Throwback Theatre: Columbia Jackets

Morning!!

Today I want to take it back to junior high school days (at least for me) when girls rocked the logo Guess Bags or Jansports with the "strings" and a colorful Columbia Jacket during the breezy days. Why a Columbia jacket now? Because it's spring and it's still snowing!

Welcome to a long overdue installment of Throwback Theatre...

courtesy of notone.com

Columbia mainly known for warm ski jackets started to manufacture their popular winter coats in bright stand-out colors that became extremely popular in urban areas in the late 90's. The jackets and parkas were not only bright and warm, but economically sound because many came in 2 for 1 form - an outer shell for warmer days and a lined inside shell to add when the temperature dropped or to wear alone as well.

courtesy of ebay.com

Now, try to find these coats on the web and they're tagged "retro" or "vintage" ... really? *Sigh*

Did you have a Columbia? If so, what did yours look like and where is it now?

~Luvin' My Curves

Perspective Gained...

I know this isn't a post about fashion; but I wanted to share anyway. 

excerpt from my journal... 

"Lines and lines of people in the airport bags packed to spend a couple of days in a sunny place to just relax, but I'm not jealous - my trip will be just as fulfilling."

Once again I led a school service trip (last year was Cape Town,SA) -  I decided to stay state-side not only because students are more likely to afford a national trip but to also emphasize the point that there are people who need our help in our own country. My destination was New Orleans, La., more specificually the Lower 9th Ward to assist in the rebuilding effort. 

Almost 6 years later and there are houses that still look like this ... 

or this..  

 Regardless of what's going in my own world- these trips help me to gain perspective and clarity - I can only hope that my students walk away with something as well. 

Yes I cut my hair :)

On a side note: I was able to get a night out on Bourbon St. before the students arrived - MADNESS!!

Although I wouldn't mind taking a few days to just unplug and relax - there is so much to be done and as long as I'm able to help I will. 

~Luvin' My Curves

Peek-A-Boo!

It's finally here, SPRING! 

Weather-wise I'm not phased until I see continual sun, however clothing-wise it means renewal.  Spring is the perfect time to do a "spring cleaning" of your closet and a good time to look at the current trends to see if you'd want to incorporate them into your wardrobe. There are alot of trends that I've seen pop up, but perhaps my exhibitionist tendencies take over when I gravitate to all of the sheer tops I've seen around. 

What I've surveyed are sheer prints in beautiful prints, bold colors and classic shapes  - I'm having a hard time choosing what I want; it's not like I can (or should) wear sheer pieces all spring although I wouldn't mind.  However, I know that standing in front of students everyday in a sheer top would eventually make me nervous.

In my mind, there are 3 levels of "sheerdom"; they all depend on your level of comfort and desire to "show"

Here's my description from most coverage to the least:

Level 1: You're not ready to let it show; that's totally ok. Use your sheer top as either a layering piece over a solid tee or camisole or add a cardigan  over both pieces.

Olive Embroidered Tie Front Top $38, Torrid

Daniel Rainn Sheer Print Top $64, Nordstrom

Level 2: If you have a nude camisole, tubetop,  or underlay ( Nude is different shades for different people, more on this later) this gives the illusion without the "breeze".

Blossom Print Cover Up $35.86, Asos

Chiffon Lace Trim Blouse $30, Fashion to Figure

Level 3: Go all the way by wearing a different color lacy bra or flirty corset under your sheer piece.

Jones New York Sheer Printed Button Front $85- Macy's; Lace Plunge Bra $36 - Lane Bryant

I've experienced all three levels, some on purpose - some not so planned. Do you have a preferred level or does it depend on the occasion?

  ~Luvin' My Curves

What J is Jonesin' For: Solemates

Good Morning!!

Thanks to Frugalista for the No-Buy Month Challenge - the lesson learned once again .. it's time to invest in life experiences and not things. Don't get me wrong I love to shop like the next girl, but what happens when I don't have enough to travel like I've dreamed?  It's all about balance. One of the drawbacks... last week

when March 1st hit the calendar I looked to see if the Green/Orange Stripe Dress from Dorothy Perkins  that I was jonesin' for was still available, lucky VISA balance because it was sold out in my size !!!

The snow is finally starting to thaw, which means that pretty soon the coats, boots and sweaters will start to move towards the back of the closet and I'll be able to wear my heels without fear of figure skating.My "jones" for this month is shoes - and this probably because boots have ruled since the Blizzageddon in Decemeber.

Take a look at some (there were LOTS more)...

Solemates by LuvinMyCurves on Polyvore.com

Tory Burch studded pumps, $250
Steven by Steve Madden leather shoes, $127
Betsey Johnson strappy stiletto heels, $110
Chinese laundry shoes, $90
BCBGeneration Estrella Summer Brown Vachetta - Zappos.com Free..., $118
Sam Edelman Jewel at Zappos.com, $100
Christian Louboutin python pumps
Christian louboutin shoes
Torrid.com - Plus sizes - Product Categories - Wedges

What are you jonesin' for this month?

Don't Forget: FFFWeek is June 16-18th - if you're interested in being part of The Curvy Collective the deadline to submit your application is March 31st.

~Luvin' My Curves