|Events| FGFS & Friends Plus Size Pop Up Shop

I am so excited to announce that I have been invited to be one of the Friends featured at the Fat Girl Food Squad and Friends Plus Size Pop Up Shop, Sunday June 1st!  The rad females that run and write FGFS, along side myself and some other amazing plus size ladies (Amarina of Ursa Major + and Erin from Zero Style and Re/Dress...to name a few!) will be selling items from our personal closets as well as some hand picked vintage wears!  

All items will be size 14 and up, at prices ranging from $5 to $20+.  Come out and shop with us from 1pm to 5pm tomorrow, upstairs at Sneaky Dee’s (431 College Street West - the corner of College and Bathurst).  We are asking for a $5 donation at the door to contribute to the awesomeness that further fuels the endeavours of FGFS (like making Pop Ups a more frequent thing!).

All my pieces range from $5 to $20, with a few specially priced gems.  Most of my stuff is from my personal closet with a few sample/concept pieces from past Jessica Biffi collections and collaborations (Jessica Biffi for Addition Elle).  There are a range of brands from Torrid, Addition Elle, Evans UK , ASOS and more.  

Stop in, shop and have a few tasty treats or a cocktail (available for purchase at the bar).  It’s going to be a lot of fun.  And the more we support events like this (and sustainable fashion), the more we can grow our plus size community!  

I hope to see you guys there tomorrow!

|Profile| A Perfect 14

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to sit down and speak on camera with Giovanna Morales Vargas and James Earl O’Brien of the documentary A Perfect 14.  A Perfect 14, follows the story of plus size model trying to make a names for themselves and change society’s view of beauty.  It opens the doors to diversity in fashion, behinds the scenes of a glamours industry and shares the journey of three brave models that have many life changing moments along the way.  It also showcases industry professionals and what the term ‘plus size’ means in fashion and to society.  

I have touched on being plus size and the fashion industry many times in interviews before, but something felt very different about this experience.  The filmmakers had such sincerity and warmth in their questions and a real depth for understanding the subject matter.  I was so honoured to be a part of this wonderful documentary and I can’t wait to see the final film. 

If you want to help support A Perfect 14, head over to the film’s Facebook page for more information and their IndieGoGo site to contribute.  There are many incentives, but none greater than helping to bring this story to light.

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|Profile| PRiMAALA Part 2

Back in March I got a chance to check out the media opening of PRiMAALA.  Having had my own exclusive preview with store owner Rachel Holt, before the store was technically ready, it was amazing to see the racks full, stock tagged and the store in full swing.  As Rachel gave a quick tour and chatted about which brands were her focus, I couldn’t help but shop.  Having a chance to play dress up the first time didn’t stop me from popping back in the adorable change rooms to try on a few more must haves. 

Lundström tunic

The final touches

I fell in love with this Lundström cocoon sweater after seeing it on display.  I’m really into pieces with multi wear lately.  The fact that you can wear this as a cozy cocoon or as more of a shawl makes it versatile and the perfect season transitioning piece.

I also couldn’t walk away from snapping up these stunning Frug earrings.  I paired them with a few outfits in my first PRiMAALA post, but have been thinking about them ever since.  I love the metals used and the shape.  I know they will get lots of wear.

Outfit of the day:
blazer and t-shirt - Forever21 | skirt - Addition Elle | boots - Penningtons | necklace - Topshop | bracelet - Stella & Dot

I also got the opportunity to chat with Rachel on camera about PRiMAALA, check out the video below.

|Event| New Circles Plus Size Prom Donations

My birthday is less than one week away. As I face turning 31, I think about all the things I’ve done, and how some of those things seem so long ago. Especially at this time of year, prom always comes to mind. It feels like forever ago that I went to my high school prom (fade into movie montage of my two proms...yup, I’m an OAC grad, last of my kind, so I got two proms!)

Prom...getting all dressed up. Picking out the perfect dress and shoes. Doing your hair and makeup just so. Obviously getting your nails done! It’s an incredible time. When I went to prom, which was over a decade ago (wow...is it getting hot in here...anyone else seeing double?) I wish I had the selection of dresses that the plus size girl has today! But I know it can still be difficult, not to mention expensive.

