Get Noticed This Holiday Season: 3 Dress Types That Flatter Curves

The biggest concern I have when holiday season approaches surprisingly isn’t what I’m going to get everyone on my list. It’s what I’m going to wear! Trying to find the quintessential holiday look can be quite stressful especially when you have a particular body type and you’re looking for stylish options.

My biggest piece of advice during this critical time of party-hopping and social soirees is to stick to silhouettes you’re comfortable with. The last thing you want to be worried about, standing next to your CEO at the office holiday party, is whether your tummy needs sucking in or if you should’ve put on that extra pair of control-top tights. The best thing to do is stick with your tried & true.

Here are a few of my go-to silhouettes that have worked for my top-heavy, pear-shaped frame in the past:

1. A-Line Dresses

This might be one of my favorite dress silhouettes. An A-line shaped dress is super flattering for so many different body types, primarily if you have hips that you want to slim down or balance out. 

The A-line dress flares out right below the waist and is very forgiving whether it's your hips, thighs or backside you want to downplay. It also makes your waist appear even smaller (always a plus!)

2. Peplum Dresses 

Peplum dresses are another favorite. Not only do the lapels on the side and around the waist add a little extra "ooomph" to your overall look, but peplum dresses also famously disguise unflattering belly bulges, and the infamous "muffin top", by drawing attention to the slimmest part of your body.

This silhouette is perfect for pear-shaped and hourglass-shaped women. My body is a combination of both, so I'm obviously a huge fan of the trend. This isn't limited to just dresses either. You can totally rock a glam peplum top or jacket over a skinny pant or skirt as well, and it will have the same effect.

3. Shift Dresses

 Next on my list of figure-flattering silhouettes is the shift dress. It's a basic, and every fashionista should have at least one of these staples in her closet, in a classic color like black or white. The best thing about the shift dress is its simplicity. It has a pretty straightforward cut and gives a mod appeal while still being flattering. Vertical lines elongate the body, which is a plus.

The trick to finding the perfect shift dress is picking the right material and the right neckline. If you're top-heavy, you might want to stay away from high-neck or rounded necklines and spring for a shift dress with more of a v-neck shape up top. Also, don't be afraid to play with texture! The shift dress should be classic but not boring. This dress is great for office holiday parties and more corporate settings where conservative may be necessary, but you'd still like to show off your figure.

So now you guys know my secrets! If you're ever wondering why I wear the same styles of dresses over and over, this is why! I work what I have and stick with designs and cuts that make me feel beautiful.

What about you? What's your go-to dress silhouette?

This post is part of BlogHer's Get Noticed For the Holidays editorial series, made possible by Cover Girl.

12 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 1

It's Day 1 of the 12 Days of LoveBrownSugar giveaway series and we're kicking things off with all things beauty! You guys know I love gabbing about hair, nails and makeup so today's gift pack includes a few of my absolute faves courtesy chic mega-retailer Target. For those of you like me who really can't afford to dig deep into your pockets for holiday gifts this season, Target is the quintessential one-stop-shop. It's dangerous, y'all. I've been known to walk in there for toothpaste and walk out with a whole new lineup of beauty products, a new bedroom set and toys for my nephews. It's a trap!

But today, you officially have permission to get caught up. Get a load of this faboosh beauty bundle LoveBrownSugar is gifting one reader with:

 1 Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner, $13.99

1 IMAN Adorned Cosmetic Kit, $10.00

1 IMAN Makeup Brush Collection - 4 pc, $22.00

1 e.l.f. Nail Polish Collection – 15 pc, $15.00

Rules for Entry:
1. You must be following LoveBrownSugar on Twitter and Facebook.
2. Leave a comment below about why you should win.
3. For bonus entry, tweet @LoveBrownSugar @Target using the hashtag #TargetHoliday.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Target beauty bundle of 4 total products valued at $60.99. Sweepstakes ends 11:59PM EST 12/25/12. Open to U.S. residents 18 years of age or older. Winner drawn at random. Winner has 72 hours to respond with contact information before new winner is selected. Winning prize and compensation provided by Target. This program is not administered or sponsored by Target or its affiliates, but solely by LoveBrownSugar.

