Times like this, I wished I entered the Very Blogger contest to win clothes for 20 years! LOL
UK Retailer, VERY has entered into the US market delivering fashions that raise my eyebrows for a few reasons!
Let first start with SIZING
They are size inclusive- making their main range available up to a size UK 20 (US 16) and then they have a section for 16+ called So Fabulous!
From coats and lingerie to shoes and all in between, VERY caters to the plus size woman up to sizes up to a UK 32 (US 28)! AND wide width boots too!
Next, let’s talk pricing
VERY has a very competitive price offering! Especially when you look at ASOS Curve, Evans, and Simply Be in comparison! In step with US based brands like Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, and Avenue as well!
Finally, the fashions
There are quite a few pieces that had me curling my toes with excitement! Faux Furs, sequin numbers, and fancy dresses, I have found a few items that I wish were happily in my closet! LOL
I have rounded up a few items that have caught my eye and invite you to weigh in on them as well! Some are up to a size US16 and some go up to the size US28! Its all mixed, but I had to share with you my faves!
What do you think? Well, for its US launch, VERY invites you to sign up for its newsletter to score a VIP discount of 20% over Black Friday/Cyber Monday! You can do so here or on the sidebar on the right! In the meantime, make sure you check them out on Facebook and on Twitter!
If you follow me on Facebook, I have alluded to a roundup of some of my favorite bras, but before I get into that, I had to share with you the latest from City Chic! Launching their lingerie collection with Toccara as their featured model, City Chic has announced the arrival of this collection to its US Site, City Chic Online!
There are quite a few pieces I would NOT MIND having in my sexiness arsenal… lol
The collection is quite sexy, accessible, AND affordable! With bras from a 38C up to a 44E, the line will caters to some but not all plus size women… BUT as a debut collection, it is a great start! I mean cause it is kind of sexy!
Somewhere in between, we find those rarities that make our life 10,000 times better. BUT, more often than not, we are left wondering and guessing and settling for just A BRA. Finding an amazing bra is like finding a needle in a haystack for not some but most, especially if you are blessed with full bosom over a size 36 C!
Even myself, I have been fitted and refitted to find a bra that can last me ALL DAY, without feeling like the final release of the snap is the best part of my day. (you know what I mean!) Don’t get me wrong though, I happily sit at home, even while I am typing this, braless and free… but these double d’s can’t do that in public…
So what does a plus size woman do? I want the lacy, sexy, special, and even fancy European bras that have me prancing around the street feeling extra perky! I know you do too! And guess what?
T h e s e B r a s D o E x i s t !
Sorry, I had to do this to stress the fact that designers and retailers have taken note- we want fashion, support, AND function in our undergarments! I love my blaconettes, my deep v’s and yes, even a little padding. Have you ever seen what a great bra can do to the waistline? Ha! Magic!
Anywho, being in the fortunate position of being a blogger, a few bra companies have sent me a few, I have bought out some styles, and have been pleasantly surprised with a few ones that have always rang “granny” to me as well! So, what I did is highlight 25 bras from brands you MAY know or Not? And both is okay! Like Hips and Curves, Cacique, Elomi, and Goddess… If you happen to know these brands- well… sharing is caring and make sure you tell your other blessed sisters the brands that do exist! Like these below:
Now that you have your bras… you have to know some more things, in order to keep them nice and to stay perked up!! The fabulous newly launched site, Full Beauty has the darndest little guide for you that I had to share! Because sharing is caring! J
Not sure about the difference from a long line bra and Back wings? No worries! While I could list them all out for you, Full Beauty has quite the fancy Bra Glossary for your reference!
Oh, and PS! I have a few coupon codes for you to take advantage of the bras!
Somewhere in between, we find those rarities that make our life 10,000 times better. BUT, more often than not, we are left wondering and guessing and settling for just A BRA. Finding an amazing bra is like finding a needle in a haystack for not some but most, especially if you are blessed with full bosom over a size 36 C!
Even myself, I have been fitted and refitted to find a bra that can last me ALL DAY, without feeling like the final release of the snap is the best part of my day. (you know what I mean!) Don’t get me wrong though, I happily sit at home, even while I am typing this, braless and free… but these double d’s can’t do that in public…
So what does a plus size woman do? I want the lacy, sexy, special, and even fancy European bras that have me prancing around the street feeling extra perky! I know you do too! And guess what?
T h e s e B r a s D o E x i s t !
Sorry, I had to do this to stress the fact that designers and retailers have taken note- we want fashion, support, AND function in our undergarments! I love my blaconettes, my deep v’s and yes, even a little padding. Have you ever seen what a great bra can do to the waistline? Ha! Magic!
