So, brands, I ask you this: Will you continue to use an outdated marketing model or adapt to the new consumer mindset and reap the rewards?~ Ben Barry op-ed in Elle Canada

Before I go in, let me set the stage for you. This is a long, informative post, so grab your coffee, turn down the TV and read on. Imagine this:

• What if the staid industry norms and advertising techniques used to attract, motivate, and inspire women to make a purchase NO LONGER MATTER.
• What if new statistics emerged within Northern America that show that using a monolith model, white and size 2, NO LONGER ONLY INSPIRE.

Plus size bloggers and magazines have LONG been calling out designer and brands on this. Contrary to traditional fashion marketing belief, Ben Barry has found that women will buy fashion when models convey a realistic, attainable image and make them feel confident.

Say What?

Meet Ben Barry of the Canadian Ben Barry Agency. In pursuance of his PhD, Ben Barry recognized that while the impact of models on body image has been studied, very little research has been conducted upon how models—depending on their size, age and race—influence purchasing decisions.

Continue reading at The Curvy Fashionista

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Without asking?

It is Rude.

In addition, I am not alone on this.

Each one of us has built up a platform and community on our personal pages and business pages, but the thing is… it’s ours.

If you have not asked the owner, have a relationship or understanding with them, and you are solely out to promote your brand, if you do it on a page, nine times out of ten, it will be deleted.  Too offensive and it may be flagged as spam.  Easily it will be perceived as such… and if that is truly not the case, take heed…

You see, yes while the page is on Facebook and you have the ability to share and engage in conversation, running around and bombing people’s pages with your links and ads is more than likely going to have you reported/blocked/deleted…

QUICKLY.

So how does one attain likes and readers?

Build Relationships and Engage.

If you are a new business owner and you have a product you’d like to share or news you feel a page could use, reach out to the owner of the page. AND NOW, it is even easier with Facebook’s addition of Page inboxes. Those two seconds you spent spamming someone’s page only to be blocked, hidden, or reported as spam, can now easily be achieved by just reaching out and asking permission.

And when it comes to likes?

Continue to engage your readers, talk to them, and share with them the things that define YOU! Find out what your readers want. Ask them. If you notice they like pictures, give them pictures. If they want to know where to shop, tell them!

The key is to have a conversation with THEM.  If they like you, they will share and Facebook will reward that.

How?

One of the greatest resources for understanding Facebook is AllFacebook.com, Mashable’s Tips on Facebook, and surprisingly- FB Business Etiquette 101.

What Say You? How do you navigate through this landmine? What tips would you leave for those trying to gain exposure via Facebook?

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It has dawned on me, as I interact with bloggers- new and old alike, that there are always certain aspects of blogs that we must have and that are non negotiable to grow and develop our blogs to that next level.

As I peruse blogs, I have noticed that there are a few things that frustrate me or hinder me from interacting, leaving a comment, or even sharing with the world what awesomeness you have.  You already have the content- that has hooked me, but have you ever wondered why people are not commenting, sharing, or interacting with you?

I have noticed a few things that have thrown up a virtual do not disturb sign… leaving me to think you do not really want to play.  And hey, if that IS what you want, more power to you.  But more times than not, this is not the case. While some of these may seem elementary, it is not!

Five Must Haves for Your Blog

About You Page

Who are you? Where are you from? What started you on this path? No, seriously? If I stumble upon your page, I want to know who you are and why you started blogging!  I read these about you pages and if you look, they are probably one of the highest trafficked pages too! This About me page is a great place to tell the world about YOU- the who, what, when, where, and why of you and your blog. Trust me, we care!

Check out Smashing Magazine for some really cool ideas for your about you page!

Contact Info

OMG.  What if I have an opportunity for you? What if a brand is trying to reach you?  How do we do this? What if someone has a question, concern, or suggestion? Please do not have the person running through facebook, twitter, and wherever just to track you down!  Even if you have your email on the sidebar- this is a step!  And please make sure your email address is updated! You would be surprised!

