Luvin' My Curves

Native Daughter

2012-01-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

Morning! I love any kind of African print - Kente (nwotoma), Bazen, mudcloth you name it I know it and I love it. I went through a short phase (short because I'm lazy and it took too much time) of making my own skirts and it was always a bright African printed material. During my stay in Ghana years ago I learned more about how it was made, the pride that goes into making it and the

OOTD: People of Color Conference - My Academic Life

2012-01-23T10:00:00.001-05:00

Okay so I'm late... like over a month late. (sorry!) This past December I presented my study on retention for faculty of color in Independent Schools at the annual People of Color Conference which was held in Philadelphia this year. Nervous cannot even begin to express how I felt - but I this study hit very close to home and I knew that I needed to get through it. I secretly hoped that

Dear Santa...

2011-12-23T10:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Santa, I've been very good this year, no seriously! I've been financially smart about my shopping, I've remained cool under pressure (even when my students were treading on my very last nerve) and I even finished the research for my study, you know I'm an academic at heart :) All I want for Christmas is nothing... I got exactly what I wanted a couple of days early - the flight

Saying "Yes" to the Dress.....

2011-11-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Planning a wedding is not easy... it takes up alot of time.. I'm exhausted. I'm lucky in that I've been able to secure the majority of my wedding vendors and even though they are on the other side of the globe they have been the best in making sure things are set. Invitations for my state-side guests have been sent and now it's just a matter of waiting for the RSVP's, and the other million

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T11:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Guess It's Time to Bundle Up

2011-10-31T10:00:00.001-04:00

Morning! This unexpected nor'easter has propelled my search for the right winter coat and even boots since I'm looking at 6 inches of snow outside my window. The fact that I'm shoveling snow before I'm raking leaves boggles my mind. Coat-shopping can sometimes be overwhelming - you want to be warm, but cute. If you're like me you're not into the bulk of a winter coat and want the coat

My Beautiful Surprise

2011-09-21T10:31:00.019-04:00

Morning! Late last month I said that I've been playing in my closet alot basically I can't shop for awhile. And it's not because I don't want to ( I mean really, I ALWAYS want to shop), but right now it's a necessity. Sometimes it's easier for something to happen in order for you to actually go through with something as opposed to just saying "I'll stop shopping" or "I'll workout 5 days a

Sideeye: Girls can do Math AND Homework

2011-09-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Morning! As a woman I'm outraged and as an educator I'm saddened. We all know that the media does a number on a young woman's self-esteem but to slam her abilities through fashion - I can't get with it. I'm sure you heard about this last week but many groups have taken actioin against the two shirts offered by both JcPenney and Forever 21 , both brands very popular with young girls and teens

OOTD: Dress Code Remixing

2011-09-13T10:00:00.002-04:00

Morning! School's back in session! I'm super excited this year because I've taken on the new of role of Assistant Dean and I'll also be teaching 2 classes of U.S History. What this also means is that I will be alot more visible to students on campus - which means that I need to step up my wardrobe game and actually heed to the dress code which at times I admittedly don't follow completely

Ask LMC: Cruisin' in September

2011-09-08T11:00:00.002-04:00

Morning! This email came into my inbox as urgent and since Nikki is a longtime reader I knew I has to answer it as quickly as possible. Hey LMC, I'm going away and I'm having a hard time finding swimwear; I'm so over covering up in a ratty t-shirt but now that it's the end of summer I can't find anything cute that will hide my legs and tummy. Can you suggest some things?

Spotlight: The Big Sexy's Leslie Medlik

2011-09-07T10:00:00.006-04:00

Morning! How many of you have been tuning in to the TLC series "The Big Sexy"? I love the show because it's a real look into the lives of a plus size woman in a big city - last night's episode really cracked me up because it was all about the dating scene and how tricky those waters can be. Leslie Medlik and I met a few years ago, so when I found out that she would be a part of "The Big

What J is Jonesin' For: One Thing

2011-09-01T12:00:00.002-04:00

I want LIGHT! the Hurricane Irene scene from my window I've been without power since Sunday and today is the 1st day that I've been able to get online thanks to a generator at work. I still have no power in my home, it could be alot worse but I am still EXTREMELY frustrated. I'll be back online and giving you my real September Jonesin' once everything is up and running...

Put your spin on it...

2011-08-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

Morning! I've been playing in my closet ALOT lately ... (more on why next week), it's always fun to come up with combinations that in a mad morning dash you may not come up with. Since it's still summer I can show a little more skin and wear things that I wouldn't normally wear teaching. The other day I put these two pieces together : I added shoes and accessories but figured it

The 2011 International Fuller Woman Expo

2011-08-08T10:00:00.003-04:00

The 5th Annual International Fuller Woman Expo, the 3rd in the United States, will be held on September 10, 2011 at the Detroit Historical Museum in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. The International Fuller Woman Expo features products, services and seminars that give plus size women a day of education, empowerment and enjoyment. As the largest international consumer event for

OOTD: Climate Confusion

2011-08-03T10:00:00.015-04:00

I'm back on this side of the world..... which means that soon enough my summer vacation will come to an end. :( I mentioned in a previous post that this time of the year is winter in Cape Town - I left a NY Summer for a Cape Town winter... ughh. The winter there doesn't call for snow boots (in my opinion, although I saw many) but hey, do you. Considering that I experienced the brutality of

Happy Birthday Madiba!

