Artist Spotlight: Full Figured & Fierce Model Martina Knight- Boyd

With a model walk & pose for the gawds, Martina Knight Boyd has taken the Youngstown Ohio plus fashion scene by storm!

As a plus size model Martina has dedicated herself to the encouraging, uplifting, and empowering of plus positive body images; while being determined to make positive changes in her community. Such dedication to helping others resulted in the organizing of a benefit concert for the less fortunate with her husband. Martina is an accomplished model, actress, singer, and spokeswoman for the Lupus Foundation; who has worked with an array of full figured brands to hone her craft and gain experience that will allow her to further pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. Her work with the Angel of Avay Agency helped to share her experience in other parts of the country and learning the importance of dedication, hard work, and working with different personalities. 

Martina continues to grow her bodies of work by tireless becoming involved in local full figured events throughout Ohio. These events include Majorly Loving Me Fashion Show, modeling for a locally based radio and t.v. ads, has starred on an indie film in 2014 called NO MORE UGLY JESSICA, and she has hosted the an event for Saving Our Women Domestic Violence campaign. 

When she's not performing in making appearances, Martina is working on a CONFIDENCE & BEAUTY Campaign for the clothing line called AYENIE which she has cofounded in is the currently the face of the brand that is debuting some time this year.

Using her entrepreneurial skills, along with her yearning to lend a helping hand to all who are in need Ms. Boyd spreads her personal message of confidence and beauty to all of the major U.S. fashion cities that promote the beauty of a full figured women. 

As a modern day Jane of all trades there's nothing this size sexy woman isn't capable of, whomever said big girls can't do it better surly haven't met Martina! As a plus size writer it makes me proud to see my sisters doing what's in their hearts to do and achieve with absolutely no apologies for who they are, or what they look like. Full figured women aren't beautiful because of our personalities, we're beautiful because we simply are! Bookings and contact info for Ms. Knight-Boyd below!

ENOUGH TALK, STRIKE THAT POSE!

Links:

www.facebook.com/martinaknightboyd

Twitter: @marty3176
Intagram: martinaknightboyd

DON'T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD PLUS SIZE NOVEL: THE LIFE & TIMES OF A FULL FIGURED FASHIONISTA ON AMAZON.COM

Click the link to purchase on Amazon.com 

http://www.amazon.com/Life-Times-Full-Figured-Fashionista-ebook/dp/B00ZOL17ZW/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435012538&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Then+life+%26+times++of+a+full+figured+fashionista

The Plus Size Poll! On The Come Up

Hola, Beautiful People! This is the first time I'm introducing The Plus Size Poll to Fashion Plus, I usually post my question via Instagram (www.Instagram.com/PlusSizePrincessDom) but I thought that the question I'm going to propose to you needs more air play than the few seconds of spotlight on Instagram. With that being said, I know that some of you guys in the plus industry can relate to attending events and trying to figure out which ones are worth your time, which would you would most benifits from, and which one will afford you the best connections. If you have, this is your chance to address your feeling in the matter.

Question: Do you or would you attend any events related to your industry regardless of if it would benifits you or not? Are you selective about events you attend that are hosted by entrepreneurs on the come up?

**Please leave your comments below! Also LIKE and SHARE so that we can get a well rounded response from like businesses.**

Are you on the rise?

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Dressing Masculine Without Losing Your Femininity

Dressing masculine without losing your femininity 

By: Dominique Ali for Real Size Magazine

A woman asserting her independence, while maintaining her femininity has been a classic struggle since women emerged from kitchens and classrooms to having careers and running their own companies. In fashion, this concept reins more true now as it ever has. We've been through every type of evolution; from wearing pants for the first time to suites with horrid shoulder pads in them to give the illusion of having the broad shoulders of a man. Women have thankfully moved passed trying to prove themselves to men, to being an equal or even surpassing them; this reigns true in fashion as well. 

To achieve a masculine look, but maintain feminine features all depends on the cut, fit, and type of your garment being worn; not the brand, not the color, and not the fact that it's a man's item verses a woman's. Mens clothing is very bulky especially on woman's smaller frame, so it would be very easy for a woman regardless of hight or weight to drown in all the material it's takes to construct a man's item. So, how do we look better then men in their own clothing? Like we do everything else, bend and twist boarders and boundaries until it become exactly what we want it to be. 

First when choosing a cut think liner. If your a short, you would want to chose something that gives you the appearance of being taller by lengthening your torso and/or legs. If your already tall, maintain your height by using good posture. Remember your curves will accentuate your look and bring structure to an otherwise shapeless item by allowing it to mold itself to your body.

