November 2011
WELCOME Thank you for taking the time to read our publication. The month of October was amazing with many projects currently in place for us. A Clothes Mind would not have been able to come this far without our faithful supporters. We are truly humbled and grateful for all that you do. To our models and our dedicated staff, we could not have done this without you. You are the motivation for us to do great things and our inspiration to achieve the unthinkable.
This month’s publication will take you through “OUR” exhilarating journey of Who’s that Girl? with the very beautiful Taylor Porter and check out our interview with the Curvy Fashionista Marie Leggette in the A Diva’s Reel series for women empowerment. A Clothes Mind showcased its fashions from both the Margaux Kouture & Solace clothing lines in the Love Your Body Day Fashion Show on Saturday Oct 22nd, 2011. You can check out ACM fashions at the end of CBS’ “The Insider where Meghan McCain hosted the event given by Chenese Lewis by clicking here.
h This month , our very own Anna Margaux can be found in the Holiday Fierce section of Plus Model Magazine’s November issue. We will also begin to debut our newest clothing line entitled Solace, “The Euphoric Collection very soon.
Please keep in contact with us and find out what we’re doing on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and our very own ACM News Blog.
Thanks Again,
Anna & Desi
Contents The Beautiful Taylor Porter talks with us in Who’s that Girl? Details on pages 12-21
Connect With Us! Page 22-25
ACM Speaks with the Curvy Fashionista, “Marie Denee” Details on pages 26-29
Taylor Porter Model 1. When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion model and why? I can honestly say that I never really had aspirations of becoming a model, until after my first photo shoot. Because of my look and my height, people would always tell me that I needed to pursue a career in the field; however, I always shunned the idea. I wanted to be a lawyer and that was that. Not that long ago, I posed in some shots for a friends portfolio. The process was smooth, the results were great, and then I realized that modeling could actually help me reach my goal of attending law school.
2. Tell us where you’re from and what brought you here? I am actually a California native, born and raised in Los Angeles until I was sixteen. My family relocated to North Carolina where I completed high school, did a short stint at a local college, and then moved back to Los Angeles. I met great people in North Carolina, had some wonderful experiences, but California is my home. Opportunities are endless here and if you have the determination and the work ethic…. You cannot help but to succeed here.
3. What are some of your hobbies? Lately… lots of naps! Only kidding. With work and school, it’s been hard to focus on my hobbies but when I do have free time I enjoy watching movies and working on my accessory line-Carolfornia. A girlfriend of mine turned me on to beading and I absolutely love it. I am working on a crazy charm necklace, so I have been visiting random boutique’s and antique flea markets looking for the perfect additions.
4. What does the words “beauty” and “fashion” mean to you? To me, beauty is more of an internal description. I know some gorgeous people on the surface, but their ethics and morals are out of whack. Fashion, is something wonderful. Fashion is where one can let what’s on the inside show! It may be raining and gloomy outside, but if I am happy, I am throwing on a bright yellow shirt! This is just how I express myself. I do believe that you can tell a lot from a person’s sense of style.
5. How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trends in the Fashion industry? I can’t say that I purposely keep myself updated on fashions latest trends. Living in LA helps, because I get to see so many styles on a daily basis, but typically I just wear what I like. I’m simple. Give me a nice pair of jeans, a nice top, and some bad shoes. Someone signed me up for a subscription to W magazine, and that was a huge mistake! I don’t think there is one item advertised in that magazine that I don’t like, month after month. I typically try and find less expensive but comparable pieces.
6. If you could pick 3 fashion must-haves that every woman should own, what would they be? Every woman should own a great pair of jeans. A pair that fits your body like a glove, holding you in at the right places! I love jeans because you can dress them up or dress them down. Next, a white cotton shirt. I love A crisp, white shirt. I feel that they make you look so polished. Great jeans, your white shirt, and a killer pair of pumps and a great handbag. This says sexy yet sophisticated.
7. Are there any models which inspire you and why? I am a huge fan of Iman. I read something about how she used to do her own make up for her shoots. She did this because at the time a lot of makeup artists were using foundations with heavy orange and red undertones on woman of color. I can relate and orange foundation is a pet peeve of mine. I too prefer doing my own make up. I recommend checking out The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color by Iman. I learned a lot from this book.
