Plus Size Pretties For New Year's Eve!

DAHLINGS -

Happy Boxing Day! (And no, I don't know what it means, either.) New Year's Eve and other winter festivities are bearing down on us, so I felt I simply MUST let you know of some lovely plus-size and smaller pieces to take you into 2010 in glamorous style. There are price points for everyone who is reading this.

First of all, the Coat-A-Rama sale is still going on at my store at (ugh) Ebay. There are some ultra-glam coats up, even if the photos do not always do them justice!

A vintage red sheer striped evening coat with rhinestone buttons, XXL:


This glam vintage matelasse gold raincoat, which can be worn in the evening, M:


A 1970s vintage metallic silver leather spy girl coat for the Emma Peel in you, L:


For the femme on a budget, there are evening gowns and evening separates:

For the Stevie Nicks lover, a 1970s floral dress with sheer batwing sleeves, XXL. Add a shawl and start twirling!


From Venezia Jeans, a gray satin silver skirt in rich folds, drawstring waist, size 14-20:


A gorgeous strapless gown by Michaelangelo, with beading, a lilac underdress,and a tulle crinoline! Size 14.


This navy satin gown has a chiffon draped top, and cascading chiffon ruffles, also size 14.


This sensational glittery tunic to light up your winter nights, size 8X


From the 1960s, this vintage custom-made brocade dress in silver, copper and other metallics, size XL Tall:


There is so much more in my shop, so why don't you stop by and take a look around? You won't be disappointed. And if you are, well, that's your fault.

http://stores.ebay.com/Elisas-Bodacious-House-of-Style

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Happy Holidays!

DAHLINGS -

I have been so busy with the social whirl (and trying to hire a new assistant...AUGH) that I have sorely neglected this blog-thing. One of my New Year's resolutions is to be write more entries.

In the meantime:



Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

An Interview With Designer Wilbur Pack, The "Black Fashion Dude"

DAHLINGS –

I have mentioned the amazingly talented up and coming designer Wilbur Pack Jr. several times in this blog-thing, and there’s a reason. His clothes are absolutely beautiful: sexy, intricate with couture-level details in unusual fabrics, such as denim and men’s shirting.

In fact, Mr. Pack is creating a dress for moi to wear at Fashion Week Fall 2010. The sketches I have seen so far have made me squeal with delight.

The tall, handsome designer consented to an interview. His blog-thing, “I Am Fabulous: A Black Fashion Dude’s Odyssey” is one of your faithful correspondent’s must-reads. It opens a door on a little-known aspect of the fashion business: the inside details of creating a line, financing it, and all of the other unglamorous details Project Runway leaves out.



In your blog bio, you say you grew up loving the drama of theater and movies. Why become a fashion designer? Why not a costume designer?

I love the theatre. My parents took me to see my first Broadway show when I was 11 years old. It was The Wiz starring Stephanie Mills and it was magical. And the story of Dorothy trying to find her way home still resonates for me after all these years. When I decided to pursue fashion design as a career, I felt like I had found my way home.

Designing fashion is like creating costumes for real life. Every day, through our fashion choices,we have the opportunity to become whatever character we want to be.



Do you think, because you are an African-American male, that makes your struggle harder or easier? Or neither?

I definitely think that it is more difficult being black in the fashion industry. We are almost always undercapitalized and the same opportunities are not usually afforded us as our non-black counterparts.

How do you separate home life from work life?

I am not very successful at it. I am almost ALWAYS working. Luckily, I have someone who understands me and supports my endeavors.

What makes you happy?

My work gives me a lot of joy. I am very dedicated to my family and friends and they definitely make life worth living. A good movie, a good story, New York City, great music, and good theatre all inspire me and make me happy.

Why do you make couture-level clothes, even though it may drive up your price point?

When I started in this business 11 years ago, I didn't know much about seam finishes and I didn't always use the finest fabrics. But as I grew in fashion, my tastes evolved and over the years my aesthetic became more & more sophisticated. I am at the point now where I am creating clothes at a higher taste level. And I am really pleased with my progress. For Fall 2010, my team and I are looking to see if we can find a way to offer the well made dress at a price point that is not so exclusive. Because I think that every woman should have access to that.



Who would be the ultimate celebrity for you to dress?

I am more interested in dressing real women. In New York City, I see plenty of ladies who do not have stylists or entourages or ever have the opportunity to walk red carpets. Yet, they are still chic. Those are the women I want to see wearing my clothes. But I do have a soft spot for Hillary Swank. And we are working tirelessly to connect with "Precious" film star Gabourey Sidibe. She just has an incredible story and a wonderful disposition.



Who is your favorite current designer?

I don't have a favorite designer. I admire the work of so many of my colleagues. I love the luxuriousness & color usage of Oscar De La Renta. Tomas Meier's work for the Bottega Veneta line is fabulous. I also really appreciate the marketing brilliance of Ralph Lauren.

What is your fashion philosophy?

Tailoring and color are the two most important foundations for a well dressed woman. Something that fits well can make you look thinner and taller. And color can put a bounce in your step and make you stand out in the crowd. I apply these two principles whenever I design - whether it is a t-shirt or a fierce cocktail dress.

What has been the peak experience for you as a designer?

I haven't yet reached my peak. But when I staged the fashion show on the sidewalk outside of the Bryant Park tents during NY Fashion Week in 2000 with "Sex and the City" as my inspiration, that was pretty awesome.

Your blog has chronicled the struggles and hard times more than the triumphs. Why?

Earlier this year, my business partners convinced me to write a blog. They felt that my followers and supporters really wanted to know more about the man behind the seams. So I went into the project thinking that it was a great way to connect with the people who are interested in my aesthetic.

But I've always spoken from the heart and always with honesty. When we read success stories, we never hear about the obstacles and the setbacks. I wanted my readers to know that success takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I offer them the reality of the business. Yet, I remain fabulously dedicated to my goals.

I hope the blog inspires people. I want my readers to know that finding your purpose and following your dreams is very important. And remaining true to them is essential to living your fullest life. If I die tomorrow, I know I’ve had no regrets and I did what I wanted to.

http://iamfabulous-ablackfashiondudesodyssey.blogspot.com/

There is a link to Mr. Pack's blog on the right, and I strongly suggest you bookmark it. (The blog, not the link.) And here is the link to his design site:

www.skwilbur.com


Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

"Vintage Fashion Accessories" A Book With A BRILLIANT Forward!

DAHLINGS -

In the interest of full disclosure, I must confess that I wrote the forward to this simply amazing book.



And while my forward is breathtaking in its wit and conciseness, once you have finished gasping in amaze at my brilliance, you will find that "Vintage Fashion Accessories" by Stacy LoAlbo(Krause Publishers, 2009) actually lives up to the forward. It is a guide on how modern women can add accessories to their existing wardrobe.


Modern clothing accessorized with vintage hat and jewelry


1950s Rendezvous compact with movable hand that indicates daily activities!

The photography alone is breathtaking: real women of all ages (including Ms. LoAlbo and her daughter!) modeling luscious vintage bags, shoes, jewelry and many other pretties along with modern clothing. (My favorite section is on vintage hats--you have never seen such an extensive collection of wonderful chapeaus!)


1950s pink straw hat with velvet ribbon

Stacy LoAlbo writes knowledgeably about her topic--it is not for nothing that she is called "The Vintage Maven"--even about men's accessories. She owns a vintage store called Incogneeto and sells online as well.


The author

This book is delicious eye candy for the vintage lover and educational for would-be vintage lovers and fashionable men and woman everywhere.


1920s Art Moderne rhinestone and blue stone bracelet

"Vintage Fashion Accessories" is available directly from the publisher, where you can save 34% on the cover price and receive FREE SHIPPING to U.S. addresses when you order direct at Shop.Collect.com. Use Coupon Code RV1209 when ordering, to receive your savings.

Here is the link: http://shop.collect.com/product/vintage-fashion-accessories/?r=RV1209&p=RV1209

Buy it for my forward, and stay for the rest. It is well worth it. And it makes a perfect gift for the stylish women on your list!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog


1950s cream satin cocktail hat

Must Plus-Size Clothes Be Shapeless? NO!

DAHLINGS -


It distresses me greatly when I see what is offered to my sisters in bounteousness. Recently I glanced through some catalogs a reader sent me.

It was a revelation: most of what is out there is ugly. Many plus-sized women already know that, but your faithful correspondent had rarely been face to face with the dressing challenges that affect these women.


1) Where are all of the models THIN? With a few notable exceptions (Just My Size, which has some of the ugliest clothing I have ever encountered), the models are stringbeans, which only makes the garments look worse. Once I sent a protest to what used to be Lane Bryant--it has now renamed itself Woman Within--only to be sent the response that the customers demanded thin models! I think not. A glance at the dozens of plus-size fashion blogs puts paid to that idiotic idea.



2) Death to dusters, overblouses, and enormous shapeless dresses! Even if one is a size 8X, a woman deserves clothing that makes her feel beautiful. Even manufacturers I respect, such as Silhouettes, make baggy dresses that scream, "I Hate My Body!"



(Why do the models in this sort of catalog always look so INSANELY happy? Are they on drugs?)

So, here are a few items that actually celebrate the body. This particular selection is from Silhouettes, although you can also find some very sexy body-hugging pieces at http://www.jessicalondon.com/.

First, this faux wrap dress. Whatever your size, it will flatter your curves and the v-neckline draws attention to the face and neck in the best way.

Second, another wrap dress, this one with a pretty full skirt for those who would prefer not to wear something clingy. The print is subtle, unlike the shrieking color combinations on cheaper clothing.




















Third, a stretch sheath dress. While I do wish it had sleeves, the mere fact that Silhouettes is willing to do a stretch sheath dress is praise enough!





















Fourth, to go with it, a fitted blazer with a feminine ruffled collar. One hopes the single button close does NOT mean the jacket is in the fly-away style. It appears to be fitted--what a concept!





















Fifth, a piece that caught my eye immediately and was the inspiration for this entry: a colorblocked sweatercoat. Note the figure-enhancing cut. Again, unlike baggy crew-neck sweaters that plague so many catalogs.




















Sixth, just because I love them and they come in size 11WW, these embellished flats.









I tried photographing Bucky with them some months ago, but it, er, didn't come out as I had hoped.

















You can find these all of these goodies at http://www.silhouettes.com/.

Please bear in mind that I ONLY write about thing I like, never "advertorials" My integrity as a fashion goddess is at stake, you know.

I would prefer that you shop with moi, but if not, I highly recommend these alternatives!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Do Plus Size Clothes Have To Be Shapeless?

Glamorous Holiday Dresses And More!

DAHLINGS -

As per my previous entry, my maid has quite recovered from finding Jesus Christ in the kitchen. Although she is convinced that the sharp cheddar has been "blessed" and refuses to let the chef make brocoli vapeur avec sauce au fromage.

Be that as it may, we have a beautiful selection of holiday dresses, both vintage and modern, at Elisa's Bodacious House of Style on (ugh) Ebay. And because of the holiday season, we promise to ship two days after you buy, so that you may have it for any soiree you need to attend.

First, this exquisite Jovani off the shoulder beaded black and silver gown, size XL:


Next, a strapless purple and lilac gown by Michaelango, with a built-in crinoline, size 14:


Soon to be listed, an amazing silk cheongsam from the 1920s, never worn until now:


From the 1940s, a gorgeous lace-trimmed black wrap dress, size M/L:


Of course, a woman needs accessories to wear with her finery, so we are listing jewelry as fast as we can! For instance, this hand-knotted antique string of glass pearls:



Or this vintage "dog collar" black crystal necklace by Laguna:



And so the gentlemen don't feel neglected, this soon to be listed pair of sterling silver cufflinks by Swank:



Do hurry over to the shop and grab these things before someone else does!
http://stores.ebay.com/Elisas-Bodacious-House-of-Style

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Jesus, a Cheese Sandwich and Moi

DAHLINGS –

I don’t know if it’s Christmas approaching. Maybe not, because it's not the first time this has happened.

All that I can tell you is, mes lecteurs bien-aimés, that I returned home the other night to hear my maid in the kitchen speaking in tongues.

This is not the usual sound that comes from the kitchen…the usual sounds are dishes breaking and cursing in a foreign language. Bucky was barking wildly. Yours truly had a fairly good idea of who was here.

So your faithful correspondent entered the kitchen, which, to be honest, is relatively unfamiliar territory to moi. And there I found Jesus making himself a cheese sandwich.

Bucky was in the corner, barking, the hair on his back up. Not a good sign. The last thing I needed was for my dog to sink his teeth into Christ's ankle.

Ever since I said something nasty about people who thought Jesus Christ was on a grilled cheese sandwich that sold on (ugh) Ebay, Jesus started coming around every now and again, helping himself to my larder. And it's almost inevitably aged diary products.

I drew myself up to my full height (Jesus is several inches shorter than I) and said, “What are you doing here, Jesus?”

“I was hungry,” he replied. It was a little hard to hear him with my maid on the floor ululating, so I pushed her out of the kitchen into the butler’s pantry and shut the door. I also shooed Bucky out of the kitchen. He growled but trotted away down the hall.

Of all the gall, showing up in my kitchen. Freeloaders, even if they are deities, work my last nerve, as the young people say. “You always have several kinds of cheese,” he added. "Tonight it's sharp cheddar." The toast popped out of the Dualit Combi toaster, and Jesus dropped it onto a Ming Dynasty plate.

“Do you have any Branston pickle?”

“No.” I sighed in annoyance. I folded my arms. “I have asked you not to barge in here any time you feel like it, Jesus.”

He turned and glared at me. Really, that crown of thorns was most unbecoming. At least this time he was wearing robes instead of only a loincloth. Not that he doesn't have a nice body, but it is inappropriate anywhere but a swimming pool, in your faithful correspondent's opinion.




“That’s MISTER Jesus to you,” he snapped. “Besides, didn’t I imprint my face on food for you to sell on Ebay?”

“It was scrambled eggs,” I retorted. “You know they don’t hold together.”


Jesus started rummaging through the cabinets above the stove. “You’re out of Marmite.”


“Why don’t you conjure some from an old packet of yeast, Mister Jesus?”

The maid was still speaking in tongues in the butler’s pantry. It is extremely irritating to listen to, but what can one expect when an uneducated woman encounters Christ in the kitchen? I’ve lost several maids that way.

At least he had made me some lovely built-ins for my office. He's quite a talented carpenter.

“I don’t believe in God, Mister Holy Trinity, but if I did, I would DEFINITELY send in a complaint. I mean, who died and made you Savior?”

"Our heavenly father, you heathen."

"Maybe he's your father, but he certainly isn't mine. I have a hard enough time coping with your existence--and there are many millions of Muslims who would agree with me. I'm not so sure about the Jews. I'll have to ask Michael Kors."

"I'm not getting into this argument with you again," he said. "Watch it, or I’ll start playing with the space/time continuum. You’ll find yourself pretending to be eleven years old again.”

“Don’t bring my mother into this!” (cf. earlier entries)

“Thanks for the sandwich,” he said sarcastically, and disappeared.

After a few minutes,I yelled for my assistant to come and quiet the maid.

Thank goodness Jesus had left the building.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog