FAF Chic Web Crawl : Folksy.com

Photo(c)- Folksy: ClaraBows

Random internet searches can be so rewarding, especially during times when I lack inspiration. Today, I had an interest in fashion history so I randomly Googled fashion icons, and fashion from past eras. I became fixated on the grandeur of 1920's head wear. I came across a site called Folksy and a seller by the name of ClaraBows who sells vintage 1920's inspired hats. Folksy is similar to Etsy and there are some pretty cool items to be found for sale. Check them out, they are overseas but still worth a look.

Creative Insanity

Confetti
Fractal Art by Vicky Brago-Mitchell

I am a little all over the place this week. You may have noticed the blog template changing frequently these past few days. I am really trying to settle with a look and feel that best represents the content of my blog. I started this blog with the primary focus of showcasing fashionable items for plus size women. I want the integrity of my mission to remain, and I would also like to see the blog expand to include other diverse fashion content. So please excuse my creative insanity and the constant changes. I am sure I will have a breakthrough soon. Please chat with me on twitter and share your thoughts https://twitter.com/fatandfabchic.

The Death of an Icon : Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Since learning of Michael Jackson's death earlier this week I have been looking for words to express what I feel. When a celebrity dies it's hard to know what level of grief is appropriate. How do you grieve someone who isn't a personal acquaintance or even someone you ever met in real life? MJ was such an icon that is hard not to feel anything about his passing. His music inspired millions, and his songs were timeless. I am an 80's baby so I can truly say I grew up on Michael Jackson music. I remember trying to do the moonwalk with my sister in our room. Michael was a fashion icon in many ways as well. He was daring and inspired. This man's genius was truly untouchable. His eccentricity in my opinion never detracted from his talent. His talent is what I choose to remember him for. The legacy that is his music will live on.

We lost a lot of good people this week. The tragic Metro accident in DC this week was both shocking and heart breaking. My heart was completely overwhelmed all week with all of the lives lost. It times like this that we remember that life is truly a gift. R.I.P to all the angels whose lives were lost. May your legacy continue to shine on.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

"You know, fathers just have a way of putting everything together."
Erika Cosby

"Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad."
Proverb

I love you Dad! I hope you enjoy your special day. And to all the other wonderful men I have had the pleasure of knowing who take raising their children seriously happy father's day to you as well!

FAF Chic: TV Worth Watching

There are a few new television shows hitting the airwaves this summer that I can not wait to check out.

Photo(c)- Oxygen

"Dance Your Ass Off" on the Oxygen network premiers on Monday, June 29th. I am most excited to catch this show, as I love the idea of a weight loss competition being about doing something fun and entertaining. Check out the show synopsis:

Twelve finalists, nearly 3,000 lbs, one goal -- to go from an eating machine to a dancing machine in Oxygen's new dance/weight loss competition series Dance Your Ass Off, hosted by TONY Award®-winning actress Marissa Jaret Winokur.

Bringing dance and diet together, Dance Your Ass Off features talented, full-figured contestants who will have to lose to win. Each contestant is paired with a professional dance partner who will train him or her for weekly stage performances -- ranging from Hip Hop, to Ballroom and even Pole Dancing! Then they shake and rattle their rolls in front of a live studio audience and a panel of expert judges. The judges score the routines, and then the contestants weigh in to reveal their weekly weight loss. The dance score and the weight loss are combined for an overall score, which determines who is sent home each week.

Photo(c)- Lifetime

"Drop Dead Diva" is Lifetime's spirited new comedic drama series that puts a uniquely compelling twist on the age-old battle between brains and beauty. It premieres on Lifetime Sunday, July 12 at 9 pm et/pt.

The show tells the story of a beautiful-but-vapid model wannabe, Deb, who has a fatal car accident and suddenly finds herself in front of Heaven's gatekeeper, Fred, who declares her a self-centered "zero." Outraged, Deb attempts to persuade Fred to return her to her shallow existence but is accidentally relegated to the body of the recently deceased Jane Bingum (Brooke Elliott). A brilliant, thoughtful and plus-size attorney with a loyal assistant (Margaret Cho), Jane has always lived in the shadow of her more comely colleagues, whereas Deb has always relied on her external beauty. Now, by a twist of fate and a bolt of divine intervention, Deb must come to terms with inhabiting Jane’s plus-size frame in the ultimate showdown between brains and beauty.

