The Curvy Chateau

Plus- Size Special Occasion Dress Shopping

Published on September 22, 2013September 22, 2013 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

Hello Jewels, it has definitely been a while since I have posted a blog. I apologize for that. I have been terribly busy with getting things together for my undergrad graduation this December, SUPER EXCITED; and working on applications and things for my current job and future career.

With all of that aside I am still busy, and my boyfriend has been getting on me about what I’ll be wearing to a wedding he is in. All of this is because I treated him this way for the wedding I was in earlier this year. We are both great dressers so I don’t know why I was pestering him about what he would wear, because he knows how to dress and very well. So to start my quest for a wedding guest dress I started with my favorite store, FOREVER 21+. FOREVER 21+ is of course not a formal wear site; however, I have managed to find dresses in the stores and online that were suitable for an evening occasion. NOT THIS TIME AROUND. I had no luck with FOREVER 21+. So I called my sister, who is a fashion guru, and asked her for some ideas. She named the typical places, that I do not shop at, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JC Penney. Sometimes I find myself getting a pair of shoes from Dillard’s or Macy’s, but I cannot stand a messy store, and most of the time these stores have clothes in different spots; I cannot shop that way, I need organization. So I thought of a few other places, but I still was not happy with what I saw. These stores include, Avenue, Lane Bryant, Dress Barn, David’s Bridal, and even Torrid. David’s Bridal would have been a great option until I realized that this wedding is in three weeks, and it probably would take three to four weeks to come in from a bridal shop, so that option was out.

From here, I decided to go a different route. You guys have probably been on these sites before, but I have never been on most of these. These sites have wonderful clothing for full-figured women. The only thing about a few of these is that the prices are a bit high. Of course, I read through reviews and product descriptions, and the clothing seem to have great quality so it would be worth spending your money on. Here are a list of those fabulous websites: Sonsi.com, Simplybe.com, and igigi.com. Simplybe and Sonsi have clothing for every budget; however, IGIGI is bit pricey.

I really like the dress on IGIGI. They show off curves and are quite sexy for formal wear. Simplybe and Sonsi are more like everyday clothing, and they have a few party/ special occasion dresses. I have not decided on a dress yet, and I am considering designing one of my own. Here are the ones that I am considering:

This dress can be dressed up with blingy gold jewelry and gold bangles. Then, for color add colored shoe, like sapphire. IGIGI.com — This dress can be dressed up with blingy gold jewelry and gold bangles. Then, for color add shoes with color, like sapphire.
IGIGI.com

All this dress would need is long gold earrings, gold bracelets on one arm, and a big gold/black ring on the opposite hand. Gold sandals would complete the look. IGIGI.com — All this dress would need is long gold earrings, gold bracelets on one arm, and a big gold/black ring on the opposite hand. Gold sandals would complete the look.
IGIGI.com

This is such a cute and simple party dress; that would look nice with red or blue pumps, and matching jewelry. No necklace for this dress, just dazzling earrings, cocktail rings, and complimentary clutch. — This is such a cute and simple party dress; that would look nice with red, blue, black, or purple pumps, and matching jewelry. No necklace for this dress, just dazzling earrings, cocktail rings, and a complimentary clutch. Sonsi.com

I like these dresses, but I will continue to shop and maybe make my own. I sometimes hate that I am a picky person, because it makes things twice as hard.

When the holidays come along and you need a dress for a holiday party, best friends wedding, or special event check out these websites. I hope this is helpful to some of you.

Have fun shopping JEWELS!

What Happened to Applying the GOLDEN RULE?

Published on April 12, 2013April 21, 2013 by thecurvychateau3 Comments

A few days ago while I was at work, I began to think to myself no matter how kind you are to people, some people are always going to be ugly. I had a job that was what I like to call “my play money job”. I called it this because I would come in for just a few hours to help out, they are short staffed (the manager likes it that way, weird to me), the manager knew me and she called asked me if I could help her out. So I said “Of course”. I only lasted three months. I am so amazed at my self for being there that long, and I do NOT see how the other ladies have been there longer and are still THERE! My first week or two were the best! I hardly worked with her (the manager that hired me) and the other ladies were great. But one of the ladies quit on the spot so she had to start working the hours that I was there. That is when everything crashed.

