A Note from Ms. Aja B. : Full Figured Fashion Week

Dear Readers,

Wow is all I can say about Full Figured Fashion Week, which busted down the door here in NYC June 25-27, 2009. Much applause and praise for Ms. Gwen DeVoe and her DeVoe Signature Events team for what I heard was a breathtaking and awe-inspiring Finale Showcase.


I can hear some of you saying "For what she heard? You mean to tell me that after all of the promotion and telling us that we need to be there, Ms. Aja B. herself missed the Finale?"


In a word: Yes.


Sometimes things don't work out as expected. My day job, life, family...all play a role sometimes in helping us make decisions that we wish we didn't have to make. But those that know me also know that my day job and family mean the world to me, and even something as fabulously eventful as Full Figured Fashion Week couldn't tear me away from them 100%.


I did, however, keep my word to my Curvy Collective Sister & new friend, Johara Tucker of Luvin My Curves, who did a phenomenal job in putting together, in conjunction with Ms. Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, "The State of the Curvy Community" Panel Discussion and the too-hot-and-completely-awesome-for-words "Curves in the City" Shopping Soiree. I had a chance to meet Mr. Glen Johnson from Full Figure Plus, who was one of a handful of people in a Yahoo Group almost six years ago that helped Belle-Noir find her name and her voice. And I had a chance to meet two fabulous sisters our of Detroit--Cassy J. McBryde and Stephanie Danforth--who I am looking forward to working with in the very near future on some surprises for both Belle-Noir and Curve & Cocktails!




I will be giving full reports of these two events this week, as I think they were an equally important part to what was a wonderful week of plus size love and celebration. And as my Curvy Collective Partners in crime post their recaps of the events that I missed, I will be sure to post links to them! You can check out their blogs underneath the Curvy Collective Banner.


If there was one thing that I took away from Full Figured Fashion Week, it was that if we cannot wait for the mainstream to shine a spotlight on the plus community. We have to celebrate all that we are everyday! Kudos to Ms. Gwen DeVoe for always taking on the challenge, and coming out on top! The pictures I have seen so far, while beautiful, I'm sure do not do the event due justice. Can't wait until the next one, where I hope to be present from the Opening Reception until the DJ puts us out of the Finale Afterparty!


Peace & Love,
Ms. Aja B.

The Curvy Collective at the conclusion of "The State of the Curvy Community" Panel

Check out some of these Full Figured Fashion Week Posts:

• Describe Full Figured Fashion Week in One Word...I Can't [Luvin My Curves]
• Full Figured Fashion Week Recap [Full Figure Plus]
• ReDress Your Curves for Full Figured Fashion Week [The Curvy Fashionista]
• What J is Jonesin' For...FFFWeek Edition [Luvin My Curves]
  
  

***Edited 7/1/09 11:55am*** Bravo to Newsweek for being one of a few mainstream media outlets to cover Full Figured Fashion Week! Check out the clip featuring and interview with The Original Runway Diva, Ms. Sharon Quinn, as well as clips from the Finale and the Welcome Reception at ReDress NYC! If the video doesn't load on our page, you can also view it here.

In Memoriam: Michael Joseph Jackson (8.29.59 - 6.25.09)

Curves in the City Shopping Soiree VIP Tikcet Winners

Okay ladies & gents, I know I am a few days behind in announcing this. If you recall, we put the word out that we were raffling off TWO VIP TICKETS to the Full Figured Fashion Week's Curves in the City Shopping Soireee. Well, without further ado, our winners are...

• AmyMarie
• Talina Jones

Congrats ladies! Ladies, please email me at editor@belle-noir.com with your full contact information, so your names will be added to the list at the door. And be sure to ask for me when you get there! I'd love to meet you!

If you didn't win, don't fret! I have the inside scoop on discount VIP tickets to Curves in the City Shopping Soiree. But you have to email me no later than Friday 6/26/09 at 9:00am! Send an email to editor@belle-noir.com with the words "VIP Discount" in the subject line!

