May Skorch by SKORCH MAGAZINE

editor-in-chief

connectwcali cali@skorchmagazine.com www.twitter.com/chars_playhouse www.facebook.com/calibaby29

connectwskorch twitter.com/skorchmagazine facebook.com/skorchmagazine youtube.com/skorchmagazine info@skorchmagazine.com www.skorchmag.com www.skorchblog.com

masthead Jessica Kane Cali Ann Lee Jessica O'Brien Jennifer M. Banks Marcy Guevara Sona Spencer Bella Styles Arlene Lagos Raylene Proto Jen Allo Nicole Anderson Marie Denee Stiletto Siren Lourdes Gutierrez Kimberly McCarter Anika Filipovic-Kittelsen Illeanna Chavira Natalie Ferrero Emily Sandford La Viola Natalia McCarty Kimberly Flonnoy Jaiye Taylor Chanel N. Singleton Kirri Liepins Kelly M Higgins

Publisher/Owner Editor-In-Chief Managing Editor Blog Director Editor-At-Large Copy & Image Chief Fashion Editor Fashion Editor Special Features Editor LA Fashion Director JR. Fashion Editor On the Scene Editor How To Editor Special Features Editor Tresses Editor Norway Fashion Editor "Ask Illeanna" Columnist & "P2" Columnist Columnist Columnist â&#x20AC;&#x153;Events Editorâ&#x20AC;? for curvy girls everywhere. Columnist~The Musical Ramblings of Natalia Columnist~Sexy Sassy Money Host "uSKORCH" Host "Guys on the Street" "SKORCH DOLL AMERICA" PR Intern Marketing Intern

published & designed by kanekreative.com

bridal

SKORCH

model | faith spencer wedding dress & location | www.magnifiqueboutique.net 8535 SE 13th Ave. Portland OR makeup & hair | faith spencer photography & editing | jessica kane of www.kanekreative.com

bridal

SKORCH

model | faith spencer wedding dress & location | www.magnifiqueboutique.net 8535 SE 13th Ave. Portland OR makeup & hair | faith spencer photography & editing | jessica kane of www.kanekreative.com

bridal

SKORCH

model | faith spencer wedding dress & location | www.magnifiqueboutique.net 8535 SE 13th Ave. Portland OR makeup & hair | faith spencer photography & editing | jessica kane of www.kanekreative.com

bridal

SKORCH

model | faith spencer wedding dress & location | www.magnifiqueboutique.net 8535 SE 13th Ave. Portland OR makeup & hair | faith spencer photography & editing | jessica kane of www.kanekreative.com

ALEXIS LEWIS - PORTLAND, OR

real skorc

Living in a world of models and celebrity, we need to remember what is real. this is REAL skorch.

Photographed by Jessica Kane of www.kanekreative.com

ALEXIS LEWIS - PORTLAND, OR

real skorc

Living in a world of models and celebrity, we need to remember what is real. this is REAL skorch.

Photographed by Jessica Kane of www.kanekreative.com

ALEXIS LEWIS - PORTLAND, OR

real skorc

Living in a world of models and celebrity, we need to remember what is real. this is REAL skorch.

Photographed by Jessica Kane of www.kanekreative.com

angel fallen angel

PHOTO CREDITS Photographer - David Finnegan www.sense6.com.au Model - Teer Wayde http://www.modelmayhem.com/459468 MUA and Hair - Sarah Baxter http://www.modelmayhem.com/566995 Wardrobe Pinup Girl Clothing - www.pinupgirlclothing.com

PHOTO CREDITS Photographer - David Finnegan www.sense6.com.au Model - Teer Wayde http://www. modelmayhem.com/459468 MUA and Hair - Sarah Baxter http:// www.modelmayhem.com/566995 Wardrobe Pinup Girl Clothing www.pinupgirlclothing.com

skorch DOLL

every girl has an inner superstar. skorch dolls are everything skorch. fierce. confident. inspirational.

meet

Jessica Sinclair SKORCH: Tell our SKORCH readers your name, where you’re from & what you do (School/Major or Career/Field)? DOLL: Hello! My name is Jessica Sinclair, I am a Makeup Artist and in May I will graduate with in BS in Fashion Marketing. I’m twenty-three years old and so excited to be here! SKORCH: Tell us your favorite (makeup line, perfume, shoe designer, other)? DOLL: Oh, man…where do I begin? MAC is completely a wholly my favorite makeup line, I worked for them for three years and a love the product. I love Jeffrey Campbell shoes, although I’m already six feet tall, I’d love to own his whole collection. My fragrance changes to each day, today I’m wearing Daisy by Marc Jacobs…I also love L by Gwen Stefani. continued next page >>

skorch DOLL Jessica Sinclair SKORCH: What designer would you like to see develop a TRUE + apparel line? DOLL: A few months ago I would have answered McQueen, but in light of recent events I would have to choose Dame Vivienne Westwood, my fashion choices are always evolving...so that could by different next month. SKORCH: In your photo where did you purchase your outfit/who is it by? DOLL: My leopard sweater is a Target find from a few years ago. My dress and leggings are both from Dorothy Perkins. Shoes, Jeffrey Campbell in “Gene” (I hunted these down!) SKORCH: What does a SKORCH Doll do for fun? DOLL: I love going to concerts, that’s my meditation. I also love going out with my friends and meeting new people. Doing makeup, of course, I really like doing zombie makeup. SKORCH: What does SKORCH mean to you & why did you want to be a SKORCH Doll? DOLL: I love that SKORCH translates everyday “skinny” fashion into our sizes. That’s what I try to do most every day. Most plus size women don’t know how to dress themselves, SKORCH really inspires them and me to amp it up a notch.

it girl

Italy's IT Girl Elisa D'Ospina By Cali Ann Lee - Editor-In-Chief xoxo skorch would like to introduce our readers to model, Elisa D’Ospina. Not only is Elisa a shining star in Europe, she is just as smart as she is pretty and splits her time between modeling and operatating her communications agency. xoxoskorch: Tell us about yourself Elisa. Elisa: I was born in Vicenza, Italy 27 years ago. I graduated in psychological communication in 2005 and currently have an agency of communication with my boyfriend. xoxoskorch: How did this adventure in modeling begin? Elisa: My mother was reading the newspaper where she saw a advertisement for a Italian company looking for plus size models. I took my measurements and they were a match for the companies ad. I sent all the necessary information and photos .... and from there I started my adventure! xoxoskorch: Who are some of the designers you’ve had the pleasure of working with? Elisa: In Italy I’ve had the pleasure to work with Marina Rinaldi, Rinascimento Group, Kitana, Donna future and in Europe for Marie Melody, Bagoraz etc?. xoxoskorch: Any favorite places to shop? Elisa: I like Igigi & Torrid very much because their designs are young and stylish. In Italy, unfortunately, it is the belief that larger sized women are for the older ladies and most companies do not make clothes for younger ladies. xoxoskorch: Have you done any modeling in the United States & do you want to crossover? Elisa: I’ve had a lot of success in Europe thus far but my biggest dream is to work in America with the wonderful designers and companies.

continued next page >>

it girl

Italy's IT Girl Elisa D'Ospina By Cali Ann Lee - Editor-In-Chief xoxoskorch: Do you love your body? Elisa: I accept my imperfections and through the years they have become my strengths. xoxoskorch: What are some of your favorite things to do? Elisa: I love music, dancing and going to concerts. I really enjoy hanging out with my friends and traveling. Discovering new cities, places and foods:-) xoxoskorch: What makes you feel sexy? Elisa: When my hair, makeup and outfit look perfect to me I feel sexy. Women must never forget their femininity. xoxoskorch: What was your last fashion purchase & why? Elisa: A mini dress & heels for a big event in Italy. xoxoskorch: What five must have items are always in your purse? Elisa: My portfolio and agenda. It’s important to remember all the appointments. Then, like every woman, I always have with me my mascara, perfume & lipstick. xoxoskorch: When looking at what you’ve accomplished so far in your career what are you most proud of? Elisa: It sounds strange but the accomplishment I’m most proud of doesn’t come from the fashion world. It came from The Italian Ministry of Health when they invited me to be their spokesperson. This was a real honor. For more information about Elisa visit: www.elisadospina.com www.agadecommunication.com www.facebook.com/elisadospina www.twitter.com/elisadospina

