Girl With Curves x Dia LookBook

Hey Friends!

I was recently sent a few items from the new "Girl with Curves x Dia& Co Collection". I thought a LookBook would be the perfect way to showcase the collection.

So if you don't know about Dia&Co already then here's a short excerpt on who they are and what they do.

" Dia & Co is the premier plus size clothing and personal styling service for women. Try on clothes at home, keep what you like, return the rest to us!"

Girl With Curves is plus size collection of clothes designed by Tanesha Awasthi (Plus Advocate, Designer, Influencer). 

Now that you've gotten a little background on the brands, let's get into the clothes.

LOOK ONE

Dress| GWC x Dia

Hat| Collection18

Belt|  NY&Co

Shoes| Amazon

Bag| Zara

LOOK TWO

Top & Clutch| Dia&Co

Hat| NY& Co

Shoes| Torrid

Jeans| GWC x Dia

LOOK THREE

Jacket| GWC x Dia

Dress| Ross

Shoes| 9West

Jewelry/Pin| Trina Turk

Bag| Brahmin

Hat| Parkhurst

Belt| Thrifted

Here's the funpart!!!

Dia& Co has decided to give one of my lucky followers a curated box with one of the items from the collection.

I've recently launched my YouTube Channel. 

All the details of the giveaway can be found there.

www.youtube.com/AprilAntoinette

To get pieces of the collection, head on over to

www.dia.com/girlwithcurves

*The Collection has been sent to me for promotional purposes. The styling of the items were done all by myself. 

Love, Light, & Lipstick

April Antoinette

Xxo

Let's Talk Thrifting... My Thrifting Tips

As I child, I hated going to the "Second Hand" stores with my mom. It was one of her hobbies and because she promised we would go to regular department stores as well, i would tag along. Little did i know, that as an adult, I would love it too. I thank her now for showing me the ins and outs of Thrifting and i want to share with you all my tips and tricks.

Cape Coat Thrifted From @KazVault. Can be found on Instagram

Kazvault Instagram: 

www.instagram.com/kazvault/

1. Shop with no expectations.

I find that when I'm looking for an exact item, i never find it. But when i just look, to look, i find everything. Go in with no expectations. Be open to look at everything.

2. Find thrift and second hand stores in more expensive neighborhoods or theater districts.

When I go thrifting, i tend to look in the theatre districts or near opera houses. I always find unique things with minimal wear and tear (please note: it is not ALWAYS the case, but it has worked for me more often than not). Thrifting in more affluent communities tend to bare more labels and amazing antique jewelry. 

3. Try Online.

There are so many second-hand sites and apps now. Sites and Apps like ThredUp, Poshmark, Etsy, etc. Even GoodWill has an online store for Thrifting. Check Instagram as well. So many Thrift Sellers on there. I tend to actually have more luck online.

4. Wash Everything.

This maybe a given but it has to be said. You don't know who the first owner was, so either have it cleaned or wash it yourself. Just to be safe.

5. Look for Classic Labels That Stand The Test Of Time.

There are certain brands that never go out of style. Seek those brands out. They tend to still look on trend.

6. Mix Them Up.

I will always mix my thrift finds with recent purchases. Adds a more interesting feel to an outfit. One of my style icons has done this for years (Carrie Bradshaw: Sex & The City) and has always looked chic doing it. If Carrie does it, then so must I. Lol.

7. Don't settle on the listed price.

In most cases, the listed price is the start to negotiations. Always attempt to get the items for cheaper.

8. Search for that Diamond In The Rough.

Make sure you pay attention to your labels. Alot of times, you can find amazing Vintage pieces from high end brands. And we all know that everything comes back around. (i.e. MCM.)

There's no right or wrong way to thrift. The most important thing to keep in mind is to have fun. Hopefully my tips help you to find that Thrifters Gold or that Perfect Piece.

Happy Shopping

Get Your Rebel On

Rebel Wilson X Angels Collection

I came across this cute yet edgy collection while perusing around Lord & Taylor 5th Avenue. I saw a few pieces that jumped out at me immediately. While looking through the racks, it dawned on me that i had actually seen this collection in action, at this year's The Curvy Con. I put 1 and 2 together and remembered that the comedic actress Rebel Wilson had started her own line. She mixed flirty with edge and I'm loving everything about this.

The fit is great on all the pieces that i tried but i ended up sizing down to a 1x in everything. I'm usually a solid 18/2x in most brands, for reference. I would advise that you size down.
The quality of the pieces are extraordinary.
The price range is moderate (jacket was around $80, jeans around $60).

Jacket & Jeans| Rebel Wilson x Angels

Blouse| JunaRose

Boots| ShoeDazzle

Bag| Boohoo

Beret| Lord & Taylor

Photography|Y. Miranda for Piercing Lite Studios

You can find this collection at Fine Retailers worldwide or on the website.
www.rebelwilsonxangels.com
It definitely is worth checking out.

The Big Elephant in the Room: I know it's been quite sometime since I've posted. Life has a way of getting away from you. But I'm back. Better than Ever. Stay tuned for all of the fabulous stuff to come!!

*Not a Sponsored Post.

Exaggeration is Necessary...

 

I know I can't be the ONLY one that can never have too much Peplum. I think I have peplum tops in almost every color. I have it on dresses and in skirts. It just flatters my body so much.

In all my peplum pieces, I can't say that I have one like this particular top.

The cascading exaggerated side detailing just gives it such a luxurious and couture type feel

And like all peplum, it has the versatility to be dressed up or down (in my case I went for casual).

Not that it isn't uber fashionable on it's own but I had to add my little elements to make it mine. The belt gives it a edgy layer and the cat ears just brings this all together for me.

When I love something, I tend to get it in a multitude of colors. Luckily for me, it comes in a few.

 

TOP| HERE 

JEANS & Cat Ear Headband| Forever21+

BELT| Fashion To Figure (no longer available)

 

 

So you know I'm going to ask!!! What do you think?

All comments and feedback are welcomed.

(THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED POST)

 

Thank you for stopping by and until next post

Xx

April Antoinette

 



Caped Crusader!

 

This is one trend I can't get enough of! Anything "Caped" gives me life!
 I was extremely stoked when I found this BEAUTIFUL Caped Blazer at one of Miami's hidden gem boutiques [Gitionline.com]. I jumped on it immediately. The print kind of puts me in the mind of the vintage Versace Print that Tupac used to Rock. And when something reminds me of Tupac, I instantly jump on it. Another great feature of this coat/jacket is that it is longer than most that I've seen. Most are waist length. This one is hip length.

 

I chose to keep the jacket as the focal point and muted everything else out with Black Accompaniments. The One-Piece body suit and High Black Boots were a perfect pairing.
 

 Cape Blazer| HERE  Body Suit| HERE
BAG: Old (JustFab0
BOOT: Old (Ashley Stewart) SIMILAR HERE

 

 

Are you gaga over the cape trend or are you over it?? Share your thoughts and opinions with me?
How would you rock this Caped Blazer??

Thank you for Stopping By
Xx
April Antoinette



Fab Fridays: TRAP-eze Queen

 

Dress: A'Gaci Plus

Boots: JustFab (old)

Jewelry: Eva Mendes for NY&Co.

Hat: Forever21

 

Happy Friday Folks!!!

Here we are, at the ending of another week.

 

Today's post features this Trapeze Dress from A'Gaci Plus. For the longest time, I've passed by the A'Gaci Stores in the malls and loved the style of clothes they offered. But of course, not much was available in plus sizes. They were all straight sized items. NOW the times are changing and most stores are upping the ante with adding plus sized departments in their already existing stores.

 

A'Gaci is very inexpensive and carries trendy pieces. So, the latest in styles is what you'll find.

 

I love this dress. It can be worn as a flowy tunic or as shown here!

I chose to pair this dress with a chic bootie I got last year from JustFab. Unfortunately they aren't sold anymore. But there are so many options similar.  And what's a fall outfit without a hat???!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Above all else, this ensemble is EASY and comfortable to wear. I believe it's a staple in the fall. You can dress it up or down, add a jacket or sweater and many other options.

 

I love these BOOTIES
 

What do you think of this Trapeze Dress??

All comments and feedback are welcomed

 

XOXO

April Antoinette

 



Transitioning Your Wardrobe

 

It's Officially Fall Time and with Fall comes cooler weather. But the weather hasn't gotten the notice just yet! Here in NYC the mornings are kind of cool but the afternoon heats up. Not exactly Sweater and Boot Weather.

