By Erika, Resident Fashionista
It’s no secret that I love, love, LOVE Queen Latifah! She has been a friend/mentor in my head for as long as I can remember. When my friends and I were doling out “Living Single” (the original, and better, SATC) characters, I was always Khadijah. I faithfully taped and watched her first talk show and now I faithfully DVR and watch “The Queen Latfiah Show” everyday! I save all of her movies (even the especially terrible ones) on my DVR and have seen them dozens upon dozens of times. I have been known to drag boyfriends and their unsuspecting friends to a Queen Lah movie under the false pretense of wings and beer (#truestory). I have all of her albums – but her jazz albums are my favorite. In fact, when I get married I am sending her a wedding invitation because she totally seems like the type of celebrity who just might actually show up! The point is – I LOVE THE QUEEN!!!
I’m inspired by her drive, determination, business savvy and acumen, and overall awesomeness! For me, she has always served as a role model and reminder that you don’t have to be a size zero to be healthy and that curves are super sexy! And, every time I look at her I am reminded that women really can do anything. She paved the way for so many female rappers by jumping all up in a male dominated genre. She was one of the first rappers to cross over into acting and has the accolades (Oscar nod anyone?) to back it up. She is amazing.
And she KILLS the red carpet game (usually). Today’s Celebrity Style Spotlight is inspired by Queen Latifah and features gowns for full figured ladies by Adrianna Papell. I chose to feature Adrianna Papell’s designs for a few reasons.
1. I can personally vouch for them. I have two Adrianna Papell gowns in my closet and they are both gorge (in my Kardashian voice). The fabrics are luxe and the quality is second to none.
2. The gowns come in all sorts of figure flattering styles. All too often plus size gowns equal empire waist, a-line cuts only. Adrianna Papell dresses come in asymmetrical cuts, Grecian styles, and fit and flares just to name a few! She understands that every woman’s body is different and that plus size girls want to flaunt what they’ve got too!
3. They come in a variety of price points. While some of her gowns are really expensive (she designs for celebs, come on guys!), a lot of them are really reasonably priced for such high quality gowns. And, I’m just saying, that if you time it right and catch a gown at Bloomingdales on sale during the off-seasons and shop on a Bloomingdales double rewards points day you may or may not find yourself walking out of the store having paid only $47 for a $350-400 dress. #truestory
Check out the looks below!
Details about the gowns can be found below or by visiting the YCS Polyvore page.
Have an awesome weekend! We’ll be back all next week with the YCS guide to Valentine’s Day!
Your Chic is Showing,
