CurvEnvy

Damsel

2013-06-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love the juxtaposition of hard and soft styles. I find that with these gladiator heels you're either going to love them or hate them, but regardless they are definitely show stoppers. They're such an eye catcher that, in my opinion, minimal colors and cuts work best. In this case, I opted for a flirty yet demure off-white dress with ruffle detailing. Pearl and gold accents continue the lady-like aesthetic. Finished with a winged eye, retro red lip and slick braided ponytail for a minimalist yet alluring overall look.

Deets

Jacket, Forever 21 (old); Dress, H&M; Necklace, H&M (old); Gladiator heels, MakeMeCHic; Watch, Michael Kors; Bracelet, Forever21.

Yellow Gold

2013-06-04T11:56:00.001-07:00

What do Tigers, Greek keys, zebra print, and gold palm leaves all have in common? Well, they're all featured on this amazing top. I love mixing prints and love it more when it's already done for me. Because the top is the main focal point, I opted for a basic black flirty skirt and fun accessories in bold colors. There's nothing like a little yellow and gold.

Deets

Lion and Medalion top, Forever21; Skirt, INC; Neon sandals, H&M, Sunnies, Thrifted, Watch, Invicta; Necklace, H&M

Gladiator

2013-05-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

No this post is not paying homage to the most amazing show on t.v., Scandal but rather an ode to the most over-the-top, outrageously sexy pair of shoes I've ever owned. As much as I'm obsessed with Harrison, I'm head over heels for these sandals. So much so, the day after receiving them, I wore them to work. One might say it's a bit risque for the office (the rational side of my brain totally agrees) but my daring (sometimes ~~ratchet~~) side of my brain says ehh! Since, I do work in Academia, I had to tone down the sex appeal a tad with darker colors and a blazer but don't you worry, mama gonna provide L.I.F.E to ya'll real soon.

Special thanks to JCuevas for the pics

Details
Mirror print blouse....................AB Studio for Kohls
Flowy pleated skirt....................not sure
Accessories................................H&M, Michael Kors, Forever 21
Gladiators...................................MakeMeChic also at here

Rock Mom Chic

2013-05-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Its the beginning of memorial day weekend and while many are living it up in Miami, Vegas, Atlantic City and other party destinations, I remained at home with my loved ones. To kick off the weekend, a candy, popcorn and soda fun filled early afternoon at the movies to see Epic (ya know, the animation starring Beyonce). Having come straight from work, my chic water downed rock look worked perfectly as I am thee Rock Mom.

Deets
Red studded pumps........Zara
Faux leather sleeve jacket......Forever21 regular line
black T-shirt.............................Old Navy
Faux leather skirt.......................Mall
Accessories................................. Forever 21 and Michael More

Have a safe and memorable Memorial Weekend loves!!

Cut It Out!

2013-05-14T07:24:00.001-07:00

"LIFE'S TOO SHORT

TO WEAR

BORING CLOTHES"

-Anonymoous

Deets

Cut out arm blouse, mall similar here; Oxblood faux leather pants, H&M, Studded heel, Zara; Pearl necklace, H&M (old); Sunnies, Vintage

Instagram Picture Diary

2013-05-09T10:20:00.001-07:00

NYC has been under a torrential downpour for the past few days hence the lack of posts. Bare with me loves. In the mean time, follow me on Instagram. Some pics below

TOP: BEYONCE for H&M dress; BOTTOM: Theory anorak; Zara top, INC skirt; Baublebar necklace

H&M simple lbd

Boyfriend Jeans & White Pumps

2013-05-03T14:31:00.002-07:00

This has been a week of sorts and boy am I happy it's Friday. Took out my new white pumps out for a spin today. I don't think I've owned a pair of white shoes since I was a kid and the tedious moments spent keeping my church shoes white with the help of some white shoe griffin nonetheless (I KNOW I'm not the only one out there who used white shoe griffin?!).

In the spirit of Casual Friday, I opted for jeans, which I never wear, but in a semi-boyfriend style. Threw on a white blazer and silver top with accessories and I was good to go. Makeup was basic with lashes, neutral eye and my trusty Ruby Woo (speaking of which, please tell me I wasn't the only one on an hour or so wait for that RiriWoo Yesterday? Never again)

Special thanks to BklynMuse for the pics.

Deets
White Blazer................Vintage (thrifted)
Silver Mesh blouse.......GAP (thrifted)
Boyfriend Jeans............Old Navy (thrifted)
Pearl and faux diamonds neckpiece.....H&M
White Pumps..................Zara

Happy Weekend loves!

Dinner Sophistication

2013-04-19T09:35:00.001-07:00

Before I begin this fashion post, thank you everyone for all your birthday wishes via IG, Twitter and FB. Truly means a lot. I appreciate everyone of you!!

As I mentioned on a previous post, I recent discovered Kohl's (a department store similar to JcPenny, TJMaxx, etc) and I gotta tell ya, I'm beyond ecstatic that I did. Like Target, Kohl's hosts special edition limited time designer launches and houses several designer lines from Vera Wang, Jennifer Lopez, Lauren Conrad to name a few. On a random Google search for pajama style charmeuse pants (I was obsessed with a pair of ill-fitting Zara ones), I came across the Narciso Rodriquez collaboration that launched during the holidays. The best part about it is, I managed to find several separates from this special line that can easily be pieced together. Further, they were all on clearance which made an epic haul possible.

Today's outfit showcases two pieces that I instantly fell in love with-the medallion charmeuse top and bottom. This ensemble worked perfectly for me since I was going for a sophisticated birthday dinner look.

The pants (sz xl) were too big and I ended up having to tailor it a bit myself but will eventually bring it to a professional. I loved the the silky material which mimicked pajamas in terms of the comfort level and the medallion print with the tuxedo stripe. I was annoyed by the asymmetrical tricky collar from the top, which seemed to catch everything. I speculate this top would have worked best for someone who's less endowed.

Blouse and pants, Kohl's; Blazer thrifted; Sandals, Zara

Pictures by the brooklyn muse

If you are into saving money and looking chic, don't hesitate and head over to Kohl's NOW. These pants are currently on clearance for $9.60 (originally $49). They also come in a paisley print as well. All in all, don't sleep on Kohl's ladies.

Try Kohl's this weekend online or in-store with an additional 20% off EVERYTHING!

KEEP CALM, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!

2013-04-17T07:10:00.003-07:00

Thank you Lord, for allowing me to see another year. Thank you to my family, friends and of course HIM for being my support system. Thank you to my daughter, for giving me the gift of motherhood. Thank you to my loyal readers for allowing me to share with you all my passion. I truly believe in my motto "Style is NOT just for the Skinny, and I hope I've been able to vindicate that through this blog.

Cheers!

Blazer local store, crop top, Rainbows, Vintage leather skirt; Thrifted $3!!, Gold heeled sandals Zara; Gold Plated belt with chain, street vendor.

T.G.I.F- Thank God Its FLORAL

2013-04-12T12:05:00.003-07:00

T. G. I F

Thank God Its Floral

When it comes down to dress down Fridays at work, leave it to me to find a way to make wearing sweats work appropriate. It's a gloomy day out, the sun nowhere in sight, so I find it only right to bring my own shine and flowers. Cue in this amazing top. Sequins & Florals-Yes Please!

I could have went with jeans, but in my opinion, it would've been way too casual. Instead, I wore my new faux leather pants from the LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's line. Speaking of which, why has no one put me onto the deals and fashions from Kohls?!! Ladies, let me tell you, if you're looking for more fashion bang for your hard-work buck, hit up Kohls where you'll find Narciso Rodriquez, Vera Wang, Lauren Conrad, Rock & Republic, and countless others. I just made my first purchase which included a HUGE haul of 15 items for less than a $100!! You can thank me later!

Scarf H&M; Sweatshirt ASOS; Jacket H&M, Faux leather pants LC Lauren Conrad, Colorblock heels DSW; Cheetah purse Dana Buckman.

Have a wonder weekend loves!

It's Black It's White.....yea yea yea

2013-04-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Black and white combo's have been dominating the fashion world this spring to no avail! There's nothing more classic than these two universal colors whether they're in a bold graphic print, brocade, mirror pattern, lace, you name it. In today's post, the focus happens to fall onto my black and white combo lace print pants. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to have them! I decided to stay in the same color pattern by opting for my trusty go-to white blazer and a black and white peplum top. For a pop of color, I wore my neon yellow patent sandals.

By the way, with the exception of my accessories, my WHOLE outfit was thrifted including shoes totaling $40!! Who says style has to cost a lot?

"I have said that black has it all. White too.

Their beauty is absolute.

It is the perfect harmony."

-Coco Chanel

I love how this outfit can transition from

day to night-work to play without

having to remove or

add any pieces.

Pictures by BrooklynMuse

White Blazer-Vintage (thrifted); Peplum top- NY & Company (thrifted); Printed Pants-H&M ( thrifted), Neon sandals- H&M (thrifted).Accessories- Michael Kors, Forever21, Ebay.

City Slicker

2013-04-08T14:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend. Mine started with a real housewife of ___ theme dinner party which was so much fun on Friday evening (check my IG for pics of my all sequins outfit) and a birthday lunch at world famous Peter Luger's on Saturday which was followed by some light shopping at Union Square, IMATS, and ended with a meetup with StyleHaul at Times Square. Sunday was my domesticated and lazy lounge day complete with laundry, cleaning and hours upon hours of Netflix. My camera died early on so I was not able to take pics at the events,womp :(

Yellow Jacket-H&M; Button down blouse Forever21; Floral skirt Old Navy; Belt NY&Company; Lace-up booties Lola Shoetique

Weather is finally starting to feel and look like Spring. So stay tuned for some spring fits!

GREEN WITH ENVY

2013-03-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've been so envious of those who are actually experiencing spring like weather. As for us,

winter seems to be never ending. In fact, it was just snowing 2 days ago. However, today it

actually went up to mid 40s so I broke out the short sleeve,

or should i say, the short "leather" sleeve.

pictures by The Brooklyn Muse

BooHoo Brings Affordable Prices to US Fashionistas

2013-03-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday night I was invited to the US launch party for the U.K. based online shopping site, Boohoo. The energy was high, dj was spinning, and drinks were flowing all in celebration of this incredible wallet friendly venture into the US market. Models were up on stage posing in the latest styles-bohemian, trendy, grunge, you name it.

I first found about Boohoo a little over a year ago on my quest for an alternative to American Apparel's disco pants. As much as I love them, $90 (with tax) towards a pair of bottoms is pretty steep so I was ecstatic when I found Boohoo's version for $50 and under.

As luck would have it, I did score a pair of AA disco pants few months back at the thrift so believe me when I tell you, the similarities are uncanny.

Not into tight fitting pants? Well perhaps, a midi dress is more your style. I just placed my order and let me tell you, it was hard deciding which dress to purchase as I wanted all of them. (by the way, all dresses below under $40)

As of now, Boohoo only goes up to a size US 14 however, the dresses and bottoms tend to have an abundance of stretch to them so don't let that stop you. For instance, I am a US 12/14 and my boohoo dresses are in size US10 and US12.

Oh, did I mention, they carry a wide variety of shoes and accessories as well...

Stay tuned for future blog posts rocking my boohoo!

Plus Size Spring Preview brought to you by BONTON

2013-03-22T10:14:00.001-07:00

This week has been a whirlwind of launches and events that I'm grateful to have been privy to. For nearly 2 years, CurvEnvy has made it a mission to bring to you ladies the latest trends and fashions-both plus and straight sizes and this post is no different.

On Wednesday evening, I was among a fabulous crowd of bloggers, fashion designers, stylists and the like to preview the Spring plus size collections from Ruff Hewn and Laura Ashley, exclusively sold at Bon-Ton stores nationwide as well as online. Myself along with the attendees were treated to dry hair styling by Bumble and Bumble stylists, manicures, hors d'oeuvres and champagne while the models made their rounds around the salon.

This was a shopper's dream! It's one thing to see fashions online and on the t-rack, but it is quite another story to see the garment and fabric against the frame. It definitely puts it into another prospective for the consumer.

Pictures courtesy of Josh Wong

Sandee's Spring Must Haves:
-Skinny jeans (classic piece)
-White denim jacket (perfect layering touch to just about any outfit)
-Tie-dye piece (growing trend and will be seen everywhere come this spring and summer)
-Embellish tops (oldie but goodie and classic for hint of pizzazz)
-Driving loafers in metallic and jewel adorned flats (if you're going for a flat, it might as well be pretty)

Below are a few of my faves from both lines off Bonton site that hit my spring must have list on the head.

I'm always elated when more and more designers take to the plus size market. To me, it says that they've finally get it-that STYLE HAS NO SIZE.

Product Review: BA Star Eyeshadow Pallette

2013-03-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I was never really one for sports. The closest sport I was involved in was cheerleading in junior high. It didn't last very long as I attended a Catholic School and we weren't allowed to don the sparkles and glitter makeup-perks that cheerleading comes with. Needless to say, I wasn't a cheerleader for very long. Having said that, when I received samples from BA Star cosmetics, the leading makeup brand of cheerleaders and dancers, I experienced a pretty nostalgic flashback.

Spring is among us, so I decided to use the natural shadow palette as one of my key components in creating a bright but subtle spring makeup look. The cocoa and nude shade worked in unison to create a dark brown smokey eye effect, the perfect backdrop to my bright coral lip and cheek. The shadows were pigmented and lasted all day with shadow base.

I'm definitely looking forward to creating some other looks with the glitter shadows. Stay tuned for that, in the meantime check the live makeup tutorial on my Youtube Channel here and enjoy a 50% off discount by using code: BBSSMOKY

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with my actual opinions.

Pink Frills

2013-03-15T10:39:00.002-07:00

"Pink pants and rosy plants

Pink blouses, never failing to arouse spouses

Pink is my colour
Pink is the sweet side of wild
Quite mild

Like a little lost baby child

Of all the colours compiled

Pink is romantic and disarming

All pink roses are ever so charming

Pink is my colour

Refined or raw

Pink is my colour"
-Sylvia Chidi

I like pink and I like frills, I believe it's just one of the many female thrills.

Deets:

Chiffon sleeve cardigan.............................Forever 21 (old)

Tank.........................................................Forever 21

Pink Pleated skirt.......................................Jcrew

Belt............................................................Moschino

Patent pumps.............................................Zara

Watch........................................................Fossil

TGIF! Have a wonderful weekend loves!

HoneyComb

2013-03-13T16:47:00.003-07:00

While shopping at my go-to thrift store down in SOHO, I spyed with my little eye the most amazing print I've ever seen thus far. As soon as I saw these pants, I knew I had to have them. The honeycomb-esque pattern in the myriad of reds and white is definitely an eye catcher. As the thrift gods would have it, they happen to be in my size. It was clearly meant to be as in thrifting, what you see is what they have, no more no less. The best part was, they were under $10!!

It may be sunny and Spring like in your parts, but here on the East Coast, it is still cold so I did my best to wear my cropped pants while keeping the legs covered. I added my go-to (at the moment) kitten heels to complete the look. Sigh...Spring where art thou?

Deets:
Blazer...............................Ralph Lauren (vintage, thrifted)
Blouse..............................Forever21
Pants................................H&M (thrifted)
Lace tights...................... ..Mom
Watch................................Fossil
Accessories.........................H&M
Studded toe kitten heels.....ZARA

Lane Bryant Flagship Launch Party

2013-03-01T10:55:00.005-08:00

For many years, when it came to shopping, I found myself having to “make it work” oppose to it “just working.” On-trend fashions did not come in my size so I didn’t have any choice but to teach myself how to shop in standard size stores like H&M and Forever21 before they offered plus size clothing. What do I mean by teaching? Well, I learn to aim for clothing with lycra, stretchy pull. This allowed the piece to have more give hence fitting my frame. For the purpose of not revealing my age, fast forward x amount of years to 2013. By George, they finally got it-Big girls CAN be and WANT to be stylish and on-trend too!

Lane Bryant has been on the forefront of plus size fashions for some time and with the recent reworking of their fashions; I believe they’ve become a fashion force to be reckon with. I had the privilege of attending their flagship launch event last night at the 34^th Street Flagship Store in NYC. I was speechless as to the layout of the store along with the visually appealing décor. It isn’t just a store that sells clothes; but truly a shopping experience.

Lane Bryant definitely embraced the blogging community by enlisting the help of bloggers Alissa Wilson and Ashley Falcon and Marcy Guevara to style mannequins in the latest LB Spring fashions.

Bloggers: Wilson, Guevara, and Falcon

Ashley Falcone and Alissa Wilson posing next to their personally styled mannequins

Marcy G. standing next to her personally styled mannequin

With the fierce Jay Manual of ANTM and incredibly beautiful Carnie Wilson in tow, how could it not have been an eventful night! Plus-Model Magazine was also there with plus size models Allie McGevna, Grisel Paula and countless others.

It was such an honor to be in a room full of positivity celebrating plus size, curves and fashion. I finally met Alissa and Cici-bloggers I've followed for some time now. Of course, in the midst of taking pictures with attendees, I neglected to take one of myself smh.

More pics...

We now no longer have an excuse to not look our best with Lane Bryant providing the fashions.

Everyday Tutu

2013-02-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

If you've been reading my blog for sometime, you would have noticed that my work place attire is anything but dull. I refuse to be limited to slacks and a blazer and often times, find myself dressing outside the workplace box. With that being said, there's just something really nostalgic about tutu's and childhood innocence. Perhaps, it's my being a mother to a budding fashionista who's love of colorful tutu's have penetrated my psyche. Whatever the reason is, I've deemed it appropriate to style and work this fancy garment into my workplace attire from time to time.

Besides, it was Monday and I was feeling fancy....

You may have remembered this similar tutu look.

pictures courtesy of JC.

Outfit Specs:

Chambray shirt.............................Thrifted

Black Tulle Skirt.............................Isaac Mizrahi for Target (Thrifted)

Lace Stocking................................Local Vendor

Red Studded Kitten heels...................ZARA
Obie belt......................................GUESS

L4L (Look 4 Less): Zara Python Sandals

2013-02-22T11:17:00.002-08:00

Like many of you out there, I am beyond ready for Spring. Living in NYC, so far I've encountered my fair share of hurricanes, blizzard, snowstorms, and the like. I long for the day where one layer of clothing is sufficient. Until that happens, I've been busily prepping the Spring wardrobe with essential pieces, primarily shoes. During my quest, I've come across several "dupes" for styles we saw last Spring and Summer. See below.

I remember when I first saw these Zara shoes last year-it was love at first sight. I love me a good colorblocking shoe and this gave me just that with a touch of animal skin. Of course, it sold out before I could purchase so imagine my surprise when I saw them recently on JustFab!

I never purchased from JUSTFAB before and was beyond grateful to have the opportunity to do so with a pair of shoes I simply adored. Can you tell the difference?

Excuse the stocking foot. I was way too anxious to try them on straight out the box.

Interested in purchasing a pair? New to JustFab? Get your pair for $20? CLICK HERE:
http://www.justfab.com/invite/CurvEnvy/

Ehh Why Not...

2013-02-06T13:33:00.001-08:00

I fought against whether I should post today's outfit being that I didn't have my DSLR camera with me hense the poor quality pics. Why? I literally threw this outfit together in a matter of minutes with no thought. However, as a result of receiving several compliments on my simple ensemble, I decided, Ehh Why Not.

Deets:
Silver Metallic Sweater...........H&M
Camo distressed pants............Thrifted similar worn here
Patent Nude Pumps.................Zara
Watch......................................Fossil
Neon Necklace.........................H&M

BeyonceBowl: Queen Bey Remains Undefeated

2013-02-04T13:32:00.005-08:00

For over 3 months we all have been teased and probed by the media about Beyonce's SuperBowl half time show. An epic performance by the musical icon in her own rite. Can I just praise BaddieBey (her IG name) for just a minute!? (not really asking permission). This woman is a mother, a business woman, a wife, a daughter, a mentor, a style icon, an example of what determination and hard work can result in and I just absolutely adore her!! Obviously, it's a given that she's gorgeous!

Anyone who knows me know, that I am a huge Beyonce fan, not quite a stan (stalker+fan), but damn near close to that level lol. I've got to say that Ms. Knowles-Carter, did her thing last night at the SuperBowl. I am not a football fan, or any sport fan. It was mere torture awaiting the halftime show. In a house full of major football enthusiasts, the room was filled with 90% testosterone and about 10% estrogen but once Beyonce came on the screen, a deafening silence engulfed the room. Both men and women gawking at the television screen watching her stomp her way into our hearts in all of her fabulousity.

If you've seen her live in concert, you'd know that the same effort, particular attention to detail, diva-tude, and entertainment that we saw on the screen last nite, is present in every performance. She drove us down memory lane performing some of her major hits like "Love on Top," "Crazy in Love," "End of Time," and "Baby Boy." I appreciated seeing her DC-3 counterparts, Michelle and Kelly and their "Single Ladies" medley, but it was clear that she ruled that show.

Love her or Hate her, you can't argue that she is not meant to be a performer. Kudos to you Ms. Bey for shutting down the haters, negative commentators AND the stadium lights j/k lol.

RED

2013-02-01T05:14:00.000-08:00

❤ Black History Month
❤ Valentines Day
❤ American Heart Disease Month

What do all these events have in common? They're all synonymous with the month of February; my favorite month of the year. One does not have to be a fan of Valentines Day to be a fan of your heart, particularly women. Did you know that heart disease is the number 1 killer of women today in the United States?! Pretty amazing considering the number of breasts cancer, ovarian cancer and the like crippling our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and friends. Coincidentally, the color red represents heart, confidence, strength, power-all attributes that can be found within each and every one of us including the women battling these horrific diseases.

In my efforts to represent this National Wear Red Day, I've attempted an all-red monochromatic ensemble.

Details: Blazer (Thrifted); Button down (American Eagle Outfitters); Jeans (Forever21); Studded pumps (Zara).

So even if you do not have a Valentine this Valentines Day, love yourself enough to take precaution against Heart Disease. Click HERE for tips.

Camo & Chanel

2013-01-22T10:43:00.001-08:00

Being back at work after a 4day weekend is always hard. The bright side is, at least the work week is cut short. ((cheers to seeing the silver lining)). I had a pretty laid back weekend. I FINALLY watched the episode of Wendy Williams I modeled on. I also spent time with my mini-me and the bf. On Sunday, I brunched with some of my favorite college buddies catching up on life and our new year resolutions.

I decided to go casual-with flat ankle booties, denim and leggings. It's amazing how, over the last few years, leggings have become a necessary norm to every woman's wardrobe. I adore leggings especially those with patterns, panels and cut-outs. Here, I wore my camouflage leggings with faux leather panels. Because the pattern is busy, I opted to keep my top neutral, picking denim button down. Makeup was basic-lashes, liner, blush and red lips.

Deets

Denim Buttown down............................American Eagle Outfitters

Camo leather panel leggings...................Local mall similar here, and here

Lace-up Booties....................................Forever21

Eyeglasses.............................................Chanel

I love these leggings! I am thinking about doing an Instagram giveaway where 1 lucky follower wins a pair. What do you guys think-should I?