2011-07-18T08:30:00.002-04:00

Happy 93rd birthday Nelson Mandela! In honor of his birthday, the country is celebrating Mandela Day and calling for everyone to commit 67 minutes of their time to "make an imprint and help change the world around them" - the significance of the number 67 is to commemorate the number of years Mandela spent fighting for human rights. in honor of his birthday I'm going to do 67

Spotlight On: Generations Mam' Ruby

2011-07-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

Morning! photo courtesy of Drum Magazine When I first saw Slindile Nodangala on the TV screen I was surprised and excited - we discuss so many times that we don't see women of size on our TV screens so I guess seeing a plus size woman with a major role on prime time TV surprised me. It wasn't such a big deal for my South African friends, as it's not as uncommon - though they did mention that

My Summer Vacation

2011-07-08T10:00:00.005-04:00

Morning! I feel like I flew out of here (literally and figuratively) after Full Figured Fashion Week so fast that I didn't even realize that no one outside my immediate circle knew my plans. I'm back in one of my favorite places to see one of my favorite people - (yes, I do travel to other places, lol) . I'm here for a month - to relax, smile, and just be - it's my summer vacation even

Retail therapy: I Stress therefore I shop...

2011-06-24T10:00:00.002-04:00

"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

Full Figured Fashion Week 2011

2011-06-20T11:00:00.001-04:00

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

I'm a Daddy's Girl...

2011-06-17T10:00:00.002-04:00

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

My Full Figured Fashion Week 2011 "Survival" Guide

2011-06-15T10:00:00.002-04:00

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

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

2011-06-13T09:53:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-08T10:00:00.003-04:00

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

The Pulse...

2011-06-06T10:30:00.007-04:00

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

What J is Jonesin' For: Summer Vacation

2011-06-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

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

OOTD: No Sweater Needed

2011-05-30T16:00:00.001-04:00

Morning! The sun is shining, the school year is almost over and I couldn't be happier. The seniors have graduated and the younger students are taking their exams this week. While most people had the day off and spent it either at a parade or BBQ, I had to work. I'm still not used to working on Memorial Day but it wasn't so bad as they held a special chapel service honoring all who have

FFFWeek Preview: Curves in the City Shopping Soiree

2011-05-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

Morning! Last week I talked about the White on White Cruise, today's post is for the girl who loves to shop!!! The Curves in the City Shopping Soiree - The Official FFFWeek Sample Sale goes down on Thursday, June 16th! Finally a sample sale for the curvy girl. Come shop the racks of plus size designer clothing, large size shoes, accessories and novelty items and browse the booths of

R.I.P Mia Amber

2011-05-11T09:00:00.002-04:00

When I heard the news this afternoon I thought it was a huge mistake - you never want to believe when someone has passed on. Mia Amber one of the most well-known plus size models, and a force in the plus size industry. I had the pleasure of meeting her several times and she was always kind, energetic and full of positivity. My sincerest condolences to her family, she will be sorely missed. ~

First on Deck... White on White

2011-05-09T10:00:00.032-04:00

Morning! I am gearing up and getting so excited for FFFWeek - the opening night event is the White on White Sunset Cruise (yes, a cruise!) on Thursday, June 16th. Read on... "White on White Sunset Cruise" - Celebrating the Official Launch of Full Figured Fashion Week™ 2011 - New York City You and your guests are invited to join our presenting sponsor SONSI® and our title sponsors

2011 Fat Girl Flea Market

2011-04-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

It's the end of an era... I won't be able to make it to the Fat Girl Flea Market this coming Friday... I had a ball the last time I went (read about it here) The Fat Girl Flea Market is one of the things that I miss most about living in the boonies - I can't justify the trip down to NYC for a few hours. It's hell to get back here at a decent time and you will NOT catch me out here in

Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T16:31:00.005-04:00

Morning! Enjoy your Easter :) ~Luvin' My Curves

Inspired by FLOTUS....

2011-04-20T10:00:00.002-04:00

Morning! I don't know if it's the hope of warmer weather but I've been in a spring state of mind lately. Perhaps it's this recent picture of Mrs. Obama aka FLOTUS on a recent trip to Brazil that's had me on hunt for abstract watercolors pieces to rock this spring. recently in Brazil wearing a Rachel Roy one-shouldered watercolor dress I then saw this picture ,

The Face of Full Figured Fashion Week 2011

2011-04-18T10:00:00.009-04:00

Morning! Since it's inception in 2009 "The Face of Full Figured Fashion Week" competition has brought some fierce competition and this year was no exception! First it was Teslyn Butler... then Rosie Mercado ... and now the NEW face of Full Figured Fashion Week is Nina Taylor Congratulations Nina, the red carpet is all yours! I cannot wait until June... ~Luvin' My

Ask LMC: Hung up on a number...

2011-04-13T10:00:00.002-04:00

Morning! Personal update: I just got a huge promotion... so blessed, but crazy busy! Dear LMC, I’m a size 22 normally but when I go shopping there are some items that don’t fit right. Someone suggested that I go up a size, but I just can’t do it. I know it could be a number of things- the cut of the item, the material, anything - but buying a size or two up really bothers me.

Proud to be on The Front...

2011-04-11T10:02:00.001-04:00