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READY, SET, SPRING! BRIGHT & BOLD TRENDS TO WEAR NOW
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EDITOR’S LETTER
LOVE BLOOMS Spring is in the air! With the sun shining down upon us and the warm weather on its way, I can’t help but feel surrounded by love. Whether it’s the love of my husband, family (especially my sweet nieces!) or self-love—all love is good love in my books! Welcoming love into your life is not always the easiest thing to do, but I believe that loving yourself is the first step. Find the curve, beauty mark or a unique quality about yourself that is truly special (for me, it’s my laugh). Now, learn to love and embrace it! Find inspiration in activists who promote selflove like our iconic cover girl, Tess Holliday. Tess is a crusader for accepting and loving yourself for who you truly are. Take note from this super model/mom/fashion designer (the list goes on!) in our interview on page 14, where she shares all the details on her new collection with Penningtons. Plus: enter for the chance to win a $100 gift card to Penningtons! A wardrobe spring cleaning can revamp your look and mood. Show your closet some love with ontrend designer styles from Toni Plus on page 18. On the topic of love, I can’t help but think of my wedding day. We asked six curvy brides to share their epic romance stories. Feel the love on page 24. We can’t wait to see what you #DAREtoWear this season. Share your looks with us by using our hashtag #DAREtoWear and you could be featured in the pages of our next issue! Happy spring!
EDITOR’S PICKS
DIANA DARES
GET YOUR GLOW ON “This soft pink highlighter sweeps along my cheekbones and above my cupid’s bow perfectly.“ Benefit Cosmetics Dandelion Shy Beam matte highlighter, $34, sephora.com
Curious about what our Editor is coveting this season? From sweet floral appliqués to pretty pastels, check out her spring must-haves.
WHAT’S THE SCOOP? “A bangle adorned with ice cream cones? I just can’t resist!“ Kate Spade bangle, $78, katespade.com
PRETTY PJS “Pastel mint and lace are the perfect combination for this sweet set.“ Ti Voglio pyjama set, $46, penningtons.com
ALL ABOUT THAT LACE “This blush-hued dress with its tulle lace overlay is what my dreams are made of!“ Junarose dress, $129, penningtons.com
FLOWER POWER “The candy-hued floral appliqués sprinkled along this handbag have me hooked! Must-have.“ ALDO handbag, $50, aldoshoes.com RE
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THE TEAM
AMANDA MONTGOMERY
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CONTRIBUTORS
CANADA’S PLUS SIZE FASHION MAGAZINE
WRITER & BLOGGER Amanda Montgomery, the blogger behind Latest Wrinkle (latestwrinkle.com), tries to live amidst beautiful inspiration of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle so that she can share the experience with women of all sizes. With a background in fashion design, she has moved into the world of fashion blogging and journalism, through which she promotes that style is not limited by a number, but rather an expression of one’s self.
MEGHAN BRADLEY
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MODEL Meghan Bradley was Vice President, Sales at a major magazine publishing company for 20 years. But her real passion was the plus size market where, concurrently, she was a Ford model and plus size spokesperson appearing on television, in-store and in magazines. Currently, she is signed with B&M Models, Curvy. Meghan has always been confident and comfortable with her body and believes in celebrating our feminine curves.
KOURTNEY POPE WRITER & BLOGGER
As seen on InStyle.com, this North Carolina-based blogger is committed to showing mainstream media that plus comes secondary to having great style. As the founder of runthroughmag.com, Kourtney is a dedicated advocate of positive self-image and mastering the art of the slay. Fierce and fear cannot coexist in the same vocabulary. Be sure to follow Kourtney @editressinchic via Instagram for inspiration. RE
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIANA DI POCE DIRECTOR OF SALES MEGHAN BRADLEY CONTRIBUTORS AMANDA BLOYE, ERIN DUNLOP, NICOLE ELEDEN, AMANDA MONTGOMERY, CECE OLISA, KOURTNEY POPE SPECIAL THANKS TO PENNINGTONS, TESS HOLLIDAY, TONI PLUS, UNDERSUMMERS, CURVY EXPO, BANDELETTES, KURTRIA AND JASON HUNTER, EMMA AND HAYLEY BROWN, MEGAN AND JEFF WATERS, NATASHA AND JASON, ARMIE AND RHEY APARRI, RED APPLE TREE PHOTOGRAPHY, RONNIE ARCHER, NATHAN R. SCARLETT, RICKY JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY For advertising information, marketing opportunities and submission guidelines, please contact diana@daremag.ca. © 2016 DARE Magazine Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced, shared, stored or transmitted by any method or means without written permission from the editor.
