Must Haves for Full Figured Fashion Week® 2014 "The Finale"

Hey everyone! I hope this post finds you in good spirits and health. If you follow the plus sized/full figured community, you'd know that many people are preparing for one of the biggest events of the year: Full Figured Fashion Week. It will take place here in New York City from June 16th until June 21st. That means we're exactly two weeks away! While many people have already booked flights, car rentals, train tickets, and hotel rooms to be here I thought that I'd take a moment to share with you my "top ten" list of things you should be sure to have with you for the week. Before I give you my list, I must give a big shot out to Nikki P who posted something like this last year and was very helpful to me and a shot out to A Thick Girl's Closet, who posted a "Full Figured Fashion Week Survival Guide" two weeks ago. My list is slightly different from hers, so I'm sure that between the two you'll be good to go for the last Full Figured Fashion Week! So, on to the list. For your week here in New York, here are things to make sure you have:

1. Outfits
There will be various events throughout the week and you want to make sure that you have the appropriate attire for each event. The week kicks off with a 90s themed launch party on Monday, Wednesday is the
"Curves at Sea" All White Sunset Dinner/Dance Cruise, Friday is the Indie Designer Showcase, and Saturday is the Retailers/Boutiques/All Stars Runway Showcase & Industry Awards Event. You should be sure to look your very best and be ready to smile because there are cameras everywhere (literally!)

at the All White Cruise

at the Retail/Boutique Showcase

at the Indie Designer Showcase

2. Camera

Like I just previously said, there will be cameras everywhere so be ready to smile, but there will also be opportunities for you to take pics with your favorite designers, models, and bloggers! Make sure you have your batteries charged and your memory cards emptied because you'll have the chance to make good use of them!

3. Comfortable shoes/Flats

Yes it's a week of fashion, and sometimes that comes with a price, but that price should not be pain! Every smart girl knows to have a pair of flats nearby. I have a pair of foldable flats that I keep in my bag. I usually with throw them on if I have to walk in the city or at the end of the night once we're done taking pictures and are hanging having drinks or are on the dance floor. I wear a size 15/16 heel but love my foldable flats from "Fit in Clouds." If you wear a more normal size (like a size 12 and below), you can find foldable flats at Walmart, KMart, CVS, Kohl's, and Target. Please pleas please don't be one of those girls walking/hobbling around NYC with your heels in your hand and nothing on your feet. Not a cute look!                                                                 

4. Cash!

Last year at FFFW, some people learned the hard way that it pays to have cash on you. The All White Cruise had a cash bar, and the only ATM on the boat was broken! I've never seen so many beautiful people hot (literally) and bothered because they couldn't get their sip on! It also pays to have cash on you in the event that you need to hop in a taxi during the week. If you plan to go shopping in certain areas, cash will also allow you to bargain with vendors. Kind of hard to bargain when you're holding plastic! 

5. Business Cards

There will be plenty of opportunities to network during the week, so be sure to have your business cards or comp cards with you. Since many events will be packed with people, some people don't want to spend time taking out their phone an doing the whole "add contact" procedure. Last year, I added my contacts (via facebook, email, or added them to my phone) at the end of the night once I had time to sit on the couch and decompress. If you don't have any cards, you can have free ones made at vistaprint. If you're willing to spend a little cash, you can go to your local Staples. 

6. Fan, handherchief, loose powder and powder puff

It will be mid-June in New York City so it's bound to be hot! Even if it rains, it'll be hot and humid. Don't get caught at a FFFW event without a fan. You will wish you had one. I'm a queen that's known for having a fan in her bag (I love and have a collection of the big Chinese snap fans). No matter how flawless your makeup may be, you will need to powder (or blot), which is why you should be sure to have your loose powder along with your powder puff. This will help you to keep a matte looking face and avoid the shiny face look in pictures.     

                         

7. Mints, deodorant, fragrance, and baby wipes

If you're going to attend events during the day during FFFW, these things are essential. You'll be moving around to different locations, meeting lots of people, and, I say again, it'll be hot! You want to make sure that you're a fresh as possible! You don't want to ruin that first impression with bad breath or by smelling sweaty. Pop some mints during events (avoid gum as it is unprofessional when having a conversation with someone), LIGHTLY spray a little fragrance early in the day, and you can use the wipes to freshen up if you began to feel hot an sweaty (one of the best places to hit so you cool off is the back of your neck!).

