Figured Full
June 2012
ARE YOU DATING A FEEDER?
SUMMER BAGS
YOUR WARDROBE WILL THANK YOU
BIG BROOKLYN STYLE MEET THE STAR LISA DOLAN
WHITNEY THOMPSON
FIND OUT!
CHIC GEEKS GADGETS EVERY FASHIONISTA SHOULD HAVE
DISHES ON LOVE, LIFE, AND ONLINE DATING
Full Figured Magazine Je Tuan Lavyonne Editor-In-Chief Evette Dionne Managing Editor
Precious Williams Lifestyle Editor Jessica Harnegie Trends Editor
Maha Gorgi Interview Editor
Contributors Stephanie Gomez Alexandra Garret Amber Whitted Shafonne Meyers
Editors Note: This is our Second issue of Full Figured Magazine and I just wanted to take the time to say:
Thank You
The team has worked very hard to provide you with quality content and to make sure that it’s all relevant to you as a reader. It is so important to me that you enjoy every page and that we always give you a reason to come back. We are so happy to have Whitney Thompson on our cover. She was an absolute joy to interview and we caught her before she turned her lavish locks blonde. We have interviewed Lisa Dolan of Big Brooklyn Style , and the fabulous Velvet D’Amour. In this issue you can find everything from the latest trends to some great lifestyle articles. We have some amazing things in the works and we will be partaking in some awesome community service projects and we’re working on getting fit! Being full figured and fabulous is not only about being beautiful but it’s about being a great person. There are a lot of people that are asking questions about my decisions to use models that are a size 6 and above. Models that are a size 6 are told that they are too big to be a part of the straight fashion industry. So if we don’t embrace them, who will? What does it hurt us to take them in as a part of the plus industry? Who tells them that they are beautiful? We do. Enjoy Je Tuan Lavyonne Full Figured Magazine Where Every Figure is Flawless
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Cover W H I T N E Y THOMPSON AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
WINNER ON LOVE,
LIFE, AND ONLINE DATING
The Wilhemina supermodel dishes on mastering runways, promoting selflove, and the blueprint to her success.
50 OFFICE STAPLES P.6
Take your office looks from daytime drab to after-five fab with these wardrobe classics.
SIZZLING SUMMER ACCESSORIES P.10
IThe right accessories can transform a casual look to an outfit worthy of a sizzling summer night.
BRIDAL TRENDS P.14
Check out the great trends that Full Figured Brides will be doing this summer
ABSTRACT OF THYCK P.16
The Thyck Troupe of Chicago Exhibition was one to remember. Go see photos.
SAVORING MEMENTOS P.19
Breakups are difficult, so why do we hold on to keepsakes?
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features DRIVEN BY PASSION: AN
EXCLUSIVE
DOLAN
WITH
36 FEEDERISM PHENOMEN P.20 LISA
For full figured women, window shopping is more of a chore than an adventure. Most of the clothes hanging from the stick thin mannequins can’t fit around one of our thighs, let alone our waists. But with the introduction of Lee Lee’s Valise boutique in Brooklyn, New York, curves are gracing more windows than ever.
VELVET D’AMOUR
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Plus women are under a lot of scrutiny from the media and are constantly bombarded with negative images. Velvet D’Amour Full figured model, body acceptance advocate, and photographer is actively doing her part to change these images and perceptions. I got the opportunity to interview Velvet and she is an inspiration to Full figured women.
Some men are sexualizing obesity. How do we make it stop?
LEMON POWER P.26
More than flavor for our teas, lemons have cosmeticand health benefits. Here are ten of them!
CHIC GEEKS- GADGETS FOR FASHIONISTAS P.34
In the tech-crazed world, investing in a few quirky gadgets is as essential as the classic black pump.
UNDER$40- MAXI DRESSES P.56
In the blazing summer heat, comfort and cuteness are married for full figured women. Cue in the maxi dress
EDITORS LIST P.60
See our Editor-in-Chiefs Favorite products!
Fashion
Office Staples Quick Transitions from Day to Night
Take your office looks from daytime drab to after-five fab with these wardrobe classics. by Alexandra Garrett
It’s Friday night! Time to party with your girls, but you don’t have time to run home and change. Here are quick pieces that can easily transition from 9-to-5 classic to after-five chic. The Classic Pencil Skirt
Every woman should own a pencil skirt; the classic staple accentuates the waist and gives the illusion of hips for those without them.
To turn this office piece into a night-on-the-town worthy outfit, wear a strapless sweetheart peplum cut top or even a corset, to increase tummy control and push up the “girls.” For accessories, opt for gold bangle bracelets, simple diamond studs, and a statement piece necklace. In terms of footwear, we recommend statement stilettos or pumps; for those who are uncomfortable with a sky-high view of the world, we suggest a chic pointed flat.
The Elegant Dress Pant The black dress pant is another must-have item for a woman’s work closet. All cuts are great; however, the bell bottom dress pant is ideal because it contours to the upper thigh, but flares at the knee. Pair the pants with a vintage tank top e.g. one with sequins for an “outside-the-box” office look. The tank top can be tucked or un-tucked depending on the look you’re going for.
To accessorize this look, try a bold watch with a big face or keep it simple and only wear simple earrings, like studs. Be creative with shoe choices to accentuate simple dress pants. Stilettos and pumps with cute detailing are great options to elongate your legs and make the look pop.
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The Wrap Dress The wrap dress is your friend! Not only is it comfortable, this dress is flattering for full figures. A wrap dress cinches the waist, giving the illusion of a smaller waist line, and then cascades down the rest of your body creating a flawless hourglass shape. “With different styles, including sleeve lengths and patterns, [wrap dresses] quickly moved in status to the ‘go-to’ dress for any occasion,” says Amy Overgaard, a writer for Good News Florida. Since the dress comes in many different cuts and designs, add any accessories you like such as hoop earrings, pearls, tennis bracelets, and the list goes on. Keep these simple tips in mind to effortlessly change from day to night.
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FASHION [TRENDS]
An intense color with shine? Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey Lip Duo $21 Sephora
Here, the shades run from deep purple to brown. Notice that the eye makeup is subtle which allows the lip color to be the focal point.
Dark Summer Lips by Jessica Harnegie
In the summer, lip color trends are usually pretty shades of pinks or nudes with lots of gloss and shine. But this summer, the exact opposite is happening. Dark lip colors with matte finishes are popular at award shows and events including the recent annual Met Gala in New York City.
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Create your own dark lip color with a lip pencil and clear gloss. MAC Blackened Plum lip pencil$14, MAC and MAC Clear Lip Glass $14.50 MAC
Keep your lip color on for hours with a lip stain. Laura Mercia lip stain in Mocha $20 Laura Mercier
FChanel Rouge Coco in Rivoli $32.50 Chanel
(above) Tote bags are great options for moms, business women, and college students since most are spacious and sold in unique summer hues. Our suggestion? The Michael Kors large marina bright pink bag ($180). michealkors.com
Sizzling Summer Accessories
by Jessica Harnegie The right accessories can transform a casual look to an outfit worthy of a sizzling summer night. From bangles to the perfect summer shoe, here are five accessories that all women should have in their closets
(above) Bangles can be paired with any outfit because of the different sizes, color, and textures. For a fuss-free accessory, try this coordinating cuff watch and bangle bracelets set from Arm Candy. They are $59 each and can be purchased on ShopNBC.com.
