Beautiful You Monday: Style File: Just As You Are

Greetings folks! Welcome to another edition of Beautiful You Monday here on Belle-Noir.com. For those of you who are new, Beautiful You Monday is where we discuss everything fashion, beauty & style!

Our Facebook fans & Twitter Followers might recall my speaking about being invited to the Plus Model Magazine Blogger Conference a few weeks ago. Held at the absolutely GORGEOUS Hudson Terrace, the event was to announce the launch of a new line of plus size outerwear, Just As You Are. This post is all about the fabulousness that is the Just As You Are Fall/Winter 2011 line.

Plus size ladies--particularly my ladies who are like me, sizes 24+, and live in cold weather states--can relate to this experience: you know the winter is coming and you begin the search for a winter coat that will survive the wind, rain, snow, and everything else winter can throw your way. Some might just be looking for something sleek and stylish they can wear with office wear. Others might be looking for something that will stand up to busy fall & winter weekends. What usually happens (at least in my past experience) is one of the following:

• I will find a coat that I absolutely adore, but it stops at a size 24 (often times, much smaller).
• I will find a coat that I absolutely adore, but while it comes in my size, the only color options are black, black, and did I mention black?
• I will find a coat that I absolutely adore, but it is so expensive that I find it hard to justify the purchase. Not to mention that the fit is just not quite right.

Ladies, Just As You Are has heard these, plus many more of the common complaints that we have as plus size women looking for stylish outerwear. What they have created is a line of outerwear that is completely about fitting your shape and helping you walk away with a coat that will "embrace your shape" make you look fabulous "just as you are".

First, there are no sizes when you shop with Just As You Are. Your perfect coat shopping experience starts with your measurements. By entering your chest, waist, hips and height into the measurements form, you will then be given the coats that are recommend as best for your shape! Browse the selections, fall in love with your new favorite coat, add it to your online shopping cart and viola! So simple, yet genius!

As I always say, we must support the designers who are designing clothing that is especially for us. What I also love about Just As You Are is that there is no mention of  a coat's "slimming qualities" or other phrases that assume that I am looking for something that is going to make me look smaller.

Here's a look at some of the coats from the collection that were debuted that night:



Accra wrap $159
Photo credit: LucasPictures.Net




Angola wrap $219
Photo credit: LucasPictures.net



Aurora jacket $249
Photo credit: LucasPicture.net



Aspen jacket $269
Photo credit: LucasPictures.net



Alabama jacket $169
Photo credit: LucasPictures.Net



Arizona jacket  $179
Photo credit: LucasPictures.net

What do you think ladies? Will you give Just As You Are a try? Be sure to check out the website and follow them on Facebook.

Special thanks to Madeline Figueroa-Jones, Editor-In-Chief of Plus Model Magazine, the Just As You Are team, and everyone else involved in making the Blogger Conference a great time.

Style File: "Bring Your Carma" with the Carmakoma Spring/Summer 2011 Line

Denmark Designers Heidie Lykke and Angelica Weiss are the women behind Carmakoma, a plus fashion brand for "style conscious women with a penchant for fashion". Their  new film ”Boost your carma” is a vivid illustration of the tendency that curvy women all over the world no longer will accept the perception that beauty equals skinny. In an aesthetic manner the film breaks with prejudice concerning body image and attitude for women in plus sizes.
The film is created as a visual collage of feelings, states of mind, actions and expressions in a celebration of the curvy woman. Through classical and iconic fashion frames in the characteristic Helmuth Newton style the curvy main character is portrayed as a modern Marilyn Monroe. – A pioneer who is not afraid to use her femininity in her stride forwards. Through an observing and sensual camera posture the film disturbs our perceptions of the beautiful woman and the ideal body and plays on references from the film “the perfect human” by the Danish film maker Jørgen Leth.

”The main character in the film is the curvy woman of today. She feels free in her body, uninhibited by other people’s opinions. With an understated decadence she is playing with the forbidden showing her bold femininity and her urge for life in a sophisticated and extremely sexy manner,” says Heidie Lykke and Angelica Weiss, the two women behind the film and the commitment to its message.