She was always rude, obnoxious, and all around disrespectful. Normally, I would have a word with someone like that. I would have done it kindly, but instead I would always sweep her ugliness under a rug, smile, and did whatever she requested when I could get around to it (I was already working on something that she had just given to me). I’m only human, not a robot (I refuse to be treated like one or act like I can do a hundred things at once as fast as lightning). That only made things worse, she would make comments like “Oh, you just drag, you have no pep in your step. You used to work so well here…blah blah blah”. Again, I would just look at her and smile. I always try to hold my composer with people. Even though they are acting crazy and have an ugly personality does not mean I have to get down to their level and lose who I am, for one person.

There would be days when she would come in not feeling well (and I had to work with her). I would toss to the side (not throw away) the ugly comments she had thrown at me before, and I would do my best to make things easier for her so she did not have to stress out that day. I was so nice to this lady. I’d tell her ways that may help her situation, go see a doctor, everything will be ok, I’m sure whatever is going on it is nothing fatal. She is a drama queen and she would be putting on as if she was dying. I did my best to help her out. On one of the days like this (where she was not feeling well) she gave me a project. There are two ways to get this project done so I chose the one that I was most comfortable with and could get done the fastest (I do not want to drag on this project, she already thinks I work slow on purpose). So I finished the task and right before my shift is over she tells (despite feeling like she is about to die) “You did this all wrong. This is not how I wanted you to do this” and she went on and on. It really was not a big deal, but because she is this way, I just went on a head and came in on my day off to redo it. But, that night she gave me hell about it. Eventually these words came out of her mouth, “I’m trying to make you feel bad, I want you to feel bad for not doing it right the first time”. I should have said I quit right then and there, but because I am the way that I am, I didn’t, I knew they were barely functioning considering that we lost a member of management, so I stayed, until now. What is crazy about all of this is that this same person contacted ME and asked ME to come work with her, I did not apply or ask to be a part of that team.

My whole point is that no matter how kind you are to people; no matter how much you try to buff out their rough edges, some people are just going to be ugly. I had to learn this with this job (we go through everything for a reason). I have never had someone treat me this way before. I have encountered rude people before, but not worked with someone for months and they consistently treat you like this. I always figured my kindness was going to eventually get to her and she would be nice to everyone, it was not just me. But I didn’t see it happen. Who knows maybe it will one day. I’m not saying this to say give up on being kind to those that disrespect you, but never stoop to their level, always be yourself. I could not continue to put up with her ugly ways and since it was a play money job, I didn’t have to. Working there was not a necessity for me.

Be the golden one in the bunch

It is really too bad that people do not know how to work with people that are different from them. CLEARLY, we had different personalities but that does not mean because you are higher up than me, with your position, that you can disrespect me. Everyone wants to be treated with respect, but everyone is not dishing it out. If only we all could live and treat others the way we want to be treated, this world would be a better place. Think back to kindergarten the only rule back then was the GOLDEN RULE. We have forgotten all about it.

This is the exact same poster that was in my kindergarten class.

This has been a long thought for the day, if you have anything you would like to share about this, I would love to hear it.

Have a fabulous day Jewels!

Almay and Maybelline: No-Nos

Published on April 7, 2013April 7, 2013 by thecurvychateau3 Comments

This entire week I have been preparing for a fashion show, for us curvy and full-figured ladies! The store manager knows that I am all about looking fab so she asked me to put together a few outfits for her models. She so did not mention that she was exaggerating the truth by saying a few outfits, I believe there was a total of 53 outfits on the runway today. But I had so much FUN completing the project and working with the models. I believe many Avenues’ are having fashion shows this weekend. A few days before when a model came in for her fitting I mentioned to her that there was no one for hair and make-up and that every model was responsible for getting that done before coming. She was like oh no! So the model asked me if I would do her make-up before the show. I was like OF COURSE!

Typically, when I do someones face I use my own brushes and make-up; however, because she mentioned that she would bring her own make-up I figured she had a variety of brands to work with. Well…this morning when she pulled out her make-up I was amazed at how much she had, BUT they were not brands I use. She had mostly Almay, Maybeline, and Estee Lauder. Estee Lauder I am a fan of. Almay and Maybelline not so much. I have several Maybelline lipsticks, but when I would try there eye shadows, it has always been a failure. It would require applying a ton of eye shadow before you could notice the color, and then before I would walk out of the door the eye shadow was falling, so I do not recommend Maybelline eye shadows. Almay I have never used. When I applied the Almay eye shadow onto the model it went on pretty well and the pigmentation was OK, nothing more. Basically, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the greatest, the pigmentation was a 4. The Maybelline eye shadow was way worse, I eventually had to ask if she did not mind me using my finger tips to apply the eye shadow so it could be seen. By the way, I was not using light colors, it was a dark blue. Maybelline would definitely be a 2 out of 10. Just for the sake of comparison, for me MAC is a 10 out 10; I have never been disappointed with an eye shadow from MAC. So when I compare Maybelline and Almay to MAC that is why they are a 2 and a 4. By no means, am I saying that MAC is the only brand that has well pigmented eye shadows, there are tons of brands; I’ll discuss them another time.

I am not against drug store brands. I use everything. Like I said, I use Maybelline products for my lips, but after today and my personal experience with Maybelline I will never purchase their eye shadow. My top drug store brands are Revlon and Neutrogena. For the most part I like everything by Revlon. I use their liquid foundations, lipstick, lip gloss, and eye make-up. As far as Neutrogena, I use their liquid foundations and eye liner; I have yet to try their eye shadows, which I will. So if you can help it stay away from Maybelline and Almay for eye shadow.

I hope this helps any of you Jewels looking for the brand of eye shadow to try!

Wedding Dress Shopping: The Plus-Size Way

Published on March 14, 2013March 15, 2013 by thecurvychateau5 Comments

Spring is here and weddings are underway. When the time comes to look for your wedding dress there are so many options to choose from. With so many dresses, sometimes it is hard to pick a place to get started with the search. Everyone has heard of the traditional style A-LINE. It is truly a classic cut and no one can wrong with this style. A-line dresses look good on anyone, but it’s playing things too safe. There is nothing wrong with going for this style dress if this style is what you are comfortable with, but before going hard core on A-line dresses explore the other options suitable to your taste and body shape. Remember, if you walk in a bridal shop wanting one thing, but end up falling in love with a dress that is nothing like the dress you dreamed of it’s ok. Do not over think or talk yourself out of a dress just because it’s not the dress you created for yourself in your head.

I work in the bridal industry and my expertise is finding women the perfect dress for their BIG DAY. I have done this for years, and there are different kinds of brides out there. Some ladies come in knowing what they want, the price, the color, and all other detail. However, many other ladies have no clue what they are looking for and how much a wedding dress cost.

Whenever you decide you want to search and find your wedding dress know before hand your budget for the dress and all the accessories that go along with a wedding dress, such as shoes, veil(s), tiara, flower, comb, alterations, jewelry, undergarments (foundations) – you cannot wear the bra you wear to work or to a work party under your wedding gown, your special day requires special under pieces too- and anything else that goes on your body for that day. You may want just a budget for your gown(s) or if you are stopping at a one stop shop a budget for all of your needs.

Once your budget has been established think of a style that you can see yourself in on your wedding day, just to get something going when you arrive for your appointment at the bridal shop. If you have no idea ask your consultant to pull A-line dresses that are within your price range and that have the detail and material you are looking for. From there see if you like how full the skirt is and other features of the dress. Then, your consultant can help you find a dress that has what you liked and know what you disliked about the dress.

As a curvy or full figured bride there are certain styles that bring out your curvy figure to show off your silhouette in a beautiful way. Sometimes while we’re shopping we want what we see on the manikin on us, but everything that Zoe Saldana, Rachel McAdams, or Taylor Swift wears we all can’t. The beauty of this life is that we are all different. No one is like the other person, so never be disappointed when Taylor Swift looked better in a dress that you hated yourself in. You just have to keep looking for the one right for you. My top styles that I like to see curvy and full figured brides in are ball gowns, empire, drop waist, trumpet, and A-line. You are probably wondering why A-line? While A-line is a safe choice, it is also a classic cut that you can never go wrong with and some are just too beautiful not to consider. On the list of styles I did not include mermaid and sheath. I am also not a big fan of trumpet either for full figured women, but if it is the right dress the silhouette looks fabulous.

