Shavonne Dorsey: Standing Up for the Curvy Girls!

Shavonne Dorsey is taking Chicago by storm and is totally representing for the curvy ladies everywhere! I was first introduced to her designs at the Fashion Fetish Fete, and again during the Macy’s Chicago Fashion Incubator show.

And now…I get to meet her in person at Chicago Fashion Connect’s November Mixer tomorrow night, where she is the featured designer. I’m so excited! And since I’m in the Shavonne Dorsey fan-girl mode, I thought I’d post a video I took of her runway show during the Fashion Focus week.

Her designs are fun and practical at the same time. I could see myself wearing that floral wrap dress to work, brunch, a wedding shower…or any number of other events. The shapes of Shavonne’s dresses are flattering and have an unexpected flair.

What’d you think? Which dresses were your favorite?

Check back on Friday to see pictures from the event tomorrow night! 🙂

OOTD: It’s a Gold Boot Kind of Day

Last week, on a perfect fall day, I was feeling especially sassy. So, I pulled these gold boots outta storage and picked out a brightly-colored dress with a fun orange and magenta pattern. All of this work…only to spend the whole day in the office-and back in a storage closet. 🙁 *sigh

Don’t forget to check the budget shoe stores like Payless…you can stumble upon some awesome deals like these gold boots for $25!

Isn’t this the perfect fall dress? The intricate diamond patterns and empire waistline with the  knee length A-line skirt  is probably the most flattering combination of elements that can be pulled together in one dress. The only drawback is that you have to find something to wear underneath it since the neckline is too low without a tank. Perfect for organizing boxes in the storage room, right?? lol
Reaching for the top shelf….
And it all comes tumbling down!!
*dramatic sigh…I have to work SO hard!
Why reach, when you can climb? 😉
Success!! lol
Dress: Sandra Darren via Marshalls (I think), Gold Boots: Payless, Jade Quartz Earrings and Crystal bracelet: Love and Pieces, Gold plated necklace: Embellish 

 Just another day at the office, of course. lol.

So…here’s a little tip for accessorizing bright colors. I say…go for bright, chunky earrings in a color that does not appear in the rest of your outfit. It’s an unexpected touch that draws attention up to your face and creates even more visual interest. Some days I tend to be very matchy-matchy, but wearing accessories in an unexpected color makes me feel a little edgier and a little more exciting. Sometimes, that’s all it takes, right?

What do you wear to feel sassy or to kick your outfit up a notch?

Halloween: Or, Curves that Can Raise the Dead

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I usually start plotting and planning my outfit weeks before the big night…and most of the time I opt for something creative and I’ll make it myself. But not this year…oh no. This year, I pulled out the big guns…or I should say “big girls.” lol.

I knew that after fashion week and my birthday, I wouldn’t have time to make anything, so I decided to go to Fantasy Costumes Chicago and see what plus-size selection they had…It was predictably sad in the general costume room…there were next to no plus size options, and you had to point to a costume ask the attendant if they had it in plus size. Most of the time, they didn’t. lol. Anyway, I had more luck in the “sexy costume” room. Here, they had a whole wall section devoted to plus size costumes. I tried on a few…and finally decided to give into the inevitable “sluttiness” of the holiday. I went with a very cleavage-friendly flight attendant costume.

Here I am in all my glory. lol

Fun was definitely had by all…and I did not lack for male suitors. lol

So, what did YOU wear for Halloween? Did you go creative…or slutty? Did you have any luck finding costumes in your size?

Leave a comment and tell me what you dressed up as!

Boom in the Trunk at Beauty Bar

A bar that serves martinis AND manicures, how have I never been here before?? I love the decor and the whole vibe at Beauty Bar, and I’m definitely going back.

But on to the main event: Boom in the Trunk. Organized by Tiffany from Fatshopaholic and Rachel from Very Busy and Important, this event was a time to come together and celebrate stylish, curvy women–and celebrate we did!

Here’s some snaps from the night…the first two were taken by Josh Slater, the official photographer for the event, and I took the rest with my dinky little Canon. 🙂

Tiffany and Rachel…aren’t they cute? Photo courtesy of Josh Slater.
The fabulous Nikeya Young and Lindsey Adams. Don’t we look amazing? Photo courtesy of Josh Slater.
As soon as I walked in, this group of women caught my attention. The gal in the awesome vintage dress on the left was so funny and nice, and I’m can’t believe I can’t remember her name! Erica is in the middle and Jazz is on the right. So glad I got to meet them!
I was super early, so people were just starting to arrive. 
Jinna and Amanda. So cute! I love Rachel’s ASOS Curve dress!
These gorgeous girls came all the way from Michigan (or Minnesota? somewhere far away…) and were adorable! Bonnie and Orquidea, find me on Twitter! I want to keep up with you!
Three of the featured bloggers of the evening: Olivia from An Olive a Day, Christina from Xtina the Great, and Jaimielee from Hippopotomuslee. Check out their blogs! A.MAZ.ING!
Jazz…in a word: Fabulous.
Got my nails done! Martini and Manicure for $10!
Tiffany greets everyone and introduces the entertainment for the evening: Samwell.
Samwell…love the rhinestone tie!
The crowd got into it!

My friend Stephanie! We were int the same bootcamp class a year ago! 🙂

PARTY!!! lol.

Can you tell we had fun???
About my outfit:
The most amazing python print semi-sheer tunic dress: LucieLu via vivelafemme
My favorite stone leather boots: Fergie via Nordstrom Rack
Metal and leather belt: Lane Bryant

I’m going to do a whole tribute post to this dress soon because I love it so much!

Fall into Fab at Love and Pieces: Amazing jewelry, great prices!

When I got an invitation from Jaye at Curvatude to attend a special event at a jewelry store in Wicker Park, I squealed in delight, but my credit cards let out a whimper. lol. I just knew that I would find something gorgeous that I had to have and would overspend my budget! But only half of my assumption came true!

I found an incredible pair of jade quartz drop earrings and a fantastic Swarovski crystal bracelet at Love and Pieces…and spent under $70! Go to Love and Pieces, y’all…I’m serious. I’m already planning to buy more bracelets as gifts for all the ladies in my family. 🙂

Jaye puts on a classy event. 🙂 We had wine and appetizers, gift bags (even though I forgot mine!), and had amazing vegan cupcakes and cake-pops. Delish is an understatement!

Jaye looks fantastic! I love the sequin skirt she picked up at Lane Bryant!
Jenny Lawson from The Mixing Bowl Bakery bakes these unbelievable vegan cupcakes. These were peanut butter and banana-I think they’re called the Elvis Special. 🙂 She also has a cute blog called A Cupcake Chronicle. Check it out! The wine was sponsored by Gene Stephens from GSC Consulting. It was so nice of her!
Yummy Appetizers, sponsored by one of the local restaurants. 
If you’ve never had a Cake Pop…click this link immediately! The Sweetest Thang owner, Brooke Michele is a goddess!
Jaye, Me, and Cha’rron 🙂
I love Cha’rron from CChicChicago! I run into her at all the best fashion events. 🙂
Gene Stephens looks fabulous!
Is this not stunningly beautiful? I could wear this with a burlap sack and still look fabulous. lol
Love, thy name is smoky quartz!

Hello, gorgeous!
 

Michelle Rubin, the owner of Love and Pieces. Go see her and buy gorgeous things!

Thanks, Jaye for organizing the Fall into Fab event! 🙂