#HighSchoolConfessions; Gazel M. of Bonjour Gazel!

Name: Gazel M.

AKA: Bonjour Gazel
C/O: 2009
High School: I went to two high schools; École Secondaire Sisler High School and Collège Sturgeon Heights.

School Colors and Mascot: For Sisler it was Red and White, the mascot was 'Spartans' and for Sturgeon it was Gray, Maroon and White. The mascot was the Huskies.

What did your typical outfit consist of during your high school years?

Haha, Oh GOD. Well when I went to Sisler (which was during my grade 9 to 10 years) I wore logo t-shirts from Abercrombie, Hollister and American Eagle-- that and a pair of jeans and some Adidas shoes. Plus a hoodie. It was typical because everyone was wearing that look. When I was in my junior and senior years at Collège Sturgeon Heights, the school fashion scene was a lot more different. I wore more tunics and cardigans with flats. It was kind of like my first step into what my fashion sense evolved into today, and it is still evolving.

What is one trend that you regret following in high school?

The logo t-shirt trend. I guess that's what most teenagers in North America go through. Baggy hoodies, shapeless pants, runners... too short denim mini-skirts.

When you were in H.S., what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

I wanted to be a Doctor, typical, right? Well at first I wanted to be a Humanities Teacher in High School, but then I realised my potential. I'm actually really smart at sciences and I was confident that I would succeed in that field.

What was your favorite subject? Worst?

My favourite subject was physics. I still love it! My worst subject was probably chimie (Chemistry). I did fairly well in school but the professor was the worst. She was mean and didn't make a lot of sense. I took Chemistry with another professor and he was way better off than the other one, ha ha.

Ever skip school?

When you live 5 minutes away from your high school it's really hard not to skip a few times!

What song best describes your high school days?

Oh God. I don't know, all I know is that I listened to Daphne Loves Derby a lot during my high school days. :)

What did you and your friends do on Friday nights?

I was a total geek. Sometimes I stayed home and played video games or sometimes we'd go to the mall, go to the movies and cause trouble at Starbucks.

Who was your high school crush?

I didn't really have crushes during high school. I know, scandalous, right? I've only really been with my boyfriend right now throughout high school.

#HighSchoolConfessions, dish the dirt!

When I was at Sisler I got into a fight, which led to suspensions (not me) and bullying. I got bullied a lot in high school and almost got beat up, haha! I ended up switching schools. My personality also did a complete 180. I was so sociable and rebellious but after the whole bullying thing I became more introverted and kept to myself. I don't really have much to confess because I guess I was a good girl in high school.

What is something/someone you miss the most from your high school years?
I miss not paying tuition to go to school. I do not like spending thousands of dollars! Oh well, the price you pay for an education (and a career in the future!)


You can catch up with Gazel on her blog, Bonjour Gazel!

Headed out west...

Well guys, it's here. Today is my official first day on the road to Cali. I'm a mix of emotions right now. If you asked me how I felt at this very moment, I wouldn't know how to answer.

Ryan is in my parents other guest room, so I figured I'd catch you all up really super quickly before I jump in the shower and be on my way.

Moving all my stuff from Chicago, whew, lots of work! My wardrobe is so scaled down now. I know most of you want to see more OOTD posts and you will, but it will be a challenge to not see the same outfits everyday hehe Which is fine, I accept that challenge!

When my mom met Ryan at my apartment, she greeted him with a big hug and said, "I thought you would be taller." We all laughed and I said, "Yeah, me too!"

Ryan and I didn't kill each other for the 5 hours from Chicago to Detroit. Phew! He actually got super sleepy as soon as the wheels touched the expressway lol

My daddy gave the whole, "keep my daughter safe" speech after he finally met Ryan.

My good friends, who were already friends on FB with Ryan, finally got to meet him yesterday. They loved him, just like I knew they would. Weird, we all fit together as if we've known each other for years.

SN, I have the best friends ever! Who else will dry hump you to say goodbye? *tear*

I scaled back MORE last night once we got home. *sigh* I'm leaving MORE stuff at my moms house. It doesn't matter that she already had boxes in her basement from when I moved to Chicago. What are parent's basements for anyway?

Oh, my brother double checked my tires yesterday and pointed out something that I didn't notice; dry rotting. blegh! So we are leaving a smidge later so that I can go get a couple of tires before I leave. I'm so glad that he double checked them for me because I totally had not noticed the damage! =(

Alright, I think that's about it!  Oh I did snap a pic of Ryan and I at Buffalo Wild Wings last night. Eeek! Can you tell we had been up for a long while? LOL I should have put on makeup but I'm glad that he thinks I'm beautiful without it.

I'll be updating my fb and twitter, although I may not always respond right away, but I'll read it once I'm not actually driving. Oh and did I mention Ryan is bringing his flip cam to document the entire trip? Annnd, I have to buy a shot glass from every state we drive through so that I can take shots out of every glass when we arrive. Whew! Fun games his sister made up just for my arrival! Thanks Tiffany!

I will blog about the adventures hopefully as we go along!

Curves for a Cure: A Celebration of Pink

Thursday, October 28 | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Pacific Palisades Ballroom)

Cover: $25 in advance, $35 at the door

Attire: L.A. Chic

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ - Los Angeles will host a silent auction charity event, Curves for a Cure: A Celebration of Pink,  during it’s opening night event on October 28th, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Century City in Los Angeles, CA.   A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Los Angeles chapter of the Susan G. Komen foundation

.  

The success of Curves for a Cure relies upon the generosity of designers, retailers, boutiques, and business owners who are willing to donate items for the silent auction.   We are looking for donations of plus size (sizes 14-20) cocktail dresses, evening gowns, stilettos, jewels and high-end accessories in various shades of pink.  Donated items will be presented and showcased on still-life plus models throughout the ballroom.


To purchase tickets, click HERE.

Hey Target, I'm fat & my money spends too!! (petition)

I have worked in retail for hmm, oh about 14 years or so now. Over the last 8-9 years I have become really passionate about plus size fashion. I am always ecstatic when I hear things about plus size fashion. It makes me very proud to see a small but strong community of curvy women voicing their opinions and concerns. I have been doing this for years with companies and I felt like no one ever noticed. I'm never afraid to be the martyr for my peers and taking the lashing if need be if I am working in a store that does not cater to the 62% of us that live in the U.S. 

Recently, I reached out to Filene's Basement (while I was working there) and asked about adding different vendors and such. Initially, that whole posting on their facebook wall didn't go too well but it created MOVEMENT in my store. My boss along with the store manager started to take notice. I'm happy to report that they are working on improving not only the plus size selection in their stores, but petites as well! I hope they continue to think about their larger customers even though I am no longer there to advocate for us.

ROGAN for Target

However, my determination to get our hands on more fashionable, trendy clothing started about 6-7 years ago. While I was at Target, I wrote letters, anywhere from 2-5 a year, expressing my concern about their lack of choices in the plus size department. My store team leader wasn't a waif herself, so she fostered my passion for making sure our guests voices were being heard. I'd complain to her about the drab selections and how sales could be improved based on a few factors. One of them was definitely going to be a better selection of clothing for women of size.

Anna Sui for Target

Once I was the RTW team leader, I only felt more determined to push forward. With the launch of Target's Go International, the most innovative and creative designer collaborations, I became slightly envious of all the beautiful pieces my friends got to wear. Oh but only if they were no larger than a size 13/15. *side eye* I wrote letters each year after the launch of Go International and encouraged my guests to do the same.

Zac Posen for Target

Target gave us Pure Energy. FAB! We love Pure Energy and we are forever grateful...But guess what? We still want a part of those designer collabo's! So naturally when Marie of The Curvy Fashionista asked for my help in getting these designer collaborations to plus size shoppers, I jumped at the idea! I am on board with her petition that she, along with Patrice of Afrobella and Sarah of Style It Online.

Check out the petition below:

Dear Target,

Each season, you skillfully and beautifully execute exclusive designer collaborations and partnerships with leading fashion designers. As plus size women, we are oft neglected, overlooked and always sized out of your collections.

Why?

