What are your Style Resolutions?

Morning!

The dreaded resolutions - I try to stay away from them most of the time because they never last and if I'm going to make a change in my life then why wait until January 1st. However I thought it would be fun to share some style resolutions; things that I would fashionably like to work on more in the New Year. Check them out:

1. I will wear a mini-skirt without being completely uneasy about my backside being on display. What's the point of wearing a short skirt only to always feel like you are pulling it down in the back?

2. I will stay "One Click Above" ALWAYS . This resolution comes on the heels of my work environment; I'm on the same campus everyday; so even though I dress for me ; I sometimes get lazy because my life consists of a 4 minute walking commute from my apartment to my office and back. I don't want to get so used to this that I start to slack when I'm in "civilization"; I've come this far and I refuse to go back.

3.  In an attempt to save more money I will not impulse shop; if I can't find multiple uses for an item then I won't buy it. I will however splurge on one staple item the rule is that it has to be something that will have multiple uses great fitting long lasting comfortable jeans or slacks (this is the most painful of them all)

 4.  To pack better. My trips this year have proved one thing to me. I can't pack. I try to pack outfits and then I get frustrated - I always pull it off somehow but I want to become more patient in creating great outfits for my trips away. 

5. Clean Out My Closet. And Commit to either wearing pieces that have gotten lost in the abyss  in the back or get rid of clothes that I wouldn't wear or I'm not crazy about.

6. Find a makeup routine. I've said it before, I love makeup but I'm so basic at application techniques. Concealer first or foundation reminds me of the chicken or the egg scenario - so this year I want to refine my technique as well as experiment with new products and colors.

7. Have more patience with my hair. I've colored it and cut it - my hair and I are currently at a standstill. I'll do something to it, I'm just not sure what.

So tell me, what are YOUR style resolutions?

Here's to an amazing New Year!

~Luvin' My Curves

My Year in Review

Morning!

   It's been a trying year for me ; grand dreams of blogging like I used to plus increased demands at work is not  a good combination. However,  I have no regrets, I've made great strides in my career and personal life - I'm just in a really good place right now and I hope you are too! 

Here is a list of my favorite  posts from this past year; they seemed to have struck a nerve and got the conversation started, what's your take? 

 The Ultimate 90 Day Challenge : I did it!! Painful, but so worth it. I'm heavily considering doing it again. No, seriously!

Showin' Love: I love Me! : No I'm not conceited, just finally in a place where I truly love all of me. It's a struggle for many to really love the skin they're in, so why not write a love letter to yourself? Try it.

Sound Off: Is there really love in the club? : I ruffled a couple of feathers with this one, mainly guys who frequent the "Big Girl" clubs and felt like they were being called out. Ehh, perception is a subjective matter - and if the responses I received via email prove anything then many people feel the same way as T.

The Single In the City Series: I am having so much fun writing this series - as much as I love discussing fashion I've come to really enjoy writing about "life" issues, especially as they pertain to plus-size women. Dating is no exception; from the initial post introducing the series to the three that have followed (I'm Just Sayin', Does He Need That Much Attention? & Take Me As I Am )


~Luvin' My Curves

Ask LMC: How I stay stylish in this weather?

Happy Holidays!

   I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend and looking forward to the upcoming New Year.

Seems like the Northeast was the last to experience the storm system that has been going through the U.S since last week. :(

 I received a very pertinent question in my inbox the other day "I'm originally from the Caribbean but just moved to a very cold climate, I'm having a hard time between warmth and style, how do I stay stylish in this weather?"

Good Question, I usually just try to stay warm, regardless of how I look so you pose a challenging conundrum. You mentioned that  the change in climate is a bit of a shock - maybe you're ready to head back home! (Suffice to say if it wasn't for my family , I'd rather be back overseas where it's summer right now. ) I admit I get mean when I'm cold, so I personally put warmth before style in this sort of situation; I'd rather look like the abominable snow-woman  and be warm than cold and cute. If one has to choose between warmth, style and comfort what would they choose? Could they develop a healthy compromise?

