What I Wore... Celebrating with The Curvy Fashionista

This past Saturday night I stepped out in West Hollywood, along with with PLUS Model Magazine and LA's plus fashion elite, at Phillipe Chow in West Hollywood to celebrate the "3 Year Blogiversary" Party for The Curvy Fashionista.
I normally do not do OOTD or "What I Wore" posts, but since the event I have been receiving lots of emails, complimenting me on my ensemble, and asking me questions about everything I was wearing, head to toe (even my bra- LOL), so I figured since I have had such an overwhelming response, I would take a moment to celebrate the outfit and answer everyones questions.

So... here it goes!

My dress was Rachel Pally White Label

Long Sleeve Maxi Dress in Black Snake Print

with designer, Rachel Pally... It was a complete coincidence that her and I wore the same dress, and it made for a perfect twinsie moment! What a great way to showcase her designs on two completely different body types and celebrate the diversity of her line!

I absolutely ADORE Rachel Pally White Label, have styled several of my clients in her designs and have featured the brand numerous times over the years in my "Reah's Style File" feature in PLUS Model Magazine , but I am sort of embarrassed to say that this is the FIRST RP dress I have ever owned!  I feel like this dress was made for me- the length is perfect (even with my heels on), and it flattered my curves in all the right places. I felt SO cozy and comfortable, yet still chic all night long! The fabric is so soft that everyone kept petting me! Ha!

My hair and makeup was done by celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist, Nikki V

I purchased my RP dress online from Nordstrom

Black Embellished "Hyde" Clutch by Shoedazzle 

Black Studded Peep Toe Booties by Lane Bryant (not pictured)

Purple & Gold Statement Necklace by Stephan & Co for Nordstrom

Gold Nested Diamond Shape Earrings by Rachel Roy

I even received an email asking me about my bra on Saturday night... I was wearing the Lane Bryant Cacique Plunge Bra, which is always my go-to bra when I am wearing low-cut tops and dresses.

Here are some of the party pics:

My partner in crime, Tulin Emre, Marketing & Creative Director for PLUS Model Magazine

Tulin wearing Eloquii

Team PLUS Model Magazine

Jill Alexander of Jill Alexander Designs and Marina Zelner of Queen Grace Collection

My dear friend, Plus Model and AdoraOm Curvy Consultant, Danielle Line

Danielle is wearing Anna Scholz

My beautiful friends (left to right):

One of the most fashionable women I know, Ivory Jinelle

Plus Model Tess Munster

and

Nikki V, Celebrity Makeup Artist and creator of Nikki V Beverly Hills Cosmetics

Monique Frausto, owner & editor of Curves and Chaos, 

and Shopping Editor for PLUS Model Magazine

Plus Model Toccara

I had a great time on Saturday night mingling, catching up with friends, sipping cocktails and celebrating with team PMM and friends.  Congratulations Marie on 3 successful years! 

There's Room for Every Body

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." 

~ Eleanor Roosevelt, 'This is my Story', 1937

My plus size life is...

Hectic, full of love, fulfilling, strong, challenging, hopeful, ambitious, but most of all... active!

I am a size 20. 

In a typical work day, I am early to rise, late to sleep, running around town pulling clothing for shoots or doing returns, schlepping shopping bags, garment bags and rolling racks, running errands, meeting clients, and working on set.  

I am a size 20.  

I exercise with Boot Camp LA whenever my schedule permits, take walks in my neighborhood, hike Runyon Canyon, ride my beach cruiser on the boardwalk in Santa Monica, do Bikram Yoga, take bellydancing classes, and hit the gym.  

I am a size 20.

Staying active is not always about loosing weight or being thin.  There are a lot of thin people who are not "healthy" or living an active lifestyle.  No one is placing judgement on them, so why us? Not all plus size people are fast food junkie couch potatoes who do not value their health. Being active is about having a healthy mind, body, and soul.  Sometimes just getting out there into the sunshine, breathing in fresh air, and changing your perspective.  

Am I always consistent with my workout regimen- no!

Is it sometimes hard to maintain balance in my life and take time out for myself- yes! 

Do I sometimes have to force myself- yes!

Is this because I am plus size- NO!!! It is because I am imperfectly HUMAN!

The bottom line is this...

- MY body is MY business

- My weight is NOT my worth

- The only people that should be concerned with my weight and my health are ME and my doctor!