(above) The perfect summer shoe should be comfortable and versatile. Walk into a summer romance with these “Lovin� canvas wedges from Aldo ($80). aldoshoes.com
(above) For a polished, but cute look, wear silver hoops, like these $88 no frills from Henri Bandel. henribandel.com
(left) Weave your way into summer fun with the popular woven accessories. Eloquii strikes again with this $27 raffia stretch belt. michealkors.com/ 10 Full Figured June 2012
FASHION [TRENDS]
(right) Introduce this three-fourth-sleeve blazer into a work wardrobe and impress the harshest style critic. It is another killer item from Eloquii, retailing at $139 www.eloquii.com
(above) Add a splash of color to a simple suit with these Solian heels from Aldo ($99.98) www.aldoshoes.com (left) This contrasting pencil skirt is a great wardrobe staple with a twist. At $75 from Eloquii, it’s a steal, especially since the black side panels slim the hips to create an hourglass shape www.eloquii.com
Blocks of Color
by Jessica Harnegie
Since emerging on runways several collections ago, color-blocking has been a recurring trend. With no end to the hot trend in sight, color-blocking has landed on several “scorching summer looks” lists. We’re adding it to ours. Here are some of our favorites. 11 Full Figured June 2012
(right)This color-block bias dress( from Forever 21 ($17.80) is the perfect “throw on” for a run to the store or the mall. Plus, the gathered waist creates an illusion of a smaller waist. What’s not to love? www.forever21.com
FASISHIONTRENDS]
(below) Slither into this mango snakeskin tote bag from ASOS ($43.39). Add edge to a simple black dress by pairing it with this bag. www.asos.com
(right) A sleeveless cheetah dress from Calvin Klein is perfect for the office, especially when paired with solid-colored pumps. You can purchase this wild number at Bloomingdales for $67.27 www.bloomingdales.com
Untamable by Jessica Harnegie
Lions, tigers, and zebras – oh my! Animal print clothing and accessories add spice and flavor to any wardrobe. This summer, venture to the wild side with these animal-inspired clothing and accessories. 12 Full Figured June 2012
(left) This ruffled blouse from Avenue ($16.87) is a great safari option for the summer. Pair it with black jeans or shorts and sandals to keep cool this season.
www.avenue.com
(right)The MAC Morange Lipstick is sure to make a statement $14.50 www.mac.com
Orange You Glad It’s Summer by Jessica Harnegie
Warm weather, sunny skies, and color trends – the summer has arrived! Like bright pink, orange is one of the sexiest hues this season. Orange radiates warmth and energy, so it is an ideal color for social butterflies. Here are some bold orange options. 13 Full Figured June 2012
FASHION [TRENDS]
(below) Invest in these Prada crocodile thong sandals. $483 Saks Fifth. Avenue. www.saksfifthavenue.com
(right) Add summer to every outfit with Essie’s Orange It’s Obvious nail polish. $8 www.essie.com
(below) Ann Taylor’s Leather Cuff will look great with a summer maxi $39.99 www.anntaylor.com
by Shafonne Meyers Owner and Editor of Pretty Pear Bride www.prettypearbride.com
affair
Chicago, Illinois 4/28/2012
Abstract of Thyck
Grossinger Autoplex
FULL FIGURED AND TALENTED
The Thyck Troupe of Chicago had an entertaining exhibition. Showing their organization’s many talents. It was a fusion of dancing, singing, fashion, and spoken word. This is 501c3 organization that trains, mentors, inspres, and empowers full figured women pursuing careers in the performing arts.
FULL FIGURED AND BEAUTIFUL
Women from a size 8-24 were showcased in this event and it was something that Chicago has never seen. The Thyck Troupe of Chicago is the first and only of it’s kind and they definitely made their mark by showcasing designs from Eilleen Fisher, Akira, Kiyoko Linden, Jada Michaels, and more Photos: 1. © Victor Garza Amber M. Whitted, James Thomas, Nick Jaffe, Terence Lee, Briggetta Ducre' and Shawn Wallace. 2. © Victor Garza, Antoniya Kaye Reed (Akira) 3. Talent Forum 4. Obi Soulstar 5. © Chante Burt, Michelle Marie
affair
Chicago, Illinois 5.19.2012
Dangerous Curves Ahead
Zhou B Art Center
FASHION FOR A CAUSE
IUsing Fashion to Fight Homelessness. Dangerous Curves Ahead is Chicago's only Fashion Event that embraces women of all shapes on the runway every spring in Chicago.Visit dangerouscurvesahead.org.
EVERY “BODY” IS BEAUTIFUL
Dangerous Curves Ahead showcased designers and models that ranged from sizes 2-20. It’s rare when this occurs and it was a definite treat.
All Photos Courtesy of Dean Reid Photography. 1Eddy and Bri 2. Eddy and Bri 2. Chocolate Sushi Couture 3. Shavonne Dorsey 4.Love Verse
Savoring Mementos
B
by Maha Gorgi
Breakups are difficult, so why do we hold on to keepsakes?
reakups are never easy. You’re ending a relationship and also breaking up with their family, parting ways with the memories, and dividing up the belongings.
One of the hardest things for people to part ways with in breakups is the mementos that have been gifted to us, according to datingish.com. In my last relationship, I was given a necklace engraved with our names, our anniversary date, and “Forever & Always.” After a year, we called it quits, but it was very difficult for me to get rid of the necklace. So, I kept it. But, I’m not alone. When asked if they have kept any keepsakes from their ex beaus, these women said: “I kept his Cubs hoodie. I love lounging around the house in baggy clothes. I have no attachment to the hoodie; it’s just super comfy!” (Kara, 20, Oak Park, IL)
“He bought me these really cute glittery pumps. Glitter is my best friend. ‘Nuff said.” (Chelsea, 26, Chicago, IL)
“We went on a trip to Disney and he won all these stuffed animals for me. Now they’re my dog’s new toys.” (Loreen, 23, Chicago Heights, IL)
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But why do we keep items from past relationships? The years or months spent with someone don’t end when the relationship does according to Sasha Brown-Worsham, a writer for The Stir. The memories last a lifetime, so Worsham thinks keeping relationship souvenirs is normal.
She compares breakups to the ending of friendships. “Imagine breaking up with a best friend and not keeping anything of that person,” she writes in her article, “Keeping Souvenirs of Past Relationships Is Smart.” “Some might think that is the best way, but others would want to at least have something to commemorate that relationship. Breakup or not, that love happened.”
But, sometimes holding on to a stash of mementos can cause tension in a relationship according to LaDawn Black, a relationship expert and writer for Match.com. If there is nothing the new partner can do or say to get your partner to toss those items away, Black says to “grin and bear it.” She also says that as the relationship moves forward, “he or she will look at such things as having less personal meaning and get rid of them altogether.” I felt liberated tossing out everything from my past relationships. Starting over is scary, but it feels good to get past the fear. If I was brave enough to end the relationship, I have enough courage to get rid of the baggage it left behind. That was my closure.
The Feederism Phenomenon LIFESTYLE
by Stephanie Gomez
O
Some men are sexualizing obesity. How do we make it stop? nce, I had a man tell me that I was “so sexy” while I was eating pizza. At first, it seemed like a harmless compliment. But the next time we went out and I ordered a salad, he begged me to eat one pizza slice, so I would know that I’m perfect and don’t need to diet. When I ate the smallest bite I could, the look on his face was somewhere between giddy and obsessed; when I put it down, he let out an audible sigh of disappointment. That’s when I knew he was a feeder.
