GABIFRESH

GabiFresh Makeover

2012-05-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

A little over a month ago, I told you guys that I was going to give a makeover to one lucky reader. Firstly, I have to thank each and every one of you who entered to win; I was so overwhelmed and humbled by the amazingly touching emails I received. It was so hard to pick a winner--I hope one day I'm somehow able to do this again and again and again!

Though each and every email blew me away, there was one person in particular who stood out. Her name is Jasmine, and she wrote a sweet message about how she's a mother of three (a 3-year-old and a set of 16-month-old twins). She gained weight during her last pregnancy and wanted to rebuild her confidence. That's not all though! A few days later, I received another email from her husband Brian. He told me he didn't think his wife did herself justice, and went on to write a huge essay (unbeknownst to her) on why she deserved the makeover. He wanted her to feel as beautiful as he saw her every single day! What a sweet guy!!! Here's the photo that Jasmine sent me in her initial email (the "before" photo, if you will):

So that was that, I chose Jasmine as the winner, and she and her hubby drove all the way up from Maryland just for the occasion. We met at the Fashion to Figure in Yonkers, and immediately started going through the racks to figure out what would be best. She said she tends to stick to black and casual outfits, so I wanted to get her out of her comfort zone by choosing a bright dress. We pulled a bunch of options, and went off to the dressing room.

After trying everything on, there was one standout lace coral dress that we all agreed was best. Jasmine then got her makeup done by Lola Alade of Image Creation (I told her we wanted to go for a bronze/summery look with a pop of color), and we went outside to shoot some photos! Here's Jasmine after the makeover:

Dress and necklaces c/o Fashion to Figure, Shoes- Aldo

She looks absolutely stunning, right?! She was so excited (and so was her husband)! Even though she felt good, she was still nervous that these photos would be on my blog so you guys have to let her know how fabulous she looks.

Thanks so much to Jasmine, Brian, makeup artist Lola and Fashion to Figure for all the help! We had a blast!

spring photo diary

2012-05-21T13:29:00.002-07:00

It's not always easy to put together outfit posts--it takes planning and making sure there's someone around to actually snap my photos. Thanks to instagram, I've been able to share lots more with you guys--from food and shopping to my more casual looks. I thought it'd be cool to do roundups here every once in a while for those of you who haven't been able to keep up! Hope you enjoy!

floral dress, very.com, necklace via street vendor/bracelet, mr.kate

studded booties by jeffrey campbell/marc by marc sneaker wedges

absolutely addicted to edamame & sweet potato rolls/glossybox has finally launched in the USA and I love it!

SUPER casual with H&M tee, Babooshka harem sweats, MBMJ sneakers/Astoria Rooftop

latest mani /ASOS feather blouse + Silver denim boyfriend jeans

flowers in the west village/portobello torta

nude x neon! scalloped top c/o SimplyBe, jeans c/o very.com, fennimas jewelry, H&M clutch/picnic in the park

ASOS onesie/wedges c/o amiclubwear.com

cherry red pedi/Sarah's amazing gel nails

clothing & goodie bags at the Evans US Preview

gifted eloquii drapey dress, stella & dot necklace/american apparel top, dorothy perkins carrot pants

latest shoe purchase: Michael Kors heels (on sale here!) /game night in harlem
You can follow me on instagram @gabifresh!

runway my way

2012-05-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 2012, images via style.com

The great debate among fashionistas this spring seems to be surrounding the sneaker wedge. I have never been a sneaker girl--well, not since my collection of kangaROOS in high school--and to be honest, I didn't even love the original Isabel Marants. But then I saw the beauties that graced the Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 2012 runway, and everything I'd previously believed completely disappeared. The red ones were my fave, but I decided the navy would be more wardrobe friendly. I took a cue from the Marc runway looks and paired the sneaker wedges with stripes, opting for a [size 12] dress from the Maternity line at ASOS (available here) and some killer shades (available here).

How amazing is this Mr. Kate bracelet?! If you haven't seen her latest lookbook, you have to check it out. I want everything!

Dress-ASOS/Shoes-MBMJ/Sunglasses-ASOS/Bracelet-c/o Mr.Kate/Earrings-Street Vendor/Watch-Guess/Clutch-c/o Fashion to Figure

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

I leave you with a tweet from the one and only BryanBoy:

Faves

2012-05-14T08:22:00.001-07:00

When I first started gabifresh, there were so few plus size style bloggers that we were all close friends. In the past two years, things have exploded and it's been hard for me to keep up with all the fabulous fatshion girls. Thanks to tumblr, I've recently discovered some new faves--hope you love them as much as I do!

