Welcome to 2012, a year full of promise, renewed outlooks, and a chance to better ones mind, body, and soul! From a fashion perspective, we have the chance to express ourselves outwardly with the chance to recreate and renew what inspires us! With that, I have thought about what and where I want to challenge myself in this New Year for the blog and my own personal growth! 

After I share, I want to hear from you as well! Here we go:

My 2012 Fashion Resolutions:

Take More Fashion Risks and Outfit Posts:

Last year, I challenged myself to wear more separates, more heels, and color. While I have done so, I have not done to my fullest potential! Knowing this, I need to push BEYOND my regular laid back style! LOL I own this! In addition, I need to get better with my outfit posts! Seriously… If not me remembering what to do at the last minute or NOT a better camera ( I JUST Killed my newest Nikon one!)- I need to get better at this! So here’s to the year ahead!

Accessorize To Maximize:

In addition to taking more fashion risks, I need to step up my accessories: Rings (lord knows my newfound love of them!), Heels (bold colors, unique shapes, and GLITTER!), Kick Ass Handbags (Rebecca Minkoff I am missing and needing you in my life), The Jewels, The Belts, it is all in the details!

Do More Videos and Television:

Did you know that I have a You Tube Channel? Ha! I have had it for a few months, but only ONE video on it! SMH. I need to make this work! So, make sure you keep your eyes peeled! Also, make sure you leave your comments on the Curvy Fashionista Face Book Page with what you would like to see on the Channel and Subscribe!

Also, I would love to get in front of the camera more- as I have always felt more comfortable behind the scenes and after facing my fears and writing and publishing my first ebook (have you bought yours yet?), I want to share and educate more people about the fabulous world of plus size fashion! So, who knows?

Travel Internationally:

I grew up traveling all over the world… Japan, England, Hawaii, Guam, Virginia, and for the first time in my 30 years, I let my passport expire! EEKS! Especially when I NEED to get to Elena Miro, Marina Rinaldi, Anna Scholz, Max Mara, and all things Fiji, Bahamas, and beyond! I miss Japan Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and more!

Whether for business or a much needed vacation- I will travel internationally this year in style!

From a blog and fashion perspective, these are only a few of my resolutions! Also check out Ashe Mischief’s 50 Radical New Year Resolutions asides from the fashion ones!

Q.What are some of YOUR New Year’s resolutions?

So, what I thought I would do before I turned to you was revisit my post from last year: Let The New Years Resolution’s Begin and share with you my progress on this year’s resolutions and which ones I need to add to 2012’s resolutions!

How about this for accountability?! For real! Like I shared in this post, according to Pro Active Change, research shows that making resolutions is useful and those who explicitly make resolutions are 10x more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions! Below in grey were last years, and in bold are my results!

SO, let’s see how I did…

In Personal Style and Fashion:

• Wear more High Heels- I LOVE me some great chic flats! I need to amp up the oh la la factor! I did this! I have been stepping out in my heels! YES!
• Wear more separates (Skirts, shorts, blouses) I am a sucker for dresses; I need to broaden my horizons! LoL I can honestly say that I have been doing much better in this area- although I do default to my dresses, I have been wearing more pieces and I am soo happy!
• Step up my accessories game… While I spend time oogling the baubles, I am quite gun shy about making purchases… lol YESSS I always have my rings on! Quite happily so!
• Buy more color… having to wear black for soo many years, I find myself stepping into a comfort zone- although I LOVE and ADORE Bold colors- I need to buy more of these! I did this! Oooh! I am on a roll! Although me and black will always have a love affair!
• Get pretty new hangers for my closet, I gotta respect the clothes! Woot! Did this and wrote a post about it! Like to read, well make sure you check out January’s issue of Plus Model Magazine!  

On The Curvy Fashionista:

• Do more video posts! I have recently started and I got my new Bloggie, so…. Stay Tuned! Umm… I have officially done ONE video, asides from my Cruzearati posts! Work to refocused here!
• Make up, make up, and more make up! More review, how to’s and guest beauty bloggers about the things we love most! I definitely have shared with you my secret obsession, but not too much! Do you like my beauty pieces?
• Make sure I reply to each and EVERY one of your comments! I have gotten better and I am doing my best to continue to answer them! I definitely have been more engaging and you have shared right back I LOVE YOU GUYS!
• More giveaways!!! We wrapped up last month with a jam packed run of giveaways each week! New designers, retailers, jewels, shoes, and sooo much more! I see you liked them, so I will keep them coming! Without being too giveaway heavy except for my anniversary month, I have been giving you better prizes! More to ensue!

Me, Myself, and I:

• Get out more. I spend too much time online at times! I need to get out more and do more social media cleanse at times! I did this on Saturday and it was lovely! Ahhh… Fail! I have done some and have been getting a little bit better, but I could have a better balance!
• Take a vacation or two or three… all work and no play makes Marie stressed out in a not so nice way! Um… read the one above…  I need a vacay!
• Eat more fruit… and maybe more salads- My mom and her salads traumatized me… LOL… I have not been too heavy on the fruits, however I have been taking my multivitamins and protein shakes! So this is kind of like a 50/50 here!
• Ask for help when I need it! Sometimes I think I am superwoman until I am stretched too thin! Lol… I need to work on that! I love helping then I find myself forgetting, dropping the ball… and that CANNOT happen in 2011! I have made efforts here! I am soo happy for Ty and Nyvia who help contribute to the site! I am really happy about this!
• Stop being afraid and step out on faith! I need to embrace and walk the path set for me! This has shown itself with me writing my book, Keeping it Curvy.Confident.Chic.! I am sooo proud of embracing this and moving forward with this! I was quite scared and nervous, But it has been such an amazing growth process in doing so! Much more to come in 2012!

What about you?

Have you revisited your resolutions to see what you did and did not accomplish? Even if you did not do all what you wanted to do, do not fret! This is what is so great about making resolutions, it allows a time for self reflection and personal growth! The fact that you make them speaks a lot and if you know you need help, get a friend to bolster those percentages to make it happen!

My heart is heavy. Part of me is pissed, the other half of me is deeply saddened.

I have observed, through my blogging career a few types of plus size women:

• ·Those who love their curves, embrace them, and ooze confidence
• ·Those who are timid, curious, unsure and learning their way around the fashion scene

And then we have

• ·The plus size women who hate themselves and project their own self hatred onto others
• ·And then we those who foster this self loathing, negative spewing, and self destructive madness to happen.

Please bear with me, as I am quite impassioned and livid about this.

This is not the first time this has happened, NOT the first time THIS brand has allowed such a negative light to shine on plus size self expression, without stepping in and holding themselves or anyone else accountable… 

Torrid Fashion, I am talking to you. The women who so openly bash and tear down women who love their curves, take fashion risks, and step out of their box and ooze confidence- I am talking to you.

But before I go there, I share this:

Everyone will not like everything someone wears, and this is okay. I know a few who have dismissed my personal boho laidback lifestyle and this is okay. To each their own.

BUT, I do have an issue when a brand features or shares a post of a plus size woman on their site, wearing their clothes, and opens the gates of destructive criticisms without moderating the comments. I do have an issue with plus size women tearing down (I mean this) a woman who chooses to express herself with confidence and moxie.

These are a few of the comments that were left on the page:

“WTF is that hot mess wearing?! Oh no honey she looks like a freakin super hero but thanks for the laugh!!”

Anybody having a Willy Wonka flash back? “You’re turning violet, Violet!”

Nipple is supposed to be mid way between shoulder and elbow… Undergarments are failing in this outfit. Belt needs to be wayyyyy thicker it’s getting lost. And I think it’s important to honestly critique an outfit because we may be saving someone from making the same tragic mistakes! #operationsaveahoe

Moo

Ppl who dress like that are asking for negative comments.. She might as well wear a bikini

What can you expect from Jersey white trash whose fav show is Family Guy? The dress looks great

shes not gorgeous shes obese and incredibly unhealthy looking. Find me a doctor that will say shes healthy –being unhealthy isn’t being a good role model. I’m in no way thin but this is not good.

I do not know who to be madder at, Torrid or the women sharing these comments!

Everyone has the right to their opinion, yes- HOWEVER…

Torrid has some MAJOR responsibility in this as well, like I said, this is not the first time they have featured someone on their page and let the commenters go to task on the woman featured. I am all for sharing someone’s self expression, but to not check those women whose comments can be destructive and ugly? I do not get it. What if this woman was fragile and read the comments and was affected by this negatively? Bullies are bullies and fostering an environment to allow this kind of behavior is despicable. Plain and simple.

AND the fact that few of the commenters asked Torrid where their moderation was? All for some damned page hits and visits?

When.will.this.stop? While we cannot control those women who do not love themselves and project their own self loathing onto others, we can hold the companies accountable for fostering this type of environment for this.

Torrid. Get.it.Together.

AND on another note, Tiffany from On the Fatwalk and Tiffany from Fat Shop a Holic, keep working it out and doing your thing. I commend you for taking risks, playing with looks that express your personal style and bringing a uniqueness to plus size fashion.

