Archive | July 2011

OOTD: “The Jessica Simpson Color-Block ‘Bendie’ Pumps”

Jul28

 

 

 

Can I just say that I’ve been waiting forever to wear these shoes. These are called the “Bendie” by Jessica Simpson. Boy, I sure see why Jessica’s a billionaire just from her shoe and accessories line. These babies are so hot. I literally had to wait and wait to get my hands on these. I first saw them months ago on several websites but no one had my size available. Then I finally found them and ordered them and guess what, I was sent the wrong color. So after waiting another month or so Macy’s got them in my correct size AND color. But good things come to those who wait because I was able to get them for a sale price when they did finally become available.

Ok,now on to the description of the shoe. Right now I’m allover this “color blocking” trend and that’s why I just had to have these. The description of the shoe says deep purple but they also have a neon-yellow and bright pink color on them too. However the heel portion is black. The heel is 5 inches but the platform makes it very wearable. I’m going on my fifth hour straight of having them on and haven’t taken them off yet. I was web surfing last week and see that Jessica now has them in a few other color choices now as well. I’m gonna have to stay up to date on these bad boys because I for sure wouldn’t mind having them in all colors……if I can get my size, lol.

My dress takes on the color blocking theme too as it is deep purplish-blue at the top and like a slate grey on the bottom. At first I didn’t think that I would be able to pull off this dress and the shoes together but for one, I couldn’t wait another day to wear these shoes, and two, I figured once I added my jewelry it would all blend together. Not bad if I must say so myself. In the pics it’s not that noticeable that the top of the dress and shoes are not exactly the same shade of purple. The reviews of this dress on the HSN website are horrible but I don’t have any complaints. It’s a thin jersey material so it kept me cool on this 100 degree day. That’s why I seldom go by reviews. Some customers are just so hard to please and picky. Plus after snagging it for the sale price of only seven bucks I can’t complain!

 

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Bendie Pumps  $89.00 (I paid $75 on sale)   www1.macys.com

Dress: Twiggy LONDON Color-Block Dress   Reg. $59  (I paid $7 on sale)   http://fashion.hsn.com

Jewelry: It’s Fashion  $3-$5 each

Clutch: Forever 21  $20?

Belt: $6.50 (clearance) www.ashleystewart.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

The B-Styles Curvy Girl Of The Day: “Allison McGevna”

Jul28

I know it’s been a while since I’ve featured a “Curvy Girl of the Day” but I have been smitten by this young lady’s career here lately and just had to feature her on my blog. Her name is Allison McGevna. I’ve seen Allison on many different occasions and in numerous print ads. You ever know someone from online and in pics but in person you don’t realize that it’s one of your facebook/twitter buddies? That’s how I was in New York last month during the K-Mart Blogger’s Brunch. Allison was one of the models there and I just knew that I recognized her from somewhere. I later realized it was from seeing her in the Monif C. ads, Plus Model Magazine and in-person at last years Sk Wilbur event that I attended also in New York. Her beauty is astounding. She literally sold the dress off of her back at the K-Mart event and that’s one of the reasons that influenced me to purchase it. I used her photo in my post last week for that OOTD. 

In many ways, Allison has been preparing for a career in entertainment since her childhood. A child model and actress, she began her career in front of the camera in her youth, where her unique background of Irish and West Indian afforded her many opportunities for a diverse crop of roles.


In 2007, Allison made the decision to pursue a career in the field of entertainment. After winning a nationally advertised model search, she was selected as a featured model for such huge brands as Baby Phat, Dereon, Roca Wear and Apple Bottoms and was seen as one of the regular models in Web campaigns for multiple seasons.

Since then, Allison has graced the pages of All You Magazine, Stiletto Woman, Plus Model Magazine and Daily Venus Diva. She has also worked for such major retailers and designers as Monif C, Fennimas Jewelry, Igigi, SK Wilbur, Goddess by Juanita Kelly, Lotis Clothing, JMS, Re/Dress NYC and has rocked the runway at Full Figured Fashion Week.

At the same time she was pursuing modeling, she began working as a staff writer for North Jersey Media Group and working for NJN News.