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SPRING 2016 • ISSUE #11
CONTENTS on the cover 8 14 17 18 24
READY, SET, SPRING! WEDDING BELLES
fashion
HAVE YOU HEARD? FASHION OPENER CELEBRITY STYLE TESS HOLLIDAY $100 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY SPRING FORWARD HERE COME THE BRIDES CURVES OF THE WORLD #DARETOWEAR
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EXTRA, EXTRA!
NEWS
have you
HEARD? Extra, extra! Read on for the latest news in fashion, beauty and curvy culture. BY KOURTNEY POPE
DREAM COME TRUE Canadian plus size retailer, Addition Elle has teamed up with supermodel Ashley Graham to release a bridal-inspired lingerie collection called Dreamer, as part of their Ashley Graham x Addition Elle line. The 12-piece collection includes the classic black and white colour combination with the sexiest of details—we’re talking mesh, lace and cutouts. Each piece from the line is designed with fit and comfort in mind so that every woman can channel their inner Ashley Graham. Available this April, the collection will be sold at select Addition Elle locations and online at additionelle.com. RE
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As the seasons change, now is the time for your wardrobe spring cleaning. What’s even more fitting is the arrival of Melissa McCarthy’s new spring collection! Filled with endless options for the modern day curvy fashionista, Melissa McCarthy by Seven7 includes a range of kimonos, shirts, skirts and for the first time dresses. Taking nods from the very popular ‘70s vibe of the runway, Melissa has managed to find a way to translate this into her collection in a fun, fresh and sexy way. Shop it now in Penningtons’ stores and online at penningtons.com.
ILLUSTRATION: CURVY SKETCHES; FASHION WEEK: ROSE AUX JOUES PHOTOGRAPHIE.
All Hail Queen McCarthy!
breaking news!
Calling all Fashionistas It’s time! Celebrate your curves at Toronto’s Curvy Expo, a one day event on May 14th at the International Centre. With over 20 years of experience, founder Meghan Bradley has created an event where us curvy ladies can experience the feeling that you are finally in the right place at the right time. From fashion shows and meet-and-greets with your favourite bloggers, to exhibitors showcasing everything for the size 12+ community—Curvy Expo can’t be missed! Unlike most stores, with limited options for curvies, this show is all curvy, all the time. Get more information at curvyexpo.com.
Strut Your Stuff
Montreal Fashion + Week is the first of its kind! As Quebec’s first-ever plus size fashion week, the groundbreaking event will feature over 50 designers and a spectacular night of fashion shows from May 20th to May 22nd. Will you be part of the stylish event that will change the vision of plus size fashion in Canada? Get the details at montrealplusfashionweek.com.
Style meets Brawn Standing at 6’6”, Zach Miko is one hunk of a man. Add in a killer smile, head-turning style and smoldering eyes and you have the makings of a model. After being scouted on Instagram, top modelling agency IMG Models signed Miko to represent Brawn, the world’s first plus size division for men.
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DAREMAG.CA
For the latest in fashion, beauty and all things curvy, visit DAREMAG.CA
body love
CELEBRITY STATUS
Follow us on social media for the latest in curvy celebrity fashion.
ROLE MODELS
We interview the top curvy models who are making a change.
ASHLEY GRAHAM: GETTY IMAGES.
Check out our roundup of our favourite body positive quotes.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LATEST WRINKLE
FASHION
fashion SPRING 2016
Who says fresh starts are just for January? With spring fashion in full bloom, it’s time to wipe your style slate clean and shake up your wardrobe. This season, we’re taking notes from trailblazers like our cover girl Tess Holliday, perennial trendsetter Amber Riley, and the stunning, curvy brides in our real weddings feature. RE
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M AY 1 4 2 0 1 6 | I N T E R N A T I O N A L C E N T R E
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• FASHION SHOWS
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Amber Riley
HELLO, YELLOW!
