A Sneak Peek: Pour La Victoire Campaign

The fabulous brand, Pour La Victoire, is cashing in on the excitement of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week by releasing their first ever ad campaign! Lovelies, PLV sells some of the chicest shoes and accessories on Earth (I saved $295 for my first pair of PLV wedges!)

Anywhoo, they landed Terry Richardson, an amazing fashion photog, to capture supermodel Jessica Hart for their Holiday and Resort campaign. The shoot blended sophisticated modern looks with retro accessories. Peep Jessica’s beat face. That red lip is everything! It is classic 50’s mixed with the sleekness of present day lingerie.

PLV will soon be headed to the ad pages of our fave glossies. But until then, we have a behind the scenes peek into the makings of this sizzling shoot. Check it out below:

 

What do you think? Would you purchase a pair of these Pour La Victoire beauties?

- Evette Dionne

Confessions of a Shopaholic: House of Deréon S/S 2012

After 8 years in the fashion biz, Beyoncé & Tina Knowles' ready-to-wear line House of Deréon is still going strong. Introduced to the chic streets in 2004, I've been following the line since it's humble beginnings. In fact, I coined the term "Fierce or Foolish" for LoveBrownSugar's celebrity fashion posts, based on this House of Deréon lookbook post way back in 2009 - isn't that crazy? Good times...

Yes, post baby Blue Ivy, Beyonce is back on the grind releasing projects and I have to say I'm impressed at this season's lineup. I scooped these images from the House of Dereon S/S 2012 collection over at Concrete Loop (thanks Angel!)

Take a look at the pieces:

I'm absolutely loving the pattern-lined pink blazer and the sorbet-colored cutout dress. Give me NOW!

Head to www.HouseofDereon.com for information about the collection!

Thoughts? Fierce or Foolish?

BONUS: Check out the Lookbook Video below:

Sick Sites Spotlight: Responses to "Curvy Girl's Ode..."

Christina of Profreshstyle highlights her experience on Lookbook.nu

 This week's "Sick Site Spotlight" is dedicated to the overwhelming response I've received to my Curvy Girl's Ode to Outfit Posts. I am so incredibly humbled and inspired by all the post comments, emails (including one from Gabi of Young, Fat & Fabulous) and subsequent blog posts that have gone up as a result of me addresssing this topic! It warms my heart to know that there are other people who felt the same way I did. Just a disclaimer: I didn't write the post to deter anyone from enjoying sites like Chictopia or Lookbook.nu as I personally still think they're great places to find inspiration. I simply wanted to address an issue that I felt wasn't being discussed. All that to say, you guys rock! Thanks for your support. Below are some amazing posts by some fabulous bloggers, in response to my Curvy Girl's Ode. For your reading pleasure...

Vahni of Grit & Glamour discusses the alarming statistics behind some of these street style forums & the demographic of the true "winners" in her post Why I'm Not on Weardrobe, Chictopia, Lookbook, or Hypeed.

Screenshot of stats from Grit & Glamour report.

Christina of  Profreshstyle (pictured above) talks about her lack of "hype" on Loobook as a curvy mixed chick, and the lack of substantial traffic the sites bring to user's blogs. Check it out HERE.

Beautifully Invisible explains her disgust for the "plus-size" classification of blogging and terms like "fatshion" in Can't We All Just Be Fashionistas?

Evie Kemp of One More actually posted last Wednesday about the divide between the "plus size" blogger and the "others". Read her post "Getting Serious: That Weighty Issue".

 So grab a cup of coffee and indulge! And feel free to keep the conversation going. Post links if you've been compelled to discuss the issue on your blogs or you've seen something on topic. Looking forward to it!

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Why Don't You Love Me? A Curvy Girl's Ode to Outfit Posts

 I know what you're thinking. No, this post isn't about Beyonce. While I'm wildly obsessed with the singer and I happen to love the WDYLM video (posted about it HERE), this isn't about her. It's about me. Me and every other plus-sized fashion blogger out there who gets discouraged or thinks twice about posting an outfit series or exposing our curves to fashion communities like Chictopia or Lookbook.Nu to name a few. On my weekly blog-hunting trip this week, I stumbled on a post by curvy British blogger Jettica of Feeling Stylish entitled "Why Do I Need To Be Thin?" After reading her words and sentiments - a mix of curiosity and disappointment - I came to the realization that I too have the same insecurities and harsh feelings. Here's what she had to say...

 "It seems that on sites like LookBook or Chictopia you only get 'HYPE' and fans if you are thin...I sort of feel that I don’t get a great deal of comments or love on my blog because I’m a fat girl writing about fashion."

- Jettica of Feeling Stylish

After reading these words on Jettica's post, I became overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions. Part of me was angry. Not at Jettica, but at myself, for feeling the exact same way. "I mean, who cares? It's just a fashion community. It's just for fun, it doesn't mean anything", I uttered to myself in defense. As much I tried to shrug it off, the reality is - it does matter. The validation of having someone else credit your style choices and give you their stamp of approval feels good. Knowing that you inspire others and that your fashion efforts are duly noted gives a high nearly equivalent to narcotics. But sadly, only a certain "type" of user gets to revel in these emotional rewards...

