OOTD: PURE ENERGY hits the TARGET and Eh-Eh-Eh-EMILY KING ROCKS the WOOD!!!

You may not believe this but, most of my weekends consist of vegging out in front of the TV and ordering in from from my favorite mexican spot. Not that I'm complaining because...well, I hate to admit it but...vegging out in front of the TV and mexican food are two of my favorite past times so I'm more than content with this routine. But every once in awhile a weekend comes along where I act like a normal 26 (er...two days shy of 27...eek!) year-old gal instead of an "old fart", and actually get off my duff, get dressed up and DO something! :)

So Saturday night, I decided to go and see my favorite singer (and friend :)), the grammy-noiminated, Ms. Emily King tear down the stage at the famed Rockwood Music Hall. Automatically, the next thought was, "WHAT THE HECK AM I GOING TO WEAR?" Ok, If you don't know about Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, it's located in the heart of the LES (Lower East Side) and let's just say it's where all of the cool kids go to play. The fashion inspiration in that section of town is BOUNDLESS and with each passerby, the statements made get bolder and bolder in clothing choices. From draped plunging backs to "how-high-can-you-go" hems, it seems as though everyone on that side of towns' main objective is... TO BE NOTICED.

As I scoured my closet searching for something that I could make my own "statement" in, a bright shot of color rang out from my closet and immediately caught my eye. I had completely forgotten about the fabulous Pure Energy A-line Tribal Print Skirt that I was sent, with its' vibrant colors and flirty exposed zipper! Against my newly bronzed skin (thanks to some much needed R&R on a friends' boat) and the citys' gorgeous night skies as a backdrop, How could I NOT wear it??? So, I decided to pair it with a simple black tank, a few cute accessories, sky high Alice + Olivia for Payless platform sandals....and WA-LAH a "statement" was born! :)

Geoffrey Beene Tank, courtesy of an Ex-Boyfriend

Pure Energy A-line tribal print skirt, $19.99 available at Target.com

Black Rose Two-Finger Ring, $12.00 available at Torrid.com

Gold Wire Hoop Earrings, Mary Wormworth for Mary's Hands Jewelry

Alice + Olivia "Paige" Platform sandals, Payless

Although simple, I thought it was quite chic. And the best part was that the skirt was SUPER comfortable, soft to the touch and completely forgiving! Not to mention the fact that I received quite a few compliments on it during the night and was even kissed on the hand by a random drunk guy who proclaimed me "GORGEOUS"...Ummm...yeah... :)

But anyway, if you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Emily King live, you are absolutely MISSING OUT! The girl is musically RIDICULOUS (in a good way)...and I'm not just saying that because I adore her. Not only does she play guitar, but she also writes and arranges all of her own lyrics/music. Her performances are truly an experience...a journey... and you will NOT be disappointed!

Until Next time F5's and Skorch dolls...

Stay D'lish

<3

P.S. Get acquainted with Emily King below and be sure to cop her debut album East Side Story!!!!!

A M O R

The Weight-Loss Debate: Addressing the Foolery

As most of you know, when I started my blog, I made a commitment for it to be fashion and ONLY fashion based. I saw many fa[t]shion blogs that addressed other issues such as; discrimination in the media, current events, etc.

Since all of those aspects were already being covered so well, I sort of wanted to step out of those realms and make my blog a place where you primarily read about fashion, tips and tricks of the trade, styling suggestions, the latest trends, "How To" guides and so on. However, sometimes an issue pops up and you feel obligated to step out of your zone and address the issue head on.

Now, I know that some of you probably don't know this, but recently I've been battling with a dreaded case of "writers' block", but recent events have sparked my literary juices and have forced me to crawl out from under my rock of unproductivity.

If you're unaware of the situation, here's a little background to help you catch up...

