{:FAF:} fat and fab CHIC

FAF Chic: Fab Web Bites

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:30:00 +0000

There have been some amazing things on around the web and in the media highlighting and embracing the beauty of plus size women. I have been so busy with my job these past few weeks that I have been remiss in my blogging duties. I hope you will allow me to play catch up.

Let's start with the fabulous Sarah Conley of StyleITOnline. She has started an amazing project via her newest column On the Plus Side, in which she and photographer Kimberley Williamson have begun taking full body outfit photos in the streets of Soho. The premise behind this is to showcase that it is okay to celebrate your body in it's totality, even if you are not size 0. My wait until you lose the weight to feel good about yourself. I love what she is doing with these posts. Plus Miss Sarah has fab fashion sense. If you haven't already please be sure to check her out.

Michelle, Union Square (photo by Talia Frolkis).
Photo(c)- The Manfattan Project

Piggybacking on that same idea I also stumbled upon another new blog of note; The Manfattan Project. What I love about this blog is that it focuses on capturing real everyday women in the streets of NYC. These women are full-figured and fashionable, and it's wonderful to see a blog that focuses on this. All to often the street style posts leave out curvy women, which is always upsetting to see. There are so many fatshionistas that I myself gain style inspiration from on a daily basis, and it is wonderful to see a blog that is dedicated to highlighting the fashion sense of these real, beautiful, voluptuous, everyday women.

Photo Credit: Greg Kessler

Finally, lets talk about about Ashley Falcon; plus size fashion stylist and newest columnist over at Marie Claire magazine. Her column Big Girl in a Skinny World has become one of my must reads. I love how her stories are relate-able without being the contrived woe is me tale of being a fat girl in a skinny world. She offers great fashion advice for us curvy girls who desire fashionable options, and her own personal style is enviable. Marie Claire has gained a reader in me thanks to Ashley Falcon. You can check out her latest article on office to evening fashion here.

Skirting the Issue

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:44:00 +0000

As you know I am a girl who adores wearing dresses,this is mostly because I find it hard to find pants that fit me in a way that I find flattering. So other than jeans my closet is filled with way more dresses than pants. Recently, I have started to expand my wardrobe by adding skirts to the mix. This addition has added some much needed versatility to my wardrobe, and I am having a lot of fun mixing and matching my pieces. Now that the weather is a lot cooler for some I know wearing a dress or skirt seems like a chilly prospect. I suggest layering and of course a great pair of tights can make this style a lot warmer to pull off. The best thing about a skirt is that there is always a style that is sure to flatter any shape.

Recessionista Chic- JMS Launches New Plus Size Collection at Walmart

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:48:00 +0000

I was really excited to hear about the launch of a new plus size collection by JMS or Just My Size as some you may know them as. Over the years the JMS line has grown by leaps and bounds. I have always been a fan of their hosiery items but in recent years I have grown to like some of their clothing, especially for casual wear. The greatest aspect of this new line is that all of the pieces are priced below $22. One of my favorite looks in the new collection is pictured above. You can also check out the below video from their New York fashion show. I won't pretend to like everything, but there are some solid pieces that for the price could be very good additions to the wardrobe. What are your thoughts?

Press Release

JMS/Just My Size Launches New Women’s
Plus-Size Clothing Collection with New York Fashion Show

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (OCT. 16, 2009) – JMS/Just My Size brand launched a new clothing collection at a fashion show in New York. The collection, available at Walmart stores nationwide, focuses on trend-right styles at a value. Amazingly, all items are priced below $22.

The new JMS collection includes colorful fun-to-wear essentials and related separates that mix and match for any wearing occasion. Included in the winter and holiday collections, in store now, are dress pants, jeans, sweaters, skirts, leggings, ruffled blouses and long sweater vests. Many of the holiday pieces have glimmers of shimmer in the form of satin trim and beading.

“The rule is there are no rules,” said Janet Freedman, JMS creative director and plus-size shopper. “One of my favorite outfits from the winter collection is a long sweater cardigan paired with leggings and a sheer blouse. Just add a tall boot and a great belt (yes, I said a great belt). Just My Size is about looking good, feeling good and celebrating your curves.”