The Style Climber/Lipstick Hips and Heels/A Fat Girl's Blues

silver spring

2012-05-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

I've never been one to copy the latest celeb trends, but when I saw the unbout illusion pumps on a few different gossip blogs, I immediately fell in love. After a lot of thought, I decided to make my very first high-end designer shoe purchase. I'm 25, so I figured it's about time for a classic grown up pair of heels (plus I had a pretty shitty 2011 so I convinced myself I deserve them). For my first time wearing them out on the town, I paired them with a black ASOS peplum top (available here) and silver sequin leggings (available here--if you buy them, I recommend sizing down).

via my instagram (follow me @gabifresh):

Top-ASOS/Leggings-ASOS/Shoes-Louboutin via Barneys, sold out but similar here/Purse-c/o Rebecca Minkoff/Earrings-Fennimas

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

PS-Thank you so much to all of you for the amazingly sweet comments, tweets, and emails about my latest bikini post!!

Fatkini 2012

2012-04-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a fantastic trip to Vegas with my boyfriend (don't worry, no drive-through wedding)! We had the best time, and of course I couldn't wait for an excuse to break out this year's bikini. I wore a vintage-inspired black and white striped one from SimplyBe that makes my enormous boobs look even bigger but I don't care--I loved the pattern too much to pass it up! With the white shades I was totally channeling my inner Wendy Peffercorn.

As always, I truly encourage you guys to get to the beach (or a pool) this summer--don't let body shame keep you from having a good time! I don't expect everyone to feel comfortable in a two piece, but hopefully I can inspire some of you to take the plunge. I can't tell you how freeing it is to just have fun without worrying about what other people think.

Looking for a bikini? I love this red one from Modcloth , this leopard print one from Monif C, and this polka dot one from Evans. If you have boobs like me, lots of sites like ASOS and Figleaves also offer great bikini tops up to J cup from brands like Freya and Panache. I love this one (bottoms here) and this one (bottoms here). Hope you guys can find something that makes you feel gorgeous!

Bikini-SimplyBe/Sunglasses-Ebay/Bow-Good Stuff Only
To see more pics from the trip, follow me on instagram @gabifresh!

Don't forget I'm selling my clothes in NYC on May 1st! Details here.

#UltraBookStyle Show

2012-04-11T22:11:00.010-07:00

I had such a blast last night as one of the 15 bloggers chosen to walk the runway for Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) and Intel! We each picked out and modeled outfits from Norma Kamali's KamaliKulture line (the black dress below) and Orla Kiely (the orange striped dress with the yellow printed raincoat). I absolutely loved both looks, especially Orla's! Note: neither of the designers make plus sizes, but I followed my own 'make it work' philosophy and rocked a size TEN in Orla Kiely and XL in KamaliKulture.

I took a couple photos backstage after the show (with my girl Delmy from Fashion Bananas) and stole a few instagram pics via twitter:

Top: Dress,Coat,Purse-Orla Kiely/Jewelry-Bauble Bar/Shoes-Just Fab
Bottom: Dress-KamaliKulture/Blazer-Vintage/Shirt Dress (beneath)-Very.com

Edited to add more photos courtesy of IFB! (photos by Dustin Fenstermacher)

Thanks so much to all of you who came out yesterday, it was so great meeting you!!!

more more more

2012-04-07T14:00:00.008-07:00

I had brunch with an old friend today and wore neon yet again! I hope you guys aren't sick of it yet, because I only predict more in my sartorial future. (I'm just realizing that this outfit is kind of like a casual version of the one in my last post). Everything I'm wearing is from Very.com; the top and skinnies are by Love Label and the trench is by South. Also, I'm happy to report that my hair is finally at a length I like! Thank god now, even when curly, it hits my shoulders.

How amazing is this iPad case?!

Coat, Top, Jeans, iPad Case-Very.com/Shoes-Aldo/Necklace-Stella&Dot

IFB Inside Generation Style Fashion Show + More

2012-04-05T14:04:00.008-07:00

I have some amazing outfits coming really soon, but in the mean time I just wanted to share a few exciting(and important) announcements!

1) I'm super honored to be one of 15 fashion bloggers in a fashion show put on by IFB and Intel! It's called "Inside Generation Style" and we'll be modeling KamaliKulture and Orla Kiely. It will be held at the Metropolitan Pavilion next Wednesday, April 11th at 7:30. Make sure to RSVP!

2) I'm selling my clothes!!! I'm so grateful that Kellie B from Fatshion Insider has organized a clothing sale for a ton of plus size bloggers. Unfortunately it's not online, but if you are in the New York area, please come out! It will be May 1st from 6-9 pm at Tammany Hall. I have tons of stuff (old, new, and everything in between) and sizes 10-26 will be represented! (Plus there will be great giveaways and goodies from our wonderful sponsors). Cash only.

