CCM November 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. Edition

NOVEMBER 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. Edition

The Passion and Poise of

Justine LeGAult Beauty Within

F a s h i o n

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Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Robert Skuja Photography

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Model: Tamara Dennyse, Publisher Photog: Roy Harvey II, Rainedrop Photography Makeup: Love Faces by Nikki Hair: Kimberly Small, Images with You in Mind Wardrobe: Heaven for The K. Small Collection

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» A Message from the Publisher I absolutely love the fall. The temperature is just right and the colors are so vibrant with reds and oranges. Did I also mention it’s boot season? Wearing a pair of killer boots puts me in my zone! Speaking of zone... This P.R.I.N.T.S. theme really took me out of my comfort zone.

Wearing all white with ruffles and adding a mixture of color to my hair are two things I had never done before. I must admit, I loved it!

In this edition, you will see models showcasing their curves in all sorts of P.R.I.N.T.S. I chose ruffles. This designer original by Kimberly Small of Images with You in Mind, is definitely one-of-a-kind. Her new “Heaven for the K. Small Collection” launched this past September and it’s awesome. As a model that is top-heavy, wearing ruffles can be challenging. However, I wanted something different from my usual. Angles and positioning were key in capturing the “money shot.”

Congrats to all of our P.R.I.N.T.S. models! You are showing the world how creative you can be all while being curvy. Continue to pursue your dreams without hesitation, making your visions a reality. Remember, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door!” - Milton Berle

Publisher/Model P.S. - Please share CCM with a friend today, and ask them to subscribe! It’s free! www.CurvyConnectMag.com

Grow With Us! LIKE | SUBSCRIBE | FRIEND | FOLLOW u Facebook.com/TamaraDennyse u Twitter and Instagram @tamaradennyse u Facebook and Instagram @curvyconnect u Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Google+ @curvyconnectmag

Model: Tamara Dennyse, Publisher Photog: Roy Harvey II, Rainedrop Photography Makeup: Love Faces by Nikki Hair: Kimberly Small, Images with You in Mind Wardrobe: Heaven for The K. Small Collection

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Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Robert Skuja Photography

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TABLE OF CONTENTS THIS ISSUE

PAGE

Editor’s Pick: Dr. Bronner’s All-One Canadian-Inspired Cuisine Beauty Within Fab Four Fashion Looks to Fall for On the Road to Beauty Dream Big Started from the Bottom #ccmcandidlycurvy From the Male POV: Mirror, Mirror

12 14 19 30 35 36 39 50 55 56

Publisher

Tamara Dennyse Editor-in-Chief/Staff Writer

Jennifer Amoako Creative Director

TEGA-Creative-Studio.com Contributing Editor/Photographer

Daniel Wilson Fashion Editor

Regina Hatcher Contributing Writers

Robert Skuja Cover Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Robert Skuja Photography

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Marcia Lynn Miller

p18 We Want

You!

Are your positive, upbeat, and love all things CURVY? Awesome... Join the team. Curvy Connect Magazine is seeking motivated individuals from all over. Become a Curvy Connect Ambassador! Submit your contact information and 1-2 paragraphs on why you want to be on our team.

Visit www.curvyconnectmag.com for more information.

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Curvy Connect Mag P.O. Box 112 Alief, TX 77411-112 832-819-4CCM (4226) Model: Justine LeGault Photog: Simon Normand

© Copyright 2015 Curvy Connect Inc. Material may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form without prior written permission.

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Jennifer Amoako, Editor-in-Chief Photog: Photos by SJR Outfit: Old Navy

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» A Message from the Editor

Now that Halloween is over, it’s officially “Holiday Season!” But you know… I’d like to slow down and enjoy fall. It’s such a beautiful time of year. We’re inspired by the colors and cooler temperatures. Mixing and matching P.R.I.N.T.S. is everything this season!

PLAID. RUFFLES. VINTAGE. NEUTRALS. TEXTURES. SKINS. Throughout this entire issue, you’ll see P.R.I.N.T.S. but we hope you’ll also enjoy our nod to Curvy Connect Canada! We have a strong team in Canada that includes journalist and photographer Robert Skuja. Our cover feature on Miss Plus Canada, model Sarah Taylor is his work. We also have Cyndi Wilkens who contributes reviews on everything from fashion to travel. Last, but certainly not least is Contributing Editor and photographer Daniel Wilson. He is the driving force behind many fantastic articles and ideas. It is because of him that we had the honor and pleasure of featuring supermodel Justine LeGault in this edition of Curvy Connect Magazine! You’ve seen Justine all over including the cover of Elle Quebec and in the Lane Bryant #PlusIsEqual campaign. Did you know that she is French-Canadian?

She discusses that and more in her feature.

I’m very excited and extremely proud of this edition of CCM and all the work we’ve accomplished this past year. So many positive things have happened and we have big plans for 2016. Just as spring is a time of new beginnings, fall represents letting go of the old so that we can make a fresh start in the New Year. So as the leaves change colors and fall off the trees, what things in your life would you like to let go of? If you only have one resolution, think P.R.I.N.T.S.

Practice Radical Infallible Nonnegotiable True Self-Love

Editor-in-Chief

Grow With Us! LIKE | SUBSCRIBE | FRIEND | FOLLOW www.CurvyConnectMag.com u Jennifer on Facebook.com/curvyconnectmag.eic u Jennifer on instagram @jennifer.amoako u Facebook and Instagram @curvyconnect u Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Google+ @curvyconnectmag

Jennifer Amoako, Editor-in-Chief Photog: Photos by SJR Outfit: Old Navy

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Model: LaKesshia Slaughter Photog: Chris E. Booth MUA: Amanda Janae Olsson Hair Stylist: Timothy Branch Fashion Stylist: Juan Lerma

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Profound

Impact

The Depth & Influence of the Written Word Writing words is easy. Writing great, convincing and memorable words takes insight and experience.

Don’t trust your most important projects to chance.

Sloppy writing doesn’t draw people to you - it turns them away in droves.

With 25 years experience as a professional writer, editor and journalist, Daniel Wilson can be trusted to pen your bio, write your ad or tell your story in a way that makes people believe. As Contributing Editor and Photographer for Curvy Connect Magazine and mystery game designer for One More Story Games, words are his driving force.

Services Offered • Ad copy • Personal bios • Ghost writing • General Interest articles of any length, on any topic • Blog posts • Narrative prose Competitive rates Quick turn around times

Daniel Wilson can be contacted through FB at www.facebook.com/danielwilsonwriter or by email at daniel@curvyconnectmag.com Curvy Connect Mag :: November 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. :: curvyconnectmag.com 11

EDITOR’S Dr. Bronner’s All-One! By: Jennifer Amoako

I once read something that stuck with me. “If you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t put it on your skin.” I realize how extreme that may sound to some. After all, we love our scented lotions and perfumes, right? But when you consider the fact that our skin is our largest organ and absorbs what we put on it, maybe there’s something to that statement. I’m not suggesting that we do a taste test on our body and skincare products, but at the very least, we should be mindful of the ingredients and where they come from.

All products labeled “organic” are not created equal.

Dr. Bronner’s is a company that is getting it right. Not only do I respect their mission, the products are amazing!

“No synthetics or detergents, no harsh chemicals – None! Only the purest organic, fair trade, cruelty-free and biodegradable ingredients. Most products are vegan and certified to the same organic standards as food.”

What does all of that mean? Well for starters, it means that I understand the ingredients on the label and feel safe using them. Secondly, Dr. Bronner’s is certified organic and not tested on animals. Since 2008, the company has also been certified Fair Trade for all major raw materials. I encourage you to learn more about Dr. Bronner’s commitment to Fair Trade around the world at www.drbronner.com.

“Dr. Bronner’s is a family business committed to honoring the vision of our founder Dr. E.H. Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating our profits to help make a better world. ALL-ONE!”

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S

Have you ever smelled real lavender? It’s one of my favorite fragrances. Lavender is cleansing and calming. It is a powerful herb with many healing benefits for your health and home. Perhaps one of the most well-known qualities of lavender is that it induces relaxation, which is good for everyone.

Breathe Deeply

Dr. Bronner’s famous 18-In-1 Pure-Castile Soap is available with lavender and it smells so good. I love to lather up with it as an evening body wash to help relax before bed. However, as the name indicates, there is more than one use for the soap. “Enjoy 1 soap for 18 different uses! Shave-Shampoo-Shower-Bath-MopLaunder-Degrease! Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile is the very best soap for the body, home, and Spaceship Earth!”

Even though winter is on the way and we’ll be covered from head to toe, there’s no need to grow your own “fur” coat… Unless of course, that’s your thing.

If you prefer to be as soft and smooth as a baby’s bottom, try Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Organic Shaving Soap. You’ll get a close shave and it moisturizes.

Now that we’re showered and shaved, it’s time to lather on the lotion! I don’t know about you, but my skin needs more moisturizing in the cold, winter months. Let’s continue to inhale relaxation and exhale stress when we apply Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Organic Hand & Body Lotion. It is soothing, nourishing, and gentle enough for hands, face, and body. For a little extra TLC, slowly massage the lotion all over your body to release tension and increase the calming effects of the lavender.

Always kiss me goodnight.

For the past few years, my absolute favorite lip balm has been Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Organic Lip Balm. It glides on smoothly, with a slight minty tingling sensation. The lip balm moisturizes my lips and leaves them kissably soft! Soft lips, clean and relaxed body, calm mind… I’d say it’s time to call it a night. Climb into bed, get snuggled beneath the covers, breathe deeply, and rest.

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{NOM NOM NOM}

Sesame Crusted Salmon with Roasted Pepper Salsa serves 6 Ingredients Salsa 1 13-oz jar roasted red peppers, drained 1 cup diced English cucumber ½ cup finely diced red onion 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tsp sugar salt and pepper 2 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander 1 Tbsp chopped fresh mint 2 tsp sesame oil Salmon 2 Tbsp olive oil 6 5-oz salmon fillets 6 Tbsp sesame seeds Directions

Source: Food Network Canada www.foodnetwork.ca

Salsa For the salsa, finely dice the roasted red peppers and toss them with the cucumber, red onion, rice wine vinegar, sugar and a little salt and pepper. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Drain off any excess liquid and stir in the coriander, mint and sesame oil. Season to taste and chill until ready to serve.

Little Potato Poutine This poutine swaps out french fries for little potatoes, a tasty and healthy option!

Ingredients 1 ½ lbs Baby Boomer Potatoes, or your favourite little potato variety 1 Tbsp canola oil 1 cup white cheddar cheese or cheese curds ½ - 1 cup beef gravy Kosher salt Coarse pepper Directions 1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the potatoes in half. Toss with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cook in the oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and tender. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the gravy.

2. When the potatoes are done, pile them on an oven-safe dish. Top with cheese and place back in the oven for five minutes. Remove, cover with gravy and you have the best poutine outside of Québec!

Salmon For the salmon, preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat a large, oven-proof sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Pour the sesame seeds onto a plate and season lightly, stirring to mix. Dip the top of each salmon portion into sesame seeds and place, sesame seed-side down into hot pan. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip salmon portions over.

Place the pan in the oven and cook for 10 to 15 minutes (10 for medium, 15 for well done).

Serve this with the salsa on the side.

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Maple-Baked Apple Bites Ingredients 6 Tbsp icing sugar 6 Tbsp maple syrup 2 Mutsu or Granny Smith apples ½ cup finely chopped pecans dash ground cinnamon Directions 1. Preheat oven to 225°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk 3 Tbsp icing sugar with 3 Tbsp maple syrup and set aside. Sift remaining 3 Tbsp icing sugar evenly onto lined baking sheets.

3. With a mandolin or other manual slicer cut apples crosswise into paper-thin slices. Arrange apple slices in one layer on sheets and brush with maple syrup mixture.

4. Bake slices for about 2 hours (rotating pans halfway through cooking), or until slices are pale golden and starting to crisp. Brush apple slices with remaining 3 Tbsp syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans and cinnamon.

5. Bake an additional 20 minutes. Immediately peel apple bites off parchment and cool on a rack.

Model: Cayla Jean Photog: Eric Crosby

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Model: Saucye West Photog: Waitman Gobble

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www.skinandbodyappeal.com

Model: Justine LeGault Photog: Simon Normand

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{FEATURE}

The passion and poise of Justine LeGault

By Daniel Wilson

The lovely face and form of Justine LeGault is unforgettable.

Once you see those eyes, they stay with you forever. Her ELLE Quebec cover is nothing if not iconic. She’s been featured in dozens of international magazines sporting everything from high end couture to casual weekend wear. There are few supermodels in the world (plus size or otherwise) who can claim her level of fame and recognizability. Whether it’s on a billboard, in the glossy pages of a magazine or getting her body positive message across in a video, her dazzling smile and perfect, curvaceous lines steal the show.

The thing that really jumps out when you read our interview with Justine though is not just the attractiveness that is so evident visually - it’s the beauty within. Coming from a modest, hardworking background Justine LeGault is the real deal.

She’s honest, sincere, humble and yet driven to do more, to be more to the people she feels she represents. It’s no wonder that women the world over look up to her as a role model for their own lives. We were thrilled to talk fame, fashion and fun with this charming ambassador of the curvy movement!

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{FEATURE}

ELLE Quebec | Photog: Genevieve Charbonneau

Lane Bryant #PlusIsEqual Ad

New York Times Square

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{FEATURE}

Thank you so much for chatting with us! Have you recovered from the Times Square Takeover?

My pleasure! Haha... Can we ever recover from that?!! It was such an incredible day!

Being everywhere in Times Square, on buses, the TV commercial running nonstop on a huge screen, surrounded by five other amazing women and fans/supporters and all this while representing a cause very dear to my heart. It can’t really get better.

I will forever remember this day.

How was it being there, being a part of #PlusIsEqual? #PlusIsEqual means so much. As a size 14 model I never felt any different than any other model. I always felt I could do lingerie, high end designer’s campaigns, runways, you name it! So on a professional level it was letting the world know we are equal, whatever our size. Especially working with top VOGUE - and more - photographer Cass Bird. On a bigger scale, it is being a voice for every woman out there who feels unseen and underrepresented in the medias. It was more than just a “job” for me, it was too personal to be.

The ELLE Quebec cover was stunning. How did it feel for you personally to see yourself and realize you’d achieved that dream?

Thank you! It came out on my birthday. I remember opening my eyes, reaching out to my phone and seeing thousands of notifications (Thinking, “Wow! That’s a lot of birthday wishes!”) and finally realized that ELLE was out! You never know for sure until it’s released that it will be your photo on the cover so I had to keep it a secret.

IT WAS SO HARD! Haha...

First I had a moment looking at my thigh front and center, unretouched and I took a deep breath. It felt for a second that the whole world was seeing the real me and it was a big step in my career. I felt very vulnerable. But that lasted less than a minute and I was quickly over it, celebrating and dancing in my living room with the roommates I had back then! Until this day, this is one my career’s highlights, especially because it was released at home in Canada. My family got to realize that my career was serious and I was going to be okay away from home.

You’ve met so many people - name someone who had a really big impact on you and your modelling career and why?

From everyone I’ve met I would say my mother-agent Sylvie (that’s how we call the agency we have at home who deals with all the other agencies worldwide). I remember my first meeting ever with her. She was telling me how it is important to stay professional, to do my job with the right attitude, to stay true to myself, to be nice to people and to work hard. And that someday it’ll pay off. She always made sure I stayed grounded. When you are young and entering a world like the fashion industry it is so important to have people around you who remind you to stay humble.

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{FEATURE} Is the clothing industry getting it? Are they understanding that plus size women represent a huge market that has money to spend that needs to be addressed?

They better by now! 67% of women in the USA are a size 14 and up and it is a 17.5 billion dollar market. But what I truly want is that the companies jumping in to make clothes that fit, yes, but that are stylish. Many brands play it very safe, keeping it black and beige and nothing too out of the box. We, curvy women, want the same fashionable options as anyone, just in our size!

We saw you in Fashion Magazine’s Summer Edition, in Reitmans, in #ImNoAngel - you are truly a world renown supermodel but you still seem like a totally downto-earth woman. How do you balance the fame with your personal life?

I come from a modest background. Hard work and effort was always rewarded more than success growing up. That definitely stuck with me. Although I do love to achieve my goals haha! I am also really interested in self-growth and I read a lot about the subject. I try to practice awareness and being present in my everyday life. It keeps me balanced.

Where do you see the plus size industry going in the next couple of years?

I think there will be less of a gap between the two markets. I just think sizes will go from a size 2 to a size 24 with models representing various sizes, shapes and ethnicities.

And I hope we won’t have to categorize any of it. In the end we are all women who just want to buy clothes that fit us!

How important is being an advocate for plus size women to you?

Since a very young age I had this desire to make a difference with women. I always felt like I had something to say and I’m lucky enough to have a voice, so I feel it’s my responsibility to use it and work at helping people in and outside the fashion industry open their mind about gender equality. And size equality. I happened to always have been on the curvier side and as a kid or a teenager I lacked role models who were bigger women and comfortable and confident in their own skin. I think this would have made it easier for me to accept my curves and rolls to have someone looking like me and owning it. So I hope to be this person in someone else’s life.

Do you feel like your efforts help everyday women deal with their body issues?

I get a lot of messages through Instagram, Twitter, and my Facebook Official page telling me I helped them accept their body. I even have men writing me to tell me about their wife or daughter, that I’m making a difference and they are thanking me. This is always so nice to hear and I’m glad we have social medias for that. It lets us talk directly with people and know that whatever we are doing has a positive effect. Campaigns like #ImNoAngel and #PlusIsEqual, because of their quality and their visibility reach a lot more people and I am positive that the more body diversity is seen, the more it will become mainstream and normal to the eye. I think slowly but surely body diversity will become the norm. So let’s keep the curvy, stylish, and confident campaigns coming!

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Model: Justine LeGault | Photog: CassBird | Lane Bryant #IMNOANGEL

{FEATURE}

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{FEATURE}

Model: Justine LeGault Photog: Simon Normand

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Follow Justine LeGault Instagram: @itsjustinelegault Twitter: @justine_legault

Model: Justine LeGault | s Photog: Simon Normand

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Justine.LeGault.Official

Model: Justine LeGault | s Photog: Anthony Battista

Thank you so much for talking with us! Can we check back with you in a while and see how you’re doing?

Thank you! And yes, anytime! Congrats on your magazine!

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Model: Malinda “YumYum�Bell Photog: Naturally U Photography Designer: AllFlo Couture NY Hair: Jahmillah Collier MUA: Kay Stevenson Stylist: Sherie Graves

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In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act. –unknown

www.curvyconnectmag.com Curvy Connect Mag :: November 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. :: curvyconnectmag.com 27

Photo: Rosaline Bonheur

{BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT}

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{BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT}

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{BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT}

Photo: Rosaline Bonheur

The inception or genesis as it were of Fab Four Fashion was brought about by the collision of many atoms! This magical recipe came about through the blending of four key, unique ingredients:

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{BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT} One ingredient comes in the form of resident curvy girl Judy: “For me, being a curvy woman, my passion for fashion, my love for food and makeup are the driving factors for this blog. Fab Four Fashion is not just a blog, it’s a brand, it’s a movement and hopefully soon the world gets to embrace what we represent.”

Photo: Rosaline Bonheur

Another key ingredient, “delicate framed” Leslie: “I’ve always been searching for my real “passion” in life and I’ve come to realize that it’s fashion! Like an artist, my body is my canvas and fashion allows me to release my inner creativity. This blog not only enables me to satisfy my need for self-expression, but also allows me to work alongside three of the most amazing, talented and driven women you’ll ever meet, with the singular mission of opening up the fashion playground to all who wish to participate irrespective of shape and size!”

{BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT} Then we have plus size sexy Gail: “What motivated me to join Judy, Leslie and Nancy in starting a blog together is lending my voice to those plus size women who feel left out of the fashion game. Let’s be real, it is only very recently that the fashion industry has begun to cater to curvy, plus size women by providing fashion-forward styles. I want women, be they slender or plus size, to feel included and celebrated!”

Photo: Rosaline Bonheur

Last but not least, is a dash of long legs via Nancy. “My baby girl is my inspiration for the blog. Seeing how she is growing rapidly made me think of the hurdles I faced growing up tall. I therefore wanted to lend my voice to the body positive narrative while participating in further changing the fashion landscape in order for my daughter to grow up in an environment where being “different” is not an issue!“

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{BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT}

Gail, Judy, Leslie & Nancy Fab Four Fashion

http://fabfourfashion.com/

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/pages/Fab-Four-Fashion/731771993596664 Instagram: www.instagram.com/FabFourFashion Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/fabfour2015/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/fabfourfashion Curvy Connect Mag :: November 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. :: curvyconnectmag.com 33

Photo: Rosaline Bonheur

Now, all these elements were at play, but it was not until Nancy added the final ingredient, that the magic truly began to take shape. What ingredient you may ask? Like any good recipe, the final ingredient was simple yet essential; she suggested that the four of us do this TOGETHER and Fab Four Fashion was born!

Our mission was clear from day one and remains true: Fab Four Fashion is all about the democratization of fashion whereby we highlight four unique bodies and styles, hence our tagline: Four Fab Women, Four Fab Bodies, Four Fab Styles. Week after week, we navigate the fashion jungle and show women how to make the fashion trends and styles work for real women’s bodies, the tall, curvy, slim and plus size women of the world. Our vision is to change the fashion landscape, making it available and fun for all!

Model: Latara Griffin Photog: Jeremi Brown

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{BEAUTY}

Faded Brown Ombre Lips

1

Start with applying your favorite lip moisturizer.

Fill in your lips with Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm.

3

Line your lips with Motives速 Khol Eyeliner in Suede.

Start filling in the outercorners of the lips with Motives速 Khol Eyeliner in Suede using a lip brush.

5

2

4

Press lips together to blend. You can always use concealer to hide any imperfections around the border of the lips.