Yesterday, Marcy Guevara, Editor-at-Large and host of The Marcy Minute for xoxoskorch posted a video titled "Coming Clean" about her efforts to get healthier. Standing in front of a Weight Watchers storefront, Marcy dished about

• Being "on the fence" in regards to body image and how some of us really feel about our size.
• Her desire to shop at certain stores that don't carry her current size and getting back into her favorite pair of jeans.
• Jennifer Hudson being her inspiration and motivation for shedding a few pounds.
• The reasons why she chose Weight Watchers for her weight loss endeavor.
• And the battle to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a curvy girl.

All great points, right?

Well apparently quite a few viewers became a bit "up in arms" over the video, which has lead to a weight-loss "backlash" of sorts. And it has sparked a frenzy of comments, tweets, reposts, and discussions on the matter. Now while I can understand the confusion in a "plus-sized" magazine promoting weight-loss, what I don't understand is the negative feedback in regards to the issue of health. And while xoxoskorch has ALWAYS promoted healthy body image and the importance of embracing oneself, I don't think that they have ever claimed to endorse an unhealthy lifestyle.

I mean let's face reality here for a moment. While we strive to embrace our curves, being overweight and obese leaves many of us susceptible to diseses such as Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart Failure, Arthritis, certain types of Cancer, and the list goes on! So what is the harm in trying to get healthy to sustain longevity? Or to just feel a little better in your own skin by shedding a few pounds?




I make no apologies in saying that while I love and embrace my curves, I always strive to live a healthier lifestyle and if I can drop one or two dress sizes in the process, then so be it! Now, just like Marcy said, I will NEVER be a size 6 or even an 8, but that isn't even my goal. My goal is to be a heathier me! Through my Facebook page, I have made my own personal fitness journey public knowledge. I talk about my love affair with the yoga ball and my tumultuous relationship with carbs. I even discuss my unhealthy eating relapses and when I've gained back a pound or two (or three...eek!).

Does that make me wrong or less credible in the fa[t]shion community? Am I to be deemed traitorous?
Bottom line, weight-loss is a matter of personal decision. If you are comfortable with where you are and you are healthy and feeling fantastic, then more power to you! Now while you may not agree with Marcy's personal decision to get healthy by losing weight or utilizing the powers that are Weight Watchers, the fact of the matter is that it is just that. A personal decision. One of which she decided to share with those of us who can relate to her pursuit, and was not intended as any sort of personal "dig" at anyone else or even to promote weight-loss. Let's also not forget that being healthy has absolutely NOTHING TO DO WITH THE NUMBERS ON THE SCALE OR THE SIZE ON YOUR TAG, and everything to do with your ACTIVITY and OUTLOOK.

So to Marcy I say...GO GET 'EM GIRL, YOU'VE GOT OUR SUPPORT! :)

Until Next Time F5's and Skorch dolls....
Stay D'lish

PLEASE CHECK OUT MORE OF AMOR:
CLICK HERE!

P.S. Check out the "contraversial" video below...

The Full-Figured Frugalistas' Guide To Great Style Without Going BROKE!

It's no secret...times are TOUGH! And with the ever fluctuating economy going from bad to worse, the average households' total income is depleting at a faster rate than ever before in the US! After taxes, groceries, rent/mortgage payments, bills (electric/gas/cell phone/car insurance/credit card/etc.), gas/transportation costs and savings (...if you're fortunate enough), the net amount for fringe activities (such as shopping) are pretty much non-existent.

A few days ago, I was strolling along on my blog roll when I came across a fantastic blog entry by the fabulous Jules of BOOM...BOOM...POW all about "Budget Conscious Fashion Blogging", where she gave some really great tips about how to save money when shopping and how to weigh out an item before you reach the register or click the nifty, thrifty (ehhh...not so thrify sometimes) "CHECKOUT" button. And I completely related to alot of the tips and tricks that she gave. You see, you may not know this about me, but I am a self-acknowledged SHOPAHOLIC (no lie...I get a natural "high" of sorts when making purchases...yes sad, but true...BLEH) and at times I have literally had to put my debit card down and back away slowly. But there are a few neat tricks that I've learned in order to control my spending habits. So in lieu of Jules' post, I've decided to divulge the tricks that I personally use to save money and psychologically weigh out potential purchases...

