» Cruzearati

Candy Wax Cutie and That’s Heart Cruze in HIGH Style

Marie Denee — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:59:12 +0000

What a fabulous day to watch a set build up, watch a fabulously adorable beauty blogger transform, grooving to fun beats, all on the set of the latest Chevy Cruzearati shoot!

My travels led me down into LA to a fun studio where I got the chance to meet up with the fabulous and UBER big beauty Vlogger- Heart (and boyfriend) and watch her get fabulously dolled up for her latest shoot in avant garde hair and makeup!

As a fly on the wall, I had the chance to watch all what goes into the infamous shoots by Candy Wax Cutie- an amazing troop of Makeup artists, designers, photographers, actors, and hairstylists all coming together to push the boundaries artistically and fashionably- led by the extra innovative and visionary Oliver Ponce!!

Seriously- how cool is this?

Check out the video of me and Heart getting all chummy and BFF- Like! She is too cute!

How much fun is this!!! How amazing!!!

I do not think you got how amazingly fab Candy Wax Cutie is! They gave me this UBER cool photo in print to take home!

To find out more about the adorbs beauty vlogger, please check out That’s Heart’s You Tube beauty channel and follow Heart Defensor on Twitter! Do NOT forget to check out the talented and innovative team- Candy Wax Cutie and fan Candy Wax Cutie on Facebook!

P.S. Also, do not forget to check back in DAILY with me and on the UBER COOL Cruze-arati website, follow me @mariedeneeAND the@cruzearati on Twitter, catch #Cruzearati on Foursquare, and peep all the #Cruzearati on Facebook! My webisodes will also be featured on the Chevy You Tube Page!

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Cruzin with LUV AJ- Accessorized to Maximize

Marie Denee — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:45:08 +0000

Cruzing with Luv AJ

Every girl loves her jewels- or at least I DO! Fancy that I had the chance to play with Amanda Thomas- the amazing jewelry designer behind LUV AJ on my latest stop on my Cruze adventure!

The stage was set at her beautiful LA home inside her studio. Here, Amanda shared with me the inspiration for Luv AJ, the collection, and how LUV AJ is a family affair! From her father and sister Claire (Blogger, Foodie, Photographer), to the support of her mother, this artistic family sure knows how to inspire and draw from each other’s talents!

No Seriously! After launching her line after happening across a cache of her father’s vintage arrowheads, LUV AJ was born! With the help of her sister as the photographer and stylist, this line packs panache, sass, and tons of class for the preppy conservative or the edgy fashionista!

Take a look at our adventure with LUV AJ!

But wait, there is more!

Amanda (AJ) walked me through her process of how she creates such unique and innovative uses of stones and metals! But we went even a step further!

After Amanda walked me through her current collection, we scooted over to where they cast the shapes of the jewels and polish the finishes to give LUV AJ the edge and pop of attitude that sets it apart from the rest! DIVINE!!!!!

Please check out the ever so cool and chic and affordable jewelry line LUV AJ and Follow her on Twttier @LuvAJTweets!

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Cruzin’ Curves with Igigi

Marie Denee — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:36:58 +0000

While in San Francisco, on my Cruze-arati roadtrip after stopping by Pigment Cosmetics, I had to stop by one of the original contemporary plus size designers- Igigi by Yulia Raquel! There was no way that I would be able to Cruze all the way, back up north without saying hello to my friends who cater to the Curvy Fashionista! NO WAY!

Yulia Raquel, designer and founder of Igigi, gave me a fabulous tour of her San Francisco based headquarters, showroom, and latest collections! For the plus size woman, Igigi brings a classic chic appeal, offering wear to work options, evening and cocktail dresses, as well as great staples for the wardrobe for day-to-day chic!

Having recently moved from the Bay Area (I miss you!), I saw quite a few familiar faces as Yulia invited some models into the showroom to share the latest looks! I felt at home! Probably since I could rock almost every item in the place! Um, kid in a candy store? Yes, that was me.

Check out my latest video as Yulia gives us a little bit about Igigi, the inspiration, and the fit of the collection!

Behind the scenes with Igigi

But wait! There is more!

After Yulia and her fabulous models shared with me the latest looks, shapes and fits, I got to play! While in San Francisco, I was invited to attend SNOW, an all white fashion show in the heart of downtown! What was a girl to wear? No worries, Igigi hooked it up! Take a peek!

