A WONDERFUL night of Toronto Plus Size Fashion at The Time is Now, by On the Curve Events

A while back (sorry I've been a bit slow to post lately - I'm so busy with school and teaching), I was invited by Liis Windishmann to what is to be the first of many fantastic events for Toronto based plus size women. I was so honoured to be invited by her, and I had a really amazing time. Liis is a totally amazing person. She has done so much to pave the way for Canadian plus size women, and this is a major milestone along that road. Here is a short bio of Liis and a description of On the Curve Events:

On the Curve Events is a series of fashion events throughout the year, starting with The Time is Now, to celebrate the curvy woman through intimate and large scale fashion shows, seminars, presentations, designer Q&A’s and boutique shopping events.

As an entrepreneur, educator and top model, Liis Windischmann has played a leading role in building a diverse and inclusive fashion industry. She initiated Walk the Catwalk, a ground-breaking advocacy campaign that was the first organization in the world to link the singular sample size with the lack of diversity in fashion media.

Liis Windischmann has enjoyed a long, successful career as a top model. She has appeared in numerous worldwide print campaigns for retailers such as Talbot’s, Eddie Bauer, Laura Plus, Reitmans and Addition-Elle. Her frequent television modelling appearances have included Fashion Television, Fashion File, Breakfast Television, Canada AM and CityLine. Some of her editorial appearances include Woman’s World, Wedding Bells, Lush, Canadian Living, Chatelaine, Homemaker’s, Today’s Bride, Clin d’oeil and the coveted September cover of MODE.

She is also a director of the world-renowned Ben Barry Modelling Agency, headquartered here in Toronto, which provides representation for models who demonstrate beauty diversity (they have models of all different sizes, heights, and ages). If you ever read Lou Lou magazine's 14+ blog, she is it's author! Liis has done a lot to promote body acceptance and fashion options for women of all size, height and age groups. It was truly a pleasure to meet her and attend this wonderful event.

Lola and Gigi, Toni +, Gussied Up, Stephanie Bezaire, and Allistyle all showed their Winter 2011 collections, and I must say, I was very impressed. I had always throught that Toni + was more for an older crowd, but the collection that they showed looked fairly youthful (or maybe I'm just getting older?), so I think I am going to go and check them out soon!

I invited Sheena from MTV (since I know her now, how cool is that?) to join me, and I was so glad that she came. We got to hang out off camera for a while and it was great to see her again. I also got to see Karyn from Killer Kurves, and Sarah from Garters and Stockings. It was a great night with wonderful fashion, friends, and swag, and I can't wait for the next On the Curve Event. Seriously. When will there be another one???!

Me, Karyn, and Sheena :D

Me and Liis

Everything except shoes - Forever 21+/Shoes - Rainbow

Cyber Monday Plus Size Clothing Sales

Hey Guys,

I am sure you are all still reeling from the Black Friday sales this past weekend, but today is also a good day to shop (and without all the hassle of parking and crowds at the mall). Today is known as "Cyber Monday," the online equivalent of Black Friday. Since many Canadians can't make it to US malls, this is a great opportunity to bag some of the great deals traditionally only available to our US neighbours. Here is a list of sales that might interest those looking for some new clothes for the holidays, or for those looking to pick up presents for the beautiful plus size lady in their life. Use these links to get some really epic deals! I've put an asterisk (*) in front of the ones that I think are exceptionally good sales, for those of you in a hurry! Happy Cyber Monday Shopping!

*City Chic - They have some really cute, youthful clothing options, and a wide range of dresses for all those holiday parties you'll be going to. The whole website is 60% off and you can get an extra 30 off entering code 3ON3W. Free shipping to Canada and the US. This sale ends tonight at 11:59pm.

*Hips and Curves - They have some amazing lingerie here. Beautiful, sexy pieces that will make you feel fabulous. Santa teddies abound. $10 off orders $100 use code save10nov11. $20 off orders $150 use code save20nov11. $30 off orders $200 use code save30nov11. They have a sale section with some really great bargains for Cyber Monday. Some of the stuff is 80% off the original price. Not sure when this one ends.

*Queen Grace Collection - These guys have some fantastic evening wear. The quality is incredible (you remember when I reviewed their Elise dress here?). Everything is 50% off, including their new skirts, which I think are SO glamorous! Not sure when this one ends either, but it might be tonight...

Eshakti - They sell beautiful dresses that you can custom-order to your sizing specifications or desired length/neckline, etc. You can get $20 off your order by entering code ESHAKTIBFSR at check out. Offer expires December 31st.

Eliza Parker - Some really pretty day dresses and work wear. Everything is 35% off with code Friends35. Offer expires at 11:59pm tonight.

*Svoboda - Their jeans are fantastic, and normally they're around $130-$170 a pair. But today they have a pretty spectacular sale and most of their jeans are on sale from around $30-$70.