ABC

‘S OF PLUS FASHION

By La Viola Ward On The Scene Editor

SKORCH fashionistas everywhere, allow me to introduce you to Liz Yada. Liz is the curvy ambassador to rockabilly designs. Her line, Miss Alphabet, is marked by designs that are fun, flirty, tastefully retro, yet curve friendly and complement a variety of shapes. Her clothes have been worn by celebs such as alt-model Audrey Kitching and the Miss Alphabet line is sure to catch the eye of many other fierce fashionistas searching for genuine, one-of-a-kind style. I got the chance to sit down and ask Miss Alphabet herself, Liz Yada, a few questions when I traveled to her home in Visalia, Ca. SKORCH: Tell me a little about the woman behind Miss Alphabet. Liz Yada: I began sewing at the age of 12, back when middle schools still generally taught sewing. Once I got into college and started taking fashion courses I discovered a budding DIY community on eBay and Livejournal. In 2004 I decided to start selling clothes to save up for an upcoming trip to Portland, Oregon with a friend. My focus was on larger sizes, as I sympathized with curvier women who couldn’t find mass-produced clothes that flatter. SKORCH: What did you do after that? LY: I sold on eBay for a few years after that, and then moved to Etsy. Through ModelMayhem.com I have found countless photographers, models, makeup artists and hairstylists to collaborate with and help promote my line. One of my regular models, Krystle Crossbones, has worn one of my dresses to the 2009 People’s Choice Awards!

ABC

‘S OF PLUS FASHION

SKORCH: Wow! That’s quite a milestone for a designer. Do you cast models often? LY: I am always on the lookout for diverse models and would love to include more curvy women! SKORCH: How did you get started in fashion, or when did you decide to become a designer? LY: I learned to sew back in the seventh grade, and even played around with my dresses like I was the mouse in Cinderella. I toyed around during my high school years with wanting to be a designer “when I grow up.” Then Career Day came, and believe it or not, when I received the college information I requested, that sealed the deal. SKORCH: What inspired the Miss Alphabet line? LY: The actual name has been my internet screen name since the age of 11. It’s derived from The Glove’s “Mr. Alphabet Says.” I felt it was fitting for my line because it reflects youth. As for the aesthetic, I look to Barbie dolls, Japanese street fashion, 20th century vintage, and music icons. The main driving force is being jealous because our dolls all have such fabulous clothes! SKORCH: Did you go to school for fashion? LY: I had some minimal community college training at College of the Sequoias here in Visalia. Its fashion program was constantly under fire so I took all the classes I could. Most of what I learn is on-the-job. SKORCH: Were you plus sized growing up? LY: I’ve never known what it’s like to be thin, so I definitely share the frustration of finding clothes that fit! SKORCH: What does your clothing line brings to the plus and/or average sized woman? LY: It brings confidence. I don’t oftentimes make loosefitting clothes in larger sizes. I think we deserve to wear clothes that are fitted, strapless, and short if we want to.

By La Viola Ward On The Scene Editor

ABC

‘S OF PLUS FASHION

SKORCH: What inspires you when you are creating a garment? LY: As stated above, being jealous of our dolls! I like to imagine sporting the outfits while driving a pink convertible or hosting a party in a life-size dream house! SKORCH: Many women (plus sized in particular) have difficult time choosing clothing that is truly flattering to their bodies. What is your advice? LY: My advice is to know your shape. Put emphasis where it needs to be (detail at the top if you’re bottomheavy, and vice versa). After discovering I was rectangleshaped, I threw out all my solid-colored sheath dresses and stuck to things that either had a strong print or a waistline. Don’t be afraid to let something go if it really doesn’t work for you. SKORCH: What advice do you have for aspiring designers? LY: Education is incredibly helpful, but don’t forget that firsthand experience is invaluable. Also, network! Meet professional makeup artists, photographers and such and set up collaborations. SKORCH: What are the differences between designing for a larger woman and a smaller woman? LY: Women generally have more unique figures, which is why it’s hard to make the sizing more consistent. For plus size women, you can multiply that by 10! I think that’s why we see more loose-fitting items at plus size stores. I do like the challenge of making more fitted items. SKORCH: What makes your collection unique? LY: You’ll see that my pieces break some of the fashion rules you hear. [I tend to disagree with] the original “What not to wear” saying, that cap sleeves make upper arms look bigger. I personally think they have an overall slimming effect, especially paired with a big scoop neck.