• There IS a difference between "Want" and "Need"...Probably one of the hardest decisions you'll have to make when shopping. I oftentimes would go into a store, pick up an item and say "OMG, I NEED THIS!" when in actuality, I didn't...and that very same item is probably sitting in my closet collecting dust at this very moment...sigh. When shopping, ask yourself, "Do I REALLY need this or would this just being a compulsive buy because I WANT it?", "How often will I wear it?", "Is it something that I will be able to use over time?" Now I'm not saying, not to splurge every so often and grab that multi-colored sequined little number that you DROOLED over in the window of a store or spotted at an online boutique, but be smart about your purchases. One thing that has really helped me is when I find an item that I really think I NEED/WANT to own (after asking the above questions to myself), I will leave the store/website and if I'm thinking about that item over the next few days or weeks, I will go back for it. And if it is still available, I will go ahead and purchase it. BUT if I've forgotten about it or the item is unavailable when I go back, I count it as something I REALLY just didn't NEED.

• Have Coupon? Will SHOP! ...Coupons are like money in the bank! And at one point in time it seemed as though it was almost in poor taste or tacky to utilize them. Well toss that concept right out the window, because coupons are as fashionable as a pair of platform nude pumps for spring! With stores/e-commerce trying to generate capital, coupons are being tossed around on a daily basis! Let's just put this into perspective...Coupons = FREE MONEY, so why not use them??!! As for me, when shopping online (I do the majority of my shopping online), I will immediately search for coupons online (i.e, "Forever 21 online coupons") and websites such as RetailMeNot and Coupon Album will pop up with all kinds of promotional codes for discounts like free shipping to 25% off your entire purchase! I literally WILL NOT purchase anymore if I DON'T get some sort of discount! If you are a little leery about shopping online, no worries, you can also find printable coupons to use in stores! Whatever the case, coupons are a must have item when shopping!


• DUN DUN DUN DUNNNNN...STORE CREDIT!!! (EEK!!)...I, like everyone else, used to be so afraid of store credit. My philosophy was STORE CREDIT = BAD CREDIT. But, if you are good at managing finances then store credit can actually BUILD your credit. Now, I am NOT telling anyone to go out and apply for 10 store credit cards and go have a shopping spree, but if you can manage your finances, then store credit cards could be a GREAT way to play now and pay later. I personally have two store credit cards (Torrid and Lane Bryant), which have very low limits ($500 and below), which means that my monthly payments are extremely manageable ($10 - 12 per month). And every month, I always try to pay over the minimum amount due (i.e. Amt due = $12.00, Amt paid = $14.00) to stay in good standing. Beware though, if you know that you are usually late making payments, then store credit is probably NOT for you. Not only will your interest increase, but late fees will also apply.

• Incorporating into your Wardrobe...Alot of times, when shopping, we tend to forget what our wardrobe actually looks like....you see something that catches your eye immediately. You have visions of grandeur and ultimately purchase it. Then you get home and trying to pair it with something - ANYTHING - in your closet starts to give you a throbbing headache. UGH! When shopping, be mindful of the items that you already own and how you can pair new items with your existing wardrobe. As much as I am a girl all about branching out and "pushing the envelope", I oftentimes see ladies who make the mistake of stepping WAY outside of their fashion comfort zone, and end up just looking a hot, crazy mess...sigh.

• How will this affect my bank account in the future?...Let's be real here...if you have $1,000 in the bank and that fabulous Miu Miu Oversize Paillette Clutch that you've been eyeing costs $995, then chances are you probably shouldn't buy it at the moment. The theory here is..."Man cannot live on FASHION alone!" It's just that simple. Don't go broke for the sake of style! :)

• Thrifty gals = Nifty gals...From vintage dresses to platform shoes, you can find almost ANYTHING in a thrift shop! Not only can thrifting be TONS of fun, but it can also save you LOADS of money! I have found countless pieces in thrift shops, from jewelry to designer handbags all the way down to rare records and home decor. As they say, "one man's trash is another man's treasure."

