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.

Breaking The Silence: A Response To "Bloggers & Body Image"

Last Friday at around 8PM when I saw this post on IFB about "Bloggers & Body Image" pop up on my Facebook timeline (c/o of Kelly from Masque Mag), I winced and clicked, hoping for the best but dreading the worst. Based on just the Facebook comments, I knew it was going to be a controversial article before even opening it. As an overview, the premise of the article is to examine and provide commentary on the plight of non-traditional or niche fashion bloggers. The opinions expressed hinted at the idea that the most successful fashion bloggers are not just successful because they fit within the fashion industry's ideals (non-minority/young/skinny/modelesque/all of the above) but that they're also successful because their blogs just have better quality overall. They have discipline, they post higher quality images and they post more consistently.

Gabi Gregg & Myself 

Within the plus-size blogging community, for example, the author essentially argued that aside from bloggers like Gabi Gregg and Nicolette Mason (both of whom I love to pieces, by the way) there aren't enough high quality bloggers with curves or other non-traditional qualities for brands to take notice of anyway. After reading it at least three times and combing through some of the commentary surrounding the issue, I proceeded to write an honest and emotional response. I poured out my heart in the comments section. And almost immediately after writing it, I erased it.

As someone who has been very vocal about my issue with body image and the role it plays in social promotion within the fashion industry - both online and offline (if you haven't yet, please read my Why Don't You Love Me: An Ode To Outfit Posts article), it would only seem natural for me to have an immediate and honest response to this issue. I saw fellow bloggers like Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, jump in with poignant critique in the comments section. I saw offshoot posts in defense of quality bloggers with curves over at Shamepuff. Up until today, I've even seen video responses from bloggers like Comme Coco voicing their opinions and frustrations. Still I refused to respond. I've kept quiet for the past few days, not because I was scared or "over it", or because I have any allegiances to IFB (though I am an occasional contributor for them and I do really enjoy it), but because I didn't think voicing my opinion would even make a difference. Sad, right? Sad that I'm at the awkward intersection of frustration and nonchalance with this industry, so much that I don't think my commentary or even writing this post your reading right now, matters in the grand scheme.

This past weekend, I was interviewed by a publication about my opinions on the plight of minority fashion hopefuls and our lack of representation in the industry. I was open and honest in my dialogue about it.  Over and over, I keep seeing and hearing these themes about the lack of diversity in fashion and the inherent void it leaves in the hearts of talented people who never really get a chance because they're not enough. Never enough.

Estee Lauder spokesbeauties: Joan Smalls, Constance Jablonski, Liu Wen

From the time I decided I wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry, I've been faced with some hard, grim and painful realities. In my attempt to make my personal dreams come true, I've been slapped in the face with the truth about what it takes to make it to the height of true success - not just in the digital realm but within the industry as a whole. I've seen fashion/beauty editor friends who can't advance any further in their careers at mainstream publications because of glass ceilings, and so they're essentially forced to work for more "diverse" publications in order to be promoted and appreciated. I've seen bloggers with all the potential in the world, the most amazing style, and personalities to boot consistently overlooked by the very brands they promote on a daily basis. I've seen interns passed over for full-time opportunities because they weren't the right "fit". I've seen stylists with immense talent and drive and creativity, relegated to working on projects that never see the light of day. It's been a real cup of reali-tea for me.

Refinery 29 recently released an article "Obviously People Judge Your Picture Online..." citing an infographic from HSN Beauty about the correlation between beauty, images and social promotion. The results weren't surprising. The resounding theme includes the idea that people who are pretty or have more compelling images are more likely to get jobs, brand opportunities, endorsements, and be "liked" or "searched for" overall. Seeing this put quite a few ideas in perspective for me.

Coming from a background of nurturing and encouragement, and growing up in a household where I was told I could do anything I put my mind to, this environment came as a shocker. Nobody told me that I couldn't open doors for myself. That someone else had to open them for me. And that perfect proportions or straight hair would open the doors much wider, so that I could actually fit into their narrow openings. And the older and wiser I get, the more I begin to question if my opinion really matters when things are so slow to change. Like a tree falling in an empty forest, if nobody hears these cries, do they really exist? You decide.

I want your opinion. Is there an eternal cap on success for non-traiditonal beauties attempting to work in this industry? If my hair isn't stick straight and neither is my body, am I eternally doomed to being ignored by major labels and being offered opportunities? Furthermore, is it even worth taking about?

LoveBrownSugar Feature: Essence.com

Hey lovelies! I'm super hype and proud to announce that I'm featured on Essence.com today as a curvy girl with style! They asked me to submit pictures of my favorite looks this season and talk about why they work for curvy figures. It's called Curvy Girl's Guide To Chic with LoveBrownSugar.

Would love if you guys showed your support and checked it out over at ESSENCE! Let me know if I did a good job with my tips. As always, I love you all for your support and encouragement. If it wasn't for you faithful readers, LoveBrownSugar wouldn't be what it is. Love you guys!

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Cover Girls: Jennifer Hudson for Daily Mail UK

The lovely and newly-svelte Jennifer Hudson posed for Daily Mail in the UK recently and had a few things to say about her career, her family and discrimination against plus-sized women in the entertainment industry. I found this particular tidbit of her interview interesting:

On if the industry discriminates againt plus-sized women:

‘No, because I was doing OK before,’ Jennifer says. ‘But the truth is, so many more opportunities open up when you’re on the other side, as I am now. I’d no idea what I was missing out on. It’s like a whole other world. Suddenly every designer wants to dress you. It’s like, “You look amazing! Please, choose a dress. Have a bag. And what about shoes?” I mean, wow!’

Like I mentioned when she was placed on People's Most Beautiful list, I find it a little unsettling that she had to drop weight to suddenly become the center of attention. I think she was beautiful then, and still beautiful now. It's an issue I first addressed in my "Do Skinny Girls Have More Fun" piece but I think it definitely merits evaluation. Does it send the wrong message to curvy girls when celebs like this drastically change size and suddenly get more press?

Aside from the plus-sized issue, these pics are fab! Check out the rest of her Q&A over at TheYBF.

Don't Believe The Hype

Recently Coco + Creme posted a thought provoking story about a good friend of mine Gabifresh of Young, Fat & Fabulous (now renamed Gabifresh.com) and some qualms she has with the plus-size community. Subsequently after, another blogger (and one of my fave tweeters) Sarah Conley of @StyleIT posted a response. To make a long story short, both women raised interesting points about the plus-size blogging community and the idea of supporting any and everything within it. I think this topic is one to be explored, not just in the realm of plus-size blogging but in the realm of blogging/journalism and life circumstances period.

Here are my two cents (or three, or four) about the situation:

1. Blogging is personal. 

I understand that in this day and age, with the internet overpopulated and websites clamoring daily for readers' attention, many have taken the opportunity to turn their blogs into businesses. Pageviews and comments become the sole priority for some bloggers after the initial realization that "other blogs are doing it too" and there's potential freedom from the drone of the 9-5 in blogging. Some sites, which may have started out strictly as personal style blogs, now have online shop components (myself included - i.e. SHOP LoveBrownSugar). But at the end of the day, for most, the blogs were birthed out of personal conviction and ultimately because we LOVED what we were blogging about. What happened to that?

When did it become the standard to blog or write about something because it is the "it" thing or because you're supposed to belong to a certain "community"? 

If mom jeans come back into style next season, guess what? I'm not blogging about them! I don't like them, they're unflattering on my body type and personally I think they're hideous. Will I include them in a LBS Runway Report if Marc Jacobs starts making them? Of course! Will I ask you all if Beyonce is Fierce or Foolish for wearing them, yes! But you won't find me sporting them on here. Or raving about them. My personal blog philosophy is: If I don't sport, I don't support. And that's that.

2. Branding is a business. A full-time job actually.

Picture this for just a minute. Imagine your favorite fashion magazine of all time decided to switch directions with their content. Instead of serving up amazing, high-end glossy fashion editorial, they decided to simply have a free-for-all and invite every fashion brand with a few advertising dollars to play an integral role in the magazine. Can you imagine how sloppy and watered-down the content would be? If VOGUE decided to let K-Mart take center stage in an editorial shoot - you'd be appalled. Why? Because they have a brand, and a reputation to uphold. As an editor who works day to day at a magazine, I've learned that branding is everything. Your reputation can help and/or hurt you in attaining future opportunities. Bloggers (and non-bloggers alike) should be so careful about aligning ourselves with entities that don't truly represent who we are and what we stand for. At the end of the day, your personal brand is more precious than that free sample or that $50 ad space in your sidebar. Choose wisely.

3. Integrity is everything.

Nobody likes feeling betrayed or deceived. When people put their trust in you (as a blogger, as a confidant, even as a friend!) it's your responsibility to uphold it like it's more precious than gold. Everything you see on LoveBrownSugar is a direct reflection of me; my thoughts and my likes/loves explored. Personally, I would rather not discuss a brand if I strongly dislike it. This goes for beauty, fashion and everything in between. That said, why should someone be expected to rave about a product or line just because they fit a certain descript or are lumped into a community? I'm a natural-haired girl and I love my natural hair but sometimes I like wigs! Yep, I said it - I do! So even though I joined the natural hair community last November, it doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to review every natural hair product and do what that blogging community does. It's not my sole priority, and it doesn't have to be.


I think Gabi and Sarah's points regarding plus-size blogs and companies, address a bigger issue that we should all evaluate. How often do you sell out, or give into the hype of something because people assume you should? Bloggers, are you being honest with your readers? As an adult, are you being honest with yourself about your career path, your love interest or your friendships? What is there to gain by believing the hype instead of your gut?

What are your thoughts? Soundoff below!

I'm Nominated! Black Weblog Awards 2011

As you can see from the picture above, I'm ecstatic guys! Super HUGE thanks to all of you lovely folks who follow me on Twitter and Facebook and NOMINATED me for Best Plus Sized Fashion Blog on the Black Weblog Awards!

I'm truly honored and humbled by all your efforts. Now that I've been nominated, I need you lovely folks and LBS readers to go VOTE for LoveBrownSugar! I've been trying, for a few years now, to get myself nominated for a Black Weblog Award and now I'm overwhelmed by the reality that I might actually come close to WINNING! So I definitely need your help now more than ever.

 The process is pretty straightforward, you just head to the voting page (HERE), type in your email address and submit your vote for LoveBrownSugar.com on the 5th page of the ballot. (Note: There are some pretty awesome bloggers nominated in other categories so feel free to scroll through for new blogs to check out). You'll find LoveBrownSugar under the Best Plus Sized Fashion Blog category.

Pic from "Black Butterfly" post

 Although I don't consider myself strictly a "plus-sized" fashion blogger, I absolutely love celebrating the curves I've been blessed with, and I hope you do too. Thanks in advance and I love you all for your support!

VOTE FOR ME HERE 

(Page 5 of the Ballot!)

Jennifer Hudson Reveals Hollywood Discrimination

Source

 So I don't normally report gossip/news but I thought this recent story via Necole Bitchie was pertinent enough to share with you all. I also thought it was the perfect follow-up to my January post "The Great Debate: Do Skinny Girls Have More Fun" about Amber Riley and Hollywood's standards for body image. It appears we as outsiders aren't the only ones who notice that discrimination happens against plus-sized divas in the industry. Jennifer Hudson told Grazia Magazine:

“Last week I saw some footage of myself as I was five years ago and I was surprised. It was like I recognized myself but I didn’t. It seemed another world away. But in this slim world I do now realize I was being discriminated against. I’m offered more parts. There is much more excitement about me now.”

She also spoke to AOL stating:

People Magazine, April 2011

"...everything is worlds-apart different and it’s like being introduced to a whole new world in every single way you can imagine. What I mean is from being on the other side as a plus-size girl versus now you would never know what you’re being discriminated against until you cross to the other side. So now being on this side — people are different. There’s a whole lot more opportunities, people are more friendly."

What do you guys think about J.Hud's commentary? Furthermore, should she be proud that the media is treating her differently or disappointed? (Read the full article at Necole Bitchie)

 Personally, I would feel some kinda way if I knew the people around me were treating me better because of my shape and not my talents. What's your take?

The Great Debate: Do Skinny Girls Have More Fun?

Jennifer Hudson: Before & After weight loss

The other night I found myself in the middle of an intriguing discussion on Twitter with a well-known maven in the fashion & entertainment industry. The discussion was so thought-provoking, I figured I would bring it to LoveBrownSugar and get you guys' opinion on the situation. As you all know, from my Curvy Girls Ode and all the hype that generated in the fashion blogosphere about that post, I'm very outspoken when it comes to the great debate about plus size vs. skinny in the fashion industry. If you haven't read it, check it out HERE.

So on last Tuesday evening as everyone on my timeline revved up for the premiere of BET's new series The Game, I stumbled on a tweet from a prominent black socialite and fashionista while she was watching a rerun of hit TV series Glee. I've always loved her sophisticated style as a plus-sized vet in the industry. So I was surprised and intrigued when I saw this statement from her on Twitter...

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!

Sick Site Spotlight: Style369.com

Image from Style369.com

  In the spirit of plus size fashions, I've discovered a brand new site for all you curvy girls (14+) out there. As hard as it is to find brands that actually flatter and don't make you look like a whale, I figured any new tidbits I could pass on would be appreciated. Although I haven't actually ordered from the site yet, Style369.com peaked my interest as a brand new fashion site out of the UK. Similar in style to a number of other UK sites like Miss Selfridge and ASOS, Style369 has a line of chic separates that are pretty well-organized and balanced in product offerings. Take a look...

Tree Print Maxi Dress, £39.50

I really got into the maxidress above. The longer silhouettes are huge for this season and Style369 has a few to boot. I absolutely love the print on this one. Simple flattering silhouette but still an intriguing pattern.

Faux Fur Hooded Gilet, £39.50

Fur has been a neverending trend since about two seasons ago. What can you do? *shrugs* Get with the program and get a piece that's versatile. This faux vest is reversible so you can tame the fur or let it all hang out, whenever you like!

Tapestry Ballerinas, £18.00

I also thought these tapestry ballerina flats were adorable. They have a romantic, vintage charm to them. I'm personally always looking for a cute pair of flats. When I can't wear a heel, flats that stand out with a bold pattern or unique detail always do it for me. Because I tend to stick to classic pieces for day to day clothing, I need a statement accessory to kick the outfit up a notch. Also for the ladies who aren't quite plus size but where size 10 and above, plus size sites tend to do very well with offering larger shoe sizes!

For more pieces, check the website www.Style369.com

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Monif C. Celebrates 5 Years of Style, Curves & Sex Appeal

Last night at Bo Concept in midtown NYC, Monif C Plus Sizes celebrated the 5 year anniversary of their premium plus size fashion label .Premiering her holiday line, Monif C filled the windows of the chic upscale furniture store with curvy models adorning her latest designs. Aside from the notable VIPs, delectable hors d'oeuvres (yes curvy girls like to eat), fruity cocktails and amazing event sponsors like Carol's Daughter, the overall energy at the event was unmatched. It was truly a celebration of plus size proportions, in more ways than one. Here's what I got into...

Pictured with founder, Monif C.

The party was on once founder Monif C. arrived on the scene. She had enough energy and spunk to fill up the entire room. What a pleasure it was to finally meet the diva behind the designs! By the way, my floral F21 pumps were a big hit last night! People literally chased me down to compliment me!

(Outfit Above) Leather jacket - Vintage, Top - H&M, Boyfriend Jeans - Vintage, Pumps - Forever 21, Jesus Piece - Forever 21, Ring - Street vendor HERE 

Models wearing the "Marilyn" convertible dress

The models at the Monif C 5 Year anniversary were as much entertainment as they were mannequins. These ladies had so much energy and were delightful to snap photos of. I can't tell you how hilarious it was watching men blush as they passed by the seductive models posing in the window. Models pictured above are sporting Monif C's renowned "Marilyn" convertible dress. The ways you can tie this dress are really infinite. Love it!

Pictured with Lisa Price, Founder, Carol's Daughter

I was so absolutely honored to finally meet Lisa Price, the entrepreneur behind Carol's Daughter, face to face. This woman is absolutely one of my inspirations. She was my first ever celebrity interviewee. I did a phone interview with her during my sophomore year in college for a small independent magazine on campus I ended up being co-editor for; Little Black Book. Wow, never thought I'd see the day...

Pictured with Gabi Gregg, Young, Fat & Fabulous

I also bumped into the lovely and always-fab Gabi Gregg of YoungFatandFabulous.com; also the newly crowned MTV Twitter Jockey. Had a great time chatting with her about life in Harlem (she just moved up here) and her new experience as MTV's TJ. Make sure you guys keep up with her on Twitter.

Overall, great time at the Monif C. 5 Year Anniversary. I wish her many more!

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Sick SIte Spotlight: Manik.com

I recently stumbled across an interesting article over at the FashionBomb about an online magazine geared towards plus-size fashionistas: www.Manikmag.com

I think it's a beautiful thing, and it's about time. Curvy sistas get tired of seeing the same old skinny girls in Editorial spreads. For those of us with a little more junk in the trunk, here's an online magazine that is a viable option if your looking for the latest in plus size fashion options. I LOVE the site's design and my fave section is the Track Style section, which I'm assuming they'll use to track style icons. They currently have Rihanna listed:

Anyway, check out ManikMag. Even if you're not plus-sized, they're editorials and fashion advice are fab for all to see. Because fashion isn't just for divas size 2...agreed?