Archive December 2011 | Style Plus Curves - A Chicago Plus Size Fashion Blog

Top 10 Tips for a Pain-Free New Year’s Eve

I know, I know…you’re all thinking that NYE is totally overhyped and you’d rather be home in your PJs with some fuzzy slippers on…BUT…it’s New Year’s Eve! I’ve definitely put too much pressure on NYE in the past and have tried too hard to make it into something big and meaningful…but this year, I’m changing my attitude. I’m going to avoid the mistakes I’ve made in the past, and I’m going for a fun and pain-free NYE! Are you with me?? Here are my TOP 10 TIPS to make sure you have a safe, fabulous, worry-free NYE!

#10. Wear something sparkly.
No, seriously. How many chances do you actually have to go out in public with flecks of gold on your cheekbones, a disco ball ring, glitter-encrusted platforms, or something with sequins?? Get into the spirit of NYE, and just DO IT!

This amazing, and oh-so-sparkly Samantha dress  from Monif C really gets into the spirit of NYE!

#9. Show off the goods.
One advantage we curvy girls have over our skinny sisters is our awesome racks. Wear push up bra, a v-neck dress, a tank with draping at the bustline…or go really daring, and put a corset or bodysuit under a sheer top! If you are celebrating at a house party and somewhat modest, you might wear a tank under your risque top, or a cardigan over your slinky dress. But…if you are going out on the town, take some risks!

This daring sheer textured tee is from Jibri’s holiday collection.

#8. Experiment with your makeup–and use a primer!
Have you ever wanted to try fake eyelashes?? Well, tonight’s the night! If that’s still too much for you to take on, buy some of the new mascara that’s meant to look like faux lashes. Break out your most daring red lipstick, too (my favorites are MAC’s Ruby Woo and NARS Cruella). This is a night to be dramatic.

If you are looking for something new, watch these addictive make-up tutorials from PixiWoo–they can teach you to do the perfect cat-eye or smoky-eye. Oh…and a note about primer…it WORKS. Buy it, use it and your makeup will stay put through a long night out–even through dancing! I use Smashbox Photo Finish primer on my eyes on all special occasions.

This faux fur coat is from Jessica London!

#7. Wear a coat, but skip the scarves/hats/gloves.
If you live in the southern states, you don’t have to worry about this, but up here, you always have to think about not getting frostbite. Lugging your coat around is a drag when you are trying to look carefree and fabulous…but you’ll wish you had brought it when you are standing outside freezing trying to catch a taxi and wake up with pneumonia. A coat is a MUST, but scarves, hats and gloves are just a major headache to keep up with. I guarantee you will lose at least one of those items, so just leave them behind.

#6. Take a taxi-everywhere.
This is non-negotiable if you will be drinking! Also…if you are wearing heels, it will save your feet! Be sure to bring enough money for a cab home and put it somewhere you won’t spend it.

#5. Use a shoulder bag or a purse with a cross-body strap.
I know it’s tempting to bring a little clutch with you on fancy occasions…but you will hate that thing at the end of the night. When you are trying to navigate crowds with a drink in your hand, you will wish you had a shoulder or cross-body bag. It will free your hands up for dancing, paying, drinking or whatever…and you won’t be tempted to set it down anywhere where someone can walk off with it.

Here’s a Kate Spade bag that looks big enough for all of your essentials!

#4. Wear pantyhose or tights.
I don’t know why people are so against pantyhose. They are absolute lifesavers! They not only keep your legs warm while still showing some skin….they have this amazing smoothing and firming effect. Your legs will look amazing! Also, if you’re a curvy girl like me–pantyhose and tights prevent inner thigh chafing when you’re out on the dance floor and the plus size versions are usually roomy in the waistband, so you can pull them all the way up over your tummy. Oila! Instant tummy support!