• DIY...Love that Chanel skirt? Why not try to replicate it yourself? For just a FRACTION of the cost, if you or someone you know has the ability and time to sew, grab some fabric yardage and off you go! Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in labels and stores that we forget that sometimes it's just as simple as doing it yourself...I mean SOMEONE had to sew that Chanel skirt in the first place, right? So it can absolutely be done! Fortunately, I've been sewing for the majority of my life, so just by eyeing a style I can usually replicate it without using a pattern. But if you haven't the first clue of what to do with a sewing machine, why not take a look at an online tutorial on Youtube, buy a pattern (between $5 - 7) to follow step by step and try it out! Not only can you own something one of a kind but you can put your own little twist on it! Hey, you'll never know unless you try! I've been able to update old clothing this way and make it into something fresh and new...it's like getting new clothes...FOR FREE! And who doesn't like FREE???

(top to bottom: A leather, cropped, three-quarter sleeved jacket that I DIY'ed from an old, long, leather trench style coat that was sitting in the back of my closet; Out and about at a friends' birthday dinner earlier this year in my " brand new" cropped jacket!)

Well...with ALL of that said...:)

Until Next time F5's and Skorch dolls alike...

Stay D'lish

<3

P.S. Be sure to check out the NEW xoxoskorch!!!!

OOTD: Jump! Jump!

For as long as I can remember, "the rules of fashion" for the full figured woman have always been way more extensive and debilitating, than "the rules of fashion" set forth for the "average-sized" woman. Elements such as horizontal stripes, bold prints and tapered jeans were deemed an absolute "NO NO" in our realms, and going against such restrictions were a surefire way to land yourself on a worst dressed list and/or reap the silent - and sometimes not so silent - ridicule of the anonymous passerby...EEK!

But with plus sized fashion rapidly evolving, the rules aren't just changing, they are EVAPORATING! And with the plus sized customer becoming ever more fashion savvy and conscious, retailers are now scrambling to provide new and innovative fashion for this consumer...even if that means breaking some of their...eh hemmm...previously implemented rules....

While the jumpsuit is certainly no stranger to fashion (think 1980's, David Bowie, mechanics, and prisoners across the United States....HA!), it - and it's sweet little play cousin, "the romper" - is certainly a breath of fresh air for the full figured fashion femme fatale. And now with options for day play or an evening out, this trend might be just the addition your closet needs! Last week, I had an event to attend and decided to take my latest gem of a jumpsuit find out for a spin! Not only was it SUPER comfortable but, I can't even begin to tell you how much praise and how many compliments I received on this "gutsy" (direct quote) look...

Icon Collection woven zip-front jumpsuit, $99.99 available at Lane Bryant.com

Icon Collection Ponte Boyfriend Blazer, Lane Bryant

Black Pinched Clutch Bag, Target

Dolce Vita Leather Platform Pumps, Love My Shoes

Gold Wire Hoop Earrings, Mary Wormworth for Mary's Hands Jewelry

 

Now, while I know that this trend is not for everyone...DON'T RULE IT OUT JUST YET!! The key to finding the right jumpsuit/romper for your body type is all about definition, length, fit, and fabric. Take into consideration how the item is draped and how/where the closure will fall. Also, be conscious of your own proportions. Ladies, be careful of drop waist styles, as these can oftentimes come off boxy and unflattering on curvy body types. With that said, here are a few of my favorite jumpsuit/romper finds...

