STYLE REPORT: All White EVERYTHING! The Hottest Plus Size Styles for Every White Party

The summer is quickly approaching, the heat of the Summer Sun is starting to sizzle fashionable fashionistas into the less is more mantra, So you know what that means? Yes, a new wardrobe; but what else?  It means the social hierarchy will grant entry into tons of networking events, including ALL WHITE PARTIES! 

There's nothing like Summertime in the city. And the better the weather the more exclusive the events, better the venue, and more opportunity to turn up! This is also the time of year that retailers and designers SELL OUT of their beautiful white summer collections to women who attend these events throughout the metro area. One of the most stressful occasions I've experienced is traveling from store to store attempting to find the right ALL WHITE OUTFIT that no other big girl has, and pair it with the most perfect accessories to add a touch of glamour. 

Have you ever shopped last minute for an all white item? I have, and take it from me it's a NIGHTMARE! Everything is sold out, and whatever is in stock is ugly as sin. What's a girl to do if she's going to an All White yacht party and all you can find in the stores are florals, pastels, or some sort of prehistoric plus size garment that has no place in a bargain bin, let alone on the delicate curves of your body? 

POLL QUESTION!

 

How would you shop for an ALL WHITE PARTY?

To solve the problem of finding the perfect all white piece without breaking the bank, I've come up with a few tips that will add the WOW to your outfit, without bringing OUCH in your wallet. 

TIP #1. NEVER SHOP LAST MINUTE! For reasons other than previously stated, it's a nightmare. Try to anticipate what you want to wear, execute, then try to find alternatives in case the outfit you want NOW isn't the outfit you want to wear LATER!

TIP #2. Shop END of season. Fashion is ALWAYS a season ahead of the current season. For example, in the dead of Winter designers and retailers began to discount their Winter apparel, for Spring/Summer Collections. Use that knowledge and shop end of Spring/Summer Sales to find those pieces that were too expensive when the season started. If an item sells well, they restock it and when that happens the item sits in the inventory for a while; because that sudden rush has cooled down. With the Fall Season looming, those same retailers want to move that merchandise to make room for the new seasons collection. THATS WHEN YOU STOCK UP! You get the clothes you want CHEAPER than everyone else. Also, some women buy the clothes too small because they want that particular Item really bad. When that happens you can get lucky and get a returned item possibly in your size it might be discounted because it's the end of the season.

TIP #3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SHOP IN PLACES YOU'VE NEVER BEEN! Branch out, shop wherever your size is available and don't be afraid to mix and match. Visit local shops, thrift stores, consignment stores, online discounted retailers, even attend CLOTHING SWAP PARTIES to find what you need to make an outfit work. 

TIP #4. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize! Let's face it, white it's very bland and like black you have to dress it is give it your own spin on it to make it suit your personality. Make it fun! Add in some color to SPICE IT UP, like for example hot pink, royal blue, yellow, etc. You don't have to subscribe to the norms of the regular ALL WHITE PARTY, you can wear all white but you can stand out with the colors that you pair with it; so the goal is for you to have the best of both worlds, you abide by the rules of an All White Party by wearing all white, but your abiding by the rules dictated by your conscience by mixing color to bring out your flair for fashion.

TIP # 5. GO WITH CONFIDENCE! Believe your a BEAUTIFULLY, AMAZING, STYLISH person and that attitude will translate. Have fun, and remember who you are! 

As I previously stated, I hate not having anything to wear for an ALL WHITE PARTY so here ARE some of my favorite pics from my closet that I wanted to share with you guys!

I've also researched online to find a few more ALL WHITE pieces that can WOW with out the OWW!

BY KIYONNA

BY ZELIE FOR SHE

BLOGGER NATURALLY FASHIONABLE in BOOHOO.COM's JUMPSUIT

ASHLEY STEWART'S LINEN A LINE KEYHOLE DRESS

Full figured women can serve up a smorgasbord of PIPING HOTT FASHION honey, we just need the right INGREDIENTS!

