Fashion Friday: Behind The Scenes w/Alex Young on her way to Kim Kardashian​'s Welcome to NY Party!

Welcome to the first edition of Fashion Friday's...the column dedicated to all things girly, glam, & fabUUUlous!

This week the lovely pop princess Alex Young was invited to attend "The Night of Style & Glamour" Party which was thrown for newlyweds Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries to welcome them to NY. Shut the front door! I KNOW!!!!

What is a pop princess to do? Umm call in the ultimate glam squad...oh and did I mention with less than 48 hours notice?!

It's ok I have a magic wand :-).

As soon as I got the call...yes me Etoile (in addition to being the maven of all things curvy, I am the maven of all things imaging, branding, & marketing) I made one call to Arlinda M. of Sofistafunk who works as Alex's stylist, designer and image consultant. We discussed the details of the event and how we wanted her to have a jaw dropping look and proceeded to get to work.

Alex wore an elegant but sexy aqua blue silk dress with a deep plunging neckline, a high split on the right side and a charcoal grey cummerbund tie belt. Her make-up was a funky aqua and plum smokey eye, bronzer and a nude lip.

Her look was described as 'resplendent' as she walked the red carpet.

And did you see THE SHOES?! Valentino...#imjustsayin

http://www.alexyoungmusic.com/

Styling/Design/Imaging By:
Arlinda M for Sofistafunk, The Skirt Co
www.sofistafunk.com
Twitter: @sofistafunk
Facebook: Sofistafunk, The Skirt Co

Make-up By:
Asha Tanielle
www.ashatanielle.com
Twitter: @asha_tanielle
Facebook: Faces By Asha Tanielle

Hair By:
Tameeka McNeil-Johnson
www.jadedtresses.com
Twitter: @jadedtresses
Facebook:Jaded Tresses

Fairy Dust:
Etoile
www.curvealicious.blogspot.com
Facebook: The Curvealicious Chronicles

Photo Credit: Brittany Waller, Make-Up Assistant

Stay Tuned For Fashion Week Ladies...it is going to be RIDIC!

Until Next Time,
Etoile
Just a Curvy Girl Living In Her Self-Professed Curvy World

Curvy Bella of The Day - Gloria J. Hughes

The Curvealicious Chronicles had the opportunity to sit down with Gloria J. Hughes. She is one super intelligent curvy who has it going on! Gloria is passionate about life and one amazing woman!

Enjoy,
Etoile

What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Gloria Jean Hughes and I am a Research Chemist.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about life, living it to the fullest and being a good steward over all things given to me. As the mother of two boys ages 19 and 18, I am also passionate about raising them to become intelligent, strong, loving and kind black men. They are well on their way. I am also passionate about bringing more African American and minority women into the world of science.

What are your goals and dreams?
My biggest dream is to create drugs that would eradicate diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's! Some of my goals include striving to live a life pleasing to God (life time journey). To become one of two Female African American Lead Research Chemists in my company and open a gourmet bake shop! More importantly to be kind and live in peace with those around me.

What words of advice can you offer curvy bella's in pursuit of their dreams?
My advice to fellow curvy bella's in pursuing their dreams is to never conform to defeat! Never let what others say about you in a mean spirited way penetrate your person. Take constructive criticism in stride. Stay focused and believe in yourself because when you do, everyone else will too! Walk with your head up!

What sage words of advice can you give 'curvy's' about being comfortable
in their skin?
Some sage words of advice for my curvy's about being comfortable in their own skin are; be strong, intelligent, sexy, confident, savvy, beautiful and happy! Rock those curves!!

As a curvy what are your fashion do's and what are your fashion don't?
Spanx, spanx and more spanx is one of my fashion do's. They are expensive but worth the investment. Never wear something form fitting without them. A good bra is a must also. My biggest fashion don't is stockings and sandals! Drives me nuts! The only exception are elderly women!!

Where can everyday curvy's on a budget find fashions that flatter their
figure?
To a lot of curvy's surprise, Macy's, Nordstrom and Lord Taylor have some fabulous fashion saves. You have to take your time and look through the racks though. One on a budget can also find some cute and flattering clothes at Simply Fashion, Rainbow and Dots. I found some really pretty and feminine sun dresses long and short at these stores. That's all I wore this summer with sexy wedges and sandals

What is 'next' for you?
What's next for me? Ummmmm only God knows!! But in the meantime I'm going to be the best Gloria I can be for and to those in my personal and professional life!!

Natural Hair is...A Major Media Company Seems to Think NOT SO Beautiful?!

Yesterday I was on the Doris New York Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Doris-New-York-Hair-Care-Products/73177712703?ref=mf and saw a rather disturbing post...so I called Marlene Duperley who is one of the owners for the scoop.

