The Adventures of Bra Shopping

For those of you under a C-cup, this might not make sense for you.

I have been on a journey for some new bras for the last two weeks. My last major shopping experience was when I was working full-time and not a student. I could easily spend up to $150 (3 to 5) just on bras, not including the matching panties. But on a full-time student budget of an independent contractor, one must really rethink this spending. So, I have gone to many stores, but let's first review the rules before I discuss my finds.

There are definite rules to be followed when you are a 40 DD.

• It must defy gravity
• It must provide full coverage.
• It must be able to be worn more than 6 hours without excruciating pain.

Other rules that quickly get thrown to the wayside.

• Would prefer color.
• Would prefer matching panties.

Ashley Stewart has Jill Scott's Butterfly Bra is absolutely beautiful. The problem with it for me is that it cost $39 for the strapless version and $44 for regular. It only comes in the icon plus-size bra colors: black, mocha (read tan) and white. Would it be too much to ask for a turquoise or purple?

Then there is the always reliable Lane Bryant. They have had their own lingerie label for years called Cacique. This is definitely were most of bra shopping sprees have taken place. They have beautiful colors. So what is the problem? I don't have $30 to $70 (that's right the most expensive one is $70) to spend on a bra. The two that I can say that I am coveting are the Microfiber Mesh Balconette and the Lace overlay French Balconette. They are both padded, which I like, it gives a little more definition. I have an ex that says that is unfair for me to wear padded bras, but I like them. The Microfiber Mesh cost between $36 to $42. It comes in 3 colors and has a matching panty.


The Lace Overlay is just sexy. It would not be an everday one, but it would be nice to have. It cost $36. It only comes in that one color, but wow. It doesn't have a matching panty, but who cares.

So after finding such beautiful bras where did I go: Walmart. They have this bra by Secret Treasures that cost $8.88. First, I love that price, but will it work. I brought one and gave it the date test. You know the test where you want your breast to be in its optimal placement to get the eye of that guy. Well, it passed the test. It was comfortable. I didn't have to do adjustments halfway during the date. It stayed in place. The only drawback is that it only comes in black and white and no matching panties.

So, when you are out on your bra journey, you might want to give Walmart a look. This is just one of my shopping adventures. I don't even want to think about what I have gone through to find jeans.

Consider Yourself a Trendsetter in your Hometown

...but don't know how to get the trends for less.

Have you ever wanted to be kept up-to-date on when items you want are going on sale?

If the answer is YES. Heck Yes. Then make sure that you sign up to get an email from ideeli.

Ideeli is a members only website that gives you up-to-date information about sales on fashion, home and beauty products. It even let's one know about fashion shows and sold-out concerts.

Anyone can join for free, but it is by invitation only. You must obtain a code from someone who is a member. Contact me to get your invitation.

If you aren't sold yet look at a few items that have recently been on the website.

Countdown Is Over

Today is the day. A month ago, I blogged about the upcoming Charlotte Fashion Week, well the time is here. Tonight is the first night of the 1st annual Charlotte NC Fashion Week.

It will be held at the Blake Hotel. It going to be from September 18 - 20, 2008. If you still want to buy tickets, click here.

There is still time to get the chance to be apart of the action.

Sexist or Porn

There has been some controversy over whether or not this ad is tasteful. For some, it looks like she is about to be gang raped. For some, it is just sexist. What do you think?

Do you think that some clothing companies advertisements use sex a little too much to sell their clothing? Or are some people just too sensitive?

Leave a comment.

Growth in Gratitude

There are times in your life when you really have to just give thanks to those around you.

To my parents:
Thanks for just being you.

To my siblings and their family:
I love you guys. You keep me strong.

To Ms. M:
Thanks for saying that I was strong. Even if I lost if for a little bit, it is coming back. Thanks for opening up the world of fashion writing. I have absolutely enjoyed this class.

To my business partner:
We can do this. There will be obstacles, but we have what it takes to knock them down.

Undressed: The Naked Truth of a Fashion Marketing Student

In 1998, I was blessed with the opportunity to help a friend launch her clothing line. I was completely shocked. Just years before I had studied everything from human anatomy to tv production to public relations to child development.

I had only done very small projects, but I had ideas that she and her investors were impressed with when we talked. I did freelance work for her for about 3 years. I have loved every opportunity that I have gotten to do freelance marketing for different companies, but the call to finish school was getting louder.

This call has taken me on a journey that I didn’t expect. I wasn’t sure if wanted to get a degree in business, marketing or advertisement. I thought that I wanted to finish my advertising degree that I started at Towson State University, but I was thinking that I wanted to move out of Maryland. On my search, Charlotte kept nagging at me, so I began to research what Charlotte had to offer. My search led me to The Art Institute of Charlotte.

At the age of 31, I officially started at the Art Institute of Charlotte in October 2005. I took one class online and moved to the Charlotte area in December 2005. My life as a fashion marketing student has been interesting and long. It has been a struggle to be able to maintain my sanity while going back to school. Being at school with people who are 10 to 15 years younger than me is an experience. Imagine if you will, my perspective, of talking to people who weren't even alive when the Challenger exploded. There are times that I wonder did I get in the game too late. Am I too old to really do this?

There have been many trials and tribulations and smiles and laughter. It just depends on the day. Most days I am plugged into my computer, it literally goes everywhere I do. I could be cranky because I didn’t get enough sleep or be thinking darn it why didn’t that print out right. I could be smiling because I know that this experience has confirmed that I want to own my own business and that I have no interest in the design aspect of apparel. I am always saying that I am not creative, but have to realize that it is just a different view of creativity. I get excited about writing, creating a business and marketing plans, psychology and math. Ask me to style someone or draw an outfit and I guarantee that I will freak out. So, I might not be able to tell you which shoes to wear with that outfit, but I can figure out ways to fund your passion.

My journey as a fashion marketing student will end soon. I don’t know what my next step will be and that is a little scary, but it is the road I will take. So, if you are out there and need someone to help you create your business image .... I am your woman.

My journey is mine.

Convoluted, but joyously mine.

Voting for Style or Substance

With the first ever African-American getting the Democratic nomination for President, there has been a lot of talk about which religion Obama follows. That is slightly ludicrous after the debate that has followed him because of Rev. Jeremiah Wright. There has still been question on whether or not Obama is a Muslim.

The critics refer to pictures of him wearing traditional attire during an overseas trip. If there is such belief that he is a Muslim, why was their such discussion about the what Wright said.

Is this a sign of trying to distract the average voter from other issues?

The ones who have talked about this picture haven't talked about how it is common for political figures to wear the traditional gear of where ever they are going, but they aren't accused of being Muslim because they are respecting their host. There are many pictures floating on the Internet of political figures wearing what would be considered Muslim gear. So the question is Laura Bush Muslim?

Style: Create Your Own

Continuing the trend for designers to help consumers learn how to create their style, Isaac Mizarahi is coming out with a book called How to Have Style.

He is considered to be "the king of real-world chic." He believes in women wearing clothing that is inspire them. The book takes 12 regular woman and deals with the issues that they face.

The books publishing date 10/07/08. The regular price is $30. It can be preordered at Barnes and Nobles for $22.50.

DC Fashion Week

Charlotte, NC Fashion Week might have some competition. During the same time, the District of Columbia will be running it's own fashion week. The Fall DC Fashion Week will be held from September 15th through 21st.

The District held its first fashion week in 2003. It began as annual event. In 2006, it became a semiannual event that would be held in February and September. This event showcases local, national and international designers.. Past exhibitors include: BethelHellena, Betsy Johnson, and Zula Studio.

The Fall 2008 DC Fashion Week has designers from Ukraine, Russia, Columbia, Liberia, Ethopia, Italy and the United States. The full list of designers can be found here.

Events

Monday 15th: Corjor International. The creative director for Corjor International is Ean Williams. Ean Williams, also, works as the executive director for DC Fashion Week. The name Corjor is coined after Williams sons Corey and Jordan. Tickets range from $26.5 to $36.5.

