Labor of Love: Breast Cancer Awareness

Since 2006 I have run a campaign highlighting the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

In previous years, this took place on my now closed to public eyes blog, PSD.

Thankfully, I do not know of anyone close to me that has or had breast cancer.

But in my mind, anything that effects the health of women (and men to a much smaller degree) in such a devastating manner as this disease does, should be on everyone's get the word out list.

And obviously not just during one month but it is great that there is such a huge push during what has become Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October.

So, once again I have and continue to spend time perusing the web and magazines and talking to people about this issue and I will highlight some of my findings here.

Some of the posts will be of goodies where companies have generously agreed to donate a portion of sales for certain products to various organizations that work diligently for this cause.

Other posts will be much more serious and deal with things such as the proper way to self examine, current research and findings, etc.

So, I look forward to sharing this with you.

Next Post: What is Breast Cancer?

Chattin Curvatude: Coco Cooks!

One of my favorite things about Twitter is that I have met some really cool, interesting people.

One such person is a food blogger who goes my the name of Glamah and who writes the blog Coco Cooks.

Recently we spent a lil time chatting about her blog and her life.

Curvatude: Good Morning.

Coco Cooks: Morning.

Curvatude: Ok tell me how did you become “Glamah"?

Coco Cooks: Glamah was a nickname given to me by an old friend of mine. I forgot why he called me that, but it stuck. Of course I was way lighter in pounds and always wore some crazy designer clothes, now it’s about comfort. But my life and ideas are still Glamah.

Curvatude: Lol. Ok so tell me about your blog Coco Cooks.

Coco Cooks: Coco Cooks started about 2.5 yrs ago. I had another blog called Diary of a Shopgirl. But after I met my “Certain Someone” (CS), there was less to write on that as that was more a single girl diary. So I started nesting and exploring cake decorating.

In researching that, I came across great baking blogs and decided to start one focusing on my baking and learning. I also incorporated cooking. So there it is. I have come a long way from the first post.

Curvatude: I loved your Boston piece. Are there plans for more pieces like that?

Coco Cooks: Anytime I travel I always write it up. I now give them to Ebony/Jet. But on my blog I had some great write ups for Germany, Sweden etc.

No travel plans yet before Christmas, but I’m sure there will be more pieces like that.

Curvatude: You have just finished with more training correct? What’s next and what is all leading up to?

Coco Cooks: I have finished phase 2 of my plan. My dream was to attend the French Pastry School. But having a FT job makes that difficult. And I always loved their continuing education program as they attract names from all over in the pastry world.

So I borrowed from myself the money to attend 2 courses over the summer and amp up my skills. It was worth every penny. Now I need to get my sanitation license and my aunt has space ready for me on the South Side to start Glamah Cakes.

We will just need to bring that up to code. Don’t know if I will start just freelancing cakes, or have a coffee shop by day with my older retired aunts running it while I’m at work, and me baking by night.

Curvatude: Wow. That sounds great.

Coco Cooks: Also I am thinking about a portable tea/coffee cart to service the neighboring beauty salons with pastry. We sit in those chairs for hours and get hungry.

Curvatude: Yes we do. And it would be great to have more than fish and chicken from the greasy spoons.

Coco Cooks: Exactly.

Curvatude: Anyway, like myself, you are a major tweeter. What do you think is the main value of twitter? How has it been beneficial to you?

Coco Cooks: It’s a new addiction. I didn’t like it at first but it keeps me company with CS away so much this year. Plus I get to see what my blogger friends are really like and meet new ones, like you.

It’s helped me get more traffic to my blogs. I also keep up with news with it. And it’s a way to connect to people I otherwise wouldn’t connect too. In my busy life I can keep track of all my interests via one source, Twitter.

Curvatude: I totally agree. It amazes me that people don’t see the value in that. On another note, have you considered adding video blogging to your blog?

Coco Cooks: Yes. I was on TV last spring and it was very good, so they say. I was approached by Ebony/Jet to maybe add some to their website as well. So we shall see.

It was the old weekend show for the local CBS station. I did a Black History Month segment on foods the slaves brought over and how they morphed into our Creole, Southern and Caribbean Cuisines.

{Awhile back, Coco Cooks invited a bunch of us over for a social media tweet - eat up, where she served food made to represent different areas of Chicago}

Curvatude: Cool. The event that you had was really fun and there was so much food. Are there plans for more in the near future?

Coco Cooks: I still have to recover from the last one. We shall see. I was thinking of a launch tea for Glamah Cakes when I’m ready to roll.

Curvatude: Ok and I know that Glamah Cakes is the next big thing coming but what else are you working on?

Coco Cooks: Nothing really. Just trying to hold down the fort. I am writing a bit. I am submitting novellas to romance publishers with a culinary, erotic theme. Got my first rejection, but I’m gonna keep trying because I have great stories. The romance genre is huge.

Curvatude: Yes it is. And that’s interesting, the culinary erotic push.

Coco Cooks: Food and sex are closely intertwined. Plus the culinary world is hot and people love to read about food.

Curvatude: I didn’t see a bio for you on your website, did I miss that?

Coco Cooks: I guess there is none. I started off kind of anonymous. But now I’m a little more open. But I was born and raised in the D.C area, went to private Catholic schools my entire life, then went to Paris to study fashion design.

I Came back home to deal with my parents and stepparents who were all ill. Started working in cosmetics and retail. Lost the passion for fashion. Worked my way up the management side.

Moved to Chicago with my mother (her hometown) and stepfather. He passed, then my mother a few years later, and then my father.

It was rough decade, my thirties. But I’m strong and survived.

People have to put family first! The love life was on hold, but it’s never too late. CS came around right when I needed him.

Curvatude: Wow, that’s a lot.

Coco Cooks: Yep.

Curvatude: So fashion in Paris? Is the passion still gone?

Coco Cooks: Don’t know how I did it, but yes, fashion in Paris. Parsons School of Design at the American College in Paris.

Curvatude: You know that there are huge issues in the plus size community related to fashion.

Coco Cooks: For the most part I’m just in a different place now. I love fashion, but am not obsessed with it. Plus the greats are all gone. I was on the tail end of an era. Now anybody can call themselves a designer. My favorite was Yves St Laurent. I lived right across the street from his atlier.

Maybe that has something to do with it. And I don’t really want to invest in a lot of clothes at this size. It’s still new to me. I have a closet full of 8 and 10's. The 12's are half and half, but I’m settling into that 14 range and even 16 for the pants.

But I do love Ashley Stewart. They have some great affordable items. I was pleasantly surprised. So it’s my go to place for a quick trendy fix.

Curvatude:. I love fashion too but it’s almost an insult at times. By the way, I have just gone from a size 20 jeans to a 16.

Coco Cooks: It’s that raw diet.

Curvatude: Yes. So the other day I thought...hmm maybe it will get a bit more fun for me at size 16 but the racks are sad at times and the folks who are trying, bless their hearts, it’s not always up to par.

But I like Ashley Stewart also; they have gotten much better.

Coco Cooks: Accessories save it for me. I can have plain basics but strong accessories and jewelry.

Curvatude: What would you say has been the key to your success with Coco Cooks?

Coco Cooks: I wouldn’t call it successful, yet. But just keep putting your all in and trying. And most of all have fun. Don’t think you have to be an expert. Just keep growing and learning.

Curvatude: Well why don’t you think it’s successful yet?

Coco Cooks: I still have a long way to go. When you talk stats with others, they have me beat. I only get about 140 -200 hits a day. Decent but not the big leagues. But I find my followers are loyal so that’s good.

But people should just come and visit and check me out. I’m not a huge blogger, but I have a steady stream. I would rather post less and have better quality than to post just anything every day.

Curvatude: That makes sense. Well thank you for taking the time to chat with me.

Coco Cooks: Thanks for interviewing me.

I asked Glamah to share a recipe from her blog with us and she chose the Golden Beet Chicken Lasagna.

It looks yumm, check it out!

(At the time of this interview, Sept 9th, Glamah said that golden beets should still be in season and can be found at Whole Foods).

Web Trollin'

Here is another mix mash of sites that i have spent some time on recently.

zen habits is one of my favorite sites. there is always something to get you thinking and off your tail..the latest article 29 ways to successfully ingrain a behavior is no exception

i love everything that has to do with home life with the exception of chores, lol anyway this time of year i live on bhg and their 100 days of Holidays

and do you remember susan powter? she is still around fighting the good fight.

the folks on etsy have definitely pocketed a lot of my cash but i love supporting the sellers and i get really good stuff in return..here are two of my favs: knotty loops and isadora

and i visit this site when i want a feel good, yes people we CAN all be great moment

What are some of your favorite must visit websites?

Workin' Out My Curvatude

i am trying to spend more time in the gym working on keeping my curves nice and swerved and one of my must haves is music..

on the days that i forget to bring my ipod, i am miserable at the gym, especially at my new gym..they play some dull tunes and most of it aint the kind of music that makes you want to get pumpin..

so, i have to have my melodies with me...

here are some of the songs on my current playlists..

its a mix of really old and some newer stuff but it keeps me happily moving my butt at the gym

she's a bad mama jama - carl carlton (this is my theme song! i have loved it forever)
4 minutes - Madonna
i gotta feeling - black eyed peas
fame- donna summer
citizen of the planet - alanis morrisette
run this town - my hubby jay z
champion - kanye west
fast car - queen latifah
kick, push - lupe fiasco
single ladies - beyonce
golden - jill scott
day n night - kid cudi

what do you listen to to get pumped up?

What Size Does Plus Size Begin?

I am posting a 2012 version of this poll in Nov 2012. 

Stay tuned and I hope that you will add your thoughts!

I tweeted a poll asking the above question and the results are very interesting.

As you can see there is no consensus as to what size plus size begins.

The main response was at size 18 but it only beat out sizes 12-16 by one vote.

I would love to know the reasons why people choose the answers that they did.

I imagine that for some people like myself it was based on their own size or the size of people that they know.

I also know that there is a huge divide, especially amongst woman as to what is plus size and what is not and i am talking about real world and not the modeling world, which an entirely different beast, although there was all that hoopla recently about the size 14 model in mark fast's show.

I have been on plus size message boards where women actually got into nasty riffs because they were upset that someone who wasn't their definition of plus size was posting or asking questions about different things.

Its really a very interesting dynamic to witness.