Much love and HUGE shout out to Ms. Johara Tucker of LuvinmyCurves and her fab assistant Selina Weeks of Manik Mag, who have been busting it out to bring you a fabulous Shopping Soiree event! The Curvy Collective has been doing it BIG, and we are all so grateful to Ms. Gwen DeVoe of DeVoe Signature Events for the opportunity to be part of Full Figured Fashion Week.

Full Figured Fashion Week: It's A Wrap...

....tickets sales to the Showcase Finale are a wrap, that is! In fact, I am pleased to announce that tickets to all most ALL of the events for the 1st ever Full Figured Fashion Week are SOLD OUT! RSVP Lists? Closed!

So, I hear you asking...Ms. Aja B.? Is there *anything* we can do to still be part of this groundbreaking event?

Yes indeed! But you should act fast! Here's a rundown of events you can still get tickets to or pay admission at the door:

Thursday, June 25, 2009
Designers Showcase & Networking Event
6:00 - 10:00PM
Showcase starts at 7:30PM
Club Blvd
199 Bowery (at Spring Street)
New York, NY
Admission: $10.00 at the door

Friday, June 26, 2009
FFFWeek Full Figured Friday! We have NYC Entertainment SEWN Up!
10:30 PM - 1:00 AM
Sage Theatre 711 7th Ave.(bet. 47th & 48th St.)
New York, NY
Description: Mini-Concert hosted by Queen Aishah – comedienne, actress, radio personality, and philanthropist. Performances byQueen Aishah, Crystal P., (Detroit's new Queen of Comedy) andThe Glamazons, the fierce foursome plus size pop group whose mission is to show the world that talent comes in all sizes.

Admission: $20.00 in advance or at the door (INCLUDES mini concert and Friday night afterparty below)

FFFWeek Friday Night Dance Party
10:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Stitch Lounge
247 West 37th St. (bet. 7th & 8th Ave)
New York, NY
Description: Dance, mix, mingle, drink, network or grab a bite to eat while celebrating our historical event New York style with old and new friends. Music by some of NY's Finest DJ's.

Admission: $15.00 in advance. More @ the door [FREE if you purchase tickets to the Comedy Show at Sage Theater]

Saturday, June 27, 2009
Curves in the City - Shopping Soiree
11:00AM - 3:00PM
Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Avenue (bet. 36th and 37th Streets)
16th Floor, Room 17D New York, NY
*** Must have I.D. to enter bldg.
Description:Discount shopping with participating FFFWeek designers and vendors Target

Admission: $25.00 VIP, $15 General Admission

Official FFFWeek Afterparty
10:00PM - 4:00AM
Tavern on the Green
Central Park West and West 67th Street
New York, NY
Description:Celebratory dance party commemorating the first ever Full Figured Fashion Week. Music by "Chuck" The Triple Threat of Power 105.1 FM Target
Attire: Semi-formal
Cost: $20.00 in advance

I'd suggest heading over to www.fffweek.com/schedule.html and order those tickets right now! Can't wait to see y'all over the next few days!

Breaking News! Actress Nikki Blonsky Joins The State of the Curvy Community Discussion Panel

Full Figured Fashion Week and The Curvy Collective are proud to announce the addition of Ms. Nikki Blonsky to the panel discussion’s “The State of the Curvy Community.”

Boutique Buzz: Nikki London

I had the pleasure of checking out Nikki London, a plus size boutique located in Philadelphia, PA Memorial Day Weekend while on a scouting trip for Curves & Cocktails. With me were my two "Road Dawgs"--Denise Best of Blissful Elegance Events, and Ms. Gale Williams.

About the Boutique (from the website): Nikki London provides fashion-forward styles in sizes 12 - 24 to satisfy the discerning tastes of plus-sized women. The boutique is located in Center City on 4th Street between Lombard and South. The airy and comfortable space invites visitors to browse, enjoying the feel of lovely fabrics and the sparkle of semi-precious jewelry.

The Storefront Window of Nikki London

The first thing that struck me about the boutique was that in looking in the storefront window, you wouldn't automatically know that it was a plus size boutique. The clothing featured in the window was modern and trendy. Once I stepped inside, I knew I had found a great shopping spot for plus size women! The shop's assistant, Marissa, was a curvy girl herself, and was well-informed not only about plus fashion, but also believed in owner Nikki Watt's vision to bring trendy clothing to the plus size women of Philadelphia.

The lovely Marissa, employee of the Nikki London Boutique posing for the camera

There is plenty of space to move around the shop, and not only can ladies shop plus size clothing, but the boutique also has an awesome collections of jewelry and handbags to choose from as well.

Nikki London's owner, Ms. Nikki Watts was a wonderfully gracious host, and she took the time to assist my friends and I as we shopped for outfits for Full Figured Fashion Week and other events this summer.

Ms. Nikki Watts assisting Ms. Best in her shopping exploits.
(Note: She purchased a HOT red dress!)

Ms. Watts was sweet enough to take the time for an interview as well as we shopped!

Belle-Noir: Why did you decide to take over the boutique last year, and what do you hope women experience when they shop at Nikki London?

Nikki Watts: The plan was to open a location in MD, where I live, but the opportunity came about and I seized it. This store is dedicated to women size 12 and above. We all know that shopping choices for plus-size women are limited. Nikki London has a great selection of contemporary plus-size clothing to flatter various body types. We as women often forget that style has nothing to do with size. It is an expression of your individuality and who you are. We show women how to find the perfect fit for their body type and in the process, transform the way they look. My ultimate goal is that customers walk out feeling more self-confident than they did when they walked in. Nothing feels better than looking and feeling good! That’s what I want people to get out of the Nikki London experience.

Belle-Noir: Who are some of the designers that Nikki London features?

Nikki Watts: Kiyonna, Donna Ricco, Trentacosta, Svoboda, Eliza J, Igigi just to name a few.

Belle-Noir: Where would you like to see Nikki London in the next five years?

Nikki Watts: I pray that Nikki London is bigger and better in five years. My focus will be to continually provide a carefully edited mix of clothing, creating fantastic wardrobes for our customers to the envy of everyone regardless of size.

Nikki London
520 S. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: 215.922.3536
http://www.nikkilondon.com/

FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK GIVEAWAY!

And--tickets for the other events for Full Figured Fashion Week are going FAST! Group tickets to the Showcase Finale are available now! So grab your girlfriends and support DeVoe Signature Events and Full Figured Fashion Week!

www.fffweek.com/schedule.html for more information on tickets!

The Scene: Curves in the City Shopping Soiree

The kick-off for Full Figured Fashion Week is now ONE WEEK AWAY! The buzz around the curvy community is spreading FAST!












There are only few days to go to grab those tickets, ladies! Don't miss out!

The Scene: Full Figured Fashion Week Breaking News!

This Just In for Full Figured Fashion Week's “The State of the Curvy Community”

Breaking news!

Hosted by the Curvy Collective, “The State of the Curvy Community,”slated to take place for Full Figured Fashion Week, has added to itslineup and is proud to announce the event’s sponsors!Celebrity Stylist, Susan Moses to join the Panel Discussion!Celebrity Stylist, Susan Moses, has officially been confirmed as apanelist for this historical and monumental event, to share herinsights about the curvy community! Susan Moses is a stylist to thestars, and most notably “a real advocate for curvy women”affectionately described by friend, plus size supermodel Emme.

The Curvy Collective welcomes our Sponsors for "The State of the Curvy Community"Sponsoring this engaging and intimate panel discussion are both Igigi and The Fuller Woman Expo!

Did you miss the first announcement of the panel? No worries, here isa quick snapshot of the event:The Curvy Collective and Full Figured Fashion Week Presents anintimate discussion on “The State of the Curvy Community”


What: The State of the Curvy Community


Who: Plus Size industry experts including:


- Sharon Quin- "The Original Runway Diva"


- Glen Johnson- Owner of Full Figure Plus and Curvy Collective Member


- Cassy Jones- McBryde- U.S. Director of the Fuller Woman Network


- Deb Malkin- Owner of Re/Dress NYC


- K.L. Belvin- Author of "Man in Transition"


- Susan Moses- Celebrity Stylist to the Stars


- Mia Amber- Actress, Model, Plus Model Magazine


- Maddy Jones- Editor of Plus Model Magazine

When: Friday, June 26, 2009, 3:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.


