Curvy Confidential

Last weekend I went to Malibu beach with my dear friend Ross who was visiting from Texas. Ross is 6’7” so standing next to him in my 5’8” bare feet makes me feel petite!  I decided to wear my new black bikini and polka dot sarong and carry my Hips and Curves tote bag for our day at the beach.   We arrived, spotted a nice secluded place and set up our blankets and umbrellas.  It was perfect nap weather so we stripped down to our swimsuits and sunscreen, laid hand in hand, and soaked up a little sun while the breeze blew and the waves crashed.  There is something very special about being with good friends and sharing quiet time.

My little moment of heaven was interrupted, however, by a group of young people who decided to set up camp next to us.  My first reaction was being annoyed for losing our peace and quiet, but that was quickly replaced by a brief, panicky moment of self awareness that I was laying in a bikini, all 250lbs of me, without a sarong or anything.

‘”Please lord, don’t let these kids make any fat jokes about me in front of my best friend.”

I flashed back to 5 years ago when I was kissing a cute guy outside a club and some idiot shouted, “Damn, that is one big woman!” I could have curled up and died of embarrassment.

With that memory buzzing in my mind, I just tried to focus on how nice it felt to be at the beach and how I had every right to be there in my bikini as much as anyone else.   I blocked out all the conversation, all the noise and just connected with nature.

I am usually confident in my appearance so these things rarely cross my mind, but there is something about being in a bikini that can tear down the self assurance of any respectable gorgeous woman.  I had to do a little extra work on my self esteem muscle this time to remind myself that me and my luscious curves deserve to enjoy a day at the beach, even in LA!

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It is officially summer! I love summer, even though as adults we don’t get a summer vacation, there is something different in the air. Things I love about summer are eating outside, walking my dog in the warm evening air, eating an ice cream cone, enjoying a drink with an umbrella and the smell of the BBQ and sun tan lotion.

I have always struggled with my summer wardrobe. Looking through magazines and knowing that most things will not fit, I was almost always disappointed. Since working at Hips and Curves, I am no longer disappointed. Shopping on the site I know everything is in my size. Girls with curves REJOICE, summer is here; let’s show some skin! Whether you are a sun block girl or a sun worshiper, flaunt what you have.

Here are my must haves for a great summer wardrobe:

First a new bra, bright colors are back, I suggest the Molded Underwire Bra With Push-up Padding in pink or Essential Everyday T-shirt Bra available in lime (my favorite) or turquoise.

Next is the Damn Sexy tank Damn Sexy Goth Tank , it looks great with shorts, jeans or a skirt and looks fun with a bright bra.

Another staple that flatters all bums is the Cheeky Lace Boy Leg, in great new colors, very berry and purple.

Relaxing around the house? Try a cool cotton Cami Jami Set, it covers just enough for a quick trip to the coffee shop for an iced latte.

We all need shorts for sizzling summer days so this summer try a rose floral print boxer for something different. Comfy cotton boxers in just the right length are cute enough for a romp outside or for a trip to the pool. Continue Reading »

You know everyone is going green these days.

Driving hybrids, or taking the bus. Recycling everything they can, or reusing what they can. Everyone is trying to do their part.

Well, I am too. I have several reusable shopping bags that I try to use whenever I shop. But recently, I haven’t been using them. To be honest, I find them boring, and not very cute. You never know who you could meet at the grocery store, right?

So, lately, I have been using our absolutely fabulous, Hips and Curves Signature Tote Bag. I love this bag! And I’m not saying this because my boss is behind me This is a great tote for everything.

I’ve used it for my laundry, for a quick trip to a friend’s house, and yes, to the grocery store. I was at my favorite store, Trader Joe’s, minding my own business, picking out my favorite snacks. As I was turning to go into another aisle, this lovely woman walked right up to me and said, ‘That is the cutest bag.’ I replied, ‘Thank you so much’ I walked away with a little spring in my step, saying thank goodness I forgot the ugly bags at home. I don’t know if that woman checked out our site, or ordered one of our totes. I hope that she did!

So ladies, I’m not saying you have to buy our bag, but maybe consider it. Everyone needs some cute in their normal routine.

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Time flies at Hips and Curves, but this week seems to have gone by even faster.  On Monday, the stylists were busy coordinating looks for a big photo shoot.   Tuesday, meetings, meetings and more meetings.  I was excited to report that tons of orders were being placed for the Essential Everyday T-shirt Bra in our featured summer colors, lime and turquoise.   I personally love the lime and need to get my order in   Wednesday the office was electric again.  Last minute samples were arriving for the shoot, stylists were coordinating looks – corsets, thigh highs, shoes, bras and panties.

Thursday was a group effort getting everything ready for the shoot.   The crew built a beautiful set using one of our new harem canopies and spent a large part of the day setting up lighting and scenes.  The stylists were busy putting together the final pieces for each look, steaming lingerie, pulling shoes and hosiery from the wardrobe closet and staging and labeling each look on clothing racks.

When Friday arrived there was a buzz in the air. The model arrived and took her seat in hair and make-up. The make up artist, hair stylist, photographer and wardrobe assistants discussed the looks and shots for the day.   Then, with lights on, fans blowing and music blaring, the model arrived on set in a red jacquard corset and a stunning long black slinky ruched skirt.  It was then that the magic began.  Everyone’s hard work and long hours paid off. Ideas, meetings and samples came to life for the first time.  The shoot was a success.

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PSS – The stylists used my suggestion for one of the outfits – the underbust corsest with the ruffle trim demi bra!