FIERCE 101

DO IT LIKE A BROTHA...DO IT LIKE A DUDE

I know what you're thinking and yes the title of this post is from one of my favorite "Girl Power" songs out right now by Jessie J. If you haven't had a chance to hear it, please check it out. Though I would love to spend this time talking about girl power songs, I won't. This post is about the trend of women dressing in more masculine and tailor fitted clothing. This style of fashion has gotten big over the past two years extending from female wingtip shoes, larger dials on fashion and designer watches, tailored pants as well as more tailored button down shirts and blouses. I myself have taken on some more tailored pieces in my wardrobe over the past year specifically with blazers. With my body type the perfect structured blazer gives me great shape, a great look whether dressed up or down with jeans or pants and it also aids in helping hide some problem areas with my midsection. Over the years, women have taken men's tailored fashions and made them fit their bodies, but with the unisex look becoming more popular, you don't have to "borrow" one of your boyfriend's, brother's or father's shirts, you now have retailers who are responding to the demand of more structured clothing for women. I've found a couple of pieces that I think are awesome ways of slowy adding more masculine pieces to your wardrobe that are sophisticated enough to keep you looking like a lady. If you are big on unisex clothing, message me and tell me all about your "dude style". Happy Shopping!!

ASOS CURVE CHINOS $ 27.58]

www.asos.com

SHOCK BOUTIQUEN GREY BOYFRIEND WATCH $32.00

www.shockboutique.com

BAMBOO VABENE CHESTNUT BOYFRIEND OXFORDS $24.00

www.lulus.com

LAUREN BY RALPH LAUREN THELRED CRESTED BLAZER $299.00 $175.00(sale)

www.macys.com

KEEPING UP WITH THE K-DASHIANS

Yes, I know...the K's are a little too much, but its cute, true? Anywho, yesterday while doing my ritual of home shopping, I came across the QVC 2-hour segment of the K-DASH line from the triple K's Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian. I was surprised to see that they offered most if not all of their fashions in plus sizes. I must say I am very pleased both with the fashions produced by their line as well as the intricate details and quality of the pieces. Kim was there to market the line and what I really appreciated is that all of the K's including their mom wear their line. Instead of just pushing it in the market, they are actually their own clients, which is super cool.  We all know that the Kardashians are known for their awesome fashion sense and its awesome that they not only cater to standard sizes, but plus as well. I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces featured on the segment and hope that you'll check out their recent offerings as well as those produced by their line in the future. What a great way for the curvy community to 'Keep up with the Kardashians'.

Notched Collar Jacket with Beading $119.88

Maxi Kaftan with Embellishment $ 88.54

Gathered Knit Leopard Print Dress $71.00

Printed Kaftan with Waist Tie Detail $81.00

Sequin Dress with Knit Side Panel $112.50 

Cape with Pull Through Belt $95.16

All of these items from the K-Dash line and many more can be found at www.qvc.com

LACE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO GO

Greetings Ladies! I trust everyone had a great Easter holiday for those who celebrate it as well as a fun Spring Break! Lets get to it....Recently I purchased a top from City Chic which has lace as the upper portion of the top including the sleeves, which have a bit of a Gaga flair to them. I've never been big on lace I must say. It was an item that I thought was old fashioned and not complementary to my sense of style. Foolish I know and I realize how wrong I am now. When I saw the top, the structure made me want to try it and I'm glad I did. Lace is such a delicate material that can really show off your body in a positive light if done correctly. This post is all about lace...since it is my new favorite fabric..and obviously a favorite fabric of the male gender...I have decided to drape myself in it whenever possible. I've found a couple of pieces that I am coveting and possibly will purchase within the next week just to have as apart of my wardrobe. I hope for those of you who were and still are skeptical like I was about lace, will give it a try and I know you'll see that it is definitely worth while.