Anywho, being in the fortunate position of being a blogger, a few bra companies have sent me a few, I have bought out some styles, and have been pleasantly surprised with a few ones that have always rang “granny” to me as well! So, what I did is highlight 25 bras from brands you MAY know or Not? And both is okay! Like Hips and Curves, Cacique, Elomi, and Goddess… If you happen to know these brands- well… sharing is caring and make sure you tell your other blessed sisters the brands that do exist! Like these below:
Now that you have your bras… you have to know some more things, in order to keep them nice and to stay perked up!! The fabulous newly launched site, Full Beauty has the darndest little guide for you that I had to share! Because sharing is caring! J
Not sure about the difference from a long line bra and Back wings? No worries! While I could list them all out for you, Full Beauty has quite the fancy Bra Glossary for your reference!
Oh, and PS! I have a few coupon codes for you to take advantage of the bras!
I have fancied a ten chapter, almost 60 page resource for you to take a gander at BEFORE you go shopping, DURING your Journey, and AFTER you have made the steps to embrace your curves!
Why?
Well, I have realized throughout my little blog journey that not everyone is privy to the designers, retailers, and resources available to you, the plus size woman. I have assembled a fun little read or guide of sorts to help you along your way!
Well, the regular price is $9.99, but for the launch of the book, you get to scoop yours for only $6.99! BUT, in order to do that, you must use THIS link!
I have a new site- Curvy.Confident.Chic. as the home base for the book, a fun little Fashion Q&A forum, daily fashion tips, and exclusive deals and promotions for those who purchase the book!
I am excited. Since I have been rocking my hair like this, I have yet to go to an event specifically targeted to the women who rock their hair natural- ESPECIALLY on the West Coast!
Thanks to Felicia Leatherwood of Loving Your Hair with Natural Care, we have an event that we can call our own! Specializing in educating and empowering people to experience only the best in natural hair care and styling techniques. This Los Angeles event will definitely be one to remember! AND I WILL BE THERE!
This isn’t just a “look how pretty” type of thing… this is education, analysis, swag, and networking! I am beyond geeked!
Held at the Point Moorea Tiki Lounge (Inside the Wilshire Grand Hotel), guests will be treated to a workshop that will focus on products for healthy hair, diet, and how to get the best results out of your natural hair products.
In transition? Come on down!
Have children with natural hair and need advice and direction? Come on Down!
If you are a stylist and want to learn new techniques? Then Come on down!
Whatever your natural hair questions and concerns, bring them and Felicia will answer them!
Basically, you need to be here!
On Sunday, November 13th, doors will open at 1:30pm with the workshop starting at 2!
Appetizers, great music and a chance to meet other naturals.
Will I see you there? Oh, and if you are trying to find that perfect natural hair care stylist, make sure you check out her post on finding a natural hair care stylist!
I am excited. Since I have been rocking my hair like this, I have yet to go to an event specifically targeted to the women who rock their hair natural- ESPECIALLY on the West Coast!
Thanks to Felicia Leatherwood of Loving Your Hair with Natural Care, we have an event that we can call our own! Specializing in educating and empowering people to experience only the best in natural hair care and styling techniques. This Los Angeles event will definitely be one to remember! AND I WILL BE THERE!
This isn’t just a “look how pretty” type of thing… this is education, analysis, swag, and networking! I am beyond geeked!
Held at the Point Moorea Tiki Lounge (Inside the Wilshire Grand Hotel), guests will be treated to a workshop that will focus on products for healthy hair, diet, and how to get the best results out of your natural hair products.
In transition? Come on down!
Have children with natural hair and need advice and direction? Come on Down!
If you are a stylist and want to learn new techniques? Then Come on down!
Whatever your natural hair questions and concerns, bring them and Felicia will answer them!
Basically, you need to be here!
On Sunday, November 13th, doors will open at 1:30pm with the workshop starting at 2!
Appetizers, great music and a chance to meet other naturals.
Will I see you there? Oh, and if you are trying to find that perfect natural hair care stylist, make sure you check out her post on finding a natural hair care stylist!
Every woman has a right to amazing boots- Right? Right.
So, if you happen to have beautifully full calves or wider feet, this does NOT mean that you are left out of amazing options! For fall, when you are bundling up and layering oh so fabulously- you get the chance to rock out in fall boot fashion, as I have lassoed up the latest boots that cater to the EEE or 17 in calf, in chic ankle booties, mid calf boots, and over the knee options!
From Avenue, Bloomingdales, Simply Be, Lane Bryant, Duo Boots, Nordstrom, One Stop Plus, and quite a few others, I picked out some of my favorite boots and some of which I cannot wait to get my calves in!
What type of boots call your name? Flats, Heels, Rain Boots? What textures? Crocodile or Animal Print? What colors? Red, Brown, Purple, or Black?
