Spotlight: Chi Zeta Theta Sorority, Inc.

Morning!

  One day a friend sarcastically asked me if there were any plus size sororities. Hitting up Google (seriously, what would we do without it?) I found that indeed there was a plus size sorority. (my friend felt extremely "less than intelligent"...moving on) I started to look up their information and was intrigued with what I saw. I knew that highlighting this sorority on Luvin' My Curves was a no-brainer.I'm not a member of any sorority, but I highly respect organizations and groups that are made with a collective positive purpose in mind.

Chi Zeta Theta Sorority, Inc is the first Greek-lettered organization that focuses on issues affecting "woman of size", but also focuses on issues that affect women in general. Founded in 2005 by Janelle Myers, Chi Zeta Theta's vision is to represent the plus size woman by "celebrating within, uplifting throughout". The sorority performs extensive community building, and works on programs dedicated to such issues as diabetes, self esteem and domestic violence. Contrary to what someone may initially think, you do not have to be a plus-size woman to become a member.

Not only because service is a huge part of my passion and daily job but also because it's the right thing to do - it's no surprise that I am in love with the sorority's annual signature service project Que-.Tee F.I.TS!, a plus-size clothing drive.



The more I read about Chi  Zeta Theta the more proud I am that the plus-size community is making strides to come together in a positive and empowering manner.  I could not have imagined a Full Figured Fashion Week or a sorority dedicated to plus-size women when I was younger. I never saw many plus-size women who were truly happy with the skin that they were in.  Can you imagine the positive messages that a young curvy girl can have access to right now?!


What do you think of Chi Zeta Theta? Are you a member of Chi Zeta Theta? If so, what has membership meant to you? I'd love to know!


~Luvin' My Curves

A Throwback Revisited: Neon Hue

Morning!

As the summer heats up, so do the colors I see in the streets. One throwback I've seen continuously this summer is Neon. I have a habit of calling it the "hi-liter" look, but I know better :) It's definitley a throwback , but it's also a throwback revisited because it's definitely what's hot right now.

The ultra-bright hues were something that most of us were subjected to as children, after all this was the "thing" in the 80's. My mom went neon crazy, since I was the "focus" of her neon madness, I has a neon green winter coat, and neon pink glow in the dark leggings, needless to say I'm glad I'm able to pick out my own clothes now.

Back then you could find neon in just about every piece of clothing and accessory possible. Not just shirts, shorts, and dresses but also hats, glasses, jewelry,shoe laces Everything! The most popular hues were pink and green but yellow was quite on the forefront as well.

Here are a few of my favorite neon picks for the summer!

CC Skye Day Glo Neon Cuff $84, Zappos

Stone detail Flat Sandals $39.99, Lord & Taylor

My absolute favorite; nail polish!

China Glaze Towel Boy Toy $5.99;  Sally Beauty Supply, Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Rare $14; Sephora, Pop Beauty Radioactive Nail Polish $10;  Planet Blue

Tube Maxi Dress $34.99, Apple Bottoms ; Mossimo Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress $24.99, Target

Zipper Trim Leather Clutch Wallet $64, Nordstrom

What's the best way to wear neon? However you like! I prefer to wear it a piece at a time instead of going from the head to toe look. But I also enjoy wearing a dark outfit and making the neon "pop" either in my shoe selection or nail polish.  

Are you wearing neon this summer? If so, how? Do tell :)

~Luvin' My Curves

What J is Jonesin' For: Nothing like a NY Summer

Morning!

What happens when you're back in your element, and your calendar starts to pack up with places to go and people to see? You shop! The summer has always been a tough time for me jonesin' wise - I want everything I see and don't calm down until my wardrobe receives a decent size upheaval. The more I think about it, maybe I should I have done my 90 days no-shop during the summer - on second thought maybe not.

This month, I'm inspired by my social calendar. I've made a list of all the concerts,classes and places that I would like to go to this summer - a NY summer is something that everyone needs to experience, there's nothing like it. I want to make sure that I stay cool, but that I'm also expressing the style I've had to repress a bit for my job. Because I have no dress code to follow or students to worry about I can wear whatever I please; so I'm gravitating towards plunging necklines, higher heels and pieces that are perfect for late summer nights.


