CURVYCOUTURE by Dora Lau-Full Figure Lingerie Apparel

We had the pleasure of meeting a woman who is so smart---she defines for us what an fashion industry entrepreneur can accomplish-meaning-have a  vision to creatively fill a niche-combined with the expert knowledge of fabrics, fabrications and construction---and sourcing know-how to get it all made flawlessly and delivered on time.

animal prints and lace---slimming...signature micro-plunge pad for enhancement+support, adjustable straps, paneled with velvet trim

Dora Lau may have started her professional career as a computer guru---but it's fashion that commanded her true interests---and eventually that led to this gal masterminding the launch of lingerie collections- for women of a certain sizes...a neglected market that let's face it...in the USA ---is major.

ribbon lace-up back

Lau has serious credentials that led to her establishing her own label-CurvyCouture---as her Lane Bryant helm ed offerings have sold like gang busters.

Cabaret Lace plunge bra-signature microfiber cups are lined-no headlights...shaping and support

adjustable wide straps---are made to move/support

We've never actually been in a Lane Brant store---but after this preview---we can see why that line earned Lau a Vendor of the Year Award...

Looks aside-this is engineering of under pinnings that comfortably support and flatter...with special stretch materials that are moisture wicking, wires set just so ---so they don't dig in, insert panels with extra oomph for  where a gal needs it---all fashioned into sexy bras, panties, corsets---with all the feminine trims we expect.

Platinum Lace Corset shimmery metallic foil printed overlay-stretchy wine purple garment with velvet trim, sparkling buckles on adjustable straps---fabulous

great under a tee...plunge front

close-up of lace overlay-Fantasy Lace-wire free style and also an unlined wire version-w/ pillow soft straps...shaped power zoning for increased support

this lace overlay extends to the straps too---36-44 

Many different fabrics used---and depending on what /wear/when---including more lingerie items that work at the gym as well as all day.




Details like 'hidden' technology-like more compressive inserts, wider shoulder straps that will not stretch out... and sizes 36-44 (C,D, DD-and some styles DDD, F, G, H)

Fantasy Lace Strapless-lightweight and seamless support...in black-shaped pad lining

well made-side straps are thick and will not sink down...four clasps at the back-not the usual 2-3

amazing-a strapless that actually holds up and supports---no tugging needed. Lightweight seamless support-convertible straps too. Bombshell Nude with Sugar Liner

breathable silky feel- in several colors-Signature Boyshort-featherwieght microfiber, light tummy support via lined front panel, no seam design

light tummy support 

French Floral- lace details--- plunge unlined underwire-

Natural Luxury Unlined Underwire

wider straps ---

Mystique Floral Hipster-super smooth featherweight microfiber fabric on back panel---with matching balconette plunge or---unlined underwire bras...

Everyday T-Shirt Bra w/ soft pillow pad for natural shaping, keyhole front, lightly padded straps... and Signature Hipster no VPL-lined front panel for support-in wine.  

www.curvycouture.com

LUXURY Fashion- Antonio Marrass 2013/14 Collections

Negri Firman Showroom/Nomad Hotel

An upscale collection for discerning women-from Milano- Italy...

classic -in gold leather-length is right below the knees

Several weeks ago, we visited the Italian infused Negri Firman showroom----and a standout label for us---and clearly a 'must-see' during the Milan shows---Antonio Marras.

shimmery metallic knits

For Fall/Winter 2013/14---this Sardinia native designer- who doubles as Global Creative Director of Kenzo (in addition to his own eponymous collections)...was inspired by "eccentric and cosmopolitan women...who shun fads and prefer wearing clothes that express their spirit and faithfully reflect their complex personalities..."

lurex wonderfully woven

Think-luxe fabrics-a mix of lush feminine textiles with more traditional menswear fabrics--- plush velvets, silk organza, thick cotton satins, silk twill, Prince of Wales-check wools, handsome pinstripes, nubby tweeds--- splashed with hand details -traditional embroidery-of decoupé flowers---and sparkling embellishments of Swarovski Element crystals and chantilly lace...

luminous Swarovski crystals -hand embroidered floral inserts on a dress made with traditional menswear fabrics

Beautifully made apparel with exact tailoring standards of Saville Row establishments...of somber grey/brown fused with vibrant tones and prints--- "brought to life" in womanly silhouettes that reminds us of the extravagant wear of the "upstairs" residents of  English country manors...

BUT modern attire too-for women on the go, we think---and in flattering cuts that would work on many body types and age-less---not clothing that looks like it came out of the wardrobe department of a movie set...or strictly relegated to those ubiquitous what to wear in your 20's print columns...

