Category: Fashion

Gift Giving at Any Budget

(insert some cute kids singing Jingle Bells all decked out in their holiday best)

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?
Who am I kidding?
Of course you have, you guys are professionals!

In case you’re a last minute shopper or just waiting to get some free time (and extra money) I’ve put together a guide to gift giving at any budget. Sounds cool, right?!  Well, I did tons of research…including Twitter polls asking everyone what they’d enjoy getting as a gift.  That spawned plenty of inappropriate adult answers LOL but I did manage to shuffle through those and come up with this:  guys like gadgets, games and anything. Ladies tend to like things they can wear.  I pretty much agree with those results, being a lady and all.

Let’s get started, shall we….

 For The Saver:  ($100 & under)
 
Perfect stocking stuffers from Bath & Body Works
Kmart Fashion & Comfy PJ’s

 

Available at Nordstrom
For The Spender ($100 & up):
This mini gift guide may come in handy for those of you out there still looking or just starting to look for the perfect gift.  Me, personally, kind of easy to shop for…just remember these things, shoes size 8, ring size 7, white or yellow gold, puppies, pink, and leather.  That’s Rena (me) in a nutshell! See, not too crazy and easy to shop for! *I do have a Paypal account* curvesandcoffee@gmail.com *cough cough*
HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING

The Twilight Saga: The Cast Then and Now

 
Ok, I may know what you’re thinking…
What? Why?  Is she?
LOL, yes I am.
 
 I’ve seen all of the Twilight series. The first film happened to be on network television one night while I was at home bored so I tuned in.  It was pretty awful acting from a movie buffs point of view. Give the directors points because it intrigued me enough to find out what happened in the next film.  The rest is, shall we say, history!  Don’t kill me Twihards, Twihearts and other Twilight lovers, I enjoy the actors very much!  If you’re still here reading with me and haven’t clicked away, thanks!  We can probably go see a movie together one day!
 




Since this is one of the biggest movie releases of the holiday season (next to my ultimate favorite Skyfall) it’s only fitting that we take a look at a few of the cast members that have grown on me through the years.
 
Taylor Lautner
 
Then 2008 & Now 2012
 
 
 
Kristen Stewart
 
Then 2008 & Now 2012
 
Now, this ensemble needed a couple snapshots of its’ own!  K.Stew…I think I love you!  Everyone has either stated they love or hate this lace jumper.  I believe she pulls it off!  Style is what you make it, she wore this with confidence and it shows!
 
Designer: Zuhair Murad
 
 
 
Robert Pattinson
 
Then 2008 & Now 2012
 
 
 
The Couple
 
Then 2008 & Now 2012
The Threesome Together
Then 2009 & Now 2012
 
(all photos above are courtesy of Getty Images)
 




 
Now can you see how these three have grown on me?!  After looking at all these pics, I’m kinda in the mood for a little nibble! (That’s a vampire joke…nevermind)
 
Happy Movie Going!
 
 

Designer Spotlight: Karen Kane

UPDATE:

Remember way back when I posted a few styles that were on trend?  Think back to the post about tassels.  Yes, this post right H E R E!  There was a designer that I have yet to try in that post… Karen Kane.  Well, her fall line is rolling out and I’m quite shocked!  That may be good AND bad at the same damn time.
 
Here’s what I like:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Those are cute versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched all year round…minus the fur vest of course.  Those are the items you ladies need to go for.  You want to have something in closet (especially if it was over $100) that can be worn more than one time a year or one weekend.  Think, classic pieces.
 
 
 




 
 
I’d really like for designers that attempt to give clothes for curvy girls to give us the same quality and effort that they give to the smaller sizes!  Just because it looks good on the woman with no curves doesn’t mean that same print, pattern or color will look good on curves. Don’t think that’s asking for too much.
 
 
 
There’s a gorgeous mult-sequin dress that I’d kill to have from Karen Kane but its not for curves.  Not yet anyway.
 
UPDATE:  Multi-sequin dress is NOW AVAILABLE for plus sizes!

 

 
 
 

Lil Red Riding A Motorcycle? Yes,wearing Giuseppe Zanotti!

Motorcycle boots are a thing I’m absolutely loving!  It’s been about two years since this trend reemerged from the 90’s grunge bone yard and the tom boy deep down inside hope it stays!!  Currently, I own only two pairs, a brown pair from Madden and a black pair from… Chinese Laundry.  Of course a girl can never have too many of a good thing!  This only means I’m gonna be broke again because I’m online searching for motorcycle boots LOL!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 



Election 2012: Red, White, & Blue Plus Size Fashion

Time to cast your vote!!

