Detroit- get ready!

The Fuller Woman Expo is back for another day jam-packed with fashion, empowerment, networking, and fun! On September 18^th,  at 11 am, the International Fuller Woman Expo hits Detroit for its annual groundbreaking event featuring exhibits and workshops catering to women’s fashion, beauty, health, and much more!

This year, the Fuller Woman Expo has outdone itself with an outstanding line up of premium speakers, fashion shows, free samples, and prize giveaways.

Here is what you can expect for your fashionable day!

Keynote Speaker-Kim Coles

Talk show host, comedian, and actress Ms. Kim Coles presents as the keynote speaker.  Kim Coles is best known as Sinclair from the hit television show, “Living Single,” a role that garnered her 4 NAACP Image award nominations.  To add to the many positive initiatives she is involved with, Ms. Coles will speak at the Fuller Woman Expo about her latest empowerment series for women called, “G.I.F.T.S.” which is an acronym for Gratitude, Intention, Forgiveness, Triumph, and Self love.  This unique series is geared toward unleashing the potential we have inside of all of us.

Special Presenter- Carla Triplet

Carla Triplett, a contestant on the Biggest Loser Season 7, will bring her styling techniques from her image consulting company “Let’s Get Gorgeous” to the expo this year.  Learn how to accentuate your curves without breaking your wallet!

The Curvy Girl Lounge

Take a break from all the shopping and networking and relax in the Curvy Girl Lounge. Pamper your curves with free massages, free manicures, free makeovers and more!

Curves in Motion Fashion Showcase

Back again this year is the “Curves in Motion” Fashion Showcase highlighting innovative, ready to wear fashions from around the world, hosted by the executive producer of the most anticipated fashion event, Full Figured Fashion Week™, Gwen DeVoe.

“The Evolution of the Revolution” panel discussion

Every year we discuss ways we can elevate the plus community.  Hear from the leading authorities in every area that affects us.  From health to modeling, learn where we have come from in the areas of plus advancement and effective ways we can live our best life as a plus size woman today.

The Fuller Woman Network produces the Fuller Woman Expo.  Tickets for admission to this event are $10.00 and can be purchased online. For updated information on the show, venue, hotel and to purchase tickets please visit the website, The Fuller Woman Expo or find them on Facebook.

Please welcome guest writer, stylist Steffany. After sharing with me, her experiences at the spectacular launch of the Katwalk Katerers, I had to have her share her experiences of the event with you!

KatWalk Katerers is an amazing talent management and events planning company that spotlights the skills of designers, models, hair & make-up artists and stylists. KWK helps to promote, teach and inspire new talent by giving them a platform to display their specialty. There is no regard for nationality, shape, size or height with KWK, all they see is talent! So what better way is there to celebrate? A party and a fashion show!

The launch party for KWK was held in New York City at the fabulous Katra Lounge. The house was jammed packed with folks ready to celebrate with Dhylles Waight and Dennis Davis the co-founders of KatWalk Katerers and their hard working team.

From body-con to bridal dresses, jeans and t-shirts the launch party for KatWalk Katerers had a lil something for everyone. From fashion to poetry to musical performances there was plenty to keep your head spinning.

Fashion and style were the main attraction for the evening where designers showcased their hard work and inspiration with a mini viewing of their collections. The looks ran the gamut from mens wear, street-wear, ready to wear, with plus and straight size fashion for women. There was loads creativity, color and plenty of diversity in design which kept the excitement flowing throughout the evening. It was nice to see the fellas represent on the runway with bright dress shirts and ties and of course the ultra casual baggy jeans and screen printed themed t-shirts.

My ultimate fave was the bridal collection from Saratina by Sarah Jassir. The gowns were stunning and quite original and her silhouettes can be worn by women of all shapes and sizes. Another one of my faves was a beautiful, body hugging day dress from Wilbur Pack Jr. Even from a distance you can tell the workmanship was impeccable.

During the intermissions, we were entertained with musical performances and positive social commentary through poetry and spoken word. I thought this added a little unexpected twist to the evening, as the artists interacted with the audience to keep the mood and vibe lively. It worked!

There were several noticeable fashion heavyweights present durning the celebration. Most notable were DeVoe Signature Events & Full Figured Fashion Week (TM) creator Gwen DeVoe, The Plus Academy ~ New York creator Tonya Giddens and last but not least Plus model Jeannie Ferguson.

To close out the night, guest were given goodie bags with the contact information for all the participants in the show including the hair and make-up artists. That’s the way to keep the networking going even after the party is over.

Overall the launch party was fun and a great success for Dhylles and her crew. There is definite anticipation to see what’s next from KatWalk Katerers!

I have always adored SAKS- an epitome of luxury and class.  They are one of two (next to Nordstrom) department stores whom I feel always delivers a  respectable online  plus size collection- but this news is not about the Salon Z department.  Many times I have referenced the designers Saks carries and fashions for the Curvy.Confident.Chic. plus size woman, and coming this Fall, there will be many more delectable delights to come.

Oh?  Have you not heard?

What do these designers have in common?

• Akris
• Alexander McQueen
• Armani
• Carolina Herrera
• Chanel
• Dolce & Gabbana
• Donna Karan
• Escada
• Fendi
• Max Mara
• Michael Kors
• Oscar de la Renta
• Roberto Cavalli
• St. John
• Valentino
• Yves Saint Laurent

These designers mentioned above will fashion their collections in extended sizes (read: not a full plus but with some up to a 20)!

In their New York flagship store, announced yesterday on Racked, Fashionista, and Coco Perez, Saks will carry a single size run (so no waiting for it to go on sale- these designers hardly EVER do!) of their designers above a size 12!

According to Racked, “Stock will reach size 14 across the board, and in some cases—depending on the brand—will go up to a size 20.”

What is even more fabulous about this move that Saks is going to incorporate its extended sizes WITHIN the designer department! While Salon Z caters to the contemporary and better sportswear designers. No more shunning the plus size woman into the basement across from the swimsuit  or mens’ department!  Women whose money talks will have the luxury to fashion their designer tastes with designer clothing in the DESIGNER department! (two snaps!)

Imagine that!  This makes me wonder or rather this answers why we have seen Miss Crystal Renn fashioning the latest Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabbana in their Fall campaigns- this is no mistake. Can you imagine the implications, changes, and potential for amazingness (not a word, but you can only feel my excitement)?

SO, here is the double edged sword ladies- this inclusion of extended sizes will only be successful when you SUPPORT IT. This initiative is going to be tested in the NY location, only moving out to its other locations dependent upon the success and sell through of the sizes! We asked for it, and here it is!

Things to note:

• Saks caters to the luxurious shopper- the price tag will match!
• A single size run is often common in the higher end designers- nothing too personal here
• Designer departments only go on sale twice a year, at the end of the season- if you wait, chances are you will have missed out
• Most of these designers are either cut European or Missy (fuller), so be prepared to get used to newer cuts and sizing
• Right now this integration is being tested in NY, if you want this department in your city- SPEAK UP and SUPPORT. Do NOT give them a reason to say, it did not do well…
• This is not the Salon Z that you see online or in stores, it is WITHIN the designer department, so if you sashay into this department, know that the experience will be different!

What are your thoughts?

I am now the

Fashion and Style Editor for PLUS Model Magazine!

Working closely with the esteemed Reah Norman, the new Executive Fashion Director, we will bring you fashion to the nth degree! Taking fashion to the next level at Plus Model Magazine, Reah and I will bring you the newest trends, designers, and editorial fashion shots rivaled with the straight sized magazines.

I will also have a column: Ahead of the Curve!

In addition to my addition and Reah’s promotion, there is excitement brewing over the next months! Denise Bidot as the cover model in the highly anticipated denim issue for August, stylist Spry Lee Scott’s feature of model Sarah Flack for THE September issue, the highly anticipated shape issue with Lucas Pictures and Fluvia Lacerda on her third cover!

I am so honored to join PLUS Model Magazine, as I have been a reader from the beginning of my blogging and writing career!

So, yes I share with you my uber excitement and glee, but I would like to know, from a fashion perspective, what fashions would you like to see more of?

Models.com released photos today of Crystal Renn in the French edition of Vogue. Crystal Renn joins a myriad of models in a 65 page fashion spread shot by David Simms. Styled by the infamous Carine Roitfeld, the 65 page spread includes fashions from the likes of Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen. Looking fly and seductive, Crystal Renn dons Alexander McQueen, Loewe, Dolce & Gabbana, Martin Margiela, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Because my curiosity was naturally piqued, I went on a hunt for more images of this spread and found these images below from The Fashion Spot.

Very nice, yes? She makes me want these boots above!!!!

Last Fall, I brought you their edgy, confident, and sexy style from Denmark with “good girl gone bad”. This spring, it was spicy and sweet with “Escape to Barcelona.” Back for another round of fashion forward fits for the plus size woman, designer label CarmaKoma takes us through the day and life of a Fashionista with their latest A/W 2010 collection.

What do you think? Are you loving this collection? Which piece is your favorite?

Don’t know CarmaKoma?

CarmaKoma balances the contrast between the sweet and feminine look as opposed to the more raw, sexy and confident look, happily allowing you to show off both sides of your curves. Launched in the summer of 2008, the Danish designer duo Angelica Weiss and Heidie Lykke, brought their experience from major Danish brands and launched CarmaKoma.

Make sure to visit CarmaKoma now!

I then asked myself: What does the sophisticated 9-5 or 9-9 working woman want in her Fall wardrobe?

Quality fabric, rich color, and impeccable fit.

That’s just what plus size line Rafaella was offering the sophisticated curvy woman. Their work wear inspired collection was designed with the modern working woman in mind. Gone are the days of the boxy matchy matchy suits and shapeless dresses. Today’s career woman wants stylish simplistic pieces that can work double duty for transitioning from day to night.

Rafaella’s Fall collection is compiled of the usual Fall basics like soft knit sweaters in rich bright hues, tweed trousers, pencil skirts, shift dresses, and chic jackets. What makes this collection interesting is the minor trendy updates to classic pieces. The designer’s use of floral, animal print, and embroidery makes the collection more modern. They even offered some cool outerwear like a houndstooth coat which can be used to jazz up a pair of pllain black pants and a faux leather jacket that is guaranteed to add instant chicness.

We all know accessories are what can take an outfit from drab to fab, so, to help punch up some of their looks there was an assortment of croc embossed belts, faux fur stoles, knit berets, and brightly colored leather gloves.

Although the pieces are simplistic, the collection is smart in pricing and in quality. Most of the pieces are under $100 and the fabric has a substantial amount of weight and softness to it, yet, it’s easy care by just throwing it in the wash. No dry cleaning hassle.

Understanding what the curvy girl needs, Rafaella trouser pants come in a variety of fits. They use 3 different models that represent the curvy, the hourglass, and the apple shaped woman. Their sizes range from 16-24 for plus sizes and from 2-18 in misses sizes.

To create a fabulous Fall work wardrobe you must start with fabulous basics and that is exactly what Rafaella’s 2010 Fall collection gives you.