 5'9" and 6'1"click here to enter.


“I’ve always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty; through America’s Next Top Model, True Beauty and The Tyra Show I challenge industry and universal standards by featuring and celebrating non-traditional beauty, and stressing that true beauty is both inside and out,” Banks says of her new venture. “Plus-sized tends to have a negative connotation and I want young girls to realize that what’s considered plus-sized is the average American woman. That woman is healthy, fit and beautiful. Adolescence is such an impressionable time in a young woman’s life, and I hope this contest helps teen girls discover their own beauty from the inside out.

Finalists will be announced March 2nd on "The Tyra Show" and the winner will be announced the following day. That lucky young lady will receive a one-year Wilhelmina agency modeling contract and a spread in a major magazine.

Good Luck!!

Keeps me warm & keeps me stylish: How to Wear the Sweater Dress

Good Morning!

I crave clothes that are “grab & go”, items that don’t need much ironing, if any at all. This is one of the many reasons why my “go-to” piece has been the sweater dress this season. Perfect for this weather, it’s stylish and saves me time in the morning from the ironing board.

It’s an item that has so many possibilities that I doubt that I’ve worn the same look with any of my sweater dress. (Yes, I own several.. moving on!) My mantra with the sweater dress along with many other of my closet staples is this: if you can’t find at least 3 ways to wear it then maybe you should think twice about buying it. A sweater dress is something that if given to two people depending on their personal style would be worn in two distinct ways.

Keep Me Warm, Keep Me Stylish by LuvinMyCurves featuring

Items in this set:
Lauren by Ralph Lauren 'Lavogna' Dress (Plus) - Nordstrom, $210
Kenneth Jay Lane Long beaded necklace, $65
Product: Natasha Accessories Flower & Faux-Pearl Long Necklace, $60
SPANX Marine Tight-End Tights, $26
Calvin Klein 3/4 Sleeve Printed Sweater, $140


If I had to distinguish exactly how I change the look of a sweater dress I would break it down like this:

• Belts - Accentuate your waist by looking for thick belts with different textures, prints, colors
  

• Footwear- Flats for the day, Booties, Knee High Boots, Pumps, Mary Janes for that collegiate yet cute look.
  

• Accessories- Long necklaces work wonders on a sweater dress – layer them up for a fun yet complicated look. Scarves always add stylish drama.
  

• Hosiery- With so many options to choose from of colors, patterns, and even textures, depending on the occasion you can get wild here! Try pairing a neutral color sweater dress with bright tights, that’s always fun.
  

• Layers- A long-sleeve tee or a thin sweater will make your sweater dress a jumper! A cardigan or even a structured blazer will set the dress in a different direction.
  

Some tips:
Smooth out the lumps with Spanx or another type of flattering undergarment. While we are on the subject of smoothing it out.. help yourself out.. do not squeeze into your sweater dress but also don’t buy a dress that is way too big for your frame and makes the dress look like a tent.

So.. the most important question- how do you wear your sweater dress?

Lesson Learned: The last box & giving makes you feel good

Good Morning!

the last box...

I ordered this BEFORE my challenge but it just arrived yesterday, so I had to take a picture of it. Dramatic yes, but a monumental moment because there will be no more boxes for awhile. I'm not even 100% sure if I will keep them; rain boots tend to fit my legs funny, but with the rain that comes down here I might have to grin and bear it.

In other new, today is payday.... otherwise known as "Happy-Dance & Buy Day".

However, we all know that I'm NOT SHOPPING FOR 3 MONTHS!!!

I must admit it's been slightly painful to look at the sales emails as they come through my phone late at night to greet me 1st thing in the morning. But I know that the money that I'd be spending could be going towards other things...

This week hasn't been that bad lust-wise; work has been ridiculous and by the time I get a free moment I don't even want to get near the computer to swoon over clothes, shoes & accessories. I'm also on a new kick.. HOME IMPROVEMENT!! My living room has just been redone and now I want to paint my bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette & 2nd bedroom... my shopping energy has gone towards improving my apartment, my mom is going to be so proud.

The last reason, but by far the most important... the reason why I'm not in tears about not shopping is because the money I would have spent for clothes... I will donate to one of the many Haiti Earthquake relief funds. I gave a bit the other day and I will give more when the paycheck clears. It feels good to give, even better than new clothes.


~Luvin' My Curves...

Do Something: Haiti Earthquake Relief

As you all know an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 hit the island of Haiti on Tuesday. As some of my mentees & students are Haitian I've been spending the week helping them cope, get in touch with family and just deal with the thoughts that I can't even begin to imagine are going on in their heads.

These are the times when I use this platform to talk about things besides what to wear, as people in Haiti are clinging to life and still in shock. Haiti is in a terrible position right now and I urge you all to give what you can to support the relief efforts. This is the time when we get past "What Can I Do?" and you actually "Do Something".

Google has a really comprehensive page with links to different causes you can give to here. In addition some stores & designers are giving a portion of their proceeds to the relief...

CafePress

proceeds go to U.S Fund for UNICEF

MonifC
If you want to send packages or money with Monif C. please leave a comment on her blog and send an email to info@monifc.com.

L'elephant Rose

For every item sold a portion of the proceeds will go to Yele (Wyclef Jean's organization).


