A Day In Plus Size History: Business Blogging

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

Back in 2006 when I wrote the Business of Blogging I knew that blogs would be a powerful tool in getting the message out about niche topics. My chosen niche of plus size fashion was not even a blip on the Internet radar 4 years ago. Today some of the top blogs on the Internet deal with plus size related issues.

Viewing Full Figure Plus as a business has allowed me to take a cool geeky hobby and turn it in to a viable business model in which established companies look to advertise, other bloggers seek to exchange links, and segments like the plus size beauty of the week have been going strong for over two years.  How did business blogging come to be?  for me it was twofold.  The first part came from wanting to meet the needs of my wife who had problems finding affordable lingerie.  The second part came from a long time desire to write for a living.  Though I still have a novel inside me, blogging gives me instant gratification and allows the instant transmission of information.

The business of blogging though it has a foundation in traditional business, meaning I still have to file taxes and pay registration fees, once that boring stuff is done I can get to the business of networking with people like Sarah from the Plus Size Clothing Scoop and Marie the Curvy Fashionista to expand my business beyond the footprint of my blog.

I bet your asking what does this have to do with you and shopping for plus size clothing?  Well if Full Figure Plus was not being run as a business I probably would not post as much and would for sure not look to build relationships with companies looking to gain your business.  Think of FFP as a brokerage house to inform you about businesses you know about and those that you don’t who carry everyday items targeting plus size individuals.

Bottomline, if blogging was not important then there would be no Federal Trade Commission law stating that I must disclose the exchange relationship between me and companies that send me samples.  Business blogging is here to stay, and as a reward for you loyal Full Figure Plus readers stay tuned to your inboxes for the next edition of the FFP newsletter for exclusive coupons.  Make sure your signed up so you don’t miss out.

Ok for those who are hungry to shop at JustMySize.com through April 7th you can take advantage of the Platex Bra sale. With Bras as low as 13.99 I am sure you can find what you need. Enjoy shopping.

Plus Size Fashion In The Workplace

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

Is there a time when dressing trendy is not in the best interest of a plus size fashionista?  If you would have asked me that question a few weeks ago I would have said there is always a place for trendy fashion.  Considering for decades the clothing available to plus size women was drab and boring the break out of designers and merchants focusing on the plus size fashion world has been a breath of fresh air.

My recent trip to Washington, DC showed me that in certain environments trendy fashion, even for plus sizes, is not the order of the day.  You guys already know about my wife and how she loves blue, green, fuchsia, yellow, you name the color she wears it.  On our trip to the nation’s capital we were introduced to many back offices of high importance such as the Pentagon, Supreme Court, CIA, Senate, and the House of Representatives were these colors are considered out of bounds.

There were plenty of lovely large women in all of these places in positions from secretaries to clerks running the entire office.  There was one thing common among all of these ladies, plenty of muted colors.  The major color theme was grey followed by black, brown, and navy blue.  Pants suits were also scattered about as well as knee length pencil skirts and black tights.  Of five days in DC, the only color I saw outside of this spectrum was one red jacket worn by the Senior clerk of the Senate majority leader.

Does this mean that color should not be allowed on larger ladies in the workplace?  Absolutely not.  What it illustrates is that even with all of the steps plus size fashion has taken to buck the trend and live on the edge when it comes to some work settings tradition still rules meaning that when it comes to building your workplace wardrobe there are a few things you should keep in stock.    To give you a head start Jones New York has 50% off sale on plus size apparel in classic styles and colors and 30% off on all dresses.

Items every wardrobe should include:

1. Suit jacket (grey, black, brown, and navy)
2. Skirt in the same colors
3. Houndstooth – you can break things up without being totally boring
4. Black tights (in this case no fish or fencenet stockings)

Even with the conservative look there is always room to show off your individual spirit with shoes and accessories.  I saw the gambit in this regard meaning that just because you are wearing traditional colors does not mean that you have to look like your about to attend a funeral. Keep the amount of accessories to a minimum but play up on color, theme, and style to show the true you in a sea of traditional palettes.

Really, you could say that dressing classically is something every woman should do regardless of size, but as the office becomes more casual classic looks actually standout making a statement that regardless of the setting you will not just be one of the unwashed masses.  Do you have any classic fashion tips for the office?  If so feel free to comment and share!

Exciting Trends in Shoes

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

I know for some just the mention of shoes gets you excited.  For others its a journey into pleasure.  For those that shoes are a second religion Nine West has some new styles and colors to fit your needs from classic to trendy and everything in between and best of all they are at an affordable price.

Neutrally Calm

Wildly Feminine

The Caged Look

Accents and Ornaments

Flash of Brilliance

Color Therapy

The Bottomline

Artisan Touches

Blazer

Flatter the Ankle

The only drawback to some of these shoes is they do not ship until later this month and some of the shoes do not come in wider widths. Before you checkout be sure to join the Nine Love rewards club for discounts and special.  If you shop now you can take advantage of the new offers and receive free standard shipping on ALL purchases!

Full Figured Fashion Week – Big and Tall Male Model Search

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

There have been plenty of ground breaking events associated with Full Figured Fashion Week but I think the inclusion of Big and Tall Male models takes the cake. Last year when I attended I was one of few men surrounded by a sea of lovely ladies. This year that is going to change with the inclusion of men during the events. Fellas I know that I normally don’t push events for men on Full Figure Plus, but an event of this size needs to be heeded.

Why is this important?  Just like FFF Week in its first year was important for the ladies the inclusion of men this year will give some focus to men that want to dress in more than just jeans and a tshirt.  I personally can’t wait to see what the men have to offer.  If you are in the area on March 23 then bring your A-game and your photos to the audition!

CALLING ALL BIG AND TALL MALES: Do you have what it takes to walk the runway? Well here’s your chance to show and prove: Full Figured Fashion Week announces its first ever MALE MODEL SEARCH!

The casting will be held Tuesday MARCH 23, 6:30-8:30PM at
Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Ave bt. 36th and 37th Streets
10th flr – room 10A
New York City.

Bring a headshot and full length photo.

RSVP: BklynGurl@gmail .com