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.

Torrid asked for our feedback, and they definitely got it! Good, bad, and ugly.  We spoke very candidly about our Torrid experiences, what we love about the brand, and what we feel needs improvement from a fashion perspective.  We also talked about the lack of size and race diversity that we see in their marketing campaigns, and that we all want to see ourselves represented in the brand.  That is what will make us stand up and say "I AM TORRID"!

I love what Torrid is doing for the spring/summer season.  Bold colors, stripes, polka dots, printed denim, candy colored pastels, studded hardware, coral & fuschia grounded with neutrals, blooming florals, graphic tees, and textured whites galore.  Bold, fresh and fun for the spring season.

My absolute favorite item from the collection is the "Destructed Sophia Skinny Jeans" that I actually wore to the event that day.  Once I received the look book, I started stalking these jeans online, and as soon as they were available I made my purchase.  That is what I love about Torrid... If it is fashion forward and on trend- I know I will most likely be able to find it there.

Destructed Sophia Skinnies available here

Black Button Down Top & Skinny Jeans by Torrid
Grey Cardigan & White Statement Necklace by Lane Bryant
Leather Wrap & Turquoise Braided Bracelet by Target
Gold Watch by Michael Kors
DREAM Bracelet by BCBG Generation
Studded Flats by Lane Bryant

Here are some snaps from the event...

Monique of Curves and Chaos

Kristen Turner of Glitter N' Glue

Allison of Curvy Girl Chic

uber babe Tess Munster

PLUS Model Magazine Executive Marketing & Creative Director, Tulin Reid

After we had our discussion, they invited us to try on the new collection and participate in a photo shoot.  {Unfortunately I had to scoot out early, so I was unable to partake in the photo shoot fun, but it looks like the other girls had a blast!}

I have been a Torrid customer from the very beginning.  In fact, before the Torrid brand was created, I bought my band t-shirts, beanies, patches, stickers, and other random grunge paraphernalia at Hot Topic.

I first experienced Torrid when the store opened at my local mall, MetroCenter, in Phoenix, AZ. I was excited about the brand, and the hole in the market they were filling for the alternative junior plus demographic. At the time I remember saying, "I wish Torrid was around when I was in high school"!  The Torrid brand has come a long way since it's initial inception, and is now a bit more grown up, fashion forward, and caters to a wider demographic of fashionistas.

Do you remember the CBS Segment that I did with Torrid last fall?  If you missed it, you can check it out here!