» Fashion/Style

A Plus Sized Valentine: 19 Lingerie Picks to spice things up

Marie Denee — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:53:06 +0000

Whether you are uber confident or reserved and coy, I have found quite a few lingerie picks to satiate your appetite (or your partner’s or for yourself!) For Valentine’s Day/Night!

As shared in my Valentine’s Date Night Dresses Picks, Valentines, interestingly enough has a love hate relationship with a more than a few people and while some may rumble over the commercialized aspect of this, to others, Valentine’s Day is REAL. I do not have a Valentines and will be working too, on this day in Vegas- BUT that does not take away from the idea of amazing lingerie for a sizzling or sweet night!

So, in celebration of this day I have rounded up some of my favorite lingerie picks, from underwear, garter belts, chemises; all things lace and leather, naughty AND nice for you to rock your curves in! From Hips and Curves, Full Beauty, Lane Bryant, and many more, there is something I am sure to catch your eye…

20 Plus Size Lingerie Picks

Hanky Panky Thong Set

Elomi Betty Bra and Boyshorts

Polka dot cami doll set

Heart Lace Babydoll

Lace Apron Babydoll

Strappy Lace Cup Chemise

Love Thong with Rhinestones

J'adore Overlay Chemise

Garter Belt with Lace Heart

Caged Back Panty

BabyDoll with Molded Cups

Satin Button Front Sleepshirt by Amoureuse

Stretch Lace Chemise by Amoureuse

Embroidered Front Hook Underwire Bra and Rumba Ruffle Panty by Amoureuse®

Chiffon Robe and Teddy

Coco Dot Mesh Suspender Skirt

Betsey Johnson Shorts Pajama Set

Bare Necessities Seduction Chemise w G String

Bare Necessities Bridal Bliss Babydoll

Q.What do you think of the roundup? Do YOU like it? Which ones are your faves and where do you go to make a purchase for plus size lingerie?

Plus Size Lingerie: Elomi Spring 2012 Collection- The Beautiful Betty

Marie Denee — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:31 +0000

You have to love great plus size lingerie that gives us the three f’s: Form, Function, and Fashion. For a minute, there were only like a handful of places where we could go for sexy, supportive, and sassy lingerie as a plus size woman. Sure, there are options… but for the longest finding a sexy and alluring bra was like trying to find a needle in a …well, you know what I mean!

I have talked about and featured Elomi before! Elomi delivers unparalleled fit, effortless support and striking design to give you beautiful lingerie that transforms your figure. With Sizes Medium to a 4X and the bras up to a 44 HH cup (just in this collection, they make up to a J!) , With Valentine’s around the corner, I am sure you can find something here to tickle your fancy…

Elomi’s Beautiful Betty Spring Collection

Be on trend with polka dots this spring! The Betty plunge bra is one of Elomi’s bestselling shapes as the low centre front offers a plunging look without the push up, which makes this bra a perfectly pretty and practical everyday bra. The Betty bra also has a side support panel for forward projection, great uplift and separation offering comfort and support. When wearing Betty you know that you are going to feel good from the inside out. The vibrant red base with white polka dot pattern is sure to put a smile on your face as the satin stitched rose embroidery oozes femininity.

Please take a peek at the latest that Elomi has to offer:

Plus Size Lingerie Designer Elomi's Beautiful Betty Spring 2012 Collection

Q.What do you think? Did a few catch your eye? Which were your favorites?

Looking or racing to buy your Elomi favorites? Well, you can get your hands on Elomi via Full Beauty, Bare Necessities, Hips and Curves, and Nordstrom! To keep up on the latest, make sure you follow Elomi on Twitter and become a fan on Elomi on Facebook!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

A Plus Sized Valentine’s: Date Night Dress Picks

Marie Denee — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:30:51 +0000

I would be remiss not to acknowledge that Valentine is a week and some change away! As the day approaches, whether you have plans with the beau, the girls, or yourself (YES, have you taken yourself out before?), I thought I would round up some fun Date Night Picks!

Valentines, interestingly enough has a love hate relationship with a more than a few people and while some may rumble over the commercialized aspect of this, to others, Valentine’s Day is REAL. I have only had a Valentine once in my life… In fact as I write this, I am single and sooo ready to mingle, but that does not take away from the fact that I love this day- but I am also a big sappy, hopeless romantic, and secretly wish for flowers to be delivered to me… but that is another story…

Don’t worry, while I am sharing Date Night Picks, later in the week, I will share some fun lingerie picks for the grown and sexy… Hey, we do have a few options! In the meantime, take a peek at some of my favorites and if you already have your date night outfit, I want to know! Share in the comments!