Boost your carma is an answer to the style conscious women with a penchant for fashion. The woman in the film likes challenges and to explore herself. However, she finds calmness and strength from inside. All of these qualities makes her beauty radiate.

”...clothes help maintain a balance between the outer and inner expression. Fashion creates looks with different associations and notions of the personality behind the clothes. Your clothes can support a certain state of mind and a certain mood or atmosphere. That is probably why many women regardless of their size feel more in balance when their clothes reflect their identity and send personal signals to the surroundings. That is the purpose of fashion,” says Heidie Lykke and Angelica Weiss.

For years the two women have worked very passionately to debunk the twisted view on women that great parts of the advertising and fashion world has succeeded to build up. Together they stand behind the fashion company carmakoma that produces catwalk inspired designer wear for women in plus sizes. The main female character in the film is dressed in carmakomas designs.


Check out the video here and let us know what you think!

Style File: Shades of Gray

The fashionistas over at ShoppingTheTrend.com have highlighted the gray dress as as hot trend for Fall 2009:

If you follow celebrity trends, you will have spotted Cameron Diaz attending the 2009Teen Choice Awards in a fabulous pencil dress by Alexander McQueen. And Rene Zellweger appeared on Good Morning America wearing her designer of choice, Carolina Herrera. It's pretty obvious what these two celebs (and dresses!) have in common.. they're both elegant, sophisticated & gray in color.

This a trend brought on by the return of retro glam - a throwback to those stylish women spotted on Mad Men, a time when pencil skirts & little white gloves were au courant. The modern 2009 version is elegant, sure, but also a little more edgy.

There are plenty of options for plus size fashionistas looking to step out in style! Because gray is such a neutral color, we love the idea of pairing gray dresses with a bold pop of color--say some hot ankle booties with a bright colored tight? We've highlighted a few of our favorite dresses and look options, courtesy of ShopStyle.com!

What do you think? Will you be adding some shades of gray to your Fall wardrobe?

Style File: Qristyl Frazier's Size Sexy Fall 2009 Collection

Fresh off her apperance on Project Runway, Qristyl Frazier is back with her Fall 2009 Plus Sexy Collection! Featuring pieces perfect for both your office holiday party or that not-to-be-missed plus holiday soiree, this Fall Collection has something for every Size Sexy Diva!

And a special shoutout to one of our favorite plus models and Belle-Noir Independent Woman 2009 Award Recipient Christina Mendez for looking absolutely fab as one of the Fall Collection's models.

Here are some of our favorites:

"ANGELICALLY SEXY"
Price: $180.00

"INTENTIONALLY SEXY"
Price: $180.00

"SHIMMERING SEXY"
Price: $225.00

For more information on ordering, and to check out the rest of the Fall 2009 Size Sexy Collection, visit www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com.

Style File: Pretty In Pink

I personally never need a reason to wear pink because it's my favorite color. If anything, October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives me more reasons to shop & know that I am supporting companies that support Breast Cancer research. From cosmetics to chewing gum, here are some of my picks for some products for the Cause!

Pretty In Pink by Belle-Noir featuring Dorothy Perkins jewelry

Clockwise from left:
Stila - Breast Cancer Awareness Lip Gloss Trio

Budd Leather American Breast Cancer Swarovski 12pt Crystal Pill Box
$56 - ebags.com

Orbit White Gum

New Breast Cancer Care glitter pin badge
$1.58 - dorothyperkins.com

Breast Cancer Bracelet at Charm Factory
$25 - charmfactory.com

CLARISONIC Skin Care Brush Limited Edition Pink
$9.75 - drugstore.com

OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Polish

Estee Lauder Evelyn Lauder Lip Set

Annie Mae's Cheesecakes & Moore Shoe Fly Collection Cupcakes

Style File: Fall 2009-Ruffles

As much as I love the summer, I must confess that Fall has to be my favorite time of the year when it comes to fashion. The boots, the jackets, the shoes...oh my! Fall 2009 definitely has an abundance of trends for fashionistas and everyday curvy girls with style to jump all over. So, over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my favorite Fall trends so that by the time that we all prepare to Fall back, you will be ready to step out in style.