I would love to hear from some of you women who come and take a peek on a daily basis at my blog!

Yes, i know you have been here and i appreciate it but this would be so much more enlightening if you left comments!

So, please chime in.

What size do you think plus size begins and why?

Thanks! (Note there were really great comments on this post from a variety of women but they didn't survive my switching over to the disqus commenting system...boo)

Rockin Curvatude

Happy Sunday Curvy World!

i started this blog hours ago but blogger was down! boo hoo! but anyway it gave me the chance to combine two into one so here ya go..

Its the end of summer and the beginning of the best time of the year, autumn and i am so looking forward to rockin sweaters!

i wear a wide variety of styles but i usually wear my longer ones with leggings

i wore a light version of the look yesterday.



Sweater: Grace Cashmere

Leggings: Forever21 - Faith21

Shoes: Payless

Bag: Coach (Parker Spring 09)

Scarf: Unknown

Bling: Forever 21 earrings, Ring, sterling unknown

today we spent the day chilling and thriftin' and we were supposed to go to the gym but never made it

but i wore this simple ensemble



Tunic: New York & Co

Leggings: New York & Co (got these free with the tunic purchase)

Shoes: Adidas

Bag: Coach (Parker Spring 09)

Hat: Pay 1/2

Bling: Earrings & Ring, sterling unknown

I am sorry I haven't been bringing the content as major regularly but i hope to correct that next week.

oh btw i tweeted a picture of this great purple nail polish sally hansen insta dri in purple



i love it. i will be wearing it a lot this fall

we just came back from stuffing our faces so i am totally going to chill now..

have a lovely night!

Magazine-a-Holic

i confess..i am a magazine freak.

and unlike how some people read every magazine of a particular category, saw fashion, i read magazines from almost every one i can think of..

from crafts, to of course fashion, to business to city specific.

so, i thought i would start a little feature where i highlight some of the things that have interested me the most from the rags..

i hope to post a few here and there...

Oct Elle Magazine

big love - the article about amy maclin and how her boyfriend telling her that he would be more attractive to her if she lost weight, changed her life

a great article that i think women of all sizes should read about self acceptance

i can't wait to get my hands on a botle or two of the new film noir collection from sephora by o.p.i - ridiculously rich colors... top pick: dark room

Sept - People StyleWatch

love these funky bangles from lulus.com - love the price (all 6 for $13) even more

promise this lil feature will be longer next time..

gotta run.

Rockin Curvatude

it dawned on me that i have never posted what i wear on my own blog..

mainly because usually by the time i get dressed there is no one home to photograph me and also because most days i am truly slummin it fashion wise..because of the type of day job i have and because i am usually just running around..

that's about to change..

tonight i went out to get some air with my honey.. (sorry, not the best pics - my honey took them (grudgingly) from my cell phone, gotta charge the real camera, not that i have bothered to learn how to work the settings on it but the pics are usually better)

it was a pretty laid back comfortable outfit







Dress: Ashley Stewart

Wrap: Lane Bryant (had in my purse because i knew it would get chilly)

Boots: Indigo by Clarks

Bag: Coach

Bling: Forever 21 earrings and bangles. Ring, sterling unknown

Emmy Style

The Emmys are tomorrow night and I can not wait to see what some of my favorites will be rockin.

Here is a little flashback of some of the looks from the past few years

Last year it was American Ferrera looked classic and very old Hollywood



In 2007, it was Queen Latifah wearing a beautiful flowing red number



In 2006 it was all tyra banks for me in this lovely sheer number



I will definitely blog my favorite looks this year!

Chattin Curvatude: The Curvy Coach

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kimmoy Matthews, The Curvy Coach about the great work that she is doing to help businesses connect with the plus size community.