What do you think? Have you fancied your curves in Igigi by Yulia Raquel? Make sure you visit their website, fan Igigi on Facebook, and follow Igigi on Twitter!

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Road Tripping and Beauty Blasting with D.I.Y. Diva

Marie Denee — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:34:19 +0000

Heyyyyy! Welcome back to my LATEST installment in my D.I.Y. Diva episode as YOUR Fashion Cruze-arati! If you are new to my blog, or haven’t caught up with this Cruze-arati thing, in January, Chevy launched a new social media campaign for their latest car- The Chevy Cruze! They have chosen ME as their Fashion Cruze-arati, traveling across the country to share with you the most UNEXPECTED in Fashion! This week’s adventure takes me 400 miles north to San Francisco! In a special two part video, I get to share with you MY once secret vice- MAKE UP!

After such a long trip (6 hours!), a girl needed to freshen her look up and helping me with this were the lovely people at Pigment Cosmetics and Blush School of Makeup- San Francisco’s oldest and only beauty and makeup school!

While here, I met with the ever so talented and Director of Education- Catherine Kalessis! She showed me how we can go from day to night in just a few brush strokes! Being such a closeted beauty junkie, I have been elated in sharing my needs for my beauty fixes with you and Pigment Cosmetics has helped right along the way!

Check out part one- The Day Look:

One of my favorite makeup tips is the APPLICATION of the foundation! Not shown in the video here, but rather than using your fingers or a foundation brush, Catherine advised that I use a BLUSH BRUSH! YES!!! Using a blush brush in a circular motion uses LESS product AND gives an airbrushed finish!

WOOT! I love this tip!!!!

Part Two- The Night Look:

Which look is more YOUR look? How long do you take to get ready for your day?

This is the FIRST STOP amongst a few while I was in San Francisco! You definitely must STAY TUNED for more of my adventures while in SF as your Fashion Cruze-arati! Here is a hint: We feature one of SF’s own, who caters to the woman’s curve!

For more information about San Francisco’s own Beauty and Makeup School, please visit Pigment Cosmetics!

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“Behind the Seams” with Carmen Marc Valvo

Marie Denee — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:45:49 +0000

Queen Latifah, Beyonce, Katie Couric, Leona Lewis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vanessa Williams, Kate Winslet, Eva Longoria, and Mary J. Blige just to name a few- this illustrious designer, Carmen Marc Valvo knows the anatomy of a woman’s curve.

When I say that he KNOWS the anatomy of a woman’s curve, literally- he does! Proven to be a dedicated scholar of his craft, Carmen Marc Valvo emerged as a designer form a family who studied and performed in the medical field! With plans on going into plastic surgery, a few rounds in the ER quickly chartered a new path for Carmen Marc Valvo to take his love of architecture, the female form, and fashion to master the fine art of cutting and draping fabric to enhance the female physique!

During New York Fashion Week, Carmen Marc Valvo opened his doors to ME!!!! With a private showing of his Fall 2011 collection, I was a ball of nerves and excitement to meet the talented designer and creator of these amazing dresses I oft have touched but have never had the chance or place to wear!

The moment I stepped into his showroom in the heart of the fashion district, I felt I was in dress heaven! On the heels of his runway show- the night before, I KNEW he had to be exhausted! However! I knew it was a match made in fashion heaven, when he blew into the showroom with coffee on the mind in a TAZ cup! (I was geeked as I love TAZ too!!!! And my undying love for coffee- YES)

Adding to his ever growing portfolio, Carmen Marc Valvo’s range includes bridal, ready to wear, swimwear, home, and most recently…. Author! As we chatted, laughed, and told jokes (he honestly Is such an amazing man!!!!), he shared with me his newest project- the launch of his new book- The Art of Dressing!

The Art of Dressing is both a fashion how to and coffee table book with tips for dressing according to age and occasion, thoughts on silhouettes and hemlines, advice on styling and accessorizing and on how to perfect an unforgettable look! In addition, The Art of Dressing inspires women to live their ultimate red-carpet moment, whether that means looking fabulous for a summer afternoon party, a glamorous cocktail soiree, or a black-tie event!

