Lucky 13 Clothing BACK AT TORRID

Back in the early days of Torrid, when it was STILL just a section of Hottopic.com, they carried the rockabilly brand Lucky 13. I hope some of your recall and frankly: roll call of all those fabulous ladies that actually worked at pre-pink Torrid store (THIS GIRL)! Anyhoo, they've got some "online only" selections that are pretty adorable. Unfortunately, the cuts aren't quite what I'm looking for but I can picture some bombshells around the fat-o-sphere in some of these lil' numbers. They seem like retro staples, but I'm sure if they do well some more fanciful pieces will be on the way. Here are my favorite of the bunch!


Pucker Up Dress $79


Off the Shoulder Bow Top $48


Hells Bells Satin Dress $79

Check out the entire collection here and remember: if you want to see more alternative brands at shops....MONEY TALKS!

I've always loved Barbie. She's controversial, for sure, but her myriad of clothing options and her undeniable glamour kept me coming back for more. After digging through countless images for inspiration for my upcoming collection for Domino Dollhouse, I couldn't help but revive my own love for the classic doll.

And thus: I give you my style inspiration for Spring 2011...BIG GIRL BARBIE!!




Prints/Color Scheme: Leopard Print, Bright Pink, Lips, Bright Rose prints, black/white checkered prints, polka dots, Red, Turquoise



Style Icons (Real Life Barbies): Traci Lords in Crybaby and Amanda Lepore




Clothing/Lingerie: cardigans, 50's party dresses, pencil skirts, colorful printed bras, fishnets, bold dots, full skirts, fitted bustier tops


Shoes: wedges, vintage heels, ballet flats


Accessories: pearl necklaces, cat eye glasses, wrist gloves, patent belts, clutch purses


Make Up/Hair: red lips, winged eyeliner, matte skin, hot rollers, pony tails, major bang curlage

I also started a Big Girl Barbie Tumblr, dedicated to showing the best and most fabulous dolls (in my humble opinion) out there.

How do you feel about this concept? I love the idea of taking a character that some say is supposed to make me feel bad about my body and turning it into something celebratory.

Model Profile: Kerosene Deluxe

Kerosene Deluxe is a girl VERY worthy of the plus size community's attention. Not only is she "out" and proud as a plus size model, she excels in styling, make up quality and photography choices. When I worked for Versatile Corsets, not only was she a great customer: but also a DOLL to work with! I can't say enough about her...so I will just let her images do their job and stop with the text.

Alt Girl Week: Part 4

Here is Day 4 of Alt Girl Week! Click on the images to get all of the product details.


Points of Style: Retro Styling, Goth Palettes, Vintages Gloves + Hats, Whimsical Glamour
Music: The Horrorpops, Billie Holiday, Tiger Army, The Damned


Points of Style: Stripes, Black + White, Cameos, Key, Modern Victorian, Tim Burton
Music: The Cure, Bjork, Kerli, New Order

Spring Dresses for the Kooky

I have to admit, no matter how popular they are, I'm not a huge fan of the florals. I've always felt that the "granny" couch look was something forced on big girls, no matter if it was fashionable or not. Thus, here are my favorite dresses for spring without all the vegetation. Click the image to get all of the juicy details.

Making Halloween Count

So, I love Halloween, but then again: I really don't need an excuse to dress up! Why not use Halloween as a means to add some great pieces to your wardrobe that can be worn year round? Check out the 2 costumes that you can create with some of this seasons hottest pieces and a few simple accessories. Take a sequin boyfriend blazer and a matching shiny skirt + a great black bustier. Those 3 pieces can be used separately with ENDLESS outfits through fall/winter, but come together to create a show stopping Halloween costume. Add simple accessories like hats, whips, or ears to create an adorable and multi-functioning costume!!

on the left: Minnie Mouse
on the right: Lion Tamer/Circus Ring Leader

Making Halloween Count by pinkbot featuring Dorothy Perkins

I'd love to do more of these...what costumes would you like to see created??

Dressing to Undress: the Sexy Lingerie Guide for the Voluptous Gal

Many manufacturers are getting the memo that plus size ladies are very interested in gorgeous lingerie that flatters their figure. As a full time employee of a corset shop, I see tons of lingerie sites, lines, hosiery, etc. Here are some great pieces that work well for big girls without sacrificing ANNNNNY style.

Dressing to undress by pinkbot on Polyvore.com

For shopping and sizing details, click above.

How to get the best look out of lingerie:
1. Corset up: seriously, not only are they TOTALLY hot, but they smooth and support like nothing else you've ever felt. The corset above is my favorite for curvy girls, the Chelsea Corset. When purchasing a true corset, you should expect to drop a chunk of change. This item should be made for you in a great basic like black satin or brocade. However, if taken care of, this item will last you as LONG as it fits you. This is an investment that every girl should have and you will get YEARS of sexy wear out of it!
2. Raw Edge Stockings: Take it from someone who knows: thigh high stockings these days, RARELY look good on anyone's legs. I've seen size 0 models get thigh chub from a fitted top stocking. Since I don't know of any fully fashioned manufacturer that makes plus size stockings (I'd LOVE to know if anyone does), it usually looks best to opt for a raw-edged thigh high with garters, as they won't cut into your flesh in an unpleasing manner.
3. Sexy panties come in all shapes: Yes, a thong is sexy, we get it. But, why not go outside the box with a full panty, featuring an unexpected surprise! I love these panties shown above because they are the OPPOSITE design of a thong, but almost MORE sexy because of their classic design and cheeky attitude. Or, as with the other pair shown, grab a super low-rise pair and change things up that way.
4. The petticoat: Petticoats are great because they can also be paired with leggings and be worn OUTSIDE of the bedroom. A great, short petticoat is a necessary item for the bedroom wardrobe. They are flirty, comfy, and super sassy...and will no doubt be a crowd pleaser.
5. Skyscraper Heels: Let's be crass, shall we? Are you REALLY planning on standing up? Naw, that means your heels can be high high high and all the sexier for it. Whether you opt for a platform 8" pair or a simply, retro 6" single sole set, a black patent or leather heel will finish off the look.

Wearing Designer

This was taken at a Dolly Parton Art show on Hollywood Blvd. It's me with my fiance, Joebot.

Some of my FAVORITE stores in the world include Betsey Johnson, Anna Sui, and Patricia Field. None of these stores carry plus sizes and usually a Large is the biggest you'll find. However, with diligence, luck, and a bit of plastic, there are pieces that will work. My favorite Betsey Johnson pieces are her adorable caplets. The above caplet is a fabulous mint green ruffle color with luscious mesh ruffles, purchased from her Melrose store. I have worn this caplet (and a similar black one) so many times and to rave reviews. Things that I look for: full dresses with stretch, skirts with elastic waists/full skirts, stretch-y pencil skirts, smocking, caplets/wraps, and stretchy leggings. While the finds are rare, it is ALWAYS worth it to check your favorite designers line and see what could work for you. This counts double-y for discount shops like Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann's...sometimes off pieces end up there and what didn't work for them could be a DREAM for you!

Outfit details from above:
Cape: Betsey Johnson
Bra: Lane Bryant
Hair Flower: Amber Ray Designs
Earrings: Betsey Johnson
Pin: Vivienne Westwood Knock-off from eBay

Bubble Pop: Minimal.ize.

Black and White can be clean, classic and sophisticated. Or, it can be crazy and insane, with a hint of whimsy. Yes please!

Black Und White by pinkbot featuring Dorothy Perkins

Swoonage

I am a bit of a lingerie snob. I just am. I've worked at VersAtelier (formerly Versatile Fashions) for 4 1/2 years now, so I'm constantly surrounded by high quality corsetry and lingerie. While I wouldn't touch anyone else's corsets with a ten foot pole (now, that's not fair, but I gots loyalty and ours are AMAZING), we don't really specialize in lingerie. I hadn't really found a plus size site that has great designs, size ranges, and style until I came across Hips and Curves. They have a great range of affordable lingerie and hosiery with killer photographs and styling. I went through a picked out the creme de la creme of their site...I can't wait to buy some of these up myself!






This robe has killer Kimono sleeves too...I've been drooling over it and it's full length counter-part since I first saw it.






This would be SUCH a great Halloween ensemble...and the pieces could easily be mixed up and used year round for other events. GLAMOUR!

Got a favorite plus size lingerie shop? Leave the link the comments...I'd love to check some out!

From Mainstream to Edgey: Styling Out Alternative Looks

Since I've been shopping at alternative stores and small boutiques ever since I could convince someone to take me, I often ignored the large department stores. I would scour their small, tiny-skirted racks hoping and praying for something that I could fit in. I would often end up modifying mens clothing or straight up rocking a guys style. Eventually, Torrid came around and I refused to settle after that. I wanted clothing that was cute for me and I would NOT give up my edge. It started occuring to me that I could leave no stone un-turned. Enter: the Department store. Shops like Nordstrom now carry plus size Betsey Johnson lingerie, Steve Madden coats, Juicy Couture track suits, and high-end gowns with serious style. My secret to dressing alternative, yet unique, is to take pieces that are to be worn one way, and style them to be completely different. Since VERY few companies actually cater to subcultures, if you don't get creative, you may be dressing identical to many of your fellow club-goers and concert-attenders. This technique is quite easy when you get the hang of it! It's important to look for unique construction details, proper colors, and the always important fit. Here are a few of my favorite picks from the Nordstrom plus shop.



These two adorable nighties are from Betsey Johnson. I have a polka dot version that I like to wear as a tunic, with a simple black cami under it to hide it's sheerness. I'm a size 24 and a 3X/4X and I have no problem wearing the 2X size, as the tummy is generally free size and the bust is stretchy. These are great pieces for layering, make great swimsuit cover ups, AND nightwear. They are also perfect for rockabilly and retro styles. You could also pair them with a corset and petticoat for an adorable, sophisticated goth club look.


This fun ruffley blouse would be a fabulous "steampunk" goth piece! Style it with a velvet blazer, long black skirt, and an antique gold necklace. Top it off with a vintage hat and leather gloves for a full on steamy, punky 'fit.


These skirts are PERFECT for cyber looks. Add some chunky Swear boots and a hoodie for a casual futuristic outfit.

Bubble Pop

I heart Polyvore so much! Bubble Pop is my feature where I post my favorite outfit combos including ONLY PLUS SIZE and PLUS SIZE FRIENDLY items (that includes shoes, accessories, whatever). I've also noticed that the weather outside often effects what kind of sets I do, so keep in mind: I live in Southern California. My "winter wear" is not quite what others around the world might be wearing.

Mixed Maven by pinkbot featuring Dorothy Perkins

Mixed Maven - Click the image to get all of the item details!