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:

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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

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

Shaping the Plus Size Community and Beyond.

What does Fashion mean to me:  Self Expression, Feeling comfortable, and total disregard for the RULES!!

5 Must Haves? 

• 1. Secret Clinical Strength Deoderant Baby Powder Scent
• 2. A Long Weave with a Good Cut 
• 3. My Laptop and Blackberry
• 4. Flower Bomb and/or Hone Mori Perfume
• 5. Good Food Oxtail, Rice & Peas, Coleslaw with a side of Plantain and a Ting to wash it all down!!  uuuuuuuummmmmm my favourite!!

Favourite Clothing Designers: 

• Ralph Lauren: Prep Americana is my all time favourite classic look
• Jibri: I really love the way her clothes fit my body
• Betsy Johnson: Her Designs are so much FUN!!

Style Icons:

• Mary J Blige ( Mary’s hair and make up are always flawless)
• Sharon Stone
• My Friend YaYa ( she’s a true fashionista)
• I’m really loving Michelle Obama right now classic and timeless
• Beth Ditto ( she really just doesn’t give a f*@k)

Favourite clothing/jewellery stores/catalogs/websites?

• I have too many to list that’s why I started the blog but I would hve to say Winners is one of my favourite stores and I really love shopping on ebay

How are you shaping the plus size community? One Blog Post at a time!!

Photo credit: My girl Q / backdrop Q’s house

What does fashion mean to you?   Fashion to me is reminiscent of when I was a little girl and I liked to play dress up. I would walk around in my mom’s heels. Often she would yell at me when I was a teenager for wearing her clothes, but I thought my mom was so stylish. Of course I am much older now, but I still like to play dress up.

5 Must Haves?   My fashion must haves include a nice cable knit sweater, a fitted dress, a pair of straight-leg jeans, an animal print top, and my accessory of choice that I normally don’t leave home without a hand fan.

Favourite Clothing Designers?  Favorite Plus Size Designers are Robert E. Knight, Tru Diva, Jibri, and Size Queen.

Style Icons?  Queen Latifah and Beyonce

Favourite clothing/jewellery stores/catalogs/websites?  Believe it or not my favorite place to shop is Ebay.com. There are not many retail shops that cater to plus size women so it tends to limit our variety of fashions. Often, my fellow plus size women ask me where I have bought certain items. I am a Queen of Ebay.com

Describe the path that has lead you to where you are in your career right now?  I have always wanted to be a model, but at the time that I started doing research about it there wasn’t a big demand. Well almost three years ago I auditioned for the pitch of a reality show. Although it wasn’t picked up by the networks I was told that I should consider professionally modeling. I started submitting my pictures for a few gigs and then attended some training classes. I also love pageants. So I competed in my first pageant in 2008 then another one in early 2009. I was also  a contestant director for a local pageant.  When I came across an ad from the New York State Director looking for contestants I sent her my email advising her I would like to be a part of her production team.  She asked me to be a judge in January 2009 then shortly after asked me to be a Regional Director. I am now the director for Miss Black Queens  and Miss Black Brooklyn as well as Miss Black Queens and Brooklyn Talented Teen.

What is the hardest thing you’ve had to deal with as a Full Figured Women thus far?  For the most part I receive great support from family, friends, and colleagues, but I have come across those people that feel plus size models are not real models which annoys me. When you have more than 60% of women in the US at a plus size it amazes me that people don’t want to recognize that.

What advice do you have for other women who would like to follow in your footsteps?  For women who would like to become plus size models do your research. Being a model is more than showing up and looking pretty for pictures. It’s physically, mentally, and financially demanding. If you are someone looking to become a producer know that production is not for everyone. It takes a lot of work, time, and energy. Also know you need a strong team. Thinking you can do it all by yourself is a no-no. 

So what can expect from you next?   I have been in discussion about producing a plus size pageant next year, but  for the remainder of this year I am assisting the New York State Director with the delegates for Miss Black New York USA. I will compete in the Miss Plus America Pageant in July. I will also be a seminar speaker for the BBW Empowerment Cruise next year.

How are you shaping the plus size community?  I would like to think that I am making a positive impact on the plus size community, but my goal is to empower all women in general regardless of size. I want to see a time where there is no separation of the sizes and hope that I had something to do with that.

