Tag Archives: Designer

Feb 10 2012

New York Fashion Week, Fall 2012: “Tadashi Shoji”

Yesterday started New York Fashion Week for the Fall 2012 season. Everybody who is somebody is in New York for the next 7 days previewing all the designer collections that will be available later this year. One of the first shows yesterday was that of designer Tadashi Shoji. Tadashi’s clothing has become a favorite at red carpet affairs, especially awards shows. I really admire Tadashi Shoji because of his consideration for the curvy woman. Many full-figure starlets are seen in his gowns. Most recently SAG winner Octavia Spencer from “The Help”. I personally own a Tadashi Shoji gown that I have been waiting to bring out but I just haven’t had the occasion yet. Believe you me, it’s “Oscar” worthy too. But as far as his Fall 2012 collection goes, here are a few that stood out to me from his runway show yesterday:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video From The Show:

Feb 1 2012

The Qristyl Frazier Designs Collection for Lane Bryant

I just happened to be cyber shopping on Lane Bryant’s website a few moments ago and saw that plus-size designer, Qristyl Frazier’s, new collection is now available for purchase. I have been waiting for this line to become available. Last month Skorch Magazine gave the exclusive first look of the collection and now you can finally get your hands on it too. Beautiful plus size models Liris Crosse and Denise Bidot are modeling the clothing on the Lane Bryant website. Qristyl got the thumbs up to do this exclusive collection with Lane Bryant after appearing on the Sundance Channel series, “All On The Line With Joe Zee”. 

 

Jumpsuit by Qristyl Frazier Designs, $99.95

Button sleeve wrap dress by Qristyl Frazier Designs, $89.95

Diagonal dress by Qristyl Frazier Designs, $89.95

Button sleeve belted wrap dress by Qristyl Frazier Designs, $99.95

Draped neck dress by Qristyl Frazier Designs, $89.95

www.lanebryant.com

Feb 1 2012

The Art of Fashion in Motion Campaign from IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel

Plus size Designer IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel’s Art of Fashion in Motion Campaign Featuring the Valentine’s Day Collection is a Visual Feast of Fashion, Self-Empowerment and Love

San Francisco, California—February 01, 2012 — Award-winning American plus-size designer brand IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel, www.igigi.com, has launched The Art of Fashion in Motion campaign, a trailblazer montage of color, movement, and art inspired by the great revolutionary abstract expressionists like Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and Lee Krasner. The Art of Fashion in Motion is a strong visual extension of the company’s more-than-a-decade long mission to transform the world’s view of beauty. The Art of Fashion in Motion is to the plus-size fashion world what the contribution of these revolutionaries has been to the art world; a groundbreaking, exciting and out-of-this-world approach to the way we perceive plus-size women and fashion. In a visual feast that tells the story of wearable art designs, plus-size model Kailee O’Sullivan appears as a woman of multiples facades. She is a canvas of seductively moving curves where fashion and art merge as one to create a truly eye-opening campaign for an industry that is still believed to be stuck in the time of the muumuus. The Art of Fashion in Motion campaign also features IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel’s new Valentine’s Day Collection of flowy, waist accentuating dresses and separates draped in signature IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel style and embellished with trendy sequins, lace and color blocks available now at www.igigi.com. Prices range from $90 to $180.

“I have always been inspired by the abstract expressionistic work and the way these artists made a change and influenced the world. My intent is to create wearable art designs that are timeless yet very modern. They inspire the wearer to express herself with confidence and empower her to communicate her uniqueness, beauty and intelligence regardless of her size. We women have multitudes of ways of expressing ourselves. The play with the idea of different looks for just one woman in the campaign is to remind the world that who we are is not defined by our current physical attributes but by who we choose to express ourselves onto the world as,” said Yuliya Raquel, Founder, Designer and Creative Director.

