“I Want To Love You (P.Y.T.)/ Pretty Young Thing/ You Need Some Lovin’ (T.L.C.)/ Tender Lovin’ Care/ And I’ll Take You There …”Michael Jackson, “P.Y.T. Pretty Young Thing”
Hey readers,
Happy almost 4th of July! Doesn’t it kinda suck that the 4th is in the middle of the week?!?! I feel like I should be getting the whole week off…just because. Anyway the infamous White Party I blogged about last week is tonight. I’m excited to see people doing white in a fabulous way.
Anyway if you’ve been reading my blog for any length of time, you’d know that a few weeks ago I went shopping with my curvy BFF from Atlanta and had some problems finding flattering solutions. If you’ve been reading, you’d also know that one reader, Pretty Girl, responded almost violently saying that she doesn’t have a problem finding plus sized duds. Well Madame Pretty Girl e-mailed me with a few pictures of herself, along with some shopping advice.
She says, ” I didn’t think my comment would create such an issue but I want you to know that I wasn’t trying to get an attitude or anything. I have the weirdest figure, round belly, no hips or booty, and long legs. So believe me, some clothing is a complete HELL to the NO! But, when I go shopping I never come home empty handed, I always find what I need or want because I know what works with my figure and what doesn’t.”
“…I used to work at Macy’s and I couldn’t believe how many figure flattering pieces I found there, I still shop there especially during their sales and Christmas season. If you are on a budget then places like JCPenney (Bisou-Bisou line comes in plus sizes and is super stylish and affordable), Old Navy, Ashley Stewart, The Gap and Bitten (at Steve and Barry’s) by SJP are great options. If you can basically spend what you want on clothing then we big girls really have options. There’s Monif C, who is mostly know for her convertible dress that can be worn 22 different ways, Curvation by Queen Latifah, Size Appeal, Igigi, A-light, Kiyonna,
Curvety, Sosienna, and Torrid. You can find all these boutiques online and some have brick and mortar locations. I just wanted everyone to know that not ALL big girls have trouble finding clothes, I am living proof (as well as my mom).”
Alright, Pretty Girl. Thanks for your e-mail:) She mentioned a few lines I haven’t heard of, like A-light, Kiyonna, and Sosienna. A few of their offerings:
“Diamonds On My Neck, Di-diamonds On My Grill/Diamonds On My Neck, Di-diamonds On My Grill…”–Kelis, ‘Bossy’
Hey,
So I’m back in NYC, back on the grind. Honestly, I’m exhausted. My ATL vacay was thrown for bit of a loop due to a minor/major car accident. The car’s totalled (I wasn’t driving, just sleeping in the back)! I’m fine, just a lil scratched up. The icing on the cake was when Delta airlines (still smokin) delayed my flight back home. Didn’t help I was seated in the midst of a group of obnoxious grown, drunk men on the plane. Unacceptable!
Anyway, again, enough about me! Wanted to tell y’all about this cool online diamond e-store that has very affordable starter studs for fashionistas on a budget called Abazias www.abazias.com.
Why Diamonds, you ask? Well, you may get pimped out in nice clothes, but wearing a pair of clear, light catching diamonds makes you shine in a way that few people can. Purely diamonds are of course an investment, but a cute pair of diamond studs go with anything. They work whether you’re dressed down in a jean jacket…
…glammed up for the red carpet in black tie frocks…
….as an understated elegant accent to a hot white suit…
…or the icing on top of a multicolored cake…
Cute.
The great thing about Abazias ( www.abazias.com) is that it has plenty of starter options for diamond divas on a budget.
You can get these .1 carat round cut diamond studs for $84…
…or these .15 Princess Cut Studs…
…for $133.
You’d easily spend that on a pair of jeans! Abazias is safe, and has a 10 day return policy. Plus no sales tax and free shipping.
Check it out:)
Smootches!
PS Imposter alert! So fab reader Brianna was kind enough to alert me to a “website”/ “blog” titled “We Got Style” (www.wegotstyle.net). Well anyway, I clicked here and found that these “bloggers” straight up reproduced my posts on their site. I tried to e-mail, to no avail. What’s a girl to do? I mean imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but they couldn’t even disguise it??? Or ask?? Ridiculous!