Thursday 18th: Fashion Industry Networking Party from 6 to 10 pm. The party will take place at the Senate Square. Senate Square is located at 201 I Street NE. This event is free.

Friday 19th: Kazakhstan International Fashions. It will feature designers Akkenje Devyatko and Kuralai Nurkadilova. By Invitation Only.

Saturday 20th: The H Street Festival Fashion Show will show the Ready-to-Wear Collections. This event is free.

Sunday 21st: The Embassy of France will host the International Couture Collections and reception. Tickets range from $51.5 to $151.5.

The One Hundred

Many women know what the top 5 essential items that must have in their wardrobe to be able to survive the next season, but are you aware of the top 100?

Project Runway Judge Nina Garcia has recently authored a book called The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own. The book showcases what she believes to be the top 100 must haves. With the constant influx of trends, women need to know what items are the pieces that stay classics to be mixed with the newest trend.

The book went on sale on August 26, 2008. It is available at all local bookstores. It retails at $21.95. It can be ordered at Amazon for $13.97.

What's In Your Closet? 5 Must Haves

As many begin looking for what to purchase for the upcoming season, this will give you a guide to know the 5 essential items for your wardrobe. These 5 essential will allow you to go from day to night or shopping with the girls.

The 5 essential pieces are a tailored black jacket, black pants, a patterned top, tunic and a tank top.


For work: Take the black jacket pair it with the pants and top it off with your tank top. The black pants and jacket are conservative for work, but the tank allows you to express your uniqueness. It can be topped off with some nice pearls; a tasteful, but colorful handbag and your briefcase.



For evening: Keep on the black pants. Change into the patterened blouse. This is where you completely express who you are.



For weekend: Yes, keep the pants. This time dress them down with the tunic top. Give your feet a break and put on some comfortable flats.

The Search for Balance: Autumn/Winter 2008/2009 Colors

With titles like revive, reflect, preserve and construct, are the colors for Fall 2008 looking to find the balance within? The colors range from architectural sound to earth bound. The names of the four color groups were created by Texworld.

Revive color group is a rich mixture of browns and subtle oranges. It has the look of a nice fall drive through the mountains when the leaves have changed colors. These can easily be mixed with the colors from the spring/summer 2008. If you have a nice summer dress that you aren't ready to let go of when the weather turns cooler, throw on a nice rich brown jacket to be able to stay within the Fall color trends.

History of Sagging

Many trends have come and gone, but most people are not aware of where the trend began or how long they will last. Most trends tend not to have long staying power. One trend that has had more than 10 years of popularity is sagging pants. Sagging pants is the art of wearing ones pants below the waist, usually hanging low enough to show underwear. There is some controversy as to where it started. So has the trend been popularized from behind prison walls? Or is it the influence of hip-hop?

One theory of how sagging pants originated is from prison in the 1990s. Prisoners are given oversized uniforms without belts. Belts are a popular way to commit suicide; by hanging oneself, to hang others, or to be used as a weapon in fights. Other reason is that when they wear their pants below the waist is that it is sign that says that they are homosexual.

Sagging pants were not meant to be trend for the males. The other reason was that wearing your pants below your waist states that you were another inmate’s property. The inmate who related the story was an elderly black gentleman who had been sentenced to life in prison and had been there for over fifty years. He marveled how such a mark of shame has become a fashion statement. He says “that younger inmates don't believe him when he tells them, but swears it's the truth”.


The trend has been contributed to the influence of the music industry. Many artists, in the hip-hop genre, were known for letting their pants sag. It became more common to see rappers, like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and Lil Wayne, in a video with their pants sagging to right at below their hips. It became even more popular as these same rappers began their own clothing labels. Clothing labels, like Phat Farm, Ecko and FUBU, are known for not even offering a small sized men’s shirt.

The characteristic of the low-slung look became mainstream and took off during the early 1990's when Calvin Klein used rapper Marky Mark in their advertising campaign for underwear. This advertising campaign was the first glimpse of men showing their underwear in a sexy way.

