Gabi Gregg, the creator of Young, Fat and Fabulous has very kindly agreed to let me ask her a few questions in my first featured blogger post. In her own words, she is ‘trying to change the world one fat girl at a time’ and doing a pretty great job at it. Check out her answers about designing, designers and what’s in her wardrobe.
1. Why blog about fashion?
I blog about fashion because I am passionate about it. People seem to like my outfits, so they trust my taste. Since I discuss plus size fashion, my blog caters to a specific audience that often gets left out of mainstream fashion blogs.
2. What is the most timeless item of clothing you own?
Honestly, I need to start collecting more of them. I have a tendency (like many girls my age) to buy disposable, trendy clothing, and often I regret it. I think some trendy pieces are essential, but they should not make up your entire wardrobe. I would say the most timeless item I own is a little black dress I bought from Banana Republic. It’s perfect, and will never go out of style.
3. What was your favourite fashion event?
I haven’t been to many! But my favorite so far would probably be The Art of Fashion, a small event where Jibri showed her fall ‘09 collection. I love her clothes, she really understands that plus sizes should not have to sacrifice style.
4. Does style run in your family? Who is your most fashionable family member/friend?
Definitely. I have three older sisters, and my mother, sisters, grandmother, and aunt would always drag me to the mall when I was growing up. One of my sisters who lives in Miami is a buyer and is actually thinking about starting a fashion blog. My best friend is also super stylish; she has interned in the fashion departments at Teen Vogue and Essence Magazines.
5. Have you ever worked with any designers? If not, who would be your dream match?
Not yet! I have done a tiny bit of fashion styling for photo shoots, and I have met some great designers including Monif C, but I have yet to work with any. I would absolutely love to work with a high end designer like Marc Jacobs or Philip Lim, but I don’t forsee that happening. I would also love to team up with a plus size retailer like Evans or Torrid and help them create some great collections.
6. If you created your own collection, what item would you work on first?
I would probably work on a sequined mini dress. I have a ton of ideas in my head, and have actually sketched some things out. I can only hope that one day I’ll actually be creating a real line.
7. What’s in your handbag?
The essentials: cell phone, keys, wallet, lip gloss, and my digital camera.
8. What’s your oldest clothes item?
Wow, that’s tough. I tend to hoard things, which is terrible. The oldest thing I can remember would probably be a mesh top that I got in 7th or 8th grade. I’m glad I held onto it though! Mesh is back!
9. What’s the funniest/strangest/best comment you ever got on your blog?
Oh man, I have gotten some funny things. I think the funniest comment was probably someone telling me that I was helping America become obese.
10. Finish the sentence – “The best thing about my style is…”
…the fact that it changes so much!
A massive thanks to Gabi for sharing her blog with the world and for taking the time to answer my questions, I really appreciate it and wish you all the best in your fashion endeavours!
I just read on In Style Magazine that Jean Charles de Castelbajac will be launching his diffusion collection JC/DC at London Fashion Week in September. In keeping with today’s ever decreasing gap between retailers, designers and consumers, he has launched a competition for everyday models to be part of the runway show on Friday the 17th.
He has requested that “real people” between the ages of 16-25 showcase the collection on Friday, 18th September.
Want to get involved? just email a pair of face and full-length photos and your stats to rsvpcasting@jc-de-castelbajac.com by Monday 7th September, when there will be a live casting before the models are chosen.
An article caught my eye on MSN today by Tracey Lomrantz. She got a number of fashion week pros to comment on wearing stilettos with grace, style and minimal pain. I’ve summarised them here, but definitely check out the full article (with 3 more tips!) along with other Fashion Week 09 articles at MSN Lifestyle
Wear them informally before the event you bought them for
If you’ve bought a new pair of heels for a special occasion, you’re likely to end up disappointed by the whole event if all you can think of is the excruciating pain you’re in. The solution? Break them in the day before. Author of How to Walk in High Heels Camilla Morton recommends going to the supermarket. You can use the cart for balance while your feet adjust to the new heel.
Specialist fitness classes can help you with your balance
Gym classes like Yoga or Pilates help runway model Hana Jirckova keep balance in high heels on the catwalk. Balance starts in the core muscles; the more aware you are of them, the better chance you have of staying steady.
Take a breather
America’s Next Top Model’s catwalk coach J. Alexander suggests sitting every 20 minutes. Not only will it give your feet a break, sitting straight and with your legs crossed can help to draw attention to your new shoes – after all, it’s the main reason you’re wearing them!
No assembly necessary? Not exactly
Wear your shoes around the house for about an hour after purchase. Wherever you feel a bit of rubbing or aching, cushion up! You won’t last the night unless you target these areas beforehand. So stock up on ‘rub relief’ strips and ‘ball of foot cushions’ if you’re planning on dancing the night away – your feet will thank you in the AM.
Lengthen the legs
Elegance and grace starts not in the way you look but the way you look when you walk. Runway model Ali Stephens recommends straightening and extending your leg with every step – slowing down your pace and paying attention to your step will ensure you don’t look uncoordinated and clumsy.
Pet Fashion Week (really!) has just been and gone in New York, giving independent pet accessories, pet apparel and pet lifestyle businesses exposure to a number of industry professionals.
In its fourth year running, 2009’s exhibition saw nearly 2,000 makers of doggie apparel – from raingear to formal attire – come together in hopes to reach a wider, worldwide market.
So which businesses offered the most unique products in my eyes? Here’s 3 that caught my eye on their website:
The smell of a dirty dog is often the cause of pet problems in the home, but Dog Gone Smart’s beds, blankets and sweaters actively reduce the spread of bacteria, are resistant to dirt and germs, are highly durable and require less maintenance than other brands. The fabric has also been used in high-end sportswear (for people) so I’m keen to test them out myself first!
