HOLIDAY
PASSPORT madison plus | 2011
Holiday Means... Love. Laughter. Travel. Surprises. Celebration. Whether you’re off to Grandma’s or a tropical locale, the holidays often mean traveling. This year we’re “visiting” a few of the amazing brands and designers we love working with to see how they celebrate in their corner of the world, what they’re hoping to receive and what they’re looking forward to giving! Exciting, fashion-forward and unique plus size style is global and some of the most exciting looks are coming from our friends abroad. Pack your bags and join us for the ride… MP Team - Aimee & the xo
“I rush in the morning to get ready for work, and my closet is not the most organized, so this year, I’ve decided to get organized and stay organized” – Alison Rodgers
Addition Elle This Canadian retailer’s mission is to celebrate confidence and personal style with affordable career and casual pieces to build around! What is your dream destination? Switzerland. The gorgeous Alps, the to-die-for spas…it’d be the perfect place to wear our faux fur and chic après-ski look. What item do you covet? Anything with sequins! Tops, skirt, dresses or shoes; I’m instantly drawn to the glitz and glamour of anything shiny. Luckily, this holiday is all about sequins in every color and texture, so I’ll be sure to satisfy my sequin addiction. What Charity do you support? The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. My mom and grandmother had breast cancer a few years ago. Thankfully, it was detected early and everyone is fine. I’m proud to work for a company that supports this cause. Every October, Addition Elle participates in Breast Cancer Awareness month. Since the company is 90% women, they understand the needs and struggles of the woman and her families coping with this disease. What are you excited to give this year? I can’t wait to surprise my girlfriends with matching plush robes! We’re planning a girl’s only trip at a chalet during the holidays, so the colorful and cozy robes will be a must-have for lounging around. I’m also planning to give my mom and Addition Elle ultra-soft, snuggly polar fleece hoodie. This cozy sweater is a must-have with its front zip, polar fleece lining and soft exterior. Perfect for keeping warm and fashionable on those chilly winter days.
Aimee’s Pick: Addion Elle makes some amazingly affordable going-out pieces and I love the shinny leggings paired up with an over-sized sweater!
What item from your collection do you love? The shiny leggings! They can be worn in so many different ways and offer a super flattering silhouette. I’d wear them with a cozy knit tunic and tall boots for daytime and a sexy going-out top and killer heels for night. What is your goal for the new year ahead? I rush in the morning to get ready for work , and my closet is not the most organized, so this year, I’ve decided to get organized and stay organized by labeling shoe boxes, folding sweaters and organizing my outfits by season. Hope it lasts!
www.1-plus.com
Damn You Alexis
“DYA are working on their Alexis by Damn You Alexis basics collection which comprises jackets, dresses, t-shirts, denim and leggings in current styles at affordable prices.” – Megan Moir Pardy
The Aussies are blazing the fashion trail for curvy and plus women all over the world. The DYA girl is eclectic, a little bit rock chic, glamorous, strong and modern. She’s fashionable and chic first, plus-size second. We love that. What is your dream destination? I would love to visit Dubai for the amazing shopping. Souks, camels and luxury hotels. Couldn’t ask for more! What item do you covet? I am desperate to get my hands on the Kanye West x Guiseppe Zanotti shoes. They are amazing! What Charity do you support? Everyone at the DYA office supports Animals Australia, a local organisation that champions animal welfare and animal rights issues What are you excited to give this year? This Christmas I’ve bought everyone a Moshi Moshi pop phone from Native Union. They are so much fun. The colours are awesome
What item from your collection do you love? I would wear the Milk dress every day if I could. It’s the perfect backdrop for beige booties and statement gold jewellery.
Aimee’s Pick: I love so many pieces in the DYA line, but the Milk Dress is my pick for 2012 and I can’t wait to dress it up or down with accessories!
What is your goal for the new year ahead? DYA are working on their Alexis by Damn You Alexis basics collection which comprises jackets, dresses, t-shirts, denim and leggings in current styles at affordable prices. We are hoping to secure major retailers and really get our products out there.
www.damnyoualexis.com.au
IGIGI
“My goal is to keep bringing more of the fashion forward and contemporary designs to our customers and expand our empowered and stylish global community of gorgeous full-figured women.” – Yuliya Raquel
This 2011 Best Plus Size Designer winner is committed to transforming the way beauty is defined and seen all over the world, one gorgeous garment at a time! What is your dream destination? I have always wanted to visit Morocco. I have traveled all over the world but have never been there. I guess that’s next on my list! Souks, camels and luxury hotels. Couldn’t ask for more! What item do you covet? I covet the Chloe Darla bag. It has a great vintage, lady like vibe that would suit my wardrobe perfectly. Guiseppe Zanotti shoes. They are amazing! What Charity do you support? We support a number of national charities as IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel including Dignity U Wear, and some other small to mid-size local San Francisco Bay Area organizations. As a mother and a woman business owner, I personally support charities that are involved in making life better for children and women. What are you excited to give this year? I have two little girls; Ariella (5) and Kira (3). They are my little darlings and the apples of my eyes. Last year, Ariella and my husband, IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel CEO, Alex Brodsky, took a trip to New York City and apparently, Ariella was mesmerized. So, this year I think I will surprise with another trip to the big apple. Kira is very “seriously” into yellow now. She wants everything yellow, so I am thinking she will get a pretty, yellow princess dress! I can’t wait to see their faces when they get their presents!