In a transition often uncharacteristic of the extremely competitive field of journalism, Allison was hired as a staff editor and producer for Fox411.com where she has since enjoyed significant success as a nationally-recognized fashion, celebrity and pop culture expert. Currently the Associate Editor, her work has provided her opportunities to interview some of Hollywood’s biggest names on camera, including Jerry Lewis, Russell Crowe, Eva Mendes, Mark Wahlberg, Quentin Tarantino, Will Ferrell, Kim Kardashian and more.

She has served as a producer, editor, red carpet correspondent and regular contributor for Fox News’ webcast, “FoxNews.com Live.”

Allison has also covered such major events as New York Fashion Week, the Oscars, the Golden Globe Awards, the New York Film Critics Circle Awards and several film and television premieres.

 

www.allisonmcgevna.com

 

OOTD: “A Walk On The Wild Side In Torrid’s ‘JET’ Collection”

Jul27

Today I wore a t-shirt from the new JET (John Eshaya Tees) collection from Torrid. John Eshaya is a stylist to celebs such as Kim & Khloe Kardashian and Nicole Ritchie. He has designed a new line exclusively for Torrid plus-sizes. The shirt I’m wearing is called the “Neon Cheetah Box Top”. I must first say that I’m not usually a t-shirt kinda girl but this particular shirt has a feminine style to it. There is a peek-a-boo bow opening on the back and if you know me by now, I like to ad pizazz to my outfits. With that being said, I went for a red belt to add some extra flare to the shirt. I notice from reading mags and watching fashion shows that adding a color to an outfit that doesn’t necessarily match is the new thing. I originally was gonna use my turquoise belt but couldn’t find it this morning. The red wide belt is also from Torrid.

 Now on to the jeggings. Can I just say that if I could wear jeggings everyday I would. In most of my posts I’m usually in dresses. Mainly because I never find jeans that fit me right. But I absolutely love leggings and jeggings. Although I have discovered with this pair and as with every other pair of jeggings that I own, you must always buy a size up from your normal size. It doesn’t seem to matter about the brand or designer either with upping your jegging sizing. This pair is called the “Sophia” jegging, also by Torrid. They have a little whiskering at the top thigh area and are really comfortable on. The stretch hits every curve to perfection. There’s no bunching in the waist or problems zipping these babies up. What I like best is that the ankle length goes perfect with either flats or pumps. 


JET John Eshaya – Neon Cheetah Box Top   $38.50  (Gifted from Torrid)    Sizes 0-4   www.torrid.com

Sophia Jegging    $58.50  (Gifted from Torrid)   Sizes 12-28   www.torrid.com

Black Patent Leather Heel    $39.50  (Gifted from Torrid)   www.torrid.com

Stretch Red Stone Tab Belt   $22 (Gifted from Torrid)    www.torrid.com

Jewelry  from  It’s Fashion

TLC’s New Plus-Size Fashion Reality Show, “Big Sexy”

Jul26

From designing clothing to booking modeling gigs, BIG SEXY will follow 5 curvy ladies, New Yorkers Leslie, Tiffany, Audrey, Nikki and Heather, as they take over Manhattan to make plus-size sexiness more mainstream. Big Sexy, will be a special three-part series on breaking into the plus-size fashion industry. Weight bias is notoriously rampant in their chosen industries, and it is their mission to prove that a bigger girl – the girl that most Americans can relate to — can break the mold and change the fashion and cultural norms that have restricted and rejected them for so long. The stars hope to expand and revise this commonly-accepted idea of what is beautiful and sexy – giving viewers a candid look into their lives as confident plus-size women who are shooting for the stars with their careers. Each episode will feature the women as they attend major industry events, parties and opportunities, all while giving a candid peek into the balancing of their personal, dating and family relationships as plus-size women. They are big, they are beautiful, and they are not sitting at home waiting for life to happen. They know better than anyone that real women can be sexy with curves — no matter what society says. 

