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 ;)

What's Up For the Weekend? Kiss the Curves

Good Morning!!!

All is quiet here- the students are gone for the weekend so I get some time to clean my apartment, do some laundry and get some things done. I had planned to go home but with the impending snow storm, I did a mental about face and decided to just stay put. However, if you're on the sunny and snow-free West Coast (more specifically the Bay Area) you should definitely check out "Kiss the Curves" tomorrow. Below is all the information you'll need- Ms. Marie Denee herself is the lead stylist so make sure you go and support. :)

Kiss the Curves: “The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala in the Bay,” will be center stage on February 6, 2010 at the Historic Sweets Ballroom in Oakland, CA.This historic platform, hosted by Bay Area's Quiet Storm 102.9 KBLX-FM radio personality, Sterling James, will allow plus-size designers such as Ashley Stewart, Igigi, Marie Denee, Corinthia Peoples Designs, Chocolate Sushi Couture, A Clothes Mind, Tru Diva and Isle’s of Paradise to debut their latest collections to an audience of media outlets, VIP guests, socialites and fashion enthusiasts under the direction of renowned runway talent coach, Charleston Pierce.

While the excitement is brewing for a successful event, the recent fatalities and devastation in Haiti has broken the hearts of the entire Kiss the Curves staff. Compelled to extend monetary help to the Haitian relief efforts, Executive Producer, Tracie Collins will donate proceeds from this monumental event to the Red Cross.

Advertising sponsors of Kiss the Curves includes, Clear Channel Radio, PLUS Model Magazine,
Ashley Stewart, SKORCH Magazine, Lexus, Daily Venus Diva Magazine and Black Entertainment Monthly. Lead photography will be provided by celebrity photographer, Nana of 510 Media.

Pre-sale tickets to Kiss the Curves for general admission are currently on sale for $20, with VIP
tickets on sale for $35 and can be purchased through Airbourne Tickets. Tickets can also be
purchased at the door for $25 on the day of the event.

~Luvin' My Curves

What J is Jonesin' For....

Hey Folks!


I'm having the winter blahs because it's so cold out here - and there's not much to do. Since I'm not shopping - I havn't seen much that I wanted badly- maybe because I'm doing my best to keep my focus. I'm sure that by day 45 my cheery outlook will be replaced with something more cynical about this 90 day challenge.

A couple of things from ASOS Curve..I'm really jonesin' for these things, I just want to try them on!!! (try them on and keep them) If these items are still available on April 1st.. I might just have to.

One Shoulder Top, Gold Button Detail Top, Pontiroma Seamed Pencil Dress, Shoulder Pad Top all from ASOS Curve.

I want a Wii... I played it for the 1st time with my colleague's 5 yr. old....I've been missing out!

I've been having dreams of high heels, brown ones to be exact...I'd wear them with a sleeveless red linen shirtdress and a mix of ruby & amber bangles. Mind you it's the dead of winter, but I'm thinking summer already.

DVF Gladiator Love-Knot Sandals $295; Tory Burch Wrap-Up Sandals $325 both at Saks Fifth Avenue

My livingroom is pretty spacey so my once decent-sized TV now looks so small- plus I think I deserve an upgrade. This could be a savings goal - or a birthday gift to myself.

What are you jonesin' for this month?

~Luvin' My Curves