Lola Loves This Look
Jennifer Hudson looked GREAT on the Grammy’s Red Carpet last night!! I loved her look minus the hair. Checl it out:
Photo credit: justjared.com
Monif C. Debuts New Swim Wear Collection
Monif C has really outdone herself. The new swim 2010 collection is FAB-U-LOUS!! I LOVE IT!! I’m not a big fan of the swim wear that’s usually available for woman like me, but I think I would rock a swim suit or two from this line. Infact I like them all!!
I would really love to try one on to see what the fit is like. Usually the things that look good on Mia Amber (a model frequently featured on t Monif C site … for those of you who dont know) also look good on me. We have a very similiar build!! Since she wasn’t used in this particular shoot I really can’t tell … looks like I may have to buy one so I can see.
Now if the Monif C faires are listening I wear a size 16 … I really like the following
If you haven’t done so already surf on over to MonifC.com and check it out
America’s Funky Sweet Heart: naKIMul
I owe this find to my new favourite blogger, you guessed it..
my daughter. Adajee stumbled upon an incredible find.
naKIMul pronunced (nah-KIM-u-lee): originates from Uganda it means flower. naKIMuli is definitely a label for forward-thinking fashionistas. Designed by Tennille Nakimuli Shanae McMillan, naKIMuli is an exclusively limited quantity-produced ready-to-wear clothing line for young women. From her use of jersey fabrics to her unique silhouettes and use of colors and patterns, Tennille McMillan’s creations clearly reflect the spirit of her native Brooklyn —youthful, fresh, and funky. naKIMuli—America’s Funky Sweetheart.
Having a Nigerian backgrond I find her blend of traditional and modern fabrics extremely appealing. Check out the pieces I plan on adding to my closet:
I’m just waiting to hear back from Tennille see what the length is like. If it can be altered I will surely be adding these two pieces to my closet shortly!!
ASOS Launches Curve
Ladies … I’m super excited!! After recovering from being without my laptop for sooo long, having no Microsoft applications after I bought a new laptop until yesterday and sorting through over 5000 emails I’m glad to say I feel as though I’m officially back in business.
Enough about all of that let’s get down to business… many of you have heard me speak about ASOS in the past,they are listed in the SV Approved section as a recommended place for you to shop. I’m excited to bring attention to the new line that was launched just today!!
Finally ASOS has launched a line dedicated to women with Curves. I love the name!! ASOS describes their new line as a “Trend led collection for sizes 20-26. Featuring all the key fashion pieces you will need for a season” . Which means lots of trendy basics that can be easily mixed into your existing wardrobe.
I like the line so far, I look forward to the additional pieces that are expected in the coming weeks … Im just worried about two things; the exchange rate and the length of some of the pieces. As you all know I’m very tall and often time plus size clothing never fits me well because some of the pieces are too short.
The best thing about this whole thing is that they do ship to Canada and the shipping is super cheap!! $6 – $12 that’s all!!
Take a Peek at my Favouites:
Photo credit: ASOS.com
Earth Quake in Haiti
I know this blog is suppose to be focused on fashion, plus size women and other fun things but all that stuff doesn’t seem important when people are dying a slow death. Please watch this video and support the people of Haiti.
To all my Haitian Canadians, Keep your heads up and God in your hearts and to Haitians around the world my heart goes out to all of you!!!
Donate www.yele.org
Introducing My Favourite New Blog Les Adventures et Moi
Les Adventures et Moi is a blog created by my 15 soon to be 16 year old multi talented bilingual daughter. She’s too cute
Check her out… she’s a young fashionista in training!! Aspiring Model, DJ, Actress, just FAMOUS!! Adajee’s blog is chalk full of ideas that will inspire you to be original. Adajee has already received a request to be featured in an online mag. Stay tuned for more details.
Show her some love check out her spot Les Adventure et Moi
It was Ginger Tea not Me!!
You all must be wondering what the hell happened to Lola, did she drop off the face of the earth?? My youngest daughter spilled a mug of ginger tea on my less than a year old laptop!! That’s right water damage … the type of damage that is not covered under 3 year warranty that they up sellyou at the point of sale. Needless to say I’ve been able to purchase a new laptop and I will be back in business. I know it’s late but I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing what the new year will bring for Style Vanguard. I also want to apologise to the people with whom I made arrangements with for postings during my forced hiatus!! So glad to be back I have lots in store for you in 2010
Chit Chat with Laura at Lola & Gigi
Yesterday I drove about 40 minutes west to Etobicoke, Ontario to visit Laura at her boutique to do my first in person Chit Chat session. Little did I know what a treat I would be in for, well worth the drive.
Lola & Gigi is not your typical overly saturated, overly commercial store. In addition to Laura being super nice her boutique has a very welcoming, want to stay long and spend all your money with out even realizing type atmosphere.
The boutique’s colour scheme is a combination of my favourite colours fushica, black and white, needless to say I was in heaven. Open by appointment only… with the exception of periodic sale events, you will be sure to receive the ultimate in customer service. I personally have never received service like I did at the Lola & Gigi boutique. Great talk, tea and shortbread… OMG!! What else can a girl ask for.
I can safely say that Lola & Gigi is my new favourite place to find great clothing to fit and flatter my figure. One of Laura customers said that the Lola & Gigi boutique is a treasure trunk full of fabulousness and I would have to agree with that statment.
Watch the video:
Name: Laura CaravaggioWhat do you do? Owner & Chief Curvy Fashionista, Lola & Gigi
Age: 39
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Birth Place: Toronto
Current Location: Toronto
Single or Attached: Married
Size: 18/20
——————————————————————————————--
What does fashion mean to you? I think that fashion gives me the opportunity to express myself. My outfit is my art! 5 Must Haves? The perfect dress (Rachel Pally’s short Kaftan dress is my go-to this season), a statement necklace, a properly fitted bra, a pair of red shoes, and a great smile! Favourite Clothing Designers Melissa Masse (for lady-like dresses with a twist)
Anna Scholz (for her gorgeous prints & luxe fabrics)
Jibri (a new favourite -- loving my leopard pencil skirt!)
Diane Kennedy (her organic bamboo pieces are a must for a casual day) Style Icons: I love old movies from the 40’s & 50’s, so I’m a sucker for a retro look. Sophia Loren is timeless and still so gorgeous, Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly were so fresh and sophisticated. I love Joan from “Mad Men”, her curves are inspiring! Favourite clothing/jewellery stores/catalogs/websites? LolaandGigi.com of course! I’m also slightly addicted to Etsy for accessories and Barefoottess.com for shoes in sizes 10-15 (I take a size 12). Every once in a while I’ll torture myself by looking at the designer shoes & handbags at Neiman Marcus. Describe the path that has lead you to where you are in your career right now? I was always the one my girlfriends called when they couldn’t find an outfit for a special event. They would go shopping and end up feeling so disappointed and unhappy with themselves because they couldn’t find things that fit. I always thought it seemed so wrong that shopping made them feel badly about themselves. Wouldn’t it be fabulous if you could go to a shop where everything was in your size and you could just have fun trying everything on and then choose what you love. Years later, Lola & Gigi was born. What is the hardest thing you’ve had to deal with as a Full Figured Women thus far?
I’d have to say the lack of choice in clothing that fits my style and personality. I have a very specific aesthetic and I had such a hard time finding things that fit into that. It was always a little frustrating to not be able to just walk into any store I wanted to and find my size. Now I have a whole store to choose from! What advice do you have for other women who would like to follow in your footsteps?
Be true to yourself and your own inner voice, it will never let you down. So what can expect from you next? I would love to take this show on the road. We’ve been to Calgary & Ottawa and had great success with our Trunk Show events, it would be great to do them in other Canadian cities How are you shaping the plus size community? I hope that I provide another choice out there for the curvy woman. I want my customers to feel great about themselves and celebrate their style & their spirit every day. Life’s too short for anything less! ————————————————————————————--
Here are some additional pics from my visit a few of me trying on some pieces handpicked by Laura:
Be sure to stop by and visit Lola & Gigi; also available online at www.lolaandgigi.com
Chit Chat with Priscilla Powel
Name: Priscilla
Label/Brand: Owner/Head Stylist Prissi Chic
Age: 26
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Birth Place: Chicago, IL
Current Location: Washington, DC
Size: 18-20
So what do you do? I’m a fashion stylist/wardrobe consultant who helps women (particularly curvy women) find their voice thru fashion.
What does fashion mean to you? Fashion is very powerful mainly because its one of the first things you notice about a person at first glance, and perception really is everything. My job is to embrace the various aspects of fashion and relate it in a manner that is stylish, creative and accentuating to a curvy figure as well as attainable in my clients daily lives. Most importantly fashion is fun, its liberating, for me it’s the ultimate high becauses its an expression of yourself that you share with the world on any given day.
5 Must Haves? Lip gloss, statement making footwear , tailored blazer, dark boot cut jeans, and a flirty dress (go for black if you’re building a wardrobe, if not find a print).
Favourite Clothing Designers – I love any and everyone designing for curves with style and quality, most notably:
Ø Johnny Waas – because I feel free in his designs, its like a boho/hippy vibe
Ø Jibri – She understand the curvy form like no other….
Ø Rachael Pally – She does wonders with Knits, must I say more….
Ø Thrift Store/Consignment Finds – Easiest way to feel haute couture on a budget, .
Favourite Plus Size Model you’ve worked with:
Ø Lauren – She brought such diversity and poise to our shoots, and she understood how to work her angles(http://www.modelmayhem.com/1031403
Ø Tabitha – Her face was so stunning, each shoot seemed totally unique from the last (http://www.modelmayhem.com/pics.php?id=893223
Ø (Insert Your name here), seriously call me I’m open to a plethora of ideas & concepts
Style Icons:
Prissi Chic of course, but I mostly get my inspiration from everyday people and things. I love to people watch and mix and match prints and textures, just to see what happens.
I do love Jill Scott as a curvy style icon, she stays true to herself and always looks good.
Favourite clothing / accessory stores / websites? I live in dresses, whether casual or dolled up, I love to show off my curves in a dress.. Right now I’m in love with www.etsy.com, every time I’m on the site I fall in love with someone new, and the entire site seems to be curvy friendly which is a plus.
What’s next? Booking more photo shoots (DC Plus/Curvy Models where are you?), I want to see my work in print and online mags. Also I’m working on a few other developments that I will reveal in time
How are your shaping the plus size community? I’m following my passion and building up other women in the process. In our society differences are frowned upon, and if I can just shape one mind to realize that its ok to be different, or curvy, or tall, or whatever, and that all those differences make you unique and beautiful I will feel that I’ve impacted the world.
I truly believe that no matter how brief the encounter I have the potential to positively impact someone’s life, and that’s what I want to be famous for, that and my unique styling abilities J