We have money to spend as much as our straight sized sisters do. We love to look just as fabulous as the other fashionistas, yet you neglect to even think of us in the equation. We fawn over the  Zac Posen for Target, and strategically finagle through the cuts that could pass on our curves; salaciously we look as each fantastic and highly coveted collaboration passes us along- due to you ignoring our thirst and hunger for fashion.

 Why?

 Therefore, I, Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, Patrice of Afrobella, and Sarah of Style It Online have come together with our followers and the fa(t)shionistas within the plus size community to request, demand, and call for an inclusion of and/or special designer collaborations for the plus size fa(t)shionistas.

I hope that you will join me, NO MATTER WHAT SIZE YOU ARE in signing this petition! We have money! We want to spend those dollars. We want to look fabulous and fashion forward regardless of what some may think. Fashion has no size! Click here to sign the petition!  After you sign it, please share this article with everyone you know that shops at Target! Encourage them to sign the petition as well!


As Mia Amber Davis said at the International Fuller Woman Expo, "62% of us (plus size women) is not a minority! It's a force!" 

Celebrity Style Gone Curvy; Jessica Simpson

Lately, Jessica Simpson has has come under scrutiny of the media for being *gasp* FAT! If you size 2s and 4s don't want her, we will gladly welcome her over to the curvy community.

I spotted Jessica rocking what I would call "weekend chic" on people.com and felt inspired. I'm definitely not a shorts girl, but I would love to try it. I am still seeing lots of shorts out there on the streets and rightfully so. I mean, it's the middle of September and we're seeing temps in the 70s and most recently 80s. So what a great way to transition a couple of summer pieces into the fall?

White Shadow Stripe Shirt- view all - tops & tunics - clothing - evans
Ruched Back Cover Up - tops & tunics - clothing - evans
MICHAEL Michael Kors Handbags - Michael Kors Purses, Pouches : Macy's..., $548
Jessica Simpson - Glam Garden Leaf Drop Earrings (Gold Two Tone) -..., $28
MAC Lip Glass Lip Gloss - Florabundance, MAC, 06753583002, $19
Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad ($30 Value) Bright Eyed, $6
Yves Saint Laurent - Cinema Eau De Toilette Spray 50ml/1.7oz, $58
Torrid.com - Plus sizes - Product Categories - Wedges, $39
Torrid.com - Plus sizes - Product Categories - Shorts & Crops, $25
Brad Walsh Jewelry: Christian Siriano Collection — Tave

#HighSchoolConfessions; Nikeya Young of Nikeya Young Plus Size Model

Name: Nikeya Nicole (Green) Young

AKA: Nikki, Notorious Nikki G (H.S. Rap Moniker), "NIKE"

C/O: " '99 YOU KNOW!"

High School: Booker T. Washington High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma

School Colors and Mascot: Orange and Black; HORNETS

What did your typical outfit consist of during your high school years?

It depends on was the year was! Freshmen Year saw in mostly Nike gear, & sometimes Fila sportswear. Sophomore Year, I was in dresses & short shorts more & wore glitter on my eyelids on a daily basis! Junior Year - ANYTHING by GAP, Senior Year & all four years: baby tees, baggy jeans, a silver clip in my hair.

How Would Your Friends Describe You in High School?
Crazy. Sexy. Cool. I was a very sassy, fun-loving person, FIERCELY loyal to my clique & high-school boyfriend and wasn't afraid to "throw them bows" for either one! I was sweet when I needed to be and definitely TOUGH when I needed to be! I had my share of drama in my life then, so it took me a minute to trust people, but once you earned my trust, I was totally down for you! On the flip side, if you ever burned me, you were CUT OFF!

What is one trend that you regret following in high school?

Wearing one pants leg pulled up like LL Cool J used to do! What where we thinking?! LOL!

When you were in H.S., what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

EXACTLY what I'm doing now: Singer, Actress, Model

What was your favorite subject? Worst?

I absolutely LOVED English! I've always been a good writer. My worst was math! I literally had to retake math in summer school EVERY year of high school. My math grades even eventually got me booted from the Cheerleading squad (which was MY LIFE!) so math was definitely NOT my friend!

Ever skip school?

HECK YEAH! My high school boyfriend had a car & so did some of my other friends. By Senior year we all had nothing but blow-off electives, so we skipped quite a bit. I might have been just a "wee" bit of a rebel in high school.