 

Jan 31 2012

The Look For Less: “Viola Davis in Marchesa for the SAG Awards”

Did you see actress Viola Davis at the SAG Awards this past Sunday? If not you missed her not only accept the award for best actress from the movie, “The Help” but you missed her beautiful dress from designer Marchesa. If you liked her look but don’t wanna shell out thousands of dollars for her dress, then check out this more inexpensive version:

(Above) Viola Davis in Marchesa

(Below)   Ivory & Gold Beaded Strapless Sensational Gown; $378, Sizes 0-12, www.unique-vintage.com

Jan 26 2012

The Spring 2012 Paris Haute Couture Fashion Shows

This week were the Spring 2012 Haute Couture Shows in Paris. Top designers from Donatella Versace, Givenchy, Chanel and Armani Prive showed their collections. This was actually Versace’s first couture show since 2004. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2012 Haute-Couture Show was inspired by the style of the late Amy Winehouse. Haute Couture are designs that you would most likely see on A-list celebs at red carpet events or on stage during concert performances. The designs are 9 times outta 10 not everyday wearable. Designer Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel staged his show to look like the inside of an airplane while designer Elie Saab had his show based off of a fairy-tale. Take a look for yourself:. 

Givenchy

Shoes by Versace

Jean Paul Gaultier

giambattista valli Giambattista Valli Spring 2012 Couture | Paris Haute Couture

Giambattista Valli

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Here are a few video links below from the shows:

Versace

Chanel

Elie Saab

Giambattista Valli

Jan 19 2012

Fashion Déjà Vu: “Bella Styles vs. Queen Latifah in the Zebra-Print Miss Tina Dress”

I always say I like a good bargain and it seems that actress/rapper Queen Latifah does too. I’m a faithful watcher of “The Wendy Williams Show” and spotted the Queen wearing this zebra print dress while on the show yesterday. All day I have searched the internet high and low to ‘verify’ this info, but my sense of style is telling me that this is the ‘exact’ same Miss Tina dress that I purchased from the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. I wore it during a visit to NYC for a style symposium and interview.  I’m making a point of writing this post to show that you can look great in clothing that doesn’t always have to cost you a fortune. This dress cost me only $18, as all items are less than $20 from the Miss Tina collection, and it fit like a glove. 

I have purchased several Miss Tina dresses since this one because of the great  fit and quality material. Now being a fuller-figured woman you must always make sure to wear the proper ‘foundations’ under a form-fitting dress like this and if you do it right, the ending results will be marvelous. It’s also really great to see designers supporting one another as Queen Latifah also has her own line of clothing out for HSN.  Well even if this isn’t the exact same dress as Latifah is wearing, which I’m almost sure it is, it’s mighty close. If you like this style, and price, then you can still find more similar choices of the Miss Tina collection at Wal-Mart. Sizing goes from a S-XXL so there’s something for every shape and size!

 

(Above left) Queen Latifah in her zebra-print dress

(Below) Me in mine

 

Jan 18 2012

Spring 2012 Must Have Trends: “Flaming Heels, Colored Denim, Polka Dots, 70′s Flare to Stiletto Nails”

In the fashion world you must always stay at least 6-months ahead of the next season. So with that said, I’m sharing with my readers some of the top must-haves for the upcoming Spring 2012 season. Look forward to seeing color-blocking make another return, including colored denim jeans, making a major splash on the fashion scene. 70′s styles and metallics seem to be very popular as well. Here’s my Spring 2012 vision board for beauty products, slender and plus-size clothing, shoes, bags and more…….

One surprise trend is the “princess” skirt. This showed up on runways such as that of Jason Wu. I remember seeing this trend a few years ago when Sarah Jessica Parker wore hers on the “Sex and the City 2″ movie. 

Last Spring Prada had some of the most wanted trends being that of the stripe dress, monkey prints and chunky heels. This Spring the Prada shoes are a statement again. Checkout these “fireball” sandals inspired by hot wheels cars with flames:

More trends below:

To blend in with the “deep sea” trend from above, I’m lovin this Kate Spade ‘Barclay Street’ Ship Clutch, $358 from shop.nordstrom.com

And these Jimmy Choo Sandals (below) are the bizness

As you see below, polka dots will be “spotted” everywhere this Spring. 

For the curvy gals, here’s a great little polka-dot trench coat from Ashley Stewart, $59.50, sizes XL-4X

Belted Polka Dot Trench Coat

Or this cute polka-dot belt from White House Black Market, $38

The colored denim jeans trend is on the top of my spring list. These can be dressed both up with a blazer or down with a tee. 


For plus-sized colored denim try these aqua jeggings from Ashley Stewart, Sizes 12-26, $36.50

Basic Stretch Jegging

I’ve been eye-balling this new nail trend called “stiletto nails” since last year but just couldn’t really get with it until now. Rihanna is just one of many celebs wearing stiletto nails – acrylic nails that are filed to a point to look like stiletto heels, and then are generally painted in an attention-getting color. I plan to try these out very soon!