Next, is fit. As previously stated you want to chose something that molds to your body, while bringing that extra va-va-voom to your ensemble. Fit is very important because it states how you will be perceived to others. Too tight a fit will suggest that  your intentions are less than honorable. Too loose will give you the appearance of being slovenly.  But a fitted look will give you confidence and control; which is something all women want. It shows you have pride in your abilities, knowledge of your craft, take your purpose very seriously.

Finally, we have type. As divas, we know that a well placed item can do one of two things; either make your day or ruin it. Both will bring you attention, but which one do you want? When portraying a masculine look you have to know if your going for  effect or shock value. Effect would be an accent piece, for example a tie, suspenders, Fedora, Oxford shoes, or a vest. Shock value would be going all out; possibly wearing a full suit, with all the trimmings, with even an intense smoky eye to project fierceness. The type of clothing you choose will set the tone for how seriously people take you and also how you take yourself.

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P.H.A.T. In The City Meet & Greet Networking Event

Hi Beautiful People! Today I share my experience I had at an networking event in NYC held at Fashion 40 Lounge hosted by Thick Madams Inc & Plump Goddesses. Coming together in a first time collaboration, members from both parties traveled from as far away as Chicago to New York in order to build strong relationships and connections with each other to further endorse plus size business people, companies, artists, designers, photographers and of course BLOGGERS!

I had so much fun at this event! Usually, I might have been a bit nervous in a room full of strangers; and it can be hard to go up to someone and introduce yourself and brand over and over again. At this event I didn't feel that way at all, I was totally comfortable and I felt like I was in a room with old friends rather than new faces; that's how welcome I felt. I do a lot of networking that is done through social media or attending fashion shows; this is the first event I've attended that it's only purpose was to network within the plus size fashion industry. Present at this event were people from diverse backgrounds of the full figured fashion industry ready to make connections, and expand business ventures. I felt camaraderie around people who are in the same business as myself, and I invite anyone who has never attended a networking event to do so, as an independent  business owner it will be one of the best
decisions you can make.

The ladies of Thick Madams Inc & Plump Goddesses has done a remarkable job setting the bar high, while bringing together people that can connect with each other and grow business together to reach a common goal of bringing attention and notoriety to the plus size industry. People involved in this industry are not just business people, but also consumers; we each know what is lacking in the fashion world concerning the fuller bodies of men and women. This event is the first step in building stronger relationships with each other, I for one cannot wait for the next step to take root and grow.

PICTURE TIME!

**Images provided by Size Matters Photography and Myself

For more information on Thick Madams Inc & Plump Goddesses visit them on Facebook and Instagram

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Are you comfortable in your CURVY?

 How comfortable in the shape of your body? Many women struggle with this question. As young girls we are taught that beauty is what people can see and not what they feel. When I say taught, I don't mean by our parents or teachers; I mean by visual images. Perceptions of what the American standard of beauty is or can be. How about we change that perception? How? By asking ourselves the basic question of am I comfortable in my curvy?

How can you tell if you or another woman is comfortable in their curvy? Easily done, watch how they move, they way they carry themselves or their weight. If she moves with a flow or grace like walking from one point to the next is effortless, then YES she is comfortable in her curvy.

If a women hides herself under large ill fitting clothing, doubts herself before anyone else gets the chance to, and walks with a discomfort that makes others uncomfortable by watching her move; then it's safe to assume that this woman is not comfortable in her own skin. How can this woman(women) move past how they see or feel about themselves to project a positive image that can radiate from the inside out? 

For years I've had friends of all sizes and plus size women in particular seem to not know how to carry themselves so that they; and people around them are at ease. Have you ever seen a plus size girl with jeans or other clothes so tight that her clothes are screaming LET US FREE! And when they  move the discomfort is visible?  That is clearly a woman who is not comfortable in her curvy. A woman  is truly comfortable all the above occurrences will not happen.

It really hurts me to see my sisters look as if they're hating who they are when really its who they are that makes them a better woman. Can you name women in the public eye who are curvy and beautiful? And in being comfortable in their own beauty has changed the way society views CURVY women?



I for one am going to continue to fight the good fight in hopes that one day women like myself & others will be accepted in the fashion industry. It took most of my adult years to accept my own body, and that was mostly due to what I saw boys were interested in when they were looking at girls to date. And some of those insecurities carried over into adulthood until I was able to understand and challenge what people thought beauty was.

So, I challenge you to challenge others into changing what they consider the standard of beauty to be. In the meantime stay Beautiful, Confident, & Sexy!

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FASHION REWIND: Style repeats that has lost it's style & new ways to spin a old item

Hello Dolls! I've been waiting anxiously to see what new tips and tricks full figured retailers are going to come up with for the 2013 spring season only to see a lot of the same style repeats from seasons past. Don't get me wrong some styles are classics that never go out, but others are also classics meaning old and tired. How do we spot the difference? Easy, look in your closet and if you have the exact same design from last season and see it coming out for a a new season just in a a different cut or color; then baby you have your self a STYLE REPEAT!

