|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| DARExSUZYPLUS Part 1

Recently, I had the fun opportunity to shop Suzy Shier+, with fellow bloggers Assa (My Curves and Curls), Thera (Cloud 14+) and Karen (Curvy Canadian) for a new feature in the upcoming fall issue of DARE Magazine.  We had the chance to check out the pre-fall fashions and shop the shoes and accessories from the Suzy Shier line as well. It was so nice to catch up with these ladies and shop at the same time!

My shopping partners clockwise from left, Diana (DARE Magazine), Assa, Karen and Thera

The best part of the Suzy Shier+ line is that there’s something for everyone.  As fashion bloggers, we each have such distinct and individual styles.  We’re also all different shapes, heights and sizes, yet none of us had a difficult time putting together many amazing looks. And as ladies that do a lot of shopping, the pieces are so reasonably priced ranging from $12 to $56, with sizes ranging from 1X to 3X.   

I know I’ve said it before, but fall truly is my favourite!  All the layers, textures and new prints for the season always give me new life after the heat and minimal dressing of summer. While shopping the Suzy Shier+ selection, I wasn’t disappointed.  There were soft layering cardigans, rich hues of burgundy and browns, great denim pieces and black and white windowpane prints, which are all on-trend for fall.  I loved the pieces I saw and the helpful ladies from Suzy Shier assured us that there would be even more to come in September.  While shopping, I couldn’t resist moving into the shoe and accessory departments as well.  I fell in love with a few shoes and bags in black suede and muted beiges with warm gold detailing—all musts for fall.     

If you’re as excited as I am about the fall collection from Suzy Shier+, join myself, Assa, Thera, Karen and DARE Magazine for an in-store event to shop with us!  It’s all happening on Monday, September 21st from 5PM-7PM at the Dufferin Mall location.  There will be goodies, contests, nibbles and more!  And let’s not forget the shopping part! 

Keep an eye out for more information to come and for the newest issue of DARE on September 14^th.  Also, be sure to check the current Suzy Shier+ selection in-store and online now.

|Preview| Addition Elle and Ecco Fall 2015

Experiencing one of the hottest weeks of summer so far, it’s difficult to think about Fall fashion.  But if you haven’t noticed, rich hues and heavier fabrics have started to trickle onto retail racks everywhere.   Forever mentally building my perfect Fall wardrobe, I’ve defiantly started to window shop.

A few months ago, I got the chance to check out the Fall 2015 collections from Addition Elle and Ecco Shoes.

One of the best parts of Fall, is the chance to transform and evolve your style.  The textures are richer.  The colours are more lush.  And the trends are very focused.  This Fall, Addition Elle calls on the 70s in a big way.  Think suede, fringe, structure and shades of brown and burgundy.  I’m very excited for a all the 70s trends I’ve been seeing, and I love that Addition Elle did not shy away from the more trendy notes.  

Structure plays a big role for Fall as well.  Suiting with attention to tailoring is a strong focus.  Pieces range from coordinated sets, longline jackets and wide leg pants.  My personal favourite is the longline vest and faux leather vest.  Both great layering pieces that can either give some edge or make a look more minimal.   

And what is Fall, if not the kickoff to boot season!  Ecco doesn’t disappoint with well constructed leather wears.  Whether it be the edgy sporty high tops or a great heeled ankle boot, I’m dreaming of wandering the city on a chilly day.  

Keep an eye out for these collections, coming to stores now, until mid August.   

|Style| COLLECTiON By PRiMAALA Spring/Summer 2015

COLLECTiON by PRiMAALA, is the new in-house label offered by owner and designer, Rachel Holt.  Matching the high-end labels PRiMAALA is known for, the new collection is simple, yet refined.  You can see the thought process of a creator that knows the elements of design, but at the same time, curated with elegant details and taste.  This is just the first season of COLLECTiON by PRiMAALA, with more coming for Fall.

Wearing Asher Tee and Carly Blazer (with silver chain - also comes with gold and gunmetal)

As you know by now, Rachel and I have been friends for a long time.  I’ve been fortunate enough to see the development of the line from it’s inception.  I was excited to check out the collection in person and finally have the chance to try on a few pieces.  Unfortunately for me the collection has been very successful, so not all the wares were available for me to try on.  So if you like what you see, I strongly suggest checking it out in store immediately.

Wearing Sara Dress

|Beauty| Life's A Beach

Unless you’ve been living in an unfortunate hole in the ground, you would have heard about all the damage that microbeads have been causing.  Microbeads, the teeny tiny bites of plastic that come in common everyday items like scrubs and toothpaste are too small to be filtered out by water filtration systems.  These harmful little things have been collecting up and polluting our waterways, and in turn, poisoning marine life.  

The good news is that LUSH has come up with a wonderfully scented solution.  I was lucky enough to get a first look at Life’s A Beach, the limited edition body scrub, with natural scrubbers - no damaging plastics here!  

Life’s A Beach Body Scrub offers scrubbing sand and fine sea salt, to gently exfoliate the skin.  Both are easy on the skin and perfect for the environment!  Not only does your skin feel silky soft, it smells delicious.  It wouldn’t be an amazing LUSH product without an intoxicating scent, and the sweet vanilla-caramel does not disappoint!  It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and it leaves a delicate lingering on the skin well after use.  

If all that wasn’t amazing enough, 100% of the sale price goes to good use.  The $6.95 from each 3.3oz pot, goes to grassroots organizations working towards putting an end to microplastic pollution.  A luxurious, natural scrub that makes your skin and heart feel good?  100% of the sales going to help the cause?  YAS KWEEN!  

Get your hands on this beautiful new and limited product, Friday June 5th, both online and in store! 

|Style| Bust[ing] into Spring with Déesse

When Addition Elle launched their new lingerie collection, Déesse in early March, I was really impressed.  The word Déesse - meaning goddess in French, is so fitting.  The collection is delicate and ultra femme.  The fabrications are refined, soft and beautiful.  The colour palette is whimsical and very spring.  And one of the best parts is that there’s a bra for everyone woman, and her needs (with sizes ranging from 38C - 44DD).

When the Flawless T-ser hit stores I was in love!  The bra is perfection.  It’s both comfortable and sexy.  It’s smooth and soft, with an almost cooling feeling to the touch because of the material used.  It hugs the body, and comes high enough in the back to smooth and support (bras with 4-hooks or more are always a plus!).  The straps are wider, but not matronly looking.  The colour choices ranged from the basics of nude and grey, to bright lavender and a fresh sky blue - all in the same heathered fabric.  After I tried one on, I was hooked, and got all four choices!

The Déesse collection is in stores now and is a permanent part of Addition Elle’s lineup.

|Preview| Addition Elle Spring 2015

Back in November I was invited to attend the Spring 2015 Preview for Addition Elle, hosted by Brill Communications.  At the time it was difficult to think about the upcoming spring season, with the holidays just around the corner.  But now that it’s wickedly cold outside, I know we’re all looking forward to a little spring time colour and warmth! 

The new wears from AE are nothing short of refreshing and fun.  It’s great to see the continuing focus on young, trend-inspired pieces from the plus size brand.  There’s an emphasis on colour injection, light layering and graphic prints.  Also the introduction of more well known and designer brands to Addition Elle’s racks are more than welcomed! 

The addition of the Cactus line of swimwear, as well as the Jessica Simpson range is something that I’m very much looking forward to seeing in store.

I’ve added some photos of my favourite pieces that were previewed.  Unfortunately my bf and photographer extraordinaire couldn’t be with me, so Addition Elle was nice enough to supply me with these great snaps and campaign photos.

|Preview| Addition Elle Holiday Preview

Back in July I was invited to check out the new holiday collection from Addition Elle.  Holiday, as you can guess, offers richer fabrics, a bit of sparkle and a darker colour palette.  And even though there are things we expect, it was refreshing to see the twists and risks AE has made for the season. 

The trio of manikins painted a sophisticated picture for the party season.  There was a strong play of fabrications and textures.  Also by playing off the popularity of this seasons’ crop tops and bringing a new silhouette with the midi skirt combo, new life is brought to a print on print look.  Expect fringe, fur and shimmer to take center focus.  

Obsessed with this beaded vest

Sophisticated details like pleats are strong for holiday

The clothing showcased ranged from day, evening, lingerie and activewear.  While the colour palette was primarily rich blacks with hints of gold detailing, there was a peppering of whites and heathered greys.  Fabrications moved from soft and fluffy to sleek and fluid.  

New cropped styles even showing up in active wear

While checking out the preview I was also lucky enough to get a chance to peep the newest TV spot for the new collection.  Addition Elle is really trying to make new waves in the world of plus size and I am excited to see it unfold.

|Preview| - #HOME4THEHOLIDAYS

Last week I was invited to Brill Communications’ holiday preview #HOME4THEHOLIDAYS.  It was held in a beautiful suite at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel, in Toronto.  It was a fun mix of the brands that Brill works with, all showcasing their new holiday wares. 

Our Chocolate Tales experience - Elliot was so much better at making truffles than I was, but they still tasted just as good.

There was a lot to experience, with three floors of excited brand reps.  Some of my favourites were SoftLips, with their new 5-in-1 Lip Cube, Conair and Chocolate Tales, where the bf and I got to make gourmet chocolate truffles (surprisingly he was really good at it...me not so much).  As a girl that loves her some specs, I was all about Josephson Opticians, where I feel in deep love with a sick pair of Dita sunglasses that I’m still obsessing over.  I also really liked the idea behind MIYU, a beauty brand focusing on beauty from within, combining specially blended teas with revitalizing Beauty Essences (a benefiting facial mist).  I loved the sent of De-Stress Mi, Pairing No.2, the main note is mint and it is so refreshing (and the tea was delicious).

Love the packaging from MIYU Teas and Beauty

Need these Dita Mach One sunglasses in my life, available at Josephson Opticians!

Addition Elle was among the brands featured, but stay tuned for a stand alone post coming shortly.

|Preview| Addition Elle Autumn/Winter 2014

Last week I was invited to Brill Communications to check out Addition Elle’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection.  I know it might seem hard to think about fall, or God forbid winter, now that the nice weather has finally arrived, but once I saw the clothing all I wanted was for it to be fall!  

Some of my favourites ranging from activewear to career.  Stunning jackets coming out this season.

Fall has always been my favourite season.  I love the richness of colours and all the layers.  It’s great fabrics like leathers and wools.  Fall is key pieces like boots, sweaters and coats.  And on all fronts AE has delivered.  I don’t think I’ve more excited to see a  collection in store, as I am for this one.  AE has really brought their A-game and piece after piece left me feeling obsessed!  

More great leather footwear continuing for A/W 2014.  Wide widths and calfs.  

There are three main feels within the A/W2014 season, but the one that caught my eye the most was the Elegantly Grunge Chic range. I could not get over the amazing plaid coat on one of the display manikins.  It’s edgy, but functional and super on trend.  I also loved all the layering options from cropped sweaters to great tailored leather jackets.  And even though there are three different vibes, they all work together to really create a fall/winter wardrobe that is chic, daring and fashionably on point!  

Obsessed over this jacket!  A must own. 

I can’t wait to shop this collection, available in stores and online starting in August.

Check out my interview with Roslyn Griner, VP of Marketing and Visual Display for Addition Elle for more about this collection.  

|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.

|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!).