Forgotten Woman Series: Plus Size Shopping Tips for the New Year

Happy New Year my Beautiful sisters! We’re almost a month into a brand new year and it is said that 13 is a lucky number. I say, let’s channel that energy into our shopping and looking fabulous all year round. 

As someone who is a size 26/28, I know that it can be frustrating to shop for fabulous pieces because some retailers, boutiques and designers don’t offer clothing past a size 22/24. Hence the title “Forgotten Woman”, which is the name I thought of when thinking of myself and others who feel excluded from these businesses when it comes to shopping. We feel forgotten and passed over. Just because we are above a size 24 does not mean we don’t want to look fabulous too. Well, all is not lost. Here’s some tips to help make your shopping experience a better one and yes, even at some of those retailers who only go up to a size 22. You’d be surprised.

Tip #1: Know your measurements and carry a tape measure in your purse while shopping.

Torrid Luxe Jeans
$39.95

Don’t be a slave to the size on the tag. It’s all about measurements and fabric, which I will go into later.  I cannot stress how important it is to know your measurements.  The basics are bust, waist, hips and the inseam of your legs. I also think it is important to know the width of your calves (important when buying boots) and the width of your upper arms (important when buying jackets) .  Many retailers list measurements for their items online and it can help you gauge if the item will fit you regardless of size. 

Sizing is all over the place in the world of plus size fashion. For example, I wear a 28 in jeans. However, in Lane Bryant, I cannot fit into their 28s. At Avenue, I wear a 26. At Old Navy, I wear a 30. I never thought I’d fit into a pair of jeans at Torrid because their denim brand typically runs small and only goes up to a 26 with some jeans going up to 28 (online only). Then one day, the salesgirl convinced me to try on a pair of their Torrid Luxe jeans in a 26. THEY FIT. She explained that the fabric was more than 5% spandex (the norm in jeans) and there was more width in the knee area.

ASOS Pencil Skirt, $31.57

During my personal journey of finding fashionable clothes that fit me well, I learned to not focus on the sizes too much. Because again, it’s all about measurements and the amount of stretch the item has. Here’s another example: ASOS’ Curve line goes up to a size 22. Yet, I have read online in a few reviews that their pencil skirt in Baroque Chain Print will fit someone a size 28 because of the cut and stretch of fabric. I also have heard from many ladies that City Chic and Simply Be run big as well. I think that is attributed to these two being non-US companies (City Chic is in Australia and Simply Be is in the UK) where sizing is different than here in the US. ASOS is based in the UK as well.

Tip #2: Know your fabrics and what works well for your body type. 

When you’re a plus size woman, I believe it’s important to know about fabric. I love to feel fabric and will stand there in the store, stretching it and seeing if it is a workable fabric. Fabrics like jersey, lycra, spandex, and polyester have stretch. Always check to see if an item contains spandex in it because that will increase the stretch factor.

Old Navy 3/4 Sleeve Striped Dress
XXL, on sale for $12.97

For example, Target goes up to a size 4, which is the equivalent of 26/28. However, the fit depends on the fabric. If there is no stretch, the 4 will not fit as well and might not fit at all, depending on how big your upper arms are and your hips. Case in point, Target had these great sweater leggings in junior sizes, up to a XXL. I know someone who is a 26/28 and fit in the XXL because of the stretch of the fabric. They have since sold out to which I am still bummed about because I did not get a pair.

I have heard that some of Old Navy’s clothing in XXL will accommodate someone who is a 22/24 or even a 26/28, depending on the stretch. So it pays to look at fabric content. Don’t dismiss it just because of the size.

Tip #3: Know your body type and what silhouettes look best for your body type. 

Igigi item pg showing body types

Knowing your body type is key. Every plus size woman has a different body. That’s why it is such a challenge for retailers to really get the cut and fit right for plus size clothing. Some of us have a defined waist, which is known as an hourglass shape. Some of us carry more weight on top and some of us carry more weight in our hips and butt. Some of us have long torsos and no defined waists. Some of us have more in the tummy area and some of us have short legs or arms. Knowing your body and where you carry your weight is so important in finding what styles look best on your body. Igigi has a great tool called Shape Stylist, where you can find out your shape by answering a few questions. In all the descriptions of their items online, the body shape the item would look best on is always stated. It’s a great way to know what would look best on your body type.

Tip #4:  Try on clothing, if you can.

I know it’s a pain in the butt to try on clothing and a lot of us don’t even want to go there. But honestly, it’s worth it. Just because something looks good on a hanger does not mean it will look good on you. 

Just make sure you wear clothing and shoes that you can easily slip on and off. If you are going dress shopping, bring your shapewear with you and wear the bra you plan to wear with the dress. Shapewear and the right bra will make a difference in how the dress will look on you in the dressing room.

Tip #5:  Read reviews on websites for items you like.

To me, one of the greatest things created in the retail world (or any website for that matter) are customer reviews. You can find out a lot of information on fit and how an item holds up by reading the reviews. My favorite ones are on Old Navy. Those customers really let you know how fit are and don’t hold back. I also rely a lot on word of mouth as well. If you visit retailer’s Facebook pages, you can see comments posted by customers. I also joined a few plus size shopping related groups on Facebook where women share their opinions on clothing they have bought.

Tip: #6:  Invest in some must-have pieces to keep in your closet.

Bow Stretch Belt
Lane Bryant Outlet
$29.99

I love to create outfits reusing pieces in different ways. One of the ways to help with that is to have a few must-haves in my closet such as a wide belt, a skinny belt, some blazers and leggings. Many times I will see a dress I love but it will be too short for my liking. Does that mean I have to pass on it? Certainly not! I just wear leggings or skinny jeans under it with some pretty flats or peep-toes.  I have gotten some great belts at Torrid (up to a size 4). I hear Cato and Lane Bryant Outlet are other great places to find some nice belts. As for leggings, Walmart, Sealed With A Kiss Designs and Avenue all carry great leggings up to a 4X/30/32. 

I hope these tips will inspire you to get out there and explore your style. You should never let your size hold you back from expressing yourself through fashion. We all want to look fabulous in our own way. And when you look good, you feel good too. It's a new year so let's have a new shopping attitude. Happy shopping!

All Eyez On...:Tru Diva Designs to Host Trunk Show & Launches Search for New Face for Brand

Veronica Lipscomb, the design mind behind plus fashion brand, Tru Diva, announced via press release that she is hosting a trunk show later this month to celebrate the relaunch of her brand. Taking place on Saturday, October 27th at Basha Studios 34, Tru Diva will also host a search for new faces of the full figured fashion brand.


Launched in 2006, Tru Diva has quickly made a name in the plus size fashion market by setting itself apart. Known for its innovative and unique use of colors and styles, Tru Diva and Veronica have earned tremendous praise from women worldwide in the size 10 to 26 demographic.

Recently Ms. Lipscomb decided to take the design aesthetic Tru Diva became known for up another level with the expansion of more customizable fits for her curvaceous customer. Veronica understands that not all plus size bodies are build alike. To better serve her clientele, the designer now offers four fits (straight, pear, hourglass and oval) to better flatter their diverse shapes. The trunk show will give attendees a sneak peak at her new offerings for Holiday 2012—which will include coats.

“Knowing your body type is half the battle,” said Lipscomb. “But getting the right fit is winning the war,”
The announcement of the new fits is in tandem with the relaunch of the Tru Diva website which will now be a full service e-commerce site.

The Tru Diva trunk show will begin at Noon. To learn more about Veronica Lipscomb and Tru Diva, visit www.trudiva.com and facebook.com/TruDivaDesignsbyVL.

All Eyez On...: Beyond The Rack, The New Flash Sale Destination for Plus Size Fashion!

Beyond the Rack, North America’s fastest growing online retailer announced yesterday that it has launched a new destination accessible through its website called My Curvy Closet - devoted solely to plus size fashions. Members can expect ten new events per week including a selection of sportswear, dresses, denim, outerwear, intimate apparel, shapewear, accessories, and footwear – all up to 80% off

Recent studies indicate that almost 2/3 of North Americans wear a size 14 or more and that plus-size consumers represent approximately 30% of consumer purchasing power.

“Plus-size fashions have been a top requested category from our customers for quite some time. Providing plus-size customers with an equally broad assortment of goods tailored to a variety of shapes and sizes - in a dedicated shopping destination - was a priority for us,” says Yona Shtern, CEO of Beyond the Rack. “Listening to and acting upon feedback from our members has always been integral to our success and continued growth.”

My Curvy Closet will be accessible to all new and existing members of Beyond the Rack. Membership in the club is always free.

  We're loving their slogan "Love Your Curves, Fill Your Closet!" Belle-Noir Readers, be sure to check out My Curvy Closet! To sweeten the deal, they are offering a $10 shopping credit to our readers when you sign up for the site when you sign up here. Also, be sure to check out The Curvy Fashionista, Marie Denee, as she selects her favorite looks for the month of October, while also sharing her style recommendations for plus size fashionistas!
 

Click here to sign up for My Curvy Closet
and receive your $10 Shopping Credit!

Fearless Flying: Let's Hit The Road!

Last week, I talked about airline tips for the plus size traveler. This week, in the third and final installment of my plus size travel tips series, I will discuss traveling via bus and train.

Me on Amtrak to Pittsburgh

I actually love traveling on the bus and train. I once flew into London and then took the train to Paris and then Amsterdam.  I regularly take the bus to Boston and Washington, DC. The experience on a bus and train is different from a plane. While a plane offers you a faster trip and nice views of the sky and overview of cities, a ride on a bus or train offers you a scenic ride, where you can enjoy seeing the countryside from your window.  And a long bus or train ride is definitely a great way to clear your mind and relax.

First tip: Compare your options. I always compare times, locations and fares between buses and trains.  Believe it or not, sometimes the bus ride is shorter than the train ride (and cheaper)!  I know that sounds weird but it depends on the number of stops each method of transportation makes. In my experience, trains make more stops. Also, keep in mind how many transfers, if any, you will have to make.  If you require more time and assistance to get on and off a bus or a train, please allot yourself enough time and know ahead where your next connection will be (the gate number or track number). The convenience of the trip and your comfort are two important things.  Especially when thinking about seating, bathrooms and etc (which I will go into later).

Greyhound seating

Second tip: Know ahead of time where you want to sit. As I talked about last week, planning and knowing your seating is a science, especially for plus size travelers who want to be comfortable and not end up feeling like a sardine. On a bus, I find everyone likes to sit up front. The upside to this is that you won’t have to walk down the narrow aisle when exiting the bus, which is always a tight fit. The downside is that you will probably have someone sitting next to you since the front is popular.

I usually go for the back and just deal with the aisle walk when exiting. Being comfortable for the length of the trip is more important to me and it is more likely I won’t have someone sitting next to me in the back. The prime seat is the last row next to the bathroom. That row has three seats and you can really stretch out, if the bus is empty. Warning, though, if it’s a long ride, the smell from the bathroom can definitely make the ride a little smelly. If you are daring like me, just bring some Febreze spray, stretch out in the last row and make it work.

NEVER sit in the front rows across from the driver or behind him. The legroom is not great and usually the driver stores their bag there. Not a comfortable spot to sit at all unless you’re a size 4 or a small child.

With buses, the key is to get there early. People usually start lining up at the gate an hour before and that is how the bus boards. So the closer to the front of the line you are, the greater the chance you will have in choosing your ideal seat. If you can’t stand for a long period of time waiting on line, there are options. Some buses like Peter Pan and Greyhound offer either reserved seating or priority boarding. On Greyhound, priority boarding is an extra $5. Not bad for an extra fee and you can skip the line and board the bus first.  If you are traveling on a popular route, I would definitely advise you pay the extra money so you can have your seat pick.

Amtrak coach seats...wonderful!

With trains, my only tip is get there early so you can get a window seat or seat of your preference, unless you have purchased a premium assigned seat. I have found that Amtrak trains have wonderfully wide seats. The tray table comes down with no problem and someone is able to sit next to me comfortably.  It’s just a matter of choice on which direction you want to face, when sitting on the train and looking out the window.

Third tip: Choose your days and times wisely.   Just as you should avoid a full flight like the plague, the same applies to buses. With trains, not so much since the seats are more comfortable. But you still want the ease of travel and when a plane, bus or train is full, there will be some sort of delay or just pure chaos. Plus, with buses, you want to be careful on the days and times you travel to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

You should avoid traveling during rush hour, especially into a major city in the morning from 6am – 9am and out of a major city from 3pm – 7pm. Fridays, Saturday mornings and Sundays tend to be the busiest times as well. Also, during summer vacations and seasonal breaks, you will see more children and college kids traveling. I always look up Spring Break dates and that’s my own blackout time period where I don’t fly or travel at all. Plus, the fares are usually higher during these times as well.

Other great little travel tips:

• Always make sure you use the bathroom before boarding. On trains, the bathrooms tend to be a nice size but on buses, they vary. For instance, on Greyhound, the bathroom is really small whereas on Megabus, the bathroom is huge.  I would suggest that before your trip, look at the stops along the way online and plan a bathroom break for yourself during stops. That way, when you get on the bus and check out the bathroom, if you think you won’t fit, you know you have a back-up option.

• If you require more legroom, look for the seats in the emergency exit aisles.

• Just as I suggested while on the plane, if you need a tray table on the bus or train, just use your backpack, purse or laptop bag across your lap.

And these two last tips are not plus size related but I feel are so important.

• Always take a sweater and a small pillow with you when traveling on long trips. The air-conditioning can be ridiculous sometimes on buses and trains so a sweater will help you not freeze to death. A pillow can work wonders on comfort and help you not get neck pain while traveling.

• Carry baby wipes and anti-bacterial gel with you. Some of the worst germ-infested spots on a plane, bus or train are the arm handles, the little light and fans above you and the handles on the bathroom door. You have a greater chance of getting sick in a confined place so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

I hope you enjoyed my travel tips and that it inspires you to go out and see the world. If you ever have any questions about traveling, just email me at marcy@belle-noir.com and I would be more than happy to answer them.

Travel safe! And have fun!

Train station in Amsterdam

Fearless Flying: Tips For The Plus Size Traveler

Me in Paris

Last week, I wrote about how I became the avid traveler I am today and how I don’t let my size stop me from getting out and seeing the world. Along the way, I learned how to travel with ease almost all of the time. Life is never perfect but you make the best out of it. Here’s some tips I follow and keep in mind when traveling:

Pick your airline wisely: When selecting an airline to fly, know what airlines are plus size friendly. I have had great experiences on JetBlue, Air Canada, American, Virgin America and Frontier. To find out more about plus size friendly airlines, check out this great article over at Grandstyle.com here.

Side note:  I avoid Southwest, Air France and Spirit at all costs. I have not had great experiences at all on those airlines.

Plan your travel days and times wisely: Avoid full flights like the plague, when you can. The busiest travel days and times during the week are Thursday evenings, all day Friday, Saturday afternoon, all day Sunday and Monday mornings. I stay away from an airport in general on a Friday. It’s terrible and almost like sitting in LA traffic.

The best days and times to travel are all day Tuesday and Wednesday and very early Saturday morning or late Saturday evening. Honestly, the best flights to take are “red eyes”, which are overnight flights. If you can catch a red eye on a Saturday night, most likely you’ll be on an empty flight. And chances are if you fly at these less popular days and times, you will snag a cheaper fare, too.

Pick your seat wisely: Never EVER sit in the front of the plane or in a bulkhead seat unless the flight is super empty. Bulkhead seats and the front of the plane are the most sought after seats. Chances are if you sit in this area, you will get someone seating in that dreaded middle seat and will not be able to have more room to yourself. I usually sit in the back of the plane. You’re the first one on the plane so you have time to get yourself situated, especially if you need a seat belt extender (which I will go into later).

Yes, you are the last one off the plane but for me, I never try to be in a rush and I always allot enough time for myself to get where I am going so getting out last is usually not an issue for me.  If you’re connecting with another flight, are in the back and are worried that you will miss your connection, just let the flight attendant know and they will make sure you get to your connecting flight (unless there is a delay, which is out of anyone’s control).

A window seat will definitely allow you a little more shoulder room but please note that hip room remains the same on all seats.  A great website to use as a reference on seats is Seatguru.com. Seat Guru has detailed seating maps per airline and comments about seats that have reduced legroom and limited recline.  Their color-coded seat map key is awesome. For instance, a seat that is green means it’s a good seat. Red means a bad seat.

Seat Guru also gives you the seat pitch and width information for seats. For example, the seats for my fave airline JetBlue run from 34” – 38” on pitch and about 18” on seat width whereas Virgin America (another one of my faves) runs about 33” on pitch and almost 20” width in Economy. Side note: sometimes it pays to know the aircraft too. When I flew to China, I flew on a 777 and those seats are narrower than the usual ones. So just keep this in mind when looking at seat pitch and width numbers.

Other great little travel tips:

• If you need a seat belt extender and feel embarrassed asking for one on a flight, just quickly ask the flight attendant, who greets you as soon as you get on the plane, for one. In my experiences, flight attendants have always been discreet about it and accommodating. However, you can always invest in one and carry it with you. There are universal ones that fit most airlines and they run from $20 - $40.

• Try to use the restroom before you board, especially if you feel self-conscious about fitting in the restroom on the plane. But honestly, check out the restroom on board before you automatically think you won’t fit. You might be surprised.

• Take advantage of early boarding so you have time to get yourself comfortably settled in your seat before the rush. Airlines have a pre-boarding period for people who require some assistance or extra time to board.

• At the gate, you can always ask the gate agent to check if there is an empty seat next to you and if not, your seat can be changed at that time if there is room. Once on the flight, if there is space, flight attendants will let you move to another seat.

• If you are unable to use the tray table from the seat next to you and can’t get the tray table in front of your seat fully down, use a pillow or your laptop bag/backpack on your lap as a faux tray table.

Always remember: you have a right to travel and go anywhere your heart pleases. Don't ever let your size stop you nor let any bad travel experiences deter you from seeing the world. You only live once and the world is yours to see. Now if you encounter any issues during your travels, you have a right as a passenger to voice your complaints to the airline. We live in a social media-based world at the moment so you don't have to just write a letter, which may get lost in a sea of mail. You can use Facebook or Twitter to let the airline know how you feel.

So, happy traveling! As host Phil Keoghan from one of my fave TV shows The Amazing Race always says at the start of each new race: "The world is waiting for you. Good luck. Travel safe. GO!"

Fearless Flying: Oh, The Places You'll Go! - Part 1

Growing up, I loved Dr Suess and my favorite book was Oh, The Places You'll Go! I can now see why. I love to travel. I have earned the nickname “Dora” from my friends because of my constant traveling and exploring the world, backpack included. Traveling is good for the soul. It builds your character, opens your mind and teaches you to be more tolerant of the world. Every time I get on a plane, bus or train to head off on one of my adventures, I am breaking stereotypes and defying the odds. I say this because I am a plus size traveler at a size 26/28. People “my size” are not supposed to have pleasant, happy traveling experiences. Well, according to the stereotypes, anyway.


You see all the time on media outlets; how plus size people are blamed for uncomfortable traveling. Southwest Airlines has been known to screen people at the gate and if they deem you too large to fit in a seat, they will ask you to purchase a second seat. They will even remove you from a flight, especially if the flight is full.  I have seen such hateful comments and arguments on traveling with plus size travelers. We have become the scapegoats for an industry that is constantly removing seats or decreasing the size of their seats in order to get more people on a flight.

Me in Hong Kong, China

For me, these negative portrayals of plus size travelers never deterred me from my journey around the world. As a kid, I grew up in a housing project in Queens, New York City, right near the airport. So planes flew overhead frequently. My dad would always look out the window when planes passed our building overhead and he’d tell me how there is such a big world out there to explore. I’d like to think I got my traveling bug from my dad. People in my neighborhood rarely ventured out of the “hood” and used to think that traveling to another borough was a big deal. I wanted to be different. I wanted to see the world I read about so often in books. And I was not about to let anything stop me from doing so.


I started my travels early, at the age of 7. My mom enrolled me in a not-so-known program back then in the 70’s called The Fresh Air Fund. Basically, inner city kids ages 7-11 got the opportunity to stay with a family outside of the city in a rural or suburban area. How my mom let me go, I do not know.  But I am grateful that she did.  I remember being in Penn Station on my way to stay with my host family.  My mom clutched my hand tightly as we walked to the train track. As I let go to get on the train, she told me to let my host family know that if anything happened to me, she was going to show up there quick. I didn’t doubt that – Puerto Rican mothers are no joke. Despite that, I was so excited to be going on what I called “my first adventure”. My first family lived in Hartford, Connecticut. They were rich and lived in a huge sprawling mansion. It was definitely something I had not seen nor experienced ever before. I had my own bedroom, my own maid and they even had their own park and pool in the backyard.

Me in Venice, Italy

The next summer, I stayed with a family in the country in Vermont, where it was so clean that I walked barefoot everywhere.  I picked blueberries from the bushes, spent time reading while sitting on a large rock on a stream that ran on the side of their house and saw a chicken get its head cut off (dinner!). The father was a woodworker and farmer. It amazed me how he supported his family off the land and through the work he did with his hands. I can still close my eyes and smell the freshly baked blueberry pies that his wife would make. Fresh Air Fund was such a great experience for me. It allowed me to see places I would not have seen on my own as a kid and it let me become a part of other families and ways of life.

Me shopping in Rome like a local, lol

I think that every time I travel, I take a little piece of that place and that experience with me. It helps me learn and grow. It forces me to challenge myself because I am not in my comfort zone. This is important especially when you’re plus size. I used to be very sensitive when people stared at me. But over time, I grew accustomed to it. I learned that while I cannot control how others act, I can control how I let it affect me.  Traveling stretches my limits and has made me develop an appreciation for the world and for my comfy bed at home.


And I want that experience for everyone, no matter what their size. I love that feeling I get when I am walking down a street in a foreign land and I think to myself, wow, I’m really here. Traveling has strengthened my soul. It empowers me because I am proving with every trip I take, that I can do it at my size.


Next week in Part 2 of this blog series, I will list tips on traveling as a plus size person so that we can all have that experience and be explorers in our own right.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Me in Mexico City on a Tequila farm, lol

The Scene: Summer 2012 Must Attend Events

Summer 2012 is in full swing, and as is usually the case, there are plus size events happening all over the US! Check out some of our picks for must attend events for the plus size community! Click the flyer or link for more information.

July

 Qristyl Frazier "Sizzling"  Summer Fashion Show
(New York City)
- Tuesday, July 10

www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com

 8 Plus Divas "Passport Diva" Fashion Show
(Alameda, CA)
- Saturday, July 28

www.8plusdivas.com

Curves Rock Fashion Weekend
(Baltimore, MD)

- Friday, July 27 through Sunday, July 29

www.curvesrockweekend.com

August

Curvy Chic Closet Pop-Up Consignment Shop
(Portland, OR)

- Thursday, August 23 through Sunday, August 26

www.curvychiccloset.com

Curves Fashion Week
(Atlanta)

- Thursday, August 30 through Sunday, September 2

www.curvesfashionweek.com

September

Curvy Closets Plus Fashion Showcase
(Philadelphia)

- Saturday, September 1 

www.curvyclosets.com

The International Fuller Woman Expo
(Detroit, MI)
- Friday, September 21 through Sunday, September 23

 

www.fullerwomanexpo.com

Do you have a plus friendly event taking place this summer? We'd love to add it to our list! Email the information and a flyer to editor [at] belle-noir [dot] com. We will be updating this page regularly throughout the summer!

The Scene: @FFFWeek "Curves in the City" Shopping Event

Okay my NYC Ladies! This is especially for those of you who, for whatever reason, are not able to take part in the midday workshops because you just couldn't get the time off from work. Take an extended lunch break, and head over to the Affinia Manhattan Hotel for

"Curves In The City"

The Official FFFWEEK™ Shopping Event

Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 10am to 2pm
Friday, June 15, 2012 - 12pm to 4pm

Grab your purse and a couple of cool, fashionable curvy girlfriends and head over to this amazing two day shopping event featuring clothing, accessories, and shoes from 25+ carefully selected brands. This event will bring a whole new meaning to the words "Shop Until You Drop".

As a plus, for those of you who have commented on how much you are loving our "Fearless Friday" blogs, you can get a chance to meet Belle-Noir's own Marcy Cruz, as she is the Coordinator of this event for Full Figured Fashion Week!

Participants: Sonsi, Lane Bryant, Evans, Curvaceous Boutique, Vintage Box 1947, Just Pearlz, Crylittle Designs, Jill Alexander Designs, Brilliance 838, Skinny Minority, Indigo Couture Boutique, Diva Status Cosmetics, MYNT 1792 by Adorn Fashions, Pop Up Plus, Nicky B's, Ear Candy Accessories, Sassi Rebel Clothing, Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, Pop Up Plus NY, Big World Wear, Queen Grace Collection, B Jewel, Inc., Plush Boutique, Pretty Pear Bride, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Nitjuan Designs, Mad Chic Boutique, Beyond Beauty Accessories, Culture Boutique, Thickness Clothing Company, Empress Lingerie, Savannah Red, Real Divas Are Large, Naomi's Rose/Ose (Uh-Seh), Sooo Chic Accessories

Admission Price: $10.00 at the door

Location: Affinia Manhattan Hotel - Grand Ballroom (Mezzanine Level)
371 Seventh Avenue, (corner of 31st and 7th)
New York, NY

@FFFWeek Executive Producer Gwen DeVoe on Fox 5's Good Day NY

Full Figured Fashion Week 2012 is in FULL SWING! Did you see Executive Producer Gwen DeVoe
on Fox 5's Good Day New York yesterday? If not, you can catch the clip below, which featured a brief  interview with Ms. DeVoe and cute preview of what will be on the runway during the week! Kudos to Ms. DeVoe for keeping her cool with the jokester, Greg Kelly, and much props to Rosanna Scotto (we love her!) for being the consumate professional!

All Eyez On...: IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel’s Voyage Exotique

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel’s Voyage Exotique takes Full-figured Fashionistas on a Magical Journey around the World Rich in Colors and Enchanted Luxury


Adeola Maxi Dress - $175

 San Francisco, California—June, 11, 2012— IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel’s latest collection Voyage Exotique is a delightful summer escape inspired by some of the world’s most captivating and exciting regions including Japan, Africa, The Tropics, and the Mediterranean jewel, Ibiza. Raquel’s muse, plus model Grisel Paula, begins her journey dressed in ethereally beautiful Japonesque prints and continues onto an adventurous and sandy safari where she becomes a powerful and mesmerizing African queen. Next, she is in colorful and rich patterns inspired by the lush greenery of a tropical paradise. The journey ends in Ibiza where a glamorous Grisel is the life of the party dancing the night away before a dive into the warm waters at sunrise. Voyage Exotique is now available at http://www.igigi.com/ and select specialty stores worldwide. The link to the video can be viewed here, http://www.igigi.com/inmotion?linkid=topmenu.



Eva Maxi Dress - $175



“Summer is the most exciting time of the year to escape to exotic, fun, and historical places for vacation, and I wanted to have our fashionista channel a world traveler going across the globe visiting different popular destinations perfectly dressed for each climate and occasion. I concentrated on pieces which are both bold and beautiful as well as easy to pack and wear for an effortless and chic style.” said Yuliya Raquel, IGIGI Founder, Head Designer, and Creative Director.

Voyage Exotique includes dresses and separates ruched and draped in signature Yuliya Raquel style that carry the season’s most sought after trends. Maxis and cocktail dresses in daring and vivacious floral, animal, and color-blocked prints, and lace; and business and casual separates in breathable, soft linen are just some of the highlights of the collection.




Diana Infinity Dress - $165

 Headquartered in San Francisco, Ca, IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel was founded in 2000 with a mission to transform the world’s view of beauty by providing full-figured women with fashion-forward, quality, and well-fitting clothes that would help express their beauty. Collections are designed in-house and produced locally through independent San Francisco Bay Area contractors. IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel has been featured in major fashion and life style magazines likeMarie Claire, The Oprah Magazine, People StyleWatch, Ladies Home Journal, Glamour, and Essence, and it has been a favorite among celebrities such as Nikki Blonsky, Kim Coles, KayCee Stroh, Jill Scott, Kelly Price, Ashley Fink, Martha Wash, and Gabourey Sidibe. IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel collections are available online atwww.igigi.com and select boutiques worldwide. IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel was honored with the Best Plus Fashion Retailer of the Year award (Full Figured Fashion Week, June, 2010), and made Internet Retailer's Top Hot 100 list (December, 2010), and received About.com Critics’ Choice Best Plus Designer Award (March, 2011).

The Scene: :"Big Brooklyn Style" debuts TONIGHT on TLC!

Shout out to @ShellzKing for reminding us that "Big Brooklyn Style" will debut tonight at 10pm EST on TLC!

Lisa Dolan, owner of Lee Lee's Valise
(photo credit: TLC.com)

What's "Big Brooklyn Style"?  "Big Brooklyn Style" is a new realtiy TV series that follows Lisa and Jim Dolan as they redefine the norms of plus-size shopping in their Brooklyn clothing store, Lee Lee's Valise.

" Each episode focuses on three different customers and how their intimate shopping experience at the store helps transform their lives. Through laughs, drama, and some tears, Lisa and her team seek to transform not only their customers' wardrobe, but their outlook on life and themselves. Ultimately, Lisa's goal with Lee Lee's Valise is for women of all shapes and sizes to feel confident, fashionable, and sexy." - from the show's website.



We are very excited to catch the show tonight! You can check the TLC website for station information in your area. If you're on Twitter, you can get in on the discussion by using hashtag #bigbrooklynstyle.

We'll be watching--will you?

The Scene: Full Figured Fashion Week™ 2012 Industry Awards

This week, Full Figured Fashion Week™ Executive Producer Gwen DeVoe announced this year's Industry Award honorees:


Plus Fashion Photographer of the Year- Stanley Debas

Plus Fashion Stylist of the Year - Spry Lee Scott

Plus Boutique of the Year - Curvaceous Boutique

Plus Lifestyle Magazine of the Year - POSE Magazine (Tiffany Jones and Renee Jennings)

Plus Model of the Year - Ashley Graham

Plus Designer of the Year -Jibri (Jasmine Elder)

Plus Retailer of the Year - Ashley Stewart

Plus Fashion Blog of the Year - The Curvy Fashionista (Marie Leggette)

Plus Model Agency of the Year - Dorothy Combs Models

Make-up Artist of the Year Award - Tara Taylor

Belle-Noir Magazine congratulates all of this year's honorees! We look forward to hearing your acceptance speeches at FFFWeek 2012!

Mid-Week Must Have: Queen Grace Announces Vieta Handbags

We received the following from our friends at the Queen Grace Collection:

"Introducing the popular and ultra stylish handbag line by Vieta Accessories!

Vieta handbags are 100% sustainable, eco friendly, luxe looking, super stylish and the best part? They are a fabulous compliment to our gorgeous QG spring color palettes and we think these luxe bags are priced perfectly just for YOU.


This special, limited edition series will be running through Spring 2012 so get your QG Vieta bag now - they just may sell out before you blink your pretty little curvy girl eye!"

Redeem code QUEENIE25 and enjoy 25% off your 1st order! Free Shipping for all orders over $100.00! They ship worldwide & Queen Grace is proudly made In the USA!

I am loving the Allie Clutch and the Honor Handbag! Do you have a fave?

Have you checked out the Vieta Accessories line from the Queen Grace Collection? It's available now at www.queengrace.com!

All Eyez On...:Igigi Spring 2012 Look Book

If you have been reading the Belle-Noir Mag blog for while now, you already know that I have a love affair with Igigi. Team Belle-Noir has heard me say repeatedly that if I ever win Lotto, I would probably purchase just about every dress Igigi comes out with every season. It is not only the fact that their clothing is feminine, flirty, and just gorgeous, but in having purchased several of their dresses (both semi-formal and formal) as well as a few of their tops, I know first hand that their clothing is made with quality and from materials that just hug every curve I have (while often hiding the ones I don't really want to make stand out).

Our friends at Igigi were kind enough to send over their new Look Book for Spring 2012 entitled "A Breath of Fresh Air". And true to its name, the dresses featured make you just want to run outside on a warm spring day, breathe in deeply, exhale and say "ahhhhhhhh!"

From Igigi abut the new Breath of Fresh Air collection:

"My design sensibility has always had a vintage vibe to it, so this season I decided to go all the way and just have a blast with stylistics. I took the old covers of Vogue magazines from early 20’s all the way trough 50’s and created homage to the history of style.” Said Yuliya Raquel, Founder, Creative Director and Lead Designer in a press release.

Here are a few of my favorites from the collection that are available now (all in sizes up to 32):

Daffodil Love Dress
$122

Vintage Floral Dress

Lempika Dress $128.00

Vintage Polka Dot Dress

What do you think about these selections from the Igigi Spring 2012 Look Book? You can check out the full Look Book here and visit Igigi at www.igigi.com.  

On The Go: NAAFA Releases New Travel Brochure for People of Size

With the summer travel months approaching, traveling can be an intimidating task, particuarly for people of size who have to fly to their desired destination. Today, the National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance (NAAFA) released a new brochure entitled "Travel Tips for People of Size". In conjunction with the Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR), a nonprofit organization, founded in 2009, whose mission is to promote fairer customer service and accessibility standards in the airline industry and to improve passenger satisfaction, the brochure includes tips on selecting and booking the best flight for you, packing tips, and suggestions for your airport experience. NAAFA has also included a section especially for travel agents as well as a list of airlines, a brief description of each airline’s policy regarding passengers of size along with a link to their webpage that covers this subject.

You can flip through the brochure, which is posted below, or you can click here to review and download the brochure now. For more information on the NAAFA, please visit http://www.naafa.org/.

Open publication - Free publishing - More aapr

We're Normal Too!

I love seeing my fellow plus size sisters on TV. When Big Sexy premiered on TLC last year, I was so excited that there was a show that would be showing plus size girls who live in the city and **gasps** actually live their lives like their skinny counterparts. However, despite this great change, I am still left to feel like I want more. I feel like while we are moving in the right direction, we are not there yet. While Big Sexy was a great show, the girls cast in that show don’t represent all plus size women. I didn’t identify with anyone on that show at all.

I often wonder, why is it that lately every show that has a plus size woman in it features her as one of the following:

• Unhappy with her size, has low self-esteem and spends the TV show trying to lose weight or being depressed about her life.
• Overeating and making jokes about her size where the show is centered around her as the butt of jokes.
• A plus size model or stylist

Now while I have no problem with plus models, not all of us plus size women are models. Some of us are teachers, writers, lawyers, housewives, even activists. As a matter of fact, I would LOVE to see a reality show featuring some size acceptance folks and what they go through with actively protesting and speaking publicly about size-related issues. But I digress…

I just feel like we are being labeled and put in this box as far as TV is concerned. We’re normal too! It’s as if we’ve gone backwards in relation to plus size women on TV because of the rising popularity of reality shows. Remember Camryn Manheim on The Practice? It was a great show where she was playing the role of an attorney. She was the only plus size woman on the show but she was still treated just like everyone else and her size was not something that was emphasized.

Drop Dead Diva is another show that has a plus size female character in the lead role. What’s great about Drop Dead Diva is that it does not shy away from the real issue that we, as plus size women, face daily…the stereotyping and loathing from society. For those of you that have not seen Drop Dead Diva, the premise of the show is inner beauty. An inspiring thin model dies in a car crash and comes back to life in the body of a plus size lawyer. Being in this new body teaches the model that outer beauty isn’t everything.

I remember looking so forward to when Living Single aired because seeing Queen Latifah and Kim Coles on a sitcom was wonderful. I can see myself in those characters and they were normal women, living life. It was empowering and inspiring to see these characters on TV.

However, TV is now overloaded with reality shows. I will admit that I am guilty of watching some of them. And I will also admit that when I see a plus size woman on a reality show, I get happy. I root for them. Especially when she is on a show that does not cast many plus size people or she is doing something that is deemed impossible for a plus size woman. One of my faves is Cirie Fields, who was on the show Survivor three times. Yes, three times. Homegirl played one of the best social games ever. And it’s not just me saying that – many viewers and fellow castmates felt that way also. She represented an average woman who had a real body that was not rail thin. She was not obese but she was not super thin. The first time she was on Survivor, she was underestimated because of her being overweight and not athletic. However, she proved them wrong and became a fan favorite. Despite making it far in the game and not winning, she won a car due to her popularity via an online poll from viewers.

While I loved Cirie on Survivor, I have to admit I was not a fan of Dance Your Ass Off on the Oxygen network. It was nice to see plus size people dancing and being active, which goes against the stereotype of us sitting the couch, eating a gallon of ice cream and not moving whatsoever. However, that premise was ruined by the fact that these people were not just dancing because they loved to; their main goal was to lose weight and they even stood on a huge scale on national TV for the world to see their weight and progress. I don’t know about you but that did not make me feel compelled to support those people or that show. Yes, I think it was a great thing to help them become healthy but the show was set up in such a way where it was sending the message that you have to lose weight to be normal and dance well.

I just think that these shows are so humiliating for the people on them. Instead of trying to convey a message of loving yourself as you are and that you are normal no matter what your size, it is giving off the message that you should not like yourself this way. That you need to lose weight. You’re lazy and you won’t be happy until you lose weight. These people are put on display and don’t realize the message they are sending.

I do have hope. I look forward to seeing the new show with Stacy London on TLC where she gives plus size women makeovers and helps them feel better about themselves. The show is being filmed within a plus size boutique in Brooklyn and seems to be a show that is headed in the right direction. I’m so done with shows where the focus is on a plus size woman who feels so crappy about herself that she thinks if she loses weight, everything will be amazing.

I want to see shows where a plus size woman actually is confident and is living a normal everyday life. Sure, she may want to lose weight but that doesn’t mean she hates herself now. She just wants to improve her already beautiful self. That is the message that needs to conveyed.

That will spark a self-love revolution that will empower all women to be healthy. Shaming and putting low self-esteem on display will not. It will just continue to validate the very stereotypes we are trying to fight against and make some plus size viewers who already feel low about themselves feel even lower. And on that note, I am going to put my Adele CD on and look at the latest issue of Vogue where she is on the cover. Adele is someone I admire and see myself in because she makes no apologies for her size and loves herself regardless. And I think we all need a little Adele in our lives at this point.