For the party lover in me:

I was jonesin' so bad for this dress that I ordered it; I refuse to agree with the "rule" that curvy girls should not do stripes.

Black and Grey-Striped Belted Dress $38, Torrid

Could I "sweep" all night in these 5" heels? I think not. However, I know I'd look damned good walking into the party with these shoes.

Rock and Republic Chelsey $344, Zappos

For an outdoor festival or concert: 

A simple summer dress and cute flat sandals will never betray you as you walk the entire length of the African Arts Festival or surrender to the rhythms at Central Park Summerstage.

Knit Dress $23.12, Avenue

A day walking across the Brooklyn Bridge with Chinatown Ice Cream Factory as a finish line treat:
I want to be comfortable yet cute; it's a long walk but the ice cream is worth it!

Cream Striped Hanky-Hem Tank $28, Torrid

There are so many other events going on this summer, and true to my jonesin' nature I'll be making sure to style for every one of them. What are you jonesin' for this month?


~Luvin' My Curves

P.S: Enjoy your holiday weekend!!

P.P.S: In my almost daily viewing of clothing websites I saw that Newport News has a Women's Plus Boutique- however the collection looks the same as it did before, just with a different name. Take a look at the site and tell me your thoughts.

-L.M.C-

OOTD: Since you asked.....The Tatum Dress

After the FFFWeek post.. I received a good amount of questions about the Tatum Dress from Lucie Lu. I had a review planned, but I didn't post it quick enough, here goes :)

When I 1st saw this dress , I wasn't sure how it would fit on me, but I was open to try it. I've learned my lesson that just because you're not 100% sure about a piece doesn't mean you should write it off. So when Lucie suggested the Tatum dress for me I was excited to try it out. When the package arrived, I ripped it open right at the door! ( I love clothes, and I love getting packages, ha!)


From the pictures the dress looks like it could be a structured material, but it actually flows. The zipper adds a mechanic feel to the dress, and if you want an added sex appeal should you let the zipper not go all the way up. The Tatum dress has pockets, which has been hard for me to find this summer. It also does wonders for my waistline, all while the full-skirt skims areas that I might want to conceal. One last thing I love about this dress, the length it just right. I am often concerned about the length of my skirts and dresses from the back view, because of my "assets", I didn't have to worry about it this time. EFFORTLESS!

I really look forward to wearing this dress again and again, as I can see this being one of my summer staples. The fact that I can wear flats for a casual look, only to change it into a simple glam look with heels makes me swoon for this dress even more.

Throughout the day, many ladies of all shapes were asking me either where I got my dress or if my dress was the same dress on one of the flyers they received (with a discount code)- one lady expressed that she would not have thought the dress would look that good in person. Regardless of size, I think this dress can be universally flattering.

Because I loved what the dress did for my shape, I kept the accessories simple - blue flats and seed earrings that I received in South Africa.

You like?

~Luvin' My Curves

WUK UP for Caribana 2009 with The Fuller Woman Network!

Good Morning!!

I'm tempted to write this post in Jamaican patois but I wont' do that to you all. :)
Every year folks converge on T-town to get their wine on and celebrate what we call Caribana!!! Read on and find out why YOU need to be there this August 1st!

courtesy of Torontoist.com

This year, The Fuller Woman Network will make history as the first ever group of Plus size women to have a section in the Caribana parade dedicated to them.

Caribana 2009 celebrates its 42nd anniversary, it is the largest Caribbean festival in North America. Presented by the Festival Management Committee, the three-week Festival attracts over a million participants annually, including hundreds of thousands of American tourists.

This jubilant extravaganza where people from around the world will take to the streets of Toronto in an outpouring of enthusiasm for the culture and pleasures of the Caribbean will feature The Gem Stones. Presented by The Fuller Woman Network, The Gem Stones float will feature confident, sexy & outgoing women in custom made costume and head dress.

With over 60% of the women in North America being considered plus size, this is the perfect opportunity for women to celebrate their curves during this event that kicks off in Toronto, Canada on Monday July 14^th. Those attending are in for a treat as the celebration continues through Sunday August 2^nd.

Complete with live music performances, the parade will take start at Exhibition Place and proceed west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Admission to the event which takes place on August 1^st from 10am-6pm is $20-$25 to enter Exhibition Place. Spectators can witness this celebration for free on Lake shore Boulevard.

