My Favorite Curvy Fashionista

Photo credit: Getty Images

Amber Riley was stunning on the red carpet at the Golden Globes and she stepped up her game even more Sunday night at the Screen Actor's Guild Awards.

This young "Glee" star looked smashing in this black curve hugging gown from Anne Barge. Riley proves that you can be a fashionista at any size. What a great choice. Of all of the beautiful gowns on the red carpet Sunday night, Riley's was my favorite.

Everything about her look was perfect that night. Her skin looked luminous, her bangs suit her face shape, and she just had a glow about her. I also adore this lipstick shade on her!

I look forward to seeing more of her style soon!

A Must Read

I apologize for my lack of posting much of the week. I have been getting ready for a Trunk Show at a local boutique. For those who don't know me from my other blog, I have a jewelry line called Loubird Handmade. I will be here in the Rochester area at a Webster boutique called Vintage Bliss from noon to 3:30 tomorrow with my entire line.

I will be back posting daily next week. Before I go, I want to pass along a book recommendation. I just finished a book called Size Sexy: How to Look Good, Feel Good and Be Happy At Any Size. It is by Stella Ellis, a  curvy model for Jean-Paul Gaultier.

I would love to talk to Ellis someday and, if possible, have her do an interview with us here at The Embrace Your Curves Project. I loved her book because she really epitomizes the idea of embracing our bodies, loving ourselves, and realizing that one can be healthy and beautiful even if we're not skinny girls.

Check it out!

Bargain Spotting

I had to get the pooch some more dog food at Petco yesterday, so I stopped into Avenue while I was there. For me it is hit or miss there. I really cannot wear their pullover tops because the 14/16 is big at the shoulders and some styles of their jeans are big in the waist of the 14s, but I am telling you that the cardigans and shrugs are perfect for me in a 14/16. 

Like many of you, I have an issue with things that button across the chest. I think that's why I adore shrugs and flyaway cardigans so much--they fit perfectly in the bust at Avenue for me and I found some great deals yesterday.

Almost everything winter is 50-60% off the ticketed price. On top of that, until closing today, you can take another 30% off of that price. In other words, a $36 item would be $10.08 if it was on the 60% off rack, then take an additional 30% on top of that. Nice!

The deals aren't nearly as good online and then you have to add shipping, so this is a case of it being better to go shopping in the store. Plus, I love to try stuff on before I buy to make sure it fits.

I came home with 3 pieces yesterday for under $30. I'm going back later for jeans and I am thinking about this faux fur 3/4 sleeve coat, but am not sure....

My finds:

I also have to say that of all the Avenue stores in the Rochester area, the one in Irondequoit is the best. They have a great selection and I always find a deal. The ladies who work there are really sweet, too.

The woman who rang me out yesterday said that the 50-60% off sale is ongoing as they make room for spring merchandise, but that the additional 30% ends tonight. That doesn't mean more markdowns won't happen, but I just wanted to give you a head's up.

{flower power}

It's been a loooong winter in Upstate New York with several weeks left of the cold, white stuff. I can count on at quite a bit of winter coat, boot, and sweater weather in front of me. I've been seeing spring clothes in stores and the gloss magazine pages, but it's not feasible those of us in the Northeast to wear spring apparel now.

We can add in one of the hottest spring trends, though, to transition our winter wardrobes--flowers! Flowers are a huge spring trend and there's no reason you can't add them in now when you pair them with your existing cold weather pieces.

Some suggestions:

 Pair this tunic with a denim jacket and wide leg pants and you can stay warm and be put together!

Lane Bryant Tunic, $17.49

Black trousers from Avenue, $24.99

Denim Jacket from Lane Bryant, $59.99

I love this new spring cardigan from Old Navy! Layer for added warmth. Add a trench and cami and pair with dark trouser jeans. When spring does eventually come, all can be worn to create other looks.

Old Navy Belted Trench, $39.50

Old Navy Cardigan, $29.50

Cami from Old Navy,  $12.50

Old Navy Trouser Jeans, $39.50

Va Va Voom!

Just because you're a curvy girl does not mean you need to head to be in a pair of sweats and baggy t shirt. Trust me. Part of embracing your curves is feeling good about yourself--you're beautiful and you deserve to look and feel that way.

Are you thinking, "But wearing something frilly is out of my comfort zone" or "It's just too cold to skip flannel pjs" ? I challenge you to wear something that says Va Va Voom for one weekend. This is your assignment. I know it can be hard. It is so cold this time of year in Upstate New York. I myself have my own favorite Nick and Nora jammies that keep me warm and toasty. Go out of your comfort zone for just one weekend. Wear something girly, something to make you feel glam and sexy.

At the end of your experiment with wearing something other than big jammies that cover you up, notice any changes in your mood and self esteem levels.

Things we adore:

Tap set from Hips & Curves

$24.95

The Ponte d'esprit babydoll by Cacique

$44.50

Chemise from Glamorose

$43.50

love :: eshakti.

I've told you about a company called eShakti before. I've been sent clothing for my other blog to review and I've also ordered. They offer really lovely clothes in sizes 0-26W. For $7.50 more, they offer a customization service as well. You measure your body--height, length of arms, bust, shoulders, thighs, hips, etc. and give them to the company when ordering. In a very short time, you'll have an item made to fit your body.

I recently was given the chance to try an item from eShakti. I decided to try the Asymmetric Collar Felted Pea Coat. This item sells on their website for an affordably priced $99.95. That's quite moderate for a winter coat. I sent them my measurements at the middle of last week and my coat arrived yesterday via UPS. In a week's time, I had a custom made coat.

I love it. It is very me. I love black. I also love things that I can tie and accentuate my waist. One thing I loathe about coat shopping is that I generally need a larger size for my hips and chest. In the end, I get a waist bulge and bagging around the shoulders. Not with this coat! This is that classic black coat with a twist. The collar and large buttons give it something extra. I know it'll be one of those pieces I'm happy to put on and will always feel put together and feminine.

The quality is also fabulous. It is fully lined and there isn't uneven stitching or anything else that would have leave me unhappy. My one tiny issue is that the tie for the coat is insanely long. Long as in I can tie it around me twice. Tied once, it leaves a huge bow and lots of length still trailing down/ No worries--I'll just use the tie I have on my other black winter coat.

If you're looking for nice quality and a GREAT fit, head right on over to eShakti. If you use code KaJ86P, you'll save another 15% until the end of November, too. I can't wait to do some dress shopping there soon for the holidays. Check their dresses out--such a great selection!

We're On Facebook!

Have you joined our Facebook Fans Page yet? Please do! I will soon be hosting fantabulous giveaways each month of the blog and all fans will be entered to win. The first giveaway will be held in December and it'll be for a gorgeous scarf.

Here is a link to the page. Thanks for your support as we celebrate one month at The Embrace Your Curves Project. Please also follow the blog right here on this page if you have a chance. Thanks!