“Welcome to Atlanta where the playas play/And we ride on them things like every day/Big beats, hit streets, see gangsta’s roamin’/And parties dont stop til’ eight in the mornin'”–Ludacris, Welcome to Atlanta.
Wassup Shawties,
I am FINALLY in Georgia! Yesterday I spent all day in the dern airport because DELTA AIRLINES had clearly lost its mind…they were cancelling flights left and right, trying to rebook people for the next day. Insane. Anyway after spending 8 hours (can you believe it?) hanging out in the airport and one hour on the runway, I finally made it home.
When I got to Hartsfield, I peeped Shay and Cristal of Charm School fame…
Source
They ran by in a flash of multicolored weaves and clear plastic heels. I wasn’t quick enough to snap a pic, but I reasoned that seeing them, if only for a moment, somewhat made it all worth it (totally kidding). Enough about me. Let’s get to some mail bombs.
First up, reader Shamecia says, ” I REALLY want to know the designer of the silver floor-length, belted gown that Beyonce wore on the Red Carpet for the BET Awards…”
“Can you or one of the fab new interns find it for me?”
Intern Elita is an ace at these, and she quickly found that Beyonce’s dress was this Dolce & Gabbana frock…
…ripped from the runway of their Fall 2007 collection.
D&G loves the metallic look with the cinched belt. If you recall, Naomi Campbell similarly wore a silver Dolce and Gabbana gown…
…on her last day of community service (I wrote about it here). But um, does Beyonce steal looks as well as acts? You be the judge!
Next, reader Tamika says, “I heart Ciara’s dress in this picture.”
“… Can you find me something similar?”
Doing a quick search, I found something close in this Gold Pleated Trapeze Dress…
…available for $98 at www.ardenb.com.
Lastly, reader Marlea asks, “I just adore the dress that the model is wearing at the end of Akon’s “Don’t Matter” video.”
“The print, length and kimono sleeves make it the perfect tropical vacation dress. Can you please find this for me?”
Elita championed this again, and says, “Figuring out who made that dress would be damn near impossible. But there are lots of people doing similar things for summer.” She recommended the following:
…with a sexy back detail. Hot!
Lastly, a young lady who calls herself, ‘Frantic in Dallas’ says, “Ok so I have a wedding to attend on 7-7-07 (is everyone getting married on that day??) and my ex boyfriend and his present girlfriend will be in attendance, needless to say I need to look fabulous! I have in mind a fitted strapless dress but have not been able to find what i am looking for. Do you have any ideas of a classy yet sexy evening dress for me?”
So you’ll want to knock your exes socks off without being too obvious. Since it’s a wedding, I’d say keep the silhouette classic in strapless, shift, or babydoll shapes. You can stand out in skin illuminating bright colors and prints. And flash a little leg:) Try these:
…and the designer of Lauren London’s dress here (for reader Nicole)…
…will win a faux pearl bracelet, necklace, and earring set from the website, All Girls Love Pearls (www.allgirlslovepearls.com)
…in any color you like. Choose any length, color, or setting you want! Pearls are a classic foundational piece in every girls wardrobe. They go with everything. So get to searching!
Have great weekends. I’ll try to survive Hotlanta:)
Smootches!
PS One of my favorite boutiques, Pieces, is having a 4th of July sale!
Happy Thursday!
As you’re reading this, I’m on a plane to Atlanta to visit my peeps. I’ll be updating, though, no worries!
So last week I did a Real Style Intervention Diary for one of my best friends from the A, Liana.
Liana is a curvy cutie, and while shopping with her, I noticed how hard it was to find affordable clothes that suited her hot bod.
A few readers—well actually one–wrote in, saying that while I had trouble shopping with Liana, she personally found lots of items that flattered her voluptuous frame.
The reader in question, Pretty Girl, said, “I am a size 16 and I do not have that many problems finding clothes, I think I do better than the girls who are a size 6. I don’t understand why you think it is soo hard for the voluptous to find anything, maybe it was just the figure your friend had. I find things at the last minute all the time and I live in the weakest, smallest city in the MidWest (Milwaukee). Do not put us all in the category of “I’m curvy and I can’t find anything to fit me.” Shop at stores that cater to women with curves, which is not H&M.”
