A Curvy Girl Takeover: Wedding Season!

One of my readers (Brittany) came to me with a request I couldn't turn down. Like the title says it's Wedding season and whether you are a Bridesmaid or guest, you will need a formal frock to dress for the occasion. Brittany asked: 

I'm going to a wedding and I need your help finding a dress! I'm 5'10 and my measurements are 32-27-39, so I have to be cautious that I'm not showing too much skin. I'm not a fan of high necks because I'd like to look modest up top. Something flowy but fitted, in pinks, teals, yellows, and corals. Summer colors.

First of all Ms. Brittany: you go girl!  This isn't a problem, this curvature is a girls dream (as are all our Curves, but I digress)! You have come to the right place. Like most formal events, finding the perfect dress for any shape and size can be a time suck. You have to find something appropriate, something that fits your body not too snug or too big, and something you feel most like yourself in. Oy! The 'joys' of being a woman.

Here are my tips for Fancy Fashions for a Curvy Girl:

• Rule #1: This rule contradicts everything I believe in shopping & Curvy-dom, but it's a must in Formal/Wedding Wear. Do NOT have an idea of a dress silhouette (yes, you're going to be at the mall for a while). It's good to have a general look or color scheme in mind, but every Strapless, Mermaid, and Halter gown is cut differently. There are some silhouettes made for Curvy Girls (cue: Midi's Are Not Your Mom's Work Attire & Slick Splits), but you will get discouraged quickly if you stick to one category, and miss out on great styles that can compliment you just as well! 

• Know your measurements (Kudos to Brittany!). If you are online shopping, you'll have to look at a size chart (avoiding buying two sizes if possible because shipping/return costs are not on our side). Don't forget to add an inch! We're going for classy-- not skin tight, Girls ;)

• Don't be afraid of color - any color! I know it's Summer and you're supposed to be bright, but 'Fall' colors are actually a part of the year round uniform. Maroon, Navy, & Black are classic and they aren't going anywhere, so you might as well embrace them-- even when the sun is out.

• Cutouts are your friend! As on trend as they are, Cutouts are a Curvy Girl's saving grace. They give you the opportunity to show some more skin in more appropriate ways (i.e. back, sides, or shoulder peek-a-boos), while still having a modest length and neckline.

• Last but not least - know what's in your Lingerie repertoire. Refinery 29 did a great piece on 5 Tricky Dresses And What To Wear Under Them. Strapless bras are a solution, but there are many more!

My dear Brittany, here are my picks for you:

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Lace Illusion Sheath Dress

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaid Ruched Cationic Chiffon Dress

Maggy London One Shoulder Matte Jersey Dress

Hybrid Dress with Side Zip Feature in Midi Length

JS Collections Dress

BCBGeneration One Shoulder Layered Pleated Dress

For more of my pics see Brittany's Pinterest board, and if you have any other Formal events this summer, this Curvy Consultant is here to help you :)

Glad to be back Curvy Girls!

-TLW

Midi's Are NOT Your Mom's Work Attire!

Remember how I told you that fashion was cyclical? Well time to kick it old school baby, because the Midi Dresses are a good shape for us Curvy Girls!

I was really inspired when I saw the exquisite Emily Blunt on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' yesterday. I know you're wondering why I reference this Show as of late -I set up my Tivo for Ellen because the guest spots have been amazing; but I digress. Emily was paling around with Ellen yesterday in a collared Midi Dress from Victoria Beckham's Fall 2012 line:

Emily Blunt in Victoria Beckham Fall 2012

Victoria Beckham RTW Fall 2012

Photo's courteous of The Ellen DeGeneres Show & Vogue.com

Ms. Blunt loves her dress- she says it's very "Posh" and you should too!

I love to shout about Curves on this site, but I also like to celebrate being who you are on whatever the occasion. I think the 'Midi' is the perfect opportunity to show your sexy curvy side appropriately, within the realms of Corporate America. The dress is a professional silhouette, and because of both the sultry and work appropriate length, you can pull this look off in the sometimes unfashionable hours of 9-5. Here's how:

• If you remember my first post, Ever Wonder Why You're A Fruit?, I highly recommended pencil skirts. I still do, and this is it in full dress form!
• High Heels - high as you can go for work. The only possible negative of this style is that it takes over your whole body. However, wearing heels will give a presence to your lower half and give you height to show off that slender chic look from the Midi Dress.
• Prints! The best part of this dress is that it's slimming, right? Well prints in one direction have the same, if not better effect. Experiment! It's you best opportunity to.

All of my suggestions are from Global Beauty & Fashion online retailer ASOS. They carry & create this style of dress with utter perfection. PLUS- there's a 70% of sale these days! Check it out:

Motel Midi Dress With Cut Out Racer Back In Aztec Print

Motel Zoe Midi Racer Dress Batik

Motel Midi Dress Cut Out Racer Back in Leopard Print

ASOS PETITE Exclusive Midi Dress In Squiggle Print

Motel Midi Zoe Dress in Abstract Pebble Print

Ganni Striped Midi Dress with Button Detail

ASOS PETITE Exclusive Midi Dress In Scarf Print

ASOS Midi Pencil Dress With Wrap Skirt

Tell me! What are some other ways to rock this 70's inspired trend?

-TLW