Snapshot: Lookbook.Nu Homepage, Oct. 23rd, 2AM EST

Take a homepage snapshot of any of these fashion communities, on any given day. They will undoubtedly be flooded with images of rail thin, model-esque (or so we think) users who generate tons of followers and rack up all this "HYPE" because essentially their pictures look like editorials snatched straight out of Vogue or Harper's Bazaar. Now considering the lack of anything above a size 0 in the modeling industry, let alone in fashion editorials, how is a plus sized girl to compete in an arena like this? I can't tell you how many outfit posts I've decided not to reveal for fear of criticism or because of the overwhelming and devastating assumption that no one will care.

Snapshot: Lookbook.Nu post with no comments, October 23rd, 2AM EST

I'm new to Lookbook.Nu, so granted I haven't had much experience, but I've personally posted 2 looks on there since joining two weeks ago and it seems they've both gone completely unnoticed. Not a comment, not a "HYPE", not a peep. Is it because I'm new? Or is it, like Jettica points out, because "I'm a fat girl writing about fashion" who is not interesting enough for the masses or not worthy enough to be noted or regarded?

Via PeopleStyleWatch.com

Karl Prouse/Getty; Pascal Le Segretain/Getty; Alfred/Sipa

Now don't get me wrong, the fashion industry has definitely come a long way. It warms my heart to see curvy models like Crystal Renn stomping the runways in Paris, and shows like One Stop Plus actually getting shine during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC, and fashion icons like Diane Von Furstenberg cracking down on eating disorders in the modeling industry with CFDA regulations. Tyra Banks and DVF even got rid of the first contestant on this season's ANTM because of her anorexic image! But while the industry can try and correct itself over time, the real power is truly with the people. If users on sites like Chictopia, Lookbook.Nu or Weardrobe are in any way indicative of the fashion-forward masses, then these sentiments still resonate loud and clear. Plus size isn't posh. Curves aren't chic. Hips don't get "HYPE". And thus the unsuspecting outfit-poster who boasts a size of double digits is left to wonder if there's room for her, or if she should just stand by and look.

What do you think? Is there room for the plus sized fashionista in these communities? Soundoff below!

Confessions of a Shopaholic: LaQuan Smith Lookbook

I'm absolutely in love with new designer Laquan Smith's lookbook. First, he used one of my fave models Sessilee Lopez. She looks absolutely fierce in this lookbook spread. Next, his designs are DOPE! They've been featured in Vogue and he's even a young mentee of fashion greats like Andre Leon Talley. Love his stuff so much, I shouted hium out in my Clutch Mag Feature Monday's Muse as one of my fave designers. I mean, what else is there to say? I love young black telent. He's doing his thing...

 Loving the construction on his pieces. Exaggerated shoulders - check. Impeccable construction - check. Love it!

If this isn't a pencil skirt, I don't know what is...

This Sea Urchin dress has been seen on singer/model Cassie post Met Gala:

For more information on LaQuan Smith visit laquansmith.com and follow him on @LaQuanSmith

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Zara Spring 2010 Lookbook

I peeped Zara's May 2010 Lookbook over at Refinery 29. I'm in love with these effortless chic designs. They have some great neutral pieces and of course, everything is reasonably priced yet well made.

Who knew extra long skirts would come back in style? Well, they are...boho chic at it's best.

Lots of work-friendly pieces to incorporate into your wardrobes. The pants on the left are a bit risky. I fear curvy girls need not apply for that one. Hips for days...yikes! 

 I'll be living in pieces like this, this season. Fringe, cutoffs and florals - story of my closet this spring...

And don't forget the denim on denim trend that raged across runways for Spring 2010. Denim - so hearty. so American...

What pieces are you guys gathering up for your spring wardrobes?

Zara Spring 2010 Lookbook Preview

For all my fellow Zara addicts out there, feast your eyes on their Spring 2010 Lookbook Preview...

It seems easy silhouettes, simple construction with pristine details and earthy neutrals are the theme for Zara Spring...

One of the biggest themes for Spring in most of the 2010 collections was the resurrection of simplicity and utility - in cuts, in color and in detail. Look forward to lots of army green, earthy neutrals, pastels and simple cuts. The overly-structured silhouettes of Spring's past will slowly be phased out. Excited or bummed? I'm kind of...neutral (no pun intended).

Forever 21 Spring 2010 Lookbook

The theme for Forever 21's Spring 2010 line seems to be florals, brights and stripes - all wonderful prints and colors to get excited about for spring!

Fath 21, their plus size line, is included in the bunch as well...

 The mesh bustier top is a keeper for sure - really versatile. And I love a good animal print cardigan...

They mixed stripes and floral for these looks. Unexpected but somehow it works...

I'll be stocking up on accessories per usual - best way to update your staple pieces without investing in a whole new wardrobe...

Forever 21 updates a classic like a white button up with puff sleeves - cute.

Again, I can't wait to break out my skirts and neon cardigans. Just a few more months...

Image Source

H&M Spring 2010 Lookbook

Here are some sneak peek pics of the Spring 2010 Lookbook for H&M:

Brunch in the Hamptons, anyone?

I could so see this being my go-to party dress...love the draping

Great pieces for work

So excited to see what patterns are in store this spring - this one's great.

Ok I must say she looks like she belongs on a farm, but whoever's daring and edgy enough to pull this off - props to ya!

Accessories for days...

Ok , I'm officially excited for Spring 2010...it can't come fast enough.

See more pics at Nitrolicious