The launch of the collection comes at a time when fashion publications are exploring the topic of plus-size models and the lack of fashionable plus-size clothes for the models to wear. Reactions have renewed debate about body image and beautiful women who are larger than sample size 4.

“Because so many of our styles work together, the JMS consumer has the ability to create multiple looks/outfits with just a few easy pieces,” explained Freedman. “In addition, our value prices mean that, instead of buying just a few key pieces, she can now buy an entire wardrobe. We want her to be able to look good and feel good, just like her peers.

“Previously, JMS offered wardrobe staples, like our great jeans. Now we are going everywhere her lifestyle takes her--running errands, lunch with friends, going to the office or going out after work.”

As a dedicated plus-size brand, the JMS clothing line is designed to include many consumer-specific fit solutions. “We constantly talk to our consumer, and more importantly, we listen to her,” said Freedman. “So we include slimming seams, strategically placed pockets, freedom of movement, appropriate weight materials--these and other fit solutions are incorporated into stylish clothing. We design these clothes to flatter and celebrate her curves.”

JMS, known primarily for its hosiery, intimate apparel and limited, well-fitting outerwear line, has long been known for offering silhouettes that both fit and flatter the plus-size woman. Now the line adds style to its well-fitting ensembles.

JMS apparel is available at Walmart stores nationwide, and JMS intimate apparel and hosiery are available at leading retailers nationwide. JMS sportswear and innerwear are also available online at www.justmysize.com and at www.walmart.com.

Deal of the Day: Torrid Rush Hour Sale

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:47:00 +0000

Shop: Torrid

If you are like me and have been a bit preoccupied and haven't yet started to build your winter wardrobe, here is some incentive to start shopping. For three hours only Torrid is having a $19.99 sale (online only) on their booties. This price is fabulous especially for all of us budget fashionistas. I have a wider foot but I always find a good fit with Torrid's shoe selection. My feet will be both comfortable and in style thanks to this sale!

FAF Chic Look of the Moment: Equestrian Style

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:48:00 +0000

Shop: Lane Bryant

This fall one of the trends that has caught my eye is the influence of equestrian style on fashion. Years ago I remember wearing the stirrup pants with high boots and I love that this nod to the equestrian look is returning again. The greatest thing about fashion is it's ability to make re-emerging style trends feel new and innovative.

I was very excited to see that Lane Bryant's new ICON collection took note of this trend and has made it accessible to curvy women. Kudos to them for being in step with what is currently in fashion. I say this of course because while the plus size market has come a long way, it is still a struggle to find a variety of retailers that are keeping with today's style trends and making them relevant to plus size consumers. But I digress...lol. What do you think of this style trend? Is it something you would wear for fall?

Dark Days Inspiration

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Waking up in the morning and not immediately being greeted by sunlight does take some getting used. The approach of daylight savings time is always a time for adjustment. The temperatures are dipping lower and night approaches a lot faster. This time of the year always provides me with tons of fashion inspiration. Summer is fun but I love the return of the fall/winter season. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'm loving the return of black and the harder edgier accessories.

Bundle Up- Plus Savings

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:01:00 +0000

This week's cool temperatures caught me completely off guard. It feels a lot like we skipped right over fall and ran straight into winter. I had to break out my winter coats a lot sooner than I expected to. Unfortunately, I discovered that a lot of my coats are tragically out style, and yes while warm they now lack the stylish flair that I have become accustomed to. Thankfully, I received some great deals in my inbox. Check out Evans and Lane Bryant for great savings.

Shop: Lane Bryant
Shop: Evans

FAF Chic Store Spotlight: Soho Accessories

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:10:00 +0000

I love finding new stores on the web that offer unique items for reasonable prices. My newest find is SoHo Accessories. Their accessories store offers NYC SoHo style without needing to reside in that zip code. Some of my favorite pieces on the website are their brooches which due to our fabulous first lady Michelle Obama, I am newly obsessed with. I also found some fabulous on trend necklaces that I plan to add to my collection as well.

