Essence Magazine: Purple Appeal, The Hottest Spring Color

Purple Appeal

The Hottest Spring Color

Essence Magazine has chosen purple as the hottest color of Spring. I haven't always been a fan of the color purple because I thought it made clothes look frumpy. However, in the last few years I have grown very fond of the color purple.

Check out Essence Magazine Picks for the color purple....

Fantasia

Niecy Nash

Viola Davis

Check out my Purple Picks...

Torrid-Purple Pleat Front Satin Tube Dress

Torrid-Purple Surplice Pleated Front Banded Bottom Knit Dress

*FAVORITE ITEM*
Torrid-Purple Acid Wash Denim HalterVest

Lane Bryant-Embellished Neckline Top
*This top would be great if paired with Black Leggins*

Lane Bryant-Animal Print Smocked Tunic

Jessica Simpson wants to Dress You Up!!!

Jessica Simpson would now like to dress CURVY LADIES!!!!! YAY!!! If you don't know by now, I absolutely love Jessica Simpson's shoe and accessory line! I just purchased a fabulous Jessica Simpson bag yesterday while on my lunch break (Pics to come soon).

Ok back to the subject...Jessica Simpson made an appearance at a Dillard's in Scottsdale, Arizona, to promote her curve-friendly dresses. In the March issue of InStyle Magazine Simpson said, "I want to create clothes that flatter every figure. I know how a dress can make you feel so frumpy. I promise mine won't."

Jessica Simpson pairs a chocolate embroidered dress from her collection with a pair of Jessica Simpson pumps and Louis Vuitton bangles.

Check out more of the new curve-friendly line at

http://www.dillards.com/

Also check this article out at

http://www.yahoo.com/

Plus-Sized Brides a Growing Market

Plus-sized brides a growing market
CURVES REQUIRED

Posted By SHARON ASCHAIEK, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA

With Wedding season fast approaching, I thought this article from The Standard Freeholder would be great to read before purchasing a dress.

Take a Look at the article below:

http://tinyurl.com/bnbgn8

Michelle Obama on the Cover of "O" Magazine

Oprah Winfrey is for the first time sharing the cover of "O" magazine cover with somebody else: First Lady Michelle Obama. Winfrey showed off the cover of the April issue during “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Winfrey, has been solo on the "O" Magazine Cover for nine years.

In the issue that will hit the newsstands March 17, Winfrey interviews the first lady about topics ranging from her decorating philosophy to how she hopes she can help other women.

Barbie Turns 50!!!

Barbie, the iconic doll that has claimed countless hours of girls' lives in a make-believe world that mirrored real life glamour, high-fashion and fabulous careers, is turning 50.

Take a Look at the Pics Below...

Celebs come out to celebrate the Barbie turning 50...

Heidi Klum

Lauren Conrad

Lo Bosworth

Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian

Fashion's Invisible Woman

Please take the time to read "Fashion's Invisible Woman," an article from March 1, 2009 in the Los Angeles Times

I shortned the link to the article: http://tinyurl.com/bnx98f

The average American woman is size 14.

Why is the fashion industry still pretending she doesn't exist?
By Emili Vesilind March 1, 2009

Leave Comments Once You Read this Article!

LA Times-Where to shop for stylish plus-size clothes

Los Angeles Times

Where to Shop for Stylish Plus Size Clothes

1. Kiyonna

Kiyonna's Upstairs Boutique is plus-size brand that interprets up-to-the-minute contemporary looks for larger shapes. The boutique carries Kiyonna sizes 10-32, Spanx body shapers and Svoboda Denim.

(http://www.kiyonna.com/)

2. Liz Claiborne

Liz Claiborne has created new collections which targets a more mature consumer and is typically a step or two above mid-tier apparel, price-wise. New Collections have been designed by Isaac Mizrahi and Adrienne Vittadini, collections range in size from 16-18.

Picture above was designed by Isaac Mizrahi

3. Nordstrom

Nordstrom has created the plus-size line Encore, which is a sizable collection for fuller figures and includes looks from high end designer labels (Adrianna Papell, Calvin Klein, and MICHAEL by Michael Kors)

Picture above: Adrianna Papell print chiffon shirtdress

(http://www.nordstrom.com/)

4. Jet Rag

Jet Rag is an iconic secondhand shop. If you're in the mood to hunt, there are some serious gems to be found.

