Curvy Confidential » Pop Culture

Care to Dance?

Tina — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:13:31 +0000

Oh my gosh! I ran across this shot of Beyonce and WOW.

After loving this shot for a moment, I realized something… Does it remind you of anything??

Check out our similar shot from ’09..

Thine Elegant Attire Is Most Pleasing!

marcy — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:51:18 +0000

If you understood the title of this post then you’ve probably been to a Renaissance Pleasure Faire. The best place to dress up in your tightest corset, eat a turkey leg and speak a little Elizabethean. I got to thinking about the Ren Faire after seeing some of the new styles released on Hips and Curves.com this week. Some of these styles are perfect for a Renaissance Faire and can actually be worn after – unlike some of the crazy metal corset contraptions you may have seen at some of these events!

Try a pair of bloomers – just in case the hot summer breeze (or someone who’s had one too many beers) finds its way up your skirt!

This cotton lace chemise is perfect for the warm weather. Pair it with a steel boned underbust corset for some serious shaping.

If you want to go totally casual, try this cotton lace camisole with a pair of jeans.

Remember, fashion from the Elizabethan period reflects the social status of the wearer, so if you want to be seen as nobility you’ll need to go all out! Try a steel boned corset, top hat, bloomers and a riding crop!

Click here to find a Renaissance Faire in your area!

Fare-thee-well!

Does Size Really Matter?

Christine — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:15:42 +0000

It’s not what you are thinking. Not that size That is another subject for another time!

Every Thursday, my guilty pleasure arrives, People Magazine. I put my purse down as soon as I walk in the door, sit in my favorite chair by the window and open up the first page. I go through the entire magazine, first scanning all of the pages and then going back to read everything carefully.

This week I read an article about Niecy Nash – recently famous for her role on Dancing With the Stars. I like her – she is funny and really cute. I don’t watch DWTS as much as I used to but I watched the first episode of the season. When Niecy was introduced she spoke about how she didn’t want to lose weight or her curves. Nice and all, but I thought it was a little strange because I was recently in an elevator with her (at the Beverly Center) and I thought to myself “boy she is really tiny, she looks a lot taller and bigger on TV!”. I said “hi” and commented on how much I liked the dress she was wearing. She was nice and said “why, thank you!” and we both got off of the elevator and walked to our cars.

In the People article she said that on DWTS she is “the big girl on the show” because she is – are you ready for this – a SIZE 8! Hollywood just stop it. Jessica Simpson was wearing a size 6 when she was called “FAT”. Size 6 is not fat; telling someone they are a size 6 – and fat – is a disaster and an eating disorder waiting to happen.

I wear a size 14 and you know what? I am a girl that does everything she can to be her best everyday. I am not plus, fat, curvy or thick, I am me. I am not my size.

Beautiful Gabourey

Christine — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:13:15 +0000

Can you believe that two plus size women are nominated for Academy Awards? Mo’Nique for best supporting actress and Gabourey Sidibe for best actress for the film “Precious”.

I have not seen the film. To be honest it looks too heart wrenching. Emotionally I am not ready for it. Looks like a box of Kleenex type of film.

But I didn’t have to see the movie to admire Gabourey’s confidence. In every interview I’ve seen or read, she’s always going on about how she doesn’t let her weight get in the way. In the February issue of Harpers Bazzar, Gabourey says, ”People always ask me, ‘You have so much confidence. Where did that come from?’ It came from me. Once day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear make up that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see. Your body is your temple, it’s your home, and,” she chuckles, “you must decorate it.”

Its so inspiring to see that weight was not an issue when Gabourey was nominated for an Academy Award. That it wasn’t an issue when she was on the cover of V Magazine, or Ebony. Gabourey is on the cover because she is talented, smart and confident. She isn’t a poster girl for plus size women. She’s a poster girl for all women. Her achievements don’t stem from her appearance but because she is tremendously talented and that is inspiring. A plus size girl can make it despite her weight.

One day, at 21 years old she decided that she was beautiful and began to live her life as a beautiful girl. Her confidence and self-love amazes me. I think Oprah says it best,

It’s like she’s from another planet, because she’s so evolved, so confident, so secure about who she is.”

I wish all women could feel the kind of confidence that Gabourey speaks of. That they are beautiful regardless of their size. We are not numbers. We are beautiful human beings with emotions, brains and talent.

Thank you Gabourey. In my eyes you have already won.

Christina Hendricks – Get The Look

marcy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:02:24 +0000

New York Magazine - Spring Fashion Issue

“Mad Men” is one of my favorite shows on TV right now. Office romance, politics and crazy drama. Dapper men in business suits smoking cigarettes and churning up creative ad campaigns. Sexy 60′s fashion, amazing music and the best part – Christina Hendricks – Mad Men’s resident sexpot. Sleeping with the married boss, parading around the office in super-tight skirts, low cut blouses and 6 inch pumps. The curvy office manager makes being bad seem oh -so good.

I was excited to see Christina on the cover of New York magazine’s February issue wearing a sexy bustier and cheeky boyshorts. You can acheive the same look with a White Long Line, Low Back Bustier and a Lacy Boyshort Panty. And don’t forget the 6 inch pumps

Mariah Carey In Our Dress?

curvycat — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:39:35 +0000

Courtesy of The Ellen Degeneres Show

Hello All You Divas!!!!!