Deep fuchsia -suit comes in different fabrics-reminds us of lovely ones our mother had but not in this vibrant tone

Three looks-two dresses and a versatile overcoat-all made of classic wool pinstripes with luxury silk fabrics.

oversized coat-mix of luxury fabric and pinstripes 

leather shoes---with sculptural solid heels---

love this vibrant tone-in a princess shape wool coat

our fav....this two piece suit-borrows from vintage menswear---reminds us of iconic military uniforms our father's wore in WWII

back of skirt...

nubby wool with painterly floral inserts...

classic sheath- floral designs that appear like watercolors- bright reds/oranges on black/white

in pinstripes wool---princess shape overcoat...

suit we love-in a pinstripe wool...

FYI: The link to the Vimeo video of the show: http://vimeo.com/60728657

A USA video service used by many Europeans designers and independent film makers---that we find a tad annoying...

A more user friendly Antonio Marras F/W 2013/14 RTW Show-uploaded to YouTube by FashionTV-

HAIR ESSENTIALS™ Vitamins (Plus)

You are what you eat...is a common phrase-for a reason...it's true.

As scores of topical hair treatments get introduced every month---guaranteeing luscious locks...(though two of our favs is the been around awhile-the multi-tasking VMV Hypoallergenics Know It All 100% USDA Organic Coconut Oil -cold pressed, preservative free- that really penetrates hair shafts to sooth frizz and repair the chlorine from the pool damage...as well as moisturize our skin, grease-free AND the divinely scented, deeply moisturizing - Lenore Greyl Masque Fleurs de Jasmin  -a staple in upscale salons worldwide-even the ones where the owners have their own lines)...

There are also nourishment aids that work from the inside out-meaning vitamin/mineral supplements that are slightly off the radar do-gooders...effective, yet without the massive marketing budgets of conglomerates.

We've written about the amino acid packed Viviscal---(our review)...a cult must-have for many celebs and regular folks-

And recently we learned about the all certified gluten free, Hair Essentials supplements...via its support of the nonprofit HelpMe2Stop.org that is dedicated to help sufferers of Trichotillomania. (A mouthful-but basically defines compulsively pulling out hair, eyelashes, brows...)...at the most recent IBS tradeshow.

Abby Walker-the leading light of Hair Essentials™chatted with a bit-and explained how Hair Essentials™ -made up of a proprietary blend of 20 herbs, vitamins and minerals-holistically helps stops production of hair follicles' clogging/choking DHT, stimulates inactive hair follicles  to grow, and nourishes the skin cells on the scalp.

Impressively, Ms. Walker explained how in order to reverse hair loss and make it grow "stronger and faster"---the fully disclosed ingredients in her product line are tested for purity from the get-go too...not just encapsulated without verifying the raw goodies...something we wonder if other vitamin brands even do. 

"There's no question as to what is in Hair Essentials™," she noted-"...we pride ourselves on that...and it's all 100% natural."

INFO: http://www.hairessentials.com

LEVI'S FALL 2013 Collections Preview Men's/Women's

VINTAGE-ORANGE TAB + HISTORIC 501s, MADE & CRAFTED, RED TAG-CURVE ID

Milk Studios, NYC

Media previews by Levi's® -in the past-have been swanky parties or even a rtw runway show...but for this Fall's 2013 staging-things were a lot more low key---which means -more time to look at the clothes. Always a good thing.

Highlights:

 CURVE ID-when we wrote up the Curve ID launch-back in the day...the user stats for that blog post even astonished us-that is how big a demand there exists for that revolutionary way to buy jeans.

For Fall 2013=a new flattering /lifting/shaping fabric for that perfect fit to flatter---the only denim that works for us-straight outta the box -as the expression goes...FYI-different proportions for the different waist/hip ratios-assures the proper style  for the really curvy gals-or the more slim types.

Levi's also rocks the printed cottony denim-flowers

slim chino=paisley cord Made&Crafted

metallic denim-big for Fall 2013

Moto/biker jacket-leather-a must have wardrobe staple

embellishments-add to these worn-in well cut-offs

studs---on classic Levi's® denim jacket- and cut-offs-Red Tab collection

 Levi's jackets' DNA-taken to the next level-ideal for layering = the MADE&CRAFTED collection. Inspired by a jaunt to the bucolic Lake Heron -above Detroit--this group of separates is famous for the high end textiles-like denim made from selvage- and obsession to details---plus different finishes of tones-including natural indigo dyes- and top of the line fabrics with opulent hand feel-like the patchwork jacket-hand worked- on the left, black cord collar on dark denim trucker to right

vintage style comfy cotton tees-easy carry leather handle totes

fresh take on a classic Levi's - men's denim jacket-Made&Crafted

moleskin brown shoulder patch on plaid shirt

Wish this was in our apartment-wardrobe included!

Levi's Icons reinvented...trucker jackets, sweet blouses, dresses-all with signature Levi's imprint-key---all comfy with great hand feel

Vintage Levi's got major play for Fall 2013-with the most beloved 501s, jackets, vests, l/s, tees-from the 1950's, 60's and 70's---making a comeback-with-and this we love-the same cuts and fits. Bravo!!!!

think our mom had something like this...jacket -blouson arms, gathered cuffs, 3/4 sleeves...capturing the spirit and heritage of the brand-fab!

star power-denim patch on denim l/s slim fitting-

1960s chambray shirt

Look for the Orange Tab---we still have a pair from the late70's that doesn't fit us anymore---but no worries---it's back---the terrific affordable slim fitting jeans, jackets and sirts,,,MADE IN THE USA!

Dazed and Confused-nope available soon_on her the 1970s 684 Bell Bottom-with square top block for flattering fit, big back pockets, small 'e' orange tab. No pliers needed to zip jeans when lying down, fyi. Baseball tee w/ raglan sleeves from the Bad News Bears era. Unisex. He's rockin' the 1970s Trucker Jacket-slim, short, and with an open-end denim cut, 1960s 606® jean-the original skinny fitting jean w/ Big 'E' orange tab and all one thread color, and 1970s denim shirt-in Sawtooth silhouette

tees-l/s vintage flavor 1950s sportswear tee 100% cotton

1970s denim shirt-Sawtooth denim silhouette...dark denim pocket tabs, collars, cuffs+ shoulders 

orange thread stitching with a small 'e' orange tab

Orange Tab highlights---besides the orange tab-black ink leather patch, bar tacks instead of copper rivets, double fell seam, seven belt loops, talon zip fly, Line Eight construction, long lean back pockets...1970s 607 boot cut, 1970s 625 regular fit and 1960s 606 super slim for guys---super slim 1960s 606, and 1970s 684 bells bottoms for gals

love this-Fringed leather jacket 1967-men's

LOVE 1950s Levi's Rodeo shirt

BOOM TOWN-ode to 1960s Detroit-The Motor City-got cars, Motown...musical revolution and the style that went with it.

on right-1930s leather jacket (!) reproduction that is amazing-w/ two welt pockets at chest, two patch pockets w/ flaps at hip, belted back w/ removable belt at front, sheepskin collar, wool lining, on left-1950s Levi's Sportswear Cardigan and Checkerboard rodeo shirt-

1950s fringe suede jacket, 1950s 701 Jeans-5 pocket, feminine high waist, spade shape back pockets, red tab, 

PLUS: 501s through the years including 1944-100% cotton/14oz red selvage Cone Mills Denim, high waisted, regular fit, concealed rivets, unbraided buttons and rivets....details...1960s super slim spikes also 100% cotton, wide gauge twill, high waist, skinny fit, 13" cuff opening, black tab, zip closure...

 MADE & CRAFTED™-men and women

Dapper Coat-Dark Grey Melee, Gradual Scarf/blue, One Pocket Shirt-Ditsy Golden Spice-Made&Crafted women's, Zig Zag Peat fossil + Grey Tote leather trim, Skinny fit mid rise Empire Cropped jean

Love-gal's off road leather jacket in black and brown

divine-Long Sleeve Fluxus Tee-rosewood-pleats are feminine

sweet -women's pleated denim dress

Better Yet Leather Shrug-versatile hybrid jacket/sweater over pretty Spiral Dress in Rosewood-w/ paisley scarf

right-men's Park in Brown Tree-water replant waxed cotton, Breton Tee, Gradual Crew sweater-Brown/Bronze, Tack Cords in Bronze Brown. On left-Bomber Jacket-Indigo Twill over Drill Chino-also Men's all Made&Crafted

love this hang tag-

men's Made &Crafted patterns and printed l/s Luke shirt in zig/zag 

details of dark trucker----extra front seams, brass snaps---chevron pockets-sharp!

a certain kind a guy can wear these....a thin one

women's pleated chino-Made&Crafted---love the back pockets---below

Tidy Shirt-Multi-Check reminded us of Mondrian painting-on right. Bay tee-indigo spots-on left for Men Made&Crafted

l/s denim and accessories-

Made&Crafted five pocket cords and jacket

Levi's intro-ed pedal ready denim---articulated for a commuter's needs...

New: Very packable outerwear-insulated and stylish-great on its own or as a mid-layer. Men's

idiot proof instructions how to fold down and tuck into pocket

lightweight---and in several colors

New---lifestyle outdoor performance hybrids go from streets in an urban city---to a day hike---if need be---outerwear from weather tough fabrics we know from the outdoor world-like wind resistant, moisture wicking Pertex® and eco friendlyThermore® insulation...in this safari style jacket for guys.

LEVI'S®

classic l/s button down-with tie or not---versatile and a look any guy could wear