The Curvy Campaign

It started out as an appeal to the real world of American woman who do not tout a size 2. The Fashion Week has decided to revamp its agenda to cater not only to art of clothing but to choose a more realistic looking-glass and honor those of us with curves. A four day tribute to the full-figured woman began with fashion shows, panel discussions, and a runway competition. Fashion Week is holding its second annual event in Manhattan, New York with 35 sponsors this year. The Full figured Fashion Week will include guest speakers from reality shows like America’s Next Top Model winner Whitney Thompson who will receive an award during an awards ceremony. The will also give a finale runway show featuring designs by a former contestant of Project Runway Qristyl Frazier.

Coverings’ New Designer: Honey Clothing

St. Louis native, Lisa Holmes, is the owner and head designer of Honey. Targeted to real women size 14 to 24, her line is created for women who desire smart, sophisticated, stylish clothes that flatter their bodies. The collection is colorful ,flirty and made of high quality care free fabric for today’s women on the go. With the belief that “Beauty comes in all sizes,” her techniques create the best fit for all curvy body types.

For years, I have been passionate about the fashion challenges of curvy women. I had grown extremely disappointed at the lack of visually appealing , form fitting clothes available to curvy women. My passion grew and I began sketching designs. Honey was born.

Of course, the Coverings’ Crew is always on board with new designers who are about dressing real women, especially when it’s done stylishly. We think Honey is on track to become a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world with curve accentuating cuts, beautiful colors, and breathable fabrics. The collection will effortlessly take you from Sunday service and into the work week. To see more about Honey, check out the video below or hop on over to HoneyBeeClothing.com to get your shop on.

Get the look: How to wear leggings

In my opinion, leggings are the best fashion trend to make a comeback. Every woman should own a pair. I know I own about four pairs, myself. If I could wear them everyday I would. (Although, I guess there isn’t really anything stopping me). They’re comfy, breathable, figure flattering, and look good on every shape. Yes, even on plus-size women. Heck, especially plus-size women! So, stop being scared of this frame hugging trend and find out how to wear it instead.

With the cornucopia of choices available, you want to make sure you pick a fabric that is going to flatter your figure. Your core group consists of leather, poly-blend, nylon, and cotton.

While there are really only four fabrics, the color choices are endless, especially if you opt for nylon leggings. You can find them in vibrant colors like teal and fuchsia. But keep in mind, that brightly painted gams can be a dangerous look. And I mean dangerous is in bad-bad, not good-bad. Unless you’re a teenaged girl or a college coed, you need to stay away from colors that can make you look dated  and your legs seem the size of tree trunks.

Poly-blend leggings, are being worn in metallics, like gold and silver. While I love the look, it is a little difficult to pull off. Who can wear it? In my opinion, the only women who can wear it well are those who are leggy and thin. Think model types. However, worn with a sky high heels, the vertically challenged can definitely pull this look off. Why do I suggest that the average woman stay away from metallic leggings? Well, they shimmer and shine. Translation: they show off every single cellulite dimple. However, you’re always safe in black and they are very rocker-esque.

If you really want to be cutting edge, pour yourself into a pair of leather leggings. However, be aware that these leggings carry a much heavier price tag. Our favorite designers are jumping onto the leggings 2.0 bandwagon. You can wear designer leather leggings with the same ease as the any other legging. Or, go for leggings with leather accents, like knee pads. I advise that this legging look is way to fierce to wear with ballet flats. Really accentuate them with boots, or funky booties, or really great pumps.

For you plus size women, I say stick with black leggings. They’re super slimming and still flatter your curves. No matter what shoes you pair them with; ballet flats, boots, or high heels; the key to wearing them is pairing it with the right top, which most women don’t realize. It’s all about finding a top that is long enough to cover your bumm, which applies no matter what size you are.  A longer top gives the illusion of a longer leaner body by elongating your torso. Go for long layering tanks, boyfriend blazers, and boyfriend cardigans.

Another thing to keep in mind when wearing this trend is to stay away from sheerness. No one needs to see all your goodies. Make sure your nylon leggings are a thicker consistancy, which will also have an added “shaping” bonus.

Dress by Warehouse is a plus size woman’s dream

This animal print tulip skirted silk dress by Warehouse is seriously ferosh, and definitely only for fashion daredevils. If you are rocking some “thickness” then this is the perfect dress for you. Available at ASOS.com, it is a “plus size” woman’s dream! The way the dress is cut, you have to be able to fill it out to pull it off.

Now, I am not a woman who is afraid to accentuate my God given assets. He blessed me with a fabulous body, and while I’m not walking around half naked, I’m also not mistaken for being Amish. My point is, if you have hips, breasts, butt, whatever, show it off! Be proud of it. Don’t let anyone try to convince you that you need to hide under a tarp. A dress like this will show off what God gave you and make you look every bit of the classy confident woman you are.

The banded waist nips in just right to give the illusion of a slimmer mid section, and the tulip skirted bottom accentuates your hips in a good way. Even though there is extra fabric, the way it is draped tricks the eye into thinking the hips are slimmer. How? I don’t know, but that’s how tulip skirts work. The fitted wrap like top and cap sleeves just add to giving the wearer a Coke bottle figure. I say snatch this dress up while it’s available and wear it proudly. Because God knew what he was doing when he made each of us, He doesn’t make mistakes. So, take pride in that fact and show off his perfect creation to the world, in this dress!