Dress Up: Learning Curves

I went out this weekend to find a dress for a dinner party and got a case of “store sale overload.” You know, that state of shock one gets when she goes into the mall, shopping for a new outfit—especially this time of year with all the sales.

I have a new guy in my life and so I’m looking to stock up on style so I won’t be wasting precious time worrying about what to wear when I am giving him a smooch in the cab or at his business dinner!

Rather than just add cheap sale thrills to my closet, I am always looking for stylish, classic pieces that will add real value to my wardrobe. Right now I’m looking online. I love shopping online. Really! I don’t mind not trying on an outfit before I put it in my virtual shopping cart. I’m seriously trusting the fit guides for us curvy gals––even when I shop abroad.

I also love hunting for looks that others can get for me for my birthday or Valentine’s Day—hint! hint! Being a curvy fashionista, I fall into the “hard to buy for” category, so I create wish lists to make it easy for everyone.

Come shopping with me!

Baby Phat from Kimora Lee Simmons brings a cute printed empire dress for us cute curvy gals. Get sweet with this season’s hottest new color: mustard! I love the deep surplice neckline, elbow length sleeves with solid-banded cuffs, and attached belt with decorative buckle at the empire waistline. This dress is young, fun, and so very stylish. $79.00 at Macy’s.

The basic Calvin Klein LBD is finally available to all women! The line goes up to size 24W and is oh so perfectly “Jackie O,” but made for our fuller silhouette. Looking for a sleek evening option? Count on this dress from Calvin Klein for that always-polished style. $158 at Macy’s.

EvansLondon always has great bargains and right now, they’re having their annual sale. I love the metallic flower embroidered pattern and ruche detail on this strappy little dress that will take me right into spring. Great little number for traveling. $60.00 (was $120.00!) at EvansLondon.

What about this very trendy kimono-style dress? It’s got a fun, swirling abstract print in red, black, and grey, with a neat black trim. I love how it diminishes my tummy area and the deep v-neckline is very sexy. It’s the right short knee length too—perfect for knee boots this winter or a pair of platforms as it gets warmer. Icing on the cake is that it’s machine washable! Size 12–26. $49 at Silhouettes.

Liven up your wardrobe with a hint of Spanish style from Anna Scholtz. She’s been designing for sizes 2–22 for over a dozen years and I absolutely love her! I also absolutely love this dress with its matching bolero for the arm-shy, surplice v-neckline, empire waist with tie, and spaghetti straps. $235 at Neiman Marcus.

Michael Kors, curvy women everywhere rejoice that you have joined the ranks! Check out this chic, sleeveless v-neck dress with a herringbone print, a center front ring that cinches, and attached side ties that visually shape the waist. This one’s on sale and it will sail into spring easily. Grab a cardigan or fitted suit jacket for these colder months, but whatever you do, grab this dress! $62.50 at Nordstrom.

Now that we have all these gorgeous dresses for our wardrobes and wish lists, let’s be sure to strut them in style. 

“Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal!”—anonymous