2009: A Year in Retrospect

Don't fear, dear, your favorite curvy fashionista is here to blog before the new year. I have taken a break from taking over the world to bring you one last post in 2009 and felt it was fitting to take a look back before we charge (fashion) forward into 2010. Listed below are the trends of 2009. Leave a comment and let me know which were your faves and which were not so haute. Don't forget to send in your pictures (preferably from your celebrations tonight) to be an official Haute & Heavy Fashionista!


Fashion Trends of '09:

• Menswear: Pinstripes, vests, tweed, and suits were all over the catwalks and sidewalks this year. In order to keep us from looking like we borrowed our brother's clothes, designers updated this trend with feminine touches and tailoring.

Ralph Lauren's take on menswear.


Sexy pinstripes from YSL


Menswear by Lane Bryant

• Draping & Ruching: Looking out of this world was never as easy as it was this year. Draping brought out the Grecian goddess in all of us and ruching made otherwise normal skirts sassy and fun.

Torrid


beautifully draped DonnaKaran dress

• 80's: This trend was done a little too literally by the teen and tweens. Was I the only one who couldn't help but notice the abundance of youth wearing every neon color know to man with side pony's and leg warmers? Thank goodness designers didn't take it that far for those of us among the grown & sexy set. Influences from the decade were evidenced by the abundance of metallic leather and studs and bright colors (worn in moderation).

fashions by Marc Jacobs

• Budoir: I'll admit...this trend played right in to my tastes. I have at least 4 corsets in my closet as I type. I loved to throw one on under a blazer with nice jeans and shoes for a seriously sexy look. In addition to the corsets, lacy tops that could be mistaken for lingerie were seen on women out and about as well.

Dolce & Gabana


Louis Vuitton




D & G

• Biker Jackets: Biker jackets were back in a big way. Pairing a tough jacket with more feminine apparel was a great way to look chic this year.

LB

• Leggings: Leggings are a personal favorite of mine. Put together with a tunic or paired with a cardigan, this wardrobe staple for 2009 made being comfortable while looking put together easier than ever.

As you celebrate the passing away of the old year and the welcoming of the new. Please be as safe and as fabulous as possible!

Shape, Size, Fit

Hey ladies!

Today's fashion advice is the most basic but is most often overlooked by fashionistas large and small. THE most important part of looking good is the way the clothes fit and flatter your body. You can have more curves than a race car track but if you dress them in clothes that don't enhance them you just look like a blobby mess!


These tips will have you looking your best whenever you leave the house:

-Don't pay attention to the numbers on the tag! If you normally wear a 22 but that gorgeous, halter jersey dress is hugging a little too tight, bite the bullet and move up to a 24 (or higher if need be). Going up a size or 2 will have you thanking yourself later when you are walking down the street looking fabulous in well fitting clothes.


- Dress for your body type! If you are a 42 DDD maybe that little strapless number may not be the one for you. I cannot emphasize enough the need for busty ladies to wear clothes that allow for supportive bras. Droopy boobies are never a good look. If need be, run to your local Lane Bryant (or department store) and get fitted to determine your correct size. Also, resist the urge to try and minimize your bustiness by covering up. This only makes them look larger. Turtle necks ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND! Go for V-neck options which will help elongate your body and balance your upper and lower half.

If your body is pear shaped (small on top, large around the butt & thighs) you should play up your bust line and emphasize the smallest part of your body by wearing an empire waist garment. If you don't want to run out and buy every empire waisted dress and shirt you can get your hands on, a belt worn just below the bust line can do the trick as well.


-For ladies of all shapes and sizes silhouette is key! Wearing clothes that are boxy and shapeless will leave you looking just that-boxy and shapeless. When purchasing clothes look at the darting and seaming. Is it straight from top to bottom? Or does it curve to fit the shape of a woman's body? If the former is true, it might be best to leave it on the hanger.

-If possible, try on the clothes before buying. Women come in various shapes and sizes and just because an outfit works for some one you know or looks incredible on the mannequin doesn't mean it will be flattering once you put it on your unique (and wonderful) body. If ordering on-line don't hesitate to return an unbecoming item. It sucks when a trend is in but doesn't work for your body or you can't keep that super sexy/awesome/etc. outfit. But, the biggest fashion faux paux is wearing something that doesn't look good on you and/or you aren't completely confident wearing.

The Haute look of the day:

This one is for the recessionistas out there. If you don't have the cash (or credit) to shell out $338 for that Calivin Klein sheath at Nordstroms or those $900 Louboutins that have been calling your name, don't fear. You can be chic on a budget. The key is to buy inexpensive items that don't look cheap (and if possible, mix high and low end pieces). The dress below is $19.80 from Forever 21's plus line named Faith 21. The shoes are $39.99 from Bare Feet (forever21.com and barefeetshoes.com).

Hello World!

Chances are if you've come across this blog you are already a curvy diva surfing the web for clothes and/or a community of women like yourself. Or you may be a curvy diva in training. Someone who has grown tired of the tents and prints they make for us voluptuous girls and you are looking for fun, current fashion advice. Either way you have stumbled across the right place!

I intend on blogging about issues currently facing fuller figured women but first and foremost this is a fashion blog. There will be advice, photos of clothing, and much more. The feature I am most excited about is the Haute & Heavy Fashionista of the Week. Each week a reader will be featured on the blog. So, ladies slip on your hottest outfit, grab a camera and send in a picture of yourself in your flyest attire and you could be the winner! Why wouldn't you want the world to see you and all of your fabulousness?! I want this blog to be interactive so feel free to comment, discuss, send feedback, etc. in addition to sending entries for Fashionista of the Week.




The Haute look of the day:

For you thick ladies heading out on the town for a special night (aka hot date) this sexy yet covering ensemble is sure to get you noticed for all the right reasons.The dress is Monif C. and the shoes are Giuseppe Zanotti (dress can be found at monifc.com and shoes from Bluefly.com).

Pair this outfit with a simple clutch (as not to distract from the fabulous shoes) and you will be ready to turn heads. Don't forget your spanx!