(Button Front Sleeveless Romper, $29.99 available at LaneBryant.com; Sleeveless Belted Jumpsuit, $89.50 available at Lane Bryant.com)

(Women's Plus Tie-Waist Jumpsuits, $42.50 available at Old Navy.com; Black Paisley Playsuit, £16.00 (Approx. $24.75) available at Dorothy Perkins.com)

(Women's Plus Ruffled Romper Cover-Ups, $19.50 available at Old Navy.com; New Black Silver Button Short Jumper, $27.99 available at Jens Fashion Plus)

As far as styling is concerned, jumpsuits/rompers look fantastic with flat gladiator sandals during the daytime and stunning with heels in the evening. If you opt for a solid style, play up the look with great acessories and basic outerwear like blazers, denim, and even motorcycle style jackets. And if you choose to go with a style that incorporates a bold print or stripe, keep it more on the simple side so that all of the focus is on your flawless fashion sense. Rule of thumb across the board: Too many elements can be DISTRACTING, so always be sure to streamline.

Until Next time F5's and Skorch Dolls...
Stay D'lish

P.S. I couldn't resist...this song reminds me of my childhood. Romping around outside all day, family bbq's, and firecracker popsicles. If only life could be that simple again =)

Some Like It Hotter

Yes Femme Fatale's, it's about that time. The time of year when "skinny bitches" (sorry, there's just no other way to express it...) from everywhere get to show off their year round pursuit of perfection. That's right, for 9 months out of the year, their regiment consists of hitting the gym everyday, for a minimum of 2 hours, low or no-carbing it, and a diet of general starvation... all in the name of "Bikini season" or what the rest of us have come to know simply as...Summer. And while the majority of us try desperately to hide our bodies as best we can during this time period, the "size 0 - 6 range" usually go out of their way to find the skimpiest, skinniest, itsy bitsy, teeny weeny bikinis they can find, in an effort to flaunt what god gave them (...or better yet, what they've had altered, nipped, tucked, sucked, purged, lazered and bronzed). And while "standard" sized women frolick on the beach in their sexy, care free bathing suits, many of us plus-sized ladies are left to scour the dregs of the 3 styles of Miraclesuit that retailers are offering that season (or sometimes the same reproduced/ongoing styles from 1989...BLEH).

But alas, "times are-a changin'"...and with a surge in plus-sized fashion interest, retailers are FINALLY answering the demand for more fashion forward, sexy bathing suit options with everything from vibrant tribal prints to jewel embellishments down to cutting edged designs and materials, while still keeping in mind the support and control that we full-figured ladies so desperately need. My favorite swimwear collection of the season is surprisingly Newport News' Shape FX® Collection, which is not only moderately priced but is also "designed to flatten, tighten, lift, enhance & sculpt" without sacrificing style and promoting sexy. Here are a few of my favorites from the Shape FX® collection along with a few other "HOTATATACHACHACHA" finds...

(Women's Metallic Cross-Front Swimsuits, $49.50 available at OldNavy.com; Jean Paul Gaultier for Target One Piece Monokini Swimsuit - Metallic Gold, $34.99 available at Target.com)

("Barbados" Plunge V Plus Swimsuit - Black (and Gold), $148.00 available at MonifC.com (please note that this item is currently out of stock); "St. Tropez" Fringe Plus Size Swimsuit - Fuschia Pink (and Black), $135.00 available at MonifC.com)

(Shape fx® Sculpting & bust-enhancing corset-style maillot, $39 - 49.00 available at Newport-News.com; Shapefx® Bust-enhancing plunge-neck suit, $59 - 64.00 available at Newport-News.com)

(Shape fx® All-over control shirred one-shoulder suit, $49 - 54.00 available at Newport-News.com; Profile by Gottex Plus Size Swimsuit, Tribal One Piece, $128.00 available at Macys.com)

Remember ladies, when choosing the right swimsuit for you, figure out what part of your body you'd like to accentuate most and which body part you'd like to draw attention away from. Keep in mind that deep v-neck/plunging/halter neckline styles will focus more attention on your bust, while corset styles will accentuate an hourglass waistline, and ombre style swim suits (darker on bottom and lighter just under the bustline) will camouflage any extra poundage on the tummy/waist area. Remember though that the absolute WORST "fashion faux paux" that you can make in a swimsuit is LACKING CONFIDENCE because it is a fact that discomfort spreads. And why should you lack confidence anywho? Afterall, It is a fact that our body types are what inspired men to carve stone! Therefore, it is imperative that the suit you choose is not only comfortable for you, but also makes you feel like the Femme Fatale that you are...:)

Until Next time F5's and Skorch Dolls...