The sagging pants trend made way to skateboarders in the suburbs and high school hallways. Work wear brands such as Dickies and Ben Davies designed baggy clothing that became popular with skateboarders

As the trend grew, it began to influence the styles of jeans. Low-rise jeans are intended to sit low on, or below, the hips. More men and women began to wear underwear to function with their low-rise jeans. However, the look has been predominantly male and the recent trend for women to reveal their G-string underwear. Low-rise jeans may be worn to display more skin at the waist, torso, and hips. Low-rise jeans may also partially reveal the buttocks when the wearer sits down or bends over. Cleavage becomes visible.


For more information on Sagging Pants: Laws, Designer, Stereotypes.

Stop The Presses!!!!

While looking at different plus-size clothing websites, I began to notice a trend. I have wonder this before, but never had a place to voice it.

Why do some plus-size catalogs use women sized 10 and under to market clothing to us? Do they really think that it is going to fit the same way on a larger women?

The lady in this dress looks to be about a size 10. Yes, Woman Within starts at a 12W, but that means 14 in misses sizes. So could she at least be a size 14?

This could just be me ranting, but come on.

Charlotte: On The Fashion Map

The fashion map has always, included cities like Los Angeles and New York City. Now, Charlotte is gradually making its mark on the fashion map.

Charlotte will be having its first annual Charlotte, NC Fashion Week. This fashion week will be conducted at the Blake Hotel on September 18 - 20. There will be many events throughout the weekend from runway shows to fashion workshops.

One particular fashion workshop will be conducted by Carmen Webber. Webber hit the national scene when she appeared on Bravo TV's Project Runway 4. Webber got her start in Charlotte, NC. At Savannah College of Art & Design, she began studying architecture and changed to fashion design and illustration. She has authored two books: Denim Mania: 25 Stylish Ways to Transform Your Jeans and T-Shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions.

At the Charlotte, NC Fashion Week, Webber will be conducting a workshop called "10 Steps to Braking into the Fashin Industry as a Designer and T-Shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashion." It will be done on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the Symphony Ballroom.

Among the forementioned accomplishments, Webber owns her own clothing lable. Her design company is called sistahs of harlem. She it the president and chief designer. The clothing line is known for showcasing claims to be the "essence of street couture".

Shecky's Anyone?

Okay, so you have probably have no clue what a Shecky is, but maybe you should pay attention.

To stay up-to-date to the fashion world, I have begun subscribing to different blogs and newspaper fashion newsletters. I received a newsletter today from the Washington Post. The style section offers a newsletter called the DC Scout, it sends out information about what's happening in fashion in the District of Columbia.

Today's installment talks about Shecky's Girls Night Out. This is the place to be, if you are looking for new stlye for the fall season. It promises to be a blast. It provides shopping, cocktails and refreshments for a very low admission price.

The admission prices are $10 each or $25 for two. The $25 tickets make sure that you get the coveted goodie bag. It is taking place everywhere from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, DC and every major city in the US. These event are even venturing into less known fashion cities, like Charlotte. Click on the city nearest you to get up-to-date information about the events. To see a complete list of cities click on Shecky's Girls Night Out.

The current list of fashion participants range from Ally Kat to Selma Karaca. Ines Collection will be on hand to cater to the sizeable woman. The clothing is said to be on sale for 10 to 75% off of cost.

Shecky's is a New York fashion mecca. for the internet. It provides information about after-work parties, the best places to shop, and sample sales. It is geared mainly to New York, but has a few things that apply to other cities.

CREATE A SHOPPING BUDGET NOW!!!
So don't miss the event.

The Quest

It might not seem like much of a hassle for the average woman, but I am having difficulty finding a supportive sports bra.

One of these days I would like to walk into any sports store and find my size. Do they think women of size, don't exercise? I do exercise. In fact, I want to really begin running. I just don't want to get out there and wind up knocking myself out. The "girls" need support, a little cuddling.