I tried to understand why his desire to see me eat bothered me. I thought maybe it was my fear of appearing gluttonous in front of others that was keeping me from establishing a meaningful relationship with someone who accepted me. But, something just didn’t feel right. I never called him again. The fat fetishist, better known as a feeder, is defined as someone who “derives sexual pleasure from body fat, encouraging the act of gaining weight or someone who is exclusively attracted to obese or super obese partners,” according to “Big Beautiful Women: The Body Size Preferences of Male Fat Admirers,” a report that was published in The Journal of Sex Research. With so many land mines in the dating scene, it’s hard not to be upset by the constant barrage of mama’s boys, sugar mama seekers and toxic bachelors. We spend most of our lives trying to find a nice, normal man who earns a living; says
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please and thank you; and can be taken home to your mother. But what happens when you find that man and he loves your curvy figure – but tells you not to diet and orders extra desert for you? Enter the fetishists. They are very recognizable because of their overtly sexual tendencies towards plus-size women. These men make sexual advances or overtures early in a relationship; their only aim is to sexualize body fat or have sexual intercourse with folds of a woman’s fat. Sexual needs and desires are so personal that it is impossi ble to classify or categorize all of them. It is tempting to put sexual fetishes in the “normal” and “abnormal” boxes, but everyone won’t conform to our ideals of what is sexually gratifying.
Fred Berlin, Ph.D., an expert in sexual disorders said in his article, “Feederism: A Sex Kink Tabloids Won’t Touch” that it’s “tempting to play armchair psychologist — particularly when a paraphilia involves bodily harm, which feederism certainly does — and pick it apart in the same way one might do a feminist analysis of mainstream porn. On the same token, though, we’re talking about human beings.”
He continues, “This has to do with a spectrum of sexuality and these are people who are perhaps struggling, or troubled in life, and it’s all too easy to make a quick judgment and dismiss these folks as less than human.”
But, is feederism as harmless as other sexual desires? Encouraging someone to be unhealthy or dependent upon their partner is irresponsible and borderline abusive. Donna Simpson is a 602-pound mother whose feeder husband has encouraged her to gain weight in an attempt to become the world’s “fattest woman.” In order to accomplish this feat, Simpson will need to gain more than 300 pounds according to the Daily Mail article she is featured in. No one can reasonably argue that this is mentally or physically healthy. Sexualizing fat women seems to be the taboo that people are unwilling to talk about. A Google search turns up fetish websites, but hardly any psychological journals or studies. It is not the acceptance of an overweight person that yanks at the social consciousness; it’s the domination of a feeder over their partner. On his website, Dr. Oz, a physician and media
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personality, expresses his concern for women who are in relationships with feeders. “The weight is being maintained (sometimes in excess of 400 pounds) are extremely dangerous and place the person at risk for a variety of health conditions. A variety of psychological explanations have been tendered for the people who want to watch people ‘overfeed’ themselves, as well as for why people would maintain such dangerous weights.” It would be interesting to research the correlation between abandonment issues and feederism. Do feeders pursue these types of relationships because they know their partners are dependent on them? Feederism deserves in-depth research, so full-figured women will have this necessary knowledge. We cannot define ourselves by our dress sizes. Sizes are simply labels we wear and just like the dress, the labels come off at some point. At the end of the night, all we are left with is the core of who we are. That is the part of us that needs to be loved, by not only our partners, but ourselves. Stefanie Gomez Owner of the blog Chubby Girl in the World
Photo by Eilat, Israel
LIFESTYLE
OFF THE BEATEN PATH ABANDONING THE ORDINARY FOR THE
EXTRAORDINARY TAKES COURAGE, PERSEVERANCE, AND VISION. BY PRECIOUS WILLIAMS
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“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And tha t has made all the difference.” Robert Frost his profound poem means much more to me now than at any other time in my life. For years, I lived life on the straight and narrow. I drank the Kool-Aid of going to college, and then to law school, getting a “good” job and thinking that was what life was all about. However, once I attained that job, I felt restless. I knew that my life was supposed to be different and that I was meant to do big things. When I talked to myfriends about how I was feeling, most dismissed me and told me to be grateful for what I had.
T
myself. I made the right decision by embracing the unknown. I am so glad that I followed my heart. Do you know how many people hate their jobs but stick around for the paycheck? Not me! I wanted to live and thrive, rather than just surviving.
The more I have experienced this year, the more I am convinced that in life, you must leave the ordinary behind and go full force to the extraordinary. What has made a difference in my life has been dreaming big and following my heart. I know that I didn’t want a 9-to-5 job, 2.5 kids and a regular house. I wanted to live an extraordinary life like the people I looked up to. They went after their dreams and that’s what separates Then one day, I realized that I was- them from other people. n’t getting any younger. I couldn’t bear the thought of not fulfilling the In my quest to live an extraordinary dreams that I had long harbored in my life, I read a number of self-help heart. I wanted to be a nationally syn- books with quotes that inspire me to dicated talk show host, a successful dig deeper within myself. One quote motivational speaker and an entrepre- that sticks with me is by Andre Gide. neur. Being a lawyer was nice, but it “One does not discover new lands was not enough to sustain me. without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” You have So, when I turned 33, I decided to to be willing to get away from what’s chase my dreams. It was incredible to comfortable to experience the exwake up every day knowing I was traordinary. According to Joyce closer to my destiny. I went from Schwartz, author of The Vision Board: being a disgruntled attorney who was The Secret to An Extraordinary Life, dreaming about being an entrepreneur one must have a burning desire and a to owning a business within one year. clear vision in order to be successful. I have been on television, in newspa- I took these words to heart and that pers and local publications based on made the difference. my business skills; I have won several business plan competitions. Now, I Precious Williams know what it feels like to believe in
TALES FROM A CHUBBY FRIEND – BEING THE COAT HANGER
LIFESTYLE
In our first of many tales, Stefanie Gomez examines the “coat hanger” phenomenon – and how she saved her friend’s self-esteem
R
ecently, a good friend of mine and I ventured to Forever 21 to find her a bikini for her upcoming vacation. This was more than just a romantic getaway for her; after months of being estranged from her husband, they reconciled and decided to spend some alone time in a fabulous hotel on the coast. I was so happy that she and her husband were able to work it out that when she asked me to come along, I agreed. She was unsure of what to get, so I helped her pick out a swimsuit. She ran out of hands as she grabbed different options, so like any friend, I offered to hold a few things for her. Like other shopaholics, she had picked up more things than she could ever try on, so I stood there holding all the extra clothes like a personal coat hanger. The dressing room attendant was polite and allowed us to both squeeze into the small space.
As she started putting on different swimsuits, I couldn’t believe how incredibly small my friend was; she had lost so much weight, most likely because of the stress of the last two months. But the things she was saying about herself didn’t seem to match the reflection in the mirror. “I really need to tone up.” “My belly looks so big in this one.” She went on and on about herself as I tried in vain to alleviate her discomfort. She could not be persuaded to the reality that anyone could see – she looked alarmingly underweight. I had real concerns about an eating disorder early in our friendship, so panic set in as I racked my brain for the right thing to say. I couldn’t tell her she was too thin, or say anything that could be perceived as negative about her body. So I did the only thing I knew how to do – I made fun of myself.
“Look at this!” I exclaimed as I pointed to my belly and lifted my shirt halfway up, revealing stomach and my own insecurities. I had gone from being a friendly coat hanger to a full clothing rack with a nice little sign that says “Please place all your insecurities, hang ups and emotional baggage here.” 24 Full Figured June 2012
“Please place all y securities, hang u emotional bagga here.”
your inups and age
More than likely, you have been a coat hanger friend without realizing it. Ever given a friend a self-esteem boost by comparing your worst traits to her fantastic ones? If the answer is yes, then someone’s emotional baggage and insecurities have been laid on you at some point. I have always felt the need to make others feel better about themselves, even when it’s to my own detriment. Being a coat hanger friend is an emotional currency trade that boosts someone else’s ego in the short term but leaves us with a Wall Street-like deficit, sacrificing our emotional well-being for her ego because you can’t stand to see her beating herself up I knew I had done it for a good cause but why was it necessary? Are we only happy when we are somewhere higher in the woman hierarchy? Why is it that we can’t just accept and even celebrate our differences? Why is it someone always has to be the coat hanger friend?
I learned from this experience that it costs too much to allow others to dangle on my emotional hangers; there’s already enough crazy emotions dangling there.
Every day we learn something new about ourselves and that day I learned that being supportive doesn’t mean sacrificing your own selfworth. Your friends don’t need that much. Stefanie Gomez Owner of Chubby Girl in the World
BEAUTY the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.” 3) Need internal detoxing? Look no further than lemons. They can be used to help cleanse your immune system. 4) Here’s a weight loss tip: drink lemon juice. Since the juice has a strong and sharp flavor, it increases satisfaction which causes us to eat less according to Selene Yeager's book “The Doctors Book of Food Remedies.”
LEMON POWER
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More than flavor for our teas, lemons have cosmeticand health benefits. Here are ten of them! By Maha Gorgi
5) Get rid of those pimples with vitamin C! The citric acid in lemons treats acne says Theresa Cheung, a writer who studied the health benefits of lemons. “The vitamin C found in citrus fruits is vital for that healthy glowing skin while its alkaline nature kills some types of bacteria known to cause acne,” she says. 6) Speaking of pimples, bid adieu to those pesky blackheads by rubbing lemon juice over them. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to remove oil from the area which get rids the area of blackheads according to the article “Do Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Clear Your Skin?” 7) When a fungal infection is present, fingernails and toenails tend to develop a yellow undertone according to Valerie Tandoi, an eHow contributor. Go to a doctor to cure the infection, but be sure to soak the nails in lemon juice, a natural nail whitener, as well.
hen life gives you lemons, don’t make lemonade. Instead, use them to lose weight, treat acne, and cleanse your immune system. According to historical records, Ancient Egyptians believed that eating lemons and drinking lemon juice protected them 8) You can also throw some lemon juice in from poisons. with your Clorox bleach for even whiter whites. Now, lemons can be used to fight against more than toxins. 9) Use this technique for your teeth as Here are 10 ways to use the citrusy fruit to well…without the Clorox. your advantage: 10) For brighter and softer skin, use lemon 1) Lemons are a strong antibacterial. The juice. It is especially effective on the elbows, extreme acidity is so strong that it kills bacte- knees and face or any other dry areas accordria according to GreenLivingTips.com. ing to Debra Mundell, a health writer for Yahoo Voices. “Lemons refresh the skin and nourish it 2) Lemons are also used as an antiviral that with Vitamin C and other nutrients. Lemons may fight off infections. The “15 Hidden Health Se- also help to exfoliate the skin,” she says. crets of Lemons” recommends using the vitamin C in lemons to combat a runny nose or sore Tweet me @MissMayMayXO for more lemon throat. beauty secrets! “At the first indication of a cold – a runny nose Maha Gorgi or sore throat –try to give your body as much immune-boosting vitamin C as you can so that 26 Full Figured June 2012
SKIN MOISTURIZING 101
BEAUTY
Scented products aren’t great for moisturizing our faces. So, what is? BY MAHA GORGI
It seems simple. Wake up, slap some lotion on your face, and start your day. Wrong!
Though moisturizers don’t add additional moisture to your face, Matteson Cade, a Discovery Health contributor says that “the job of a moisturizer is to attract moisture and to protect the skin on your face by forming a barrier that holds in the water that's already there.”
Cade also says that moisturizing stops your skin from losing its hydration and allows it to put the moisture that it does have to good use. Confused as to how to achieve a moisture-rich face? Here is a 101 guide:
Choose a moisturizer or cream designed for the face. An eye moisturizer works differently than one for the entire face because the skin around the eye is much thinner. Certain ingredients in a face cream are harsher than ingredients used for an eye cream according to Dr. Hauschka, a dermatologist. Determine if your skin is oily, dry, or combination. According to the Mayo Clinic, oily skin is prone to breakouts and can result in clogged pores, which leads to acne. Use a light moisturizer for oily skin because it will hydrate your face without leaving an oily residue. Dry skin requires a heavier, oil-based moisturizer because it will restore hydration according to Diana K. Rodriguez, a LiveStrong.com contributor. Combination skin is a mixture of oily and dry skin. If you’re dry in certain sections of your face, but oily in your t-zone, which is the area from the forehead to the chin, you’ve got combination skin. The Mayo Clinic suggests using a “water-based moisturizer that has a light non-greasy feel to maintain the natural moisture balance of having combination skin.” If you have dry skin, buy a moisturizer for dry skin. Cetaphil is one of many lines that sell moisturizers for specific types.
Apply moisturizer when your face is damp. Your skin absorbs moisturizer best if it’s applied to a damp face according to BiON, a cosmetics company.
SPF, SPF, and more SPF! Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin for too much sun exposure. Jodi Hettinga, a Daily Glow contributor says, “Daily protection is a key factor in preserving your skin.” Buy a moisturizer that has SPF 15 or above for ultimate coverage.
Try to avoid moisturizers with lots of fragrances and dyes, as these can irritate your skin. Apply moisturizer when your face is damp. Your skin absorbs moisturizer best if it’s applied to a damp face according to BiON, a cosmetics company.
SPF, SPF, and more SPF! Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin for too much sun exposure. Jodi Hettinga, a Daily Glow contributor says, “Daily protection is a key factor in preserving your skin.” Buy a moisturizer that has SPF 15 or above for ultimate coverage.
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Reccomended Moisturizers Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream $14.63 WalMart
Ponds Dry Skin Cream $14.48 CVS
Jergens Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Moisturizer $13.06 Walgreens 31 Full Figured June 2012
Protect Your ‘Do BEAUTY
Tips for preventing a hair tragedy this summer
by Jessica Harnegie
Summer is three weeks away, but most of the U.S. is already suffering through sweltering temperatures. Fun in the sun has a price, and most of the time our hair is footing the bill. Not in 2012! Avoid hair damage this summer with these simple tips.
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void color fading and dry hair by wearing a hat or scarf. LongHealthyHairAdvisor.com recommends wearing a hair scarf because it protects hair from tangles and dryness by keeping it tied down while sleeping.
f you’ve brightened your hair for the summer, use a daily treatment that will protect your tresses against UV fading and seal in the color. We recommend Aveda’s Color Conserve Daily Hair Protect ($24, Aveda.com).
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sing heat in the summer increases the potential for hair damage. If using a hair dryer, flat iron, or another heat styling tool, protect your tresses and repair damaged hair with Aveda’s Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair ($24, Aveda.com).
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air exposed to chlorine will fade color by adding oxides. Avoid damage by rinsing your tresses with warm water and then removing chlorine with a shampoo and a deep condition like Ultra Swim Shampoo and Conditioner ($6, CVS).
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nce a week, use a deep conditioning moisture treatment to maintain shine and bounce. Neutrogena’s Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($7.49, Drugstore.com) is a product designed specifically for this.
32 Full Figured June 2012
Chic Geeks – Gadgets for Fashionistas
TECHNOLOGY
By Evette Dionne
In the tech-crazed world, investing in a few quirky gadgets is as essential as the classic black pump.
Phones, tablets, cameras, e-readers, laptops, desktops – there is no end to the technological gadgets available on the market. But for fashionistas, and those who are invested in the tech trend, keeping up with the Joneses is more about investing in the latest device than purchasing the largest house in the neighborhood. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decipher what devices are worth the dollars, so Full Figured News has compiled a list of our five favorite gadgets for the chic full-figured geeks. Zone out the world and tune in to the music with Solo Beats by Dre, which use high definition sound and ultra-light on-ear headphones to take the music listening experience to the next level. Plus, the Beats by Dre are sold in amazing colors from black and red to purple and white.
The Canon Powershot SX260 HS Black
The Amazon Kindle Fire $199 Amazon
Seven hours of battery power, flash storage, fashionable covers, and numerous applications makes the Macbook Air is one of the hottest products on the market. For fashionistas, it is one of the best products because of the large storage space that enables rooms for plenty of photos, videos, and music.
$349.99
Canon
The Macbook Air $999 for 64 GB Apple
Temple Run! With the Retina display, flash storage, and the popular game Temple Run, the new iPad is monopolizing the tablet market. Ten hours of battery life insures that you can reach 2 million on Temple Run and still have enough power to watch a DVD and take photos for Instagram. The Apple iPad $499 for 16 GB Apple
June 2012 34 Full Figured
One of the greatest tools available to bloggers is the camera. Several popular full-figured bloggers have used point-and-shoots to launch their careers, so the SX260 is a worthy investment. You’ll capture all of the smaller details of a chic outfit with the 12.1 megapixel sensor and 1080p full HD video.
The vibrant color touchscreen provides quick access to the 19 million movies, TV shows, songs, magazines, and books available on the Amazon Kindle Fire. With all of the popular apps and games, including Netflix and Pandora, the Kindle Fire is perfect for the full-figured fashionista because it is an all-purpose tab. Plus, for the bookworms out there, there is a huge library filled with clasThe Amazon sics, urban novels, Kindle Fire and even Harry Pot$199 Amazon ter!
Bling’d Out iPhone Cases Protect your iPhone and make a statement with these glamorous cases.
By Evette Dionne
For some of us, our phones are our lives. This is especially true for some iPhone users, who are so attached to their phones that they invest in cases that charge their phones/bank accounts/calorie counter. Cue in the dead face. But one of the most attractive features of the iPhone is the fashionable cases. From polka dots to vintage rotary dials, Kate Spade cases are to die for. Here are 10 of the most glamorous phone cases from the popular designer.
Le Pavillion $40 KateSpade.com
Leopard $40 KateSpade.com
Florence Broadhurst Tour $40 KateSpade.com
All In A Day’s Work $40 KateSpade.com
Falling Letters $29.99 Amazon
June 2012 35 Full Figured
Diagonal Stripe $40 KateSpade.com Chit Chat $40 KateSpade.com
White Old-Fashioned Telephone $8.40 Amazon
New York Agenda Fairmount $24.99 Boxy Tech
DRIVEN BY PASSION:
FEATURE
AN EXCLUSIVE WITH LISA DOLAN,
OWNER OF LEE LEE’S VALISES
FULL FIGURED MAGAZINE HAD THE PLEASURE OF INTERVIEWING LISA
DOLAN OF THE NEW TLC SHOW BIG
BROOKLYN STYLE BY EVETTE DIONNE
IMAGES COURTESY OF DISCOVERY
F
or full figured women, window shopping is more of a chore than an adventure. Most of the clothes hanging from the stick thin mannequins can’t fit around one of our thighs, let alone our waists. But with the introduction of Lee Lee’s Valise boutique in Brooklyn, New York, curves are gracing more windows than ever. Lisa Dolan is owner of the boutique and is the star of TLC’s newest smash, Big Brooklyn Style. The ground-breaking show premieres May 29th at 10 pm ET. On her road to being a textile fabric queen, Lisa stops here to chat about the show, the boutique that just celebrated its’ fifth birthday, and her love for fashion. At what age did you discover your passion for fashion? I was toddler, either two or three. I had a dress that I loved but that I couldn’t fit anymore, so I hid it under my bed so my mother couldn’t find it and give it away. It was so cute! It had a velvet neckline and velvet bow along the hip. There are pictures of me in the dress right now. I couldn’t let mom give it away!
36 Full Figured June 2012
What prompted you and Jim to open Lee Lee’s Valise? T here were a lot of reasons, but the first thing was I couldn’t shop in my own neighborhood because I couldn’t find a dress in my size. When we [full figured women] go window shopping, we’re disappointed time after time because they’re not going to have our size in the store – and I have enough socks. I wanted to own a shop where plus-size women could see something appealing in the window, walk in, and buy it. It’s like a dream. Also, it was a time in my life when I was looking to do something different and fashion is my passion. I have always loved fashion, so opening the boutique seemed like the perfect thing to do. When we set out, everything fell into place. We found the perfect place in our neighborhood. It just felt natural. Opening the boutique was part of my path in life. It was all meant to be.
Photo courtesy of Discovery
What are some of the challenges that you faced when creating the boutique? The economy! We opened in May 2007. A year into the store being opened, the economy crashed. It was like having a heart attack. I had finally achieved my dream and I didn’t want to lose it because the economy shifted, so I had to start thinking of things to do to keep the store alive. We worked harder. 5 years later, we’re still here.
What is your vision for the next five years? We want to take it slow, so we don’t do too much too fast. But, I would love to open this boutique in other major cities. Wherever we open, I want people in that area to travel to that specific store. I have customers from Alaska to Australia, so I want to open other destination locations in other cities. If someone says, “I want to see Lee Lee’s Valise,” it doesn’t have to be me running the store. I train people specifically so customers always feel like coming here is like being at home. Some customers stay in the store for 37 Full Figured June 2012
three to five hours! I want to continue to develop that sense of community. I also want to concentrate on building my own line of clothes. In five years, I want to go to different textile houses to buy specific fabrics. If I’m not going to Europe to look at fabric in five years, I’m going to be very disappointed. It’s always about the fabric. If I have multiple stores, I’ll have more power to purchase more fabrics. I just want to grow and do more!
How do you use Lee Lee’s Valise to encourage full figured women to own their size and increase their confidence? Knowledge builds confidence. If I show a customer something as simple as how to tie or dress or tell them that they are wearing the wrong size, it shows them what they actually look like gives them another reason to love themselves. One of the rules of the boutique is that every customer must try on. I love when a new customer comes here and I size them and give them an outfit to try on. When they come out of the dressing room and they say
“that’s not me,” I tell them that it is them but they were putting on clothes that are too big. This gives them another perspective on what to wear. I push them in a direction gently and it’s great to see them open up and step of the box by wearing bright colors and prints. The customers start to blossom. I’m teaching them as I’m dressing them, talking through things as I’m doing it. So, they’re learning and seeing and suddenly, they have power over their image. If you’re wearing something that you love that makes you feel beautiful, confidence comes. If you have knowledge about something, you’re confident in doing it now. Building someone’s confidence is teaching them first. Once they start to learn, they’re going to begin picking out things for themselves.
Do you have any tips for women interested in the fashion industry? Passion is number one; that’s what going to keep you going on the 13th and 14th hours of the day. That energy comes from the passion because you love what you do. Your vision should be broader and include others because you always do things better when you’re helping other people. Work harder and longer to get there because there will be a lot of long hours.
Photos courtesy of Discovery
You partnered with Stacy London for Big Brooklyn Style. How did that evolve? It goes years back. Stacy was in [Lee Lee’s Valise] the day after the store opened. Her stylist came on opening day and called her. The second day, she was there in a hoodie, doing figure eights to check out everything in the store. Two weeks later, What Not to Wear called me. Over time we’ve been on What Not to Wear at least 20 times. I would dress the mannequins for “the rules” based on what the stylists needed. Then, it was just chatting, talking, meeting for coffee and becoming friends. We sat down a few years ago on Halloween to chat about the show. We got it done! The show is airing Tuesday, May 29th at 10:00 p.m. E.S.T. on TLC. Right before, TLC is airing the first live audience show for What Not to
38 Full Figured June 2012
Wear. We’re in the audience and then it’s going to go right into our show.
What do you hope viewers will gain from watching the show? I just want people to connect with the stories of the women featured on the show. You’re hearing stories from people who are so beautiful like a woman who was her mother’s caretakers and is now taking herself off of the backburners and another who has never worn a dress. I think when women watch the show, they’re going to identify with some of the stories or it’s going to touch them. It’s just powerful. But, it always comes back to the clothes. These women are walking through the door needing clothes. We’re going to show what shopping should be like. You’re going to see a lot of that. I also add in different things and discuss fashion tips.
What are some summer trends that full figured women should invest in? Layering – I do a lot of layering in the summer. I have a lot of sleeveless options in the store, but a lot of [full figured] women won’t wear sleeveless shirts. So, I’ll pair a printed sleeveless shirt with a solid open cardigan to cut off the print. Plus, you’re only wearing one layer on your arms, so you won’t be as hot. Layering over a sleeveless
dress looks great and it’s comfortable. You need to have a great bathing suit cover up. It was always hard for me to find a really cute cover up, but they’re necessary because everyone should be comfortable in their swimsuits. The cover up shouldn’t be too big or oversized. It should fit like a dress. Then, you can walk proudly and comfortably through the hotel, to the ladies room, or to the bar.
Do you have any other upcoming projects that we should be looking out for? My life is the boutique. I’m consumed here. But, as I design, I’ll get a group together and we’ll have a party to preview new clothes. I’ll probably have an event during the summer, like a beach party, to promote sales. All I’m thinking about is that I would love to get away and visit family!
You can follow Lisa and Jim Dolan on Twitter and Facebook at LeeLeesValise. Big Brooklyn Style will premiere on TLC on May 29th at 10:00 p.m. E.S.T. after a special episode of What Not to Wear. Evette Dionne
The Lee Lee’s Valise Shopping Guide
by Evette Dionne :With the premiere of Big Brooklyn Style just premiering, business at Lee Lee’s Valise Boutique is boom-
ing. Don’t miss out on the craze. Shop their fabulous collections online. Here are some of Full Figured News’ favorite items
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1.Lulu in Our Red Tribal Print ($142) 2.Francesca Dress in Red Stained Glass ($168) 3.Brianna Top in Red Stained Glass ($88) 4. Stephanie Sweetheart Dress in Icy Teal ($168) 5.Marisa Top in BxW Polka Dots ($88) 6. L/S Franny Sweater in Brown/Gold/Tan ($118) 7. Lauren Dress in Purple Gravel ($168) 8. Janet Maxi Dress in Teal Metallic ($168) 9. Brianna Top in Gold Dot ($138) 10. Teal/Turq Tunic/Cover Up ($72) 11. Hobo Tote with Chain Details ($128) 12. Circle Link Charm Bracelet ($139.99) 13. Paula Pencil Skirt in the Dali Print ($98) 14. Our Carol Wrap Top ($120)
FEATURE
Velvet D AMOUR
FROM MODEL TO PHOTOGRAPHER. VELVET D AMOUR IS RE-DEFINING BEAUTY FOR PLUS WOMEN WITH HER MAGAZINE VOLUP2
BY JE TUAN LAVYONNE
40 Full Figured June 2012
P
lus women are under a lot of scrutiny from the media and are constantly bombarded with negative images. Velvet D’Amour Full figured model, body acceptance advocate, and photographer is actively doing her part to change these images and perceptions. I got the opportunity to interview Velvet and she is an inspiration to Full figured women.
1. Do you feel that being a model has given you an advantage as a photographer? How so? Yes, I definitely feel that modeling has helped me as a photographer as well as vice versa. By modeling I am able to see how many photographers work with models, and I am able to see what motivates me as a model in terms of how a photogra-
pher interacts. Having cheesy male photographers tell me to 'GET ANGRY WITH THEM!' or 'MAKE LOVE TO THE CAMERA' made me think, gee that's ridiculous, Lord don't let me ever do that to a model! [laughs]So it helps in terms of how I interact with models. As a model, I can feel how beyond annoying and disrespect it is when photographers don't deliver pictures on time or at all so I tend to be very precise with what I can give and when, and it tends to be in an exceedingly timely manner. I am very respectful of photographers because I know the intense amount of work involved with shooting, the organization and the creative process and all that it can take to come up with one little picture! I am on time and I don't give attitude. I also tend to offer myself to the photographers vision in a way that I probably wouldn't were I not so cognoscente of how that process works through the eye of the camera and that definitely makes me a better muse in my opinion. 2. What is the thought process behind your Magazine VOLUP2? VOLUP2 is about affording others some of the amazing opportunities which I have been gifted with, in my own small way. It’s about genuine inclusion and opening a edgy editorial fashion sense to the plus size movement, as well as to women who are likely to be kept at arms length by the fashion industry. There are more images of plus size women because we have the least images out there. If you want to buy a magazine geared to African-American or the Elderly or Differently-abled you can indeed buy a copy of a magazine but we still can’t buy a copy of a magazine which is geared towards plus size women. And then when you do buy such a magazine it tends to be exclusive to whatever ethnicity or age group etc its aiming for, versus the real life we lead, one tends to have friends from all backgrounds and age groups and ethnicity's and sexual preferences etc., so why not have a magazine that is more encompassing which embraces the beauty of humanity in general, yet maintains that fashion edge; which is what is exciting in fashion.
3. Your work always catches the eye and makes everyone re-evaluate beauty. What inspires you? Thank you! I think each woman who is in front of my lens tends to be my inspi-
ration at that moment. A part of me is known to 'Velvetize' them as many say, [laughs] probably because I think I tend to shoot with the spirit of, if I were inhabiting this body how would I want to be filmed? Really exploiting the beauty of each individual. And I like a sense of drama, that's fashion to me, having grown up revering photographers like Bruce Weber, Herb Ritts, Ellen Von Unwerth and Steven Meisel, I do take that sense of style and apply in my own way. I am a very sensitive person and I genuinely love people so I guess that comes through in my work; though I don't tend to over analyze it much. I like to have fun and to make whoever happens to be my subject, feel special and know that they can trust that I will do my utmost to pull their beauty out.
4. Your confidence oozes through your pores, and it makes me proud to be Full Figured. What is this confidence rooted in? Thanks again! I would say my confidence is rooted in a genuine sense of appreciating that each and every individual has a right to occupy the space they do, to revel in who they are and in doing so pay homage to their ancestors, versus paying homage to what media tries to sell us. What makes Beauty is the richness of diversity and what suffocate beauty is an insidious dictate that we are beholden to find exceedingly tall, exceedingly thin, white, youth our only standard of beauty. And that would be true if the current standard were red headed 90 olds with beer bellies [laughs]. Having only one idealization diminishes us all. We have evolved as a society; we can put a man on the moon! So then why can’t we open our standards of beauty to more encompassing?! The better we feel about ourselves the more apt we are to care for ourselves, so the notion that is floated out there on occasion, which suggests that if plus size women are so much as seen, it will mean that we encourage ill health is ludicrous. And plus size women aren't the only ones who suffer, millions of women wake up each morning to hating themselves, versus loving themselves ,and this is in direct correlation with how media assaults us with its limiting utterly inaccessible ideal. We don't have to buy into it and growing your own confidence is what will
set you free. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and loved and appreciated for who they are and how they look is an amazing reflection of those that came before them. You make the choice each and everyday by asking yourself why you feel what you feel is beautiful, question it! Then maybe think about that choice, and it is just that, a choice, you get to make that choice and its up to you to honor who you are, and how you look is a part of that, you need no one else's permission but your own to fall in love with you! 5. What can we expect from you in the future? As VOLUP2 is currently 100% me you can expect that I am pretty well occupied! lol But I continue to model and have some interesting television proposals so I feel very blessed and I aim to pass that blessing to others. VOLUP2 isn't just about edgy fashion; it is also aimed at helping others. Every ad we place has a portion of the fee donated to one of three charities, which the advertiser gets to choose from, and those will be ever changing so that we might help as many worthy organizations as possible. We are looking for(unpaid) interns around the world, we are open to photographic and artistic contributions, and if you are a model headed to Paris don't hesitate to send your pic and stats for our consideration at voluptwo@yahoo.com Also very interested in independent designers we want to help showcase original designs so again drop us a line so we can see if we are interested in developing a shoot to highlight designs, models, photos and art. It’s been a pleasure Velvet. You can see Velvet’s Magazine at http://www.volup2.com
By Je Tuan Lavyonne
47 Full Figured June 2012
Declaration
by Amber Whitted
As written for The Abstract of ThYck – Chicago, IL 2012
I'm tired of being silent I'm tired of being silent I'm tired of
silently watching the ships of life go by waiting for mine to come in and praying for life to begin. I'm tired of apologizing for talking up valuable space and time that can be used by a worldly-successful fool and I'm tired of the self-inflicted pain and the judgment received from you. See, somewhere along the way I forgot that my pricetag read "Priceless" and that my possibilities like art are endless in my God's eyes. I limited my value to the length of my hair my shape, my size my life station my education and took my focus off the prize. But no longer can I despise myself for the chains that I got bound in. Chains are meant to be broken and I was made to win So with every ounce of strength and faith within 48 Full Figured June 2012
I make this declaration and say Give me what's mine. Give me what's mine, Everything that's owed to me. I'm moving forward in boldness and authority complacency is finished and failure has bored me I'm here to take back everything that was stolen from me. Give me what's mine Or I'll take it by force. I've made enough errors and depression has run its course but I'm still standing strong beautiful and proud Head held high and living out loud I'm reclaiming my birthright, everything owed to a queen my purpose my pleasure my pride my peace my power my passion my pedestal and my praise. And since I know can't go back to make up for lost days, I will handle myself gently like a black tie rose. I’ll move like a millionaire in a room full of CEOs. I’ll shake hands with the rich,
extend arms to the poor, gladly give it away freely – 'cuz I know I'll get more. I'm comfortable with what I am and what I never will be. I can't walk in your shoes; I gotta walk this for me. Yes, my past has hurt me I may have no clue where to go but I still move forward My God told me so. And since he Gives me preparation Opens my eyes to revelation and Determines my destination I can claim victory despite your No. And with my individualistic intellect and my beauty divine I'll walk in not looking like what I've been through and do it in perfect time. Am I cocky? Maybe, but I know where my faith lies. So with posture erect and face to the skies I'll let the Son shine on me and guide my pathway. So join me, applaud me, or get out of my way.
Whitney Thompson America’s Next Top Model Winner on Love, Life, and Online Dating
by Evette Dionne
“ It i sn ' t that we've g o t t e n " fa t , " i t ' s t ha t th e fashion ind u s t ry d e c i ded t ha t w e sho u l d be thinner.”
The Wilhemina supermodel dishes on mastering runways, promoting self-love, and the blueprint to her success.
But, hope was restored when Whitney Thompson exploded on the scene. I was glued to the TV, with popcorn and ice cream galore, as week after week the curvy model captivated [and perturbed] the judges. I thought she was doomed after she landed in the bottom two for the fourth time, but the blondeturned-brunette prevailed. She won. I jumped for joy.
I felt that same jolt of excitement when I was afforded the chance to interview Thompson. As she launches the first legitimate website for curvy girls (TheBigandtheBeautiful.com), Thompson stops here for a brilliant chat about dominating runways from New York to Milan and everything in-between. You are the first full figured model to win America’s Next Top Model. How has that experience changed your life? It has made things much more hectic and much better. I'm busy in a really good way!
What advice would you offer other full figured women interested in pursuing a career in modeling? Stay confident. The industry will try to break you and you can't let them. You truly have to love yourself before you can really find success. Would you ever consider participating in a reality television show chronicling your life? I am not a fan of some shows which portray plus sized women in a stereo51 Full Figured June 2012
typical way. But I probably wouldn’t mind having a show based on my life as a plus-sized model and entrepreneur, world traveler, fashionista, and activist. How did the idea for TheBigandtheBeautiful.com come to be? Why did you think it was important to have this website? It wasn't fair to curvy girls to have to compete essentially with skinny girls on other sites. I found that most people were using old photos or pictures from only the neck up and you can see from the natural selection process that the majority of women are a size fourteen, meaning that men prefer women with large breasts and curvy hips. It didn't make sense to me so I created this site so that women could post sexy pictures of themselves just the way they are and find a mate who loves them just like that. The response to my site has been overwhelmingly positive! What is ultimate goal of TheBigandtheBeautiful.com? Are there success stories to share?
other. I'm thrilled with the success of The Big And The Beautiful so far, and can't wait to see where it takes me. In your opinion, what is the future of curvy girls in media? I only see us becoming more relevant and successful until hopefully we one day can stop being labeled as "plus" and simply be called "women" again. When Tyra Banks modeled for Calvin Klein she was a size 6. Now, size 6 is considered plus. It isn't that we've gotten "fat," it's that the fashion industry decided that we should be thinner. It's hard to be a confident girl nowadays.
The ultimate goal is for people to stop trying to fit into a mold and instead just be honest and find the perfect match. We do have lots of couples already, and I've received a lot of emails from incredibly satisfied members. How have you remained relevant as a full figured woman in the fashion industry? What is the blueprint for your success? I am still an international model, signed with Wilhelmina. I model all over the world and also own Supermodel, a candle and jewelry company. (http://www.shopsupermodel.com/). It's a juggling act, but I love it. I think that the "blueprint" to my success is simply never being satisfied. If I book a huge campaign, I don't stop there. If I start a company and make it a success, I am immediately looking to start an-
Photos by: Paul Buceta
I
can remember the disappointment I felt when I first watched America’s Next Top Model. None of the contestants looked like me. One of my thighs was both of theirs and Tyra Banks still criticized them for being too large. Blah! There went my modeling aspirations.
