Dangerous curves: fabulous fashions for fuller figures

Ebony, July, 2004

REAL women have curves and aren't afraid to show them. This summer, curvaceous Sisters everywhere are celebrating their unique sense of style, showing the world that size doesn't matter for women who believe in themselves and know how to wear their clothes.

Many Sistergirls are following the lead of American Idol star Jennifer Hudson (scheduled to travel the nation on the American Idol tour), who is often hailed for her spectacular voice and for her bold flair for fashion.

PROFESSIONALS IN THE PINK

Liven up your corporate look with a pinch of pink. Shante is wearing: The Grace Dane Lewis hot pink cardigan with black trim, knit shell and black knit skirt. Accessories: Hobo International leather clutch; Nine West patent leather shoes; all from Marshall Field's. Jennifer is wearing the Apostrophe Bright White suit jacket, skirt and the PinkenStripe sleeveless knit top, available at Sears. Accessories: The Sak hot pink skinny mesh bag with leather handle; and Carlos Molina Niki leather shoes in fuchsia, available at Shooz, Etc., in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

As Hudson, a voluptuous size 12, and fellow Chicagoan Shante (a professional full-figure model who wears a size 16-18) illustrate, big, beautiful Sisters can dress to impress on the stage, on the runway, at the office, at family get-togethers or for a night on the town.

So take a peek at these hot hues--perhaps you'll find the perfect outfit to satisfy your passion for sassy and sophisticated summer fashion.

CITRUS SUNSET

Wearing the colors of paradise with white is a beautiful way to stay cool this summer. Jennifer is wearing: Canary silk flow by Abi Designer Fashions, available at Mark Shale in Chicago; Just My Size Surplice Tank in yellow, available at justmysize.com; and Apostrophe Bright White stretch slacks, available at Sears. Accessories: Colin Stuart leather shoes available at Victoria's Secret; yellow Cole Haan alligator top-handle tote; sterling silver, citrine and zirconia necklace and drop earrings set, by Charles Winston. Shante is wearing: Pure white slacks from the Dana Buchman Woman collection (Marshall Field's); and a vibrant jade, turquoise and lime sheer multicolored blouse from Ashley Stewart. Accessories: The Sak green mesh circular bag with brown handle; and GK Designs earrings in green; all available at Marshall Field's.

Shante is wearing Ellen Tracy: Pear-hued V-neck sweater, sunflower capri pant and floral jacket (Marshall Field's).

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

Whiplash alert! These funky styles are sure to make heads turn when you saunter by.

After-5: Jennifer is wearing a Jessica McClintock stretch jersey strapless dress with a baby pink basque front panel with, rhinestone buckles and a four -tier ruffle skirt, available at www.jessicamcclintock.com.

Accessories: Patent leather Mary Jane shoe by Nine West; tight pink cubic zirconia stone ring and earrings set by Charles Winston.

FAMILY REUNION

Shante is Wearing a white denim two-piece skirt set with sterling studs, from Ashley Stewart. Accessories: Pure white leather Carlos Molina shoe; Pelle Studio white leather double-ring bag; silk flower hairpin from Shakti-Designs.com.

RED RHAPSODY

Some say that every diva should dabble in red every now and then. Shante (right) is wearing Just My Size crimson, Asian-print wrap dress. (www.justmysize.com) Accessories: Carlos Molina Naomi shoe; Pelle Studio Brick Red (Nuti) leather bag.

Jennifer (below) is wearing an elegant crimson and violet silk tank dress with a chiffon overlay and matching scarf from Marina Rinaldi. Accessories: Kate Spade black & fuchsia pump.

Shopping notes: Kate Spade and Nine West shoes, Marina Rinaldi and The Sak are available at Marshall Field's. The Abi Designer silk flow is available at Mark Shale in Chicago; various pink and silver earrings available at Target; Pelle Studio handbags from Wilsons Leather.

EBONY Celebrity Beauty Of The Month

The talented TERRI J. VAUGHN flowed seamlessly from the super sassy but lovable Lovita on The Steve Harvey Show to the lighthearted and still hilarious Jonelle Abrams on UPN's All Of Us. The busy actress, who heads the "Take Wings Foundation" for young girls, keeps her stress level to a minimum for beauty's sake. "Stress breaks me out," she confesses. To counteract that skin problem, Terri gets more facials, reduces the stress and drinks plenty of water. She also prefers to keep her makeup fresh and soft. "I like colors that make me light up." Terri's supersecret beauty regimen? Rubbing ice cubes on her face in the morning and at night for at least two minutes. "It helps reduce breakouts by killing bacteria," she says.

Need extra ammunition in your battle against blemishes? Try Fashion Fair's Botanical Clay Mask and Noxema Wet Cleansing Cloths.