Boutique Buzz: ReDress NYC Opens Online Boutique



Happy Beautiful You Monday Folks! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I have mentioned ReDress NYC on the blog quite a few times before. Mostly because I love the shop's owner, Deb Melkin, because I feel she is one of the few women who are leading the size acceptance movement that gets that size acceptance can be about activism AND great fitting fashion at the same time. But equally so because they have an awesome boutique in downtown Brooklyn where every time I go, I walk out with at least three items that fit all of me perfectly.

Until recently, fatshionistas and curvy divas had to wait until a trip to New York City (perhaps for Full Figured Fashion Week) to partake in the wonderful shopping experience that is ReDress NYC.

But no more!

Behold, the beauty that is the ReDress NYC Online Shopping experience (now in its Beta version).



Homepage of the new ReDressNYC.com Online Shop!

The online shop has a modest number of dress, tops, bottoms and jewelry available that will definitely whet your palate. I'm excited to see how, as the online shop grows, they continue to bring all of the eclectic mix of vintage items and great plus size finds that come through their doors everyday onto the web for plus size ladies everywhere to enjoy.

Have you shopped at ReDress before? Will you be visiting their online shop?

If you have a plus boutique in another city in the US and would like us to feature you on the Belle-Noir Mag blog or in an upcoming feature in Belle-Noir Magazine, email us at boutiquebuzz@belle-noir.com. Please include the name of the boutique, the name of the owner, city and state of location and your contact information.

Boutique Buzz: Kurvacious (Nanuet, NY)

On Saturday, February 19, 2011, I was invited to the Kurvacious Boutique as they filmed their TV commercial. I love hearing about new boutiques, and I know you, our readers, do too! So, I hopped in my car on a windy Saturday and headed up I-87 to Nanuet, NY to check out Kurvacious Boutique.

About the boutique (from the website):

"For the woman who has more to offer."

Kurvacious is a boutique that specializes in clothing for the Kurvy Diva. We carry top designers in the full figure fashion arena such as IGIGI, Kiyonna, Jibri, Dereon, & La Dan's Closet just to name a few.

We have both an online presence as well as a retail location 20 minutes from NYC in the heart of Nanuet, NY.

We specialize in sizes 14-28 however upon requests we can honor the wishes of our larger divas for sizes 30-32.

Check out more of our behind the scenes footage in our first Belle-Noir TV clip below and be sure to let us know what you think!



For those of you who live outside of New York and the regions where the commercial will air, you can view it here on YouTube. You will be hearing more about Kurvacious from us in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Kurvacious
344 West Route 59
Nanuet, NY 10954
http://www.kurvacious.com/

Boutique Buzz: Fashion To Figure

On Saturday March 5th, 2011 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, Fashion To Figure (FTF) will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its newest store at the Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers, New York. FTF is pleased to be joined by special guests Shanda Freeman, co-host of MTV’s hit show Man and Wife and of her own show Shanda Says; City Council Woman Patricia McDow; and Audrey Smaltz, fashion icon and founder of the fashion show production company, The Ground Crew. Also in attendance will be various industry figures including full-fashion models and bloggers.


“FTF is thrilled to be joined by special guests and members of the community to help cut the ribbon of our newest location in the Cross County Shopping Center” said FTF Co-Founder and CEO Michael Kaplan. FTF will once again team up with VH1 Save The Music Foundation and donate 10% of all sales from the day to the foundation, whose mission is to “ensure that every child has access to a complete education that includes the benefits of music instruction,” and has provided access to instrumental music education in dozens of schools across New York. Kaplan went on to say: “FTF is committed to the local communities in which our stores operate, and to fulfilling the FTF mission of making people’s lives better by providing them with the ultimate full-fashion shopping experience. We are pleased to begin serving and supporting the Yonkers community.”

Guests are invited to shop, enjoy complimentary light refreshments and enter a raffle give-away to win FTF gift cards every half hour. There will also be an opportunity to make direct donations to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation at the event.

Details: Saturday March 5th, 2011 from 12:00 to 4:00pm
Fashion To Figure
5160 Xavier Drive
Yonkers, NY 10704

Boutique Buzz: Holiday Shopping in NYC

Whether you are still holiday shopping for your loved ones, or are finished and now looking to treat yourself to something special for the holidays, there are still plenty of opportunities to get great deals! For my ladies in NYC and the surrounding areas, there are two great places to shop that have some great deals going on if you are shopping for your favorite fashionista (even if that is yourself!):

Re/Dress NYC Fill-A-Bag Sale (Brooklyn,NY)

It's the type of sale a girl can only dream about! Re/Dress NYC is hosting a Fill-A-Bag Sale this weekend (December 11-12) where you can stuff as many items from Plus Designer Abby Z into one of their shopping bags--and everything in that bag will be $20 TOTAL! So sweet!

Re/Dress NYC

109 Boerum Place

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Johntine's Plus Size Boutique (Brooklyn, NY and Online)
A new plus size boutique in Brooklyn, Johntine's Boutique has been making quite a buzz with affordable fashions for plus size women both in store and online. She has specials both in-store and online frequently, and the holiday season is no exception. If you place an order online she is currently offering $5.00 shipping and she has convertible dresses on sale!

Johntine's Boutique
332 Malcolm X Blvd.
Brooklyn, NY 11233
www.johntines.com

Happy Shopping!

If you have a plus boutique in another city in the US and would like us to feature you on the Belle-Noir Mag blog or in an upcoming feature in Belle-Noir Magazine, email us at boutiquebuzz@belle-noir.com. Please include the name of the boutique, the name of the owner, city and state of location and your contact information.

Boutique Buzz: Re/Dress NYC Celebrates Fashion's Night Out

Boutique Challenges Designers to Dress Plus Size Women
New York , NY (August 13, 2010) – Re/Dress NYC, a premiere plus size vintage & resale clothing boutique, is excited to celebrate Fashion's Night Out. For years Re/Dress NYC has passionately served the plus size community and is eager to participate in the global Fashion's Night Out initiative. The Re/Dress event will be more than just a party, it will be a true call to action.

Very few retailers & designers cater to plus size consumers. Re/Dress NYC believes this is the biggest fashion Don't of the industry. "We want to tell the designers if they want to save retail, they can do it by serving a neglected customer, the Plus Size Woman," said Re/Dress NYC owner Deb Malkin. Throughout the night guests will have the opportunity to join Re/Dress NYC's Dress My Size campaign. "We're going to help curvy women speak collectively as a force and ask their favorite designers to make clothing in their size," said Malkin.

The evening will also include a collection presentation from Canadian designer Lotis Clothing, the official celebration brand for the event. "We consider it an honor to be the featured designer at this year's Re/Dress Fashion's Night Out event," said Lotis Director of Marketing Tina Graham. Katie Burke, designer of the emerging plus size brand, will also be on hand for a meet-and-greet with party guests. "We are so happy to be apart of a celebration of the Plus Woman and to be considered one of the designers making a difference in the industry," Graham went on to say.

Re/Dress NYC's Fashion's Night Out event will take place September 10, 2010 from 6-11PM at their store at 109 Boerum Place in Brooklyn, NY. The event is open to the public, however space is limited and RSVPs are encouraged. Guests can RSVP here: http://redressfno2010.eventbrite.com/.

Plus Size Black Friday/ Cyber Monday Sales!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday promises to be one where plus size fashionistas and those shopping for them can save BIG at some of the hottest destinations for plus size fashion on the Net! Here are a few of holiday savings that have come across our inboxes that we want to share with you!

The Jibri Black Friday Event!
Save 50% off ALL ITEMS Friday, November 27th, 2009 from Midnight until 12:00 Noon EST

Save 25% off ALL ITEMS Friday, November 27th, 2009 from 12:01pm EST until Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 11:59pmEST.

Visit http://www.jibrionline.etsy.com/ or http://www.jibrionline.com/ for more information!

The Marie Denee "Deck Your Curves" Shopping Event

Online boutique Marie Denee is offer 20% off of EVERYTHING in their store from today, November 25 through Monday, November 30, 2009.
Visit http://www.mariedenee.com/ for more information.

Other plus clothing stops such as Igigi and Lane Bryant have sales going on this weekend as well--some as much as 40 and 50% off everything on their sites.

Where are some stores you will be shopping at that has discounts this 1st weekend of the holiday shopping season? Are you an online boutique that is running a sale? Leave a comment and let us know so we can share the wealth with our readers!

Happy Shopping everyone!

Boutique Buzz: Re/Dress NYC Celebrates 1 Year of Dressing NYC's Curvy Women

It's hard to believe that one of the top boutiques for plus size clothing in New York City, Re/Dress, is only celebrating their 1st Anniversary. Re/Dress NYC offers the largest selection of plus size vintage and resale clothing, not only in New York City but in the country proving that when you have more to love you can do it in style. From classic to contemporary, to designer jeans and dresses, Re/Dress NYC is a one stop shopping mecca for women sizes 14 and up.

Open 7 days a week, Re/Dress NYC has quickly become a favorite stop for plus size models and women who love their curves. It's the perfect fit! The buy*sell*trade aspect of the boutique makes shopping at Re/Dress NYC not only green but guilt-free!

Owner, Deb Malkin, decided to open Re/Dress NYC to fill a void and fulfill a dream, proving that you don't have to be a size 6 to be stylish. Tucked away in a Brooklyn's trendy Boerum Hill neighborhood, Re/Dress NYC is celebrating it's first birthday with food & fun and of course a HUGE SALE.

If you are in NYC, be sure to check out the festivities on Saturday, November 28, 2009 from 12 Noon until 9pm!

Re/Dress NYC
109 Boerum Place (bt. Pacific & Dean sts.)
Brooklyn, NY 11201

www.redressnyc.com

Boutique Buzz: Marie Denee Online Boutique Now Open!

Fashionistas looking for some upscale plus size fashion need look no further than MarieDenee.com! An upscale contemporary online boutique, MarieDenee.com offers today's fashion forward, curvy, confident, and chic plus size woman, a sanctuary where she can confidently shop the latest designer fashions in her size, without sacrificing her desires for premium, fashion forward, and impeccably fit options.

Boutique Buzz: Re/Dress NYC Indie Designer Trunk Show

For all of my NYC Tri-State Area plus size fashionistas looking to spice up their Fall wardrobe with affordable but fabulously fun pieces, you need look no further than Re/Dress NYC. This Brooklyn based boutique is where plus size ladies can come to purchase both vintage and resale clothing in sizes starting at a 14.


The lovely ladies at Re/Dress will be hosting an Indie Plus Size Designer Trunk Show at their shop on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from 12 Noon until 9pm.






These are small independent designers who focus their creative energies on making amazing one of a kind, vintage or retro inspiredfashions for the curvy fashionista, sizes Large to 5x. Their clothingis not found in any NYC stores outside of this one weekend sale.

Designs from:
Size Queen by Bertha Pearl
- PDXDiesel Femme Wear by Sossity Chiricuzio
- PDXCupcake & Cuddlebunny by Rachel Kacenjar
- CLE

Jewelry from:
Masani Wearable Sculptures
Amazon Barbi

Start Time: Saturday September 12, 2009 at 12:00pm
End Time: Saturday September 12, 2009 at 9:00pm
Location: Re/Dress NYC
Street: 109 Boerum Place
City/Town: Brooklyn, NY 11201
Subway: F or G train to Bergen Street stop
Phone: 718-522-7962

Boutique Buzz: Marie Denee (Online)

Summer may be winding down but plus blogger, stylist and new eponymous online boutique owner, Marie Denee is heating up the fashion industry one curve at a time!

Marie Denee is an upscale contemporary online boutique that offers today's fashion forward,
curvy, confident, and chic plus size woman, a haven where she can confidently shop the latest
designer fashions in her size, without sacrificing her desires for premium, fashion forward, and
impeccably fit options.

Carefully edited and sourced from all over the globe by designers who see fashion beyond a size 12, Marie Denee will feature lifestyle apparel and accessories from designers like Gayla Bentley, Kingley & Posh, Embody Denim by Natalie Wakeling, Melissa Masse, David Kahn Jeanswear, BGU and Amanda Uprichard, Oola Lingerie, Marie Melodie and many more.

Interviewed by PLUS Model Magazine and Fat and Fabulous Chic, Marie Denee is forecasted to be a plus fashionista’s ultimate boutique for high-quality designer and contemporary fashions.
Marie Denee officially announced her boutique’s opening at First Friday’s 11th Annual White Party in Oakland, California. With assistance from designers such as Jibri, Corinthia Peoples Designs, and Coqo, attendees received a sneak preview of some of the fashion forward styles Marie Denee will feature.

To celebrate the grand opening of Marie Denee in conjunction with PLUS Model Magazine’s August 2009 Denim Issue, Marie Denee is currently running a contest to find out, “What makes you Curvy.Confident.Chic?” One grand prize winner will receive a $500 shopping spree to Marie Denee.

Through her blog, The Curvy Fashionista, Marie Denee, works tirelessly to highlight figure flattering trends for her audience. Her work has garnered her ranking on We Magazine’s 100 More Women Bloggers to Watch for 2009.

Marie Denee will also show her fashion expertise by serving as a seminar speaker for the BBW Empowerment Cruise 2010, hosted by plus model icon, Ms. Gwen DeVoe.

Be sure to stay posted for updates on the grand opening of Marie Denee at http://www.mariedenee.com/!

Boutique Buzz: Nikki London

I had the pleasure of checking out Nikki London, a plus size boutique located in Philadelphia, PA Memorial Day Weekend while on a scouting trip for Curves & Cocktails. With me were my two "Road Dawgs"--Denise Best of Blissful Elegance Events, and Ms. Gale Williams.

About the Boutique (from the website): Nikki London provides fashion-forward styles in sizes 12 - 24 to satisfy the discerning tastes of plus-sized women. The boutique is located in Center City on 4th Street between Lombard and South. The airy and comfortable space invites visitors to browse, enjoying the feel of lovely fabrics and the sparkle of semi-precious jewelry.

The Storefront Window of Nikki London

The first thing that struck me about the boutique was that in looking in the storefront window, you wouldn't automatically know that it was a plus size boutique. The clothing featured in the window was modern and trendy. Once I stepped inside, I knew I had found a great shopping spot for plus size women! The shop's assistant, Marissa, was a curvy girl herself, and was well-informed not only about plus fashion, but also believed in owner Nikki Watt's vision to bring trendy clothing to the plus size women of Philadelphia.

The lovely Marissa, employee of the Nikki London Boutique posing for the camera

There is plenty of space to move around the shop, and not only can ladies shop plus size clothing, but the boutique also has an awesome collections of jewelry and handbags to choose from as well.

Nikki London's owner, Ms. Nikki Watts was a wonderfully gracious host, and she took the time to assist my friends and I as we shopped for outfits for Full Figured Fashion Week and other events this summer.

Ms. Nikki Watts assisting Ms. Best in her shopping exploits.
(Note: She purchased a HOT red dress!)

Ms. Watts was sweet enough to take the time for an interview as well as we shopped!

Belle-Noir: Why did you decide to take over the boutique last year, and what do you hope women experience when they shop at Nikki London?

Nikki Watts: The plan was to open a location in MD, where I live, but the opportunity came about and I seized it. This store is dedicated to women size 12 and above. We all know that shopping choices for plus-size women are limited. Nikki London has a great selection of contemporary plus-size clothing to flatter various body types. We as women often forget that style has nothing to do with size. It is an expression of your individuality and who you are. We show women how to find the perfect fit for their body type and in the process, transform the way they look. My ultimate goal is that customers walk out feeling more self-confident than they did when they walked in. Nothing feels better than looking and feeling good! That’s what I want people to get out of the Nikki London experience.

Belle-Noir: Who are some of the designers that Nikki London features?

Nikki Watts: Kiyonna, Donna Ricco, Trentacosta, Svoboda, Eliza J, Igigi just to name a few.

Belle-Noir: Where would you like to see Nikki London in the next five years?

Nikki Watts: I pray that Nikki London is bigger and better in five years. My focus will be to continually provide a carefully edited mix of clothing, creating fantastic wardrobes for our customers to the envy of everyone regardless of size.

Nikki London
520 S. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215.922.3536
http://www.nikkilondon.com/

Summer Series: Boutique Buzz

One question that I have seen in more groups, message boards, etc. that I can count is "Where can I go to purchase plus size clothing outside of the major retailers (i.e. Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, etc.). Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or are just someone who doesn't want everyone to know where you got your outfit, one great place to grab some fashion finds are boutiques.

There are numerous online only boutiques. However, as I am sure most ladies can attest, knowing your size in a new designer/brand is difficult. As much as we might not want to shop at the major retailers, we go because we can try clothing on and figure out what size we are in what looks. A size 16 can vary not only from retailer to retailer, but more often than not, from clothing item to clothing item.

Therefore, Belle-Noir is on a quest to promote some of the great brick-and-mortar boutiques across the U.S. and abroad in our new column appropriately called "Boutique Buzz". The column will be a mix of shopping reviews (for the boutiques that we can visit) and Q&A sessions with boutique owners. What we hope is that you, our readers, will check some of these boutiques out and let us know what you think.

Are you a boutique owner looking for some press? Do you have a favorite brick-and-mortar boutique that you adore? Leave a comment & let us know who is out there! Especially if you are in the following cities:

• Atlanta
• Washington D.C.
• Boston
• Philadelphia

Look for our first Boutique Buzz review coming soon as part of Features Friday during our Summer Series!

Boutique Buzz: Abby Z. VIP Shopping Special

Hi Ladies!

I received this from my beautiful friends at one of my favorite plus boutiques, Abby Z.:

VIP SHOPPING SPECIAL
"ABBY Z. DOLLARS"
For every $100.00 purchase, you will receive $25.00 in Abby Z. Dollars!!

Here's how it works:Shop with us between November 14-30, 2008 and for every $100.00 you spend, we'll give you a $25.00 certificate that can be used for anything in the store when you redeem between December 1-7, 2008*!

SoHo Location:
57 Greene Street
(between Spring and Broome)
212 219-8562

Long Island:
Roosevelt Field Mall
(2nd floor near Nordstrom)
516-741-5550

So if you are looking for something special for your favorite curvy girl or looking for a sensational outfit to wear to that holiday party, be sure to check out the Abby Z. boutique! And be sure to stay tuned for our Style File on Abby Z. debuting soon!

* No cash value. Tax not included. May not be combined with other offers.

Coming Soon: Boutique Buzz

One question that I have seen in more groups, message boards, etc. that I can count is "Where can I go to purchase plus size clothing outside of the major retailers (i.e. Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart, etc.). Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or are just someone who doesn't want everyone to know where you got your outfit, one great place to grab some fashion finds are boutiques.

There are numerous online only boutiques. However, as I am sure most ladies can attest, knowing your size in a new designer/brand is difficult. As much as we might not want to shop at the major retailers, we go because we can try clothing on and figure out what size we are in what looks. A size 16 can vary not only from retailer to retailer, but more often than not, from clothing item to clothing item.

Therefore, Belle-Noir.com is on a quest to promote some of the great brick-and-mortar boutiques across the U.S. and abroad in our new column appropriately called "Boutique Buzz". The column will be a mix of shopping reviews (for the boutiques that we can visit) and Q&A sessions with boutique owners. What we hope is that you, our readers, will check some of these boutiques out and let us know what you think.

Are you a boutique owner looking for some press? Do you have a favorite brick-and-mortar boutique that you adore? Send us an email at editor@belle-noir.com with the subject line "Boutique Buzz Nominee".

Look for our first Boutique Buzz in our March Issue!