Here is a photo of me in the City Chic Lace Sweatheart Top

ASOS CURVE SLASH NECK LACE DRESS $80.69

FASHION TO FIGURE ONE SHOULDER LACE MINI DRESS $36.00

CITY CHIC GEORGIA LACE DRESS $88.00

FOREVER 21+ EMBELLISHED LACE FRONT TOP $27.80

All of the items can be found through www.forever21.com. www.asos.com, www.citychiconline.com and www.fashiontofigure.com

HAPPY SHOPPING LADIES!

FASHION TRENDS 2011: 70S SUMMER

Greetings ladies! A couple of weeks ago, I brought you a post about 60s ladylike style and since we are on that path..lets do the time warp again! I felt it only fitting to "get in the groove" and dive into the upcoming summer season trend of 70s style. We all associate bell bottoms, tunics, platform shoes and polyester button down shirts with 70s fashion. Though many of these designs are still around to this day, they have been revamped and have evolved into a more chic and well put together style that pays homage to that era. Here is where I come in...I've always been an 80s baby but there is something grand about the whimsical and carefree styles of the 70s that makes me want to explore the fashion further and incorporate some pieces into my own wardrobe. I went on a search to find pieces that I thought would fulfill the 70s trend as well as be fashionably fierce for us curvy ladies. I hope that this post encourages you to give the 70s style a try this summer...Peace and Love Kids!

ASOS CURVE FULL DRESS WITH VARIEGATED STRIPES $62.76

CITY CHIC SPLICE BELTED TUNIC $41.60

ASOS CURVE ROSE PRINTED PLAYSUIT $71.72

FOREVER 21+ ZIG ZAG ASYMETRICAL TOP $17.80

The items featured in this post can be found at www.asos.com, www.forever21.com  and www.citychiconline.com

HAPPY SHOPPING!

FIERCE FACE/FIT OF THE DAY

Greetings Ladies!!! I thought it would be a great idea to do a double doozy of sorts and do two posts in one. I wanted to show the beautiful top I recently acquired from City Chic as well as my play on colors for spring in regards to makeup. I know sometimes they say don't have your makeup match your clothes, but I think that if done properly and not matchy matchy, it can be a great thing! Check out the looks and let me know what you think!

Top: City Chic

Bottoms: Rainbow

Shoes: Guess

Watch: Guess

Jewelry: F21, Boutique Shop

Base: MAC Select Moisture Cover, Studio Fix, Eyebrow Pencil in Stud

Eyes: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, MUFE No.75, MAC Da Bling, Too Dolly, Yogurt, Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Ransom, MAC Liquid Eyeliner in Boot Black, .mark Eyemarker in Jet, MAC Zoomlash in Black

Face: MAC Blush in Gentle and Blush Ombre in Vintage Grape

Lips: MAC Creme Lipstick WWC in Spitfire and MAC Lipglass VVC in Hot House, MAC lip liner in Chestnut

FIERCE SPOTLIGHT: TENNILLE WHITE

Tonight, while perusing the channels, I came across the annual Rip the Runway Event on BET. I was totally excited because I love to view the program especially since plus size designer Monif C has ripped the runway with some of her fashions over the past couple of years.  Today, the featured plus size designer is Tennille White from Chicago, IL. As a plus size fashion blogger, I sometimes am so busy focusing on the more commercial aspects of the industry, bringing you all fashion that is fierce and affordable that I sometimes forget about our more high end Plus size fashion. This post is to rectify that. I will admit that this is my first time hearing Tennille White's name, but I am excited that I finally have because clearly I had no idea what I was missing. Her fashion line first launched in 2004 and she's been going strong ever since with various awards and honors such as the 2007 "Rising Star" award from the Fashion Group International and being one of the choice designers for the Apparel Industry Board, Inc.'s "Chicago is Red Hot" 2006-2008 fashion shows. Ms. White is definitely an all star plus size fashion designer of our time with her styles bringing elegance and sophistication with a fierce outlook on the unique catering to curvy ladies in sizes 12-28. Her fashions are colorful, flirty and eloquent without being pretentious. You'll definitely feel like a vixen wearing her pieces that are bold and classy designs.  Below I've included some of my favorite pieces from her Spring 2011 Collection from the telecast which are available to add to your wardrobe.

