Blog:

 

Thursday, June 10, 2010:

 

Important Update:

 

Due to lack of space on this site, I have decided to start an actual blog page thru Wordpress. That way you'll be able to leave comments, read post individually and more. So visit me at my new location and still stay up to date on all things, Bella Styles!!!

 

www.bellastyles.com

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Sunday, June 6, 2010:

 

"A Day at the Museum"

 

I've been saying for awhile that I wanted to visit the newly renovated Virginia Museum of Fine Arts ( http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/Default.aspx) and today I finally kept my promise to myself. I never knew that a museum could be so relaxing. I had lunch in one of the restaurants (which was scrumptous btw) and just took about 2 hours checking out as many exhibits as I could. Here's a few pics:

 

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Tuesday, June 1, 2010:

 

"Designer Spotlight"

 

Last month I discovered the design house of NaKIMuli by Tennille McMillan. NaKIMuli is an exclusively limited quantity-produced ready-to-wear clothing line for young women in both regular and plus-sizes. I recently did a photoshoot with Maz Imageworks featuring the designs of NaKIMuli. "The material of the dress felt like second skin and accented my curves in all the right places". What makes this line stand out is when you look at the front of the two-tone dresses you're already in awe at the beauty, but then you turn around and there's another design, ahh, pure genious. The leggings are also two-tone and you're sure to be the center of attention when you walk into the room. But not only does NaKIMuli do apparel, there are also cute dookie bracelets and exotic earrings. You are sure to become a fan after only 5 minutes on her site. Please check out her designs at: http://www.nakimuli.bigcartel.com/category/plus-size

Dress: NaKIMuli $116;

Shoes: Bordello $100;

Michael Jackson Hat Earrings: Kourtney Hankins $20;

(Kourtney's Facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/234sfaq)

Makeup: Manaya Latrice;

Photographer: Maz Imageworks

 

More NaKIMuli Designs below:

Now, about those shoes in my pic above. I know, I know, they're on fire, literally, lol. They are by Bordello and are a steeping 5 3/4 inch platform heel. They're around a $100 and I tell you what, these babies aren't made for walking. They were strickly used for this photoshoot. But if you're bold, they can be purchased here: http://tinyurl.com/23lbryn

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Monday, May 31, 2010:

 

"Out and About"

 

I went out today to catch some of the Memorial Day sales and ended up, again, at the makeup counter. This time it was at Nordstrom in Short Pump Town Center in Richmond, VA. Coincidentally, one of my Twitter buddies, Lindsey (@RVAfashionista), works at the Chanel counter. She introduced me to their lipgloss, Unity, $27. It's a neutral color for spring. You can order it from the Nordstrom website here: http://tinyurl.com/26w6tgt. She then took me over to the MAC counter and we had Charles do my eyes in their spring line, "MAC to the Beach". I like the lime green shadow, "Sweet and Punchy", $14.50, here's that link: http://tinyurl.com/24ywy2e. Finally, I could not leave without my favorite mascara, Christian Dior "Diorshow" in Azure Blue, $24, http://tinyurl.com/2ck7xql. (If you want a dramatic lash but don't have on false lashes, this mascara will do the trick)....But as I was attempting to leave the store, I noticed the fragrance counter had the new Balenciaga perfume, $95-$130, http://tinyurl.com/26joteq Yep, this is definately going on my wish list:

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Friday, May 28, 2010:

 

"More Sex and the City 2 Replica Fashion"

 

As I was checking emails late this evening I came across one from Rainbow stores and almost lost my breath. They have an exact replica bootie like the one Sarah Jessica Parker wears in the movie with the newspaper dress. The shoe from the movie is by Christian Louboutin and is priced at $3,325. I don't know the exact amount of the shoe at Rainbow but usually their shoes are never over $35, (and they have layaway too). Look at pics, striking resemblance!

 

 

Below: SJP in the "Christian Louboutin Bridget Strass Pumps" $3,325 at Louboutin boutiques 

Below: Similiar bootie from Rainbow

www.rainbowshops.com

 

 

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010:

 

"Sex and the City 2"- Replica Fashion

 

I was going thru online pics from the new SATC2 movie and saw this dress that Miranda wears that's covered in studs. Pure hotness. So I found a similiar one on the Dorothy Perkins website. It's not fully covered with studs but it's close enough. See for yourself...

