Addition Elle Spring Lingerie Preview

Hey Guys,

Last week I was invited to the Spring preview for Addition Elle's lingerie collection. I got to meet the stunning plus super model, Ashley Graham, who taught us all a thing or two about posing, hang out with my fellow Toronto plus size blogging buddies, and chat with Roslyn Griner, VP of Marketing for the brand.

They are really focusing on making the brand more fashion-forward, which Rosyln told us will definitely be evident in their Spring collection, and even more so in Summer. She says that by Fall 2012, their rebranding will be complete, and the store will offer items that have greater appeal for a younger, more trend-conscious consumer. This is very exciting news, and I can't wait to see what they have in their back pockets.

A big part of the brand transformation is their intimates section. Rosyln spoke with us about a few of their new designs (what we can expect for the Summer collection - totally cute), and their new "Smooth Curves" bra, which is designed to keep your back looking smooth under fitted garments, and eliminate the spill over that sometimes happens with traditional bra bands. This bra is seemless, and it looks like it would work wonders under tight fitting tops or dresses.

It was really great to be able to sit down with Roslyn and talk about their new lingerie collection and the directions the brand is headed in generally. I really got the impression that she was listening to each of us, thoughtfully considering our suggestions, and that she would bring these back to the buyers at their head office when she returned. I am very excited to see where Addition Elle is headed over the next few months.

Here are a few pictures of the event and some of the lovely new items from their intimates collection.

A few lovely Toronto Plus Size Fashion bloggers

  Melissa from Killer Kurves showing off one of the sets for the camera

Me with Ashley Graham, star of Addition Elle's intimates campaign, and plus size super model

We were each given a certificate to get a complimentary bra and pair of panties. This is the set I picked out.

I took this bra for the 18-hour day spin to make sure it was comfortable, and I can honestly say I was still totally comfortable by the end of the day!

Femme Fatale Panty in Black

All in all, it was a great event, and I had a great time chatting with the people at Addition Elle. I really love my new undies, and if you're looking for some, make sure you check out Addition Elle's intimates page or pop into one of their stores.

Double Take's Second Annual Designer Dare, Benefiting Toronto's Yonge Street Mission

Hey All!

Awhile back, I was contacted by Julia (blog|twitter), a follower of the blog, and she invited me to a wonderful event at Double Take, a great second hand store in Toronto, the proceeds of which benefit Toronto's Yonge Street Mission. The event involved a fantastic group of up-and-coming Toronto based indie designers, who were each given a $50 gift certificate to Double Take with which to purchase items that they were then to repurpose into new and trendy designs. It was a really interesting premise that encourages us to do a number of good things - purchase and repurpose second hand items in order to support those in need and decrease our carbon footprint, support local businesses and independent designers, and donate items from our wardrobe that we are no longer using. It was a fabulous event that supported a very worthwhile cause, and I was so pleased to have been invited and in attendance. Those of you who are budding Toronto designers should consider entering next year... =D

Check out Double Take on your next thrifting adventure or consider donating your gently used clothing/accessories/furniture. According to Julia, they are definitely in need of more plus size items.

Blazer - Addition Elle (MXM)/Camisole, Leggings and Peacock Feather Headband/- Forever 21+/Skirt - Thrifted/Boots - Courtesy of Torrid/Purse - CBX (the houndstooth clutch I am holding was from Double Take... I bought it...)

Check out the video (above) of the fashion show of the different looks created by the designers. To find out more about how you can help, visit http://www.ysm.ca/. You can also follow them on twitter.

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

Meet Your Favourite Toronto Plus Size Fashion Bloggers at Curvaceous Consignments Ajax

Hey Guys!

You're invited to a special event being held at Curvaceous Consignments in Ajax, ON, on November 27th from 1-3pm. Some of your favourite Toronto plus size fashion bloggers (myself included) will be in attendance for a meet-and-greet, and you will have the opportunity to say hello as well as do a bit of shopping. Wanda, the store's owner, will provide light refreshments, and will be there to talk to you about her community outreach project "Curvaceous World." She is also happy to accept your gently used garments for consignment (you receive 40% of the sale price back in cash once the item sells). This is a great way to make more room (and a few bucks!) for those fantastic pieces you've been wanting to add to your closet. You can check out the Curvaceous Consignments website here, and here are some coupons for $5 off a $20 purchase or $20 off a $50 purchase. Please RSVP here.

We would all love to see you there! Can't wait!