By La Viola Ward On The Scene Editor

ABC

‘S OF PLUS FASHION

SKORCH: What’s next for Miss Alphabet? LY: I currently do one-of-a-kind items. Looking at my Etsy shop can be overwhelming because I have so many styles I want to try! I’m going to have fewer styles at a time, yet have them be available in more sizes and colors. You can find more about Liz Yada and her clothing line, Miss Alphabet, online at: http://www.missalphabet.net http://www.etsy.com/shop/missalphabet http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarcreep (sister jewelry site) Miss Alphabet is a sight for sore eyes in the oftentimes drab and figure-covering world of plus-sized fashion. While Miss Alphabet also offers designs for non-plus sized women, the range of sizes offered (which is full enough to include my own size [a 16] and more) is fantastically fulfilling. Lines like these are essential to plus fashion in order to keep our plus trends fresh and upbeat. Miss Alphabet does this effortlessly, with a whimsical twist! From the entire plus fashion community (and the fashion collective in general), thank you Liz. We can’t wait to see what the future hold for Miss Alphabet!

By La Viola Ward On The Scene Editor

Real Deal Weddings:

Two Vintage Brides By Stiletto Siren - How To Editor & Blogger

Even though several states in the United States have voted to outlaw same-sex marriage, many places throughout the world have legalized same-sex marriage such as Canada, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, and within the United States in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. With legal same-sex marriages being performed in these places and non-legal weddings, and commitment ceremonies being performed throughout the rest of the world it is now completely appropriate that we include same-sex weddings as a large part of the wedding industry. I met Season Gomez about a year and a half ago via a same-sex household community group on TheNest.com. After seeing her beautiful wedding photos and hearing her wonderful story, I knew that Season and her wife Danielle were ideal to feature and introduce to SKORCH readers. Stiletto Siren: How did you and Danielle meet? Season: We met in January 1996, at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. It's a funny story, actually. We were both in the computer lab on campus, late one night, when I was being "stalked" by another student. He kept following me around and staring at me, it was creepy. I lived on campus at the time and did not want to walk across campus, in the middle of the night, alone. Little did I know, Danielle and I were in the same chat room online. Someone else in the chat room pointed out that we were in the same place. I told her about my stalker and she offered to give me a ride home. That led to us becoming friends and eventually more. Stiletto Siren: So she was your night and shining armor from day one! That is so sweet! When did the proposal happen and who did it? Season: September 17th, 2006. We were visiting Danielleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family in Lafayette. Danielle drove us onto campus and we were looking around, reminiscing. We wandered into the computer lab, where we first met and looked around for a while. We laughed and remembered all the good times had there. Outside, on the front steps, Danielle pulled out a beautiful ring and asked me to spend the rest of our lives together. After my shock wore off, I said yes with tears in my eyes. Stiletto Siren: That sounds like the kind of proposal most girls dream about! When it came to planning your wedding what was the most difficult part? Season: The hardest part about planning our wedding was keeping everything organized and staying within our budget. We were determined to pay cash for everything, so our budget was very important. We both wanted our guests to have a good time while celebrating our union and love for each other and did not want to sacrifice anything that would help accomplish that. Stiletto Siren: Wow! Not many couples can say that they were able to pay cash for their entire wedding. That must have taken some serious thought and budgeting, no wonder it was the most difficult part. What was the easiest part for the two of you when it came to planning? Season: The easiest part about planning our wedding was choosing the location, attendants and theme. We both love everything vintage and decided, early on, that the whole event would be inspired by the 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. We knew we wanted to have the ceremony in New Orleans. We both live in Baton Rouge, but have a deep love of the Big Easy and all that the city represents. As for our attendants, we chose people who were very important to us. It was the easiest decision ever. continued next page >>

Real Deal Weddings:

Two Vintage Brides By Stiletto Siren - How To Editor & Blogger Stiletto Siren: A vintage wedding, I love it! Nothing is better than a great theme to be the center for your special day! How did you determine what of you both would wear and where did you find those clothes? What problems did you have? Conversely, did you have and any great fashion successes? Season: We knew right away that Danielle would wear a suit. She hadn't worn a dress since the mid-90's, so that was a given. She found a black, tailored, women's suit at Macy's at a great price. She coupled it with a cream colored, button up shirt and some vintage-inspired wingtip Oxford shoes. When I started out looking for a dress I said, "No flowers, no lace, no bows!" I shopped around at every bridal shop in Baton Rouge, before finally ending up at David's Bridal. It was there that I found THE ONE! It was an Oleg Cassini design. Lace, covering champagne satin with a ribbon around the waist. It was beautiful and made me tear up in the dressing room. The only problem is that it was sleeveless. As a plus-sized girl, I am a bit uncomfortable with going sleeveless, so I bought matching satin and had a tailor add sleeves to the dress. It came out perfect and I was very comfortable, all night long. I didn't want to take it off! Stiletto Siren: Sounds like a beautiful dress. I’m so glad you shopping experience was a positive one and that you were able to modify your dress to help you be your most confident—confidence is key to feeling like a million bucks on your big day! What is the best memory of your wedding?

