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!!

Further to the other week’s post about Faith 21 finally arriving in Toronto, I was able to make my way over to Fairview Mall.  I was so excited about the new collection I didn’t even stop to see what else was in store (except for one accessory that caught my eye in the display window that I actually had the visual display person take off the manaquin’s wrist … because there were no there one’s in the store). 

The section desginated for the Faith 21 line was really small and there was hardly anything to choose from.  There may have been a 12 styles in total.  I knew it wouldn’t be enormous but MAN I didn’t expect it to be that small!!  I saw the dress I wanted and immediately headed to the dressing room.  I tried it on and just as suspected the dress was short infact it was super short it stopped basically under my butt.  

The Faith 21 line is not a real plus size line it’s really a JOKE.  The sizing is really small the 2X is suppose to be a 15/16 according to the size chart.  So I ended up buying 2 dresses as I thought and I visited my local stitch it to have them sewn together,. I thinking about making a bustier top out of the remaining other half.

Stay Tuned for outfit shots … still waiting for my girl Q to upload the pics from her birthday party….

7 well known plus-size models have chosen to show the world how to look good naked.  These daring ladies are baring it all to prove that you don’t have to be anorexic model skinny to be damn sexy.

In a photoshoot for Glamour magazine, some of the top full-figured models working in the industry today posed for the camera in their birthday suits revealing real bodies with real curves: Kate Dillon, Ashley Graham, Amy Lemons,  Lizzie Miller , Crystal Renn, Jennie Runk and Anansa Sims.

The full spread featuring these voluptuous vixens will be in the latest issue of Glamour set to hit newsstands Oct. 6. 

Be sure to get a  copy, let’s show the media our dollars count.  I think this is just the begging of something huge!!!

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!!

Wants and Wishes, all the things I want to someday have and some random things I wish for.

 ASOS Shoulder Detail V-Neck Dress £25.00

 ASOS Fluted Sleeve Jersey Dress £20.00

Mango Shoulder Pad Peplum Dress £47.00

This week’s wants come from one of my  “FAV”  Online Boutique’s ASOS.com.   All items shown above are available up to a UK size 18 which is really about a size 16 CAD/USA. 

Now … I’m not one to complain but I really wish ASOS would hurry up and make their rumoured plus size line available to all of the patiently waiting Triple F’s out there!! 

Photo credit: ASOS.com

This season all the runways have been lined with leather, leather and more leather.  I have always thought that having a leather jacket and/or gloves is always in style and a classic must have piece but this season leather is making a huge impression in a non conventional way.  Everywhere you look there is Leather available in all types of styles and designs.  Skirts, Pants, Vests etc…

The question is;  Where do you find quality leather pieces in Toronto if you are a Full Figured Fashionista?  Well I think I may have the answer for you.  Danier Leather has been a leader in manufacturing and retailing quality leather goods for over a quarter of a century, earning international recognition as a leader in leather and suede design.  With over 90 stores across Canada you should be sure to find a Danier near you.

What I LOVE about Danier is that the carry most styles in an XL or XXL in addition to that they have tailors right on site in many of their outlet locations, this enables you to create a custom fit piece provided you have some imagination of course.  I also like the fact that they have frequent sales so if you see something you like but can’t afford no worries likely hood is the item will go on sale sooner then later. 

I have many jackets and bags from Danier and Many of my jackets did not originally come in a size that could fit me.  I have been know to buy a L or XL jacket in a style that I liked that didn’t quite fit me perfectly and asked to have panels put in and hems let out.  As I mentioned many times before in addition to being Full Figured I’m also tall and sometimes the arm length isn’t adequate … whatever the problem Danier can fix it.  They will work with you to create a jacket that will fit you like a soft leather glove.

Here are some of my Fav’s:

Photo credits: Danier.com

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

SV Tips and Tricks,  helping you on your journey to Full Figured Fabulousness.

Slim Cognito Seamless Mid-Thigh Body Suit $76.00 – $80.00 CAD

Tip: If you want to reduce lumps and bumps and have the appearance of loosing 20 lbs double up your Spanx

This Sunday my BFF Mellissa tied the knot!  Man… did she ever look beautiful.  Since I was the maid of honor I made sure to  get ready first and then rushed off to be at Mellissa’s becon call.  As I helped her to get dressed I was shocked when I saw my friend put on not one but two pairs of Spanx.

I asked my friend if she was sure she wanted to do this,  seeing as the day was going to be a long one and she assured me that she would be fine (Spanx has a tendency to become uncomfortable if they are worn for a long period of time) Mellissa went on to school me on Spanx … something I’ve always worn since I found out about them.  According to her my Spanx were the old school type even though I just bought them a few months ago while I was in Buffalo returning some items I had bought from Torrid,  she said the one’s I wear are prone to tearing and strecthing out of shape which is true I just thought it came with the territory.  The pair that she had were made of slightly different fabric that really hold you in while allowing you to remain comfortable.

Wow after we finished getting her dress zipped up it was as though she literally lost 20 lbs.  AMAZING!!  I’ve never gotten results like that from the Spanx that I wear.  I’m definately going to convert immediately.  My only regret is that I do not have a before and after photo to share with you.  What I witnessed on Sunday was better then any infomercial I’ve ever seen. 

Ladies, listen to Lola now!! This advice is especially true if you are bottom heavy and you thighs tend to have a never ending close knit conversation with each other while rubbing each other.  Buy the Slim Cognito Seamless Mid-Thigh Body Suit it’s FRIGGING AMAZING!!  Try one to start but don’t be afraid to double up if you have too!! 

If you have your own Spanx Story … drop me a line

I’m so EXCITED, I feel like I’ve been away for so long!!. I have so much to share but lets just start off with    Faith 21 by Forever  21  it’s finally available in stores in Toronto.  The Fairview Mall location in North York, Ontario will be the first of the 4 locations in Ontario to debut the collection.

I personally called the stores to find out when and where the clothing would be available and I was told by a Nickisha at the Fairview Mall location that it would be on the floor by the end of this week. 

I’ve always said that America is a Fat Girl’s Paridise because of all of the clothing options that are available but Canada more spefically Toronto is well on it’s way. 

This will be my first purchase, I may have to buy 2 of them and sew them together if it’s too short … I’m already thinking about making a huge clutch with the remaining fabric …  with these prices I can totally afford to do so

Tiered Crinkle Dress $33.80 CAD

If I don’t find this dress in the stores I will be ordering it online.  Yes!! That’s right you can also order from the comforts of home.  There are not as many styles available on the Canadian site as there are the American but that’s normal we usually get a watered down version of what is made available for our American neighbors but I’m ecstatic none the less,  Cheap and Chic is always my favourite combination when it comes to trendy clothes.

Photo Credit:  Forever21.com

Georgia Greenwood is really bringing all things Full Figured and Fabulous to the forefront this weekend.  The 2nd annual Fuller Woman Expo, Canada’s first ever plus size woman consumer trade show catering to women sizes 12 and up.  Enjoy hourly give aways, gift bags, workshops and seminars.  Fahsion shows sponsored by Lane Bryant featuring International plus size model Mia Amber.   Canadian Designers such as Annika Reid of Candied Apple Couture, Ava of Feline Fashions and many more …

Date:  September 9, 2009

Where: Delta Chelsea Hotel 33 Gerrard Street East

When: 10am – 8 pm

Tickets are $10.00 for more info visit http://www.facebook.com/l/90a67;www.thefullerwomanexpo.com or call 647-899-8764