Yes, I know I could order online, but what if it doesn't fit right. I keep hoping that I will find a store with something to fit me.

The Year of Enlightment

The love of fashion snuck up on Cole M. when she was 30. Unsure of what worked best on her in her 20s, she sometimes went without the lastest fashion.

Now at 33, Cole M. has welcomed the label trendsetter. She believes that she has become a trendsetter because she has come to grips with her body. "There were times when I didn't like the canvas, so there was no need to decorate."

She now embraces clothing. As an administrative assistant, she doesn't get much flexibility on the kinds of clothing that she wears to work, but when she goes out she likes to go all out. "I like to mix it up" she says. To hang out with friends, her favorite places to shop are Deb's Shop and consignment shops. Her recent buy at Deb's Shop was this bandana shirt. "I like that it covers all of my problem areas, but doesn't make me look bigger."

Her favorite consigment shop, My Girlfriend's Closet, is not even located in her area or state. "I only get there once a year, but I always find great clothing." She likes to sew, so she will find items at consigment shops and find ways to give it her own touch.

For work, she is an avid Macy's shopper. At Macy's, she can live out her shoe fantasies. "In the office, my clothing colors are subdued, but the shoes are a different story." She has already scheduled a weekend retreat at Macy's for some shoes. "I can easily spend $500 on a pair of shoes. It is my only vice."

Is he Dandy?

Are you Dandy? Do you believe that your man is a dandy? Do you even know what a dandy is?

Before one can known whether or not they are dandy or their man is dandy, dandy must be defined and looked at from a historical perspective. A dandy is considered a man who takes pride in their physical appearance. They take time to prefect everything about themselves. They are known for their refined language, leisurely hobbies and for looking to advance their social standings.

The first mentions of dandy is associated with George Bryan Brummell, but the word can be traced back as early as the 1770s with the song Yankee Doodle Dandy. The song was written to describe what the American troops looked during the French and Indian War. During the War, a Yankee Doodle Dandy was hodgepodge brigade. The troops were dressed in the clothes that they wore when the left their homes. There were no uniforms.

The word made its way to English history because of the separation of classes. The royal class appreciated the dandy because of the attention paid to appearance and to nothing else.

Anatomy of a Dandy

If you added 2 cups of charm, a half a cup of smooth, and a quarter cup of suave, you would have yourself a dandy. Dandy is a term used by many to describe a man who oozes style, and grace. He has the “it” factor. You can’t describe what “it” is, but you know “it” when you see it. Dandies are tall, thin, handsome men who are so smooth they seem to glide when they walk. They never have a hair out of place, their faces are cleanly shaven, the placket of ruffles on their shirts cascade down to finely starched linen pants, which leads your eye to a pair of silk stockings, which are guarded by freshly polished shoes, accompanied by nothing other than large gold buckles. They are financially independent, in the sense that they feel they do not have to work. Not only are they handsome, but they have the wit and the brains to match. Their charm can’t be ignored, nor can their cynical and nonchalant attitudes. They are the men that we hate to love, and the ones men unlike their kind love to hate.

Historical Dandies

The very model of the dandy in British society was George Bryan "Beau" Brummell. Even though born to middle-class, he was attracted the lifestyle of the upper class. While in school, he became friends with the Prince of Wales, the future George IV. Because of this relationship and his dress, he began to regard in the circles around the Prince as a virtual oracle on matters related to dress and etiquette virtually a court fashion arbiter.

Dandies were no prissy class of gentlemen, or mincing walkers as their elegant forebears, the Macaroni's, had been. They were the well dressed, witty and elegant men of a new generation. Brummell abandoned a wig and cut his hair in a Roman fashion. Brummell also led the move from breeches to snugly-tailored dark "pantaloons," which led directly to the trousers that have been mainstay of men's wear in the Western world for two centuries. George "Beau" Brummell invented what was to become the modern necktie. The feminist Germaine Greer once declaimed that it was foolishness to allow men to rule the world when they begin the day by tying a rope around their necks. Ironically, today he would be called a "metrosexual".

