The response to my first fashion lookbook was so amazing, I knew I had to keep them coming! My intent the next time around was to ramp up the experience. It’s one thing to see what someone is wearing and be inspired by the way things were put together, but I wanted to curate the experience a bit. On top of being able to see the outfits I’m rocking and get the details, I wanted you guys to be able to see my picks and shop my picks. And so I worked on something pretty unique that I’m proud of.
Welcome to my Spring Into Summer QVC Lookbook!
Fun fact of the day – did you know that almost any fashion item on QVC also comes in PLUS SIZES? YES! It’s true. Even designers who you might not imagine doing a plus size collection, offer most of their clothing items in sizes up to 3X. Almost every item of clothing worn in this lookbook can be found right here on QVC.com – you can click here to shop Afrobella’s faves!
I worked on this shoot with my favorite Chicago Naija DREAM team – Bisi Essien of Crystal-Eyez Makeup Artistry did my bangin’ makeup, Aramide Esubi AKA The Sassy Peach styled the fabulous looks, and Chuck Olu-Alabi of Chuckstr Photography took these magnificent photos. I am so honored to know them and to have them as my friends! Without them, this lookbook wouldn’t be as special.
Without further ado, let’s spring into summer!
Look #1 – All Purple (Almost) Everything
You know purple is my favorite color, right? Clearly it’s my signature, from my MAC lipglass to my Oscar red carpet dress, and it’s been my favorite color since I was teeny tiny. Even when I was five, I was trying to wear All Purple Everything. But here’s the thing – too much of one shade of purple, and you wind up looking like Grimace or Barney. You gotta mix up your shades in order to make the look work. And you need a color to balance the look out.
I absolutely love this Luxe Rachel Zoe Suede Jacket with Zip Off Sleeves – it’s a quality suede that works great on chilly summer evenings. The sleeves have a cool, slightly exaggerated shoulder, and they zip off for warm weather wear! RZ came correct on this one. Click here to check it out.
These Michael Kors jeans came from Nordstrom Rack and were $35. I LOVE THEM.
The lace trimmed tank is by Just My Size – check out their FB page for more, this tank comes in a wide range of vibrant colors and it’s just $8. So easy for layering or working out in.
Purse is by British company Zatchels, this metallic purple is a showstopper and I get asked about it constantly!
Headphones by Urbanears and I rock these DAILY. So chic, comfortable, fun, and QUALITY. Absolutely no complaints about the sound quality, I love them so much I want them in other colors! (Now Urbanears come in DENIM. How fly is that!)
I bought these Doc Martens at the new store that’s in Wicker Park, and they were 50% off! Couldn’t say no!
Earrings by Frisk, via Sadee Says (@ShopSadeeSays) – love these dramatic gold tassel earrings with chain detail! Frisk is all about the tassel detail. Very me. Click here to get a pair.
Ring – Wildlife by Heidi Klum for QVC – love it, it’s adjustable and cool, with awesome filigree and crystal detail! I love a ring that makes my fingers look longer.
Nail polish – NARS Amchoor from the Thakoon collection
Look #2 – Boho Glam Luxe
Oh how I LOVE a maxi dress in the summer! It’s just something that I carried over from the islands with me – my mom wears a loose, flowing, chic dress almost every day of life. As I’ve grown up, I’ve come to realize how very effortless and becoming the style is on me as well!
This maxi dress is from the Kelly by Clinton Kelly collection for QVC and the front of it includes a dark brown woven “belt” that ties comfortably in the back. The front has a wrap dress look, but it just effortlessly pulls on over your head like most maxi dresses. No fuss, no muss – just elegant and chic and easy to wear. LOVE it.
Printed cascade jacket by The Nicole Richie Collection for QVC – when I tell you I’ve been wearing this almost daily, believe me! It’s so light, silky, and FUN. This jacket is more like a kimono cardigan to me – the front hangs long enough to cover that tricky hip area, or to be easily tied at the waist as I’ve done here. Wish it came in solids and other prints, I’d rock this in MANY colors. Wish the Nicole Richie collection was larger in general.
Leather hobo bag by B. Makowsky for QVC – I love the vibrant color of this bag, so fun for summer! And the leather is so soft, I think Lil Wayne wrote a song about it.
I’m rocking jewelry from Max and Chloe, I adore the range of jewelry available on their site! From super affordable to totally out of my league, there’s a LOT to drool over. This is the Kanupriya circle and tear drop necklace, and I’m rocking the Kanupriya Axe Ring. I wish this photo showed it more closely, it is STUNNING. And the FAB earrings are the chartreuse gobstopper pearls by Amanda Pearl. I adore them. So elegant but so fun. Statement makers.
My gold bracelet is from Aldo, my shoes are sparkly flats by Steve Madden (can’t find em online anymore). And for the record I’m totally wearing the new Bali lace shapewear under my dress. It’s lightweight and comfortable for warmer weather maxi dress wear.
