The Ulitmate 90 Day Challenge... No Shopping

It had to be done...

Eventually I would challenge myself and it wouldn't be the challenge of wearing a mini dress -I'd go the extra mile and attempt NO SHOPPING FOR A YEAR!!

SIKE!!!

How about we do this safely, say 3 months? We don't need to see me on the news for spending the night in a boutique just to be close to clothes, so starting on Jan. 1st I vowed that I wouldn't shop for 90 days.

Now for those who know me, they know that this is going to be a doozy. No shopping for me, is the equivalent of saying that I might as well give up on the color purple or give up on men. BUT in all seriousness this is going to be a serious challenge, that I'll make sure to give you all updates on periodically.


Since I announced my challenge on Twitter I've gotten some really good questions so I'll address them here:

But WHY???


Law school loans are no joke.
also...
I find myself when doing my yearly major cleaning out my closet finding things that I buy, but don't wear or pieces that are either the same or similar to things that I already own. Like Carrie from "Sex & The City" wondered if her shoe collection was the reason she was the only one of her friends that didn't own their apartment; I think of how much money I spent and then start to wonder what that money could have been used for instead.

What are the rules?

1. Try not to cry.

2. Lust, but don't use the card... any of them.
(there are lessons to be learned from this.. what are they? I have no clue right now.)

and the "simplest" rule of them all...

3. Do not purchase ANY of the following:

CLOTHES

SHOES

ACCESSORIES

MAKEUP

even BOOKS

until April 1st !!!

Are there any exceptions??

Not really, I'll leave any exceptions up to my BFF's. If the decision were left up to me everything would be an exception, including the "70% off" email I got from Dorothy Perkins this morning. There is nothing that I can forecast that I will TRULY need in 3 months - I'm hopeful that I can wait until April 1st to unleash the shopping beast within.

When did you stop shopping?

I'm no fool, like a squirrel is busy collecting food before it hibernates I racked up right before the new year. New Coat, Rain Boots, a few dresses, Cocktail Rings, even things that are not part of the challenge (hair products).

No, but seriously why??That's cruel, if you loved yourself you wouldn't do this.

Ok, so that's the dramatic question I asked myself constantly before committing to this challenge. But I really need to "reign it in" , just because I'm working now doesn't mean I should go nuts. And though the fashion lover in me believes that it's NEVER possible to have too much clothes, I'll admit that when I moved the majority of the mini UHAUL was clothes, shoes & bags. Part of being "grown" is being fiscally responsible- it's knowing that no matter how much I want something and keep the item up on my internet tab for days, that's there's always a bill, student loan or savings deposit that could be made.

What's the reward?

I guess I could treat myself to something nice when this is all over- maybe funnel the money towards a mini-vacay in the summer. Maybe I'll just revel in the satisfaction that I actually got through it.


I'd really love to know what you all think of my challenge? Please feel free to tell me I'm nuts or leave words of encouragement. Do you think 90 days might be too much? Do you think this is something you could do?

~Luvin' My Curves.....missing the shopping bags & packages already.

The Curvies- Best of '09

Good Morning!

Has your holiday season been as good for you as it's been for me?

Most of us are now taking a glance back at the year in order to reassess and organize for the new year... 2009 has been a pretty good year for the F3 (Full Figured Fashionista). Of course there were some setbacks (Ahem, Fox's More to Love) but now is a time to accentuate the positive while gracefully fixing the flaws. Like last year's Curvies, I want to take a look and award my favorites for the year, what's your pick?

Best Pocket Protector:

On a budget? Like to scour through heaps of clothes? The Fat Girl Flea Market was definitely a great pocket protector this year. In a time where folks where folks have been forced to be more conscious of their finances- the Fat Girl Flea Market was a welcome event. Piles of clothing in one room could be overwhelming for some, but for others it's the hunt that's the most fun!

Honorable Mention: My Closet

Being that I was unemployed most of the year, I didn't shop much. I was forced to rely on what I already had in my closet instead of always buying something new- I have no idea how much money I saved but I know that I've developed a new-found appreciation for the pieces in my closet. I enjoyed putting together combination's that I never thought of, all because I couldn't afford to go buy a piece I "thought" I needed.

