Archive March 2012 | Style Plus Curves - A Chicago Plus Size Fashion Blog
Supporting the Girls: A Sportsbra Review

Supporting the Girls: A Sportsbra Review

Sportsbras…ARGH. Finding a plus size version that doesn’t let your girls flop around is like looking for Aztec gold. It’s elusive and frustrating a filled with wrong turns…er…purchases. Why is it so hard to create one that can secure my DD girls and let me exercise in relative comfort?? I’ve had such a problem over the years finding adequate support, but I’ve finally found one that passes the boob bounce test!

BEHOLD! The Glamorise Plus Size Wireless Sportsbra from Woman Within!

First of all, this is a wireless bra…which I was a little unsure of at first because I was concerned with the uniboob effect…but this sportsbra ends up being comfortable, and flattering.

The coolest, most innovative part of this sportsbra is that it has an adjustable front that can be hooked higher or lower depending on what level of support you need. So, if you want more movement and flexibility for your yoga class, hook the straps on the lowest level…If you’re going to be running or doing a training session, you will want to hike it up to the third or fourth level. How cool is that??

 

 

This is a view of the front support flap folded down. You can see that the inside cups provide another level of support and separate the girls so that your ladies look better under your workout tops. I’m not the only person who cares about that, right?

Five hook and eye closures form a wide band that lays flat on your back and doesn’t ride up.

Overall, I have to highly recommend this Glamorise Sportsbra from Woman Within.

I’ve worn it to yoga, zumba, spinning, and through some vigorous sessions on the elliptical. Never once did I feel like my boobs were bouncing around uncontrolled or restricted so I couldn’t breathe.

Here’s an important shopping tip: Order one size ABOVE your normal bra size. I ordered a size up and still had to hook it on the last row of hooks…so it does run pretty small.

So, if you are getting back into your workout routine now that the weather is nicer, this is a great investment!
Protect the girls! Strap ’em in! lol

Spring Trends in Plus Fashion: Love or Hate?

There are some great and not-so-great spring trends popping up in the stores…have you noticed? Well, I have my own opinions, but I want to know what other curvy fashionistas think! What are you loving/hating this spring?? Do tell!!

Take this short survey, and then tell me what other trends are you seeing??? Do you love or hate them? Let’s dish, y’all!

Plus Fashion Week Chicago Officially Launched

It’s official, y’all!!! Chicago will have its very own fashion week dedicated exclusively to plus-size designers! Plus Fashion Week Chicago (or PFW for short) will take place October 17-21. We officially kicked things off last week at an Accessories Soiree held at Charming Charlie, which I’m so thrilled to discover is on Michigan Ave!

I wore my fantastic Sasha dress from Shavonne Dorsey designs, and dressed it up with tons of fun, sparkly, colorful accessories!

We had a great crowd show up and all left with some fabulous jewelry to liven up their wardrobes.

Two fabulous Chicago fashionistas: Tamika from Dangerous Curves Ahead and Lindsey from Lindsey M Adams.

We had a short fashion show during the event too! 3 gorgeous models from ThYck Troupe Chicago wore some beautiful designs from Crescendo Apparel, and accessorized with pieces from our host, Charming Charlie.

Myisha Hill, the founder of PFWChicago took a moment to introduce the leadership team: Carrie Novakowski, David Sanchez, Nicole Guerrero, and me! Here, Myisha acknowledges Niehla from Chocolate Sushi Couture as Carrie and David look on.  

 

 The models did a quick change and came out in another look with accessories from Charming Charlie.

  

I couldn’t stop changing my accessories!! So many fun options!!

Perry from Alluring Chicago and I had too much fun running around the store…and we definitely spent too much money!! 🙂

I’m excited to be a part of the leadership team that will be getting the first Plus Fashion Week Chicago off the ground! Follow @plusfashwkchi on Twitter and Like the PFWChicago Facebook page. More info will roll out in the next few months, so stay tuned!

2 Ways to Tame a Leopard Dress, part 2: Purrrrfect for the Office

How do you take this va-va-voom leopard print ruched dress from Kiyonna and tame it for the office?? It was actually easier than I thought! I added a wide black belt, a black blazer, black pumps, a refined updo, and gold jewelry.

The solid dark colors almost magically tone down the MEOW to more of a proper PURR, suitable for the office. lol.

With this look, I get to extend the life of the dress and pull it out twice as much! I actually don’t know if I like the professional look or the glam look better… lol. Anyway, this post has inspired me to pull out some more of my too-hot-for-daytime dresses to give them a new life in the sun!

2 Ways to Tame a Leopard Dress, part 1: Meow!

When Kiyonna mentioned that they were coming out with the Betsey Ruched dress in Leopard Print, I was like….OMG, I must have it immediately!!!! But then…the doubts crept in…I started wondering if I really could pull off a full-body v-neck leopard print ruched dress. Was it too over-the-top even for me???

Then, I opened the package and tried it on and the only thing I could think was…MEOW. lol. This was a dress that makes a statement! It says…Yes, I’ve got curves, and I know how to flaunt them! 
It’s impossible to wear this dress and fade into the crowd. You are not made to blend in…you are confident and sexy, and this dress projects that to the world. And even if you are feeling a little self-conscious, this dress will help you “fake it til you make it.”
I debuted it at my first Chic Swaps event in mid-February and paired it with some shiny red heels, gold jewelry, a retro hairstyle and set it off with a red flower in my hair. I was going for the old-school vixen look. 

The event was a success, and so was the dress!!!

This dress was so awesome, that I didn’t just want to wear it to special events, I wanted to rotate it into my everyday wardrobe. So I challenged myself: Can I make this Kiyonna Leopard-Print Betsey Ruched dress work-appropriate????

Tune in on Monday to see how I styled it for the office. 🙂