|Profile| Sheena Snively

Sheena and I at the first Consign Your Curves

I first met Sheena Snively a few years ago at the first annual Consign Your Curves event.  This was our first time meeting in person, but I already knew who Sheena was.  You may recognize Sheena from MTV Canada and MTV FORA.  Now she’s back with her very own digital series for CBC Comedy, That’s What Sheena Said!

I got the chance to chat with the curvy comedian herself to get to know about her new show, shopping and her style.  

JB: In five words, describe your personal style.

SS: Minimalist, Cheeky, Obtainable, Black & Busty

JB: Who are your fashion inspirations?

SS: Well Jessica I think it’s safe to say you are one of my fashion inspiration’s due to the fact that I own several of your hand made pieces and every time you do a clothing swap I raid your stash first! Bahaha! Otherwise I’m really loving Ashley Nell Tipton, specifically her collection for JC Penney, It’s amazing! Also there are a couple of chicks living in Hamilton, Ontario right now called #GirlsWithGunz. They are making some “off the beaten path” designs that I am really digging! Their moto is “NO Fugazi. Which means No Fakes. Dedicated to the boss chicks, go-getters, leaders and the trendsetters; GIRLSWITHGUNZ represents a worldwide sisterhood of creative expression, fashion and style.” I mean come on… seriously! Who doesn’t want to be a part of that! It’s like a modern day fashion online Faster Pussycat Kill Kill! Count me in!

JB: How would you describe 'That's What Sheena Said’?

SS: I love this question! Basically if Tom Green and Rebel Wilson had a one night stand and Rebel got pregnant, the baby would be “That’s What Sheena Said”! Bahaha There has been some speculation that Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim might be the biological fathers as well but we will never know. Oh shit Roseanne is the Grandma who knew! Let’s get on Maury to sort this shit out. 

JB: If you could go on a shopping date with any comedian, dead or alive, who would it be?

SS: This question is a no brainer for me …Phyllis Diller! Are there women that are more fashionable then her …Yes! Are their women who are funnier than her …Yes! But she really did have a great combination of both, making her my top choice. She was a funny woman who also knew how to rock a pink feather boa, and not to a cheesy bachelorette party either. I have mad love and respect for this comedy queen, for many reasons! RIP Phyllis! 

JB: What's next?

SS: I have several irons in the fire, all of which I am very excited about, some of which cannot be discussed at this time. However the thing I can chat about is I have been broadcasting live from my dressing room closet every week on Facebook. #SheenaLive is a great accompaniment to the CBC Comedy show “That’s What Sheena Said”, and it’s a perfect mix of Fashion & Funny! 

Sometimes it consists, of special guests, My week in recap, and I always do a top 5 list of whatever I dam well feel like that week. My team is in talks with some amazing Plus Size fashion retailers to sponsor this new platform, so keep your eyes peeled on that, for giveaways and generally good time. 

Make sure to check out Sheena for #SheenaLive every Wednesday at 8:30pm and “That’s What Sheena Said” only on CBC Comedy.

|Preview| mblm by Tess Holliday

Love her or hate her, there is no denying the impact that Tess Holliday has had on the plus size industry and for body diversity.  The plus size model made waves when she became the first model of her size and height to be signed to a major agency more than a year ago.  Since then, you’ve been seeing her face pop up everywhere from tv interviews to the cover of People Magazine.  And now you’ll be able to find her right in your closet.

Tess has partnered with Penningtons, the Canadian plus size retailer, to bring a new direction to their more trendy in-house label mblm, aptly named mblm by Tess Holliday.  The collaboration will run from March 2016 to February 2017.  Essentially customers will be seeing installments throughout the year injecting new styles and trends into the collection.

Photo courtesy of Penningtons

This past Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend the media preview of the collection in Toronto, at the Wildflower bar at the Thomson Hotel.  We were given a chance to see the first installment of the collection, which will be launching in stores on March 20th.  Tess was also in attendance.  I was lucky enough to be one of the few people that got to sit down with her one-on-one and ask her a few questions of what we can expect from her Pennington’s collab and more.  

