I know it's been a minute.

Hey everyone! I know it's been a minute since I've made any post. I was sick for a minute and now
I am taking the blog to another level. I am reating my own channel on Youtube. The name of it is The Curvy Closet. I am still in the initial production stages so be patient with me. If all goes well I may close the blog if it doesnt look like it is going to work out then I will continue blogging right here. I'll keep you posted. There has been so much going on in fatshion lately and I am itching to talk about it. Holla, Latrice

Bringing the HEAT! The Lingerie Edition N.S.F.W!

                 

  Please don’t think that because you are full-figured that you either can’t or shouldn’t wear sexy lingerie!

That's simply not true, you can and you should. I discovered some super hot yet easy to wear options that will make you feel like the goddess you are. If your significant other is not a total dead fish then these hot lingerie picks will surely get their blood boiling. Sorry ladies I know we plus sized gals are supposed to be somehow “modest” (see half the clothing selection you’ll find at the average straight size store) but I personally like to give some leg on a regular basis and some etc. when needed. Modesty be damned, I AM WHAT SEXY IS! Make it your motto…WORK IT.

1. Queen Flirty Babydoll with Sheer Skirt
http://www.kabrinissecret.com/ 

2. Vinyl School Girl Bustier and Skirt
http://www.kabrinissecret.com/

4.Satin Tux Strapless Corset
http://www.hipsandcurves.com/

3. EM-4132X
http://www.biggalslingerie.com/

    5. Zebra and Dots

http://www.biggalslingerie.com/   

6. Teddy with Underwire Cups
http://www.kabrinissecret.com/

7. Deep V-Neck Polkadot Baby Doll
http://www.kabrinissecret.com/

Quote of the week: bE FEaRLeSsLY YoU!

Your Favorite Looks

  What do you wear that makes you feel great? Do you have a favorite pair of jeans, a movie sweater, some special jewels or a top that whenever you wear it you feel like a million bucks?

  I have a pair of skinny jeans that I love they have turquoise colored rhinestones on the pockets. It doesn’t matter what shirt I wear with my favorite jeans I still feel great each time I wear them. What do you have in your closet right now that makes you feel beautiful?

BRA THEORY

The truth about your bra.


If you are like 90% of the young woman in the world you will eventually have to wear a bra. If you don’t wear one and can’t be convinced then I want try to “lift you up” out of that thinking. In the 1960’s our sister feministas symbolically set their bras ablaze in piles of nylon throughout the city streets and the countryside. These days many of us are just as likely burn at the notion of going braless in public. So it’s definitely a love/hate relationship we’ve determined that much, but isn’t it also a cultural thing? I’d say cultural moors surely come in to play somewhere in the conversation. Yes, our bras have a place in our lives and for many women it’s a rather large one (no pun intended).

So since we feel like wearing a bra is probably not an “option” that we’d choose to go without for any extended period of time then how can you make that bra your bosom buddy instead of your wicked stepsister? Here are some tips and reviews to help you have a better bra experience no matter what size your tatas may be.

Tips:

• A bra labeled full figured will have more density in the cup. This means that if you wear a 34D you may get more comfort out of a 34D "full figured" bra then you would out of a straight sized 34D.
• If you are falling out of your current bra then a full figured bra may work for you. 
• The type of bra you choose should depend on the kind of support you need. This will vary based on the activity or occasion. You have options! Full Support, Soft Underwire, Soft Molded, Strapless, etc.
• If you need some strap control go with a bra that has a racerback. You can also add an elastic band from one strap across to the other to help keep your straps in place.   
• Get MEASURED! Dont try to guess or say phone a friend for her bra size because "we are about the same size".
• Find a bra that has sytle and substance. You will feel more confident if you have a bra that provides support for the girls and looks hot on your body.
• Make sure you pull your breat tissue in that's beneath your under arms, yes this is a part of your breat and it should be treated that way. If you have lots of tissue in this area be sure to find a bra that offers side support also. A little thin strap wont get the job done.
• Look for a bra that supports you from underneath more then it does at the shoulders. Ex.: A Shelf Bra
• The breast should be lifted so that they have proper circulation. 
• Finally, if your boobs are flopping and hopping than your defintely not wearing the correct bra.