Take a peek at some of my favorite boot finds Specifically in wide width and wide calf! See something you like? I have linked it for you, so you don’t have to search!
Boot Up: 27 Wide Width and Wide Calf Boots for Fall
I have the greatest love for Frye. I already have three pair from them! TheseFrye Jane 14L Boots come in wide calf!
Avenue Genna Boots
A great classic from the Avenue, the Genna Boot is polished and a great classic to the boot collection!
Which ones caught your eye? DO you have a favorite brand that you shop from? Share and share away do that your fellow Curvy Fashionistas can share in the fun!
Keeping true to her ladylike sophistication with a major edge, Jibri has quite a few pieces that have me wanting to hurry up and dress up for someone’s holiday party! Heck not even a holiday party- but a dress or piece just to turn up the heat in your already fabulous closet!
Think I am exaggerating?
Take a peek and then you tell me!
The Jibri Holiday 2011 Collection
Were you as intrigued as I? Hand Painted Polka Dots, sheer play, animal prints, fitted silhouettes? Yes PLEASE!
Let me know and let us chat about where we are going to be rocking these pieces to!
You have asked in the past about items that some of us may want to learn more about and you would discuss them here. I have two, which are jeggings/leggings and control garments. Since this fashion craze of the jeggings/leggings what I have realized truly that all things don’t look good on everybody. However I have seen some big girls work them and work them well so I shopped for them. Iam not finding one the helps to conceal or hold large thighs they all seem to help accentuate bulges, so am I correct to believe this product is only for those with nice legs. Have you found a line that works well with Plus Size women? I am also looking for a control top undergarment. I don’t want something that merely camouflages my rolls, I want something that helps to define my waist yet allow me to sit comfortably at a banquet. I need your help!!!- Trina Marie
Thank you so much for submitting your question Trina!
You know what? I completely agree with you on finding a great pair of leggings and jeggings. To tackle this, let’s focus on one thing at a time, as there are brands who make some fabulous options for both!
However, one thing remains the same among both leggings and jeggings- quality of fabric. The thicker the fabric and higher quality of the blend, the better control you will have and the longer they will last- as I have lived in my leggings and jeggings!
Onto the leggings:
I actually now have an UBER favorite pair of leggings, that I have in both full length and cropped- and they are by Lisse Leggings.
Why do I love them? Well, in my review of Lisse Leggings, I talked about the four highlights of the brand that they promised to deliver: Elimination of “The Roll”, four-way stretch, hidden control panel, and tag-less comfort. BUT! What I loved even more about these leggings was the double layer of the leggings (SMOOTHS OUT EVERYTHING!), the high rise (it comes up above my belly button), the finish of the leggings, and the all day comfort of these.
When looking for leggings, I like to look for those that will provide MULTI-Function: Support, Comfort, Durability, Style, and Quality. I look for fabrics that are a cotton blend with higher spandex blend. If they provide a tummy panel type of support, I am in heaven! In addition to Lisse Leggings, other brands that I actually love and that give me support are:
·Spanx (they have leggings now) and they are fun!
·Yummie Tummie. I fell in love with them when I was at Blog Her, definitely a brand to check out
·Sejour Leggings. Nordstrom’s private label is quite comfy! (softer cotton, more casual- no support but they have lasted me a year nicely!)
*For those reading, if you have favorite brands of leggings, please chime in with your favorites! *
The Jeggings:
Honestly. I have two pair of jeggings- one I think I have almost killed with wear and another that I have yet to actually step into.
SVOBODA makes these awesome pair of jeggings that have survived my thighs rubbing together, constant wash, and tireless wear!
What makes them SO amazing?
Well, there are tons of reasons, BUT those that I can quickly summarize are:
·The patent pending cotton blend. They are more substantive than a leggings and lighter than a traditional denim.
·Comfort and stretch- no tummy indentions and bruises (you know what I mean) the stretch is bananas! I have flown on an 8 hour flight and have been comfortable the whole time!
·The colorfast-ness- they do not fade or haven’t yet for me!
·Perfect rise and finish (they look like jeans) and the only way you know they are jeggings is when you actually touch them!
With a pair jeggings, as with any other denim, you have to be careful about the cotton to elastic blend. Too much elastic and quickly you will have a saggy crotch or behind, too little and you might as well be wearing regular jeans. When it come to jeggings, I would look at the integrity of the fabric and the reinforcements of the seams too!
Being a denim snob, I have not found too many jeggings that give me this level of comfort and fashion. Maybe because I have been moving to the skinny jean cut, rather than jeggings? Yes… Maybe.
*For the readers: What jeggings do you swear by? That hold you in and give you tons of support?*
