Shopping without a dressing room, again !?!?!





  Where the hell is the dressing room!?!?  If this question sounds  all too familiar that means you my dear frirend were shopping in a "hot spot". The safest thing to do at this point is to know before you go, this way you can prepare properly. "Hot spots" as I call them, are stores that offer amazing deals on trendy clothing and accessories. Please understand, these stores are not located in the best neighborhoods, but don't worry, if you "ain't neva scared" then your good to go!





One of the biggest problems with many of these "forever shall remain nameless" stores is that...there is no damn dressing room, the quality of the goods is not always up to par, and the return policy is usually in store credit. This means you have to rummage through the racks to make sure you are getting your dollar's worth. This means that although there is no dressing room you better try that dress on over your shirt to make sure it at least fits.

I know, I know, what's a big girl to do? Well, if I'm making the 40+ minute drive to Baltimore to shop at these hot spots then I'm going in deep.  Sometimes a woman has to do what a woman has to do, and in this case this woman had to try the clothes on top of her clothes (yes, I'm speaking in 3rd person), luckily I wore jeggings that day. My shear shirt also had a tank top under it so this girl was good to go! Know before you go!

While the pics are self explanatory, I still feel the need to emphasize how important it is to try clothing on in "hot spot" stores because the sizes are usually going to be off, and let's keep it real, when shopping at a discount store you may even end up with a pant leg being sewn where the arm should be. I had to try the denim, harem, shorts, pants, (whatever one wants to call them) on in three different sizes before I found a size that fit the way I wanted it to (outfit blog coming soon). 

  Oh, and while these pics are based on an impromptu Baltimore shopping trip (no girddle, yikes!), make the best of the experience. If you can't laugh while spending a dollar that means shouldn't be spending a dollar...I'm just sayin!

Spring FaTshion, 2011

SPRING IS COMING!!!!!!!!

FaTshionista's did you forget that spring is just around the corner? Of course you didn't *wink* and this is why I must remind you of some of the NYC Fashion week 2010 spring trends. While shopping, or glancing runways and department stores, do not get discouraged if something does not fit the way you want. Keep in mind that Straight Sizes and Plus Sizes will not have ALL of the same trends because the body types differ in more than one way.

 The trick is to make what you want work for your body, add a blazer or cardigan for definition, wear an A lined tunic with jeans, jeggings, or leggings, this will add height and focus on the shapeliness of your body/

Let's get started...

1. OBI Belt (Obi = Sash) The Obi belt is taken from the traditional Japanese dress, worn with Kimono's and  Japanese martial arts

 

The Obi belt is a beautiful accessory that can be used to accentuate one of your best assets, your CURVES (and breasts, please wear a bra that fits, and shapes)!!! Get creative and thrifty by looking in your wardrobe and making your own obi belt using wide cloth belts, and scarfs,spice it up by adding a funky broach or doubling up on solid color scarfs/belts.

2. Open Shoulder: the last time this was popular was in 2001, ten years later and it's back.



H&M

The one shoulder, dress, shirt, blouse, or tunic allows for lots sexiness and femininity, what woman doesn't love that?

3. Layered Sheers, does this sound new? I didn't think so but fashion trends are recycled trends, this is why it's great to develop your own style and stick to what you like.

Old Navy

4. Military Inspirations: Not too much of a big fan of this trend, why? It's just not my "thing/style" I remember wearing camouflage pants in high school/10 the grade (1998) and I think that's enough for me. Now, I would wear the jacket below to run errands or to casually hang-out somewhere.

Old Navy

One Stop Plus: I really really really love this spring collection

Let's not forget that One Stop Plus is now the first Plus Size designer to grace NYC fashion week, September 2010. The collection is absolutely lovely and available on their website.

Final Thoughts

Spring is right around the corner and many stores/ designer's will soon begin to display and sale their spring collections. I'm most excited about the colorful dresses after all who doesn't love color?
Keeping up with trends is comparable to "Keeping Up with the Kardashian's" Who has time to watch it? While some trends are notable and worth including into one's attire, other's are recycled and...don't contribute much. "Don't let style define you, you define your OWN, personal, style"

Israel's 15 annual 'Fat and Beautiful' beauty pageant

'Fat and Beautiful' is it possible to be both?

Happy New Year everyone! Did you make any resolutions? Well I can't say that I did or didn't for that matter but I do resolve to blog more often. This morning while watching the Today show I became excited after seeing a story about Israel's annual 'Fat and Beautiful' beauty pageant. I often hear stories about how the United States has some of the fattest people in the world and how fat is not accepted in other countries. I guess Israel is disproving this theory.

The 'Fat and Beautiful' pageant is in it's 15th year and is the most celebrated and watched fashion event in the country. This year's winner is 205lb, 22 year old, security guard, Moran Baranes. Her prize consisted of: a  one year modeling contract, diamond ring, trip abroad, and cosmetics.

The competition had 21 competitors, with casual, and evening wear, minus swim wear. Imagine that! if the US could host such a celebrated event, imagine the effect that would have on the self-esteem of our plus sized teenage girls/boys.

Video clip:   http://video.perthnow.com.au/1748088238/Models-in-Fat-and-Beautiful-pageant

I Feel Sexy When...

I Feel Sexy When...

As a woman, does feeling sexy come naturally or does it take a certain perfume, shoe, garment, song, or even, the touch of a man? As a woman, what makes you feel sexy? I feel the sexiest when my confidence is high. Having a high self-esteem is partly due to the way I take care of my physical appearance. I love waking up and starting my day off by looking in the mirror and not focusing on my flaws. Instead I stare back at the beautiful reflection in the mirror and relish in my sweet smile, my brown sugar skin tone, my luscious lips, and my honest eyes

My ultimate sexiness is my femininity. When I dab the lip gloss on my bottom lip, spray perfume on my neck, slide into my form fitting dress, put my stockings on, slip my foot in my stiletto, and take one final look in the mirror and casually walk away with a bit of extra movement in my hips.

It’s so interesting how something as simple as an article of clothing can alter the way you feel about yourself. Last month I had the pleasure of meeting Tammy Freeman, Founder of Dangerous Curves Ahead, a traveling boutique that specializes in lingerie for full-figured and curvy women. I was not only impressed with how welcoming and positive Tammy was but also by the wide variety of products. I immediately wanted to know more and asked Tammy four questions that stemmed from my curiosity:

                                          Right: Tammy Freeman, Found of Dangerous Curves ahead (The purple t-shirt was in support of Wear Purple Day, an effort to raise awareness of domestic violence and LGBT teen bullying (for more information, here is a good link: http://www.itgetsbetter.org/).                      

Why Dangerous Curves Ahead?
Real size women are dramatically underrepresented when it comes to lingerie. Dangerous Curves Ahead caters to women size 10 to 26; we know that sexy is not defined by your size but by confidence, attitude and most importantly how you feel about yourself. At our recent fashion show, we had models sizes 10 through 26 work the runway; they were confident and comfortable in their own skin!  As Sophia Loren once said "Sex appeal is fifty percent what you've got and fifty percent what people think you've got.”

How long has DCA been in operation?
I started Dangerous Curves Ahead in late 2009 mainly with corsets. As demand increased I expanded to other types of lingerie.

What do you hope to accomplish with DCA?
An awakening! Too many women are defining themselves by what other people think of them, and that's a shame.  Women are comparing themselves with the models on the covers of magazines, which is unrealistic. The models don't even look like the models! So it's time for women to take the blindfolds off and begin to love themselves exactly how they are.  Too many full figured beautiful divas are walking around with their heads down because someone somewhere told them they weren't beautiful, sexy, or good enough because of their size.  There's nothing more powerful than a curvy diva that accepts and owns her body.  Dangerous Curves Ahead lingerie offers many different styles and sizes, so there is something for every woman that will add to her self-confidence and inner-sexiness. 

Any advice for plus size women that may be too afraid to step outside of the box and show their feminine/sexy side?Don't be afraid to be sexy! Just work it!   Sexy isn't about sex...it's about confidence, attitude and self-esteem.  Don't ever be ashamed of feeling and being your best, it’s time to self-actualize.  Whether you have a partner or not, buy a piece of lingerie that makes you feel sexy and confident.  Wear a thong to work or to the grocery (under your clothes of course!).  Take a pole dancing or erotic fitness class; if you don't want to do it in front of a group, Dangerous Curves Ahead offers DVD's that you can watch at home.  Finally, stop spending so much time trying to play down the areas on your body which you don't like and focus on playing up the parts of your body that you love.



Tammy Freeman, Founder, Dangerous Curves Ahead

 

3 things every woman should own (and wear): One of the DCA expert consultants can help you find the perfect pieces.
1. Sexy panties: Whatever makes you feel sexy, our favs are ruffled boy-shorts and thongs
2. Chemise: They come in so many different styles that it’s hard not to find one that you will love
3. Lounge wear: Be sexy while just lounging around the house.  Find a piece that has material that feels good against your skin and hugs your curves in all the right spots!  We are excited about the Dangerous Curves Ahead Lounge wear line which rolls out in 2011!

Dangerous Curves Ahead, Contact Info.

