Boho Fashion Style for the Plus-Size Girls: Feel Comfortably Stylish

Boho, or the Bohemian style, is a fashion trend that has long-lasting appeal. Initially, the style was popular among hippie youth, but it evolved to suit any fashion enthusiast. Whether you are a plus-size or an hourglass model searching for unconventional attire to wear at the beach, to a friend’s party, dinner, or even a shopping spree, boho style has your back! You will always feel comfortably stylish when wearing your favorite boho clothing.

Characteristics of Boho Fashion 

Boho trends represent exotic substitutes of typical fashion in a given era. Historians attribute the fashion to intellectuals, artists, and writers. The dress code integrates different clothing styles from across the globe and historical outfits.

The plus size boho dresses are loose and colorful attires (often dubbed aesthetic dresses, boho chic, or hippie style) that make any girl stand out from the crowd.

The boho trend also embraces threadbare fabrics representing a counterculture that portrays a lack of interest in traditions and social structures. The fashion also features themes of poverty and creativity.

Other elements that complement boho fashion include:

  • Layered scarves and jewelry
  • Theater attire
  • Historical fashion trends
  • Loose outer garments and hair that suits plus-size women perfectly

Boho Trend History 

Boho fashion started in France as a counterculture. Following the French Revolution, many artists wallowed into poverty because they lost the sponsorship of wealthy customers. Consequently, the artists lived cheaply and moved from one place to another. Their clothes were old, unfashionable, and worn-out.

The bourgeois classified artists as talented craft artisans. However, the 18th century Romantic Movement emphasized creativity that people mainly expressed in how they dressed.

In many cases, the bohemians often dressed in old shoes and threadbare coats that reflected disheveled people.

Modern Boho Outfits 

Presently, boho fashion is available in diverse silhouettes, cuts, and shapes. You can also pick outfits designed from a broad range of techniques, fabrics, and patterns.

Some of the widely used fabrics include chiffon, cotton, linen, and leather. Some fabrics also feature floral prints, lace, and crochet. The boho outfit cuts and fabric choice depends on whether you are looking for flexible winter or summer fashion.

You can also throw in complementary fashion pieces such as a handbag or even a trendy trench coat. Boho fashion is flexible; therefore, select a dress code that makes you feel great.

How to Pull Off Boho Fashion Trends 

If you dress in an official outfit throughout the week, you must be waiting eagerly for the weekend so that you can have a change. The boho trends have a wide variety of clothes to match the confident and plus-sized girls’ requirements.

When selecting your preferred outfits, however, ensure to follow these conventional boho codes.

  • Choose unstructured, lightweight, and loose style
  • Pick an expressive and relaxed appearance with vintage details
  • Buy from the thrift stores so that you can buy affordable outfits
  • Creases are part of the disheveled fashion, do not bother to iron
  • Remember to throw in some extra accessories
  • Include floral, animal, or another noticeable pattern somewhere

Surefire Accessories to Complement Boho Style 

Modern fashion trends discourage too many accessories. Fashion gurus recommend that plus-size girls can wear a diamond bracelet or watch, and a pair of sunglasses only.

On the contrary, the bohemian culture encourages you to select a wide variety of accessories (after all, vintage and artisanal items are available in dollar stores).

Some of the accessories to consider include:

  • Oversized sunglasses
  • A straw hat
  • Patterned scarf
  • Canvas tote bag
  • Wooden bead bracelet

Boho Shoe Styles 

Once you pick the clothes and accessories, choose shoes that will enhance your fashion statement. Remember, comfort and safety should be your primary concern. Some of the popular boho shoe designs include:

  • Ankle boots with a buckle
  • Patterned flat sandals
  • High heels ankle boots
  • Flat summer sandals with beaded straps
  • Gladiator sandals with sexy lace-up
  • Beach flip flops
  • Fur boots
  • Riveted peep toe high heels
  • Vintage slip-on boots
  • Wedge platforms

Boho is almost an attitude. It is wearing what you like and pulling it together until you get the right vibe. Feel good, girls. Enjoy your boho fashion craze. You deserve some happiness.

Collaborative Post

Clothing Rental Programs: Save Time and Money

I shared this post on Kimberly West Styling Facebook page.  But, it’s such a game-changing piece of advice that I want to post it here on the blog!

Did you know that instead of purchasing new clothing you can rent high-quality pieces?

Some of your favorite brands allow renting options with a reasonable monthly fee and the process is simple:

1. Signup

2. Browse and select styles.

3. Return the items with a pre-paid envelope.

If you love those items, you have the option to keep them with a discounted price!

