Archive | August 2010

The 2nd Open House for “The Plus Academy VIRGINIA” on Saturday, September 25th!

Aug30

For those aspiring plus-size models who may have missed out on the 1st Plus Academy VIRGINIA Open House here’s your chance to register with me to take advantage of the Fall 2010 semester of events. Plan to come to The Avenue at Staples Mill Square and register for the classes which will start on October 9th. The Plus Academy is the leading model training and development program, exclusively for plus size women. Our classes are taught by a team of professionals who are experienced in the plus size market and in conducting workshops associated with issues affecting plus size women. The Plus Academy CEO, Gwen DeVoe, has appointed me, Bella Styles, to direct her VIRGINIA location of The Plus Academy.

When you make a deposit of  at least $100 you will receive a 10% discount. Myself, along with the other fall instructors and former students will be on site to answer any questions that you may have. Door prizes and raffles will be given away as well. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to further your career. Many doors have been opened from students attending The Plus Academy, myself included!

For the fall session we have many great classes lined up such as:

- “The Business of Modeling”

- “How to Market Yourself In the Plus-Size Modeling Industry”

- “Finding the Correct Bra & Shapewear for Your Bodytype”

- “Runway Instruction”

- “Posing for Photoshoots”

- “Plus-Size Fashion Styling “

-”Personal Shopping Trip”

- “Makeover Session w/ Make-Up, Hair & Photoshoot”

www.plusacademyvirginia.com

www.twitter.com/plusacademy_VA

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/2w3m6ab

“The Bella Styles Best Dressed List at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards”

Aug30

These are my picks for the best dressed on the red carpet at last night’s Emmy awards:

Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 (This was my favorite look of the night)

Tina Fey in an Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011 gown

Kim Kardashian in Marchesa Resort 2011

Dianna Agron  in her Carolina Herrera Resort 2011 gown

The “Glee” actress, Lea Michelle, wore an Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011 navy silk taffeta sweetheart neckline gown with burst of organza flamenco ruffles on the skirt

Christina Hendricks in Zac Posen Resort 2011

 

Eva Longoria in Robert Rodriguez

 
 
Pics via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

 

The “Igigi Black Magic Gown” Makes the Red Carpet at the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards

Aug30

I was just looking over my facebook timeline when I saw the post for plus-size designer Igigi’s page. One of her new gowns made it on the red carpet last night at the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Actress KayCee Stroh, of “High School Musical”, arrived wearing the new “Black Magic Gown” by Igigi. Just last week one of my Plus Academy Virginia students, Courtney Mills, wore the exact same Igigi “Black Magic Gown” to the “Size is Sexy” event in Atlanta, GA. I’m personally super happy about this for Igigi since I just wore one of her similiar gowns myself to my Plus Academy Virginia Open House.

I had my eye on the “Black Magic Gown” too as my next purchase. It was premiered on the runway this past June at “Full Figured Fashion Week” in New York. I’m sure it’s going to fly off the racks now. Igigi’s dresses are so elegant and feel so good on. 

This is great news for the plus size community. Many celebs are wearing her designs. Actress Gabourey Sidibe was recently spotted at an event wearing an Igigi creation too. I hope to see more and more of our favorite plus-size designer creations continue to be shown on future red carpet events!

        (Above) Actress KayCee Stroh on the Emmy’s Red Carpet 

        Los Angeles, CA,  August 29, 2010

 (Above) Virginia Plus-Size model Courtney Mills at the “Size is Sexy” Event

      Atlanta, Ga, August 21, 2010

The “Black Magic” gown on the runway at “Full Figured Fashion Week” in NYC, June 2010

         (Above) Actress Gabourey Sidide in Igigi on the red carpet

The “Black Magic Gown” is $189 and comes in sizes 12-24 at www.igigi.com

“A Day at the Beach in My New SwimsuitsForAll.com Tankini”

Aug29

Earlier this month the wonderful Pat Swift of SwimsuitsForAll.com sent me a tankini swimsuit for my review. I must admit I’ve never tried a tankini before. I usually always try to camouflauge my thighs with the skirted swimsuits but I’m so glad Pat had me step out on a limb. I planned a family beach day getaway a while ago and I finally got a chance to wear my new swimsuit yesterday. 

The Tankini is super comfortable and it was so easy to put on. ( I emphasize that point being as though I had to change in the car, lol). I felt as if I was in loungewear. The material that it is made with is of superior quality and has stretch in it so that it slims the stomach area. Their website has a large selection of swimsuits and go from sizes 8 to 34 in womens.