Holiday Giveaway: 12 Days of LoveBrownSugar

It’s that time of the year again guys! It’s my time to show my sincere appreciation for all your amazing support over the year and to give you guys a few of my absolute “favorite” things. So those of you who are OG LoveBrownSugar fans and have been around for a while know that I normally kick off my giveaway series on December 1st and do a full 25 Day giveaway blitz. I normally pull out all the stops and rack up amazing gifts that span over the entire month.

So the reason this year’s giveaway blitz is consolidated to 12 Days has nothing to do with the price of gas. The downscale of the giveaway blitz comes really as a result of my overwhelming growth over the past year, which I have to thank you all for. The site has grown so much and is honestly keeping me (and the LBS staff) busier than ever before! Not to mention that this year for the first time I ran a second giveaway blitz in July for my 3 Year Anniversary. I really had my hands full this year!

In the interest of offering you guys the best of the best in quality gifts, we’ve decided to consolidate and bang it out with 12 amazing days of giveaways. And I promise you these gifts won’t disappoint! From fab fashion goodies to glam accessories and beauty must-haves, as per usual I'll be giving away everything a girl could want under her Xmas tree this year. Check back once a day at 3PM from today December, 13th until Christmas Day, December 25th for your chance to win big.

Note: There is no limit to the amount of times you can win. Comment everyday and if you happen to win 5 times, that's your luck! Also, there will be a few exclusive Facebook-only and Twitter-only, Pinterest-only, Instagram-only prizes throughout the month so make sure you're following along on all my social pages. Twitter peeps, hit me up with the hashtag #12DaysofLBS if you see something you love.

Good luck and Happy Holidays from LoveBrownSugar! 

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Westfield's Garden State Plaza Mall

The weekend after Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to take a mini shopping trip not too far from home at Westfield’s Garden State Plaza Mall. Instead of jumping head first into Black Friday madness, I waited a day and decided to brave the bricks & mortar jungle on Saturday.

The lovely folks at Westfield offered me the opportunity to venture out to Garden State Plaza and give their shopping shuttle a try. For those of you who live in the NYC area (or are planning to visit sometime before Christmas), Westfield is offering a FREE shuttle bus every Monday - Saturday until December 24th to the Garden State Plaza mall, only 20 minutes from Manhattan. That’s right, they will take you there and bring you back for FREE.99 up until Christmas Eve.

I picked up my free shuttle ticket at the CitySights NY Visitor Center inside the Madame Toussuad's Museum, and I boarded the bus on their 11:00AM shuttle right across the street.  I was at the mall in less than 30 minutes (it’s a super short trip)! This is a great alternative for those of us city folk who want the traditional “mall” shopping experience but don’t want to venture into the depths of the suburbs to get it.

The shuttle ride is really quick and the Garden State Plaza mall has everything from your traditional H&Ms and Bath & Body Works’ to mass department stores like Neiman Marcus and even super luxe designer boutiques like Michael Kors.

I stopped into quite a few places including their H&M (snagged some great winter sweaters), Nine West (scored an amazing pair of fur wedge booties for only $70!), Madewell (super cute Keds x Madewell sneakers) and MAC Cosmetics (to restock on my Ruby Woo before the holiday season).

All in all, the shopping trip was beyond enjoyable. I was there early enough to avoide the crazy crowds and super long lines AND I traveled for FREE. Win-win. 

For more information on the shuttle bus schedule to Garden State Plaza, click HERE. 

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Disclaimer: I was gifted a $200 gift card for taking my shopping trip, but was not obligated to post about my experience. All opinions expressed above are my own and do not reflect those of the company.

LoveBrownSugar x bombom Jewelry Glam Suite

Hey ladies and gents! If you're based in NYC, join me this weekend for some pre-holiday fun. I'm co-hosting a fun jewelry suite with bombom Jewelry featuring free cocktails, their Holliday collection of jewels and of course fashion/beauty tips & chit-chat. Come ready to sip & shop! I hope I have a chance to meet some of you this weekend. Make sure you RSVP to PR@bombombJewelry.com

See you there!