Well, alright, then!
After reading that, I asked for submissions from readers who champion the curvy look with style and ease.
One brave reader, Tawanda, sent in pictures to show us how it’s done!
She says, “I’m a size 12-14 and I shop all over the place! If I’m looking for work clothes that aren’t that expensive then I’ll usually go to New York and Company. For Jeans I love Demo and Torrid and H&M. Macy’s has good dresses as does Charlotte Russe. That where I bought both of the dresses I’m wearing.”
She continues, “I try not to buy anything too clingy and I’m a firm believer in Spanx.”
Spanx Power Panties, $25, http://www.spanx.com/. “Even the most expensive outfit will look bad with lumps and bumps. Idon’t try to wear prints that are too small and too busy because Ipersonally don’t feel that bigger girls can carry that off. I lovecolors though especially for the summertime! When buying jeans I makesure that there is some sort of stretch material in the jeans. It makesthem fit better to your body.”
She warns, “Not all baby doll dresses/shirts/tunics are a good thing. I think a lot of curvy girls like them because they can hide a big tummy. If you’re not careful some of them will make you look bigger then you actually are (or worse pregnant).”
Some sound advice from a very chic chick!
You can tell she emphasizes her assets by wearing belts that cinch in at the waist, v-neck items that draw the eye towards the center of her body, and darker, slimming colors.
Like her look? If so, a few recommendations:
Hey Babes,
So if you’re like me, you have some sort of all white event to attend next week for 4th of July. And if you’re also like me, you’ve been procrastinating like *crazy* getting your outfit together (Eek!).
The delay, for me, is with good reason. My friends and I were talking, and though all white seems easy to do, you have to consider that you a.) want to stand out, b.) would DIE if anyone else had your outfit on (hello!), and c.) don’t want to look like a 12-year-old or d.) a marshmellow.
In searching for outfit inspiration, I, of course, looked to celebs:
If you’re more of a ‘dont’ want to rock the boat’ kind of chick, you can go with a classic, simple spaghetti strap dress like Ms. Selita Ebanks…
…a v-neck knee grazer with a gathered bodice a la Elise Neal…
…or a subtle, sophisticated white suit like Queen Latifah…
… shimmery camisole optional.
If you’re more like me, you’ll want to wear white with a bit more of a twist.
Kimora Lee shows us how it’s done in a long sleeved dress that looks pretty plain in front…
…only to pack quite the punch in back…
…hot!
Tanned to perfection Nia Long also shows us a different way to go blanc in a delicate keyhole belted tunic…
…worn over light gold metallic shorts.
Still need ideas? Try focusing less on the outfit itself, and more on how you can set yourself apart with eye catching accessories. A distinctive shoe, cascading necklace, or light reflecting bauble are guaranteed showstoppers.
Nicole Richie’s red pumps add a certain je ne sais quoi to her run of the mill snow white frock…
Tons of gold accessories, including multiple bangles, stiletto sandals, and sequined clutch make J. Lo’s jumper more alluring…
…and unique belts spell u-p-g-r-a-d-e for Ciara…
..and Beyonce…
Cute.
Need a few recommendations?? I got you:
First the outfit:
…Doesn’t it seem like it was just yesterday that Aaliyah was topping the charts?? I still love this song…R.I.P Aaliyah!
PS So the BET awards were on last night! I didn’t watch it (no cable, ack!), but I was able to peep a few pics online. Of course I have a few favorites:
Ms. Keys…
…certainly stepped her game up in the slate colored floor skimming gown with jeweled neck accents.
Ciara…
…looked toned and trim in this trapeze style gray cocktail dress.
Kelly….
…was smoking hot in this beaded number.
And our good girl gone bad, Rihanna…
…showed us again how to rock all white with flair.
Everyone came correct, but my absolute favorite was…
Eva! She looked smashing in this technicolored long gown. The multiple colors played well off of her tanned skin, brown eyes, and dark brown tresses.
Gorgeous.