SoHo Accesories has offered a special discount for {:FAF:} Chic readers who shop with them. Enter promo code Soho15 to receive 15% off regular priced merchandise. They also offer free shipping and a free gift with every order.

SoHo Accessories - The home of City-Chic fashion accessories that fit any budget - Where you don't have to go to New York City to get SoHo Style.

Halloween Fab

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:47:00 +0000

Every year I do a post on where to find fab Halloween costumes for plus sizes. This year my top pick for best store to find a costume is Torrid. They have an expanded selection this year that has everything from your usual candy striper costume to cute renditions of Alice in Wonderland. My fave costume and my choice for this year is the Queen of Wonderland costume pictured above. For more great choices checkout the Halloween Look book on the Torrid's website.

If you can't find a pre-made costume you like you are sure to find other great items like the masquerade mask pictured below which you can build your own costume from.

All photos(c)- Torrid

Fab Articles: These Bodies are Beautiful at Every Size

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Seven total knockouts From far left: Crystal Renn, Amy Lemons, Ashley Graham, Kate Dillon, Anansa Sims and Jennie Runk. Bottom Center: Lizzie Miller.

Photo(c)- Glamour Magazine

Check the article out here:

These Bodies are Beautiful at Every Size Health & Fitness: glamour.com

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FAF Chic Causes: World Habitat Day - 10/5/2009

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:17:00 +0000

The United Nations has designated the first Monday each October as
World Habitat Day.

This year on Oct. 5 in Washington, D.C. and around the world, please join Habitat for Humanity in support of this global observance as we come together and declare that the lack of decent, affordable housing is unacceptable.

According to the United Nations, more than 100 million people in the world today are homeless. Millions more face a severe housing problem living without adequate sanitation, with irregular or no electricity supply and without adequate security.

Worldwide, more than 2 million housing units per year are needed for the next 50 years to solve the present worldwide housing crisis. With our global population expanding, however, at the end of those 50 years, there would still be a need for another 1 billion houses. (UN-HABITAT: 2005)

Raising awareness and advocating for change are the first steps toward transforming systems that perpetuate the global plague of poverty housing. World Habitat Day serves as an important reminder that everyone must unite to ensure that everyone has a safe, decent place to call home.

The U.N. further states that both developed and developing countries, cities and towns are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, resource depletion, food insecurity, population growth and economic instability.

Rapid rates of urbanization cause serious negative consequences - overcrowding, poverty, slums with many poorly equipped to meet the service demands of ever growing urban populations.

With over half of the world’s population currently living in urban areas the U.N. believes there is no doubt that the "urban agenda" will increasingly become a priority for governments, local authorities and their non-governmental partners everywhere.

U.S. Housing Facts

About 95 million people, one third of the nation, have housing problems including a high-cost burden, overcrowding, poor quality shelter and homelessness. (National Low Income Housing Coalition: 2004)

One in three American households spend more than 30 percent of income on housing, and one in seven spends more than 50 percent. (Joint Center for Housing Studies: 2006)

The number of low-income families that lack safe and affordable housing is related to the number of children that suffer from asthma, viral infections, anemia, stunted growth and other health problems. About 21,000 children have stunted growth attributable to the lack of stable housing; 10,000 children between the ages of 4 and 9 are hospitalized for asthma attacks each year because of cockroach infestation at home; and more than 180 children die each year in house fires attributable to faulty electrical heating and electrical equipment. (Sandel, et al: 1999)

Global poverty facts

By the year 2030, an additional 3 billion people, about 40 percent of the world’s population, will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable units every day and 4,000 every hour. (UN-HABITAT: 2005)

One out of every three city dwellers – nearly a billion people – lives in a slum. (Slum indicators include: lack of water, lack of sanitation, overcrowding, non-durable structures and insecure tenure.) (UN-HABITAT: 2006)