Now that I have had my little rant, and my perspective is clear...

A few weeks ago I was lucky to be invited to the VIP lucheon introducing the brand new plus size luxury activewear collection, AdoraOm, which is made with high quality fabrics that smooth and flatter our curves, and cater exclusively to the plus size fashionista size 14W-24W. It was a beautiful LA afternoon and we had the opportunity to try the brand new luxury plus size activewear collection first hand, while enjoying yummy food and great company.

with AdoraOm model and Curvy Consultant, Danielle Line

Factor's Deli in Los Angeles, CA

with Tulin Reid, Executive Marketing & Creative Director 

for PLUS Model Magazine, and "P90X" warrior!

Co-founder Stacey Goldstein with AdoraOm model Heather Justice

Co-founder Julie explaining all the details of the line

Here is a bit about how the line came to be...

Three Women. Three Lives. Three Stories.

"AdoraOm came to life in the gym. While taking a cycling class, co-founder Stacey, noticed that there were no plus size gals. Were they intimidated by group fitness? Did they not have the right fitness clothes? Stacey approached Julie, her friend and yoga instructor, to ask these questions. Julie often wondered the same. Where do full figured women find activewear in a world of well dressed yogis? Then came Jodi, a sports enthusiast with a garment industry background, to complete the circle.

The three founders met in a local coffee shop to begin their journey in changing the lives of plus size women everywhere. Our logo, the "Triskillion," is an ancient symbol that represents our circle. Three women coming together to encourage, inspire and motivate you.

(excerpt from the "About Us" section of their website)

AdoraOm understands that everybody, regardless of size, needs encouragement to embark on a healthy journey. What we wear, like a good hair day, can make a huge difference, and their goal is to provide us plus size women with activewear that will make us look and feel special.

Wearing the "My Game Face Top" and "All About Me Pant" (in long) with Co-founder Stacey Goldstein and AdoraOm model & Curvy Ambassador, Danielle Line

The "I'm Outta Here Jacket"

After trying on the entire line and seeing first hand, how amazing it is, I am a true believer! The pants come in LONG (34" inseam), which is essential for me, since I am 5'11".  The AdoraOm team genuinely cares about plus size women, and is committed to helping us look and feel our best.  

I already placed my order and I am so inspired to get out there and show the positive side of plus in my AdoraOm!  I hope this amazing new brand is inspiring to all of you as well!

What do you enjoy doing do to keep your plus size body active?

***Photos courtesy of Kevin Bailey Photography***

Finding the Balance

Seems like lately, whenever someone asks me what's been going on and how I am doing, I find myself answering the same way... 

"I'm great, busy with work... I am so blessed to do what I love for a living, I just have a hard time finding the balance".  

This year has been a complete whirlwind, and I cannot believing that it's already November 1st! Wow! Seriously- where does the time go? 

As you can see... my last blog post here on my personal blog was back in April, and I can honestly say that was the last time I was actually able to stop and compose my thoughts into a post.  You have probably seen my various blog posts on Evans Fashion Fix, City Chic's Inside Chic, Sealed With a Kiss Designs, and of course, PLUS Model Magazine... between working on projects with all these awesome plus size companies, styling photo shoots, working with personal clients, design consulting, and traveling to NYC for styling projects,  I find it hard to maintain my own blog, much less other things in my personal life.  Since I have been under a "work rock" I have let other things fall by the wayside, and as much as I would like to think I am a superwoman, I can never find the balance of work and personal life.

 

Today is 11.01.11 and it only seems right that this date marks a fresh start! Two more months left in the year and I am committing to myself to live a balanced life.

So, that being said- what does this mean to me:

- going to bed before midnight

- exercising/being active every day

- calling my family and friends every week

- scheduling "date night" with my boyfriend at least once a week

- placing time frames on tasks and sticking to them

- being less of a control freak perfectionist (which, ironically tends to hold me back from being productive)

Ok- that is my list... seems easy and basic, but these are the things I am missing in my hectic schedule and that I feel will help me stay focused and grounded. 