For more commentary and pictures, visit ybf.blogspot.com.
PSS The website Dlisted reports that uber designer Liz Claiborne…
… passed away today at the age of 78. Rest in Peace!
Happy Tuesday!
Intern Suzie hits us with a Stylefile on actress Kerry Washington. Enjoy! Hey Guys!
Suzie here, so sorry for disappearing on you! I was in London (on business)…and you know I had to stop in Burberry and exercise my credit cards:) Anyway, I’m here to profile one of my fave actresses, style icons, and Essence Cover Girl…
…Ms. Kerry Washington. She is a consummate lady and a fashionista to boot. Let’s take a look.
Kerry pays close attention to details in beautiful gowns accented with embroidery, beads, and embellishments… And as you can see Kerry is a total fan of scintillating colors like fuchsia…. Eye popping orange… Punchy Pink… And powder blue…
While she dabbles in color, blacks, whites and greys also play a huge part in her wardrobe… Beautiful. Want to recreate a Kerry Washington look for less? Try the following: On the left: Sheer Rosebud Dress, $24.80, www.forever21.com. Right Hand Side, Top to Bottom: 2.75″ hoops in silver, $5, www.girlprops.com; Patent Clutch with Bow, $7.50, www.target.com; Kilty Flats, $60, www.stevemadden.com. You’re ready to go!
Always Remember: “Dress to Impress.”
~Suzie Great Job Suzie! Love Kerry Washington… Anyway I also had to jump in to tell you about a new t-shirt line one of my colleagues, Janet Kim, recently created called Graey. She says she started her collection to, “incorporate couture details into affordable ready-to-wear.” Her Spring ’07 collection is comprised of, “tanks and tees embellished with a couture technique where lace is embroidered onto the fabric and the original fabric is cut away on the back to reveal what’s underneath.” Take a look: Left to Right: Crown Tee, $88; Lace Tee, $110; Black Lace Tank, $55.
Tres chic.
Check out her whole collection (and shop!) at www.graeyny.com.
Smootches!
Hey,
So moving was tough, but it’s coming along…my clothes are still in boxes (boo!), but hopefully everything can be arranged soon enough! In the meantime wanted to hit you with a bit of Real Style. I ran into this guy last week in Soho, and had to snap a picture…
…he said his look was a mixture of Flavor Flav, Will Smith, and Steve Urkel. I kinda liked his throwback steeze…he was definitely bringing the 80’s back full force with his glasses, suspenders, hat, and shoes. Oh yeah, and can’t miss the large clock swinging from his neck!
Anyway, what do you think? Are you digging his look?
Smootches!
PS Anyone know how to put together Ikea furniture?!? I swear this one device is missing like…10 critical parts!! Help!
PSS Is this for real??
My friend just sent me a link to this website, called www.ebon-aide.com
…apparently they sell band-aids, made in brown shades. If it’s legit, it’s a very cool idea!
PSSS A few friends of mine own a company called Seasoned to Perfection, which specializes in trendy, affordable, one of a kind vintage women’s clothing. They’re having their first sale this weekend in Harlem and Brooklyn. Click to enlarge
I’m going back home to the A this wknd, so won’t be able to attend. But you definitely should look into it! Vintage…so fetch.
“Gucci shades up on my braids when I Escalade/When I’m riding Sprewells sliding like a escapade/I got it made the big boss of the north/Ain’t ish changed I still represent Swisha House.” Mike Jones, “Still Tippin.”
When it’s bright and sunny outside, there’s no better way to accessorize your summer wardobe than with a pair of cute, face flattering stunna shades…
The right sunglasses, chosen carefully, can instantly upgrade and ‘chic’-ify your look.
Before you run to the store, know that there’s actually a method to picking the perfect pair. Let’s take a look at a few of our fave celebs to see how it’s done:
Ms. Kelly…
…J.Lo…
..and Rihanna…
…all don sunglasses with rounded frames to balance and complement their angular jawlines. Doing so adds a bit of softness to their more straight edged facial features.
On the other hand, women with rounder faces like Eve…
…and Mariah…
…look more balanced with the opposite: angular more boxy shade shapes that lend a little edge to their softer features.
