Favorite Fall Polish

A look is never complete without the finishing touches, and that includes nail polish! I've scoped out the new matte polish fad, and I'm not a fan: It chips easily, it looks messy (highlighting every bump and line on your natural nailbed), and it's just boring! Here are some of my favorite polish looks to help you stay stylish right down to your fingertips:

1. TEAL POLISH: Teal is such a beautiful surprise for fall, and it will certainly brighten up any look. OPI's "Teal the Cows Come Home" is great, and a steal here at $5.49.

2. BURNT RUST: A little brown, a little metallic, a lot chic. Try China Glaze's "Soft Sienna Silks," pictured below, for only $6.49 here. 

3. DEEP RED: Always great for fall, a classic red in a deep shade will look great while you've got your hands wrapped around a cup of warm cider. China Glaze's "Drastic" is my favorite, available here for $6.49.

4. JET BLACK: This dark, sexy look will go with every outfit you own! Just be warned--removing it can really be a hassle. Essie's "Licorice" will give you a great glossy finish. $8 here. 

Want more options? The new fall line by Essie is fabulous in every color. Chic, shiny, and affordable, check out what's available and pick your favorite one (or five!):

Fast Find: Black Stud Skirt

 

Studded faux-denim pencil skirt, £25 ($40), Dorothy Perkins. Through US size 20.

I am loving the edgy biker look this season! And, even more, I like taking one of those pieces and softening it up. Here's what I'd pair it with:

Ruffle-neck shell (in champagne), $80, Banana Republic. Through size 16. Tuck it in!

Missoni knit platform pump, $510, Piperlime   

OR, BECAUSE I'M POOR...

Risky Business almond-toe pump, $85, Piperlime

Spotlight: Lizzi Miller

I'm sure, by now, many of you have seen this picture in the September issue of Glamour. It's not on the cover, it's not in the spread, and it's not even in the front of the magazine--but it's causing one hell of a stir. Meet Lizzi:

This picture of 20 year old model Lizzi Miller can be found on p. 194 in the article "What Everyone But You Sees About Your Body." Says Editor in Chief Cindi Leive, "we'd commissioned a story on feeling comfortable in your skin, and I wanted a model who looked like she was."

The article focuses on the sexiness we exude but don't notice, the beauty we overlook in our own bodies because we're too busy bashing ourselves. It offers advice on how to appreciate ourselves from experts who look at women's bodies all day (Read the full article here):

When you focus on the body parts you love, your ‘flaws’ fade away.”

—Madame Athena Chang, portrait photographer

“Self-consciousness is getting in the way of your pleasure.”

—Jennifer Phillips, certified massage therapist

“We have curves for a reason.”

—Sue Baelen, licensed midwife

But it wasn't the article that caused a commotion, prompting responses and interviews like the one below. It was the picture: just a woman sitting in her underwear, smiling. Back in April Lizzi appeared in Glamour in her skivvies as well, but that picture did not nearly cause as much of a stir.

If you'll notice, this picture from April seemed to "hide" the little tummy roll that remains exposed in the newest picture, and I believe that's what makes all the difference. Though April's picture showed a confident plus-size beauty, this month's picture reveals something that everyone has but dares not speak of: a flaw. Yes, that teeny tiny flap of skin has made all the difference, empowering thousands of women and compelling them to speak out in support of this honest and un-airbrushed depiction. 

Finally, women are calling for healthy and realistic counterparts in magazines and fashion shows, refusing to accept that only thin=beautiful. And Lizzi is very candid about her views on this subject: "I just think there needs to be more representation for women who don't fit into the 'norm' of the size 2." Lizzi's only 20, but having been a model for over 6 years, she knows all about body image and pressure to conform. "I'm not saying that a size 2 isn't 'normal,' but this is my normal. I'm healthy, I work out, I lead a healthy lifestyle, and this is how I look. And I embrace it." 

At 180lbs and an admitted size 12-14, Lizzi is a softball player and belly dancer who likes to exercise "when it's fun." She says about growing up chubby: "When I was young I really struggled with my body and how it looked because I didn't understand why my friends were so effortlessly skinny. As I got older I realized that everyone's body is different and not everyone is skinny naturally--me included! I learned to love my body for how it is, every curve of it. I used to be so self-conscious in a bikini because my stomach wasn't perfectly defined. But everyone has different body shapes! And it's not all about the physical! If you walk on the beach in your bikini with confidence and you feel sexy, people will see you that way too."

Watch Lizzi and Cindi's interview on The Today Show and get involved in the debate!

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We Love Colors, Yes We Do

We Love Colors offers solid tights in over 51 colors for ladies up to 330lbs! They've also got footless, patterned, striped and fishnets for their curvier clientel. Perfect for accessorizing this fall. Check it out:

Fall Must-Haves

I came across these items while doing some of my fall 2009 shopping, and I immediately put them on my must-have list! They're some great staples for putting together any look this season:

Black patent stud belt, $20, Torrid. Pair with dress or high-waisted skirt to make the look a little edgier.

Assorted leggings beginning at $20, Torrid, through size 26/28. Here's a great blog entry from Bahrain Poise on how to wear leggings this fall: Leggings.

Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Clutch, $395, Diane Von Furstenberg

Leather zip jacket, $199, oldnavy.com, sizes 16/18-20/22. This is such a versatile piece--you can pair it with nearly anything (wear it with something super frilly and feminine to make the look a little edgier, wear it with a pair of boots to achieve the oh-so-in biker look, or style it simple with a basic denim pant and tee)!

Thigh-high suede boot, $110, piperlime.com. Are you daring enough to try this trend? It's not just for the Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman-type, either. Any woman can wear them. If you're not sure how to wear them with an outfit, a simple belted dress is always a great choice (just don't pair them with anything made of fishnet or lycra!).

Cream/black shift dress, £35 ($57), Dorothy Perkins, through US size 20. Nuff said.

Melie Bianco diagonal stitch tote, $79, piperlime.com.

L.A.M.B. open toe ankle boot, $345, piperlime.com. These are a really versatile pair of shoes that can be worn with denim or dresses, day or night--be creative!

Dark denim pencil skirt, $29.50, Old Navy, through size 20. Classic. A staple piece to pair with all those trendy items you purchase.

Plus Size Jewelry by Emitations

Big girls need to accessorize too, and Emitations has some fabulous choices in rings, bracelets and necklaces in extended sizes! Keep in mind that some of the biggest trends for the Fall '09 season are Russian Folklore, Biker Chic, hoop earrings, chains, statement necklaces/other pieces, bold colors and nature-inspired items. Check out some of my favorites, all available on the website:

Rings (the second one is perfectly reminiscent of Kate Spade's '09 faux pearl ring):

Necklaces:

Bracelets: