Plus Sized Style Spotlight: Toccara

So I’ve been getting lots of e-mails lately imploring me to represent more plus sized fashionistas.
While I’ve profiled plus sized sirens Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah in past Style Files, there’s a new voluptuous vixen in town, representing for the girls with a bit more curve:

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Toccara Jones.
This former ANTMer parlayed her bubbly personality and undeniable charm into stints at BET and the pages of Italian Vogue and Essence. Her style has evolved accordingly, by focusing on fits that show off her best assets.
For Toccara, the rule is black, black, and more black…

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…as the dark color is slimming and its monochromatic look creates a vertical line, making the body seem sleak. Toccara also favors plunging necklines…

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…that bring the eye downward, and the focus more towards the center of the body. When she diverts from black, she stunts in dresses in eggplant or turquoise…
…or pops on a belt on other occasions to highlight her smallest part:
Chic!
For more casual events, she opts for a v neck vest or t-shirt….
..worn with jeans in straight or boot cut styles to balance out her hips.
Want a chic plus size look? Try these options:

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1. Monif C Marilyn Convertible Dress 26, $75. 2. Torrid White Purple Zebra Head V-Neck Tee, $28. 3. London Times Woman Crepe Belted Dress, $90. 4. Sutton Studio Exclusive Bi-Stretch Cap Sleeve Dress – Plus Sizes, $150. 5. Womens Rise Boot Cut Sweetheart Gray Jeans, $20. 6.Camilla Wraparound Dress in Red, $135. 7. Rachel Pally White Label Short Caftan Dress, $248. 8. Black Lola Ruched Dresses by Kiyonna, $126. 9. Robbie Bee Crisscross Silk Chiffon Dress, $88.
Smootches!
See more Fashion Bomb Plus Sized Posts here.

Video Fun

I’m probably dating myself with this video, but ah well:

What ever happened to them?

Usher to Launch Lingerie Line

While taking in Dutch lingerie designer Marlies Dekkers’s show in Paris, Usher revealed to WWD that he plans on launching a lingerie line:
He said, “You may have heard that I might be launching a lingerie line for men and women.” Now when it comes to draws for the men, he might know a thing or two…
…as for his skill in the ladies department…well we’ll have to see about that.

Cool Online Find: Editor’s Closet

Check out the great sample sale website Editors’ Closet, which hosts various designer sales at up to 75% off retail each week.
Recent sales have included: Betsey Johnson, Nicole Miller, Calvin Klein watches, Badgley Mischka belts, LeSportSac, BE & D, Moschino and many, many more.
On October 1st and 2nd, check out Editors’ Closet for a sale on Tom Ford sunglasses!
Membership to the site is free, but in order to sign-up, you must be invited by an already established member. Lucky you: the site decided to create a private referral link especially for Fashion Bombers! Click here to sign up care of the Fashion Bomb!

Real Style: Rocking for Barack

So on November 4th we will vote for the next President of the United States.

While the candidates debate on issues of national security and the economy, it’s clear only one candidate is the front-runner in bridging the gap between politics and fashion:

Barack Obama

I asked all you fabulous readers to send me examples of you ‘Rocking for Barack’, and hey, you didn’t disappoint!
Check it:

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And of course I had to get in there:

Smootches!

A few words About Voting This Year:

*Rocking for Barack is cool for the weekend, but word on the street is that if you wear your t-shirt to the polls, you will be blocked from voting. Apparently this is considered campaigning, and wearing a pin, t-shirt, or hat is grounds for a polling official to turn you away. Don’t risk it: Make sure your vote counts!
*Are you registered to vote? If not, go to www.rockthevote.org, and register in your state. If you’re not sure, click here. The last day to register to vote varies by state (for Florida it’s October 6th!). Find out your state’s deadline here.
*If you need an absentee ballot, contact your Secretary of State here to request one. Hurry! You must mail in your letter no later than 7 days before the election.
*Tomorrow is Obama Blue Day. Wear Blue, and encourage two people to vote!
*Donate to the cause here.

The Fashion Bomb in the News!!

*Check out an interview with yours truly on Canadian Blog What Women Want (ilovewhatwomenwant.blogspot.com)…
Ahem, “I came across The Fashion Bomb a few years back and I’ve been hooked ever since, but after digging further (cuz you know I’m like the Po-po – lol) I was pleasantly surprised to find that behind this wonderful blog is an impressive young woman with an impressive story…” Thanks!!! Click here to read the rest.
*Also check out Uptown Magazine’s Style Issue…
…featuring me on the Contributor’s Page with June Ambrose!!!
Pick up Uptown on your local newsstand, or subscribe here.
PS If you’re already in the Fashion Bomb Group on facebook, be sure to become a fan of the Fashion Bomb as well!
Go to the new page for even more facebook updates, notes, and video!

$350 Dress: Comme Des Garcons for H&M

The fashion blogosphere is literally in a tizzy over the Comme des Garcons for H&M Collection. Why? Exorbitant Prices:
Now $350 for a dress is a lot for H&M, but apparently a low ball price for Comme des Garcons. On the bright side, this might calm down all the fighting endemic to H&M designer sales. Remember this?

No more Project Runway?

Seems Project Runway is on hiatus for the time being…
According to an NBC Press Release, “NBC Universal is pleased that the court granted our motion for a preliminary injunction against The Weinstein Company. The overwhelming evidence demonstrated that The Weinstein Company violated NBC Universal’s right of first refusal to future cycles of Project Runway. After hearing all of the evidence, the court issued an order prohibiting The Weinstein Company from taking the show or any spin-off to Lifetime.”
Hm, sad news, though I must say that I’m kind’ve over these reality shows that are great for TV, but don’t produce any real stars in their industry. Remember this NY Magazine article on the stars of Bravo?
From the article, “With shows like Project Runway and Top Chef, the Bravo cable channel skillfully packages the fantasy that gifted amateurs can break into the big time. But make no mistake: It is a fantasy.” Read the article here.