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Zaftig Diva's #Confident #Beautiful Tee Shirt Line: Interview with Creator & Designer Mary Leandra

I absolutely love meeting new people, and that includes budding entrepreneurs like myself.  Recently,  I've had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Leandra, an up and coming diva with a mission to promote self love, appreciation, and worth among full figured women. I love the idea of a woman who is taking control of her choice to believe in herself and abilities, despite the mainstream pushing their perceptions of beauty on us (the public) through what's presented in mass media. Through our correspondence I've learned of how she wanted to expand her Facebook group Zaftig Divas into a tee shirt line. This is a huge step, let's see what Mary has to say...


1. Who is Mary Leandra? How did you come up with the idea for Zaftig Divas as a company?

She is a plus sized woman who was born and raised in South Texas.She has overcome and conquered the struggles that are associated with being a plus sized woman. She has gained confidence and boosted her self-esteem by realizing how beautiful she is and the fact that society does not make her.The idea for Zaftig Divas as a company came about my constant sightings of women on social media degrading themselves by posting provocative pictures to get reactions from men I just hate when women feel the only way to feel sexy or beautiful is if a man tell them because most of them are not looking at you as a person but as a piece of meat and it’s your fault because that is how you sold yourself.   I mean there is nothing wrong with someone complimenting you, but it should be an extra perk because you know how beautiful you are.


2. The name Zaftig is rarely heard of, what made you choose that name? Also, how does it represent you and your brand?

Zaftig meaning- a pleasantly plump figure; full-bodied or well proportioned woman.

I chose the name “Zaftig” because I hate being classified as a “BBW”, because around 1979 it was originated to be used in the context of a “Fat Fetishism” and I just could not stomach that.  Also, the words thick, curvy, phat etc, are overly used in the Plus Size community and I feel they are used more as a sex symbol than signifying who you really are. “Zaftig” represents me and my brand because I once was that “Zaftig” woman who lacked confidence and low self-esteem. I can now use my past experience to uplift these divas and help them grow, so they cannot let anyone define who they are.


 3. Expanding your brand, and perusing different venues to do so is commendable. What made you decide on expanding into a Tee Shirt line?

As some may know, Zaftig Divas started as a group on Facebook that promotes self-confidence and boost self-esteem in plus size women, so they can grow to love themselves for who they are and not how much they weigh.   I decided to expand Zaftig Divas into a tee shirt line because the more you see, hear or say how beautiful you are the deeper it will sink in your mind and release that confident inner Diva in you.

4.  What separates your line of tee's from other companies? How do you come up with unique phrases? What is your favorite phrase?

I think what separates my line is I am using my shirts as billboards to share affirmations.  As stated earlier, you will start to believe what you see, hear and say the more it is presented to you, like that song you can’t get out of your head. I try to create my phrases based the opposite of what you think of yourself.  For example, “I hate my curves” will be “I love my curves”. I want women to put on my shirts and say, “oh yea, I am beautiful, I am confident”, and when other women see them in my shirt they will think the same. My favorite phrase would be my Signature tee, “Zaftig Divas” because it will be the first step to admitting who you are and it has that reminder of who you are with the definition of Zaftig on the back of the shirt.

5. Who or what inspired you?

What inspired me was a female who told me she lives her life through me. She was a plus size woman who was not confident enough to wear that Yellow pump or those Purple skinny jeans, so she got life by watching me do it. From that moment on I wanted to help women gain my confidence and self-esteem.That is how my group “Zaftig Divas” was born.


6. In fashion, what colors and styles are available? Do you have tee shirts with phrases unique to the season?

As of right now I will start with White Tees and work my way to other colors once I start receiving feed back on what the Divas want or like. I am very big on input from my Divas. Yes, I am planning to create phrases based on seasons and holidays, so stay tuned

7.  Do you customize tee shirts? What are the size ranges?

Unfortunately, at this time I do not customize the shirts but plan on implementing it in the future. I will carry sizes XL-4X depending on the style of the shirt.


8. If I asked you to design a tee for me using your own creative license, what would you design for me?

For you Dominique, I would have designed my “Hash Tag Tee” for you. #Curvy #Beautiful #Smart #Confident.

9. Where can we find Zaftig Divas Tee Shirts? And what are any other social media outlets?

You can find Zaftig Divas tee shirt line on zaftigdivas.bigcartel.com.We can also be found on instagram @zaftigdivas and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/zaftigdivas. As of a week ago, I also have a Zaftig Divas public page where I will be promoting Zaftig Divas tee shirt line and other plus size events, it’s accessible to anyone.