BALL GOWNS

On this ball gown the waist is brought a little further down on the dress. This cut is referred to as the "natural waistline". The natural waistlines shows off more of your waist and causes your torso to look longer and leaner. — On this ball gown the waist is brought a little further down on the dress. This cut is referred to as the “natural waistline”. The natural waistlines shows off more of your waist and causes your torso to look longer and leaner.

EMPIRE

DROP WAIST

Empire dresses are very romantic. They are fitted in the waist to show off your curves, but also remain traditional with a flared skirt.

TRUMPET

A-LINE

These are my top style picks for curvy and full-figured brides. Always have an open mind to styles you never imagined, you never know you may end up with a trumpet even though you walked in thinking you would walk out the bridal shop with an empire. The possibilities and choices are endless at a bridal store. Pick a dress that you will not regret ten years down the line, and don’t pick one you think your daughter will wear twenty some years down the line. It’s your dress for the day that begins the best days of your life.

Have fun dress shopping Jewels!

Here are a few places to start your shopping that carry plus size gowns:

– David’s Bridal

– Alfred Angelo

– Impression Bridal

– Your local bridal shops and boutiques should have plus sizes dresses as well

Twisted

Published on January 28, 2013 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

I am just amazed at all the racism that is displayed on youtube. I am certainly not surprised that there are racist people out there, especially in the great country of America, but at how open people are with their racist comments. The video, if you haven’t already seen it on tv or youtube, is not what I found racist. The lady could have possibly been tongue twisted, the words on the tele-prompt could have been there from a typo, or she could have said that because it was on her mind. Whatever the situation may be it has been said and done on national television, nothing she can say or do now. So after watching this clip of the news I immediately scrolled down to see what people had to say and it was mind blowing. I have seen other racist comments before, but nothing like this. Which is not to my surprise considering that this part of the news was covering the “President” and there are many that “HATE” him only because of the color of his skin. I’m not here to talk politics, but on The Curvy Chateau we have to keep things real, and the REAL deal here is that many people dislike Obama due to the color of his skin. Bottom line those in the KKK took a liking to this video and had a lot to say.

Check out the video here —> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKxN1j3mgRc

What I find funny about all of this is that there are racist people that do not like blacks, but they love sports! On game days, especially Sunday, when men and women watch football and basketball they are CHEERING on players like Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Calvin Johnson, and Adrian Peterson. So on Sunday when everyone across America is watching the Super Bowl, I know those haters will be yelling at their televisions booing and rooting on their black players.

This is the thought for the day. If you have anything you would like to share please comment below. I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on this subject.

Have a great day Jewels!

The Classic Denim

Published on January 18, 2013January 18, 2013 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

How many of you love jeans? I know I do. Denim has been around for a long time. It is used for many things even the money we use to buy them. But, why is it that women have a hard time getting the perfect pair of jeans? It is sad to say that some women are uncomfortable in their jeans, that should not be. We should love the jeans we wear and feel beautiful in them, not okay.

For the most part, jeans are a part of our daily lives. Personally, I wear jeans just about everyday. The fun part of jeans these days is that you can wear the classic denim blue jeans, pink, orange, purple, leopard print, ripped, and the list goes on and on. But which ones look the best on curvy women? From the many years of wearing jeans I have discovered that dark jeans look the best on me, and the light blue jeans show off areas that do not need further highlighting. The dark denim jeans don’t draw attention to any areas on my legs. In the case that you love your light blue jeans keep wearing them. Whenever I wear light blue jeans I wear them with a long shirt to cover my thighs.

Light blue jeans just are not as flattering and slimming as the dark blue jeans. Also, dark blue jeans are dressier and if worn with the right top you can look really dressed up in a matter of seconds. This does not mean that colored jeans are out of the picture or printed jeans. I’m a firm believer in prints. Printed clothing hide my busty chess and chubby thighs.