Below are clothing rental companies:

Infinite Style – Ann Taylor

NY&C Closet – New York & Company

American Eagle Style Drop – Americaneagle.com

Trunk Club – Nordstrom

Rent The Runway

Additional plus-size rental programs:

Stitch Fix

Gwynnie Bee

Stylogic

Plvsh Style

Wantable

I strongly encourage clothing rental services for busy women, last-minute social events, or even to save money!  How often do we wear a dress on multiple occasions?  Also, do we really want an unorganized closet filled with miscellaneous pieces?

Eliminate the hassle of never having anything to wear by subscribing to one of the programs on this list.

Let us know what you think about clothing rental programs in the comment box.  Give us your opinion!

Click Here:  Fashion Consultant and Personal Shopper

 

Curves Rock Fashion Weekend Days Away

Curves Rock Fashion Weekend is celebrating 5 years with a series of events starting July 20, 2016. Curves Rock Fashion Weekend (CRFW), an annual event for women with curves, is one of the largest fashion events for plus size women in the U.S. Featuring empowerment workshops and panel discussions that enhancing the self-esteem of women in the plus-size community, while promoting healthy lifestyles through fitness and healthy eating. CRFW is also a platform to display trendy fashions as well as bringing awareness to fashion designers, boutiques, retailers and businesses that cater to the plus-size community.

“We are excited to continue our journey of empowering women in the curvy community. We created this event to create a culture within the plus size industry where sisterhood, body positivity and fashion could co-exist!”
-Chanell Jones, Co-Founder, CEO, Executive Producer of Curves Rock Fashion Weekend

“Curves Rock is a phenomenal experience. It has been a blessing to me over the past 5 years to empower thousands of curvy women. I am super excited about our 5th year anniversary and can’t wait to celebrate with the curvy community.” –Tykesha Reed Co-Founder and Executive Director of Curves Rock Fashion Weekend

Last year’s event was a huge success. CRFW had over 650 people to attend throughout the weekend. We received rave reviews from the audience, press and bloggers. Several months after the event we are still getting requests for radio interviews and to make appearances at various events. The feedback we received has been astounding. Many designers and businesses that sponsored and/or supported our event have received a lot of follow up business from being associated with Curves Rock Fashion Weekend.

The 2016 Curves Rock Fashion Weekend kicks off the evening of July 20 with a series of events:

July 20, 7pm-9pm, at the Ronald McDonald House with Glam Suite for a Cause. Curves Rock is partnering with the Ronald McDonald House to honor the Mother’s that have traveled from all across the world for the best care for their children. Participants will enjoy a night of pampering, encouragement and empowerment.

July 21, 2016, 7pm-10pm, CRFW will host a Met & Greet at the Horseshoe Casino. Come out and meet the team, chat, have a few drinks and Karaoke!

July 22, 2016, 6:30pm-10:30pm, CRFW presents Curves and Cufflinks mixer hosted by Ashley Stewart. Curves and Cufflinks, a networking event with industry leaders, models, designers, bloggers, will be held at the Marriot Inner Harbor at Camden Yards. Guest will enjoy specialty cocktails, giveaways, a runway competition and more.

July 23, 2016 MAIN EVENT held at the Marriot Inner Harbor at Camden Yards

10am-4pm: The Curves Rock Expo featuring live performances, workshops, beauty demonstrations, shopping and more. This event is FREE and open to the public.

11am-2pm: The Curvy Women Who Rock Brunch, a celebration of curvy women in the community. During the brunch 3 recipients will be awarded for the Humanitarian Award, the Curvy Enthusiast Award and the Curvy Business Women of the Year Award. Hosted by Tyra Hill of the Tyra Hill Show, the Curvy Women Who Rock Brunch will also feature a designer exclusive sneak peek and discussion panel. The panel will include; Essie Gloden, a Plus Size Model and Blogger; Alexandra Boos, a Plus Size Fashion Pioneer; Yashima White Azilove, Vice President of Corporate Communications for Radio One and the CEO of Magnate Consulting and Sabrina Servance from Lifetime’s Big Women Big Love. (Ticketing information for this event is available on the website.)

12pm-3pm: The Plus ROLE Model Workshop. This workshop is for women interested in becoming plus models or plus models interested in taking their careers and brand to the next level. Aspiring models will learn modeling skills and attend workshops that teach them how to balance life as a model. Featuring workshops like:

Runway. POSE. Repeat. hosted by Plus Model Samantha Lebbie

Fashion to Finance hosted by Wells Fargo, 1pm-2pm

Social Media and blogging 101 hosted by Kimberlee Powell/The Natural Fashionista

6pm-7pm: The Curves Rock Fashion Week VIP Reception

7:30pm: The Curves Rock Fashion Week Fashion Show featuring designer Carl Troger of Alek Risminic Couture and hosted by Comedian Lonnie B. Doors open at 7pm.

Curves Rock Fashion Weekend 2016 – Celebrating 5 Years

Untitled design

Curves Rock Fashion Weekend is celebrating 5 years with a series of events starting July 20, 2016. Curves Rock Fashion Weekend (CRFW), an annual event for women with curves, is one of the largest fashion events for plus size women in the U.S. Featuring empowerment workshops and panel discussions that enhancing the self-esteem of women in the plus-size community, while promoting healthy lifestyles through fitness and healthy eating. CRFW is also a platform to display trendy fashions as well as bringing awareness to fashion designers, boutiques, retailers and businesses that cater to the plus-size community.

“We are excited to continue our journey of empowering women in the curvy community. We created this event to create a culture within the plus size industry where sisterhood, body positivity and fashion could co-exist!”
-Chanell Jones, Co-Founder, CEO, Executive Producer of Curves Rock Fashion Weekend

“Curves Rock is a phenomenal experience. It has been a blessing to me over the past 5 years to empower thousands of curvy women. I am super excited about our 5th year anniversary and can’t wait to celebrate with the curvy community.” –Tykesha Reed Co-Founder and Executive Director of Curves Rock Fashion Weekend

Last year’s event was a huge success. CRFW had over 650 people to attend throughout the weekend. We received rave reviews from the audience, press and bloggers. Several months after the event we are still getting requests for radio interviews and to make appearances at various events. The feedback we received has been astounding. Many designers and businesses that sponsored and/or supported our event have received a lot of follow up business from being associated with Curves Rock Fashion Weekend.

The 2016 Curves Rock Fashion Weekend kicks off the evening of July 20 with a series of events:

v July 20, 7pm-9pm, at the Ronald McDonald House with Glam Suite for a Cause. Curves Rock is partnering with the Ronald McDonald House to honor the Mother’s that have traveled from all across the world for the best care for their children. Participants will enjoy a night of pampering, encouragement and empowerment.

v July 21, 2016, 7pm-10pm, CRFW will host a Met & Greet at the Horseshoe Casino. Come out and meet the team, chat, have a few drinks and Karaoke!

v July 22, 2016, 6:30pm-10:30pm, CRFW presents Curves and Cufflinks mixer hosted by Ashley Stewart. Curves and Cufflinks, a networking event with industry leaders, models, designers, bloggers, will be held at the Marriot Inner Harbor at Camden Yards. Guest will enjoy specialty cocktails, giveaways, a runway competition and more.

July 23, 2016 MAIN EVENT held at the Marriot Inner Harbor at Camden Yards
§ 10am-4pm: The Curves Rock Expo featuring live performances, workshops, beauty demonstrations, shopping and more. This event is FREE and open to the public.

§ 11am-2pm: The Curvy Women Who Rock Brunch, a celebration of curvy women in the community. During the brunch 3 recipients will be awarded for the Humanitarian Award, the Curvy Enthusiast Award and the Curvy Business Women of the Year Award. Hosted by Tyra Hill of the Tyra Hill Show, the Curvy Women Who Rock Brunch will also feature a designer exclusive sneak peek and discussion panel. The panel will include; Essie Gloden, a Plus Size Model and Blogger; Alexandra Boos, a Plus Size Fashion Pioneer; Yashima White Azilove, Vice President of Corporate Communications for Radio One and the CEO of Magnate Consulting and Sabrina Servance from Lifetime’s Big Women Big Love. (Ticketing information for this event is available on the website.)

§ 12pm-3pm: The Plus ROLE Model Workshop. This workshop is for women interested in becoming plus models or plus models interested in taking their careers and brand to the next level. Aspiring models will learn modeling skills and attend workshops that teach them how to balance life as a model.
Featuring workshops like:

§ Runway. POSE. Repeat. hosted by Plus Model Samantha Lebbie

§ Fashion to Finance hosted by Wells Fargo, 1pm-2pm

§ Social Media and blogging 101 hosted by Kimberlee Powell/The Natural Fashionista

§ 6pm-7pm: The Curves Rock Fashion Week VIP Reception

§ 7:30pm: The Curves Rock Fashion Week Fashion Show featuring designer Carl Troger of Alek Risminic Couture and hosted by Comedian Lonnie B. Doors open at 7pm.

