Color is the New Black

by Ta'Nashea McLeod

 I'm loving this playful and colorful layered necklace and earring set by Farrah Estrella Jewelry.

Command attention in this light blue easy-to-wear plus size faux wrap, short sleeve ring dress by Avenue.

I recently revamped my closet with a few colorful additions. In the past if you were to take a tour of my closet, you would have been met by a sea of black. So needless to say this color overhaul was badly needed.

I’ve always considered myself a fashionista despite my failure to abide by a few of the age old fashion rules. You know the ones don’t mix patterns, never wear white after Labor Day, and don't even think about combining your metals. Well it’s a new day in fashion and those rules are old news.  

The one rule I’ve heard most over the years is "wear black because it’s slimming." I will admit as I got older and curvier I fell victim to this way of thinking. I’ve now come to the knowledge that it’s not necessarily the color of the garment, but more importantly the fit that determines how flattering it looks. Thanks to Avenue Fashion for Women Sizes 14 & Up I got the color fix I needed. Color is the new black!!!!

Create your own love story with this sleeveless, romantic ruffles, and ultra-feminine fuchsia dress by Avenue.

Add white hot style to your wardrobe with this one button plus size blazer by Avenue and nude heels by Steve Madden.

Get a cool, edgy look with this hot pink, princess seamed, mixed zip and button hardware blend cropped chino jacket by Avenue.

Don't for get to break the rules with an unexpected splash of color. I was comfortable and chic in these mustard colored open toe flats also by Avenue. 

My side pocket front tie dress, belt, sunglasses, and clutch are all part of my many thrift store finds!

Shop these looks and countless more at: http://www.avenue.com/

How do you feel about wearing color? Please share your thoughts, with us!

About the Author:

Ta'Nashea McLeod, a plus model based out of Tampa Florida, is also a fashion & lifestyle blogger, spokesperson, and president/founder of the Curvy Fashion Exchange. As a professional plus size model experienced in commercial, print, fit, and runway modeling, Ta'Nashea has participated in countless fashion show events and featured in numerous magazines. Ta’Nashea definitely has a passion for helping society view full-figure fashion in a positive light.  

Style369.com’s London Style

by Ta'Nashea McLeod

All eyes are on London with the 2012 Olympics starting in a few days and there has been a lot of talk surrounding fashion. Everything from what the athletes will be wearing to London’s very own street style.  

Style369.com has taken away the guess work and made it easy for you to get the inimitable, enviable look of a London fashionista.

Style369.com celebrates all that is fabulous with “London Style” a feature on their products that represent London’s open-minded, cutting edge approach to curvy fashion.


To read more follow link below!
http://www.examiner.com/article/style369-com-s-london-style?cid=db_articles

Photos Courtesy of http://www.style369.com/

Take 5! (Bras that is)

by Liz Black

Personally, thanks to being *ahem* well-endowed, I am always thinking about bras. Before I was properly measured I was wearing a 38/40DDD… well, turns out I’m actually a 38GG/H! While finding the proper bra size was an enormous step in the right direction (clothes look & fit better, my posture is better, shoulder/back/sides/neck don’t hurt as much) I knew that I was going to have to drop some cash on building a better bra wardrobe. Worried that I was going to go bankrupt buying bras I tried to hammer it down to the exact 5 bra styles I thought would benefit me most and be the most versatile.

First up, a smoothing t-shirt bra. Completely versatile, a t-shirt bra can be worn under tissue-thin cotton t-shirts (without worry of show-through), as well as under tank tops, sweaters, button-downs, etc. The smooth, molded cups guarantee that you won’t have any extra lumps and bumps under your shirts, giving you a streamlined silhouette. I would encourage you to purchase one in a “nude” shade so it is virtually invisible under white tops. While “nude” is subjective, try to find one that’s as close as possible to your skin tone. But believe me, a white bra under a white top will show!

Next, you’ve got to get your hands on a supportive strapless bra. Nothing ruins an outfit more than chunky bra straps sticking out of a strapless top or dress! A strapless bra is exactly what you need for summer’s skimpiest styles; whether you’re wearing a spaghetti-strapped tank top, an edgy asymmetrical one-shouldered top, or a completely strap-free top, you’re going to need a perfect strapless bra!