A few days ago I was contacted by the New Circles Community Services, an non-profit organization that helps low-income families. One important mission of New Circles is to aid the youth of these families put together a dream prom look, at no charge to them. They unfortunately are low on plus size and accessory donations and I offered to help by getting the word out there about what they do.

New Circles will be taking donations (everything from shoes, dresses, accessories, makeup, suits, tuxedos and more) up until April 17th. The event itself will take place on April 26th, from 10am to 4pm. Personal shopper volunteers will spend an hour with each student to give them a full shopping experience and deck them out from head to toe. Knowing how pricey prom can be, I think this is such an amazing cause!

If you are interested in helping out in anyway, please check out New Circles for more information. You can also find them on Facebook. Please donate if you can. Prom is something everyone should be able to experience and everyone deserves to look fabulous for their special night.

|Profile| PRiMAALA Part 1

Being plus size my entire life, I remember a time when finding clothes was near impossible.  That is if you didn’t want to look like a lady in her mid 50s that liked to garden and look like her outfit could be used as a circus tent on the weekends.  Things were limited, not cute and everywhere you looked, everything was the same as what you already had in your sad closet.  Well ladies, I hope you’ve noticed things have changed!  Plus size retailers are becoming more popular, fashions are actually on trend, and there are finally independent plus size boutiques opening up!  

I am proud to be the first to introduce you to PRiMAALA, a new Toronto boutique, catering to the more fashion conscience 14+ consumer.  This sleek and sophisticated shop is helmed by Rachel Holt.  A smart tastemaker and business savvy Rachel, was tired of searching everywhere but here for the fashions she wanted to wear.  Deciding to do something about that, PRiMAALA was created.  

I’ve known Rachel for a very long time.  As a student of Ryerson’s Fashion Design program, I lent a hand to her research for her 4th year thesis collection (no shocker, it was a plus size collection, which is a rare thing to see on the Ryerson runway).  We have worked together and have been long time friends.  Ever since I’ve known Rachel, the idea of her own store was always what she “did”.  She used every frustrating shopping experience to build the vision of her future store in her mind’s eye.  A self made entrepreneur, Rachel has done this all herself, something that not many 28 year olds can say.  

The name PRiMAALA comes from the combination of the word prime and the Hebrew word maala, which means to “rise up”.  A direct translation if you will, high end luxury for the plus size woman.  This concept can be seen throughout the entire boutique.  The once extension of the fine jewelers next door, has been completely revamped to embody an intimate and luxurious shopping experience.  European charm is fused with a modern elegance that is both beautiful and inviting.  The clean open concept is easy to shop, but welcomes you to take your time.  

Everything has been thought of here.  Rachel has taken every effort to personalize the PRiMAALA treatment.  When shoppers enter, they are greeted by the soft sent of the hand selected essential oil candles, a refreshing custom made bevy and a merchandise line up to love.  Focusing more on contemporary luxury, with a emphasis on local and international lines, Rachel has opted to introduce some covet worthy brands into her shop.  Collections range from Eileen Fisher, Carmakoma and James Jeans, to name a few.  With everything from shapewear to outerwear, it is one stop shopping.  PRiMAALA also carries Opelle bags and other Canadian accessory brands, featuring pieces that have been sized with the plus size woman in mind.

tuxedo jacket, lace top, jeans - all Carmakoma | tank top - Niki Biki | accessories - Frug

dress - Comfy USA | leggings - Svelte | purse - Opelle | earrings - Frug

I was so excited when Rachel let me check out the shop early!  Not everything was in yet, and some finishing touches where still under way, but I managed to play dress up all the same.  I pulled a few of my favourite pieces, to create a few looks that I think express different styles, but are all great for the upcoming season.  Rachel has always had a great eye for style, and after shopping her racks it’s simple to see why this is a perfect fit for her.  

top and pant - Carmakoma | purse - Opelle | sweater - Lisa Todd | skirt - Comfy USA | accessories - Frug

Located at 803 Dundas Street, West, PRiMAALA officially opens it’s doors on March 7th.  If you are interested in keeping up to date with PRiMAALA, please check it out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (Rachel has been busy making the store a reality, so there may not be the much information there yet...but there is more to come!).

|Preview| Addition Elle Summer 2014

On Wednesday I had the chance to check out the Summer 2014 previews for both Addition Elle and Smart Set at Brill Communications. It was one of the coldest days this winter, but everything that Addition Elle and Smart Set had to offer, was definitely the opposite. I’m desperately over this winter and seeing what I could be wearing, made me long for warmer days.

