"Beautiful Super Size Voluptuousness"

One of my good friends and faithful readers, @ChiStyleMaven, pointed me in the direction of an article I had to post. Melissa McCarthy, scene stealer of the hit movie 'Bridesmaids' and star of 'Mike and Molly' on CBS, was interviewed by none other, than legendary André Leon Talley at the 2012 SAG Awards.

Melissa McCarthy in Badgley Mischka

 
My favorite part about this interview, other than her comedic forte, are the praises of her beauty. Ms. McCarthy has always dressed in a way that beams "Cinderella at the ball" and we should all adapt her sense of self worth, and confidence. Read below:

ALT: What makes a curvaceous lady like you decide to wear navy blue from Badgley Mischka?
MM: I've been wanting to wear like, a dark blue, and something a little drapier, and I said 'What about a little bit of a cowl neck?' And they said, 'Why not?'
ALT:  You know what's great about you is because of your beautiful super-size and voluptuousness, you cover it up and yet you expose a beautiful inner self-esteem, and I love that.
MM: Well, thanks! I love fashion, so it doesn't stop at ten.
ALT: It doesn't stop! It doesn't stop at ten! I'm not exactly a two myself, so it doesn't stop with us, because we love to eat! Right?
MM: Takin' a turn somewhere!
ALT: No, I don't want to take a turn. I really admire you.

Photo & Interview Credit: MTV.com, NYMag.com

Fashion never stops - be who you are. Love it and show it off!

-TLW

Let Me See Your Hips SWING!

Hello Lovely Ladies! It is Thursday which means the question of the weekend plagues us: "What do I Wear?!" No fear, another party post is here to save the day, or to add to your NYE wardrobe possibilities. Today we have: Peplum!

Fun fact: Peplum is a Greek word that literally means a mini skirt or ruffle attached to a garment by the waist line.
(Today's history lesson is provided by Wikipedia.) Now that we've learned something let's get to dressing :-)

Think of Peplum as "classic layering"; Most ruffles hit right above the hip line smoothing out our curves - Peplum is our BFF ladies!

Here's a few cautionary tips:

• Peplum that starts at the hips will make you look hippy - which can exaggerate an unflattering point in our bodies.
• Slight ruffles at the waist can make the middle part of us look bigger - which takes away the curvaceous effect in general.
•  Colorblock Peplum can also have the same effect - if that's the look you are going for try to make sure the colors balance each other out (i.e neutrals with neutrals, bright colors with bright colors, not orange and navy blue)

Never fear ladies! Here are some examples of Peplum done SO right:

How cool is this?! A Peplum Belt to add to your exisitng wardrobe! BCBG Max Azria Peplum Waist Belt

ASOS Dress With Leather Insert Peplum

ASOS Aqua 'Klingon' Peplum Skirt

Mark + James by Badgley Mischka Strapless Peplum Dress

BeBe Fit & Flare Party Dress

Last but not least a few accessorizing ideas:

• With these dresses, since there is so much going on below the waist I like to fluff up the top! Exaggerate with a nice smoky eye, using the colors of your dress.
• Try a nice updo for a cute Vintage feel.
• BIG earrings! That should be your only statement jewelry to keep it classic and simple.

That's all today ladies! Enjoy some of the sales on theses dresses, and glam up your wardrobe - you deserve it!

-TLW

American Music Awards 2011: Hottie Highlights

This post will be straight to the point - unlike the snoozefest that was last nights awards show. To be honest, I didn't know a good chunk of the songs performed - but at least there was more music than any production from MTV these days. I digress.

Of the red carpet there were 5 looks I adored (winner Jennifer Lopez scored 2) and here is why:

Photo Credit: Tom & Lorenzo & US Weekly

Queen Latifah in Georges Chakra

I love anything asymmetrical. I think what Queen did here is perfect. The colors are classic and appropriate for a formal occasion, and black is the dominant color which we all know is slimming. I am also a fan of the stripe. Horizontal shapes are hard to pull off - they lead the eye to look across the frame which in most cases, can make you look wider. The stripe here creates a much better emphasis at the top of her body.

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Ms. Lopez was blowin' up all over the block last night, but my favorites are the two looks in this post. While I'm not a fan of the particular hue of nude (I'm more aware that there is knitted nude covering her body, rather than the illusion of her bare skin), I am a fan of the dress overall. Again, there is asymmetry here with he hem line, but also as a lover of print I am definitely an advocate how the print is used here; it becomes closer together as you travel vertically down the dress illuminating more of her bodaciousness vs "skin". The train is also amaze.

Jennifer Hudson in Jenny Packham

These days Jennifer can wear whatever she wants, but I am glad she chose this Metallic Mini. I think the color brings out the natural light of her complexion, and she is not overstyled with makeup or jewelry. The draping is outstanding - this technique of sinching fabric causes a lot of volume in a garment, but I think it minimizes her body since the draping is done around her cleavage. There is some draping at the bottom but again, it's vertical not horizontal, which makes her look leaner in this shiny number.

Jenny McCarthy in Victoia Beckham

I told you I love vintage :) This is perhaps my favorite look . I think Jenny stands out more than the other attendees because her dress is unexpected. The purple is bright and very on trend for Fall/Winter '11 & '12 and the cut is very Vintage inspired. It's form fitted at the top with a distinguished neckline, and full circle skirt with a short hemline. Her Vintage hairstyle also tops off her look for me :)

Jennifer Lopez in Emilio Pucci

I am pretty much a fan of anything Pucci makes, and would argue that this is Vintage inspired here with the fringe. But I think my favorite aspect of this dress is that it's a Mini done right. First, there is so much going on at the top with the Fringe, Metallics and Print, that the length is slightly ignored, and those 3 aspects are all used equally among the garment. The boatneck neckline also takes away from the hemline and honestly, I think this is the sexiest way you can show off your body, without looking like this.......

Christina Aguilera in Herve Leger

Sorry Xtina :(

You can see the full list of Red Carpet's at both Tom & Lorenzo and Us Weekly.

Let me know what you guys think!

TLW