First up...ruffles. Now, while I understand that they might not be everyoe's cup of tea, ruffles can add a certain feminie touch to any outfit. As a plus size lady, however, there are definitely right ways and wrong ways to wear an outfit with ruffles. The Gloss Post shares some great tips on how to wear ruffles the right way. However, one way that I am most certainly going to be rocking ruffles this Fall with minimal effort is on shoes!

Check out these selections and let me know if ruffles will be a trend that you will be rocking this Fall.

Style File: One Shoulder Wonders

It was the evening of the Academy Awards in February and one of my favorite Bloggers/Twitizens, Afrobella, sent out a tweet that asymmetrical dresses were very much in style, and that she expected to see plenty of them on the red carpet. Sure enough, everyone from Marissa Tomei, to Queen Latifah, to Kate Winslet took to the red carpet in gorgeous one shoulder gowns.

This is a perfect trend to try this summer, and there are lots of options for plus size fashionistas to choose from, whether they want to go glam in a show-stopping gown (hint: might be perfect for the Finale of Full Figured Fashion Week) or you want to go more edgy with jeans and gladiator sandals (hint: might be the perfect ensemble for the FFF Week Welcome party at ReDress). Either way, this trend seems to be here to stay.



Here are some of our picks to make you a One Shoulder Wonder this summer:


Ing Plus Size One-Shoulder Color Blocked Top

$40.00; macys.com

Black Dolman Sleeve One-Shoulder Top
$38.00; torrid.com

Merona Plus One-Shoulder Dress
$29.99; target.com

Tadashi Plus Size Black One-Shoulder Jersey Dress
$328.00; bloomingdales.com

JS Boutique One Shoulder Beaded Jersey Gown
$158.00; nordstrom.com

What do you think ladies? Is the asymetrical, one shoulder look a trend you are considering for Summer 2009?

Style File: Colorful Coral

It's Beautiful You Monday on Belle-Noir Mag and we are continuing on our tour of hot colors for Spring/Summer 2009! Last week, we showed you some of our favorite items in Yellow. This week we are taking a look at a shade that is popping up everywhere in fashion: coral.

One of my favorite trend-spotting sites, ShoppingTheTrend.com, has this to say about coral:

"Coral stands out as a terrific transitional color, as it looks amazing with black (for spring evenings when nights are cool) and when summer whites kick in you won't find a more flattering combination than coral and white. If you want to add just a splash, consider a pretty little cardigan or asymmetric tuffle top."

There are also plenty of accessories this season in coral, for those who aren't ready for wearing bright colors. But ladies, there is no reason to fear this spring time pinkish-orange shade. It looks good on almost every skin tone, and whether you are big and bold by wearing a dress, or just want to add a punch of color with a cute dangline earring, you won't go wrong this summer with this tropical punch.

Here are some of our favorite pieces, courtesy of shopstyle.com:

What do you think, ladies? Is coral a color you will be wearing this summer?

Style File: Not-So-Mellow Yellow

Not-So-Mellow Yellow by Belle-Noir

From left:

Donna Ricco Women's Plus Size Yellow Chiffon Dress ($59.99; Overstock.com)

PUMA Women's Roma PTFS ($59.95; zappos.com)

Zoya Nail Polish in Pippa ($6.00; artofbeauty.com)

Clutch Handbag ($29.62; thelimited.com)

Electro Yellow Eye Shadow highly pigmented pressed powders ($9.00; medusasmakeup.com)

Lacquered Hoop Earrings ($3.80; forever21.com)

Yellow Diamond Ring (lussori.com)

EROL Large Canvas Tote in Sun ($155.00; haydenharnett.com)

Gabriella Rocha Studio Cota Shoe ($85.00; zappos.com)

Prada Naplak Bowler ($1,695.00; neimanmarcus.com)

16GB iPod Nano ($229.00; apple.com)

Style File: Qristyl Frazier Designs

As plus size ladies, we are always on the look out for designs that will set us apart from the crowd. The worst feeling is when we walk into a party (or sometimes are just walking down the street) and see the same Lane Byrant/Ashley Stewart/Avenue outfit on the next plus size lady.

With summer quickly approaching, where can ladies turn to find some fresh and new designs to rock to that Spring soiree or Spring Break vacation? The answer comes to us from Qristyl Frazier Designs.

Qristyl Frazier is the founder of this Brooklyn, NY based fashion house - which focuses on plus-size apparel. As a designer, Qristyl specializes in feminine dress with alot of sex appeal, casually sophisticated separates, flattering swimsuits and versatile cover-ups.

Here are some of our favorites from her new Spring 2009 collection:

Easy Wrap Dress w/Flared Sleeves
$160.00

Silk Tie Top
(Available in solid colors and printed patterns)
$70.00

Handstitched Denim Skirt
$100.00

Heavy Denim Short Sleeve Wrap Dress
w/Top Stitching
$160.00

3pc Kimono Suit
Price: $150.00

To check out more from Qristyl Frazier's Spring Collection, as well as her other collections, visit her website at www.qristylfrazierdesign.com.

Style File: Green Is Good

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we are bringing out some of our favorite green fashion finds (note: while we have put them together, we suggest picking one at a time to add a pop of fresh color to an outfit).

And if you find your pot of gold, share the wealth!

Green Is Good - by Belle-Noir on Polyvore.com

1. OPI Mod About Brights, Green-wich Village Nail Polish; $12.50 - opidiva.com

2. Women's Plus Tie-Strap Tops - Clean Green; $26.50 - oldnavy.gap.com

3. America's Next Top Model Patent Clutch Bag; $6.00 - walmart.com

4. Edan's Emerald Green CZ Cocktail Ring; fantasyjewelrybox.com

5. Lorca Turnlock handbag in Zap! Green; $335.00 - haydenharnett.com

6. Christian Louboutin Privatita platform slingbacks; $795.00 - net-a-porter.com

7. Converse All Star Low Patent; Amazon.co.uk for pricing

8. Women's Plus Swing Trench Coats - Track Green; $34.50 - oldnavy.gap.com

9. Green Is Good Tote, Natural Detail; $27.00 - haydenharnett.com

Style File: All Hail The Queen!

The 81st Annual Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles last night, and even more fun than the actual awards show was watching the pre-show red carpet arrivals. I had a blast with my followers on Twitter as we made comments about every dress on the red carpet. Some comments were gushy. Some had just the faintest tinge of snark. Some were just downright spot on.

One particular celeb caught my eye and my approval right away. It was Afrobella who mentioned in a tweet that asymetrical dresses were in this season and that she was certain we'd see plenty on the red carpet. She was dead on, and my favorite asymetrical dress was on the Queen herself!

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Here, Queen Latifah wears a Georges Chakra gown on the red carpet with William Goldberg diamonds and Gucci shoes, and she carried a Mary Norton clutch. I personally adored the gown, although reactions were mixed amongst my Twitter Peeps. What do you think, ladies? Did Latifah get an award in the Best Dressed category for her red carpet gown?

Style File: First Lady Fashion

Welcome to this week's Style File! Last week was a phenomenal week for the United States of America as we witnessed the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, our country's first Black President. The overwhelming show of support and love for not only President Obama, but his entire family was a sign that perhaps there really is change happening in the U.S.


Even more exciting than watching how Mr. Obama in less than one week is changing the way the President relates to media and leaders around the world, is watching and waiting to see how our new First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama, will handle her new title and role within the White House.

I believe that Mrs. Obama is exactly what Black Women in the U.S. need right now! Some have made comparisons to the ficitonal character of Claire Huxtable from "The Cosby Show" fame, and I cannot disagree. The perfect combination of brains and beauty, Claire Huxtable was the "Superwoman" that Alicia Keys sings about. She was equally successful as both a careerwoman and as a mother. And she did it with style! I am hoping that young ladies of all races will look up to Mrs. Obama and will strive to emulate her.


Mrs. Obama has a classic style. She always dresses appropriate for the occassion. Whether it is a simple ringer tee and jeans while at a summer cookout while on the campaign trail or the coveted $148 White House Black Market dress that she wore on The View, she is a vision of class and grace.


Now while Mrs. Obama is not a plus size woman, we can still copy her look, ladies! Check out some of these options below and let me know what you think. Are they in true Michelle Obama Style?