Check out the video below and look for the collection, starting March 20th at Penningtons.

|Style| Society+ Ultimate Fall Haul and Giveaway

I’m so excited to share my two must have fall pieces from Society+!  When Jessica contacted me to be part of the Ultimate Fall Haul, I jumped at the chance to curate the Haul along with other fabulous bloggers from across North America. 

jumper and metallic tattoos - Society+

It’s no surprise that when I came across this jumper, (similar to the black and green one I’d posted about before), I had to have it.  It’s the perfect fall answer to the need for a LBD, with way more versatility.  I love the loose fit, but with the tie at the waist, it gives you options for shape and fit.  The length in the leg is also a great feature.  It can be worn down or pulled up, giving more of a bubble dress illusion.  The neckline is open, with a light cowl on the back neckline.  You can wear it on the shoulder, giving it a cowl, or off the shoulder, straightening out the back.  So many options!  It’s the perfect fall jumper!  

cardigan - Society+

My other must have is this fantastic colour blocked waterfall cardigan.  It’s nice and long, so you can wrap it and play with it for many combinations.  It’s the kind of light piece that helps you transition into fall, and layer with once the cold sets in.  I love the burgundy, such a rich tone for fall/winter.  

I hope you love these versatile pieces as much as I do.  Head over to Society+ to shop mine and the other bloggers' pieces from the Ultimate Fall Haul collection.  Also Society+ and I are doing a giveaway for one of three $50 Society+ Gift Cards!  Enter below.  Contest will end at 11:59pm on Thursday October 29th.  Winners will be announced Friday October 30th.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

|Events| DARExSUZYPLUS In Store Meet and Greet

With (left to right) Karen, Assa, Thera. Also, Megan and Diana from Dare MAG.

Last week, as some of you may remember I was one of the bloggers involved in the DARExSUZYPLUS event, in store at the Suzy Shier, in the Dufferin Mall.  DARE Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Diana, hosted the evening, including a fashion show staring myself, Assa of My Curves and Curls, Karen of Curvy Canadian and Thera of Cloud 14+.  Each of us strutted the catwalk in two distinct looks from the new Fall collection from Suzy Shier+.  This is the first Fall collection from the Canadian retailer, for their newly founded Plus Size section.

My two looks were very different, but very fall trend focused.  My first look was boho with a south western vibe.  My second look had a more military influence.  Each look was head-to-toe Suzy Shier+.  Suzy has also just released boots in wide calfs, which is a plus girl’s answer to the calf boot trend problem!  

The ladies on the runway.

The new Fall collection is in store and online now.  Make sure to check it out now and keep a look out for more styles coming.  

|Style| DARExSUZYPLUS Part 2

jacket, dress, booties and bag - Suzy Shier+

A few weeks ago, you took a behind-the-scenes look at the DARExSUZYPLUS collaboration that I was selected to be a part of. DARE Magazine enlisted the help of myself and fellow bloggers Assa (My Curves and Curls), Thera (Cloud 14+) and Karen (Curvy Canadian) to help showcase the fall collection from Suzy Shier+. 

I am so excited to share these photos with you! This look is featured in the newest issue of DARE Magazine now. The feature showcases each blogger in their signature Suzy Shier+ look. This project was extra special for me, since I got to work with a few of my favourite ladies, of course being in DARE and working with my bf, Elliot, who shot each of us for the spread.   

As I’ve said before I love fall dressing. Everything is richer, softer and has more texture.  I fell in love with this windowpane printed shirtdress the moment I entered the plus size section of Suzy Shier. It’s just the right amount of structure for this trend-focused print.  I’m also a sucker for a dolphin hem, giving that nod to men’s tailoring in a shirtdress.  This denim jacket is the perfect topper to any fall look, but especially here. It takes the dress from sweet and polished, to a little more street and edgy, which is more my speed. I also love the little leather details on the pockets, which give the jacket a little more definition. I completed my look with some fantastic suede-look booties, a girl’s best friend in the fall and a great convertible crossbody/clutch purse with gold accents. 

Check out our feature in the new issue of DARE Magazine.