The Fuller Woman Network was established in 2004 as an image consulting firm catering exclusively to plus size women with the motto, “Image for both Body & Mind” as our guide, The Fuller Woman Inc. has evolved into a facet of subsidiary companies ranging from clothing designs, girls camps to our newly created project The Fuller Woman Expo. Their goal; the advancement, acceptance and celebration of the plus size woman. On a mission to empower women to recognize their internal and external beauty through educational workshops and seminars where she will begin to accept, love, respect, treasure and celebrate her unique beauty and join the CURVY REVOLUTION, The Fuller Woman Network is a definite thumbs up!

If you're interested in playing mas with The Fuller Woman Network contact playmaswithtfwexpo@gmail.com or call 416-208-3923 for more information.

Here are some videos to give you a taste of Caribana:

Will I be there? Definitely trying to make it!!! Who's coming with me?!

What are your thoughts on Caribana?

~Luvin' My Curves.... mi gwaan!

Spotlight: Mia Amber

Good Morning!!!

I am sure that you've seen Mia Amber all over the place, she's one of the most sought-after faces in the plus size modeling world and an outspoken advocate for the plus size industry. I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Ms. Amber, and as always she had some great advice for aspiring models and great insight on the industry as a whole. Enjoy!


The first time I saw you was in the movie road trip in 2000- were you modeling before that?

No, I was a size 24 during the filming of Road Trip and I was cast as "Rhonda" while working under contract as a Television Producer.

As a result of "Road Trip" I was asked to be a Belle magazine cover model and was bit by the modeling bug at the photo shoot. Prior to that day I didn't believe that there was a place for me in the modeling industry.

How did you get your start in modeling, was modeling always in your plan?

My original plan was to take over and become the youngest president in the history of NBC! I'd still actually like to have that job one day!

As for modeling...I sort of had a hunch that Road Trip might be a hit (because I was starting to get recognized before the film was released to the public) so I used the time prior to the films release and after the Belle shoot to visit agencies.

It was then that I learned I was "too large" to be a plus size model. I had gone up to a size 26 and tested with a photographer friend. I gathered those photos along with my Belle photos, made my first comp card and thought I had a good chance of "making it." As a producer I was used to booking models so I studied their cards and portfolios and created my own.

A couple of top agencies told me to get down to at least a size 20 and come back because they'd be interested in working with me. One agent even suggested I lose 70lbs in two months!!
I wanted to model and I was determined but not crazy!

I was doing some research, saw Gwen DeVoe's name in a magazine, called her up, met with her and she booked me for one of her shows. I was thrown into training immediately to learn how to walk, buy foundation pieces, create a model bag and to generally always be prepared.

What’s the biggest hurdle in your opinion to being a plus size model?

In my opinion, the biggest hurdle plus models have is being taken seriously as an integral part of the fashion industry.

We are just starting to break ground by walking in International Fashion Weeks yet here in NY we have yet to have that opportunity.

Also, we're really tired of being mistaken for hair and make up artists when we show up for work on sets and at shows where the crew isn't familiar with plus models!

What projects are you working on currently?

Currently I am focused on building Mia Amber as the brand. Please look out for the launch of my website soon. It will encompass all of the aspects of my career; acting, modeling, producing, hosting, styling and much, much more!

What’s the most common fashion dilemma you see?

One of the biggest dilemmas I have witnessed for full figured women is finding many options for figure flattering clothing.There are definitely a lot more options on the market than there have been in the last decade but we still need more.

However, the best way to utilize what's currently available is the following...
Take a really good look at yourself in the mirror to determine:

A. Your true body shape
B. The things about your body that you love (find something!)
C. The things you're not too crazy about and would like to minimize or camouflage
D. The variety of pieces in your foundation wardrobe that will help you maximize your shopping experience. If you don't have a foundation wardrobe (a drawer full of girdles) then make a point to get one!

Armed with all of the above info do your research and find out what styles look best on your body type while helping you to showcase or hide your best and not so hot assets.
When all else fails--find a great tailor! (LMC: Read about why a tailor is essential, here!)

You’re a model, an actress, what else would you like to do?

