Style Plus Curves - A Chicago Plus Size Fashion Blog | Page 123 of 125

August 9, 2011 in Plus Size Style

Mad Men Fashion Picks for Curvy Gals

Mad Men fashion is all about the dresses and pencil skirts. Here are a few styles I’ve run across that are evocative of the era and fit for curvy, full-figured women. Let’s rock those curves, ladies!

1. Anna Sholz-Tailoring Pleat Shift Dress
2. Igigi Pencil Skirt in Bordeaux
3. Torrid Hells Bells Black Satin Dress
4. 1928 Gold Pen Necklace (Just like Joan’s!)
5. Kiyonna Siren Satin Dress-Retro Floral
6. Kiyonna Tudor Tweed Skirt
7. Nordstrom-Adrianna Papell Floral Wrap Dress
8. Igigi Epiphany Top in Magenta
9. Simply Be Simply Voluptuous Dress
10. Simply Be Bespoke Black Pencil Skirt
11. Simply Be Bespoke Ultimate City Dress-Red

Number 3 is definitely my FAVORITE! I wish it came in a bright color like purple or royal blue, but black is sultry and hot…perhaps too hot for the office! What do you think?

Please share your Mad Men fashion finds!

August 5, 2011 in Plus Size Style

The Mad Men Guide to Dressing for Curvy Gals

In my previous post, I mentioned how much I loved Mad Men fashion and how it’s perfectly suited for full-figured women. Here are a few basic rules for interpreting Mad Men fashion in everyday wear.

1. Pick a strong statement color. If wearing a dress, go for a solid, and if wearing separates, stick with shades of the same color, but in different textures. Jewel tones are always rich and sultry, and all over prints work if you’re going for a later 60s style.

2. Choose styles that belt at or near your natural waist. If you go too high, you’ll venture into empire waist or baby-doll territory, and you’ll ruin the hourglass lines you’re going for.Always, always wear a belt! It accentuates the smallest part of your middle and amps up your hourglass figure.

3. Rock the pearls, statement earrings, brooches, and signature necklaces (like Joan’s golden pen necklace).

4. Try out a 60s inspired hairstyle…Try a messy beehive, or experiment with teasing and side ponytails until you find a style that “feels” 60s-ish.

5. Look for portrait collars or boat neck styles…they draw attention to your face, and generally lay nicely over your bust, creating a ridiculously flattering look.

6. Skirts should reach to the knee or just below, and they should be A-line, or pencil skirts–if you’re going for a Joan look…Full skirts and shirtwaisted dresses work for Betty looks.

7. Add a modern element/touch to the outfit so that it doesn’t look like you’re on your way to a costume party. Shoes are an easy way to modernize the outfit…pick an animal print or those with a funky color or texture.

8. Wear a red lip–even if it feels too bright. Red lipstick was a trademark of the era, and thank God, it’s back in style again.

Check back every Monday for my series called…Mad Men Monday! I’ll be regularly debuting work-appropriate Mad Men inspired outfits.

Until then…xoxo

August 2, 2011 in Plus Size Style

Mad Men Fashion for the Curvy Gal

Who doesn’t love Mad Men fashion? Especially for us fuller-figured girls, it’s been wonderful to see larger chests and fuller hips gain–well, if not popularity–then at least recognition in the media. We are seeing Mad Men fashions pop up everywhere.

In August, Banana Republic will debut their Mad Men capsule collection. Sadly, it won’t be available in our sizes, ladies. And, truthfully, the pictures I’ve seen of the collection pretty much neglect the factors that made the 60s-era fashion all the rage.

I mean, look at the model in the grey suit–she can’t even fill out the bust of that jacket. These stick figures actually do the clothes a disservice…and manage to make them look plain and unoriginal. I’m not the only one who thinks this either, lol. A headline at Gothamist.com reads, “Banana Republic Brings Mad Men to the Racks–Sans Racks.” This seriously cracked me up…because it’s so true! All of the models are ridiculously flat chested with little-to-no curves at all.