#3. Drink water all day today and EAT before you start drinking!
Nobody wants to be the girl falling down in the middle of the street trying to hail a taxi (not that I speak from experience or anything!). Alcohol is wonderful (if you’re of age, not driving, and know your limits!), but you must stay hydrated (order a water with every alcoholic beverage) and EAT a substantial dinner (not just carbs–get some protein!) before you go out. This will not only help you not get drunk so fast, but it will also help your hangover be a little less horrible. Here’s an awesome article about alcohol and how to prevent a skull-crushing hangover the day after.

#2. Don’t wear anything that is uncomfortable.
This is not the time to squeeze into your skinny jeans, wear a dress that rides up, a strange girdle-type contraption, or shoes that hurt your feet (more than the usual pain that comes with fabulous shoes). If you’re constantly fooling around with your outfit, you won’t be the carefree and fabulous person you have in your head! Let your clothes work for you, don’t work for them!

#1. Wear heels, but bring FLATS to change into later.
Go ahead and rock your heels ladies, but your feet are going to KILL you in a couple of hours. Once you’ve already made a grand, fabulous impression in your sexy stilettos (and everyone is having a good time), no one will mind when you change into your flats. This tip goes with #5 and #2: Bring a bag that is big enough to fit your smallest pair of flats and a foldable tote bag to store your heels–a little sparkly clutch is not going to do it. Your feet do not deserve to be tortured (longer than necessary) for the sake of fashion!

These Fit in Clouds black sequin foldable flats are about the size of a wallet and can be crammed into most bags!

What are YOUR tips for a pain-free NYE? Whatever you end up doing, have fun, be safe…and be fabulous!
xoxo

Dazzle til Dawn: Find the perfect NYE outfit with ME and Curvatude

Here’s the perfect remedy for the post-Christmas slump: a shopping event with me and Jaye from Curvatude!

I know you might be tired of shopping after the holidays, but this is different…it’s for YOU! On Wednesday, December 28th from 6-9pm, join Jaye and me at Chicago’s premier plus-size boutique, vive la femme, and its sister shoe store, violette, for some wine, sweet treats, shopping, and pampering!  
Dresses, shoes, bling…everything you need for a dazzling NYE outfit…for 20% off!! 
Mark your calendar now! I will be on hand to help you pick out your outfit, and I won’t let you leave until you look fabulous!!
You can RSVP on Facebook, or just show up! 

Recipe for a Sassy Holiday Outfit: Black Jacket, Skinny Jeans, Red Boots, and Red Lipstick

What’s the key to a sassy, not too dressy holiday look? I say take one shiny black jacket, add one pair of skinny jeans, fold in some high-heeled red boots, and sprinkle with a chainmail necklace…Oh, and don’t forget to serve it up with some red lipstick!

This is the look I rocked at the recent Rent the Runway event co-hosted by Maxine Salon and the Chicago Blogger Network. I didn’t know what to expect when I showed up at this event…and after seeing all of the beautiful fashions on display, I actually felt underdressed! Some of the girls there were rocking designer frocks from Rent the Runway, and hairstyles courtesy of Maxine Salon. The crowd was completely beautiful, and so was the space. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a ton of pictures of the loft space, but it was beautiful and perfect for entertaining such a well-heeled crowd.

Rent the Runway is an awesome service, and the saddest thing is that they don’t have plus sizes! Don’t worry, I definitely spoke up for us curvy ladies when I talked to A.J., the representative from RTR who flew in from NY for the event. Hopefully, they’ll be expanding their selection in the future so that us full-figured fashionistas can get in on the fun!

Here I am with A.J. from RTR. She was super sweet!

 

And here are two lovely ladies that I had an absolute blast talking to!! I hope I’ll run into them at future events!

My fellow plus-blogger friend, Jaye from Curvatude also attended the event, and we ended up doing an impromptu photo shoot at The Drake Hotel later that night! Doesn’t she look great?

I love that she added a belt on the exterior of her coat…It adds a chic and flattering detail!

 

 

 

How much do I LOVE these boots??? Red? Heels? Thunderbirds??? AMAZING!

 

This is what she was hiding under her coat! Love her sequin skirt!!!