8. ID and portable charger

Whether you know it or not, it's actually illegal in New York to not have ID on you. Even if you don't drive and have a driver's license, you can have a state issued ID. Having an ID is important as many clubs, lounges, and bars in NYC will card you. We ran into an issue last year where there was a group of about 6 of us going to a lounge after an event and two of the girls didn't put their ID in the bags. It became an annoying situation which ended in the girls having to hop in a cab (see #4 above), go back to the hotel for their IDs, and come back to the lounge. A portable charger is important because tweeting, posting to instagram, and taking pictures with your phone quickly drains the battery. Be sure to pack your charger so you're not one of those people walking around the club/bar looking for an outlet or asking the bartender if you can "plug in" behind the bar! I'm partial to the Anker portable charger (which can charge two phones, or in my case my phone and iPad mini at the same time!). Make sure you charge your external charger (and your camera battery) overnight while you're sleeping. 

                                     

9. Saftey pins, bobby pins, hair ties, nail glue, and dryer sheets

I know that this is more than one thing, but I keep them together in a zip lock bag. Safety pins come in handy in the even that a zipper busts (it happens) or a button comes loose. The bobby pins and hair ties are useful when it gets hot and you want to put you hair up. The nail glue will help with quick nail repairs, and you can use dryer sheets to run over your hair to keep stray hairs out of your face (and not on the awesome lipstick you'll be wearing!).

10. Confidence and a great attitude

Remember a big point of this week is to celebrate and support the plus sized community. You have made sacrifices to be a part of this week and people are coming from all over to be a part of such a great week. You'll have the opportunity to rub elbows with, chit chat, and hang out with your favorite designers, models, bloggers, and photographers during this week. While there will be networking opportunities, it's also a time for people to personally connect. The press people (bloggers, reporters, etc.) are not there just to talk to industry professionals. They're there to also finally meet all of you that have been following and supporting them on social media (Thanks for that advice Nikki!). Don't be afraid to approach others and introduce yourself. I was so nervous last year at FFFW, but everyone was so nice and welcoming. It allowed me to shed the nerves and talk with people I had previously spoken to online. I have to give a shot out to some of the industry's giants that were so lovely to me: Gwen DeVoe (creator and CEO of Full Figured Fashion Week), Sharon Quinn, Tonya Giddens, Marcy Guevara, Ashley Graham (who was a hoot), Allison McGevna, and Monique Walton.  

   

                         

Well I guess that's it for now! If you're in attendance at Full Figured Fashion Week and you see me, please come up and say hello! I'd love to hear how your week is going! Until next time! Remember, "being beautiful is not just about what you wear!"

- Sasha

Back after a break

Hey y'all! It's been a few months since my last post, but I'm back! I had to take some time off due to illness and being super busy with various facets of life. Since my last post, so much has happened and I have also missed some pretty big events in New York. Luckily I was able to stay "in the know" due to a nice group of lovely bloggers that have befriended me! With that said, this post is more of a review of what's gone on over the past few months! I have some exciting topics and interviews to write about next, so stay tuned for some more posts pretty soon!

After Jeannie Ferguson's runway class

with Jeannie Ferguson

So, February was quite a busy month. I took a runway class with the amazing Jeannie Ferguson, walked in the lovely Catherine Schuller's Runway The Real Way  fashion show, did a charity drag show/brunch that raised over $30K, got sick for a short bit with a nasty cough (and congestion), and blew out not one, but two tires during a trip to Boston! Among all that craziness, my birthday came and I celebrated it with Full Blossom Magazine during their "Face The Sweet" press party during Fashion Week! It was amazing how jammed packed February became. Before I knew it, I was always doing something and by the time I came up to breathe for air, it was March!

Cocktails, Couture, and Cabaret benefit

with Catherine Schuller

March was exciting, yet challenging.It included a vacation to Costa Rica to visit some friends, perform in a few shows, and to do a photo shoot on the beach (which I had been tempted, but afraid, to do for some time now). I was there for over a week and got to relax and explore the country during some much needed downtime. I spent some time being a tourist in the country and going to some beautiful national parks, learning about various animals, and also how to be more conservative and "green" with my consumption of things. It was a great experience and I can't wait to go back. Below are some pics from the beach photo shoot. The bathing suit and matching cover up was made by a fellow drag queen!

I also had the opportunity to perform on the San Jose drag scene and meet many of the local Costa Rican performers. For my look that night, I decided to replicate a Khloe Kardashian look as explained by Bella Styles on her "Grab her Style" page. I already owned all of the things needed to pull off the look, but it had never occurred to me to put them all together. I think it made for quite the nice look (especially for the club). What do you think?

Re-creating the Khloe Kardashian look (as explained by Bella Styles)

The month of March continued with me performing in a benefit show in NYC. I was invited to perform by Mr. Max Szadek who is the founder and executive director of Divabetic. We're in talks about some future collaborations, so I will be sure to keep you posted.

