November 2013 | Style Plus Curves - A Chicago Plus Size Fashion Blog

November 22, 2013 in Plus Size Style

Feeling like a curvy bombshell in Kiyonna’s Rumor Ruched Dress

This Kiyonna Rumor Ruched Dress in Green is EVERYTHING! It’s sexy and ladylike and oh-so-flattering for busty and hippy plussize ladies.

The ruching at the skirt hugs your shape and takes your curves to 11, and the full flutter sleeves provide coverage for those a little arm-shy. If you’re an apple shape like me, you might have to arrange the ruching so that it lays best over your middle.

This dress is perfect for every occasion…except perhaps yoga classes…and even then, it’s so soft and comfortable, you could probably make it work. lol. I’ve already worn it to work several times, out to a special dinner, and to my college Homecoming…and with the holidays coming up, I know it’s going to be a wardrobe staple.

For those situations requiring a bit of modesty, pop a tank underneath, pile on the pearls and step into some nude pumps…and you’re ready to go!

If you’re looking for a bombshell, curve-hugging, super comfortable, wear-anywhere dress, this Kiyonna Rumor Ruched Dress has your name on it. It comes in this gorgeous emerald green, classic black, and vixen red. Go check it out and see what other dresses catch your eye for the holidays!

November 14, 2013 in Plus Size Style

Prepping my face for winter, step 1: Getting a hydrating facial at Johnathan Breitung Salon & Luxury Spa

Winter is coming! (Imagine I said that in my best deep Game of Thrones voice.) As soon as those radiators kick in, my face dries out and starts flaking off (SO gross!). This year, I vowed to do something different. I vowed to take care of my skin and not let it get all chapped and flaky. So, when the fabulous staff at Johnathan Breitung Salon & Luxury Spa invited me to come try their hydrating facial, I jumped at the chance!

Photo credit: Nick Biscardi

I headed down to the spa area, where I changed into my robe and slippers and relaxed in a calming, candlelit room, complete with tea and trailmix.

Photo credit: Nick Biscardi

Then, I met my awesome esthetician, Tonya. She used her magic creams and potions to bring my skin back to life. When I asked her for details about the treatments, she kindly explained what each one did and the reason behind it. Hydration facials are designed to work deep into skin and moisturize on a more intense level, and boy did I feel it! After my facial, my face felt smooth, fresh and glowy.

Tonya provided me with a personalized assessment of my skin and some recommended products that would help keep my face smooth all winter. I even got some samples of Dermalogica cleansers and moisturizers.

And, we can’t forget about the hands! My hands get cracked and chapped in the winter too, and a hydrating spa manicure is just what I needed to start the season off right. I was very impressed that the salon used Sparitual, a certified organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, fair trade line of products. I chose this funky, sparkly gray color called Sacred Ground. Thanks to Lein, my manicurist for the fabulous treatment.

I left the Johnathan Breitung Salon & Luxury Spa feeling pampered from face to fingers!

If you want to get your face (and hands!) ready for winter, check out their website and get on their mailing list to learn about deals and special events.

November 12, 2013 in Plus Size Style

ASOS Curve Red Plaid Circle Skirt Brings a Little Punk Rock to a Ladylike Look

Plaid is having a major moment right now…and why not?? It’s fun, classic and an easy way to add some punk rock spunk to your everyday wardrobe. I’ve been yearning for some of my 90s throwback grunge, but wanted to interpret the trend in an unexpected way. When I saw this red plaid circle skirt from ASOS Curve in my Gwynnie Bee closet, I knew it was just what I was looking for!

Since it had a punk rock vibe, but a full circle skirt that hits below the knee…I came up with a look that played up a classic ladylike silhouette, but added some 90s rock overtones.

ASOS Curve Red Plaid Skater Skirt via Gwynnie Bee; Forever 21 Plus Black Studded Sleeve top; Sam Edelman black suede ankle strap platforms; Fabric Obi belt via vive la femme

Cross necklaces are mine from the 90s…yes, seriously! Black onyx ring and studded leather bracelet via Forever 21.

It was SO windy!!!! Couldn’t keep my hair out of my eyes!

