Author: Rena

What To Wear: Visiting His Family for the Holidays

So he spent Thanksgiving with you and your family now it’s time for you to head to his folks’ place for Christmas. Well, that all sounds like a fun time until you start freaking out about what to wear!

No worries!

First, ask yourself these 3 questions:

  1. Where will you be going? (i.e. city, country, cold state or warm place)
  2. How long will you be there? (you’re going to need more than one outfit)
  3. Is it casual or formal?

Once you have the answers to those questions, it’s waaaay easier to narrow down your outfit choices.

If you’re still having trouble figuring it all out…I’m here to help!

Here are several plus size outfit ideas for any weather.

 

 

look one

 

Look one is perfect for the casual holiday gathering and features a cute versatile plus size Danica top from Fashion To Figure, Lena black stretch pants from Lane Bryant and square gift box Kate Spade clutch that I am absolutely DYING to have in my collection right now! (Hint hint wink wink 🙂 )

 

holiday look two

 

Look two is just a little bit more fancy/dressier than look one but still has all the comfort. A gorgeous “darling batwing” peplum top in a creamy white color from Fashion To Figure that will hide any problem areas (uh win!) Attention! jeweled shoes from Kmart (yes, THAT Kmart) in a perfect shade of camel. The featured gold DVF bag is currently sold out on Nordstrom.com but you can find similar bags by clicking here or visit DVF.com. Coated black pants that will more than likely have you feeling sexier than ever from Lane Bryant. Your man will probably want to rip them off of you once the night is over!

 

 

 

holiday look three

 

Look three gives you wonderful plus size outfit ideas that are dressier and well, um…dresses (and a skirt)! If you’ll attend a more formal event/dinner with his family, these dresses are shape flattering and perfect for any holiday dinner event! I tried to pick dresses that stayed within a “holiday color scheme” so you won’t stick out in a bad way. The red & black lace trimmed dresses are from Eloquii, the black velvety soft princess seem dress is from eshakti (which custom fits your clothes with the measurements you send them! From size 0-36W, they’ll be sure to give you a great piece! Last but not least, the Dia chevron foil skirt from Fashion To Figure. Bonus, these dresses can totally be worn more than once to any type of shindig later on. The shoes are in no particular order, mix and match as you please!

 

Each holiday look idea, is featured with a dressier shoe. Whether it’s a flat or a heel, be sure that whatever shoe you choose is comfortable enough to wear for a couple of hours. You can also pull your sneakers out of the car or carry some really comfy slipper socks in your purse for this exact occasion! I’m sure his folks will understand. Of course with most of America having a “heat wave” it’s kind of hard to dress for 60+ degrees in December so those looks are all perfect with or without a coat.

Have fun and Happy Holidays!

Time for Fall Fashion

The season is finally changing!

Thank goodness because I couldn’t wait to pull out my fall jackets, jeans, and boots! It’s rare that I need to go shopping for something new which is why I always buy and keep classic wardrobe staples in my closet.

BUTTTT

That doesn’t mean I’m not spying the seasons new trends to add to my collection!

Staying on trend is key to keeping your style– your look– and your closet on point. Plus size fall fashion has come a very long way from the days of over-sized plain black tops and mom jeans. 2015 is no different in the fashion diversity department.

 

Here are a few of my favorite 2015 fall fashion items:

 

plus size fall fashion

Writing Destructed Skinny Jeans – $49.50  Ashley Stewart

 

ashleystewartbooties1Lace Up Wedge Booties – $59.50 Ashley Stewart

 

solesocietybag1

Sole Society Capri Faux Leather Tote – $64.95 Nordstrom

 

bbdakotajacket1

BB Dakota Printed Wrap Coat – $88 Amazon

 

Perfect for any weather, these are great items to add to your closet. I recommend you go out and buy these ASAP before they’re gone!

Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

As a cause I always hold so close and dear to my heart since my Grandmother was diagnosed and fought for over 20 years, I urge all those that are able to help…please do so.

You can help by shopping, donating, spreading the word, volunteering, and even getting the proper tests or exams for yourself.

I’ve compiled a list of very import sites that are helping to kick breast cancer in the ass! Included in the list below are several stores that will donate a percentage of their sales from their special Breast Cancer Awareness Month items directly to specific organizations.

( 🙂 this post is in all pink of course so be sure to click links that are BOLD 🙂 )

 

01torridbca

 Torrid will donate 15% of marked items purchased from their “Breast Cancer Awareness Collection” to National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc.

 

01lanebca

Lane Bryant will donate 10% of items purchased from their “Cause Collection” to the American Cancer Society.

 

And of course there are other ways to help raise awareness including donating directly to non-profit breast cancer awareness and research foundations, as well as the American Cancer Society. This also ensures your money goes directly to the foundations that need it most. Listed below are the Avon Foundation (Breast Cancer Crusade, Susan G. Komen and Karmanos Institute here in Michigan.

