Looking Fab!

Divas!!!

Every now and then, we need a little help to look absolutely FAB!!!
Each week I will post an outfit from head to toe to give you that you need to be DELICIOUS!!!

Classic Black and White with a splash of color...

Start off with this fab dress from Ashley Stewart
Ashley Stewart Colorblocked Maxi Dress

Show off those manicured toes with these shoes from Heels.com
GUESS? Anamarias Shoe in black

Here comes the sun with this handbag from Doco Products

Finish the look off with a few chunky bracelets and a statement necklace!


Be Fabulous <3
Camille

Walk it Out

One of my goals for 2011 was to increase the time I could walk and stand in my 5 inch heels. I haven't had an opportunity to wear them this year yet and that's a good thing because I need a game plan.

One question that comes up more often than any other is...

"How do you stand in those things?"

For most women, standing or walking in a pair of heels is nothing unusual or special. 

But as a Full Fashionista...well let's just say sometimes there is more to the question but it is never spoken. 

It's simple really. It's all about balance and placement.

Oh and sheer determination!

I started wearing heels at 16, but I wasn't a big fan until I turned 21. Back then I was a little bitty thing, but after two kids and a divorce, I gained more than experience. And I had to retrain my feet to withstand supporting me while being fashionable.

I started with a brand new pair of fierce Gianni Bini black suede pumps with a steel grey metallic 3 inch heel (a Christmas present from my brother). I loved those shoes but I couldn't stand to be in them for more than 30 minutes.

So I came up with a plan...

I have used this to transition from 2 to 3 inches and from 3 inches to 4.  There will be a couple of adjustments to allow for the balance issue that occurs with a 5 incher.

First the basics:
Buy your true size. There is nothing sexy about "toe-ver bite"(when your toes extend over the opening) or "shortstops"(when your feet stop short of the end of the shoe)

Get a pedicure. Bare, uneven, jagged, chipped, dirty toenails are not attractive. Clear polish will never do unless it is over a french manicure. Dry cracked heels = not sexy. Take care of your feet ladies.

You get what you pay for. Leave the $10 Walmart specials alone! Sandals and flip flops can be purchased anywhere but when buying a pair of fierce stilettos, spend the extra money for a good name.  TJ Maxx and Marshall's are good places to get good names at great prices.

Carry a pair of flats. Sometimes your feet have nothing left to give. Make sure you have a pair of shoes to slip on when your tootsies need a rest. Barefoot is never cute or safe.

Now, let's get to work...

1. Choose a fierce pair with a platform. Your feet will thank you and you last much longer in them.

2. Begin by wearing them in the house.  Walk up and down the stairs, run the vaccuum, wash dishes, do laundry. The point is to be active in them. I usually do this with a pair of socks on so that I stretch them out a bit as well.

3. Wear them for an hour non-stop. Then progress to two, three etc. This can be accomplished when going to dinner, a movie, and then if you are brave a night of dancing.

4. Always walk placing one foot in front of the other while shifting your weight from one leg to the other. This will create a sashay motion (thanks RuPaul!) Not only will it keep your feet and knees happy but it is such a sexy way to move!

5. When wearing heels 4 1/2 inches and higher, walk taking shorter steps to ensure that you maintain your balance. Not too short though, you don't want to tip toe.

6. Finally, be confident. Own the shoes. Not only will it help you but it speaks volumes to everyone around you.

I'm still working on standing in my 5 inchers, I will be sure to keep you Divas posted on my progress!

Be Fabulous!
Camille

Divas!!!

Happy New Year!

What an absolutely delicious time, everything is new, and the possibilities are endless as to what you can accomplish this year!

Each year I am surrounded by people who go to great lengths to establish goals and resolutions for the new year only to be disapointed less than two months later because they have set the bar way too high.  I decided that I would not do that this year. So, I compiled a list of things that I wanted to do and after reading it I thought it may be helpful to other CurvyDivas.  Have a deliciously fabulous day!

Enjoy!

In 2011...

I will not run out of mascara and lip gloss

I will read at least six books and one of them will be a trashy romance novel

I will train my feet to withstand my five inch heels for the same amount of time as my three and four inch heels

I will update my iPod playlists

I will try a new food

I will exercise...not neccesarily to lose weight but to tone up those "trouble areas"

I will learn to say "no" and be okay with it

I will love every inch of me...even the parts I don't like so much

I will not validate the voices that speak negativity into my life

I will find a reason to smile and laugh everyday

I will find the good in all things and if I can't find it, then I will create it

Be Fabulous!
<3 Camille

The Year in Review - 2010

I am so glad to see 2010 end!

Don't get me wrong, I am extremely grateful for the gift of life and my health and of course my delicious curves! But this year did not pick up until November. *sigh*

I could go on and on about the more negative points of my year but where is the fun in that??? There were some pretty awesome moments and dwelling on those will be a lot more interesting to remember.

First, I need to address my extended absence from this blog! I can't believe I had that much going on! Wow!  Well, it's a new year and I am back!

So let's jump into this review...

10. This year, I found a cute little jewelry store named Glitter in Toledo, Ohio where everything was one dollar! With the way the economy was, I was extremely happy with this find! It took a little work to find items that suited me, but in the end, I scored BIG!

9. I am a huge fan of the theater! And this year I was able to see my first Tyler Perry play! Madea's Big Happy Family was fantastic and it was nice to see the city of Toledo show up and support the arts.

