Currently Trending: The Bucket Bag

The Bucket List

One of my most recent obsessions has been the Mansur Gavriel bucket bag. This bag is a classic piece that can be worn with everything and will be a staple in any wardrobe for years to come. This gorgeous bucket bag is crafted from fine leather and is offered in an array of colors to fit any style pallet or profile. This bag is a bit on the pricey side, but as I stated before, I feel that it is an investment piece that will be used and can also be passed down to future generations if properly cared for. 

Where to Buy

If the price of the Masur Gavriel is out of your comfort range, check out some of the cheaper alternatives I found below.

Zara Leather Bucket Bag with Cut Work Detail

Zara Coloured Leather and Suede Bucket Bag

Zara Leather Bucket Bag

Old Navy Faux Leather Tassled Bucket Bag

How do you feel about the bucket bag? Do you think it is a wardrobe staple? I would love to know your thoughts so please leave me a comment. Thanks for reading!

T-Shirt and Jeans

T-Shirt and Jeans by curvyfashionphile featuring h&m boyfriend jeans

Old Navy cartoon graphic tee
oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy charcoal gray t shirt
oldnavy.gap.com

Military anorak jacket
amazon.com

Mango red fitted blazer
$64 - johnlewis.com

American Eagle Outfitters dark blue jegging
ae.com

H&m boyfriend jeans
$48 - hm.com

Zara ankle booties
zara.com

Gap flat
gap.com

Cut N Paste shoulder bag
lorisshoes.com

Nomadic clutch
$115 - thegrandsocial.com.au

Sunglasses

I have a confession to make. Not only am I obsessed with clothes and shoes, but I am also majorly obsessed with accessories. I believe that the right accessory can take a simple outfit and make it into a spectacular one.
One of the accessories that I cannot get enough of is sunglasses! I have them in every shape, color, size and style, but every time I go into a store I always seem to gravitate towards the sunglasses display in search of another pair. I just don't think you can have to many pair lol!
When it comes to picking sunglasses you should always take into consideration the shape of your face, your lifestyle and your wardrobe (do you dress more casual or are a you sportier or more athletic type). Also, I believe that everyone should have at least two pairs of sunglasses, one for more casual or  dress down occasions and one for your dressier outfits.

Selfies of me in different sunglasses

My favorite shapes for sunglasses are aviators and over sized square/rectangular or butterfly styles. These work best for me because I have a round/oval face. I have been wanting to try out a pair of cat eye sunglasses but have not found a pair that I feel look good on me. Maybe a pair of over sized cat-eye glasses might do the trick. Hmm...something to consider for my next purchase I guess.

I have about 10 or 15 pairs, all from various price points that I change out depending on my outfit and mood, but I always keep my basic RayBan aviators in my car because they are my go to everyday pair.

My current collection

I am getting rid of the sunnies in the picture below, so if you see any that you are interested in send me an email to inquire about price and additional pictures.

Top to Bottom: Calvin Klein, Random, Michael Kors, Cole Haan, Armani Exchange

Here are some guides to help you choose the best sunglasses for your face shape:

http://kaisensei.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html

 http://www.moorebeautiful.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/face_shapes.png

Summer Guide: The Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

• Oblong: narrow cheeks, chin & a long face Best style: wrap styles or oversized glasses. steer clear of frames that are too slender for your face.
• Square: square jawline & wide forehead Best sunnies: cat eye, round or even oval. skip the geometric styles
• Round: slim jaw, forehead & full cheekbones Best shape: try wide frames with a rectangular shape. avoid the oversized round frames
• Oval: jaw, cheeks and forehead are all balanced Best for you: lucky!! Almost any style of sunnies will look great on you 
• Heart shape: narrow chin & wide cheekbones/forehead Best sunnies for you: round or cat’s-eye. avoid lots of embellishments (info via myfashioncents.com)

What are some of your favorite sunglasses brands and styles? Do you like trendy sunglasses or do you stick with classic styles that last season after season? Leave a comment and tell me all about your sunglasses style.

In My Cart: ASOS Curve

The Statement Suit

If you are a curvy girl and looking for the perfect spring/summer suit for work or play I have just the thing for you! ASOS Curve is currently offering the exclusive pant and blazer in Geo statement print. These pieces can be purchased together (which I strongly recommend because they look awesome and make a real statement together) or separately and paired with solid color slacks or trousers, a skirt or jeans. 

If you are interested in this look purchase here and here.

Pair this suit with the following items for the perfect look:

The Look for Less

I have recently purchased two pairs of shoes that I think qualify for the designer inspired or looked for less category. As I looked at my purchases and the more expensive shoes that clearly inspired the design concept, I began to think about fashion designers, creativity, inspiration and the concept of an original design idea. Does originality really exist in fashion anymore or do we look to the past and what is currently happening around us to inspire new trends and ideas for how to dress and style ourselves? Everyone is inspired by or looks to someone or something for inspiration so is it OK for retailers and designers to be inspired by other designers?

Alexander Wang Danica and Shoemint Garbo both currently sold out 

There is always strong debate in fashion about wearing knock offs and designer looks for less. I am not nor will I ever be a fan of wearing a knock off item such as a fake designer handbag. I would much rather spend my money on something nice with out the high end label name than rock a fake. I try as best I can to live within my means. That does not mean that I do not splurge and buy designer items from time to time but if I can find something nice with a similar look for a fraction of the cost then I am all for it.  

