Monday, August 16, 2010

Curvy, Confident and Chic


Ok Divas, it's time to usher out the lightweight fabrics of summer and get ready to greet the crips fall air.  As fashion enters the Fall Season,  plus size fashion designers bring the hot curvy girls styles out which give us the chance to look stylish and feel comfortable in our own skin.  This Fall you will see pronounced shoulders, saturated colors, and lot’s of animal and graphic prints.  No matter your fashion budget or what size you are, you can always look trendy and stylish 365 days a year.

 
Raquel Fire Print Jumpsuit | Monif C.
Raquel Black Jumpsuit | Monif C.

Nelli "Ruched" Purple Dress | Monif C.
Naomi High Shoulder Dress | Monif C.

Military Bolero | Ashley Stewart
Jeweled Denim Jacket | Ashley Stewart

Premium Denim Black Skinny Jean | Ashley Stewart
Printed Animal Destructed Jean | Ashley Stewart

Layering is a HUGE trend for Fall so as we move into this late summer/early fall transition period the idea is to take some of your more classic summer looks and layer them with more substantial Fall pieces like light weight cardigans, sweaters, and belts. Layering is a simple way to ease into Fall mode during this time and is definitely lighter on the pocket book. Here are a few tips on how to transition some of your "fav" summer looks into new fabulous fall looks.

Let’s start with the ever so popular vest and trouser summer work wear look that we have seen everywhere. For the late summer/early fall transition period try switching the vest out and adding a light weight cardigan over a classic collared shirt. Add a pair of spectator pumps and you are fall-fabulous.


The “fav” white summer dress. With this look you want to layer it with a longer style cardigan and add a stylish waist belt. Throw on some boots or some bright colored patent leather heels and you are set.


For your favorite summer skirt (plaid is big for fall) and blouse look, try layering the top with a light weight cardigan and some opaque tights. These pieces will instantly turn this summer look into fall. Throw in a patent leather handbag in a darker color and you are ready to go.


How about the basic Khaki pant and blouse look? For this look try adding a solid color light weight v-neck sweater over the blouse and add some chunky large bangles to spice it up.



Above, from left: Fitzwell Stirrup Wide Calf Boot, $121.97, available at Zappos; Old Navy Women's Plus Fleece Moto Jacket, $34.50, available at Old Navy; Target Juniors' Plus-Size Pure Energy Skinny Jeans, $29.99, available at Target; Eileen Fisher Stretch Silk Tank, available at Nordstrom.

Above, from left: T-Bags Leopard Print Blouse available at Saks; Type Z Brilliant Flats, $58.50,
available at Zappos; Torrid Black Banded Miniskirt, $28, available at Torrid; Cooperative Felt Boater Hat, $34, available at Urban Outfitters.

During these hard economic times we all want fabulous items in our wardrobe that give us a certain amount of bang for our buck. So when shopping, always choose more classic and less trendy pieces for your wardrobe. In turn you will extend the value of your clothing and they will do double-duty and easily transition into great looks for the following season.





Thursday, August 12, 2010

What's Cooking - Taco Salad



A couple of years ago a co-worker made this Taco Salad for a potluck and it was one of the best Taco Salads I had ever tasted.  The recipe is really simlple and it only takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare.  Usually when making salads most people generally use iceburg lettuce, which has NO taste or nutritional value. I like using spring greens which are prettier (lol) and have a lot more nutrients. The general idea is that the darker the leaf, the more nutritious it is for you (so I've been told).  The recipe doesn't call for guacamole but for some strange reason I had a taste for it.  So I ran to Mariscos which is a bomb Mexican Seafood Restaurant by my house to pick some up (and boy am I glad I did :)))  If your looking for a quick, inexpensive meal, this Taco Salad is definitely worth trying out.  Trust me...you won't be dissappointed.      



Ingredients

1 lb. lean ground turkey or ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 bag of Spring Greens
1 can rinsed kidney beans
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
Bush of Cilantro
1 green onion, chopped
1 can sliced black olives, drained
2 cups reduced fat cheddar
Guacamole (Optional)
Thousand Island Dressing (Optional)
Tortilla or Corn Chips

Directions

Prepare ground turkey/ground beef with seasoning.  In a large bowl, layer lettuce, beans, tomatoes, green onions, black olives, meat, cheese, and guacamole.  Add dressing to taste.  This salad is also great with Tortilla Chips or Corn Chips.  Enjoy!









Wednesday, August 11, 2010

I Will, Therefore I am



August 7th a star was born!!!  I know..I know, I'm a little late with this post, but this past Saturday Aug. 7th, was my Birthday (Happy Birthday To Me!!!!) and what better way to celebrate this special day other than with friends and family.  Last year I had a big party, but this year I wasn't in the partying mood and decided on a very low key B-day celebration.  Saturday morning we headed Downtown for brunch at Bottega Louie.  Now...having heard a couple of people rave about this place more than once, I had to see for myself what all the hoopla was about.  The restaurant I must admit is quite striking. The high ceilings, white paint and classy interior is absolutely beautiful, with a huge wide open space for dining. They have a 'To Go' section for those on the run, and a bakery section with all sorts of amazing treats (as you will see below).  And of course a bar.  While on my way to brunch, all I could think about were eggs n cheese and french toast, but as soon as we were seated and I looked to my right, I saw this mouth watering Kobe Beef cheeseburger calling my name:)   So guess what I ordered:))  Later that evening my beautiful aunt had drinks and hors d'oeuvres awaiting for me at the "Penthouse".  Nothing but good times.  I have so much to be thankful for and I thank GOD every day for my many blessings.  We only get one shot at this thing called LIFE, so LIVE IT UP BABY! 




















Bottega Louie
700 South Grand Avenue.
Los Angeles. CA 90017



Friday, August 6, 2010

eShakti


I ran across this great online store eShakti that offers a wide selection of clothing and accessories.  I found their designs to be very stylish and are offered at very affordable prices.  One great plus about eShakti is that they customize your garments to fit your exact specifications (which is a plus for any woman right?)  You can change the fabric, the lenght or the color on any outfit that you chose.  They have something for everyone and they offer a full size selection from size 0 to 26W.   They also have a great Vintage section which definitely caught my eye.  Below are a few pieces I thought would look great in my closet (lol).  Happy Haute Friday!!!!  Have a great weekend!

Beaded Cirle Necklace Dress | $54.95

Strapless Denim Chambray | $ 64.95

Embellished Razor Back Maxi Dress | $ 74.95



 Accessories

Open Stone Cuff | $ 49.95

Floral Mesh Cuff | $ 24.95

Beaded Leaves Bib Necklace | $ 19.95
Exoposed Metal Zipper Statement Necklace | $ 24.95


Vintage Romance


Ruffled Rap Dress | $54.95
Cotton Poplin Trench Dress | $ 54.95


Rose Cutout Cuff | $ 44.95