DARE Magazine - Spring/Summer 2017

A .C AG M RE DA SPRING/SUMMER 2017 ISSUE #13

A $500 SHOPPING SPREE!

r e g e g u s s o i l b the

STARRING

EVERYTHING CURVY & CHIC PLUS SIZE BARBIE LACE N’ LEOPARD

& MORE!

EDITOR’S NOTE

DO YOU

DARE? THIS SEASON, WE DARE YOU TO BREAK THE RULES AND TRY NEW TRENDS!

and it’s time to put some spring in our step! Though it seems like the weather can never quite catch up with us fashion lovers—especially here in Canada—the (fashion) show must go on. On gloomy days, part the clouds with vibrant prints. On chilly days, top off a pastel look with your best bomber jacket. Lead the way and brighter days will follow—we promise!

Looking for inspiration? When I’m in need of a boost, I can always count on the trendsetters of our generation: bloggers.

Here at DARE, these fashion-forward trailblazers are who we look to for all things curvy. No matter your size, age or style, there is a blogger out there for you! As my list of must-follow ladies continues to grow, our cover girl Chanté Burkett of Everything Curvy and Chic has always been a favourite (see why we love her on page 20).

With spring in the air, we have teamed up with leading Hudson’s Bay to bring you the season’s must-haves. Plus: refresh your wardrobe with a $500 shopping spree. Enter to WIN and discover trends to try on page 14.

This season, we can’t wait to see what you #DAREtoWear. Share your looks with us by using our hashtag #DAREtoWear and you could be featured in the pages of our next issue!

THE NEW SEASON IS ALMOST HERE

Happy spring!

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Diana Di Poce

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LEADER OF THE PACK “The perfect combo of edgy and feminine: a pastel pink biker jacket.”

MAKE A STATEMENT “Transition your key pieces from winter to spring with the simple add-on of a necklace.”

Kate Spade necklace, $148, katespade.com

H&M+ jacket, $70, hm.com/ca

POM POM PLAY “Add pops of colour to a classic clutch for a spring/ summer touch.”

Rachel Roy dress, $219, toniplus.com

DIANA DARES

EDITOR’S

PICKS

See what our editor is coveting this season. From floral prints to bright extras, check out her spring musts.

Loeffler Randall pouch, $320, thebay.com

JEAN MACHINE “Refresh your denim wardrobe with embroidered details —one of spring’s hottest trends!”

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d/c Jeans capri, $58, penningtons.com

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ALDO sneakers, $75, aldoshoes.com

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FLOWER POWER “Nothing flatters my curves like a fit-and-flare silhouette.

Take this romantic print from day to night.”

GET YOUR KICKS “An embellished sneaker? Sign me up! The metallic and floral decal extras are everything!”

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CERTIFIED LIFE COACH

SOPHIA APOSTOL @COACH_SOPHIA

Sophia Apostol is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in helping women #GrabLifeByTheLoveHandles from the bedroom to the boardroom. As a curvalicious woman herself, Sophia understands what it’s like living in a larger body, and she supports clients who are ready to choose happiness and live their best life. sophiaapostol.com

BLOGGER & CEO

TIFFANY CRAWFORD @LACENLEOPARD

Tiffany Crawford is a California native and fashion influencer. Her motto?

Classy. Curvy. Confident. She features the latest in fashion and body positivity through her YouTube channel, Instagram and blog. In addition, Tiffany is CEO of a non-profit organization for at-risk youth and has been featured on Good Day New York, Essence.com, Lucky.com, Fashion Bomb Daily, Bustle.com and Plus Model Magazine.

MODEL & INFLUENCER

LYNDSAY PATRICIA @PLUSSIZEBARBIIEE

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Lyndsay Patricia is an avid Instagrammer and a self-proclaimed professional selfie taker. She believes social media should be used to remind everyone that they do not need to be a certain size to look flawless. She hopes to empower people to embrace body positivity and inclusive feminism.

She aspires to become a mainstream plus model, where her size-26 body is anything but mainstream.

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A .C AG M RE DA

THE TEAM

Contributors

CANADA’S PLUS SIZE FASHION MAGAZINE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIANA DI POCE DIRECTOR OF SALES MEGHAN BRADLEY CONTRIBUTORS SARAH ANNE, SOPHIA APOSTOL, AMANDA BLOYE, LUCIANA

BLÜMLEIN, CHANTÉ BURKETT, CHRISTINE MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY, TIFFANY CRAWFORD, DEEDIARY.COM, ERIN DUNLOP, KATIA HANINE, KARYN INDER, ALLIE KRYSTAL, MARGOT MEANIE, AMANDA MONTGOMERY, LYNDSAY PATRICIA, CARLYLE ROUTH, SHERI STROH, GAIL THOMPSON, INGRIE WILLIAMS SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL WOMAN PROJECT, SOPHIA APOSTOL, B&M MODELS, HUDSON’S BAY, PLUTINO GROUP, CLAUDIA QUAMMIE, SOCIETY+, THIGH SOCIETY, UNDERSUMMERS For advertising information, marketing opportunities and submission guidelines, please contact meghan@daremag.ca. © 2017 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/SUMMER 2017 • ISSUE #13

CONTENTS 4 EDITOR’S NOTE 5 DIANA DARES 8 EXTRA, EXTRA!

10 BLOGGERS TO FOLLOW 14 SPRING MUST-HAVES FROM HUDSON’S BAY

14 WIN A $500

14

SHOPPING SPREE!

20 CHANTÉ ALL DAY 23 COVER GIRL BEAUTY STAPLES

SOPHIA APOSTOL + WIN COACHING SESSIONS!

26 CURVES OF THE WORLD

28

30 #DARETOWEAR

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COVER - CHANTÉ BURKETT: CHRISTINE MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

24 TELL-ALL WITH

7

NEWS

HAVE YOU

HEARD? Extra, extra! Read on for the latest news in curvy culture.

BY ERIN DUNLOP

FASHION

WORK IT OUT

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It might not be scientifically proven that cute workout gear boosts your productivity at the gym, but it’s a theory we’d take to the bank. Good thing Nike has launched its first plus size collection just in time for spring! Available in sizes up to 3XL, the collection includes everything from bras to t-shirts and leggings.

Bonus: the brand’s fierce campaign stars influencers like Paloma Elsesser and Danielle Vanier.

DAREMAG.CA

SHOPPING

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Attention, brides to be! Finding the one (the dress, we mean) just got a whole lot easier with the launch of Addition Elle’s first bridal line for sizes 12 to 26.

The capsule collection boasts five chic, curve-defining styles with romantic lace fabrics and bejeweled detailing.

Gowns start at $240 and are available exclusively online at additionelle.com.

FASHION

25 YEARS IN FASHION This spring marks 25 years for Toni Plus as a leader in the plus size market. From opening their first store in Bayview Village to becoming a destination for everything from investment pieces to on-trend must-haves (plus plans for expansion in QuĂŠbec and the launch of an online store this spring), the retailer shows no signs of slowing down.

Talk about a milestone anniversary!

ENTERTAINMENT

ROLE MODEL Body activist and supermodel of the moment Ashley Graham is adding another title to her already impressive CV as the author of a memoir from HarperCollins.

Releasing May 9th, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like promises to be packed with everything from stories to life before modeling to Graham’s take on body diversity in an ever-changing fashion industry. Consider this one a no-brainer for your next book club pick. Pre-order it now at harpercollins.com.

FASHION

TREND SETTERS

2.0

Spring is here and these curvaceous Canadians are definitely bringing the heat!

Here’s what you need to know about this generation of must-follow bloggers.

BY AMANDA BLOYE

1. Allie Krystal

@AILUROPHILEWITHSTYLE

Ailurophile (cat lover) with Style began when Allie, tired of the limited fashionable options available to plus size women, started sharing her fun finds and own designs with the people of the world. Lucky us!

In Allie’s Words...

SPRING/SUMMER STAPLES: Bicycle shorts, since I wear

a lot of skirts and dresses, and chub rub is a KILLER. FASHION RULE MADE TO BE BROKEN: I just hate the

classic “fat girl” rules like no crop tops, no skinny jeans, etc.

DREAM COLLAB: ASOS! 90 percent of my closet is ASOS Curve.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND: As a size 18,

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I have the same style and aesthetic as someone who’s a size 2. Just because I’m fat doesn’t mean I’m not stylish.

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Wear what you like without worrying about what fashion rules you might be breaking.

2.

Gail Thompson @FABFOURFASHION

Gail and three of her closest friends (including her sister!), teamed up to democratize fashion by highlighting each of their four unique bodies and styles. Their blog mantra?

All bodies are good bodies. We couldn’t agree more!

In Gail’s Words...

STYLE ICON: Kerry Washington. I love her classic styles

that have a hit of je ne c’est quoi!

FASHION RULE MADE TO BE BROKEN: I wear stripes and

bodycons routinely! Free yourself and wear what you want.

DREAM SPLURGE: I’m a purse-a-holic, so an Hermes Birkin

or a Chanel 2.55 would do it for me.

ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION FASHIONISTAS:

Fashion should bend to your will, not the other way around, so have fun with it. Wear what you want—period!

3. Amanda Montgomery @AMANDAMONTY

The combination of well-timed words from Michelle at Teach in Fashion and discovering icon Tavi Gevinson through her teacher in design school, led Amanda to devoting the time needed to make her blog Latest Wrinkle what it is today: a hub for all things curvy!

In Amanda’s Words...

SPRING/SUMMER STAPLES: PASTELS! Florals and always

skirts and dresses—never pants if I can avoid them.

BEAUTY MUST-HAVE: Better than Sex Mascara by Too

Faced and Lotus Youth Reserve Moisturizer by Fresh.

DREAM COLLAB: Kate Spade, once they start working

with larger sizes. They recently added size 16, but we want more!

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND: We are all

diverse and each one of us has a unique sense of style, just like anyone who isn’t plus size, and we want the same diverse selection in outlets and clothing options.

Look to others to be inspired, but never compare your journey.

FASHION

4.

Katia Hanine @LAPIZ_OF_LUXURY

Lapiz of Luxury was born when Katia wanted to help curvy girls like herself dress in the latest trends and own their look. Fast forward six months and she found herself invited to NYFW, as she turns her blog into a business with her photographer boyfriend. A match made in heaven!

In Katia’s Words...

SPRING/SUMMER STAPLES: Every shade and form of

denim—skirts, jackets, jeans with frayed hems and embroidery, and off-the-shoulder tops.

FAVE BOOK: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Just because you do not wear a size 0, does not mean that you can’t wear the trends.

5.

Margot Meanie @MARGOTMEANIE

Margot dove into the world of blogging in 2013 after exploring Pinterest. As a self-described hopeless Pinterest fiend, she aspired to capture her outfits and life like the beautiful people she was pinning. Mission accomplished!

In Margot’s Words...

STYLE ICON: Audrey Hepburn and Cyndi Lauper.

The cast of Pretty in Pink too (especially Duckie)!

BEAUTY MUST-HAVE: It’s a toss up between matte

lipstick and highlighter.

DREAM SPLURGE: Fluevog shoes and black leather

opera-length gloves.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING BLOGGERS:

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND: Plus size

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women want the same options as anyone else. We shouldn’t have to wait seasons to get a watereddown version of a trend. Thankfully, that’s changing.

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DREAM COLLAB: A crazy line of sunglasses with Gucci,

a killer denim collection with Gap and a blazer line with Banana Republic.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING BLOGGERS: Do not start a blog to

make money, start a blog because you want to meet new people, inspire others and transmit an empowering message.

BLOGS TO FOLLOW

Want more? We’ve got you covered!

Check out these Canadian bloggers.

My blog’s mission has been to challenge society’s very narrowminded view of “flattering clothing” and to show what it looks like when you break out of that.

6.

INEMESIT ETOKUDO @INEMESITETOKUDO

CURVY KATE @CURVY_IN_CANADA

ANNIKA REID @THESTYLISHREID

MUSEMO HANDAHU @MISSLIONHUNTER

Sarah Anne @TONSABLUSH

Fresh out of a 2010 break-up, Sarah Anne needed something to help distract her—writing was just the cure! Now, seven years later, her blog Big Hips Red Lips is not only one to watch, but one of the OGs of the plus size blogging game.

In Sarah Anne’s Words...

SPRING/SUMMER STAPLES: Nothing brings my outfit

to life more than an oversized, floppy sun hat.

FASHION RULE MADE TO BE BROKEN: I cannot stand

the idea of “flattering clothing”. I’m an apple shape, and by the standards of “flattering”, I’m told not to wear anything tight or too busy on my lower half. I detest the idea of being limited and contained to a tiny little box.

BEAUTY MUST-HAVE: I’m a sucker for blush!

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING BLOGGERS: Be genuine and

persistent. Bring your own unique style, opinion and presentation to the scene and people will appreciate that.

THIGH SOCIETY

FASHION

WIN A

$500 SHOPPING SPREE TO HUDSON’S BAY!

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARLYLE ROUTH | ART DIRECTION: DIANA DI POCE STYLING: INGRIE WILLIAMS | HAIR & MAKEUP: SHERI STROH/PLUTINO GROUP MODEL: KARYN INDER/B&M MODELS

SPONSORED FEATURE

trends TO TRY

Welcome the new season with the hottest must-haves from HUDSON’S BAY. Plus: we show you how to wear spring’s top four wardrobe essentials!

SHOP T HE T RE NDS

FASHION

SPONSORED FEATURE

lace SKIRT the

Take your look to next-level luxe with a feminine touch of lace from CHAPS. This delicate fabric can instantly go from sweet to spicy with the perfect pairing (think chambray and sneakers!).

CHAPS A-Line Lace Skirt $76; CHAPS Chambray Button-Up Shirt, $69. All available at Hudson’s Bay and thebay.com.

SHOP C H APS NOW

bomber

SPONSORED FEATURE

the

JACKET Meet spring’s must-have topper from DEX. The bomber is the key to an effortless look—dress it up with a fancy frock or keep it casual with sportswear-inspired garb.

SHOP DEX NOW

DEX Black Zip-Front Bomber Jacket, $79; DEX White Embroidered Shirt, $59; DEX Elastic Waist Pants, $59; Expression Drop Earrings, $12; Expression Cross Over Gold Bracelet, $26; Calvin Klein Sonoma Reversible Tote, $208; 424 Fifth Studded Suede Sandals, $139. All available at Hudson’s Bay and thebay.com.

FASHION

SPONSORED FEATURE

print DRESS the

Step into spring in the season’s ultimate print: florals!

Opt for pastel-tone blooms for an ultra-feminine feel.

Whether you’re headed to the office or out for cocktails, I.N.C’s figure-flattering sheath dress is your new go-to.

I.N.C Printed Sheath Dress, $139; Expression Hammered Disk Earrings, $12; Loeffler Randall Leather Tassel Pouch, $250; 424 Fifth Lace Up Sandals, $129.

All available at Hudson’s Bay and thebay.com.

SHOP I . N .C NOW

skinny JEAN

SPONSORED FEATURE

the

Designed to smooth and enchance your shape, the 311 Shaping Skinny jean from LEVI’S is a year-round staple.

Pair it with a trucker jacket and festival-inspired extras to channel a laid-back, cool-girl vibe.

SHOP L EVI ’S NOW

LEVI’S Original Trucker Jacket, $98; LEVI’S 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans, $84.95; Expression Floral Headband, $16; Expression Floral Choker, $12; Expression Multi-Ring Pack, $16; Fossil belt, $46; Lauren Ralph Lauren Tote, $348; Aldo Myly Suede Block Heel Sandals, $90.

All available at Hudson’s Bay and thebay.com.

FASHION

COVER GIRL!

é t n a ch y a all d What’s life like for a blogger and influencer in the ever-changing world of fashion? Here, Chanté Burkett gives us the inside scoop.

BY ERIN DUNLOP

F

Chanté stuns in a floral print Society+ maxi.

The love and relationships that I have with my followers are real. I have some still hanging in there from day one.

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match or turn into a crop top.” Not one to keep her secrets under wraps, Chanté fills her blog with tips for her readers. “When I write a post, I try to think about the girl who needs that one friend who keeps it real and will tell the truth and give honest feedback,” she says. From her career in social work to her approachable blogging style, it’s clear that Chanté’s hardwired to support and connect with strangers and friends alike.

Chanté’s dedication to her readers is not for nothing, either. “The love and relationships that I have with my followers are real. I have some still hanging in there from day one,” she says. The support system between Chanté and her readers is entirely reciprocal. “When my mother passed away RE

ashion was never really a thing for me,” Chanté Burkett tells us. Though it may not be what you’d expect as an origin story from a style blogger with over 200,000 followers (and counting!), for Chanté, the creator of style, beauty and lifestyle blog Everything Curvy and Chic, it’s the truth.

Chanté’s journey from style neophyte to major influencer all started with a change of scenery.

“Right after I turned 21, I moved to New Jersey; that’s when I found Ashley Stewart and Fashion to Figure,” she says. “I thought, “‘Where have you guys been all my life?’”

When it comes to beauty, Chanté’s always had a keen eye. “It’s always been a part of me. Not a lot of people know that I went to cosmetology school for hair and makeup,” she says (granted, all the bold looks she features in her #OOTD shots makes her beauty school cred not hard to believe). After the birth of her daughter, she traded her beauty career for social work but still craved an outlet for creative expression.

Armed with beauty know-how and a hunger for all things fashion, she started her blog: Everything Curvy and Chic.

She started by posting about everything from her favourite shows (“I’m a big Lifetime fan!”) to product reviews. “My blog had no structure,” she admits. “About a year into blogging, I started to take it a little more seriously and posted my first style post. From there, my blog took off.” As the blog evolved, Chanté refined and honed in on her personal style. “I can never pass up a good pair of jeans,” she says of her style signature. “Skinny jeans are a staple in my closet along with a couple of basic button down tops that I can mix and

DA

OPPOSITE PAGE: CHRISTINE MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY; FLORAL MAXI: SOCIETY+

é

FOLLOW CHANTÉ!

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FASHION

in 2015, I didn’t expect that much support. I thought I was alone but my readers sent me so many emails. I really felt the love.”

Keeping up with the traffic generated by all those readers is now a growing part of the influencer’s daily routine. “My days are pretty long,” she admits.

“I’m up by 6:30AM during the week getting mini me ready for school. I check my emails—I’m always backed up because I respond mentally. From there, I’m looking at my to-do list that’ll have me juggling back and forth between three different

my own tribe. It’s a way for us to come together and support one another.”

Chanté’s also found herself in the eye of the hurricane of change when it comes to social media in both the fashion and beauty industry. She’s part of an innovative group of women who are making waves in fashion through outlets like Instagram.

“It’s definitely made retailers listen to us more. Instagram has allowed us to come together and find a community. We now have voices and personality behind our brands.” When it comes to fashion inspo, she looks to her fellow influencers and

I feel like I have my own tribe. It’s a way for us to come together and support one another.

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businesses. Once I pick up my daughter from school, it’s just us until bedtime.”

Hectic schedule aside, Chanté’s got to keep pace with an industry that’s rapidly evolving in more ways than one. First, there’s the changing landscape of body diversity in fashion—a world that not so long ago was seriously lacking in on-trend options for a size 12+ market and now includes curvy women fronting major brand campaigns and dominating runways at New York Fashion Week. These strides in inclusivity couldn’t come any sooner, especially for Chanté, who’s all for embracing a “plus size” label with open arms.

“There’s so much value to the term,” she says. “I feel like I have DAREMAG.CA

Chanté and her 8-year-old daughter.

Chanté makes a statement in yellow lace and a hot pink pout!

WHAT’S IN HER BAG? These holy grail products have Chanté’s stamp of approval.

THE FOUNDATION “Love the buildable coverage! A little goes a long way.”

IMAN Cosmetics Luxury Concealing Foundation, $16, walgreens.com

THE OIL “I use this on my face, body and hair.”