Unsure of your face shape?
Classic aviator sunglasses look good on almost everyone. Ciara…
…and Zoe Saldana…
Know what’s up.
And if you’re feeeling playful, don’t be afraid to experiment with color. Get creative with a pair of orange shades like Nicole Richie…
Or mix it up more with a retro pair of white sun-specs a la Kelis…
Cute.
Need a few ideas? Try the following:
Top Row: Ray Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses, $119, http://www.eluxury.com/; Royal Flush Sunglasses, $38, http://www.anthropologie.com/.
Bottom Row: Kenneth Cole Rev-eye-vul Sunglasses, $98, http://www.kennethcole.com/; Dior Glossy Large Sunglasses, $260, www.eluxury.com.
I threw in a pair of Dior specs for you divalicious babes out there. Now get those stunna shades on!
Smootches!
PS Intern Elita says, “According to Fashionista.com there is a Rachel Roy sample sale going on today and tomorrow from 12-7 at 25 W. 39th St, 14th floor.”
So Elita was right! Rachel Roy is having a sample sale, and I dropped in briefly while running errands. The prices were a little higher than expected…shirts from $50-$100 and dresses starting at $150. Also, forget about sizes. I couldn’t find a button down bigger than a size 8, or a dress bigger than a medium. But I did manage to leave with one Grecian gathered cotton top (perfect with some skinny jeans) and a work ready white ruffle trimmed sleeveless sweater for $150. Bonus: Totally saw Damon Dash! Don’t you hate when you see a celebrity…and you’re all cheesing…and you expect them to know who you are cuz you know who they are…but you just end up looking lame (meanwhile, they’re like who’s this crazy person staring at me?) ANYWAY, celeb sightings aside, it was worth it. Rachel’s clothes are so pretty, even a simple top will upgrade your wardrobe. Hit up her sale. It’s going on until tomorrow!
“The summertime, when we fell in love it was/The summertime,when heaven shined on us it was/The summertime, baby there is nothing like/The summertime (summertime) oooh oohhoo…”Beyonce, “Summertime”
So every summer I see pictures of beautiful Beyonce luxuriating, tanning, and eating…
…at some lush resort in a remote part of the world. Out of any other celeb, Beyonce knows how to hang by the beach in a super stylish way!
Let’s take a look:
Beyonce flaunts her amazing body in string bikinis in shades like lime green…
…classic black with turquoise jewels…
…and flattering yellow.
While she may be a bit scandalous/slutacious poolside, she keeps it demure elsewhere by sporting cute sarongs…
…flowing pastel cotton skirts…
…embellished tunics…
…all topped off with cute accessories like sun shielding straw hats.
Hot.
Got a vacay coming up soon? Channel Bey with the following items:
Top Row: Paisley Print Tunic, $55, www.bloomingdales.com; Diane von Furstenberg Bursano Rose String Bikini, $112, www.saks.com.
Bottom Row: Small Solid Amagansett tote, $20, www.jcrew.com; Ladies Straw Hat, $6.50, www.target.com.
Now just pop on a pair of embellished flats and have some fun in the sun!
Smootches!
PS So a few readers commented yesterday that they don’t have problems finding plus sized clothes in their hood. If your town has the plus sized market on lock, write a post about it! Send me your own real style diary. E-mail me at thefashionbomb@gmail.com.
PSSS Didn’t hit up T. Reese or Shoshanna… Did you go? Was it worth it? Should I work it?
“Friends may come and friends may go/But you should know that/That I’ve got your back, it’s automatic/So never hesitate to call/Cuz I’m your sister and always for ya and I/I don’t know what I’d ever do without you/From the beginning to the end/You’ve always been here by my side/So I’ll call you my best friend.”–Brandy, “Best Friend”.
Hey Guys!
So this past weekend, my bestest bud from 4th grade, Liana…
…came to visit me!
She’s from Atlanta, which, while lauded for its crunk music, isn’t quite as well known for fashion. Liana came to NYC looking to add a dash of style to her wardrobe, and I figured…who best to deliver it to her?!?!
