In addition to recognizing Dezzie for her commitment to spreading a message of self-love and self-acceptance, the Fully Loving Me Personal Development Program was also announced. This program spans 6-weeks and offers women the opportunity to make an investment in themselves. It includes wardrobe consulting, make-up education and personal development sessions to help foster a sense of empowerment and a deepened self-awareness. Additional details about this program, including how to enroll, will be available very soon.

Special thanks to Empire Photography for capturing the event’s special moments. In addition, I’d like to thank our sponsors (and goody bag contributors) Skindura, Allstate Insurance – Warren A Clarkson and LegalSheild – Wanda Davis. And a very special thanks to all those in attendance, who helped make this a night to remember!

UPDATE: We are excited to announce that Kiyonna will give one lucky lady an outfit during the event!

On Wednesday, August 29^th at 6:00 PM, BellaNOR Boutique will host the Fully Loving Me (FLM) launch reception as part of celebrity stylist Anthony Henderson’s annual 17 Days of Fashion. The event will be held at the boutique and honor Desiree “Dezzie” Neal, Radio One personality, for her commitment to promoting healthy self-esteem and contributions to the community. Guests will also be treated to remarks from Jovanna Reyes, Program Director, SKORCH Magazine and designer of the fashion line Curvysta, Inc. Reyes will also lead the Philadelphia premier of the SKORCH TV series ReCurved. ReCurved is a plus-size makeover show that features “real” women being transformed into Curvy Divas. The show includes a segment taped in Philadelphia featuring plus-size fashion retailer BellaNOR Boutique. The event will also include live entertainment and provide guests with the opportunity to network.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit DIVAS (Devoted Individuals Working for Victorious Adolescents) for Good, a service arm of The RESPECT Alliance. The RESPECT Alliance works collaboratively with parents to provide them with the tools necessary to better assist students in the home environment. DIVAS for Good concentrates specifically on giving back to the community through a mentoring program that seeks to raise the self-esteem, self-worth and future forward thinking of adolescent girls.

Introduced by BellaNOR Boutique in 2012, FLM is self-awareness campaign that seeks to promote healthy self-esteem among full-figured women though a series of programs and events.

While there’s little I can do to help you cope with the stress, I can help ensure that you LOOK FABULOUS through it all. Here are a few items now
available @ BellaNOR Boutique.

Glitz & Glam…

Slik Taffeta Grey Halter Dress                                           Sequined Gold Mini-Dress

Chic & Sophisticated…

Black Dolman Top, Leopard Skit and Obi Belt            Black Faux Leather Panel Skirt, Tank and Red Wrap Cardigan

Cool & Causual…

Black/Grey Shawl Sweater & Dark Rinse Jeans        Grey Multi-Wrap Sweater & Distressed Jeans

No matter the occasion, you’ll find the perfect outfit @ BellaNOR Boutique!

Tribal Cardigans

  Jeans in various styles and colors

 Scarves, scarves and more SCARVES!

BellaNistas – do I have a treat for you

I LOVE a good scarf. Over the last few years, they’ve become a staple in my wardrobe.

So, imagine my giddiness when I stumbled upon SAAKO Scarves. Designed in Barcelona and made of recycled fabrics, these scarf-like necklaces are unique, vibrant and beg to be touched! And the best part: Each is handmade, by local women long familiar with the traditions of Portuguese and Spanish textiles.

SAAKO Scarves add just the right amount of edge to any outfit. Stop into BellaNOR Boutique to see for yourself.

Isabella Dress, Vitamin C Clothing

Opening BellaNOR Boutique has been something I’ve wanted to do for a very a long time. While I hesitate to use the word ‘passion’ because of its overuse, saying that this has been a ‘dream’ of mine simply doesn’t convey what this means. It’s been over 5 years since I had the idea of opening a boutique for women size 14-24 (or rather the idea had me), so having the opportunity to do so is ____ (INSERT WORD HERE– e.g., Amaze-balls, Major, Unbelievable…). I think you get the idea.

People often ask me why I wanted to open a boutique catering exclusively to fashionistas size 14 -24. My answer: Why NOT??!!..  All women, regardless of their shape or size, should have access to clothing reflective of their personal style. Also, I want to provide a space for women within this size range to have a shopping experience unlike anything they’ve had before.

Simply put, I want women to enjoy shopping. I want them to be excited about it! I want to challenge them to push their fashion boundaries – try something new.

Moving on to the fun stuff… I’m in love with this dress by Vitamin C Clothing! Now, this dress isn’t for the faint of heart – major self-confidence is required! This dress is a show stopper – literally. I placed in the boutique’s window because I knew that it would draw people into the store. And itworked!  In fact, it was the first item I sold.

Atlanta-based designer Chloe Faith Harper launched Vitamin C Clothing in 2009, and with sizes ranging from 6-24, the line has something for every “body”. When asked about her design philosophy, Harper explains “Vitamin C Clothing is influenced by the women the clothes are designed for. Garments are comfortable, washable & can transition from day to evening. Vitamin C gives its customers clothing with functionality that is easy to wear but still fashionable.”

Stop by BellaNOR Boutique to see for yourself.