* Note: content in some of the links is NSFW *

Italian Vogue's cover feature is entitled Belle Vere, meaning Truly Beautiful.  The photographs showcase Meisel's legendary skills behind the camera as he turns his lens on models whose curves are worthy of celebration.  

Well done, Vogue Italia!

And for more scads more inspiration, spend some time luxuriating in Vogue Curvy.  

I'd love to send Franca Sozzani, editor of both Vogue Italia and Vogue Curvy, a great thumping box of decadent chocolate as a thank you for spearheading both this month's cover story, and for bringing curvy, gorgeous, womanly bodies (with bellies!  and real arms!  and thighs that TOUCH!) into the limelight.  Or the soft boudoir light ;)

I'm headed to Indigo after work to show my support for this kind of initiative in a way the publishing world respects: with my hard earned cash.

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A good read, leading to many others.

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Dear Trovers,

One thing I've noticed after more than a year of hosting weekend Trove raids is that almost every gal who tries on clothing will stand in front of the mirror, glare at some part of their body, and then express something along the lines of  "I hate my knobby knees/ giant calves/ short neck/ upper arms/ flabby thighs."

I'm just as guilty of this sort of thing - I often wish I were taller, with a longer waistline and slender legs.   It seems to be so much easier to find something positive to say about others than it is to attribute beauty to one's self.   Isn't that sad?

To combat this, I'm starting a "Luscious Me" contest here in the Trove.    I'd like you to share three things you like about yourself, and at least one of them should relate to your physical self.    Over the weekend I'll print all the responses, crumple into them into inviting little pieces, toss 'em and let Betty-cat pounce on a winning entry.    The prize: $20 in Trove credit!

I'll kick it off with my list:

1. I love my caramel skin tone - I can wear a wide range of bright colours!
2. I love my expressive hands - I grew up in a predominantly Italian neighbourhood and some things rubbed off  :)
3. I love how confident I feel when picking up my camera to work with someone on a personal portrait - creative collaborations are wonderful, and my darling Canon has some serious heft.

So, lads and ladies, let's hear it :)

Cheers,

MJ

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Salma Hayek is admirable for so many reasons, but her know-how when it comes to dressing her voluptuous figure deserves fireworks.  

A few tips from Salma's style:

• draw attention to your waist, belts do wonders
• don't be afraid to flaunt lush curves - which does not mean Crazy Cleavage, but a nice wide v-neck or portrait neckline works nicely
• single solid colours or outfits in the same tonal family work well for the curvy gal, particularly if she is also petite, height-wise
• trouser jeans are great for balancing out curves of the thighs & calves
  
  Inspirational Salma Images:

 

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Am finding that putting together a capsule wardrobe for spring is tougher than one might expect.  Part of this is due to the fact that after a long winter of muddy greys and slushy whites,  I am starving for colour and florals so everything bright and frilly looks like an attractive option.   I've spent a few lunch hours giddily trying on many new shapes (stronger shoulders, wider trouser legs),  colours (cinnamon! saffron!  salmon! kelly green!),  and skirt lengths (swingy calf-length, snug calf-length, silky maxi). 

While it has been fun, I find myself gravitating towards the things I know will suit my short & curvy figure and my dark hair and eyes:  pencil skirts, nipped in waist lines and v-necks in red, navy and fuschia.

So I present one potential Spring 2011 capsule wardrobe for the Curvy Lady to you, and will be sharing others as whimsy and window-shopping permit!

Spring Curve Celebration by LadyJanesTreasureTrove featuring a striped skirt

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Hurrah for Polyvore for letting me show you a pretty close approximation of the following capsule!

My work-to-school capsule wardrobe made of 11 items + vintage jewelry + comfy flat boots and shoes!
Ground-breaking style?  Narp.  Comfy, easy to mix & match, easy to run for the bus in, easy to care for, easy to mix other pieces in?  YARP!

A.  Black v-neck long sleeve thin knit top, Mexx, Christmas gift

B.  Off-white cowl neck sweater, Jacob, on sale for $35 
C.  Black cotton-blend long sleeve blouse/ tunic, Tristan, on sale for $20

D.  Taupe and black crewneck longsleeve top, Jacob, on sale for $30
E.  Fitted vest, denim, liquidation floor at the Bay downtown, $12
F.  Cropped black knit top with assymetric neckline, Jacob, on sale for $25
G.  Vintage lace bolero, purchased from fellow blogger, $10
H.  Cream knit cowl neck vest, AE, $10.46

1. Tailored grey tweed shorts, RW&Co, on sale for $19.99
2. Skinny dark blue jeans, Foxy Jeans (best skinny fit for curvy girls EVER - I have the same pair in black and I wear 'em both to death), $55
3. Black mini, Denis Gagnon for Bedo,  $30, on sale

Footwear:  caramel flat boots and red ballet shoes, both from Ecco (great for wider feet)

Jewelry:  vintage 50s enameled necklace in cream and gold-tone (Ebay), vintage 40s rhinestone necklace (gift), turquoise drop earrings (xmas gift)

I'd love to know what your top ten (or eleven!) basics are!

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