What I Wore: MTV Movie Awards

A few weeks ago, Maddy Figueroa-Jones, EIC of PLUS Model Magazine, came to LA to shoot the May 2013 PMM cover and swim editorial {check it out here}...

We were invited to the 2013 Mtv Movie Awards, hosted by my bff {in my head}, Rebel Wilson, so we took the evening off to squeeze in some fun before our shoot.

OOTD {flashback}: POSH LA Fashion Week

While looking through some pics from the past few months, I realized that I never shared my OOTD with you from POSH LA Fashion Week this past March {the only plus size fashion show that was part of LA Fashion Week this season}.  The event included a beauty bar, pop up shops, plus fashion industry panel discussion {which I was honored to be part of}, and of course, an amazing plus size fashion show featuring some of the industries best plus size models and plus size fashion designers. LA's best was in attendance, including plus size celebrities, personalities, bloggers, designers, stylists and plus fashion enthusiasts. 

LA fashion is always fun, with a bit of a laid back vibe, so I kept my ensemble a bit more trendy, but casual... mint, stripes, and everything nice!

Mint & Black Top and Faux Leather Jacket by Calvin Klein
Stripe Pencil Skirt by Old Navy
Black Ultrasuede Wedge by The Avenue
Gold Tassel Lariat Necklace by Michael Kors

ASOS Curve Spring Preview

The months of March and April are an absolute blur! I have been so swamped with project after project, and styling for one of my largest retail clients, that I have not been able to share any of my latest adventures with you, but I am slowly but surely getting caught up!

Several weeks ago I attended the ASOS Curve Spring/Summer Tea & Fashion Preview in NYC.  I have been a customer and supporter of ASOS Curve since the inception of their fashion forward plus size collection, so I was beyond excited to see, touch, and feel what the brand has created for the S/S 13 season.

The afternoon was delightful... tea, yummy goodies, an exclusive look at the amazing S/S 13 collection of plus size fashion, and great conversation with the ASOS creative team and some of the plus industries most influential fashion editors, bloggers, and models.

they had me at pink peonies, champagne & cupcakes!

I AM TORRID!

Torrid recently invited me and several other plus size fashion bloggers to come to their headquarters for a spring/summer 2013 preview.  We had the opportunity to not only get a sneak peek at the plus size fashion that is just now hitting the stores, but also to take a look inside the brand- learning about the design process, chatting with the designers, and seeing all the visual inspiration for each collection.

It was very refreshing to hear the passion behind the brand, and the detailed thought process that goes into creating all aspects of the line.

Blonde Ambition

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me about my hair...

Who does your hair?
How do you keep it SO blonde and SO healthy?
How often do you wash your hair?
Are you wearing extensions?
What products do you use?

Since it seems that inquiring minds would like to know, I have teamed up with "the hair whisperer", Andrea Trejo at Chrome Salon, my hair stylist of almost 10 years, to give you scoop on my doo!

First, let me say that I have been dying my hair since I was a senior in HS, so I honestly do NOT know what my natural hair color is, but I know that it is some sort of blonde.

Second, I have to say that I am meticulous about my hair, and work very hard to maintain this mane, and without Andrea, I would be lost in the world with mediocre hair!

Curvy Girls LA Brunch & Shop!

Join me Sunday 3/3 for a fun afternoon of brunch, cocktails, shopping and fashion talk!

Sunday, March 3rd

11:30am-3:30pm

$20 pre-paid/$25 at the door

Quality Inn & Suites, Cerritos-Artesia

16905 Pioneer Blvd

Artesia, CA 90701

"Curvy Girls Who Brunch" and "Curvy Girl Closet Raid" have joined forces and 

created this amazing event in LA, and have asked me to be a special guest!

Shop my closet, as well as the closets of-

Plus Size Model Danielle Line

Marie Denee, aka The Curvy Fashionista

Actress, Joy Nash

Veronica of Cid Style File

Plus Size Model Sommer Green

Stylist Melinda Alexander

Hips & Curves

and more!

I will be selling my own personal clothing in sizes 20-24, 
shoes in sizes 11 and 12, TONS of accessories and jewelry, 
as well as items from my styling kit, and merchandise from past photo shoots.

Curvy Girls Closet Raid (CGCR) is a seasonal new/gently used plus size fashion & accessory sale in the LA area, created by myself and plus size model Danielle Line. The CGCR offers a variety of plus size clothing, accessories, and shoes- all in sizes 10+ from the top plus size designers, stylists, models and bloggers. 

Curvy Girls Who Brunch was created by Affluence PR and is a society of curvy women in LA who meet monthly to enjoy a day of noshing, cocktails, pampering with beauty treatments & plus size sample/clothing sales.  

There will be a raffle with some AMAZING giveaways, 

including Sorella Swim, Igigi, Hips & Curves, and more!

The first 20 arrivals with pre-purchased tickets will receive a swag bag!

Get your tickets HERE!

***I will be accepting cash, credit/debit, and paypal at MY booth, 

however, most vendors will only accept cash!***

So You Want to Be a Stylist...

I am so honored to share that two of my amazing college professors from Northern Arizona University, Judith Everett and Kris Swanson recently asked me to contribute to the third edition of the text book that they wrote, Guide to Producing a Fashion Show.

Guide to Producing a Fashion Show {Third Edition}, Fairchild Publications 

I get emails and comments daily from aspiring fashion stylists, asking me advice on breaking into the fashion industry, and wondering how my career as a stylist began, so I wanted to share some info that {hopefully} is helpful! Here is a snippet of what I share in the book...

Curvy Girls in Hollywood

I recently posted about the ensemble that I wore to The Curvy Fashionista's #TCFTurns4 blogiversary party a few weekends ago (if you missed it, scroll down or check it out here), and I wanted to share with you some phone snaps from the fabulous evening I shared with all the plus size beauties.  

Hollywood didn't know what hit em'...

guest of honor, The Curvy Fashionista

Styling Clementine for PLUS Model Magazine

I am lucky to say that I get to work with the best plus size models in the industry, and in early December {2012} I had the pleasure of styling the french Dorothy Combs model Clementine Desseaux in NYC for the January 2013 issue of PLUS Model Magazine.

One word sums up this experience... AMAZING!
Team PMM has been fans of Clementine for some time now, and Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones knew she was the perfect choice for our first issue of 2013. Clementine literally blew us away! She has spectacular freedom in front of the camera and is not afraid to take the chances needed to capture an image that is out of this world!

Sunday Meeting {Geek Chic}

I love Sundays! It is usually the only day when I do not get up to an alarm and rush to my inbox, so getting out of bed before noon for a Sunday mid-morning meeting/brainstorm required a casual and effortless {yet chic} look that was still super cozy, and not frumpy.  Cue the comfort...

Trying Something New

In this month's issue of PLUS Model Magazine, I created a feature called "Try Something New- Rejuvenate Your Style..." where I highlighted 5 super easy ways to breathe new life into your plus size wardrobe. I am always urging my clients to "think outside the fashion box" and challenging them with a "why" when they come at me with an "I can't wear that".  It is not about WHAT you wear, but HOW your wear it. Fit is everything, and plus size trends can be incorporated appropriately to ANY wardrobe.

It's a brand new year, and 2013 is all about change, growth, and moving forward, so I decided to take my own advice and try something new!

I recently attend The Curvy Fashionista's #TCFTurns4 blogiversary party at the W Hollywood Drai's Nightclub and I stepped outside my own fashion box with a few plus size styles that are new for me- peplums & pencil skirts!

Styles I Love: Skater Dresses

I am thrilled that skater dresses have become a prominent trend over the past few seasons.  Rack after rack, I sadly pass up so many sheath, straight, and body con dresses and skirts, which are not at all flattering on me.  The nipped in waist and flared circle skirt of a skater style dress is absolute perfection for my "more in the middle" body type.  

When I'm not styling plus size women...

Most of you know me as a fashion stylist who specializes in the plus size industry, but what you may not know about me is that my career as a stylist did not start with fashion.

When I am not styling gorgeous plus size models, you can find me doing tabletop and prop styling for advertising campaigns, which is how I started my styling career back in 2005 and is still a huge part of my styling business.

My first job as a stylist was working full-time for the department store Robinsons-May (RIP), which is now Macy's.  I styled jewelry, home electronics, soft-goods, and accessories for the department store advertising.

prop styling!
photo courtesy of Imstepf Studios

Trend Mash-up: Faux Fur, Leopard & Daytime Shine

A few weeks ago I was in NYC styling the amazing plus model Clementine for the January issue of PLUS Model Magazine, and also to meet with my east coast clients.

 I had a jam-packed day of meetings and shoot prep, which means lots of walking, schlepping bags of wardrobe and accessories, in and out of stores and showrooms, and cabs and subway galore... plus, it was SUPER cold and there was a constant drizzle happening.  My challenge in the city is always how to stay cute and put together when I am out running around in the elements (stylists in NYC do NOT have it easy)!

What I Wore: Party Perfect

It was holiday party time, and I wanted to be festive and holiday chic, but still be comfortable and be able to enjoy a fun evening without any outfit fuss. I love dressing up, but I do NOT love being uncomfortable and confined in my ensemble. 

I knew I would be mingling, posing for lots of pics with my colleagues, and enjoying lots of yummy food and cocktails, so I wanted to be comfortable, but still look polished.

Rock Steady

Last night was show 5 of 7 that No Doubt is performing here in LA at the Gibson Amphitheatre, and my beau, Chuey Martinez, who is an on-air personality for KIIS FM here in LA was asked introduce the bands.  Since Sunday night is usually date night, this made for an extra special one!
We had total backstage VIP access and pit passes to watch the show, so now I am officially spoiled and concert-going will never be the same!

Think Outside the Fashion Box

"Think outside the fashion box"

Since 2007, when I started styling fashion for plus sizes, I have found myself using this phrase over and over when working with my personal clients and when writing about fashion.  You may have even noticed that every month in PLUS Model Mag, I end my editor's letter with this phrase.

To me, it simply means:

• take a new perspective on fashion
• let go of the limitations you have put on your personal style
• look outside of the norm you have created for yourself
• try new styles and silhouettes (just to try it on!)
• don't allow others to place limits on you and your personal style because you are plus size

Inez Lewis Photography

My friends at Custom Plus made me this awesome t-shirt so I can continue to shout it out to the world!

Custom Plus is an online store were you can create your own plus size t-shirt! Any color, any cut, any image, or any text- in sizes 0-32! Pure awesomeness!!!  I chose a v-neck style (perfect for bustier body types), and I am wearing the size 3X.  I love that it is cut a bit longer (I am a tunic-aholic).
T-shirt perfection!
I have another cute CP tee to share as well that says "Fashion Fairy Godmother" with the cutest little plus size fairy! I will take a snap soon with it on...

Show me how you "Think Outside the Fashion Box" on Instagram using the hashtag #ThinkOutsidetheFashionBox 

Thank you Custom PLUS! xoxo

Part 2: CBS 2 Los Angeles Plus Size Fashion Segment

As promised (yes, I know- almost 2 months late), I wanted to share part two of my plus size fashion and style segment with CBS 2 LA, which aired in early October on the 11pm news.  This time I partnered with Torrid at the Westfield Culver City mall to showcase flattering, affordable trends for plus sizes, and to offer a few tips and tricks for navigating the online shopping experience as a plus size consumer.

Behind the scenes snaps...

Prepping to chat about the Torrid Stiletto Skinny Jeans

My beautiful model Alex LaRosa

My amazing producer, Nicolette! 

... and here is the video!

Thank you all for your tweets, emails, texts and comments.  I appreciate all the love and support.
If you want to see more of me on CBS, head over to the CBS 2 website and leave a comment on the video.

Plus Fashion Segment on CBS 2 Los Angeles

A few weeks ago I got a surprise phone call from a segment producer at CBS 2 News Los Angeles who wanted to partner with me on a 2 part series focused on plus size fashion and style to air on the 11pm news.  Needless to say, I was excited, nervous, anxious, flattered, but mostly THRILLED!!!

It is so refreshing to hear from someone working in mainstream media who wants to showcase the plus size fashion industry in a positive way and really wants to give something interesting and informative to their audience that is a bit "outside the fashion box"! 

I had an absolute blast working with CSB on this piece!  We partnered with one of my favorite stores,  Lane Bryant at the Westfield Culver City Mall and chatted about dressing our plus size bodies as well as highlighted fall 2012 fashion trends on one of my favorite models, Danielle Line. 

The first part of the 2 part series aired last night (Tuesday, August 21st at 11pm).  I am beyond elated with the final outcome of the segment, and so honored to have been given this platform to represent the positive side of plus!  

You can check out the entire segment HERE, and make sure to leave a comment on their site!

We have another segment in the works, and I will definitely keep you posted on the deets! 

Here are a few behind the scenes snaps...

Picking out some amazing Cacique lingerie to feature!

My gorgeous model Danielle Line

Danielle showing the perfect way to wear sequins in the daytime!

Special shout out to Brittany Sullivan for doing my hair & makeup for the segment- she is amazing!!!

Here is a the final video! Enjoy!

OOTD / Trend Mash-up: Neon & Stripes

Sunday is the one day of the week that I force myself to slow down and take it easy, and this afternoon I had brunch plans with my beau, and I wanted something cute, comfy, easy to put together, that would keep me cool, since here in LA we are still in the midst of a heat wave {UGH}!

As you know, I covet maxi dresses and skirts, and I am in LOVE with this little gem that just arrived on my doorstep a few days ago.  I paired my new skirt with a sheer, neon pop of color, anchored with a long & lean tank, comfy flip-flops, my favorite crossbody bag that has been glued to me all summer, and topped off my look with my everyday wrap bracelets and aviators, as well as a few pops of pink in my earrings and ring.

Trend Mash-up:  Neon & Stripes

Cult of California Neon Rib High-Low Priestess Top
Old Navy Plus Chevron-Striped Maxi Skirt

Kenneth Cole Aviators

Earrings by Ashley Stewart

Statement Ring by Old Navy
Wrap bracelets by Nordstrom BP & B Jewel, Inc. (wrapped together for extra length so they fit my wrist)

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Natasha' Crossbody Bag

Happy Sunday!!!

My Fav Pics from FFF Week 2012

By now I'm sure you have seen tons of great picture and recaps from this year's FFF Week that took place a few weeks ago in NYC, but I wanted to share a some of my favorite snaps from the four day whirlwind of events, from my perspective...

Shopping on 44th Street

One of the best parts of NYC!

On set with Team PMM and plus supermodel Fluvia Lacerda

Representing Sorella Swim at the press event with Emily Nolan

Maddy, Robin & I at the press event

Sunset view from the white cruise

Thank you Lesley Pedraza for this pic- Team PMM

Photo Bomb!!!

On the white cruise with the California beauties, Mariesther, Robin & Jenn

with my favorite makeup artist, Tara Taylor at the "Sonsi Be-U-Ti-Ful Pop Up Party"

At The Glamazons performance with my road dog, Tulin!

Backstage with Tulin & The Glamazons after their performance

At the Bloomingdales Fashion Show with team MYNT 1792

Riding to dinner in style with Monique, Fluvia, Maddy, Katya & Tulin

One of my favorite girls! Monique of Curves and Chaos

Stretch Hummer!

Backstage for Sorella Swim

Jibri designer Jasmine

Team PMM on the red carpet at the Saturday night fashion show

Working hard at the fashion show!

Thanks Lucas Pictures!

On set with PLUS Model Magazine and NUVO TV

On set with PLUS Model Magazine, styling Wiynettka & Liris

What an amazing week! I miss NYC already!!!