To polish those stiletto nails, opt for new spring shades such as Dior Scented Polish  ($23), “YSL Candy Face”  ($30) or the new Nicki Minaj for OPI  collection

This dress called the “The Miranda” was just released today and I already have it at the top of my personal Spring wish list. It’s from designer Monif C. and is available now for pre-order. I can so see me rocking this with my stiletto nails,  $228, Sizes 14/16-22/24

"Miranda" Draped Jersey Gown - PurpleOrange Shell Necklace Turquoise Shell NecklaceIron Fist - Zebracorn Platform Heel (Wide Width) SKU: 567808

Since the Monif C. dress is such a vibrant hue, it can easily be used within the color-blocking trend with these “Sheri” by Jessica Simpson pumps, Sizes 5-11, $98 or either one of these Shell Necklaces from www.curvaceousboutique.com, $34.99 each. But if you wanna bring out your animal instincts, then pair up the dress with these Iron Fist Zebracorn Heels from Torrid, $39

(Remember, everything doesn’t always have to be matchy-matchy to pull a complete look together).

Jan 17 2012

The Look For Less: “2012 Golden Globes Edition”

So everybody and their mother has posted a fashion blog about the Golden Globe Awards that took place this past Sunday night. I originally said to myself that I wasn’t gonna do a blog with my commentary on the event, but I just happened to come across some “looks for less” of a few of the red carpet gowns and I just had to share them since I love a good bargain. Plus, if any ladies are looking for similar styles for the upcoming prom season, here are a few Golden Globe looks for a fraction of the price.

All clothing is available from www.unique-vintage.com

(left) Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham, (right) Mignon Keyhole Dress   $258  Sizes 0-16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci, (right) Faviana Mesh Gown  $398   Sizes 0-12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier, (right) Yellow Ruched Taffeta Gown  $330  Sizes 0-18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture, (right) Black Mermaid Gown   $196  Sizes 4-18

Jan 10 2012

Jason Wu for Target Debuts February 5th

Many fashionistas became familar with designer Jason Wu after he became a household name for designing FLOTUS, Michelle Obama’s, Inagural gown. Now he has followed along the footsteps of many other designers and creating an affordable line for retailer Target. Next month, he debuts his 53-piece “gamine chic” collection for the retailer. According to the style.com website Jason says he has managed to translate the same sophistication of his namesake runway collection into his Target line by “not replicating more expensive materials.” Instead of using faux leather for the handbags, for example, he used raffia or canvas. “The focus isn’t just getting Jason Wu at a lower price point,” he says. “It was about creating an entirely new collection that I think my regular customers will enjoy, too.” Jason Wu for Target, $19 to $60, launches in stores February 5.

(Above)

Textured, pleated-front peplum top – gold: $32.99
Pleated skirt in black: $29.99
Lace clutch in black: $29.99

(Center)

Trench coat in black: $54.99
Flared dress in black with nude patent belt: $59.99

pics via “A Bulls Eye View” and “Target Style”
Dec 19 2011

OOTD: My IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel Gown from Sonsi for My CBS Interview

Last week I had the pleasure of being a guest on my local CBS “Virginia This Morning” show. I did a segment on “New Year’s Eve Fashion”. I was honored to have Sonsi, the #1 website for plus-size shopping, sponsor my dress for the segment and I chose a gown from IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel. I have worn Igigi before for my  Open House and their clothing always makes you feel like a stand-out.  My gown is called the “Sabina” and was floor-length with a silverish lace insert underneath and at the neckline. I especially like the hint of cleavage that shows at the front of the gown. My dress came with a long silver sash that I accented with my silver and studded jewelry. Celebs from Gabby Sidibe, Nikky Blonksy, Kim Coles, KayCee Stroh, Frenchie Davis and Martha Wash have all worn the IGIGI brand to red-carpet events and other Hollywood galas.  My shoes (although you can’t see them in the pic) were by Enzo Angiolini and completed the look to a tee. With this length of a gown you need a very high heel shoe. These are 5-inches but with the platform heel, I wasn’t in any discomfort wearing them at all.  

Outfit Details:

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel “Sabina” Gown   $190  Sizes 12-28  www.sonsi.com

Enzo Angiolini “Thaddea” Pump   $119.95    Sizes 4-11   Nordstrom

Jewelry from www.ashleystewart.com