It’s official: yellow is blazing its way into our wardrobes this spring. Try a buttercream hue like Amber Riley or go bold in a sunny neon. BY ERIN DUNLOP
FRINGE FUN H&M earrings, $13, hm.com
PRETTY PASTEL Junarose dress, $69, penningtons.com
SUNNY DELIGHT
RILEY: GETTY IMAGES
Stella & Dot crossbody, $69, stelladot.com
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DARE TO WEAR
FASHION
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
enter to WIN a
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UNSTOPPABLE
TESS WITH THE LAUNCH OF MBLM BY TESS HOLLIDAY, HER BUZZWORTHY NEW COLLABORATION WITH PENNINGTONS, THIS ISSUE’S COVER GIRL IS ADDING YET ANOTHER ROLE TO HER EVER-EXPANDING RESUME.
SHOP THE COLLECTION Cover girl Tess flaunts her curves in a cover acid wash fringe dress. $85, available in April at mblmstyle.com
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE FOLLOW TESS!
FOLLOW PENNINGTONS! USE THE HASHTAG #MBLMXTESS This screen print fringe tank is a must! $46, available in April at mblmstyle.com
I
f we’re talking banner years, Tess Holliday has had one. Already a familiar face in the fashion industry Tess steals a kiss from thanks to her work as a model, fiancé Nick makeup artist, blogger, and body Holliday positivity activist, Tess’ star power gained even more wattage this year with her groundbreaking cover shot on People Magazine’s annual Body Issue. It’s clear the momentum from her career-defining year is only carrying Tess Holliday onwards and upwards—she’s put her experience in front of a camera to use and built a collection of body-friendly and #ootd-worthy pieces with Penningtons. “I learned so much from modelling that made the design process so much easier,” Tess explains. As for the clothes themselves, they’re unmistakably Tess. “I’m a crusader for body confidence and accepting yourself for who you are, being unapologetic, and not having to
Tess rocks a scuba crop top with cut-out and scuba skirt with faux front zip. $46 and $60, available in April at mblmstyle.com
compromise yourself for your style,” she says, so it’s no surprise that the core pieces are easy-to-wear and curve-flaunting. Tess’ innate understanding of effortless sexiness also manifested itself in the collection—it’s made for the girl on-the-go, perfect for throwing on and heading out the door (in style, we might add). “I love that I don’t have to wear shapewear with any of the styles.” Available online and in Penningtons’ stores across Canada, the mblm by Tess Holliday collection is the exact kind of accessible fashion that Tess consistently aims to support. “I love Penningtons’ aesthetic,” she says, »
I m a crusader for body confidence and accepting yourself for who you are.
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FASHION
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
A sporty mesh detail jumpsuit with neon details? Sign us up! $85, available in May at mblmstyle.com
The Tess Edit Tess’ must-haves from the mblm collection are easy, breezy, and spring-ready. SHOP NOW GET SHORTY Jean shorts with suspenders, $56, mblmstyle.com
SHADES OF GREY Abstract animal print top, $46, mblmstyle.com
I love that I don t have to wear shapewear with any of the styles.
explaining that she felt the Canadian retailer was a logical fit for her style. “I talked to a lot of brands before but didn’t want to slap my name onto any collection.” So what’s next for Tess? Aside from watching her collection go from a dream to reality, she’s showing no sign of slowing down. Currently pregnant with her second child with dreamy fiancé Nick Holliday, she’s more motivated and dazzling than ever. Her million-plus followers will likely agree that her Instagram posts (ranging from outright sexy to inspirational and packing RE
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all the punch you’d expect from the founder of the #effyourbeautystandards movement) are a testament to her work ethos. Our favourite snap? A poolside bikini shot with the caption: “6 months preggo today and still slayin’.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. ▪
FRINGE APPEAL Acid wash fringe dress, $85, mblmstyle.com
ARMY CHIC Military crop jacket, $90, mblmstyle.com
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
DARe TO
WIN! What better way to kick off the season than with a fresh new wardrobe? Enter now for the chance to win a $100 GIFT CARD TO PENNINGTONS!*
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
enter to WIN a
$100
gift card!
*Some restrictions apply. Visit daremag.ca/contests for contest rules and regulations.