Photo/MUA: Glam by Meli

Glam by Meli

http://instagram.com/glambymeli https://www.facebook.com/GlambyMeli https://twitter.com/ByGlambymeli http://www.youtube.com/user/GlamByMeliTV Curvy Connect Mag :: November 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. :: curvyconnectmag.com 35

ON THE ROAD TO

BEAUTY Model: Sheila Lopez | Photog: Shellie Lynne of Solight Photography | MUA: Shellie Lynne | Stylist: Shellie Lynne

By MARCIA LYNN MILLER

The plane taxis to a stop. The stairway rolls to the door. The door opens. There is a pause before she appears. She leaves them waiting for another few seconds before she steps into view. There she is. The crowd takes a collective gulp as they devour that first impression. Do you disembark a plane with such flair? Do you channel your inner favorite classic movie star descending the stairs of a DC-3 with a chiffon scarf billowing in the breeze, your tortoise shell sunglasses shielding your eyes, and your precious puppy in your purse?

Sadly the picture in our mind rarely matches reality. The times have changed. Now we shoehorn ourselves into seats that grow narrower and narrower with each newly manufactured aircraft. And the government provides a free groping by a stranger as a bonus. But come on --- we all still want to look pretty when we arrive at our destination and as we make our way through our travel day, whether it is spent in business meetings or sightseeing.

Trips by car, bus, train, boat and plane share the same issues - sitting for long periods, wrinkling clothing, and drying skin. Here is some of my best advice honed from my many years as the owner of You Go Girls!, where I have personally escorted groups of women to the far corners of the world, from Ireland to India and Taos to Thailand. These tips will help you fulfill the vision in your dreams, no matter your form of transportation.

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Pack a small bag of beauty necessities in your handbag. If all else goes wrong you will have your basics with you to easily and quickly freshen up. These should include your lipstick, blush, mascara and concealer. Also a hairbrush or comb and any hair accessories or tools you need to care for your coif.

What else do you consider essential to your beauty routine? Remember a bag checked on the airplane is easily separated from you. Be sure you have what you NEED with you in your carry-on or handbag.

Freshen your face and improve your attitude with a light mist to your face. A pump of water from a small plastic spray bottle feels so good, sets your makeup and can calm you in stressful situations.

Add a drop of essential oil to your spray for the benefits of aromatherapy. Lavender calms, lemongrass relieves stress, rosemary stimulates, and ginger is said to fight nausea. For a chic statement try the Evian Brumisateur in the travel size. I guarantee when you open it on the plane and spray your face, your seatmate will see you as a rock star or Hollywood starlet.

If your travel plans call for long or overnight flights, wear the least amount of makeup you can tolerate.

Napping on the plane causes mascara to flake and other products to smudge and end up in your eyes or under them, creating dark circles. If you wear an eye mask to sleep, the problem is compounded.

Whether it is your lover or your boss meeting you - put on your face shortly before landing for a glamorous greeting.

Keep lips kissable with your favorite lip balm containing a sunscreen. Airplane air is very drying and you are exposed to harmful rays through the windows at high altitudes. Air conditioning in cars is also an enemy of your soft skin and luscious lips.

Moisturize well.

Wear something comfortable. Use stretchable fabrics to your advantage. A tight waistband or a short skirt causes plenty of misery. Put on leggings or yoga pants for the long sit. Change into your pretty clothes at arrival time for a pressed, clean, and fresh appearance. This is especially helpful for business travelers who have to hit the ground running.

It is a battle to uphold your beauty standards when you travel. But it is not impossible. Think ahead and plan to have what you need. Have it close to you and make a proactive plan to present yourself at your best. Count yourself lucky that you did not have to cross the prairie in a covered wagon. Now that was a beauty nightmare. We can now arrive at our destination with speed and in relative comfort.

The right tools and a plan will align that image in your head with your reality.

Marcia Lynn Miller founded You Go Girls! Travel 16 years ago to meet the needs of women who dream of travel.

She is convinced there is not enough moisturizer in the world to have gotten her to ride in a covered wagon to her home in Oregon. Months on the road each year to places with and without running hot water have taught her many lessons. She will soon be sharing all of them in her soon to be released book.

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{FEATURE} Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Robert Skuja Photography

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{FEATURE}

By Robert Skuja

One late afternoon recently, in a park on the shores of Lake Ontario, I met someone you need to meet. I spent less than two hours with her and I will never forget it.

Her name is Sarah Taylor and in June, 2014, Sarah reached a big milestone in her life. In front of a large audience and a panel of judges, she opened her heart, bared her soul and bravely shared the story of her difficult journey from the darkness of self-doubt to the light of self-love. Just as an open door invites us in and an open window soothes us in a wave of fresh air, Sarah’s openness and words touched people. She invited them into her life with refreshing honesty and the people listened and responded by honouring her with the People’s Choice Award, the Talent Award and the title of Miss Plus Canada Queen at the events inaugural gala.

Sarah with mom and director of wings | Photog: Rebecca Northcott Photography

Sarah modeling at Full Figure Fashion Week | Photo: www.estrellafashionreport.com

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Model: Sarah Taylor | Photog: Stefanie Augusteijn

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Model: Sarah Taylor | Photog: Stefanie Augusteijn Curvy Connect Mag :: November 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. :: curvyconnectmag.com 41

{FEATURE} their full potential and take flight.

I perhaps conjured up the image of the bird and nest after hearing of her volunteer work for WINGS Maternity Home in her home town. It is a non-profit interdenominational faith-based organization and it is a safe home for homeless young women in need of a loving and nurturing environment during their time of pregnancy and up until they are ready to move onto independent living. WINGS stands for, Waiting, Investing, Nurturing, Growing, Soaring and those five stages mirror the rest of Sarah’s story to date.

Model: Sarah Taylor | Photog: Robert Skuja Photography

O

ther than in her dreams, entering a pageant didn’t seem possible to Sarah. Crowned at 30, her path to Miss Plus Canada had not been one without jagged rocks and treacherous turns. A path that at one point found her broken, like an abandoned car on an impassable road, left behind in the realization that a better route is the only way out.

Always a ‘big girl’, she was often the prey of school bullies. The names they called her were hurtful and the bruises her Mom saw on her 10 year old girl were signs that the punches that accompanied the ‘pig snorts’ were painful too. The type of pain that doesn’t fade with the bruises. Sarah told me that through her formative years at school she was called names like “fat cow”, “huge elephant’” and “not normal”. She added, “It is really horrible. It’s worse now for kids and with social media the bullying is just so much more.” For Sarah, as I am sure is true for others in her graduating class, entering adulthood with low self-esteem and “no confidence” would bring with it unsurfaced difficulties. Life at home with her parents, she describes with a big grin as strict, yet very loving and happy.

It is at this point in her journey that I feel Sarah, like many of us are at some point in our lives, was like a baby bird leaving the nest. As a baby bird leaves the nest, the bird will flail its wings in a clumsy way and only really sustain flight for a few seconds at best. It is only with practice that they learn the hang of things and develop the muscles necessary to flap their wings to

Her parents’ divorce, when she was 21, left her with a “deep wound inside, that I never really dealt with.”

This, in my mind is Sarah’s equivalent of leaving the nest, wings flailing. It is at this time she met her future husband also. A man that would continue the abuse she had come to know in her school days. More bruises and scars, this time from the emotional and sexual abuse as well as unfaithfulness from a man who professed to love her. This went on for two years until she could not take it anymore. “I just couldn’t live another day like that,” she said. Sarah added, “Because I wasn’t healthy and strong inside, I had settled for someone who didn’t treat me well.”

A book that she read long after leaving the marriage touched her deeply. This quote must have really related to her experiences: “Sometimes in life the accuser can have you so convinced that you are inadequate that he doesn’t even have to say it anymore—you start saying it yourself. With your own words you can destroy your own destiny.”

—Touré Roberts, Purpose Awakening: Discover the Epic Idea that Motivated Your Birth So, now is where Sarah’s life begins to mirror the organization she would eventually partner with as a volunteer and spokesperson; WINGS Maternity Home.

Sarah spent the next 3 months waiting. She spent time alone, letting the dust settle. She reflected on her life and began the work of finding herself again. She began to read and identify the issues of the past yet to be dealt with and the hurdles that still faced her. “I left no stone unturned,” she told me, “I was dealing with everything as it came so that I didn’t have to deal with it ten years down the road.” Taking the time to look after her own needs and investing in herself found Sarah surviving in a way she never had. Her new path was being laid. She has “always dreamed of modelling” and so when her mother took on her natural role of nurturing and sat Sarah down and said, “It is time to stop living in survival mode and to start dreaming again.” Sarah put ‘modelling’ as one of the first things on her dream board!

Sarah swimming with Azalia wings baby

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{FEATURE} Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Rebecca Northcott MUA: Nichole Lukasik

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Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Robert Skuja Photography

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Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Robert Skuja Photography

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{FEATURE} Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Rebecca Northcott MUA: Nichole Lukasik

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{FEATURE} Sarah began to dream big and as her dreams came off the dream board and into practice she began growing and as I would say, truly living. She began her first meetings and volunteering with WINGS Maternity Home.

Hearing the stories of the young women and their journeys further inspired her growth.

She attended the Fuller Woman Expo in Toronto and for the first time, saw plus-size models “ripping the runway” and was blown away at their confidence. It really “opened her eyes” to that industry. As her interests continued to grow and develop and with that, her confidence, Sarah found herself entering a Model Call for the plus-size fashion industry’s most renowned event. She was selected and walked the runway for an astounding ten designers during Full Figured Fashion Week!

Sarah was now soaring. The work she put into herself has paid off. Following her modelling debut she was asked to run for Miss Plus Canada and we know how she did with that! She has the crown and the memories to prove it. She also has the wings she needs to continue soaring.

As she said on the Miss Plus Canada website, “Winning Miss Plus Canada 2014/2015 really spring boarded my career into the modelling world and has opened up several doors in the industry. I’ve also had the privilege of speaking to young girls who are in school and at a few other events where I shared my story and got to build these beautiful girls up.” I asked her out of all that has happened to her on her journey thus far, what is the one thing you would like to see come out of it all. “I would just like people to understand that I now love who I am, not whatever size I am. It is important to love who you are today, in the moment. Not what you were, not what you’re going to be, just love yourself now. www.sarahtaylorsjourney.com www.facebook.com/sarahtaylorsjourney www.instagram.com/sarahtaylorsjourney www.twitter.com/sarahtsjourney

Sarah with mom | Photog: Rebecca Northcott Photography

Model: Sarah Taylor | Photog: Rebecca Northcott Photography

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{FEATURE} Model: Sarah Taylor Photog: Robert Skuja Photography

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{FASHION}

By Regina Hatcher

This issue is all about how we mix and match “P.R.I.N.T.S.” --plaids, ruffles, vintage, neutrals, textures, and skins! Well, I wanted to jump right in and chat a minute about how far the fashion industry has come in the way of plus size options for our bottom halves! Think of the boring dark hues we were forced to wear.

Well, those days of covering our assets in navy, black, and brown are gone! We are not afraid to delve into patterns and textures, but we do demand quality! The fit must be well thought-out and made for curves of all dimensions. Raise your hand if you are with me, please! I hear you, so let’s take a look at some of the current selections for the size 12 and up ladies.

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{FASHION}

PLAIDS

They can range from bold to subtle, but you make them your own. One of the most important things to always remember is proper fit. If you are going to slide all of your glory into a plaid bottom, I need you to make sure its rests nicely on your hips, tush, and thighs. The plaid print should NOT be CROOKED, if it were meant to be vertical.