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse MultiPurpose Dry Oil, $30, ulta.com

Pixi by Petra Makeup Fixing Mist, $20, target.com

THE PRIMER “I love using this as a primer.”

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Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield, $65, sephora.com

THE FRAGRANCE “You’ll fall in love this this scent. It’s one of a kind!”

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Bath & Body Works Freesia Fine Fragrance Mist, $14, bathandbodyworks.com

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much as 2017 as she can. “I love to explore so this year it’s all about travelling. So far I’ve been to Cuba, later this month I’m headed to Costa Rica, and then the following month I’m off to the Bahamas.” We can’t wait to see where Chanté’s journey— in fashion and around the globe—takes her next! █

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My happy place is at the beach.

I feel so free and confident at the beach.

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fashion trailblazers instead of celebs.

“I stick with normal people who are just like me,” she says, citing bloggers like Rochelle Johnson of Beauticurve, Kristine Thompson of TrendyCurvy, Hayet Rida and Nikki Free of NikkiFree Style as favourites. “They kill the fashion game.”

So how does an influencer in an industry moving at warp speed find time to slow down? “My happy place is at the beach—that’s the one reason why I own so many swimsuits. I feel so free and confident at the beach,” she says. Having found her happy place, Chanté’s striving to stay there for as

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THE MIST “Looking for a nice skin refresher?

This is it.”

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OPPOSITE PAGE: CHRISTINE MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY; BIKINI: DEEDIARY.COM

The blogger babe hits the beach on her recent trip to Cuba.

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+PLUS

FOLLOW SOPHIA!

CLICK HERE

& learn more!

Winner Tells

ALL SOPHIA: Hi, Claudia!

How have you been since we completed our coaching sessions?

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CLAUDIA: Really great! I’m reading the amazing Shonda Rhimes’ “Year of Yes,” and I keep re-reading the chapter where she said YES to her body. When Shonda couldn’t buckle herself into the plane but wouldn’t ask for a seat belt extender because she was willing to die rather than admit how big her body had gotten, I had a huge a-ha moment! I realized that I’m also not quite ready to embrace my weight. I’m willing to do the little DAREMAG.CA

Life Coach Sophia Apostol chats with fall issue contest winner, Claudia Quammie about the impact of coaching. Claudia won four transformational coaching sessions and has since started living her best life! BY SOPHIA APOSTOL

steps though, like the 5k I’ve signed up for and working up to a half marathon.

I realize I need to say yes to my awesomeness more!

S: Great noticing! What’s important about this for you?

C: I’m realizing how poor we

women are at embracing our awesomeness and accepting compliments. I realize I need to say yes to my awesomeness more! That’s the confidence I want—to own who I am.

There’s a false humility in shying away from what I’ve accomplished, and it doesn’t bring peace, joy, or abundance into my life, rather it paralyzes me with fear and doubt.

Instead, I’m going to step forward and trust that what’s best for me will show up.

S: Yes! When fear is in the driver’s seat, we limit ourself to the only road we can see

I can see the bigger picture: how unique I am, and choose to show up as me in all areas of my life.

S: When you think back over our sessions, what were the big take-aways for you?

C: Our first session where we did the core values exercise was terrific because it helped me identify which values are most important and how I can use to them to guide my decisions.

C: Yes, I’m trusting that I will know if something is as yes or no. When I think about past situations, I’m sure there was a clear yes or no, but because of fear, doubt, and wanting to control, I was confused and full of anxiety and couldn’t find the yes or no.

S: Exactly! Now imagine dating with total self-trust, knowing that you’ll recognize your yes.

C: That would be so freeing and fun! And the other person would find that confidence attractive too.

S: I’m excited for all the amazingness you’re creating in your life! Thanks for sharing your coaching experience so vulnerably and courageously. █

DARE to WIN!

Enter for the chance to win four transformational coaching sessions with Life Coach Sophia Apostol.* CLICK HERE TO ENTER *Prize valued at $800 CAD. Contest rules and regulations apply.

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C: I felt like the connection was instant and that we had open and honest communication.

There wasn’t any part of myself that I felt I needed to hide. You’re very inviting, and I love that you make me laugh. You can relate to my story, and you speak with compassion and wisdom.

C: I’m excited about change!

It’s not scary like it was in the past where I would plan for all possible catastrophes. There are opportunities to go for instead of being afraid of everything that could go wrong. I’m taking more risks and being open to thinking

S: Absolutely you can! You’ve found self-trust, grace, and surrender, and that’s powerful!

G.C

S: What were your first impressions of me and of coaching in general?

S: Yes! When we let go of the “shoulds” and instead focus on what will create your best self, you’re living authentically and whole-heartedly. Looking ahead, what are you excited about?

differently. I’m also beginning to dream again for my life and believe I can achieve those dreams!

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SOPHIA WEARS (OPPOSITE PAGE): DRESS, ADDITION ELLE; PRINT DRESS, SEXYPLUS CLOTHING

When I step back from the old way of thinking, I can see the bigger picture: how unique I am, and choose to show up as me in all areas of my life.

Contest winner Claudia Quammie (left) and Life Coach Sophia Apostol (right).

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C: Coaching helped a lot because you asked me questions that got me thinking differently and deeper.

Also, learning the neuroscience of what happens in my brain when I am not operating in my ‘sweet spot’ was really big for me. In relationships, this helps me tune into who I want to spend time with and give energy to, and who I need to step back from when my energy levels are low.

For example, with the stress in my life right now, I’m not in my ‘sweet spot,’ and adding in dating would feel like another to-do on my plate rather than embracing a wonderful new relationship. I now have the tools to create spaciousness in my life so that I can be open to receive a new person when I’m ready.

DA

because it’s too scary to deviate from it. But when we trust our own courage, resilience, and wisdom, the whole map opens up and we can choose any direction trusting that we’ll be able to handle it. What role has coaching played in all these a-ha moments?

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+PLUS

OF THE WORLD We explore the world wide web to bring you the best in fashion from our favourite curvy bloggers.

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BY ERIN DUNLOP

DAREMAG.CA

LU ZIEHT AN.

LUCIANA BLÜMLEIN HAMBURG, GERMANY

Classic fit-andflare silhouettes in opulent floral prints make for a look that’s retro but still fresh.

ALDO choker, $18, aldoshoes.com

STYLING TIP “Make your own choices and wear whatever you want, whenever you want, wherever you want.”

Navabi dress, $150, navabi.ca

H&M bag, $40, hm.com/ca

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SEASON STAPLES “Not only do I love colourful clothes, but also accessories like bold bags or shoes.”

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G BY GUESS sandals, $130, thebay.com

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PLUS SIZE BARBIE

LYNDSAY PATRICIA EDMONTON, AL

This blogger balances a slouchy bomber with girly details like peekaboo lingerie and pastel sneaks.

Ashley Graham bra, $65, additionelle.com

TREND TO TRY “I have always stuck to black, so this spring I’m going to wear more colour. I’m obsessed with all things dusty rose!”

SEASON STAPLES “Bodysuits, bomber jackets, floral patterns and jeggings.

I really want to go tightand-bright this season!”

H&M+ bomber jacket, $60, hm.com/ca

Penningtons set of bangles, $16, penningtons.com

JUNAROSE jeans, $60, junarose.com

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ALDO sneakers, $70, aldoshoes.com

LACE N’ LEOPARD

TIFFANY CRAWFORD LOS ANGELES, CA

Love is in the air!

A romantic, floaty sundress is the perfect go-to piece for spring.

Boohoo Plus maxi dress, $70, boohoo.com

H&M earrings, $13, hm.com/ca

SEASON STAPLE “I love a long flowy dress. When I’m in one, you can’t tell me anything!”

TOPSHOP clutch, $52, thebay.com

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STYLING TIP “Wear items that you feel comfortable in. If you aren’t comfortable, it shows, and ultimately affects how confident you feel.”

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424 FIFTH sandals, $129, thebay.com

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Here, we’ve rounded up readers that stand out with their daring style.

SHARE YOUR LOOKS AND TAG @DAREMAGCANADA TO BE FEATURED!

@SOMETIMESGLAM

@STYLEPLUSLIFE

@STYLEDBYREAH

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@EMMISNICKER

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