10.  What is in the future for Zaftig Divas as a company and brand?

There is a lot in the future for Zaftig Divas. There will be a Curves and Confidence Boutique, Beauty Within Plus Size modeling agency, non-profit organization, book and a couture clothing line. Stay tuned!

There you have it a woman on a mission to succeed in the plus size fashion industry by making her own rules, while creating and reaching her goals. This interview has left me with so much hope for the plus size industry as a whole. While being a difficult arena to break into it has created a wonderful platform for young artists and entrepreneurs to grow, flourish, and most of all make great relationships with other people who understand that passion you have in this particular market. Please support this beautiful this diva to reach her ultimate success by visiting www.zaftigdivas.bigcartel.com.

Stay Beautiful, Confident, & Sexy!

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For Bookings or inquires email me @ Fabulouslyp@gmail.com 

The Diary of a FAT FASHIONISTA: I don't have anything to wear!

Hello! Lovely, Fluffy, Divas! In the Confessions series we addressed plus size lifestyles that included careers, love, relationships, mental, physical, & emotional aspects of being FAT in a skinny world. In this series, were going to focus more on the journey plus size women take through fashion and coming into their own. Though it's talked about all throughout this blog, this series will be geared for women like myself who have a hard time staying on trends, keeping up with the seasons must have 'IT' item, and everything in between due to the fact that we are slightly heavier than the more solid plus size women. In other words, we might have a little extra in our tummy pockets then other women. This is for the extra meaty sistas of the world, I got you!

I've been going through my closet trying desperately to find something different to wear; The worst feeling in the world is to realize you have absolutely nothing or that you've worn everything in there at least more
than a dozen times. What's a girl to do! Ok ladies, I'm not the only fluffy woman who's thighs rub and because of that your pants start to show wearing in that area; so I know the pain of having to fix a good pair of pants because of it. Also, we truly get tired of mixing and matching the same items over and over. If any of you are like me and crave variety  then we know the same old wardrobe just won't due.

So, whats a big girl to do? First things first, 'New Year' new revelations! Use your connections or make some if you don't have any. Be a little more friendly when going into a store to make a purchase. Become friends with the sales people, in doing that you will find out when new items are coming in; or when something goes on sale. These people will become your fashion insiders; telling you what you need to know.

Next, though you may know this already shop clearence, not just any clearence ALL clearance. We all have our favorite spots to shop, but try to branch out. Go to stores you wouldn't  normally go to find a deal. Basically be more flexable, just because a store doesn't traditionally sell plus sizes doesn't mean they don't have wardrobe pieces that can work with you style. for example, I use to avoid J.C. Penny like the plague because what they offered in plus sizes was hiddious! Some garments fell apart in the wash, lost color, or stretched out. Because of that i stopped shopping there, now I visit a little more often and stick to  the items I now would look good, fit, and above all LAST! I will never find a a pair of pants there to fit me, but at least I can find a good, inexpensive top. 

Finally, ladies we have to get over the fear of the dressing room. This is the place nightmares are made of. I remember when I use to be so scared to go into the dressing room and be disappointed that my heart would pound has I opened the door. Dramatic? Yes. The truth? Hell yes! I don't know if I've completely gotten over the anxiety, but I do know that I've learned how to not let it strike fear in me.

Have you taken something in the dressing room and you were sure it would fit or that you would look good in it, only to find out that it doesn't even come close to what your imagination thought it would look like? Yeah, I've done that too. So, whats the point? How is this going to help you? I'll tell you how. Try not to be upset by the fact that whatever the item is that is doesn't flatter your body, recognize the fact that your found out in the dressing room and not at home, work, or a night out. It's the worse when your busy throughout your day and you have a wardrobe malfunction. So, think of it as saving you from spending money that would be better spent on something that would actually look good. 

ARE PLUS SIZE WOMEN VAIN?

