OOTD: Who says the chaperone has to look boring?

Morning!

In a c0uple of days I will have finished my 1st year as an educator. It's been a crazy year, but I absolutely love what I do. The school recently had it's prom and I was asked to be a faculty chaperone. I love any opportunity to dress up and this prom was no exception.

The location was stunning and the event went on perfectly. I had a ball at prom even though I had to restrain myself at times from dancing like I usually would, it was also funny that some were shocked that I was able to sing along to the playlist.

Here I am with one of my favorite students; he's actually one of the culprits who "googled" me during my first weeks here and "discovered" that I was a blogger. Somehow that news spread and that's how during the new faculty introductions in the students newspaper, everything was left out except the fact that I had a blog.

This Kiyonna Boudoir Lace Dress is one of my absolute favorites; it's fits me like a tailored glove and it's just simply elegant. I have definitely gotten my money's worth on this dress. For prom, I decided to wear something that was simple, yet allowed me to look as elegant as the occasion called for. I was already busy helping other students get perfect for their prom that I wanted to wear something that was effortless. I paired this dress with black platform peep-toes, a long pearl necklace, pearlized white clutch and an iris as a hairpin. (It was from a fake flower bouquet I had in my house, I got in a DIY mood and made it a hair clip).

One of my students complimented me by saying "The chaperones usually look boring, thanks for stepping it up." Ouch for them, props for me :)

I remember when I bought this dress at Lee Lee's Valise (read about that experience here ); I wasn't too sure that I would wear this dress much or get good use out of it. I really thought it would fall victim to my closet only to see the light of day long after I purchased it. I love it when a piece proves me wrong.


Have a fun, but SAFE Memorial Day Weekend!

~Luvin' My Curves

Romper Room!

Morning!

Whenever I think of rompers, I think of playgrounds.

I also think of when I was younger, and I had to constantly pull down my shorts as I played - I just could not pull shorts or rompers off.

Fast forward years later...

I'm still not very much of a shorts girl - I've found it difficult to find a pair of shorts that fit me "just right". I finally found shorts that fit me decently, so I want to keep the good flow going and I'm now looking into attempting the romper.

Pure Energy Lilac Sleeveless Romper $17.48, Target

Rompers are not just cover-ups for your bathing suit or for kids - if worn right rompers can be fun, and when paired with tights can even last you into the fall. The rompers I've found have come in all styles - there are those for folks that want to show legs and thigh and Bermuda style rompers for those who appreciate longer styles.

Ruffle Sleeved Cuffed Romper, $59; Baby Phat

How to wear a romper?

• Any way you want - which is why I think I'm feeling this style so much. You can wear flat sandals during the day for a casual yet cool look and then put wedges or heels on to dress it up at night. I'm envisioning sandals ; a long chair and colorful huge bag, (and we can't forget the sunglasses).

Button Front Romper with Collar, $24.99; Lane Bryant Aztec Print Tube Romper, $58, Torrid

• Pair a plain romper with patterned shoes or stand out jewelry, vice versa if the romper is a print.

Sleeveless Tie Dye Smocked Romper, $44; Macy's

• Also, for those who hate wearing shorts because of the "rub" I would suggest wearing biking shorts or long line shapewear to eliminate that annoying feeling.
  

Have you seen any rompers? Do you wear rompers, what do you think of them?

P.S: Congrats to Ain for winning a ticket to the Curves in the City Shopping Soiree!!!


~Luvin' My Curves

You Should Be There: Full Figured Fashion Week ™

Morning!!

Yet another reason why you should be at Full Figured Fashion Week™!

I can't tell you how excited I am for this year's Full Figured Fashion Week™! This year's schedule is jam-packed with showcases, forums, seminars and shopping opportunities, and I want to make sure that you all stay in the know about this great event. I get loads of emails from ladies that aren't too sure about their curves, I have to say if you ever want to be in the company of others who live for their curves then New York City is the place to be this June!

One of the event's that will be returning to the line-up is the "Curves in the City" Shopping Soiree. Last year's event was well attended, and I enjoyed meeting a bunch of you there, as you wrapped yourself in dress, adorned your wrists with bangles and "luxuriated" in all that's you! I won't ruin the surprises in store, but I promise that this year's event will NOT disappoint.

Tickets are $22 and can be purchased here!

Or you can try your luck and win one of two (2) tickets that I'm giving away. Email me at johara@luvinmycurves.com with the subject line "Pick Me" and a reason why you're coming to Full Figured Fashion Week™. I'll announce the winners on Friday, good luck!!!

~Luvin' My Curves

Throwback Theater: Nameplates

Morning!

A blast from the past...

Me: Mom, can I have a nameplate?