FYI: Of course the clearance aisles, sales racks and thrift finds are great pocket protectors too....

Best Splurge:

Last year the award went to Monif C, and believe me her clothes are always splurge worthy- but this year I'm going to give it over to Kiyonna & Igigi. Both have beautiful formal dresses that may not be couture but are still high quality and worth the price tag. If you're going to spend $$$ on a dress you want to know one of 2 things... 1. You'll be able to wear the dress again or 2. Lonliness will not be in your vocab that night. Believe me, these 2 lines have it.

Best Visual representation in mainstream media:

Glamour Magazine's spread

Every year there's some sort of breakthrough via "traditional media" that appears to treat plus-sizes as the "next best thing" - as if we didn't know it already. I guess that's just how "media trends" go - the frenzy occurs and then it goes- however they've just come around to what we've already figured out... curves will always be in!

Best International Chic:

Elena Miro for being Milan Fashion Week's only plus size designer. Now if New York would stop the ignorant madness and get on it too, we'd be good to go. Check the video here.

Best Event

You already know what it is... Full Figured Fashion Week !!!

Most understated:

Shimmering Sexy $225; Qristyl Frazier

Qristyl has been on the scene waaaay before "Project Runway" so it's nice to see her get some well-deserved shine as a result.

Most Popular Guest Post:

I just want to say "Thank You" to each contributor who agreed to grace my blog. There is truly power in words and expression in opinion- I hope that you all enjoyed reading them as much I did. I received alot of feedback on all the guest posts, but I'll have to say that the post that riled people up the most this year was Neil's "In My Eyes You're Just Right" . We keep joking about doing a tag-team dating series for the new year, I think he's got the blog bug. Who would have thought me threatening my friend to write would result in such a response?!


Best Shopping Experience

Re/Dress was the winner last year, but for 2009 I'd have to say the best shopping experience was right at your very own fingertips, ONLINE. If you're like me, you like to diversify your fashion portfolio so that you can build a repoire and opinion of different brands. What's great about online shopping is not just the options or the convenience, but the sales that come with being on the mailing list- I can and have blown a good portion of my clothing budget strictly online. I miss the dressing room experience by shopping online but getting deliveries from the cute UPS guy has made up for it ;)


Best Trend of the Year

Whatever you feel like rockin'... just because.

What are your top picks & what are you looking forward to this year?

~Luvin' My Curves....appreciating '09 and looking toward '10.

Ask LMC: Take the Chill off ... plus a Holiday Giveaway

Good Afternoon!!

"Whether it's wearing my purple leather cashmere lined gloves or my sunshine yellow scarf the bad weather wont' get the best of my style, how are YOU staying stylish this winter?"

I got an email in response to my Facebook QOTD... "What if you can't afford to buy a new coat, what else can I do to not look so drab?" Well, the quick answer is to focus on what you need; a scarf to protect your neck, gloves to maintain the warmth and a hat to top it all off. Of course, my answers are never that short and I'd be wrong to not give you some fun visuals- take a look at my picks to keep the chill off this winter.

The Scarf:

My scarves not only adorn my neck in the winter, but I make it worth the $$ by making them into a headband or belt in the "off-season. I look for scarves that not only serve the purpose of keeping me warm but also stand-out from the regular. To complement my darker coats I look for prints while to go with my colored coats I look for simple prints and softer colors. My scarf collection has only grown in the past year ( I wont' tell you how much, but will say that they fill up a moving box). Of course, because scarves are in season the price may go slightly up- but you can find a scarf anywhere- whether it be plain or complicated.

Some interesting picks:

Khaki chunky snood, (15gb), Evans - excellent two-fer, wear as a scarf or a hood.; Watch Pocket Scarf $128, Anthropologie ( love this one, perfect place to hide an extra $20 or mints)

The Gloves:

The idea of my entire body being warm except for my stubby fingers bothers me. So gloves are definitely a winter essential along with a scarf. Most people are used to single color gloves, but I've seen then in an array of prints and textures. Leather, Cashmere, Fingerless, Long, Convertible, detailed or simple- for some reason these two especially the Elsa Gloves are catching my attention.