Flavor of Friday: [VIDEO] Rory Becca For Forever 21 Holiday Collection

Photo courtesy RACKED

 The lovely folks over at Forever 21 have sent me an exclusive video sneak peek of Forever 21's holiday collection collaboration with designer Rory Becca. Kicking off her first successful capsule collection with Forever 21 earlier this year, Rory's teamed up with the trendy retailer once again to release an entire collection of 18 pieces launching on October 21st. Here's an inside peek at what to expect!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 25

 Merry Christmas everybody!! Thank you all SO much for going along this ride with me. I'm so happy and so blessed to have amazing readers like you who give me daily encouragement, leave me the best comments, and participate in my giveaways! I couldn't ask for anything more.

 To commemorate the lovely holiday season and to end this year's 1st Annual 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar, I'm giving away tons of goodies. Some of these are items I've been holding onto for today and other are extras that desperately need new homes before 2011. All are great, I promise...

So I gave one Gossip Girl Season 3 DVD away on Day 1. Well luckily two more winners will be taking it home. GG fans don't forget to comment.

Another popular DVD this holiday is definitely the Sex & The City 2 Movie DVD. I've got two more of these to give away as well. I can never get too much of Carrie, can you?

For all my brown-skinned divas out there, I have two concealers and one bronzer compact out of the Covergirl Queen Collection to giveaway. Leave a comment for your chance to win.

Special Thanks to everyone who has already signed up for LoveBrownSugar's Newsletter - you guys ROCK! If you haven't, there's still time. I'll be dishing out special updates and exclusive giveaways via the LoveBrownSugar Newsletter come 2011, so you won't want to miss out. Sign up HERE and good luck to everyone. If you've been a faithful commenter and you haven't won anything yet, I'll be looking out for you. You're appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 20

 In the spirit of the Monday "not-so-fun-day" blues, I've decided to make today's giveaway super fun and a surprise for you guys and myself as well! I'll be out Christmas shopping this evening and the next giveaway will be a fun piece of jewelry that I find while out shopping in NYC. Follow me on Twitter OR 'Like' LoveBrownSugar on Facebook to follow along with my little shopping trip, which should begin around 6:30PM EST. I'll be taking votes from you guys on which item I should pick. Don't forget to Click HERE to sign up.for LoveBrownSugar's Newsletter + Comment below to be entered for it!

Congratulations to Jessica Civil who won the Ginger & Liz/Carol's Daughter sample pack and also to @Curly_BiNkY on Twitter for winning the Covergirl Queen Collection items. Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prizes!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 15

Phew! Only 10 days left in this thing - I can't believe it! Today's 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar giveaway comes courtesy AMBI Skincare. I'm giving away two of their amazing skincare products to one lucky winner...

Just be sure to sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win!

 Congratulations to "AnnieBug, bugger or BUG" for winning the Ginger & Liz prize pack from yesterday. I'm jealous! Email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize!

LoveBrownSugar's Favorite Holiday Gift Guides

It's officially the holiday season! You know what that means? Time to shop! While I'd love to say I'm an expert on what to buy your favorite peeps this year, I won't lie. I need a little help deciding myself! This year, before you spend long tireless hours at the mall scouting the best digs for your loved ones, check out a few of LoveBrownSugar's Favorite Holiday Gift Guides around the web. There's a little something for everyone....

1. Our lovely friends over at LoweFactor have compiled a Women's Holiday Gift Guide for the uber chic lady on your list. With yellow suede pumps and YSL's Rouge Pur Couture making the cut, what more does a really lady need? Love it!

LoveBrownSugar's Fave Item: The Burberry Military Gloves. Buttery leather and on trend? Say no more.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 9

Hey loves! So sorry today's giveaway is going up late. I'm feeling SO under the weather today...

