“The Bella Styles Two-Year Blogiversary Celebration Fashion Show at Ashley Stewart”

May9

I’ve been holding my breath with this info ever since last month sometime, but as of today I can announce that in addition to my blogiversary giveaways, I will be hosting my two-year blogiversary party at plus-size retailer Ashley Stewart. I’m especially ecstatic since Ashley Stewart was chosen as this year’s ‘Plus Retailer of the Year’ for Full Figured Fashion Week™ . This will be my third time hosting a fashion show at Ashley Stewart so I was thrilled to be asked again to present a showcase there. Over the past year I have done several TV appearances, photoshoots and blog post all featuring Ashley Stewart clothing so I am ‘truly’ a fan first and foremost. The event will be held Memorial Day weekend, here in Richmond, VA at the Whiteoak Village location. The theme is “Bella’s Blogger Fever for Summer Fashion Show”. What that means is that I will be styling models in the latest fashions from the newest 2012 collection that are perfect for your summer outings, vacay or holiday gatherings. It will be an afternoon filled with fun, fashion and friends. Come see all the latest that Ashley Stewart has to offer on some beautiful curvy ladies and celebrate my blogiversary at the same time!


  

 

“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

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Here are pics and video from a previous fashion show that I hosted at Ashley Stewart:

Getting Started in the Plus-Size Modeling, Blogging & Fashion Business (Full Figured Fashion Week™ )

May8

Ironically this week I’ve had two ladies to contact me in regards on how to get started in the plus-size modeling business. The best advice I could give them was to attend events such as Full Figured Fashion Week™ in New York next month. Full Figured Fashion Week™ is an event covered over a few days that will give plus-size women the info they need to get started, be it in fashion, modeling or blogging. This will be the 4th year and more events are added every time. But back to the subject at hand. When I started out modeling back in 2005, I traveled near and far for my training. That’s right ladies, it’s not gonna come to your doorstep. This business is a sacrifice and you must be determined. I have spent thousands of dollars traveling to and attending events but that’s not to discourage you. If I hadn’t had that drive and determination, I wouldn’t be in the position that I am now. I started out by attending one-day bootcamps such as “The Full Figured Diva Academy” here in Richmond and  also Gwen DeVoe’s “Project Curves” in Atlanta, Ga. By living in Virginia not much was going on here and at that time, thanks to Myspace, I was able to keep in the know with all current events. Gwen DeVoe, who is CEO of Full Figured Fashion Week™, also had other programs such as “The Plus Academy” and “Full Figured and Fabulous”. Believe you me, I attended all. Be it in New York, DC, Atlanta or Charlotte, North Carolina.You see ladies that’s how you get ahead in this business. You stay in the know, attend as many events as possible and know all the key players. Which brings me to this, and I’m about to give you some VALUABLE info here. If you can attend this years Full Figured Fashion Week™, in addition to going to all the wonderful events, follow these valuable tips:

- Have business cards with all of your current info (such as name, email, phone number, facebook and twitter pages, website, etc.). Or better yet, make your self stand out even more by having personalized  ink pens, notepads or magnets made up with your info on them to pass out to others. People won’t forget you as quickly if they’re writing with your product.

- Learn all of your top plus-size designers and brands (Jibri, Monif C, Simply Be, Torrid, Sonsi, Carmakoma, IGIGI, etc.). Wouldn’t hurt if you wore their designs too. Cameras are always flashing at these type of events!

- Mingle  with (and google beforehand)  to get to know key people in the plus-size community, such as:

                                                      Gwen DeVoe, CEO of Full Figured Fashion Week™

                                                      Madeline Jones, CEO of Plus Model Magazine

                                                      Jessica Kane, CEO of Skorch Magazine

                                                      Marie Denee, Plus Size Blogger (The Curvy Fashionista)

                                                     Alissa, Plus Size Blogger (Stylish Curves)

                                                     Fluvia Lucerdo, Plus-Size Model

                                                 Sharon Quinn, Runway Coach

                                                        Chasity Saunders, Plus-Size Model

                                                       Liris Crosse, Plus-Size Model

                                                           Denise Bidot, Plus-Size Model

                                                     Dorothy Combs, Modeling Agency

                                                     MSA Modeling Agency

                                                     

I  hope this info helps and I will add more info as it pops in my head so check back soon to this post!!!

