Retail therapy: I Stress therefore I shop...

"single black female addicted to retail..." 

                                                       -yeah that kind of sums it up
               

I posed this question to the Luvin' My Curves Facebook Page  not too long ago; 

 "Do you consider yourself a stress shopper?"

For awhile I've been trying to figure out how exactly do I handle stress - and I think over time it's changed. I was never one to eat when stressed, I would usually sleep it off. But recently multiple stressors have driven me close to insane and looking at my card statement it hasn't just been for groceries. My justification; " I work hard, I deserve to treat myself" - I don't know how long that excuse will last but I will ride it out as long as I can.

You won't catch me buying anything extravagant - nothing overly expensive... I still use coupons but there is something about stress that leads me to shop.

What's the cure? 

Well, I could try to find another way to channel my stress - I've tried that, the idea of  an extra workout to distract me from shopping doesn't do it for me, sorry. I have tried to grab my journal and write it out, but that doesn't give me the same satisfaction. Do you have any suggestions?

My most recent scores:

Lynn Strappy Sandal, $28.40 Avenue

Michael Antonio Garner $69, Zappos

The shoes are cute, but if I can pinpoint the reason I bought it, is it really worth it?

How do deal with stress shopping? Do you window shop, think before you buy,  or go overboard?

~Luvin' My Curves

Full Figured Fashion Week 2011

Good Morning!

             Full Figured Fashion Week may be over, but the momentum is still going !

 It has been a busy, but an amazing couple of days;  there were lots of opportunities to truly celebrate and appreciate the fuller figure. I saw alot more diversity, not only within the attendees, but also on the runway. Each year, I am more and more proud to be a part of Full Figured Fashion Week :) 

Hopefully you follow me on Twitter and were able to follow my live tweets at the different events

For a more detailed play by play of Full Figured Fashion Week, make sure to check out my fellow  Fashion Front members. Personally this was a very stressful time for me as both my dad and then my grandfather became ill , so I didn't attend or stay at all of the events. I apologize for that, but I hope you understand.


On Thursday I attended the Lane Bryant Blogger Conference and I co-coordinated The Curves in the City Shopping Soiree ...



The Lane Bryant Blogger Conference gave bloggers the opportunity to have a peek into the Fall 2011 line. We also were able to speak with the design, technical and marketing gurus of Lane Bryant - there is alot in-store and I'm looking forward to it. I appreciate the faces behind the Lane Bryant brand allowing us bloggers to sound off and discuss different issues such as international presence and the marketing of  models vs. real women.

I had the honor of once again working on The Curves in the City Shopping Soiree - lots of opportunity to exercise your wallet. I loved the accessories and there were even ready to wear pieces from some of the finale designers.

Dress courtesy of Just My Size

On Friday, Glen from Full Figure Plus and I hosted a packed room for The Pulse of the Plus Size Community Panel and attended the Full Figured and Fabulous Runway Competition...

You know that the panel discussions is one of my favorite events of Full Figured Fashion Week, I really love the positive energy in the room and the networking. One of my students attended the panel and I was so happy to have her there, listening and learning from these women.

Me and Leslie Medlik; my buddy and one of the panelists. Kimono Top: Evans

I then went over to watch runway hopefuls strut their stuff at the Full Figured and Fabulous Runway competition. If only just for giggles, I need to start working on my runway walk- these ladies were SERIOUS! 

On Saturday  I attended the Kmart Blogger's Brunch and the Full Figured Fashion Week Finale

If you havn't taken notice of Kmart's new LYS line, then you need to. Their spring/summer line is not only cute, but well-made, and most of all affordable. The Kmart on 34th St had a great representation of the LYS line (I'm sure after the blogger brunch that may not have been the case).

Dress: Kmart (LYS line); Shoes: Avenue; Earrings: Me!

                                   and then the Finale (I'm still putting together these images).

I reconnected with friends, and met some really great people. If you missed this event.. well just make sure you don't miss it next year :)

~Luvin' My Curves

I'm a Daddy's Girl...

Good Morning!!

Sunday is Father's Day and I'm not ashamed to say it , I'm a daddy's girl!

I know that I get a segment of my style from him.. that cool factor... that uniqueness. My mom is a snazzy dresser but my dad has always been so suave with his look.

From an early age he had me wearing a beret, which for some reason he called a tam. I thought it was the coolest thing, not only because no one else in school was rocking it but because my dad was the one who every morning would put it on for me and tilt it to the side - which he called "the breeze tilt". Now that I'm older, I probably loved it so much because it was my dad who did it, I was looking like him and as a daddy's girl, whatever daddy did I wanted to do also.My dad always made sure I looked good; even attempting to comb my thick hair when we would go out and mommy was sleep or at work already. (these are days he would give up!)

My daddy has a way of making casual cool, always adding one thing to his wardrobe so that he stays "one step above" everyone else. Even if it's something that normally looks out of sync, he wears it with so much confidence that you can't even give a full sideeye. (of course, I'm partial) I favor my mom (my friends will celebrate that I can finally admit this) - but my demeanor, my love of history and law and my knack to strive to stay "one step above" is all my dad. He's my number #1 guy, I love him unconditionally and I'm wishing him the best Father's Day ever :)

~Luvin' My Curves

My Full Figured Fashion Week 2011 "Survival" Guide

Tonight kicks off Full Figured Fashion Week ... I am so darn excited to see folks that I only have an opportunity to see this time of year. Tickets are sold out,  the event is getting some amazing press and anticipation is at an all time high. For fun,  I wanted to give you a  simple "survival guide" of sorts ...

