Marie Denee is an upscale contemporary online boutique that offers today’s fashion forward, curvy, confident, and chic plus size woman, a sanctuary where she can confidently shop the latest designer fashions in her size, without sacrificing her desires for premium, fashion forward, and impeccably fit options.

Marie Denee will feature lifestyle apparel and accessories carefully edited and sourced from all over the globe by designers who see fashion beyond a size 12.

Marie Denee is dedicated to fashion your curves and bring you fashions to keep you Curvy.Confident.Chic.

Visit Marie Denee Boutique Now!

www.mariedenee.com

Potential, creativity and skill can lead to so many endless possibilities in the plus size industry.
I worked for Wells Fargo in Canada for 10 years as a marketing manager. While I loved the diversity the position provided, and worked with super dynamic people, promoting financial services can be limiting. Especially when your creative juices are flowing!
My department was transferred to the US; after all Canadian marketing positions were cancelled in November of 2008. I basked in the luxury of having some time off especially during the holiday season. I spent the next four months looking for a new job which became my new full-time job. I explored every resource available: online job sites, professional outplacement services, networking, library listings, government resources and so on. The month of May rolled around and I was frustrated that I hadn’t yet found a new job. Being someone who always worked hard and built a solid professional reputation, it was hard not to take it personally.
Over the past year I contemplated the idea of opening up my own plus size clothing business. A native from Montréal and a female of a size 16 with a flair for fashion, why couldn’t I take things into my own hands and start something new? Trendy, sexy and affordable plus size clothes are very difficult to find in Canada and us plus-size women need to dress and feel as sexy as everybody else. There was definitely opportunity and demand for trendy plus size women’s’ fashions, and I felt the need to fulfill that demand.
On May 31st I was exposed to four successful women that were being interviewed, and when asked what their underlying key to success was, they all replied, “Believe in yourself and what you are doing”. That was a sign for me to take action and start my career in the plus size industry. I decided to take a huge risk! Despite the economic downturn and complete lack of knowledge about this niche market, I turned down an attractive job offer to pursue my dream of owning my own online fashion boutique for plus size women.
I was now completely committed to getting business off the ground, and tapped into government resources to educate myself on the requirements and challenges of starting a small business. One resource that was very valuable for my new small business was Enterprise Toronto. They provide free seminars, helpful staff, free research and networking opportunities for small businesses alike.
I decided on SexyPlus Clothing as the business name, registered the company and designed my logo. My marketing and graphics background allowed me to truly tap into my talent and training. I wrote a business plan in about 2 weeks, and started networking in the plus size industry. I flew to New York in July for the first annual Full Figured Fashion Week in hopes of finding wholesalers, and shortly after to Vegas. My mission became finding wholesalers who had the styles that I wanted at the right price so that I could provide my customers with great value and competitive pricing. I quickly invested in inventory for my online boutique, a company website, and other start-up expenses.
Now SexyPlus Clothing is well on its way. I’ve connected with some great people in the industry and have received tremendous support from the plus size community. Our styles consist of sexy club wear, casual wear, denim, beach wear, and holiday products that also include plus size costumes.
I knew that networking was essential for any business, and I proved it to myself yet again when I met a co-owner of Curvaceous Consignments – a specialty consignment boutique catering to women sizes 14 and up. They wanted to add cool, funky, urban styles to their extensive collection at their two locations (Ajax and Thornhill) and SexyPlus Clothing was the answer. Now customers can access our unique styles in the East, North and West ends of the Greater Toronto Area. Catherine Leteinturier from www.bellesplus.com was also a great contact that provides an international directory for plus size products and services from around the world.
While the fashion industry was new to me, I always had a natural flair for fashion and I believe that it provides a vessel to express one’s personality. Women need to learn to focus on their assets like their beautiful faces, curves, hips, breasts, femininity and personality. Recently, I posed for an episode of “How To Look Good Naked Canada” which will be aired in February.
Here are a few practical tips to help women look, and more importantly ‘feel’ great no matter what their size:
1. Know how to dress for your body shape (some styles are more flattering than others on certain shapes); we can help women identify their shape and pick the most figure flattering cuts (our website has “browse by shape” functionality)
2. Shop smart: pick up staple items that are timeless (i.e. little black dress, great jeans, classy sweater, club tops) when you have lots of time or when they are on sale – do not wait till the last minute as your selection will be limited and satisfaction diminished
3. Accessorize – like many fashion experts have stated over time, accessories make the outfit. Pick up great belts, jewellery, shoes, scarves and shawls when you see ones that you love. And be adventurous with ; express your moods and personality
4. Smooth out your shape: if you are comfortable in shape wear, whichever brand you prefer, have a few on hand in different colours. They bring you down a size or two, smooth out your shape and some even help with your posture.
Lately I teamed up with Curvacious.ca (hosts of plus sized events in the GTA) to celebrate the launch of the SexyPlus Clothing website. On October 17th, 2009 at 8:00pm we kicked off the evening with a fashion show, champagne and DJ spinning the latest hits. The event was free and a great place to network helping the evolution of Sexy Plus Clothing.
As our company expands, SexyPlus Clothing will carry an extensive array of sizes (4, 5, 6X). We will also host monthly open house fashion events in the Toronto are where ladies have the opportunity to shop in a comfortable and unique environment. Our website and integrated blog has launched and we are open for online shopping. We will provide consumers with international shipping, fashion news, events, trends, and topics of interest and will feature real women who embrace their curves and our company.
I look forward to serving women in Canada and around the world. Great service is easy to deliver when you love what you do, and see a woman transformed because she found a garment that simply elevates her spirits.
SexyPlus Clothing – sexy, affordable, finally.

The “Fierce Curves” Beauty and Fashion Affair is an event destination for fashionistas and socialites to gather with their girlfriends to shop, have fun and check out the hottest Fall items from trendy vendors and boutiques.  Learn new beauty secrets, share new experiences, get pampered, meet new friends all in one day!  We will have specials on accessories, apparel, beauty and skin care and much more!  The event will be held from 12 noon until 6pm on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at the Cultural Arts Center of Glen Allen, VA.  You won’t want to miss this spectacular event, which will also feature free giveaways, so make sure you grab your ticket when you walk in venue.

After the “Fierce Curves” B&A Affair, the Fall Fashion Show takes over the runway at 7pm sharp.  The Fall Fashion show will feature high fashion couture by local, and national designers, boutiques, and store fronts.  This even was created to celebrate Richmond’s collective talents of artist and designers by bringing individuals of the fashion and art industry together to promote an exclusive showcase of one-of-a-kind fashion designs.  ”Fierce Curves” aims to promote beautiful women of all shapes and sizes.

For more information contact:

Christie’s Creations

ccreation@yahoo.com

(804) 683-5791

Shalon Dozier

Los Angeles, CA

Modelmayhem.com/shalondozier

Photography By:

Kev Bailey

http://www.kevbaileyphotography.com

HC: Hello Shalon tell us about yourself?

Shalon: My name is Shalon Dozier a single mother of an amazing little boy named Zachary. I am currently attending school full-time in hopes of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.  As of now I am working on transferring into the Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing program with a minor in chemistry.  Once I complete the BSN program, I will proceed to take the NCLEX-RN, which is the state board exam to become a registered nurse. Upon completion and licensing my plan is to continue my education by immediately entering into the Masters program to obtain certification as a nurse practitioner in Family Nursing. My ultimate goal is to operate and own a makeup and skincare line for all women. After grad school I will take advantage of both degrees and revolutionize the makeup and skincare industry by incorporating natural botanicals to bring out a woman’s true beauty.

Some of my favorite hobbies include hanging out with my son, shopping, and jazz festivals. I consider myself to be a woman who beats to her own drum; my style is a reflection of it. I enjoy mixing and matching vintage pieces with modern trends.  Being a plus size model doesn’t stop me from dressing a certain way. I put all limitations aside when it comes to fashion and trends, it defines who I am as a woman.  My inspiration stems from people who are trendsetters. When I think of a trendsetter I think of plus supermodel Mia Tyler, I love the confidence she exudes on the runway. Mia is a model that creates trends a lot of plus models follow, she is absolutely gorgeous!

HC: Who discovered you as a plus size model?