Basically, my goal is for "Mia Amber" to be the go-to girl for all things plus industry related, then pop culture and entertainment related. I would like to do it all!

In April, you received the Independent Woman award at Curves & Cocktails. When you accepted the award you stated that even though 62% of women are over a size 14 we are still treated as a minority,what are you views on the retail industry and the way they do/do not cater to the plus size industry?

I was honored to receive the Independent Woman Award at Curves and Cocktails and wasn't prepared to make a speech. What I did was speak from my heart about the fact that we are a plus size nation yet we are practically invisible when it comes to retail, mainstream media and advertising. I am a staunch advocate for unity in the plus community. I believe that if we came together and stepped into our role as the majority rather than minority we'd be unstoppable and the outlets who readily ignore us would have no choice but to cater to our needs.

It doesn't make sense that our options are so limited. Its a simple case of supply and demand not being met. For example, the mall near my home was rebuilt as a mega center with over 200 stores yet the only places for a woman of size to shop at that mall are the two department stores women's departments. 200 stores and two options for 62%? It doesn't add up.

You appeared on “The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency” , it’s well-know that Janice has issues with plus sizes? Can you share your experience on this?

The #2 most asked question I get (after how can I become a model) is..."How did you manage to keep it together with Janice Dickinson?"

I don't like to give light to the negative however, I will say this...generally speaking, when someone you've never met has a problem with the way you look and carry yourself (I'm speaking about positive self esteem, charisma, inner beauty and confidence) they generally have a problem with themselves in one or more of those areas and instead of trying to find a way to love themselves and harness the positive they will use their energy to bash you.

Do you have any advice for aspiring plus size models?

Yes...do your homework! You can start right now by going to my Myspace page (www.myspace.com/Mia_Amber) and reading my blog on how to get started in your pursuit of plus modeling!

You are a role model for so many, what would you say to a young woman who has not fully embraced her size?

Thank you so much! All I can offer is this...If you are not happy with how you look or feel then do something about it but please don't wait until you lose that 5, 50 or 150lbs to start living your life. We must learn to love who we are right now not who we would become if we were smaller. I've been 150lbs overweight and I know its a battle but I never missed a day of being me.

Thank You Mia!!

~Luvin' My Curves... never missing a day of being me.

Staying Connected.... LMC style!

Hey Folks!


1. Luvin' My Curves FINALLY has it's own home, please update your favorite places, links & bookmarks to www.luvinmycurves.com

2. If you didn't know, I'm on Twitter - I not only tweet about fashion but about life in general- I'm actually kind of funny, and depending on the day a bit snarky, check me out!

3. Luvin' My Curves is on Facebook. Join the fam' here! It's a great way to stay updated, and there will be some exclusive giveaways there too! ;)

~Luvin' My Curves

The Jumpsuit... Yay, Nay or Maybe?

Good Morning!!

Call it what you want; jumpsuit or catsuit... the one piece ensemble is a piece that many women are on the fence about. There's no mistaking that it's a versatile piece, but in the same vein it's one of those items that causes body apprehension in many. (Seriously, who strives for camel toe?)

I used to be against jumpsuits, however I've seen it pulled off seamlessly and now have a new found appreciation for the jumpsuit. I've done the "dressing room shuffle" , testing out if the jumpsuit is for me. The jury is still out on that one but I found a couple of jumpsuits that are cute and worth a look, check them out:

Jumpsuit, Jessica London via One Stop Plus $34.99

Strapless Jumpsuit, $180 - Grown & Sexy Jumper, $180 both by Qristyl Frazier Designs

Pinstriped 2fer Jumper $50.98, Torrid

Tube top Linen Jumper $79 & Linen Halter Jumper $94, both by Baby Phat

Here are some tips for rockin' that jumpsuit:

1. Break it Up! Find a belt or blazer to break up the monotony of the jumpsuit.. have fun with it!

2.It's all in the fabric- who says that a jumpsuit has to be shiny satin? Why not jersey material? Choose fabrics that can help to conceal whatever you're trying to hide.

3. It's all in the accessories; shoes, jewelry, the bag and the belt- WERK IT!

4. Beware of the patterned jumpsuit- depending on your frame it may not work for you. Feel free to follow rule #1 and break it up a bit.


So what do you think of the jumpsuit, yay, nay or maybe? Think you might try a jumpsuit? Let me know!



~Luvin' My Curves...

Hey Folks, check out my interview with Venus Diva Magazine, here!!

Newsweek and FFFWeek

Folks!!

I was quoted in Newsweek!! Check out the article here & the video below!








~Luvin' My Curves

What J is Jonesin' For... FFFWeek Edition

Good Morning!!

Where did June go?! Now that the rain has cleared up (sort of), summer can FINALLY start or at least feel like it's started. This month I'm not jonesin' for much- just the majority of the pieces I saw at the Full Figured Fashion Week finale on Saturday!!

Enjoy!

A huge thank you to N. Danielle for her beautiful photos- there's a gangload of pics over on the Luvin' My Curves facebook group, make sure to check them out.

Candi Apple Couture

I featured this line for June's International Chic- I love the fit of her clothes, there's no reason to hide your curves and Candi Apple Couture is a must in my closet! I imagine myself wearing the 1st outfit to my swearing in ceremony- styling on all the other brand new attorneys!!

Agape Goddess Wear

I love the uniqueness of this line, my friend Carmen describes this line as "funky goddess wear" and definitely plans on buying something. I love the details of the knitwear and even though I can't see myself in this line, I would incorporate some of her line with some of my more structured pieces.

LaMaica Fashions

I wasn't able to get a picture of the fierce straw hat that the 1st model strutted out in. LaMaica had a bold coat that I would wear in the fall- very fashion forward line.

Monif C.

Who doesn't love Monif C? She gave us a tease of some her new pieces for the fall and all I have to say is, my birthday is in September and my favorite color is purple... the dress you see , yes... all me! I've always liked Monif's attention to the plus size woman's body and how she adds details that standout.

Big Girls United (BGU)

So good to see BGU on the runway...this line is a definite for "make 'em stare" party dress! This line didn't have any flowing pieces like their runway counterparts, but instead showed off more body concious pieces in a flattering way.

Osun Designs

Adding some ethnic flair to the mix, I liked her heritage inspired style and can't wait to see more at the International African Arts Festival this weekend.

Sealed with a Kisss (SWAK)

Cute, comfy, casual wear with a hint of sass.....

Qristyl Frazier Designs

My mom loves the denim dress, while I prefer the assymetical print dress... but be both adore the tie dress- too bad we don't wear the same size ;) Her line also has an attention to detail which I greatly respect and is sometimes lacking in some plus size brands.

Robert E. Knight

I've always been a fan on Robert E. Knight because his formal wear is SERIOUS! I'm a huge believer in that if I'm going to pay money for a formal piece then it needs to be worth every penny of it size & style wise. When I saw the wedding dress below , I wanted to go out and find a husband because that would be the only part left to find.Simply beautiful...

Jewel Shannon Designs

WHITE HOT!! I don't even think I would get into the water if I wore a Jewel Shannon design, I would catwalk up and down the beach or the poolside so everyone could see how hot I look. Vacation anyone? Her segment was vibrant, daring and a great end to the show.

So there you have it folks.... I'm jonesin' for ALL of those pieces and then some. Make sure to check out the rest of the pics over on the Luvin' My Curves Facebook group. Also you can check out the official Full Figured Fashion Week picture gallery courtesy of Richard Lew. (click here)

Is there anything you see that you're jonesin' to rip from the runway to your closet?

My 2 cents: I've been reading some blogs that have in a way cheapened Full Figured Fashion Week- I respect everyone's opinion immensely. However I feel that this is a first, and considering all the plus size industry has done only to be basically ignored - this was HUGE! This weekend was alot more than a fashion show- it a time to build relationships and awareness in the plus size community. The clothes may not have blown some away, or for some it may have been alot of the same thing- however I wonder what exactly was missing? If you produced FFFWeek what plus size designer would you have put in? There are plenty of straight size shows I've seen that have clothes that I couldn't imagine anyone would wear so it's unfair to hold the finale show to a different standard in which everything must be showstopping- that's the beauty of fashion there is something for everyone! I think we need to be aware that the audience & most of all the resources are vastly different and sometimes it's unfair to compare when the foundation doesn't match up.What we can do in the meantime is continue to support, offer help and know that everything gets better with time.

~Luvin' My Curves..