These badass sunglasses are from Lumete, and they’re the Attic Safari Turquoise Coast pair, if you’re looking click here.
Look #3 – The Military Maxi
My last look is by two QVC designers that I never envisioned as having items in plus sizes.
My maxi dress is by K-Dash by Kardashian for QVC, and it’s in such a lightweight, comfortable fabric I might wear it every day this summer.
The military blazer is by Luxe Rachel Zoe for QVC – if you’re a busty woman I’d recommend buying a size up, because it’s a close fitting blazer. But is this not SO fly?
The quilted red purse by Isaac Mizrahi for QVC and you know I’m a sucker for chain detail. And I also enjoy pairing purple with its elements, blue and red. Click here to shop ALL of that.
My jewelry is via Max and Chloe, and these are by Andara. This is their fabulous peacock druzy earrings and their amethyst charm ring.
My shoes by Just Fab, their selection is super cute and affordable!
And that’s my spring into summer QVC lookbook, I hope you liked it! It was super fun working on it, and I was blown away by the quality of the items I chose. If you’re looking for a few plus sized items you haven’t seen, definitely check out QVC.
Did you like my lookbook? Which was your favorite item? What do you need for summer, fashion wise?
LOVE!! I especially love the long dresses. The Boho Glam Luxe look is everything!!!! Thanks for the inspiration!
YAY! So glad you like my looks, that Clinton kelly dress is so easy and elegant!
You are so beautiful woman! Love all the looks.
thank you so much, your comment made me smile 🙂
Rock that confidence factor! You Go Girl!
thank you!! I do my best!
First of all – you look gorgeous in all the looks!!
I’m living for that NARS nail polish – I’ll be on the hunt for that ASAP! My fave piece is the Nicole Ritchie cascade jacket. I could see that being worn by so many different shapes and look great!
I definitely need to step up my maxi dress game. Problem is, I’m 6ft tall and it’s hard to find maxis that are maxi enough 🙁 I’m determined to find some cute ones this summer!
Bee! thanks! Being a tall woman would mean trying on your maxi, or finding one you can somehow tailor to fit. That Nicole Richie jacket has traveled everywhere with me since I got it. So easy to slip on!
Love all the maxi dresses. They are my summer go to look. I’m also a fan of purple. In fact in my new facebook profile pic I’m wearing MAC All My Purple Life and my favorite zennioptical glasses.
I have to say that you looked so gorgeous in all the looks. My favorite piece is the maxi dress from the Kelly by Clinton Kelly collection for QVC because it is very versatile and can be transformed from casual to more elegant by adding beautiful colorful accessories, just like you did. FYI, I also love your hair—so beautifully flowing and suits you to a tee:)
Thank you Doctor Cris!! The Clinton Kelly dress is SO gorgeous, I’ve been traveling with it everywhere!! 😀
The looks are amazing! I love the K-Dash maxi dress and the Rachel Zoe Jacket! Your style is so beautiful and comfortable. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Janae! I didn’t think I’d love the K-Dash dress as much as I do, it’s so comfortable!
Mamabella’s fave item is the military jacket – which really becomes you BUT all those items become you beacuse of your personality!
I will shop QVC!
thank you Pets!!! Love to you and mamabella
I love Item 3! and also the first maxi dress.
QVC here I come!
Jeans etc look is so fly! But I would have to rock with my Flyflot (Italian) suede clogs…..
Sounds cute!
Beautiful! I have to make this quick because I am at work. Love all the looks especially the K-Dash maxi dress and military blazer. I may have to get that for my daughter!!
thank you!!! The K-Dash dress is SO COMFY!
you look gorge bella esp that pic with the yellow nails by your face. this is a whole lotta blazers for summer tho, can’t get with it in this Jamaican heat at all. not even the maxis are being kind to me. i just did a post with a midi dress, longest i’m willing to brave right now lol http://iriediva.com/2012/06/13/ootd-a-summer-dress-a-day-keeps-the-heat-at-bay/
LOL I know these won’t work for Caribbean heat! But I love a blazer and you frequently need one in the windy city. Thanks IrieDiva!
The purple purse and the green purse are awesome. I LOVE the purple outfit on you!
Yes Phyrra, we LOVE our purple!! That’s one of my fave color combos! <3 you for commenting!
You look great, Afrobella! Love the way you put these items together. Think I’m going to have to get that purple maxi dress!
Thank you Darlene!!
OMG! Yes I love your looks!! I need some doc martins in my life right now! 🙂
I got em for 50% off!! Try to find a store, that’s where the clearance items are at!
Love the purple. It’s one of my favorite colors. Great inspiring ideas
thank you! Purple rules!
Love the looks! I think summer is the most challenging time for large women who love fashion.
it definitely can be! I’m gonna try to do a TRUE summer lookbook without the blazers etc, next!
You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation however I to find
this matter to be really something that I think I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely vast for me. I’m having a look ahead to your subsequent publish,
I’ll attempt to get the cling of it!