While summer is the perfect time to get in shape, you shouldn’t even think of stepping into a gym without wearing a sports bra! Breasts can bounce up to 5.5 inches (in all directions) when you’re working out, which will increase the chance of sagging, pain and overall discomfort. But when you’ve got the right sports bra on, bust bouncing is a thing of the past!

Now, these last two put the fun in functional. If you’ve got a little extra money in your bra budget, pick up a sexy little number & a t-back bra. It’s important to have a sexy bra in your lingerie drawer, whether you want to wear it on date night, girl’s night out, or as a boost of confidence to have on under your clothes. Knowing that you have on a racy lace or wild animal print bra will bring out your inner sex kitten!

A t-back bra is a fantastic new style that sometimes gets looked over. If you’re wearing a tank top, racerback top, or any type of sporty style, the t-back (also sometimes known as a racerback) bra is your new best friend. If you prefer the support of straps & don’t want to go strapless (although if you’re wearing the right size bra all the support should be coming from the band, not the straps), then a t-back bra is right for you!

If you don’t know where to begin, I always start (and end) my lingerie search with Bare Necessities & Bare Plus (their plus-size website). Being that I can fit into products on both sites I’m always looking through both to find the exact style I want! Take my bra advice & bra shopping will be a breeze! (Just make sure you go get properly measured first!)

About the Author:

Photos courtesy of  http://www.barenecessities.com/

Liz Black is the fashion copywriter and editor for BareNecessities.com and Bareplus.com. Bare Necessities has one of the largest selections of intimate apparel online carrying over 180 well-known brands of bras, panties, shapewear, hosiery, swimwear, men’s underwear and more.

Chat with them at:
www.facebook.com/barenecessities  
www.facebook.com/BarePlus
http://gplus.to/barenecessities
@BareNecessities
@BarePlus 

Shanda Freeman, of MTV Fame and Wife of Fatman Scoop, Will Launch Collection at Maryland Fashion Week

Shanda Freeman, wife of Fatman Scoop and of costar of MTV’s “Man and Wife”, is launching her contemporary apparel collection for women at Maryland Fashion Week, August 12, 2012.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 20, 2012 – Shanda Freeman will debut her first Fall/Winter 2012 collection at Maryland Fashion Week. The six-piece, contemporary women’s apparel collection, aptly called “Gemini“, is set to debut on August 12, 2012. The “Gemini” collection offers femininity, elegance and versatility.

For fashion lovers that cannot wait, pre-orders will be available for purchase at: www.Curvysta.com  on Monday, 8/13/2012.

The new collection, illustrates Shanda’s own signature style and are from her personal, custom pieces, created to fit her own curves. The “Gemini” dress is a reversible wrap dress that offers two looks in one. It is perfect for every woman, from the cost-conscious consumer to the avid traveler.

Sizes run from small to 3X, with extended sizes available upon request. This collection was created entirely in the United States, with all of the production based in the New York City garment district. The garments are made of breathable, quality fabrics and the colors were chosen with the confident, curvaceous woman in mind.

The “Gemini” collection will be showcased at Maryland Fashion Week on, Sunday,
August 12, 2012 at the International Showcase, followed by a Meet and Greet with Shanda Freeman. For more information on attending the showcase please visit: www. MarylandFashionWeek.com

About the designer:
Shanda Freeman is the wife of Grammy award winning artist, Fatman Scoop and costar of MTV’s “Man and Wife”. Her Shanda Says Vlog and advice column illuminate her ability to be compassionate, instruct and inspire her audiences. Her mission statement is to be a positive resource for individuals to discover and develop their potential by transforming limited thinking and unproductive practices into confidence and action. Her clothing line is an extension of her need to inspire confidence in every woman.

Get to know Shanda at:

http://www.youtube.com/shandasays 

https://twitter.com/ShandaSays

Video courtesy of ShandaSays

Reah Norman Represents Sorella Swim at FFFWeek

by Ta'Nashea McLeod

Sorella Swim prides itself on using the highest quality fabrics and trims with specific focus on fit and figure flattering details. The ultimate goal at Sorella Swim is to give the sophisticated, curvy women a luxury brand that not only accentuates her body, and helps her feel sexy while chic, but also is a brand she can call her own.