My suggestion would be to make sure your outwear is fashionable yet fully functional. A major pick for coats would be Land's End; the styles are cute but also extremely warm. I live on a cold, windy hill , bought one and I feel NOTHING!

Luxe Down Coat $159.99 & Quilted Down Parka $79.99 both from Land's End.

Because no one likes to walk in snow and ice; but also don't like cold feet - then warm, insulated boots are a must- I admire those that can still work 3 inch boots in the snow - I'm not there yet. Some wear their stylish rain boots with insulated boot liners; others go for the gusto and get the warmest boots they can find. Zappos has a great selection of stylish snow boots.

Sorel Cate the Great, $200; Zappos.

Last but not least the accessories; scarf, hat, and gloves.  Colors, prints, you can go freestyle with this.
I personally am a fan of the $5-$10 pashmina's I find from street vendors, they're gorgeous and cheap enough that I can always switch them up; Forever 21 also has a large and affordable selection of winter wear accessories. I would even go as far to suggest a Trapper Hat for you since Alaska is definitely on the cold side; functionality!

Staring at Stars Intarsia Trapper $38; Urban Outfitters

I hope this keeps you stylish, but most of all TOASTY!

Is there anything that I'm missing?Do you choose style over warmth or do you try to satisfy both?


~Luvin' My Curves

Enjoy your Holidays!!

                                             Wishing You A Very Happy Holiday!

St. Nick Santa $8, Bissinger's

~Luvin' My Curves

Toccara does the Ultimate Merger?

First Omorosa, now Toccara... I think this is going to be hilarious!

Casting has started for the 2nd season of Donald Trump's  The Ultimate Merger, this season Donald has teamed up with one of my favorite curvy chicks Toccara Jones in an attempt to find true love.

I could not get enough of Toccara on ANTM and Celebrity Fit Club;  even her workout DVD cracks me up so I just know this show is going to entertain me! 

          I can't WAIT to see which bachelors are chosen; maybe another 90's R&B singer?


If you're interesting in seeing if you can get thisclose to Toccara submit a brief description of yourself, contact information and a recent photo to ultimatemerger2@gmail.com. Good Luck!


Hey, since when did Donald Trump become a matchmaker?


~Luvin' My Curves

Sideeye: MTV's I Used To Be Fat

The summer before college - the summer where you just HAVE to lose weight or reinvent yourself somehow. When it was my time to go I tried it,  it didn't work and that's when I started to really learn the difference between unhealthy and healthy weight loss. That's when I put a middle finger up and told myself that if folks weren't going to be cool with me because of my weight then that was their loss.

                       My reaction is the exception.. I know.

I know I'm not the only one that knows this was bound to happen ; MTV would sensationalize weight loss for reality TV. "I Used to Be Fat" is mini-series following teenagers who are desperate to lose during the summer before their freshman year of college.I want to be positive about this show, but until it premieres next week I'll air my concerns:

  1. MTV confuses me and for that reason I have a hard time taking MTV seriously.  This is the same network that pushes "Jersey Shore" yet delves into the mind of teenagers with the show "If You Really Knew Me".

  2. Some youth take MTV as gospel ; how realistic will this show be  for the average overweight teenager?

  3. What message are we sending? I understand wanting to reinvent yourself, but are we telling kids that they shouldn't walk into college and be confident in who they are regardless of weight- that if people don't want to talk to them then it's because of their own ignorance. How about we teach our youth how to be kind to everyone?

4. Healthy weight loss is slow, 1 to 2 lbs a week. I hope the trainers do not put these kids through any drastic measures for Hollywood style results only for these kids to gain it back within the span of a semester; if they tout healthy lifestyles then I'm cool otherwise major sideeye. If these kids are seeking to be accepted and have friends when they arrive in college, then perhaps the infamous Freshman 15 is evident, what happens then?

Don't get me wrong I was the fat girl in high school and I had thoughts of  wanting to lose weight so that the boys in college would pay me attention. However, I was blessed in that I never was lacking for friends because of my weight. Interesting thing is that I've experienced this feeling of being left out because of my weight as an adult. I get it alot of us have felt that losing weight would be the key to a new social life, a new life in general but what does that say that about our current life? Is it not worth enjoying just as much?