UN-Habitat has reported that because of poor living conditions, women living in slums are more likely to contract HIV/AIDS than their rural counterparts, and children in slums are more likely to die from water-borne and respiratory illness. (UN-HABITAT: 2006)

Housing formation generates non-housing related expenditures that help drive the economy. (Kissick, et al: 2006)

Investing in housing expands the local tax base. (Kissick, et al: 2006)

The theme for World Habitat Day 2009 is "Planning our Urban Future"

Celebrations of World Habitat Day in Washington, D.C. will be an excellent opportunity to foster global discussion and raise the profile of shelter and urban issues at the national and international level. Events in the United States and around the world include policy forums, award presentations, luncheons, dinners, house-building and exhibitions.

Get involved, spread the word or donate to the cause today. For more information click here.

Falling in Love with Fall

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:08:00 +0000

The cooler weather is starting to creep in, and I am happily waving goodbye to summer. I love the fall/winter season because fashion truly becomes more fun during this time to me. If you haven't already now is the time to stock up on your outerwear. I love the military inspired jackets and high collared coats I am seeing for the winter. Nights are a lot cooler now and it is exciting to be able to pull out my tights and my boots again. Just think Christmas is around the corner...time to make that shopping wish list.

To Daddy With All My Love

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:40:00 +0000

Words can not express my dismay
Never in a million years did I think I would lose you this way
You are the only man I have ever loved with all my heart
How do I survive without you? Where do I start?

For us there is no tomorrow
I miss the sound of your voice to think I will never hear it again fills me with sorrow
My heart is struggling to understand
My grief at times is so strong I can't stand
I am trying to be strong like you taught me to be
But my tears continue to fall because you are gone from me

I love you daddy more than words can say and I feel so lost I don't know what to do
I'm not sure if you ever truly knew just how much I loved you
I know God called you to him, and I know you are at peace
But a part of me wishes you would come back to me

Tears dry but memories last forever and ever
I know this pain won't last and each day will get better
Today I feel fortunate that I knew you as long as I did
You will always be the man I looked up to since I was a kid
You were such a great man and I know your spirit will live on in me
You are gone from this Earth and I am happy you are free

Until I see you again, I love you daddy with all my heart!

Deals and Steals

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:29:00 +0000

via Lane Bryant, Torrid

Happy Shopping!

Fall Color Obsession: Plum/Purple

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:23:00 +0000

I guess it comes as no surprise that purple is still my favorite color for the season. I am in some sort of deep love affair with this hue. I am loving all of the varying shades from plum to deep purplish black. I found some great items for fall in this shade, and I can not wait for the season to get here fully. Check out my favorite picks below.

FAF Chic: Fab Web Bites

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:07:00 +0000

There has been a lot of buzz around the web about Lizzie Miller who was photographed for Glamour Magazine recently. Lizzie a "plus-size model" as the industry would label her, is a size 12 which in all actuality would make her more of an average size woman. But her photos received such a great response that according to Page Six (see excerpt below) Glamour has decided to photograph more plus size women in the nude for the their November issue. I will certainly be checking my local news stand for that issue.

via New York Post

Perfect Pair : Peep Toe and Polish

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Fashion is darker this season and so it goes as no surprise that makeup and other beauty items are following this same trend. Black lipsticks and nail polish are making a huge return for fall. Dark nail polish is a current obsession of mine. With peep toe booties being the continued trend for fall I'm excited I can continue to show off my polish long into the season. My current favorite color is the darkest plum, which is a nice almost black color that looks fabulous on my nails.

FAF Chic Store Spotlight: Topshop

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:25:00 +0000

Topshop is a very well known brand, that retails of the moment and trendy clothing items. I myself have never purchased anything from them, because unfortunately they do not sell anything in my size. I do however, enjoy checking out their website for fashion inspiration. As I posted about previously bodycon skirts and dresses are my newest obsession, and I absolutely love the options at Topshop. They have studded, mesh, lace, leather, printed, and several other varieties of dress styles that literally make me swoon. The hunt is on now for me to find similar styles in plus sizes.