SAMANTHA LEBBIE (1)

Ashley Stewart – Extended Size Collection Blogger Collaboration

Ashley Stewart, the premier plus size fashion brand, announces the launch of their spring dress collection in sizes 12-32. Already a brand known for embracing women’s curves, Ashley Stewart’s offering of their trend-right dresses in sizes 28, 30 and 32 allows a whole new customer to express herself through fashion and use the streets as her runway.

“We listened. Our customers have been asking us for more sizes and we’ve answered with our most sought-after dress styles,” says Kristen Gaskins, President and CMO of Ashley Stewart. “The collection will include maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and ready-for-work styles, with plans to extend more categories in the future.”

Ashley Stewart is launching their new collection and size expansion with real women. Partnering with Plus Model Magazine and bloggers Alissa Wilson from Stylish Curves, Beck Delude from Manfattan, Tiffany from Lace N’ Leopard and Megahan O’Conner from Little Lime Dress, each girl shows off their personal style while showcasing the new Ashley Stewart Spring Dress Collection. Denim dresses, patterned shifts, striped jumpsuits and the signature Butterfly Bra™ allow women to flaunt their curves.

“I think it’s amazing that Ashley Stewart has extended their size range because this is something that is needed. When you look at the fashion industry, all of these brands stop at a size 14 and 16, which makes you feel like the world stops at a 14/16. Having extended sizes is letting women know that they too can be fashionable regardless of their size.” – Alissa Wilson of StylishCurves.com

“Ashley Stewart extending their size range is very important for the brand as well as an important step in the fashion world. Allowing women who are 28 through 32 to dress for their shape and style is not only exciting but it is an uplifting movement that I am very happy to be part of.” – Meaghan O’Connor of LittleLimeDress.com

Available online at AshleyStewart.com, the new collection launches on March 1st. Given the buzz generated by Ashley Stewart’s industry-leading social media platforms and the national #LoveYourCurvesTour, which kicked off in Dallas over Presidents Day Weekend, the new sizes are expected to be very popular and sell out quickly. For additional information, please visit AshleyStewart.com and Ashley Stewart’s Facebook Page at Facebook.com/ByAshleyStewart and/or feel free to reach out to the Ashley Stewart team for an interview and/or feature consideration.

About Ashley Stewart: Ashley Stewart has captured the hearts and minds of curvy women since its founding in 1991 in Brooklyn, New York. Today, Ashley Stewart offers the hottest looks with stores across the United States, a rapidly growing ecommerce presence at www.AshleyStewart.com, and an industry leading social media presence. Ashley Stewart stands for uncompromising style, fashion, fit and empowerment for the trend-savvy woman who flaunts her curves. From the perfect pair of jeans to churchflow dresses, smoking hot outfits to #DaretoBare intimates, Ashley Stewart has you covered.

● Visit our stores around the country for a one-on-one shopping experience with our in-store team: http://www.ashleystewart.com/stores

● Shop online with new styles added daily: http://www.AshleyStewart.com

● Join more than 550,000 fans on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/byAshleyStewart.=

● Share your #AshleyStewart look on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/byAshleyStewart.

Ashley Stewart Plus Size Clothing: Fall 2015 Trend Report

Every woman should look and feel fabulous at any size.  Below, we have the Fall 2015 Trend Report from Ashley Stewart, Plus Size Clothing.  With retail stores across the country, and a popular online shop, the brand is making waves on the plus size fashion scene.

Trend-essentials that stand the test of time are offered by Ashley Stewart for unbeatable prices of $30-$150

Ashely1

Military Pieces

You won’t be incognito as you march into fall wearing deep olives and camouflage, but who really wants to be in the background anyway. Ashley Stewart’s bold prints and rich neutrals are perfect for pairing with denim, bright pops of color, and metallic details.

Ashley2

Fringe

Instantly glam up your look for a night on the town with this season’s must have essential, fringe. Make a statement whenever you walk into the room with show stopping dresses and vests from Ashley Stewart. It’s the perfect way to instantly amp up your look when you get that great last minute invite for a night on the town.

Ashley3

Day to night

No wardrobe change needed, thanks to these ultra-versatile outfits! Why plan a daytime and evening outfit when Ashley Stewart has foolproof pieces convenient a.m.-to-p.m changes? Plus, it’s the chicest way to save time and a bit of cash. Combining the looks of sweaters and mixed media serves is the best way to go about the fall and winter looks. Ashley Stewart’s classy cuts and great colors take each piece from cute to fabulous in no time.

Ashley4

Denim

Whether its denim on denim or denim and a pop of color, Denim makes a huge return this season. Dress it up or dress it down and look effortless wherever you go. As a curvy girl no need to worry about if those jeans will fit your curvy figure, Ashley Stewart makes sure that all styles are made to flatter everyone.