I don’t want to get too preachy or start sounding like a feminist or civil rights leader here today BUT please make sure you get out and vote today!  We as women weren’t able to vote not too long ago and especially many of us who are African American.  There’s no need to give a history lesson either.  Given this opportunity to vote in a democracy you better believe I’m at the polls on election day!

I VOTED!

(Notice the Oxblood polish!)

Here’s a question for you…what are you wearing to the polls?

I simply wore sweats and Nike’s seeing as though my polling location is reachable via a trail through the woods behind my cul-de-sac.  Seriously, the elementary school where I vote is just a short walk away so I rolled out of bed bright-eyed and bushy tailed early in the morning *cough cough* 11 am to vote!  If I had the time and the energy at 7am to be camera ready, definitely would’ve put together a fabulous ensemble worthy of any politician (not a pants suit).

Of course this had me thinking…”What would I wear to vote and be patriotic in November?”  Hmmm…ok first thought, Stars and Stripes but not Fourth of July…muted deep dark colors…YES!

Election Day 2012
Vote!
Election 2012

Feeling Techie: iPad Mini Vs. Samsung Note II

Technology geeks and fans and lovers unite!!  It’s been awhile since I’ve shared some techie news or a new gadget.  Today just feels like the perfect time to find out what’s coming out or recently been released.  Personally, I’m in the tech market for a new camera and possibly a new phone.  I’d like something that has all of those things in one because I carry enough stuff around with me on a daily basis, adding a bulking camera isn’t really on the list.  Although, if I found the perfect camera that wasn’t as bulky that would allow me to take great pics for you guys to see then I’m jumping on it!!

So, what electronic thingy-ma-bobbit-jiggits are hot in these gadget streets these days?  Well, let’s take a looksie shall we…

iPad mini
Apple has seriously lost their minds!  An iPad mini?  Like, there’s an iPhone and the iPad ..do you really need a mini version?  It’s just odd and it totally reminds me of this SNL skit…hilarious about the iPod invisa which is basically just an obsolete model of a just released iPod! http://www.myvideo.de/watch/417313/IPod_Invisa (that’s a German site, apparently NBC revokes all copies of their programming…um note to NBC execs, give us permission to show your funny sh!t.)   Now, I can see, if you don’t own either of those Apple products, fine…the mini looks perfect for purse toting.  I’m not judging, just saying…owning all three of those together seems a bit well a lot redundant.

However, if you’d like to purchase the iPad mini, it’ll be released mid-November starting out with a price tag of $329 (regular iPad goes for $499 as comparison)

Anywho…the commercial is cute!

Samsung Galaxy Note II
Samsung is really trying to take over the world and I’m ok with that!  This might be the product for me!  It seriously does everything I need it to do.  It’s a tablet, phone, camera and web wave surfer.  Researching products for this post has actually helped me out with choosing my new gadget!  The commercial doesn’t do it any justice (well not for me because I am NOT a Lebron fan or a Miami Heat fan…NBA basketball for those non sports fans.)

This should allow me to just have ONE device to carry with me everyday without having to lug around a backpack AND a purse.  I just hope the software can hold up to the workload I want to use it for and more importantly will this become obsolete if they come up with a better software.

Going for $369 with TMobile after rebates and incentives.

Dangit nabbit man…the agony of making a tech decision…this is definitely harder than buying a pair of shoes!

Colors of the Season: Plus Size Fall Fashion with a little Fall Photography

 
Apparently, it’s fall but I’m not completely sure “fall” got that memo!  Yesterday it was over 77 degrees and humid (believe me, my hair officially hates me now) and today the high is supposed to be 50!  I think the weather Gods are on vacation. Have I told you guys I live in Michigan?  I should be wrapping a scarf around my neck by now.  Once I get out sweaters, I’m ready to put them on…not so fast says mother nature.
 
Speaking of weather…hoping all my southern and east coast sweets in the states are safe with the “Frankenstorm” coming and all.
 
This is what “fall” looks like here…bright, colorful and full of…leaves.
 
 
I took these pictures while driving in Canton, Michigan and it definitely looks as though the fall season is in full bloom
(I was the passenger this day…safety first!)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The colors of the season are amazing!
 
Absolutely inspiring to be exact.
 
Wonder what colors I can find in stores…definitely need some gold, deep reds and maybe emerald.  Fall essentials in 2012!
 
Shopaholics rejoice!
 