I’m happy to say that I know a few of the cast members from either working with them directly or meeting them personally at plus-size events. Here are some pics of the “BIG SEXY” cast members from previous photoshoots, magazine spreads and ad campaigns. Congrats to all of the ladies. You can count on me as a fan already!!!:


BIG SEXY Premieres on TLC on Tuesday, August 30 at 10 PM ET/PT

OOTD: “Little Miss Sunshine”

Jul26

Recently I was lucky enough to have a representative from the plus-size boutique, Vikki Vi® , to contact me regarding their brand. Vikki Vi® was one of the headlining presenters at this years “Full Figured Fashion Week”. The company has been in business for more than 20 years, and have an e-commerce website called plusbydesign.com. This past February Vikki Vi®  opened up a boutique in Woodland Hills, California. They carry their own line of clothing as well as designer labels such as Donna Morgan who I’m wearing today.

I chose this dress as my review piece because of the 60′s mod-look to it. I’ve always liked the “I Love Lucy” styled A-line dresses. The bright yellow color was my second reason for deciding on this piece. I don’t own much yellow and wanted to keep up with the popular color-blocking trend so I figured I’d throw in some green and fuchsia as well. This sleeveless cotton jacquard dress with back zipper features a notched squareneck, an inset waist and pleated A-line skirt. By this being a more tailor made dress, you may want to order one size down. I have discovered that with higher-end designer labels, the quality and material are a lot more exquisite so the items may run a little full. The dress is fully lined and that was great for keeping it not so “see thru” when I walked in the sun. I personally adore any item with pockets and this dress has them on both sides. That’s perfect for keeping your pocket mirror close by to keep admiring how good you look in this dress!

Donna Morgan Yellow Woven Party Dress    $158   Sizes 14W-24W  www.plusbydesign.com

Clutch: $20  The Shoe Dept.

Belt:  $7 Ashley Stewart

Shoes: $20  It’s Fashion (2007)

Necklace: It’s Fashion

Bracelets & Ring: 99 cents each Beauty Supply Store

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Whether you need travel-wear, career clothing, or just something to wear for leisure, Vikki Vi® is perfect for the modern woman. With a great variety of styles to choose from, Vikki Vi® Fashions are sure to flatter every unique shape. Contemporary prints and traditional styles can be mixed and matched to create beautiful ensembles that reflect your own personal style. Soft knit suiting by Vikki Vi® offers elegance, style and comfort. Shop the complete collection of Vikki Vi®  Clothing at www.PlusbyDesign.com. Pics below are from Vikki Vi®  at “Full Figured Fashion Week 2011″: 


Vikki Vi Boutique

22524 Ventura Blvd.

Woodland Hills Ca,91364

818.223.8853

www.plusbydesign.com

***Special Offer For My Readers. If you place an order of $100 or more, use code “BELLASTYLES” and receive an additional $25 off your total purchase***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OOTD: “Keeping Cool in K-Mart Fashion”

Jul22

It’s been around 101 degrees here in Richmond for the past couple of days…..and more heat waves are to come. So I wanted to wear as few clothes as possible. (Sorry for being so blunt but I’m not one for a lot of heat). Remember when I did my OOTD post this weekend on K-Mart, I mentioned that the material of the romper was thin and breathable. So today I wore the “Cut-Out Back Dress” from the same K-Mart “Love Your Style, Love Your Size” line. This dress was perfect for a hot day or casual Friday. (You can also dress it up in the office with a jacket). The front zips in the center all the way from the bottom up. All you need under this dress is a strapless bra and some comfy undies. That’s exactly what I did. It was so hot that when I took these pics, my camera lens was fogging up. Therefore in a few of my pics there is a foggy haze on them. I really wanted to show you all a good view of the back of this dress but I’m not sure if you’ll be able to see it clearly or not. The back is open in what I call a “butterfly” shape. This dress was another one of my faves that K-Mart showcased during their Blogger’s Brunch in NYC last month. It also comes in a coffee color print and a navy animal print. I lucked up when I purchased mine a few weeks ago. It’s only $24.99 regularly priced and I got it for half-off of that as the weekly special. Plus the gift-card that K-mart gave me at the conference saved me even more. Gotta love the blogger perks!

 

 

Love your style, love your size Women’s Plus Cut Out Back Dress  (Gifted from K-Mart)

 Reg. $24.99      Sizes 1X-3X   www.kmart.com

Wedges   $20?   It’s Fashion (2006)

Necklace $6?   It’s Fashion

Owl Ring   $12.50   Ashley Stewart

Earrings & Bracelet   99 cents each  Beauty Supply Store

Belt  $6  Simply Fashion

(Above) Plus-Size Model Allison in the navy animal print version at the “K-Mart Blogger’s Brunch” during FFFWeek in NYC, June 2011

 

 

OOTD: The Anna Scholz for Simply Be “Purple Frill Dress”

Jul21

Today’s OOTD post is from the Anna Scholz  for Simply Be collection. It’s the purple frill dress from the Spring 2011 line. I originally was supposed to wear this during FFFWeek but of course I over-packed and didn’t get a chance to pull it out until now. Simply Be sent it to me for review and what a great choice to have. I actually did get a chance to wear the Anna Scholz for Simply Be jumpsuit during FFFWeek and just like this dress, they are both made of the greatest stretch jersey material. One shoulder of the dress has a spaghetti strap and the other is a full strap that has a ruffle (frill) trimming that goes from the shoulder all the way down to the bottom of the dress. I didn’t realize that it was so low cut in the bust area but I just added a cardigan/jacket for sitting in the office. You will also need to wear a strapless bra with this dress. (Personally, for that smooth look under the dress I wore an Ashley Stewart butterfly strapless bra and my Skineez thigh-slimmer foundation). So with that being said you can take this dress from day to night just by adding a jacket and the right accessories. 

Speaking of accessories, my shoes are from Bakers. I found them on the clearance table last month for only $19.99. I did a prior post on them being a replica for the BeBe “Natasha” Sandal. (Here’s that blog link: http://bellastyles.com/2011/06/26/the-look-for-less-bakers-vs-bebe/). The straps are stretch so they were an easy task to put on and take off. I really like them too. Since the sandals have mostly a cream color in them with some purple in the straps, I accessorized this ensemble with cream bracelets. These cream bracelets are the ones that were gifted to me from the “Project Style” contest I did a while ago. My other bracelet is a black one from Ashley Stewart but it has a little purple in it to accent the dress. I topped it off with these large pink feather earrings also from Ashley Stewart. So here’s the complete look:

Anna Scholz Frill Detail Dress – Length 39in   Reg. $80, Now $45  Sizes 10-28    www.simplybe.com

 Bakers “McKenna”  Sandals   Reg. $80, Now $19.99  www.bakersshoes.com

Black Print Bracelet   $16.50   www.ashleystewart.com

Cream Bracelets Dillard’s $12 each  (On Clearance)

Pink Feather Earrings  Ashley Stewart A-Lux   $14.50   (2010)

Owl Ring  Forever 21 ?

 

 

 

The Basketball Wives “POParazzi” Earrings

Jul19

If you’re a fan of the VH1 reality show, “Basketball Wives”, then you already have peeped that all of the ladies in the cast have a serious earring game. I’ve had several clients ask me where to find these earrings. So I’ve been researching all day yesterday, I even missed Monday’s episode which I’m catching up on by DVR now. But what I came up with is one of the main pair of earrings that the ladies wear are by a company called “POParazzi”. (Thanks to celeb vlogger “Shanda Freeman” for featuring these on her latest Fab Friday’s episode). Many celebs have been seen in these earrings in magazines, concerts and red-carpet affairs. I also found a few other companies that have similar looks. Now Basketball Wife star, Evelyn, also has her own line of butterfly earrings that she sells at her shoe boutique, “Dulce”, in Miami. So if you’re interested in these earrings ladies, snatch them up now. A couple of pairs are already sold out and on back-order!!!

The “Fierce” Earring by POParazzi  $55   http://ilovepoparazzi.com

Tionna Smalls wearing POParazzi “AmBURR Alerts” earrings on VH1 ” What Chilli Wants” …POParazzi Collection also available at her boutique “Loveys” in New York

Jennifer Williams of VH1 Basketball Wives wearing AmBURR Alert hoops in silver   $55 http://ilovepoparazzi.com 

Kalenna of Diddy’s Dirty Money crew rocks Crystal Ball Hoop earrings for editorial magazine spread

The EAL Monarch Butterfly Earrings  $115   www.dulceshoes.net

The Sunflower  $32   http://www.dulceshoes.net

Singer, Keyshia Cole, in the POParazzi  earrings

Model, Amber Rose in the POParazzi earrings

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Here’s a video on the earrings below:

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Similar pairs from other companies:

 $38

http://facebook.com/THEGLAMOROUSBOUTIQUE

China Candy Couture “Majesty” 4″ Crystal Charm Hoops $48

http://chinacandycouture.bigcartel.com

The “Spikes” from “Danay the Jewler”   $65

OOTD: “Going Orange for Torrid”

Jul18

Today I wore my new orange one-shoulder tiered dress that Torrid sent me last week to review. As many bloggers have already recently posted, orange is a key color right now. From the moment I put the dress on it was pure comfort. The polyester/rayon material was perfect for a not-so-hot day like today here in VA. I usually wear wide belts with my dresses but there was already a tribal print stitching at the waist so I based my accessory selection from that print. The waist area has brown, white and turquoise sewn into the gathering. Therefore I added these brown wedges, also sent to me by Torrid, to offset the brown and turquoise in my necklace and bracelet. All throughout the day I felt extra girlie just from having this dress on. So much so that I treated myself to a spa pedicure this afternoon. I would definitely suggest purchasing this dress if you have a movie date, girls night out or to wear during summer travel. It’s very stylish, comfy and carefree! 

Outfit:

Orange Tiered One Shoulder Dress  (Item# 544612)   $58.50    Sizes 0-4   www.torrid.com

Jessie Camel Brown Wedge (Item# 524405)    $39.50    Sizes 7-12   www.torrid.com

Turquoise Bracelet   $16.50 www.ashleystewart.com

Necklace: Gifted

OOTD: “Who Wears Short Shorts?”

Jul16

Ok here’s a test for my longtime followers. Have you ever seen me in shorts? The answer is probably not. Don’t ask me why but I have a thing about wearing shorts. I very rarely even wear pants. Therefore in the summer, it’s mainly dresses on the daily basis. So when I attended the Kmart Blogger’s Brunch in New York last month, I was amazed that it was a shorts romper that mainly caught my full attention. (Here’s the link for that article: ). I think in my case it’s a self-conscious thing about wearing shorts. I remember back in my teen years when I used to wear shorts and they would always ride up on me after only a few steps of walking. So when I actually went into my local Kmart and tried on this romper from the LYS collection, I was ecstatic that not only it didn’t ride up on you as you walk, but it was made of a thin material that allowed for air to get thru to you so you won’t get all hot and sticky. I instantly liked this kinda navajo print that I felt would look good with my wooden jewelry.

Although I forgot to take pics of this, the back of the romper is in sort of a “T” shape form. So I had to wear a strapless with it. I tell you, these new Kmart “Love Your Style, Love Your Size” designers really thought with a stylish plus-size woman’s vision in mind. Even though your back is mostly out in this romper, you don’t have to worry about your “love handles” showing. It’s not that low down your back. The material is so carefree that I didn’t have to iron it or anything before I wore it. I usually add wide belts with most of my clothing but this has a drawstring waist that cinches perfectly around the waist area. Best of all the outfit has a pocket on each side at the thigh area so storing your keys and phone are a cinch. I was lucky enough to have Kmart enclose in our goodie bags from the blogger’s brunch, a gift certificate to the store. Even better is that after I got in the store last week, I realized that the plus-size department was having a 50% off sale on everything. This romper is usually just only $25 and I got it for half off of that. Come on now, who can beat a deal like that. I’ll be wearing shorts more often with savings like that!!!

Outfit: 

LYS  Design Print Romper  $25 (on sale for $12.49)  www.kmart.com

Jessie Camel Brown Wedge Sandals (Gifted from Torrid)  $39.50  www.torrid.com

BCBG Handbag   $69  (Atlantic City Outlet Store, 2009)  

Wooden Bracelets, Necklace and Earrings: $5 each from It’s Fashion