Take a look at a couple of my faves from Lane Bryant: LENA TAILORED STRETCH WIDE LEG PANT: Oh! I had to catch my breath! A wide leg pant done right is so sexy! This pant can take you from day to night with a simple change of accessories. This pant is described as a perfect fit for a “moderately curvy figure with a smaller waist to reduce gapping. “ It’s currently listed on lanebryant.com.

LANE BRYANT BLUE PLAID WRAP SKIRT: This next gem, I am a bit partial to. It’s a vintage school girl plaid wrap skirt, also from Lane Bryant. Wrap skirts can be so forgiving, and are an ease to wear. Picture this with a leather jacket, tights, and a fierce pump. This skirt was sold on my online resale boutique, makeitlookeffortless.com. We featured it for $18.

RUFFLES

Yes, curvy women can wear ruffles! Proper fit is always the key to a polished look. If you are pear-shaped, make sure the skirt does NOT hike up in the back. You know the dreaded reverse “hi-low” effect that wasn’t your intention? Better to size up and have it altered at the waistline. Here is a flirty little gem that caught my eye from citychiconline.com.

RUMBLE RUFFLE SKIRT: I love the muted tribal print, that pairs well with so many colors. The skirt is sexy and feminine. The tiers fall in just the right spots, and will rock with a fitted turtleneck or sweater. I caution you to wear a simple, fitted top when wearing ruffles. You don’t want to add volume. Build around the skirt, and keep it sleek.

VINTAGE

I am a thrift store fashionista at heart. It’s always about the thrill of the find. When shopping for vintage plus size garments, be sure to check for stains, piling, and other wear that may occurs with age. Be sure to know your measurements, and be prepared for stores with no dressing rooms.

Wear leggings and a bodysuit so you’ll get the most accurate fit. If you don’t want to try a garment on, take a measuring tape. You’ll be surprised what looks like it will fit, but may have been altered. Be familiar with the older plus size sizing, such as a size 40= 20W, 42=22W, and so forth.

Remember, there weren’t many options years ago for full-figured women. Many items you find may have been made at home. Look for extra material in the seams to allot for more room or a longer length. If “thrifting” is not your thing, you’re in luck. Fashion cycles back around so, you may fare well from vintage-inspired trends. That brings me to a trending garment style. In a word: culottes. I actually have a pair of denim culottes that I have been waiting to wear. Take a peek at some of the current culottes selections featured this season by various retailers.

Eloquii Studio High Waisted Culotte Jean: DENIM! I love denim, and these give you the fullness of a skirt, but they’re just as comfortable as a pair of jeans.

You can rock these with tall boots or a funky flat. Dependent upon your height, be cautious when wearing a mid-calf boot. It’s best to always elongate your leg.

Keep it simple. As far as a top, I prefer a crop sweater/top/jacket that hits at the waist. A garment that stops at the waist, allows for a more defined silhouette.

Another option would be a belted sweater ruana or tunic blouse. Don’t smother those curves!

ASOS CURVE PREMIUM CULOTTES IN SUEDE: There really isn’t much to say!

Rust is rich and rocks well with gray, navy, black, brown, green, and bone. These are cut on a straight bias; they work well for an inverted triangle figure. A slimmer thigh would prevent riding in the crotch and hips. Sold at asos.com Curvy Connect Mag :: November 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. :: curvyconnectmag.com 51

{FASHION}

NEUTRALS

I can’t say enough about the evolution of what the fashion industry considers to be “neutral.” Your classics like rich browns, gray, and green never fail. My personal favorite is denim in all washes of indigo. In recent seasons, blush or nude tones, camouflage, and animal print are often styled along with an array of colors. Here are a few of my “New Neutrals.”

ASOS PLEATED MIDI SKIRT: Are you kidding me? You know fashion of yesteryear would have frowned upon us wearing nude or blush tones on our derrieres. And again, we ignore the naysayers. I can’t stop thinking of the endless possibilities I have in mind for this skirt. I envision a navy cropped sweater, a denim jacket, chocolate brown turtleneck topped off with a brown tall boot.

Yes, indeed! This midi is easy to wear and elegant. It’s a great length for ladies of various heights. The hidden inside zipper is an added bonus; nothing worse than a puckering zipper that won’t lay flush against the body. Find this gem at asos.com.

LANE BRYANT CAMO SEQUIN SKIRT: AMAZING! This juxtaposition of sequins blended with the military-inspired camouflage theme is fierce! Day, night, weekend, cocktail, nightclub, happy hour…. It’s your call. It’s fully lined, but this much glam will cost you. Featured at lanebryant.com ONLINE exclusively for $128.

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LANE BRYANT ANIMAL MIDI PENCIL SKIRT: Just look at how Lane Bryant’s experts have styled the model. Perfection!

Your neutral denim and animal print paired together in a sassy, fresh look. The midi length ponté cloth skirt features a sexy split to allow for moderate exposure for those gorgeous gams. It’s also featured at lanebryant.com.

TEXTURES

Suede, tweed, lace and the list goes on! I always say, “Don’t look like everyone else!” Break all of the rules, all day long! Look at what has become acceptable for the office these days. A denim jacket, worn with a sassy pencil skirt or midi is a great option for business casual. Lace camis peeking out from under dressy blouses are common in the corporate settings today. So, as we continue to make our own fashion rules, let’s look at a few of my picks of textured items we can ease into our wardrobe.

MONIF C SCALLOP LACE SKIRT: OMG! Designer Monif C gets it right all the time! This skirt can easily be matched with a neutral wool blazer or belted colorful jacket and worn to the office. The key again, is fit. As long as it’s not too small, it can be made to work for business. Find at monifc.com.

