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

Jeans For My Big Ol' Butt

I, like every woman in America with a pair of eyes, love to SHOP! I can't get enough! When I arrive at a mall, with blood roaring through my veins, I am ready to go like it's Mission Impossible. Then when I see a colorful window display with the clothes screaming "I can fill the void in your closet" I am sold. I walk in and I pick up any and every article of clothing I love because I know this piece, is the one I've been waiting for. Then I finally make my way to the dressing room and after 3 trips in and out - nothing fits. Ever had that happen? It's not fun is it? Especially 'round your rump (pun definitely intended).

Growing up I always had to have my pants tailored, and even then they weren't the "All American Jeans" look I was going for. My waist, thighs, and butt are all a different size so it was almost torture when I outgrew pants. Until about a year ago I couldn't find anything that fits, but now, if I want jeans I exclusively shop at: The Gap. The reinvention of their Denim line is like a Godsend (read:The Verdict | Gap’s 1969 Premium Jeans) and while I don't officially endorse The Gap, I can definitely tell you what works. The jeans are slimming through the hips, thighs, and waist, have great lengths to show off your legs, and I never have to wear a belt with these jeans! Never. 

Fall back into The Gap

 I do shop at other places (Express and CITIZENS of HUMANITY have great styles to offer as well) but below are my tips for Jeans in general, and favorite styles of jeans:

• Denim will always, always have stretch. Most jeans are made with Lycra or Spandex, so if they fit in the dressing room chances are they will stretch out in the long run. Buy a size down from your normal size and wear them around to create the perfect jean mold. 
• Dye is great. Dark, Denim, Dirty, Sandblasted - we've seen all the staining and I am sure there is more to come. However, if that denim rubs off on your hands or undergarments pretty easily, chances are they won't be that color after a few washes. Higher end jeans use a color seal so your jeans can remain the same; which also brings me to..
• QUALITY! Of course there are those instances where you want this one outfit for a specific occasion. We've all been there. The $10 Jeans sale though, is one to run away from. Those jeans are usually made with lower quality denim and will not last you very long, and stretch out in the worst places. Like everything else in life, with Jeans go big or go home.

DIVE INTO DENIM:

GAP 1969 mid-weight always skinny flood jeans

GAP 1969 mid-weight real straight jeans

GAP 1969 mid-weight stiletto jeans

GAP 1969 mid-weight high-rise trouser jeans

GAP 1969 mid-weight legging jeans

EXPRESS BOOT CUT STELLA REGULAR FIT JEAN - DARK INDIGO

EXPRESS REROCK SKINNY LEG JEAN

There are other brands that I am sure work great, but the Jeans I've posted are like Vanilla Ice Cream. You just can't go wrong!

Dominate some Denim Ladies ;)

-TLW

V-Day: Let's Do It For The Girls!

Hello my Sweets, and Happy February! It is officially the second month of 2012 and also the month of LOVE. For those of you who celebrate, it is also the kick off of Black History Month and I know I will be paying homage to my Icons, including Ms. Sarah Breedlove. Look her up ;)

As you all know I am all about Women/Self Empowerment on this blog, and when it comes to celebrating Valentine's Day, I am no different. A tradition I have started with my girlfriends is to go out for Valentine's Day Dinner. Whether you have a special someone in your life or not, I think it's important to celebrate all the Love in your heart.

See what I mean?

With that being said- this post is dedicated for a night out with the girls! A time to be sexy, flirty, and fun. I put together 4 themed outfits below that would be a V-Day treat:

Outfit #1: Rock It Out (Click on photo to enlarge)

With this 'fit, I had the edgy girl in mind. Someone who will play up the theme, but add a twist. You can't go wrong with classic colors in the pants, the spiked shoes will put you in a category of your own, and the Hi-Lo top goes perfect with the V-Day celebrations. Hi-Low tops show off your front and cover your back. It's flattering and most importantly draws more attention to them hemline, than the hip line.

Top: Mink Pink - The Bad Romance Cape Shirt

Pants: Tripp NYC - The Split Pant

Shoes: Sole Boutique - The Cenobite Shoe in Black

Outfit#2: The Sweetheart (click on photo to enlarge)

For the more demure celebrator, I thought this dress would be a funky update to the LBD. It has a natural waist and hints of sexy with the Mesh, and it also gives the illusion of a Mini. The Peep Toe Pump add a POC (pop of color) and - it's colorblocked!


Dress: Final Stretch Navy Blue Dress
Shoes: My Delicious Rainer Coral Multi Color Block Platform Heels

Outfit #3: Pink Me (click on photo to enlarge)

 Platforms are one of the best things to come back from those Disco Days. They make you look taller, and your legs look longer, so for this outfit I started with the shoes. I love the color and they are suede sandals a.k.a year round shoes! The mini is Denim and the chiffon top takes it to the perfect level of dressy for a night out.