3)Last but not least! I'm giving one lucky reader a makeover this May!!! You'll get a new head to toe look, including hair, makeup and clothes (provided by Fashion to Figure). If you've ever wanted to go shopping with me, this is your chance. Email gabifreshmakeover@gmail.com with a short essay (1-2 paragraphs)about why you'd like to win. Please include your name, age, size and full body picture (preferably in an outfit you wear a lot). Please note this is also in New York and transportation to the city is not provided.

I hope you're all as excited about these announcements as I am! Outfit post coming this weekend :)

black & neon

2012-03-25T16:15:00.005-07:00

Confession: I'm obsessed with neon. It was huge last year, and thankfully the trend isn't going away anytime soon. Today I met up with friend and fellow blogger Christina of Profresh Style, and we coincidentally both ended up wearing neon and black! My tulip dress is again from Very.com; the dress in my last post was by Love Label and this one is by the brand South. Since it was a bit cooler today, I paired it with one of my classic black trench coats.

Dress-Very.com/Coat-Carmakoma/Shoes-Bakers

Very.com

2012-03-19T15:52:00.004-07:00

I'm so excited to be teaming up with one of my favorite brands, Very.com this month! The site may sound familiar since I've mentioned it here before (and they were featured on ANTM last week)! They carry straight and plus sizes, and even much of the straight sized stuff goes up to UK20/22 (or US 16/18). Today I wore a yellow printed dress by Love Label. I love the pattern and the drapey overlap; I wanted to make it more casual so I paired it with my cropped biker jacket and studded combat boots. (I'm sure you can tell from the photos, but please note that this dress is super short--more like tunic length! I wouldn't wear it without leggings or tights).

black and white and green all over

2012-03-14T12:42:00.007-07:00

I'm so happy that it's finally warm in NYC and that this Spring the hemlines are getting longer! (I still adore my minis, but the midi lengths have definitely grown on me). I fell in love with this black and white ASOS dress when I saw it on Fenise; the print totally reminds me of Keith Haring. I paired it with accessories from Fashion to Figure and my beloved Aldo heels. (Since I always get asked this--yes, the dress is from the main range, it's a size 12 and stretches!)

Dress-ASOS/Clutch & Necklace-courtesy of Fashion to Figure/Heels-Aldo
Photo Credit: Kate Alison

Rip The Runway

2012-02-29T19:24:00.006-08:00

Tonight I had the pleasure of introducing the plus size segment on BET's annual fashion show, Rip The Runway. I had so much fun; the show featured a ton of amazing designers and celebs like Robin Thicke, Wale and Estelle. I wore a sequin geometric dress from ASOS Curve (purchased last year)--in retrospect I don't think I'm loving the belt, but oh well! Hindsight is 20/20, right? Make sure you tune in to watch on March 21st at 10pm!

With the other presenters: Claire from Fashion Bomb Daily, LaQuan Smith, and Gabe & Rae from Stuff Fly People Like
Dress-ASOS/Shoes-Aldo

Brian Burkhardt for Kenneth Cole

2012-02-24T12:39:00.002-08:00

I had a great time last night at the Brian Burkhardt for Kenneth Cole event! You may know Brian as the winner Project Accessory; I watched the show and he was my personal fave. He designed an exclusive unicorn collection for KC, with 100% profits going to AWEARNESS in support of amFAR. I'm personally obsessed with all the unicorn horns (I wore the bracelet), and clearly my bird print obsession hasn't gone anywhere either considering I decided to double up on it. What do you guys think about mixing prints?

Top-ASOS/Skirt-Prototype Design/Shoes-c/o Wanted Shoes/Bracelet-c/o Brian Burkhardt for KC

Also, I'm so stoked that I was on two episodes of Andrew Mukamal's "Today's Look." In part one, I talk about my background and how I started blogging. In part 2, below, I talk about my shopping habits and fuck you attitude toward fashion rules (and tips for fashion bloggers). Make sure you check out Andrew's awesome blog!

ps-I know H&M's main range goes up to a size 16, but usually in-store I find it only goes up to size 12. But the good news is, H&M+ has launched in select stores!! The stuff is a bit more bland than the rest of their collections, but it's a start :)

bug out

2012-02-13T05:40:00.001-08:00

I can't get enough of my new cicada necklace from TopShop! It's a total conversation piece--yesterday I wore it with my F21 denim button down + Gap trouser jeans. Totally digging all the different shades of blue.