I have to say that Addition Elle has come a long way. As a customer since the age of 14, a former employee and once designer for the company (I designed two capsule collections for the brand in 2010), it’s nice to see AE finally expand and grow into the more trend focused and contemporary side of plus.

The preview ranged from denim to activewear to lingerie. There was a strong 70s luxe Bohemian vibe throughout the main collection. Sheer, gauzy fabrics, earthy tones and tans as an anchor. The silhouette spanned from flowing maxi dresses, sheer peasant tops, high waisted wide leg denim, to a playful modern take on the jumpsuit. There was even a shorteralls (short overalls) and a denim romper! All true to the California surfer girl attitude the collection drew inspiration from. Keeping with the denim focus, designer lines return after huge popularity in previous seasons. Justin Timberlake’s co-designed line William Rast is back again, starting April 12th. Featuring more than just jeans the line also includes tops to compete the look. And keep a eye out for new lines to be added this summer.

Some of the pieces I’m really looking forward to are the slinky joggers and all-way vest. The joggers are a nice take way from the season’s top trends and a super versatile piece for day to night. A step further on this trend is the pajama pant, which I was very pleased to see in refreshing colourful prints. The vest was a piece I was so intrigued by that I just had to try it on. With small buttons and button holes for multi wears, it is a great piece that you can wear any way you like. AE’s newest activewear line Nola, also got a boost of colour and a fashionable update. Feminine punches of coral bring contrast to the base of black, which is common in activewear. The technology of the fabric is also something that has taken a step in the right direction, offering moisture wicking (the fibers pull moisture away from you so it keeps you drier. The fabric nerd in me couldn’t resist). And the nice thing about these pieces is that they don’t just say gym. Playing off the sportswear vibe for spring/summer, you could incorporate these pieces into your wardrobe, and not just your gym bag. Obviously being plus size, I was more interested in the wears from AE, but Smart Set’s sleek styles could not be ignored. I loved the way they played with soft touches of colour against a black and white backdrop. Keeping in line with the upcoming trends, there are some key pieces that I plan on incorporating into my own looks to come. The midi skirt is a look I’m very into for spring/summer. With a play on the pencil skirt, but in a mid length, knit fabric it is an easy piece to dress up or pair down. I’m also really feeling the sportswear influence that gives a chic edge to work-ready pieces. Lots of inspiration here, and ideas to use when shopping in the future. A big thank you to Addition Elle, Smart Set and Brill Communications for having us.

|Style| The Hostess With The Mostess...

Some of my favourite pieces of the evening

The first thing you should know about me is that I’m an accessory junkie.  I love ‘em, can’t get enough of ‘em.  They give me a sense of joy, complete a look and there is something for everyone.  Also, growing up plus size, accessories, bags and shoes were alway my way of following trends and being “fashionable”, when clothing options were limited.  If there’s one thing my mother taught me, it’s the importance of a good accessory.  But I can never have just one!

As a fashion and accessory designer, I find myself constantly looking for new brands and checking out trends.  A girl’s gotta know what’s out there.  That’s why I was so excited when Krystine contacted me to host a Stella & Dot Trunk Show.  Since I had never heard of Stella & Dot before, I became curious.  

Krystine and I met briefly at Consign Your Curves back in October.  As on of my Instagram followers, Krystine noticed my constant nail and accessory posts, and thought I would make a perfect candidate for a hostess.  Any reason to have a girl’s night at my place, drink some wine and have some treats while looking at sparkly pretty things, sounds like my kind of party!  

Think of a Trunk Show as an advanced level tupperware party for the fashionable set.  A hostess welcomes her friends and family to an intimate evening with a Stylist, where you get to play and try on samples of all the goodies you can then buy and have sent to your home!  I was totally in!  

Colourful baubles for spring

Last night I hosted a Spring Stella & Dot Trunk Show.  It was the perfect excuse to catch up with girlfriends and to clean my house like an old European grandmother that was told the Pope was coming over for dinner.  Within a few minutes Krystine transformed my living room into a cute little accessory boutique.  It was only a few hours, but so fun and easy.  Everyone, including myself, all bought items (some even planning to buy online next payday!).  And no surprise, as a host, there are some rewards coming my way!  Between this and my upcoming accessory collection I am going to need a bigger vanity!

If you’re interested in checking out Stella & Dot online you can be my extended guest and shop HERE.  And please contact Krystine to host your own party!  

Stay tuned to see what I bought from the Trunk Show and what goodies I got with my hostess perks!  

|Style| Pretty For A Big Girl?

FOC Apparel Pretty for a Big Girl? campaign shot
Photo: Elliot Parrott Stylist:Talecia Gordon 

A few months ago my friend Jelissa, asked me if I would help her do makeup for a new crewneck sweater campaign that her friends were launching.  Turns out her friends were none other than Sasha and Garcia of Flaws of Couture.  I had met Sasha previously at Big Deal Toronto (I even bought a lil’ somthin’ somthin’ from her closet).  Excited to help out and collaborate with the FOC ladies I was happy to help.  It was a real “all in the family” gig, since my bf was also doing the photography.  

Makeup: Jessica Biffi and Jelissa Matthew

The ladies had a very clear vision for the campaign, girls with attitude.  Which is fitting considering the statement being made commands attention.  Each girl had her own look, but the vibe was cohesive.  The focus was on the eyes - dramatic and sexy.  

As a thank you, Sasha sent me my very own crewneck!  Thanks so much ladies!  I am proud to promote the message and make a point!  Pretty For A Big Girl? No question!       

crewneck - c/o FOC Aparel | collar necklace - Covet By Biffi

|Style| On Wednesdays We Wear Black...

I don’t know about you, but I am living for the current season of American Horror Story: Coven.  A fan of the series since the start, even though I hate being scared, I’ve watched (mostly through my fingers, covering my eyes) and loved every incarnation of Jessica Lange’s characters.  But I have to say that Coven has been less scary and more story driven and certainly more fashionable than the past seasons.  (For example the serious Grace Coddington vibe Frances Conroy’s Myrtle Snow is serving).  And can we just talk about the addition of Gabourey Sidibe?  I think she is an amazing actress and I am so excited to see what they do with her character.  It’s a breath of fresh air to finally see a plus size actress like Gabourey on a popular show like Coven, that isn’t just there to be the butt of the joke or a run-on sentence of self depreciation.  

Channeling my inner Fiona Goode and following her advice, I wore “something black”.  While I don’t usually dress all in black, I find myself being more and more attracted to it lately.  I work as a makeup artist on the side, so it’s the colour (or lack thereof) of the uniform. There is something sexy and mysterious about wearing all black.  Dare I say, even witchy.

I am in love with this Addition Elle dress!  To be honest I had been eyeing the lace swing dress from Asos, which has been on my wish list, among a few other things for a while now (hint hint bf).  So when I saw this in store I just bit the bullet and bought it.  The lace is a paisley, with an under layer slip that is attached at the the neckline but free flowing at the side seams (sorry for the fashion tech geek moment - that stuff is important to me!).  It is so comfortable.  It’s soft and stretchy, but with a great fit and shape.  I even went down a size!

As much as I am in love with the dress, this blazer is one of the best purchases I have made in a long time.  It has an open front, fitted sleeve and structured shoulder.  I love me a good shoulder pad when it’s done well.  And the best part?  It was on sale!  I went into Reitmans on a whim, just to see what was up.  They tend to have a more conservative vibe, so I don’t usually find things to my taste there, but I was pleasantly surprised.  The jacket was reduced from $70 down to $59.99 with an extra 30% off!  Goes to show you, even if you don’t usually like a brand or line, it’s worth creepin‘ on sometimes.

Lately I feel like my ring obsession is getting ridiculous.  I never used to like more than just a statement ring or a knuckle duster.  But since my nail game has been elevated, the rings had to follow suit.  These ones are some of my favourites, from all over really (mainly Aldo Accessories, Urban Outfitters and Little Burgundy) .  I’m really into to midi rings (if you hadn’t noticed).  Gold is almost always my metal of choice.  I like the warmth it brings to my skin tone and my looks.  I do like the mixed metal detail of this necklace and the 60s long pendant vibe it has.  I thought it was a good pairing with the shape of the dress and length of the blazer.  Chic, with just enough emphasis.   