What song best describes your high school days?

"Wooo Hahhh" by Busta Rhymes. Wild and Crazy times!

What did you and your friends do on Friday nights?

I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and there are only 3 things to do there on weekends: go out to eat, go to the movies, hang out at the mall. So that's what we did... for the most part:-).

Who was your high school crush?

I had one boyfriend all four years of high school. We were constantly breaking up & getting back together, so much so that during our Senior Farewell Assembly, all of our break-ups and make-ups were chronicled along with the rest of our class history! Hindsight is 20/20. I REALLY should've been more focused on school!

#HighSchoolConfessions, dish the dirt!

There is PLENTY of dirt to be "dished" from the Class of 1999! For instance, during freshmen year, I wrote a diss rap about the Seniors and my best friend Briana & I actually did it in the school talent show! And our senior class trip??? ABSOLUTE MAYHEM! One of our classmates was involved in an auto accident w/ a rented Mo Ped Bike on our 1st day in Cancun & spent the rest of the trip on the run from the Mexican Police (We let him sleep in a different room each night)! We literally had to "sneak" dude back into the U.S. To this day I'm sure he probably can't go back to Mexico for ANY reason. ALL of us were drinking (including our chaperone), one of us came back to the states with half of a panther tattoo crawling down her inner thigh (she was too drunk & forgot to go back & get it finished). Yeah, we were a crazy bunch!

What is something/someone you miss the most from your high school years?

Something I miss most from my high school years - My Figure! I was actually a 12 for most of high school, and then lost weight & got down to a 10 by the end of Senior Year. I had an awesome curvaceous shape, but I didn't appreciate it. Because I was a cheerleader for 2 years of high school & wasn't as small as the other girls, I actually thought I was FAT then! Crazy right?? One of the things I get most nostalgic about from my high school is the BTW High-Steppin' T-Connection Band!!! Our award-winning band is the BADDEST marching band you will ever hear! I miss being on the football field doing cheer-choreographed moves to their awesome sounds!

**Final Thoughts on High School: I have COMPLETELY matured & changed so much since then! I went from being this mouthy, gangsta, chick with a chip on her shoulder (My mom passed away right before high school began), to a curvier (yet confident) loving wife, model, singer/songwriter/actress! I've always possessed the same gifts, but never had the confidence to just "Go For It" like I do now:-). I credit my newfound confidence to my closer relationship with God. My high school boyfriend & I broke up right after college started. The relationship proved not to be good for either one of us! I have since married R. Price MusicGroup CEO/Chicago Producer, Rodney Young (we met in college).

If you want to find out more about Nikeya, check out her blog!

Curvy Cocktails L.A. with The Curvy Collective & L.A. Fatshion Bloggers

I announced last week that I am going to be a part of The Curvy Collective for FFFWeek(end)tm. I'm super excited about all the updates I am receiving from Marie! :D Every time I get a bit of info, you will get a bit of info. Deal? 

I really am looking forward to the Curvy Cocktails event in LA the Wednesday before all the fashion shenanigans begin on Friday!

Of course, you must be 21! Sorry kids, maybe in a few year ;) I certainly hope to see you all there! You can click the link at the bottom to RSVP via facebook! While you're there, don't forget to "like" the L.A. Fatshion Bloggers fan page!  

Time	Wednesday, October 27 · 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Location	Xbar (Located inside the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza) 2025 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, CA
Created By	L.A. Fatshion Bloggers
More Info	The Curvy Collective and L.A. Fatshion Bloggers invite all the amazing Fatshionistas to Curvy Cocktails L.A. This is an informal meet and greet in honor of Full Figured Fashion Week(end)™ . No pressure, no "list," just a great time meet those who love "fatshion."

CLICK TO RSVP FOR CURVY COCKTAILS!

The 2010 International Fuller Woman Expo; Evolution of the Revolution Panel Discussion

I was beyond excited to meet Kim! She's been a huge role model for me since the days
of "In Living Color" and her role as 'Sinclair' on "Living Single"

Motivation. Mission driven. Inspiration. Self love. Health. Elevation. Celebration.