If you are in the Los Angeles area:

825 N LaBrea Ave

Los Angeles

(323) 939-0528

11am-7pm daily

5. Missphit

Missphit is a tops-only brand that manufactures some of the most fashion forward apparel for fuller figures. Sizes range from 1x-3x.

(http://www.missphit.com/)

Check out this article at http://www.latimes.com/

Forever 21 launches Faith 21

Forever 21 is launching a juniors plus-size collection in early May. The new collection, called Faith 21, features sizes XL, 1X and 2X in separates and dresses (equivalent, roughly, to sizes 12 to 18), with denim ranging up to a 34 (or a size 14/16).

In an article in the Los Angeles Times, Linda Chang, senior manager of marketing for Forever 21 explains the new collection, "It's for the girl who has curves and is proud to show them off. We've been receiving so many letters and e-mails requesting extended sizes, we decided this was one of the next steps in the company's new vision. We realize there is a shortage of fashion for the plus-size consumer, so we wanted to reach out to that market. We want to make sure there is something for everyone, on-trend fashion at affordable prices."

Prices for the collection, which range from $3.50 for a basic camisole top to $29.80 for a pair of jeans or a cocktail dress.

The LA based company will launch the collection on the company's website (http://www.forever21.com/), and will be available in store at the chain's super-sized locations.

After reading this article, I find myself a little anxious to see this new collection. I've never been able to shop in Forever 21 because the chain does not carry my size, however, I do occasionally shop for accessories in their store because they are fashionable and economical. So I plan on trying out the line to see how true to size the new collection is and I will be back to report my findings:)

Designer Monif C.

As I sat and watched BET's Rip the Runway fashion show, I realized that I never blogged about designer Monif C.'s designs. In 2005, Monif Clarke launched Monif C., a full collection of affordable plus-size apparel for women. In just a few years the Clarke's line has caught the attention of divas like Raven-Symone, Jill Scott and Jennifer Hudson.

Raven-Symone wearing Monif C in a photo shoot with Essence Magazine

(http://www.essence.com/)

“Nelli” Ruched Dress – Blue

"Marilyn" Convertible Dress 72

"Dazzling" Limited Edition Silk Maxi Gown

“Nelli” Ruched Dress – Black

In an article in Essence Magazine, designer Monif C. explains her inspiration for creating her own clothing line. The designer states, "because I am myself a plus-size woman, it wouldn't have made sense for me to do a line other than a plus-size one. I've always been curvy, I feel like I came out the womb a size 18. I would have a date or a big wedding to attend but have no options of things to wear after going shopping. I created this line out of necessity. Really, it's about designing what I like to wear and I find that if I like it, someone else will like it."

After reading the article in Essence Magazine, and viewing Monif C. on BET's Rip the Runway, I really admired her. I started this blog for some of the same reasons that she started her clothing line. I subscribed to many fashion blogs, however, NONE of them catered to the curvy woman. I admired the fact that Monif C. said she created it based on what she liked because she knew others would like it also. Many fashion designers wont take the chance on creating clothing for plus size women, so THANK YOU Monif C. for stepping out on faith and creating a line that caters to the average woman in America!!!

Keep up the Good Work Monif C!!!!

Check out more of Monif C.'s collection at www.Monifc.com

Keri Hilson’s Turning me On

I haven't watched music videos in a long time, and today I saw this video and I loved Keri Hilson's energy in this song!!! Watch and Enjoy!!!

BET Rip the Runway 2009

Models, Fashion, and Music come together on one stage to present BET's Rip the Runway 2009. From performances by T.I. to Keri Hilson to Toccara and Josh Cribbs (Cleveland Browns) strutting their stuff on the Runway!

Check out pics below...

Hosts: Joy Bryant and Derek Luke

I must admit that I was very impressed by the "Size Sexy" presentation on the Runway!
'Monif C' and 'Douglas Says' did a great job presenting the Curvy Ladies on the Runway!! Check out pictures below from both designers...