The Sequined Dress

As much as i love to hate the "embellished trend" where everything looks like it was produced in a Lisa Frank factory*, I do actually adore this sequined dress.  The sequins create a column effect which is flattering for every figure.  It is easy to wear and comfortable: the perfect cocktail dress.

-Coco Curvy

*If you don't understand this cultural reference click here

Dress: Gryphon
Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent
Glasses: Stella McCartney

The Pleated Black Dress

Yves Saint Laurent is a manifestation of a romanticized Parisian arcadia, in other words, the land of my dreams.  My fantasy realm is basically a YSL ad campaign, consisting of clandestine meetings with devastatingly handsome paramour, splashing around in a Veuve-Cliquot filled bathtub at the Hotel de Crillon, and riding a bike along the Seine while wearing a Breton striped shirt  and carrying a baguette under my arm.  Actually, it would be a Vespa, high heels aren't conducive to bike rides. 

This wool crepe dress brings a little bit of my imagination to life with its elegant pleats and unique shape.  It is impossible to not look and feel beautiful in this piece because, similarly to Mr. Laurent himself, Stefano Pilati embraces femininity and understands how to accentuate the beauty of the female form.  

Oren, a genius at the Yves Saint Laurent store on Madison and 57^th Street, explained to me that this dress is part of a capsule collection called Chyc that is comprised of the greatest hits from the past two years.  The pieces from the Chyc capsule collection truly reflect the YSL aesthetic and are staples every woman should have.  

- Coco Curvy

Wool crepe dress: Yves Saint Laurent

Enamel black and gold platforms: Yves Saint Laurent runway

Head Scarf: Hermes

Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

Ring: Yves Saint Laurent

Necklaces and bracelets: vintage

The Printed T-Shirt

While I am the antithesis of a jeans and T-shirt girl, I can still appreciate a great printed tee. Pairing a quirky, oversize shirt with more polished pieces always makes for a cute look. Tuck it in for a cleaner look, and leave it out for a rock and roll edge.  In addition, this post also reflects my love of wigs. I Could never leave blonde and marry brunette, but i will cheat on blonde for a one night stand I met at Ricky's.

-Coco Curvy

T-shirt: Stella McCartney
Skirt: American Apparel
Blazer: Vintage Yves Saint Laurent
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Glasses: Oliver Peoples
Clutch: Betsey Johnson
Wig: Ricky's

The Peter Pan Collar

This look lies somewhere between pilgrim school girl and Coco Chanel, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Perhaps it's a reflection of my desire to never grow up, but I am addicted to Peter Pan collars.  They exude femininity without forsaking modesty.

-Coco Curvy

Dress: Tara Jarmon
Ring: Yves Saint Laurent
Platform boots: Yves Saint Laurent
Bag: Chanel
Necklaces: Assorted


*please excuse the grainy quality of these photos, my camera was victim to me walking in heels and dropping it.

The School Girl Skirt

When I saw this skirt at American Apparel, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia.  How I miss the days of synthetic, polyester sweater-vests and navy blue tights. As a product of an all girl's Catholic high school, I can't help but enjoy whimsical takes on the classic uniform.  If I had worn this to school I probably would have been suspended considering I received demerits just for wearing Ferragamo loafers to school (I had a terrible habit of losing my regulation loafers... on purpose).  The school-girl chic aesthetic is perfect for fall, even if you are years out of school you are never too old for a plaid skirt!

On a side note, Coco Curvy was just featured on Style.it!   Check out the article HERE!

Flannel skirt: American Apparel
Blouse: American Apparel
Jacket: Vintage Yves Saint Laurent from Come on Eileen (one of my favorite vintage spots in Paris)
Head scarf: Hermes
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Tights: Wolford
Mohawk Pumps: Yves Saint Laurent

The White Button-down

The white button-down is a staple that graces the closets of all women, from frumpy school marms to chic fashionistas.  We rarely see Karl Lagerfeld without his signature white shirt.  There are countless ways to incorporate this classic into your wardrobe. Be creative, choose a button-down with an interesting shape or unique hardware. An easy way to transform an old shirt is to replace the buttons with something more colorful or ornate.


-Coco Curvy


White button-down: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Dress: See by Chloe
Necklace: Oscar De La Renta
Shoes: Yves Saint Laurent

The Knit Dress

Knit dresses are wonderful for fall because they are perfect for layering.  It's difficult to be a hit in a knit because, as I realized at the age of 15 when my mother bought me my first St. John suit, it clings to absolutely everything.  I apply the same philosophy regarding men to wearing knits: if it is too clingy say goodbye!

That being said there are some tricks to finding a knit with the right fit. Number one, go to your seamstress and have her block it for you. Blocking will give you more room and allow the dress to fall at the right places and give you shape. Number two, stick to solid, darker colors. Avoid bright patterns, believe me it's for the best. For a splash of color throw on a silk scarf and you're ready to go.

-Coco Curvy

Dress: Piazza Sempione

Jacket: Fendi

Boots: Acne (one of my favorite pairs)

Scarf: Hermes

Purse: Chanel

Pearl bracelet and necklace: Nieman Marcus

Glasses: Oliver Peoples

The Statement Jacket

The next time you decide to wear a statement piece choose carefully while considering the question, "what kind of statement am I making?" I adore imaginative pieces but there is a fine line between eccentric and tacky.  For example, if your boyfriend blazer is stating that it was victim to a sequin factory explosion then keep it in the closet.  Rethink that ostrich feather vest if it is declaring your magical ability to fly like a bird.

