“Falling in Love with Lace” by Empress Lingerie

As an aspiring model in the plus size industry, I never thought that my vision and dream of designing sultry, classic, yet modern lingerie pieces would come to fruition, but it certainly has…and in a grand way.  “Falling in Love with Lace” by Empress Lingerie debuted on the runway of Curvy Closets Plus Size Fashion Showcase on September 1^st, in Philadelphia, PA and to my surprise was well received by many.  From that point on my head was spinning and eager to work with my fabulous team to bring my vision to life.  My overall goal, with this line and shoot was to introduce pieces that were timeless and classic, with a punch of contemporary funk.  With each look we sought to step outside the box, while playing up on some of the seasonal trends, be it leather, lace and/or color.  Check out some of the teasers from yesterday’s shoot.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Special Thanks to our “Dream Team”:

Models: Ashley Edwards and Kirby Cernosek

Mua, Hair and Wardrobe Stylist: Corrinn Lichet (The Fuller Figure)

Photographer: Beth Revere-Lincoln (Empire Photography)

Designer: Domonique Revere-Lincoln (Empress Lingerie)

Fashion Fiesta: Curvy Closets

• We are a month removed from the greatness that was Curvy Closets Plus Size Fashion Showcase, and I am still trying to catch my breath.  This “labor of love” was brought together by my dear friend, Colleen Stovall of short, Curvy, FEIRCE and myself, in an effort to bring quality plus size fashion to the city of Philadelphia.  Doesn’t Philly deserve great fashion?  With 65% of the women in Philly being at least a size 14, we thought so too!  Not only was this a great opportunity to have a fashion fiesta with some of the fashion elitist in the curvy community, but also, tons of formal dresses were donated to Fairy Godmothers Inc., an organization that donates new and gently used formal dresses to young lady that may not otherwise be able to afford them.  From the terrific entertainment, to our fabulous hostess, to the array of eclectic vendors and wonderful fashion…oh and let’s not forget the breathtaking ambiance…it was nothing short of A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  I could not have dreamed of a better evening, surrounded by a supportive cast of friends and family, both from near and far.   Thank you EVERYONE for your kind words and positive thoughts throughout the process!  You are appreciated!

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

Photos Courtesy of:  Empire Photography

 

Join Curvy Closets on Smooches Radio!

 

Tune in tonight at we sit down with the ladies of Smooches at 7 p.m.! We will be promoting our upcoming event and discussing, what it means to have a “PLAN B”. Your support is ALWAYS appreciated!

Curvy Closets Fashion Showcase: Bringing Community, Curves and Charity to the city of Brotherly Love!

With over 65% of women in Philadelphia being plus size, it is time we have quality plus positive events in the city.  Colleen Stovall of shortCurvyFIERCE.com and I,  have combined forces and have been working tirelessly to bring a positive plus experience to fruition, otherwise known as Curvy Closets.

The event is a part of 17…Days of Fashion and is sure to be the best Philly has ever seen. Make sure you come on out and show your support on September 1st.  Along with great fashion, this event will bring an eclectic mix of vendors and major players in the curvy community to Philadelphia, such as, Nina Taylor, The Face of Full Figured Fashion Week 2011 and owner of the boutique modeling group, NJC Models and jazz vocalist and plus model, Radjulari Barnes.

A portion of the proceeds raised will go to benefit Fairy Godmothers Inc. of Pennsylvania. This local non-profit organization provides gowns for prom to teens that otherwise may not be able to afford it. Although we will be accepting all sizes I would love to see a lot of plus size gowns donated because there is a huge need. So take that fabulous dress you know you know you won’t wear again and donate it!

This is going to be one for the books and a ton of fun; so come out and support Community, Charity and Couture, in Philly!

The Show is September 1st from 5-9pm at Marathon, 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Tickets can be purchased at http://curvyclosets.eventbrite.com!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook

www.twitter.com/curvyclosets

www.facebook.com/curvyclosets

Did you miss it? PLUS Model Radio

If you follow us on Facebook, than you already know that we have been hard at work, preparing to bring Philly a curvy event for the books.  Still not aware of what we’re talking about? No worries!  Listen to our interview with PLUS Model Radio’s Chenese Lewis as we give the low down on Curvy Closets Fashion Showcase!