The International Fuller Woman Expo on Saturday, September 18th embodied all of these things. The celebration of women of all shapes and sizes and all walks of life started around 10am. The Cadillac Hotel also known as the Westin, opened it's doors for a jam packed event for a mere $10 bucks! With so many special guests, including Kim Coles as the keynote speaker, Judge Karen Mills-Francis and The Biggest Losers Carla Triplett, there was no wonder I didn't get to the event earlier!


I arrived shortly before the panel discussion started. I caught up with some friends, chatted a bit. I walked around to check out some of the informational booths that were set up. I became green with envy checking out the women being pampered in the Curvy Girl Lounge; massages, makeovers and free facials. I could have definitely gone for a facial or a massage but I was ready to get down to business and join the panel discussion.


Evolution of the Revolution Panel Discussion was sponsored by IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel.

This years discussion was led by Judge Karen Mills-Francis, star of "Judge Karen's Court". Also joining on the discussion were the following inspirational women:

• Kim Coles-Comedian, Actress and Motivational Speaker
• Mia Amber-Model, Actress, Producer  and Creative Director of Plus Model Magazine
• Dr. Cynthia Jones M.D., F.A.C.S.-General Surgeon, Chief of Surgery at Louisiana Medical Center
• Stephanie Penn-Danforth-Editor-in-Chief, Daily Venus Diva.com
• Whitney Thompson-Model, Entrepreneur, Winner of Americas Next Top Model Cycle 10
• Princess Currence, M.S.W.- Program Director-University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine   

The topics discussed were quite varied yet very informative. Mia Amber Davis shared her story about how she always apologized for being a larger woman. My favorite quote of the evening from Mia? "62% of us (plus size women) isn't a minority, it's a force!"

Dr. Cynthia Jones said while it's great to take care of our outer body, we mustn't forget to take care of our health first. She stressed the importance of breast examines and colon cancer screenings. NO! They aren't just for men. Stephanie Penn-Danforth shared her knowledge on social media (that's you & me) network and how we as fuller figure women can make our voices heard. 

Princess Currence, touched me when she spoke about leading a mission driven life. What are you good at? Let that passion lead you into doing something that you love. Are you a motivator? An organizer? Are you good with people? These are all things that could potentially lead to a rewarding career. Princess Currence advises that we sit down and make a list of everything we are great at and go from there. I believe I am mission driven. Completely unstoppable. :o)

 After the initial panel discussion, the floor was opened up to us for questions. I, of course, felt the need to break the ice. I asked Whitney (ANTM Cycle 10 winner) how it felt when people tell her that she isn't plus enough for the plus size industry. She said that the plus size modeling industry is the only industry where people will view you as being either too big or too small. The reality of it all is that anything over a size 4 is considered plus size in fashion. It's a tough pill to swallow for myself. I have to admit that I am a total Whitney fan, (although at a size 8, I hardly consider her plus size, she's completely stunning and healthy) but she is super blunt! Almost to a fault I suppose, but I love her brutal honesty. I got a chance to chit chat with her after the panel discussion ended I'm happy to say, she's not what you'd think of when you think "model". Definitely smart and business driven. I mean, seriously, her candles, AMAZING! Paris & Berries was probably my favorite, but stay tuned to see which one I actually purchased.

There were tons of other vendors set up along the room, I had a chance to mingle with a few people. I unfortunately, did not get to every booth. I did, however, make sure to stop by Next 2 Nothing and talk about plus size lingerie and how important it is to buy the right fitting undergarments as a plus size woman. Hello, ladies, it's okay to admit that you are a size H or a DDD cup. There is nothing wrong with being a woman of size. Celebrities get breast implants everyday so why should you feel shamed of what God has naturally blessed you with? It's definitely a great idea to spend good money on quality bras. You wear them everyday! You must make an investment!

Next 2 Nothing is located inside Northland Mall between 8 Mile and Greenfield in Detroit

I got the chance to chat it up with Glen of FullFigurePlus.com before the Curves and Motion runway show...that post coming soon. I'm excited that I got the chance to meet him before FFFWeek(end)tm at the end of October. I can't wait to dig into his brain about the blogging business!