Above: Miranda from SATC2

 

Below: Dorothy Perkins "Rise Black Stud Dress", (Sizes 8-16 UK), Price: £39.00, www.dorothyperkins.com

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Saturday, May 22, 2010:

 

"A Day In The Life"

 

I started off today by doing a radio interview with Jen Towner of Radio GO Girl!. (www.radiogogirl.com). We chatted on the proper way to dress for a job interview and what's gonna be in for this spring/summer season. Keep up to date with her website because my segment should air within a couple of weeks.

 

 

 

Then it was off to Stony Point (Richmond, VA) to start shopping for a client. While there I tried the Giorgio Armani makeup line in Saks 5th Avenue. I've been hearing so much about this line recently and how it's great for "all ethnicities". I was really impressed with it, and I've been a MAC fan for years but this is a new favorite. It's a little pricey, $59 for the foundation, but the ending result is marvelous. I had the wonderful Eva to do a makeover on me and we had a ball trying new things. If ever over there be sure to ask for her!

 

My next stop was at Regency Square Mall. I wanted to see what the jewelry store, Charming Charlie, had new. If  you haven't been there yet just look at the pics below. The whole store is color coodinated with jewelry, bags & shoes. The prices are very reasonable and they even had an additional 50% off section in the back.

 Then across the way from Charming Charlie is the newly renovated Forever 21. I was elated to discover that they now carry the plus-size line, Faith 21, in this location. So I was in there for awhile scanning the racks top to bottom. I came out with a studded vest that I'm gonna use on a photoshoot for my client. When I got home I found this dress below on their site and hope that it too comes in the store soon. I rather try my clothes on 1st than to waste money on shipping.

 

Lastly, I popped into Sephora just to see what's new. I nearly jumped up and down when I found out that the bodycare line, Dylan's Candy Bar, was 50% off. I've had this stuff on my wishlist since last year. (Dylan is the daughter to designer Ralph Lauren).  Everything in this collection smells like some sort of candy or cake. I personally like the "chocolate cupcake" scent. I got a whole set for only $17. Can't beat that! You can order online too at: http://editurl.com/gzv

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Friday, May 21, 2010:

 

Payless Shoe Source Buy One/Get One Half Off Sale starts today thru June 28th:

 

Alice + Olivia Breckenridge Bow Platform, $39.99, Sizes 6.5-11

 

 

 

 

 

www.payless.com

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Friday, May 21, 2010:

 

I  wait twice a year for the big semi-annual sale that Bath & Body Works has and it's almost that time again come next month. But in the meantime they're having a teaser sale this weekend. Use the special code 3SHIP50 online and code 2525 in store to receive 20% off of your purchase thru May 23rd. Happy shopping!!!

www.bathandbodyworks.com

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Thursday, May 20, 2010:

 

"Outfit of the Day" (OOTD)

 

I felt like posting this outfit today just to show that you can mix high and low items together to make a great look. I shop everywhere from Nordstrom, Saks 5th Avenue, Macy's, Ashley Stewart, Dot's, online to teen stores and thrift stores. It amazes people when I tell them what I spend sometimes. I'm emphasizing this outfit because it shows you that you can take  a simple dress and make it stand out with the right accessories. Here I've just taken some 99 cent earrings from a beauty store, yes, don't sleep on the beauty stores, and made them look like something from Tiffany & Co. Follow my outfits of the day, that I'm gonna try to start posting regularly, and you'll see!

Dress: $15 Simply Fashions

Earrings: 99c  Ruby Red Beauty Supply

Necklace: $3 from street vendor in NYC

Ring: $5 JCPenney

Belt: $7 Dots

Handbag: $75 by Nicole Lee from Bakers  www.bakersshoes.com

Flip Flops: $3 Ruby Red Beauty Supply

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Thursday, May 20, 2010:

 

 

"Sales of the Day"

 

Above: Torrid is doing a buy 1/get 1 50% off of shoes (9am-1pm PST)Below: Lane Bryant is having a sitewide/storewide sale of 40% off everything until 5/23/10

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010:

 

Ok, so I went into Ashley Stewart's today and was so amped about the new collection that I ended up doing a mini-photoshoot. They have all these bright colors and gorgeous one-shoulder blouses. It's good to see a collection where the plus-size woman is celebrated and encouraged to accent her curves. They even have the new "jeggings" (that I wear throughout this shoot) that are super comfy and hip hugging. I have fallen in love with their "A-Lux" jewelry line. Ever since watching "Basketball Wives" and seeing how great the girls look in them, I've become a fan of chandelier earrings and that is exactly what the A-Lux line offers. (I'm not wearing any accent jewelry or accessories in these pics so please overlook that). Great thing is right now Ashley Stewart is offering a special of buy one item, get one item half off (excluding jewelry). Plus for every $30 that you spend you get a $15 Diva card to use at a later date. So happy shopping ladies and here's my preview of what's in store....

