|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| Floral Week - Kimono

Kicking off with Coachella, festival season is upon us.  Nothing says fun in the sun and eclectic spring/summer fashion like a music festival.  Sadly I couldn’t make Coachella, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t inspired to incorporate florals into a festival look.  

I dig the hippie-ish vibe for festival wear.  Here I paired a very easy slip-style tunic, under my floral kimono.  I like this kimono because it’s bright, fresh and lightweight.  While this floral is a little louder, it’s grounded in black, making it a perfect pop piece against an all white backdrop.  The lace on the tunic also softens the whole look from being too boxy.  

kimono - Forever 21+ | tunic - Torrid | boots - mblm (Penningtons) | hat - Urban Outfitters | ring - Vitaly Design | bracelets,earrings and sunglasses  - Aldo Accessories | flash tattoos - Addition Elle | fringe bracelet - Stella & Dot | necklace - Little Burgundy

It wouldn’t be festival inspired without a few key elements.  Enter the large brimmed hat, a stack of bracelets and some very large sunnies.  I also added a few temporary tattoos, just because I’ve been wanting a excuse to wear them.    

Keep an eye out tomorrow for more floral fun to come.

|Style| Welcoming Spring

blazer and t-shirt - Forever 21+ | jeans - torrid | shoes - mblm (Penningtons) | watch - Guess | necklace - Topshop

Okay, so I will admit that I’ve been super MIA lately.  This winter season has not been great to me.  I’ve battled many colds and even a few injuries.  I’m happy to say that with the start of March I’m feeling hopeful for Spring’s arrival.  I’m ready to shed off the winter blues and inject some freshness back into my life and on the blog.

When I saw this loose open blazer a few weeks ago I just knew that it would be a perfect topper.  I paired it over a super casual jeans and tee look.  What I love about it, is the fitted shape in the shoulders and the looser sleeves.  I’m also very into the monochromatic print and the black contrast. 

Last month I was looking for a change to get me out of the winter rut I was starting to feel stuck in.  I went to The Loft Toronto with the plan to cut off all the hair I had been growing out and change up the colour.  Sylvie did an amazing job and this cut and bright new colour has given me new life!

Keep an eye on the blog for regular posts coming soon.

|Style| The Twelve Looks of Christmas - Look Ten | Metallics

There’s one trend that you can always count on at this time of year.  And even though we expect it, it’s fresh every time.  For Look Ten of the Twelve Looks of Christmas, I give to you, the shimmer and shine of Metallics!

sweater and pants - Carmakoma (available at PRiMAALA) | tank  - PRiMAALA | shoes - Penningtons | earrings - COVET By BIFFI

This sweater is the perfect piece to add a little glimmer to an otherwise chill outfit.  It takes jeans and a tee up a notch by adding that little hint of luxe.  Also if you haven’t caught onto my love of gold yet, you’re not paying attention.  

dress - Addition Elle | shoes - mblm (Penningtons) | bag - Portugal | earrings - Topshop

This dress takes the term LBD to the next level!  It’s the perfect combination of scuba knit (which I love!), bodycon and shine to give you a knock out night out look.  I’m a huge fan of black on black detailing.  I think it adds a lot of interest and dimension to the garment.  

top - Addition Elle | skirt - Forever 21+ | bag - mblm (Penningtons) | shoes - Ardene | body chain and earrings - COVET By BIFFI

Keeping the metallics as the focal point of your look will add interest and sophistication.  Here I’ve paired this metallic accented crop top against black, with simple accessories to keep it at the core of my outfit.  

We’re almost done all the Looks.  Keep an eye out for two special last looks coming tomorrow and the 25th!  

|Style| The Twelve Looks of Christmas - Look Eight | Sparkle

Holiday party?  New Year’s?  Just because?  The answer to all of these questions today is, Sequins!  Adding a little shine to any outfit will add a little pop of glamour and elevate your look.  For Look Eight of the Twelve Looks of Christmas, I give to you, Sparkle!  

blazer - Forever 21 | top - Addition Elle | jeans - mblm (Penningtons) | shoes - Ardene

When I found this blazer if fell in love!  It’s the perfect piece to dress up any look.  It takes jeans and a button down from basic to glam.  It’s a great topper to a simple look, and keeps the focus on the shine.  

top - Garage | skirt - Jessica Biffi Custom | shoes - Dollhouse | necklace - Forever 21

Obviously I have a thing for rose gold.  More specifically, rose gold sequins.  This is another example of letting the sequin piece take centre stage in your look.  Also sequin midi skirts are a recent trend that I'm super into.  They’re the perfect combination of my love of shimmer and the best length in a skirt.  

dress - Forever 21+ | jacket - Carmakoma | shoes - Addition Elle |earrings - COVET By BIFFI

All over sequins?  Hell yes!  Don’t be afraid to rock a full sequin look.  Nothing says luxurious like being decked out in sparkles.  The simple bodycon shape keeps the sequins close the the body and shows off your shape.  