What do you do to maintain the balance in your life? I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

xo

Re

"About Face"- A New Perspective on Photographic Portraiture

I recently had an amazing opportunity to be photographed by world renowned photographer, Wahb Mabkhout, along with fellow plus models Danielle Line, Denise Bidot, Davie Cabral, Rosie Mercado, Heather Justice, Audrey DeLano, and Kelsey Olson, for a mixed media photography exhibit called "About Face"... in this exhibit, Wahb offers a celebration of the '40s and '50s portrait photography and the glamour divas he is mostly passionate about, such as Sophia Lauren, Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page. For this collection of portraits Wahb worked with eight curvaceous California models.  

Wahb says: "For my creative expressions, these full figured and incredibly beautiful women became my muses to become one of the advocates of the changes within the modeling and fashion industries to end the size-zero era."

***Photo courtesy of all models involved... collage courtesy of PLUS Model Magazine blog***

Here is a little preview...

Wahb and me

Davie Cabral, Wahb Mabkout, Audrey DeLano and Reah Norman

Heather Justice and Wahb

Wahb and Kelsey Olson

Wahb and Denise Bidot

Wahb with Kelsey Olsen and Danielle Line

Wahb and Rosie Mercado
***All photos above courtesy of Wahb Mabkhout***

We had an amazing team:

Photography- Wahb Mabkhout

Styling- Reah Norman

Hair- Bahram Rasizadeh

Makeup- Liza Macawili and Aliana Moss

In conjunction with the Miracle Mile Art Walk and MOPLA (Month of Photography Los Angeles), this exhibit features the works of 9 incredible artists.

Franklin Londin

Aline Smithson

Tim Sabatino

Paula Kayne

Anna Stump

Wahb Mabkhout

Pascal Giacomini

Stéphane Tourné

Ted Meyer

About Face puts a new twist on conventional photographic works – incorporating mixed media with traditional portraiture.

This exhibit opens Saturday April 9th, 2011.

7pm - 10pm

This exhibit begins April 9th, 2011 and runs through May 10th, 2011. 

The Loft at Liz's

453 S. La Brea  LA 90036

A casual chat with the exhibiting artists will take place at The Loft at Liz’s in conjunction with the Miracle Mile Art Walk on Saturday April 16th from 4-5pm.

For additional information or media inquiries please contact our gallery director, Randi Kreeft at (323) 939-4403 ext. 6 or e-mail: randi@theloftatlizs.com

My Favorite Things...

I have decided to start a special series of blog posts dedicated to MY favorite things.... random, personal, silly, everyday, special, useful (and sometimes not) things that I love and use in my daily life, so here are two of my favorite things to get started...


The "Smooth Balconette Bra" from Cacique~
Sorry if this is TMI, but believe it or not, I get almost daily compliments (from women) on how great my chest looks in my tops and blouses.  I know how difficult it is for women with large breasts to find a great bra, and I have tried A LOT of them for my DDD's, so I am letting you all in on my secret...
I owe this greatness, not only to my family genes for blessing me with being well endowed, but also to Cacique Lane Bryant for "The Smooth Balconette" bra.  I seriously love this bra and I wear it EVERY single day.  I have like 20 of them- no joke!!! I keep several different styles of bras in my wardrobe such as strapless, plunge, and sports bras of course, but 99.9% of the time I wear "The Smooth Balconette" bra.

Photo courtesy of www.lanebryant.com

Reasons I love this bra:
-It is a full-coverage bra with cushioned straps that are thick enough for support, but still thin enough to wear with a tank top
- The material is very smooth, so it is great to wear underneath all fabrics
- It is low-cut in the front so you can wear it with lower cut tops
... and most importantly, it has hidden underwire and shaped cups... this is what makes the girls "stand at attention"!!!
If you have not tried this bra, you should seriously go now and check it out, just make sure that you are wearing the correct size to ensure a proper fit! The Cacique bra specialists at Lane Bryant can hook you up with a fitting and make sure you have the correct size.
***Special shout out to actress and model, Kendra C. Johnson, who is a friend and client of mine... She is my inspiration for this blog post.  I sold her on this bra several months ago and now she is a believer and spreading the word...haha!!!

Ardell False Lashes- Demi 110 Naturals
I LOVE false lashes and have worn LOTS of them over the years, whether it was for a photo shoot, event, or just to look extra glam for a night out on the town.  My favorite lashes BY FAR, are the  Demi 110 Naturals by Ardell.  I love these lashes because they give my eyes the right amount of "pop" without making me look like ridiculously fake, and I got the seal of approval from one of my favorite makeup artists, Marlene G., who I totally trust with my face.

Photo courtesy of www.ardelllashes.com

Also, I recently discovered that the Ardell website has a "lash selector" tool, which allows you to find the perfect lash for your eye size and shape.  The Ardell site also has a few different videos you can watch to give you a step by step course in applying lashes, if you are not sure what to do.
***Special score- Last Wednesday night I attended the Curvy Cocktails Meet & Greet, hosted by LA Fatshion Bloggers and The Curvy Collective as part of the kick off to Full-Figured Fashion Week(end) LA, and the lovely bloggers had gifts for all of the attendees, which included 2 pairs of my favorite Ardell lashes!!! Sweet!!! Thanks fabulous bloggers- it totally made my day!!!!

Love Your Body Day Fashion Show 2010

The 5th Annual Love Your Body Day fashion show was a complete success and I am so proud!!!  

To celebrate the 5th anniversary of the festival I featured a diverse mix of LA plus models from top agenices including Ford, Wilheimina, LA Models, and Brand Model and Talent who all rocked the runway for the Love Your Body Day cause!  I showed an intimate group of amazing designers from around the world, who all featured pieces from their Fall/Winter 2010 collections for the finale of the day long festival which included vendor booths, performances, and an all around positive message about loving our bodies!  The event was hosted by Whitney Thompson, plus model and winner of 'America's Next Top Model', and was produced by The City of West Hollywood and Chenese Lewis Productions LLC through the Hollywood NOW Organization.

Denise Bidot for Anna Scholz

Robin Cricket for American Rag for Macy's

 Audrey DeLano for Forever 21+ 

 Ivory May for Torrid

 Heather Justice for Lane Bryant

 Taylor Bartoe Santos for Sealed With A Kiss Designs

 Shalon Dozier for CarmaKoma

 Ayanna Eubank for Tru Diva Designs

Check out the website at www.loveyourbodyday.com and save the date for next October's event.  You don't want to miss it!  
All photographs courtesy of Inez Lewis Photography.

Fall Fashion in the Sept Issue of PLUS Model Mag

Fall is knocking on our doors, so it is time to say goodbye to summer and welcome the change of season with open arms.  

We have a lot to look forward to for the Fall 2010 season of fashion.  It seems that the inspiration for the season was drawn from the ultra tough, confident, chic, woman who is a bit more grown-up and will not apologize for her "fabulousness".  

In the September 2010 issue of PLUS Model Magazine, Editor, Madeline Jones and I have collaborated with our fashion team to bring you all the greatest styles and trends for the Fall 2010 season.  Maddy and I share our Editor's Picks for Fall, Contributor Crystal Cunningham brings you all of the must have accessories for fall with her Accessories Trend Report, and Fashion and Style Editor, Marie Denee focuses on 10 key Fall must haves with Ahead of the Curve for Fall as well as Fall's hottest trends with the Fall Style Guide.

As we move into the fall and winter seasons, I urge you to embrace your inner "fabulousness" and treat yourself to some of the great fashion that the season has to offer.  Now, more than ever, we plus size women have options, so take this opportunity to "think outside your fashion box", try something new, expand your wardrobe, and move into the fall season with confidence.

Try something new- you may be pleasantly surprised!  

Click on the cover to start reading the entire September issue! Enjoy~

Styling for Sealed With A Kiss Designs Fall 2010 Collection

For the past few years I have been working with Sealed With A Kiss Designs as the stylist on their collection photo shoots.  Earlier this summer, I was so glad to be working with them again on their brand spankin' new Fall 2010 collection.
We had a great two day's of shooting with photographer, Brooks Ayola, and models Denise Bidot, Audrey DeLano and Melissa Parker.  The makeup and hair team was Marlene Hoffman and Jo Williams.  We all collaborated with Marketing Director, Sarah Sapora, to bring her SWAK vision to life.  The models looked amazing and we made sure to squeeze in time for some fun while on set!
SWAK's new collection is so fun that I would have a hard time picking my favorite.  I cannot wait to have these items in my closet and rock them as part of my fall wardrobe!!!
Special thanks to Chinese Laundry for providing all the fabulous shoes for our shoot!

Check out some of the behind the scenes footage from our shoot on the SWAK You Tube page, 

and on my You Tube page as well under favorites!