Fullbeauty Fall Preview

Hey lovers!!

A couple of weeks back I was invited out to the Fullbeauty offices to check out their Fall collection. Any opportunity to check out upcoming collections is always exciting for me. The more brands we have in the plus size community, the more we have in terms of interpretation of trends. Diversity and availability is what I always wanted, and I am proud to say that we have more options than 5 years ago, and in the next 5-10 there will be a whole lot more.

Here are some looks from the event 

Their new denim washes (which go from sizes 12-32) pair well with flowy tops and chunky knits.  

I'm in love with the sneaker boots, and the printed handbags. Fullbeauty also has a lot of boots coming out in leather which is exciting, because it is hard to find good leather wide width and wide calf boots that don't break the bank. 

Now shapewear and I are not the best of friends, I will say we are acquaintances, but I was really interested in the blue shapewear slip. In the pursuit of trying new things, one will be all about shapewear and this one right here is on my list. Fullbeauty also carries brands such as Fashion to Figure, City Chic, Ulla Popken to name a few. The faux suede top...gorgeous (FTF), and there were sparkly skirts from Ulla and just so many things on the racks, I was in fashion overload. 

I received the best massage (which was badly needed), and I was able to get a robe embrodiered with my initials. Thank you for having me Fullbeauty and definitely save some coins for Fall ladies, the brands are coming for them all. 

B&W

Black & White is life.....

When the weather heats up, I gravitate towards dresses. One and done dressing is my trick to not only get dressed fast, but look great at the same time. When I saw this dress on Eloquii's site , I loved that it looked like it was two pieces, but it's all in one. It's a tank dress made of a non- stretch crepe material so it's great for work and play. Since it did not stretch, at first I bought a 18, but it was too big so I went with a 16 (which is my reg size, so it worked out). I will admit that I have been gravitating towards color, but black and white is still an important part of my wardrobe. Minimalistic dressing in an easy palette can still make an impact. All you need is a great statement necklace and some cute shoes like these from Zara, and you are dressed and ready to enjoy your day. Put on your best bold lippie (I went with Mac's Lady Danger) and two words "I'm Gone." Let me know what is your favorite B&W outfit in the comments. Muah!!

Tribal

When I was younger I loved bold bright prints. The brighter the better. Then when I started working, wearing color was replaced with black. Black with black, black white a hint of white. Don't get me wrong I still will rock black and be proud, but wearing a bold print on a gorgeous day puts me in a better mood.   

I found this tribal scuba skirt on Ashley Stewart's website. A good midi is vital to my Spring/Summer wardrobe. I like to be comfortable, and a scuba midi can take me from work to rooftop bar without missing a beat (and might I add wrinkle free). This skirt is a pull on style, therefore I went with a 14/16. When wearing pull on skirts, I want them to be tighter on my waist since there is a chance the elastic can stretch and no one wants a droopy skirt around your waist. The skirt is on sale for $25 so it's a nice addition to your closet without breaking the bank. My top is a oldie but goodie laser cut top from Forever 21, but I did find one similar. 

Tribal skirt- tasseled shoes- umm yeah. I first posted these Vince Camuto Kathin sandals on my post Bzzzzzz, but did not take a close up. I am a sucker for ankle tie shoes. I am obsessed with them and I am not the least bit ashamed about it. My Dooney & Bourke Zip Satchel is still my favorite white bag. It's the perfect size to carry all your essentials. What do you think lovers? Are you willing to go tribal?

Ride or Die

I have been a fan of Rachel Rachel Roy for years. The prints, and design were always a favorite of mine. Now there were some things I could wear depending on how it ran, but most of the dresses and jumpsuits that I liked were not for these curves. Then they launched Rachel Rachel Roy Curvy (angels singing). I was jumping for joy when the line was launched and it was going to be at my local Macy's. One of my favorite pieces from the lookbook was the chambray jumpsuit. This incorporates two of my favorites, denim and a jumpsuit, so the shopaholic in me had to have it. 

Wide leg jumpsuits can be tricky. You want to ensure that the leg opening is wide enough but at the same time you want to make sure that the top fits well. The great thing about this jumpsuit is that the bodice is fitted with an elastic back so all you have to worry about is the fit on the bottom. Since this doesn't stretch I went with a 2X. 

I am bag whore and this Rebecca Minkoff Sophie clutch is one of my favorites. The pop of color and fringe detail just brings everything together. I found these sunnies from Nordstrom for $24. These are called the Soho from a brand called A.J. Morgan. They have a lot of cute styles and are very affordable. The jumpsuit is a little on the long side so I wore my favorite wedges from Dolce Vita. Definitely give the RRR Curvy line a try. There are new items up every month, and their latest collection is currently sitting in my shopping cart. Enjoy!!

 

Christian Siriano

Hello lovers!! 

I was invited this past Monday to the United Nations (yes....the U.N.) for a fashion show featuring the new collection from Christian Siriano and Lane Bryant. I have been told about how LB throws a good event, so I was super stoked to see the show. Not only were our fav models Precious, Denise, and Ashley walked, but some awesome bloggers (Gabi, Rhea, and Beck), and the super talented Danielle Brooks (aka Taystee). Enough chatter, here are some pics. (Shoutout to Georgette who took these because I was in a middle seat)

I definitely wanted to represent, so I went with the mesh moto (because we all know I love a good moto) which worked out great because it got really hot while we were out on the terrace. Looking good while feeling good, a win win for me!! Back in the S16 LB preview, I was in love with this zip pencil skirt, and I will tell you why. It's high waisted, so you can wear a crop top (like I did), and you are still covered while feeling sexy. The zig zag print makes an impact and the material is soft and stretchy. I wanted a pop of color, so I wore my Christian Siriano shades, and tribal necklace. I wore my favorite sandals from Report Signature, and these are definitely a must have ladies. The heel is completely easy to walk in (they are not even 3 inches) and the fringe and t-strap make them super sexy. 

This view tho......swoon!!

After the fashion show, there was the Empowering Women NYC Luncheon. Susan Moses created this event to celebrate body inclusivity and diversity. As she, Linda Heasly (CEO of Lane Bryant), Cindi Leive (Glamour Editor in Chief) talked about where we were versus where we are headed when it comes to body diversity (there has been a shift in the pendulum, but I know there can be so much more). I completely lost it, when I saw Ms Jill Scott walk into the room and sat at the table next to us. She has been that "friend in my head" since 1999 when I found out she wrote the hook to "You Got Me". If you never heard her live, you need to get your life and go see here this summer (trust me I will be in the building this summer in Brooklyn. Ms Jlill graced us with a poem, and you can check it out on my IG. Mikki Taylor who I grew up to while reading Essence magazine since about the age of 5 or so, gave a moving speech about diversification and her mission to bring us to the forefront. I did get a chance to chat with Christian about some of pieces that went down the runway (Danielle's yellow dress for one), and he said that there will be a vote and those that have the highest vote will be turned into a capsule collection that we can buy. So ladies, definitely make sure you vote!!! There was a panel with Christian Siriano, Danielle Brooks, Liz Black, Philomena Kwao, and Mark FIna. Emme & Ashley Graham spoke, and so many more. It was an amazing day, and it was great to see my fellow boo's and meet new ones!! Thank you Susan Moses, Christian Siriano and Lane Bryant for an amazing event!!