**steps off my soapbox**

Please share your thoughts…  

***UPDATE***

Torrid issued an apology and adressed the issue:  

Ladies,

We regularly share and repost blog posts and pics of fabulous women wearing our clothes and accessories. We do this in order to show off our clothes on real women with a variety of styles and points of view. What is extremely disappointing to us is that some people take this as an opportunity to viciously tear other fashionistas apart. People are by all means entitled to their own fashion opinion, but personal attacks are not welcome on our social sites. Our Facebook page is meant to be a place to share and discover fashion.

Thank You,
The Torrid Team

Thank you again…

]]> http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2011/12/the-enabling-of-self-loathers-a-brands-facebook-observation/feed/ 136 http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2011/11/taking-a-moment-to-give-thanks/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2011/11/taking-a-moment-to-give-thanks/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:01:45 +0000 Marie Denee http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/?p=12321 [...]]]>

I wanted to take a moment and give thanks to YOU the readers, fans, friends, mentors, designers, brands, PR companies, retailers, who have touched, influenced, motivated, and inspired me in one way or another! Whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, I still wanted to tell YOU from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate you and your love and support!

While I thought about doing a fun little list of all the things I am grateful for, knowing me, it’d get long and then I will have missed something sooo important… SO, I’d rather just stop and say thank you!

Without you, I would not be here, therefore, I give thanks and most importantly wanted to say:

May your holiday be filled with love, family, and friends… and of course GREAT food!

Don’t forget that the Black Friday Deals are up and ready for you too!  

]]> http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2011/11/taking-a-moment-to-give-thanks/feed/ 0 http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2011/10/no-shade-but-can-i-get-a-plus-size-model/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/2011/10/no-shade-but-can-i-get-a-plus-size-model/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:30:57 +0000 Marie Denee http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/?p=11117 [...]]]>

I love the place and state of plus size fashion right now. I revel and frolic in the fashionable options but one thing has been dwelling on my mind… down into the core of my plus size frame.

One thing that irks the hell out of me.

Non plus size models (under a size 14) showing me looks and fits on plus size outfits.

I mean when you look at this, which can YOU identify with?

Monif C Fall 2011 Emme Dress

OR

Irks the hell out of me for sooo many reasons:

• The clothes RARELY look the same on me (length, fit, or essence) ex. I wanted a skirt from a retailer and a specific smaller sized model was rocking it, but to my surprise upon investigation, they turned it backwards- oh! Okay. How realistic is this for a plus size woman to rock?
• 
  
• I am forced to use my imagination as to how something will fit (because of the lack of plus size fashion INSIDE stores) which is another issue all to itself- but what do you do? If you cannot give me in store options- then AT LEAST give me a Full Figured One.
• 
  
• Clothes hang differently on boobs, buts, and hips. Why pad up? There are quite a few of capable plus size models who are making waves…
• 
  
• There are quite a few professional plus size models (I bold to differentiate, as in studied, signed to smaller agencies, experienced, or a desired “look”) who can easily offer up a great fit, high fashion looks, or inspirational fashion- example? Allison McGevna , Denise Bidot, Fluvia Lacerda, Teer Wayde, Asia Monet, these are off the top of my head… I could really go on!!!
• 
  
• Quite a handful of plus size models being used now do not like to associate themselves as plus size, so why(as a plus size business owner would you want someone who openly dismisses plus size?) Maybe I am being too sensitive here?

It frustrates me even more as a blogger when I get the frustrations voiced to me and I cannot offer up a valid reason other than I do not know or to share your concerns! I mean, in NY for FFFWeek Lane Bryant was JUST challenged with this same question. Why NOT offer a 16 or 18 model or a model with NOTICEABLE curves? Hell, even Lizzie Miller has noticeable curves OR better yet, why don’t these brands demand or ask for fuller figured models?

Because some of the agencies fuel this as well. Just last week, a top model agency moved over this woman above to the PLUS Board! Now she is gorgeous, gives me good fashion, but to label her as plus size…. is such a sad day… I think she is at MOST a 4 or 6 pushing it, from the barrage of her photos, she is amazing at her shoots, but I just don’t get her plus size appeal… MAYBE we wont see her for a minute and then see her looking svelte at a size 16? 

Really?

Really?

*SIGH*

As the plus size fashion world grows by leaps and bounds and retailers are realizing that real money can be had here- since plus size fashion reached $17.5 billion in sales in the 12 months ending in April 2011 (CNN)! Sounds impressive right? Well then tell me why, according to the same CNN reference, “Only 17% of women’s apparel dollar was spent last year on plus-sized clothing, according to Marshall Cohen, chief retail analyst for the NPD Group. This happened even though plus-sized women had 28% of the purchasing power, he said.”

Really?