Paris Erotica was established in 1998 as a Japanese women’s fashion retailer and now creates clothing and accessories for small and medium sized dogs. From tees to coveralls to carrier bags, their products are purely indulgent and highly enjoyable.
With doggie-bone refill packs and different breeds of pets available on the “Pez for Pets” dispenser, this is purely novelty but a great way to stylishly keep a treat in hand during training sessions, walks and visits to the vet.
If you attended this event, we’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on the exhibitions!
I have been wondering whether I could pull off a pair of high waisted floral shorts. I’ve got very strong memories of my mother in them as a child and I am therefore not too sure about whether they’d be classed as fashionable, or just make me look like a gran that happens to look quite young… thoughts? opinions? Vote in the poll below and tell me if I should consider getting a pair!
As it’s supposed to reach up to 30 degrees in London today, summer is still in full swing. So make sure you’ve stapled these must have items of summer 2009 into your wardrobe, before it’s too late:
I am a huge victim of an arched back and slouchy shoulders. Only recently, when I happened to have a mirror across from me at the dining room table, did I realise the effect it had on the side profile of my body. Sitting straight can have a huge impact on the way your clothes hang on your frame. Hold your abs tight, your shoulders back and you’ll instantly look 5 lbs lighter.
2. Anticipating weight loss/gain
Whether you buy your clothes too big for comfort or too small in hopes of shedding those extra pounds, I’ve got one piece of advice for you: stop. Clothes need to suit your curves so buy for the perfect fit around the widest parts of your body. Also, remember that we’re all different shapes and sizes, so find yourself a good tailor to cinch in any roomy bits.
3. Becoming a fashion victim
I’m not asking you to get stuck in a style rut, but please don’t follow every new trend you find in-store. Select carefully from the season’s trends and only wear outfits that suit your personal style, your body and your age.
4. Being sloppy
Remember that informal and chic must go hand in hand. Don’t get carried away by casual work wear. Accessories, such as a stylish necklace or animal print ballet pumps should always be called upon to add a touch of glamour to a t-shirt and skinny jeans, while the usual effort needs to be put into your hair and make-up.
5. Overloading on accessories
We’ve been over this before in our Accessories 101 – Statement pieces are the key to a great outfit. A bold belt, a brightly coloured scarf AND chandelier earrings? Pick one and let it shine. It will make the outfit without overshadowing your clothes, or even worse, you!
Traditionally a Roman Catholic celebration, Carnival is the festive season immediately before lent combining elements of a circus, masque and public street party.
Carnival means many things to many nations. In India, the Goan carnival consists of masks and floats while the Keralan focuses on music and festivities. In Belgium, the 4th Sunday of Lent sees participants of the “Blancs-Moussis” dressed in white and wearing long red noses. They parade through town throwing confetti and beating bystanders with dried pig bladders. In the Caribbean, it mostly involves local bands, dancing and (of course) a lot of rum.
I have known a handful of Trinidadians for quite some time and have been gearing up the guts to flaunt a tiny bikini, as well as the courage to show off my less than impressive dance moves in the streets for 2 days straight. I finally succumbed to it last month and bought myself a ticket to Trinidad Carnival 2010.
So why delve into my personal life like this today? The costumes have been released. Trinidad’s costumes are what really stands out in my mind as the reason why it has become such a popular destination for this celebration, and they’re looking as gorgeous and stylish as ever. Here’s a sneak peek of them and the daunting question remains: How do I pick?
I’d love to hear your opinions/suggestions, so feel free to comment below on which I should choose! (Helpful hint – I am not nearly as toned or golden as the manikins!)
If you’re anything like me, “why did I have that last slice of pizza?” or “was dessert really worth it?” are a part of your weekly (ok fine, daily!) vocabulary. Don’t get me wrong, I exercise regularly and eat healthily as often as possible, but the occasional slip up is inevitable. So how can we keep our confidence on those days where nothing seems to look good? Follow these clothing tricks to give that slimming illusion.
Accentuate Your Waist:
“Uh, what?”… You may think this is the last thing you want to do, but drawing attention to your waistline creates a feminine silhouette. Plus, those stylish, long and baggy tops we run to on these days look great with a waist belt as it helps to create shape and a stylish finish.
Size Does Matter:
It’s a wonderful thing going into a shop and fitting into a size smaller than normal; but don’t be fooled but their fancy lighting and the excitement of a new garment. You’ll probably never wear it again after the first photo of a bulge. On a similar note, a larger size than normal creates the perception of a figure that extends to the edges of the garment. Opt for sizes that fit just right and you’ll thank me later.
Cheat:
Shaping undergarments work wonders for shapely dresses and skirts. Also opt for non-binding bands on bras and pants to avoid unwanted rolls. Also, choose your outfit before you choose your underwear – various styles suit various outfits and you’ll be surprised at the difference the right undergarments can make.
Layer it:
Oversized, lightweight cardigans are a fashion favourite right now. Worn with skinny pants and heels, your legs will be elongated while the cardigan skims your sides to hide unwanted bulges.
Monochromatic Colours = Length:
Monochromatic colours, either the same colour or in the same colour family, effortlessly lengthen the body and streamline your shape. Light colours are perfect for day while dark colours make for great evening wear. Simple!
Ever wanted to go up to someone you saw on the bus, in a club or in your office and ask them “Where did you get that [insert amazing clothes item here]?!” – Well I do it a lot. Here’s what caught my eye out and about on a Tuesday night in London:
Zebra Striped Top – Express, $40 (American Franchise)
Black Waist Belt –Glamour Magazine, Free!
Jeans – Henley’s, £29.99
Suede, stiletto ankle boots, £70
