Curvy is the new black...TPF Inspired Post

Yes do wear your shorts. I love the whole black look with sheer stockings! More so for a performer I think this would be a rad look. Key thing none of those wide legged shorts! Fitting!

So I finally joined the Tusker project Fame bandwagon. To be honest I just love being part of #Chukifm...which is just the hash tag used by Kenyans on twitter to signify our love of collectively criticizing shows. In any case , fashion plays a big role and I must say other than Mishel, whose outfit was on point, I was not impressed, in fact one of the contenders from Uganda , Sitenda, inspired me to do this blog post as I felt the whole look chosen for her to perform at the gala was completely unflattering. To be honest as  a stylist, I asked myself if I would do any better if i was the one styling the contenders. In any case this edition is being seen as one for curvy and well endowed women. I applaud it to be honest, despite being slender I do think fashion is too skewed towards the anorexic look which does not represent a large section of the population.

Below are some FLATTERING looks in line with curvy is the new black :
Sitenda wore leather/faux leather skinny pants with knee high boots which is a major no no for a full figured person as the boots cuts off one's body in chunks...which is SOOOO UNFLATTERING! I do think curvy women can still wear fitting pants but not with those boots, to get a more elongated, streamlined look, its better to pair the pants with boots or heels.

This is a perfect example of  a good look. The monochrome colour of the pants works so well and the heels makes the looks chic while the slightly cropped jacket adds the cool factor while drawing attention from her midsection.

This is what I am talking about cutting your body in chunks! The fishnets don't even help. This is unflattering!

This is such an effortlessly cool look. Good use of faux leather. Again monochrome textile on the bottom to get that streamlined look while still showing her curves in a flattering manner. The top shows that is cool, young and hip. The height of the top is PERFECT!

This would have been such a cool look for Sitenda. The Tights have a print side paneling which are balanced by that cool tailored blazer and ankle boots. The black works so well with the detail.

Another way to wear boots! This time with a dress and I love its length. It should not be tea dress length since we want a sexy look that a performer can wear. The belt at the empire waist level is just right. Again ankle boots in this case are your friend .

Now we are talking street cool! Curvy women should not just be stuck with pencil skirts and peplum dresses! Yes please do wear skinny jeans just make sure they are well fitting like the one picture above. I really love the top, its so smartly done with most of the tummy area well covered yet allowing a side peek a boo that just makes it sexy

This shimmery knit dress has flecks of silver woven into the stretch fabric, contouring curves with gorgeous luster. All-over is an earthy aztec print, covering the 3/4 sleeves and fitted sheath silhouetted, which also features a scoop neck and scoop back. Feature your favorite geometric necklace, bright nail polish, and an armful of bangles

Another cool aztec print look. Converse has been back with a bang for quite some time . Again note the length of the dress, show your legs and the dress is well fitting! None of those loose wrap dresses, you are not a grandmother!

Another cool street look with wedges adding the glam factor. She balances the busy print bottoms with a less busy dark tee with the camouflage shirt.

I think animal print looks hot on curvy women! I really do and this has been done so well!

This is a cool way to do the peplum trend people love so much while also incorporating animal print, do note that its not too flaring! You are not a ballerina wearing a tutu!

Sequins done right!!!!!!

I'm in lust with this look. Denim shirts are so in and with the animal print skirt the look just goes several octaves up!

How cool is the acid wash shirt???????? I actually own a faux leather pencil skirt in this same colour! This look is for someone really confident and just has that personality to pull it off.

I love plum so obviously I had to feature this look but I do think its a rad look! I also own a plum leather pencil skirt. For these kinds of skirts knee length or just an inch below your knee is perfect. A belt to cinch in the waist is also a cool accessory and it can be a different eye catching colour

Distressed denim look but totally glammed up with accessories!

This look debunks all those myths and stupid rules about what curvy women should not wear. the pants are a bright colour and fitted. The trick is to get a very good fit and the sheer chiffon top makes the look elegant.

Full Figured Fashion Week

A friend of mine liked the post I did on DVF but felt plus-size women were left out in all these runway trends. I promised i would do a post to take care of that. As we all know runway shows more or less promote super thin look..if you ask e anorexia..and I guess we have Twiggy to thank for that....and in all honesty I almost felt like throttling her when she was judging ANTM and so proud of the fact that she brought in that trend.

When former fashion model Gwen Devoe attended her first New York City Fashion Week event, she realized that no matter how much she liked a designer's fashion line, she would never be able to wear it.It wasn't because she could not afford it. It was because none of the lines were made in her size. Devoe is a plus size model who, like tens of millions of women everywhere, loves the world of fashion. But also, like millions of women everywhere, she did not fit the prototype of the women showcased on the runways and in the fashion magazines donning haute couture.That’s when Devoe decided to throw the fashion industry a curveball and create an internationally known fashion event catered to plus size women: Full Figured Fashion Week.

From the official FFFW:

Full Figured Fashion Week™ (FFFWeek) is produced by DeVoe Signature Events (DSE), a boutique events management company with an extensive background in the production of fashion related events and a strong and effective mix of proven plus industry experience and success.

With over 15 years experience in fashion show production, Gwen DeVoe, CEO of DSE, Creator and Executive Producer of FFFWeek says, "It is time for designers, retailers, boutique owners and businesses with an interest in the plus size market to combine their resources and talents and partner with a plus fashion event that will rival other Fashion Weeks and Full Figured Fashion Week™ IS that event."

Now in our fourth year as the exclusive producers of Full Figured Fashion Week™, DSE continues to receive accolades throughout the plus community and national and international media coverage of the event.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing everyone at Full Figured Fashion Week™ in New York City, June 13-16, 2012

In all honesty I was clueless before I started doing reserch for this post that such a fashion week existed. It tells you how much the fashion fraternity is apathetic in covering this important event. I am now informed and will be looking forward to June to follow and fully report on the designs showed. In the meantime I have included previous years photos. I will review the looks at a later date in a separate post.