 

 

 

Have I raved about my boots enough yet? I got them at Violette, the sister shoe store of vive la femme…located right across the street in Bucktown! Violette carries wide-width and wide-calf shoes in sizes 7-11. I have to put my credit cards on lockdown when I go in there, because the shoes are so affordable and adorable, that I will way overspend my budget! The shoes range in price from $29-$59, and at those prices, I have a hard time saying no. Anyway, I luuuuuuuuurve these red boots with white thunderbirds on them! There are still some left, so mosey on in there and get your own!

More deets about my outfit:
Black Moto-esque Jacket: DKNY via LaneBryant
Skinny Jeans: Forever 21 +
Chainmail Necklace and Leather Stud Bracelet: Forever 21
Red Thunderbird Boots: Violette
Lipstick: Ruby Woo by MAC (my signature color!)

I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season and are coming up with your own sassy outfits! xoxo

Dressing for High Tea: A Holiday Tradition

I love the holidays! I love love love twinkly lights, sparkly things, pink cheeks, snow, colorful scarves, feelings of good cheer, and all of the fun events that come with the holidays. One of my favorite traditions is having High Tea with my girlfriends at one of the fancy hotels here in Chicago. This year, it was at the gorgeous, historic Drake Hotel.

Since I can’t resist any opportunity to put on a fancy frock, I love going to the Drake, even though I have to fight the urge to start speaking in an aristocratic British accent. lol. The lobby is always elegant and beautifully decorated. This was the perfect time to debut my unbelievably awesome vintage coat. It’s black with white mink trim…I fell in love instantly when I found it at Hoard Antiques, and almost cried with happiness when it successfully buttoned up over my boobs! lol

According to the bellhop…”Women of such beautiful perfection cannot stand here without getting their picture taken.”

Here I am with my gorgeous girlfriends in front of the famous fountain in the middle of the Palm Court of the Drake Hotel.

I felt so pretty and festive in this simple outfit!

I love this dress for the simple, unexpected asymmetrical hemline. Short in the front and longer in the back…it let’s me show off my legs and just adds some visual interest to a somewhat standard black charmeuse dress from Old Navy (it’s on sale right now for $34.50!). And I like that it has a high neckline (and yay for sleeves!). This dress is great for girls who are top heavy, and leggy. 🙂

To add some holiday flair, I accessorized with a gorgeous red Obi belt that I bought at vive la femme earlier this season. And…I couldn’t resist adding a red flower to my side chignon. I paired it with sexy black boots and a red lip, and I was ready for my afternoon high tea. 🙂

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?? I hope your season is off to a great start too!

Shavonne Dorsey Trunk Show

I know y’all have heard me sing the praises of Chicago’s own plus-size designer extraordinaire, Shavonne Dorsey…but I just have to give her props one more time. Last week, I went to her trunk show and got to see her beautiful dresses up close and personal. It was great to chat with Shavonne one-on-one…and I tried on dresses from her S/S2012 collection. I fell in love with her Sasha dress, and ordered it in black-perfect for NYE2012! I can’t wait until it’s finished!! 

Here are some quick pics from her Trunk Show…isn’t she adorable??? Here she is with one of her most popular designs. Shavonne will make this in any color combination, so that it can fit your unique style. Oh, and  this can be made to fit any size!
OOOOlala! This is the Sasha dress in Coral and in a light airy blue color. It is the cutest dress in the world when you put it on! The V-neck is flattering and the draping is sassy, sexy…and above all…comfortable!
This white silk dress is absolutely stunning. The off-the shoulder design is so elegant, while the shawl-like layers cover cleavage, arms, and any trouble spots you might have in the midsection area. 🙂 Beautiful, no?

The dress in the next two pictures is fantastic. The inset comes in many gorgeous colors, so you can choose a pop of color that suits you!

Are you in love yet?? Ok, her designs are only available for custom order–her website will be updated soon, so if you are interested in any of the dresses in the pictures above, call or email her for details! She can be reached at shavonne@shavonnedorsey.com and 312-636-6137. 
Here are some other posts featuring Shavonne Dorsey Designs, because I know you want more!!
Shavonne Dorsey: Standing Up for the Curvy Girls