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Fast and Fashionable: NAIAS 2013

naias audi

Welcome to the weekend stylish sweets!

I’m going to need a few e-cuddles this weekend.

For an entire week my mind was freaking insane! My laptop crashed and it kept crashing (hence why this post is a few days later than I expected) it took a little over a full day to get it fixed by yours truly. Good to know I can remember how to get myself out of a random tech jam. Before I could even finish this sentence, it crashed again *sigh* Just hope this doesn’t mean I’ll be in the market for a new laptop soon…fingers crossed. Besides that glitch in the matrix (literally) I got a chance to take in the sights of the auto show.

 
 

Thanks to WXYZ Detroit (Channel 7) and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) I was able to attend an Industry Preview before the doors opened to the public. Can you imagine? A sneak peek at all the cars and exhibits while everything is fresh and new OH and still intact! This was perfect timing for me to break out my Christmas gift, test drive it and snap some amazing shots! Ok, LOTS of amazing shots! You can see all the snap happy pics I took right on my Facebook page that you already liked, you did like it already, right?! Curves And Coffee on Facebook

With all the photos of shiny new cars, I decided to try a fashion experiment  All is fair in love, cars and fashion! The pics came out so well that the true colors of the cars popped out at you immediately. That of course, only meant one thing, focus in on the great styles that would match the vehicles. Take a stroll through NAIAS with a fashion and style obsessed curvy shopaholic.

 
 
Weekend errands in an emerald Fiat!
(Pantone would be so proud)
 
 
 
 
Weekend Warrior
 
 
 
 
 
Zooming around town on date night in a Corvette!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date night
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crazy colors hugging the curves in a Camaro!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mix & Match It




 
 
 




 
 
Have fun at the party in the SRT!
 
 
 
 
Party
 
 
 
 
 
Feeling luxurious in a Lincoln!
 
 
 
 
 
Luxurious
 
 
 
 
 
Fun Times in a Fiat!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Play Date!




 
 
 
 
Ahh that was fun! It was like shopping at the mall and shopping for cars all at the same time! As with everything, all items featured in my Polyvore sets are for those with dangerous curves. Don’t be scared to experiment with color, as you can see, I had lots of fun mixing and matching bright colors in all the outfits. Just gotta find something you like and put your foot on the pedal and accelerate!




New Years Eve 2013

Welcome to the weekend stylish sweets!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday or whatever your beliefs may allow you to celebrate.  My day was perfectly spent in Snoopy pajamas with my family!  My mother loved her gifts from our favorite store (Coach) and she surprised me with Coach goodies and a new Canon Powershot camera *insert me doing the running man*!  I desperately needed a new camera and cannot wait to use it and show you guys the pics (once I get a memory card) minor details for a photoshoot.  There’s a perfect photo op coming up soon! New Years Eve!

10…9…8…7…6…wait, what am I going to wear?!

I swear I’m not a procrastinator! OK, maybe I I I put things off, sometimes.  Not all of the time but just some of the time. Yea, let’s go with that.

Three days before New Years Eve and I don’t have anything to wear!  Totally reminds me of NYE two years ago when friends and I vacationed in Georgia. Took me two weeks to find an all black outfit for an “All Black NYE Bash”.  What are the odds that I’d struggle to find something black?!  I found the shoes first that year and that’s probably where I went wrong.  Starting from the bottom is always going to be a task.  Funny thing, I did the same thing this year…whomp whomp.  When you see that perfect pair of shoes, you just HAVE to buy them, HAVE to! It’s Shopping 101!

Here are the shoes I have picked to step into the new year.  First tweeted by Nordstrom then purchased by me (after an exhausting web search of course!) They are none other than Nine West and if you go to their site instead of Nords…..they’re ONLY $69 instead of $149. Shhh, don’t tell Nordstrom that. Oh hello new sparkly shoes!

Hooked on shoes. twitpic.com/bpz9iu bit.ly/RkDIXu
— Nordstrom (@Nordstrom) December 28, 2012

Share photos on twitter with Twitpic
Purchase them here ~~~> Sparkle On My Sweets

Available in tons of other colors too!  I just ordered them…fingers crossed they’re here in time! If not…my plan today will be calling EVERY store within a 50 mile radius and have them put on hold!

Now, time to figure out what’s going to go WITH these shoes. Since I spent $$$ on shoes, I’m more than likely gonna grab things that are already in my possession. Soooo…all the items below are as close as possible to what I have in my closet give or take a couple items. The item choices that I don’t own, come from stores online that can be easily bought with a quick trip to the mall so no worries on my short time limit.

NYE 2013 Blog: Curves and Coffee

What do you think?  I’m simply going to dinner and dancing…nothing fancy. Well, that is, if these shoes arrive or I’ll be sitting at home watching the ball drop.  Which isn’t a bad idea now that I think about it!  I can sit in my pajamas with these heels on and sip bubbly without freezing!! Also, won’t have hurting toesies at the end of the night.

Hmm…..