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT PENNINGTONS
FASHION
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
SPRING FORWARD Break with tradition this season by giving classic spring styles a whole new spin! Play with everything from proportion to prints with fresh designer picks from Toni Plus. SHOP THE TRENDS NOW
TOPPED OFF
A sweeping duster jacket adds drama and movement to any outfit. LAFAYETTE 148 NEW YORK GEMMA CLOTH DUSTER WITH SIDE SLITS, $578, AND YARN DYE COTTON STRIPE TEE WITH BATEAU NECK, $368.
AVAILABLE AT TONI PLUS
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
LA VIE BOHÈME Keep your look breezy and bohemian with a printed silk kimono. BRYN WALKER GIVERNY SILK PRINT KIMONO, $395, LIGHT LINEN LONG TRAPEZE TANK, $160, AND HEAVY LINEN CASBAH PANT, $190.
AVAILABLE AT TONI PLUS
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FASHION GET IN LINE Go graphic with a structured blazer in a geometric print for a mod feel. TONI T. ABSTRACT PRINT LONG BLAZER, $598.
AVAILABLE AT TONI PLUS
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
LADYLIKE GLAMOUR Hero pieces like a chic LBD or a soft draped suede jacket are as elegant as they are wearable. ALEMBIKA LONG PEONY PLACEMENT PRINT DRESS, $395. TONI T. SUEDE DRAPE FRONT JACKET, $325, AND CROP PANT, $198.
AVAILABLE AT TONI PLUS
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FASHION
SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
MIX MASTER Whether you’re combining cheery prints or multiple textures, layering up is key for on-the-go dressing. (LEFT) MYCRA PAC REVERSIBLE DOT PRINT COAT, $540, CPM POLKA DOT TOP. $120, AND LISETTE L POLKA DOT PANT, $135. (ABOVE) ALEMBIKA CROCHET VEST, $260, AND LONG SLEEVELESS JERSEY TANK DRESS, $275.
AVAILABLE AT TONI PLUS
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SPONSORED FASHION FEATURE
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TONI PLUS
SPRING 2016
LOOKBOOK. SHOP THE TRENDS NOW
IN BLOOM Springtime florals feel more unexpected in abstract patterns and neutral tones. TONI T. FLORAL PRINT EDGE TO EDGE JACKET, $385.
AVAILABLE AT TONI PLUS
FASHION
here come the
brides WHAT’S THE ONE THING THAT MAKES YOUR DREAM WEDDING DAY EVEN BETTER? WHY THE PERFECT DRESS, OF COURSE! WE’VE ROUNDED UP SIX BRIDES WHO SAID “I DO” IN ONE-OF-A-KIND STYLE. BY AMANDA BLOYE
MEGAN & JEFF • 05/30/15:
Lovely in Lace One of America’s oldest plantations provided the perfect backdrop for this couple’s ethereal nuptials. Tell us about your spouse. Jeff and I first started dating in the seventh grade. I love everything about my husband! I love how fun he makes our life. I feel so lucky that I will spend my whole life laughing with my best friend. Describe your dress shopping experience. I had shopped online and found “the dress.” I searched for a bridal salon that carried that specific dress and ultimately decided on the same dress I fell in love with online. It was too perfect to resist!
MEGAN & JEFF: RED APPLE TREE PHOTOGRAPHY; NATASHA & JASON: IZO PHOTOGRAPHY
What was your favourite moment from your big day? The surprise choreographed dance by my bridesmaids during my sister’s Maid of Honour speech—it was flawless!
NATASHA & JASON • 11/14/15:
Dark Romance This avant-garde bride stepped away from tradition and stunned in a beautifully unique black gown. Did your wedding have a theme? My ‘theme’ was more an expression of our tastes and who we are: vintage-goth, Tim Burton-esque inspired—not too in your face but just enough in an elegant way. How did your gown make you feel? I did have my concerns early on being a plus size bride, but I decided to own it; my man loves me no matter what. It’s such an incredible dress and made me feel like a million dollars.
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What advice do you have for other brides? Planning a wedding shouldn’t have to be as hard as people make it out to be; think of it as just planning the biggest party of your life.
FASHION
ARMIE & RHEY • 01/16/16:
Pretty in Pink A zest for life and unique sense of style led this blushing bride to find her prince charming and dream dress. What do you love most about your spouse? He is a genuinely happy person. His zest for life is contagious.