Shalon: I got my start as a plus model by entering Torrid’s model search, a few years back.  I remember showing up to the model search and seeing a line that wrapped around the entire perimeter of the mall.  Over eight hundred women showed for the model search, and I was chosen two weeks later as one of the top ten finalists.  I was not the winner, but was fortunate enough to get a call back for another modeling assignment.  This opportunity led to my success as a plus size model.

HC: What has been your best experience in the plus size industry?

Shalon: The plus size industry has brought many lucrative experiences to me, but there is one in particular that I would like to share with you all.  I was invited to attend the Classically Plus Cruise for a weekend.  This cruise was a networking event that was held for the plus size industry which included; plus models, makeup artist, photographers, magazines, designers and many other industry professionals.  I participated in a photo shoot  led by two great photographers in the industry.  This photo shoot landed me a two page editorial spread in Venus Diva Magazine, and a swimsuit cover with magazine as well.  I was given the wonderful opportunity to embrace the industry by connecting with the right people.

HC: How do you feel about Heavenly Curves and our movement?

Shalon: I love that Heavenly Curves provides lingerie that embraces the curves of plus size women.  The line offers pieces that are sexy and can give me the support that I need at the same time.  Heavenly Curves has tapped in on exactly what the plus size woman wants and needs.  They embrace the curves of women by making them feel sexy and comfortable at all times.  Our society perceives that if you are bigger than a size four, you do not fit the standards of what is considered beautiful.  I appreciate the fact that Heavenly Curves embraces and supports the wants and needs of the plus size woman, when I wear Heavenly Curves I feel confident, sexy and beautiful!

ACTRESS LISA ANN WALTER TO HOST

HOLLYWOOD NOW’S ”LOVE YOUR BODY DAY“

With “Dance Your Ass Off” contestants Shayla Hudson Williams, Sophia “Pinky” Magana-Perez and Mara Hall set to perform

Hollywood, CA October 9, 2009 — Hollywood NOW, the local Chapter of the 43-year-old national organization, which works to bring women and men into full equality, welcomes the community to the Fourth Annual Love Your Body Day celebration Friday, October 23rd – Sunday, October 25th. This three-day event is co-sponsored by the city of West Hollywood and is produced by Chenese Lewis.

Friday October 23rd at 6 pm – Love Your Body Day Launch Party:

This event will kick off the weekend festivities with a celebration at the O Bar Restaurant and Lounge in West Hollywood (8279 Santa Monica Blvd). All community members are welcome to attend.

Saturday, October 24 from 12 noon – 4 p.m. – The Love Your Body Community Celebration:

Love Your Body Day will be hosted by actress Lisa Ann Walter, the creator, on-air judge and Executive Producer of Oxygen’s hit dance/weight loss competition series “Dance Your Ass Off.” Lisa Ann can be seen next co-starring in the movie “Killers” with Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. She is best-know for her performances as Chessy in the “The Parent Trap” with Natasha Richardson and Lindsay Lohan, in “Shall We Dance” with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere, and in “Bruce Almighty” with Jim Carrey and Jennifer Aniston.

“It is such a joy to know events like this are happening in Hollywood,” says Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body Day host Lisa Ann Walter. “Because the entertainment industry is often implicated as the culprit for unreasonable and unattainable standards of beauty, it is important for the Hollywood community to encourage and celebrate a healthy body image for women, and I am excited to be part of the celebration.” Love Your Body Chairperson Chenese Lewis, has dedicated her efforts on both the local and national levels to advocating a healthy body image for women, and celebrating women of all shapes & sizes. To learn more about her work with Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body activism, go to www.LoveYourBodyDay.com

The celebration will welcome singers, actors, dancers and spoken word artists to the community event. The pinnacle of the festivities – the “Real Women” Fashion Show – will begin at 3 pm. Models of all shapes and sizes will be flaunting the styles of various plus-size designers and retailers. The location is the West Hollywood Park Auditorium is located at 647 N. San Vicente in West Hollywood. All ages are welcome and admission is free.

PLUS Model Magazine will be launching its first plus-size model search at the event. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk with representatives from the magazine and five finalists will compete to win the ultimate prize: a one year exclusive contract with Brand Model & Talent Agency, an advertising campaign with Hips & Curves, and the cover and editorial of PLUS Model Magazine. The winner will be announced on the magazine’s pod cast, PLUS Model Radio.