About Ashley Stewart:

A pioneer in plus, Ashley Stewart launched in the early 1990’s, capturing the hearts and minds of curvy women throughout the New York area offering inspiring, fashion-forward, affordable clothing in an easily accessible and welcoming environment.  Today, the brand has 90 stores in the U.S. and a growing international presence through www.AshleyStewart.com. As a leading retailer of plus Ashley Stewart continues its heritage of uncompromising style and flattering fit for the curvy, sexy, fashion forward woman.

Whether its last minute short lead fall fashion stories, or Holiday/ Winter Fashion editorials we have an array of coats, jackets, sweaters and more available. Let us know if you would like to call in samples, request additional information or imagery. We would be happy to supply them. We are looking forward to working with you on an amazing fashion story!

Fashion Awards MD 2014 – Style + Life + Fashion Media Category Recap

Fashion Awards MD is considered to be one of the premiere fashion events in the Baltimore area.  This year’s theme was “Traveling Circus” and sponsors for the event included: Harbor East, Linell Ellis, Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey, Christopher Schafer Clothing, About Faces Day Spa and Salon, Lana Rae, South Moon Under, Open Fly Magazine, Hide N Seek Entertainment, Maryland Renaissance Festival, Baltimore Fashion Alliance, The Fly Wire, Yelp, and DeBois Textiles.

FAMD Program
FAMD Program

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to attend the event being nominated for the Fashion Media Category.  I was surprised to be placed on the ballot (for a second consecutive year) because I only had plans to attend as a media source.  Once I received the email confirmation I was very excited to be amongst such a talented list of bloggers.

Kimberly West FAMD
Style + Life + Fashion attending the Fashion Awards MD

Dress: Romeo & Juliet {Saks Fifth Avenue} | Handbag: Louis Vuitton | Beauty Products: Fake Bake, OPI, and Cutex One Step Wipes

Jaslene Gonzalez from America’s Top Model served as the host for this year’s event.  She was seen wearing a beautiful red asymmetrical gown, created by local fashion designer B. Descai with an additional black, sequin, and green dress selected by fashion stylist Thea Washington.  Jaslene looked stunning and did a wonderful job of engaging the audience.

Jaslene Gonzalez and Lana Rae
Posing on the Red Carpet

What I love the most about attending any fashion event is the creativity and talent that’s circulating in the room.  From face masks to custom design apparel, everyone came out to be seen and noticed.  The evening continued with a variety of performances between the nominee categories and recognition was given to those with a flair for beauty, fashion, and the arts.  In the honorary words of the Fashion Awards MD, we should strive to “Inspire and Be Inspired.”

FAMD
Excited Nominees and Guest
FAMD
FAMD

For additional photos and winner’s list visit: FashionAwardsMD.com

Fashion to Figure and Denise Caldwell Summer Style Party

Fashion to Figure and Denise Caldwell invite you to a Summer Style Party to celebrate FTF’s new White Marsh Store location! Join us on Monday, June 30th at The White Marsh Mall from 6 PM – 8 PM for sips, sweet, and trend advice from style expert and curvy fashionista Denise Caldwell!

WHEN: June 30th 6 – 8 PM
LOCATION: White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall BLVD, Baltimore, MD 21236
WHAT TO KNOW: #FTFSELFIE and @FTFSNAPS @DCFASHIONISTA1

Fashion to Figure & Denise Caldwell Summer Style Party

Fashion Tips and Style Inspiration for Curvy Women

I am a petite woman with CURVES which makes me a STRONG believer that anyone can look great (no matter what size clothing you wear.)  This is my personal belief because I am the shopper who’s searching for a specific “size”  (in pants) but yet they have to be short enough for my height!

With that being said, I have discovered over the years that it’s truly not about the size clothing you wear but how you style your wardrobe.  And although there are certain items that are ONLY reserved for women who wear a size zero, our fashion industry’s so diverse that no one should resort to (ONLY) wearing leggings and a Mickey Mouse t – shirt (smile.)

Lucky for us, Marie Claire magazine has provided some great style tips for Curvy Women.   The article ranges from accessories, formal gowns, and hair tips.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that we can look good and feel great no matter what size clothing we wear!

CLICK ON THE LINK:

Marie Claire Fashion Tips for Curvy Women

Photos are from Stylish Dressing: Plus Size Fashion Inspirations

Celebrities (Looking Great)

If you like this article click on the link https://stylelifefashion.com/compliment-your-figure-enhance-your-style/