She has really great insight into the business of plus size and how the consumer and the designers and manufacturers can better connect.

~~~~~~~~~~

Curvatude: First off, thank you for taking the time to chat with me. I really appreciate it.

Curvy Coach: Thanks for inviting me to do this, I'm honored.

Curvatude: Great, so let’s get started. Can you tell me how does one go from a B.S. in Electrical Engineering to being the Curvy Coach?

Curvy Coach: He he. Well, I've always loved technology & solving problems, so my Math teacher encouraged me to get my EE degree. However, as I grew to learn more about myself in college, I realized I was more of a people-person. So I shifted careers into the Business Consulting - Info. Technology industry.

The Curvy Coach evolved because I saw a need for entrepreneurs in the plus size industry. I couldn't sit back & watch people that look like me struggle with their businesses, so I launched the Curvy Coach to help both aspiring & experienced business owners.

Curvatude: Ok, and what have you found that is common amongst the companies that you have worked with that are smart enough to appreciate the plus size consumer?

Curvy Coach: Those who are smart enough recognize that truly paying attention to what the consumer wants is the key to success, and using very specific marketing strategies are necessary to appeal to the plus size consumer.

Something as simple as featuring "real women" in your marketing and advertising makes a huge difference in revenue.

Curvatude: Yes, it’s about making the connection. Reflecting your customer. Seems so basic in my mind.

Curvy Coach: Absolutely. It is basic, but I'm sure you have seen some websites or catalogs that are supposed to be for the plus size woman but the models are size 2. There's a major disconnect.

Curvatude: A major disconnect. And it’s sad because some of them have been in the game a long time!

Curvy Coach: I think many businesses try to go on the "this is what I hope to look like" model, but it's not always the right thing to do.

Curvatude: It’s almost a form of disrespect to me at times. I think you connect when you appreciate and validate not alienate.

Curvy Coach: I agree 100%!

Curvatude: You wrote a blog post titled 7 Reasons Why You Should Be A Plus-Size Friendly Entrepreneur.

Why do you think certain businesses do not consider the plus size market a viable, profitable market? I mean the reasons you listed seem like no brainers to me.

Curvy Coach: One of the reasons is how beauty is defined in the industry. “Sizism” is very strong, so marketing firms do not want to take the risk of not appealing to the mass.

There's also the stigma of promoting obesity when you market to the plus size community.

Curvatude: Seems kind of backwards when plus size IS essentially the mass.

Curvy Coach: Yes, it is backwards thinking and doesn't make any business sense. The fashion industry in particular has been driven by designers' ideals of beauty & not the real world so to speak.

Curvatude: Speaking of which, as we know fashion is a very emotionally charged issue for the plus size community.

I get the fantasy aspect of fashion and how designers want to be associated with a particular image but I am still perplexed as to how making clothes for plus size women that are well made and attractive cannot be viewed as a win win.

I mean they could really get to prove their chops by taking their design ideas and making them work on real bodies.

Curvy Coach: Well fashion is not always meant to be practical; it is self-expression and an art in and of itself. For example, there are Avant-garde pieces that no one would ever wear regardless of their size.

You do have designers out there who are inspired by the shape of a woman's body, and those are the ones who do extremely well with women like you and me.

I think one of the key things missing in the plus size fashion world is education.

Many women don't know their measurements, they're not keen to reviewing size charts, and don't experiment with clothing lines as much.

Curvatude: Yes of course fashion is about self expression and there is a lot of it I would not want to wear at any size.

And yes, I totally agree regarding the education aspect, on both ends. And I agree that a lot of women don’t know things like their measurements but…

Curvy Coach: Exactly, big box companies have the power to manufacture clothing on a massive level, but if they're not creating designs based on what the consumer wants, they flop and may cease production as we have seen in recent news.

Curvatude: I mean the drag on the racks at times is a major drag in the worse sense.

And while the big boxes choose to come and go, (as far as manufacturing stylish plus size clothes) do you not think that ultimately it’s our fault?

I mean money talks.

Why are plus size women not treating their money with the value it deserves and withholding it?

Finding seamstresses or small designers who can make what they want? Supporting each other on both ends, designer and customer. After all we are all in the same boat.

Curvy Coach: I'm not sure we are to blame. Companies and even solo entrepreneurs fall prey to creating a product first and then hoping consumers will buy. It doesn't work like that anymore.

Again, it goes back to education. Not many women even think of tailoring as an option! There are so many plus fashion designers that no one knows about. So lack of marketing and education plays a role in this dilemma.

Curvatude: And that's where you come in. How are you reaching your clients?

Curvy Coach: Currently, I reach clients outside of the plus size industry through a local class I teach on Entrepreneurship. The Curvy Coach is fairly new so I've been able to penetrate the market through networking, joint ventures, and social media.

Curvatude: What's the most challenging aspect of your business?

Curvy Coach: I think the most challenging part is getting people to treat their business as a business. It seems to me that many are doing this for fun or as a side gig, so it's not always clear to define whether they want to move to the next level or not.

Curvatude: And I assume that's about education also. But tell me, what do you love most about your business?

Curvy Coach: Definitely interacting with the people. The community is so friendly and supportive. I enjoy helping people with whatever business needs they have.

As a business consultant/coach, I get to work on a variety of businesses so it's never boring! It's a very rewarding position to be in.

Curvatude: Last but not least, what are your goals for the Curvy Coach going forward?

Curvy Coach: My goal is to provide the training and tools that entrepreneurs in the plus size business world need to achieve success.

I'm in the pre-launch phase of my Unleash Your Magnificence & Marketing online workshop.

My long term goal is to eventually work with corporate companies so that we as a community become the norm in mass media.

Curvatude: Well thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me. I really appreciate it. Perhaps we will get a chance to work together.

Curvy Coach: Thank you! You asked really great thought-provoking questions and I'm sure we'll cross paths soon.

Find out more about The Curvy Coach's Unleash Your Magnificence & Marketing online workshop here.

Ignite Your Persona Competition

Queen Latifah and the folks @ Covergirl have a new competition going on and the winner gets to open for the Queen herself during her national tour.

To enter, create a one-minute video performance showcasing the Queen Latifah persona that fits you best along with a 250-words or less spiel on why you deserve to ignite your Persona and you may be on your way..

Sounds like fun and although i am not up to it, i am sure there are plenty of girls with Curvatude out there who could set this contest off with wicked entries!

More details here

Playing Dress Up!

Halloween is essentially the start of my favorite time of the year.

i love it and all the dressing up and getting into character..

last year i was the the Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra

and the year before that i was a seriously demented dead person..



this is me and my honey acting out before going out to be a part of the the annual Northhalsted street parade, which i love and will participate in as long as i continue to live in Chicago..its soooo much fun!

i am still debating as to what i will be this year.

i keep trying to get my honey to go as a priest while i am a naughty nun but alas no dice..

i am leaning towards sexy this year but i am not trying to freeze my butt off, after all its october in chicago..i don't do that suffering for fashion thang..

i also have to make sure that the shoes are comfortable because its a long parade route and there is a lot of standing around in line beforehand.

here are a couple more pics from the parade (that's me on the right..and was that angel rockin the pasties or what?)



this is just two examples of how all out folks go for this parade...

i always say i want to make a costume but i have to be realistic, with all of the other things on my plate, i just don't have the time, so store bought it will be.

here are some of the ones that i am considering..

first up..who ya gonna call?

why a sexy ghost buster of course! I like this one. I don't recall ever seeing it in the parade and its definitely sexy..although if it really fits like it looks in the pic, i will have to be seriously tapped into it..because my boobs are real.. unlike the models!

or maybe i will be bat girl

i have never been one and i like the idea of being a super "heroess"

.

or maybe i will be a pirate wench..i really like this one..maybe my honey can go as a pirate



i love the color of it..i don't love that i have to buy the petticoat and hat separately but maybe

decisions, decisions..

HELP!!

Biggest Loser in 5

I have decided that this season I will write up my thoughts about the Biggest Loser episodes by answering five simple questions.

So here we go...

Best Moment: When Shay realized that there is no walking out. that as the heaviest person ever on the eight seasons of the show she needs to get the hell over the drama...and make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity..

Worst Moment: All that throwing up and crying & whining. I just can't stand it. If I was on the show, yeah I would probably be crying but trust me, you would not hear a single whine come out of my mouth. Its insulting to all of the people who tried out and really wanted and needed to be there. SUCK IT UP!!

Most Shocking Moment: Without a doubt the first weigh in, especially when Shay weighed in at 479 pounds. It totally threw me for a loop. That is almost twice my weight.

Least Shocking Moment: When Sean had no idea that he had Type 2 Diabetes. Why? Because I can only imagine that there are so many of us walking around without a clue as to what is going on inside of our bodies. Walking around in denial. Very scary.

The Weigh In/Elimination:

Shay (-17) See what happens when you stop whining a bit and get to work

Daniel (-12) I love Daniel. So glad that he came back.

Amanda (-6) Obviously its sucks when folks are pulling down double digits and you lose only 6 but she is smaller than most of the players

Rebecca (-18) Totally came though for her team.

Rudy - (-28) Nice!

Dina (-8) Lucky for her she is with Rudy and he has a lot to lose so his numbers should be pretty high, especially in the beginning

Antone (-18) Good number

Sean (-22) Nice. I expect him to pull large numbers as long as he is there.

Danny (-24) Great number

Liz - (-10) Older gal representing

Allen (-19) Great speech realizing that he needs to be there for him

Abby (-15) Sad that she has lost so much in her life that death does not scare her but she is so inspiring

Alexandra (13) How quickly we turn on our partner and judge. I am sure he did all that he could just as she did and he is already kicking himself, he didn't need your foot in it too..

Julio (-13) Sucks for him, especially that his partner called him out like she did on the friggin scale

Mo (-19) Yeah coach! I like him already.

Up for elimination: Alexandra and Julio.

They chose Alexandra and Honestly I would have done the same. I just sensed that she would have been an issue and I detest that calling her partner out on the scale moment.

Fine if she was thinking it but that was not the right thing to do on the scale.

She looked great on the update from home having lost 60 pounds and I hope that she can come back as a contender for the at home winner

Next weeks clincher: Will they reach the 150 pounds total and keep everyone on the ranch or not?

Til next week.

Vogue: 100 under $100

Vogue posted a list of 100 items under $100 as a companion piece to Fashion Night Out 2009

While I think its a nice feature, the pop ups on the site were beyond aggravating. I mean I totally understand wanting to make money but jeez..it ruins the experience if after every couple of clicks there is a new ad to close down and especially if some of the ads WONT close!

Anyway, here are some of the items from the list that stood out for me..

The alice + olivia for Payless Park Sweater Wedge Boot

Curations Cutout Handbag

Classic Keds

Old Navy Wool Peacoat

Forever21 Tinseled Tear Drops

Mossimo Satin Wrap Trench

Viv Mag celebrates Beverly Johnson

It's the 35th Anniversary of her historic Vogue Cover!

(click pic to read)

Web Trollin'

just a few of the spots i have hit up on the web this week

the shoegoddess is giving away a $2,000 gift card from vivre

instyle has 3 must have manicures as a part of their fall trends feature (i am totally in love with the mixed metals look)

the new york times fashion & style section highlights some of the behind the scenes action during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

emitations is giving away a twilight inspired package worth over $500

the beauty girls are giving away over $10,000 in prizes

the luxaholics are giving away a $425 Linea Pelle Handbag

polyvore is giving away a grab bag of New York Fashion Week exclusive goodies

The Fat Acceptance Movement

I just watched this segment on the Today Show and while I initially took umbrage with the title, because I don't need other peoples acceptance to accept myself, I loved the way this discussion progressed

For one, it confirmed my love for Emme.

She continues to remind us that our worth does not come from the scale.

I actually don't even own a scale and even when I am weighed I don't give it much thought in the "traditional" sense.

Being from a family with multiple familial health issues, I think of my body more in terms of what it means to my health.

Most people can not look at me and guess my weight because of my height and the way my weight is distributed.

And I have worked out a lot during my life and have quite a bit of muscle mass under this lush plusness..

But I can honestly say that I love my curves and I don't just say that to psyche myself into feeling good about myself.

I say it because I mean it.

I love the way my girls look in a nice v neck and the way my butt looks in jeans.

I work out (semi regularly at the moment) and I currently eat mainly a raw diet and not because I was trying to lose weight because I had an "issue" with my body but simply because I have medical issues that can be improved by eating better and releasing weight.

And those two things are not exclusive to fat folks' health.

As Dr.Snyderman pointed out, fat people can be healthy and skinny people can be unhealthy.

One of the things that stood out that really wasn't explored was the statement made by Dr.Snyderman that some "doctors don't like taking care of obese people"

I mean really! I had to rewind that and take that in again.

How much more ridiculous can this bias be?

That now even doctors, the people we entrust with our medical care, are on some fat hate ish too!

WOW!

Anyway, the person who really hit a home run for me was newsweek.com's Health and Lifestyle editor, Kate Dailey.

She spoke about the obvious. "The way you look in your jeans is not a good measure of how healthy you are".

Sounds simple enough that you would think people would understand it but alas..if they did, there wouldn't have been a need for the segment or this post..

She summarized the "real fat acceptance movement" and how its about accepting yourself and doing the things that make you healthier and happier and essentially give you a richer life.

Not about if your weight meets others standards and thereby gives them carte blanche to judge and define what it should be.

When will people learn that degrading and denigrating does not make people into what you want them to be.

She also cowrote a great must read article titled "America's War on the Overweight".

It speaks partially to the "psychological phenomenon known as the fundamental attribution error, a basic belief that whatever problems befall us personally are the result of difficult circumstances, while the same problems in other people are the result of their bad choices"

Which is huge.

Because I completely believe that it is one of the main components in this so called "war".

She said that they are going to post a gallery of people who are "fit and fat" later today. (I will add it when its up)

UDATE: The Fit and Fat feature is up!

Lastly, there is a another great article on newsweek.com (i need to spend more time there) titled "Who Says Americans Are Too Fat?" that questions and offers some responses to the whole idea of being fat equating to an increase in the risk of death, to the validity of the BMI and provides information related to the fact that a person can be fat and healthy.

It's 9-9-09!

And in honor of it, I thought I would post a little vignette of things that are $9.99 or less based on how I like to spend some of my nights pampering myself!

Start off with a little pepperminty pampering for your feet. There is nothing better than a nice scrub with a hint of peppermint to revive your hardworking toots.

Next up, a warm bath. (is there anything better?)

Use this to slough off the scruff of the day from the rest of your body and your skin will thank you.

Afterwards, perhaps you can relax with a nice glass of vino while you do a bit of reading.

Two possible selections: First, a really cool book for the curvy tween or teen in our lives and those of us who's teenage years have long since come and gone but who still loves a good plus size empowerment book.

Or how about a much more serious but just as life affirming book, such as this.

And of course you need something comfortable to relax in while you read, so this comfy set should do the trick very nicely.

Last but not least, exhale..

Plus Size Diva Weddings: Andi & Danny

This is a post from my old blog Plus Size Diva. The lovely couple were married a yr ago but it's one of my favorites so I thought I would share it here.

All you Plus Size Brides to Be, take note!

Welcome to the first edition of Plus Size Diva Weddings.

Our first lovely couple is Andi & Danny and they just got married this month!



Andi sent me some really great emails detailing her experience and I am excited to share it with you!

ENJOY!

What is/was your wedding date? August 9, 2008

Can you describe the proposal?

We had been dating nearly a year. It was New Year's Day. We decided to go to a local park. It was freezing outside so we first stopped by starbucks so I could get a cup of coffee. This local park is situated around a river with a waterfall in the heart of downtown.

(I'm attaching a picture of the park so you can get an idea of what it is like).


All around the park there are benches and swings. We sat down and cuddled up on one of the swings closest to the falls. I made a comment about how beautiful and perfect that moment was.

Then he stood up, reached in his pocked and dropped to one knee. He had to remind me what he said because I was so focused on the ring. But he said something like he would be so happy if I would be his wife.

The ring is an engagement ring that belonged to his mother, who passed away about 10 years ago (his dad passed away about 6 years ago). By wearing this ring, it feels as though we have his parents' blessing.

What was/is the most difficult part of planning your wedding?

Working with so many people. It is so hard to get so many people's schedules coordinated at the same time.

What was/is the most fun part of planning your wedding?

Honestly...either picking out my dress or the cake tasting

If there was/is one thing you would do differently what would it be?

Elope or do a small destination wedding at Disney World...or not get married the year I graduate college and start Graduate School...seriously I start grad school a few days after I get back from my honeymoon!

What advice would you offer to other brides?

Give yourself time. Don't get overwhelmed. It is a lot to do, but everything will come together.

What were/are your honey moon plans? Going to Disney World for a week!

What else could you share about your experience?

As a plus sized bride, I have had mixed experiences.

One of the first things I did, was go to look for a dress. I'll be honest, I was scared to go looking for a dress. When my fiance proposed I was at the largest size I have been at my life. I weighed 240 lbs, and wore a size 22.

I didn't want to go to one of the snooty bridal salons that specialize in couture wedding gowns, afraid that they'd take one look at me and say, "Ha we don't have anything in your size!"

I decided to take the safer route and shop at David's Bridal, where I know dresses go up to a size 28. I will admit, pickings were slim in my size. I saw racks and racks of size 8 dresses, but only a small corner dedicated to a size 22. I tried on my first dress.

I was scared that in this white dress, I was going to look larger than I was. White isn't a slimming color. How could I look good in white! I have a very peaches and cream complexion, wouldn't white wash me out? I glanced in the mirror and loved what I saw.

Its just something about a wedding dress.

Any woman of any size can put one on and instantly look beautiful. I tried on 5 dresses that day. I was torn between the first and the third dresses I tried on. In the end, the third dress I tried on triumphed.

It was beautiful. It made me feel like a princess.

The dress had intricate beading around the bosom and down the train. Underneath my bust, the dress gathered with delicate chiffon and floated down. Despite me being a size 22 I felt like the most beautiful woman in the world.

There was an old woman there to watch her granddaughter try on dresses. However she kept paying me more attention than her granddaughter (and even admitted to it). She kept telling me how gorgeous I was.

One of the bridal consultants (also a plus sized woman) came over to tell me just how beautiful I looked. She remarked to my mom that often plus sized girls are scared to come in and try on gowns, but I looked beautiful. She remarked on my delicate features and the fact that the dress was just as delicate and soft as I was.

Then I was moved to another area to see the back of my gown. What do I know, I am trying on the same dress with a girl half my size. But, several people remarked that the dress looked better on me!

Most brides try desperately to lose weight before their wedding day.

Not me. No crash diets for me.

When I tried on that dress, I loved the way it fit and looked on me. I didn't want to risk losing too much weight where it wouldn't fit me right. I've lost about 15 lbs since the beginning of the year. The dress is a little loose, but still fits.

I've had to listen to my bridesmaids talk about wanting to lose weight.

My maid of honor is my best friend and a size 8. She said she doesn't want to look fat. But in comparison...I'm a 20 (yeah I did drop a size). One of my other bridesmaids is a 14 and the other (my sister-in-law) is a size 16 and will be 6 months pregnant.

It irritates me that my sister-in-law and my other bridesmaid comment about how great they look in their dresses (I really did an awesome job picking out dresses), yet my maid of honor who could look good in a paper bag is complaining about her non-existent arm fat.

I've had people ask me if I'm going to try to lose weight for my wedding. No, I'm trying to lose weight for me. Any weight that I have lost this year is more of a result of the stress from planning a wedding on my own!

When I get stressed I tend to clench my jaw a lot, and it makes my TMJ problems worse, to the point eating is painful. So yay for me! (YES YAY FOR YOU!!)

All in all, any negativity incurred has been from outside sources, expecting me to fill a particular role.

Brides are supposed to want to be their skinniest on their wedding day.

However, I just want to be my happiest.

My fiance is the most wonderful man I have ever met. I am excited to spend the rest of my life with him...and feel like a princess in the process.

--

As you can see Andi is a Plus Size Diva in every sense of the word. She is fierce, confident, open and honest!

And more importantly, she "gets it": That a wedding and all that goes with it, (and a life really) is about doing the things that make YOU happy!!

I love that!

Back to School Plus Size Style

Today the President of the United States gave a rousing back to school speech encouraging our children to strive to be their best.

The speech reminded me that we all need to always strive to be our best. To not doubt our path but to recommit and reaffirm.

One of my curvy tweeps, the fat and the skinny tweeted

and I cosigned because i felt totally motivated by it.

Motivated to move forward with this new journey of mine that has started with this blog and that i am working to make into something bigger and more life enhancing for the plus size community

It's not the only area but a huge part of my goals are related to fashion. simply because i think it is a really big influence in our lives.

it has so much to do with our confidence, our creative expression and how we see ourselves in the world.

That's why we are always so vocal and insulted that the fashion world (which I love) continues to treat us like unwanted stepchildren although we are more and more becoming the majority size wise.

So part of my goal is to work to bring fashion to the plus size masses in a way that respects and celebrates our bodies.

Its a very ambitious goal, seeing it as I do not have any fashion training whatsoever. But i know what I think works and I am committed to making sure plus size women feel good and have real options.

I also know that it will require a lot of work but I am up for the challenge.

I thrive off of challenges and look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Alas, I hope the children of our fair country (and around the world) get to hear the President's speech and really take it in.

That they really personalize it and tailor it to their lives and use it, as I choose to, as the impetus for a future so bright they have to wear shades!

Pins & Needles Plus Size Style

The entire fashion world is on pins and needles in anticipation of the Mercedes Fashion Week coming up in New York Sept 10th - 17th.

Its the big to do every year and i am sure this year will be no exception.

But while of course it would be fun to be in the midst of all that glamor and glitz, I don't think most of us plus size girls will come away feeling all that eager to run to the racks.

Thankfully, the lucky plus size shopaholics in New York will get to exercise their fashion week obsession at Re/Dress New York and their Indie Designer Trunk Show.

I had a chance to chat with the founder of Re/Dress NYC, Deb Malkin to get a little more insight into Re/Dress NYC, the upcoming show and her future plans.

Re/Dress NYC: Hi.

Curvatude: Hello, how are you? Thanks for agreeing to this chat.

What was the impetus behind Re/Dress NYC and why do you think it’s so successful?

Re/Dress NYC: Well Re/Dress NYC is the kind of store I always wanted to shop in but couldn't. We have other stores that are similar but they don't carry plus sizes. I knew from my experience working at alight.com and creating the Fat Girl Flea Market fundraisers that our community was ready for a fashion forward resale store with a killer vintage collection.

A lot of our success is because we make our customers very happy. Our contemporary clothing selection is only the cutest styles from your favorite brands at more than 1/2 off the original retail price.

Also we have the largest selection of plus size vintage clothing in the country, it's in close to mint condition and priced very well. Unlike shopping online women can actually try on their dream vintage dress.

And because we buy clothing from our customers, women can now empty out their closest of what they're not wearing, turn it into store credit or cash and buy new to them clothing they will wear.

Curvatude: Which is such a great idea.

Re/Dress NYC: Having a closet full of clothing that is the wrong size or wrong style can be very emotionally taxing. At Re/Dress NYC we encourage women to dress themselves their best for today. Which doesn't have to mean expensively, but it's about not waiting to lose 10 pounds before treating yourself right.

Curvatude: As a plus size woman I totally appreciate what you are doing. I especially love what you have coming up, The Indie Designer Trunk show on Sept 12th.

Can you tell me a bit about how that came about?

Re/Dress NYC: Sure, I know these amazing designers. I wanted to show off the unique and one of kind fashions they create, so lucky me I have a store and can bring the designer and the customer together.

It's a labor of love, about extending the reach for plus size women to express who they are through fashion. We have so many fewer options than our smaller counterparts.

So these indie designers are hard at work making one of a kind retro-inspired clothing which they either sell locally or on the internet. I wanted to give them a chance to shine and be seen.

We're going to have a fashion show and then the trunk show is all day.

Curvatude: Sounds like it will be an incredible event. I hate I am all the way in Chicago and will miss it.

Speaking of which I know you mentioned how great it is to be able to come into the shop and try on the clothes as opposed to online but for those who live far away, do you have any plans to sell online?

Re/Dress NYC: Right now the only styles we sell online are our Abby Z fashions. So because most of what we sell is one of a kind we're not going to put it online. It's time intensive and takes it off the floor for our customers.

We were able to acquire Abby Z's inventory when her Soho store closed and that we have more than one piece of. It's on our ebay store.

Curvatude: Ok, one last question: What are your plans for Re/Dress NYC going forward?

Re/Dress NYC: I would like to open more Re/Dress stores in cities around the country. I'm inspired by the work that Buffalo Exchange does and think that the time is right for resale to be a viable shopping alternative for plus size women.

After I have a year of Re/Dress NYC under my belt I will start looking at other cities. Who knows, maybe Chicago will be one of them.

Curvatude: That would be great! I look forward to it and I know you are busy. Thank you so much for taking time out to chat with me.

Re/Dress NYC: You're so welcome. Thank you for what you do. We all need to keep up the good fashion fight!

Curvatude: Yes! Good luck with the show and I can not wait to get back to NYC and check you guys out!

Re/Dress NYC: Sounds great!

Get up to date information on Re/Dress NYC and the Indie Trunk Show here.

Christian Siriano

I was visiting one of my favorite blogs: The Curvy Fashionista and i saw that Marie Denee posted several pictures of the line coming to payless from Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano.

A couple of weeks ago i posted this shoe, the Sandstrap Peep Toe as a "Rock Now" item (they are still on the section of my OnSugar site which I haven't updated yet) only to find now that they have since pulled them from the site!



I didn't buy them for a couple of reasons, the 4 inch + heel which this girl just can not rock on the regular and i didn't see them in a size 11.

But Payless what gives?

Where are the shoes?

LOL

From the internet buzz, the girls will be tripping all over themselves for these!

Anyway, I assume that they are probably going to hit the shoe racks after Fashion Week

Stay tuned..

God, I love fall and the change in fashion!!!!!

Jump!

if you love really unique shoes, as i do, i think you will love the shoes from jump on sale now @ Beyond the Rack.

here are a few of the styles






they are so cool! 100% leather and nothing is over $49

i wanted that brown shanghai boot but they are out of my size!!!

i like quite a few of them so i am still debating which to get but i need to hurry up and figure it out..the sale ends tomorrow @ 1pm est

UPDATE: I got a version of the last boot! Can't wait to see it in person! And of course I will blog about it

Color-Blocked!

there are quite a few gorgeous color blocked pieces showing up on the racks lately..

some of my fav's

Ashley Stewart Ponti Color blocked dress - i love the color combination and how form fitting this one is.


Igigi Marie Color Block Dress in Purple - i love the color combination on this one also and the cinched waist


Trixxi Plus Size Strapless Colorblock Dress - i normally would not do strapless but this summer and the discovery of the seamless 5 way convertible bra changed all of that! this is a great going out on the town dress at a really sweet price.