Don’t be afraid to glitter at any holiday occasion you have coming up this season...or just because!  Keep and eye on the blog for the next Look tomorrow.   

|Style| The Twelve Looks of Christmas - Look Seven | Texture

‘Tis the season for lush and shimmering fabrications.  At this time of year, fabrics become richer, more supple and tactile.  For Look Seven of the Twelve Looks of Christmas, I give to you, Texture! 

top and pants - Carmakoma (available at PRiMAALA) | shoes - mblm (available at Penningtons) | bag - ecco | necklace - Aldo Accessories | earrings - COVET By BIFFI

I am obsessed with this top!  The sparkle.  The mesh overlay.  The textured sweatshirt sleeves.  And what you don’t see here, is the lace back with zipper detail!  It’s a great take on the sweatshirt trend we’ve been seeing this season, with a big emphasis on mixed media.

cardigan, pants and shoes - mblm (Penningtons) | top - Forever 21+ | necklace - H&M | headpiece - Aldo Accessories 

I feel like a winter sorceress in this look.  I love the shimmer of this fringed open cardigan.  It’s a great layering piece, and set against these faux snakeskin pants, it gives a more dressed up vibe to a black-on-black outfit.  

jacket, skirt and shoes - Penningtons | top - Carmakoma (PRiMAALA) | bag - Aldo Accessories | earrings - Topshop | necklace - Stella & Dot

I love layering different textures.  I think it gives a lot of depth to an outfit.  Here I’ve paired a jacquard skirt, with a soft tweed blazer, over this amazing velvet and sequin shell.  Each fabric is individual, but together they read as polished and sophisticated.  

dress - Carmakoma (PRiMAALA) | body chain and earrings - COVET By BIFFI | earrcuff - online vendor | bracelets - MAC Cosmetics | shoes - Vivienne Westwood for Melissa

This is a statement dress!  It makes me feel powerful, especially with the padded shoulders.  It’s a fabulous dress.  The black comes to life with a sequin print against a shiny black velvet.  This is the perfect holiday look, that’s a unique take on the little black dress.  

Sequins, mesh and velvet, oh my!  This is the best time of year to play with texture in your looks, and I hope you found some inspiration from these outfits.  More looks coming soon!  

|Style| The Twelve Looks of Christmas - Look Six | Winter White

I love white.  I love a white Christmas, I love to wear white.  Whites during this time of year are always up for debate.  Should you?  Shouldn’t you?  But I say, why not!?  For Look Six of the Twelve Looks of Christmas, JustBiffi gives to you, Winter White!  

top - Carmakoma (available at PRiMAALA) | jeans - mblm (available at Penningtons) | shoes - Addition Elle | belt - Torrid | earrings and collar necklace - COVET By BIFFI

Nothing says effortless style like a white collared shirt.  What I love about this style is the oversized fit and draped pockets.  It’s a super versatile piece that can be worn so many ways.  The fabric is sheer and gauzy, which gives a little sex appeal to this long line blouse.  I would call this unique take on an old favourite, the new classic.  

sweater - Lundstrom (available at PRiMAALA) | top - MYNT 1792 (available at PRiMAALA) | pants - Eileen Fisher (available at PRiMAALA) | shoes - Dollhouse | ring - Mirror Image | necklace - Fashion Crimes | earrings - COVET By BIFFI

What I love about this look is the layering of white on white.  Layers of white give this monochromatic look a laid back, easy vibe.  The big cozy cream sweater, over the more sport inspired sleeveless top gives a chic feel to being bundled and comfy.  

I hope these looks give you some inspiration to wear white during the winter season.  We are now half way through the Twelve Looks of Christmas.  Look out tomorrow for the next installment.

|Style| The Twelve Looks of Christmas - Look Five | The Midi Skirt

It’s no surprise that my fifth look of the Twelve Looks of Christmas, is focused around one of my favourite trends of the season.  What I love about this style of skirt is the ease of wear.  It’s a perfect length for those that are a little shy about their legs, but it also makes the legs look longer, which works well on a petite girl, like myself.  For Look Five, I give to you, the Midi Skirt!

skirt - Addition Elle | top - Forever 21+ | ring and bag - Aldo Accessories | shoes - Dollhouse | necklace - On The Verge | earrings - COVET By BIFFI

This shimmering midi skirt is the perfect piece for the holidays.  The teal base is on trend, but the metallic touches really set this skirt apart.  It can make even the most basic outfit shine.     

skirt and top (modified) - eloquii | hat and body chain - Aldo Accessories | bag and shoes - mblm (Penningtons)

I am in love with the colour of this skirt!  It’s vibrant and fun, a great pop of colour against more simple, low key tones.  The lace is intricate, but not stuffy.  It’s a polished piece, yet it can be pushed to the edge. 