So I decided to give you a few of my simple steps to transition your summer wardrobe into Fall without completely committing to Fall attire.

 

1. LAYERS UPON LAYERS UPON LAYERS

Layering is the single most important step to transitioning your wardrobe. Adding a fun knit sweater, a thin leather jacket or a light denim always brings a dress or jumpsuit into the current season.

I tend to stay in fall like materials but in lighter weight versions (light suede, light leather, and denim) . You can also layer underneath. Adding a shirt underneath a maxi dress, gives it a fall-like look and feel.

 

Example: You can see in the photo below, I took a textured summer dress and layered a lightweight leather jacket on top. I opted for cream versus white (NO WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY LOL).

 

 

Jacket| Ashley Stewart (old)

Dress| NY&Co

Sandals| 9West

Bag| JustFab (old)

2. COLOR AND TEXTURE

Adding Fall Textures and Fall Colors into your already existing wardrobe (with bags, shoes, and belts) makes for an easy transition. In the picture above, I added a bold cobalt bag and reptile textured sandals for a fall feel. In some instances, I'd add a funky hat or some other piece to bring the outfit into the current season. Play with different textures and color combinations.

 

 

3. KISS AND MAKEUP

Changing up the makeup colors you use is simple. Instead of a bright orange lippie, try a deeper hue of orange or brown. Instead of colorful eyeshadow, choose warmer tones. Mauves and Berries are definitely in for Fall ALWAYS. So opt for those instead of neons and brights.

 

 

It's as simple as that! No hard thinking and definitely no breaking of banks. Use what you have. Make it work.

 

But Always remember, these are just MY tips, you gotta do what works for you! Make decisions based on your style and preference. If my tips are helpful then use them. If not, pass them along to someone they can help.

 

As always, I welcome all comments and feedback!

 

Enjoy this Fabulous Thursday

 

Xox

April

Viva La Mexico-- Honeymoon Style

 

 

 

For our honeymoon, we choose to go to Mexico! And I'm so glad we did. We had such an amazing time. But in all that fun and relaxation, I totally forgot that I had a blog to run. I can a lot of cell phone shots but no REAL photos of the week's attire. I know I know. I should totally be ashamed.

 

 

But...

 

I did remember to get a few shots in on the first night!!!

 

Woo-Hoo!!!

 

Where we stayed: There's no other way to do Mexico than an All-Inclusive Resort. You got EVERYTHING! Our Travel Agent Took care of all the details but we choose Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort in Riviera Maya.

www.excellenceresorts.com/Cancun

 

The resort was absolutely breath-taking! Despite the usual no drinking the tap water, I had NO complaints. Our travel agent arrangement that we had a Junior Swim Up Room. This means as soon as we walked out of our side door, we were right at the pool.

 

The resort features a number of restaurants (anywhere from Indian and Thai to Mexican and Seafood).

They also had 24 hour room service, unlimited mini bar options (with full bottles of liquor) and a full beach just right outside the resort. The even had a 24 hour coffee/dessert bar.

I mean this place had it all!!! I wasn't ready to leave.

 

But enough of that. Let's get to the clothing.

 

 

Dinner had a dress code, of course. So I made sure I put a little effort in at night.

This cute little dress fit me perfectly. It was super cute and sexy at the same time. The Bonus was that it had extra skirting underneath (crinoline built in) to keep it flared. I LOVE THAT!!!

 

 

DRESS| Fashion To Figure (Only available in solids now)

SHOE| Lane Bryant

 

Leave your comments and feedback. I'm always so stoked to them!

As always, I thank you for taking the time out to read this post!

 

Peace & Love

XoX

 

 



No SnapChat Filter Necessary

 

I'm sure everyone knows that one SnapChat Filter that all the girls love because every one looks so beautifully flawless. Yeah, the flower crown filter. Well I thought, why not make it so in real life, NO FILTA!

 

 

Comfortable Bo-Ho Chic is what I was aiming for. With pink glowy makeup!!!

 

OutFit Deets:

 

FlowerCrown: Forever21

Two Piece Pink Ashley Skirt Set: Curvaceous Boutique

Sandal: INC @ MACY's

Flower Bag: NY& Co

Lippie: Too Faced Melted Peony

Clear Sunglasses: Ebay

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping it short and sweet today! Hope you enjoy the look!

Until Next Time!

XoXo

April Antoinette