Social Media Share Buttons

I am sure you have been here. You read an amazing article and you want to share it.  However, there are no buttons!  No “Like,” “Tweet,” or even “Share” buttons!  You are left with two choices; either close the window and go about your life, or rub your head in confusion and copy the URL to share …

Regardless of your platform for blogging, there are tons of plug ins, widgets, and tools that you can easily add to your site to make it social sharing friendly!

Which leads me to…

Comment Friendly Section

Yes.  I said it.  A comment friendly section. I cannot tell you how many times I have left a page without saying anything because I had to sign in five different ways, just to say WOW.  Even you are using Blogger’s platform, you can enable comments to be on your blog page (not in a pop up window with all the other comments).  I love to read what others have to say and know I am not alone.

If you are on WordPress’s platform, I do not want to log into wordpress.com to leave a message.  I am already logged in via my own wordpress… give your readers options!  If they are a guest, let them leave a comment as a guest!

If your blog takes widgets or plugins, there are tools such as Disqus, Intense Debate, Comment Luv, and so many others ones that make it quite enjoyable that helps keep the conversation going…

Subscribe Form

I have read your blog, love your style, and want to read more and stay up to date- YET you haven’t a subscribe form NOR a burned feed.  Add that on top of no Twitter link or Facebook Page- HOW am I to follow you?  Stay In touch?

Blogger Mint shares a few hacks on how to do this for Blog Spot Blogs, but there are quite a few widgets and plugins that do this to make your life easier! Love the Mashable subscribe box?  The Area-51 has a cool hack for Blogger Blogs.  Are you on WordPress and are looking for some fun plugins?  WPMU.org has the mecca of plug ins!

Okay. This is just a beginning but def a place to start! Please leave a comment if you think there is another major must that I missed! Sharing is Caring!

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Every day, a new plus size boutique opens up online, and I love it! I really do! However, when headed to your site, there are few things that make me cringe, make me close the window, never to ever check for you again. I know it’s kind of harsh, but first impressions are everything and in order for the shopping and options for plus size fashion to get better, we have to do better!

Why am I writing this?

One reason: I want us to do more and be better!

I love the moxie and panache that designers and retailers are providing to us, the plus size shopper- however, there are certain things that kill it for me, and have me rushing back to my tried and true shopping haunts… I want to support you and your endeavors, I do! So, to help you out, I have amassed a list of my irritations and frustrations (and some shared to me!)

Without further ado, here are the:

10 Reasons Why I Wont Shop at your Plus Size Site

1. A non plus size model. This is really close to home with me… especially as if you check out the comments on my facebook page or on my blog, the call out for visibly plus size models is major! While I may be able to pretend to imagine how something will look on curves given my background, not every woman will. Stock photos are frustrating too… take the time and you will see an amaizing response- a brand to recently benefit from this: Fashion to Figure.
2. Auto Play Music. While I may go to the club in a dress from your line, I do not want to go to the club while I am shopping. And if I cannot find the mute button, I am gone. Chances are I am already at my own club, playing music on my own desktop or laptop.
3. Horrible pictures. If the picture is small and I cannot click to make bigger, if its pixilated, or if the picture only highlights a section of the garment and I cannot see the whole thing? I’m gone. Oh, and if you have done a photoshoot/ look book, make this a separate section on your site. A woman sitting down in a dress does not sell me the dress. Lighting, lack of or overuse of photoshop also falls into this.
4. Poor Styling. Not every item should have me thinking I am at the club, not should I be able to see bras straps, shapers, or anything else that clashes with the featured item.
5. All Flash Everything . While a site can have a few flash elements, not all flash sites play nice in every browser or cell phone.
6. A non professionally designed site. This includes WIX, Vistaprint, or I am sure there are others, but nothing has me doubt the seriousness of your site than a site from these places. You have Big Cartel, Etsy, WordPress.com, and Facebook that offer options to sell your wares through…There are a few bloggers who do this as a full time gig, check out Lianne Farbes, Luvvie, Sarah (huny), and sooo many more! 
7. Pricing. Your pricing must reflect your image. Why am I going to pay $200 for a dress on a site that is suspect? On the other hand, why are you charging $100 for a dress bought at the local LA Mart or Garment District? Please do not assume that your shoppers are none the wiser… If you got it for $3.00 and selling it for $100? No ma’am…
8. No Social Share buttons. I know it may sound trivial, but this means a whole lot to me, especially if I am on the fence, I will go to my friends and network for help and feedback. I may want to bookmark you, share, or whatever. With the ease of inserting a few lines of code, you can be social!
9. YOUR Social Profile is Unprofessional. What do I mean? I follow you on twitter, Facebook, or wherever and you are constantly talking nasty, talking about people, or talking about how no one supports you. Negative Nancy never motivated me to support you. AND it gives me pause that if I has any type of question, that you would just shut me down or turn around and publicly humiliate me. This is real, please take note, we are watching.
10. No relationships. You are on every group, page, or site over promoting yourself. If I go to your twitter page, all that is there is your site info and no conversation? You are hopping from page to page over promoting your brand without page owner’s permission? Just because you have a store does not mean that people will automatically shop or promote you. Build relationships, engage your audience, and you may learn some valuable gems of business knowledge.Take a note from Monif C, Eloquii, Hips and Curves, Igigi, Ashley Stewart, and Just As U Are for a few ideas! Their social pages (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs) are engaging and involved with their fans and shoppers! It’s not just sale, sell, sale! 
11. A bonus one here: Payment and Shipping. If you do not have a verified or secured mode of payment, I am not shopping your site. If you do not offer paypal, I probably will still shop, but will with hesitation. For shipping? If you charge an astronomical fee, OR do not have free returns or take over two weeks to deliver and you are based in the US, chances are i am not shopping with you. 