Elsa Gloves, $78, Anthropologie; Tarnish Chunky Cable Knit Fingerless Gloves $78, Nordstrom

The Hat:

I was never of hats until last spring- when it was warmer it was purely for fashion sake. But they really do help contain the warmth...that is, until they mess your hair up. Funny, how I'm more concerned about my hair than about staying warm (I know I'm not the only one). (Tip: If you hat is wool or cotton, make sure you line the hat with silk or satin to protect your hair.)

Mustard Chunky Cable Knit Beret $16, Torrid; Alfani Beret Solid Fisherman $23.99, Macy's; Applique Cloche $38, Urban Outfitters

The Shawl/Wrap:

So while it's not a winter essential, it's a piece that's most overlooked to take the chill. If your office is freezing, instead of keeping your coat on all day- try a wrap that can fashionably keep the cold away. Of course, the $10 pashmina on the street corner works just as well too.

Tis' the season - and to celebrate we have some giveaways this week!

Giveaway #1: One free item from Jen's Fashion Plus!Click here for more info!

What J is Jonesin' For: November

Good Morning!!

So.. two months into the new job and the entire school now knows about Luvin' My Curves... it was a small secret between me and some of my students who googled me. But in the new faculty profile spread of the school paper, instead of mentioning my law work and all the other academic stuff they focused on LMC, hahaha.

Just because I'm employed now doesn't mean I've gone totally shopping crazy- I'm doing my best to resist the urge to shop and make up for lost time, it's hard!!! What I've been doing is buying two affordable pieces a paycheck- one piece I need ( a closet essential) and one fun piece I want.

This month- I decided to cave in to one of my "jonesins'".. for change- I got hi-lites that in my opinion are waaaaaay too bright but everyone seems to love it- I'll post pics soon.


This edition of Jonesin' is excruciating, because most of these pieces are in my shopping carts already just waiting for my card number...help!! I've been lusting over all types of stuff, shoes, coats, jewelry- anything that will comfortably allow me to stand out up here. (Trust me, I stand out for so many other reasons but I'll focus on the fashion here!) Let's get to it...


On a recent day trip home I ran into Payless to check out the Christian Siriano line...I got these flats (good look mom!)

and now I want these heels!

Christian Siriano for Payless Carolina Pump $34.99, Payless

I'm also jonesin' for a cute coat, actually I want a couple of them-it's cold out here!!

Short Wool-Blend Coat $82, Old Navy (I'd wait until this goes on sale)

and these runner ups, I've wanted to put a purple coat in my "arsenal" for years now! Which one would you choose?

Purple Military Coat (~$122) , Purple Funnel Coat (~$107) (both from Evans); Purple Tiered Coat (~$90), Dorothy Perkins

The problem is that the new job is not the average 9 to 5- not many places to go for afterwork drinks... let alone trendy places that deserve me to dress up. So when I make purchases, I know that many wont be shown off until weekends off campus. Always adding more dresses to my closet- I like this one for weekend's off campus...

Giselle Dress in Rasberry, $56, SWAK

I've definitely been going for the dresses that hug me in all the right places- nothing wrong with that. I NEED THIS DRESS IN MY LIFE!!!!I don't know what for and I really don't care... I need it thanks.

Flapping Grace Dress $250, Jibri

My go-to earrings are hoops.. but these earrings are very stylish for the days when I want to pin my hair up and add some flair.

Vintage Style Oversized Pearl clip-on studs with rhinestone surround 9GBP (~$14), Asos

What are you all jonesin' for this month?

Hearts Desire Jewelry on Sale!

Good Morning!!!

Always thinking of the budget, but still wanting to shop like a madwoman is a hard balancing act. Sometimes I do it well, and other times not so much- but when AnnMarie of Hearts Desire Jewelry announced an End of Season Clearance Sale I knew I hit the jackpot!!!

She was gracious enough to give readers of Luvin' My Curves 50% off if the code "LUVIN50" is used, so USE it (it' expires September 1st) and enjoy!

My top picks...

The Australian Yellow Opal & Lapis Gold Necklace , which I had the chance to wear at Full Figured Fashion Week.