We’re almost half way done, keep a look out for Look Six, coming tomorrow.   

|Style| The Twelve Looks of Christmas - Look Three | Jewel Tones

Rich colours are one of my favourite winter trends.  These hues are deep and saturated, giving life to pale skin during the colder months.  These pieces also tend to come in beautifully textured fabrications, perfect for the holiday season!  For Look Three of The Twelve Looks of Christmas, I give to you, Jewel Tones.  

top and pant - Eileen Fisher (available at PRiMAALA) | clutch and shoes - mblm (available at Penningtons) | body chain - Aldo Accessories

I’m so in love with the colour of this top.  The cobalt has a great depth of colour.  The slight A-line fit, gives an easy silhouette, that can be paired with any number of bottoms.  I also love the soft knit fabric, which feels like wearing your favourite worn-in tee.  

dress - Addition Elle | jacket - Penningtons | shoes - mblm (available at Penningtons) | earring necklace - COVET By BIFFI

This midi dress is a perfect piece to dress up for the holidays.  The burgundy is lush, with slight variations of colour within the paisley print.  The fabric also follows the details of the print, giving it a brocade texture.  

dress - Addition Elle | necklace, head piece and clutch - Aldo Accessories | shoes - Vivienne Westwood for Melissa

I’m a sucker for emerald green!  The colour is luscious and super complimentary against my skin tone.  I feel like a goddess in this dress!  The fit is ultra feminine and the fabric is silky without being clingy.  It’s the perfect cocktail dress for any fancy holiday occasion.  

Jewel tones add a little glamour to any outfit this season.  What tones do you love?  Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.  Keep a look out for the next Look, coming soon.   

|Style| The Twelve Looks of Christmas - Look Two | Red Red Red

Nothing says festive, like the colour red.  For Look Two of The Twelve Looks of Christmas, I get in to the spirit, decked in the classic holiday colour.  

dress - Penningtons | tights and shoes - Addition Elle | gloves Domino Dollhouse | bag - Call It Spring | necklace - Stella & Dot

I love this party dress.  The red is fantastic, rich but bright.  The fit is perfect, nipped in the right places, with just enough fullness in the skirt.  It has pockets, which I LOVE in a dress!  And the cutouts give this otherwise too-cute dress a bit of sex appeal.

top - mblm (available at Penningtons) | skirt - Penningtons | bag - ecco shoes | hat - Ebay | necklace - H&M 

I had the good fortune of wearing this layered, cropped shirt early, as a mblm mbassador.  The one I have here is a sample, but now this ultra versatile top is in stores!  I love this shade of red, with a hint of orange in its undertone.  It’s also super on trend for the season.  

I hope this gave you some ideas on different ways to wear the popular holiday hue.  

Stay tuned for Look Three, coming soon!   

|Events| mblm mbassadors At World MasterCard Fashion Week

As you may have noticed by now, I was asked by Penningtons’ line mblm, to represent curvy, fashionable women at World MasterCard Fashion Week, last week in Toronto.  Diana (DARE Magazine), Karen (Curvy Canadian), Assa (My Curves & Curls) and I made up the four fabulous members of the mblm mbassadors.  Being no stranger to the tents, it was so fun for me to take in the shows with these awesome ladies, by my side, dressed in edgy chic, rocker inspired mblm.

mblm mbassadors day one: Karen, myself, Diana and Assa

jacket, top (similar), jeans and bag - mblm (Penningtons) | boots - Addition Elle

On Monday, day one of the shows, the mblm mbassadors set out to make a colourful splash, by using red accents to punch up our looks.  My outfit was very rock influenced, with a fitted leatherette jacket and bleach splattered skinny jeans.  To give it a more feminine vibe, I layered an embossed floral crop top (which is a sample - coming soon to stores) under the bolder jacket.  I love the play of textures here.