Sensational Strapless Bras

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Now that wedding season is upon us, it’s important to arm yourself with the proper undergarments, to ensure you look your best all day.  While a must have, strapless bras are difficult to shop for.  As fuller busted women it seems impossible to get adequate support all day from a strapless bra.  Here are some helpless hints and tips to assist in choosing the right bra for you:

1. Look for silicone lining inside the back wings and band of the bra.  There are usually two strips of silicone per side inside the band, one at the top and the other along the bottom, to help the strapless bra stay put, like a no-slip grip.  Those with a silicone strip along the bottom, beneath the underwires, are excellent for extra support.
2. Make sure the back band is firm and adequately tight, but not so much that it’s uncomfortable. This is to make sure your bra will hold up properly; all day.  Also keep in mind that if your back band is too loose, it will not give you the support that you need and will move around an uncomfortable amount.  After a few wears and washes (by hand, please!), the back band will stretch slightly and you may find yourself using a tighter configuration for your back adjustment.
3. Larger-Busted women. Even if you find a strapless bra that fits you perfectly, you may still feel uneasy about not having any straps, since it’s an unusual feeling.  I would suggest clear straps to avoid any mishaps and embarrassing moments.  Also try to go for a strapless bra that has a wider bra back hook and eye closure, for extra support.  Most strapless bras in DD cups and higher usually do have a three-hook-width bra back closure, which entails a slightly wider back band, to help minimize unsightly bulges, slim out the torso and keep the “girls” up where they belong!

Can you say…risque? Business owners are taking bachelorette parties to another level

In a country where 2.3 million couples enter into marriage each year and the average age of brides has increased to 29, we are seeing more and more brides (approximately 94%) opt to have bachelorette parties; and spicy ones, at that.  Not to be confused with the bridal shower, the now infamous bachelorette party is an event honoring a bride-to-be, by celebrating the end of her single life.  Unlike its predecessor, the groom’s bachelor party, bachelorette parties tend to have more interactive games and fun costumes, which ALWAYS leads to a good time. 

Thanks to adult boutique owners (brick & mortar and online), you and your closest (girl) friends can now celebrate your last hoorah, with a party centered on the one thing we all love…YOU!  Topics from lingerie to adult toys, pole dancing and sex are all areas of focus.   

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Make the focus education:  Gather your gals for an in-store sex-ed class, such as “The Art of Self Pleasure” or the “Tease and Please Workshop” (visit thevelvetlily.com for more information) and let the highly educated staff teach you a thing or two about passion and romance.  Or even learn a new sexy dance, from a trained burlesque and/or pole dancer.  Whichever you chose, it’s private, comfy and fun!

Or, chose to focus of something a bit…racier:  Business owners are playing host to in-home personal sex toy and lingerie parties, where vibrating toys of all shapes, sizes and colors will be gawked at and passed around like a game of hot potato.  The focus is placed on the functionality and advantages of each piece. Be prepared…some of your friends will be slightly awkward and uncomfortable, and others will find it hilarious. But, have no fear, with a little liquid courage, by the end of the party; everyone will be raving about how much fun they had.

 Liquid Courage Cocktail Recipes 

Mojo Mojito	Chocolate Chicatini	Purple Champagne Cocktail	Honeymoon Hurricane
6 fresh mint leaves	4 ct Vanilla Vodka	Champagne	3 ct. White Rum (Bacardi)
fresh sliced lime	4 ct White Chocolate Liqueur	Pom juice or Pama pomegranate liqueur	3 ct. Dark Rum (Meyer’s)
1 tbsp. sugar	4 ct Dark Chocolate Liqueur	Splash 7	3 ct. Spiced Rum (Captain)
Muddle	Cinnamon & Sugar Rim	Garnish w/ pomegranate seeds	Orangeor Pineapple Fruit Juice
5 ct. Bacardi Razz or any other fruity flavor			2 ct. Grenadine
Fill w/ Club Soda			Fresh Pineapple Wedge and cherry garnish
Splash 7

 

 

Seaside Style for EVERY Size!

Summer brings with it hot nights, family barbecues, and lots and lots of skin.  Swimsuits are essential to anyone’s summer wardrobe, but finding the perfect one takes time and trial and error. Here are several tips and tricks any woman can use to ensure she looks and feels like a million bucks, while laying out by the pool and/ot strutting her stuff on the beach.  And the best part…it won’t cost a small fortune.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

1. Choose a swimsuit that flatters your body shape.  Women with large breasts should wear a suit with underwire in the bra and those with larger hips may want to opt for a suit with a higher cut in the hips to help accentuate your curves.
2. Play with prints!  They help to camouflage those trouble stops, while adding some color and fun to your summertime style.
3. Prepare your skin for a day in the swimsuit.  Exfoliate to provide a natural glow and ALWAYS wear sunscreen.
4. Eat a light breakfast filled with energy-boosting foods, such as fruit and yogurt and drink TONS of water.  Avoid heavy or salty foods, like eggs or bacon, as these will cause bloating that will not only make you look bigger but will also make you feel more run-down.
5. Wear beach accessories that will draw attention to your most attractive parts. Large necklaces draw attention to your bustline, while sarongs help to show off that mid-section that you’ve been working on all winter.
6. Stand up straight and walk with your chest slightly outward. This will make you seem taller, give you a more attractive line and help you exude confidence no matter what bathing suit you are in.

We’re Bringing Sexy Back!

Join us as we set BellaNor Boutique on fire on June 9th, at our first, but certainly not our last trunk show!