On the making of a size acceptance movie

Last Sunday was the first Size Acceptance Salon hosted by Ivan of Fat in NYC. I hope that this is the first of many of these dial-in Salons. About his reasons for starting the Salon Ivan says:

I’d like folks that are brand new to the Size Acceptance Community to have a place to talk to others about their newfound experiences. I’d like contributions and guidance from the more experienced folks of this movement.

There is a way to a happier life, a greater sense of worthiness, and the reclaiming of yourself as a valuable, complete person no matter what you weigh! That is what this group is about.

I am not looking for controversy, I am looking to create community around these issues – issues I feel very passionate about. I am looking to create community between the different segments of the Fat/Size Acceptance and Health at Every Size communities that can sometimes be in conflict. There are numerous facets of “Fat Acceptance,” and different subgroups of the movement can disagree, despite a consistent attempt at uniformity throughout the movement. It is my hope to create opportunities for the inspiring and enlightening exchange of ideas around fat acceptance, whether or not everyone considers them “just right.”

His first guest was Kira Nerusskaya who has been filming the documentary Fat Girls Float for more than three years. I had the extreme pleasure of being asked by Ivan to conduct the interview. I hope to have an audio clip for you this week, but until then I can tell you that we had a delightful conversation. Kira is knowledgeable and passionate about the fat acceptance community and being an activist for positive social change.

You probably know by now that Kira needs to raise some cash for the next phase of production. She is still filming and there may be another fundraising project next Summer to complete the theatrical trailer but right now she needs funds for some technical bits. Please consider making a donation through the fundraising website Kickstarter. You can contribute as little as $1.00 and a donation of $500 gets you a producer credit, an autographed picture of runway model Velvet D’Amour, and an invitation to a private pool party where Kira promises to wear a bikini.

Here is a one minute video with some interview clips and then a quick but silent video of Velvet walking the runway.

Winner of Igigi Gift Certificate…from May

Cate R. won the gift certificate back in May of this year. I just realized when I announced the winner of the Kiyonna Gift Certificate last week that I never posted Cate’s pics and her product review. Thank you Cate for posing for readers of A Celebration of Curves. Cate asked me to hide her face, hence the big black dot. It’s too bad because only I get to see how truly beautiful you are. What amazing blue eyes!

I think Cate looks fantastic in her IGIGI purchases. Don’t you?

Okay, I know I won the $100 IGIGI gift certificate a while ago, but it took me a while to spend it all! I ordered three different dresses. The first was the Tina Faux Wrap in Olive. It came, and it fits beautifully. It’s a pretty color for my complexion, but I wish there had been a few more dynamic color choices (although there are now!).

I like the fit of the dress; it’s very flattering. One issues I have is that it is extremely low-cut on me. I have to either pin it (in which case it still shows about an inch of cleavage) or wear it with a tank top underneath. I wear it with a tank top to work, and it’s cute. I pair it with navy blue espadrilles generally.

The next dress I ordered was the Daniella Print Knot dress. It looked so amazing! Unfortunately, when it arrived, the fit was all wrong. It fit like a muumuu! I like dresses to show off my curves, and this was the exact opposite approach!

I had filled out a first-time customer survey, so I had gotten 15% off the Daniella dress. It took a while for me to get in touch with customer service to arrange for an exchange. I ended up getting the GORGEOUS new bubble dress with pockets. This dress is amazing! The color is breathtaking! Well done!

So, pros: I like the way these dresses fit, and the colors are beautiful. I wish they had more casual selections, and a few that were less pricey. (If I hadn’t had the gift certificate, I probably wouldn’t have done too much shopping there. These dresses are beautiful, but I would spend somewhere between $40-$60 for them, not $80-$100. They are dry clean only, and the fabric on my green dress already started to pill in one place.

And, like I said, big-chested ladies beware, these dresses easily put all your business in the street.

In the interest of full disclosure, I ordered a size 12, and IGIGI says my shape is “Figure 8.”

Thank you Cate for sending in pics of your purchases and writing such an honest review. Buying clothes online can be a challenge but I personally prefer it to spending time stomping around the mall, going from one dressing room to the next. Pics and reviews like Cate’s are extremely helpful in making informed online shopping decisions.

I am still giggling over Cate’s “…all your business in the street” line!

Winner of $50 Kiyonna Gift Certificate

Congratulations to The Asian Pear! Her comment was chosen using a highly scientific process to randomly generate a number through a complicated system of algorithms. OK! So I really just clicked the button on Random.org

Pear – has been contacted by e-mail. Her response to winning? “Oh my gosh really? ME?!?! Thank you! I’ve never won anything before. I am DEFINITELY getting the dress I had my eye on now.”

And please check out her blog – she just bought the cutest snow boots at Payless. I think I’m going to go try them on myself.

Thank you everyone for your participation. It was so much fun to see what everyone wanted. There will be more contests and giveaways every month so stay tuned.

Kiyonna $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Thanks to the lovely people at Kiyonna I am happy to offer you a $50 gift certificate.

To enter just post a link in the comments section to the product page of the item that you think you would buy if you won the gift certificate.

I’ve been searching the Kiyonna site for what I would get (not that I am entered in this drawing) and there are two items that really caught my eye.

Womens Plus Sizes Grecian Maxi Dress

I like this dress a lot! I love the deep purple, I have been wanting a maxi-dress since they first starting making them and I still don’t have one, which means that I am really deprived, and of course, being a Greek American I really love the name. I’m not sure what makes it Grecian exactly but there’s marketing for you. I want it anyway.

Womens Plus Sizes Flaunt Cocktail Dress

I like everything about this dress. I like the low neck, I like that it would show my legs, I like the color. I don’t own one red dress, which means that I am really deprived. Feel sorry for me?

I’ll be using the website Random.org to choose the winner. You can enter until midnight, Sunday, November 8th. Winners name will be posted next Monday, November 9th. This could be the perfect chance to get that Kiyonna dress you want for New Year’s Eve or the office holiday party.

Good luck everyone!

JMS new clothing line is a win for plus size women.

I was very pleased to be invited to the unveiling of the new fashion line from JMS. You are undoubtedly familiar with the exclusively plus size manufacturer. I’ve liked this company for a long time, not just because they made quality bras for my size, but because they use plus size models in all their marketing. The clothing seen in the ads is “actual size” and I applaud the company for their use of larger size models.

Maybe you already wear their bras and panties, sportswear and bathing suits? I sure do. Good fabrics, well made, and they fit well because the fit models that they use are size 18/20, not size 4 and sized up. JMS is now sharing what they know about clothing that fits a full-figure with a new line of casual wear.

Admittedly, I was a little nervous. Sure they know sportswear, but there’s a big difference between sweatpants and a well fitting maxi dress that caresses your curves and floats like a summer day on a Caribbean island from shoulder to ankle. Turns out, they know how to do that too. I am honestly very pleased with this collection.

The show was at their corporate offices in midtown Manhattan. My good friend Terri Murray, a professional plus-size model and the President of the Association of Image Consultants International (New York Tri-State Chapter), came along for the event.

After the show I was given a private exclusive tour of the clothing with Janet Freedman, Director of Design for Hanes and JMS. Besides talking about our fabulous grandmothers who taught us how to build a wardrobe, we spent time examining the product. I can tell you that the clothes look good on walking models — meaning that the fabric drapes and moves well on a body in motion, and that the pieces are well made. Seams are strong, details like beading and trim are not going to come off in the first wash and best of all each piece ranges from $6 – $22. Grandma Rose, who spent her life working as a seamstress and expert milliner in NYC sweatshops always said, “it’s better to have 5 or 6 very well made pieces in your closet and build an outfit with other, simpler pieces. Don’t break the bank bubbeleh.” Grandma Rose would approve of this new collection.

JMS has signed an exclusive with Walmart and the line will be available through the JMS website and in Walmart stores around the country. There will be new items in stores monthly. At a time when we are seeing the complete removal of plus size sections from department store selling floors, Walmart has chosen to dramatically increase the plus size section on their selling floor. The line is available in sized 16-28 and some items to 5x.

Janet, a plus size woman herself, shared with me her passion for bringing affordable contemporary casual wear to the marketplace. “Look at your budget and buy the best pieces you can afford that will mix and match with what you already have. Clothing that is made well will look good whether you are running errands or going out to dinner. I can change the entire look of my outfit with a few accessories and the basic pieces cost a total of $64. Our new line is all about celebrating our curves!” Sounds good to me. I certainly plan on wearing these clothes. I think they are perfect additions to my wardrobe and will offer affordable flexibility in outfit planning.

Janet has graciously agreed to make herself available to A Celebration of Curves readers. Here is your opportunity to talk directly to the designer of an international clothing line. She has offered (quite amazingly I think) that if you comment here on things you want from a fashion line, things that are missing in your wardrobe, fit problems, and style needs, “please let me know so that I can make it for them.” I have rarely felt such a heartfelt and personal connection between a company and their customer. Now, let’s go shopping!

Full Figure Fashion Week 2009

You may have heard about Full Figure Fashion Week already and I am so proud to be involved in this extraordinary event. I’ve been working with buyers and the designers who are participating in the fashion show, to create a Buyer’s Market — sort of a mini-trade show for boutiques carrying plus size lines to meet with emerging designers.

There are people coming in from all over the country and even a boutique owner from Paris, a fashionable city without plus size fashion. To all those boutique owners I’ve spoken with over the past few weeks, I am honored to work in the same industry. As a group, I found you all to be dedicated, joyful entrepreneurs. May you all make your quarterly quotas and may your income streams be plentiful!

WELCOME TO FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK

In America alone, there are 40 million women over size 14, spending $25 billion a year on clothing, or a quarter of all clothing sales, according to American Demographics. So, why isn’t there a Fashion Week event dedicated to showcasing fashions available to the curvy consumer?

There wasn’t…until NOW!

A partnership of independent fashion designers, retailers, event producers, models and plus industry businesses, Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) was created to increase economic development in the area of plus size fashion design, clothing merchandising and plus modeling. Our goal is to highlight the very best in plus size fashions – both retail and independent designers, while providing an inaugural showcase of talented designers, models, stylists and plus industry businesses that serve the plus size consumer.

It is estimated that this long overdue and highly anticipated three-day fashion extravaganza (June 25-27, 2009) will debut before an audience of over 1500+ plus size fashion enthusiasts, style mavens, models, boutiques, vendors and the media.

The FFFWeek finale showcase, which will take place on Saturday, June 27th, 2009 at The Prince George Ballroom, will feature the runway collections of high-end plus size fashion boutiques, retail stores and local and out of state independent designers.

History is about to be made—We hope you’ll join us!

And the big announcement of the day:
Discount tickets are available for groups of 5 or 10 Curvy Divas and Their Friends!
Here’s the link Full Figure Fashion Week 2009

THURSDAY, June 25, 2009

FFFWeek Welcome Event 12:00 – 4:00PM
Re/Dress New York
109 Boerum Place (bet. Pacific and Dean Sreets), F or G train to Bergen Street, 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.
Sponsors: FFFWeek, Re/Dress Boutique
Admission: Free Admission but must RSVP w/ names to RSVPKickoff@fffweek.com by 6/22/09

Designers Showcase & Networking Event 6:00 – 10:00PM
Showcase starts at 7:30PM

Club Blvd 199 Bowery (at Spring Street), New York, NY
Description: Fashion showcase featuring designs by 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.