Direct Donations can be given to :
Yele
Red Cross
Hope for Haiti


If you know of any other designers, shops, etc that are helping to support relief efforts please let me know and I'll post them up as well.

~Luvin' My Curves....prayers up for Haiti

The Ulitmate 90 Day Challenge... No Shopping

It had to be done...

Eventually I would challenge myself and it wouldn't be the challenge of wearing a mini dress -I'd go the extra mile and attempt NO SHOPPING FOR A YEAR!!

SIKE!!!

How about we do this safely, say 3 months? We don't need to see me on the news for spending the night in a boutique just to be close to clothes, so starting on Jan. 1st I vowed that I wouldn't shop for 90 days.

Now for those who know me, they know that this is going to be a doozy. No shopping for me, is the equivalent of saying that I might as well give up on the color purple or give up on men. BUT in all seriousness this is going to be a serious challenge, that I'll make sure to give you all updates on periodically.


Since I announced my challenge on Twitter I've gotten some really good questions so I'll address them here:

But WHY???


Law school loans are no joke.
also...
I find myself when doing my yearly major cleaning out my closet finding things that I buy, but don't wear or pieces that are either the same or similar to things that I already own. Like Carrie from "Sex & The City" wondered if her shoe collection was the reason she was the only one of her friends that didn't own their apartment; I think of how much money I spent and then start to wonder what that money could have been used for instead.

What are the rules?

1. Try not to cry.

2. Lust, but don't use the card... any of them.
(there are lessons to be learned from this.. what are they? I have no clue right now.)

and the "simplest" rule of them all...

3. Do not purchase ANY of the following:

CLOTHES

SHOES

ACCESSORIES

MAKEUP

even BOOKS

until April 1st !!!

Are there any exceptions??

Not really, I'll leave any exceptions up to my BFF's. If the decision were left up to me everything would be an exception, including the "70% off" email I got from Dorothy Perkins this morning. There is nothing that I can forecast that I will TRULY need in 3 months - I'm hopeful that I can wait until April 1st to unleash the shopping beast within.

When did you stop shopping?

I'm no fool, like a squirrel is busy collecting food before it hibernates I racked up right before the new year. New Coat, Rain Boots, a few dresses, Cocktail Rings, even things that are not part of the challenge (hair products).

No, but seriously why??That's cruel, if you loved yourself you wouldn't do this.

Ok, so that's the dramatic question I asked myself constantly before committing to this challenge. But I really need to "reign it in" , just because I'm working now doesn't mean I should go nuts. And though the fashion lover in me believes that it's NEVER possible to have too much clothes, I'll admit that when I moved the majority of the mini UHAUL was clothes, shoes & bags. Part of being "grown" is being fiscally responsible- it's knowing that no matter how much I want something and keep the item up on my internet tab for days, that's there's always a bill, student loan or savings deposit that could be made.

What's the reward?

I guess I could treat myself to something nice when this is all over- maybe funnel the money towards a mini-vacay in the summer. Maybe I'll just revel in the satisfaction that I actually got through it.


I'd really love to know what you all think of my challenge? Please feel free to tell me I'm nuts or leave words of encouragement. Do you think 90 days might be too much? Do you think this is something you could do?

~Luvin' My Curves.....missing the shopping bags & packages already.

What J is Jonesin For: "Just Because"

Happy New Year!!

Most of us are back to the grind of work and school (college students, I'm jealous as most of you have at least another week of vacation). Some people are hyped and energized by their New Year's Resolutions- and there are others who know themselves well enough to not even have made resolutions because they would be over by Jan. 2!! 2009 was a great year for me on many different levels and the plan for 2010 is to keep the momentum going and the positivity flowing. Because I'm getting over the holiday sales, there's not much that I'm jonesin' for in terms of need- this month is all about pure decadence.. things that I want "just because".


It's cold outside but I'd like to rock more mini's this year...

Taupe Eyelash Ruffle Miniskirt $25.50, Torrid

Because I love my hometown I thought this would be a cute addition to my charm bracelet- my BFF put me on to this. There are also other city themed charms but this one is my personal favorite.

Taxicab Charm $125; Tiffany & Co.

I love boots....I'm really in need of tall brown boots- but then I saw these purple ones and I want them, NOW!!

Jessica Simpson Virnica2 $116.06; Zappos

and then I saw these and I figured this could satisfy my need for brown boots, I love the detailing.

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Berkshire Boot $275; Zappos

And what's Jonesin' if there's not at least one item that is completely financially unrealistic- I can't even think of making this kind of purchase with the student loans I have, but it's always nice to dream! (plus, there's always a similar yet cheaper alternative somewhere)

Shiny Napa Petal Hobo $1895; Neiman Marcus

What NOT to Wear- MAJOR SIDEYE

I'm not one for billboard clothes- the items that reek of logo..in that same vein I'm not fond of items that have to broadcast what I already know. Basically I'm the master of my clothes, I create the message and my clothes display that message for me- looking at Torrid's new arrival's (trust I have nothing but love for Torrid) two belts bothered me.. if you feel the need to hammer in the point that you are bootylicious or a sexy bitch that's fine- but I'm not feeling it. What do you think?

Bootylicious Pyramid Stud Belt & Sexy Bitch Pyramid Stud Belt both $24; Torrid

~Luvin' My Curves