Buffalo Rising Online

Jan 24th 2007, 3:04pm By Anna Miller

Check out the mannequins in the windows of Voluptuous Diva on Hertel Avenue - they're full figured and looking fine. Paying homage to the beauty of curves, Ruby Ocasio opened her store last year to bring hot styles to the plus-size women in town. Since then, Voluptuous Diva has taken off running, now featuring beautiful couture styles in everything from jeans and tops to cocktail dresses and ball gowns.

"I really try to focus on unique peices you don't find elsewhere," Ocasio said. "I like to bring in styles that are hard for plus-sized women to find and bring them to life in my store."

If you're a plus-sized woman, Ocasio has taken a lot of the struggle out of finding something nice to wear. And, an extra bonus, you can get a hot new outfit that shows off your curves without stepping foot in the mall.

Voluptuous Diva features styles from top designers like Mai Tai, Dori, Z. Cavaricci, and the punk label Fashion Overdose. And if you're looking for the perfect pair of jeans (aren't we all?) look no further - Ocasio just brought in C.enne.V couture, a line of jeans for full figured women designed by the minds behind Juicy Couture (you know, those super trendy clothes that about 4 percent of the population can fit into). The jeans, retailing at $169, come in two fits - Cheyenne, "for the ladies rockin' a wider mid-section," and Laurel, "cut to flatter woman with junk in her trunk."

"They're a true couture jean," Ocasio said. "It's phenomenal. Every person who puts them on, it's an instant sale."

Voluptuous Diva also offers an incredible array of fashion accessories, from decorative contact case holders to hot earings straight out of New York, not to mention a host of inspired bags. One of my favorite accessories was a chain-link belt that stretches to fit absolutely any figure, and can add a little excitement to even the tamest outfit.

Check out these hot styles, and many more, at the Pink Chocolate and Fashion Show Sunday night at Shadow Lounge. The show, featuring fun from belly dancers to tarot card readings, is celebrating the debut of Ocasio's newest business venture, Fashionista Productions, with friends Aryan Fechter and Danielle Mott .

Voluptuous Diva 1417 Hertel Avenue 837.3767