Kimchi Blue Art Deco Jeweled Clutch $49 Urban Outfitters Steve Madden Bdor $78
Chic Summer Bags Handbag fever is infecting women across the U.S. With the sudden increase in temperature, it’s time to hit the racks for chic summer bags that will last through bonfires, bar hopping, island jet setting, and other fabulous adventures. Whether the bag is classic or modern, color blocked or neutral, a quality purse is vital to the summer wardrobe. Here are ten of our favorite grab-and-go seasonal bags.
Milly Mina Leather Shoulder Bag $395 Bergdorf Goodman
52 Full Figured June 2012
by Evette Dionne
Based Handheld Bag $48.71 ASOS
Leatherette Colorblock Handbag $50.60 Go Jane
Hurley Prism II Book Tote $40 Zappos
53 Full Figured June 2012
Joslyn by Kipling $89 Lane Bryant
Kelsi Dagger Handbag, Olympic Satchel $41.99 Macy’s
Neon crush bracelet $11.30 Urban Original
54 Full Figured June 2012
ASOS floral chiffon bow tie ($13.92 ASOS
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Ac ce ss or ie
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A an fter to d an w ind e n w ulg xte Th ith in ns w e b ha m ou g in ive y t a os r an Ev p c t o et bo im lo p d te s c o st r ut p e s o D r e t t h rt io gi n a ssf os an nn r n u l t e fri d l w e pe qu en ro o e m sk s ds a rk y tio or nt we ac n th ic c ek ce th e om , i ss at t sig or w ed is ie e n i i s? as fic es nat an . F ur He k o t o or al f re ur th ot or ar se er he us e lve 10 s is rs to m ,b w un is w os ow a iq h t a li nt ue at pp ng to s pi h ea an un ec ou lin d wi es ld g. a q nd t h we ui . F at ck or w we ill ar di so nn m tra ? Y er e ns ou is of u fo ’v rm e on s p th , th an ick e is ev ed ag m en ou en igh in t t da t i g h . B nc ou e p ut lud t i er nt fe fo e r o ct r m el a ni dre os axin gh ss to g tt a f u on o nd s, t h re s hi e c m til tti o em et ng uc be to p th h r! um e ps –b ut 1Solid $5.80 Go Ja
1Lucite animal print earrings in leopard ($3.99 Girl Props
1For Goodness’ yellow and teal snakeskin clutch $35 Lulu’s Fashion Lounge
1Multiple feathers and chains headband $14.50 Torrid
d color chain sunglasses 0 ane
Peace heart earring cuff $6.50 Dorothy Perkins
1Colorblock stretch belt $34.95 Lane Bryant
55 Full Figured June 2012
1Chain strap Boston bag $34.80 Forever 21
Under $40 – Maxi Dresses by Evette Dionne
In the blazing summer heat, comfort and cuteness are married for full figured women. Cue in the maxi dress. The wardrobe staple is versatile since it easily transitions from the office to an evening dinner date with a quick change of accessories. Maxi dresses flow in the breeze which keeps us cool. What’s not to love? The price tag attached to some maxi dresses for starters. For the curvy budgetnistas, we’ve compiled a list of maxis that won’t put a dent in the bank since they’re all under $40. Enjoy!
Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress $39.60 Ashley Stewart 56 Full Figured June 2012
Colorblock Tiered Maxi Dress Fashion Bug $27.99
Women’s Tie-Waist Maxi Dress $29.94 Old Navy
Evening Glam
by Evette Dionne Like the little black dress and the perfect closed-toe pump, all fashionistas should have a neutral and bold-colored evening gown in their closet according to Marie Claire, a fashion magazine. Don’t let another season past without investing in an elegant evening gown that will transcend trends and time. 1.
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1.Portofino by Day Dress in Ruby ($169, Eliza Parker) 2. Cassandra Infinity Gown ($190, Igigi by Yuliya Raquel) 3. Teal Satin Knotted One-Shoulder Dress ($24.97, Torrid) 4. Evangeline Satin Gown ($150, Kiyonna) 5. Ruby Rox Rhinestone Pin Halter Party ($50.99, Macys) 6. Unstated Fact ($200, Qristyl Frazier Designs) 7. Marilyn� Short Convertible Dress ($195, Monif C) 8. Kelwin Sleeveless Dupioni Dress by Ralph Lauren ($167. Lord & Taylor) 9.Cassandra Infinity Gown ($190, Igigi by Yuliya Raquel)
57 Full Figured June 2012
Bikinis – Without a “Bikini Body”! by Evette Dionne
The beach can be frightful for the curvy vixen. Though there are beach cover ups, it is impossible to hide our imperfections in 100 degree weather – especially in a revealing swimsuit.
But, instead of resenting the summer and avoiding the waves, treat this as a rejuvenating season for self-confidence. Summer is the ripe time to grow a new perspective and love for our bodies.
To celebrate this newfound confidence, bare it all in a bikini! This might seem like an intimidating task, but with role models like blogger Gabi Fresh to look towards for inspiration, bikinis are conquerable. So, find a group of close supportive friends, a glamorous pair of sunglasses, jeweled sandals and a daiquiri and hit the nearest beach with a vengeance. You won’t regret it, especially if you invest in one of these adorable creations.
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1. 1. Sao Paulo high-waisted plus size bikini ($148, MonifC.com) 2. Beach to Beach bikini top and bottom ($48, SimplyBe.com) 3. Women’s plus bandeau swim top + women’s plus high-waist bikini bottom ($24.94 - $34.94, Old Navy) 4. Bathing beauty two piece in red – plus size ($89.99, ModCloth.com) 58 Full Figured June 2012
African-Inspired Earrings by Evette Dionne
We are long removed from the Queen Latifah-led, African-inspired movement of the 1990’s. But this hasn’t stopped the trend from continuing to appear in collections season after season. This summer, earrings with African-beading and other remnants of their unique cultures are all the rage. From studs to hoops, capture the essence of the motherland with these glamorous earrings courtesy of Esty, a market place for all things vintage, handmade, and original.
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by Je Tuan Lavyonne how I describe these
The “Bikini” color of Sinful Color Nail Enamel is a go to color for me. It trascends seasons and give your nails a perfect pop of color. $1.99 www.walgreens.com
Silver Heart handcrafted earrings.From Love Thy Jewelry. They are very lightweight and I’m always getting compliments on them. $40 www.etsy.com/shop /LoveThyJewelry
MUST HAVE ITEMS
These Hipster Panties from Duchess &Duchess are very cute and extremely comfortable. I don’t feel them at all and I never have to worry about panty lines. These can’t be beat $14.50
Every woman has her favorite items and I m no exception.Here is a list - ofwww.duhessduchess.com prod ucts that I swear by and that make me look and feel beautiful.
The Beauty Blender is one of my favorite products. I am able to apply my foundation flawlessly with this wonderful tool. It helps me maintain “complexion perfection”
www.sephora.com
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The new Tea & Honey Mango Pineapple Iced Green Tea by Lipton is delicious. I add this to a bottle of water and I enjoy a refreshing low calorie drink. $2.59 www.liptontea.com
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