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	<title>Style Vanguard &#187; Designer</title>
	<atom:link href="http://stylevanguard.com/category/designer/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://stylevanguard.com</link>
	<description>The daily online destination for full figured fashionitas everywhere</description>
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		<title>Sneak Peek: Jibri Spring 2010 (I FOUND MORE STYLES!!!)</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/03/05/sneak-peek-jibri-spring-2010/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/03/05/sneak-peek-jibri-spring-2010/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:46:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obsessed With]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2364</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Look what I found on Facebook.  A glimpse of the New Spring 2010 line from on of my FAVOURITE designer Ms. Jasmine Elder of Jibri!!  Jasmine has outdone herself once again.  I find that her designs are really in line with my personal style.  I also love her photos they exude Flirtation and Fun!!  I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p>Look what I found on Facebook.  A glimpse of the New Spring 2010 line from on of my FAVOURITE designer Ms. Jasmine Elder of Jibri!!  Jasmine has outdone herself once again.  I find that her designs are really in line with my personal style.  I also love her photos they exude Flirtation and Fun!!  I must own a few of these new pieces that I&#8217;ve found.  OFF THE CHAIN!!!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2378" title="jibrispring2010" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring20101.jpg" alt="jibrispring2010" width="480" height="719" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2377" title="jibrispring20102" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring201021.jpg" alt="jibrispring20102" width="480" height="719" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2367" title="jibrispring20103" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring20103.jpg" alt="jibrispring20103" width="480" height="719" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2370" title="jibrispring20104" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring20104.jpg" alt="jibrispring20104" width="480" height="719" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2371" title="jibrispring20105" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring20105.jpg" alt="jibrispring20105" width="480" height="719" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2372" title="jibrispring20106" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring20106.jpg" alt="jibrispring20106" width="480" height="719" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2373" title="jibrispring20107" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring20107.jpg" alt="jibrispring20107" width="480" height="719" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2374" title="jibrispring20108" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring20108.jpg" alt="jibrispring20108" width="480" height="719" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2375" title="jibrispring20109" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring20109.jpg" alt="jibrispring20109" width="476" height="704" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2376" title="jibrispring201010" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jibrispring201010.jpg" alt="jibrispring201010" width="480" height="719" /></p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/03/05/sneak-peek-jibri-spring-2010/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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		<title>Jessica Biffi designs collection for Addition Elle</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/03/04/jessica-biffi-designs-collection-for-addition-elle/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/03/04/jessica-biffi-designs-collection-for-addition-elle/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:45:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jessica Bifi; Addition Elle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2358</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Former Project Runway contestant Jessica Biffi,is now recognized as a talented designer and rising star on the Canadian fashion scene. 
 
Jessica has decided to team up Addition Elle national retailer in the Canadian market to design what is being called a spectacular capsule collection for spring, 2010.
Set to be launched at a media event on Wednesday, March 31st [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p>Former Project Runway contestant Jessica Biffi,is now recognized as a talented designer and rising star on the Canadian <img class="size-full wp-image-2360 alignright" title="jessica_bifi" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/jessica_bifi1.jpg" alt="jessica_bifi" width="333" height="370" />fashion scene. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Jessica has decided to team up Addition Elle national retailer in the Canadian market to design what is being called a spectacular capsule collection for spring, 2010.</p>
<p>Set to be launched at a media event on Wednesday, March 31st (5:30pm), 2010, at LG Fashion Week, the new &#8216;Jessica Biffi for Addition Elle&#8217; capsule collection will be available April 1st at 26 select stores across Canada including online at <a href="http://www.additionelle.com">www.additionelle.com</a>.</p>
<p>Much buzz and anticipation &#8230; I can&#8217;t wait to see what the collection looks like.  Addition Elle desperatly needs something new and fresh to spice things up!!! As soon as I can get my hands on some photos I&#8217;ll be sure to share!!!</p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/03/04/jessica-biffi-designs-collection-for-addition-elle/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Gabourey Sidibe on the cover of Ebony Magazine</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/02/11/gabourey-sidibe-on-the-cover-of-ebony-magazine/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/02/11/gabourey-sidibe-on-the-cover-of-ebony-magazine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:35:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Celeb Buzz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ebony Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gabourey Sidibe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Monif C]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2323</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ 

Gabourey, looks GREAT and FINALLY age appropriate on the upcoming issue of Ebony Magazine.  Featured in a Monif C top and close fitting tights for the bottom.  I like how fun her look is but I&#8217;m not sure how I feel about it overall. 
What do you think do you like Gabourey&#8217;s look?
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2324" title="1006_Ebony Cover" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/gabbie.jpg" alt="1006_Ebony Cover" width="448" height="716" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Gabourey, looks GREAT and FINALLY age appropriate on the upcoming issue of Ebony Magazine.  Featured in a Monif C top and close fitting tights for the bottom.  I like how fun her look is but I&#8217;m not sure how I feel about it overall. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">What do you think do you like Gabourey&#8217;s look?</p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/02/11/gabourey-sidibe-on-the-cover-of-ebony-magazine/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>MJB and Catherine Malandrino Collaborate on T-shirt Collection</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/02/10/mjb-and-catherine-malandrino-collaborate-on-t-shirt-collection/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/02/10/mjb-and-catherine-malandrino-collaborate-on-t-shirt-collection/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 04:44:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Celeb Buzz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Catherine Malandrino]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mary J Blige]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2318</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ 


My favoute signer Mary J Blige and Catherine Malandrino have teamed up to design a T-shirt collection in honor of women&#8217;s empowerment.  The collection is called FFAWN + Catherine Malandrino. FFAWN stands for the Foundation for the Achievement of Women Now, it’s the charity that was started by Mary J. Blige in 2008.
According to WWD, the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2319" title="maryjbligemalandrinoroc4life" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/maryjbligemalandrinoroc4life.jpg" alt="maryjbligemalandrinoroc4life" width="438" height="248" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2320" title="mary-j-blige-x-malandrino" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/mary-j-blige-x-malandrino.jpg" alt="mary-j-blige-x-malandrino" width="431" height="521" /></p>
<p>My favoute signer Mary J Blige and Catherine Malandrino have teamed up to design a T-shirt collection in honor of women&#8217;s empowerment.  The collection is called FFAWN + Catherine Malandrino. FFAWN stands for the Foundation for the Achievement of Women Now, it’s the charity that was started by Mary J. Blige in 2008.</p>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.wwd.com/markets-news/mary-j-blige-connects-with-malandrino-2451843?module=today&amp;browsets=1122045901587#">WWD</a>, the collection features tunics with hand-painted messages such as “I’m Free” and “I’m Power.” The off-the-shoulder tops pictured above retail for $39, will be sold in Catherine Malandrino stores and a percentage of the sales will benefit FFAWN.  Additional styles will play up an abstract illustration of a phoenix and the FFAWN logo.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve been tryng to figure out if the t-shrts will be available in our size.  Haven&#8217;t been able to get a concrete answer yet!!  I really hope they do because this is totally a tee that I would rock!!</p>
<p>Mary J. Blige and Malandrino will be at Bloomingdale’s new 350-square-foot Catherine Malandrino concept shop in Manhattan on February 17th, 2010.  If anyone is in NYC pass by and get an autograph for me &#8230; lol</p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/02/10/mjb-and-catherine-malandrino-collaborate-on-t-shirt-collection/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Monif C. Debuts New Swim Wear Collection</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/01/27/monif-c-debuts-new-swim-wear-collection/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/01/27/monif-c-debuts-new-swim-wear-collection/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:28:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2299</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ 

Monif C has really outdone herself.  The new swim 2010 collection is FAB-U-LOUS!!  I LOVE IT!!  I&#8217;m not a big fan of the swim wear that&#8217;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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p> </p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2300" title="MonifC_bboard_Swim2010_v2_20100122" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/MonifC_bboard_Swim2010_v2_20100122.jpg" alt="MonifC_bboard_Swim2010_v2_20100122" width="696" height="487" /></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://www.monifc.com/plus-size-swimwear.html">Monif C</a> has really outdone herself.  The new <a href="http://www.monifc.com/plus-size-swimwear.html">swim 2010</a> collection is FAB-U-LOUS!!  I LOVE IT!!  I&#8217;m not a big fan of the swim wear that&#8217;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!! </p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">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 &#8230; for those of you who dont know) also look good on me.  We have a very similiar  build!! Since she wasn&#8217;t used in this particular shoot I really can&#8217;t tell &#8230; looks like I may have to buy one so I can see. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now if the Monif C faires are listening I wear a size 16 &#8230; I really like the following</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2302" title="med_swim2" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/med_swim21.jpg" alt="med_swim2" width="164" height="300" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2303" title="med_fringepink" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/med_fringepink.jpg" alt="med_fringepink" width="164" height="300" /></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">If you haven&#8217;t done so already surf on over to <a href="http://www.monifc.com/plus-size-swimwear.html">MonifC.com</a> and check it out</p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/01/27/monif-c-debuts-new-swim-wear-collection/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>America&#8217;s Funky Sweet Heart: naKIMul</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/01/24/americas-funky-sweet-heart-nakimul/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/01/24/americas-funky-sweet-heart-nakimul/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:59:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plus Size]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[naKIMul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plus Size Clothing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2289</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p>I owe this find to my new favourite blogger, you guessed it..</p>
<p> my daughter.  Adajee stumbled upon an incredible find.</p>
<p>naKIMul pronunced<a style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; FONT-SIZE: 12px; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> (nah-KIM-u-lee): originates from Uganda it means flower</a>.  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 &#8212;youthful, fresh, and funky. naKIMuli&#8212;America&#8217;s Funky Sweetheart.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2290" title="300" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/300.jpg" alt="300" width="199" height="300" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2291" title="3001" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/3001.jpg" alt="3001" width="199" height="300" /></p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2293" title="3003" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/3003.jpg" alt="3003" width="199" height="300" /><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2294" title="3004" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/3004.jpg" alt="3004" width="199" height="300" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I&#8217;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!!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://stylevanguard.com/2010/01/24/americas-funky-sweet-heart-nakimul/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Chit Chat with Laura at Lola &amp; Gigi</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/12/09/chit-chat-with-laura-at-lola-gigi/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/12/09/chit-chat-with-laura-at-lola-gigi/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chit Chat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laura Caravaggio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lola & Gigi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lola Vanguard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plus Size Boutique]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2238</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 &#38; Gigi is not your typical overly saturated, overly commercial store.  In addition to Laura [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p>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. </p>
<p>Lola &amp; 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. </p>
<p>The boutique&#8217;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&#8230; 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 &amp; Gigi boutique. Great talk, tea and shortbread&#8230; OMG!! What else can a girl ask for. </p>
<p> I can safely say that Lola &amp; Gigi is my new favourite place to find great clothing to fit and flatter my figure.  One of Laura customers said that the Lola &amp; Gigi boutique is a treasure trunk full of fabulousness and I would have to agree with that statment.</p>
<p>Watch the video:</p>
<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrdWQsDmExc"><!-- Smart Youtube --><span class="youtube"><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QrdWQsDmExc&amp;rel=1&amp;color1=d6d6d6&amp;color2=f0f0f0&amp;border=&amp;fs=1&amp;hl=en&amp;autoplay=&amp;showinfo=0&amp;iv_load_policy=3&amp;showsearch=0" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed wmode="transparent" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QrdWQsDmExc&amp;rel=1&amp;color1=d6d6d6&amp;color2=f0f0f0&amp;border=&amp;fs=1&amp;hl=en&amp;autoplay=&amp;showinfo=0&amp;iv_load_policy=3&amp;showsearch=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="355" ></embed><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /></object></span></a></p>
<address><strong>Name:  Laura Caravaggio<br />
What do you do?  Owner &amp; Chief Curvy Fashionista, Lola &amp; Gigi<br />
Age:  39<br />
Zodiac Sign:  Scorpio<br />
Birth Place:  Toronto<br />
Current Location:  Toronto<br />
Single or Attached:  Married</strong><br />
<strong>Size:  18/20<br />
</strong> </address>
<address style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;--<br />
</address>
<address><strong></strong></address>
<address><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What does fashion mean to you?</span>  </strong>I think that fashion gives me the opportunity to express myself.  My outfit is my art!</address>
<address></address>
<address><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 Must Haves? </span>  </strong>The perfect dress (Rachel Pally&#8217;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!</address>
<address></address>
<address><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Favourite Clothing Designers</span></strong></address>
<address>Melissa Masse (for lady-like dresses with a twist)<br />
Anna Scholz (for her gorgeous prints &amp; luxe fabrics)<br />
Jibri (a new favourite -- loving my leopard pencil skirt!)<br />
Diane Kennedy (her organic bamboo pieces are a must for a casual day)</address>
<address style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">
<address style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></address>
<address style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Style Icons:</span></strong>   I love old movies from the 40&#8217;s &amp; 50&#8217;s, so I&#8217;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 &#8220;Mad Men&#8221;, her curves are inspiring!</address>
<address style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></address>
<address style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Favourite clothing/jewellery stores/catalogs/websites?</strong></span>  LolaandGigi.com of course!  I&#8217;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&#8217;ll torture myself by looking at the designer shoes &amp; handbags at Neiman Marcus.</address>
<address></address>
<address><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Describe the path that has lead you to where you are in your career right now?</span></strong>   I was always the one my girlfriends called when they couldn&#8217;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&#8217;t find things that fit.  I always thought it seemed so wrong that shopping made them feel badly about themselves.  Wouldn&#8217;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 &amp; Gigi was born.</address>
<address></address>
<address><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What is the hardest thing you’ve had to deal with as a Full Figured Women thus far?<br />
</span></strong>I&#8217;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!</address>
<address></address>
<address><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">What advice do you have for other women who would like to follow in your footsteps?<br />
</span></strong>Be true to yourself and your own inner voice, it will never let you down.</address>
<address></address>
<address><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">So what can expect from you next?</span>  </strong>I would love to take this show on the road.  We&#8217;ve been to Calgary &amp; Ottawa and had great success with our Trunk Show events, it would be great to do them in other Canadian cities</address>
<address></address>
<address><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How are you shaping the plus size community?</span></strong>  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 &amp; their spirit every day.  Life&#8217;s too short for anything less!</address>
</address>
<address style="text-align: center;">&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;--</p>
<div style="text-align: left;">Here are some additional pics from my visit a few of me trying on some pieces handpicked by Laura:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2242" title="096" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/096.JPG" alt="096" width="640" height="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2243" title="099" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/099.JPG" alt="099" width="640" height="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2246" title="108" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/1081.JPG" alt="108" width="640" height="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2247" title="115" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/115.JPG" alt="115" width="640" height="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2248" title="126" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/126.JPG" alt="126" width="480" height="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2249" title="131" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/131.JPG" alt="131" width="480" height="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2250" title="135" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/135.JPG" alt="135" width="480" height="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2251" title="132" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/132.JPG" alt="132" width="480" height="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2253" title="137" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/137.JPG" alt="137" width="480" height="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Be sure to stop by and visit Lola &amp; Gigi; also available online at <a href="http://www.lolaandgigi.com">www.lolaandgigi.com</a></div>
</address>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/12/09/chit-chat-with-laura-at-lola-gigi/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Shop: FGLNCT</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/11/14/the-shop-fglnct/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/11/14/the-shop-fglnct/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:56:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Deena]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fat Girls like Nice Girls Too; Plus Size Fashion; Trendy Plus Size Fashion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2209</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Deena over at one of my favourite blogs;  Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes Too  or  FGLNCT  for short has recently opened a mini e-boutique called  The Shop  or Beloved Endeavors &#8230; I&#8217;m not sure which one in conjunction with her blog. 
Right now her offerings are very limited but I look forward to all the creative, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p>Deena over at one of my favourite blogs;  <a href="http://fatgirlslikeniceclothestoo.wordpress.com/">Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes Too</a>  or  <a href="http://fatgirlslikeniceclothestoo.wordpress.com/">FGLNCT</a>  for short has recently opened a mini e-boutique called  <a href="http://www.belovedendeavour.bigcartel.com/">The Shop</a>  or <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Beloved Endeavors</span></strong> &#8230; I&#8217;m not sure which one in conjunction with her blog. </p>
<p>Right now her offerings are very limited but I look forward to all the creative, handmade goodies she will make available for us to peruse and buy.</p>
<p>Check out the handmade belts she&#8217;s currently offering: <a href="http://www.belovedendeavour.bigcartel.com/">Click Here</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2210" title="theshop" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/theshop.jpg" alt="theshop" width="300" height="207" /> </p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/11/14/the-shop-fglnct/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Sale Alert: Petite Feet Sample Sale</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/10/22/sale-alert-petite-feet-sample-sale/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/10/22/sale-alert-petite-feet-sample-sale/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:26:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SV Steals & Deals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designer Shoes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Petite Feet Sample Sale]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2059</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ladies .. let me again preface this by saying I&#8217;m not one to promote sales or things I don&#8217;t truely beleive in.  So please beleive me when I tell you that this is an event you don&#8217;t want to miss. 
Don&#8217;t let the name fool you the Petite Feet Sample Sale is for EVERYONE!! There are an [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p>Ladies .. let me again preface this by saying I&#8217;m not one to promote sales or things I don&#8217;t truely beleive in.  So please beleive me when I tell you that this is an event you don&#8217;t want to miss. </p>
<p>Don&#8217;t let the name fool you the <a href="http://www.petitefeetsamplesale.com/">Petite Feet Sample Sale</a> is for <span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>EVERYONE!!</strong></span> There are an array of designer shoes sizes ranging from 5 &#8211; 12.  SV highly recommends that you attend this sale if you:</p>
<ul>
<li>really really really LOVE shoes</li>
<li>if you have a hard time finding shoes in your size</li>
<li>if you like designer shoes but don&#8217;t like the price tag that comes along with them</li>
<li>if you get giddy over the thought of 20,000 shoes all in one place</li>
<li>if you live in Toronto or surrounding areas</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2060" title="petitefeet" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/petitefeet.jpg" alt="petitefeet" width="514" height="1022" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Lola will definately be attending this sale.  I got a BIG foot and shoes are hard to find, Stay Tuned for reviews about the sale and pics of my finds.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Log on to <a href="http://www.petitefeetsamplesale.com">www.petitefeetsamplesale.com</a> to become a VIP member.  ENJOY the sale Smooches. </p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Plus Size Models Take the Stage in Kolkata, India</title>
		<link>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/10/19/plus-size-models-take-the-stage-in-kolkata-india/</link>
		<comments>http://stylevanguard.com/2009/10/19/plus-size-models-take-the-stage-in-kolkata-india/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:27:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lola</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Designer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stylevanguard.com/?p=2019</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[WOW, the plus size movement is really taking place on an international level.   When I study my blog  stats I can see that people from all of the world are stopping by to visit me.   In fact my second largest reader group comes from China &#8230; imagine that!!  (Shout out to all my readers in China Lola LOVES you all) [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="KonaBody"><p>WOW, the plus size movement is really taking place on an international level.   When I study my blog  stats I can see that people from all of the world are stopping by to visit me.   In fact my second largest reader group comes from China &#8230; imagine that!!  (Shout out to all my readers in China Lola LOVES you all) Imagine the joy I felt when I logged on this morning to see that Plus Size Models are also taking the stage in Kolkata!! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="india_fashion_week-krishna" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/india_fashion_week-krishna1.jpg" alt="india_fashion_week-krishna" width="379" height="461" /></p>
<p>Designer Tejas Ghandi featured a collection of trendy clothing for people of all sizes.  He said that it was important to be healthy and be comfortable in what one is.  Size zero, he pointed out was absolutely unhealthy.  “Its just the different size. I think its just about feeling good about yourself,” said Gandhi.</p>
<p>Coming from a very multicultural city it&#8217;s not abnormal to see people of various ethnic backgrounds around everyday &#8230; really it&#8217;s a beautiful site.  It&#8217;s not abnormal for example to see a black female of West Indian and African decent opt to rock a Sari paired with something western like a pair of jean or  step out in full Indian garb.  Hats off to Tejas Ghandi for a job well done!!</p>
</div>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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