Never Forget The Old When You're Ringing In The New

Happy (Almost) New Year! Aren't you excited the world didn't end?

While we are all busy making NYE resolutions, and vowing to never do some things again, I think it's important to take time to realize all the things that have helped bring you to yet another New Years Eve day. There's a journey every year and even the bad, the horrible times you went through, are the reason you're making new decisions right now.

So! With that being said, below are the 12 things that I am promising to bring into my New Year. Some are fashion related, some are not. I hope they help you with your revelations and resolutions in being a better you in 2013:

1. Remember- All those bad things that happened to you this year, they happened and guess what? They're not the worst things that will ever happen to you. Again, the things of this year are NOT worst things that will ever happen to you. The worst thing, would be to not have an opportunity to try and do better and since the Mayans were wrong about the world ending, you have a chance in 2013 to do better because you now know better. 
2. Party Nails- There's something fun about not matching and making a fashion statement with arguably your smallest accessory, and this trend won't cost you an arm and a leg ;) 
3. OWN IT - Something so simple that has stuck with me ever since I've heard it! YOU are the only person who can do what YOU do, so do it! Unfortunately this goes for both good and bad things, but if you have the balls to say or do something bold then you better take credit for it. 
4. Peplum - It's frilly and compliments all shapes! It's moved from skirts to jackets, pants, shorts, and dresses. Peplum is the new LBD.       
5. Just Keep Swimming - Dorie had some wise words from 'Finding Nemo' but it's true. Also similar to #3, you cannot do anything but move forward in life. When an obstacle does come into your life, time doesn't stop and you can't either. In time, you may find the answer on how to conquer your problem anyway!
6. High, High Heels - you saw the return of the platform this year right? You either go High or go Low, and I for one, am not a fan of the Kitten Heel. 
7. Believe in a Higher Power- I respect all Religions and Spiritual Beliefs in the world, but the one thing that truly helped me this year was the understanding that there is a Power greater than myself guiding me with the will to accomplish some pretty hefty goals I set for myself in 2012.
8. Sequins -  No explanation needed.                                           
9. GO TO THE GYM - No really. You know all the talk: "your metabolism slows down when you get older blah blah blah", and all that might be true. But I feel better when I know I did something healthy for myself (I also feel better that I went for a run while eating a LARGE #1 from McDonalds). Just do it, the hour will go faster than you think.
10. Wedge Kicks - Let's just all embrace the fact the we live in the new age 80s, and pumped up kicks are here to stay.                                 
11. Value Your Friends & Family - I don't know what I would do without the awesome support and honesty of all my loved ones, and I think you guys can say the same for yours. 
12. Collars - Peter Pan was onto something, and I'm especially happy since I make them myself! Besides, looking dapper never hurt anyone.

and one more for good luck:

Obviously Number 13  would be my Curves, and yours! It has been an amazing year for me on this blog, and it's because of all of you! I am so glad to write and have readers like you that love to read so thank you for being loyal visitors, and embrace your curves in the New Year because they're apart of you.

Have a glass of bubbly tonight, and I'll see you in 2013 ;)

-TLW

Photo Credit: Pinterest, Evolution Revolution , Christian Louboutin, ASOS, Style Blazer, SodaHead, Castle Blog

Fall Uniform: The Lightweight Jacket

It’s an odd time of year; we know Summer has left the building, but it’s not time to break out the Parkas yet. For us commuters we can’t freeze our you-know-whats off on the bus stop, and I am not a fan of sweating on a packed train car. So what am I supposed to wear? Enter: The Lightweight Jacket.

Thanks, Puma!

It's sleek, easy to pack away if the temperature spikes, and in most cases this thing is water repellent. However, the Lightweight Jacket is a cautionary tale because: its name gives it away! This piece light, and more of a Fashion statement. I only scream say this because you cannot wear a tank top or a mini skirt and expect a warm, cozy feeling. Dress appropriately folks!

As always, here are my tips on styling the Jacket:

• Ignore the color and go with your gut. I generally use this rule for shopping overall, but since this piece of Outerwear isn't designed to go with your outfits, avoid buying something that accommodates your entire wardrobe. It will be frustrating to do so, and you might miss out on a great find.
• Drawstrings and Belts are key! Unfortunately, all Outerwear adds unnecessary bulk but that doesn't mean you have to loose your shape. You can pick Outerwear with drawstrings or a belt to battle the budge, or you can add one from your own closet! Like this:

• My favorite length of Outerwear is above or below the hip. Like I said, the jacket adds the wrong kind of poof, and it's easy to get lost in a large piece of Nylon or other Lightweight fabrics. Jackets that hit above the hipbone highlight your hips, and below accentuates the natural curve from your waistline down. Either way you go, these lengths are pluses for us Curvy girls. ;)

Last but not least, the transition from this season to Winter is a short one and your coats shouldn't break the bank. Below are my picks for Lightweight Jackets all under $100. Let me know what you think & check out a new feature on the blog, "Curvy News":

Merona® Quilted Jacket

Worthington® Single-Breasted Mod Coat 

Belted Zip Cape Coat

a.n.a® Quilted Faux Leather Jacket

ELLE™ Faux-Leather Jacket

In Other Curvy News...

• "We're surrounded by absolutely unrealistic ideas of beauty because girls in photos are, well, not real. They're the result of a hairstylist, a makeup artist, a manicurist, a personal stylist, a tailor, good lighting, correct angles....And to get that one photo that makes the cut, sometimes a thousand or more need to be taken. So, look at pictures of celebrities for artistic inspiration ... but don't think for a second that you should look like them. Because nobody does, not even them." Love who you are!

                        *Lauren Conrad from her new book 'Beauty' Via She's In Color

• Lady Gaga joins the Body Revolution! The pop superstar says: "My boyfriend prefers me curvier. When I eat I am healthy and not so worried about my looks, I'm happy. Happier than I've ever been." She was born this way! Via Daily Mail & @AlexandaMariaE
  
  
  

Thanks for visiting :)

Until next time, 

-TLW

These Collars Ain't No Choke

So remember when I did this post?

The Last Word

And then I made these?

Assta Designs

Assata Designs

Well check out July's issue of InStyle Magazine:

InStyle Magazine July 2011

We are officially ahead (or neck, if you will) of the curve! I know some of you were a little bit timid in seeing this trend come alive. It is extreme menswear and how to wear it may be a bit of an obstacle that you aren't ready to tackle, but get ready because it seems these collars are here to stay.


Take it to the Neck:

1. You do not, do not have to wear a collared shirt to pull of this look. In fact it would look better without one! You'll be adding another layer of grace to your almost complete ensemble, and it could also go along with your statement necklace for the day like Kristen Bell (above) did.
2. There are no color limitations or restrictions with this trend. Collars are supposed to pop, (full of the neck jokes today) so make them! 
3. Similar to #1, your neckline isn't decided by the collar or shirt you pair it with. Have fun with tanks, tees, blouses, or  strapless - if you dare. 
4. Last but not least for us Curvy girls - I know you may be worried this style will draw unnecessary attention upstairs, and you may feel unbalanced in the rest of your outfit. Not even close! Collars are a statement, just like a belt, or a necklace, or printed shoes. They are an accessory and as long as you don't do the Arm Candy effect around your neck, you will be just fine with this trend. :)

Although I do professionally make these Collars (you can email me), I won't be offended if you go another route. There are many talented artists who have taken this simple element  to another level. See below:

Scalloped Sequin Collar Necklace

Sparkling Collar Necklace

INC Collar Necklace

H &M Collar Necklace - On Sale Now!

And my personal favorite:

Dannijo Collar Necklace

What do you guys think? Can Girls do one more thing better than Men? I think I did:

OOTD:  I am wearing, Gap Blouse, Forever 21 Maxi, Vintage Belt,  Go Jane Necklace

Leave your comments below in The Last Word!

Photo Credit: Trend De La Creme, Buy Now Blog Later, GoJane, Forever21, Macy's

-TLW!

Do you know Tracy Clifford?

I'm back! I have missed all of you in stylish blogosphere, but let me tell you that Puerto Vallarta sun is a paradise not to be missed!

See what I'm sayin?!

But now that I am back it is my pleasure to share with you, a chance meeting with famed Chicago Stylist, Tracy Clifford.

In Ms. Clifford's career, she has assisted Oscar De La Renta with the assistance of her strong background in retail buying. She is fluent in the prose of textiles, learning fabrics and best fit from interacting with influential designers world wide. Her niche is fashion shows in Milan, Paris and New York, and aside from these accomplishments, most importantly "[Tracy] is attuned to the way fabric and cut can complement the body by accentuating each woman's natural beauty." - Tracy Clifford (Shout out to us Curvy girls!) See in Part 1 of my interview her take and inside scoop on styling, Chicago Fashion, Spring/Summer Trends, and how to be your personal best with rehabbing your closet: