Street Style: Gabi of Young, Fat & Fabulous

This past weekend over brunch, a group of friends and I were discussing fashion (no surprise there) the subject evolved to fashion blogs and we started naming our favorites. We all had our iPhones, Driods and Blackberrys out so we quickly started googling sites to view each other's recommendations. Hands down the unanimous winner was Young, Fat & Fabulous. If you don't know, please get to know. Gabi Gregg is the blog's savvy and fashion forward author. Not only has she been featured on Vogue Italia's site, she's also MTV's Twitter correspondant. Don't sleep on this talent. Her style choices are to die for and she proves time-and-time again that women can look fabulous at any size! I've gotten so many ideas from her already. Click here for details on this photo's outfit.

ASOS Launches Africa Line

ASOS AFRICA Printed Tie Waist Shorts, $68.38

ASOS AFRICA Printed Jumpsuit, $128.21

My favorite U.K. online store for about 9 yrs now recently launched an African inspired line. I've been shopping at ASOS since it was pretty basic but I love how they've evolved over the years and become a force to be reckoned with. This latest line mixes ethnic prints and vivid colors with contemporary shapes. Now I must admit, you could probably get and African relative to buy the fabric pretty cheap and have these styles made for half the price, but if you don't have that "African connection" then ASOS is ideal for you. Click here to see the full collection.

Old Navy: Fall Collection

Above: Silk Ruffle Top $29.50 Denim Pencil Skirt $32.50, www.www.oldnavy.com/plus

Left to right: Flutter Sleeve Top $29.5o; Ruched Neck Dress $36.50; Color Block Top $26.50 all available at www.oldnavy.com/plus

So I've noticed that some of the comments left on previous "plus size" clothing posts have pointed out that the quality of the outfits online are not all that great. Well, Old Navy has stepped up and provided an appealing alternative for Fall. Old Navy Women’s Plus is offered exclusively online at www.oldnavy.com/plus and features the latest fashions designed specifically for sizes 16-30. The online store provides an expanded selection of fashion apparel that help customers go from work to weekend and day to night – all at affordable prices. See above for a few items from their latest collection. The site also provides $7 flat rate shipping on all orders and free returns by mail for any Women’s Plus clothes - great for when you change you mind about something like I do constantly! To get a sneak peak of the rest of their Fall collection click here. My favorites are their dresses and casual tops from the Jewel Box Colors line.

Introducing ShopRuche.com...

Above: Floral Flutter Shirt, $24.99 and Navy Bow High Waisted Skirt, $27.99 all available at www.shopruche.com

Left to right: A Chillier Summer Sweater Dress, $34.99; Navy Bubble Corset Dress, $19.99; Purple Voile Tunic Top, $19.99; High Waisted Black Skirt, $29.99 all available www.shopruche.com

Left to right: Renew the Oldies Blouse, $26.99; Red Riding Hood Button Skirt. $20.99; Mustard Doc Bag, $34.99 all available www.shopruche.com

Welcome to Ruche - the modern women's boutique with a vintage touch. If you like your clothes unique but reasonably priced, Ruche has so many of this season's hottest looks for you. My favorite items so far are their Floral Flutter Shirt (shown in the first photo) and their Heart Charm Necklaces but if you have a more ecelectic taste, Ruche has you covered. Use the code "summer" to get a 10% discount through August. If you need further convincing, check out photos from their Lookbook in the sideshow below...

Living Your Life Like It's Goldyn...

Above: Porridge Two Button Dress, $92.50, www.shopgoldyn.com

Left to right: Generra Belted Shift in rivear blue, $165; Development Fluttered Sleeved Shirred Blouse, $284; Rachel Mara Sliver Linen Dress, $253 all available at www.shopgoldyn.com

Say goodbye to those tattered jeans and coffee stained sweatshirts - you finally graduated!! Now you can join the big leagues with your high modest paying job and slightly upgraded shared apartment. In celebration of your new found financial freedom, why not update your wardrobe with some classic but quirky summer items. Your first stop should undoubtedly be www.shopgoldyn.com. It's not often that I visit a site and fall in love with everything I see. That electric blue Generra Belted Shift is on my hit list. It'll look great with those gorgeous Manolo Blahnik's that were featured in the Sex and the City movie - you know which pumps I'm talking about ;) If those student loan repayments are kicking your butt head straight to their Sales section with anything from 20% - 70% knocked off. The dress above by Porridge is only $92.50 and with the extra 20% off with the coupon code "GOLDYN20", you'll be laughing all the way to your new job!

This One’s For You…

Above: Onyx Nite Stretch Satin Dress, $59, www.silhouettes.com**

Left to right: Tropical Print Dress, $69; Eyelet Shirtdress, $59; Shirtdress, $49 all available at www.silhouettes.com**

I’ve had a few emails from readers requesting that I include at least one item for women sizes 14 and up in each post. Most times that proves difficult but while looking over Silhouettes.com for an upcoming post, I noticed that a lot of their dresses where relevant to posts I’d written in the past. For example, take the “Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Halle Berry” post. I chose these dresses but you can check out the Eyelet Shirtdress for $59. One of summer’s popular must-have dresses is the Maxi Dress. I loved these choices but try the Tropical Print Dress, $69. And lastly, for an ultra chic Satin Dress you must Onyx Nite Stretch Satin Dress. At just $69, it beats out my original picks.

**Use the search function on www.silhouettes.com to find the dresses above!

The Uptown Emerging Designers Market

Launched on May 17th, 2008 by Enyinne Owunwanne and Michelle Gittens, the Uptwon Emerging Designers Market (UEDM) is Harlem’s newest fashion retail destination featuring a variety of cutting-edge designers of apparel and accessories. The aim is to periodically hold market days where keen-eyed fashionistas can scour the exclusive clothing on offer and meet the vendors who created them. According to their site, UEDM's mission is to…

• Underscore the importance of the UEDM as a vehicle for bringing fresh styles and new designers to the public's attention.
• Provide a profitable marketplace and tools/resources necessary (including fashion business workshops and an online community for designers, stylists, models, etc.) for emerging designers to build and expose their product.
• Position the UEDM as an essential resource for Harlem's economic development and provide additional exposure to Harlem based businesses.
• Establish the UEDM as a tourist destination and a must-see attraction for lovers of cutting-edge fashion, affordable styles and affordable accessories.

Every major city should aspire to hold events like this. We need more opportunities for emerging designers to get noticed. I especially love that one of their missions it to raise Harlem’s economic portfolio and exposure to the world. Visit www.uptownedm.com to sign up for their newsletter and learn about their next event. Thanks to Johanna for informing me about this site. :)
Latoya Henry of Memory Lane by Toya and Idyllic4U (Karen Brown) & Metal (Nkrumah Jennings).

Nit Ra Sit & Denise Beckford and necklaces from Mifflin 5.

SizeAppeal.com

Above: April, $48, www.sizeappel.com

Left to right: Malin, $28; Aziza, $28; Alice in Mint, $29, all available at www.sizeappeal.com

So the other day my co-worker and I were having yet another frustrated conversation about how stores don’t carry pants wide enough for our hips or jeans big enough for our booty. Then my other co-worker yelled “shut the hell up” from down the hallway since none of us knew what it was like to be over a size 14 trying to shop at the local mall. Granted she had a point but what’s up with all the hostility? I’m just playin’! This sista is always dressed to impress. You would never know the trouble she goes through trying to find clothes that flatter her figure. It was her who suggested I do a write up on www.sizeappeal.com. She’s bought many of her summer items from this online store and I can tell you first hand that the stuff is cute! Now I have another place to complain about. Can a sista get that green dress in a size 8?!

Introducing Cynirje: Culture by Design

What’s better than a talented designer, who aside from promoting herself, helps uplift other designers from 3rd world countries around the globe? Meet Nakia Fisher. As well as creating handmade jewelry inspired by African Adinkra Symbols, she also showcases handmade home decor products by fair trade artisans from Lima, Peru; Divine chocolate from Ghana; and luxurious textiles from Zambia. Nakia says of her mission:

“Through fair trade organizations and direct contact with artisans around the world, it has been a blessing to have the ability to promote social and economic justice for people in developing regions by marketing their handicrafts in a just and direct manner.”

As well as being socially conscious, Nakia designs striking earrings, necklaces and bracelets made from amethyst, prehite and onyx. She also paints the artwork on soy candles available on her site. Cynirje will soon have cruelty free leather Adinkra journals and stationary from India. For now head to www.cynirje.com to browse through the variety of high quality jewelry, pottery, wine charms, candles, textiles and chocolates, all of which are waiting for you to buy them and make your home a cultural melting pot of style!
1. Jade Bassari, $40; 2. Kasani I, $80; 3. Kotu, $30; 4. Adinkra Charm Bracelet, $75; 5. Krobo, $30; 6. Kassena II, $70; 7. Karo, $65; 8. Masai, $30; 9. Tiger Eye Bassari, $40, www.cynirje.com

Left to right: Floral I, $95; Blossom III, $70; Siphon I, $100; Aurole I, $90, www.cynirje.com

Celebrate Fashion & Diversity…

Unity always trumps division and in the true spirit of solidarity CatchTheDesigner.com aims to uplift up-and-coming designers of Black, Asian and Latino descent. Sponsored by music mogul Russell Simmons, Macys and Pepsi, readers can visit the site to get regular updates on their favorite minority labels. Russell himself has a blog which he updates monthly. I think it’s a fantastic idea to have a one-stop venue for emerging talent. The designer profiles, interviews and event photos can’t be found anywhere else and the best part is if you’re a struggling designer/model yourself, there are listings of networking events and educational programs that will interest you. The Asian and Latino sections haven’t been launched yet but you can start your obsession with the site here at the Black designer corner.

For the Goddess in You!

Above: Kalifa Earrings, $25, www.goddesszuri.com Left to right: Queen T-shirt, $23; Dacia Hoops, $18; 100% Natural T-shirt, $22 all available at www.goddesszuri.com

With spring threatening to make an early appearance (at least here in D.C.!) it’s time to stock on cute tees and pretty hoop earrings. Lucky for you I have just the right starting place. Visit www.goddesszuri.com and begin lining you closet with cute tees that express your naughty or natural style! Founded by Candace, a marketing professional who decided to wear her hair natural five years ago, the site offers graphic t-shirts that celebrate natural beauty. Zuri means “beautiful” Swahili and with so many cut options to choose from the goddess in you won’t feel anything short of stunning!

Once Bitten…

Cute items from Sarah Jessica Parker’s line Bitten
Accessories from the Bitten line

H&M, Forever 21 and Old Navy need to be concerned. Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker is the real deal. With no item costing more than twenty dollars, it is quite possible to buy your entire spring wardrobe for less than $200! Now we have to be realistic here. Don’t expect a pair of $20, oops I mean $19.98 pair of jeans to rival the pair of Miss Sixty’s you have folded in your closet. That said, I think there are some great pieces that can act as “wardrobe fillers” – you know those tops that you can wear under a jacket and it looks cute. Above and below I picked some of the items that stood out on the Bitten site plus Sarah’s key looks of the season. You can click here to see what SJP has to say about her inspirations. What do you think about the line thus far? Do the clothes fit seamlessly into your wardrobe? Or do they look like they’d fall about after one wash?!

Sarah Jessica Parker’s key looks for the season

Pretty, Prints, Perfect!

Above: The "Deep Purple" bag by Lylou Handbags.
Fun, funky, and thoroughly functional, LyLou bags are the must have accessory for the modern woman. Whether you are a fashionista on parade, a mom on the go, a career woman on the rise, or simply the girl-next-door, there's a LyLou bag made especially for you and your unique lifestyle!

Always constructed of the finest, most durable fabrics in patterns ranging from country chic to retro mod and everything in between, the classic design and sturdy form of a LyLou bag make for an accessory that will be with you for a lifetime.

Comfortable enough to sling over your shoulder for an afternoon hike, stylish enough to accompany you on a night on the town, and classy enough to tote to the office, a LyLou bag just might be the most functional fashionable investment you ever make! For more information on how you can own a LyLou bag,visit www.lyloudesign.com.

theURBANcollection.com

A model wearing one of theURBANcollection.com’s designs.

Left to right: Couture Sequin Pencil Skirt, $89; Peplum Mini Dress, $68; Soft Leopard Sweater, $39 all available at www.theURBANcollection.com

theURBANcollection.com has become my new favorite online retail shopping site. Dedicated to finding clothing, accessories, shoes and home decor with a “vintage and modern mix,” theURBANcollection.com puts fashionable and chic pieces at your fingertips. One of the reasons I love this site is that the clothes are so affordable. Even though they feature items from up-and-coming designers, prices never go above $100. That’s amazing considering the uniqueness and quality of the apparel/accessories. To stay on top of what they have new in stock, visit their fashion journal which is updated regularly.

Top: Tangerine Dream, $32; Pure Style, $29; La Bohemia, $26; Ultima, $54 all available at www.theURBANcollection.com

Bottom: Sienna Snakeskin, $38; Rockin' Safari, $24; Bohemia, $26; Violets O' Mine, $42 all available at www.theURBANcollection.com

Introducing Liucia…

Above: The Limited Edition “O Bag.”

Liucia.com is a luxury shopping site where East meets West. The owner, Alycia, spent several years traveling in Japan where she met designer N. Takeda. The pair decided to team up and bring us westerners the best in Asian-inspired fashion. Everything from clothing, shoes and accessories are available, but by far their best-selling item is the “O Bag” (pictured above and below). See the post below for a special giveaway. You won’t want to miss out.
Above: More images of the Limited Edition “O Bag.”