Congratulations to the winner, Sid Neigum

Day one, we watched as Beaufille, Eliza Faulkner, BLAK.I, Vaiken, Laura Siegel and Sid Neigum, showcased their collections during the Mercedes-Benz Start Up show.  As a designer, I love the idea of the Start Up.  We need more programs like this that support the industry that we all love so much.  The show ranged from clean minimal design, in crisp whites and soft blues, to more ornate, origami like details.  At the end it was revealed that Sid Neigum, took home the grand prize and we will see a full show from the talented designer at fashion week next season.       

mblm mbassadors backstage on day three

jacket, top, jeans and boots - mblm (Penningtons) | bag - Portugal

The third day of WMCFW, the mbassadors took on the runway in black and white with hints of metallic tones.  I loved this look!  Skinny jean and blazer combinations always makes me feel powerful and sophisticated.  I love the silver accents on the shoulders of this fitted open longline blazer.  Keeping with the metallic theme of my look, I paired the more classic elements of my outfit with a long acid washed tank with chain detailing.  

A colourful display at the Hayley Elsaesser show

With the designer herself, after the show. Check out her rad nails.

Day three also boasted one of my favourite shows of the week, Hayley Elsaesser!  It was a colourful display of playful print-on-print styling with creative shapes.  It was youthful, energetic and exactly what the Toronto runways are in need of!  The mblm mbassadors also headed backstage to meet the designer one-on-one.  I have to say Hayley is a girl after my own heart, with her glitter infused pink hair and on-point nails (done by no other than the Pinky's team).  I also got a chance to catch up with model Andi Muise, who walked in the show.   

mblm mbassadors on the final day, under the tents

jacket and leggings - Penningtons | tunic (sample - coming soon), bag and boots - mblm (Penningtons)

Friday, the last day of the shows, has to be my favourite mblm look, from all of the mbassadors!  Our collective feel was very clean monochrome (with pops here and there).  I am living for this sweater tunic, which is a sample, but will be in stores soon ladies!  It’s amazingly comfortable, the perfect length and a great fit.  The graphic comic-esque print is playful, but the play of black and white only, keeps it fresh.  I feel so honoured to be the first to wear this piece.  I paired the tunic with simple black leggings and booties.  

Our looks may have been streamlined, but the collections we saw were over the top and shimmering!  The first show we saw was Stephan Caras.  It was elegant cocktail and evening wear, gleaming with metallic gold on white jacquards and chiffons.  It was a beautifully opulent show.
Our last show of the night and week, Mikael D, was nothing but pure show.  It was extravagant evening wear at its finest.  Expert beading and sheer cutouts gave a modern sexy edge to the pieces, while tulle gave an element of fantasy and whimsy.  It was the caliber of show that you hope to see at Fashion Week.  And the grand finale to Lana Del Ray was the perfect ending.  

Hanging out with Assa, in between shows. Had such a great time getting to know these ladies!

The past week has been a great bonding experience with my fellow bloggers and Diana.  It gave us a chance to hang out, experience the runway together and have fun rocking mblm, while incorporating our own individual styles.  A huge thanks to Penningtons and mblm for asking me to represent curvaceous fashionistas at Fashion Week, and for getting me back to the runway.  This past week has made me miss the fast paced draw of the runway.  Maybe the mbassadors will be taking in a Jessica Biffi show, during a season, very soon.

*Post sponsored by mblm/Penningtons, all opinions are my own.
**All photos by Elliot Parrott Photography

|Events| Announcing the mblm mbassadors for WMCFW

mblm mbassadors - Diana, myself, Karen and Assa

I’m so excited to announce that I am one of Penningtons' mblm mbassadors, for this upcoming World Mastercard Fashion Week, here in Toronto!  I will be representing the bold and edgy line, along side Editor-In-Chief Diana Di Poce, of DARE Magazine (Canada’s only plus size magazine), Assa, of My Curves & Curls and Karen, of Curvy Canadian (and owner of My Big Sister’s Closet).  As plus size women, a group not typically featured during fashion week, mblm has enlisted us to showcase that style is sizeless!

The four of us had a chance to all go shopping Saturday at Penningtons.  With Fashion Week fast approaching, we needed to get our looks together and co-ordinate who was wearing what, and to which show.  We may all be shopping from the mblm line, but each of us has a very different style and voice when it comes to fashion, and it was so interesting to see us each make mblm our own.  

Please follow us as we make our mark on World Mastercard Fashion Week, starting on Monday, October 20th, as we live share our view of the runways.  Check out my Instagram to not only see my favourite looks from the catwalk, but see how we each take mblm on in our own ways and become mblm mbassadors.

A sneak peek of my looks for the week. Stay tuned to see them in full detail.

*Post sponsored by Penningtons.  All opinions are my own.