Call me the eternal optimist, but why not? In my perfect world, there would be equal opportunity media coverage for plus size fashion as well as the straight size fashion community. But while I could blanketly say plus size fashion, there are certain subjects within plus size fashion that should have more coverage rather than done sensationally!

Plus size fashion has evolved immensely from just five years ago! So, NOW is an even better time to shine light on a community that has seen steady growth, throughout the recession, outgrowing mainstream fashion!

So what plus size topics that need more coverage in the media? In the US, more specifically? Being that I am plus size fashion blogger, I will have a fashion slant to them, but putting on my business hat as well, here is what I came up with:

• The evolution of plus size fashion
• The new it designers in plus size fashion
• What a plus size woman looks like today
• The rise of the plus size fashion blogger
• Social Media and the plus size community
• Sizism–the last acceptable form of discrimination (except in San Francisco- theres a law for that)
• Plus Size Models reflecting todays plus size woman
• The spending power of the plus size woman
• Plus size fashion from a plus perspective
• Confidence, Body Image, and the Plus Size Woman

These are story ideas I would love to see cross the likes of Fashionista, Elle, Glamour, Marie Claire, The Cut, L.A Times on a regular basis, not when a story has been sensationalized by an outrage, ignorant blunder, or financial motive.

However, we live in a world where the media and industry still treats plus size as an anomaly- poking at it because it looks cool, but afraid to be the first one to embrace it out of fear of acceptance from their peers. This is where myself and other fashion bloggers and magazines from the plus perspective come in.

While mainstream media is learning and watching, we continue (the plus size industry and its supporters including Vogue Curvy Italia, Jezebel, and Refinery 29) to make strides, challenge the status quo and dare to be fabulous- because if we don’t who will? And more importantly within the US?

What are some topics you would love to see more of in the media? More topics I can share with you?Sound off

Am I being too naïve to wish this list?

My tastes and likes are quite eclectic. Yet there are a few things that I stay relishing in- those little things that make me happy with glee.  I mean, we all have those special things that “it feels so good” doing, those moments that allow us an escape from the day’s hustle and bustle of it all…

While I did share with you my ten non-negotiables, guilty pleasures are completely different. Inspired by the “oh so fabulous” Chris Brogan, he had me thinking, so today, I share with you mines and DARE you to give me one or a few of yours!

• Starbucks Coffee: Triple Venti Peppermint Mocha with One Shot Classic
• My Onesie Pajamas when It’s Cold (I get new ones each season!)
• Ho Ho’s and chocolate or cupcakes with traditional buttercream frosting (Birthday is coming soon!)
• Jacket’s (Leather, Suede, Outerwear, Trench- you name it, I have got one)
• Eye Shadow (especially in bright hues! I am on the hunt for an orange. Any suggestions?)
• So You Think You Can Dance or American Idol (I close my laptop, get off of twitter three hours ahead to ensure no spoilers AND I vote too!)
• Word’s With Friends (I love a good word game and when Scrabble can’t be had- I go here! Who wants to play? Add Me: mariedenee)
• Escaping into a James Patterson or Eric Jerome Dickey fiction novel (haven’t the time lately, but I need to find some time!)
• Ideeli (I cannot stay away and since my card is on file, yeah madness ensues! My two pairs of shoes arrived this weekend!) Here is my invite code for you!
• Charmed Reruns on TNT (Yes, the show has been off for eons and I know every episode, but I don’t care)

See? Now don’t laugh at me, because I know a few of you get down with some of these!!!

What are some of YOUR guilty pleasures?

I’m thinking I will have more to add to this list…. Especially as you share yours!

Image Source

Call me the eternal optimist, but why not? In my perfect world, there would be equal opportunity media coverage for plus size fashion as well as the straight size fashion community. But while I could blanketly say plus size fashion, there are certain subjects within plus size fashion that should have more coverage rather than done sensationally!

Plus size fashion has evolved immensely from just five years ago! So, NOW is an even better time to shine light on a community that has seen steady growth, throughout the recession, outgrowing mainstream fashion!

So what plus size topics that need more coverage in the media? In the US, more specifically? Being that I am plus size fashion blogger, I will have a fashion slant to them, but putting on my business hat as well, here is what I came up with:

• The evolution of plus size fashion
• The new it designers in plus size fashion
• What a plus size woman looks like today
• The rise of the plus size fashion blogger
• Social Media and the plus size community
• Sizism – the last acceptable form of discrimination (except in San Francisco- there’s a law for that)
• Plus Size Models reflecting today’s plus size woman
• The spending power of the plus size woman
• Plus size fashion from a plus perspective
• Confidence, Body Image, and the Plus Size Woman

These are story ideas I would love to see cross the likes of Fashionista, Elle, Glamour, Marie Claire, The Cut, L.A Times on a regular basis, not when a story has been sensationalized by an outrage, ignorant blunder, or financial motive.

However, we live in a world where the media and industry still treats plus size as an anomaly- poking at it because it looks cool, but afraid to be the first one to embrace it out of fear of acceptance from their peers. This is where myself and other fashion bloggers and magazines from the plus perspective come in.

While mainstream media is learning and watching, we continue (the plus size industry and its supporters including Vogue Curvy Italia, Jezebel, and Refinery 29) to make strides, challenge the status quo and dare to be fabulous- because if we don’t who will? And more importantly within the US?

What are some topics you would love to see more of in the media? More topics I can share with you? Sound off…

Am I being too naïve to wish this list?

Firstly, if I had to choose a favorite season, I would choose fall- hands down. The drama, colors, fabrics, and sophistication of it all- I LOVE IT. From day to evening looks, Fall is a season that takes my breath away with supple leather, soft and chunky knits I can disappear into, and amazing cottons that envelope my curves quite nicely!

I digress…

For Fall 2011, having debuted at Full Figured Fashion Week in June, the Queen Grace Collection brought a little of the drama and sophistication I liked and today, I get to share with you the crowd faves and some of mines from the Queen Grace Collection by Marina Zelner! Are you ready?

What is Queen Grace?

Queen Grace was created to provide fresh, innovative, elegant, and sensual pieces to the plus size woman. Freedom, confidence, strength, and beauty are all characteristics of pieces with the Queen Grace Collection!

One of my Favorites!

BUT THIS is my FAVORITE!

DO you see something you like? The Queen Grace Collection is not available for purchase JUST YET, however, if you head over to Queen Grace, you can sign up for the newsletter to be the first to shop, become a fan of them on Facebook or Tweet with Queen Grace on Twitter!

So which did you like??

Opening up the look book, LaLa Lopez shares her experiences, which aptly summarizes the day’s energy and happily preps you for the fashions that tickled me pink!

Without further ado, please enjoy the look book that left me with tons of smiles!

SOLESTRUCK Fall 2011 “To the Source” Look Book

Which pair were your favorites?

Chock full of Jeffery Campbell, Finsk, Melissa, Irregular Choice, and Matiko- their edited selection of shoes makes me want to charge immediately! Which pair of shoes was your favorite? More than one?

Sound OFF!

In the meantime, make sure you head over to SOLESTRUCK NOW to shop! Click the banner below!

If you have been following Plus Model Magazine on Twitter, then you would know that they have been teasing a special mid month publication devoted to swim. Chock Full of Swim for the plus size woman…

And let me tell you…..

Caliente!

Gone are the days that we, as plus size women are subjected to hide our curves- period. For swimwear, the same point proves true! I am so happy and honored to be a part of the Plus Model Magazine team as their Fashion and Style Editor- damn near humbled when I saw what beauty came forward from Maddy and the entire production team!

I wont talk you to death, I will just show you! Enjoy!

Plus Model Magazine Summer 2011 Plus Size Swim Suit Issue

Here is my UBER Favorite Photo:

Which photo was your favorite?

Make sure you check out the July issue of Plus Model Magazine as well, if you haven’t!

1. I love a good tailored denim short
2. A backup pair of flats is most desirable

Most times when I head out, it’s usually for some sort of event, and I have told myself, that I need to get out more- the non work related to let my hair down and enjoy life! (Thank you sister for the fabulous reminder) So, when I was invited to grab some drinks and peruse around downtown Pasadena, I was a little amped!

I met up with my girls in Old Pasadena this day, to hang with a friend who was in from out of town- but it was HOT. Or at least in my neck of the woods! So, I wanted to give my outfit (sent to me from Forever 21) a go in this heat wave. A lightweight blazer, denim trouser shorts, and a strapless tube top was the plan.

I had to share this outfit, especially as we talked about shorts and the plus size woman, and I had to share with you my excitement.

Denim trouser shorts.

I love them.

I am all about “How many times I can wear X item with X amount of pieces in my closet” when choosing which items to buy. I love fashion and style but my balance comes from longevity. I LOATHE falling in love with something that I can ONLY wear once, or feel that I can only wear once. (As much as I loathe this, I have MANY a outfits sitting in my closet now because of this)

These denim trouser shorts (which I ordered in a size bigger for the thighs) are going to be a staple for me as long as they will survive.  Blazer, tank top, t-shirt, dressier blouse- this for me is a new fave in this Southern California heat.

Four Inch Wedges + Drinks= Superwoman wardrobe change into flats.

I’ll be damned if I stumble on my face post cocktails in wedges. A broken or sprained ankle is NOT the business for me. Especially after teetering in these really cute Matiko wedges of mine.

‘Nuff Said!

So I ask you fellow Curvy Fashionistas:

Do you have a Summer Staple that you will wear into oblivion? An new piece of clothing that happily surprised you? Do you fashion a back up pair of flats when you are out and about?

Or is it just me?