Trendora.com

Trendora.com's Prada Fall/Winter 2008 Collection

Left to right: Luggage by Bottega Veneta; Woven Bag by Bottega Veneta; St. Cocco by Dolce & Gabbana

Left to right: Varnish Ribbon by Miu Miu; Kelly Shoes by Gucci; Glitter Deco by Miu Miu

Trendora.com is the place to find a unique selection of authentic bags, shoes and accessories by the greatest designers. Products are released at the same time as flagship stores in Milan and Paris. So you can snap up the latest collections before anyone else. The prices are stated in Euros (you change it to US dollars) but I noticed that buyers outside of Europe get a considerably lower discount and they deliver to your doorstep within 3-4 days using DHL. Trendora.com delivers to Europe, Asia and the US. Visit www.trendora.com to browse through their handbags, shoes, accessories and luggage, all at discounted prices!

Gotta Have It!

I just bought a gorgeous bag from RimiStyle.com and had to share. While looking for great finds for an upcoming post, I spotted this “Braided Saddle Bag” for just $66. I know that sounds expensive to those of you on a tight budget, but I can personally assure you that the bag is worth every penny. I’ve already rocked it to two events. It’s one of those bags which you find excuses to go out in order to show it off! Team with a vintage-inspired brown, leather belt and you’re good to go.

Wunderbloc

“Coclico” in NoLita, NY
Left to right: “Fille De Joie” in Brooklyn; “Mark Montano” in East Village; “TG170” in Lower East Side

New York is one of the world’s most exciting places to shop, but even an eagle-eyed fashionista can miss a trendy boutique tucked away, down some alley. Enter Wunderbloc. The ingenious new site that puts some of New York’s underground (and notorious) boutiques at your fingertips. And if you’re not a New Yorker but plan on visiting soon, this takes the stress out of finding the stores that you must visit. Not only does the site break down all the fashion haunts in each borough, it also displays photos of the most stylish people in each neighborhood (see post below). Visit www.wunderbloc.com to see the highest rated boutiques, interact with fellow style connoisseurs and start a scrap book of all your favorite boutiques/fashionistas.

Peek-A-Boo, I See You!

“All that Glitters” & "Drama Quenn"strapz, $21.95 each available at www.peekaboostrapz.com

The hot peep toe heels that don’t hurt your feet. Check. The lip gloss that matches your finger nails perfectly. Check. The designer dress that you got half price in the sale. Double Check. So now why people, after going to such great lengths to look so fabulous would you let your ugly bra straps show? Even if your straps aren’t that ugly, they aren’t supposed to make cameo appearances throughout the night. Go braless you say? For some of us that simply isn’t an option! Well, finally there’s a solution. Peek-A-Boo Strapz, founded by Piper Miller and Fantasy Buckman, is a newly launched company that offers cute and chic bra straps for convertible or strapless bras. Simply attach them to your bra to spice up any outfit. Below Piper gives us her five bra strap sins…

Piper’s Top 5 Bra faux-pas:

1. Not wearing a bra when you need to – Not all of us were born with gravity defying breasts. It’s ok. Wear a bra.
2. Clear straps – You're not fooling anyone! In fact, you are actually drawing attention to your bra strap dilemma.
3. Letting ugly, tacky bra straps show – What did we ever do to you? Cover those bad boys up STAT!
4. Headlights, visible nipples – Nuff said.
5. Pushing your bra straps over only to have them fall down your arm – Highly annoying and very damaging to your style quotient.

If you suffer from any of the above conditions visit www.peekaboostrapz.com to see the designs available and get shopping. If we band together we can make unsightly bra straps a thing of the past. Next challenge? Visible g-strings!

"Drama Queen" strapz, $21.95; "All that Glitters" strapz $21.95 both available at www.peekaboostrapz.com

Twelve By Twelve

The Twelve By Twelve shopping site launched today promising “couture” at affordable prices. The company, owned by Forever 21 Inc., carries seven collections each with a signature style. Though there aren’t many items on offer just yet, my favorite line will probably be “Vintage Couture.” It’s modern chic meets retro Hollywood. Clothing comes in sizes small, medium and large but I don’t know what “large” means anymore. Head over to www.twelvebytwelve.com to scrutinize for yourselves then come back and tell me what you think, if anything. If any of you order from them definitely write a review. Thanks Alisha for the heads up ;)
Left to right: Satin Turtleneck Tunic, $28 - The Royals Collection; Optic Printed Tiered Dress, $42 - The Modern Art Collection; English Trench Coat, $49 - The Royals Collection, all available at www.twelvebytwelve.com