 
1. Splendid Mixed Media Top $98 Nordstrom
 
2. Studded Snakeskin Print Blouse $39.50  Ashley Stewart
 
3. Sejour Corduroy Jacket $88 Nordstrom
 
4. Seven7 Baroque Jeans $99.95  Lane Bryant
 
5. Ingenue Paisley Print Dress $89.99  Saint Bustier
 
6. Michael Kors Zip Campshirt $94.50   Nordstrom
 
1. Skinny Jeans $59.95  Lane Bryant
 
2. Ribbed Sweater  $19.50  Ashley Stewart
 
3. Mynt Faux Leather Moto Jacket $188 Nordstrom
 
4. Ralph Lauren Polo $65 Nordstrom
 
5. Kenneth Cole Faux Wrap Top $89.50 Nordstrom
 
Pants $99.50 Nordstrom
 
6. Michael Kors Zip Campshirt $94.5  Nordstrom
 
 
1. Baby Phat Sweater Dress $59 Macy’s
 
2. American Rag Double Breasted Jacket $69  Macy’s
 
3. ING Colorblocked Shirt $39.99 Macy’s
 
4. DKNY Python Jeggings $89 Lane Bryant
 
5. Mynt Faux Leather Moto Jacket $188 Nordstrom
 
6. Pink Rose Striped Sweater Tunic $50.99 Macy’s
 
 
 
Pretty amazing  colors, right?! If I had shopping money this month, I’d have an armful of bags right about now!  If you can get out and shop…have fun for me!
xo Rena

All About Peplum!

Peplum: pep-plum {pep*luhm} – a short full flounce or an extension of a garment below the waist, covering the hips.  A short skirt attached to a bodice or jacket. (dictionary.com)

This is a big thing.  A HUGE thing.  It’s so big you’re going to need more than one…more than THREE!  Just trust me, you should definitely go out (or stay in and click) to purchase something, anything peplum!  This is me, telling you to do this.  I am NOT one for trends nor am I anti-trend. Just a lover of classic pieces that will last more than one season.  Kinda thinking peplum will be a classic thing here.

Curvy girls…this is something trendy we’ve been waiting on!  A peplum top is going to disguise the things we don’t want on display while accenting the sexy curve of our hips.  Really can’t ask for more in one article of clothing.  From tops, to dresses, to skirts, to coats, to jackets, we have lots to choose from.  You can wear it with anything and with any look as you can see below. To save you a few clicks or parking spot fights, I went ahead and did a teeny tiny bit of shopping for you…

Peplum!

Styles from ASOS.com Curve Collection

From left to right:

Tutu top – $33.42
Soft blouse – $56.29
Faux leather top – $49.25
Long sleeve jersey top – $35.18
Animal print dress – $35.18
Military coat – $158.31
Hounds tooth top – $66.84
Lace top – $31.66

Peplum!

Peplum styles from Debshops.com

From left to right:

Lace key hole back dress – $42.50
Knit pencil skirt – $13.87
Keyhole back dress – $29.50
Sweater knit necklace top – $19.12
Two-tone strapless dress – $36.50
Floral lace dress – $42.50
Lace top with color lining – $17.62

There’s currently a sale going on at Debs and ASOS, that means you may wanna hurry on over there to pick these up before they’re gone or go back up in price!  I’m definitely getting something…just have to make my indecisive mind.

Hopefully, some of you stylish sweets get the chance to purchase something peplum for your fall wardrobe.

Would you like to know something funny?  Sure ya do!  While typing this post, spell-check wanted to change “peplum” into “plummer” ever so badly!  Then, I got to wondering, a peplum top would actually be perfect for a plummer!  It would totally take care of the dreaded “plummers crack”!  Did someone invent this style with a plummer in mind? Imagine that!  This spelling fiasco also made me want to create a program specifically for fashion.  That way, when I type “peplum” I won’t end up with “plummer”.

Happy Shopping!

Shopping For A Cause

 

During the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month <—why it’s important to me) many stores, brands and companies are offering products in “Pink”!!  How exciting is that?!  If you purchase these “Pink” products, that brand will donate a portion (in some cases, all) of the proceeds to a breast cancer charity or research fund.  It doesn’t get any better than that!  You get to shop your little shopaholic heart out AND give to a great cause!

In case you need a little incentive to shop this weekend…

Since I am a football fanatic…
 
 
 
 
iPhone Case-proceeds to BCA
 
 
 
Giving a percentage of “pink purchases” to charity
 
 
 
 
Hope in a jar
 
 
 
 

As many know, my Grandmother passed away from breast cancer three years ago… I would do anything to help the cause of finding a cure!  If it even helps just blogging about what items to buy or even just wearing a pink ribbon, I’ll do it.  No matter how big or how small, just know you can help.

And don’t forget….

CHECK THOSE BOOBIES!!!