Where: Ripley Grier Studios Room 17C

******TICKETS FOR THE STATE OF THE CURVY COMMUNITY PANEL ARE SOLD OUT!!! Be sure to check into Belle-Noir Mag and the sites of the other members of the Curvy Collective for coverage of this event!***********

Beautiful You Monday: Support Those Who Support Us!

It was less than a month ago when Crain's New York Business published an article about how both retail stores and fashion designers were slimming down their plus size offerings. According to the article:

Like many other consumers, the plus-size customer hasn't been opening her purse much lately. Sales of such sizes (generally 16 and over) fell 8% for the 12 months that ended in March from the year-earlier period, when the drop was nearly 4%, according to trend tracker NPD Group Inc. By contrast, sales of regular women's sizes fell only 2% for the year that ended in
March, and the petite sector had just a slight decline. [source]

From the outside looking in, it seems like the ultimate catch-22: we want clothing that fits and want to feel respected by retailers who design beautiful garments for our straight size sisters, but often, the price tags tend to be so expensive, we tend not to want to spend the money. When we don't spend the money, the retailers take that as a sign that plus size women must not want trendy plus size clothing, and they discontinue lines or relegate them to "exclusively online" status. Then, we complain that it is so difficult to find quality plus size clothing in the stores.

Ladies, this is why we MUST support those who are bringing plus size clothing to US! The producers of Full Figured Fashion Week are doing exactly that by bringing to plus size ladies--whether we are the ultimate fashionista or just a plus size lady who takes pride in stepping out in style--the designers who are creating designs for US! As Ms. Chastity Garner so smartly put it in her guest blogging appearance on The Curvy Fashionista: "If you don’t [support plus size designers] you will be reduced to shopping online or those few mainstream plus-size stores or say goodbye to originality, the curvy girl will be subjected to the plus size clothes of the past."

So who are some of the designers who will be taking part in Full Figured Fashion Week? Here's just a taste, as I am sure that the producers probably have some surprises in store:

• En. V New York
• Agape Goddess Wear
• Ashley Stewart
• Big Girls United (BGU)
• Candi Apple Couture
• Jewel Shannon Designs
• LaMaica Fashions
• Monif C. Plus Sizes
• Osun Designs
• Qristyl Frazier Designs
• Robert E. Knight (presented by PLUS Model Magazine)
• Sealed with a Kiss Designs (SWAK)

And please note, these are just some of the designers taking part in the two fashion showcases taking place during Full Figured Fashion Week! We will be sharing some of the designers taking part in the Curves in the City Shopping Soiree later this week (and will be raffling off two VIP tickets to that event, so stay tuned!)

Ladies, Full Figured Fashion Week is 10 DAYS AWAY! Don't wait and then have to only hear about what you missed from your friends who are already packed and just waiting to board that bus/plane/train to NYC on June 25th. Check out the official schedule of events and purchase those tickets TODAY!

All week, we will be giving you some inside scoop on some of the events of Full Figured Fashion Week, and will be raffling off tickets to some of the events. Be sure to stay tuned. But for now? Get those tickets!

Weekly Motivation 6.14.09

Full Figured Fashion Week Update!

Editor's Note: All Next Week, Belle-Noir Magazine will be celebrating Full Figured Fashion Week and will be raffling off tickets to events, gift certificates to stores involved in Fashion Week, and keep you up to date on the latest scoop as we lead into what is no doubt going to be the event of the SEASON! Stay tuned!

For Immediate Release
June 11, 2009

Fashion Week has grown into a prestigious event recognized worldwide for its success in presenting stunning couture fashion shows in upscale venues. For the first time in history, a partnership of independent fashion designers, retailers, event producers, models and plus industry businesses, will join forces to bring the fashion week experience to the curvy consumer. Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) will proudly launch in New York City, June 25-27, 2009.
In America alone, there are 40 million women over size 14, spending $25 billion a year on clothing, or a quarter of all clothing sales, according to American Demographics. So, why isn’t there a Fashion Week event dedicated to showcasing fashions available to the curvy consumer? There wasn’t...until NOW!

Produced by DeVoe Signature Events, a special events and management company, specializing in events for plus size consumers for over 10 years, the organizers of FFFWeek are very excited about creating an event that will not only showcase plus size designs, talented designers, retailers, local boutiques and “real size” models, but it is hoped that the event will also increase economic development in the area of plus size fashion design, clothing merchandising and plus modeling.

The ancillary events for FFFWeek will create even more networking opportunities for designers, boutiques and businesses as this highly anticipated three-day fashion extravaganza will debut before an audience of over 1500+ plus size fashion enthusiasts, style mavens, models, boutiques, vendors and the media, while providing an inaugural showcase of talented designers, models, stylists and plus industry businesses that specialize in the needs of the plus size consumer. Organizers of the event have selected Purses And Pockets With A Purpose as their non-profit partner. The opening runway event on June 25th at Club Blvd in Soho will be dedicated to the mission and fundraising efforts of this organization.

Actress & comedienne, Kim Coles, will host the finale runway event, which will be held at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th at the Prince George Ballroom in NYC and will feature the collections of high-end plus size fashion boutiques, retail stores, local and out of state independent designers.

Ashley Stewart, FFFWeek’s corporate sponsor, is joined by PLUS Model Magazine, Voluptuous Woman Company, Diva’s Unlimited Inc., IPNY Travel, Ana Sites, Ardyss, Blissful Elegance Events, Curvaceous Boutique, Jewel Shannon Designs, Loreal, PLUS Model Radio, PLUS Model Magazine, This Lush Life, The Fuller Woman Expo, Re/Dress Boutique, Mizani, MANIK Magazine, Plus Size Marketing Group, Dana’s Loft, Bigger and Better Thangs Ent., Corinthia Peoples, Hammond, Smith, Southerland & Associates, Curvesity Ent., The Curvy Fashionista, The Plus Academy, Structure Wardrobe and Styling, Diva Eye Shadows, Igigi, Hyperion Entertainment Inc., X’Change Modeling, The Curvy Collective, and many more.

To view the list of scheduled events, visit www.fffweek.com. Media inquiries should be sent to: press@fffweek.com.

Toast to the Weekend: What's Your Sign?

We were looking for a drink to toast Editor-In-Chief Ms. Aja B. on the occasion of her 32 Birthday. Yes, she is definitely a Cuba Libre type of girl, but she also has an adventerous side.



When we found Zodiac Cocktails, courtesy of UK's In The Spirit, we knew we had found the perfect cocktail to toast our favorite Twin! An easy to make mix of vodka, De Kuyper Blue Curaçao with orange juice and lime cordial, we love this recipe for Green Eyes, and think she will too!





Check out the cocktails for your Zodiac sign here. And a Happy Birthday to all the Geminis & Cancers celebrating their born day in the month of June!

The Scene: The State of the Curvy Community

If you listen to the news, read the many articles circulating through the internet, the media would have you believe that the plus size woman is losing her retail options, due to the economy. They would have you to believe that we, plus size women, are now a liability to their bottom line, thus defecting us to the only options of shopping online.

If you were to buy into the news, all the progress we have made in the last ten years in fashion, community pride, and confidence would all be in vain. We, as a community have already dealt and come to terms with the lack of fashionable selections when we walk into a mall or boutique, only relegated to fashion accessories and handbags.

So, what do we do with this crazy information? In a year that we have our own Full Figured Fashion Week, Plus- Size Expos, Celebrity Role Models, and High- End Designer Fashions to celebrate our curves, what is a plus size fashionista to do?

Talk about it.

This year, in conjunction with the groundbreaking Full Figured Fashion Week, The Curvy Collective hosts a panel discussion, “The State of the Curvy Community.”

Perfectly timed, in the midst of current news in the media, this panel discussion addresses the current state of the plus-size community and the significance of Full Figured Fashion Week, through the eyes of the industry’s leaders, bringing different perspectives from various experiences and points of view.