Get your TIVO's set!

Haute Shoe Lust

Photo(c)- Cusp

FAF Chic: Store Spotlight

Photos(c)- JCPenney

As we all know we are in the midst of some tough economic times these days. It has become more prudent and necessary to monitor spending and save as much as possible. For the budget conscious fashionista JCPenney has you covered. I found some great well priced fashionable items while perusing their website. From tunic tops to chic summer dresses I found a few things that I want to add to my wardrobe.

Press Release: Full Figure Fashion Week

“Full Figured Fashion Week Hits New York City, Making History, and Spearheading a Global Movement”


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.

Get Hyper In These Caravelas:

Love these shoes!


Get Hyper In These Caravelas:

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Giving me the Blues.....

Photo(c)- B & Lu

My favorite color hands down has been purple for the past few seasons. However, lately royal blue has entered into my must have color scheme. Blue is such a versatile color because it transitions so well, and can be matched with just about every other color in your wardrobe.

Photo(c)-Aldo Shoes

Photo(c)- Aldo Shoes

Lane Bryant Cacique Semi Annual Sale

Photo(c)- Lane Bryant

Now is a good time to stock up. They are also having a great sale on sleepwear items. I found some great robes and coverups that would work well for a spa get away.

FAF Web Crawl: Dress Shopping

I am in desperate need of a wardrobe refresh, especially now that the summer heat and humidity is upon us full force. As you all know I am a dress addict, I pretty much live in dresses all year round. I did some online window shopping to see what new dress styles I could add to my collection, and I came across a few fab finds. Unless you have been living under a rock you know that maxi dresses are the hottest clothing item this summer. In keeping with my boho flair I love the printed versions such as the one pictured from torrid. I am a short girl so sometimes the maxi dress is hard for me to pull off but this is one I definitely want to try on. The Evan's animal print dress pictured below is too hot for words. I love the shape and the styling on this dress. I could so see this being worn on a night out on the town. The checkered Torrid dress is also a fun around town or night out choice. Now the question is so I buy all three....lol?
Torrid- Plum Paisley Maxi Dress

Evans- Animal Print Dress

Torrid- Checkerd Tank Dress

Beth Ditto For Evans

Photo(c)- Evans

The blogosphere was abuzz this weekend with previews of Beth Ditto's upcoming fashion line with Evans. Ditto, a size 28 is a great inspiration for us plus size girls who weigh in on the higher end of the scale. I have always liked Beth Ditto's moxy and purely intoxicating confidence in who she is. From the previews I have seen of her line I believe she is truly going to hit the mark with fatshionistas who adore edgy fashionable clothing. I am super excited and can not wait for the official launch. According to the Evan's website her line will be available beginning on July 9. For more on Beth Ditto and her upcoming line check out this article in the Times Online. You can also check out some of my favorite blogger's pages The Musings of Fatshionista and Young, Fat, and Fabulous for preview pics of clothing line.


Photo(c)- Times Online

'Young, Fat and Fabulous' Shun Yo-Yo Diets - ABC News

'Young, Fat and Fabulous' Shun Yo-Yo Diets - ABC News

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Please check this link out this was a great segment. It has always been my opinion that killing yourself to achieve a certain weight makes no sense. I believe that a woman should always strive to be as healthy as she can be, but not get caught up in the sizeism that exist in our society. I think it is ok to be happy with yourself even if you are fat. Loving yourself is more important than the size of your waist line. It should go without saying that no one is advocating obesity or being unhealthy, as some critics would have you believe all fat acceptance promoters are about. It's more about realizing your own beauty and not feeling bad about one self simply because you don't fit a certain aesthetic. Be happy, love yourself, fat and all has always been my motto. Loving yourself means that you have empowered yourself with the ability to see your own self-worth and true beauty, and you become powerful beyond means when you can do that. A fat woman is still a woman, she just carries more weight in the world ;)!