Okay… SO I covered my ten reasons why I would NOT shop a certain plus size store or site. While not a single infraction will deter me, especially if design is top notch, but if two or more apply, definitely rethink your approach and strategize! There are so many resources for you to do it big and we really want you to succeed! We just need you to make it work!

But I would love to know what other blocks do you have when looking at sites? What turns you off?

Make sure you check out the first post I did, on starting a plus size boutique and how to work with bloggers! More jewels to come soon!

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You are a plus size designer, retailer, or boutique and you would like to get your brand or company featured on their blog, what do you do? OR, you are launching a new collection or feature and you want to know which bloggers to reach out to, to attain exposure?

Plus Size Blogs have emerged to be an official resource of news, information, and influence showcasing the latest looks, personal style and designers who are making the plus size fashion industry go round! Given that the plus size industry does not have a print magazine publication yet, digital magazines and fashion blogs have become a centralized place for the latest finds, a barometer for what is hot, and a place for you to advertise your business.

But how do you get your business in front of bloggers? Those with reach and influence? Well, to help you out, I have compiled a list of tips for you!

1. Build relationships.Behind these blogs are real people who share the same passion for fashion as you! Through their creative outlets and channels, they have found a place to express and harness their thoughts. Sometimes, in order to get in front of a blogger and to establish a relationship, sometimes all you have to do is say hello. With a genuine interest, build a rapport with them! Most bloggers have an email address handy, are on Twitter, and have a presence on Facebook! Support their endeavors rather than only reaching out for a scratch on the back and you will get to know them and how they like to approached.
2. Research your intended blogger’s blog.Nothing is more offensive or gets a delete when you pitch a blogger whose blog is so far off from your product. Know your market and theirs. Reading a few posts and/or even subscribing to their blog will help you get an idea of who they are and how they fit into your brands’ message!
3. Blogs are Businesses too.While there are those who blog as a hobby or passion project, there are those who have married their passion and business acumen. These blogs have an editorial calendar, contributors, press kits, and media kits. Even those who do it for a passion and hobby will as well! So do not discount these as well. Blogs are a marketing channel, in which you as a brand should allocate resources to! These resources will vary depending on the type of blog, but one thing is to be said: Respect and value their work, time and energy put into their site.
4. Email Etiquette.If you are sending out emails to bloggers or across a group of people, unless sent directly to the blogger and another person in the matter, please BCC. Not every blogger or person loves to have their email exposed. In addition to this nicety, when sending out emails, it is always nice to address the blogger by their name- not the blog as they can be and oftentimes are different. It is such an easy way to end up in the trash folder if you do not address the blogger or come off sounding like spam!
5. Tailor your pitch.Each blogger has a certain type of method of how they want to be contacted, or what stories they will cover. Timing is another thing. The same story will often get shared, but it’s the story and interpretation that will make each blog different. Should you know a specific angle that will appeal to the blogger, share it with them! However, do not promise an exclusive if you are pitching the same story!
6. Blogs are a part of YOUR marketing plan.This is key to know and understand. If you are trying to reach out to a blog and have a specific link, post, feature, or story you want shared with key points, your post requested turns into advertorial or sponsored. These posts are usually part of a blogger’s advertising/ media kit. Understand that through advertising this helps a blog maintain its business operations, pay for operational fees, and to sustain their time allocated. Just as your product has value, so does their blog. Plan and allocate your resources accordingly.
7. We can be friends, but Business is Business.Working closely with bloggers, you can oftentimes become friends. Mixing business with friendship can be tricky if you let it be. It is important to remember that just because you are friends, when it comes to business, respect is key. While favors and barters can be had, it is always best to be mindful that this blogger runs a business as well as you are. Nothing is more offensive when you disrespect those lines and expect or demand or assume that a blogger will cross their ethical or professional lines for you.

That is it for now! Do you have a tip for working with bloggers or brands and businesses if you have found ways to work with bloggers that work for you, sound off and share!

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You finally have done it, stepped out on faith, and made you dreams a reality; you opened a plus size store. Whether online or at a physical location, opening a plus size store is the easy part! STAYING open and making a profit can be quite the challenge!

Since I have been blogging at The Curvy Fashionista, have once opened my own Plus Size store online, sit on an MBA in Marketing- in which I dedicated to plus size fashion, and have been amassing resources for plus size fashion, I have been asked quite a few times about resources, marketing, and ways for these plus size retailers to provide plus size women with the best plus size fashion options while running a successful business.

To help you along, I have decided to share some tips you to help you along your way, because the more retailers and boutiques we have, the better for all of us in the plus size fashion community!

Have a plan…

You’ve got an idea, may or may not have bought your merchandise, but have you got a plan? A business plan AND your marketing plan? These are two separate plans, yes. Opening up a boutique is NOT as simple as the “If you Build it, they will come” mentality. There are so many intricate details that preparing a thorough business plan will identify and reveal to you! A business plan will also highlight your strengths, weaknesses and opportunities! I suggest Business Plan and Marketing Plan Pro!

Do not skimp here on the business plan. Without direction, you will fail fast! I CANNOT stress this ENOUGH!

Know Your Audience

In the marketing world, it has often been said “You Cannot be everything to ALL People,” however, when people come to me and ask for help, you’d be surprised how many times I have heard, “I am selling plus size clothes for all plus size women!” WRONG Answer.

Within the “niche” of plus size fashion, there are subsets within this industry. There is the luxury plus size, Contemporary plus size, Fast Fashion, and Discount plus size fashion. For each subset within the niche, there are certain demographics, psychographics, and expectations for each subset! Which leads me to…

Research, Research, Research

While you have probably heard this before, I cannot stress this enough. It is imperative that you research the who, what, when, where and the why of your store! As the plus size fashion industry is still in its growth and more plus size boutiques and designers are emerging, you have to be able to identify your audience, tell your unique story, and be able to answer what will differentiate your boutique from the others!

There are mounds of resources for you to use- both free and paid for! Blogs, Magazines, and online communities give you your start. Retail trade publications like WWD, IBIS, and a variety of other market analysis will deliver in depth analysis of the plus size fashion industry! Utilize all of your tools to thoroughly know your potential client inside and out!

Legal Ease

Whether a sole proprietorship or LLC, trademarked or copy written, registered in Delaware (look that up) or in Nevada, selling through PayPal or using an online payment gateway such as Authorize.net, you MUST learn your legal responsibilities and duties!

Also, when you name your boutique, do your research. Double check that your company is not infringing on another brands name! Just because you haven’t heard of it, does NOT mean it does not exist- ESPECIALLY in plus size fashion! Ignorance is not a legal defense should you violate any of these!

Budget Wisely

Let’s face it, the main reason why you opened up your boutique is so that you can make a living off of your business! BUT, without the means AND the HOW, you will not be able to sustain your store! It is imperative that you create an OTB (Open to Buy) plan- so that you can allocate your financial resources throughout the year and keep newness in your store! Also, one thing new companies often have a problem with is remembering to allocate funds to their marketing and advertising!

Yes, you need to budget for advertising AND this includes BLOGS, Facebook, and Magazines! Not only magazines and social media outlets, you should also budget for events that you can sponsor and help promote!

This is ONLY the beginning of where you should begin! Make sure you stay tuned as I will be delivering more and more tips about the plus size industry, blogging, and more!

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After long nights, nail biting, shopping, researching, cultivating, and stressing with excitement, I have finally done it!

I have fashioned…

An E-Book!

Keeping it Curvy.Confident.Chic. is an introduction into the fabulous world of plus size fashion!

For those who are Novice Curvy Fashionistas, those who are newly plus size, new readers of The Curvy Fashionista, need direction, or are just trying to sort through the madness of plus size fashion, I have fashioned an easy guide around plus size fashion, exclusively for YOU!

A 10 chapter book with images, resources, designers and an exclusive Fashion Supplement chock full of exclusive shopping deals from some of my favorite designers and retailers is on its way!

SO, why an E-Book?

Well, I really wanted something handy- for you to reference via your iPhone, Android, iPad, or whatever you travel around with, to answer your emails, Facebook messages, Tweets, and however else you reach me, so that YOU could feel empowered while shopping!

Here is a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Learn about the new frontier of plus size fashion!
• The designers, segments, and what to expect from each!
• Learn your style essentials!
• The resources to help you get there- the outfit bloggers, plus size fashion bloggers, digital magazines, and social media sites!
• What to expect when shopping!
• And so much more!!!!

Launching next month in MAY, you can sign up now to be THE FIRST to get your curves on the book!

Sign Up HERE to:

• Be the first to know about the launch of Keeping it Curvy.Confident.Chic.!
• Receive a special discount on the book JUST for signing up!
• Receive exclusive deals and discounts from your favorite retailers!

What do you think? Are you excited as I am?

What fashion questions plague you?

However I can help you, please know that I will!

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Well, no more!

I am sooo honored and pleased to share, ELATED actually! To bring to you my most GEEKED out news yet!

Chevrolet, (yes the car company) has chosen to myself along with five other fabulous bloggers to come together as the CRUZE-ARATI for the debut of Chevrolet’s newest UNEXPECTED car, the CHEVY CRUZE! They have chosen me, THE CURVY FASHIONISTA to represent FASHION!

GEEKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember that quick trip of mines to the icy Detroit? Well, that begun my trip to GM Headquarters! Here I met my new family- the Cruze-arati!

The Chevy Cruze-Arati

• Music: Steven Smith
• Entertainment: Micah Jesse
• Sports: Amy
• Travel: Mike Barish
• Tech: Veronica is our Guru
• Fashion: ME! rounding out all of FASHION (not just plus, but ALL OF FASHION!)

As your honored FASHION Cruze-arati, I am fortunate to travel all over the country to bring you fashion from an UNEXPECTED perspective! Fashion shows from behind the scenes, interviews with models designers, innovators, some known and unknown! If you follow my blog, you know I love to share and show the newest in fashion and I will continue to do so as your Fashion Cruze-arati!

Here is a taste of what I have done- MY First Webisode DEBUT!

A few weeks ago, when I went silent for a few days, well, I was shooting my FIRST BIO and Welcome package to you AND my first webisodes “Fashion Unexpected” with Ash Durrani! You must stay tuned to see how much fun I had with him and Grow Clothing!

So what’s next for me? Well, each week make sure you check back in DAILY with me and on the UBER COOL Cruze-arati website, follow me @mariedenee AND the @cruzearati on Twitter, catch #Cruzearati on Foursquare, and peep all the #Cruzearati on Facebook! My webisodes will also be featured on the Chevy You Tube Page!

Seriously HOW COOL is this!!!!!!

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