London Trash Phoenix Snake Sandal and Shoedazzle Whitley currently sold out

Similar options here and here 

I was recently reading an article on fashionbombdaily.com where designer Isabal Marant talked about how she felt about knock offs of her now famous wedge sneaker. I for one think that is great that more mid-range affordable designers and labels take the same concept that someone like Isabal Marant sells and makes it available for the mainstream consumer who make not be able to afford a $600 or more shoe. Do I think it is offensive to blatantly steal another person's designs or idea and market it as if it is your own? Yes. However I do not think that Ms. Marant created the wedge sneaker.

Isabel Marant (sell out quickly but can be found at netaporter.com, barneys.com or ebay.com) Steve Madden Hilight

Rocking my Steve Madden Highlights on a casual shopping day (excuse the messy fitting room lol!)
Outfit Details:
Hat-Old TJ Maxx
Camo Shirt Jacket- Old Navy 
Dark Navy Jegging Jeans- Torrid
White Boy Friend T-Shirt- Target
Steve Madden Hilights
Celine' Croc Stamped Phantom 

 I am a fan of her shoe, but for myself, a person who does not wear sneakers that often, I would opt for a more affordable version and splurge on something that I could get more use out of. Hence my purchase of the Steve Madden Hilight. Some may chastise me for this, but I say to each lady her own wallet and budget lol! I do own quite a few designer items but I usually reserve my high end purchases for items I deem to be classics that will stand the test of time and last me multiple seasons, not trendy items that can quickly go out of style after one or two seasons, making me feel like I have wasted my hard earned money. I could go on and on about this much debated topic and my opinion on it but I would rather know what you all think. Is it OK to wear "knock offs" or a look for less/designer inspired item? What are your thoughts and opinions on the matter?

Images courtesy of Google Images (luckymag.com and sundayglamour.blogspot.com)

Jeans, Jeans, and More Jeans

If you are anything like me then you love jeans! If I could I would wear jeans everyday (unfortunately my job only allows them on Fridays and during the Summer)! I am constantly buying jeans and can never get enough of them! Since jeans are something that you can dress up or down and are so versatile, I decided that I would post about some of my favorite jeans and where I buy them. I tend to buy jeans that fit my body well no matter the price point. Of course I love a good sale, but when it comes to looking good I will not buy a pair of jeans just because they are cheap. If they are not flattering to my body type then that just means that I wasted my money anyway!

Different body types require different things when it comes to fit. For me, having hips, thighs and butt I have to look for jeans that address these different aspects and still allow me to be comfortable. I do like to show off my figure but I don't like to look or feel awkward and/or uncomfortable. I like to be stylish but when it comes to jeans I look for more classic styles and colors that will last me through multiple seasons and even years. I have made some trendy jean purchases and later ended up regretting them so now I stick to the basics. One exception is the recent trend in colored jeans which I love! I am also tall and have a slight phobia of my pants or jeans being too short so unless I am going for an ankle or cropped fit I tend to gravitate towards pants that come in longer inseams.
Here are some of my favorite jean designers and stores where I buy jeans.

1. James Jeans- I have recently purchased jeans from this company and I love the fit! They are on the pricier side but as I said earlier if I know that I am going to get my money's worth I do not mind spending . The fit is awesome (no gap in the waist or dropped crotch which is something I don't like) and the have styles with longer inseams which is perfect for us tall curvy girls.James Jeans can also be purchased at Nordstrom and Saks.
2. Not Your Daughter's Jeans- When the coated denim trend started I searched high and low for a pair that where flattering for a plus size woman and did not look cheap and tacky. I found everything I was looking for and more in a pair by Not Your Daughter's Jeans! Not only was the fit flattering, but the quality in my opinion was impeccable. I would definetly purchase from this company/designer again. Not Your Daughter's Jeans can also be purchased at Dillards, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus.
3. Torrid- I love torrids plus size skinny jean selection! First off they sell by inseam which is perfect for me because as I mentioned earlier I like for my jeans to be long! They also have variety of styles and sizes to suit the different needs of plus size body types. 
4. JC Penney (store brand and A.N.A.)- JC Penney has really been stepping their game up lately when it comes to the selection of plus size clothing. The jean department has been no exception. Not only are they offering many of the trendy jeans ie. colored skinny and patterned jeans in plus sizes but they also have many styles that will stand the test of time such as boot cut and straight leg jeans in classic and dark washes. 
5. Old Navy- Old Navy offers jeans in many different styles and colors to fit your price range, body type and style. Some of my favorite offerings from old navy are the rock star jeggings which are a thicker material and comprable to a regular pair of jeans and the dark wash boot cut jeans.The plus size offerings from old navy are exclusively sold online so it is good to know your measurements when ordering.
6. Levi's- Levi's is the classic american jean company that is easy recognizable by the red or silver tab on the back pocket. The plus size options are comfortable, stylish, and really compliment the curvy woman's body. 
7. Eloquii- Offers a variety of jeans in different inseams,styles, sizes and colors. These jeans have a good fit and just enough stretch which makes them comfortable and easy to wear. Many of eloquii's jean styles come in classic and curvy options.