Hey Everyone,

Check out my latest video log:

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

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

Looks like LB is trying to make a comeback with some of their new pieces for Fall.  I was pleasantly surprised when I checked the LB site yesterday and came across the New Icon Collection. 

I remember back in the day, I used to travel from Toronto to Buffalo all the time primarily so that I could visit Lane Bryant.  It’s been quite a while since I’ve actually bought anything from LB other then bras, panties and Spanx. 

I was excited to see their attempt at being more fashionable again.  With the emergence of so many Plus Size Designers, I think the people at LB realize that their consumers have more choices then they did before.  It’s nice to see they have stepped up their game. 

The New Icon Collection is not over the top fashion forward but it is very nice, I could see myself in quite a few pieces.  Most of the items are good foundation pieces to have in your wardrobe.

I will be going to Buffalo sometime shortly.  I have a shipment in from Nine West that I have to pick up from Auntie El’s house, so I’ll be sure to stop by Walden Galleria to see the new collection in person and of course I’ll have to stop at Torrid  too, but if any of you across the border happen to be in LB before I am let me know what you think of the new pieces.  

Check out the pieces Lola Loves and if you heart them too drop me a line and let me know!!

Photo credit: lanebryant.com

I haven’t published a SV Approved post in a while but I’m back with a new store.  Dream Diva is an Australian based web store with a brick and mortar location selling clothing exclusively for the plus size woman sizes ranging from 14 – 24.  Not sure how long they have been around but the store looks promising.  They are dedicated to the notion that fashion is for every female, and promise to provide the latest looks from around the globe; made to enhance and flatter your figure.

I didn’t fall in love with everything on the site but they did have a few evening dresses and a couple tops I thought were nice.  I’ve included my favourites.

They do not ship to Canada yet but they do ship to the USA.  Canadians don’t worry I’ll be contacting them to inquire about shipping to us too!!  I’ll keep you posted on the update.

Photo credit: dreamdiva.com

History was made in Sydney Austrailia yesterday, as Plus Size women hit the runway.  Organisers said it was the first time such an event had been part of a major Australian Fashion Week. 

Full Figured women were representing in a big way.  Models ranging from size 14 to 18 – including New York based beauty Elizabeth Green & former Biggest Loser winner Fiona Faulkiner took part in a high-energy runway display of sexy plus-size women featuring designs from retailer City Chic.

Check out pictures from the Rosemount Austrailian Fashion Week.

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

Tip: Stay Away from Panic Purchasing

There are many plus size women that HATE shopping, or should I say they hate the experience of not being able to find what they need with ease.  Shopping in panic mode is one of the worst things you can do!! Because it can be more difficult for a Triple F to find that traffic stopping outfit, it’s so important to shop ahead of time.  

There was a period in my life when I was really unhappy with my size and even more frustrated with the slim pickings that we available to fit over my not so slim ass.  I remember absolutey dreding shopping for clothes.  I hated being teased by the clothing I really liked and wanted and then having to buy something that I was making do with, because it was the only thing available.  I would often times, wait until the last minute to find something to wear ultimately this was only making the situation worse. 

I soon realized that I was the one making an already frustrating situation more frustrating.  Instead of the continuing with the last minute madness I started to search the stores looking for key pieces to add to my wardrobe.  Prior to this change I would wait for an invitation and then make a mad dash to find something that I didn’t really like.  Instead of feeling sorry for myself and wallowing in my shopping sorrows, I started to peruse stores like Winners (because they get new shipments twice a week) and surfing the net for sales on a regular basis so that I would always have something that I LOVE to choose from. 

I also changed my mindset reagrding my entire shopping experience I started to tell myself  “I’m going to find something I love today” instead of “I hate shopping I never find what I’m looking for”.  These small changes went a long way.  Now I’m usually prepared to hit the streets with whom ever when ever.  I have something for just about any occasion.  It’s all about building a great wardrobe, it’s a work in progress!!

Happy Shopping my fellow Triple F’s

Looks like Plus Size fashion designer Qristyl Frazier will be one of the 16 contestants on the upcoming season for project runway.  Qristyl will get a chance to bring her designs to the infamous project runway catwalk.

Staring Tim Gun and Heidi Klum, the show will premire August 20th on Lifetime.  I’m really proud of and happy for Qristyl, she’s been in the game for while and I don’t think she’s really received the recognition she deserves.  This will give her the chance to expose her designs to a wider audience and everyone the chance to she what she’s made of. 

Qristyl and the 15 other Designers

Qristyl’s Specs:

Age: 42
Birthplace: St. Louis, MO
Current Home: Brooklyn, NY
Favorite Designers:Gaultier, Halston, Oscar De La Renta, Givenchy, Doo Ri, Zac Posen
Style Icons:Halle Berry, Whitney Houston, Gwyneth Paltrow
Favorite Past Project Runway Designer: None

Qristyl has been intrigued with fashion and design since the age of 15 when she sewed a black and white print cheerleader-style mini skirt. She studied fashion design at Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and went on to work as a stylist assistant and technical designer before making designs for her own company, Qristyl Frazier Designs. She has designed clothes for Queen Latifah, Angie Stone and Wendy Williams and is extremely proud that she can step out of the box and create beautiful designs for plus-sized women which, she terms, “plus sexy.”

Why she’ll win?
Qristyl believes she is a well-rounded and well-respected fashion designer and has been waiting for an opportunity like Project Runway since she first arrived to New York.

SV will be following the show, I’m routing for you girl.  Stay tuned for updates …

Photo credit: mylifetime.com