Ok, stay tuned. One post down, one more to go! :D

Got to give it up! Giveaway time!!

I promised you guys via twitter that I would do a giveaway on Friday. Well, Friday came and Friday went and it is now Sunday. I apologize. I've been quite busy and I was trying to snatch up the last few things that I had in mind. Not to mention that I drove to Detroit on Friday to be in attendance for the International Fuller Woman Expo (posts to come soon). 


I've been wanting to do this giveaway since I first reached 150 followers. I apologize that I couldn't do it sooner. You all understood my situation and I am thankful for that. :o) I want to show my appreciation for you. If it weren't for my readers, I probably would have stopped blogging a very long time ago! I thoroughly enjoy interacting with you all. I have met some wonderful and amazing people. This is to show my thanks for you being you! 


I had this idea to do 2 giveaways in one, but I'm still searching for the perfect things for that second giveaway so I'll just post the first! How about that?


OK, so up for grabs we have the Alecia Dress and Macey belt from B and Lu. This giveaway is NOT sponsored by B and Lu by the way.

This Alecia dress is a size 18/20. It is so super soft! I promise you will love how it feels up against your skin! It hits a little above the knee on me (keep in mind I'm 5'10"). It would be really cute paired with brightly colored tights (from We Love Colors perhaps?) 

The Macey belt is a one size fits all belt. It will stretch up to a 3x.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. You must be a follower of the blog through google connect!
2. For one entry, leave a comment telling me what you would like to see more of on xoxo NikStar.
3. Leave your email address in the comments
4. For an additional entry, tweet about this giveaway with the phrase "I entered to win NikStars giveaway at http://nikstarr.blogspot.com via @nikstarsoamazin! You can enter too! #CurvyGirlsRock #iRockFashionToo" Make sure to comment back here to let me know that you tweeted!
5. For a third entry, "like" xoxo NikStar on facebook and tell me a little more about your personal fashion! How would you describe your style?

Contest will end on October 3, 2010. I will announce the winner on Oct 7, 2010.

There you have it! Three ways to enter! I am opening this giveaway up to ALL readers. If you are a non US resident, you can enter too! :o) I've never shipped internationally before, but I will learn!

Best of luck! No GO, GO, GO!

Ashley Stewart 2010 Model Search

You've seen Mia Amber and even Crystal Renn grace the Ashley Stewart campaigns, now you have a shot at being a recognizable face for Ashley Stewart!


Ashley Stewart believes that YOU are perfect, but asks the question, "Are you our perfect model?"

To enter, go to the Ashley Stewart page and click on the link for the Model Search. Then you fill out the attached PDF form with all the deets that they need from you. Along with your entry form, you will also need to submit a 4x6 or larger color image of yourself. Body shot only! To be also included in your entry package is A brief essay describing in 500 words or less your accomplishments, and why you should be chosen as the next Ashley Stewart Perfect Model. 


Once you get all that together, make sure you send it to the address provided asap! Entries must be received by October 10, 2010.



Entries will be judged by Bozoma Saint John (Ashley Stewart Marketing VP), Darius Baptist (Ashley Stewart Stylist) and Chris Kolk (Ashley Stewart Photographer) at Ashley Stewart’s corporate offices. For all the details and exclusions, please visit www.AshleyStewart.com 


Best of luck to those who enter! Oh and before you ask, YES, I am going to enter! :o) 

My day w/Tim Gunn (warning lengthy post)

Today Tim Gunn, widely known as his role as a mentor to many fashion designer wannabe's on Project Runway, was in Chicago today on North Michigan Ave at the Borders Book Store. I have to thank Angela aka Ang (or Angie) for inviting me along and her hubby for standing in line to purchase our books and get our wrist bands! He's definitely a keeper, cause I don't think even Ryan would have done that for me! (LOL)

That's Angie! We were so excited while standing in line

 The blue wrist band meant that we were the third group to go up and get our book signed by Timmy G. Unfortunately, there were two other color groups ahead of us, so we were not able to score a seat in the discussion room. This was an area with chairs and a closer view while Tim answered interacted with the crowd during a 30 minute Q&A session. We didn't mind, you could hear Tim throughout the entire 3rd floor.

During the Q&A, Tim admitted, "I'm nervous about this book. It's out and so am I." He filled us in on what it was like for him growing up, not fitting in during high school or even college and how his biggest inspiration came from, tada, teachers!

When asked who his favorite designer was from any season of Project Runway, he finally confessed to it being Christian Siriano. Diane von Furstenberg just so happens to be his favorite designer *drool* I couldn't agree more!

During those brief thirty minutes, I also learned that Tim definitely has the gift of gab. He touched on how he got himself into trouble by calling the judges on Project Runway "crack smokers". No, he really doesn't think the judges smoke crack! C'mon! He also admitted that this current season is one of the most frustrating seasons thus far due to the judges.

Ang was stalking the door where Borders employees were "hiding" Tim

While we were standing in line, what a perfect time to make new friends. Fashion brings everyone together...or so I'd like to think. I chatted it up with the young ladies in front of us about the fab hats they were rocking. They both definitely stood out to me earlier in the evening with these amazing head pieces.

Turns out, the pretty lady on the left in the animal print dress is a hat designer! She made both of these pieces herself. The newly graduate's name is Angela Morano. We urged her to "seize the moment" and slip Tim her business card. Surely if a guy trying to sell his mix tape to a fashionisto, she could slip him one of her cards, no? She didn't slip him one, but thankfully she gave me one. I've checked out her site and I must say, this girl is pretty damn talented. You can see her site here. When I saw these head pieces, I instantly thought of Jay from Fatshionable. I think even Tiffany from Fatshopaholic may like the headpiece on the right.

Thanks to Angie for snapping this pic of myself and Tim!

Too busy laughing and making an ass of myself lol Timmy thinks I'm crazy!

Finally, after waiting for what seemed to be an eternity, we made it to the front of the line! I had this whole 30 second speech planned out in my head along with questions in regards to plus size fashion...what do I do? I get up there and totally freeze. When I'm nervous, I talk really fast. Which is why in that second picture you see Tim looking at me to make sure I'm alright and I'm laughing hysterically. Thanks Borders Books employees for your "capture the moment" type of photography! (Sidebar, while these definitely aren't the most flattering pictures of myself, I'm posting them anyways. Rolls and all! :o) It's ok to embrace them and clearly, I'm not wearing a shapewear garment of any sort. AND THAT'S OK! I almost didn't want to post them because I find them unflattering, but then I thought, how would I be supporting the body acceptance movement if I am ashamed of how I photograph at the "wrong angles"?)


Once my heart slowed down, I told Tim that I was a plus size fashion blogger and he asked me for my site. I just ordered my contact cards, so I felt really super crappy that I didn't have any to give him! *insert sad face here* But, no fear! While writing the short inscription in my book, Tim asked me for the address to my blog so that he could check it out. He says he's definitely interested in "that" (plus size fashion). I was stoked! He then complimented and said, "You look great by the way." Yeah Tim, you totally made my day!

Ang wanted to pick Tim's brain in regards to plus size fashion as well. She wanted to know who the best designer was for curvy girls. Tim's response? Lane Bryant. While Lane Bryant has definitely paved the way for everything that is plus, I do have to say that Ang and I both respectfully disagree there Timmy!


Overall it was a great event! I now have a deeper respect for Tim not only as a fashionisto but as a person. Everything he has been through can teach us all a bit. I am anxious to dig into his book yet, I'm super sleepy and this post has been quite long! Thank you Timmy G. for showing us, "How To Make It Work" :)


Thank you if you have enjoyed the post thus far! I warned you it would be lengthy! Now, he's the outfit and a craptastic makeup shot! The outfit is something you've seen me rock before. The only thing that changed is the shoes and the hair. :o) So sorry the pictures are all different sizes. Angie snapped some of these pics and I took pics using my camera phone and my digital camera.

[dress, dorothy perkins]o[leggings, target]
[boots, dolce vita for target]
[purse, gryson for target]
[blazer, thrifted]

*The above pictures were taken by Angela Zarate! You can visit her on facebook! :)

"Whatever you do, do it at 150%. If you're gonna get a cup of coffee, make the best cup of coffee and serve it graciously."-Tim Gunn