Aimee’s Pick: I love the London Midi Pencil Skirt. It’s a true closet essential and will be a piece you reach for over and over. Must-have!
What item from your collection do you love? I absolutely love Renn Reversible Poncho in both colors and London Midi pencil skirt. These items are so fresh and exciting, yet comfortable to wear during the wintertime. They represent what is so popular on the runways. What is your goal for the new year ahead? My goal is to keep bringing more of the fashion forward and contemporary designs to our customers and expand our empowered and stylish global community of gorgeous full-figured women.
www.igigi.com
Pennington’s “I always tend to wear the same few colors - black, grey and navy blue – and stick to the same clothes generally. I really want to break out of that safe style zone!” - Christina Bino
Along with Addition Elle, this Canadian retailer is on a quest to bring you stylish and affordable pieces that will become instant essentials to your wardrobe!
What is your dream destination? Argentina! To sample the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia and dance the sultry tango in Buenos Aires - the perfect opportunity to wear something ultra-feminine and sensual! What item do you covet? I absolutely love this season’s lace trend. Boudoir and vintage-inspired, it is both playful and chic, not to mention extremely feminine. With such a lovely choice of accessories, dresses and tops available, it’s not easy picking just one! What Charity do you support? The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Nearly all of us, if not all, know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It is a disease no woman should ignore so we need to do everything we can to raise awareness as well as vital funds to fight against it. What are you excited to give this year? I really enjoy giving gifts to the people I love. This winter, my sister, who’s not had a proper vacation for a long time, is going on a cruise in the Caribbean so I am going to get her a fun, colorful tankini top and swim shorts so she can hit the pool and the beach with confidence. I am also planning to offer some soft and cozy sleepwear for the colder nights to my mom. What item from your collection do you love? I fell in love with the sequin cardi! It’s such a fun piece - the perfect way to re-invent an evening dress or glam up a more casual outfit, say a plain top paired with jeans. It is also ideal to stylishly cover up sleeveless tops and dresses. What’s more, a touch of sparkle always goes a long way!
Aimee’s Pick: I love Pennington’s Sequin Cardi/Shrug (above) for a quick and easy way to dress up a tee and favorite pair of jeans in a snap!
What is your goal for the new year ahead? I always tend to wear the same few colors - black, grey and navy blue – and stick to the same clothes generally. I really want to break out of that safe style zone! So my resolution for the New Year is to start adding more colors into my wardrobe and also play around with accessories.
www.1-plus.com
“I want to get fitter, travel more and develop a luxury basics range...” – Anna Scholz
Anna Scholz Anna is the DVF of plus and known worldwide for amazing prints and dresses that flatter so many plus and curvy body types! A true visionary ...
What is your dream destination? Only one ?? Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. What item do you covet? Quality time with my Mr Big! What Charity do you support? I am supporting a child in Africa through World Vision What are you excited to give this year? Homebaked biscuits a’ la mum Scholz. What item from your collection do you love? Our leopard print corset dress. What is your goal for the new year ahead? Get fitter, travel more and develop a luxury basics range.
Aimee’s Pick: I would happily buy ALL of Anna’s pieces but the Silk Cotton Slash Neck Jumper above fits my casual style perfectly!
www.annascholz.com
“I would love to work towards finding balance in my life!” – Sarah Sapora
Sealed With A Kiss This L.A. based company believes fashion should be fun and affordable, designing their pieces for accessibility and feeling great in your body now! What is your dream destination? I’d grab my best girlfriend, pack a single suitcase and head off to a place where all the dress code requires is bathing suits, sundresses and light cardigans at night! A secluded, private island, like Mustique in the Grenadines, where luxury is at your fingertips and relaxation is the biggest activity. Waking up to the sound of the waves, looking out at a wide, open Caribbean view and spending the day laughing, reading a great book, hopping in and out of the water, exploring the lush scenary and sipping cocktails. Perfection! What item do you covet? Time with my loved ones. For the last ten years of my life, I’ve lived away from family and many of my dear friends. The chance to go back to the two places I call home (Las Vegas and New York City) is so precious to me. On another note… I still have a crush on the first generation of Stella bag from Mark Jacobs that I first gazed upon about eight years ago. The design has changed since then but, I still dream of that nice, big bag with the classic buckles finding a way into my closet… What Charity do you support? I’m an ardent supporter of the arts. Anything we can do to foster creativity in future generations is essential. It educates and empowers kids in ways that playing video games and watching television cant. Showing kids they can create, build things with their hands, dream and imagine stuff and then bring it to life is a key part of fostering well-rounded, empowered youth. What are you excited to give this year? Super-soft throw blankets in beautiful, vibrant colors. They are cozy and luxurious and a great way to play with color in your living space. The Tian Tian throws by Surya feel fantastic, are Bamboo /Cotton blend and are heavenly nap under!