Top-Forever21+/Jeans-Gap/Necklace-TopShop/Belt-eloquii

january blues

2012-01-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

You all know I love color blocking, and though it may seem like a spring and summer trend, I wanted to see if I could pull it off this winter. I got the yellow (more like pea green?) bomber jacket from eloquii that I mentioned in my last youtube video, and paired it with their royal blue skinnies. Loving it! I've been seeing colored skinny jeans everywhere lately; I tried mine with a bright printed top but it seemed like too much--how do you guys style them?

Jacket & Jeans-eloquii/Top-Thrift/Shoes-Forever21

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry I never posted my New Year's Eve outfit! There was a last minute change of plans and I ended up spending the evening snuggling in my pajamas with pizza and champagne (and I am so not complaining about it).

By now, I'm sure you noticed almost every fashion blogger has done a 2011 recap, and I thought I'd add mine to the mix. From tweeting for MTV to being honored at Glamour Magazine's Women of the Year Awards, 2011 brought a ton of wonderful experiences and I can't wait to see what's next. Fashion-wise it was definitely my biggest year of growth. When I moved to NYC in August 2010, someone told me my style would drastically change and I remember being kind of insulted...until I realized they were right. You can't live in this city without it heavily influencing your style, but I'm loving the evolution of mine.

Below are some of my favorite outfits of this past year:

Hope you're all enjoying 2012!

Comfy

2011-12-20T14:13:00.000-08:00

There's absolutely nothing like a great comfy-chic outfit! I can't stop wearing some variation of this one: boyfriend jeans, striped tee, basic blazer, cute flats. I got the super cute prescription sunglasses from eyefly, bluefly's new site for stylish eyewear on the cheap (every single pair is under $99)!

Blazer-Simply Be/Top-H&M/Pants-Forever21+/Shoes-Topshop/Earrings-Fennimas/Sunglasses- c/o Eyefly

Remember December

2011-12-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

December is one of my favorite months! Though it's cold, it's still the beginning of winter and--unlike in February--the chilly weather still feels romantic and fresh. I love the holiday season for lots of reasons, including the excuse to dress up often for parties. As much as I adore sequins, I thought I'd experiment with other ways to look festive without going all-out sparkly. I created my own take on the traditional green and red combo by pairing two of my favorite colors: eggplant and chartreuse.

When I saw the cropped velvet jacket by Domino Dollhouse at the Indie+ Fashion Show, I knew I had to have it. I approached the designer at the end of the show to tell her how amazing it was and she was kind enough to send it to me! Of course, I couldn't go completely sparkle-free: I completed the outfit with my recently purchased beaded fringe wedges from TopShop.

Dress-ASOS Curve/Jacket-gifted by Domino Dollhouse/Necklace-ALDO/Shoes-Topshop

Plus Model Magazine

2011-12-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to let you guys know I'm in this month's issue of Plus Model Magazine! I'm so honored to share the cover with Nicolette Mason! We had a blast on set, and I want to thank Plus Model Mag for continuously showcasing models size 18 and up, proving that style and beauty are not limited by size. So many mainstream magazines attempt to show they embrace women of all sizes with editorials featuring size 10 models. While I am not knocking them (I love body diversity in mags!), I do think PMM is amazing for taking chances with true plus size bodies. When was the last time you saw a size 20 woman in a mesh body suit in mainstream media? Make sure you go to plusmodelmag.com to see the rest of the photos and the entire issue!

Bodysuit-American Apparel/Fur Vest-Michael Kors/Shoes-Nasty Gal/Jewelry-Fennimas

Glamour Women of the Year Awards

2011-11-08T21:04:00.000-08:00

Monday evening, I had the honor of attending Glamour's Women of the Year Awards. I was so excited to be named one of their 21 Amazing Young Women of 2011 along with some totally inspiring girls changing the world.

Huge thank you to Glamour! I cannot even begin to describe what it felt like to be in the room with women like Arianna Huffington, Lea Michele, Jennifer Lopez, and Gloria Steinem!!! (Side note: I also died a little when I saw Marc Jacobs walk in).

When I first heard about the event, I immediately reached out to the fabulous designer, Rani Zakhem. Rani makes some of the most gorgeous red carpet worthy dresses for plus sizes, and I knew I'd love to wear one of his designs. A few months ago, I had the pleasure of going to the photo shoot for his Spring 2012 Lookbook and I was blown away. Rani told me his collection was inspired by Elizabeth Taylor, and I could definitely see the influence in his color choices and glamorous draping. Everything was so intricately designed, from the perfectly tailored cocktail dresses to the flowing, beaded gowns. I fell in love with a camel colored dress with voluminous sleeves, a sheer top, and sequined shoulders. For this event, he was kind enough to custom make it for me in black!