NYC's temparatures have been brutally cold so I'm currently stocking up on my fluids and vitamin C supplements. But no worries, freebies always make me feel better! 

 Today's giveaway is actually going to be Facebook-only and you'll be eligible only by following LoveBrownSugar on Facebook as well as signing up for the Newsletter and leaving a comment on the post. Check out the Facebook page to see what the giveaway is today.Winner will be announced tomorrow - good luck!

Congrats to Pharoah's Angel who won the Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Cream yesterday. Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize!

LoveBrownSugar's Christmas Wishlist

It's Monday and I'm sad that the weekend is over, so I'm giving myself permission to be a little selfish today. Instead of posting a Holiday Gift Guide, which I will most likely have for you later this week, I've decided to indulge you all on what I personally want this holiday season. Holla if you agree! Here's my 2nd Annual Top 10 Christmas Wishlist:

10. Polaroid Instant Camera

I think it’s so great that Polaroid has relaunched the classic instant cameras and made them better than ever. This Polaroid Two version is super sleek but still offers the same functionality we know and love. 

9. Pink 4 Friday

 Call me corny, but I'm jumping on the Pink Friday bandwagon. Aside from my love/hate relationship with Nicki Minaj, which this week happens to be on '"love", I think it's so clever that she's managed to capitalize on her overuse of the color pink in the form of this new MAC lipstick. I'm also determined to get my hand out because it's been SOLD OUT for the past two Fridays.

8. Oyin Handmade Beauty Products

So I’ve been all over Youtube and natural hair sites combing through product reviews for the natural-haired gals and this brand seems to be a favorite. Based in Baltimore, Oyin Handmade has a collection of all-natural hair products that apparently smell amazing and do wonders for dry curls. Can’t wait to get my hands on these…

7. Chrisette Michele Album 

Love this girl, need I say more? She’s beautiful, sassy and classy; three things every lady should be. Plus she represents for us curvy girls in such a positive light. Definitely need this album before the year is up…

6. ASOS poncho

 I've been on the hunt for the perfect printed knit poncho. ASOS has a really great selection. Love this Aztec printed one in camel. 

5. Turban Prints

 Because I've become obsessed with turbans (Youtube tutorial coming soon), I've learned the funkier the print the cooler the look. Hence, I'm on the hunt for great fabrics sorta like the one Solange is pictured in above.

4. Boxing Kitten Dress

  I’ve been an avid Boxing Kitten fan for a few years now. I love how they’ve taken traditional fabrics and shaped them to today’s trendy silhouettes. Plus the owner Maya Lake is super cool and so down to earth.Oh, and random fact: that lovely lady above happens to be Liz of Ginger & Liz. Just to put a face to a name since I'm always raving about them.

3. Flipcam 

 Aside from my current obsession with Youtube, these flipcams are just perfect for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. And celebrity interviews for you lovelies to see! 

2. Jeffrey Campbell Litas

This shoe might be my most lusted-after item the entire season. They’re amazing and everything I love in a trendy shoe. Show-stopping, platform, and comfy! Sigh, Jeff Campbell, how I love thee…

1. Michael Kors Watch

So I’ve been feigning over these Michael Kors watches for about a year now. IT was even on my Christmas Wishlist last year! I still haven’t gotten my hands on one, but hopefully this year I’ll find it under the Christmas tree. It’s just…perfect. Love it!

What’s on your Christmas Wishlist? Soundoff below!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 2

It's Day 2 of 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar! Today's giveaway features the quintessential package for the traveling girl who likes to keep up appearances. The June Jacobs Spa Collection Face Traveling Kit retails at $100 and features a collection of paraben and preservative free treatments with a powerful patent pending blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grapeseed extracts to help neutralize free radicals, protect skin from environmental toxins and combat the signs of premature aging. Make sure you sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win. 

Congratulations to LBS reader Sarajane who won the Gossip Girl Season 3 DVD collection from yesterday! Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize.

Welcome to 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar!