Check out www.tiffanybraxton.com.  Lola wants to know what you think about my chit chat with Tiffany drop me a line or two and ofcourse if you heart this blog SUBSCRIBE TODAY!!

Photo credit: Tiffany Braxton featured on “How to Look Good Naked”

What does fashion mean to you?  Fashion to me means taking a trend and making it your own. The way you dress for any occasion expresses your individuality and presentation is essential in how you feel from day to day.  It conveys attention to detail and pride in yourself and what you do.  Being fashionable doesn’t have to break the bank; women can feel and look great by understanding and applying these tips:

1. Know how to dress for your body shape (some styles are more flattering than others for certain shapes); we can help women identify their shape and pick the most figure flattering cuts (our website has “browse by shape” functionality)
2. Shop smart: pick up staple items that are timeless (i.e. little black dress, great jeans, classy sweater, club tops) when you have lots of time or when they are on sale – do not wait till the last minute as your selection will be limited and satisfaction diminished
3. Accessorize – like many fashion experts have stated over time, accessories make the outfit. Pick up great belts, jewellery, shoes, scarves and shawls when you see ones that you love. And be adventurous with colour; express your moods and personality
4. Smooth out your shape: if you are comfortable in shape wear, whichever brand you prefer, have a few on hand in different colours. They bring you down a size or two, smooth out your shape and some even help with your posture.

5 Must Haves?

1. Confidence and self-esteem – if you feel gorgeous, you are!
2. A classic wrap dress (the wrap detail conceals certain problem areas)
3. Classy and sassy club/social tops
4. Great stretch black pants
5. Thick oversized stretch belts and good, comfortable shape wear.

Favourite Clothing Designers?  While I admire the innovation and risk that designers take, I like a lot of unknown designers because a great garment is a great garment no matter who makes it and its high time plus size fashions are affordable.

Style Icons?  Myself! I think we should all follow our instincts and be brave combined with some expert tips, like those listed above.

Favourite clothing/jewellery stores/catalogs/websites?   3 favs:

1. Curvacious.ca  – organisers of much needed plus sized events in the GTA
2. Curvaceous Consignments - specialty consignment boutique catering to women sizes 14+
3. Bellesplus  - an international directory serving the plus size community

Describe the path that has lead you to where you are in your career right now?   I always wanted to start my own business so that my creativity could be used to its full extent and ironically I was laid off from a 10 year marketing management job in November 2008.  So I registered the business, used government resources to find information for starting a small business and flew to New York in July 2009 to find wholesalers who carried the styles at the prices I wanted. I have continued to grow from there, learning new ways to keep costs low so that I may in turn keep my fashions affordable for customers.

What advice do you have for other women who would like to follow in your footsteps? Consult Enterprise Toronto – a great resource for new business owners including free seminars, statistical research, forms and friendly service.  Also, NETWORK (verb) – it’s like traditional advertising on steroids.

So what can expect from you next?  As we grow, SexyPlus will carry a greater selection of sizes (4, 5, 6X), and we host monthly open house fashion parties where ladies can shop in a comfortable environment without pressure. Our website is almost ready (counting down the days) and we will ship internationally.

We are celebrating the website launch with the Curvacious.ca ladies on October 17th.  Details here.

How are you shaping the plus size community?   Women should feel and look great no matter what their size and they need to learn to focus on their assets like their beautiful faces, curves, hips, breasts, femininity and personality. I stand behind these words as I posed for an episode of ‘How To Look Good Naked Canada” in my underwear which will be aired in February.

Ladies Stefanie has been gracious enough to offer an exclusive discount to all Style Vanguard readers for her upcoming event.  Please stop by and check her out in person or online at www.sexyplusclothing.com .  Print this coupon or let her know that Lola from SV sent you.  Happy Shopping!!

People Shaping the Full Figured & Fabulous Community and Beyond

Seems like Lola’s been Chit Chatting with everyone lately!!  I’ve been blessed to meet and converse with so many interesting people.  Looks like this may become a regular weekly or bi-weekly post here on Style Vanguard.  When I initially started I thought I would post this segment about once a month but due to the overwhelming response I’ve been receiving looks like it’s going to be more often.

This week’s Chit Chat features the stunning Sumer Grissom; Plus Size Model.  I had the opprotunity to speak with her over the tele .. I can tell that she’s a real sweet heart.  Let’s take a look at what Sumer has to say!!