So, while I was inactive on this blog, I missed some big (successful) events. I missed the fabulous Liris Crosse's "Life of a Working Model Boot Camp", but it'll be back in NYC in June, so sign up now! I also missed the Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant fashion show AND I missed Monif C.'s "My Beach is Better" 2014 Swimwear preview. Luckily I was able to be in touch with various models and bloggers who attended the event, so I felt like I was "still in the loop". Spring has finally arrived, so it's time for me to do a little spring cleaning, update the wardrobe, and prepare for upcoming events! One of the biggest upcoming events I'm preparing for is the final Full Figured Fashion Week which is only one month away!

That's it for now. Thanks for reading and remember, "being beautiful is not just about what you wear!" 

The hunt for good fitting tights (The Struggle is Real)

Hi all! I wasn't sure what to talk about this week, so I looked through my facebook messages and conversations and thought about the topic that most came up when chatting with people. I didn't realize this right away, but it appears that many plus sized girls are struggling to find good and decently priced pantyhose and/or tights. Now, we all know of the wonders of SPANX (and ASSETS), however many have talked about how expensive just one pair costs. Some of the girls I spoke with this week asked me about where I purchase my tights and where they could purchase tights on a budget. So, this week I've decided to talk about some of my favorite brands of tights and pantyhose to purchase without breaking the bank.

Since I have a lot of performances and appearances, I always try to stay stocked with tights and pantyhose so that I'm not frantically running around the day before (or the day of) an outing. With it being winter and freezing cold in the Northeast, I prefer to wear tights to help keep my legs warm. Pantyhose I will use more regularly when it gets warm again. Here are some brands I constantly keep in stock:

photo from SPANX

photo courtesy of Target

 If you talk to any seasoned full figured model, casting agent, or plus size designer, they will tell you that having SPANX is a must. They are a piece of body foundation that full figured people should wear when hitting the runway or going out on the town for a night. These tights hold you in and smooth you out in all the right places. Assets are a slightly inexpensive alternative to SPANX created by the same person (Sara Blakely). When buying either SPANX or ASSETS, it's important to buy the proper size. If they're too big, they won't hold you in properly, and if they're too small, they will be uncomfortable and the waistband will roll on you. You can purchase SPANX at plus sized retailers such as Lane Bryant and I've found Assests at retailers such as Ashley Stewart and Target. I would also suggest checking out amazon and ebay.

photo courtesy of Roaman's

Another place I shop for tights is Roaman's. The carry a brand called Comfort Choice and they offer a two-pack of opaque tights ranging in price from $16.99 - $21.99. While they are not as constricting and form shaping as SPANX or Assets, they are comfortable and fit well (especially if you are fuller in the hips and buttocks). There's also usually some type of discount or sale being offered on the website. Here's the sizing info from their site:
Women’s tights in sizes:
1X(hips 40-50”, 4’11”-5’4”,  150-195lbs)
2X(hips 40-50”, 5’1” - 5’7”, 180-230lbs)
3X(hips 44-55”, 5’4” - 5’10”,215-265lbs)
4X(hips 50-60”, 5’7” - 6’0”, 250-300lbs)
5X(hips 60-70”, 5’4” - 5’9”, 300-335lbs)
6X(hips 70-80”, 5’3” - 6’0”, 335-400lbs)
7X(hips 75-85”, 5’3” - 5’9”, 400-450lbs)
8X(hips 80-85”, 5’6” - 6’0”, 450-500lbs)

  

photo courtesy of Kmart

So there are times when I like walking into a store and purchasing what I need right there on the spot instead of ordering it online and waiting for it to arrive. A few years ago I was in Kmart for something and I came across a brand of tights and pantyhose by the name of Curvation.  At the time, Queen Latifah was their spokeswoman. I picked up a pair thinking that if they didn't fit well I could turn them into a stocking cap or wig cap. Shockingly, to my delight, they fit very well. They gave me a great deal of comfort but were also form fitting (I purchased a pair of the control top pantyhose). I bought them in a size "Curvaceous 4" which fits about a size 20/22 well. If you are bigger than that, I wouldn't suggest trying them. A pair of the tights or hose cost about $5.

photo courtesy of Kmart

Last year, while searching for a pair of Curvation tights at Kmart, I came across a brand called "Love My Style, Love my Size". I'm not sure, but I think it's a Kmart brand (or at least it's only sold at Kmart). They go all the way up to a size 4X (which I think will fit a size 24 and maybe 26). The had solid tights, patterned tights, fishnets, and basic black leggings all ranging in price from $5.99 to $9.99. I've since bought many pairs on multiple occasions and have gotten many uses out of them (especially the fishnets for shows). This is the brand I try to keep in stock frequently because of the affordable prices.                        