I hate going on these rants, as in a perfect world, everyone would understand and be rightfully represented, but this really hit a nerve with me today…

Give Me My Plus Size Model!

Okay. I am done.

Q. Am I tripping or am I being too sensitive?

PS. If you agree with what I am saying, PLEASE leave a comment and share with all your peeps! The more comments and attention the louder our voice will be heard! Sound off!

Of course I am so happy to help her along! BEYOND Ecstatic! I think I overwhelmed her a few times (Actually I did) with my excitement for her to release her thoughts to virtual paper!

As a plus size mother to my handsome nephew, pregnant with my niece (due Jan 11^th), married for 2 ½ years, and working full time- my sister has some stories for you! While we are night and day, my sister decided to start Babies, Boobs, and Brains as self therapy to get her through those overwhelming nights while daddy is at work and she is left at home with my now rambunctious nephew!

Actually, when she started her blog, she didn’t even tell me- she just did it… I think that was best, cause otherwise, with all my excitement, she probably would have never started with all my big sisterness!

SO!

What is Babies, Boobs, and Brains going to be about?

• Views from a plus size woman, pregnant with baby number 2.
• Crafty photography projects
• Shopping on a budget for maternity, little baby clothes and all between
• The Joys and woes of owning a new home being a newlywed
• The Babies (and what TV DOES NOT tell you about being pregnant)

Sooo much more!

So, in my proud big sister moment, I had to write about this and invite YOU to check out Babies, Boobs, and Brains! She has just started! So if you are a plus size mommy, are pregnant, or are married, my lil sister’s blog may be for you!

She is such the witty writer! I am beyond happy and proud for her!

Oh and she is on twitter and on Facebook too! @KrysteeBBnB and Babies, Boobs, and Brains on Facebook!

Congrats Imoto! (Japanese for little sister)

If you have the chance, please take a peek if it appeals to you and welcome her to the blogosphere!

While have to be at the airport at dark thirty, after a jam packed and fun dilled FNO in Los Angeles, I was ready- or so I thought! LOL

I literally hit the ground running. Literally! After heading to the Just As U Are Blogger Conference sponsored by Plus Model Magazine, I knew this week was going to be a great one!

After switching my hotel to The Dream (I absolutely adore and a much needed happy birthday to me upgrade), Saturday kicked off the Cocktails and Couture event with @huny at Bo Concepts, hosted by my Fairy Blog Mother, @LianneFarbes. After FINALLY meeting  @TyrasLilSis, @MissWhoeverUAre, @TheGorgeousBlog, @StyleNBeautyDoc and running into @fashionstbeauty, @eye4style, @behindthebrand, and @thisthatbeauty along with a host of quite a few other bloggers- I was having a grand ‘ol time! More on this shortly!

Over the next few days, I got to roll with @KathrynFinney – another Fairy Blog Mother and @stylemom! Seriously, these ladies are the greatest! From the Spanx lounge to the Robert Verdi Suite to the Victoria Secret Lounge to the Stone Rose Lounge, fashions shows and back again- I was all over Manhattan and I soaked up every bit of it! Hi @zandile! Oh and rooftop cocktails with @thefashionbomb and @Stylemom? Divine!

@DKNY. How I Adore you! Norma Kamali?!!! Small fangirl moments, especially when I met @TomandLorenzo and @bradgoreski and caught a pic of @NinaGarcia oh! And I also met @manrepeller (she is a delightful riot! Her and her fierce Alexander Wang silver pumps!) Korto Momulu was another really cool meet AND I bumped into an old coworker from San Francisco! Fancy that!

Monday night brought me to tears. I am so grateful and thankful to @liannefarbes. She hosted an intimate dinner with about 14 other beauty bloggers and surprised me with a birthday song and a flaming Baked Alaska! @SkinCeuticals has definitely become one of my favorite skin care brands and seriously I could not thank Lianne enough for always looking out for me- LOVE YOU!

On a rather silly and duh moment, I completely screwed up my calendar- thanks to google calendar saving my events in Cali time and not NY time. Perfection. Thus resulting in me missing a few shows and behind the scenes pics. But a HUGE thank you and shout out to @OhMyTy @AshleyRSmall and @theFatApple for having my back to help me cover Fashion Week with conflicts of time for shows! J

Rounding out my whole week was a fabulous dinner with GLAM Publishing (@TheGlamNetwork) ! I met so many more Great and Fancy people! Thank you!

Overall, I had a great and busy week! Recaps and trends I saw to come quite soon here and also on Plus Model Magazine!

The most important take away was that I am truly blessed with amazing friends and networks who pay it forward! I am honestly humbled to have attended and to have got to hang out with some amazing and positive people!