Archive October 2015 | Style Plus Curves - A Chicago Plus Size Fashion Blog

Who is the Fairest of Them All? My Evil Queen Plus Size Halloween Costume

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? ME of course!!! I’m totally feeling the villain vibe for this year’s Halloween costume. Plus size Halloween costumes are kind of all over the place as far as taste-level, quality and sizing…so I was happy to discover a great selection of plus size costumes on BuyCostumes.com. You never know what you’ll get when you order a costume online, but when this was delivered, I was surprised at the quality and immediately loved it!

Plus Size Blogger Amber in Plus Size Halloween Costume for the Evil Queen from Snow White

Plus Size Blogger Amber in Plus Size Halloween Costume for the Evil Queen from Snow White

Of course I had to add a spooky woods background and include a poisoned apple to complete the scene!

Plus Size Blogger Amber in Plus Size Halloween Costume for the Evil Queen from Snow White
Plus Size Blogger Amber in Plus Size Halloween Costume for the Evil Queen from Snow White

What’s YOUR Halloween costume this year???

Plus Size Workout Gear for Colder Temps feat. Tek Gear from Kohl’s

The weather is already changing here in Chicago, and I’m on the hunt for warm plus size workout wear. I have to trade in my tennis skirts and shorts for more coverage and my tank tops for warm layers. The good news is, there are actually some great plus size workout wear to choose from! Lately, I’ve been loving some Tek Gear finds from Kohl’s. These great Tek Gear Shapewear Jacquard Workout Leggings hit just at the ankle and have a great herringbone and white stripe design on the calf. Cute, right??

Plus Size Blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves in Plus Size Workout Wear from Kohl's

Dressing for a workout in the fall and winter is all about layering. I have a base layer on that I will actually work out in, but need a sweatshirt or jacket to get me to and from my yoga class — or whatever workout class you do! Here, I’ve gone with a classic Tek Gear Fleece Sweatshirt in Gray — and here’s the secret: it’s lined with FLEECE!

Plus Size Blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves in Plus Size Workout Wear from Kohl's

It’s so warm and cozy…perfect for running to and from workouts, but also for snuggling up in your apartment on cold winter nights. 🙂 Also, did I mention that Tek Gear tops usually have holes for your thumbs so that your hands are a bit protected from the elements? GENIUS! I love those types of details.

Plus Size Blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves in Plus Size Workout Wear from Kohl's

And because I always need an extra bit of flair, I topped off the sweatshirt with this Apt 9 Pineapple Scarf with pom poms — also from Kohl’s. Cute, practical and stylish. What more do you need in an outfit?? If you haven’t checked out Kohl’s plus size workout wear section, do it now!

Custom Plus Size Dresses from K Couture

I love designing my own custom plus size dresses, and there’s a new online shop that allows you to customize dresses from size 0 to size 36! It’s called K Couture. You can customize an existing design or use their “Design a Dress” feature to create your own look from a selection of elements like the sleeves, the neckline, the fabric, the waistline, and the length. I totally got sucked into spending hours playing around with all the different colors, cuts and options–so don’t be surprised if you get obsessed with their site.

In the end, I ordered the Skyler Bubble Dress in a deep Emerald Green in a size 20 with a boatneck and 3/4 length sleeves. Look at that rich emerald green taffeta! Love the color and the sheen. And the pleats around the skirt make the perfect bubble shape! (I know, I know…I should have used a steamer before the photo shoot!)

Plus size blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves wears a plus size custom dress in emerald green from K Couture

A note of caution, though: K Couture dresses can run a bit smaller than department store sizing, so USE THE SIZE CHART and take your measurements! Do NOT skip this step! I was sloppy with my measurements and ordered a size 20, but I really should have ordered an additional size up! If your measurements don’t fit into one of the size chart ranges, then order for the biggest part of your body. Since mine is my chest and shoulders, I should have probably ordered a size 22. You can see that this dress is a bit tight in the chest and arms, and it’s entirely my fault.

There are a few things I could have done to prevent this from happening:

  1. Use the Size Chart 
  2. Take accurate measurements (Here’s a helpful blog post about this)
  3. Call the knowledgeable K Couture stylists for free at 855-612-5426 if you are unsure of what size is best, or if you might need a custom size.

If you try these things and you still end up with a dress that is too tight in one spot or another, call K Couture and they will help you.

Nevertheless, I LOVE this dress and think it’s perfect for upcoming holiday parties!

Plus size blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves wears a plus size custom dress in emerald green from K Couture

Also, did I mention that K Couture dresses are designed and made from quality fabrics in-house, right here in the United States, and shipping is always free?

