“Trendy Curves"™ by Bella Styles

The Look For Less: “Dots vs. Macy’s Strapless Printed Maxi Dress”

bellastyles — Mon, 28 May 2012 02:12:05 +0000

I went on a day-trip to Washington, DC last week and visited the Macy’s store at Pentagon Centre Mall. I saw this American Rag Strapless Print Maxi Dress on the rack and said to myself, “Where have I seen this recently?”. It was then that it hit me that one of my frequently shopped stores, Dots, has a very similar style dress. Actually Dots had it first because I saw it in the store back in March and I shop the Macy’s site quite often and the American Rag style is just arriving on their site. So since I’m a bargain shopper, most of the time, I figured if some of my readers like this printed dress, why not get it for around $40 less:

(Above) Dots Strapless Printed Maxi, $22, Sizes 0-24

(Below) American Rag Strapless Maxi, $64, Sizes 0X-3X, at Macy’s

OOTD: “The City Chic Georgia Maxi Pleat Gown”

bellastyles — Sun, 27 May 2012 23:51:55 +0000

For my event that I hosted yesterday I wore this pleated maxi gown from Australian plus-size retailer City Chic. As a host I wanted to wear something upscale and formal and this gown was befitting for the occasion. City Chic sent it to me back in March and although it was still a little too cold at that time to wear it, the weather is currently perfect for wearing it. Now I will admit, I am not usually a ‘pleats’ kinda girl but it was something about this dress when I saw it on the website that drew me to it. The soft & sheer chiffon flows beautifully over curves and features a gorgeous black & white pattern, a pleated bust, adjustable straps & the gown is fully lined. It was a head-turner and I was so comfortable in it. Mainly because I didn’t have to wear but only a strapless bra under it and not a full bodyshaper. The back of the gown is a unique V-shape and I adjusted the straps to fit me just right. I’m about 5’9 and the gown is really long so you would need at least a 4-inch heel for it to fall perfectly over your shoes. I paired the gown with my favorite pearls and Hello Kitty Luisa Heels.

Georgia Maxi Pleat Gown by City Chic, Was $199.95, Now $40.00

I just realized that the gown I’m wearing is currently sold out but you can find similar styles here, here and here from www.citychiconline.com

From now until Monday, May 28th City Chic is having a flash sale of 30% off plus you get free shipping and returns!!!

Hello Kitty Luisa Black Heart Heels, Were $95, Now $40 from Torrid

Ashley Stewart Convertible Strapless Butterfly Bra, $29.50

Pics From My Two-Year Blogiversary Fashion Show and Celebration at Ashley Stewart

bellastyles — Sun, 27 May 2012 18:37:09 +0000

On Saturday, May 26, 2012, I held my two-year blogiversary fashion show at plus-size retailer Ashley Stewart in Richmond, Virginia. Oh what a celebration it was too if I must say so. After weeks of doing fittings and countless hours of styling models, all of my hard work paid off. The theme of the show was called “Bella’s Blogger Fever for Summer” and I presented a fashion show with three scenes that included ‘Memorial Day Wear’, ‘Bella’s Night Out Wear’ and the last scene was called the ‘Color Blast Collection’. Ashley Stewart Store manager, Danielle Davis, brought this idea to my attention last month and after we brainstormed on it, it was decided to celebrate my blogiversary at the same time as me styling their fashion show. It was a match made in heaven. I got to express my creative styling side through nine models and two hostesses. I put together about 25 outfits in total that included bold, bright-colors, curve hugging dresses and items that are in with the current trends. I purposely kept black out of my show, except for one bodycon dress, just to emphasize that plus-size ladies CAN wear vibrant hues and that they don’t have to hide behind basic black all the time. I must thank my models who came from as far as Virginia Beach to Maryland to be apart of this show. Many thanks to the make-up artist Manaya Latrice and Obadiah Augustin. Not only was it a fashion show but a party all in one. DJ Cash Money kept the crowd hype with a mixture of oldies but goodies, uptempo gospel and a little hip-hop all in one. He timed it just right so that when I was introduced at the end he was playing “Go Get It” by Mary Mary. (That is my theme song at the moment and it inspires me so much). My models even gave a line-dance after that to “Wobble-Wobble” which was the perfect finale. (Video to come soon). But the show wouldn’t have been complete without my wonderful commentator, Derek Lett, who is also coincidentally an Ashley Stewart employee. He literally came through for me at the 11th hour when my original commentator became ill the morning of my show. Everything happens for a reason though because Derek personally knew the customers in the crowd, he was passionate about his job and best of all, he sold the clothes right off of the models backs. I mean literally the lines were long and customers left with multiple bags that were full. I had people calling me the next morning commending my commentator, the DJ and of course my styling of the show. I am literally on cloud nine right now. But enough talking, just take a look at the pics to see for yourself……………

Models Dutchess and Ciara , Dress $50

Model Shareema in the black one-shoulder body-con dress, Beaded Clutch and Bracelets all by Ashley Stewart