8. What are some of your favorite clothing stores/catalogs/websites? This is a tough one, because I don’t discriminate when it comes to shopping. LOL. I might pick something up at Target or Neiman Marcus. I have only one requirementI have to love whatever I buy. Nordstrom is my go-to store, especially for shoes and especially during their Anniversary sale. I am a size 16 tall and I have good luck with New York & Co., I buy almost all my slacks from them. I also enjoy Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor LOFT. Forever 21 carries a plus line now and I have had good luck with some of their stuff as well. Also, Anna Margaux, not only is her line diverse in sizing, her designs are too. She has something for every woman.
9. What can we expect for you in the future? I am diligently working towards finishing my education so hopefully I can be seen soon is someone’s courtroom! I also hope to find a little more time to finish up some of my jewelry pieces. I have great stuff. Some simple, some elegant, and some super funky. I want to create something for everyone- especially in terms of pricing.
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Marie Denee is the Curvy Fashionista
1. What inspired you to become a fashion writer? I actually stumbled into it! I have always enjoyed writing, but I never thought that my path would have led me into blogging and writing as a career!
2. Which tools do you turn to most when updating yourself with the latest fashion trends? I am always online, on the computer and internet perusing the latest trend reports, look books, and fashion blogs to keep an eye on the latest! A lot of times I get sent emails and announcements that keep me up to date and I attend quite a few events!
3. Mention some of the negative aspects of our industry and what we should do to make them better? Every industry has its opportunities. There could always be more coverage of the plus size community. I also think that as a whole, the plus size community has a far ways to go in terms of business models, designers, and retailers. I could not pinpoint out one specific issue- as there are quite a few but that does not make them independent of any other niche within the fashion community... you know what I mean?
4. When identifying top talent from a pool of aspiring designers what do search for when evaluating their pieces and which personal attributes do you feel they need to possess to increase their success rate in our industry? I look for a defined style aesthetic, innovation, and quality. Do they deliver something that we have not seen before? Do they have a business platform that will support their brand? Website, social media presence? All of these in some sort of fashion are indicators! If you are a business or trying to start one up, if you do not present yourself as such or have contact information, how are we to receive you and support? I also think that there has to be a distinct voice and accessibility. Just because you make it does not mean they will come... SO for the new designers, do not be afraid to reach out and engage!
5. Marie, you have done many great things this year, tell us about some of the projects and events you have worked on or been a part of this year? Ohhh... let's see! LOL At the beginning of the year, I worked on a social media campaign with Chevy as their Fashion Cruzearati. I am part of the production team for Full Figured Fashion Week, and we held our 3rd FFFWeek in NY! In August, I was sent to Las Vegas for WWD MAGIC tradeshow! That was amazing! Most recently, I launched my eBook, Keeping it Curvy.Confident.Chic!
6.
Please share with our readers about your upcoming E book?
It just launched on Tuesday, November 8th and it is a little guide that serves as an intro into the plus size fashion world! Kind of like a precursor to shopping! I talk about the ins and outs, the designers, the denim, and everything in between! The goal is to help prepare you to go shopping with confidence!
7.
Are you working on any additional projects?
I have a few! You will have to stay tuned! I am working on my 3rd year celebration in December and the party in January!
8. You have made a meaningful contribution to the full figured industry. Your presence and support is unparalleled, with the knowledge you have gained, what advice would you give to a full figured woman who may be interested in a career as a model or fashion designer? Well, thank you so much for the recognition! I am extremely grateful for that! I think one of the most important pieces you can remember is to handle your business. Do your research,
Well, thank you so much for the recognition! I am extremely grateful for that! I think one of the most important pieces you can remember is to handle your business. Do your research, protect your intellectual property, and stay humble! There are so many people who have been in the game who have paved the way for us to be here! Research, research, and research- this is for models and designers alike! you do not want to be called out because you did not do your research and end up stepping on the wrong toes, getting into business with a shady character, or ripping off a design or brand!
9. 2011 is coming to a close and has been filled with ground breaking events and unforgettable moments, name three of your treasured memories so far this year and tell us why they are ones you will cherish? There are so many! I cannot name just three, but I can say that I have been extremely blessed with the amazing women and supporters around me!
10. What can we expect for you in the future and where can our readers find you on the web? You know what? I am not even sure I know what to expect from and for me! LOL, I think I will continue to grow and expand as a brand, and connect with amazing women who are doing their thing! If I can help someone, reach someone, inspire one person to chase their dreams... I have already succeeded! I am truly grateful!!! You can find me at Thecurvyfashionista.net and at www.curvyconfidentchic.com!
Thank you for taking the time to read this publication. If you have a suggestion or comment, We want to hear from you!! Click on the image below to send us an email.
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