Trend Alert: “Rompers aka Playsuits”

May8

A friend of mine and I were talking this week and she kept saying how she’s looking for a romper. Then I received the new Simply Be catalog today and voila, there was an adorable romper there for the taking. Rompers are many times also referred to as playsuits. I’m not a shorts kinda gal, but last year I wore a romper from Kmart and  now it’s one of my faves. So I’m convinced rompers are gonna be a must have for this spring season. Therefore, I’m doing today’s trend focus on just that……

Playsuit from Simply Be, $49, Sizes 10-28

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Jersey Playsuit In Leopard Print, $48.71, Sizes 16-22

Stop Staring Leopard Romper from Torrid, $120.50, Size 12-26

The Bella Styles Two-Year Blogiversary Giveaway Contest

May7

In honor of my  ”Two-Year Blogiversary”, I have teamed up with top plus-size retailers Sonsi, Just My Size, Dots and Lane Bryant to present giveaways to four lucky followers of my blog. 

There will be 4 winners chosen in all to receive their choice of gifts from below. To enter all you have to do is Tweet or Facebook which giveaway you’re interested in, (or enter all of them, but only one winner from each sponsor will be chosen). All winners will be announced on May 31st. See giveaway participants below:

Sonsi will be giving one lucky winner a $75 gift card and other goodies. Sonsi.com is an online marketplace carrying 300+ brands sizes 12 and up. The winner of the $75 giftcard will be able to choose from a variety of  plus-size designer items at www.sonsi.com. To enter the Sonsi giveaway simply tweet or post on facebook, “I just entered the @sonsiwoman and @bellastyles blogiversary contest. RT for your chance to win too”

The next giveaway is from Dots. They will be giving another lucky winner a $50 gift card. Dots is a party place to shop for affordable women’s fashion including casual, active, club, wear to work, intimates, shoes & accessories in sizes 0-24. Visit www.dots.com. To enter the Dots giveaway simply tweet or post on facebook, “I just entered the @dotsfashions and @bellastyles blogiversary contest. RT for your chance to win too”

Plus-Size retailer Lane Bryant has signed on to reward one young lady a $100 gift card. Known as the most widely recognized name in specialty fashion, Lane Bryant’s mission is to provide the best quality, fashion and fit for the lifstyle of women size 14 – 28. www.lanebryant.com. To enter the Lane Bryant giveaway simply tweet or post on facebook, “I just entered the @lanebryant and @bellastyles blogiversary contest. RT for your chance to win too”

Lastly, Just My Size is giving one lucky lady three items from their new ‘Summer Essentials’ collection. Just My Size® is part of the Hanesbrands Inc. family of brands that designs apparel specifically for plus-size women. JMS recently sent me the new hipshort undies and they are totally comfy. Below are the pics and info on the winning items one winner will receive from Just My Size. To enter the Just my Size giveaway simply tweet or post on facebook, “I just entered the @justmysize and @bellastyles blogiversary contest. RT for your chance to win too”


JMS Lace-Trimmed Cami  

This layering essential is great underneath a top or on its own. It comes in seven bright, beautiful colors, perfect for bringing the spring spotlight to your style. The super-soft cotton rib comfortably smoothes your shape, and the lace trim adds feminine detail. The cami is available in sizes 1X-4X and at a tremendous value at only $8.00.

 

JMS Perfect Lift Wire Free Bra

Nothing does more to lift your figure and your spirits like a great bra. This is especially true in the warmer months when wearing tanks and tees and lightweight fabrics. Get the perfect lift without your shoulders doing all the work. Seamless molded cups provide great shape and front adjustable straps make your day that much easier. Available in a wide range of sizes up to 46DD. An incredible value at $15.00.

 

JMS Fashion Hipshort

You’ll have a smile on your face wearing these figure-flattering undies that come in fun and sassy prints and beautiful, saturated colors. This full-coverage panty is smoothing and has move-with-you stretch fabric with lace details. Sold as a 2-pack and available in sizes 9-13.  Priced at just $12.00 for the pack.

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For those applying on Facebook, be sure to ‘tag’ myself and the sponsor of the giveaway for which you are entering at:

www.facebook.com/bellastyles

or

www.facebook.com/bellastylescompany

“Colorblast Photoshoot With Model, Lindsey Brown”

May3

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of styling plus-size model, Lindsey Brown, for a photoshoot. You may remember Lindsey from modeling for me for my CBS Interview back in December and she was also one of last months features for “Curvy Girl of the Day” on my blog. So she and I teamed up with Beau Monde Agency’s photographer, Kermit Gresham. Kermit is like family to me and we have worked together on many, many projects so we just click on set and our shoots always come out fabulously. Lindsey is a professional model, signed with MSA New York, so she knew exactly what to do on set without any instruction. Her work speaks for itself, just take a look:

For the first look, we went for a  ’Fun in the Sun” kinda attire with the short-shorts and neon colorblocking trend. Lindsey’s entire outfit is from Dots and was only $81 total for EVERYTHING. (Who says you can’t be trendy and frugal). When Lindsey first came to me with the shoot concept she specified “lots of color’. So that’s exactly what I gave her. We went shopping the day before the shoot and I picked out this outfit for her and once she put it on, my vision was complete. I wanted to take loads of color and bring it all together with one main accessory. In this case it was the shoes and bangles. I wanted at least one accessory to match something in her outfit. So I had the shoes match her teal tee shirt and her belt, shorts and sheer overlay shirt to match the bangles. It came together rather nicely I think!
Outfit Breakdown: (All items from Dots) 
Short: $12.80
Belt: $8
Teal t-shirt: $6
Sheer shirt: $9.80
Wedge Sandals: $24
Bangles: $6.80 each set
Earrings: $6.80
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Next up was a “High-Glamour Color Look”. Lindsey and I just so happened to walk in to Ashley Stewart as we were shopping and this hot-pink pleated jumpsuit just jumped out at me upon first glance. I instantly thought about the color turquoise going with this. I remembered that I had purchased a multi-strand turquoise necklace and bracelet set last year, coincidentally also from Ashley Stewart, and I felt that would give it that pop of added color that we were looking for. Not even knowing that Lindsey had these gorgeous Purple Mossimo Pumps from Target in her car already, it was a done deal. (Sidenote: I fell in love with her pumps so bad that I ran to Target to grab them and I luckily found the last pair in my size, yeaaaa me!). But as I stated above, it’s always an accessory to bring the outfit together.  Check out the oversized turquoise butterfly ring. I knew it would come in handy some day, lol.

 

Outfit Breakdown:
Pink Jumpsuit: $49.50 from Ashley Stewart
Pumps: $29.99 from Target by Mossimo
Necklace and Bracelet: $35 & $25 Both from Ashley Stewart (2010)
Butterfly Ring: $14.50 from Ashley Stewart (2010)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For our third look we pulled from Lindsey’s own closet. This is her orange maxi dress and indian print belt. Once again, she also had this pair of beautiful shoes already in her possession and I went and brought me a pair too afterwards, don’t judge me, lol. The shoes are also Mossimo for Target and according to Shanda Freeman of  ’Shanda Says‘, these Mossimo sandals are a dead-ringer for her $1,000 Prada sandals.
Outfit Breakdown:
Orange Maxi Dress and Belt: Lindsey’s Own
Sandals: $29.99 from Target 
Ring: $5 from H & M 
Bracelet: $3 from Earrings Plaza (NYC)
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Now for our final look we went for a “Purple Rain” theme. Fringe is a new trend for this spring  so we took this electric purple tunic and wore it as a dress. I paired it with her same turquoise Target sandals from above and threw in a large bracelet with some purple and turquoise accents in it. The dress is a showstopper on its own so minimal jewelry was needed. Just look at her twirl in action in the pics!

 

Outfit Breakdown:
Dress/Tunic: $29.50 from Ashley Stewart
Sandals: $29.99 from Target
Ring: $6 from H & M
Bracelet: $16.50 from Ashley Stewart
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Follow me on Twitter at @bellastyles
Follow Model Lindsey Brown on Twitter at @thelindseybrown
Follow Photographer Kermit Gresham on Twitter at @beaumondeagency
Follow MUA Charlene on Twitter: @epiphanybeauty


Celebrating My 2-Year Blogiversary and More Announcements!!!

May3

Yeahhhhh, I made it!!!!! I’m so glad to be celebrating having my blog for two-years now. Even though I have been blogging for Skorch Magazine since 2007, I started my own personal blog back in May 2010. So with all the behind the scenes revamping I’ve been doing, I have been off the blogisphere radar for a couple of weeks. But I have been quietly re-branding my site. Now don’t get me wrong, even though I was not tweeting and blogging very much, I still stayed in the know with all the curvy news, fashion and trends. Which brings me to my first announcement. I took a step back and looked at what is the major content that I deliver to my followers and realized that I mostly blog on ‘what is trendy’. So therefore for those who may not have noticed already, I have renamed my blog from ‘The Bella Styles Blog” to “Trendy Curves”™ by Bella Styles. I figured that I’m the kinda girl who likes to keep up with trends ( but I also believe in having key a few classic pieces as well). But for the most part, I wanna keep the curvy ladies up to date with what’s hot in the plus-size fashion market. So be on the lookout for more “Trend Alert” blog post coming your way.

Speaking of trends, I officially have a new logo design as shown above!

 After spring cleaning my closet last month, even after giving away most of my items, I realized that I had a few hard to find pieces that other curvy ladies would probably love to get their hands on. So that inspired me to venture out into the eCommerce market and start my own website for selling some of my clothing and accessories that I have only used maybe once or twice specifically for my blog or a photoshoot. The name of my new venture is “Around the Curve Fashions”™. My slogan is “Curvy Fashion That’s Only Been On A Test Drive”.

 “Around The Curve Fashions™” is a website for ladies who are looking to purchase like-new stylish and trendy plus-size clothing that has previously only been worn maybe once or twice for photoshoots, blog posts or special events. The name ‘Around the Curve’ symbolizes the curvy woman and the slogan is compared to that of a buyer on a test drive for a great secondhand car. Meaning the items are like-new but in great condition. Some items are even new with tags, and payments can be made via PayPal. I travel and shop allover for the latest, unique items for the curvier woman. I have top designer labels and boutique clothing from the USA, London and Australia. Be sure to browse through the different pages for the specific items that you are looking for. At ‘Around The Curve Fashions’™ you will find dresses, shoes, accessories and more. I will be adding new stock frequently.

Email: aroundthecurvefashions@yahoo.com

Web: aroundthecurvefashions.com

Twitter: twitter.com/aroundthecurve1

Tumblr: aroundthecurvefashions.tumblr.com

Lastly, I did a photoshoot just for myself and the relaunch of my updated blog. I teamed up with photographer George Butler of “Moments Forever Photography”, hairstylist Tahnesha Ervin of “Top Notch Styles” and famed VA makeup artist, Earl Fleming. Now even though I renamed my blog ”Trendy Curves”™ by Bella Styles, I wanted to go for an Old Hollywood Glamour Look in some of the pics and a trendy look in the others. Just showing my versatility in the curvy fashion world. You can keep up with the current trends and be classy at the same time. (You can read the photoshoot blog post here).  I ‘never’ wear my hair up so I asked Tahnesha to go all out with my bun and she delivered above the call of duty. I showed both Tahnesha and my MUA Earl a pic of  Beyonce at the Oscars and said that was the look I was going for. Earl gave me a smoky eye then popped it with a blue liner that set off the entire look of my makeup. I was so pleased. George knew just the poses to direct me in and the atmosphere on set just meshed perfectly. Thanks to all of my colleagues, models, bloggers and followers for hanging in there with me on my style journey.

Stay tuned for more info on a special blogiversary celebration coming soon!!!

TLC Premieres New Plus-Size Fashion Series, “Big Brooklyn Style”

May3

TLC’s newest plus-size fashion series, BIG BROOKLYN STYLE will premiere on Tuesday, May 29 at 10 PM ET/PT.

 

Produced by WHAT NOT TO WEAR’s Stacy London, BIG BROOKLYN STYLE is a new series that follows husband and wife business owners Lisa and Jim Dolan, as they revise and revolutionize the norms of plus-size shopping experiences in their Brooklyn clothing store, Lee Lee’s Valise. Each episode will focus on three different customers as their intimate shopping experience at the store, combined with Lisa’s distinctive clothing line, helps transform their lives.