We were hitting the town all weekend, and she needed outfits for the various dinners, club hops, and social events I had planned. She also wanted to indulge in a bit of Canal street shopping, so I figured I’d take her to the Soho strip (Q to Canal Street, R to Prince Street)…
…to see what we could see.
With only 3 hours before our next event, we hit the pavement. But of course there were a few caveats. I asked, what’s the most you’d spend on a top? At first she said, “I’ll pay whatever as long as it looks good.” So I was like, “You’d pay $80 for a top?” And quickly she changed her tune. Turns out, the most she’d spend on a top was $50, and the most she’d spend on a bottom was $60. Plus Liana is a voluptuous lady, so we had size concerns to deal with.
Instead of messing around with my favorite haunts like Bloomingdales or Club Monaco, we made a stop at H&M…
…for their reasonably priced, fashion forward offerings.
I decided I’d look for a few club tops, and tried to only pluck ones that didn’t have clingy material, flowed over her tummy, yet still had sort of a dressy element.
This gold top…
…looked like it had potential at first blush, but Liana quickly pushed it to the side, citing it was ‘too gold and filmy.‘ (Don’t you love the facial expressions?)
We liked this shirt/dress better…
…but I wasn’t a fan of how it hugged her curves around her bottom. The neckline was flattering, but the bottom seemed lumpy.
This top…
…again, was too clingy, and though it had a silver sheen, it didn’t scream ‘I’m going out!’ but more…”I’m going to the grocery store!” Didn’t work.
But this zebra print flowy top…
…was just right! It had an eccentric print, and its sheer element was sexy enough for a night at Marquee. Plus the flowy fabric didn’t cling to curves, and the neckline drew attention to Liana’s face. We took a look at the price…and it was only $25! Well within our price range. So we checked out…
…and were on our way!
So I had Liana trying on those tops with white shorts, and thought that white jeans would look *great* with the zebra print top. I thought that we’d run a find a quick pair of jeans, and be on our way.
I chose to run into the Levi’s store…
…because I knew they’d have a whole range of sizes for a reasonable price. Turns out they were having a sale, and every jean was $30! Perfect.
I grabbed a few pairs–short, long, and in varying widths–and we hit the dressing room. This size 14 pair…
….was too tight around the thighs and very low cut. This size up….
…was too low, had a weird crotch, and too short. No Dice!
We were short on time by now, and I figured we could run into Uniqlo…
…because I knew that they had inexpensive jeans and went up to a size 14.
Well the jeans there were an affordable $39.50, but Liana couldn’t even pull em up over her thighs. For shame, Uniqlo! She did, however stumble upon this saucy black shirt dress…
…for $89.50. Out of our price range, but Liana loved how she felt in it, and I thought it was flattering. The black color was slimming, the vertical buttons on the dress elongating, and the style just worked well! So we checked out…
…and were done!
That night Liana ended up wearing her new zebra top with a pair of Baby Phat jeans she brought with her from home.
Beautiful!
Going shopping with Liana was an elucidating exercise. I didn’t realize how hard it was for voluptuous women to find affordable jeans in your go-to stores. Heck, I didn’t realize how hard it was voluptuous ladies to find *anything* stylish, fashionable, and well fitting. And last minute? Forget about it.
But I think I did an ok job, no?
Want Liana’s look? Try the following pieces:
Top Row: Florida Wash Signature Jean, $64, BabyPhat.com Shirt Dress in Charcoal, $129, www.igigi.com.
Bottom Row: INC International Concepts Belted Zebra-Print Shirt, $79.00, www.macys.com ; Not Your Daughter’s Jeans Tummy Tuck Stretch Jeans, $98, www.nordstrom.com.
Smootches!
PS Need more style advice? Check out my prior post on voluptuous vixens here.
PSS Shout out to my other best bud from the A, Tara. Lurve you gurrl! Come visit me!!!
PSSS Dont’ Forget, from nymag:
Tracy Reese and Plenty by Tracy Reese’s girlie frocks (now $99), handbags (now $250), and sweet sweaters (now $93) are on sale.
When: 6/19 and 6/20.
Where: Loft Eleven, 336 W. 37th St., at Eighth Ave., eleventh fl.
Bottom Row: 