 

Above: Both one-shoulder shirts $29 each, Sizes 14-24

Above: Maxi Ruffle Dress, $49, Size 1X-3X

 

(This dress felt so good on. The material is so soft and comfy. Once I add my jewelry to this dress it's sure to be a head turner)

Above: Border Print Dress, $59, Sizes 16-20

 

(All you need with this dress is a belt to accent your waist and then you're all set)

 

 

Above: This turquoise shirt isn't even on the site yet but I had to grab it. Not many off the shoulder shirts fall the right way so that your bra doesn't show, but this one does. I grabbed a belt from off of the racks just to see would it look better with it, and it did.

 

Shirt $39, Sizes 14-24

 

The Maxi dress above had barely hit the floor when I grabbed it. As you may realize by now, I accent alot of my clothes with belts, that's the secret to a slimming effect and belts camouflauge the stomach area too.

 

 

Maxi dress $39, Sizes 14/16-22/24

                             

                         www.ashleystewart.com

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010:

 

 

"The Look For Less/Sale of the Day"

 

I received an email this morning from Bakers Shoes that their "Kateri" sandal is on sale, TODAY only, for $29.99 regularly $79.95. (BONUS: If you're a B Card Member you get to take 20% off your purchase today and tomorrow instead of the usual 10%). But as I did more research, I realized that this same sandal looks exactly like a YSL version. So not only do you get a stylish sandal, but you can have the look of designer shoe as well, for much, much less.

Above: The YSL Tribute Sandal, $760, www.nordstrom.com

Below: The Bakers "Kateri" Sandal, $29.99, Sizes 5-11, www.bakersshoes.com

 

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010:

 

"Pre-Fall Christian Louboutins"

 

Looks as though the fall Louboutins are taking an "urban" approach with the graffitti designs. Cute nonetheless!

Priced from $995-$2,495 and available at www.saksfifthavenue.com

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Monday, May 17, 2010:

 

"Celeb Looks Re-Created for the Plus-Size Woman"

 

R&B Singer Estelle in Marchesa:

(Below) Plus-Size Version: Asos Curve, www.asos.com, $85, Sizes 18-24 (20-26UK):

 

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Sunday, May 16, 2010:

 

Do you have large feet but like nice shoes? TopShop carries gorgeous large size shoes:    www.topshop.com

 

 

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Saturday, May 15, 2010:

 

"House of Dereon" by Beyonce Bedding Line

 

Priced from $50-$200 (It's cute but personally, I'ma wait 'til it gets to Marshall's or A.J. Wright, lol)

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010:

 

Congrats to Cycle 14 winner of America's Next Top Model, Krista!!!

 

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010:

 

"The Look for Less"

Above, Giuseppe Zanotti, $1,050, Sizes 6-10

Above, Zigi Soho Joanne, $89.95, Sizes 6-11, www.dsw.com

 

 

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010:

 

"Bakers Shoes announces H by Halston Collection"/ "The Look For Less":

The shoe in the pic above is called the "Stella" and is only $79.95, sizes 5-11, www.bakersshoes.com

 

Below is a pic of Sarah Jessica Parker from the "Sex and the City 2" movie set and she's wearing a similiar pair by Christian Louboutin

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010:

 

"MAC to collaborate with Alice + Olivia for July debut"

 

One thing all my beauty buddies know about me is I love MAC products. I'm always 1st to run to their counter or put in my pre-order whenever a new line comes out. I'm still a sucker for the Hello Kitty collection from last year and from looking at this Alice + Olivia line so far, I'm already a fan!