Model/MUA, Manaya, in the white pleated jumpsuit, $50, necklace and bracelets all by Ashley Stewart

Model, Shelby, in the Flyaway Pattern Dress, $59.50 by Ashley Stewart

The High Low Ruffle Hem Dresses, $49.50

Me thanking the crowd, with DJ Cash Money and Commentator, Derek Lett, after the show

Some of the models dancing to “Wobble Wobble” during the finale

Ashley Stewart Store Manager, Danielle

The cake was so beautiful that I almost didn’t want to eat it but it was soooooo good, yummm

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Professional Photography done by Jamie Patterson of A Hidden Exposure Photography

OOTD: “Posh Shoppe Peplum” (@Love_PoshShoppe)

bellastyles — Sat, 26 May 2012 02:11:41 +0000

I was recently introduced to the plus-size company, Posh Shoppe, via an email. It was late at night when I read the email and although I was a little tired when reading it, I immediately popped out of my seat when I visited the website. I discovered risque, on trend, head turning fashions. These are the type of fashions that I like to see for curvy ladies. Posh Shoppe was founded with the goal of bringing on-trend, creative, youthful apparel that seems to be so hard to access to plus size women and girls. Now I will admit most items are not something that you would wear to work but if you’re going out for a night on the town there’s perfect selection to choose from. I ordered a few items and what I decided to wear today was the Sleeveless Peplum Mini Dress in Cobalt. I blogged on the peplum trend a while back and this is my first time testing it out. I love the fit of the dress as far as hugging the curves and I took a chance because I usually don’t wear short skirts. I’m a hippy gal and normally wear a size 2X but I ordered a size 3X in my dress and I’m glad that I did. When an item is shorter go a size up to allow for extra stretch in the hip area. If you’re a size 18 or below and well proportioned I think that this label will work great for you. The prices are already very reasonable but just so you get your chance to try this company out, on behalf of Posh Shoppe and myself, I’m offering a 10% discount code off your entire order if you use code “BELLA10″. (Discount Offer good until July 1st). Stay tuned, I have more outfits to review soon from this label!

SHOP: www.iheartposhshoppe.com

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/iheartposhshoppe

TWITTER: twitter.com/Love_PoshShoppe

BLOG: poshshoppe.tumblr.com

The IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel “Voyage Exotique” Collection

bellastyles — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:35:03 +0000

The new IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel collection called “Voyage Exotique” just dropped and it features the beautiful model Griselangel Paula. I first saw a pic of one of the dresses yesterday and went back on the site today to preview the whole collection. This is one brand that keeps getting better and better. The styles in this new collection are inspired by the rich colors & enchanted luxury of 4 regions of the world – Japan, Africa, a Tropical Paradise, and Ibiza. Personally I love dressing up in IGIGI gowns. I always feel like I’m red-carpet ready in their pieces. I recently got my official logo done and I’m wearing my IGIGI gown in that pic. So that shows just how much I stand behind this brand. Let’s get ready to travel the world through fashion with the new “Voyage Exotique” collection:

Video Campaign:

www.igigi.com

OOTD: “Wild Style in Ashley Stewart” (@byashleystewart)

bellastyles — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:48:24 +0000

I have been holding this outfit in my closet since last summer. It’s the animal print jumpsuit from Ashley Stewart. I got it when it went on clearance for about half price, $20. When this jumpsuit first appeared on their website a couple ladies left comments that it wasn’t cute or that it wasn’t their taste. But I knew that I could do something to bring it out. I like to take chances with fashion. You can’t always go by the pic on the model on a shopping website. You have to visualize what accessories would make the outfit pop. In my mind I thought of a pop of teal color. It can be worn both on the shoulders and off. So I took a walk on the wild-side and here’s how it turned out:Jumpsuit: Ashley Stewart

Belt: Forever 21+

Bracelets: Ashley Stewart

Earrings: Earrings Plaza (NYC)

Shoes: Charlotte Russe

The 4th Annual Fuller Woman Expo in Detroit, September 21-23, 2012 (@fullerwomanexpo)

bellastyles — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:17:30 +0000

Detroit, Michigan, May 22, 2012 - The International Fuller Woman Network hosts the 4th Annual Fuller Woman Expo (Detroit Edition) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 21, 22 & 23 at The St. Regis Hotel in Detroit, Michigan.

Sponsored by the IFWN, the three-day event features more than 40 exhibitors that cater to plus size women including but not limited to jewelry, clothing and beauty vendors. Those in attendance will enjoy empowering panel discussions, insightful workshops, enlightening speakers, motivating women, a variety of exhibits, as well as fashion and live entertainment that will inspire, motivate and celebrate plus size women.

This year comedian Kim Coles returns for the 3rd year as the keynote speaker. The event also includes a curvy comedy show hosted by comedian Erica Watson, a fashion show featuring plus size ready to wear fashions from around the world and an awards luncheon honoring women in the plus size community hosted by Daily Venus Diva.