Saturday, October 24 at 8pm – Comedy Show at The World Famous Comedy Store
A hysterical all-female line-up of comics will hit the stage in celebration of Love Your Body Day. The show is open to all members of the community (21 years and older) and admission is $10. The Comedy Store is located at 8433 Sunset in West Hollywood.

Sunday, October 25 at 11:00am – Body Image Panel Discussion
Moderated by Love Your Body Chairperson and event creator, Chenese Lewis- panelist include: Miss America 2008 Kristen Haglund, Global Ambassador for the Dove Self-Esteem Fund Jess Weiner, supermodel Tomiko Frasier, New York Times best selling author Nancy Redd, plus size actress Lindsay Hollister, and 2009 Love Your Body Day host Lisa Ann Walter. The discussion topic will be maintaining a Positive Body Image in “Hollywood” and Defying Unrealistic Expectations. Panelist will share their personal and professional experiences with eating disorders, body image issues, and size discrimination. Admission is $10 and tickets are available for purchase in advance through the website. The location is the Pacific Design Center Conference Center located at 8687 Melrose Blvd. in West Hollywood at 11am with a reception immediately following.

Love Your Body Day attendees are expected to be highly diverse, wildly talented, and incredibly beautiful. Men will be welcomed with love and respect, though the focus of the celebration will be the beauty – inside and out – of real women.

About NOW:

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.

The Hollywood Chapter of NOW has brought a new face to feminism and tackled contemporary issues facing all women, including healthy body image, safety, and peace. “There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the idea of feminism today,” says Chapter President, 27-year-old Lindsey Horvath. “Hollywood NOW works to identify and address the concerns relevant to women today. Chenese’s leadership for Love Your Body Day is just one way we show how feminist activism brings women together to create the world we all envision for ourselves, the world we know is possible for women.”

For more information visit:

www.loveyourbodyday.com
www.hollywood-now.org
www.plusmodelmag.com
www.cheneselewis.com

The Veggie Grill at Plaza El Segundo is “HEAVENLY” according to Heavenly Curves.  With all the VEGAN LA HYPE we decided to try the oh so popular “Carne Asada Sandwich” paired with their sweetheart fries.  Now let me confirm that from a non-vegan perspective the taste was really close to fooling us!  The sweetheart fries made out of sweet potatoes are finger lickin’ good!  The trendy atmosphere and friendly environment has us wanting to come back for more! Thanks for a great experience Veggie Grill.

Plaza El Segundo
720 Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245 | map
Phone 310-535-0025 | hours 11am to 10pm

HER NAILS

by Plus Model Melinda Mann Rivera

Images by Sky Photography

Melinda Mann Rivera is an LA based plus size model and nail designer.  The 90’s were her inspiration, and she’s been taking pictures and rockin’ trendy nails since then. This led her to open up her own nail business called HER NAILS.  Melinda’s modeling career began in 2009 when she decided to focus on blurring the lines between plus size and high fashion.  “Women with curves shouldn’t just be limited to shopping at Target”, says Melinda.  Plus size models love couture and need to have more options in their wardrobe; designers should focus and embrace plus size women instead of just draping them in cheap fabric and boring designs.  “When Roberto Cavalli is ready for some curves in those tiger print dresses, I’ll be the first one on the catwalk”, says Melinda.  Having participated in the first Full Figured Fashion Week this past June in New York City, she felt inspired and relentless about the many possibilities for curvy women.  Melinda is not just a plus size model she is also a business professional that owns her own nail shop and freelances.  She has dressed up nails for celebrities such as Cassie, Erykah Badu, DJ Rashida, Melody Ehsani, J Davey and numerous others.  When you meet Melinda, you see how chains, dice, pearls, and jewels come together as an art form.  She has combined both modeling and photography to build a bridge between nails and fashion.  Working with countless stylist and photographers, she has designed nails for many clothing campaigns and designers. She is now working vigorously on re-launching the HER Nails website and designing pre-made event nails to be sold in boutiques as early as 2010. Melinda will be at this month’s Love Your Body Day in Los Angeles if you would like to meet her and connect with other plus size industry beauties.

facebook.com/hernails

twitter.com/hernails

Email: melinda@her-nails.com