Shop Translated - Some really pretty blouses and dresses. 40% off everything in store, plus free shipping on orders over $99. Enter code HOLIDAYJOY at checkout. An extra 50% off all sale items with code FIFTYOFF. Sale ends tonight at 11:59pm.

Kiyonna - Some really nice dresses. 30% off all orders of $150 or more. Enter code PIE at checkout. Ends Wednesday at 11:59pm.

SWAK (Sealed with a Kiss) Designs - Some really cute tops and dresses. 25% off sitewide, ends tomorrow night at 11:59pm. Enter code ILOVETURKEY at checkout.

Alloy - Good jeans and outerwear and a few nice tops. Everything is on sale on their website, and you can get one of the following deals on top of that: free shipping - enter code 25AFFNA, 20% off your entire order enter code CY2, or $20 off an order of $75 or more - enter code 75AFFNA. Just pick the one that'll save you the most money based on your order. 

*Anna Scholz - Some amazing amazing pieces in the sale!!! Some wonderful items in the 20-50 GBP (Great Britain Pound) range. So tempted by this one right now! Just click the sale link at the top of the page to see what they've got.


*Ashley Stewart - Gorgeous and versatile items. This retailer, who already (under non-sale circumstances) offers excellent value for your money, is having a 30% off everything sale - today only. Also, free shipping within the US for those who order $75+ of merchandise.


Dorothy Perkins - Lovely tops and dresses as well as very pretty accessories. They are offering free international shipping for Cyber Monday, and their boots and shoes are on sale - up to 20 GBP off.

Domino Dollhouse - A great line of edgy and youthful clothing. 25% off site wide, ending tonight at 11:59pm. Enter code CYBMON25 at checkout.


*Lane Bryant - Some great stuff and FAB bras and undies. 50% off everything from Lane Bryant and Cacique. Use the above link and enter code CYBERMONLB at checkout. 

Penningtons/Addition Elle - Get 25% off your entire order, plus free shipping. Enter code PTX25 at checkout.

Enjoy! Hope you all find something nice for a great deal =D

Styling MTV's Sheena Snively!

Hey Guys!

So I mentioned before that I was given an amazing opportunity to style MTV host Sheena Snively at the beginning of the month. I have been anxiously waiting for the editing to be done and the video to be posted, and it's UP!!! I wanted to make sure I gave you guys the inside scoop, a sort of behind-the-scenes look at the styling I did and my experiences, so that's what this post will be about.

Sheena was an absolute dream to work with, and I think I can actually call her a friend after getting to style her! She is so warm and open and sweet, and I was REALLY excited to get to meet her, but she seemed excited to meet me too, which was so weird for me because, like, she's the celebrity, ya know? But she did seem really happy to see me, and I was super flattered about that. I studied Sheena's fashion on her facebook fan page and in her videos to get a sense of her style before pulling samples for her. It's SO important for the person you're dressing not to feel as though you're dressing them in someone else's style. They need to feel like themselves, just the best possible version of what that is. I made sure I was careful with all of the selections I made for Sheena, and I really think that she was pleased with everything I picked out for her. She especially liked the DKNY pink moto jacket from Lane Bryant, and the ruched back boots from Torrid. She was also so excited to learn about a less-known brand called Domino Dollhouse that offers fashions that are really consistent with her youthful, edgy style, and she loved the Dahlia Pencil dress, Pretty Kitty cardigan, Miss Fancy Top, and Bowie Metallic Leggings in Red that they sent.

All of the samples I pulled from the different retailers had been sent directly to MTV, and I was so eager to see all of the items in person so I could get a better sense of the garments. Sheena had waited for me (very patiently, I might add) before she even tried anything on, but I am pretty sure that the wait was killing her, as she was super excited to finally get to put on the clothes. She looked absolutely fantastic in all of it!

When I got there, I put several outfits together out of all the lovely pieces that had been sent, and we got to filming. I got to be a bit silly on camera with Sheena, which was awesome, and I don't think she was expecting that at all, lol. We had a total blast working on the video, and afterwards, Sheena gave me and Peter (who was there snapping LOADS of photos) a tour of the MTV Building, which used to be a Masonic Temple, and thus, is very creepy. It was lots of fun to have her give us the grand tour! Without further ado, here are a few photos of the shoot, Sheena looking absolutely fantastic in her new clothes, the MTV FORA video, and links to all the lovely stuff Sheena's wearing. I'd love to hear your comments! =D

Checking out all the stuff that was sent to Sheena when I first arrived...

Chatting with Sheena and Leeor, editor of MTV FORA (right) about all the pieces!

The first outfit pull. A red leopard blazer from Addition Elle and a black leatherette panel dress also from Addition Elle.