 I am incredibly proud and excited to announce a new giveaway series LoveBrownSugar.com is hosting for the month of December. Starting on December 1st going until Christmas Day, LoveBrownSugar will be giving away one awesome gift each day! Get into the Holiday spirit my loves because I've roped in some amazing product sponsors for these holiday gifts. From notable beauty products and fashion accessories, to popular DVDs and event tickets. Check back once a day at 2PM this month for your chance to win!

Eligibility
1. Sign up for LoveBrownSugar.com's Newsletter. Click HERE to sign up.
2. Comment on the giveaway and you're automatically entered for it!

Note: There is no limit to the amount of times you can win. Comment everyday and if you happen to win 5 times, that's your luck! Also, there will be a few exclusive Facebook-only and Twitter-only prizes throughout the month so make sure you're following me on both. Twitter peeps, hit me up with the hashtag #25DaysofLBS if you see something you love.

Good luck and Happy Holidays from LoveBrownSugar! (See you at 2PM)

LoveBrownSugar's 100th Post: Christmas Wishlist

Happy 100th Post lovelies! To commemorate my blog's humble beginnings back in July, this post will be a fan favorite - a countdown! Since we're all gearing up for the Holidays, I decided to share my personal Christmas Wishlist with you all. I've picked some of the coolest and trendiest gifts I personally lust for this season:

10. Embellished Laptop Covers

 Dell had these limited edition laptops specially designed by creative director Douglas Little of D.L. & Co. for Bergdorf Goodman. These are so chic, but unfortunately unavailable for purchase. A girl can dream right? Currently on the hunt for some materials to recreate some of these amazing designs on my own laptop.

9. Studded Boyfriend Blazer

This Studded Boyfriend Blazer from Urban Outfutters seems like one of those pieces that would be in constant rotation throughout the week. It's on trend and it fits well. What else do I need?

8. Leather gloves (Elbow Length)

 All of my winter coats this season happen to be cropped-sleeved and therefore without elbow-length gloves I find myself with a slight chill around the forearm come early mornings in NYC. Wrist-length gloves just don't make the cut. These Coach Leather Gloves would be the business....

7. Cool Digi Cam

So this year, I'm commiting myself to saving up for a pro camera. Just because I love photography. But, in the meantime, I need a banging digi cam because my old one is broken. This Samsung Dual View Digital Camera is the coolest one I've seen in new technology. Tired of your girls saying "Lemme see! Unhh uhh, take that over!" Well, now they can see what they look like with this dual screen and stop stressing you about your photography skills.

6. Yummy Smelling Gift Set

The age-old staple female gift - bath products. We all have them piled from wall to wall in our bathrooms. We will inevitably all receive bath products from at least one person for Xmas. This year, ask for something yummy and multipurpose like this Philosophy Gift Set

5. Studded Heels

The color and shape are festive enough for Christmas and many holidays after. Hell, I might be wearing these in the Spring! These Topshop Studded Heels are FAB, no?

4. Minx Manicure

One way to get creative is to give a spa or beauty treatment of some sort for the Holidays. This year, it's all about the minx manicure. Check the Minx Manicure website and find a salon near you. Feel like a celeb for a day, or shall I say a few weeks as this treatment is said to last at least 2.

3. Stylish Cardigans

Let's face it, cardigans are a closet staple and a mainstay pretty much through winter, spring and fall. Jazz it up this winter with a cardigan in an unexpected print like this Snake Print Cardigan from ASOS.

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs

I mean, who doesn't lust for Marc by Marc Jacobs. I love Marc Jacobs as a designer and his handbags are just so simply chic. I would love an oversized Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag like this one. The royal blue is giving me LIFE!

1. Oversized Menswear Watch

Coming in at number one on my countdown is this luxurious Michael Kors Oversized Watch. I've been searching for the perfect watch for months now. And I can't find any that quite measure up to this one by Michael Kors. It's a bit pricey, but it's just that good. Need it in my life!

That's all for my Xmas Wishlist 2009. Please share below some items on your wishlist! I'd love to hear what you guys lust for this season. Besides, I need gift ideas ;)