 

01avonbca

Avon Foundation for Women: Breast Cancer Crusade

 

01komenbcaSusan G. Komen

 

01acbca

American Cancer Society: Fighting Breast Cancer

 

01karmanosbca

Karmanos Cancer Institute

 

 

In related information, be sure when you are purchasing PINK items, those PINK items and company are actually giving a percentage of that sale to a reputable cancer research or awareness organization. Don’t just buy PINK without knowing you’re giving your hard earned money to a cause.

For more information on donating/spending head over to Think Before You Pink, an organization fighting and giving important tidbits about companies who don’t donate a percentage at all or those companies who sell cancer causing products.

FYI: you’re going to learn A LOT!

National Coffee Day 2015

It’s finally time for everyone else to celebrate what I (and other fellow coffee lovers) celebrate every single day…

drum roll please

 

It’s National Coffee Day!

 

Check out these national chains who are game to give us free coffee (or discounted deals) on a cup of java!

Krispy Kreme

Dunkin’ Donuts

Peet’s Coffee

 

I’m slightly bummed some chains aren’t offering a free cup like they did in previous years but don’t let that stop you! Be sure to stop in your local coffee shops to what deals they may be offering. Plus it’s always great to shop and spend at small businesses.

You can also show your team spirit on social media by tagging posts and pics with #NationalCoffeeDay and #CurvesAndCoffee! I’d love to see your warm indulgences!

To see past celebrations simply click here ~~~> National Coffee Day

 

Lane Bryant Wants Everyone to Know that #PlusIsEqual

plusisequal

Have you seen Lane Bryant’s new ad campaign that was unveiled last week during New York Fashion Week?!

In case you haven’t, here’s the commercial spot below!

The campaign is called Plus Is Equal and that’s pretty bad ass!

So whenever you’re using social media to get out your shopping and fashion frustration just hash tag that #PlusIsEqual and get your point across with ease! I could spend hours writing about this epic moment and make it the longest post ever but I’ll spare you guys…today.

Visit #PlusIsEqual for more info!

Enjoy!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is June 21st!

Just like Mother’s Day, I’ll give you guys several Father’s Day gift ideas to bring a smile to any dad’s face!

Let’s get to it…

Here are 6 drool worthy gift ideas for the tech dad, the foodie dad, the dad to be, and even the sports loving dad and only one is over $100! That’s right, even with a small budget, dad can get an amazing gift.

 

citizenwatch[1.] For the extravagant dad in your life who just might need (or want) something extra, this  chronograph eco-drive watch from Citizen is all the “extra” any guy would love to have. If you have the dollars to splurge (let’s face it, dad deserves it ya know) the $350 price tag on this sleek watch will be well spent. ~ Citizen $350

 

 

 

 

 

new_dad_comp_s__13308.1412700982.702.702[2.] Sooo, there’s this cool site called ManCrates.com that offers pre-packaged gifts for men but they’re in wooden crates! I don’t think you can get more manly than a crate but the crates come with a crowbar to pry open the gift filled boxes.

 

 

 

 

 

I hear a Tim the Tool Man Taylor grunt in the background…

tim-allen-grunt_3793129_GIFSoup.com

This specific ManCrate is actually a stuffed to the brim tactical bag made perfectly for soon-to-be dads or new father’s in mind. All of the things a guy could possibly need including a few gag items like a pacifier with a mustache! I may need to borrow someones baby just so I see it using the cute Mustachifier! ~ New Dad Tactical Bag $99

 

 

gearwood[3.] Gear Driven Iphone Docking Station? Yes please! Any guy out there would love this…a docking station for your smartphone which doubles as a valet for all of his necessary “things.” Oh! By the way, it’s handmade from wood and totally works like a gear! You can find this awesome gift on Etsy from KkornerInnovations ~ Wood Valet/Docking Station $78

 

 

 

 

beard1[4.] Speaking of Etsy, Beardology has everything your dad or guy needs to keep his beard in check. If he’s gonna keep the scruffiness, he should at least make it look good! “The Man Set” includes natural oils, wash and balm for all of the hairs on his chinny chin chin. ~ Beardology $28

 

 

 

 

 

_P9B3522_Edit__56036.1414519932.702.702[5.] We’re heading back to ManCrates! This time, you can pick up the perfect crate for the dad who absolutely loves his sports and his beer. This one in particular is an NFL themed crate but they also have MLB and other sports themed crates made for the screaming fan in your living room! ~ NFL Bar Crate $89

 

 

 

 

 

seasalt[6.] What dad doesn’t love to eat tasty and flavorful food?! This set of sea salts includes unique flavors from all over the good ol’ USA! Purchase on the great site UncommonGoods.com where you can wander for hours looking at odd yet incredible gifts for any and everyone. ~ Flavors of America Sea Salt Set $60

 

 

 

Don’t let Dad go without the proper recognition of being “Dad of the year!”

