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  • Fall Fashion Tips from the Curves

    Fall Fashion Tips from the Curves

    My blog wasn’t originally intended for the fashion side of things – but it’s been really fun showing you all my style thus far. And back when I created the blog, an old classmate asked if I’d consider doing a post around dressing your body type – well, here it is! Hopefully this helps you shape your personal style, and gives you some fashion pointers or inspiration you can start using yourself.

    What better time do this than fall, which is my favorite fashion season. So I’ve broken down a few of my quick fashion tips, and a compilation of my fave fall staples. Let’s start with the staples.

    The things I can’t go without:

    • Black leggings (that look like pants): I buy these at Nordstrom every year and they are STAPLES during the fall and winter seasons. They’re tight, but comfortable, and appear like pants so they can pass in a work setting too (depending on how formal your work is). Check them out here.
    • Black under tank: I have two of these from a boutique in my hometown of Elmhurst, Kie and Kate. They are life-changing. Whenever you have something see through, need a little extra hold under your top, or if you’re like me and wear sweaters and just want to wear a plain tank under, these are it. They’re one-size-fits-all, so no need to even figure out which one you need 🙂 Regardless if you go to Kie and Kate, or somewhere else, just find an under tank that sucks you in and is comfortable.
    • Staple bag: I have my black bag from Nordstrom Rack that’s Steve Madden, and I use it almost everyday. It can honestly pull an outfit together, fits all of my stuff (including laptop), and has straps that allow me to either hold on my wrist or strap across my shoulder. It’s an essential in the fallSee outfit 4 below.
    • Jewelry, jewelry, jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, watches, bangles – they all make a difference (ok, duh, you know). But I usually pick a pair of earrings to go in my first piercing hole, and then have some fun with my other piercings and cartilage (which is usually a small ring). I personally love earrings and can’t live without mine, but I know it’s hard changing them all the time – so I stick to one white or beige pair right now that match pretty much everything. Necklaces, chokers, etc. depend on the outfit, but we’ll get to that.
    • Stylish Overcoat: I found my overcoat coat a while back at the Rack (pictures coming), and it can seriously amp up an outfit. It’s beige and a light wool, with a leather trim, and falls a bit above my knees. It has a serious professional vibe, and though it’s not as warm as my thick winter coat, I like to wear it when I’m trying to look nice.

    My Top Curve Fashion Tips:

    1. If you’re fidgeting, go a size up: This may sound obvious, but I’ve found that going up a size can help that uncomfortable feeling we’ve all felt before. With the Bomber jacket you’ll see below, I tried it on and it felt snug. I went a size up and felt SO much more comfortable. It may hurt your pride to go grab a bigger size (though I don’t want it to), but it’s worth it in the long run! My favorite places for pants are Nordstrom Rack and recently, Forever 21. If you’re looking for bigger tops because these stores aren’t doing it for you – try Target or Forever 21 Plus.
    2. Layer, layer, layer: I know I’ve talked a lot about my black tank, but that thing can change a feeling of an outfit.It tightens everything up while staying comfortable, and I wear it under almost everything. I think the biggest thing for me is that it keeps everything feeling firm. There’s nothing wrong with sucking it all in underneath your actual outfit (I also LOVE wearing spanks with tighter things). I also like to add things like blazers, sweaters, etc. if you don’t like wearing super tight stuff all the time like me.
    3. Start with the essentials: It all starts with a good fitting bra and underwear. Without that, your outfit won’t feel right. If you haven’t in a while, go out and buy a new fresh bra that supports you and fits well. This is something I’ve found that can change how I feel in an outfit (even though it seems obvious to wear under garments that fit).
    4. Stay true to yourself, no matter how crazy: All my friends know that leopard and red are two of my favorite things. So whenever I want to, I add it to my outfits. It gives you your own personal flare.So find something you love about your fashion and that screams you, and buy a bunch of it! It’s so fun finding ways to add leopard or a color to my outfits, whether it’s a scarf, lipstick, whatever.

    Now, let’s get to some of my favorite fall looks (outfit details at the bottom):

    #1:

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    This sweater was a solid purchase – it can be dressed up or down, and paired with many different things (like scarf, necklace, etc.). The jeans, boots and camel hat top it all off – and the black tank that I swear by sucks it all in 🙂 Shoes are from DSW and absolute show stoppers.

    #2:

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    I live in this sweater (plus, it helped the Cubs win the World Series). This vibe is a bit more comfy/cozy, but the red lip and choker give it a pop. Oh, and absolutely love adding the high mini bun to any outfit.

     

    #3:

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    More of a bad ass look here, perfect for hitting a Saturday on the town. I LOVE my new olive green bomber – it ramps up any outfit and can be dressed up or down. Leopard backpack is just so much yes.

    #4:

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    This entire outfit is from the Rack (aka my obsession), and a frequent for work. The blazer adds a professional vibe to the outfit, while still keeping it fashionable!

    #5:

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    This sweater is like a blanket – LOVE. Purse and shoes add a pop of color, but this outfit is the epitome of comfort meeting fashion.

    My biggest fashion rules are comfort, color and curve (okay, shape but three C’s was cool). If I tug at my clothes when I put them on or doubt myself for a second when looking in the mirror, that outfit goes out the window. It’s important to be confident and comfortable – and that’s what I live by with my fashion these days. Also, wherever I can add a pop of red or leopard, I sure do.

    Questions on sizing, the outfits, dressing your body type, anything? Email me at thecurveconfessions@gmail.com!

    The outfit details:

    Outfit 1:

    • White sweater – Forever 21
    • Black tank – Kie and Kate
    • Jeans – Forever 21
    • Hat – Forever 21
    • Shoes – DSW

    Outfit 2:

    • Black top – Nordstrom Rack
    • Sweater – Nordstrom Rack
    • Leggings – Nordstrom Rack
    • Shoes – DSW
    • ChokerHazyl Boutique

    Outfit 3:

    • Bomber – Forever 21
    • Leopard backpack – Forever 21
    • Choker – Hazyl Boutique
    • Jeans – Forever 21
    • Shoes – Nordstrom Rack
    • Tank – Kie and Kate

    Outfit 4:

    Striped top, long blazer, leggings, combats, sunglasses and scarf – ALL from Nordstrom Rack (can you tell I like that store much?)

    Outfit 5:

    • Sweater: Kie and Kate
    • Black top: Nordstrom Rack
    • Leggings: Nordstrom Rack
    • Shoes: DSW
    • Purse: Enzee Boutique
  • #PerfectNever

    #PerfectNever

    The olympics may have come and gone, but gymnast Aly Raisman has remained an inspiration. But this time, in the body image movement. In case you missed it, she recently posted an Instagram calling out “all the boys in middle school who made fun of her for being ‘too strong’” (see post here), as part of Reeboks’s #PerfectNever campaign.

    In short, Reebok’s campaign is making a point that there is no perfect body type that we should all be yearning for, and the campaign has support from not only Aly, but other celebs – including Ronda Rousey and Gigi Hadid (see more here).

    Shape magazine went in-depth on Aly’s involvement in the campaign (you should watch the video), where she dishes on being a normal person who has insecurities, just like we all do. She said something that particularly resonated with me. And that is, “Nobody looks at you the way you look at yourself.”

    I find that so interesting and relatable, as we’re all guilty of thinking (sometimes horrible) things in our head, but in reality, NO ONE else is thinking them. And let me tell you, if they are, screw ’em.

    #PerfectNever reminds us that no one is perfect and there is no perfect body type. Especially as we approach my favorite thing ever next week… The Victoria’s Secret Fashion show (sense the sarcasm). I’ve been seeing all sorts of social media posts from the angels who will be hitting the stage on TV come next week, and every year it’s the same thing: girls get all “ugh, I want to be them” and guys get all “ugh, I want them.”

    Just PLEASE, if you’re planning on watching, remember the #PerfectNever campaign, and remember Aly Raisman. Because I’m so tired of girls watching and thinking they’re not worthy, or wishing they had these women’s “perfect” bodies. I want us all to realize our true uniqueness and beauty, and not compare it to these women (or anyone for that matter).

    So for anyone who’s gotten flack about their body (like Aly Raisman for her strong arms), has a certain body insecurity that you’re dealing with, OR is planning on watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, remember that being different and being YOU is enough. We are all #PerfectNever (wait, I lied, you’re perfect now).

    Photo credit: Aly Raisman

  • Selena Gomez’s Powerful AMA Acceptance Speech

    Selena Gomez’s Powerful AMA Acceptance Speech

    If you missed the American Music Awards and Selena Gomez’s acceptance speech for Favorite Female Artist last night – she just got real.

    If you didn’t know, Selena recently had to take a break from everything for self-recovery (including canceling shows in her Revival Tour), due to her struggles with depression and anxiety. She says in her moving speech, “I had to stop. Because I had everything… and I was absolutely broken inside. And I kept it all together, enough to where I would never let you down, but I kept it too much together to where I let myself down.” See the full video here: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/selena-gomez-emotional-speech-ama-awards-article-1.2882029

    Selena’s honesty is something that’s not always seen, and I commend her for doing it so publicly. She’s reminding us that it’s okay to admit you’re struggling, and okay to seek help for your own well-being.

    She also says, “I don’t want to see your bodies on Instagram. I want to see what’s in your heart,” which is also a great reminder in the wake of many (young) celebrities showing a bit too much skin.

    For example, Kylie Jenner posting an extremely revealing Instagram photo of her and Tyga over the weekend. First of all, young girls are following her and looking to her as a role model, and what kind of example is that to set? Second of all, I totally get that she’s launching a lingerie line and that requires some risqué photos (eh, I guess I get it), but come on. This is too much.