One good thing is that shoes are universal and Topshop also delivers in that area too. My favorite picks are below.

FAF Chic Trend Watch: Bodycon

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:13:00 +0000

So what is bodycon you might ask? Bodycon or body conscious styling is figure skimming, curve hugging clothing. I am a big fan of Herve Leger who in my opinion is the master of bodycon clothing. As a plus size woman I have always been aware of my curves, and I have always taken great care to dress them appropriately. My biggest fashion belief is accentuate your assets and minimize your trouble areas. I like bodycon skirts and dresses because of the long, lean silhouette they produce. I plan to live in bodycon skirts and tights this winter. This is a style that can be paired with endless other items such as blazers or cardigans to produce different looks. As a recessionista I see this as a way to extend my wardrobe without shrinking my funds.

Shop: City Chic, Faith 21, Topshop

Shop Monif C

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:49:00 +0000

First off I have to say Mia Amber is pure fierceness! I love this ad for the Monif C "Marilyn" convertible dress. They were channeling the Beyonce "Sasha Fierce/Dereon" ad below. They totally worked it and put a wonderful plus size spin on it.

I have long been a fan of this uber versatile dress, and I am so excited to see it out in the new fall colors. The purple is giving me fever with the slashed leggings. If you haven't already be sure to check out the Monif C website for more fabulous dresses and new styles.

Recessionista Chic

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:50:00 +0000

If you are anything like me, your wallet is a lot lighter these days than you would like it to be. I see fabulous clothes daily and it breaks my heart that I can't afford to shop the way that I once could. My mission now is to find fab fashion at budget friendly prices. Thanks to my friends on twitter I have discoverd some amazing new shopping opportunities that I would like to pass on to you. Check out the links below.

Re/Dress - sizes 14+ vintage and resale clothing in Brooklyn, NYC

Shop. Musings of a Fatshionista- Her closet is fab, and you will love the items she has for sale

Better Than Before Consignments and Upscale Resale

DC Consignment Boutique- Online Consignment Shop

Project Runway: Designer Qristyl Frazier

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:05:00 +0000

Photos(c)- Qristyl Frazier Designs

Qristyl Frazier is one of the few designers in the game who makes creating sexy plus size clothing her mission. I have always loved her ability to create clothing that has movement and makes a woman feel enticing while wearing it. You can read more about this fabulous designer here.

I was so excited to hear that she would be one of the contestants on the new season of Project Runway. I absolutely love this show, it is definitely among my top five on my can't miss TV list. I love the creativity and vision that each designer brings to the show. Watching them create always ignites my passion for fashion on a whole new level. I always wished I possessed the skill to create fashion masterpieces of my own. But since I do not, I always watch in envy of the designs the contestants conceptualize and create. This season I feel I have a whole new reason to watch. I am a champion of designers who don't shun the idea of creating art for a larger canvas, so to speak. I hope her presence in some small way will bring some inspiration to plus size fashion. I know the show doesn't use plus size models, except for occasionally in maybe one or two challenges but I will still be watching to see what Qristyl creates. What did you think about her first design?

Photo(c)- Lifetime TV

Black by Popular Demand

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:38:00 +0000

The perfect little black dress (LBD) is a staple piece for a woman's closet. I have compiled a grouping of my favorite shapes and styles check them out above.

FAF Chic: Trend Watch

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:22:00 +0000

Rock and roll inspiration is one of the leading trends in fashion as of late. You can see this translated in clothing, and also in jewelry and footwear. Chains are the hottest accessory. I luv the multi-chained necklaces, as they seem to make all my outfits a lot more edgy. Black is the new black again and now getting that rocker chic vibe simply requires a little accessorizing.

Miss Piggy Style Through The Decades

fatandfabchic@gmail.com (Fabby) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:46:00 +0000

I thought this was really cute and wanted to share this with you all. Miss Piggy was my favorite Muppet growing up. She was large, in charge, confident and over the top fabulous. It's amazing to see how her look has changed over the years. Click the link below to read the article over at Stylelist.

StyleList Tweets

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