A Plus Size Valentine’s: Date Night Dress Picks

Kiyonna Cosmo Dress

Simply Be Red Embellished Dress

CarmaKoma Alma Dress

Prairie New York Sequined Shift Dress

Monf C Blanca Dress

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Swing Dress in Crepe

Love Ady Colorblocked Dress

ASOS CURVE Skater Dress In Spot Lace

Prairie New York Plus Size Jewel Sleeve Dress

Strapless Party Dress

Monif C Marilyn Two Tone Dress

Igigi Leigh Lace Dress in Red

ASOS CURVE Shift Dress With Cutout Detail

Simply Be Bespoke Colorblocked Dress

Lace One Shoulder Dress

Are you a dress girl? What do you think of these dresses? Fancy, cocktail, dinner, or party- there is a dress to be had for your special night with your lover, your girls, or for treating yourself out (or not)!

Q. If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, what are you wearing?

Poised, Polished, Professional, and Plus Size: The Plus Size Wear to Work Essentials

Marie Denee — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:30:12 +0000

Last week, I shared with you tips for plus size professional work wear, kind of like an overview of what to wear to work. As promised and much requested, today we will go over what items are your essentials for work, how to wear them, and tips when rounding out your work wear wardrobe!

Before I delve into this, understand that different industries and positions can be more lax or stringent upon dress code, these tips will give you a starting point and from there you can play within the lines of your company’s dress code!

Shopping for a work ensemble can be tricky, especially if you are just entering the workplace-either just graduated or re-entering. Even if you are looking to spruce up your look, it is quite easy to get lost in it all! So before you go and buy all the trendiest pieces and items, let’s go over what items you should have in your closet!

The Plus Size Wear to Work Essentials

The Catch All Trouser

The trouser can always be tricky; however, the trouser here can be a great cotton blend in a different shade from black. Brown, navy, khaki are all great neutrals to play in. These trousers will give your suit a break and offer your wardrobe a different attitude when you are wearing them! Paired with a cardigan, a playful blouse, or jacket, your trousers are like an anchor to your wardrobe, so make sure fit, fabric, and function are paid attention to!

Shown in picture: Tahari ‘Merlin’ Pants in Indigo

The Tailored Pencil or swing Skirt

Skirts for work are always fun, well for me they were always lovely! When playing with skirts, if it part of a suit family as an option, this can be a plus and an alternative to your pant suit. For most work settings, right above the knee or at the knee is the safest, and regardless of the shape you choose, a lined skirt will be your best friend in not showing all of your goods and it will extend the life of your garment.

Shown in picture: Asos Curve Pencil Skirt

The Knit Cardigan

A great option to your suit jacket is the knit cardigan. Your knit cardigan is a great way to layer or to polish your look without feeling to stuffy! A great waist or top of hip option that has a coordinating tank is always a plus (to wear with or underneath a jacket)! Play with different colors, from pastels to rich hues, and depending on your line of work, a playful print could work here!

Shown in picture: Eloquii Rhinestone Cardigan

The Sharp Pant Suit

A great wool blend or heavier cotton blended suit will give your professional work wardrobe some legs! A great classic black suit is always a great starting point! With your suit, you can wear together or break it apart and wear the suit as separates! While you can find a suit almost anywhere, because of the frequency of wear, it will suit you best (pun intended) to invest in (read: spend a little bit more) a suit that is lined, tailored, that will sustain your curves.

Shown in picture: Eloquii Classic Fit Suit

The Crisp or Feminine Blouse

Here, you probably have a few options, but blouses and tops here you will need! A great crisp white button up is the best place to start and to have in your closet (I have three variations of these) in addition to a great feminine or chic blouse in a fun jewel toned hue. Fit is key here, especially when blessed up top and in the future series of this, I will go into more detail!

Shown in picture: Nordstrom Pink Foxcroft Blouse

The Perfectly Tailored Dress

Yes, this is where your little black dress can come in and work its magic! However, your perfectly tailored dress does not have to be black, it can be a great classic print, or it can even be a part of the same family as your suit! The thing here is to have this dress, preferably sleeveless to wear a multitude of ways with different layers! With a cardigan, a white button blouse underneath, or paired with a jacket, this is a great alternative to those days you do not feel like rocking a suit.

Shown in picture: Rafaella Gabardine Ruffle Dress

Tips when shopping for Plus Size Wear to Work Essentials:

Fit: So key, when trying on your items, if it restricts movement, pulls or tugs at the seams, outlines one of your body parts, or shows too much leg or cleavage, leave it. If I can see the outline of your underwear, it is too tight. Get my point?

