As the biggest self proclaimed fabric and fashion snob- a girl loves her Chloe, Dior, and Marc Jacobs, Full Figured Fashion Week’s finale brought something different to the scene… You see, all of those designers who I mentioned above, do not cater to my curves, although they fashionably accessorize them, from my jewelry, shoes, and handbags!

What the finale brought was different interpretations of Spring’s casual, evening, party, daytime chic, and artistic to the forefront for the Curvy.Confident.Chic. Fashionista- or those who aspire to be. Now not every piece would I fashion, but I did have some favorites!

Jewel Shannon

Robert E. Knight

Qristyl Frazier Designs

Big Girls United (B.G.U.)

Monif C.

I do not remember the designers, but some more favorites!

All photos Courtesy of Richard Lew Photography

What is going to be even more exciting, as this is the first for the Full Figured, this fashion week only tipped the iceberg of innovative, edgy, contemporary plus size designers out there! Those in attendance brought it- and brought it to some who did not even know they existed. What the finale show and the Fashion Week did was make many aware of the fashions that are available and bring attention to those designers out there, a platform to display to the world what they can do for our curves!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

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Tuesday night I landed back in Oakland, two hours late, hungry, tired, exhausted, and sticky- BUT, it was all worth it to spend the week in New York to celebrate and be an active participant in the first ever Full Figured Fashion Week!

To be surrounded by Curvy.Confident.Chic plus size fashionistas and those aspiring to be was fantabulous and awe inspiring! Let me tell you, my trip was so jam packed and such an amazing whirlwind, that I must stop and apologize for my delay in my recap!
Qristyl Frazier was the most gracious hostess with the moistest, opening up her doors and allowing me to stay with her in Brooklyn! Thank you!

The Curvy Collective were so welcoming and fun, felt like I had finally met my extended family! To Johara, my East Coast twin- we really are two peas in a distant pod!

To the lovely production team of FFFweek, amazing! It is one thing to attend a fashion show and revel in the beauty of the production, but it is another thing to be behind the scenes to watch this production from inception transform into a monumental event for plus size divas everywhere!

Not forgetting the lovely models, reporters, bloggers, and attendees- I thank you for such a warm reception into New York!
Throughout my trip, I met with women from all walks of life express their gratitude and appreciation for a production of this magnitude. If I could sum my experience up in one word, I would have to say magical. As a thick soul sister myself, meeting other fashionistas who have the same discerning eye and tastes was such a bittersweet sigh of elation!

In addition, meeting the ladies of which I read about, or write about in person was thrilling, not because of their celebrity, but because of their graciousness and accessibility. I did not meet one person who was too “Hollywood,” and it is because of this that I am even more in awe!

What did and has bothered me though are the naysayers, nitpickers, the elitists within our own community.

There were some who ridiculed the fact that FFFweek was only three days- SO WHAT!? You have to start somewhere!

There were those who knocked, trashed, belittled the efforts of this movement- Keep on talking, your words only push us to do it again and even better!

There were those who compared the events to traditional NYFW- this is not, and why would you expect such a production when we already have limited resources at best? We make do with what we have!

I could go on with those who had complaints about every detail, but why? Were there things that could have been better? There are always things you could have done differently, but rather than nitpick and tear down such an inspirational and motivational event representing the 60% of American women sized 14+, let us celebrate the successes of this moment in history!

Full Figured Fashion Week, as with every production in its infancy has its beginnings. What we must do as a community is pull together and support those who aspire to cater, support, fashion, motivate, or inspire our curves to be the best!

I have never felt so humbled and appreciative to be in the presence of all the ladies and men who all came together in the name of CURVES! From Re/Dress NYC to the Finale, my trip will stay with me throughout my endeavors.

Thank you Miss Gwen DeVoe, production team, and Curvy Collective for bringing together an event that can only inspire and make a its mark on the fashion world!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

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Yesterday was the kick-off for Full Figured Fashion Week, and it was a very eventful day! The day’s festivities kicked off at Re/Dress NYC, courtesy of Miss Deb Malkin! Ladies all around NY and across America who made it their mission to come and be a part of the festivities, landed here to meet and greet as well as pick up those last minute pieces for the fashionable events!

Executive Director, Miss Gwen DeVoe was there with Myisha Hill from Exchange Models and Tondalaya Mack from Club Cushions. I ran into them as I found my way through the subway, out onto the streets, and right into them! Literally!

As I entered Re/Dress, it was a beautiful refreshment to walk into an air conditioned oasis! It is warm and humid this week, far from the crisp air of the Bay Area. Greeting me as I walked in were two lovely volunteers from Full Figured Fashion Week, pointing me in the direction of the lovely Miss Sharon Quinn, and does she look more lovely than ever in person! Actually, everyone does!! But, she is rocking this fabulous blue and green boldy printed and fabulously fitted dress, with fierce blue and black heels! Get it Sharon!

I walk over to Miss Deb, and we chat it up, and then I go shopping! I tried on a few dresses, and run into Anne Marie from Hearts Desire Jewelry and Miss Simone- a model for Ms. Qristyl Frazier! So much fun!!

As I am making my way around, I run into the lovely Christie McNeal from Venus Divas Magazine! With her camera in tow, she walks around snapping photos and mingling with the shoppers. As I begin to make rounds, I spot my East coast twin, my Curvy Collective partner in crime, Johara Tucker from Luvin my Curves! Right behind her are my other peeps, Cassy McBryde, Stephanie Danforth, and Glen Johnson! Curvy Collective is starting to form!

We hang out and chit chat, getting acquainted and having fun, and then the lovely Susan Moses graces our presence! Do you know who she is? Only the most fabulous celebrity stylist to the stars. One of the divas behind Queen Latifah’s fabulous line, Curvation.