Another factor to put into play when shopping for jeans is getting jeans that are made of real denim, the classic denim jeans. What I mean by that is some jeans are jeggings, jeans that are like leggings but jeans; then there are the stretch jeans; and some are true denim jeans, no stretch just regular jeans. The best jeans, in my opinion, are jeans that are made of the classic jean material not jeggings or stretch jeans. My problem with those jeans is that they make my thighs look bigger, versus regular denim jeans they do not stretch and they don’t put my thighs on display.

Jeans can be worn in so many ways and go with many things. They can be worn with a dress, crazy sounding, but cute! Of course not a long dress, but a dress you would wear with leggings or tights. Jeans can be worn with a blouse or a t-shirt. All in all jeans are our best friends and they affect the way we look. Jeans can dress up your look or dress it down. It’s all about what your looking to do.

List of my jean No-Nos!:

– Stretch jeans

– Light blue jeans, unless it’s worn with a long blouse or shirt

– Jeggings, unless it’s worn with a long blouse or shirt

Here are a list of stores that provide a variety of jeans ranging in many sizes and prices:

– FOREVER 21

– Old Navy

– New York and Company

– Burlington Coat Factory

– Avenue

– Lane Bryant

– Torrid

I hope this helps you find the jeans that you will feel and look fabulous in. If there are other places to find jeans please share below.

Have FUN jean shopping Jewels!

Getting 2013 Started

Published on January 5, 2013January 6, 2013 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

I don’t know about you, but I am more than ready to get started with my new year resolutions. The new year has begun and I have been going to the gym, to be honest just two days, but it’s a start. Tomorrow is my official day to start my new year resolutions. Thinking about working out more is making me cringe. I have no idea how those that go every day do it. Working out is not fun to me. This year there are so many things that I want to accomplish, such as mastering my time. Some guys find it hard to comprehend why it takes some women two hours to get ready. I used to feel like two hours was not bad; however, I am starting to think that two hours is quite a lot of time, and there are other things I can do with part of that two hours. So ladies, if you are one of those ladies, like myself, who take FOREVER to get ready and want more time in your day to do other things, consider chopping the amount of time it takes you to get ready in the morning to do other things.

I am not a morning person, yet I know that if I got up maybe an hour and a half earlier I can get some things done that I really want to, but probably wouldn’t get done otherwise in my day, done in the morning. For instance, my new year resolution to go to the gym five days a week, that could be done easily by going to the gym for an hour every morning. Think of it as doing it early and getting it out of your day. That would be one thing on your list accomplished.

That being said, I have desired that I want to master the use of time I have in a day. Another resolution I have, is the obvious one to be healthier. As much as I hate going to the gym it is something that has to be done, as well as eating healthier; otherwise, I’ll have poor health, and that is no good. One of the most important ones on my list is reminding myself to always be myself and not someone else. Being who you are will never be overrated. Learning to accept who you are is the best thing you can do for yourself; and I also will be working toward being a better me in all the aspects of my life: daughter, sister, friend,etc.. Of course, one other thing on my list is to shop more, you can NEVER shop enough! These are my new year resolutions and I would love to hear what yours are! Leave comments and share with me what your resolutions are and as I give updates as to how mine are coming along I would love to hear how yours are coming along too!

I look forward to hearing what your new year resolutions are and hearing about you accomplishing them as the year goes on. I will respond to any comments you post. Have a great year Jewels!

2013 is Here

Published on January 1, 2013January 2, 2013 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

It is 2013, Happy New Year! I’m excited about the New Year, because I’m going to be working on myself to improve things about myself. There are many New Year resolutions out there; however, making changes to your inner self tends not to be on the list. Of course one of my New Year resolutions is changing my outer appearance for health reasons, which will not only result in a leaner me but a healthier me. Yet, my biggest resolution is to be a better me. Whatever your New Year resolutions may be I hope you stick to them, and if you fall off track get back on and try again with more effort and will power. Have a blessed year full of adventure and don’t be afraid to cross into new boundaries and pursue your dreams!

Happy New Year Jewels!

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