#NYCBigBold Influenster VoxBox

Unboxing a VoxBox!

A rare siting here at Curves And Coffee….me actually uploading a video!

I love being behind the scenes and getting things done so places like Youtube and SnapChat aren’t my go-to social media platforms but today, you’re in luck! See my unboxing of the NYCBigBold Influenster VoxBox…just click play!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rcc_YSu6bm8&feature=youtu.be

 

As you know, Influenster sends out boxes of goodies for people to review and as the product junkie I am, I qualified for this box! One of the “tasks” required me to film and post an unboxing video so I decided to use this opportunity to test the waters. See the unboxing video above and feel free to send me tips (and encouragement lol) so I can improve my “late-to-the-youtube-party” skills!

Stay tuned for more on this vox box soon!

Mint Juleps According to The Kentucky Derby

Counting down to the annual race today? Invite a few friends over and concoct the perfect Mint Julep with this recipe right from the horses’ mouth! Ok, so it’s not exactly from a horse but it is from the good folks over at the Kentucky Derby.

 

The Old Forester Mint Julep Recipe

kentuckyderbymintjulep
the Kentucky derby mint julep

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes.

Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.

Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon.

Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Old Forester Kentucky Bourbon
Silver Julep Cups

 

You can read up on the history of the Mint Julep all over the web so recipes may vary! Since I’m not in Kentucky to pick up any Old Forester Bourbon, I’m sure substituting with any of my (or your) favorite whiskey will do. A trick I learned to make Mint Juleps: use a pestle mortar to grind the mint and extract the flavor (saves on having to let anything sit overnight.)

Since you’re going to be drinking so early today, try to pace yourself…remember there is a fight to watch much later. Horse racing plus the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, what better way to spend a sports-filled Saturday than drink mixing with friends?!

 

Have fun!

 

(this is not my recipe nor did I create it. simply sharing 🙂

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

That’s right! Mother’s Day is Sunday May 10, 2015 and it’ll be here before you know it!

Mother’s only get one “special” day a year, can you believe that? Absolutely egregious if you ask me!

I’m not a mom (don’t you dare ask me about having kids…not happening, anywho…)  I have the absolute greatest mom ever put on earth. Everyone says that but I truly mean it! She’s been with me during the hardest times of my life and always willing to be silly when we need a laugh.

That being said, moms deserve to be celebrated year round! So consider this a guide for the perfect gift that’ll bring the biggest smile to your moms face. Not to mention, a gift that will last more than one day! Below you’ll find Mother’s Day gift ideas for all price ranges. This should help you find the perfect gift for the special lady in your life.

 

giftcardimg

Gift cards may seem like an easy way out but in actuality they are the best thing for the recipient. It allows your mom to spend it any way she likes and you won’t even need a gift receipt!

My favorite places to get and give gift cards are: Spafinder.com, Target, Kohls, Best Buy (hey, some moms are tech geeks too!) Sephora, and Amazon. 

Stores that offer more than one brand or type of item is a great place to purchase a gift card, that way someone can get multiple “gifts” and they won’t feel the pressure to spend it all at once. A mother’s day treat because it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

 

 

mothersdayjewelryJewelry, of course, is a personal fave.

A mom can never have too many sparkly things, especially when those things are glittering gold or silver and maybe diamonds!

With tons of sales celebrating the start of spring and pre-Mother’s Day sales, jewelry is definitely within a reasonable grab for shoppers of all price ranges.

1. Ribbon Letter Monogram Necklace ~ $145 ~ Bauble Bar

2. Birthstones Bangle Bracelets ~ $28+ ~ Alex and Ani

3. Dew Drop Threader Earrings ~ $45 ~ Blue Nile

4. Kendra Scott Oval Statement Earrings ~ $60 ~ Nordstrom

The key to buying jewelry is to “Keep It Simple”…yes, it’s really that easy! Huge statement pieces are trending at the moment but if you want your mom to have something sparkly that she can wear regardless of the season, remember to find jewelry that has a classic look that can be worn with just about everything in her closet.

 

flowersAs with many special occasions, flowers and fruit baskets are great options too!

The flowers won’t last a lifetime and the fruit might not make it through the day but mom is sure to love them and that’s all that matters.

Think of giving a gift basket that has more than sweet edible nibbles such as a coffee lovers basket which includes a mug and coffee press. Find them at 1-800-Baskets & 1-800-Flowers or get creative and make your own…just stay away from the uncooked macaroni!

 

By now, you should have the hang of shopping for mom…simple, classic, and timeless are your go-to keywords. Those words go out the window if you know your mom and understands that she likes getting different kinds of gifts or perhaps not even wanting a gift at all. Just remember if you’re ordering a gift, be sure to place that order soon or you won’t have it delivered in time. You definitely don’t want her to think you forgot about her on this special day.

Get out there and go shopping! Happy gifting!