Full Figured Fashion Week- NYC June 25-27, 2009

I am so excited about this event. To say that it is ground breaking would be an understatement. This is going to be an epic moment for the curvy community and all fatshionistas worldwide. Full Figure Fashion week is jam packed with activities that I know are going to be nothing short of fabulous. Please check the website out for the full schedule and buy your tickets today. I can't wait to get to NYC for this event, and I hope to connect with as many people as possible. Don't forget to start saving now, because I am sure that there will be some fab fashion available for purchase during the Curves in the City - Shopping Soiree. You can view the full schedule of events here.

Vintage Reloaded

Photo(c)- Target- Vintage Sunglasses

I am obsessed with vintage fashion. I love the individual fashion statement that comes with steering away from trendy, modern items and instead mixing and matching to create the perfect look. I am actively looking to learn how to sew so that I can learn to re-purpose clothing, especially thrift store and consignment shop finds. In the meantime stores like B & LU help to feed my addiction for vintage inspiration.

Photo(c)-Re-Mix Vintage Shoes
Photo(c)- B & LU-Layla Dress

Can A Girl Get Some Support!?

Photos(c)- Lane Bryant

This post is dedicated to all of my bigger bosom ladies. I am sure you can share my misery over the difficulty of finding items that support the bust area. I have found a lot of success with bra choices from Lane Bryant's Cacique collection. I always check them first for my undergarment needs. There are other items however that are often hard to find in my cup size.

I have been trying to dedicate myself to establishing a fitness routine, and as such I have been looking for clothing that will be comfortable to wear during my workouts. My biggest issue has been in finding a good full coverage sports bra. I happened to be watching MTV's "True Life" today and the topic discussed was about women who disliked their large breast. One of the young ladies in the program visited a bra salon called Linda's in NYC that specializes in expert bra fitting. I was intrigued by the concept and immediately did a google search to see if I could find more information. I discovered Linda's has an online site and they carry a large range of bra sizes. I not only found the sports bra I have been searching for, but also a swimsuit with good coverage for my bust size. Maybe one day I will make it to NYC to visit the actual store, but for now I am very pleased with the offerings on her website. I would definitely recommend checking them out if you are struggling like me with finding good support.


Photos(c-Linda's

FAF Chic: Deals of the Week

Visit Lane Bryant online to take advantage of the savings.

Rain Gear

Photo(c)-Target- Eco Friendly Fabric Umbrella

Yes, I know it's a little redundant to do another post about the rain, but hey what can I say the rain is on my mind. As I dashed in to the house this evening I realized I really need to upgrade my rainy day gear. Having a good umbrella is always key, but having a good rain/trench coat is also a must have. I found a nice trench coat on sale at Macys. With the weather being bipolar I am certainly considering purchasing it for those rainy days.


Photo(c)- Macys- Apple Bottom Trench Coat

Rain, Thunder, and Lightening.......

Photo(c)- Hips and Curves

All of this rainy weather has been a bit of a downer during the long work days. The one bright side is coming home and getting to cuddle with your significant other. Thunderstorms just seem to set the mood for a night of love better than anything else. To get fully into the seductive spirit I say go all out. Take a long, luxurious bath, massage your skin with a body quenching lotion, and slip into something sexy. Low on your lingerie? Check out Hips and Curves or Missalli for a wonderfully seductive selection. Even if you are a single girl, do it for yourself. There is nothing like pampering yourself, and slipping on something silky is pure bliss.

Photo(c)- Missalli Lingerie-Satin Reversible Corset

Wednesday Melody

Chrisette Michele covers No Doubt's "Don't Speak"

I love this artist and personal style is amazing. If you haven't already pick up her album "Epiphany" in stores now.

FAF Keys to the Good Life: Having Fun

Life can be filled with so many hard times that sometimes it's hard to remember the good moments. We can be so driven by work and home responsibilities that sometimes we forget to take time to just breathe. I believe an essential key to living the good life is being able to make time for fun. Take time to do something that is personally fulfilling and rewarding. Take a bike ride, go skating, belly dance...whatever it is just remember to have fun. I love the girls from Secret Trois, I think these ladies embody what it means to have fun doing something you love. If you want to dance, you should dance your only limitations are those that you put on yourself. So get out there relax, relate, release, and have some fun!