Aimee’s Pick: I love the Vintage Lace Dress! This dress is an updated look on the lace trend and quickly going into my LBD rotation!
What item from your collection do you love? The most versatile and wearable item from our collection, that I have in almost every color possible, is our Open Cardigan. It’s simple but the most useful item of clothing in my closet. I’m also really crushing on the Kim dress from our brand new line of SWAK Vintage. It’s sexy yet demure, classic yet coy and so very feminine. What is your goal for the new year ahead? I would love to work towards finding balance in my life! I know, I know, we all say we want to work towards being healthier… This year, I’m going to work my absolute hardest to find the balance in my life between work and taking care of myself as needed. As women in the workplace, it’s so easy to want to do it ALL, and do everything 120%.
www.swakdesigns.com
Simply Be An industry leader in their native UK, this plus retailer recently landed on U.S. shores via their website. We love the quality, selection and price – with an amazing collection of footwear and lingerie!
I’m going to try and be a lot more social and not let work take over.” – Farzana Patel
What is your dream destination? Anywhere that is hot and sunny! Somewhere near the sea where I can soak up the sun all day long! Barbados springs to mind or even Hawaii! What item do you covet? Many items! But if I had to pick just one it would be a pair of Viva La Diva twist T bar sandals, available on www.SimplyBe.com! Those shoes can dress up a really simple outfit and make you look fabulous! What Charity do you support? I love getting involved with any activities that help to raise money for charities, whether it’s baking cakes or fancy dress. I am a strong supporter of Breast Cancer research and raising awareness. I think taking part in the UK Race for Life is great, joining lots of people who are running for the same cause, there’s always a real buzz. What are you excited to give this year? I have bought my sister an amazing lace skater dress; I just know that she will love it! What item from your collection do you love? The Anna Scholz Feather Jacket, it’s so warm and comfy yet so stylish! I know I can rely on it when the temperatures drop and it starts to snow here in England!
Aimee’s Pick: My pick is the Anna Feather Jacket! I love a stand-out, statement-making coat and this one will turn heads with every party entrance!
What is your goal for the new year ahead? I’m going to try and be a lot more social and not let work take over. I love going out, meeting my friends for coffees and fancy dinners, and going on shopping trips! Plus it gives me an excuse to get a lot more wear out of my wardrobe!
www.simplybe.com
“As always, I want to continue to produce fashionable quality merchandise for women who take pride in their appearance.” – Stefanie Bezaire
Stefanie Bezaire This Canadian designer got our attention with her charming and extremely wearable pieces unique to the plus market. Using sustainable materials whenever possible, Stefanie brings fresh options without sacrificing style! What is your dream destination? Since I live in one of the busiest cities in Canada, all I dream of doing is going to a cottage, sitting by the fire, and reading books. Muskoka is just a few hours north of Toronto but it feels like its in another world – so amazing! What item do you covet? I am in love with the way The Hudson’s Bay Company has been reinventing themselves over the past few years. In particular, they have been producing some great products in their Heritage collection. It’s no longer available but what is available would perhaps be the best thing for Christmas morning – a cashmere robe with matching cashmere slippers?! Perfect! What Charity do you support? A charity that I love is Dress For Success Toronto! It is an organization that not only provides professional clothing for disadvantaged women but also builds their confidence with mentoring and career development support. A major reason I started my business was to make women feel great about themselves and I think this Charity shares that same objective! What are you excited to give this year? I love giving gifts! Especially to those closest to me like my husband who never treat themselves. He’s a writer so what I would absolutely love to give him this year is a leather messenger bag – It’s manly yet stylish! What item from your collection do you love? The Rock Star Jacket - there is nothing better! It looks great with jeans but can also be paired with a dress or skirt & tights for a night on the town!
Aimee’s Pick: I love Stefanie’s RockStar Jacket. It’s a go-to staple in my closet and so versitile - I am constantly reaching for it!
What is your goal for the new year ahead? As always, I want to continue to produce fashionable quality merchandise for women who take pride in their appearance. More specifically, I am thinking of producing a limited edition line of accessories for spring featuring belts and scarves so stay tuned for that!
www.stefaniebezaire.com
Looking Ahead... It’s been an amazing year at Madison Plus and we are so thankful to our friends, family and brand partners for all that we’ve achieved together in 2011. We are continuing to work very hard to give YOU a shopping destination and blog community that celebrates fashion first and feeling great wearing something fabulous TODAY no matter what your size! Winter is all about uplifting ourselves and each other during the darkest time of the year. When I set out to create Madison Plus, my supreme goal was to uplift women by helping them gain access to the best plus fashion has offer and achieve their own unique style. In the process I hoped to raise the bar for the plus fashion industry and push toward better, more available, more fashion forward design. Of course, one of my resolutions in the New Year will be to continue on this path, renewed by inspiration and support from you! I know that one of your resolutions will be to look and feel amazing every day and I am confident that Madison Plus will help you stick to it! We cannot wait for 2012 because together we can fill it with fun, style, beauty and joy! Warmest Holiday Wishes,
SHOP Madison Plus