While I may not possess the powers of the Supreme, it is fun to play dress up as one.  

Outfit Details:

dress and necklace - Addition Elle | blazer - Reitmans | boots - Penningtons | leggings - Old Navy | scarf - Aldo Accessories  

|Events| Consign Your Curves

*Rack rental is now closed*

Back in July I got a chance to check out Big Deal Toronto, which is a closet sale for some of the plus size bloggers in Toronto.  It was an awesome way to meet people in the plus/blogger community and get your shop on.  The variety of styles and new brands to discover also really got my attention (as well as the attention of my wallet).  

I had the good fortune of running into Carlie from Friends In My Closet....  Carlie is from my hometown of Guelph, and was planning on creating an event like Big Deal Toronto, in the area.  Thinking it was a great idea, we chatted about me joining the line up of “celebrity” closets for the event.

Me and Carlie at CYC

On October 5th, Consign Your Curves opened its doors to a line up of excited shoppers.  Carlie and myself were joined by blogger and celebrity closets of Karyn of Killer Kurves, Sheena Snively of MTV, model Melissa Shannon and Erica from Erica Exposed, to name a few.  There was also a rack rental open to the ladies of the community that wanted to make some space in their closets (or just fill that space with some new, gently used fashions).  The event was bumpin’.  Between the hours of 12 to 4pm there was always a full house.  It was amazing to see the turn out for what we thought was going to be a small event.  

Sheena and I

I had a very successful sale.  I had brought a lot of stuff, and while it was hard for me to part with, it was nice to make a little return off of my shopping habit and clear space for future fall goodies.  With the sale I was even able to make space for the bf to have his own section of the closet, instead of the 5’‘ of space I allowed him prior.  (He knew what he was getting into when he moved in).  

Racks on racks on racks...

Since I was actively trying to reduce my closet, I was on good behaviour and didn’t buy much.  I got a great 60s inspired fall/light winter cropped coat, a chunky knit grey open sweater and a cropped military jacket.  All for less than $40!  The great thing about events like this is that they are easy on your wallet and great for sustainable fashion.  All in all Consign Your Curves was a huge success and I hope that it becomes an annual event.

faux leather skater skirt, button down top and cuff - Forever 21 | leggings, necklace and watch - Additional Elle | heeled sneakers - Spring | rings and bracelets - Aldo Accessories

|Style| Today's The Day...

I am so excited for fall!  I suffer through summer and all the frizz, humidity and sweating off my perfectly placed makeup, to embrace all fall has to offer.  Sweaters, layers, scarves, rich colours, frizz free hair and not being hot from just standing still.  Though it is not as cool as we Torontonians are used to, I will take it!  I’m like that one guy you see on the first day the snow starts to melt, wearing shorts, but in reverse.  Give me a fall breeze and I’m busting out the boots and capes!

One of my favourite fall trends is the rich bold colour palette.  Jewel tones and depth of colour give a nice warmth when it’s chilly outside.  This Oxblood hi-low top from Penningtons was a no brainer.  It’s a great length to pair with leggings, which makes it a no fuss piece you can easily style many ways.   The colour is totally on point for fall and is a nice backdrop for my favourite metallic of choice - gold!  I’m happy that people are finally on board with the thick, chunky chain look.  (Personally I’ve been trying to make this a thing for years now).  This necklace from Aldo Accessories had to come home with me as soon as I saw it.  

Another reason I have been craving the cold air is so I could finally wear these amazing faux leather leggings from Addition Elle.  When I tried them on they fit so well and were so cozy, but when I took them off I realized how warm they made me.  They have been living in my closet since the beginning of August, just waiting for their time to shine. 

Topping this date night out with the bf look is my worn-in Old Navy jacket.  This old gem is a great piece in spring and fall.  Just enough to keep off the cold but add a casual element to this otherwise edgier look.

Outfit Details: 

denim jacket - Old Navy | top - Penningtons | faux leather leggings - Addition Elle | shoes and bag- Aldo |necklace and watch - Aldo Accessories | jewellery - all over (did I mention I have a midi ring addiction?)