Sharon Quinn, “The Runway Diva,” moderates the panel discussion. Accompanying her in this discussion is:

· Cassy Jones- McBryde- US Director of the Fuller Woman Network
http://thefullerwomannetwork.ning.com/

· Deb Malkin- Owner of Re/Dress NY
http://www.redressnyc.com/

· Glen Johnson- Owner of Full Figure Plus and a Member of the Curvy Collective
http://fullfigureplus.com/

· K. L. Belvin- Author of "Man In Transition"
http://http://www.klthewriter.com//

· Mia Amber- Model, Actress, Creative Editor-at-Large of Plus Model Magazine
http://www.myspace.com/mia_amber

· Maddy Figueroa- Jones – Creative Director of Plus Model Magazine
http://www.plusmodelmag.com/General/plus-model-masthead-detail.asp?directory-id=703164775


The panel discussion takes place during Full Figured Fashion Week. If you wish to attend, please RSVP at curvycommunity@gmail.com.

Date: Friday, June 26th
Location: Ripley Grier Studios
520 8th Avenue (bet. 36th and 37th Streets)
16th Floor, Room 17C
New York, NY
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free to the public

Presenting...The Curvy Collective

Editor's Note: Belle-Noir Communications is more than humbled to have been selected to be among the elite bloggers who will be covering the 1st ever Full Figured Fashion Week. Our appreciation goes to the Collective's Founders, Johara Tucker of Luvin My Curves and Marie Denee Leggett of The Curvy Fashionista for thinking of us and including us in something that is promising to be phenomenal--just like the women organizing it! --Ms. Aja B.

Full Figured Fashion Week Debuts Their Own Plus Media Division,
The Curvy Collective

New York, NY, 06/01/2009: What do you get when you mix Full Figured Fashion Week (FFF Week) produced by DeVoe Signature Events, with a group of elite fashion savvy plus size bloggers whose sole purpose is to capture up to the minute news related to a week of style, creativity and the recognition of talented designers who cater to the 40 million women that represent the plus size consumer? It’s called The Curvy Collective; a group created by bloggers, Johara Tucker, of Luvin’ My Curves and Marie Leggette of The Curvy Fashionista.

Comprised of some of the top plus size bloggers and media outlets, The Curvy Collective will have exclusive access to Full Figured Fashion Week events and the public. Through social networking sites like Twitter and micro blogging, The Curvy Collective will give new meaning to “event coverage.” In addition, The Curvy Collective will co-host some of the hottest events of Full Figured Fashion Week: “The State of the Curvy Community” at Ripley Grier Studios on Friday, June 26th, from 3 – 5:00PM and “Curves in the City” Shopping Soiree, at Ripley Grier Studios on Saturday June 27th, from 11AM – 3PM

The prestigious members of The Curvy Collective include: Belle-Noir Communications, Fatshionista, Full Figure Plus, Luvin’ My Curves, Manik Magazine, Style IT Online, The Curvy Fashionista Marie Denee, Venus Divas, and Young Fat & Fabulous.

For all press inquiries please regarding The Curvy Collective, please contact Marie Denee at
marie@thecurvyfashionistamarie-denee.com. For more information on Full Figured Fashion Week, please visit their official website at http://www.fffweek.com/.

On The Go: Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

School is out (or will be out soon) and that means the start of the Summer Vacation season. With wallets a little more trim than in the past, everyone is looking for tips on how to save some money while still enjoying some time away from home.

Here are some articles we're turning to that offer some great tips on how to use your money while on vacation & not just to make one happen.

• Planning a budget-friendly vacation? These tips will help you get there
  [Black Enterprise]
  
• 10 Cities on a Shoestring: Family Vacations the Kids Will Love
  [Disney Family Travel]
  
• Summer Vacation Budget-Friendly Ideas for Families [About.com]

What are some of your tips for budget-friendly vacations?

Style File: One Shoulder Wonders

Black Dolman Sleeve One-Shoulder Top
$38.00; torrid.com

Merona Plus One-Shoulder Dress
$29.99; target.com

Tadashi Plus Size Black One-Shoulder Jersey Dress
$328.00; bloomingdales.com

JS Boutique One Shoulder Beaded Jersey Gown
$158.00; nordstrom.com

What do you think ladies? Is the asymetrical, one shoulder look a trend you are considering for Summer 2009?