And Gail over at Retro Rack (who focuses on vintage fashion) also comments on how the BR line definitely does not accomodate the curvy physique that defines the era–and the show.

Even though the BR line is disappointing, I still love the Mad Men fashion and know that our full-figured bodies can rock this style the way it’s supposed to be rocked!

So, in my next post, I’ll share some “rules” for Mad Men dressing for the curvy girl. If you are rocking the 60s fashion, send me a picture to post at stylepluscurves (at) gmail (dot) com.

July 31, 2011 in Plus Size Style

Akira’s First-Ever Plus Size Fashion Show Review, Part 2

Here’s the video I promised showing the final walk of all the looks from Akira’s Plus Size Fashion Show. It’s a bit loud with all the cheering, but it’ll give you a quick look at the clothes.

Also, if you’re wondering what I wore, here’s a few not-so-great pictures:

I came straight from work, so I’m more conservative than usual.

Shirt: Forever 21+
Vest: Dots
Pencil Skirt: Lane Bryant
Red Wrap Belt: Savvy Seconds (local Chicago resale shop)
Bag: Coach
Shoes: Vince Camuto (my favorite black suede pumps!)

July 30, 2011 in Plus Size Style

Akira’s First-Ever Plus Size Fashion Show Review

You guys know how skeptical I was of Akira’s first ever plus-size fashion show…I couldn’t believe that they didn’t publicize it anywhere…and I couldn’t find any information about it on the Akira Facebook page or website. But, I decided to go anyway and see what it was all about.

I showed up at 7pm on the dot…but it was a while before the show got started. The staff was incredibly friendly and the vibe was supportive and positive and fun. Wine, champagne and soda were complimentary…and after a while, little slices of pizza and caprese salad bites were passed through the crowd. I had a great time mingling with some of the other people there, and I loved seeing the outfits some of the guests wore to the event!

However…ultimately, I’m not sure what the night accomplished. As far as I could gather, Akira has no plans to carry plus size clothing and I’m not entirely sure where the clothes the models wore actually came from… Many of the pieces were forgiving…meaning that a plus size gal could fit into an XL item if it’s flowy and not too restrictive. I’m glad I went and I know I made some new friends…but I do have to admit to feeling disappointed. Here’s some of the looks of the night. What do you think??

Valerie-the stylist for the show-passes some snacks to keep the crowd happy.

Bright pants/leggings are on trend.

This was my favorite model of the evening…but the outfit is not very flattering. Belting it under the chest makes her appear disproportional, and the sides of the cardigan bubble out in an an unflattering manner over her hips. But she, herself is gorgeous.

Again–I’m not sure if this is the most flattering angle, but she looked fabulous. The black and white graphic kimono-type top floats away from her body and the all black leggings/catsuit puts the focus on the top.

You can never go wrong with a fantastic LBD paired with a bright, gorgeous top and statement necklace.

This was an interesting dress, but I didn’t get a great look at it. It has a significant amount of draping, which artfully covers her chest and falls diagonally down her body. It was very flattering and a great color.

Classic style, beautiful color, flattering fit.

Nice color…but the fabric is clearly clingy. If you have any type of curve or roll in your midsection, this dress would not hang properly.

My FAVORITE dress of the evening!!! One shoulder, broomstick pleats…with a gorgeous rhinestone detailing on the belt. And it was the most exquisite blue!! I wish I knew where to find this dress…I would buy it in a heartbeat!!!

This is Valerie at the end of the show…She looked fabulous in this show-stopping red, one shoulder dress. Again, I wish I knew where it was from.

OK, my beauties. Those are the highlights from the show. I’ll try to post a short video of the final walk, but I have to figure out how to do it. OH…and I’ll post a not-so-great picture of what I wore to the event too.

Have a great Saturday!!!
xoxo