St. Barts $185.00

Turks and Caicos $225.00

London $255.00

Florence $225.00

The Hamptons $215.00

Paris $345.00

All of the items from Tennille's Spring 2011 Collection and many more are available on her website http://teamstudiopr.com/twc/ !

SHOCK CURVE BY SHOCK BOUTIQUE

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine mentioned a cool site that gives you celebrity style for less. She knows that I am an accessory whore and I love unique pieces for a great price. I always check in with Shock Boutique every now and then to check out their take on the latest trends in all things fashionable for less. Tonight, while browsing through their site, I saw a new link called Shock Curve. So out of curiosity, I clicked on it and behold the heavens opened up. Yes ladies, Shock Boutique has added Shock Curve, which caters to the curvy fashionista such as myself and all of you my faithful followers. Since I am in the business of bringing you the best in curvy fashion, I thought it only right that I share this with you immediately. For those of you who aren't familiar with Shock Boutique, you now have a reason to get comfy with them since they are now catering to the full figured sector of fashion. Below are a couple of pieces that I am smitten with and I know you will be too. Also, they are offering 30% off Shock Curve items with the code curve30 !

Shock Curve Green Cheetah Top $31.00

Shock Curve Belted Cape $68.00

Shock Curve Boyfriend Blazer w/ Back Zipper Detail $54.00

Shock Curve Leopard Dolman Sleeve Top $36.00

All of these awesome items can be found on the Shock Boutique website at www.shockboutique.com

YOU'RE SUCH A SLUB

One of the great things about spring is the fact that you get to ware lightweight materials that keep you cool and collected as we spring forth towards more heated summer weather. I am happy to see that this season is not just about glam, 60s ladylike, or even the biker look. The look that I would call "slub" is very in. The contrasts of materials from jersey knit, ponte knit, breathable cotton, and the reappearance of chiffon have formulated themselves into a style that is lightweight and easy to wear. Take simple and basic pieces and creating something fresh with them is what fashion is all about. In spring, we tend to stick to neutrals such as creams, black; recently the incorporation of light peach and corals have given a breath of fresh air to a new concept of color for spring. In getting into the "slub" look, fashion is offering harem pants, cuff pants, and peg legs just to name a few as a way of keeping you fashionable and comfortable this sprng. Throw in some hot heeled sandals or wedges and an a statement accessory piece and you've got a stylish and well put together look. I've put two looks together to give you some great ideas on how to take neutral colors and basic structures and make them into something comfy and cool.

LOOK #1

ASOS Curve Printed Button Front Cami $44.83

ASOS Curve Pleat Waist Jersey Cuff Pant $28.69

ASOS Haze Ruched Strap Wedges $80.69

Mango Spotted Wooded Bangle $26.90

All the items for the above look can be found at www.asos.com

LOOK #2

Torrid White Rayon Slub Henley $28.00

 Torrid Black Crop Harem Pant $48.00

These two items can be found at www.torrid.com

Dorothy Perkins Nude Patent Platform Heels 30.00GBP

www.dorothyperkins,com

Forever 21 Marble Layers Necklace $14.80

Forever 21 Feminine Beaded Bangles $4.80

Both items can be found at www.forever21.com

FIERCE FACE OF THE DAY

Hey Ladies! Since I've gotten back into palette play, I devided to do a cool face for you guys to welcome spring. Since I did a video post about how awesome the WonderWoman line from MAC is, I decided to show you as well. Let me know what yall think...as always there will be a list below of everything I used to complete this look...

.

Base- Moisture Cover Concealer(MAC), Studio Fix(MAC), Eye Potion(URBAN DECAY)

Eyes-Eyebrow Pencil in Stud (MAC),WonderWoman Quad Eyeshadow in Defiance(MAC), Liquid Eyeliner in Black (MAC), Eyemarker in Jet (.mark), Zoomlash Mascara in Black (MAC)

Lips-Like Venus Dazzleglass (MAC)

All of the items used can be found at www.maccosmetics.com, www.urbandecay.com, and www.avon.com !