Part of the brands marketing strategy for fall 2011 was to launch a regional 'Back to Our Roots' (see photo on the left) campaign with a Billboard in Brooklyn, NY and Bus Advertising in NYC. When Doris New York submitted the artwork to a Major Media Company in NYC for the Billboard they were allegedly advised that the content might in some way be offensive to a religious institution across the street from where the Billboard is located. Hmmm...offensive in what way? In my opinion it is neither lewd nor is it graphic...could it be that it is 'too ethnic'?

Doris New York also submitted the artwork to a Major Media Company prior to submitting the contract for the Bus Advertising Campaign and as of yesterday afternoon they have not heard a word from them.

Is an image depicting two beautiful women of color rocking GORGEOUS natural hair too...'ethnic'? I think not. The Natural Hair movement is about embracing the beautify that we were born with, not adhering to the media's standard of beauty and rediscovering who we are on every level.

As a curvy curly I can tell you that I struggled for years on fad diet after fad diet to fit the media's standard of beauty, I also relaxed, texlaxed, texturized, blow dried, and flat ironed every curl on my head trying to fit that same standard of beauty. Now that I am older what I want is to be healthy from my hair down to my toes, I embrace my curves and my curls...my definition of natural beauty is loving myself just the way that I am.

The Major Media Company may not be interested in advertising from Doris New York with this campaign but I am very interested in spending my dollars with a company that creates amazing products for my tresses and celebrates my heritage and the beauty of my coils and my curls.

For info on Doris New York: http://www.dorisnewyork.com/.

Etoile
Just a Curvy Girl Living in her Self Proclaimed Curvy World

This Curvy Likes to Eat: A Review of Delta's Restaurant in NJ

So this is the thing with me and food...I am a cook...not a professionally trained cook...but a cook nonetheless.

You see I was one of those little girls that wanted to be in the kitchen with the 'grown' women folk. And the ladies on the weekend were always cooking. I picked up most of my 'skills' while eavesdropping on the conversations that were happening around me and observing my mom, my nana, and on summer trips 'down south' to visit my grandma.

I cook a range of dishes, I am a self professed Food Network-A-Holic, and I make the 'meanest' drop biscuits this side of the Mason Dixon Line. I am a foodie and I really don't go to many Soul Food restaurants because frankly I enjoy mine better. It is hard for me to spend $15 on crab cakes and be served 'a' crab cake with more bread than crab and REALLY hard for me to spend $6,$7 or more on a side of mac n'cheese that does not ooze with that ooey gooey deliciousness that mine does...#iamjustsaying.

This past weekend I went to Delta's in NJ and WOW was I impressed!!

As we entered I noted that the decor was beautiful, tasteful, and very well done, the hostess greeted us warmly and we were seated immediately, and the waiter came over to take our drink order right away.

Ok so they had me 'at hello'...

I ordered the fried catfish strips for an appetizer, they arrived promptly and were golden and crispy. For my entree I ordered fried chicken, mac n'cheese, and greens...everything was absolutely delish. And then I had to...really I did...order desert, I was not disappointed I had the lemon jello cake, a lemon sponge cake that was moist and absolutely scrumptious. Portion size...put it this way I had food for the next day.

Delta's I wil be back!!! Just not too frequently as I am trying to keep the curves 'licious!

For info on Delta's (be sure to check out their many entertainment offerings):

http://www.deltasrestaurant.com/nj/

Thought of The Day

Be generous in giving rather than taking.

~ Deepak Chopra

Curvy Bella of The Day - Anna Holder

The Curvealicious Chronicles had the opportunity to sit down with the stunning Anna Holder. One of the first things I noticed about Anna was...her hair...she has stunning curls which suit her incredibly vibrant personality perfectly! She has found her passion, is a wealth of information and remains curvetastic while doing 'it all'.

Enjoy,
Etoile

Tell us about your work and about Centered Birth?
I founded Centered Birth Shortly after the birth of my daughter. It amazed and saddened me how many new and veteran moms alike were dissatisfied with their prenatal care and birth experiences. I found there was a lack of education and support for women and their families during this time in their life. I wanted to create a space where families could receive professional support and education from pre-conception through parenting in addition to support from other families on the same journey.

What led to your decision to become a Certified Lactation Counselor and Certified Childbirth Educator? What can you tell other curvy bella’s hoping to pursue a career in that field?
Knowing the struggles I faced throughout my pregnancy and breastfeeding experience I was so glad for great books and resources, but found there were not many qualified people I could talk to. Everyone has advice for soon to be and new mothers, but not everyone is qualified to give it. I knew the best way to educated and support moms was to become Certified in these fields. I am currently a BirthWorks Certified Childbirth Educator CCE(BWI) as well as their ambassador for the Tri-State area. In addition, I am a certified lactation counsler(CLC) in the process of becoming internationally board certified as well as a natural family planning counselor(CNFPC). My advice to other bellas who are interested in pursuing one or all of these fields is to explore their options, their are many respected and accredited programs in the country as well as many non-accredited. Find a path that is closest to your ideals and passions and go for it. it is a big commitment( most Childbirth education programs are a two year process) but so worth it.