 

MAC Alice + Olivia Collection for Summer 2010

 

U.S. Launch Date: July 8th, 2010
International Launch Date: August 2010 (Japan & Korea only)

 

Dazzleglass Creme ($18.00 U.S. / $21.50 CDN)

• Sparklicious Creamy pale pinky white with soft multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Limited Edition)
• If it’s Pink… Hot pink with soft multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Limited Edition)
• I.Want.Candy. Hot yellow with soft multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Limited Edition)

 

Pigment ($19.50 U.S. / $23.50 CDN)

• Later. Black with transforming purple pearlized pigments (Limited Edition)
• If It Sparkles… White with transforming pink pearlized pigments (Limited Edition)
• Partylicious Turquoise with silver pearlized pigments (Limited Edition)

 

Nail Lacquer ($12.00 U.S. / $14.50 CDN)

• Morning.After. Creamy turquoise (Cream) (Limited Edition)
• So Rich So Pretty Bright purple with pearlized pigments (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Military Black matte with silver suede pearl (Matte with Pearl) (Limited Edition)
  

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010:

 

'The Look For Less"

Above,

Above, Charles David "Spicy", $114.95, Sizes 4-11, www.nordstrom.com
Above, Liliana Bardor Satin Ruffle Pump, $28.90, Sizes 5.5-11, www.urbanog.com

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010:

 

"Must Haves In Your Closet":

 

 

Ok, let me take it back for a moment. I recently taught a class on fashion styling and realized that not every woman neccessarily knows what should be staple items in your closet. So I decided to list a few items here on my blog for you to update your wardrobe:

 

 

"The Little Black Dress"

"The Trench Coat"

"A Pencil Skirt"

"Black Pumps"

"The Basic White Shirt"

"A Special Occasion Gown"

 

 

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010:

 

Plus Models Crystal Renn & Tara Lynn on the cover of "The London Times Magazine":

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Tuesday, May 11, 2010:

 

"Nordstrom Rack" finally opens a location in Manhattan's Union Square today:

After more than a century, Nordstrom, the upscale department store chain from Seattle, will make its Manhattan debut on Tuesday. This is great news for New Yorker's looking for discounted designer shoes in a range of sizes from 5-14 for ladies and men. The new Union Square store is, at 32,136 square feet, slightly smaller than the typical 35,000-square-foot Nordstrom Rack. New merchandise is to be delivered five days a week.

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Saturday, May 8, 2010:

 

"Must Have Beauty Items for Spring/Summer 2010:

 

I'm a sucker for the Chanel nail polishes, although I will recommend using a high gloss top-coat with them. But the new Spring "Orient Extreme" line of golds is irresistable:

China Glaze has a new line out for Spring reminiscent of "The Wizard of Oz":

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Friday, May 7, 2010:

 

Countdown to the "Sex and the City 2" Movie

 

I don't know about you but I'm so amped about the new movie coming out. I just wanna see what outfits will be worn this time. Fashion Stylist Patricia Fields always brings her best to the set. Oh, and the plot should be good again too this time around. Starts May 27th!!!

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Thursday, May 6, 2010:

 

Wow, this is what I call the perfect shoe for the Fashion Police:

Here's another one for all you "exotic" car lovers:

 

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Thursday, May 6, 2010:

 

"Sales of the Day"

 

Saks 5th Avenue; 40% off designer sale; free shipping with $200 purchase use code SFASHIP; www.saksfifthavenue.com

 

 

 Bakers Shoes, Buy One Get One 25% off, Online & In-Stores, www.bakersshoes.com

 

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Wednesday, May 5, 2010:

 

"Store Spotlight"

 

 

Wet Seal now carries plus-sizes: ONLINE ONLY

Bleached Out Skinny Jeans $34.50, size 14-24

Rhinestone Heel Tank $18.50, size 1X-4X

 

www.wetseal.com

 

 

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Wednesday, May 5, 2010:

 

"The Look For Less"

Above, Fendi $930, Sizes 6-11,  www.net-a-porter.com

 

Below, Bakers "Johanna", $70, Sizes 5.5-11, www.bakersshoes.com

 

 

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Wednesday, May 5, 2010:

 

"The Look For Less"

 

Above: Ashley Stewart $49 (Sizes 14-28) www.ashleystewart.com

 

Above: Dots $20/$22 (Sizes 2-24) www.dots.com

 

(Dot's currently doesn't offer online shopping but you can view the lookbooks and also find a store near you!)

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Saturday, May 1, 2010:

 

"Store Spotlight" & "OOTD"

 

During my recent online searching, I came across a site that has awesome plus-size clothing that is fashionable. It's called www.asos.com and the plus-size line is called CURVE. They are based in London but will ship to the US and for the low rate of only $7. I fell in love with this long black dress with the shoulder pads. It reminded me of Rihanna and I so love her style. The material felt wonderful and hugged every curve, lol. Check it out:

 

ASOS CURVE Shoulder Pad Jersey Maxi Dress

Sizes UK 20-26

(In UK sizes go up 2 sizes in US. Ex. If you're a US size 18 order UK size 22)

 

Me in dress below: