Spring FEVER
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In honour of our Blogger Issue, check out my roundup of the ladies who I look to for style inspiration.
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BLOGGERS WHO INSPIRE ME
Fall has arrived and for the first time in what seems like forever, I feel 100% ready for the new season. With the cooler weather comes some of my favourite things: chunky knits, cozy cardis, moody makeup…the list goes on! What also comes with the new season is a fresh start. Like the leaves, I believe that autumn is the time for us to change our colours. Whether that means making a change within yourself, or more literally updating the colours in your routine, we encourage you to try something new this fall. Hesitant to try new trends? Don’t be! Fall is known as one of the biggest fashion seasons of the year, so now is the time to be daring with your style. As plus size actress Gabourey Sidibe recently stated, “I live my life, because I DARE.” Strut your style and show off your curves in an item you wouldn’t normally dare to wear (we’ve got plenty of suggestions in our A to Z shopping guide on page 18). I have to admit, although I’m all about testing the waters with fashion, I too am sometimes hesitant to try new trends. To help break this cycle, we’ve debunked five curvy fashion myths on page 15. PLUS! We want you to start off the season feeling new, so we’re giving away a $1,000 shopping spree to Hudson’s Bay. Knee-high boots on and lips coated-—with a dark berry lipstick, might I add—I’m thrilled to say that I’m ready to take on the fall and hope that DARE can inspire you to be too!
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DIANA DI POCE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
BIFFI: ELLIOT PARROTT; WARD:PETER CHIEM;GUERRIER: J’ADORE STUDIOS
EDITOR’S LETTER
DIANA DARES
MAKE A STATEMENT “Throw this eyecatching piece on to instantly dress up your outfit. Pair it with a basic tee and denim jacket for spring!”
LIPSTICK: GETTY IMAGES
EDITOR’S PICKS
Stella & Dot necklace, $148, stelladot.com
Curious about what our Editor is coveting this season? From vibrant gems to spring dressing essentials, here are her hand-picked must-haves. IN BLOOM “The perfect dress for warmweather get-togethers. The beautiful watercolour floral print adds an artistic touch that I can’t get enough of!“ Laura Plus dress, $165, laura.ca
READ MY LIPS “I can’t resist a lippy with a creamy and hydrating application. No more dry lips! Plus the soft vanilla scent is an added bonus.” SST Cosmetics Hydrating Lipstick in #XOXO, $24, sstsignatureseries.com
Mycra Pac coat, $485, toniplus.com
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Call It Sring heel, $50, callitspring.com
GOING DOTTY “This reversible dotted coat is everything! The black-and-white combo makes this topper timeless and an absolute wardrobe staple.”
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STRAP HAPPY “This sexy pump would pair perfectly with my favourite jeans or an LBD. Love the sporty vibe of this heel!”
THE TEAM
GABI GREGG
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CONTRIBUTORS
CANADA’S PLUS SIZE FASHION MAGAZINE
BRAND CONSULTANT & BLOGGER
KENDALL ERICKSON WRITER
A lover of books, theatre, animals and nature, Kendall hails from Ontario and currently lives in Nova Scotia. She recently received her B.A. in English and Journalism from Dalhousie University and will be attending Acadia University for their B.Ed. program with hopes to teach abroad and further pursue her love of writing. She is a tea addict seeking the perfect shade of lipstick.
For advertising information, marketing opportunities and submission guidelines, please contact diana@daremag.ca © 2013 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.
daremag.ca
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As seen on InStyle.com, this North Carolina-based blogger is committed to showing mainstream media that size comes secondary to having great style. As one of the founders of plusstreetpetite.com, Kourtney is a dedicated advocate of positive selfimage and mastering the art of the slay. Fierce and fear cannot coexist in the same vocabulary. Follow @plusstreetpetite for inspiration!
SPECIAL THANKS TO LAURA CANADA, SUZY SHIER, KELLIE BROWN, CYNTHIA RAMSAY NOEL, RAGINI NAG RAO, ASSA CISSE, JAY MIRANDA, TANESHA AWASTHI, MARGIE ASHCROFT, MODCLOTH, CUSHIE B, KIYONNA, PINUP GIRL CLOTHING, DANIELLE VANIER, KIMBERLEE POSTELL, STEPHANIE ZWICKY, GARCIA MARIE, SASHAGAI RENEE RUDDOCK, YOUR BIG SISTER’S CLOSET, JESSICA BIFFI, AISHA FAIRCLOUGH BOARDROOM BLONDE, KAREN WARD, THAMARR GUERRIER
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FASHION BLOGGER
CONTRIBUTORS ERIN DUNLOP, KENDALL ERICKSON, KOURTNEY POPE, CHASTITY GARNER VALENTINE OF GARNERSTYLE, GABI GREGG OF GABIFRESH, TESS HOLLIDAY
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIANA DI POCE
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Gabi Gregg is the LA-based brand consultant and blogger who started her site, GabiFresh.com in 2008 after noticing the lack of fashion resources for plus size young women. One of the first blogs of its kind, GabiFresh mixes style advice, outfits and body positivity while rejecting outdated fashion rules. Gabi has contributed to Vogue.it, Refinery29, xoJane and Rookie Mag and was the first plus size contributing editor at InStyle Magazine in 2012.
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SPRING 2015 • ISSUE #7
CONTENTS on the cover 12 14 18 23 30
CHUB RUB SOLUTIONS GARNERSTYLE THINK SPRING $500 SHOPPING SPREE TESS HOLLIDAY
fashion
GABIFRESH GET THE LOOK CHUB RUB SOLUTIONS GARNERSTYLE SPRING MUST-HAVES BLOGGER STYLE
18 plus
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NEWS
have you
HEARD?
Melissa McCarthy
Extra, extra! Read on for the latest news in fashion, beauty and curvy culture. BY KENDALL ERICKSON
#NADIAXBOOHOO
MCCARTHY: GETTY IMAGES
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Nadia Aboulhosn
DARE’s favourite funny-girl Melissa McCarthy has finally released further details about her highly-anticipated clothing line ‘Seven7’, and the rumors are true, it’s launching this August! Something important to note: this line isn’t JUST a plus size line, it’s an ‘everyone’ line with designs for women of all sizes. “I think women want to be able to dress for their mood,” McCarthy stated. “My pieces mix and match, because some days we want to be rock ‘n’ roll and some days we want to be more polished. I love that I’ll be able to chat with other women about fashion and see how they’re wearing my clothes.” This line will hit department stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and will be available to shop online at melissamccarthy.com. RE
WANT MORE? Check out daremag.ca/news to stay updated on all things curvy.
FASHION FOR ALL!
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Everyone’s talking about it: top plus size blogger Nadia Aboulhosn has teamed up with e-tailer Boohoo Plus to launch a spring collection that doesn’t disappoint. Staying true to her street chic and sporty vibe with jumpsuits, curve-hugging dresses, sexy bodysuits and a minimalist edge, the line is very Nadia and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Ranging in size from 12 to 20, the exclusive collection is “guaranteed to keep your style game strong whatever the occasion.” Shop Nadia’s line now at boohoo.com.
NEWS
breaking news! Stylin’ with Suzy
FOR THE BLUSHING BRIDES-TO-BE Love is in the air! Premium plus size e-tailer Navabi has launched a bridal boutique and it is oh, so beautiful. Based out of Germany, the high-end shop now offers extravagant and exquisite gowns for brides-to-be ranging in size from 14 to 26, designed exclusively by UK bridal specialist Linzi Jay. You’ll feel like you walked straight out of your own fairytale! Shop the collection at navabi.ca.
Dreams really do come true! Brace yourselves, leading Canadian retailer Suzy Shier has launched a plus size line with sizes varying from 1X to 3X and we couldn’t be more excited. Available in 66 locations across Canada and online at suzyshier.ca, the fashion-forward and versatile line offers pieces perfect for any occasion at very reasonable prices, varying from $12 to $50. Expect to see a trendy mix of animal prints, stripes, zipper details and a touch of military in the spring collection (and, of course, florals!). Click through the slideshow below to check out the Suzy Shier+ spring collection:
Adele
RUMOUR HAS IT
ADELE: GETTY IMAGES
Word on the street is that Grammy and Academy Award-winning—not to mention, fabulous—Adele could be releasing her new album ‘25’ as soon as this summer! There’s a lot of speculation regarding the exact release date, and after Beyonce’s surprise album drop a few years back, it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that Adele could do the same. Rumours aside, we do have confirmation about a few collaborations we can expect to hear, including songs with artists Phil Collins and One Republic singer Ryan Tedder. One thing is for certain, we will be playing her new album on repeat. RE
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SPONSORED ADVERTISING FEATURE
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PHOTO CREDIT: CURVY GIRL CHIC
FASHION
fashion SPRING 2015
Spring has sprung and we’re making way for all things bright and bold in our first Blogger Issue. Who better to show us a thing or two on fearless fashion than our cover girl, Chastity of GarnerStyle? We’re also checking in with more than one trendsetter (Gabi Gregg and Allison Teng, to name a few) for some serious spring style inspo. RE
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PHOTO CREDIT: SYLVIA GUNDE
FASHION
BLING IT ON “Statement earrings elevate your look with little effort.” Cocoa Jewelry earrings, $40, cocoajewelry.com
LAYER UP! “Play with layers while staying cool.”
LAID-BACK LUXE “A slouchy graphic tee is a must––we all have our casual days...”
Reitmans blazer, $65, reitmans.com
New Look t-shirt, $15, newlook.com
BRIGHT EYES “The ultimate cool girl accessory.” H&M sunglasses, $10, hm.com
LOSET
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GABi GREGG
Dorothy Perkins coat, $64, dorothyperkins.com
WHITE HOT “White heels are the perfect neutral shoe this season.” Call It Spring heel, $50, callitspring.com
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Reitmans top, $38, and short, $40, reitmans.com
is i of GabiFresh b a G r fo g in s imal Spring dres k breezy, min in th t: s a tr n o prints. all about c eye-catching h it w d e ir a p toppers
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PERFECT MATCH “Throw a co-ord short set on to stay stylish in the rising temps.”
BLUSH HOUR “A pastel coat is a spring staple for those cool nights”
RETRO REVIVAL
Allison Teng
The ‘70s are back! Be wild and free like blogger Curvy Girl Chic in spring’s spirited styles. Sheer fabrics, psychedelic prints and hits of fringe and crochet are the way to go. Click through the slideshow below to get Allison’s look:
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DARE TO WEAR
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BY KENDALL ERICKSON FOR THE SWEET-SMELLING LADY LUSH Cosmetics’ Silky Underwear Dusting Powder is a luxurious and sensual solution for chub rub. This jasmine-scented powder has a lovely fragrance that will make your legs feel soft, smooth and silky through the warm-weather months. It’s sweet and simple: apply to your most sensitive areas and be amazed! LUSH Cosmetics Silky Underwear Dusting Powder, $8, lush.ca
FOR THE FLIRTY FASHIONISTA Super sexy and easy-to-wear, Bandelettes’ Thigh Bands are designed to stay in place and provide protection from chafing for as long as you need. Available in a variety of colours and sizes, find a style that’s right for you and show off your curvy thighs! Bandelettes Thigh Bands, $20 each, bandelettes.com
Body Glide Her Anti Chafe & Moisturizing Balm, $10, bodyglide.com
FOR THE COMFY CUTIE Lightweight and breathable, Undersummers Shortlettes will flatter your curves while protecting your thighs. Available in a wide selection of styles (denim print included!), these slip shorts are so smooth you won’t even know they’re there. Plus: pair them with a cami for cute and comfy PJs! Undersummers Shortlettes, $28 & $33, undersummers.com AG ..C A
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FOR THE ON-THE-GO GIRL A favourite amongst active gals everywhere, Body Glide’s Her - Anti Chafe & Moisturizing Balm is a simple and fast-acting solution to protect your body from all-over chafing and blisters. Stay active, strong and protected all year long—just apply it and go! Bonus: this balm is formulated with extra moisturizers to keep your skin soft.
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FASHION
SEASON STAPLE
DAREMAG.CA
For the latest in fashion, beauty and all things curvy, visit DAREMAG.CA.
#PSOOTD
We round up our 10 favourite plus size outfit of the day (PSOOTD) posts.
CELEBRITY STYLE
BODY LOVE
Quotes that inspire us to embrace the skin we’re in!
WILSON: GETTY IMAGES; TUTU LOOK: EVERYTHING CHIC AND CURVY
Our favourite curvy celebrities of the moment.
PHOTO CREDIT: LYDIA HUDGENS
FASHION
chastitys its
WE’RE ALL JUST LIVING IN IT. BLOGGER, AUTHOR AND STYLE GURU CHASTITY GARNER VALENTINE OF GARNERSTYLE FILLS US IN ON EVERYTHING FROM HER BEST-KEPT FASHION SECRETS TO WHAT KEEPS HER INSPIRED. BY ERIN DUNLOP
WORLD
FASHION
FOLLOW GARNERSTYLE!
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orce of nature isn’t a phrase to use lightly. It’s an expression we’d use for some of our favourite ladies; for the Queen Beys and Shonda Rhimes of the world. It’s a description that packs a punch. But it’s exactly what Chastity Garner Valentine is. The San Francisco-based fashionista and voice of blog GarnerStyle is well-accustomed to moving at lightning speed and isn’t showing any sign of slowing down. With a resume boasting the titles of stylist, brand consultant, model, published author (her book, The Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style, is everything we love about her blog bound in physical form), event planner (but more on that later) and all-around plus size style icon, we’re surprised Chastity can find a moment to take a breath, let alone craft an unfailingly flawless statement lip. That’s no exaggeration— countless #ootd shots prove that the girl nails it every single time. Granted, Chastity’s success—jam packed schedule and all—didn’t happen overnight. Far from it: “I’ve been at this since 2008 and I have the grey hairs to prove it,” she says. Her now wildly popular blog started off as a small project to support her styling company. “It was a complimentary way to give advice,” explains Chastity. A rapidly growing readership forced her to study up on fundamental blogging skills to keep up with demands. “I had to learn social media management, photo editing, business, coding, even how to do my own makeup.” There were more personal mountains to climb along the way, too: “As a woman of colour in business, I found myself asserting myself often and letting people know that I wouldn’t be walked over.”
Chastity is pretty in pink in a Foxcroft top and Rebdolls skirt.
How would she describe the GarnerStyle of 2015? “Organized chaos! I never know what’s going to happen on a dayto-day basis. I have to roll with the punches.” Through it all, Chastity is genuine and consistent in her commitment to helping readers hone their personal style. From jean shopping tips to print mixing style guides, the blog is a goldmine of usable tips and practical advice, making it clear that Chastity’s readers are never far from her mind. “They support my dream, so it’s important for me to support them. I get a lot of motivation from my readers,” she says. And despite a potentially overwhelming social media following of over 300,000 followers, Chastity’s readers seem highly unlikely to get lost in the shuffle.
I’ve been at this since 2OO and I have the grey hairs to prove it.
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At this point, I will wear literally anything I feel that is fabulous, flattering or not.
GARNERSTYLE IN PRINTED SET: WORLD FAMOS
also quick to name red carpet queen Jennifer Lopez as her ultimate fashion hero. “I adore Solange Knowles as well—she rejects the commercial definition of beauty, but still slays.” Chastity’s strong passion for celebrating beauty of all shapes and sizes couldn’t be better expressed than in her newest (and arguably most exciting) project: theCurvyCon, a conference dreamt up by Chastity and CeCe Olisa of Plus Size Princess, which takes place in June in New York City. theCurvyCon’s
Chastity shows off her pretty pout in a white hot look.
Chastity sports a matching graphic printed set by IamKhatu.
her staple pieces (“They’ll fit great and look expensive.”) and investing in a fit and flare skirt, which flatters every body type. “Oh, and pushed up sleeves on a jacket and fabulous sunglasses will make any outfit look cool.” While we’re all getting our fashion fix from GarnerStyle, it’s no surprise to find that Chastity looks to some of the best in the game for inspiration in the style and confidence department. “I’m inspired by Tess Holliday,” she says. “Her legs and arms look like mine and she shows them off every chance she gets. She makes me challenge my own boundaries. I’m so excited to see her kick in the door to modeling with her size-22 frame and I’m hoping that she will pave the way for more.” Chastity’s M
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Chastity’s approachable, fun, yet quick-to-adapt attitude couldn’t be more evident (or lovable) than it is in her clothes. It’s hard not to envy her near chameleonic ability to pull off any style that’s thrown at her: she’s equally chic in a playful graphic tee and sequined skirt as she is in a tailored trench coat and trousers. “At this point, I will wear literally anything I feel that is fabulous, flattering or not.” As for foolproof styling tips that top her list, she swears by tailoring
FASHION
Chastity makes Miss Piggy proud in a Rebdolls top and Fanfaronada tutu.
FASHION FACE-OFF
The best thing about getting dressed in the morning? All those choices. The brains behind GarnerStyle casts her vote on fashion’s most divisive looks.
STATEMENT NECKLACE OR COCKTAIL EARRINGS? Statement necklace
Stella & Dot necklace, $128, stelladot.com
SUPER SKINNY OR RETROFLARED JEANS? Skinny BOLD RED LIPSTICK OR A NATURAL POUT? Natural like J.Lo J
SMOKY EYES OR A FELINE FLICK OF EYELINER? Smoky eye CURVE-HUGGING BANDAGE DRESS OR FEMININE A-LINE FROCK? Bandage Dress STILETTOS OR FLATS? Flats CHANEL NO. 5 OR DIOR J’ADORE? Chanel No. 5 DENIM OR LEATHER? Leather LBD OR LWD? LBD
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GARNERSTYLE: LYDIA HUDGENS
Sole Society flat, $65, solesociety.com
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recharge. Fittingly enough, she gets her energy, motivation, and confidence (quite literally) all from a days work. “Getting dressed makes me feel confident,” she says. When all else fails, she loves a good ego-boosting, booty-shaking Justin Timberlake jam just like the rest of us. “LoveStoned gets me pumped!” Chastity’s biggest source of self-confidence, though, comes from somewhere much more personal: from her own sheer will and determination. “I’m not supposed to be here. Being a fat black woman in fashion has never been the winning formula, yet I’m winning,” she explains. “Just because someone tries to tell you what you can’t do doesn’t mean you have to believe them.” ■
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mission to “chat curvy, shop curvy and embrace curvy” is an inspiring one. Chastity’s loaded up the event with equally stylesavvy guest speakers like Gabi Gregg and Chantè Burkett, and with Platinum tickets already sold out with three months to go, it’s nothing short of thrilling to imagine the kind of buzz Chastity’s latest passion project is bound to generate. “I’m super excited for the possibilities that theCurvyCon will bring,” she says. “It’s a chance to build something from the ground up.” In the midst of fifteen-hour workdays filled with everything from emails to meetings to interacting with fans on social media, we can’t help but wonder where Chastity manages to find a second to
STRIPES OR LEOPARD PRINT? Why do I have to choose? I’d wear both together!
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DOUBLE TAKE. Dress, $180
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SPRING CLASS
OF 2O15
The plus community has taken over the entire blogosphere and these women are showing the industry that curves are here to stay! Pay attention ladies, these women are at the top of their class. BY KOURTNEY POPE
THE TRENDSETTER KELLIE BROWN, AND I GET DRESSED
H&M sunglasses, $10, hm.com
Nothing is off limits in this blogger’s wardrobe. She is definitely not shy about taking trends head on. Perhaps, this is what has made Kellie’s fan base so diverse?
ASOS heel, $80, asos.com
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I joke that my fashion sensibility is a total multiple personality mash up. I can go from hyper feminine to minimal sometimes in the same day.
City Chic dress, $140, citychiconline.com
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Moto jacket? Check. Printed denim? You bet! You name it and we guarantee this fashionista has not only tried it, but mastered it with her own flare. Fear is not in her style vocabulary. However, fierce definitely is.
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BLOGGER STYLE
THE REBEL CYNTHIA RAMSAY NOEL, FLIGHT OF THE FAT GIRL Cynthia marches to the beat of her own drum and doesn’t mind leading the pack on her own. Her style is hard to miss and even harder to duplicate. Bold choices in patterns, colours and cuts keep this cool girl ahead of the crowd. Conventional is the furthest from our minds when describing her style and that is just the way she likes it.
I push boundaries, take risks and challenge society’s idea of what plus size fashion should look like.
Cocoa Jewelry earrings, $40, cocoajewelry.com
City Chic dress, $119, citychiconline.com
ASOS flat, $38, asos.com
THE RETRO RAGINI NAG RAO, A CURIOUS FANCY
Yours Clothing top, $34, yoursclothing.com
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I love the sixties, whether mod or boho, and I tend to create dreamy whistful looks from a bright palette.
H&M hat, $35, hm.com
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Ragini has mastered the art of whimsical nostalgia. Her ethereal looks are made modern with her bold colour choices and fresh take on retro. This blogger’s looks are both sweet and playful, yet still grown up. She is the flower child of 2015. The way she plays with both textures and prints are endearing and genius.
FASHION
BLOGGER STYLE
THE COLOURIST ASSA CISSE, MY CURVES & CURLS
Laura Plus blazer, $195, laura.ca
On Wednesdays she wears pink among the other assortment of patterns and colours in her closet. Stepping beyond the boundaries of black, no hue is off limits. From the deepest of sapphires to the brightest of pinks, Assa tackles any colour choice with ease. She makes each look seem effortless and attainable for all her readers.
I could see a shirt while walking into a store and instantly be inspired by the colours used to create it.
City Chic dress, $140, citychiconline.com
ASOS clutch, $32, asos.com
THE FLIRT JAY MIRANDA, JAY MIRANDA Whether a sexy crop top or flouncy tulle skirt, Jay brings the sugar and spice to all of her looks. Never shying away from showing off her curves, no trend is off limits. You can catch this pro in a mini one minute and a shift dress the next. Her flirty appeal makes her the sweetest confection in the blogosphere.
Stella & Dot necklace, $104, stelladot.com
Reitmans romper, $56, reitmans.com
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BLOGGER STYLE
THE CLASSIC TANESHA AWASTHI, GIRL WITH CURVES
Studio dress, $153, navabi.ca
Effortless and chic are two words that perfectly describe Tanesha’s style. Each of her looks convey class and could easily appear in the pages of any major magazine. She is the Jackie O of the curvy community. Her blog is full of style tips and tricks, as well as an online store where you can shop her collection.
My favourite thing to do is recreate runway and red carpet looks for every day.
H&M sunglasses, $10, hm.com
Kate Spade clutch, $398, katespade.com
THE DOWNTOWN FUNK
Shellys London sandal, $130, littleburgundyshoes.com
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I like to push boundaries when it comes to colour, print and cut for us curvy girls.
mblm pant, $60, penningtons.com
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Rihanna better watch her back, Margie is right on her coat tails! With a bad girl style that is daring yet still so good, this edgy blogger has an in-yourface style that is a force to be reckoned with. The boundaries of what plus size fashion ‘should’ be have no effect on her.
mblm jacket, $75, penningtons.com
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MARGIE ASHCROFT, MARGIE PLUS
TO THE SOUTH
Show some neighbourly love to our curvy cousins in the U.S.A!
cushie b DESIGNER PLUS SIZE CLOTHING CUSHIEB.COM
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neighbours
PHOTO CREDIT: ANTHONY EVANS
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SPRING 2015
Fresh spring style, right this way! We caught up with model Tess Holliday who dished on her #EffYourBeautyStandards movement and what makes her one of the buzziest names in the industry. What’s more, we’ve explored the world wide web to bring you the best blogger style and rounded up some standouts from your very own #DAREtoWear Instagram posts. RE
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PHOTO CREDIT: ANTHONY EVANS
tess holliday The unapologetically fierce model and body positivity advocate fills us in on her groundbreaking #EffYourBeautyStandards movement. BY ERIN DUNLOP
T: Mia Tyler. She’s fearless and sexy.
T: I want to encourage other women to love their bodies and be confident with their shape. I love how I have the ability to inspire and empower other women. If my modeling reinforces that message, then that’s great!
Do you feel the most confident when you’re modeling or speaking on body positivity? What helps you feel more confident?
Describe your body confidence journey. How did you arrive at the place you are now?
You’ve worked with huge brands like Benefit and have been featured in publications like Vogue Italia—what project are you most proud of so far?
T: My relationship with my body has definitely changed. I didn’t
T: Both: modeling and speaking. I like to wear clothes that make me feel sexy and confident.
Who are your style role models? T: Dolly Parton, Mae West and Peg Bundy are all inspiring women to me. What is the most important message women need to hear when it comes to body confidence? T: I’m all about loving your body regardless of your size. Go after your dreams! What’s your favourite thing about your body? T: I love my butt—it’s pretty darn good looking. FOLLOW TESS!
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You’re a self-described body positivity activist. Tell us about that side of your career and how you balance out that field of work with your modeling.
Is there anybody else out there who you feel is getting it right when it comes to body confidence?
T: Well, both of those for sure. Working with David LaChapelle was a life changer. I think I’ve accomplished everything I dreamed of as a child.
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TESS: I was tired of being told what I could and couldn’t wear and how I should cover up body because of my size. I thought, “Eff that! I’ll wear what I want.” I just wanted other women to know that they are good enough and beautiful no matter their size, colour or shape.
really love myself when I started modeling, but throughout the process, I started to see myself differently. I fell in love with every inch, roll, blemish and stretch mark. I no longer cringe when I get naked.
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#EffYourBeautyStandards is a hugely important movement. What prompted you to spark that movement?
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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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DANIELLE VANIER LONDON, U.K.
London calling! Get this Brit’s fun, flirty and fabulous look with her own handpicked wardrobe staples.
OBSESSION “I have a realllll problem with big jewelry!” Cocoa Jewelry necklace, $140, cocoajewelry.com
MUST-HAVE “I recently bought a lightweight trench coat, which is a new style for me––I love it!” ModCloth coat, $125, modcloth.com
TREND TO TRY “I love to stand out in an eye-catching print.” Boohoo romper, $65, boohoo.com M
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DANIELLE VANIER
Kimberlee Postell NORTH CAROLINA, U.S.
Consider anything with tassels a must-have this season—this style-savvy blogger’s picks have serious fringe appeal. TREND TO TRY “I am really loving clothing with fringe details at the moment. Bring on the fringe!” Addition Elle kimono, $70, additionelle.com
MUST-HAVE “This spring, I need a cute bodycon skirt, a romper, crop tops and a ton of kimonos.” Zizzi skirt, $74, navabi.ca
INVESTMENT PIECE “I am learning to splurge on leather handbags and shoes.” Danier phone wallet, $79, danier.com M
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THE NATURAL FASHIONISTA
Stéphanie Zwicky PARIS, FRANCE
This Parisian’s getup has all the trappings of that oh-so-covetable French girl look. Check out her off-duty essentials here.
STYLING TIP “Always wear your true size and have fun with your style.” JUNAROSE top (available in May), $59, lucyclothing.ca
MUST-HAVE “I want a max of overalls!!!” City Chic overalls, $100, citychiconline.com
TRENDS TO TRY “I can’t wait to sport flared pants, midi skirts, flat shoes, and a head-to-toe denim look.” ALDO sneakers, $70, aldoshoes.com M
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LE BLOG DE STÉPHANIE ZWICKY
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FLAWS OF COUTURE
GARCIA & SASHA
TORONTO, CANADA
When it comes to fresh street style, two is better than one. What is this trendsetting duo lusting after this spring?
TREND TO TRY “We’re looking forward to executing the ‘Canadian Tuxedo’ trend: denim on denim.” D/C Jeans jean shirt, $46 each, penningtons.com
OBSESSION “We can’t live without our heels. They take every outfit from 0-100 REAL QUICKLY!”
MUST-HAVE “All things pink. But pale pinks, of course.” Forever 21 clutch, $18, forever21.com
ASOS heels, $108, asos.com
TREND TO TRY Reitmans jeans, $50, reitmans.com
MUST-HAVE H&M necklace, $30, hm.com
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We love swiping through your #DAREtoWear posts, so keep sharing your looks and tagging @daremagcanada!
@boardroomblonde is spring- @inemesitetokudo embraces @curvesonabudget13 serves her ready in a pink and red combo. the warm-weather in stripes! curves in an office-perfect look.
@curveella is on-trend in a @clotheyourcurves drops matching floral print set. Love! jaws in a sexy lace lingerie set.
@jodielayne shows off her first pair of real jeans in 6 years.
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@misslionhunter masters @evolveyourimage plays with mixing prints for Fashion Week. colour in her GabiFresh bikini.
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@candiapplecouture looks back on her first-ever bikini.
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#DARETOWEAR
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