What are three solid pieces of advice you wish someone had shared with you before you gave birth?
1) it is YOUR BODY ,YOUR BABY ,YOUR BIRTH. know what you want and what you don't want and why. Many moms don't realize that they are in the drivers seat and have not only the ability but the legally protected right to have truly informed consent and truly informed refusal.
2)you can handle anything a minute at a time!
3) birth can be the most empowering experience in your life!

What gives you the greatest satisfaction in your work?
I love the pictures of all the new babies! More than that I love having moms share their birth stories with me. it is amazing to be part of such an intimate journey with a family and so rewarding when they have satisfying birth experiences.

What advice would you give new moms for getting their 'sexy' back after giving birth?
BREASTFEED! BREASTFEED! BREASTFEED! Producing breast milk burns anywhere from 500-900 calories a day. when you add a good sensible diet of nutrient rich food( and a few treats of course) as well as talking walks with your new one the weight comes off much faster. it is important that moms realize it took 10 months to put on so be kind to yourself and take 10 months to take it back off.You will lose the weight but your hips will never be the same( this is a good thing) my post baby body is 20 pounds lighter than before I got pregnant and I have more curves!!!

What are the essentials that breastfeeding moms need in their baby bags?
Water for mom, you will be thirsty! A great natural nipple cream I love Earth Mama Angel Baby(many babes can be allergic to lanolin and it forms a barrier that needs to be wiped off prior to nursing rather than soothing and protecting). a good book, this is one of the few times you will have 20 minutes to sit quietly and relax, so take advantage!

What are some suggestions you have for breast feeding moms as they prepare to return to work?
Prepare in advance. sadly maternity leave isn't as long as it should be, but I see many moms who wait until the week before they plan on returning to start pumping and preparing and then encounter problems. it is always wise to start pumping and storing milk early on so you have a supply for returning to work, going out of town, illness etc. Newly passed Laws will now require health insurance plans to cover breastfeeding support so EVERY mom should find a qualified lactation professional to help them with creating a plan that works for their family and schedule.

Tell us how you balance being a mom with running your business?
The upside of running your own business is that you can bring your baby to work with you. I make it a point to turn work off when I am home. Because I do get moms calling me in early labor and late at night with breastfeeding issues, it can be difficult at times( summer is always busy) thankfully my daughter loves babies and because I deal with moms and families they understand the need for balance.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I hope that more families realize they can have an enjoyable birth experience and realize there are many options. I want to offer culturally relevant education and support to as many families as possible.

What else would you like to tell us?

It is not uncommon for me to barter for classes or Lactation Support. I don't believe cost should be prohibited and as such I am having my apt cleaned, as well as, gourmet meals made for me. there are some truly talented mamas in the area. for those of you in the new York City area on Labor day, I will be performing in the 5th anniversary of Birth: a play (boldaction.org) by Karen Brody. this play is a great look into birth in this country from planned and scheduled c-sections to home births and Vbacs! Many prominent figures in the birth and maternal health community will be there. it will also be web cast for free for those unable to attend.

What is your contact info for people interested in booking an appointment with you?
I give everyone a free consultation. In-home classes and Lactation appointments are available as early as next day. I also do in-home appointments in Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Ulster counties.

Centered Birth
Centeryourbirth.com
anna@centeryourbirth.com
347-850-4CLC(4252)

Why I chose to go 'Au Naturelle'...Because Going Bald Was Never Really An Option!

I was chatting on the phone yesterday with a new 'curlfriend' and we started to talk about my transition...I had a routine...I knew what worked on my creamy crackified hair, drugstore products were fine, I had zero knowledge of ingredients and the less I knew the better...you know ignorance is bliss.

I had been 'softening' for awhile then my hairdresser who I loved and adored moved to another state...mmm hmm the nerve of her. This woman had cared for Luscious Lola aka my hair for over 15 years, she knew my hair, we were in hair love, or so I thought...until she left me.

So then I was faced with the 'challenge' of trying to find a new hair stylist and we ALL know how difficult that can be. I've had numerous one hair stands over the last few years and then finally I decide to end my cheating ways and commit...I wanted to make it official...I wanted to let the world know I had found the one and then...gasp...hair dye fiasco of epic proportions...and let's just say that I was surprised to have any hair left on my head and thus I decided that transitioning was the only option...go natural or go bald...and personally I think I am way cuter with hair on my head.

So 16 months ago I made the decision...no more creamy crack...in the interim I have probably purchased every single product in the free world. You won't know until you try it right?! My natural curlfriends are always excited to see me...I tend to whip some product out of my purse to pass on to them and I am a walking review because you name it I've tried it. Since entering the Hairscapades Grow Out Challenge (www.hairscapades.com) I decided to commit, one product line, six months, no cheating. So far so good. My hair is soft, fluffy, shiny...hmmm I may have to ask Doris for her hand in marriage.