Mom: Why, so everyone can stare at your boobs your instead of just asking you your name ? No!

(Eventually I got one, but had to promise to make sure that someone wasn't just looking to stare.. gotta love my mom!)


A gold necklace with a huge grafitti style monogrammed plate bearing your name - how did we get through the 80's without the Nameplate Necklace?


The Nameplate Necklace was the business in the 80's and early 90's - it was the perfect accessory , people were able to express either their name or their individuality by getting a custom-made tag.

It's interesting to me which trends that originate in the streets make it to the masses, the nameplate was no exception. The most notable was Ms.Bradshaw herself, often pairing her nameplate necklace with her exclusive couture.

Now rocked by everyone, included Lauren from "The Hills'" it's funny how the nameplate is referred to as the "Carrie Necklace" - but believe me folks, this style was popular waaaay before Carrie stepped into her Manolo's.

I still wear mine from time to time - not just for nostalgia but because it still looks fly after all this time. :)

There are some sites that allow you to customize your own nameplate (Personalized Boutique, Patricia Fields) some for upwards of $500.. (psst.. head out to the outer boroughs and you can get it for much cheaper)

Do you own a nameplate? What do you think about them?

~Luvin' My Curves

The State of the Curvy Community

Morning!

Full Figured Fashion Week™ is rearing to go...if you're waiting until the last minute to get event tickets I would suggest not to :) Once again, I'm a proud member of the Curvy Collective and we are hosting "The State of the Curvy Community" panel. Last year's panel was packed, so make sure you don't miss out !

Last year's amazing panel!

Listening to the news, articles circulating through the internet, the media would have you believe that the plus size woman is a burden to society, with no fashionable options,a second-class citizen, and one who should be ashamed to exist. If you were to buy into the news, all the progress we have made in the last ten years in fashion, community pride, and confidence would all be in vain. As society would try to regain control of the plus sized confidence and community built, shaming us out of existence or into a “healthy” lifestyle, what does a full figured curvy, confident, and chic woman do?

We talk about it.

This year, in conjunction with the Second Annual Full Figured Fashion Week™, The Curvy Collective hosts a panel discussion, “The State of the Curvy Community.” Perfectly timed, in the midst of current news in the media, this panel discussion addresses the current state of the plus-size community and the significance of Full Figured Fashion Week, through the eyes of the industry’s leaders, bringing different perspectives from various experiences and points of view.

Hosted by the Curvy Collective, Sharon Quinn, “The Original Runway Diva,” will moderate the panel discussion . Joining her and sharing a valuable perspective are:

• Yulia Raquel- Founder/Designer for Igigi
• Marianne Kirby- Blogger from The Rotund and co-author of Notes from the Fatosphere
• Erica Watson- Plus Size comedienne
• Golda Poretsky- Founder of Body Love Wellness
• Mad Fashionista- Plus size fashion blogger and personality from Diary of a Mad Fashionista

Sponsored by the Fuller Woman Expo and Life Size Radio, the “State of the Curvy Community” panel discussion will take place:

• Date: Thursday, June 18^th
• Location: Hotel Penn
• Time: 4-6pm

This panel discussion is your chance to engage the community and some of its pioneers who consistently challenge the status quo. You can get your tickets to this panel discussion for only $11! Seats are on a first come, first serve basis and you can reserve your spot here!

Will we see you there?

Sound Off: Is there really love in the club?

Morning!!!!

Pretty interesting question, read on...

Dear LMC,

Have you ever been to one of those big girl parties? I went for the 1st time not too long ago and I had no idea what to make of it. There were girls of all sizes, the music was good but the things that stood out to me were this:

1. Why can't I feel this wanted in a regular club?
2. Is this feeling of me being desired real, as in do most of these guys have a fetish and that's why they are at the club?
3. I had the feeling that alot of the ladies were regulars, and most of the guys were preying on the ones with less esteem.

It felt great to walk into a club and not only be given attention when "that song" comes on - it felt nice that I didn't dress up only to stand on the wall, there were guys who wanted to dance with me and even some who wanted to exchange numbers. I should have gone to these parties before but I don't think I was confident enough to go, plus I heard that the guys were only trying to take advantage. I wonder if it's even worth going to meet a decent guy.

I know this email is all over the place, but do you really think there is love in the big girl club? Have you ever been?

~T



Hey T!

Some of us, myself included have ventured into the "big girl club" scene. The impression that some of us walk away with varies, depending on what the "goal" is. Awhile back I had a pretty lengthy discussion with some of my fellow plus-size beauties. As we talked about clothes, work, men and nonsense, someone brought up "the club", and not just any club but "the big girl club".