FRIDAY, June 26, 2009

Buyers Market 1:00 – 4:00PM

Location: Private

Description: A buyers sales event that will connect plus size fashion buyers and boutique owners with participating FFFWeek designers/suppliers in a private, one-on-one environment.
Target Audience: Designers and Buyers. If you represent a retail outlet please contact me directly at corinna@thislushlife.com for an invitation to this private event.
Sponsors: FFFWeek, J. Biggins Consulting, The Plus Size Marketing Group, This Lush Life

Panel Discussion – “The State of the Curvy Community” 3:00 – 5:00PM

Please note there is now a waiting list for this event. RSVP is closed until a larger space can be found.

Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Avenue (bet. 36th and 37th Streets)
16th Floor, Room 17C
New York, NY
*** Must have I.D. to enter bldg.

Description: This panel discussion will address the current state of the plus-size community and the significance of Full Figured Fashion Week, through the eyes of the industry’s leaders, bringing different perspectives from various experiences and points of view.

* Sharon Quinn, “The Runway Diva,” will moderate the discussion. Accompanying her in this discussion is:
* Cassy Jones- McBride- US Director of the Fuller Woman Network,
* Deb Malkin- Owner of Re/Dress NY,
* Glen Johnson- Owner of Full Figure Plus and a Member of The Curvy Collective,
* K. L. Belvin- Author of “Man In Transition”,
* Mia Amber- Model, Actress, Creative Editor of Plus Model Magazine,
* Maddy Figueroa-Jones – Editor in Chief of Plus Model Magazine

Sponsors: FFFWeek, The Curvy Collective, Fuller Woman Expo, Igigi
Admission: Free Admission but list closed until further notice

FFFWeek Media Reception 6:00 – 10:00PM

Taj Lounge (Mezzanine Level)
48 W 21st St (bet. 5th and 6th Aves.) New York, NY
Description: Official press party for FFFWeek
Target Audience: Press, Designers, Models
Sponsors: FFFWeek, Curvesity Entertainment
Admission: By Invitation Only

FFFWeek Full Figured Friday Night! We have NYC Entertainment SEWN Up!
10:30 PM – 1:00 AM

Sage Theatre
711 7th Ave.(bet. 47th & 48th St.), New York, NY
Description: Mini-Concert hosted by Queen Aishah – comedienne, actress, radio personality, and philanthropist. Performances by
Queen Aishah, Crystal P., (Detroit’s new Queen of Comedy) and
The Glamazons, the fierce foursome plus size pop group whose mission is to show the world that talent comes in all sizes.
Sponsors: FFFWeek, Curvesity Entertainment
Admission: $20.00 in advance or at the door (INCLUDES mini concert and Friday night afterparty below)
Note: No tickets will be mailed. Check-in at the door – please bring photo I.D.

FFFWeek Friday Night Dance Party 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Stitch Lounge
247 West 37th St. (bet. 7th & 8th Ave), New York, NY
Description: Dance, mix, mingle, drink, network or grab a bite to eat while celebrating our historical event New York style with old and new friends. Music by some of NY’s Finest DJ’s.
Sponsors: FFFWeek, Curvesity Entertainment
Admission: $15.00 in advance. More @ the door.
****If you purchase a ticket to the mini concert above, you do not need a tix for this event as it is included.
****Online tickets must be purchased BEFORE 6 PM on June 26th.
Note: No tickets will be mailed. Check-in at the door – please bring photo I.D.

SATURDAY, June 27, 2009

Small Business Workshop – “Marketing Your Business Or Organization Online”
10:00AM – 12:30PM
Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Avenue, (bet. 36th and 37th Streets)
16th Floor, Room 16M
New York, NY
*** Must have I.D. to enter bldg.

Description: 1.5 hour workshop on Marketing Your Business or Organization online using Facebook, Twitter and Your Website. *All attendees will receive a free website analysis (value $295) or blog analysis (value $145)
Target Audience: Small Business Owners, Models, etc. ANYONE who wants to strengthen their online presence by utilizing social media.
Sponsors: FFFWeek, J. Biggins Consulting, The Plus Size Marketing Group
Admission: $50.00 registration by 6/12/09

Curves in the City – Shopping Soiree 11:00AM – 3:00PM

Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Avenue (bet. 36th and 37th Streets), 16th Floor, Room 17D, New York, NY
*** Must have I.D. to enter bldg.

Description iscount shopping with participating FFFWeek designers and vendors
Sponsors: FFFWeek, The Curvy Collective
Admission: $25.00 VIP, $15 General Admission Tickets

Note: No tickets will be mailed, check in at the door –please bring photo I.D.

Finale Runway Showcase 7:00 – 11:00PM
Red carpet VIP Arrivals at 6:00 PM
Doors Open at 7:00 PM, Showtime: 8:00 PM

The Prince George Ballroom
15 E. 27th St. (bet. Madison and Fifth Aves.) New York, NY
Description: Semi-formal, finale designer showcase featuring the collections of:

* Agape Goddess Wear
* Ashley Stewart
* Big Girls United (BGU)
* Candi Apple Couture
* Jewel Shannon Designs
* LaMaica Fashions
* Monif C. Plus Sizes
* Osun Designs
* Qristyl Frazier Designs
* Robert E. Knight (presented by PLUS Model Magazine)
* Sealed with a Kiss Designs (SWAK)

Sponsors: FFFWeek, The Plus Academy, Ashley Stewart
Admission: No tickets at door

Note: No tickets will be mailed, check in at the door –please bring photo I.D.
1 Ticket @ $45.00
5 Tickets @ $40.00 ea.
10 Tickets @ $35.00 ea.

Official FFFWeek Afterparty 10:00PM – 4:00AM
Tavern on the Green
Central Park West and West 67th Street, New York, NY
Description:Celebratory dance party commemorating the first ever Full Figured Fashion Week. Music by “Chuck” The Triple Threat of Power 105.1 FM
Sponsors: FFFWeek, Bigger and Better Thangs Entertainment, HSS&A Inc.
Attire: Semi-formal
Admission: $20.00 in advance

Wednesday party at Katra in New York City

All photos can be viewed in my Flickr Stream

Last night I put on my black dress and headed down to the Lower East for a cocktail party thrown by my dear friend Gwen Devoe, Owner of Devoe Events, Inc.. Gwen is a former plus model who now specializes in plus model training, development and management. Gwen has been a long time advocate and supporter of increasing the visibility of fuller figures on fashion runways.

We are working together to organize the first Full Figured Fashion Week in New York City, June 25-27, 2009. I’ll be posting more pics of events and I really hope you can come and see the fashion shows, dance at the parties and do some shopping.

Fashion week is about so much more than the runway shows. During fashion week is when buyers and designers have an opportunity to meet and get business done. Because plus size fashion is not usually included in the shows, designers and retailers suffer. I am very excited to be a part of Full Figured Fashion Week, and I know that it will be mean good things for the industry and for all women interested in buying fashionable clothes.

Links à la Mode : May 21st

Recommended fashion reading from independent fashion bloggers.

Wardrobe Workout

Edited by Dramatis Personae

Welcome to another wonderful round up of Links a La Mode! This week we have a wonderful selection of posts to help refine, define, and challenge your wardrobe. From Agent Lover and Style Symmetry, we’ve got the spectrum covered when it comes to hosting and attending Clothing Swaps. Clutch22 shares with us how to negotiate price matching at retailers, and Krislyn Diaries challenges us to try out great summer up-do’s. Decline Designs conceptualizes personal style, while Dirty Laundry helps us refine our self portraits. All in all, our lovely bloggers help you get your wardrobe and personal style fit and in shape for the upcoming Summer season!

Links à la Mode : May 21st

• 39thandbroadway.com – Bringing an End to Fashion Knock-offs– Finally!
• Agent Dreamer – Designers I Heart: The Dark, Majestic Femme
• Agent Lover – How to Throw a Swap Party
• Awakened Aesthetic – An Instant Classic: Black & White
• Breakfast at Saks – Erika Hendrix – An Urban Romance
• BRICK MY LANE – Mrs Obama and fashion = respect
• Clutch 22 – How to negotiate a price-match including a video experiment at Nordstrom.
• Decline Designs – Defining Your Personal Style, Part One: the Concept
• Dirty Laundry – How to Refine Your Self-Portraiture
• dramatis personae – Developing Your Wardrobe Palette {part 4}
• Felicia Sullivan – Step aside, Kerastase. Phyto is the new reigning queen of haircare
• Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Fashion Geek’s tips to scoring big at warehouse sales.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – The New IFB is Here!
• Krislyn Diaries – DIY: cool summertime do’s
• Mystery Creature – how to follow fashion with a vintage twist
• Retro Chick – Do’s & Don’ts for the Perfect Wedding Guest Outfit
• Style Symmetry – How to be a Guest at a Clothing Swap Party
• THE COVETED – shu uemura is in the Pink
• The Demoiselles – Fat or Thin… You’re Still Getting Old
• The Recessionista’s Blog – Choosing a Swimsuit: Summer Style Tips
• Work Chic – You still can still be a chic mom to be in the summer heat!

My Social Calendar – Last night a film screening, an important cause, fashion, and a celebrity

Last night I attended a screening of a new documentary by Joe Pantoliano called “No Kidding? Me too!” about the stigma and shame associated with mental illness and Joe’s own personal struggle with depression and his escape from shame with the help of his family and medical treatment.

I can tell you that the film is inspirational and very well made. Joe is currently shopping the film around to film festivals and is looking for a distributor. This is a very important project and I believe it can do a lot of good in the world. I recommend you get a copy from the website and I am pretty sure it can be rented.

After the film was a Q&A with Joe and Jordan, a young man who tried to commit suicide by jumping out of his bedroom window from his 9th story apartment building just a year ago. He is an eloquent and thoughtful young man, walking with crutches while healing from his injuries. He is going to college and speaking to high school and college students about depression. He says that his goal is for young people to talk about mental illness as comfortably as they would talk about acne. He is incredibly brave as are his parents who were there last night. I hugged his mom and dad at the end of the night and we all cried a bit. They are incredibly supportive of Jordan and encourage him to talk about what happened in the hopes that it will help in his healing as well as help others.

I also bought a copy of Canvas, a film Joe made with Marsha Gay Harden about a family struggling with a mother’s paranoid schizophrenia. I look forward to watching it this week and I’ll tell you all about it.

After the Q&A, I had an opportunity to tell Joe how much I enjoyed the film and that I believed it would do a lot of good. He is a very personable man and when I asked him if he would pose for a picture with me he immediately and enthusiastically said yes, put his arm around me, grabbed my camera and took the above pic. Now you know why I look a bit startled…and fabulous.

My camera died immediately after the pic was taken so instead of giving you a full body shot of my outfit, here are links to what I wore:

Kiyonna

Stretch Poplin Wrap Blouse – $ 68.00
We have taken the classic cotton work shirt and given it a cut made to flatter your curves. Fashioned from cotton infused with just the right amount of stretch, this style ensures a comfortable fit every time. An adjustable tie, extended French cuffs and smart tailoring create a polished shirt, sure to become a wardrobe staple.Kiyonna
Kiyonna

Sateen City Trouser – $ 68.00
Chic yet versatile, these are the pants you’ll want to wear every day. A streamlined silhouette and clean lines mean these pants can transition you effortlessly, from a day at the office to an evening on the town.


Zappos – still free shipping both ways!