If you choose to wear a statement piece, wear it with confidence. Most importantly, pair it with simple understated items that aren't distracting. The statement piece should be the focal point of your entire ensemble.

I choose this jacket because it a reflection of my inner child that still fantasizes of being a fairy princess when she grows up. The bright colors of the gems are striking, but placed over simple black wool allow for a sophiscated aesthetic.  Remember you're wearing it. It shouldn't wear you.

On a sidenote Coco Curvy was just featured on Stylecaster!  Thank you so much to Spencer Cain for writing a great article.  Check it out, HERE!

-Coco Curvy

Jacket: Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Dress: Tibi

Shoes: Target

Sunglasses: Juicy Couture

*Thanks to my gorgeous nephews on the skateboards.  Also thanks to their parents for letting me dress their children in skinny jeans.

The Zip Front Dress

Other than its easy-to-get-on-and-off appeal, a zip front dress is great because it cinches your waist and highlights your natural curves. Not only does the full skirt create an hour glass effect, but it is perfect for twirling. It's always a good idea to pair a shorter piece, like this one, with a simple platform shoe because it elognates the leg and emphasises the vibrant colors of the dress.  On curvier figures, a skirt that is loose at the hip tends to be more flattering. I know it may be difficult, but resist piling yourself into a bandage skirt. The Herve leger bandage trend has been exhausted, let it rest in piece along with harem pants and shoulder pads.

Dress: Pendleton for Opening Ceremony
Navy blazer with gold buttons: J Crew
Platform Boots: Yves Saint Laurent
Woven clutch: Urban Outfitters
Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples

The Lace Blazer

As the leaves begin to change color, the romantic aesthetic is seeping into fall fashion.  As a devoted romantic myself, it is refreshing to see a delicate femininity grace the runways and racks this fall.  The coquettish charm of laces, brocades, and taffetas is nostalgic of La Belle Epoque when ladies with lace parasols spent their days drinking tea and conducting clandestine affairs with their paramours in nineteenth century Paris.  I chose this white, lace blazer because it has a wonderfully soft lining and nice texture.  I paired it with a floral baby-doll dress and about 12 strands of pearls for that romantic emphasis.  

Blazer: Aqua, from Bloomingdales

Dress: Vintage, from Metropolis (a great East Village vintage store)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Gucci

Pearls: Assorted

-Coco Curvy

The Informal Fancy Frock

Whenever I fall in love with a fancy frock that is categorized as "evening wear" I always finds ways to wear it for casual occasions using a few tricks of transformation.  Always remember that rules, especially rules regarding fashion are only silly social constructions and ultimately, are meant to be broken.  I found this gorgeous lace, scalloped hem gown at Stella Dallas, one of my favorite vintage stores.  I had it hemmed to knee-length and I wear it for both formal events and casual encounters.    When converting this lace dress into a daytime look, I pair it with structured pieces that contrast with its delicate femininity.  My favorite "casualizing" accents are chunky, textured sweaters, sheer white shirts, blazers, dark tights, big structured bags, and boots.    

Dress: vintage, from Stella Dallas
Blouse: American Apparel
Purse: Vintage Ferragamo
Shoes: Gap 
Bangles: Assorted

The Nude Pump

Somewhere between the unappealing realms of boring beige and burnt orange lies a gem: nude!  Whether patent leather, suede, stiletto, or wedge a nude pump not only elongates the leg, but has a subtle sex appeal that is irresistible.  I always choose a shoe with a platform because it gives you that extra boost; the higher the heel, the higher your confidence (at least in the beginning of the night when you're not limping in pain).  Go nude, i promise you'll enjoy it.

Nude closed toe pump:Alejandro Ingelmo, from my favorite Dallas store 4510
Dress: American Apparel
Lace Tunic: Tracy Reese for Bergdorf Goodman
Sweater: vintage

The Bright Blazer

Throw a bright blazer over anything and it gives your entire ensemble some sass.  Contrary to tradition, blazers do not have to hide in the darkness of muted navies, grays, and blacks.  The greatest thing about a colorful piece like this is its versatility; you can go from work to dinner without having to change and it can be paired with virtually anything.  I prefer to wear a really colorful jacket over more subdued tones so it really pops.  This is definitely a must have.  

Blazer: vintage Yves Saint Laurent

Dress: All Saints

Bag: Alexander Wang Coco Bag

Studded shoes: Sam Edelman

The Jersey Dress

When choosing a jersey dress I find that a jersey/silk blend is the much more flattering than plain jersey, which generally has the tendency to look cheap.  This dress flows and cinches in all the right places instead of clinging to all the wrong ones.  The neutral colors and simple lines are refreshing and make it easy to achieve many different looks.  You can embellish this dress with lots of accessories or keep it simple.  My favorite part of this dress is that it exudes femininity without being boring.  Oh la la.

-Coco Curvy

Dress and belt: Chloe

Shoes: Robert Clergerie

Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

Hat: Target