Season’s Greetings

Christmas is pretty low key around here until Jeff’s parents arrive on the 27th. Then it’s party all night! No, it isn’t, but you knew that didn’t you. I still have a ton of preparation to get done before Christmas and the guests arrive so this blog is going on holidays early. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. All the best to you in the New Year. I’ll be back January 7th after the in-laws have returned home.

Merry Christmas!

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Topic Links
* Need a shopping fix? Check out my BellaOnline forum coupons thread.

The Full Body Project

Star Trek’s favorite Vulcan, Leonard Nimoy, has released another picture book. This long-time photographer has been photographing the nude form for decades it was only over the last few years he incorporated the plus size form into his portfolio.

His new book, The Full Body Project, features the women from Big Burlesque and Fat-Bottom Revue, a plus size performance troupe. In its 196 pages it contains fifty black and white photographs, mostly nudes. The women come across as vibrant, energetic and most importantly comfortable in their own skin. These are not glamor shots. You won’t find any body makeup here, duct tape or photo-shopping. The pictures are real and raw, but definitely not distasteful.

The black and white images have strong shadows that highlight curves, lumps, bumps, stretch marks, and facial features. In the Forward, Natalie Angier likens the model’s shapes to the Venus of Willendorf figurines we are so familiar with. Nimoy was inspired by several other artists while taking images for this collection including Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamp and Raphael.

Could these women pose for better, more flattering pictures of themselves? Sure. But then the point would be lost. These are real women, they are beautiful, they are proud and they are happy in their skins. Here’s hoping you’re comfortable in your skin over the holidays and into the New Year.

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Topic Links
* Get your own copy of The Full Body Project
* Learn more about the Full Body Project

Velvet Hugging Curves

It was love at first site when I laid my eyes on this luscious red Holiday Corset from plus size lingerie provider Hips and Curves. Talk about sizzle.

It’s corsets like these that make sense to take them out of the bedroom. I can see this with the layered pants from Torrid and a black jacket. Or a tight black skirt for some clubbing. The rhinestone along the zipper is a nice touch, talk about easy access (sorry, I had to say it).

But seriously, I don’t think I’d want to take this one off. It’s made with stretch velvet and the garters are removable. It comes with the g-string but who cares; people don’t really wear those parts anyway. All of the construction and fitting goes into the top piece. It comes in sizes 38 - 44 and for $64.95.

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Topic Links
* Get your own Holiday Glitter Corset from Hips and Curves

I Bop, You Bop, They Bop

Since Fashion Bug has their awesome sale on this week I’ve been scowering their website. These Be Bop khakis caught my attention. Believe me it was hard considering all the applicate and girly stitching I had to weave through. I’m a simple girl.

I prefer the Island Dune (1094457)but they also come in grey. They are part of their sale promotion and are going for $31.98. This is from Fashion Bug’s plus size closet so they are available in sizes 20 and up.

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Topic Links
*Get your own BeBop Khakis from Fashion Bug

Fashion Bug

Fashion Bug has an awesome Holiday sale on now.

Buy one regular-price item and select a second lower-price item at no charge.

Ends: December 16th, 2007

Coupon: None required.

Exclusions: Priced Just Right items, bridal collection, bras, panties, Skechers®, Keds®, and Grasshoppers®.

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Topic Links
* Visit Fashion Bug

Party Make-up

Do you like to buy make-up? Hate the cost involved? What about hygiene? Did you know you’re suppose to throw out most of your make-up within three months of opening it? What if you could find inexpensive options and not feel like you’re throwing away money?

Last year I tried Elf Cosmetics brand. I spent $25 on everything from nail polish to cover-up, blush and eyeshadow. As well as some glosses, mascara and new brushes. Out of everything, I only disliked one item. A nude lip gloss which felt like glue on my lips. I’ve been pleased with every thing else and the best part, each item only cost me a $1 each.

I don’t know how they manage to sell their complete product line for only a buck but I imagine it has something to do with the packaging. It is nothing fancy. And really, who needs a fancy container for the concealer? It isn’t the container that makes you look good. If anything, you owe it to yourself to check out their website at the very least.

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Topic Links
* Get your own costmetics from Elf Cosmetics

Another Party Outfit

Ok, so not everyone likes to wear dresses. When I was out looking for dresses last week I fell in love with this two piecer at Fashion Bug. Christmas… New Year’s… You take your pick.

The Top

This bright red Studio 1940™ Lace Waist Halter (1353259) is $44.99 and is available in double sizes 14/16 - 26/28.

Christmas Party Dress - 12

Well, we made to party dress number 12. It went by a lot quicker than I thought it would.

I fell instantly in love with this new Satin Charmeuse Wrap Dress at Kiyonna. First it was the jewel tone color (I know I’m addicted to blue), then it was the detailing: the wrap, sash waist, full skirt and accent stitching at neck and sleeves.

This Blue Zircon dress (14070801) is a polyester/spandex blend is available in sizes 10 - 32. If you are not into blue (hello?) then it also comes in Onyx and Smoked Topaz.

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Topic Links
* Get your own Satin Charmeuse Wrap Dress from Kiyonna

Promo Friday

Here are some coupons/promotions to get you through the next week.

Swimsuits for All is offering 15% off any purchase (excluding Burke, Longitude and clearance)
Coupon Code: 15off
Expires: 12/10/07
Visit Swimsuits for All

Bare Necessities is offering 25% off their Sleepwear
Coupon Code: none required
Expires: 12/10/07
Visit Bare Necessities

Monif C is offering 50% off her Convertible Dress
Coupon Code: none required
Expires: 12/10/07
Visit Monif C

Avenue is offering free shipping on orders $100 or more
Coupon Code: none required
Expires: 12/06/07
Visit Avenue

BagHaus is offering 10% off of the Top 20 Best Selling
Coupon Code: bestsell10
Expires: 12/09/07
Visit Baghaus

Lane Bryant is offering 20% off Right Fit Jeans
Coupon Code: 000209250
Expires: 01/10/08
Visit Lane Bryant

Have a great weekend!

Christmas Party Dress - 11

I was over checking out Macy’s one day sales and came across this sassy plus size sleeveless sequined dress (say that 10 times real fast).

Apparently this dress has been really popular because they only have 3x sizing left. I don’t much care for the shoes paired with it. I’m thinking strappy, black, high.

Only one more party dress to go!

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Topic Links
* Get your own Sequin Dress from Macy’s

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