The mission of the Fuller Woman Expo is to empower the plus-size woman to recognize her internal and external beauty; to educate and motivate through workshops and seminars,while providing information on the products and/or services available to them through various companies across the world.

The International Fuller Woman Expo wants to combat negative perceptions of the fuller figure by highlighting the best in the plus size community, connecting women to real resources that cater to their curves.

For additional information and for vendor, sponsor and press inquiries visit www.thefullerwomanexpo.com.

Special Announcement: “My Two-Year Blogiversary Fashion Show Will Feature Special Guest Models, Tionna Smalls & Toni Reason”

bellastyles — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:34:23 +0000

I am pleased to announce that as part of my “Two-Year Blogiversary Celebration Fashion Show at Ashley Stewart”, author/reality star Tionna Smalls and her sister, Toni Reason, have signed on as special guest models. You know Tionna from VH1′s, “What Chilli Wants” and she is also the author of the new book, “Men Love Abuse”. Tionna and her sister Toni recently opened their own plus-size boutique, ‘Majesty’s Closet’, and I assisted Toni with the official model call for the boutique back in March. Well we have teamed up again to celebrate the success of my blog which both ladies have contributed to the past year. Tionna was my “Curvy Girl of the Day” back in 2010 and she also let me style her for her new bookcover and then we interviewed for Skorch Magazine at that time as well. I recently saw Toni modeling a fierce jumpsuit on her website and said to myself, now she’s gotta rip my runway. She reps the curvy gals to the fullest. I styled Tionna in Ashley Stewart clothing back in November for the Skorch article so I’m already familiar with her style and I know that she and Toni are gonna bring it on the runway. So mark your calendars people, Memorial Day weekend in VA is gonna be soooo hot!!!

“Bella’s Blogger Fever for Summer Fashion Show”

Saturday, May 26, 2012

3:00p.m.-6:00p.m.

Ashley Stewart at Whiteoak Village Mall

4501 S. Laburnum Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23231

UPDATE 5/18/12: Tionna Smalls will NOT be modeling as of now but will be in attendance!

OOTD: “Fresh Produce Breezy Flower Dress”

bellastyles — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:00:57 +0000

A few months ago I was introduced to the company, Fresh Produce, by one of their representatives. Inspired by the carefree days of summer, Fresh Produce Clothing is made especially to fit you and your lifestyle. Fresh Produce makes clothing from kids sizes, misses to women’s extended sizes. This collection is perfect for the beach or if your planning on taking a cruise. I’m wearing one of their sun dresses called the “Breezy Flower” in the color ‘sunrise’. (It comes in other colors as well). I chose this dress because of it’s simplicity and empire waist line. From the moment I put it on it was pure comfort and the ruffle detail at the bottom made me want to twirl all around, lol. You can either dress this up for work with pumps and a cardigan, or dress it down with flip flops and a wide brim hat. Either way this all cotton dress will keep you cool and stylish on these ahead hot summer days!

Vintage V-Neck Dress in Breezy Flower , $69, sizes 1X-3X, from http://freshproduceclothes.com/

Pumps: WILD PAIR THERESA WP $90.00 Sizes 5-11 www.bakersshoes.com

Bracelets from Dillard’s and H & M

OOTD: “My Fair Lady” featuring @TorridFashion

bellastyles — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:48:04 +0000

One of my favorite things to do on a rainy weekend is watch old movies. Be it “The Owl and the Pussycat”, “”An Affair to Remember” or any Audrey Hepburn flick. I have an obsession with Ms. Hepburn films. So much so that I recently did a photoshoot where I tried to replicate her old-Hollywood glamour. Which brings me to the title of today’s post, “My Fair Lady”, another audrey Hepburn film. I originally wore this dress from Torrid a month ago while I still had my hair in the updo but didn’t like the way the pics came out so I decided to re-do taking pics in this dress. I’m wearing the Retro Chic By Torrid – Grey Off-Shoulder Belted Dress. It is the perfect dress to wear if you’re looking for a 50′s or 60′s look. With a curve-skimming silhouette and off-shoulder neckline, this dress is both classy and stylish and includes a patent skinny belt. I originally paired it with turquoise accents but today wore it with the Torrid Hematite bracelet that features a chain and rhinestone thread accent with large rhinestone in the center. On my feet are the ever so cute Hello Kitty Luisa Black Heart Heels. On the shoes, Black hearts adorn the sheen of white satin with an adorable HK face charm sitting above the peep toe. So altogether here’s my ‘Fair Lady’ look……

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Retro Chic By Torrid – Grey Off-Shoulder Belted Dress, $58.50, Sizes 12-26

Hello Kitty Luisa Black Heart Heels from Torrid, was $95, now $57

Hematite Rhinestone Chain Bracelet (Sold Out) $24.50 from Torrid