SPRING TRENDS 2011: 60S A GO GO

From hipsters to squares, greasers to beatniks, this spring we are focusing on 60s ladylike style. The 60s was definitely the epitome of classic sophistication with lightweight fabrics that range from shirt dresses to full skirts. Since it seems that the years repeat themselves and 60s culture has made itself known throughout the years in different ways, this spring we want to zero in on the ladylike elegance that is the memorable 60s style. What I love most about the 60s styles is that there is a shape and cut for every shape and every personality within that era. Here are some awesome pieces from ASOS that I think signify the 60s trend for this spring and I hope they give you ideas on how to incorporate the specific pieces or similar ones into your wardrobe.

ASOS Curve Simple 60s Shirt Dress $62.76

ASOS Curve Wowzer Batwing Dress $98.62

ASOS Curve Chiffon Kaftan Dress $71.72

ASOS Curve Sixties Skater Dress w/Belt $71.72

All of these items can be found on the US ASOS website by clicking here!

FIERCE FIT OF THE DAY

I've always been a fan of the nautical style and last year when Forever 21 had a Navy and White Striped Blazer, I didn't get the chance to get one. However, this year I was able to scoop one up before they were all gone. I love the texture and feel of the blazer and as you can see, it looks great with my new favorite bottoms--jeggings. I'm also wearing layered cami's in navy and white, both from F21 as well. To add a little color, you could throw in a kelly green cami or maybe a yellow, and even a red if you are feeling patriotic. Here's a list of where I got everything!

Blazer- Forever 21

Jeggings- Rainbow

Boots- Nine West

Camis-Forever 21

Jewelry- JC Penny, F21 and Guess

Sunglasses-Wal-Mart

FIERCE FIT OF THE DAY

Recently I went out with two of my cousins and a good friend to celebrate my belated birthday. I've been having this little black dress from ASOS sitting in my closet waiting to be unleashed on the world, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity to debut it.  This dress is awesome because it is form fitting and it instantly gives your body a great hourglass shape. The material is breathable and it never gets bent out of shape. We had dinner at one of Chef Emeril Lagasse's world famous restaurants here in New Orleans called Delmonico's. The food and service were excellent from start to finish! If you ever come down to New Orleans, make that one of your fine dining experiences. I think the dress was a hit! Let me know what you think!

Dress: ASOS CURVE

Belt: Rainbow

Shoes: Rebel

Necklace: Rainbow

Watch: Guess

Earrings: Vendor

Bracelet: Fennimas

JEWELRY GONE WILD

Jewelry is probably my favorite accessory. I can't help it. When I find something really funky and unique, I can't help but purchase it. The only buyer's remorse I have is that I wish I could've gotten everything my eyes caught. However, such is not the case at times but recently I have been going crazy over animal inspired jewelry. There seems to have been an explosion of jewelry that has horns of animals, reptiles, mamals, birds, and everything in between. I've been lucky to have captured a turtle ring with crystals on its body, a encrusted salamander ring, a cheetah faced gold watch, and two jewel encrusted snack coil bracelets. Let me tell you, I am having an awesome time taking a walk on the wild side, and I've gathered a few really cool pieces that I'm looking at and want you all to check out two so you can also be inspired to go wild!

Gold Panther Emerald Jewel Ring $30.00 www.shockboutique.com

Gold Plated Jaguar Austrian Crystal Necklace $42.00 www.shockboutique.com

Watch for Snake Eyes Flexible Cuff Watch $29.99 www.modcloth.com

Mudd® bronze-tone simulated crystal leopard stud earrings

$12.00$7.20 by Mudd at Kohl's

WHAT'S HAPPENING HATS

Greetings Ladies! Tis the season and as Christmas fastly approaches, the excitement goes to a great high as the temperatures drop to new lows. With that being said, everyone is trying to bundle up to stay warm this season. I know that you don't want to cover up those luxurious locks, but let me offer you some fashionable alternatives that will complete your look without hindering it while keeping you warm. I've put together a collection of hats that I think are awesome ways of making a statement as well as being the focal point of some of this season's awesome looks. All of the hats are priced under $50 and are a great way to extend your look beyond jewelry and handbags. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Indiana Fedora in Brown $30.00 www.shockboutique.com

Try pairing this with riding boots, a button down cuffed sleeved shirt, and cotton leggings and riding coat for a equestrian type of look.