Winter Boots to Combat the Snowy Forecast

So, we’ve found winter coats, winters bright lights and a few gift ideas…what could be next?!
That’s easy!
BOOTS!
Of course I have to show you guys boots for the chilly season.  I am a sucker for a cute pair of boots.  Seriously…ankle boots, booties, wedge boots, heel boots, knee high boots, thigh high boots, rain boots, snow boots, and boots boots!  Ok, that may have been a little bit more of Bubba from Forrest Gump than I planned to include.  Gets straight the point for my love of boots.
Crazy things tend to happen in the north and on the east coast so we’re going to need something warm and cozy on our toesies
I picked an online shoe store…Zappos to be exact to showcase the snow boots.  They have great customer service and ship EVERYWHERE plus free returns.  Can’t pass that up!
1. The North Face – Shellista – $150
2. Hi-Tec Sierra – Pamir – $220
3. UGG – Brynn – $160
4. UGG – Adirondack – $325
5. Hunter – Original Gloss Snow Boot – $225
6. Sorel – Cate The Great – $160
7. Khombu – Shelby – $72
These boots are sure to keep your toes warm and socks dry all throughout the winter months. Definitely worth the triple digit price tag  for the durability alone.  I’ve never been a person who really liked chunky or clunky heavy boots…just reminds me of being a kid and wearing all those clothes just to go play in the snow!  I do, however, love the boots that are stylish, light and still manage to keep your feet safe from the winter elements. The boots above, have all those qualities!  I like every pair up there but if I have to be picky… I’d probably go with the UGG (number 3) or the Sorel (number 6)…can’t go wrong with any one of those!
Stay warm my stylish sweets and as always…. Happy Shopping!!

Winters Bright Lights: Don’t Go Drab This Winter

Just because it’s December, doesn’t mean you have to feel grumpy!  Heck, you don’t even have to look frumpy! This winter, add some color to your wardrobe!  I’ve compiled a group of colorful things from sweaters to shoes for you to enjoy this winter.  Easy as grandmas apple pie! These bright lights are perfect as an accessory or as your main style statement…either way you’re going to stand out and outshine everyone!

Winters Bright Lights

1. Sephora Collection Rouge Cream Lipstick in Love Test – $12 – Sephora.com

2. Kate Spade New York Striped Pom pom Hat – $59 – Bloomingdales.com

3. Dirty Laundry Game Face Green – $35.99 – Zappos.com

4. Giuseppe Zanotti Sneakers – $775 – Nordstrom

5. Kate Spade New York Colorblock Chunky Scarf – $103 – Bloomingdales.com

6. Longchamp Satchel Gatsby Sport – $1,155 – Bloomingdales.com

7. Type Z Yumiko Purple Platform Pumps – $47.99 – Zappos.com

8. Coach Legacy Leather Duffle – $348 – Coach.com

9.  Button Down Cardigan – $28 – JcPenney

10. Calvin Klein Plus Moto Jacket – $90 – Bloomingdales

11. Multicolored Bangle Bracelets – $8 – JcPenney

12. Illesteva Leonard II Sunglasses – $260 – Barneys

13. Kate Spade New York Argyle Scarf – $106 – Bloomingdales

14. Kate Spade New York Pow Pow Mittens – $68 – Bloomingdales

As a fan-girl of all things bright and cheerful, I loved browsing my favorite shopping sites and seeing an array of colors that tickled my fancy.  There’s just something about a pop of color in the winter that screams, I’m having a good day and I love it!

Hope you enjoy and as always… Happy Shopping!

Wrapped In Warmth

December is here, you guys!
It doesn’t feel like it but it’s really December.
Seriously, I checked the calender before I started writing.
Even though it’s 60 degree or maybe even hotter where you are in the world…it’s still somehow December. If the weather hasn’t turned chilly or cold…I’m sure we’ll all be in for it really really soon. This means it is time to wrap up, bundle up the kiddos, cuddle and light a fire.  With that said, I’m your girl if you need help finding things to wear in December!
Hardest thing to find: a winter coat
Let me just say, if you’ve got boobs, meaning anything over a C-cup…finding the perfect coat is harder than trying to find the perfect guy (BTW, he doesn’t exist ladies…no one is perfect.) Good thing there’s tons of men, I mean coats out there 😉  You’re gonna need a coat that zips, buttons, ties or something, because the temps this season will make your teeth chatter or so my weatherman says.
Guess what?!  I’m going to introduce you to some cute coats at different price levels (as per the usual here).
Available at Target
$45 (On sale 12/3, check local store or web)
Available at Macy’s
$29
Available at Kmart
$59
Available at Dr. Jays
$41
Available at Lane Bryant
$139
Available at Alight
$79
Available at The Avenue
$49
Available at The Avenue
$69
Available at The Avenue
$79
Available at Bloomingdales
$413
Available at Bloomingdales
$413
Available at Talbots
$389
Available at Macy’s
$239 (On sale 12/3)
Clearly, there’s an exhausting list of coats out there but hopefully this quick link shows you where to get started.
Happy Shopping!

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* [email protected] *cough cough*
HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING

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!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 



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!