As the day winds down, we, all ten of us, make our way over to grab some fabulous eats at an Indian place, enjoying our new friendships formed! We share our background, all with our cell phones, tweeting our day away!

Re/Dress event lands on a high note as we fastidiously finish to make sure we make it over to BLVD in the Lower East Side for the Emerging Designers Showcase!

Stay tuned for my recap of that event!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

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Yesterday, I flew into JFK, on Virgin Airways, prepared to embark upon the amazing weekend for Full Figured Fashion Week!

So, today I woke up in Brooklyn, and ooh! It is warm, but I am enjoying my first day in NY! Today, I woke up to many emails, excited, hyped, and nervous hoping this event makes its proper mark in the fashion world.

So have you RSVP’d for the Re/Dress meet and greet?

FFFWeek Welcome Event
12:00 – 4:00PM
Thursday, June 25, 2009

Re/Dress New York
109 Boerum Place (bet. Pacific and Dean Sreets)
F or G train to Bergen Street stop
Brooklyn, NY

Description: Kick-off event to welcome our out of town guests. Meet FFFWeek’s organizers and supporters while enjoying premium shopping at the Re/Dress boutique. ***Re/Dress boutique will donate 10% of sales made from the event to our non profit partner, PPWAP (see below).

Sponsors: FFFWeek, Re/Dress Boutique

Designers Showcase & Networking Event

6:00 – 10:00PM
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Showcase starts at 7:30PM

Club Blvd
199 Bowery (at Spring Street)
New York, NY

What it is: Fashion showcase featuring designs by Ashley Stewart and en.v. new york. Networking reception hosted by X’Change Modeling.

Charitable Gift Giving for Purses And Pockets With A Purpose:
Meet Tracey V. Bell (Chairman and President, PPWAP) and Kim Coles (Global Spokesperson, PPWAP) and donate a modestly used Purse (or Pocket Wallet), which will be bundled with personal care products and counseling services for women/children in Domestic Violence Shelters. For all monetary donations of $25 or more, PPWAP will be gifting the donor with a free 100% organic candle made with pure essential oils. We need your support. All major credit cards and debit cards with MC/Visa logo accepted. COME AND DONATE YOUR PURSE. WE NEED YOU!!

Sponsors: FFFWeek, X’Change Modeling , Purses And Pockets With A Purpose , Ashley Stewart , Structure Wardrobe & Styling , Corinthia Peoples Designs , Hyperion Entertainment Inc.

Admission:$10.00 if you are not on the guest list which closed at 8:00 AM on June 16th. If you are on the guest list, you must arrive by 7:00 PM or pay the $10.00 admission fee. If you RSVP’d before June 16th, we have your name on the list, but you and your party must arrive by 7:00 PM.

So, which events are you going to? Will I see you there? I am so geeked and excited and I cannot wait to meet you all! West meets East!

Are you here? Tweet me and let me know!! MarieDenee

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

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No worries! I have gathered some looks for you to peruse through to give you some ideas! Have fun!

I will see you in New York!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

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Full Figured Fashion Week and The Curvy Collective are proud to announce the addition of Ms. Nikki Blonsky to the panel discussion’s “The State of the Curvy Community.”

Best known for her roles in Hairspray and Queen Sized, Nikki Blonsky is a full figured singer and actress, making waves on the big screen; and now, she is a panelist for Full Figured Fashion Week!

Did you miss the first announcement of the panel? No worries, here is a quick snapshot of the event:

The Curvy Collective and Full Figured Fashion Week Presents an intimate discussion on “The State of the Curvy Community”

What: The State of the Curvy Community

Who: Plus Size industry experts including:

Host: Sharon Quinn, “The Original Runway Diva”

- Mia Amber- Actress, Model, Plus Model Magazine
- K.L. Belvins- Author of “Man in Transition”
- Nikki Blonsky- Actress and Singer (Just Added)
- Glen Johnson- Full Figure Plus and Curvy Collective Member
- Maddy Jones- Editor of Plus Model Magazine
- Cassy Jones- McBryde- US Director of the Fuller Woman Network
- Deb Malkin- Owner of Re/Dress NYC
- Susan Moses- Celebrity Stylist

When: Friday, June 26, 2009, 3:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
Where: Ripley Grier Studios Room 16U

Make sure you stayed tuned into The Curvy Fashionista for more updates on our late breaking updates for Full Figured Fashion Week!

Did you RSVP? If so, I will see you there! The list is closed now! If you are not able to make it in, make sure you follow The Curvy Collective to stay abreast of all the happenings!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

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Ladies, you know during Full Figured Fashion Week, a Fashionista must be dressed to the nines! With that, she needs the latest accessories, body products, and makeup to ensure she looks fabulous for the red carpet!

Well, what is a curvy fashionista to do? Thanks to the Curvy Collective, she can sashay down to Ripley Grier Studios for “Curves in the City Shopping Soiree!”

She must purchase her VIP ticket to don the exclusives treats in the Swag Bag, be prepared to shop, and mingle with like Fashionistas all eyeing the latest finds!

Sounds enticing? Well what are you waiting for? OH! Silly me! You need the details! Here you go!

Curves in the City Shopping Soiree

Date: Saturday, June 27th
Time: 11am~ 3pm
Location: Ripley Grier Studios Room 17D
Price: $15 General Admission, $25 V.I.P with goodie bag. Purchase online here.

Note: No tickets will be mailed, check in at the door –please bring photo I.D. *** Must have I.D. to enter bldg.

Will you be in attendance keeping it Curvy.Confident.Chic? I will! Hope to see you there!

Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

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