I got the “Beach Belle” Blouson Tankini Top and the Highwaisted Brief Bottom. of course I wasn’t able to see myself in a mirror first so although I was a little hesitant with “showing so much” in a tankini, I went ahead and took my pics when I first got there. But before I knew it, I was out in the water riding the waves having so much fun and my swimsuit kept “everything” in place perfectly.

Once I got home and looked backed over my pics I wasn’t dis-pleased at all. My confidence is up even more now and no longer will I hide behind skirted suits and I think more of us curvy girls should do that as well!

Me in the “Beach Belle” Poppy Blouson Tankini Top $36 and the “Beach Belle” Highwaisted Brief Bottom in Black $28

More swimsuits can be found at www.SwimsuitsForAll.com

OOTD: “ASOS CURVE Cami Wrap Jersey Jumpsuit”

Aug28

I planned to have myself a family day today so I wanted to throw on something cute and comfortable. So I decided on this jumpsuit from Asos. Asos has been having a GREAT sale for awhile now and I took a chance and ordered this item. Although I got it maybe one size too big I am very pleased with my purchase. (As I usually am with most of my Asos products).  I was already feeling great underneath thanks to my new comfy Skineez thigh shaper and then the viscose (jersey) of the jumpsuit made for a very comfortable day out and about. I added a belt to it to accent my waist and to bring out the brown in my accessories. The wide legs of the jumpsuit fall perfectly over heels and sandals. So if you’re over 5’7 in height this is a must have for you!

Jumpsuit: Was $58  Now $16   www.asos.com
Wedge Sandals: Coach Tyra II  $150 (2006)  Nordstrom
Totebag: Reg. $500 On Sale $200  (2007) Nordstrom
Ring: Ashley Stewart A-Lux  $12.50
Bracelets & Earrings: Around $3-$5 each from It’s Fashion
Belt: Dot’s (it came with a dress I bought)

 

 

My Review of the “SKINEEZ™ Skincarewear™”

Aug28

Last month I became Twitter friends with  SKINEEZ™ Skincarewear™ as I was very interested in their shapewear products. As you’ve heard me say many, many times I strongly believe in wearing the right foundations under your clothing. I have tried quite a few and only stick with a select few. Well Emily Thungkaew & Taylor Calligar of SKINEEZ™ Skincarewear™ sent me their “Thigh Slimmer Kit” and I have to say that I’m very impressed. The Skineez Thigh Slimmer Kit contains a high quality, moderate compression seamless undergarment that focuses on slimming, toning, and smoothing from just above the waist to above the knee. Built in compression points help target problem areas, especially the HIPS and THIGHS! Kit includes one 1.7 oz Skineez Slimming Spray. Their products have been featured on HSN, The Doctors and The Early Show.

Firstly, I’ve never had a shapewear garment to slide on me so smoothly with ease. It’s seamless so it gives you light support and doesn’t have you feeling like a boa constrictor is wrapped around you, lol.  Embedded in the fabric are tiny time-released microcapsules containing naturally derived vitamins, antioxidants and cosmetic ingredients, all working to combat aging and skin damage and they last up to ten washes. After ten or more washes you just spray more product onto the garment which is also provided in the product package.  I instantly felt my skin was smoother under this garment as if I had slathered in lotion.  I should see even more results of smooth skin after wearing it a few more times. The available colors are nude or black and they go from sizes XS-2X so there’s one for just about every body and shape.

Thigh Slimming Kit  $68    Sizes xS-2X    Black or Nude

Me in product above

 

 

Check the website for many other products too: www.myskineez.com

http://www.facebook.com/skineez

http://twitter.com/skineez

 

Here’s a video demonstration:

The New Book “Plus” by Veronica Chambers

Aug28

I was fumbling thru last month’s Glamour mag and read a write up on the new book by Glamour magazine editor Veronica Chambers. The write up got me interested because it is the story of a young lady who was dumped by her boyfriend and then goes on to become a famous plus-size model. I haven’t read it yet but plan on getting this book soon so be on the lookout for my personal review to come later.

Here’s a review from Seventeen Mag:

From former magazine editor, Veronica Chambers, comes the must-read summer book for all girls who have ever felt less than gorgeous. “PLUS” is the story of pre-med student Bee Wilson who, after being dumped by her first real college boyfriend, enters a downward spiral of depression. She takes her unhappiness out on food and winds up gaining the Freshman 15 (plus 10, for good measure.) One day, while enjoying a jumbo chocolate chip muffin at Dean & Deluca, Bee is discovered by a plus size modeling agency executive and, soon after, offered a job as the face of Prada‘s new line.