KURTRIA & JASON • 11/13/15:
Island Vibes This bride’s mermaid-inspired gown was perfect for paradise at her beachside wedding. Tell us about the proposal. When our daughter came downstairs from changing into her nightclothes, she yelled, “Mommy, Mommy read my shirt!” The shirt said, “Mommy, will you marry Daddy?” As I was reading and processing what the shirt said, Jason was down on one knee. What was your favourite moment from your big day? Seeing our six-year-old daughter, Margo, shed a tear while we exchanged our vows. It was so amazing that she was able to emotionally connect with the experience as much as we did. RE
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RHEY & ARMIE: RICKY JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY; KURTRIA: NATHAN R. SCARLETT; KURTRIA & JASON: RONNIE ARCHER
Tell us about your dress. I saw Oprah Winfrey’s gown she wore to the 2015 Oscars and I fell in love with its colour and the way it made her look so ethereal. I wanted something similar to it. My dress was custom-made by a very talented local designer. I was pretty scared going into his shop the first time, as there are very few curvy brides here in the Philippines. He had a lot of great ideas and from our first talk he made me feel at ease. I immediately knew I made the right choice.
HAYLEY & EMMA • 04/22/14:
Bridal Bliss Romantic, stunning and personal, Hayley and Emma’s English country wedding was the perfect blend of rustic and chic. How did your love story begin? Emma: Hayley and I originally met as teenagers. We never spent that much time together until a few years later when we reconnected and started dating. I knew she was the one right then. What quality do you love most about your spouse? Hayley: Emma is the most supportive person I know. She’s open-minded and so ridiculously stunning in every way possible. What made you say “yes” to the dress? Emma: We knew we wanted dresses that would complement each other, but also had a strict budget and an extremely short time frame. Although the dresses were not in the style that we had our hearts set on, we knew they were perfect for our wedding setting—and didn’t regret our choice! What advice do you have for other brides? Hayley: Don’t stress! We eloped and it was the best decision we ever made. There was no pressure or worrying about what others needed or wanted. It was relaxed and all about our little family having the perfect day. It’s your day!
FASHION
CURVES
OF THE WORLD
We explore the world wide web to bring you the best in beauty and fashion from our favourite bloggers. Simply click on their image for more!
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LATEST WRINKLE
AMANDA MONTGOMERY TORONTO, ON
Candy-hued pastels and cheerful flats are sweet staples in this THE DETAILS Call It Spring blogger’s closet. necklace, $20, callitspring.com
TREND TO TRY “I’m excited for the Victorianinspired trend: the ruffles and floral embroidery.” Addition Elle crop top, $65, additionelle.com
SEASON STAPLE “I wouldn’t mind if everything I wore this spring were the Pantone colours of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity.” Zizzi short, $99, navabi.ca
MUST-HAVE “I can’t live without a great pair of flats.”
Old Navy crossbody, $35, oldnavy.ca
ASOS flat, $32, asos.com RE
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FASHION
CURVES ON A BUDGET
NICOLE EDELEN PHOENIX, AZ
This blogger’s recipe for a polished spring look? Metallic extras, feminine florals, and a classic blazer.
THE DETAILS Forever 21 sunglasses, $11, forever21.com
WARDROBE STAPLE “A well-structured blazer makes me feel like I can do anything. Especially the ones with shoulder pads—heaven!” H&M+ blazer, $60, hm.com
TRENDS TO TRY “I’m excited to try brighter colours, chunky heels and big floral patterns.” City Chic dress, $119, citychiconline.com
SEASON MUST-HAVE “A blush, lavender or baby blue bag would be perfect for spring.” Call It Spring bag, $40, callitspring.com RE
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your big sist erscloset.c om
FASHION
#DARETOWEAR We love swiping through your #DAREtoWear posts, so keep sharing your looks and tagging @daremagcanada!
@liquid_universe shows her curves love in spring lingerie.
@sunandaspiteri—a classic Top Gun tee never looked so good!
@fashionfoodfattitude stuns in ladybugs and red pumps.
@plussizebeausion gives us metallics for spring. Love!
@inemesitetokudo oozes the ‘70s feel with florals and denim.
@caterinamoda checks out top model Ashley Graham in SI.
@quelinegueye masters pastels @amanda_allison is a showin a jacket and skirt combo. stopper in @societyplus.
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@whosthatgirldana proves that curvy gals can rock print.
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