Style Plus Curves - A Chicago Plus Size Fashion Blog | Page 95 of 125

June 11, 2013 in Plus Size Style

Gwynnie Bee: Clothing without commitment

Gwynnie Bee is this amazing new clothing concept…It’s like Netflix, but for plussize fashion! Once you sign up for an account, you can browse hundreds of beautiful items from some truly great plussize labels, add the pieces you want to try to your cart, and voila! You’ll start receiving the clothes in the mail. Once you’ve worn the item and are ready to send it back, just pop it into one of the prepaid envelopes and drop it in the mail!

The concept is “clothing without commitment” and that is an amazingly fresh idea for curvy gals for two big reasons. First, so many of plussize clothing retailers are only online, and with the variations in sizing, it can be a hassle to purchase something and return it because it doesn’t fit. The other big reason is that when we–as shoppers–make purchases, we usually stick to the shapes, styles and colors that we’re comfortable with, and rarely take a chance on something bold and trendy. Gwynnie Bee solves both of those issues with this “subscription” service. For a monthly fee, you get to take chances with your style…and even if it doesn’t work out…you’re not forced to leave it in your closet month after month–mocking you and taking up real estate.

Your wardrobe stays fresh and on-trend…and your closet will thank you. But…if you truly love a piece and can’t live without it, you DO have the option of buying it! Just email gwynnie@gwynniebee.com, and their buyer will work with you to make the purchase. How awesome is that??!

For my first Gwynnie Bee experience, I chose to go classic. This Coldwater Creek beaded boucle jacket was totally shouting “CHANEL” and “power suit” at me, so even though it’s a little heavy for summer, I rocked it at the office.

The classic corporate power pose. lol

I went for a serious look in all black…and played up the Chanel vibe by adding strings of pearls.

Here, you can see the great detail of the boucle fabric and the beaded trim on this Coldwater Creek jacket.

I’m going to have a blast with Gwynnie Bee items over the next few months, and I can’t wait to show you the outfits I create!

The first 30 days are FREE for everyone…so sign up for an account now!

June 10, 2013 in Plus Size Style

What I Wore to Work: Keeping it simple and chic in a Calvin Klein shirtdress

Summer is (sort of) here in Chicago…but I still have to go to work. 🙁 And since I haven’t been putting together a lot of fun Outfits of the Day, I’ve decided to start a new–not as fabulous, but more functional–series of What I Wore to Work.

First up, we have the classic shirtdress. This silhouette is popular with women at all levels of the professional spectrum–and it works fabulously for a range of different body types. It’s a great go-to piece for those days you want to be simple and chic at the office. This is a little casual for me (I work in the professional services industry), so I wear this on days I don’t have a lot of meetings.

Plus Size Calvin Klein black shirt dress

(Calvin Klein shirtdress via Macy’s; Tory Burch wedges via Nordstrom; Coral sunburst necklace via local art fair; bangles via Dressbarn)

I went with tan wedges instead of black…it was a little less expected and played off of the gold details of the dress.

This is my “It’s summer but I still have to go to work” face.

Here are some other great shirt dresses to try for your trip to the office this summer:

1. Calvin Klein Plus Size Dress, Short-Sleeve Printed Shirtdress via Macy’s

2. Jones New York Plus Size Dress, Short-Sleeve Shirt Dress via Macy’s

3. Foxcroft Chambray Linen Shirt Dress via Nordstrom

May 29, 2013 in Plus Size Style

1920s-Inspired Pieces in Another Episode of vive la femme TV

Did you catch my post about Gatsby-inspired looks for curvy gals? Well, even though the movie was not what we hoped it would be, the glitz and glamour of 1920s fashion never disappoints!

So I went down to vive la femme last week and hunted for some looks that hit all of the 1920s-notes…I found lace, frills, and delicate colors to swoon over!

Check out a few of my finds in the latest episode of vive la femme TV!
(And P.S. Pay no attention the the screenshot below. I look like I’m having some sort of fit…it’s just an awkward screengrab, I promise. lol)

May 20, 2013 in Plus Size Style

Three Looks to Kill: Socialite, Spy and Secretary

One thing I love about being a plussize fashion blogger is that I get to take on different identities and personas through the clothes I wear. I love how one outfit can change your whole demeanor and attitude! When my friend Rashid Matthews from RHM Creative Studios asked me to help with a photoshoot, I decided to play with three totally different looks–transforming from a socialite to a spy and into a sexy secretary. 🙂

First look: Socialite. Pearls, peplum and lace all scream ladylike glamour!

(Xscape nude and black lace peplum dress via Macy’s)

Waiting for my car, obviously! lol.

Socialite by day; SPY by night! (Can you tell I haven’t really handled many toy guns? lol)

(Black Luxe Leather studded short dress via Eloquii)

I always complete my mission! 😉 Isn’t Perry from Alluring Chicago the CUTEST bad girl out there?!

And every good spy needs a cover identity, right? How about being a secretary? 😉

(Blazer with strong shoulder details and Pencil skirt via Lane Bryant)

Hmmmm…..who do I want to be tomorrow???

May 14, 2013 in Plus Size Style

Plussize Pinup: Kiyonna Portia Pinup Dress

I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted about Kiyonna, but you haven’t forgotten how much I adore them, have you? This gorgeous floral Portia Pinup dress is another example of how perfectly they know how to dress women with curves!

This is a classic Kiyonna faux-wrap dress with a little side ruching and black piping for details. The open sweetheart neckline with the black lapel-like trim create a gorgeous vintage frame for your decolletage. 🙂 The bright floral print is completely on trend for the season, and who doesn’t love a 3/4 sleeve?

This dress wants to be noticed, so go all the way and wear a bright, bold lipstick! This one is Urban Decay Super Saturated High Gloss lip pencil in Crush. It’s perfect for spring!

And even though the print is bright and colorful, use that as a springboard for even brighter shoes! These adorable caution-tape neon yellow peep-toe heels are from Fergie’s line. I scored them for a song at Nordstrom Rack!

This dress will take you flawlessly from baby showers to teas to afternoon weddings this summer.
And did I mention that this dress comes in Leopard print too???? *Swoon!*