Plus size blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves wears a plus size custom dress in emerald green from K Couture

So, whether you are a guest at an upcoming wedding, picking out bridesmaids dresses, have a formal dinner on the calendar, or you just love dressing up, try out the custom plus size dress options at K Couture!

Perfect Plus Size Suede Skirt from Simply Be

Plus size suede skirts are no longer a fantasy for curvy girls! This season, with 70s Boho Chic popping up in collections everywhere, I’m thrilled to report that I found the PERFECT plus size suede skirt! I don’t use the term perfect very often, but it definitely applies to this Plus Size A-Line Suede Skirt from Simply Be. It’s a rich camel suede with bright brass buttons down the front…and it’s the perfect mid to high-thigh length (that is, if you’re comfortable showing a lot of leg!). There is little to no stretch though, so if you are at the high end of your size, you might want to size up! I ordered a US18/UK22 and it was just this side of being too tight!

Plus Size Blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves wearing a plus size suede skirt from Simply Be and Over-the-knee boots from Lane Bryant

Because it’s on the shorter side, and I don’t want to show too much skin, I paired it with these awesome Over-the-Knee Suede Boots from Lane Bryant. Together, they create a nice visual effect that’s not too risque and still fun and flirty.
Plus Size Blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves wearing a plus size suede skirt from Simply Be and Over-the-knee boots from Lane Bryant
 Plus Size Suede A-Line Skirt via Simply Be; Over the Knee Boots via Lane Bryant;
Striped Top via Nordstrom; Peruvian Woven bag — gifted
Plus Size Blogger Amber from Style Plus Curves wearing a plus size suede skirt from Simply Be and Over-the-knee boots from Lane Bryant

I could have gone with a solid black top with this skirt, but I thought a stripe would be a bit more daring. So let me challenge you to do something unexpected with your outfit this week! Mix a print in with a short A-line skirt and over-the-knee boots. 

[See and Be Seen] What To Do This Weekend In Chicago: October 16-18

Are you looking for some fun things to do in Chicago this weekend, October 16-18? I’m always running from one event or activity to another — and I thought I’d share some of my adventures with you! So if you want to know where to go in Chicago to see and be seen, then this new series is for you! If you see me there, be sure to say hello!!

1. Epic Comedy Fest in Edison Park

If you like stand up comedy and have a car, you might want to head to the north side and stop in at the Wip Theater tonight and tomorrow night to catch the lineup in the 7th annual Epic Comedy Fest. This is a low cost activity (only $27 and BYOB!) and you are sure to get some great laughs. It’s a perfect idea for a date night, especially when your bf has reached his/her limit with dance or fashion-related events! 
I went to one of the shows on Wednesday night and was thoroughly entertained by the line up of Luke Swanson, Natalie Jose, Aaron Sutherland, Pat Mcgann, and Ronnie Ray. It was so good, that I’m planning to go back on Saturday! Check it out and get your tickets here.  

2. Joffrey Balley: Sylvia

I’m a long time supporter of the Joffrey Ballet. The current production is Sylvia, and I absolutely cannot wait to see it tonight!

“Sylvia presents a young woman at the crossroads of adolescence and womanhood, struggling to find balance between strength and vulnerability and discovering love only through the awakening of her own sensuality. Sylvia is filled with themes of ambition, obsession, unrequited love and lost opportunities.”

With that description, how could you possibly say no? It runs until Oct. 25, so there’s still time to convince your girlfriends or bf to go with you! Find out more and purchase your tickets here.

3. A Night in Sleepy Hollow — Bourbonnais Township Park District

I’m a total sucker for fall-related activities and you can basically lure me to any event that features a corn maze and a campfire! This is kid friendly event–with tons of games and activities including a pumpkin patch and hay rides during the day. Then, after 8pm, things get a little spooky!

You can buy $12 tickets to see a LIVE REENACTMENT of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow! Seriously, I’m told there’s a real guy on a horse who rides through the park…I’m SO THERE! There’s only 2 more shows this year–tonight and tomorrow night. So, get yourself out to Perry Farms for this cool annual tradition. Find out more and buy your tickets here.

4. Apple Picking at County Line Orchard

Again, I’m obsessed with corn mazes and apple picking is a quintessential fall activity! On Sunday, I’m headed out to County Line Orchard to pick a bushel of apples and get lost in the maze. It’s a kid- friendly, wholesome option for when you’re sick of nights out (or in) in the city. Get some sunshine, play outside and eat some apples plucked straight from the source. And did I mention the apple cider donuts??? Check out their times and picking options here.

Have an idea for See and Be Seen in Chicago? Email me your event/idea at stylepluscurves@gmail.com.

Now, let’s get out there and explore!!