lavender, black and silver. We used a fleur de lis emblem on our invitations and centerpieces. The food was delicious and consisted of classic southern dishes with a modern twist. We purchased 18 vintage women’s hats and hung them on a hat rack at the reception with a sign that said “Try Me”. It was fun to watch our guests don the hats and even switch them throughout the night. Stiletto Siren: That sounds like an amazing event! Did you face any challenges as same-sex brides? Season: We were very nervous about planning a same-sex ceremony in the Deep South. Honestly, we only encountered one vendor who was unwilling to work with us. She was a wedding planner who refused to work with same-sex couples. Also, the onslaught of questions aboutit’s legality. It wasn’t important to us to have [our marriage]be legal. We always joke and say, “We spent $20,000 on a party and our grandparents were there. We’re married!” Stiletto Siren: I would have to agree; you are definitely married. I applaud you for pulling it off and doing it with such grace and style! It most certainly is true love with you and Danielle. How long have you been together now and what is the next step for you to in your lives together?

Season: This November, we will be celebrating our 13th anniversary, 3 years since the wedding. Danielle and I love to spend time with her three nephews and my niece. I recently finished school and am currently working as a Graphic Designer for a loSeason: My favorite memory of that day was the moment I saw Danielle waiting for me at the end of the aisle. Our wedding took cal parenting magazine. Which leads me to our next step, starting place on our 10 year anniversary and it meant so much to finally a family. We will begin trying to get pregnant in July of this year. We will be using a sperm bank and I will be carrying the child. declare our love in front of our friends and family. We are both excited about this and cannot wait to have children of our own. Stiletto Siren: Wow. 10 years? That is amazing! I’m getting teary just hearing about that moment. I’m sure it was magical for Stiletto Siren: So glad to hear you are doing so well and have both of you. Can you give a detailed description of where your such amazing plans for the future! I wish you all the happiness in wedding took placeand the style, theme, vendors and the other the world! parts that made it perfect? Season: Our wedding took place at Rosy's Jazz Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a beautiful building with a two-story atrium surrounded by a balcony, where our guests watched the ceremony. It was perfect for our 1940's theme. The exposed brick and hardwood floors made it feel rustic and welcoming. Our colors were

Season Gomez Danielle Vining Wedding: November 17, 2007 Honeymoon: Reno & Lake Tahoe

EXTRA EXTRA!! features & exclusives CLICK ON ARTICLE TO READ Be A Balanced Bride- Mind, Body and Soul An Interview with Fitness Fashionista Bonnie Lee Cuevas http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/be-balanced-bride-mind-bodyand-soul.html A SKORCH Magazine Exclusive Interview: David Tutera By: Lourdes Gutierrez http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/skorch-magazine-exclusive-interview.html Dress and accessorize for Destination Weddings Destination Weddings are HOT, HOT, HOT..Literally! By Lana Leazer http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/dress-and-accessorize-for-destination.html Skorch Doll - Connie of Baton Rouge, LA http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/skorch-doll-connie-of-batonrouge-la.html Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All About The Dress Right? How to have a great wedding dress shopping experience at any size! By Stiletto Siren, How To Editor & Blogger http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/its-all-about-dress-right.html

Wedding Gift Registry “Don’ts” (aka Shop Smart!) By Jessica O’Brien, Managing Editor http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/wedding-gift-registry-dont-s.html The Musical Ramblings of Natalia McCarty My Thoughts on Wedding Music http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-thoughts-on-wedding-music. html BRIDESMAIDS GIFTS by Nicole Anderson - JR Fashion Editor http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/bridesmaids-gift-ideas.html Wedding Do’s and Don’ts by Nicole Anderson - JR Fashion Editor http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/wedding-dos-and-donts.html When Reality Steps In (aka “Wedding Planning in the Real World”) By Jessica O’Brien, Managing Editor http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/wedding-planning-in-real-world. html Wedding Guest Fashion By Jessica O’Brien, Managing Editor http://skorchblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/wedding-guest-fashion.html

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