Tammy Freeman, Founder, Dangerous Curves Ahead

Email: curves@dangerouscurvesaheadonline.com
Phone: 347. 76-CURVY

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dangerous-Curves-Ahead-Lingerie/123297997691968

Twitter: http://twitter.com/dangercurvesinc

 

Black Friday EXTRAVAGANZAS!!!!!

Are you ready? I guess a better question would be: Am I ready? Black Friday is quickly approaching and for those budget fatshionista's like myself it's time to lace up the tennis shoes, or in my case...re-boot the computer and triple check my Internet connection. This Black Friday will be celebrated in the same fashion as last year's, in the comfort of my own home, in front of my computer,saving money, all while pushing a single button.

FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER
While the idea of saving money is always nice it is important to remember there is life after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, especially since December 1st is right around the corner.
1. Pay Your Bills: Black Friday is November 26 and Cyber Monday is November 29..This gives you 5 days before December 1st...Please pay your rent/mortgage, light bill, and water bill.
2. BUDGET: Give yourself a reasonable dollar amount, one that will not break the bank.
3. Create A Wish List: A list will help you separate your wants/needs, while setting realistic goals.
4. Market Research: Use the Internet, TV ad's, newspaper ads, in-store ad's, to determine who is offering what you are looking for at a lower price. There are many Black Friday and Cyber Monday websites available for this very purpose. Also look for coupons that offer a percentage off or free shipping.
5. Needs Vs. Wants: Determine if you really need the item, if not, wait, and continue to look for it at a lower price.

I have already began researching items from my wish list:
Skirt (no particular style/cut, just whatever I like)
Dress (preferably wrap or anything colorful that I can jazz up w/accessories)
Knee High boots w/a buckle(color: Black, Brown, Grey)
Scarf (long, colorful)
Stone Wash Skinny Jeans

My budget for this wish list is approximately $60.00. While I predict that the boots will cost the most,each item is not a must have but simply a want/desire.

My Black Friday WEBSITES: OLD NAVY, ASOS, Avenue, Belk, Faith 21, DSW, OneStopPlus, Ashley Stewart, and Zappos.

Last year I purchased:
1 pair of distressed jeans, Old Navy $15.00
1 black wrap sweater, Old Navy $15.00
1 pair of Black Knee High Boots, OneStopPlus, $50.00 (Free Shipping)

Girl's Night Out

Avenue $39.90

Avenue $39.90

$26.72 6pm.com

$26.47 6pm.com

$9.90 Avenue

Missing:Cobalt blue sequin clutch, long pair of earrings, ring w/cobalt blue.

After feeling slightly disappointed about not being able to try Monif C's Alexandra dress I came home and just browsed online (easy way to plan outifts and shop these days). While I did not purchase anything I have begun planning. The holiday's are quickly approaching and I not only want to enjoy them with friends and family but I want to look fabulous while doing so. This skirt is one of my 2010 holiday must haves.

The outfit above would be something I would wear on a Friday or Saturday night to hang out with friends. Looking good and feeling sexy is what it's all about, regardless of size. Fashion does not have an age, height, style, or size, it's just personality. What does your personality bring to the dressing room?

Today I Fell In Love

Today was supposed to be a Saturday filled with Law and Order, HBO, and Encore. Fortunately enough for me I know in advance that television Saturday's never work out as planned. I got online and viewed Monif C.'s holiday collection and after seeing the beautiful "Alexandra Draped Goddess dress" as seen above, my Saturday was planned. I tried to get offline to take my mind off the dress but it did not work.

I knew that Ida's Ideas, a boutique located in Washington DC's China Town is the only carrier of Monif C' line in my area. I had been putting off visiting simply because I did not want to be bothered with traffic. As luck would have it, after seeing this dress I had no choice, I went to DC in search of this dress. If nothing more I had to try it on. I desperately wanted to see how the material would hug my body. It's one thing to see it on the pear shaped Fluvia(the shapely model featured above) and another to see it on my apple shaped body.

As luck would have it I got to meet the wonderful Ida of Ida's Ideas. She could not have been a better host. Her boutique is amazing! I could not stop touching the various textured fabrics, and looking at the bright colors, and the shapely dresses, and pants. I discovered plus size designers I had never heard of. While Ida's boutique was very crowded she managed to spread her attention evenly amongst the various customers. She made me feel like I knew her all my life and she's a fellow New Yorker (not that, that had anything to do with it...lol). She not only promised to order pieces from Monif C's holiday collection but she said she would try and hold a trunk show with Monif C, and then took my personal information.

Amazing customer service with an absolutely BEAUTIFUL store. Today I not only fell in love with Monif C's Gold Alexandra Draped Goddess dress but I also fell in love with Idea of Ida's Ideas.

Stay tuned for updates on the dress and trunk show.
http://www.idasidea.com/Designer_Line.html