Putting some bangles from Torrid on Sheena... She was really excited about the bangles!

Sheena and I chatting about how hard it is to find bangles that fit at accessory stores, and how you try to fit your hand in ones that are too small anyways... LOL.

Outfit 1 - Blazer and Dress - Addition Elle/Bangles and Shoes - Torrid

Outfit 2 - Ruffle Shrug and Oxford Shoes - Torrid/Miss Fancy (Pink) Top - Domino Dollhouse/T3 Jeans - Lane Bryant

Outfit 3 - Striped Sweater, Tripp NYC Skinny Pants, Leatherette Boots, and Leopard Bangle Set - Torrid

Outfit 4 (which Sheena doesn't look at all excited  about, lol) - Pink Moto Jacket - DKNY for Lane Bryant/Shoes - Lane Bryant/Leopard Bangle Set, Black and White Lip Service Skirt, Belt, Cami - Torrid

We're getting excited about how awesome these red metallic tights from Domino Dollhouse are...

Outfit 5 - Blazer and Top - Torrid/Leggings - Domino Dollhouse/Shoes - Lane Bryant

Sheena's interviewing me about my blog here... This part didn't make it on the cutting room floor :(

Peter took a shot of me in between outfit changes =D

Sheena looking adorable in Domino Dollhouse's Pretty Kitty Cardigan.

And here in Domino Dollhouse's Dahlia Pencil Dress.

A final shot of all of the fine ladies who worked together to make this happen!

And just me and Sheena... LOVE this shot! =D

And that's a wrap! It was SUCH an awesome experience to style Sheena, and I really hope I am invited back to do it again! You should definitely check out the MTV FORA video (below) and see the antics we got up to. Pretty hilarious! =D

Toronto Plus Fashion Bloggers Head Down to Lane Bryant!!!

Hey Guys,

So for the past little while, I've been planning a trip to Buffalo, NY for myself and my fellow Toronto bloggers. I was so excited when Lane Bryant agreed to host us at their store in Walden Galleria! They have been really great to work with, and everyone who I've been in touch with over there has been so nice!!!

We took the Megabus from Toronto down to Buffalo, and all of the girls were so excited! I am pretty sure we were annoying the heck out of the other passengers with all our giggling!

Lane Bryant put us up in really nice digs, very close to (in the same parking lot as) the mall. We stayed at the Millennium Hotel Buffalo, which was very comfortable and accommodated to our every need. The shuttle service was fantastic (they shuttled us over to the mall and even to other box stores in the area), and everyone we were in contact with was so friendly and courteous.

When we arrived (early) they already had our hotel rooms ready, so we were able to drop off our bags and freshen up after the journey. Once we were all ready, we headed excitedly over to Lane Bryant to see what they had in store for us...

The managers we met with were so nice, and made sure we were very comfortable and well looked after during our stay. We were invited to look around the well stocked store to see what tickled our fancy, and I saw SO much I wanted.

Of course I tried on lots of stuff! Here are a few shots from the change-room. Sorry the quality is not the greatest... I didn't have Peter with me this time to be my photographer!

I picked up some great pieces, including the green top in the first photo and the gold skirt in the last photo. I am a bit sad that I left behind the black sequin skirt. It looked so great on, and I definitely should have grabbed it. It would have worked really well for the holiday parties I have coming up! I also picked up a couple of pieces from the Cacique lingerie section. . They have a fabulous selection of bras and undies for the most discerning fashionista. My sister (who is straight size) even expressed her frustration to me after wandering in there once, thinking it was stuff that would fit her, and not being able to buy anything! They have so many great designs in the sizes that you need. It's really the only place I buy undies and bras from anymore. I was really happy with everything I got from Lane Bryant, and I know you see it all in OOTD posts soon!

Another great part of my trip was getting to hang out with some truly amazing women. All of the bloggers who came along are fantastic people, and I'm glad I got to bond with them some more over the weekend.

Karyn from Killer Kurves

Sadia from Rawrmanifesto

Sasha from Flaws of Couture

Alison from 'Round Raglan Road

Garcia from Flaws of Couture, left, and Luna from Not So Starving, right

Sarah from Garters and Stockings

A fantastic group shot of all of us!

Once we were finished our shopping for the day, we headed over exhaustedly to the Olive Garden, where we had such a nice meal together.

The next day we all did a bit more shopping, prefaced by an excellent breakfast at the nearby IHOP, and in the evening, it was time to head home. It was a very busy weekend, full of fun and fashion, and I so hope we have the chance to do this again soon! Lane Bryant was so gracious to host us so well, and I know I'll be back very shortly! You should all check them out for your holiday shopping! You can visit your nearest store (they have stores in pretty much all border malls), or you can shop online since they recently added international shipping! <3 Happy shopping! =D