1. SUPPORT - Full Figured Fashion Week is put on by a dedicated group of people who WORK to give you only the best in plus size fashion. This is not the time to "window shop",  go out and support the events, and those who made it happen. Make the most out of the next couple of days,  attend the events, and be a part of history,

2. BE OPEN - Whether you're a customer, designer, or a skinny best friend this is a great opportunity for you to meet and mingle. Smile, shake hands and be open to the amazing networking opportunities that Full Figured Fashion Week has to offer.


3. BRING FLATS -Maybe that's just a tip for me, but with all of the fabolous events, I can't run around in heels all day. I  either wear cute flat sandals or bring my roll up flats  oto ease it up between events. #imjustsayin

4. CELEBRATE - this is not the time compare yourself to others, it's time to celebrate who you are and revel in it.  

5. Stock up your bag... lip gloss, mascara, all of your camera, fierce ready essentials. If you're going from event to event you want to make sure you're ready to give face. :)


6. Bring your A game: Make sure to bring your "A" game on all fronts; both fashion and attitude. Basically put your best foot forward!

What "survival" tips do you have for Full Figured Fashion Week?

P.S: I'll be taking lots of pictures and video - I'll do my best to post them up to the the Luvin' My Curves Facebook Page.

~Luvin' My Curves

Full Figured Fashion Week 2011 graces the New York Daily News!

The view on Sunday morning... 

On Friday the New York Daily News published "Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City shows off the talent of plus-size designers" and printed the piece in the Sunday paper. This is definitely one for the scrapbook..  has the Sunday paper ever looked so good? 

~Luvin' My Curves

Closet Essentials: The Floppy Hat

 I'm on vacation mode... gimme my hat! (and my fruity drink!)

Speckled Floppy Hat $12.80; Forever 21

The floppy hat trend is on full blast this season - and I find that it's one of the best ways to deal with the heat. I don't rock hats regularly, but I've found myself gravitating towards a cute floppy hat as my own personal cooling system. It's not just for resort wear any more - I'm seeing these retro, wide-brimmed 70's style hats being work as a non-poolside accessory everywhere.

Stripe Floppy $12.99; Tilly's

These hats can be worn with just about anything but I imagine mine being paired with a long floral maxi or a patterned tunic. My preference is for a solid color floppy or minimal design but I've seen colorful and patterned floppy's worn on point as well.

Here are some of my top picks:

Aqua Floppy Hat with Sash $40; Bloomingdale's

Barley Floppy Hat; Fat Face

Juicy Couture Stripe Floppy Paper Straw Hat $78; Nordstrom

Brixton Alana Hat $68; Urban Outfitters 

 

 

(

their "Pins & Needles Basic Straw Floppy Hat is a fave of mine too!)

 ASOS  and the Gap have a great selection too..


 Is a floppy hat in your summer rotation?What would you wear it with?


~Luvin' My Curves

The Pulse...

10 more days until Full Figured Fashion Week!!!!! 

One of my favorite times during Full Figured Fashion Week are the panels in which real women come together to talk, listen and support each other. For the past two years the panels have always been a source of camaraderie, inspiration and reflection for me. I'm definitely looking forward to this year's "Pulse of the Plus Size Community" panel! Read more about it below:

                                    The Pulse of the Plus Size Community

This year, in conjunction with Full Figured Fashion Week™, The Fashion Front will host a panel discussion, “The Pulse of the Plus Size 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 comedienne Erica Watson (of "Fat Bitch" fame) the panelists include:


  Jill Hutchinson: Publisher & General Manager for Sonsi
  Kathryn Finney:  Founder of TheBudgetFashionista
  Madeline Figueroa-Jones:Editor of PLUS Model Magazine.
  Jennene Biggins: Founder and CEO Voluptuous Woman Company
  Glen Johnson: Founder of Full Figure Plus
  Leslie Medlik: Personal shopper & wardrobe consultant


you can read more about the esteemed panelists here.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Affinia Hotel (Peyton Room)

371 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY

Admission: $15 in advance

Always a great panel... see you there!

~Luvin' My Curves

What J is Jonesin' For: Summer Vacation

Morning!

"Are we done yet?" 

                                                                            

*Stomping my feet*

Basically, I am more ready for school to be over than the actual students. During my rants, I've been drawn to items that put me in "vacation mode"; maybe subconsciously I'm wishing that by wearing these things my summer vacation will start early - sigh.

These sandals are simple, yet chic and I want them. They look so comfortable!

Lucky Brand "Caryl" Flat Sandals $59; Bloomingdale's

I read quickly so this could solve my packing dilemma when I can't fit 10 books in my carry- on.  Pretty soon, Kindle users will be able to get ebooks from the library which will definitely help. I could use this over the summer, on a plane,  on the beach, or under the shade of a tree.

Kindle Wireless Reading Device $139; Amazon

Of course I need something cute to put all of my goodies in. If it's not a clutch, I need a big bag.

Woven Satchel Bag $45; Fashion to Figure

The one Maxi Dress I have is "just right", it's not too long on my 5'3" frame and I love the way it flows. All I want is another couple of maxi's to just float in for the summer.

Purple Graphic Maxi $36; City Chic

 And a great floppy hat to top it all off.... 

Speckled Floppy Hat $12.80; Forever 21

  What are you jonesin' for this month? 


~Luvin' My Curves