South Sea Shell Pearls---- my name translates to either flower and/or black pearl ... (at least that's what my daddy says)so these are fitting...

pssst... my birthday is coming soon, I'm celebrating all month so these would be great gift ideas!

Take a look, any pieces stand out to you?

P.S: I just accepted a job which I am really excited about- this won't stop Luvin' My Curves but may take me out the loop for a couple of days. Please bear with me as I get it all together... :)


~Luvin' My Curves

My Recap of the Fat Girl Flea Market

Good Morning!

I hope all of you had a great weekend! I did!

This weekend was the Fat Girl Flea Market, since I volunteered the night before I had a decent scope of what was being offered and already knew what my plan (whatever I liked) and my budget ($30) would be.

When I got there the place was packed!!! So I decided to wait outside for a bit until it died down, but it hardly did. When I went back inside, it was time to dive in, clothes were separated by size and in true form with a flea market you had to to "dig & grab" to find the hidden treasures.

The fun part was looking as people digged through the tables but made a point to keep a hawk's eye view on the clothes that other's picked out in the hopes that it didn't fit them but would be perfect for their wardrobe.

Dig! Dig!

the dressing room, lol @ the clothes thrown over the top

the denim table

Everything was all good until I saw the vendors.... one vendor had this dress for only $20. I was definitely ready to go above budget until I realized that there were no more dresses in my size. :( Maybe that was a good thing! One of the other vendors was a GKC, a handbag designer and along with cocktail rings, bags are my kryptonite. I looked but I didn't touch, and my bank account is sure to thank me!

Happy to report that I went under budget, I scored 2 Igigi dresses, a pair of Svoboda jeans, a cute belted cardigan, a blouse that's perfect for interviews and a funky cowboy hat (temporary buyer's insanity) and I only spent.... (drumroll please) $28!!

showing off the spoils of shopping!

I had a great time and I was estatic that I was able to meet new readers, good times! If you were in attendance how was it for you, did you find any good stuff?

Also, since I'm on the subject of events there are some really good events happening in April; will you be attending?

Curvy All Star Weekend April 17th -19th

&

Curves & Cocktails, April 25th

~Luvin' My Curves

Fat Girl Flea Market is coming, will YOU be there?

Mark your calendars!!!

The Fat Girl Flea Market is coming back to NYC on April 4th!

If you have no idea what the Fat Girl Flea Market is, get ready!

You want to talk about being able to score some finds for CHEAP, you should be here. If you love a bargain,this is the place to be and especially with the craziness that is called our economy this event is definitely a budget friendly, guilt free way to shop!


If you're interested in donating (it's tax deductible), please email donations@fatgirlfleamarket.com for details on where you can drop off your clothing or have them picked up. My girl Bevin is heading it up this year and let me know that donations will also be accepted on the day of the Flea Market until 4PM so if you're not able to pick-up or drop off you can still donate!

Psst... I get overly excited about this event... like frenzied, no really I do- I have witnesses.

Every year I go in with a plan "What do I need in my closet?" Last time I needed some new blazers and coats spent $40 and had 5 new blazers and 2 name-brand coats! The year before the blazer trip, my focus were to score jeans with a $30 budget! I challenge myself by going in with a budget and seeing what I can come up with... this year I don't NEED anything but since I've been on a no-buy month and havn't shopped in a VERY LONG time I will treat myself!

What you need to know:
Saturday, April 4th, 2009
11am-8pm
$8 entrance fee
LBGT Center, 208 W. 13th St (btw 7th and 8th Ave) , NYC

FYI: Hit the ATM before you get here, it's CASH only.

I'll be volunteering and taking pics so make sure to say hi!!!
Thinking of rounding up my curvy girls, shop and then do lunch... wanna join me?

Lust of the Moment

If you know me, you know I love accessories, especially earrings (maybe one day I'll show pics of my earring collection) so when I saw these earrings on Eva Longoria I was on a hunt to jack her style, or at least the earrings. While "internet window shopping" I found these look alikes for what I'm sure is a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

These earrings are at Pink Cherie for only $20!!! For one day only, in celebration of their one year anniversary on Saturday, March 28th, take 28% of your entire order using the code PinkParty28. So, maybe I'll get these and the Gold Pearl Ring too... oh wait - I'm still on No Buy Month, aren't I? (blank stare)

~Luvin' My Curves, enjoy your weekend!