"I Used to Be Fat" premieres next Wednesday (December 29) on MTV at 10 pm - I'll be watching , rooting for the participants and hoping there is something more to this show than unrealistic smoke and mirrors.

I Used To Be Fat - MTV Shows

Let's talk, what's your take?

~Luvin' My Curves

Last Minute Wish List

Morning!!

  As usual, I procrastinate even with what I want for Christmas. On my way back into town for the holidays my mom sent a text (yes, she's started to text- help us all!)

                             "You must only want a candy cane for Christmas"


This is where I get the snarky'tude from, gotta love her.So for her and for your amusement, here's what I'd like from Santa :)

 1.  Chloe Heloise Leather Hobo $1595. Let's start with the most unrealistic, we all have dreams, right?

2. Frank & Myrrh Jewelry. During a stroll in Providence, I practically stalked this poor girl down when I saw her earrings. She graciously gave me the name of this site - I love the craftsmanship and I see myself "treating" myself to lots of her designs.

3.   Apple Ipad $499. So I can read blogs, write blogs and read books on the go! A cute leather case wouldn't hurt either.

 4. Soft Frill Dress $66 & Ponti-Roma Seamed Pencil Dress $69, both from Asos Curve. Dresses, Dresses and More Dresses. Mom, I could do damage (err, I mean I would look very nice) in these, don't you think?

 

 5.  KitchenAid Ultra Power Stand Mixer, $199.99.  I'm random... and I have a list of 30 things I want to do by the time I'm 30. One of them is to bake from scratch so I figured I might as well go all out. KitchenAid is like the GrandDaddy of mixers, being that I'm a novice I think I'll get sensible and ask for a more affordable model.

 6. Amaya,Nine West $99. A little girl had the kiddie version (why a little was in high heel boots, I don't know) so I figured there just had to be an adult version somewhere, plus these boots are named after one of my favorite tykes :)

7. GPS & AAA Membership. I live in between two major shopping outlets in New England; now that I've finally bought a car ( #9 on my 30 by 30 list!) I can escape to off the rack price bliss. My sense of direction out there is non-existent so a GPS is sorely needed. Excuse my ignorance about a GPS if you know a better model, I'm open. Dad says a AAA membership just for extra security just in case since I live in the backroads.

This is much more than a candy cane, but seriously I am just so happy to be home in NY for the holidays. I'll have time to see my friends and family and enjoy the city life if only for 2 weeks.:)

What's on your wish list?

~Luvin' My Curves

OOTD: Vuvuzuela Time!

Rather than give excuses as to why I've been gone - I'll just say this, amazing things happen when you allow life to do it's magic. :)

This past month I was in honored for my humanitarian work in South Africa, I didn't think I would physically be able to make it but luckily I was able to! The timing was perfect as work was sucking the energy out of me and I knew the sunshine, friends and great vibes would pick me up.

 Did it? Most definitely! 

I scored a ticket to the sold out U.S Men's National Soccer Team against Bafana Bafana (the South African Men's Team ) for the Nelson Mandela Challenge - the game was at Green Point Stadium the same place where the World Cup games in Cape Town were played. Exciting!

 Cheesin' for the camera - my colleague is a huge soccer fan so I took this picture and emailed it to him the next day - I know I'm mean. :/

 

 

Besides the shirt I don't feel like I made a huge attempt to dress up - but my friends tell me otherwise. I think my style has evolved to the point where my 'normal' is 'playing it up' to others. I know you can't see the shoes in the pic, but I finished the look off with a green croc-embossed peep-toe flats and a green/yellow coconut ring. 

The next day was the banquet - I didn't get to take too many pictures myself and I am still waiting on the pictures that were taken but here I am after - I had another dress picked out but when I landed I was told it was a black and white affair - lucky I had a dress to fit the theme.(those shoes, my new faves!)

I returned home for a couple of days and then headed off to the West Coast for a conference in San Diego - sorry, no pics of me from the conference too busy soaking in the academia :)

   There's a pretty cool plus-size acceptance scene in South Africa - can't wait to tell you all about it!!!

~Luvin' My Curves