Dress-Rani Zakhem/Shoes, Ring-Aldo

You can see a video of highlights from the night here, with a super brief shot of me and the other 20 girls at 3:47.

Eloquii Launch!

2011-11-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Yay! eloquii by The Limited has finally launched, so now you can head over to the website and start shopping! I've been getting a lot of questions since my last post, so I thought this would be a good time to answer them:

-eloquii offers sizes 14W-24W.
-For now, eloquii is only available online, but shipping and returns are free.
-They ship to the USA only.
-As the brand ambassador, I've had the opportunity to offer feedback after seeing the clothes and trying them on, however I was not involved in the design process.

I'm in this month's People Style Watch talking about my favorite pieces! If they're not on the site just yet, they should be soon. My other faves include the batwing dress, the skinny jeans, and the sheer leopard print top.

Oh, AND you get 25% off your first purchase at www.eloquii.com with the code BUYME. If you have any other questions, you can tweet them directly @eloquii. Happy Shopping!

eloquii by The Limited Preview Event

2011-10-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

I'm still on cloud nine from last night, when I had the pleasure of hosting the preview event for eloquii by The Limited. It was held at the Cooper Square Hotel, and I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful view of New York City. The event featured mannequins and models styled in eloquii clothing, as well as iPads so that people could preview the products on the website (you can start shopping online next Tuesday)!

I wore one of my absolute favorite pieces from the collection, a gorgeous yellow silk dress with a black band at the waist. I cannot get over the fabulous color, quality material, and cute little details like the pockets and pleats.

Thanks so much to everyone who came, it was seriously one of my favorite nights since moving to NYC!

With Linda Heasley, CEO of The Limited

Gorgeous models in eloquii clothing, including my favorite piece, the cream and black tuxedo blazer!

Photo Credit: Will Ragozzino

VOGUE x Target

2011-10-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun last week at VOGUE, celebrating the limited edition collections from Albertus Swanepoel, Dana Kellin, and Josie Natori for Target. From beautiful sleepwear to delicate jewelry and fun hats, each designer offered one of a kind gorgeous pieces. The collections will be available from the end of this month through December 26th!

I wore my Forever21+ blazer and blouse with my pleather shorts from the UK retailer, Very. (Unfortunately they don't ship to the US, I had to have a friend order them and send them to me). I've been on the hunt for leather shorts FOREVER, and as usual, it's taken many seasons for plus size brands to catch up to the trends. Luckily, Franceta introduced me to leathercult.com, an online store that makes custom sized leather pieces; I definitely plan to get their pleated skirt!

Like everyone else right now, I'm loving the neon & neutral trend, so I decide to finish the look with a neon green belt. The gorgeous bow bag was given to me courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff, and has easily become my favorite accessory. I also got non-stop compliments on my earrings from Pixel Heart Pixel--such cool, affordable jewelry.

Photos above by Nicolette Mason

With some of my favorite fellow fashion bloggers!

Blazer & Blouse-Forever21+/Shorts-Very/Belt-Street Vendor/Shoes-Forever21/Bag-Rebecca Minkoff/Earrings-Pixel Heart Pixel

Polka Polka

2011-10-08T13:13:00.001-07:00

I know I've been wearing sheer non-stop, but I can't help it! Whenever I shop, it's the first thing I gravitate toward and before I know it I'm buying another see-through top. Speaking of which, apparently a while back, a retailer posted an outfit of mine on their Facebook wall, and a reader informed me that it got a lot of negative feedback. People were saying how I shouldn't be wearing sheer at my size. I didn't check it (I know better), but I do forget that lots of people reading my blog are relatively new. I thought this would be a good opportunity to remind everyone that though this is a fashion blog, it's rooted in body acceptance. That means I refuse to dress "for my size," instead I dress to express my style. I pick out the same items (or at least styles) I'd wear if I were a size two. I have no issue showing my midriff, arms, legs, or anything else. I hope I don't sound preachy, and I know everyone doesn't subscribe to this way of thinking, but I just wanted to let you guys know where I'm coming from :)

When I saw this sheer polka dot button up in a newsletter from NastyGal, I immediately fell in love (there are cut-outs on the shoulders and in the back--SO cute). I paired it with khakis and my favorite spike collar necklace from Forever21.

As you can see, I decided to go back to dark hair for the fall.The amazing people at Arrojo Salon invited me back last week to celebrate the fact that they are now open on Sundays! I got my hair dyed, cut, and styled by an amazing team of people. If you're a New Yorker, you should definitely check it out. They are offering two for one specials on Sundays for the rest of the month!