Flower Accented Flapper Hat $14.80 www.forever21.com

Try pairing this with a wool peacoat and heavy textured scarf for a sweet in the city look.

Brixton Hooligan Cap

 $36.00 by Brixton at Revolve Clothing

 Try pairing this with some oxfords, a wide leg cuffed pant or jean and a flowy blouse for a new spin on the Chicago newspaper boy look.

Strapped In Military Hat

$26.00 at Roxy

Try pairing this with some jean skinnys and a military embellished coat.

The top two items can be found on their individual websites and the latter two can be found using our Shop Style Ads!

LASH - TASTIC

I love and enjoy a full lash line. Though I have not been endowed with a bountyful set of lashes, I've learned to work with what I've got. I've been lucky over the years to come across products that have given me that fuller and longer look without having to apply false lashes to get the effect that I want. With products out now that help improve your lashline by boosting and stimulating growth, we all want a piece of the "lash tastic" phenom. I recently came across some products that may aid you in your journey to fuller lashes without all the mess or the fuss.

Dior DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum $28.00

Purpose: Lash primer that combs, curls, and coats each lash to serve as a mascara base while promoting long-term lash growth, strength, and vitality. It primes, plumps and lengthens lashes to give you a fuller and greater set of lashes.

Givenchy Mister Lash Booster $30.00

Purpose: Offers all-in-one lash care, lash primer and transparent mascara. It can be applied at night, to treat lashes or by day it can be used to treat lashes and intensify the eyes, providing the lashes with volume, curl and shine.

Smashbox Lash Revival Treatment & Conditioner $34.00

Purpose: uses an innovative complex proven to stimulate lashes without irritation while enhancing existing lashes. Improves lash appearance, length, fullness and thickness within just 8 weeks.* (*based on independent consumer studies)

All of these products as well as others can be found at www.sephora.com !

PARTY PARTY PARTY WITH FOREVER 21+

Recently I did a post on dresses that you can wear to spice up this holiday season. Since dresses are my new loves, I couldn't help but give you another set of alternatives. For the diva on a dime looking to shine like Times Square, Forever 21+ offers some inexpensive alternatives to making this holiday season one you won't forget and one everyone around you will remember. Be the life of the party with these hit dresses from our newly named friends from Forever 21+ all under 30 bucks!

Sequined Zig Zag Dress $27.80

Contrast Ruffle Tube Dress $27.80

Lame' Jacquard Dress $27.80

Sequined Tiered Dress $27.80

As stated above, all of these fabulous dresses can be purchased on www.forever21.com !

What dresses are you guys thinking about wearing this holiday season? Email me with your fierce fotos so you can be a holiday spotlight here on FIERCE 101!

FIERCE FOTO OF THE DAY: I WHIP MY HAIR

MAC PRODUCTS- SHADOWS IN COPPERING AND STRAW HARVEST, SELECT COVER UP(NW45), STUDIO FIX(NW50),LIP LINER IN CHESTNUT,LIP GLASS IN QUEEN BEE, BLUSH IN FADABULOUS, ZOOM LASH IN BLACK, BROW LINER IN STUD

OTHER PRODUCTS- .MARK EYEMARKER IN BLACK, LANCOME SHADOW IN MOCHACCINO, RIMMEL SMOKEY NOIR SHADOW

NAIL COLOR- O.P.I BIG APPLE RED

FIERCE FACE OF THE DAY

I've finally recovered from Halloween and I wanted to give you guys a couple of shots of the makeup I did for my sassy look as Red Riding Hood. I know I haven't done a makeup post in a while and thats because I haven't had good enough weather to do a full face. The weather has gotten cooler, so there will be much more creative faces I'll be sending you're way. Tell me what you think!!!