Stay D'lish

<3

P.S. This summer anthem NEVER DIES!! Had to throw it back for all of the 80's babies! :)

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OF 'AMOR'

OOTD: Ruffles Are Delicious

Did you know that historically, ruffles, most notably in the "Elizabethan" age, were used to adorn ladies (and gentlemen) of the elite class in order to determine or display social status in society? And the more "ruffley" ones' attire, the higher on the hierarchical pyramid they were thought to be.

Hmmmm, go figure!

It's certainly true that the evolution of the ruffle has been a long, and at times, digressive evolution. In the 1970's and 80's it seemed like ruffles had made their way back into the limelight, when musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Elton John opted for more flamboyant attire, the masses followed suit with ruffles, belled sleeves and lush, exuberant prints. And there was not a prom during this time period, without at least one stage five pubescent, high school boy who arrived, bow tie, ruffled shirt and all...YYYYEEEEAAAAHHHHH

(See your parents' Prom pictures for evidence)

But again, fashion soon grew weary of the ruffle, and it seemed like somewhere down the line, the ruffle had lost its' social status, charm and overall appeal. Once the crowning glory of 15th century women everywhere, the ruffle was now banished to the categories of "Tacky", "Old-fashioned" and "That looks like something only my grandmother would wear..."

But just like history, fashion has a way of repeating itself, and the ruffle has made a comeback in a BIG way for Spring 2010!

Not to be distasteful though, designers have found ways to translate the "old-fashioned" ruffle, into something new and fresh. From cutting edge fabrics, aptly called "Eyelash" to strategically cascading tiers, the ruffle is showing a much edgier and sophisticated side. Now, if you're still convinced that this trend is absolutely NOT for you, consider trying something with a minute detail, like a dress with a cascading shoulder or a peplum dress with two tiers!

So without further ado, I present to you, a few of my favorite "Ruffley" finds...

New Gray Ruffled Zipper Dress, $27.99 available at Jens Fashion Plus
Leather Fingerless Gloves, Made by me
Leather Gladiator Platorm Sandals, last season's find

(SIDENOTE: I absolutely love this dress! It's SUPER comfortable and ultra sexy! Love the front zipper detail and the fact that the "eyelash" is continuous, which gives it a great texture from afar. It is extremely versatile, so for a more casual look, I will definietly be wearing leggings with this dress and a great flat gladiator sandal!)

(Grey Ruffle Long Line Vest, £18.00 (Approx. $27.00) available at DorothyPerkins.com; Chiffon Tiered Hem Dress, £25.00 (Approx. $38.00) available at Newlook.co.uk)

(Blush Lace Ruffle Sleeve Dress, £35.00 (Approx. $52.50) available at DorothyPerkins.com; Pink and Grey Lace Bustier Top, $44.00 available at Torrid.com)

(Black Ruffled Open Knit Vest, $34.00 available at Torrid.com; Teal Double Peplum-Knit Dress, $42.98 available at Torrid.com)

(Chiffon Ruffle Bandeau Bra, $40.00 available at LaneBryant.com; "Espana" One Shoulder Ruffle Plus Size Swimsuit w/Detachable Strap - Black, $118.00 available at MonifC.com)

Until Next time F5's and Skorchers alike....

Stay D'lish

P.S. Any excuse for a little "Hendrix" is a good excuse...He AND his RUFFLED shirt...:)