Standard – Page 14 – Grown and Curvy Woman

grownandcurvywoman February 16, 2012

Color Blocking 101

Happy Hump Day all!!! I hope your week is going well so far. It’s two days until I turn the big 4-0! I’m excited to turn 40 and can’t wait for the next phase of my life.

My outfit today is inspired my funny co-workers. Yesterday, we got into a debate about the color blocking trend. Most felt they couldn’t wear different colors together because it wasn’t Spring and/or concerns about not matching. I explained that color blocking was about combining colors that compliment each other. My co-worker Nichole went as far as to Google a color wheel to take home with her!(LOL) After several more minutes of debate, they all agreed to try it.

I kept my outfit simple to show that you can color block without feeling self-conscious. I paired my black Eloquii slacks with my white Fashion Bug shell and pink Gap ponte knit blazer. I topped the outfit off with this great necklace I recently bought from Lord & Taylor. The colored tiles reminded of the 60’s mod style. I’m really into big necklaces this year, so this fits the bill perfectly.

Are you willing to try the color blocking trend?

Blazer: Gap

Shell: Fashion Bug

Pants: Eloquii

Shoes: Franco Sarto wedges

Necklace: Lord & Taylor

grownandcurvywoman February 12, 2012

Handbag Overhall

Good morning everyone!!! Hope everyone had a good weekend. I would be remiss not to mention the passing of one of the greatest voices that ever lived…Ms. Whitney Houston. I was at dinner with a friend when I heard the news. While I wasn’t the biggest Whitney Houston fan, I loved several of her songs such as “Saving All My Love”, “Thinking About You” (duet with Jermaine Jackson) and “Its Not Right but Its Okay”. Despite the troubles Whitney had in her life, nothing can overshadow the fact she was immensely talented. Her music will live on and showcase the best part of her.

I named this post “Handbag Overhaul” because I need a new bag bad!!! I’ve been carrying the same tote bag for over two years. The everyday use is beginning to show. I don’t want to “retire” my bag (I’ve grown quite attached to it) ,just give it a vacation for a few months.

Below are bags that I think would be fine additions to my trusty tote. These colorful bags are large enough to carry all of my daily necessities. They are also styles that can be worn for several years.

Do you need a handbag overhaul?

Have a great day!

Colorful Bags by bxphlgal featuring tote hand bags

grownandcurvywoman February 10, 2012

Stepping Out the Box!

Stepping Out the Box! by bxphlgal featuring wedge heels

Jeffrey campbell shoes
$175 – nordstrom.com

Kelsi Dagger wedge heels
$85 – heels.com

High heels
myspringshoes.com

Jeffrey Campbell V-Man Leather Wedge
$52 – shopacrimony.com

Seychelles Footwear
$95 – seychellesfootwear.com

Moving beyond your boundaries isn’t just for clothing only! Try a peep toe wedge sandal. Wear a bright colored pump. Experiment with different shoe textures and fabrics. Find something new that makes you feel good and go!

What shoe styles are you willing to try? Have a great weekend!

grownandcurvywoman February 8, 2012

Wrap it Up

Happy Hump Day all!!! Hope the week is going well for you so far! Its beginning to snow lightly here in Philadelphia. We’re forecasted to get less than a half an inch so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

While in the office yesterday, the topic of body types came up. My co-worker (also my photographer..lol) Tamera was trying to determine what shape she was. After several minutes of intense debate and web searching, Tamera declared she was apple/straight/boy/rectangle shaped! With so many “types” out there, one can feel frustrated about how to dress their body. Along with these “types” there are “rules” that you are supposed to follow to flatter your “type”. For my “type” I’m supposed to only wear bootcut jeans but I own several pairs of straight & skinny jeans. I am a firm believer that you should wear what makes you feel comfortable. Find what looks good on YOU and wear it with confidence!

The one piece of clothing I think flatters everyone is the wrap dress. No matter what your “type” is, you will look great in one. Not are they only flattering, they are easy to put on. Try different colors and prints to liven up your wardrobe. Go ahead and show off those curves!!!

Dress: JCPenney
Shoes: Bandolino
Necklace: Target

grownandcurvywoman February 6, 2012

Say Yes!!!

Good morning everyone! I know all my New York people are still glowing after the Giants victory last night. I gotta say that was one of the better Super Bowls I’ve seen in a while. Kudos to the Giants for a great game.

Today I’m starting a monthly feature called “Say Yes”. More often than not, we can be our harshest critics. I know I can very hard on myself. Sometimes our inner critic stops us from experiencing new things. I’ve been working on lowering the volume on my inner critic. The skirt I’m wearing in this post is an example of this. When I picked it up, my first thought was “you can’t wear that!” As I began I to put it back I stopped ….”Why not?”. Thoughts of “your hips are too big” and “you’ll draw attention to your butt” came to mind. Well my hips and butt aren’t going anywhere soon, so do I hide in a potato sack? Nope! I said yes to myself and purchased the skirt (it was marked down from $89 to $26!!!).

What styles or trends you normally wouldn’t wear are you now saying yes to? I would love to know! If you would like to be featured in “Say Yes”, send a picture of yourself to grownandcurvywoman@gmail.com . Please include a few words on your outfit and why you said yes to it.

*Disclaimer: All and any photos submitted will be used for this feature only. They will not be used inappropriately or as other content.*

Have a great day!!!