Top: Lace Pocket Blouse - Berry
Skirt: Chipper Zipper Denim Skirt
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Dressen Purple Fuchsia & Red Suede Sandals

Outfit #4: Candy Stripe (click on photo to enlarge)

With this outfit, I wanted to do something very traditional to Valentine's Day. Not only is Red the hot color of the season, high waisted shorts are also here to stay. PS- High Waisted anything is great! It's the same idea from the Natural Waist and give you that sexy hourglass shape. Couple them with the ankle strap platforms, and sheer striped shirt, you can easily turn this into a 'Pin Up' girl glamfest.

Top: Malt Shop Memories Striped Pink Top
Shorts: Button Up Tap Shorts
Shoes: Sole Boutique The Eye Doll Shoe in Red

For accessories, I am a firm believer in Bling. Anything that sparkles will perfect these frocks. 

So start shopping! V-Day, or D-Day is next weekend, Ladies. Dress up in Love ;)


-TLW!

I'm Not Biker Chic, I'm Metallic Chic!

It's that time again, folks! So let's get straight to our Hump Day Post :)

The Internet is a blaze as of late, with Spring, Pre-Fall/Fall 2012 Trends and one that seems to be here to stay is the Motorcycle Jacket. Here is the thing: We have seen Biker Chic before, and while Leather is truly a closet staple in any form, I personally don't have a style aesthetic that matches "Grunge" or "Biker". HOWEVER! I can completely agree with Metallic (remember: Let It Shine ?), Glitter (how about Glitter Is A Girls BFF ?), Or Sparkles as Outerwear: 

IRO Spring 2012

IRO Spring 2012

Atelier Versace Spring 2012 Couture

Photo Credit: Monica Rose  & Fashionologie.com

These jackets are BEAUTIFULLY constructed. They have the same Edge-y feel as the Moto frame, but there is a lot of POP going on. With IRO, the jackets have strategically placed zippers, stained leather, and a fashion fave: sequins. With Versace, glitter & revolutionary detailing create the beauty of these pieces. These Jackets are a far cry from Harley, (Sorry Mr. Davidson) and should be in every girl's closet ASAP!

So, how do you do it?

• Again, this trend is obviously NON Biker Chic. Everything you wear underneath should be clean. Straight-legged or Skinny Jeans, and simple colored Tanks/Tees, or Dresses. The idea is to be innovate with the jacket - step outside the Moto box!
• Play up the color! As seen in a few pieces above, there is nothing wrong here with matching. You can match one (if not all) the colors of the jacket to a piece you are wearing, OR you can make your own suit and add color to your bottom half.
• Don't over-accessorize! This trend is in a very central location. You won't need a lot of 'POP' elsewhere. Try and stay simple with jewelry - Gold and Silver Studs or plain colored Bangles.
• Identify your shapes - be mindful of where on your body the Jacket ends. If it hits you at the waist, identify your waist with either a belt, or a long top so this fabulous trend doesn't "chop" your body. Show your silhouette from head to toe.

Look at some of these for inspiration:

ASOS Metallic Collarless Leather Biker Jacket

KARL Octavia Sequined Biker Jacket

Royal Underground Ruffle-Trim Metallic Motorcycle Jacket

Calvin Klein Faux Ultrasuede Metallic Moto Jacket

Ralph Lauren Jenski Metallic Suede Jacket

Blaze the trail in a Glam way!

-TLW

Give Kredit Where Kredit Is Due

TGIAF (Thank God It's Almost Friday) readers and thank you for visiting!

I just had to say this: Although the Kardashian Kraze seems to still be sweeping the nation, I am not one to purport their inexplicable fame. I will say, however, that they dress impeccably and any Girl interested in fashion would dream to play dress up in their closets. Whether that be in large part to stylist Monica Rose, or they have developed their own fashion sense has yet to be seen, I still have to make note of some fabulous choices.

I saw this picture of Mama Bear Kris Kardashian Jenner in their 2011 Holiday Card:

Kris Jenner wearing D & G

I have rarely seen sequins done in color so tastefully. On top of that, pairing with the Collar and Bow Tie spruced up a traditional dress silhouette. I was so moved by this piece, that it was the inspiration for my 2011 NYE outfit:

I am wearing, ASOS Pencil Skirt in Sequins , Forever 21 Lace Accent Sweater (Similar Here), H&M Bowtie Belt, and Sam Edelman Women's Nivan Platform T Strap Pumps (not pictured).

I loved my outfit and even though I went glam with classic sequins, I felt fashionably equipped to celebrate the New Year. :)

Thank you Ms. Rose/Mrs. Jenner for pulling the inspiration together, and more importantly D&G for giving every girl some sparkle.

For more of the 2011 Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana  Fall Collection see my favorites below as well as on NYMag.com.

Ta-Ta for now!

-TLW

D&G Fall 2011

D&G Fall 2011

D&G Fall 2011

D&G Fall 2011