My Top 3 Picks: 
       

Le Mystere Dream Tisha T-Shirt and Sweater Bra 9955

It's has been said that this bra is the best of the best, I can agree with that. After reading reviews on this bra and hearing that Oprah it on her Bra & Swimsuit Intervention special and also featured it a separate time as one of her "favorite things" I had to try it.  This bra may well be the best molded cup bra for the larger breast and the full figured woman.  The low yet modest body of the bra makes it great for scooped neck and low cut tops and dresses.  The Tisha has great lift and will defintely enhance your figure.    
It is also very smooth under any kind of clothing. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wacoal BodySuede Full Figure Seamless Bra 85185

This bra is my No. 2 pick for best bras for full figures. Wacoal is known for it’s great fitting, ultra supportive bras. They have classic cuts that are very wearable. The BodySuede has a wide band that adds to the comfort of the bra. Furthermore the straps are just wide enough and they stay up! The shoulder pads of the straps are a great addition. The side panels help to really put things where they need to be. Well worth the price and if you webshop around you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the cost. Be sure to get measured professionally first, of course that goes for any bra.
 
 
 

18 Hour Original Comfort Strap Bra

My last pick for best bras for the plus size women is an oldie but goodie. The Playtex 18 Hour Original Comfort Strap Bra is the lower priced alternative to the luxury bras I suggested above. This bra can be found pretty much anywhere. The 18 Hr doesn’t dig in your shoulders at all this is because of the shape of the strap I’d assume. It offers great support which also makes it great for working out. Some ladies find the lift to be a turn off but for me I like it. Admittedly I had to get used to it at first but eventually I realized that I’d rather have that lift than not. I like the retro look that this particular lift offers underneath your clothes. That June Clever lift I like to call it. So for price, fit, and even style I’d have to round my top 3 off with the Playtex Original.

Look Fab For Less!

Who Wore It: Christina Hendricks


  The AMC show Mad Men is one of my favs and my favorite actress on that show happens to be Sterling Coopers pin up girl/office manager Christina Hendricks bka "Joan Holloway Harris". Her curves have been all the rage since the shows premiere in 2007. She always finds a way to accentuate those curves and at the season four premiere of the hit show she didn’t stray too far away from her familiar bodycon frockery. Christina wore Dolce and Gabbana from head to toe, pairing up a formfitting black lace dress with black crochet pumps. I think the dress is fierce and I would like to get this look for less. Here's my take on this red carpet stunner:

Christina Hendricks in Dolce and Gabbana
$ Too much for me

 Kiyonna 3/4 Sleeved Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress
 $148.00

Option 1: Elizabeth and James "Janet" lace 4"
$195.00

Option 2: Black Victoria Lace-Up Heel
$29.98 Clearance

  So here are my suggestions for a perfect yet affordable mimic of the Dolce and Gabbana dress and heels worn by Christina Hendricks on the red carpet.  Kiyonna 3/4 Sleeved Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress is under $200 and would definitely be a great addition to your closet.    

  The 3/4 length sleeve is a look that is easy to wear and works well for someone with larger shoulders and/or arms that may be uncomfortable going “un-sleeved”. If your daring enough or crazy like me you could even take up the hem on the lining about an inch or 2 or 3. Don’t get too carried away or you’ll end up having to wear our jeans or better yet jeggings underneath! Which with some slits cut down the sides might actually be a hot look, but I digress.

  Don’t forget about your shoes and I discovered two pair that will might make you get a little misty eyed. As I tell my full figured divas, hey honey you have options! I selected these Elizabeth and James Janet lace 4 inchers with intricate detailing and the cutest little lace covered buttons running up the heel to the ankle. For those who don’t want to risk having an embarrassing fall (I’ll take my chances). I selected the Black Victoria Lace-Up Heel from Torrid our guardian angel of the plus size foot realm. Once again they impress with the lace overlaid stunner with an actual shoelace. This wide heel is actually also 4 inches so you definitely not losing any sexiness whichever you choose.