ASOS CURVE MIDI PENCIL SKIRT IN CABLE TEXTURE: Cable knit in a skirt done well. It doesn’t look bulky, but flatters all of our curves. I would love to see this worn with a rich harvest gold suede sweater, and a tall lace up boot.

Available at asos.com.

SKINS

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! One of my favorite exotic fashion selections is animal skins. I love faux and real leather skins, but also love that textile industry has woven the look into soft, sexy materials that demand to be seen. These are timeless pieces to be added to your wardrobe! I’ve offered a couple of the selections that I’d add to my “stockpile.”

CITYCHIC SLITHER SNAKESKIN SKIRT: Keeping with the midi trend, this hot number is just waiting for you! I’m seeing red, green, gray, blue, and harvest gold meshed with this “skin.” Purchase this at citychiconline.com ASHLEY STEWART CROC EMBOSSED LACEUP SKIRT: You can never go wrong with chocolate brown. This faux croc print jewel is right on the money. The lace detail and slit are not to be missed. Perfect length to rock with boots or an elegant heel. Featured on ashleystewart.com.

So you’re set, Diva! Gear up for your own P.R.I.NT.S. collection. Remember, the KEY IS FIT. Try leaving your comfort zone and if you need a little encouragement, you know where to find us. CCM has your back. Signing off, Divas! A cup of coffee, my laptop, and plenty of online retail therapy are calling my name!

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Model: Dionne Reeves- Grubbs Photog: Joseph Merell MUA: Bronzed Nightingale Stylist: Shalae Morgan

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From the

Male POV

By Daniel Wilson

We have our love hate relationship with the mirror. After a late night of partying and an early morning work day, the mirror is not necessarily our best friend. We notice creases we hadn’t seen before, we look at the stuff sitting on top of our heads and groan. Why is this piece of glass lying to me, we might ask. It “can’t” be that bad we reassure ourselves, knowing full well that it is. But then, slowly but surely we start to make friends again.

A shower, a hair brush, some skin care products and, grudgingly perhaps, the mirror can become our ally once again.

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We face a multiplicity of other mirrors every day and may not realize it. Those come in the form of the people we meet. For those of us who have had retail experiences, we know that cashiers and clerks become mirrors for the joy and frustrations of those we encounter. We bounce back what they project. And the same is true about the people that we ourselves encounter, the people who see and make judgements on us. If we project negativity outwards, we are going to get it back. If we radiate exuberance and thankfulness and interest and energy we are going to get that back too.

The difference between the mirror on our wall and the mirror that is the people we meet is substantial. With a few spritzes of hair spray and a few swipes of a makeup brush we can turn a less than favorable result into a positive one in the reflecting surface in our bathroom.

People though have memories. One bad experience and the damage can be permanent.

The unreality of reality TV The reason I mention reality television specifically is because I know so many modeling hopefuls got their ideas and information from seeing some of these shows. Reality TV is, in fact, about as far from reality as it can be most of the time. Even calling it “unscripted” is a big stretch. And we know that, logically. But if we watch and we watch regularly the attitudes and assumptions of the (usually very strong) characters start to seep into our psyche. And these attitudes are the biggest, most poisonous myths of those presentations.

So let’s focus on those modeling shows. You know the ones I’m talking about, where drama overshadows talent, there are egos the size of the Hoover Dam and the “mean girls” go as far in to the competition as the nice ones. Don’t believe that crap for a minute.

This is the oldest cliché that exists, but it’s true - there are lots of women pretty enough to be models. Tens of thousands, maybe millions. But there are (by comparison) few models. And why is that? Because being a model is less about looks and more about attitude.

You have to be a model and think like a model, have the mind-set of a model. And let me assure you, the most successful models are truly sincere, caring, humble and hardworking people.

There may be a few isolated examples to the con-

trary but for the most part this rings true every time.

Look no further than supermodel Justine LeGault, featured elsewhere in this issue. When you talk to Justine you get the real person and that real person is sweet and humble, adoring of her fans and hopeful of the future. She talks of feeling vulnerable at times - and then moving on. Rather than let insecurities eat at her and damage her views towards others, she lets them go.

Justine is truly one of the nicest people you can meet and certainly in modeling terms one of the most successful. If you want to emulate someone, she would be a great choice.

The power of sincerity I believe (I really do) that most of us are caring and sincere and giving people by our own nature. I think that we put up barriers sometimes for different reasons.

We put up walls and facades to protect ourselves, to keep us safe from those who would do us harm, insult us, try to shatter our dreams. It’s a defense mechanism and it’s human nature. We are all more alike than most of us know. The problem with putting up walls is the image you exude. If people see stand-offishness, see an inflated ego, see indifference or arrogance they are going to reflect it back to you. In some ways people are more accurate mirrors than mirrors themselves.

So what to do to keep ourselves safe but still engage those around us? Be real. Just be real, be yourself. Don’t let fear, vulnerability or insecurity turn you into something you’re not. Let yourself care. Yes, let yourself care about people the way you want to, the way that your heart tells you that you should. It will come back. That positive attitude and pleasant persona will come bouncing back to you many times, in so many ways. There is a power in being genuine, in being sincere and in being nice to the people around you. It shows them you are worthy of being cared about in return. The most successful people are also the nicest people. Being open and natural makes others want to help you. In a profession as competitive and unpredictable as modeling, you not only want that, you absolutely need that. Becoming that one individual that others want to see succeed is perhaps the most positive and forward moving reaction you can hope for in terms of growing your career.

…being a model is less about looks and more about attitude.

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Confident. Upbeat.

Resilient. Vivacious. You! curvyconnectmag.com 58 Curvy Connect Mag :: November 2015 P.R.I.N.T.S. Edition :: curvyconnectmag.com

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