11Jan

New Year – New Resolution!

Filed in Behind the scenes | Pop Culture | Self Love 3 Comments

The New Year has started and it’s time for New Years resolutions.   Who can guess the number one New Years resolution?   Losing weight.  Why is it always about losing weight?  Losing weight used to be my resolution – but no more!  Let me share with you how I came to this conclusion.

Last week while at the bookstore I happened by the self-help section.  UGH!  is all I could say to myself.  I am sure that the authors of these “self-help” books have only the best intentions, but enough already!  I flipped through the pages of a few books… A Million Ways to be Happy, Things to do Before You Die.  There was even a book that suggested I doodle my way to happiness.  The book literally had blank pages for you to doodle on.  I felt like the books were judging me, not helping me.  Some of these books suggested that I  “See the horses cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby,” or “Take a road trip across the country,” or  “Go on a hot air balloon ride,” and on and on and on.  And all I kept thinking was, “Boy, these would be great if I was independently wealthy and had unlimited vacation from work.”  Not very realistic.

Which brings me back to a new take on the New Years resolution.  This new way of thinking is more about making small changes here and there… things that are realistic!  To enjoy your life a little more, not have any regrets at the end of the year, and not to focus on your weight!

Most of us wait for special occasions to do special things, like wearing the antique ring your grandmother gave you, buying a great bottle of champagne or dining at your favorite restaurant.  What are we waiting for?  As the saying goes, “Life is short!”  Why wait for special occasions to do special things?  Isn’t every day special?

The only person not enjoying life and doing things you truly want to do is YOU.   The New Year is a fresh start and there are small things you can do each week, things that are manageable and won’t cost a lot of money.

What I am proposing is doing one thing, once a week.  One special thing.   If you want to try along with me, my first idea is to always use your nice china dishes (if you have china.)  Why save it for a special occasion? Did you know china is more durable and longer lasting the everyday dishes?  And it is dishwasher safe!  I’m going to use my china everyday and I encourage you to do the same!

Now I need ideas for next week, and the following week and the rest of the year!  Please share some ideas with me and all of the other readers and let’s make this year SPECIAL!

01Jul

Adele: The Singer Has Moved Into The Fashion Spotlight

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There are days when I feel comfortable in my own skin and other days…not so much.   I thought by this time in my life I would have found a happy medium, but as wise person keeps telling me, “it’s a journey, enjoy it”.

Sometimes I get signals that I am doing the right thing – accepting my body just as it is.  One of those signals was an article in the Los Angeles Times I came across on Sunday morning entitled “She Is Who She Is”.  The “she” is singer/song writer, Adele.   With an angelic, seductive face, curvy figure and a soulful voice far beyond her young age of 21, Adele is making history in more ways than one.

I am a huge fan of Adele’s music, but I’m an even bigger fan of her confidence.   It’s amazing to me that some one almost half my age has the ability to be true to herself, and stand strong in an industry that prefers thin, cookie cutter pop stars who do exactly what they are told.  Not Adele, she is her own girl.  As she says,

I’ve gotten this far without looking like Britney Spears. I think I can go a bit further.

But what I like most about the article is that Adele is confident about her size and feels there is room for everyone and every size.  Adele says,

The most important thing is the way that someone carries themselves.  If they feel comfortable, they carry themselves differently.

That is so true, there is nothing sexier or more fashionable than a confident woman.  A woman can be successful no matter what her size.  And there are many others Etta James, Jennifer Hudson, Beth Ditto and Jill Scott,  all successful and all true to themselves.

Adele, just like the others, followed her dreams and carved out her own path.   Girls, we cannot let anything hold us back!  Let’s embrace who we are and never apologize for it.  Let’s celebrate all woman, all shapes, all sizes.

Lets keep the confidence going like Adele.   Check out the entire article here.

-Photo Courtesy of LA Times-

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22Jun

It’s Officially Summer!

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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

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01Jun

Ideas Come To Life…

Filed in Behind the scenes | Plus Size Models | Products 1 Comment

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.

PS – Make sure you check out the “behind the scenes” email newsletter for more!  If you’re not already signed up, you can sign up here.

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

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06May

Corsets On The Brain

Filed in Behind the scenes | Corporate Culture | Products 9 Comments

We are always busy at Hips and Curves and today was no exception.  I love so many things about working at Hips and Curves but what I really like is that we are always thinking outside of the box. 

I received an email about a week ago requesting my presence at a brainstorming meeting.  The email asked me to bring any and all ideas, no matter how big or small, to our holiday corset design meeting.    I went on line and researched my wish list of vintage corset ideas, my dreams of an hourglass figure and the added plus of great posture were in my sights.  Am I the only girl that loves the “Marilyn” figure?

Today was the day.   With my wish list in hand I kicked my shoes off, grabbed a seat on one of our many comfy couches along with everyone else and the fun began.   Everyone brought their “A” game, big, small, extravagant, wild and sexy; all ideas were welcome in this brainstorming event!  Marcy was writing down feverishly as one idea topped the next.  Pizza was delivered and the ideas kept coming for an amazing few hours. 

That was fun – I am so excited to see the final list.  I really do hope a couple ideas from my wish list make the cut.    Stay tuned to see which beautiful new corsets made the coveted list! 

 By the way, did you all order the Contessa? I am waiting for mine, oh and the Cinderella petticoat!

 

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