 Dont Forget:

Vintage Bobbie Jerome Black Clutch
$24.95

 One Perfect Flower
$18.00


Of course you can’t forget you trash can. A little black vintage inspired purse like this one by actual vintage Bobbie Jerome Clutch I found at http://www.artfire.com/ add some costume jewelry like this elegant piece by Soulful-Lee Yours or your favorite pieces and your ready to shine at any event- for less!  

 

Dear Gabi

  Gabi, I just wanted you to know that I am very proud of you and of your accomplishments thus far. It is no small feat to be in the position that you find yourself in now. I simply adore you for the down to earth attitude you have and the beauty you bring to your blog and to your readers. I am a dedicated reader of YFF and I think you are an awesome testimony of what can be done with this life. As a blogger I say you are my inspiration and I only hope to be able to inspire other woman like us with my words and photos.
                                                Thanks, Latrice   

It's So Hot Out There, What Should I Wear!?

  In the immortal words of Nelly “it’s getting hot in herre’ so take off all yo clothes”! Well yea it is that hot, but we can’t all run around naked unless you live in a nudist colony which wouldn’t be a bad idea right about now. It’s been 100+ degrees lately in almost any direction you pick and trying to look cute whether for day or night in this weather is more than a notion.
 
  While straight sized ladies may be able to pull off a midriff top and some classic Daisy Duke’s many of my curvy sisters have embraced jeans and a logo tank or maybe a skirt here or there to try to defend our bodies from the dreaded heatmiser. Bake in the sweltering heat no more my ladies because YOU HAVE OPTIONS! Less is not always too much for the fat and fashionable. So what are the options you ask, because God knows wearing jeans isn’t gonna cut it every day. Get ready because here are some solutions to a summer that has gotten way too hot that will leave you looking cool and feeling smoking hot.

Get the Look : A Day in the City…

Where to Buy: Black Dot Print Tube Romper: Torrid.com, Black Agate and Pearl Gem Stone Flower Necklace with Earrings SET Hand Made PN28 HandHeadHeart: Etsy.com, Kelsi Dagger Shoes: Zappos.com, Sabina Deacon Ava Bag: baghaus.com, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock Lotion SPF 85: walgreens.com

These stylish rompers are all the rage this summer and with the weather being as out of control as it is this piece would definitely be a valuable addition to your closet. OMG! It has pockets ladies we love the look! Give me pockets on any dress or romper anytime and it’s a win. Try sleeveless bandeau tops you’ll find that you enjoy the freedom. If you aren’t too comfortable with your arms out then try a light jacket or sweater. Finding shorts like this jumper would help keep you cool also because they are light and airy.

These patent leather skimmers will definitely cause heads to turn and hater’s eyes to roll. This statement shoe is great for a day in the city. Flats remain in style but if you’d prefer a look that will elongate your body then go for a pair of wedges. The fabulous necklace I chose is great for a day out in the sun since there isn’t any metal to burn your neck in the summer heat. Ribbon style or wrapped cord necklaces are great for hot weather. The purse is a great choice for window shopping or actual shopping if you’ve got money to burn. Besides carrying around a heavy tote in 100 degree weather isn’t fun.

To add a bit of pop to this look try adding some shades with a little color like a jewel toned blue. Be sure to add your sun block for your skin I’d suggest (Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock Lotion SPF 85: walgreens.com) and you’ll be ready to rock and roll. Pull your hair up if it’s long into a nice chignon and if its short then rock it with a nice hair clip. Incorporating some of these looks into your wardrobe will make your end of summer a little cooler. Love ya Peace + Blessings, Latrice

Hair Rant

  So I was pretty bored this weekend and I thought this would be a good time to try something different with my hair. I' ve worn my hair dark and mostly short for the last few years. When I do the long hair it's usually with a wig. I found this weaving product called BUMP at the beauty supply and it looked pretty easy to do even for someone that is out of practice like me. I just dont think I will be wearing it to work tomorrow. I dont want the question and answer session that is sure to happen. I've learned not to care what people think about me for the most part but sometimes it like well I'm just not too crazy about hearing the comments or compliments either way.  We will see. Just a rant on a Monday eve.