If you’re falling for the new collection as hard as I have, then you are in luck. Join me, Assa, Thera, Karen and DARE Magazine in store at Suzy Shier+! We will be at the Dufferin Mall location on Monday September 21st, from 5pm to 7pm for a mix and mingle event full of style tips, a fashion show, nibbles, prizes and more! Join us to have a closer look for yourself and some other exciting surprises to come. Hope to see you there and be sure to check out the newest issue of DARE to see all of the other bloggers‘ looks. And make sure to check out Suzy Shier+, both in store and online, for affordable on-trend fashions ranging from $12 to $56, in sizes 1X to 3X.

|Events| Fat Girl Food Squad x Parker & Pine Plus Size Pop-Up

For those of you that follow my Instagram, you’ve probably already noticed that I am one of the ‘friends’ involved of the upcoming Fat Girl Food Squad plus size, vintage and second-hand pop-up.  This time the ladies have partnered with Parker & Pine, to make this sale more inclusive, giving guys and gender neutral peeps the opportunity to shop and sell.  

The pop-up is happening at Artscape Youngplace (180 Shaw Street, Toronto) on Saturday September 12th, from 12-5pm.  There’s a $5 admission and the sale is a cash only event.  I would suggest bringing a reusable bag to carry your purchases home in and your wallet, because there are some awesome sellers and vendors this time around!  The sale includes, Parker and Pine (men’s plus size), some of the ladies of Fat Girl Food Squad (women’s plus size), Future is the Future (gender neutral gear), Nancy Flood (women’s plus size), Franceta Johnson (gender neutral wear), Mustang Sally Two (women’s plus size), Max (men’s wear), Tyler and Miah (men’s gear), Alex and Jenn (gender neutral pins, buttons and zines) and of course your’s truly.  

I know it’s surprising to think that I’m doing another Pop-up sale, considering I did one a few months ago, but I do love to shop, and my closet is full again!  I’ll be selling women’s plus size clothing, accessories and some lingerie as well (never worn - online orders gone wrong).  My pieces will range from 1X-4X, size 20-24.  Brands include Addition Elle, Penningtons, Torrid, Eloquii and more.  My prices range from $3 to $40, with a few special pieces that are more.

It’s going to be a fun day full of friends, shopping and plus size fashion for all!  Also fear not, because there’s a cafe at Artscape Youngplace - so there will be fuel for your day of shopping.  Hope to see you there!

|Events| #TorridHeartsToronto

Well ladies, it’s finally happened.  Torrid, the American plus size retailer, has opened their first doors in Canada!  The first of many new locations opened in Toronto, at the Eaton Centre on September 1st.  I was invited to attend the opening and mix and mingle with shoppers.  The event was full of shopping, cupcakes and special guests.  Karen, the blogger beauty behind Killer Kurves, along with Torrid models Georgina Burke and Philomena Kwao, were on hand to help lucky winners of a draw, be styled in a head-to-toe Torrid look.  

The beautifully decorated store is tightly packed with all of the latest Torrid fashions.  I, for one, am so excited to be able to shop the retailer in person now, something I’ve only until now been able to access online via the American site or a shopping trip Stateside.  If you follow my OOTDs you know that Torrid makes quite a few appearances.  I love their edgier style and swear by their Jegging fit jeans!  

shirt, jeans, belt and shoes - c/o of Torrid

I was so happy when Torrid wanted to dress me for the launch.  It wasn’t an easy task selecting one look from their new arrivals, but after some debating I did it.  I decided on this amazing longline, sleeveless, collared shirt.  I liked the fact that it’s sheer and is the perfect topper for the Jegging fit jean I paired with it.  I think I have every colour they’re available in now.  I accented the look with a simple, yet sexy pair of black wedges and reversible belt (the other side is brown).  I had to head to work after the event, so I opted for an all black look (see: makeup artists wear all black, all the time).  What I love about all these individual pieces is the way they work together, but they will be amazing additions to my current wardrobe.  

With Torrid's beautiful models, Philomena and Georgina (top to bottom),  Catching up with blogger friends Allie and Karen (left to right).

The location at the Eaton Centre is just the first to be open in the GTA, with more to come.  Keep a lookout for more locations coming soon!