Change of plans

So, the plan was to include tons of photos from the fashion show and a list of what I liked. But due to time constraints (and the fact that my camera died before the end of the show) I don't have enough material. BUT I will be sharing what I am looking forward to for fall and some looks that I love from the show.

First up, the classic little black dress. This one is what I will be rocking this fall:
This is the faux wrap dress from VikkiVi

For a fun look, I like this dress by Sweetooth Couture.

I will be adding black leggings because that's just my personal preference.

Now for a work look, I love this 3 piece suit from LaDan's Closet. Actually I LOVE most everything from LaDan's Closet.

I also love LaDan's short trench, the Eye Spy:

I also kept my eye out for evening looks. Here are some that I really want.

Serenity by Margaux Kouture

Plush Boutique has this number, Anastasia:


There were so many awesome looks and I have so many more things to share, but that will have to wait until next time! Happy shopping!


Love,
Alisha

FFFWeek Finale - my report!

I'm back!

The FFFWeek finale was awesome!

First let me say a million thank-yous to the ladies from Daily Venus Diva Magazine: Valery Amador (@valeryvie), Stephanie Penn-Danforth (@SPDanforthDVD), Cassy Jones-McBryde (@CassyJ) and Olga Gonzalez-Ramos (@olgaplusmodel) for showing me a great time in NYC. You ladies are the best!

The finale started with a VIP reception, which was sponsored by Sonsi . There were red carpet interviews, lots of mingling, an open bar, and a drink created just for the event, the Sonsi-tini!


In addition to a smoking hot fashion show, the ladies in attendance did not hold them up! I saw these shoes and had to share:

It wasn't just shoes that caught my eye. Lakia McCoy worked in out in a bad purple dress!

Work it girl!

Another big standout was Olga Gonzalez-Ramos in white.


Once the interview and Sonsi-tinis were done it was time for the show.
Gwen Devoe of Devoe Signature Events opened the show and introduced host Shanda Freeman.

In true NY style, the night was kicked off with spoken word poets, a full figured dance troupe and then came the fashions! OMG! The designers this year are working to get all my money. We saw offerings from 13 different designer, boutiques and retailers, but that will be the next entry. The focus of the night was the awards for those who gave so much to the industry this year.

The 2011 FFFWeek awardees were:

Plus Boutique of the Year – Re/Dress NYC


Plus Designer of the Year – Monif C. Plus Sizes


Plus Fit Model of the Year – Terri Murray


Plus Fashion Photographer of the Year – Lucas Pictures


Plus Fashion Magazine of the Year – PLUS Model Magazine



Plus Commercial Print Model of the Year – Fluvia Lacerda

Plus Lifestyle Magazine of the Year – Daily Venus Diva



Plus Retailer of the Year – Lane Bryant




Plus Runway Model of the Year (posthumously) – Mia Amber Davis (accepted by her husband, Michael)


Plus Icon of the Year – Catherine (Cat) Schuller


Plus Agency of the Years – MSA Models (MSA Plus)


Plus Pageant of the Year – JT Productions – Full Figured USA Pageant


Plus Fashion Stylist of the Year – Susan Moses


Plus Fashion Blog of the Year – Big Girl in A Skinny World


I had a great time and will have to put all of the fashion show photos in another post, even blogger has it's limits!

Until next time, live big, bold, and beautiful!

Alisha

It's about time!

Yeah, I am talking about how long it has taken me to post.

But also I am referring to Full-Figured Fashion Week that is coming to NYC this week!

Thanks to my FBBF (fashion best friend forever!) Stephanie Penn-Danforth who makes her living bringing fasion and information to full figured women via her Daily Venus Diva Magazine.

Now I do realize that even though it's called a "week", it is just 3 days at this point, but that fact that the fashion world is even acknowledging the more bountiful among us is noteworthy.

Just a few facts for reference:
According to Women's Wear Daily (WWD to those in the biz or who follow the biz)the average woman in the US wears a size 14. That is miles away from the sample size 0 and 2 that are a fashion house and runway show staple.

According the US Census, there are over 159 million women in the US (51.7% of the population).

The government's Women's Health Information Center (womenshealth.gov) states that over a third of women are obese.

So, while I am not a mathematician, by my rough count, that means that there are at least 53 million plus size women in the United States who need clothes.

And if you are a fashion conscious plus-size woman like myself, you know how difficult it is to find clothing that is fashionable and age appropriate. I can find a flowered muumuu any day. An all black ensemble? No problem! But to find something that is suitable for my 30-something flirty fun personality, I have to work a little harder. And when you factor in my budget that includes student loans and increasing gas prices, you've got a major challenge.

So, I am happy for FFFWeek and can't wait to go.

I will give a full report with photos on Sunday when I return.

Until then, live big, bold and beautiful ladies!

Alisha