Anatomy in Grey

 I don't know what it is about the color grey this fall but it seems to be coming out with a vengence. I'm loving these fashionable new looks in grey from one of my favorite plus size designers Evans. Check out this hot weekend look.  

                             

glitter face girl shirt 

denim cuffed sandal 

grey biker seamed jeggings

seedbead necklace

                                                                                            

Will thrift for animal prints and the Stepford Wives Collection / Fall 1962

  So they say the recession is over,  well I'm not sure who "they" are but my personal portfolio isnt looking any better then it did last year. I love to shop but hey my budget says heck no. I'm a bit of bunkie (brand junkie) but these days my funds wont permit buying new this and that. I hit up one of my old stomping grounds the Goodwill, and my sisters I was not dissappointed by the selection. I found so many pieces suitable for deconstruction and some that were just ready to go as is. I'm sure you remember the style of dress from the "Leave it to Beaver" days well maybe you don't I barely do. That's what these dresses reminded me of. Tons of old school stripped and floral button down dresses with belts and cinched waists. I bought 2 for under 10 bucks! Yes!

  I have my heart set on going back tomorrow to buy this sequined tank dress and a gold mesh top I was stalking. I'm going to take a pic of the one dress that I could actually fit and I've still got some surgery to do on the other one. Please note that neither were my size in the tag so just remember its not about that its about can you make it work for your body frame. Sometimes you can and sometimes you can't but at least try it on if you really love it.  

  The one that I really loved has an animal print which is one of my go to looks and a nice collar and belt. The butt and hips I'm working with made it hard to get on, and I almost lost a eye trying. I'm going to do some adjustments on the elastic waist and try to loosen it up some, the belt will cover up any snafus I have with the thread and needle:) I'll keep you posted, literally...I know...boo.        

Summer Redux

With the end of summer fast approaching many of us will be suffering from the crackhead shakes as we pack up our Madden wedges and and open toed sandles in overgrown closets. As for me i'm not going out without a fight. Those black wedges and earth toned sandals are as good as worn this fall even winter ( it get's really cold here so I might have to renig on that one). Im going to buy a new batch of black tights and rock those "summer shoes" right on up to Halloween. Check out this Haute and Heavy look!

Bow Waist Skirt by City Chic

Cropped Vinyl Jacket by City Chic

Z. Cavaricci Couture - Black Portia Heel 

Gotta have it - Justine Simmons Fashion Jewelry

The other night I was sitting around channel flipping and dreading the ticking minutes ticking away on my cablebox because I knew that soon it would be time to lay down and get right back up for work. Argh! but I thank God that I am employed these days. During my flipping I came across Justine Simmons on HSN (Home Shopping Network). She was launching her new "fashion" jewelry line. This line is the follow up to her "Brown Sugar" collection from a while ago. I love Justine. I only planned to watch briefly since I dont do  tv shopping (not that anything is wrong with it), but I got caught up. Her introductory pieces are gorgeous! Simple easy breezy braclets, necklaces, watches, and rings. Matchy but not matchy matchy. I personally like sets.
I love the interchangeable acrylic watches. I can definitely see any of them being fabulous with skinny jeans and a white button down and a blazer. I love the polished animal print rings also, it would be a hot look for work or a night out on the town.

Justine Simmons Jewelry Interchangeable Strap Watch

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Justine Simmons Jewelry Animal-Print Epoxy Dome Ring

Welcome to I'm not a 6, I'm a 10!!

I'd like to start by welcoming you all to my blog. I look forward to getting to know each of you! Please read my about me section to the right and learn a little about me and why I began this blog. -Love ya, Latrice