As a recent Prostate Cancer survivor, The Art of Dressing also serves as a tool to help raise awareness and a cure for colon cancer!

Enough talking, as I could go on and on about this lovely man, please take a gander at our “Behind the Seams” with Carmen Marc Valvo!

You can catch more behind the scene photos on The Curvy Fashionista Facebook Page! To learn more about Carmen Marc Valvo, please visit his website and become a fan of the Carmen Marc Valvo Facebook Fan Page!

Do you like my video!!!??? Tell me what you think about my trip and the talented designer!

P.S. Also, do not forget to check back in DAILY with me and on the UBER COOL Cruze-arati website, follow me @mariedeneeAND the@cruzearati on Twitter, catch #Cruzearati on Foursquare, and peep all the #Cruzearati on Facebook! My webisodes will also be featured on the Chevy You Tube Page!Popular Posts:

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The B-Boy Meets the Fashionista

Marie Denee — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:00:46 +0000

Welcome to my newest Cruze-arati “Behind the Seams” Fashion Episode!

What happens when you fashion an original beat breaker and graffiti artist from Orange County who has worked with the some of our favorite dance crews- those who have appeared on America’s Best Dance Crew- with a Curvy Fashionista?

You get new inspirations, a live art demonstration, and a new pair of one of a kind Cruze-arati kicks!

Such was the case when I caught up with Dino Mayorga- a multifaceted artist and performer with explosive energy and precise styles that remain unmatched after more than 25 years on the dance and b-boy scene!

Whether crafting letterform designs on clothing, canvas or shoes or letting it flow on the dance floor with an amazing combination of freestyle dancing and b-boying, Dino keeps his body rockin, eye poppin, thought shockin style all the way original with one-of-a-kind designs!

From shoes, to tees, to hats, and whatever other piece of clothing you could imagine, Dino channels his b-boy influences, inspiration from my Chevy Cruze and right in front of me fashions a pair of Chevy Inspired kicks!

Take a peek as we go “Behind the Seams” with Dino Mayorga!

Kind of cool huh! Did you enjoy this episode of “Behind the Seams”? Sound off and let me know what YOU want to see more of!

P.S. Also, do not forget to check back in DAILY with me and on the UBER COOL Cruze-arati website, follow me @mariedenee AND the@cruzearati on Twitter, catch #Cruzearati on Foursquare, and peep all the #Cruzearati on Facebook! My webisodes will also be featured on the Chevy You Tube Page!

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Althea Harper Fall 2011 Collection

Marie Denee — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 19:00:34 +0000

Chevy Cruzearati: Fashion Unexpected

If you haven’t been following, WELCOME to my blog! Over the last few months, I have been working on an amazing social media project with Chevrolet for the launch of their CHEVY CRUZE! They have chosen ME, The Curvy Fashionista as their Fashion Cruzearati to cover fashion from across the country!

My latest adventures took me to New York Fashion Week, in the freezing cold- but with TONS of Fashion!!!! My First adventure with Chevy took me to the studio of project Runway Alumni, Althea Harper! SUCH A SWEETHEART she is! I had the pleasure of visiting her studio, helping her pack her bags, load MY CRUZE, take her to her event space, go behind the scenes, and watch her entire collection come to life as I bring you Fashion Unexpected during Fall 2011 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!

What I really admired and liked about Althea was her amazing DRIVE, Honesty, and OPENNESS about the plus size fashion community! YOU HEAR ME!?! Her OPENNESS and respect to the plus size fashionista and her desire to rock contemporary and body conscious fashionable pieces! Cause you know I ASKED HER ABOUT IT!

Here is my Cruzearati Fashion Unexpected Video with the lovely Althea Harper!

I sooo loved her concept for the show!!!!

Here are some images from Althea Harper’s Fall Presentation show!

You can catch all of the behind the scenes photos on the Chevy Flickr page here!

Share with me I want to know:

Did you enjoy this SECOND episode of “Fashion Unexpected”? Sound off and let me know what YOU want to see more of!

P.S. Also, do not forget to check back in DAILY with me and on the UBER COOL Cruze-arati website, follow me @mariedenee AND the@cruzearati on Twitter, catch #Cruzearati on Foursquare, and peep all the #Cruzearati on Facebook! My webisodes will also be featured on the Chevy You Tube Page!

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