(My) Plus Size Store in Toronto Now Open!: Your Big Sister's Closet

Hey Guys,

I know I've been super quiet lately, but it's because I've been working on my most amazing project yet! I opened my very own plus size clothing store in Toronto called Your Big Sister's Closet on December 24th. We've been working on this since about the beginning of October, and there were many delays (we were hoping to be open for the Christmas shopping season) but we're finally open now and so elated that everything has come together so wonderfully. People are always asking me how I came up with the name, and I picked it because I want the space to be really comfortable and relaxed, but with lots of really awesome stuff, just like browsing through a big sister's closet. I have two older sisters whose closets I always envied, but I could never borrow clothes from them because they're so much smaller than me. I wanted to make a store that other women can come to and feel comfortable, and find clothes that make them look and feel great - clothes they're excited about! Since we've opened our doors, we've had many straight-size women come through saying that they love what we're selling and it's too bad we don't carry their size. I think this means we're doing something right! If even women who can shop anywhere want to shop here, I've done my job! I want you all to be excited to put on clothes you get here. That's also how I came up with the tagline - "Plus Size Clothing for the Uncompromising Woman." I thought I'd share a few photos of my new Canadian plus size clothing store in Toronto so you can check us out. The web store is open now but will be undergoing a major make-over soon. If you're looking for plus size clothing in Toronto, I would be so happy if you came by to visit and shop =) We're at 3126 Dundas Street West in Toronto.

So what do you all think of my labour of love?

Outfit of the Day - Neon Colour Blocking

Hey Guys!

So I've been seeing a lot of neon around lately, and I've been a little bit reluctant to wear it (mainly since I am old enough that I was a part of the trend when we did this the last time, in the 90s, and I wasn't so sure it needed revisiting) but I finally decided I would give in an give it a go. I decided to try mixing last Spring's hot trend of colour blocking with the neon. I also added some polka dots in for good measure. All I'm missing now is the side ponytail!

Top and Skirt - Forever 21+/Jacket - Tahari Woman (sent to me by the fabulous Jessica from Chic in Every City)/Tights - Exhiliration brand from Target/Shoes - Lane Bryant/

Peter and I (with Peter a little embarrassed about how wild my outfit was) went to our usual Saturday morning coffee shop (except this was a Sunday) and then we went to go check out Gussied Up Plus on Bathurst and Dupont in Toronto. If you're an avid reader, you'll know that I've already been there and posted about them a couple of times, but I entered an online contest and I won $100 gift card to use there, which made me SO excited, because I can honestly and unreservedly say that Gussied Up Plus is my favourite plus size store in Toronto. I just love to shop there so much! Everything they carry is so fashionable, the prices are reasonable, the owner, Victoria, is so helpful, and the atmosphere of the boutique is so wonderful. Here are some of the pieces I tried on. Please excuse the pink tights. I was too lazy to take them off!

I really liked everything that I tried on, but I ended up picking out the Monaco Ruched Swimsuit by Monif C. in fuschia! I will do a post about it, but later, when the weather is warm enough to actually wear it! It is so stunning on... I saw it on the Monif C. website last Summer, and I was in love with it, but I just couldn't afford to shell out so much on a swimsuit (since I'm still a student), and I was also a little nervous about ordering it without having tried it on. But honestly, it is SUCH a nice suit. Worth every penny. I don't think I've ever seen such a nice swimsuit on me before. I am going to have such crazy beach confidence!!! Can't wait to show you guys! Now I want the Espana too, in red! That ruffle is so awesome. What are you guys wearing to the beach this summer? Have you rocked the neon trend yet?

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