All from MAC - Select Cover Up, Studio Fix, Ombre Blush, Dark Magic Duo Mineralized Shadow(Venomous Villains), Eyebrow Pencil in Stud, Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Da Bling Shadow, Zoom Lash in Black, Lip liner in Chestnut, Hot House Lipglass(Venomous Villains)

MUFE hot pink shadow(forgot number) and mark eyeliner in black

FIERCE FIT OF THE DAY

Fall is here!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!! And with that being said, I can finally pull out the awesome and fashionable pieces that I have been stocking up on over the past couple of months. In the fall/winter, my main staple for any outfit is a great structured jacket, blazer or coat. I love to play around with different textures and cuts and I've been really lucky this season  to find some major showstoppers. I like for the piece I'm wearing to make a statement and be the focal point of the complete outfit. This mac that's featured in this post has been screaming to come out of the closet for the past month. When you live in the south, you have to get your staple pieces in while you can before the weather changes back warm.  I love the feel, the look, and it has an extra surprise in the back which makes me feel like an equestrian from the 1500s. Since I've purchased this piece, alot of you have been ready to see me in it, so here it is!

Mac- ASOS Curve

Jeggings- ASOS Curve

Suede Boots- Nine West

Scarf- Old Navy

Black v-neck- Faith 21

CAN I DRESS YOU UP IN MY LOVE?: AN ASOS CURVE HOLIDAY

Looking for that perfect dress for the holiday season? Look no further! As the holiday season fastly approaches, its the time of awesome dresses and rocking parties! Tis the season of showstoppers and ball droppers. Whether you're looking for a little black dress with a twist or glitz and glamour, ASOS Curve has got it. As you know, ASOS is one of my favorite retailers and I've just about filled my closet with their wonderful garbs. I've chosen my top 5 dresses from their collection that includes something different for every curvy lady's shape and size. I've always been a separates girl--cute top, cute skirt and a belt to tie it together. As the plus size fashion industry has grown, I've become more entranced with dresses and I think its essential for a woman to have at least one drop dead diva dress to grace her closet. I love the textures, patterns and styles that are out there and its always great for a fashionista to try something out of the ordinary. These dresses are definitely out of the ordinary and extraordinarily unique--from sequins, to wires and from asymetrical laced skirts to mesh overlays and crushed velvet, there is something for every diva to do some mistletoe kissing and new years dancing....

ASOS Curve Sequin and Jewel Embellished Dress $143.23

ASOS Curve Lace Insert Hitch Dress $92.68

ASOS Curve Wired Ruffle One Shoulder Tunic Dress $67.40

ASOS Curve Mesh Body-Conscious Dress $77.51

ASOS Curve Twisted Velvet Dress $75.83

You can view and purchase all these items at the one and only www.asos.com!

"I LOVE YOU"...."DITTO": BETH DITTO A/W 2010 COLLECTION

Our favorite Punk-Chic female Beth Ditto recently revealed her new collection for Evans. The collection is splayed with bold colors, funky designs that give personality as well as individual style. I first became aquainted with Beth Ditto through the awesome group "Gossip" and have been a fan ever since. She has set the stage for plus size acceptance when gracing the cover of Love magazine in early 2009 with a follow through of the premiere of her first collection for Evans in July of 2009. Her style is utterly unique and transcends you into a world of punky grooves and soulful curves. Here are some of my favorite pieces from her new collection. They are available through both the Evans store and online!

Studded Khaki Parka 79.50 GBP

Floral Print Pocket Dress 39.50 GBP

Blue Velvet Drape Pocket Dress 49.50 GBP

Floral Print Denim Skirt 35.00 GBP

Lace Studded Ankle Boots 55.00 GBP

Lightening Bolt Jumper 49.50 GBP

Khaki Jersey Maxi Dress 39.50 GBP

Okay, so its more than just a few...If I had my way I would put up the entire collection....my self resolve took over and wouldn't let me :)...

You can find all of these awesome pieces and much more through Evans website-- www.evans.co.uk