Last night we were invited to a celebration for Gussied Up (a fabulous plus size boutique in Toronto) and its one year anniversary. Shop owner Victoria McGroarty’s dreams came true this time last year when a series of fateful event came together in a matter of days and lead her to acquire her storefront, to leave her full-time career and to open the doors to Gussied Up. It was only a few days after the stores opening that I drove by and saw the pink writing on her awning that caught my eye “Gussied Up 14+“, I definitely squealed with delight that day and went right back that afternoon to check out the store and was so happy with what I had found — beautiful plus size clothing that was not old, frumpy or hoochie. That was the moment I fell in love with Gussied Up and I hope all of you who have the chance to visit Victoria and her store do too! xo Karyn

The Store

We were spoiled with champagne, cake and cupcakes! YUM!

Karyn from Killer Kurves, Victoria from Gussied Up and Courtney from The Glitter Thread

During the party we decided to try on a few of the beautiful dresses in the store so that you can get a sneak peak of some of the beautiful items she carries…

In celebration of hitting 2000 Facebook followers we have partnered with Gussied Up, and are giving away a $100 gift card to this adorable plus size boutique. The contest is only open to Canadian residents who are able to visit Gussied Up in Toronto, Ontario before October 31, 2012. The prize will be picked up and redeemed in store only. Winner will be announced March 19, 2012.

For those of you who live too far and will not be in the Toronto area any time soon, not to worry! We will be holding another contest for everyone very soon!

Enter below with our Rafflecopter contest widget. You can earn up to 5 entries! Thank you and good luck!

xo Killer Kurves

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whether your a Big Budget Beauty or a Penny Pinching Princess we have searched high and low for the ultimate sparkly dresses to ensure that you are a sequin covered stunner this New Years Eve! On the left we have gathered some of our fave wish list dresses, and on the right we have found their more affordable (yet still completely stylish) alternatives. Enjoy and have a fabulous New Years!

xo Karyn

Row 1: Bloomingdale’s – Aidan Mattox Plus Sequin Dress $427.63 / Monif C – “Samantha” Sequin Party Dress $227.80
Row 2: Nordstrom – Calvin Klein One Shoulder Sequin Dress $210.89 / Forever21 – Sequin Front Tank Dress $24.00
Row 3: Bloomingdale’s – Michael Kors Plus Size Sequin Zebra Dress $168.71 / Gussied Up – Leaf Sequin Dress $85.00
Row 4: Macy’s – ING Plus Size Dress, Short Sleeve Sequined $79.67 / Fashion to Figure – Glitter Mesh Poncho Styled Dress $24.99

The official video from The Time is Now fashion show presented by On the Curve Events was released this week, check it out here:

And since we are not professional photographers and had a hard time capturing the models during the show (as you could see in our earlier post), we are excited to share the official runway show pictures. All images provided by On the Curve Events and taken by Photographer Laura Berry.

ALLISTYLE

GUSSIED UP

LOLA & GIGI

STEFANIE BEZAIRE

TONI+

The other night we were invited to an exciting event here in Toronto to support featuring Whitney Thompson (winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 10) for plus size brand Allistyle, at Gussied Up. If you haven’t heard us rave about this adorable plus size boutique before, then here is your chance to! We absolutely adore this little fabulous shop just a few steps south of Dupont and Bathurst. Created by Victoria McGroarty, Gussied Up carries a wide assortment of merchandise, from basic tanks and leggings, cardigans and everyday tops to party dresses and designer plus size labels. They also carry Damn Heels, jewellery from local talent, fabulous purses & clutches and more! At Gussied Up every piece that Victoria brings into her shop goes against the traditional “too old lady” or “too hootchy” problem with plus size clothing. All the styles she retails are sexy, sophisticated and  we swoon each of them. So if you are in the area we highly recommend you stop by! Here is a sneak peak inside the store and the event…

Me (Karyn from Killer Kurves) and Victoria from Gussied Up

Part of the Toronto Beauty Blogger gang: Karen from Curvy Canadian, Courtney from Glitter Spell, Sarah from Garters & Stockings, model Liis Windischmann from LOU LOU 14+ and On The Curves Events, and Me again, Karyn from Killer Kurves.

Karyn with the guest of honour for the evening Whitney Thompson, the first plus size winner from America’s Next Top Model cycle 10. She is an absolute doll and a pleasure to meet! So glad she loves her Canadian plus size girls and made the trip all the way to Gussied Up to support Allistyle and Gussied Up.

A cute signed glossy of Whitney Thompson, she seemed to think I resemble her from when she was on ANTM and wrote “To My Twin…” haha too cute!

Thanks for the great time!

xoxo Karyn @ Killer Kurves

With the holidays come all the holiday parties. Most of us have more than one party to go to and buying more than one dress can really be a budget buster. I find that my little black dress can get a lot of play time if paired up with different accessories. If you already have a favourite little black dress, consider treating yourself to a new necklace or clutch to glam it up for your special event.

Check out some of my favourite Little Black Dresses from Canadian retailers and accessories that really sparkle and shine.

Sheer Long Sleeve Dress $89 Gussied Up+, Stiletto $70 Aldo, Long multi strand necklace $218 Stella & Dot, Stud Earrings $12 Aldo, Clutch $38 Aldo

Sequin and Ruffle Strapless Dress $33.80 Forever 21 Plus, Stiletto $80 Aldo, Purple crystal bracelet $15 Aldo, Crystal hoop earrings $12 Aldo, Feather clutch $40 Aldo, Feather headband $15 Aldo

Black sequin Tunic $69 Gussied Up+, Crop sequin Tunic $35.80 Forever 21 Plus, Stiletto $80 Aldo, Fringe earrings $54 Stella & Dot, Black clutch $50 Aldo, Crystal ball trio ring $54 Stella & Dot

Donna Rico Flutter Sleeve Dress $154 Lola and Gigi, Stiletto $80 Aldo, Clutch $40 Aldo, Necklace $25 Aldo, Feather earrings $20 Aldo, Crystal ball trio ring $54 Stella & Dot

Last week KillerKurves was invited to The Time is Now hosted by On the Curve Events a fashion show to celebrate life on the curve. It was a wonderful evening, full of mingling with all our fave plus size women, a fashion show featuring fabulous designs by Gussied Up 14+, Lola & Gigi, Allistyle, Stefanie Bezaire and Toni+. This is one of the firsts events of its kind here in Toronto and we would like to give a big congratulations to Liis Windischmann the creator of On the Curve Events for doing such an amazing job!

Karyn with model Liis Windischmann creator of On The Curve follow @OTCurveEvents (the host of the event), Sheena from MTV Live @SheenaSnively, Karen from Curvy Canadian follow her at @Curvycdn , and Sarah from Garters & Stockings follow her at  @LaGrandeFilleTW