Showing posts with label FFFWeek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FFFWeek. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Full Figured Fashion Week: Kmart Blogger Brunch

This is another of the mysterious "failed to publish" posts that I wrote for Full Figured Fashion Week. I'm not sure what happened and why they didn't ever publish, but here it is. Better late than never. 
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As a part of Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City, Kmart Fashion invited a select group of plus size bloggers and fashion insiders to brunch. The mission of the brunch was to unveil Kmart's new plus-size clothing line - Love Your Style, Love Your Size.

Kimberly of Fab Finds Under $50, Jorge Ramon, Karen of Curvy Canadian, and Jessica of Chic in Every City

Master stylist and host of 10 Years Younger, Jorge Ramon was on hand to host the brunch and offered fashion insight. Before the event settled down to start, Mr. Ramon gabbed with all the attendees and even offered up compliments and styling suggestions. As the event progressed, attendees were treated to a showcase of the latest Spring/Summer collection from LYS. While models walked on stage and then roamed between the tables for endless photo opportunities, the Kmart Fashion design team discussed what plus-size fashion shoppers should expect to see in the coming months and where the inspiration all stemmed from.

Kmart collection 1

The collection features separates designed to flatter plus-size women while staying on-trend. Tribal prints and earth tones dominated the looks, while vibrant blues provided balance and coolness. The collection includes jeans, skirt, tunic dresses, maxi dresses, jumpers, and rompers to name a few. I already have the burnt orange jumper pictured above and I can't wait to wear it. Burnt orange rules in Texas, so it will get lots of use!

kmart collection 2

Prices range from $14.99 to $39.99, with most items being sold at the $19.99 and $24.99 price point. The LYS collection is currently available in a variety of sizes from 1X to 3X and 18W to 26W., and Kmart plans to extend the line to include 0X (16W) in the near future.

Availability of items may vary from store to store, and can also be purchased online from Kmart.

Kmart collection 3

Friday, July 15, 2011

Full Figured Fashion Week: Day 5

I found a few posts buried in my Blogger dashboard that for some reason never posted. Oops. Better late than never, I guess. And since I'm getting ready to head to the doctor's office for some minor surgery, I don't have time to write a new post today. So the timing is perfect.
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After my whirlwind trip to New York, I just wanted to get back to Dallas. And even though I was really tired, I still wanted to look cute. This new dress from Torrid fit the bill. Dresses take no effort at all and are super comfortable to boot. When I was getting the dress, I spotted these cute sandals. Normally I stay away from any shoes that have this kind of strap at the heel, b/c they never stay up on me. But I had some store credit and they matched the dress so I thought I would take a chance. OMG, best sandals ever! The strap stayed up and they fit perfectly and were comfortable. I've already worn them so many weekends since I bought them. Okay, gushing over.

What I Wore While Returning To Dallas:

2011-06-19 combo

Rand snapped this picture of me coming up the front walkway.


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So there you have it! What I wore a few weeks ago while travelling home. I don't know why it didn't go live when I wrote it. But remembering how comfortable it was might be inspiring me to wear it again today when I head to the hospital. :)

Friday, June 24, 2011

Full Figured Fashion Week: Day 4

Day 4 was the last day of events for Full Figured Fashion Week and I had two to go to: the Kmart Bloggers Brunch and the Runway Finale. Let me tell you that I had a blast at both, but more on that later! Let's look at clothes!

What I Wore To the Kmart Bloggers Brunch:

2011-06-18 day combo
What I Wore To The Runway Finale:

2011-06-18 night combo
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Thank you to Igigi, Kmart, City Chic and Charming Charlie for dressing me for these two events at Full Figured Fashion Week.

Full Figured Fashion Week: Lane Bryant Blogger Conference


Kimberly (Fab Finds Under $50), Maddy (Plus Model Magazine), me, Allison (Curvy Girl Chic)

Last year I had the honor of attending the first ever Lane Bryant Blogger Conference. The second one was part of Full Figured Fashion Week, and once again I had the privilege of attending. 

First up, Robert Rutkauskas, Director Trend and Color, and David Albow, Senior Design Director of Sportswear, introduced the Fall collection to us, which is always a favorite moment for me. Plums, browns and greens will all be represented. Strapless dress will continue to be popular, while wide-leg pants will resurface. 


Gill Heer, the Senior Designer and Director Intimate Apparel, introduced the upcoming Cacique collection. The Fall designs are influenced by pin-up style. I love the art deco looking striped bra and panties.


Richard Zielinski, the Technical Design Director, introduced us to Lane Bryant's newest innovation in jeans - T3, which stands for Tighter Tummy Technology. These jeans are supposed to adapt to your shape without regard for the "blue, red, or yellow" designation that is currently available. And, it makes you one size smaller. They pulled 4 bloggers out of the audience, had them try on jeans in their color code and then had them each try on the exact same T3 jeans. Everyone really seemed to like it. I'll have to try some on in the store to see what I think.

Lane Bryant Conference 2011 combo1

Kimberly and I took a quick jaunt on our lunch break to check out the sample sale  and to say hello to title sponsors Sonsi. The sample sale seemed pretty small.  There was more jewelry and miscellaneous items than there was clothing. A highlight was Sonsi giving away free clothes. What's not to love about that! We passed on the free clothes so that people who had paid to get in would have more options (Kimberly and I were given admittance for being part of the Fashion Front.), but we did pick up our swag bags from Sonsi.

sample sale combo


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For attending the Lane Bryant Blogger Conference, I received a $50 gift card to Lane Bryant. I bought bras with it. On sale. :) The remaining swag was part of the Sonsi swag bag that every attendee of FFFW received.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Full Figured Fashion Week: Day 3

I joined a bus full of shoppers for an all-day fashion crawl. It ran so late that I missed the panel discussion I was scheduled to see and I was so wiped out that I didn't get to the runway competition either. But I did meet some crazy Swedes that I fell in love with, so we all went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant that had great food but closed down at 9pm. Um... who has ever heard of a NYC restaurant closing at 9?!?!? 


What I Wore On The Shopping Crawl:

2011-06-17 combo

Yep, this photo is taken at my house. I had a camera malfunction and while I ended up with some photos from the shopping crawl, I did not end up with a outfit photo. So just imagine me with lots of shopping bags. :)
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Thank you to Charming Charlie, City Chic, and Torrid for providing me with the clothing for this event!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Full Figured Fashion Week: Day 2

I'll do a recap of the Day 2 Full Figured Fashion Week events in a separate post tomorrow. For right now, enjoy my outfits! (That's what FFFWeek is really all about, right? The fashion!)

What I Wore To the Lane Bryant Blogger Conference:

2011-06-17 combo1


What I Wore To the White On White Sunset Cruise:

2011-06-17 combo2

  • white swiss dot dress (c/o SavannahRed Curvy Couture)
  • Meringune Petticoat (c/o Domino Dollhouse)
  • pink patent pumps (Rampage via Ross)
  • pink drop necklace (c/o Charming Charlie)
  • pink & gold earrings (c/o Charming Charlie)
  • rose gold bracelet (c/o Charming Charlie)

Full Figured Fashion Week: Shopping for Accessories

When I was packing for Full Figured Fashion Week, I ended up with a table full of jewelry and accessories set out to go into my suitcase. I really wanted new, fun things to go with my all my new outfits, but by the time I had all my outfits planned, I only had a couple of days before I was leaving. Where to go to get a lot of different accessories fast? Charming Charlie!

I first experienced Charming Charlie when I was in Austin for the Texas Style Counsel Conference, where they were one of the sponsors. They had a table covered in broken and damaged jewelry that everyone was making art pieces from. But I kept picking up bracelets and rings that I wanted to wear rather than use for art. (Shhh. Don't tell anyone, but I may have come home with one of those rings from the table.) Anyway, so I knew that Charming Charlie had some good stuff. And I recently saw a post Kasmira did about how it's a playland for fashionistas. Sounds good to me! So I headed to the nearest one to see if I could get what I needed for FFFW.

My, oh my. I had no idea...

What I Saw When I Walked Into the Store:

CC1

The entire store is set up in color stations and has this posh Hollywood closet feel to it. Need something pink? Go to the pink station. Green? No problem. There is so much stuff inside, that it can actually be a little overwhelming. Luckily I had brought a list with me of things that I thought would work with my various outfits.

What I Looked At While Trying To Decide:

CC4

I think the photo from my packing post indicates that I was very successful in my mission. I picked up earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and even some sunglasses. I was going to get a fabulous blinged out lanyard for my work badge, but it was gone by the time I went back to pick it up. Next time!

Contest:

Did you attend Full-figured fashion week? Then Charming Charlie has a contest for you! Enter to win a accessory package from Charming Charlie, valued at $250! Hurry, contest ends Saturday! Enter here.
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I contacted Charming Charlie about Full Figured Fashion Week. They not only offered to sponsor my jewelry for my trip, but they also became a sponsor of the entire event. It was really cool to open my swag bag from the final event and see their name. Thank you to Charming Charlie!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Full Figured Fashion Week: Day 1

I think it's really important to be comfortable but still look cute when traveling. I find that I am treated much better by airport and airline staff, cab drivers, etc when I am not cruising around in sweat pants. Plus - many years ago I learned that airlines won't bump you up to first class if you're dressed inappropriately. But that doesn't mean I can't be comfy. My favorite traveling attire is a A-line dress and flats - preferably ones that I can just slip off at security. So as I headed to NYC for Full Figured Fashion Week I picked up this super fun and comfortable skull print dress. And since I knew I was going to be meeting Kimberly of Fab Finds Under $50 in the airport, I decided to be extra cute by wearing some new sandals and jewelry.

My reasoning for always wearing shoes I can slip on and off really hit home this time because security took so long that by the time I finally made it through, my plane had already boarded. So I did not have the time to sit down and put my sandals back on. Yep, I was one of those people running through the airport with their shoes in the hands. LOL But I made the flight so that's okay.

What I Wore While Traveling To NYC:

2011-06-15 combo1

After taking getting to our hotel (gorgeous!) we had just long enough to do a little bit of unpacking and grab a quick sandwich before we headed off to the first event of the week: the media and buyers reception. The reception was on a rooftop bar with great views of the city. It was amazingly hot on the rooftop, so I was so glad that everything I was wearing was cotton - natural fibers breath so much better than synthetic. Sadly, it was also so cram packed with people that it was really hard to find a place to get photos. So on our walk back to the hotel, Kimberly and I walked through the garment district for some photos ops. Oh, and we might have hit up a $2.99 jewelry store. Score!

What I Wore To The Media and Buyers Reception:

2011-06-16 night combo
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Thank you to Torrid, Simpy Be, eShakti, and Charming Charlie for dressing me for these events.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Packing For Full Figure Fashion Week

I am a packer/planner. I like to have everything packed at least a week before I go somewhere. That way I don't forget things like earrings or underwear. However, here it is the day before I leave for Full Figured Fashion Week and I am still fussing with what to bring. After much deliberation and consternation (caused by my desire to not repeat any items in outfits fighting with my desire to only pack one suitcase) I think I have it all figured out. Here is what will be crammed into my suitcase tonight.

Clothing:



Shoes:

Jewelry:

Purses:

 

Misc. Accessories:

  • teal belt (Target)
  • tan belt (Catherines)
  • purple feather hair ornament (Charming Charlie)
  • white ribbon hair ornament (SavannahRed Curvy Couture)
  • green/blue scarf (via Goodwill)
  • yellow scarf (via Goodwill)
  • Merigune Petticoat (Domino Dollhouse)
  • Lady Gloves (Domino Dollhouse)

Wish me luck getting it all into one suitcase!

    Saturday, June 4, 2011

    Fashion Front Update: Walking Curves

    the_Fashion_Front.jpg

    Walking Curves is proud to announce the world's largest fitness class for plus size women, during Full Figured Fashion Week. This exciting addition to the schedule of events is a health and fitness initiative devote entirely to the curvy community.


    wc-flyer.jpg

    Details:

    • Saturday, June 18th, 9-11am
    • Ripley Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Avenue, Studio 16D, NY, NY
    • Admission: $20 in advance
    • Buy Tickets Here

    Saturday, May 28, 2011

    Fashion Front Update: Meet The Designers I



    It wouldn't be fashion week without great runway shows. I'd like to introduce you to the designers that are going to be showcasing their designs on the runway. Here is the first of two parts introducing them.

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    For every style, shape, age or occasion... Sonsi® is the online destination for women sizes 12 and
    above.

    Awarded "Best Plus-Size Multi-Brand" by About.com 2011 Readers' Choice Awards, Sonsi is one of the largest assortments for full figured women, featuring fashions from over 380 brands including Lane Bryant®, Cacique®, Lane Bryant Outlet®, Fashion Bug®, Catherines®, Kiyonna™, alight, Sydney's Closet® and many more.







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    Curvaceous Boutique offers plus size trendy clothing for curvy women. It is the source for unique and head turning fashions and concentrates on women's wear sizes 14-24. Curvaceous
    Boutique not only serves as an undeniable threshold for fashion, but also implants radiant beauty on the inside of its customer by building her from the inside out. Each client is given unique individualized customer service by listening to her needs and wants. Exceptional service is the foundation of Curvaceous Boutique and it aims to make her feel exactly that--exceptional. The staff's duty is to give the customer a sense of pride when they are shopping in the store by offering quality merchandise that is "exclusive."

    The owner of Curvaceous Boutique, Cassandra Savage,
    understands the hardships of finding trendy plus size clothing as being a curvy woman herself. This sympathy enables her to be passionate about the lack of plus size consideration in the fashion industry since the average woman is size 14. After working in the telecommunications and financial industry for over 15 years, Ms. Savage became quite dismayed with the monotony of plus size fashions. She was frustrated with the
    offerings of this category in woman's wear because most only
    offered maternal styles for the full figured woman. Always having a passion for fashion, she decided to fill hole in the
    fashion industry. An African-American woman who is at the
    heart of the fashion, she possesses a unique ability to merge cultures through a shared appreciation for style. With a prayer and a dream it all started in 2006, Curvaceous Boutique opened its doors in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Today, her face can be seen on the covers of national and local magazines, in addition to a
    recent TV spot on BET Jazz (Tears, Shears & Beauty). Ms. Savage is a highly sought after fashion liaison for her countless roles in Hair and Fashion Shows.
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    Evie Foster is a curvy woman on a mission, following her passion, to provide curvy women with beautiful choices in fashion. Evie is joining us all the way from Australia and intends on focusing on the US market.

    The Evie Foster label is designed to fit and accentuate the beauty of curves. The label is about style, fit, versatility and comfort. The designs are created to fit the body properly by accentuating a woman's most alluring asset, her curves. Rather than hiding a voluptuous frame under a large 'tent of shame', Evie Foster designs celebrate the female form and brings sexy back to plus size clothing.

    The inspiration from the first range from Evie Foster is the 'city that never sleeps' - New York City! Evie came back from her first visit there 18 months ago with a fire in her belly. A fire that would see her finally realize her 10 year old dream, to launch a plus size label and to give the curvy women of the World another choice.

    The Collection has a classic, contemporary feel with a little sexy thrown in. Some of the pieces in this collection have been named after curvy women who have supported Evie Foster in kick starting this very important Collection. These women are from all walks of life and are ALL rocking their curves!

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    From classic to contemporary to trend setting, Curvysta has it
    all. As the premiere site for emerging independent designers,
    Curvysta offers modernity and quality to the plus size community.

    Annie and Jade by Annie Le is an eco-luxurious line for the contemporary woman who cares about the environment. Annie Le, the designer of Annie and Jade by Annie Le, only uses natural, organic, recycled and fair trade fabrics. Her goal is to make every client feel like a woman in her modern, body conscious designs.

    Chabri creates her designs using the lines of a woman's body. Draping and movement are essential, vital elements to each piece. For Jennifer, designer of Chabri, her garments are her artistic fashionable expression.

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    Plush Boutique is a unique designer retailer inspired by owner Wendy Brown's love for both the urban style and the slick, chic & sophisticated. Once a tiny boutique carrying only sizes 12+, Plush has blossomed into a retail mainstay on the Atlanta fashion scene. The boutique carries brands such as Vitamin C Clothing, The Cotrice Collection, Igigi, Monif C. and more.

    Plush has been featured on CBS Atlanta's Ambush Makeover, J'adore Magazine, Honey Magazine, Jezebel Magazine, Atlanta & Co. and more.

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    Vikki Vi® has been dedicated to dressing plus size women for over 25 years. Our soft luxurious stretch knits are fashionable and drape beautifully. Whether you need travel-wear, career clothing, or just something to wear for leisure, Vikki Vi® is perfect for the modern woman.

    With a great variety of styles to choose from, Vikki Vi® Fashions are sure to flatter every unique shape. Contemporary prints and traditional styles can be mixed and matched to create beautiful ensembles that reflect your own personal style. Soft knit suiting by Vikki Vi® offers elegance, style and comfort. Shop the complete collection of Vikki Vi Clothing at www.PlusbyDesign.com.

    Sunday, May 22, 2011

    Online Shopping Spree: eShakti



    While I was online looking for things to wear to Full Figured Fashion Week, I started searching for yellow, circle skirts. Why something as specific as yellow, circle skirts? A) Because yellow is a color trend this summer and I don't really have any yellow in my closet. B) Because yellow doesn't flatter me, so I didn't want to wear it near my face. C) Because I wanted another excuse to wear a petticoat, so I needed a circle skirt to accommodate the fullness. Google knows all, so it sent me straight to eShakti.


    I'm really excited to try out eShakti. They allow you to customize or semi-customize your purchases for a small fee. You can swap out sleeves, change skirt length, swap out waistband styles, etc. For this skirt, I've kept everything as designed, but I know it will be a perfect fit b/c I'm sending them not only my measurements, but also my height so they can make sure the skirt is right length on me. How awesome is that???

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    I contacted eShakti about the possibility of reviewing one of their items and they graciously agreed to let me pick out one thing. Stay tuned for my follow up review and to see my wear this skirt to Full Figured Fashion Week. All opinions expressed are mine alone and in no way have been influenced by eShakti.

    Online Shopping Spree: IGIGI


    I was on Facebook a few weeks ago asking for suggestions about what to wear to a semi-formal event. I wasn't even sure if semi-formal was the same thing as cocktail attire, so I was really thankful for all the help that everyone on Facebook gave me. I stumbled upon a dress that I thought was beautiful and not 1/2 hour later, someone suggested that same IGIGI dress to me. Clearly it was meant to be The Dress. LOL


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    I contacted IGIGI about the possibility of reviewing one of their items and they graciously agreed to let me pick out one thing. Stay tuned for my follow up review and to see my wear this skirt to Full Figured Fashion Week. All opinions expressed are mine alone and in no way have been influenced by IGIGI.

    Saturday, May 21, 2011

    Fashion Front Update: The Face of Full Figured Fashion Week

    Nina Taylor was selected as the winner of the 2011 Face of Full Figured Fashion Week Cover Model Search. Nina is a native of Washington DC. In May 2006 she completed her bachelors degree in Psychology in Pittsburgh, PA, December of 2009 she went on to complete her Master's degree in Human Resource Development focusing on education and training. Full time, Nina has a career in medical education in the field of Oncology and Virology (Cancer, HIV and Hepatitis.) She is responsible for the organizations, continuing medical education program accreditation as well as managing an educational tool for Cancer and HIV physicians domestically and internationally.

    Nina has always had an interest in fashion and beauty. Within the past few years she has seen a shift in the standard of beauty due to progressive, exceptional full figured women who believe in the plus size industry and the undeniable talent within the curvy community. In the past, fashion and modeling have all been exclusionary to full figure women. In today's society, full-figured women are breaking out of their shells, embracing themselves and excelling in not only careers, but fashion modeling and social platforms within their communities. Nina saw this shift and wanted to take her place among other great plus size women. Nina draws inspiration from celebrities such as Jill Scott, Oprah, Mae West, Emme, Mia Tyler, Mia Amber, Velvet D'Amour, Ethel Waters, Ashley Graham and Queen Latifah. Nina enjoys modeling, makeup and photography as it serves as an exciting creative release to her highly scientific background.

    Nina has a strong passion to serve her community, she works with and provides support for pregnant teens, autistic children and donates her knowledge and skills in makeup, fashion and beauty to women in the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas. She also takes interest in the youth and serves as a mentor to two teenage girls (Ages 13 & 19). She works closely with a Chamber of Commerce to assist in generating ideas for small business owners and minority entrepreneurs. Nina also has an extensive background in theater, consulting, public speaking and is a fan of paintball, the Pittsburgh Steelers and classic black and white movies.

    Saturday, May 14, 2011

    Fashion Front Update: FFFWeek Runway Competition


    FFFWeek prides itself on being the premiere networking event for plus industry professionals. Come join us for an "end of the work week" wind down. Mix, mingle, sip, and chat with in a social setting while continuing our monumental celebration of curves and fashion. The highlight of the evening will be Full Figured & Fabulous™, our signature runway model competition!

    Plus models to the runway, please! Full Figured Fashion Week is creating the perfect platform for plus size models to step up to the plate and show the judges and the world their runway skills. Prizes in excess of $5,000 will be given away! Come watch as the models strut their stuff in a runway competition.


    Details:
    • 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
    • Location: SoirĂ©e, 199 Bowery (near Spring Street), New York, NY 10002
    • Admission: $25 in advance/$30 at the door
    • Buy Tickets
    Sponsors:
    • Sonsi®
    • Plus Model Magazine
    • Daily Venus Diva Magazine
    • K-Mart
    • LYS - Love Your Style, Love Your Size