What does modeling mean to you?  It is my ultimate playground. Modeling means being able to go on an amazing journey each and every time I step in front of the camera or hit the runway. It allows me to transform and not just model the clothes, but to become “that woman” if only for a few minutes.

What does fashion mean to you?  Fashion is expression and your life’s accessory. When you think about it, every milestone in your life is marked by some form of fashion. It starts from the moment you were given the choice between the Big Bird t-shirt and overalls and the Crayola Rainbow sun dress when you were 3yrs old.  It gives you the ability to say “This is me!”, as loudly or as softly as you would like without even opening your mouth. That is fashion to me.

 5 Must Haves? 

1. A grab and go satchel/tote that I can use everyday. It is small enough to still be cute, but large enough to hold a pair of shoes after a long day of shopping. Tie a colorful scarf on the handle an go.

 2. Big Sunglasses – They are great on those days when you opt to keep the make-up bag zipped and wrap your hair in a cute scarf.  You still look stylish without the fuss. $5 or $500, get some.

 3.  Comfortable Stilettos - It sounds like an oxymoron, but if you can find a pair of sexy 3 or 4 inch stilettos that are comfortable, buy one in every color. I have not found many of these. When I do find them my feet just say, “Oh hell yes!”

 4.  A crisp white tank. I know, but it is still a staple in my closet. Paired with anything dressed up or down, it works.

 5.  Hoop Earrings – You can never go wrong with a hoop. The bigger the better. Studded or not, you can usually find me wearing these.

 Favourite Clothing Designers – Right now I am loving JIBRI. HOT!  HOT! HOT! There is something in that line that can take me through everyday of my life.

Style Icons-  I actually love Diane Keaton’s style, with the exception of the occasional mishap. She always keeps things simple and makes a statement with patterns, little pops of color and the biggest belts she can find. Love it! I also love Marlene Dietrich. I call her the “Sass in the Suite”. There is something so sexy about a woman who can wear a mans suite and still exzude femeninity and sexyness. That Marlene did impecably.

Favourite clothing/jewellery stores/catalogs/websites?  I am constantly on the Nine West site looking for shoes. Jibrionline.com for clothes of course. No specific jewelry stores. I actually like going to antique shops and thrift stores for unique pieces and to staples like Target to find everyday pieces.

What words of advice can you give to other models trying to break into the industry? Make sure you know your craft and the business you are entering. So many girls think modeling is all about being pretty and taking pictures and it is not. You are selling a product and that is you and not everyone wants to buy it. The modeling industry in general is a tough industry. Add “Plus Size” in front of that an you add a whole new list of challenges. Do your research, beware of scams and hone your skills.

How are you shaping the plus size community?  I am shaping the plus size community by exposing them to high fashion plus modeling and showing them years of hard work really does pay off in the end. I have learned over the years that my look is more high fashion than commercial and there is not a lot of opportunity for that in the plus size industry. However, I plan on continuing to work hard and to kick down more doors to make a name for myself in this industry. I have a list of modeling milestones that I still need to hit so, make sure you watch out for me. :-)

If you heart the Chit Chat with Lola segment … drop me a line and let me know!!

People Shaping the Full Figured & Fabulous Community and Beyond

I can say unequivocally with out a doubt say that this is my favourite segment on SV.  Being able to find out more out the special people who are shaping the Triple F community is so much FUN!  I had the pleasure of  Chit Chatting with the lovely Marie Denee Leggette; primary contributor and owner of the popular plus size fashion blog Curvy Fashionista and Newly Noted Boutique Owner.  Marie is soft spoken and sweet, but more importantly she really knows exactly what goes into looking for  fashionable options for a Full Figured Fashionista.  

How did you end up in this industry:   I have been working in various areas in retail for the last 11 years or so. As I finished undergrad and grad school, I applied what I learned there with real life experiences as a plus size woman

What does fashion mean to you:   Fashion is a medium to express your creativity. It is like art, some will get it, some will not.

5 Must Haves:  An impeccably fitting pair of dark wash jeans, A modernized LBD, A sharp blazer, Diva Heels to finish you head to toe, and a great classic white button up or pull-over shirt.

Favourite Clothing Designers:  I do not really have favourites as I love sooo many, but Jibri, Kingley and Posh, Monif C., Qristyl Frazier, Douglas Sez… Ohhh Anna Scholz, Embody Denim, Oola Lingerie, I could go on for days! Each bring such a unique and much needed perspective!

Favourite Model to work with:  Formally, I have not worked with too many (for shoots) but the two I have on my site have been amazing gems! Trenelle and Me’Shelle are amazing lovlies!

Style Icons: Hmmm, you know what? There isn’t one woman who I would call an icon, as there are not too many within the plus, however, Queen Latifah, within the plus community, takes risks, is not afraid, and exudes confidence! Beth Ditto, and her unapologetically fierce attitude and flair.

Favourite clothing/jewellery stores/catalogs/websites: It’s funny you ask me this, as my favourites are on my site! I have a love affair with fashion, and it constantly evolves with my tastes and moods!

How are you shaping the Full Figured and Fabulous community:  The best way I can is sharing information with women and constantly pushing fashion and confidence- showing that they can coexist, once oft thought impossible! Through my blog, The Curvy Fashionista and my online boutique, mariedenee.com, I strive to show that you can be curvy.confident.chic because, finally, your style defines your curves!

The Marie Denee Boutique is set to open at the end of this month, be sure to stop by and shop for exclusive, fashion forward pieces that will help you on your journey towards Full Figured Fabulousness.  Canadians Marie Denee will be shipping to Canada as well!!

Photo credit: Marie Denee

Hello All,  Happy Friday!!  I noticed something the other day while blog visiting and I’ve decided to change the name of one of my new regular post’s Up Close and Personal to Chit Chat. 

I didn’t realize that one of the other poplular plus size blogs had a regular post with the same title.  OOoops Sorry!! Just like Up Close and Personal; Chit Chat will become a regular post here at Style Vanguard. 

The column was created to hightlight people who are shaping the ever growing plus size community in their own unique way.  New and Upcoming Designers, Veteren Entrprenuers, Bloggers and/or Our Dedicated Readers and Everyday Regular People with a real flair for fashion.

I had the honour of touching base with the delightful and down to earth Jasmine Elder Owner and Creator of the infamous Jibri Line.  Jasmine’s incredible talent and impeccable taste speak volumes for itself. 

Jasmine and I have somewhat become Cyber Buddies, chit chatting from time to time.  I like to think she my New Designer BFF.  

Jibri has recently launched it’s Fall/Winter 09 Collection with plenty of New and Exciting pieces.  

What does fashion mean to you:  Self Expression … Freedom

Five Must Haves:  1. A Sickning pair of Stelletos  2. A Flawless Mani & Pedi 3. A Signature Haircut  4.  At least one dress that makes you smile everytime you look at it  5. A friend who loves you without any of the aforementioned must have

What was the first articles of clothing you ever designed:  A dressing gown … Age 9

Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing:  I dream clothes … well sihouettes at least. I know that sounds crazy but thats what happens. I dream a dress, I wake up and draw it. Then I dig through the pounds of fabric until I find one that works for my vision. I make that one dress … picture the woman in it … accessorize her and decide where she’s going to wear the dress and then I usually design 4-5 other pieces around that one dress. I’ve tried to figure out where the dreams come from … mostly music and old movies I think. A long night of great music usually keeps me working for weeks

Favorite Designers: John Galliano, Hussein Chalayan, Betsy Johnson

Style Icons: Grace Jones … Love the SNARL, Diana Ross … Love the SASS, Lucille Ball … Love the SKIRTS

Favourite local model:  Sumer Grissom … F**cking  Fabulous.  She’s seriously UNSTOPPABLE!!

Favorite clothing stores/catalogs/websites:  Store … Thrift Stores and Nieman Marcus last call … Catalog … JC Penny’s (I never buy anything from it but I’ve always loved that giant catalog for some reason) Websites …. NecoleBitchie.com (GUILTY PLEASURE)

Where can readers buy your clothes:  Currently sold at Nikki London in Philadelphia PA, Curve Appeal in Catersville GA and online at www.jibrionline.etsy.com

Look Ladies … on a serious note I LOVE the JIBRI Line, as many of you know I have personally purchased some items from the line and Jasmine’s creations are simply beautiful.  Support an upcoming designer and pay her online boutique a visit TODAY!!  Buy something don’t just window shop.  We need to keep Jasmine busy so she can keep creating those Traffic Stopping Hot #’s.  Lola promises you won’t be sorry!!

If you HEART Jibri too, leave a comment and profess your LOVE!!