From Marc Jacobs spring 2013

You might see colors and lines like this one for the Marc Jacobs spring collection. I know what your thinking. Your thinking he doesn't make anything for plus sizes; and you are right. But my point is that this style has been done and re-done too many times to count. So if a major label like this is doing it, why not a full figured label? Honestly, shop some of your favorite stores and see what turns up. Maybe a few new items but all in all it's mostly items you already have in your closet.

Available at fashiontofigure.com

   Dresses Like the one fits the mold on a new spin on a the classic little black dress. This dress called Take the Plunge available by Fashion to Figure accentuates curves and gives a plunging neckline (which is my go to favorite neckline) with a mesh like cover that showcases a full figured women's cleavage. This is the type of dress a plus size women can wear that she will feel comfortable and sexy in without being to risque, but of course you want to push the envelope just a bit so the back of the dress is is the same mesh like see through lining.

This coat by Ashley Stewart is quickly becoming one of my favorite items for the new season. It flatter a full body and has a great blending of fabrics to give a women that chic look that we all want. For the transition from winter to spring this coat looks as if it can give the versatility that's needed, because you never know what mother nature has in store for you.

Ladies seriously its not what you wear (most of the time), but how you wear it, how it makes you feel, and the confidence you get from looking and feeling voluptuous.

Where are some of your favorite places to shop? Visit them when the new merchandise comes in try not to purchase items that are similar to the ones in your closet. Were all guilty of is sometimes ladies were so caught up in being EMOTIONAL SHOPPERS that we buy things we already have. What's an emotional shopper? That's when we buy things because we want something quick or just because it fits. Tell the truth! How many of use have had bad days at work, home, relationships, etc. and were in need of retail therapy?  Someone or something gets on our nerves and we run to the closest mall to sooth the pain. Doing this not only results in BAD fashion decisions, but it can put a hurting on your wallet and as MOST of us know money isn't as abundant as it use to be; so we can't afford to over spend on under performing clothing. When you feel the need to splurge try doing it on items that can transform your look, and if there are things you need to buy make sure its comparable with your everyday as well as your special occasion items.

Have you got a story? We all have one the important thing is that we keep telling and writing it. How else can we move pass the stereo type of a plus size, full figured or phat woman? The worlds worst judge is yourself, so on this blog that's what were going to work on through fashion, body image, perception, and anything else that will help us to be better people. Stay Beautiful, Confident, & Sexy!






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*Images provided by Google Search, Ashley Stewart, and Fashion to Figure

The mirror has two faces: Which one do you believe?

Hello Dolls! I know you guys are looking at this image saying ok, what's this about? Well, I've had something on my mind I want to share with all of you; it's something we all struggle with, but most people don't talk about it or ignore it. I know because I'm guiltily of ignoring it myself. First I want to say I'm no doctor, therapist, or anything like that; I just talk to you guys from a real place of what I've seen, heard, or experienced for myself. Can I do that? Is that alright? Well, let's get started!
The two faces of a mirror, I know y'all like; what two faces? When I look I only see one, and that's the fabulous me! And your right there is only one face and it's yours, but when I say two faces; what I mean is the face you see in the mirror, and the one you see in your MIND. What I'm really talking about is perception or body image perception. I've notice that some of us don't believe what we see in the mirror because our minds are giving us totally different information. We apply how we feel to how we look, thus using our outer appearance to reflect what we think we look like; and this simply isn't true (not in all cases, but a good majority). Like I said I'm guilty of the same misconception as most so I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer, I just want to be real with you.
How can we fix this? By being honest with ourselves about our appearances and how we appear to other people? Did you ever try asking somebody who knows you pretty well about how they perceive you? Well, you should if you didn't the results could shock you. Plus size ladies were affected by this most of all that's why we seem to miss the mark when trying to reinvent ourselves; a majority of the time we don't know where to start so we go for the easiest mark. Fashion magazines, clothing stores that don't go up to our size, wear items six sizes too small; all in an effort to feel better about our own perception of ourselves. And why? It does nothing but stress us out later if we feel like we don't measure up. Our minds are the "I can wear that beast" and we feed it by feeding into the mainstream idea of what a "woman" should look like. That 'beast' tell us we can do something and we believe it that's the minds perception. Then we do it and look in the mirror at our handiwork and we look a HOT MESS! That my lovely is the mirrors perception. The mirror is what's real; the mind is what is fooling us every time. I guess that's were we get the phrase GO AND GET YOUR MIND RIGHT! Because it can truly be the worst if that's how we continue to go through life.
Do some soul searching and really find out what it is that's causing you to believe a lie. You have to approve of yourself before anyone else can approve of you. Which mirror would you chose? Until next time my loves! Stay beautiful, confident, sexy, and above all plus size and loving it!


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