Tailormade: Why You NEED aTailor

Good Morning!

One essential we ALL need in our closet (or at least in our speed dial) is a good tailor/seamstress. If you want to truly WEAR your clothes, and I mean look fierce then it's not just WHAT you wear, it's how it fits you. A skirt that could stand to be taken in a inch (or let out an inch) isn't worth the $$ you paid for it if it doesn't do your body justice.

Jacob Lawrence "The Seamstress", 1946 (courtesy of negroartist.com)

Do yourself a favor get a tailor and make every piece you own fit you like it was made with your curves in mind. I have relied on tailors for a very long time- I get a kick out transforming ordinary clothes into something that's custom-made. Most of my Jackets, dresses, suits have all been prey to my seamstress hands and creativity- she has knack for adding little embellishments like new buttons or a tuck in the back that I always end up loving. A good tailor can also save you money; instead of buying new clothes, just fix what you have already.When you jeans start fraying in the thigh/crotch area, get them patched for about $7-$10 and it's just as new!

For Example: I wore this beautiful London Times Woman Gold Dress for my Holiday Party; big in the bust so my seamstress not only shortened the straps but she took in the bust and even went ahead and took up the hem, she told me I need to show some more leg. (It was kind of long for me). Amazing! (Sorry, I don't have a good shot to show, the night was crazy!)

I would suggest that you should "test your tailor", give them something easy like taking up a hem or taking in a skirt, take note to how (or if) they measure, pin and tuck on you. If the results are great, then make sure to keep their name, contact info because you'll get addicted, trust!

The next best thing to a tailor is to get your clothes custom made to your measurements! Just like getting your pieces tailored is addictive, getting a dress made specifically for you is just as euphoric. I did this for my high school prom dress and I've been a fan ever since.

There's also a site called Designer Curves that makes clothing specified to your measurements, also look on Etsy , many of the designers make clothing according to your measurements take a look Peta Pledger & JaneBonBon (post on Etsy coming soon) both who make their beautiful dresses that are perfect for the spring and summer. Yes this route may be a bit more pricey than just buying retail but you never have to worry about it not fitting quite right.

Silk Evening Dress, $150 Janebonbon

Do any of you use a seamstress? What have you gotten done? I'd love to know!

~Luvin' My Curves

Ask LMC: How are you dealing in this recession?

Good Morning!

EVERYONE is feeling this recession- so I think it's only fitting that today's question reflects what alot of you are going through. Rae from Boston asks

"How are you dealing in this recession? Are you still buying clothes and going out or are you cutting down in order to hold on to your wallet? I love to shop and I love to go out; the thought of not doing any of that doesn't sit well with me. What do you think? "

Hey Rae,

Like most things it's all about moderation and taking a real hard look at your finances. Many of us have lived beyond our means only to regret it later. I mean, I love shoes- my closet is full of them but if I were to calculate how much I've spent on them I would smack myself silly. I've been thinking about this question and came up with some ideas on how you could cut costs, I've tried to give tips that are either extreme or feasible, depending on where you are in your finances. I hope this helps....

1. Stop Shopping!
I'm participating in "No Buy Month" via the Frugalista Files. (She did it last month, but since I was in purgatory I couldn't participate ) Challenge yourself for a month to not buy anything but the necessities, it might be a shock to your system but it also might be a much needed stimulus to your wallet. (I'm participating in "No Buy Month", do it with me!)


2. Revamp your closet
We all have clothes in our closet that we have not worn. Wear them! There's a reason that we bought this item in the first place, so tune into your inner fashionista and work it! Challenge yourself to wear your clothes and accessories, I mean you bought them but have you WORN them?I'm sure a good rummaging of your closet will yield some new outfit ideas you didn't even imagine. Work with what you've got!