I hope everyone had a great holiday, and are ready for an exciting New Year.

Speaking of exciting, I was speaking with our favorite customer today. Hey Misti!!! Just to let you know, Misti is a true Diva, and will rock anything she is wearing. But I digress.

So, we were talking, about lingerie and corsets, as usual, and she says, “Hey Cathy, did you know Mariah Carey was on the Ellen Degeneres show wearing your dress?” Of course I said, “What dress?” She said, ‘The Ruffle Garter Dress that you carry at Hips and Curves!”

After our conversation, I went running through the office screaming “Mariah Carey was wearing our dress!!!” Lo and behold, she was right! Although we can’t be totally sure it’s our dress, it sure does look like it!

Leave it to our girl Misti to bring us up to the minute info on everything fabulous. Thanks Misti! You’re the best!!

For all you other Divas, please let us know if you see someone fabulous wear our items. Or, if you have a great idea about a corset, skirt, or dress, let us know. We love hearing from you.

All My Love, and Luck for 2010!!

New Year – New Resolution!

Christine — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:50:14 +0000

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!

Fashion File

marcy — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:20:55 +0000

Hey Ladies! My boss just dropped a copy of Women’s Wear Daily on my desk and I had to share some images of Mary Kate Olson who has been spotted around town in this cheetah print jacket reminiscent of our Leopard Shawl Collar Robe. This robe is the perfect way to keep warm while looking trendy and fashionable when you’re out on the town.

The best thing about this robe? It’s on sale right now! Was $44.95 and is now $29.95. Pick one up before it’s gone!

More pics of Mary Kate after the jump…

Come on up and see me sometime!!

Wendy — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:54:14 +0000

A million years ago…ok, maybe not a million…but at least twenty or so…I was a Mae West impersonator. I know, it is true! I delivered singing telegrams as Mae West. Lately, I have been thinking about “her/me” and what she actually taught me about being sexy.

I believe it is time to pass this information on to you, my beloved readers/followers. And you probably have some fabulous advice to add as well.

I was the same size then as I am now….so by no means was I any kind of thinner version of me. Younger, yes…. but people still ask me if I am in my thirties…which is very funny as I am 52 years old!! So that being said…I was the same size then as now.

There was something magical that happened when I donned that costume. It would begin to happen as I would put the blond wig on, the beauty mark, the red sequined dress, black lace gloves, red high heels, black feather boa and the amazing huge black hat. Oh and the red lipstick!! (I can only imagine if there had been Hips and Curves back then…I would have DEFINITELY been the naughty Mae West, bustier and thigh high stockings…I can see it now.)

There was a sexiness that would ooze just getting ready. And then running the lines added the extra zing that would put the whole thing in motion. That Mae is a sexy girl.

I would write special lyrics for the song, “Hit Me With A Hot Note”, that would be tailored for the individual that Mae was hired to “find” at the party. Do you know the song? “Hit me with a hot note and watch me bounce…” wonderful song. Sometimes I would have to stop at the gas station and pump gas on the way to the gig, or grab a bottle of water at a convenience store…in full costume. And it was on those occasions that I actually SAW what this costume did…for men!

I would expect that at a party, people would be terribly fascinated as to what was going on…but it was a party for heaven’s sake…sort of expected. I would enter the party and mingle. Not ask for the man of honor right away…but mingle as Mae East, “I used to be Mae West…but I drifted…oh”. And the reaction from men, and women I might add, was amazing. Stutter, smile, ask questions of Mae, follow me around the party, at times visibly shaken. And I slowly began to figure it out.

I WAS Mae. I WAS elusive. I WAS sexy. Ummmm…sex. And without any fear. Without any reservation. Without any hesitation. Mae took over. She was suggestive, brave, commanding and downright lovable. And just a little dirty.

People loved it. Men loved it. I loved it.

And that is when I figured it out.

Confidence. That is what it took. And that is what would take over. In the gas station, convenience store, retirement party, bachelor party, birthday party. Everywhere.

Get it? Right. That is what it takes. KNOWING that you possess all of these qualities, large or small…and everywhere in between.

So I am encouraging all of us to channel that inner Mae. If I ever feel any part of “less than”, I simply remember Mae (who was really ME) and express myself accordingly.

With a feather in hand, swirling it around the man’s head while saying, “I came here to tickle your fancy, mind showing me where your fancy is located?”

Mmmmhmmmm…you get the idea. Ah, sweet Mae. Thank you for allowing me to remember who I really am.

Remember who you really are. Who you have always been. Dress it up. Sex it up. You will see. Sometimes I still just put a little beauty mark on and see what comes.

I wonder if there is still a need for a 52 year-old Mae impersonator. Because after all, I AM in Vegas now baby!!

xoxo With love from a big girl. Wendy

Beyonce!

marcy — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:37:29 +0000

We love Beyonce and all her gorgeous curves! She was red hot at the MTV Europe awards sporting a pair of sexy cuban heel stockings! We love that bit of red peeking out from her peep toe pumps!

Want to snag Beyonce’s look? Grab a sexy red corset, opera length gloves and a pair of cuban heel stockings for yourself at Hips and Curves!