Ladies, lets face it. Although we are plus size we are very vain in a way when it comes to letting the world know that we hold ourselves at a high standard even if they don't. We view it as a shame if your plus sized and not well maintained, in that we may try to squeeze into clothes that have long stop fitting; THIS MUST STOP! In our vanity, we refuse to see that though we're plus size weight has been gained making the size were are, become the size we were. Stop buying things in your old size in an attempt to save face with the fact that your maintain your size instead of growing out of it. Try making positive changes in your diet. Look, I'm no nutritionist but I have the same problem and I try to make healthier choices as to not grow out of my clothes. We all know the bigger you are the more money the clothes cost, but allowing your muffin top to take center attention over your personality, style, and essence of being is a far

bigger crime. 

I'm not therapist, but I call it like it is. I talk about things that have happened to me, or I've gone through myself. Shopping isn't always a quick therapy session, but if your going out to the malls to find something to wear; don't bring baggage with you. If you do, all you will bring how with you is more baggage than what you had the first time. Let the weight of finding something to wear go (no pun intended) in order to find something that fits. 

Stay plus size, sexy, and confident!

Please leave any questions or comments below!

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Kurvacious Boutique Model Competition: Who will be the face of Kurvacious Boutique?

 Forget size 2, move over size 10; plus size fashion is making its presence known in a big way! How? By giving plus size beauties a platform to rock their curves, and represent their individual style through Kurvacious Boutique's plus size model completion. In their search to find the woman who would embody all that a Kurvacious woman represents, a model competitor was held; and on Saturday, July 27th the chosen finalist strutted with determination, sashayed with ease, and struck the fiercest of poses to capture, engage, and fascinate the judges and audience members alike.

Rehearsals

But wait! We can't have a model competition without fist setting the stage. The competition was held at Harlem Prep Charter School in NYC, in their event hall called The Crystal Room. The space was already amazing upon entry with glass window which surrounded the room; giving guests a view of the city, but was
further enhanced by creating an intimate setting complete with dim mood lighting, candles on each table. In the middle of the room sat a spotlit catwalk like area in which the models descended upon. With a DJ, spoken word artists, singers, a bar, and venders lined against the gigantic glass window this show had everything needed to create a lasting experience (with the air

Perfection isn't an option, it's a necessity

conditioning on full blast, I was in heaven). 

Together with my colleagues at Size Matters Photography, we soaked in the ambiance and shot amazing photos! Attending this event was the second time in my life where I saw so many beautiful, fashionable, plus size women on the catwalk as well as in the audience. At times the fashion stayed on the runway, and stopped at the audience; but in this instance it continued to make its presence known among the beauties that I was sitting near.

Plus size boutiques are few are far between when it comes to providing a full figured woman with an array of great fashions, and lets face it how many of them give plus size women (real plus size women, not padded bras, air brushed or but lifts. But real women who will be actually wearing the clothing instead of just modeling it.) a chance to show confidence and personality? I don't know who you are thinking of, but I can defiantly count Kurvacious Boutique as one of them. Another thing that I was impressed with, was the fact that the women are women who look like me or someone that I know; and to me that really came across as the designer really being focused on appealing to the masses of women who will be utilizing their boutique. Also, the different age groups of the women modeling caught my attention mainly because it implied that age doesn't determine beauty or a sense of style and that every full figured women will be represented, and that
level of comfort was great to have. Most plus size stores or boutiques only cater to one type of age range leaving the others lost in the fashion ABYSS, But with Kurvacious Boutique I saw versatility; which was refreshing to me.

When it comes to the models; these ladies where not only about the competition, but the business of fashion in all. These women did something not many have the courage to do, so on behalf of myself and colleagues at Size Matters Photography; we want to congratulate all the ladies in the competition, and a special congratulations to Techla Nesbitt the winner and new face of Kurvacious Boutique! And a special thank you to all the people who made it possible to have this event!


*Subscribe to my YouTube channel to view some footage from the competition at www.youtube.com/user/dom4fashionplus

Enough with the talk...ON WITH THE FASHION!

ME!

**There are so many images that I'm not able to show them all, please visit Size Matters Photography on Facebook (details below). Images provided by Size Matters Photography, Kurvacious Boutique, and myself. Please support us as we continue to do what we love in combination with our passion for plus size fashion.
INFO:

-Kurvacious Boutique: www.Kurvacious.com or www.facebook.com/KurvaciousBoutique
-Size Matters Photography: www.facebook.com/Sizemattersphotography
-Fashion Plus: www.facebook.com/FashionPlusBlog
       YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/dom4fashionplus
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