Overall, this outfit struck me as sassy and feminine, with an edge. 🙂 What do you think? Gwynnie Bee is the perfect no-commitment way to play around with styles like this…if you haven’t already, check it out here.

Also, if you’re looking for more plaid from Gwynnie Bee, here’s a great Jessica Howard roll-neck dress and a Mynt 1792 Wren Moto Jacket that will give your wardrobe a jolt of 90s punk!

November 11, 2013 in Plus Size Style

In high style at Bloomingdale’s

I was thrilled when Bloomingdale’s asked me to host their fall style and pampering event last month! Bloomingdale’s recently revamped their whole layout and look and took their Michigan Ave store to a whole new level…and The Shop for Women on level 5 is a haven for curvy ladies with high style.

The event featured hand massages, makeovers by Illamasqua cosmetics, lite bites…and styling tips from me! Before everyone started coming, I picked out outfits for myself and two mannequins, and I also pulled a few of my favorite looks for visitors to peruse during the event. Don’t we look fab?!

This dress is EVERYTHING!!! Karen Kane nailed it this season, and this one (Karen Kane Sequin Ombre dress) in particular is a stunner. What girl can say no to all-over ombre sequins in tones of pink and silver? The simple lines and modest neckline and hem length let you make a statement without showing off all of your goods. With a dress this blinged-out, you don’t need many extra accessories–except shoes of course! These gorgeous Michael Kors grey studded pumps hit just the right note!

Now, on to the mannequins! I chose to showcase two looks for fall–one for work and one for the weekend. On the left, we have a fun Michael Kors blazer with faux-leather panels over a Calvin Klein striped top in hues of red and pink. Black pants round out the look, and the leather blazer adds just a little edge to your workday basics. The look on the right is all about weekend comfort! The stunner is this bright fire-y orange high low top from Eileen Fisher. To make it fun and playful, I paired it with a grey striped long-sleeve tee, also from Eileen Fisher, and some James Icon jeans. Cute, right?

Can’t get enough of this Karen Kane sequined dress!

Also fell in love with this Calvin Klein black moto jacket…soooo cool.

And how adorable is Amy (a Bloomingdale’s manager) in this great Karen Kane V-neck scalloped lace dress? LOVE!

Here’s our party station!

Pampering in action: Andrea gets an Illamasqua touch up from Christian.

Who can possibly turn down a complimentary hand massage?

One of the Illamasqua artists who helped out with the event and one of our happy customers.

DJ spinning us some tunes!

Amy modeling a Jaime Adalyn coat…Love the leather sleeves!

Getting my makeup done by the fiercest makeup artist ever (see the pink eyebrows??) from Illamasqua.

My friend Jennifer (owner of Spa Soak) who stopped by the event. Thanks for coming to visit me! 🙂

During the event, Amy, Eileen and I snuck down to the dress department to visit the Tadashi Shoji dress collection. OH>MY>GOD, this One-shoulder Ribbed Horsewire Hem Gown is so gorgeous!

This dress is a size XL, which is very forgiving…so don’t be afraid to try it on, even if you’re more of a 2x, like me.

So many gorgeous dresses!

Looking dark and dramatic with my Illamasqua makeover. 🙂 Let’s take this face out for a drink!

The staff and the customers were fantastic. The associates in the Shop for Women have been working there for years, and they know their brands and their customers inside out! So for all my readers…put Bloomingdale’s on your must-visit list when you’re shopping downtown…you won’t be disappointed!

November 10, 2013 in Plus Size Style

Ross Dress for Less dress brings the bling

I love a good deal, and Ross Dress for Less is full of ’em. I used to call my trips home to Alabama my “buying trips,” since I would go to every Ross store I could find and stocked up on my dresses for the season. About 2 years ago, they finally debuted in the Chicago suburbs…and now…they are in the city limits!! My dreams have come true!

To celebrate, I went and bought the blingiest dress I could find for under $35. I found this gorgeous R&M Richards black dress with a jewel and crystal-encrusted neckline. It’s floor-length with a ruched bodice, and I would feel comfortable wearing it to the fanciest of fancy events! Here, I show it off in the lovely Alabama Theater in Birmingham, AL…what do you think??