First Lady Style - by Belle-Noir on Polyvore.com

Style File: What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Christmas is a few days away (three to be exact-WOW!) So of course that means New Year's Eve is right around the corner. From First Night celebrations and Watch Night Services at churches throughout the world, to watching the Big Ball drop in Times Square, here are a few of our suggestions for truly fabulous New Year's Eve outfits that will help you Shine as you ring in 2009!

Watch Night Service

NYE Outfit 1 by Belle-Noir

Clockwise from left: Brigitte Mod Dress -$115.00 - igigi.com; Rivka Friedman 7-1/4" Satin Finish Bangle Bracelet - $35.81, qvc.com; 1-1/4" Polished Hoop Earrings 14K - $109.00, qvc.com; Reina Patent Peep Toe Pump - $45.00, avenue.com; Bowery Studded Mini Clutch, Ruby - $88.00, hayden-harnett.com

Ball Drop in Times Square

NYE Outfit 2 by Belle-Noir

Yukon Classic Down™ Jacket - $79.99, eddiebauer.com; Cowl Neck Sweater - $39.50, oldnavy.com; Denim Cuffed Trousers - $39.99, avenue.com; Performance Fleece Pom-Pom Hat - $5.00, oldnavy.com; Women's Mukluk Boot - $80.00, timberland.com; Performance Fleece Gloves - $5.00. oldnavy.com; Adrienne Landau Fox Earmuffs - $95 , Vivre.com

Belle of the Ball

NYE Outfit 3 by Belle-Noir

Maribella Jeweled Halter Gown - $238.00, igigi.com; Emery slingback - $75.00, naturalizer.com; Sterling Silver Teardrop CZ Cocktail Ring- $54.99, overstockjeweler.com; Sterling Silver Sapphire CZ Gemstone Stud Earrings - $39.99, overstockjeweler.com; Amanda Satin Foldover Clutch - $298.00, coach.com

Style File: Pump It Up

Shoes, glorious shoes!

I think my heart literally skipped a beat when I read on shoppingthetrend.com that pumps were in for Fall 2008:

"Get ready for some fabulous pumps for Fall 2008 - the overall look you want to achieve is strong & solid (we will stop short of saying "Statement" yet again!). From a variety of colors to a coss-section of interesting shapes, there will be something for everyone.

Fall/Winter 2008 also sees the welcome return of suede, in more than just basic black. Choose heather gray, soft purple, or even chocolate/cognac shades. You will also be wearing your new fall pumps with opaque tights this season (in any color you like!) - tights with suede strikes the right balance.

If you find some of the trendy sky-high heels a little too agressive for your everyday shoe look, opt for a more menswear-inpired pump. Something with laces and chunkier heel, which will also look great with minimalist suits." [Source]

Here are some of my favorites! What say you all? Are you ready to pump it up for Fall?


Pump It Up by Belle-Noir1. Mia Diva, $75.00, zappos.com; 2. Stuart Weitzman Pipekibitz, nordstroms.com; 3. rsvp Lexi, $48.35, zappos.com; 4. Gabriella Rocha Sloane, $49.00, zappos.com; 5. Madden Girl Maintane, $49.00m zappos.com; 6. Steve Madden Sumee, $159.95, nordstroms.com; 7. Gabriella Rocha Fierce, $40.00, zappos.com; 8. Stuart Weitzman Lingerie, $178.90, nordstroms.com

Style File: Cape Town

Welcome to this week's Beautiful You Monday!

One fashion item that has caught my eye this Fall are all of the capes that are in fashion mags and catalogs. These aren't the ones flying on the backs of your favorite caped crusader, though. This season's capes are perfect for the between season weather, and can easily be dressed up by being layered over a power suit and pumps, or dressed down with some denim jeans and boots.

What do you think? Is a cape something you would add to your Fall wardrobe?




Boiled Wool Cape, $249.50, lanebryant.com



Belted Cape, $99.99-$119.99, lanebryantcatalog.com



Marvin Richards Double Breasted Cape, $79.99, overstock.com



Cape Coat, $89.99-$109.99, jessicalondon.com