 

The average size of an American woman is 14, but no average-sized American woman experiences a normal shopping experience at a typical fashion retailer as only 18% of clothes are a size 14 or over.  At Lee Lee’s Valise, women of all shapes and sizes feel confident, fashionable and sexy through Lisa’s custom-made designs. Through drama, laughs and a lot of tears, Lisa and her team will transform their customers’ wardrobe from shab to fab — all through the simple and personalized accommodations to fit and flaunt each unique body type. While Lisa and Jim have a strong opinion about each and every item in Lee Lee’s Valise, they always put the customer first. Often times the customer’s feedback and personal shopping experience plays a vital role in how Lisa designs her line and stocks her shop.

www.leeleesvalise.com

Target Introduces ‘The Webster’ Clothing Boutique For A Limited Time Starting May 6th

May2

Target has had more than 80 innovative collaborations to be proud of. And back in January, Target unveiled an entirely new design platform – The Shops at Target– at a media preview event in New York City. On May 6, Target will unveil their newest design collaboration concept, The Shops at Target, in partnership with specialty stores to co-create affordable, limited-edition collections in different product categories. First up, The Webster at Target, a capsule collection produced with the Collins Avenue shop’s co-founder and CEO, Laure Heriard Dubreuil. Inspired by the city’s sandy beaches and vibrant sunsets, Miami fashion is all about color, art-deco accents and luxury—three words that perfectly describe The Webster, an iconic boutique in the heart of Miami Beach, Fla.

Co-founded in 2007 by one of Yves Saint Laurent’s former top merchandisers in Paris, Laure Heriard Dubreuil, The Webster has become a world-renowned multi-brand boutique. Showcasing a carefully curated selection of men’s and women’s styles by designers such as Givenchy, Alexander Wang, Thakoon and Balenciaga, The Webster is a must-see Miami shopping spot.

Now Laure and team are lending their luxurious tastes to Target. Taking inspiration from the Miami Beach art deco district and their shop’s signature wallpaper, The Webster at Target is a chic collection of apparel and accessories for women, men, kids and babies. The collection will also feature plus-sizes too!

And if there’s any concern that The Shops at Target launch will be met with door-busting, mad-rush sell-outs rivaling the Jason Wu at Target debacle, it seems the mass retailer has learned its lesson. Jessica Carlson, Target spokesperson, assures that both stores and online inventories will be stocked appropriately to meet demand.

Below, Laure picks a few of their favorite looks from the collection and where to wear them.

www.target.com

 

*via Huffington Post and A Bull’s Eye View

‘Majesty’s Closet’, Presents the “Mother’s Day Shopping Explosion” on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in Richmond, Virginia

Apr29

UPDATE 5/9/12 : THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED……….

VH1 reality star and author, Tionna Smalls, and her sister, Toni Reason, recently opened plus-size boutique “Majesty’s Closet”. The boutique is available online as of now, although the store location will be opening very soon, and they are hosting a Mother’s Day shopping event here in Richmond, VA on Saturday, May 12th. The event will be held from 3:00pm-7:30pm at Paradise Lounge located at 112 N. 5th Street. Mark your calendars and plan to spend the afternoon purchasing some great gifts for mom. Vendors in attendance will include:

Shoeicide- A shoe boutique which has trend setting shoes owned by two Richmond natives named Bennika Lockley and Nicole Tyler
 
Tahira Cosmetics- Specializing in lip gloss, owner, Eboni Russell of Tahira Cosmetics, has beautiful lip gloss colors that come equipped with mirrors made onto them. 
 
Self Renovations- They sell health and weight loss products
 
Transitons- Hair and Make-Up Stylist Miranda, specializes in eyelash and brow services.
 
Jewels by Jakia- Owned by Jakia Williams of Richmond (Socialbudderfli), makes one of a kind jewelry

OOTD: “Hi-Low Guitar Notes”

Apr27

I know my title of this post is weird but you’ll get it after I explain. I’ve had these hand-painted earrings that are shaped like guitars for a few months now just waiting for the perfect outfit to wear them with.  Well thanks to Torrid for coming out with this Red and Black Hi Lo Color Block Dress, I had just the thing to wear with my earrings. (The High-Low Dress is a must have for the season). The earrings have the colors of red, black and turquoise in them so the dress complimented them perfectly. To bring out the turquoise in the earrings, I added my stretch belt to the dress and rounded it all off with a pair of black and white striped sandals that I had purchased in early 2011. The dress is super comfy and has a keyhole cutout back making it ultra sexy and stylish. 

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Outfit Breakdown:

Red and Black Hi Lo Color Block Dress from Torrid, $48.50, Sizes  0-4 (Plus)

Guitar Earrings, $22 from Bangles-n-Bling at Virginia Center Commons

Isabel Toledo Sandals from Payless, $45

Belt from Dots

Bracelets from For Love 21 and It’s Fashion

Ring from H & M

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Hair by Tahnesha Ervin

Photography by George Butler

Makeup by Earl Fleming