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!!