Brummell took great strides to make sure that his clothing was cleaned. If clothes were clean, he reasoned, the body under them must also be. Unlike other males who drenched themselves in perfume to hide body odors, he washed his entire body with hot water every day. As with everything else he did, this too became a fad.

Another well-known dandy is Prince Albert. Albert Francis Charles Augustus Emmanuel of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was born on August 26. 1819 at Schloss Rosenau, in Bavaria, the younger son of the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. When he was seven, his father divorced his mother on grounds of adultery, and she was sent to live in Switzerland and forbidden to see her children. Albert was educated at Bonn University. In 1840, he married his cousin, Queen Victoria. The marriage was unpopular in some quarters, and parliament resisted granting Albert what his wife regarded as a suitable allowance. Prince Albert was also known for designing his wife wedding dress, and now days designers still look up to Prince Albert and design their bridal wear of his creations.

Modern Dandies

Dandy is not a word that is commonly used in today fashion industry, but many designers and fashion leaders are influenced by the 19th century look. One such designer is Alexis Mabille. Mabille is a self-taught couturier. The Spring 2009 collection presented "an imaginary mixed school, a fun, unconventional gang of students, teacher and parents”. He takes influences from college, military uniforms and formal attire. The silhouette is narrow, tight with short and fitted jackets and coats worn with wide-leg pants or slim-fitting trousers.
This style of dress has already been adapted by celebrities, such as: Andre 3000

To know if you fit the description of a dandy or your man is dandy, take the quiz. The quiz is called How Dandy are You? The quiz is comprised of 40 questions to determine your level of dandy. Or become a dandy by checking out Modern Dandies. It provides extensive information on everything a modern dandy needs from clothing tips to the books to read.

To Knit or Not to Knit

As an obsessed crafter, the apartment is overwhelmed with yarn, jewelry supplies and paper.

It doesn't matter the type of craft, it has probably been tried more than once. The one that sticks is yarn arts. If you enjoy knitting or crocheting and are don't want to make the 100th baby blanket or 1000th scarf, why don't you begin making clothing for you.

Okay stop screaming, you are probably thinking that there are no patterns made to fit the SIZEABLE woman. This might shock you, but some have been found. The newest find for this obsessed crafter is books. Some are little older. Some are newely published. They all bear a need to be reviewed.

To get a quick glance at each book before going to the stores click on the title.

More Big Girl Knits: Features 25 patterns that are curve aware.
Classic Kints for Real Women: 35 Classical patterns. Even gives instructions on how to make modifications.
Big Girl Knits: 25 Big, Bold Projects Shaped for Real Women with Real Curves: Says that it considers the three Bs: Boobs, Belly and Butt.

These are just a few books. These three books can be purchased directly from Barnes and Noble. As a few gets things get done, pictures will be posted. Also check out another website, to get a an enormous amount of knitting patterns. Plus-Size Knitting.

Animal Prints. Wear With Caution!

Did you buy your tickets for the safari? If you haven't yet, please make sure to check out your local Torrid store to be in fashion.

Do you believe that you can't wear the latest trends because of your size? Well, listen to the sizeable perspective on how to wear animal prints. As a SIZEABLE woman, you must know what works for your body style.

• Buy the item, if the print is comparable to your size.
• In other words, small patterns are meant for small bodies.
• Next, please do not over accessories. You really don't need to put on the animal print shoes to make the statement.

You are the statement not the clothes.

Be proud of your curves.

Until next time....

What is the Sizeable Perspective?

Every morning is a different day to express yourself. This blog will deal with the day to day choices that a plus-size women goes through to put her best fashion foot forward.
Why do I feel that I can talk about this subject?
I am plus-size.
I am Nicole. I currently live in Charlotte, NC. I am a current college student at The Art Institute of Charlotte, finishing up my bachelor's degree in Fashion Marketing and Management.
I will take the time out of my week to express what I feel about fashion. You might not be as fashion conscious as your friends, but who cares. Do you care who's name is on your label? Or are you most concerned on how it fits on you?