But being a world-famous model isn’t easy, as Bee soon realizes. She is forced to vanquish her skinny rivals, fend off sleavy photographers and keep jealous frenemies away, all the while, choosing between her first love and that adorable Columbia freshman that she tutors.

In a country obsessed with weight, diets and a very narrow idea of what is a “perfect body,” this book is a breath of fresh air! Beauty does not have to be a size 2, after all. This book is not only the perfect breezy read for a warm summer day but it also celebrates each and every girls’ unique Body Peace!

The book is only $8.99 thru www.amazon.com

OOTD: “A Night at the Museum in SimplyBe & Ashley Stewart”

Aug27

Alright, I’m gonna go ahead an admit something up front. I planned a night out tonight all to do a OOTD post. Don’t laugh, but you would have too if you had gotten the surprise on your doorstep from the UK  like I did today. I have been fantasizing about the SimplyBe Mica blazer ever since I saw fellow curvy blogger Jay Fatshionable with it on earlier this year (http://tinyurl.com/2uk36lk). Well at that time SimplyBe was not delivering to the US, Jay lucked up, and so I waited until now to receive mine.  

I have seen “many” bloggers with this blazer on and I just fell in love with how many different ways to wear it. Honestly, I didn’t own a fitted blazer until now so this was well needed. I tell you what, I am not disappointed  with this selection either. The material is of great quality and it is fully lined too. (Since it is a UK item, be sure to order two sizes larger than your USA size). Charlotte of SimplyBe was so generous enough to track one down for me and ship it out to me.

Now Jay used Kim Kardashian as her inspiration which is a good comparison but I also wanna include Rihanna in this post. A few weeks ago I blogged on a pair of Pratt jeans that Rihanna was wearing that I found a replica pair of in plus size (http://tinyurl.com/3xnkcqz).  So I combined the two iconic looks:

Jacket: “Mica” Shoulder Pad   $99   Sizes 10-28  www.simplybe.com

Jeans: Motorcross by Ashley Stewart  $39   Sizes 12-24   www.ashleystewart.com

Necklace: $6 (clearance) from Charming Charlie  www.charmingcharlie.com

Earrings & Bracelet: Around $3 from It’s Fashion   www.itsfashionmetro.com

Clutch: Reg. $30 on sale for $13 from Ashley Stewart   www.ashleystewart.com

Tank: $5  Dot’s www.dots.com

Shoes: Qupid “Nydia-50″  $22 from Shoe Fashion (Richmond, VA)

(Above) Rihanna in $288 Pratt Jeans

(Below) My Ashley Stewart Jean $39

Motocross Jean

                   (Below) Kim Kardashian in shoulder pad blazer

Here’s a close-up of the blazer I wore:

Mica Shoulder Pad Jacket-length 26in

Tonight was the grand opening of ‘The South African” exhibit at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, so I went to tap into my cultural side and check it out. I forgot that you can’t take pics using flash in the museum so although I don’t have actual pictures of the exhibit, I was able to snap a few in the gift shop. Take a look:

To see when this exhibit ends go to the museum website: www.vmfa.state.va.us

The Isabel Toledo Fall Collection for Payless

Aug26

I have to tell you, I was really looking forward to the Christian Siriano collection for Payless this season. Although it is nice, it’s not like his fall runway show but yet still interesting. Well when I went to the Payless site I happened to see the full line for Isabel Toledo. Now this is something to get excited about. The fur boots immediately caught my attention. Coincidently, they are very similiar to a pair that I got from Dot’s which I will post at the bottom of this blog post. The red and black pumps look very expensive and are similiar to Manolo Blahniks. They must have really been selling good because only two sizes are left in them. Overall this is a great collection of designer shoes at Payless.

Toreador Pump   $44.99    Sizes 7 & 11

High Ghillie    $39.99  Sizes 7-11

Front Fold Bootie    $54.99    Sizes 6.5-11

Sliver Bootie     $54.99    Sizes 6.5-11

Belted Poodle Boot   $59.99   Size 6.5-11

All above shoes available at: www.payless.com  (Don’t forget the BOGO sale going on now too!)

Below pic is of me in very similiar boots to the Isabel Toledo “Poodle Boot”. My boots are from Dot’s and were around $25. This pic was from New Year’s Day so I must have purchased them around Christmas time:

“The Wendy Williams Show” is having a plus-size model casting call tomorrow!!

Aug26

The Wendy Williams Show is having a plus size fashion show casting call tomorrow Friday, August 27th in her NYC studio.

If you live in the NYC area and would like to be considered to model in a “Wendy Show” fashion segment, click here to get more details.

Follow this link–> http://www.wendyshow.com/2010/08/26/plus-size-fashion-show/