8. The play was just the begining, it just so happened that it fell on Cinco de Mayo! No, I don't have any roots or ties to Mexico...love the culture, country and people and after living in Houston for over 20 years I am quite familiar with the holiday. But this year held a special meaning for me in many ways. It was the night that I let go of a number of inhibitions and had fun! It was that night that I reconnected with my inner Diva and took my power back!

7. Then there was my first trip to Las Vegas, and you know the saying, "whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". That is all.

6. I am sure that this is a short lived accomplishment, however it is an accomplishment nonetheless. After many years of searching, agony, headache and frustration, I finally found the perfect purse! It looks more like an overnight bag but it works for me...for now anyway!

5. What is a purse without a fabulous pair of shoes? And boy did I have some great finds this year! Zebra Paris Hilton platform peeptoes, several pairs of Jessica Simpsons, a delicious pair of Guess stilettos and a wild pair of Steve Madden peeptoes! And all pairs under $49!

4. I decided to come out of my shell and sing my heart out!

3. With this year came a number of trials, ups and downs but in spite of all of that, I managed to finish a year and a half of school, bringing me closer to earning my degree! *just had to pat myself on the back*

2. This year, I made a decision to move back to Texas and I am so glad I did! I never realized how much I missed it until I stepped off the plane...

1. There are no perfect people...but there is someone who is perfect for you. And this year, I learned to love my husband for who he is. He is amazing and I am thankful for him everyday...*he is one lucky guy*

So that's it, my year in review, minus all of the negative drama and I must say, it wasn't too bad when you look at it from this angle!

Here's to a deliciously fabulous 2011!

Camille

A Sure Foundation

So, you have a fantastic dress, killer shoes, jewelry, trendy bag, a flattering hairstyle,impecable make-up, with manicured hands and feet.
But you just don't look "pulled together". You feel there something missing. You continually look in the mirror trying to figure out why your clothes just don't "hang" properly on your body. Take a closer look.

Can you see it? Here's a hint. It's right under your outfit!

Yes, your undergarments. Think it's no big deal? Well that's where you're mistaken!

Everything that you put on under your clothing affects the way the clothes fit. So before we get into choosing flattering garments for your body or the importance of accessories, hair and make-up.

Let's get down to the nitty gritty!

What's Holding You Up?

First let's talk about the girls. Did you know that the right bra can actually make you look younger? It's true. A good bra should be uplifting, supportive, and flattering. Just like a good friend. The first thing you should do is take out the best bra you have or your favorite bra (if you have it on, great!) Look in the mirror, do you have a shelf in the middle of your chest or does it look more like a downward slope? Do you have spillage in the front or on the sides? How about the dreaded "uniboob", this occurs when your bra gives no separation. Finally, is your bra strap digging into your shoulders leaving marks that resemble a valley?

Girlfriend, you need to throw that bra away and get a new one!

The first step is to get properly measured. I recommend the following places, Lane Bryant, Cacique, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, JC Penney, Dillard's, and Nordstrom's. These stores usually have trained bra experts and can give you accurate measurements. I don't recommend doing the measuring yourself. To get an accurate reading, you need someone else to do it. So get your girlfriends together and head to the mall for a day of fun and bra shopping!

Now that you are armed with the correct measurements, it's time to get a bra. There are several styles out there. Keep in mind that color is not the only thing to consider when purchasing a bra.

*SIDE NOTE* do not wear a white or black bra under a white shirt or blouse. Both colors are clearly visible. Find a bra that matches your skin color and wear that under white. Trust me, this works!

My favorite bra is by Cacique, it is called the 6 in 1. It has interchanable straps (clear and colored) and it can be worn strapless. My favorite part is how the straps can be moved to accomodate any dress or top.

The stores I mentioned earlier, have the best selection for full and plus sized divas. Do not be afraid to spend money for a bra. This is an investment. You are only wasting your time buying a cheap bra! DON'T DO IT! You are worth the extra money! To extend the life of your precious investment, hand wash them and hang them to dry. Putting them in the washing machine and dryer only breaks them down.

More Than A Fig Leaf

Let's talk panties! I think worse than a uniboob is "creepers". Creepers are panties that wedgie themselves. The remedy for this is to simply buy panties that FIT! Your dress size determines your panty size. So to get the size panties you must be truthful about your dress size. Just remember, it is only a number, your only focus should be fit.

Panties like bras come in different styles, but not all styles were made for all women. The number one rule is to make sure your panties cover your rear. Panty lines are a no-no. Too loose or too tight is not good either. Remember, cotton panties are the best choice!

The Wearable Vaccuum

Shapers should suck in and not create new bulges. Choosing the right one is key. It should be the proper size and make your clothes fit smoothly. The most popular shaper is Spanx. If that seems a bit out of budget, try Assets, the same company that produces Spanx sells Assets. You can usually find them at Target. I've worn both and I have to say the money spent for the Spanx was well worth it, but the Assets was close.

Now that you've got these tips, use them! This is just the beginning.

Next, we'll talk about choosing the right clothes for your body.

Welcome!

This is a call to full figured beauties everywhere to stand proud and claim thier curves!

That's right ladies! If you've got 'em, be proud of 'em!

Here you will find information on fashion and beauty, body image and inner beauty, shopping deals and plus size celebrities!

I hope that you find information here that you can use, have a couple of laughs, and gain some confidence!

Don't forget to subscribe and thanks for stopping by.

Camille
The Full Fashionista