Lining: I kept referencing lining, and for wear to work options, lining allows your garments to lay on your curves without tugging or pulling, and allows your body and curves to breath comfortably. This is also a great alternative at times to the slip or shape wear!

Colors: Dependant on what you already have in your closet, it is always best to start out with great neutrals for your work wardrobe. Black, navy, gray, and different shades of brown and tan will help provide you a great foundation to your ensemble. Bold hues serve as a great accent color!

Where to buy: Shopping for wear to work essentials can be confusing and at times frustrating, but have no fear, there are places you can go that cater to your wear to work needs Without looking frumpy, dowdy, or boring! I promise!

Eloquii, Lane Bryant, ASOS Curve, Lafayette 148, Rafaella, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Target (The Merona Line), Dorothy Perkins, and Lord and Taylor are great places to start!

Q.What are your wear to work essentials?Where do you go to buy your plus size work wear? Sharing is Caring! J

A Plus Size Spring: Elena Mirò Spring 2012

Marie Denee — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:30:58 +0000

In the Hierarchy of plus size fashion, one of the designers whom I think is at the top by setting fashion examples and inspirations with a few others is the Italian Powerhouse: Elena Mirò.

I have written and featured them many times over and I cannot stress how amazing the brand is! For years (since 2005), there were the only plus size designer to open Milano Moda Donna Fashion Week, but after reasons unknown, they no longer show there BUT they still show- to a full house!

Who is Elena Miro?

Elena Mirò is one of the historic labels of Miroglio Fashion, the clothing division of the Miroglio Group which was set up in 1985 to cater for the need to give a positive response in terms of style and taste to all the women with Mediterranean-style fuller figures. Over time Elena Mirò has acquired in-depth knowledge and expertise in the skills required to follow fashion, style and trends, adapting them to shapely sizes.

Today, the Elena Mirò brand exudes plus size luxury, high fashion, and sophistication. Don’t believe me? Take a look at my favorites from the Runway Spring 2012 Elena Mirò Collection:

Elena Mirò Runway Spring 2012

Want to see the full collection? Here is the video of the entire collection- all 36 looks!

You can keep up with the Italian powerhouse, Elena Miro on the website, via Twitter and on Facebook!

Q.Which look or looks are you loving? Where do you imagine yourself sashaying to in one of her frocks?

The Academy Awards: What the Curvy Fashionistas Could Wear

Marie Denee — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:31 +0000

After both the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards, comes the Academy Awards- Kind of like the Super Bowl of the Award shows. This awards season we have two beautiful plus size women up for an Oscar! Both Octavia Spencer and Melissa McCarthy!

Now, the Academy Awards is where drama usually arrives on the red carpet and which some designers hold back for! Perfectly timed after most Fashion Weeks (Couture and NYFW), most dresses literally go from red carpet to the stylist/actress! However for the Curvy Fashionista, most of the curvier actresses have to pull from current collections or have something custom tailored for them- which is quite alright with me!

So I decided to round up a few dresses by the designers who have made custom gowns, cater to plus sizes, or in my perfect world- would cater to us, to bring you a few looks that I think would be perfect for the red carpet drama!

Style wise, we know this: They both like to cover their arms a bit and love to live in darker tones. I happily suggest to step outside of their box with these suggestions:

My Academy Award picks for the Curvy Fashionistas

Carmen Marc Valvo Academy Awards picks for the Plus Size attendees

Marchesa Academy Awards picks for the Plus Size attendees

Carmen Marc Valvo Academy Awards picks for the Plus Size attendees

Badgley Mischka Academy Awards picks for the Plus Size attendees

David Meister Academy Awards picks for the Plus Size attendees

Tadashi Shoji Academy Awards picks for the Plus Size attendees

Q.Which look would you like to see on either Octavia or Melissa or any other plus size attendee?

First Look: Plus Size Designer Ashley Nell

Marie Denee — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:30:34 +0000

I love twitter for its fabulous leads and jewels… (Are you following me there? @mariedenee ) Anywho, today… Thanks to Chastity of Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style, her latest post, Designer to Watch Ashley Nell, I have found a great new designer whose aesthetic is quite refreshing!

Enter in Ashley Nell, a San Diego designer whose collection features sheers, leopard prints, fun pants, and a dose of Moxie!

Not much is to be known about this designer, as Chastity shared, but hearing hints of possibly a showing in New York in June??? Who knows!

But you have to feast your eyes on the images that have emerged!

First Look: Ashley Nell

you have to check out her blog, Ashley Nell Tipton to stay on top of her style and collection!

Q.What do you think? What do you have your eyes on? I want that sheer skirt with the leopard top combo!

Thanks Chastity for sharing this!