For some this is a touchy subject.. depending on where you live the "big girl" scene is different. And until some time ago I was oblivious about the "big girl club" scene out here, I knew they existed but never experienced it. So one day I finally decided to venture out with a group of my friends, I had a great time and like you it was nice to be asked to dance in a club setting. ( I refuse to stand on the wall, but I usually end up dancing alone).

However, I didn't come to the club to look for love.. I went to party. I went to check out the scene I had heard so much about .. and yes.. while I saw some things that were side-eye worthy, I tried my best to remain fair in that I saw side-eye worthy things in "regular" clubs as well. Since then, I've gone to a couple of other parties and every time I must admit I enjoyed being a part of the majority, it's a small rush that I get as I walk in. However, I go to have fun, nothing more.

To answer your questions, I don't think there is love in ANY club, not just one kind of club in particular. Sure you can meet someone at the club, but in the same vein you can meet anyone anywhere. Don't think that you have to go to a specific kind of party in order to meet a guy who likes you. Are you alone in feeling that when you go to a "regular" club that you may not feel as wanted as when you go to a "big girl" club? No, many people might feel the same way you do, the chances are just higher that a guy who is attracted to a plus size woman may go where he knows those women will be. The most important thing is that you feel confident wherever you go, not just a specific type of party. I hope this helps a bit - your confidence and what you think of yourself is what's going to find you love, not the location... you may even find "him" in the least expected place. :)

Have you ever to been to one of the parties we're talking about here? What's the "scene" like in your town? Do you like them or prefer them to other parties? Do you identify with T or have any words of advice for her? What do you think of T's observations?

Sound off, I'd love to hear your thoughts...

~Luvin' My Curves

In the Buff!

Morning!

Spring, (even though it felt more like winter this weekend!) always tends to bring out the airy, and "sweet" details in the season's trends.

One thing I'm seeing all over the place and starting to appreciate more are sheer and nude pieces; items that are more "rose" than pink, more ivory than white, even the soft oatmeal colors work this season. Take a look and tell me what you think :)

Crochet Charm $38, Missphit

Whimsy Bow Tee $38, LucieLu

Kariylynn Tunic $34, B&Lu

Boudoir Dress $148, Kiyonna

Ivory Garbardine Ruched Blazer $54, Torrid

Ivory Eyelash Miniskirt $24.98, Torrid

Kelsi Dagger Nude Wedge $148, Urban Outfitters

Iridescent Cluster Stretch Ring $9.90, Avenue

What I appreciate about this sheer trend is that most of the pieces I've found are about being transparent, thus showing things that most of us don't want to see. It's a sexy and subtle side, that when done right is fun to wear.

What I've been doing to "2 for 1" this trend is pairing it with soft colors (like a pale yellow cardigan) one time and then putting it with a bright color (red pencil skirt) the next go-round.

How do you go in the buff?


~Luvin' My Curves

What J is Jonesin' For: The Rural Rut

Morning!

"So where ya' been?"

Life is funny... and I know that's a bad answer but it's all I can say. Now that my health is taking a turn for the better, I can come back to getting back to our regularly scheduled program. ;)

As I was taking stock of my closet the other day, I realized just how much my wardrobe has toned down because of my new job. I was never "out there" but I was never boring either. I know that some of this change has come from the nature of the job, I work with kids... more specifically high-schoolers... and I can't just wear the shirts I used to. But the other thing is that I've been bored, I love to dress for "me", but when I'm in an office all day, on a small campus and the nearest city is 45 minutes away - it becomes a bit harder to put all of the effort to bring it everyday.

What I've been jonesin' for have been pieces that would take me out of this "rural rut" - things that I can still wear to work but are pieces that I wouldn't mind being seen in off campus.

Goddess Draped Pencil Skirt $68, Kiyonna

Pencil Skirt Perfection! I am in love with this skirt!

Ruffle Dress $49, Ashley Stewart

With the weather warming up, I don't mind getting bright with my wardrobe. If this is too much color, you can always cover it up with a muted cardigan.

Draped Grecian Slinky Top ~$42.69, ASOS

Oh, the possibilities of this shirt. There's nothing rural about this, but it's still appropriate for work!

Type Z Lynet $99, Nine West Ponti $88.95; both from Zappos

Both of these shoes deserve a spot in my closet, but the 1st pair would just not be functional for this environment. (ever got your heel stuck in the mud?) I think the 2nd pair would be a fashionable alternative.


I'm not jonesin' for any accessories this month- mainly because with the amount of accessories that I have I could never be in a rut. In fact, it's the "normal", "regular", or everyday jewelry that I'm lacking. :)

What are you jonesin' for this month? If you were in a rut like me, how would you get out of it?


~Luvin' My Curves