3. There's money in your closet
If you did #2, then there's a chance you found some things that you no longer wear or want to wear. Sell it!
Ebay and Re/Dress and are good places to sell your clothes and walk away with some extra $$ in your pocket. I would also suggest consigning your clothing as well. (I'll be posting about consigning soon, but if you want more information before then, email me)

4. Swap
Is there an item of clothing that your girl has that you wish you grabbed first? SWAP!

5. Clearance, Clearance, Clearance
Chances are you have most of the basics in your closet already, so anything you are buying might be pure impulse. Why spend a load of money on something you might only wear a few times? Hit the clearance rack of your favorite store, or head to a thrift shop- sometimes the fun is in the search.

6. If it's something you really want and it's not your size- get it tailored.
Sounds crazy? Let me explain, I utilized this trick only recently. I found a beautiful cocktail dress on sale (like originally $200, down to $15 sale), but it was 2 sizes too big for me. I tried to figure out how exactly this dress was going to be a part of my closet, but I needed to act fast! So I bought it, took it to my tailor and now it looks like it's made for me and me alone, total cost $50 ($15 for the dress, $35 for the tailoring and a bottle of wine for my gratitude). Especially if you think you'd wear the item again, it's so worth it.

Take a look at two of my favorite fashion frugalista blogs: Everyday Wear & Fledging Fashionista.


As for your social life....

7. Keep it close to home
If your friends are feeling the crunch too, then make it a game night, wine night, potluck, brunch- the point is this- when you go out with your friends it's to have good times, who says it has to be at a club or bar? Keep it indoors and save money.

8. Cook!
If you find yourself going out to eat all the time, stay home and cook. Call the girls, tell them to bring the wine and enjoy. I've found a new joy in my crockpot and fondue set... fun times!

9. Happy Hour!
Yes, it means going out a bit earlier than usual, but you can still partake in the libations for half the cost.

10. Be a tourist in your city.
Just because some of us live in a city doesn't neccessarily mean that you've actually been to the sites that make your home a tourist spot. Do you know how many NY natives I know that have never been to the Empire State Building?? Yes, I know some of the attractions cost $$ , but a whole heap of others don't- it's worth a check. (psst.. "suggested admission" is just that... a suggestion- enjoy a free day at the museum!)

12. Use your student or alumni I.D.
There are plenty tourist spots that give discounts if you present your student or alumni I.D. Membership has it's rewards...

13. Volunteer.
I'm sure there's a volunteer opportunity that strikes your fancy, go out, have fun and make a difference, it's free and it'll make you feel good to give back.

That's all I got for now.. but if I come up with more I'll make sure to post. But I'm interested to know, What are you all doing to save money in these times, any more suggestions for Rae?

~Luvin' My Curves...

What J is Jonesin For - March Edition

Good Morning!

It's snowing... (blank stare) here I am all ready for spring, tired of the cold and mother nature decides to say "GOTCHA!" and blankets NYC with snow. Sigh... spring time needs to come and soon!

One of themes in the emails that I've finally caught up with is that everyone is feeling this recession- I'm a firm believer that price and style should never be exclusive to each other, no one should have to sacrifice their paycheck to look good. I do believe in spending money on the closet essentials- quality pieces, that will last any trend or season, however everything else is fair game. I'll do my best to continue keeping price in mind for you all.

What I'm Jonesin' for this month, is "effortless fly" pieces that are simplistic in form yet so unique they can carry an outfit on it's own, most important everything is under $60!

So let's imagine that the weather is better, shall we?

I love flats! Especially those with colorful details or embellishments...these two from Old Navy are perfect for spring time.

Printed Canvas Ballet Flats & Sueded-Trim Ballet Flats, both $19.50, Old Navy

A colorful sweater, keeps the chill away and is a nice addition to a simple jean/tee combo. A cute n' casual brunch look, perhaps?

One Button Metallic-knit cardigan $8.99, Macy's.

Simple bathing suits for the vacation I keep thinking about taking, but realistically can only take in my dreams. :)

Ruched Front Tie Swimsuit, $20 Kiyonna; Trinidad Ruffle Swimsuit $40.25, Monif C.

Now that the books are out of sight, I'm looking forward to an evening at the lounge or with the girls...

Benoit Dress $31, B & Lu

I love clutches, and this is just funky, (and, eco-friendly).

Raw Bags Bamboo Cube Clutch, $55 , Ebags

What you are all Jonesin' for?

~Luvin' My Curves...staying chic on a budget