Founder and designer Jessica Petersen of luxury swimwear brand Sorella Swim teamed up with Reah Norman, Stylist and Executive Fashion Editor of PLUS Model Magazine for Full Figured Fashion Week 2012.

Neither of these talented women are newcomers to the fashion industry. Reah Norman was named “Plus Fashion Stylist of the Year” at FFFWeek 2010. While Ms. Petersen has designed for many high profile labels in the past, and is a graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.    

This top-notch collaboration ensured Sorella Swim a lasting impression on and off the runway in the plus size community.

For more information or to make a purchase visit: http://shop.sorellaswim.com/

View the Sorella Swim 2012 Resort Collection showcased at FFFWeek below!

**Photos taken by Farrah Estrella**

Don't forget to LIKE:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sorella-Swim/214106075268214

&

https://www.facebook.com/CurvyFashionExchange

CURVY PICK OF THE DAY…. BRONZE LACE PEPLUM TOP FROM CATHERINES

A new trend for the season, this beautiful top is complete with a form-fitting, peplum design. An elastic band stretches at your lower waist to create the modern, peplum style. Floral lace fabric offers a draping layer over the sleeveless design. Catherines tops are designed for the plus size woman to guarantee a flattering fit.

Photo courtesy of Catherines

For more information or to make a purchase visit: http://catherines.lanebryant.com/

EYANI COUTURE

by Ta'Nashea McLeod

"Eyani Couture is high fashion couture clothing for the confident classy and curvy!!"

Eyani Couture showcased their latest collection Saturday, June 16th during the Retailers/Boutiques Runway Showcase and Industry Awards Ceremony at Full Figured Fashion Week 2012 in New York.

Eyani Couture Logo

Eyani Couture accommodates and compliments all types of ladies, from the everyday woman to those of celebrity status, offering glamour and sexy sophistication with trendsetting looks varying from party wear to red carpet gowns.

This brand will evolve into the new “haute couture” line for curvy women worldwide.

For more information or to make a purchase visit: http://www.eyanicouture.com/



Check out their show stopping couture looks below!!

**Photos taken by Farrah Estrella**

LIKE:

https://www.facebook.com/SakinahBofEC#!/EyaniCouture

https://www.facebook.com/CurvyFashionExchange

Sooo Chic Accessories Presents Loving My Natural Self

by Ta'Nashea McLeod



Loving My Natural Self is a social event that promotes Do It Yourself Pamper Products for natural hair. This much needed event includes:

*Product Giveaways

*Complimentary Appetizers & Drinks

*Complimentary Mini Facials by Mary Kay

*Hair Moisture Treatments by Huetiful Steamer

*Product Education 101

*DIY Protective Styling 101 - By MsJStyles

*GLAM NATURAL CAM Photos

*Shop with Local Vendors & More 

Loving My Natural Self is a natural hair group for anyone wanting to celebrate, educate, and support everything about the natural hair and beauty movement through various mixers and event settings. All are welcome to come check out what Sooo Chic Accessories has to offer.

July 14, 2012

5pm to 7pm

Tahitian Inn Hotel Spa & Cafe
601 South Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33609

(Held on the Cafe Patio)

For tickets and information visit: http://lovingmynaturalselfdiy.eventbrite.com/

Photos Courtesy of http://www.sooochicaccessories.com/

CURVY PICK OF THE DAY…. LANE BRYANT SERIOUSLY SEXY COLLECTION

Sheer is sexy in this embroidered mesh full coverage bra. Light-as-air and seductive-as-sin, it supports you with unlined, underwire cups. Floral embroidery, scalloped trim and a contrast color satin bow add feminine appeal. Adjustable straps and padded bra back closure.

                                        Photos Courtesy of Lane Bryant

Seriously sexy balconette bra offers amazing comfort and support with underwire cups. Beautifully detailed with feminine floral embroidery, bow accent and ribbon-slotted straps. Padded back closure and adjustable straps.

To view the entire collection or to make a purchase visit: http://www.lanebryant.com/