    Selena’s speech was inspiring, and encouraging women to show what’s in our hearts. And I have to agree – it’s not all about our bodies and how we look (and we certainly don’t need to look for that validation on social media). There’s a lot more going on inside, and that’s way more important.

    And though The Curve Confessions sheds light on body image issues facing us all, that’s not to say there are SO many more important things. In fact, that’s part of my point. The way people look shouldn’t be such a focus for our world, but it always feel like it is.

    Her inspiring speech was a great reminder, in my opinion, to:

    1. Respect ourselves and our bodies
    2. Be honest and vulnerable, and seek help if you need it

    Thanks, Selena, you really inspired me with your words last night – and I’m sure you inspired other people, too. ❤

    Photo credit: Disney | ABC Television Group

  • All About Ashley

    All About Ashley

    Stand up for curves. Confidence is sexy.” is a tagline straight from her website. Gosh, I love her.

    You guys have heard about her before on the blog – but it’s finally time to do a post on one of my biggest inspirations in the body image movement – Ashley Graham.

    I was first introduced to her when she became the first ever plus size model to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition – and I’ve honestly been hooked ever since. I watched a couple of videos of her on Instagram after all the news started hitting about her, and she was so confident in her own skin it was contagious.

    Ashley was signed to an international modeling agency at the young age of 13, and has been killing it from the beginning. But since I’ve been introduced, she’s pretty much hit the ground running, with magazine covers and features on the regular (in Shape, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and more), being named to Forbes Magazine’s “30 under 30,” and even having her own fashion line (okay, there’s so much more, but these are some highlights).

    This past week, Ashley was recognized at Glamour’s Women of the Year awards for “instantly bringing size acceptance into the mainstream with just one (fabulous) photo,” which references her Sports Illustrated cover. In her acceptance speech, she tells girls and women everywhere: “I let my body hold me back for so long. Don’t let your body hold you back. Don’t let your body insecurities hold you back from doing anything that you want to do.” Preach, girl.

    While at the awards on Monday, Graham was presented with a custom barbie doll that was modeled specifically after her. But this Barbie doll came with curves – as Graham’s number one request was that the doll’s thighs touched (ha, I love her so much).

    Mattel’s Barbie brand, the ones that created the doll, had already expanded the Barbie squad with curvy, petite, and tall body types last year – but this custom Ashley Graham doll is just another step in the right direction. And Graham’s public effort to make girls and women everywhere feel good about themselves, no matter their size, is a force to be reckoned with.

    As all celebrities have dealt with, Ashley’s been criticized on both ends of the spectrum – from “promoting obesity” to “selling out and becoming too thin.” But through it all, Ashley has stayed true to herself, and ladies, that’s all we can do.

    In a world sometimes filled with disrespect, judgement and anger, it’s important that we all channel our inner Ashley Graham. A woman that stands by her body and herself – empowers other women to do the same – and embodies the term f*** the haters, Ashley’s message applies to us all.

    And to me, it doesn’t just apply to our bodies, but it applies to our jobs, our relationships, literally everything. Never be ashamed of who you are – and don’t ever change who you are for the sake of others. Be true to yourself, love yourself, and you’ll find your way in this absolutely crazy world (just like Ashley has).

    And Ashley, just a heads up, this won’t be the last time I obsess over you on the blog 😉 ❤

    Photo credit: Allan Slank

  • “Surround yourself with people who want to see you grow”

    “Surround yourself with people who want to see you grow”

    Okay, so at this point you guys have to know I love quotes (yep, I’m pretty cheesy). This quote is compliments of the Vallette Cleaners sign in my hometown – but it couldn’t be more true and completely stuck with me this past week. So heck, why not do a post focused on it?

    Since launching The Curve Confessions over a month and a half ago, I’ve seen copious amounts of love and support – extending from friends and family, to old peers and people on Instagram that I’ve never even met. It absolutely warms my heart to feel this kind of support in something so close and personal to me, and I’m sharing it with you all in hopes to make a difference. I truly hope it does in some way.

    Every single person I’ve talked to about the blog has been so supportive – and this is a shout out to all you beautiful people. I’ve completely found something that I love – and it’s exciting – but it wouldn’t be possible without you all. Seriously.

    This quote stuck with me because the people I love want to see me grow. And because of that, I am growing. So on this gorgeous Sunday, give some love to those close to you. Be grateful for everything you have and the people around you, and focus on all the good things in your life today. I 💜 YOU ALL.

    Shout out: to my colleague Alice, who helped me come up with this entire idea and helps me become a better writer every single day. 

    Shout out: to my colleague Meghan, who shot my first big photoshoot for the blog, and also keeps me so excited about it day in and day out. PS-don’t worry guys, more photos are coming 😉