While out with a friend last winter on a cold night in Washington, D.C. a friend told me about Berkshire pantyhose and tights. I've seen these tights on the racks multiple times at Ashley Stewart, at small local hosiery stores, and boutiques, but I just never gave them a try. I was in a pinch while out one night and needed a pair of hose at the last minute, so on my way to an event, I stopped and got a pair of shimmery hose from a local Ashley Stewart. These pantyhose got the job done and only costed $7.99. The pantyhose go up to a size 7X and they also carry tights up to a size 5X. Ashley Stewart regularly has a deal on them where if you buy 3 pairs, you get another pair for free. Amazon also carries Berkshire.

A few years ago my friend Misty Eyez told me about We Love Colors. It's a store based in Florida and offers probably the largest selection (in color) of tights. The specific pair of tights I wanted was available in 51 colors! Their plus sized tights go up to a size EE, which fits  6'0" and 375 lbs. I ordered from them, but the tights didn't fit quite right through the hips and butt. Still, their prices are reasonable (about $15 per pair) and I was able work with the tights. They also sell gloves (to wear with a dress/gown), leotards, and leggings. 




Lastly, I can't forget to mention that I've gotten some good tights (and leggings, jeans, and jeggings) from Torrid. I used to shop a my local Torrid regularly and it was often a hit or miss, but online I usually found some good deals (especially in the sale and clearance sections). 

So, that's it on tights and pantyhose. For those who are looking for tights in straight sizes, all of the brands I listed above have your size, but you can also buy tights from Capezio, Danskin, and Body Wrappers. I hope that you find my personal breakdown on brands and where to purchase helpful! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me and I'll be sure to reply. 

Thanks for reading and remember, "being beautiful is not just about what you wear!"

Time to Perform: Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Hello all! I hope this week has been good to y'all. It's been good for me, and I've continued to stay busy. The weather here in NYC has been better and it's nowhere near as bitterly cold as last week. This week, I want to tell you about some upcoming events I'll either be at or that some friends are doing. For the sake of chronology, I'll list them that way in case you want to put them on your calendar.

First, on February 1st, here in NYC, the amazing model Jeannie Ferguson (from B.E.T.'s "Rip The Runway" among many other things) will host her 4th annual runway class! I've heard so much about this class and so I've finally decided to do it. I've met Jeannie on a few occasions and she is a lovely woman who knows how to work the hell out of a runway. I can't wait to see what she'll be able to do with me! For more info, look her up on youtube (there are some videos of her past classes).

Next, on February 9th, I will be performing at Cocktails, Couture, and Cabaret drag brunch sponsored by friends from the Imperial Court of New York. It will take place at Flowerfield Celebrations on Long Island in St. James, NY. The brunch will be hosted by friends Gigi Glamour, Madison Mansfield, and Rachel Rene Rothchild. The proceeds from this brunch will go to the charity Thursday Child of Long Island. This charity supports people in Long Island living with HIV or AIDS. For ticket info, you can send me an email or contact Madison Mansfield (her email is on the flyer). I attended and performed at the event last year. It was quite the classy affair with great food, drinks, and wonderful people. After performing, I came back out to eat & chat with the folks while donning a dress from the Monif C. collection. So far, ticket sales for this year has surpassed last year and the lineup of talent has expanded. Sounds like it's going to be another great show!

Me wearing a dress from Monif C. at last year's Cocktails, Couture, & Cabaret event.

                                                        Lastly, another big event that I'm getting excited for this year is Full Figured Fashion Week 2014! The creator and mastermind behind it all, Gwen DeVoe is hard at work. They have recently announced dates for their casting calls. So far, here are the dates and cities where they'll be scouting and searching for talent to walk the runway:
2/1 - Washington, DC
2/8 - Chicago, IL
2/22 - Detroit, MI
3/1 - Tampa, FL
3/15 - Los Angeles, CA
3/22 - Atlanta, GA
3/29 - New York

More dates will be announced a little later on, so be sure to check out the website, join the facebook group, or register for mobile updates by texting FFFWeek to 71441. If you come to Full Figured Fashion Week, be sure to say hey!

Well, as you can see, I will continue to be busy over the next few weeks! If you have any questions or comments, please shoot me an e-mail and I'll be sure to reply!

Until next time! Remember, being beautiful is not only about what you wear! 

Starting 2014 off with a bang: The search for winter apparel

Dress: Curvaceous Boutique
Photo: Rick D Jones Photography

Hi, everyone! I know it's been quite a while since I've posted. Sorry 'bout that. The holiday season was crazy and in addition to maintaining my commitment to my 9 to 5, I was also involved in various projects. It's now 2014 and I find myself busy all across the board.That is in no way a compalint, for in these days and times it is a good thing to be busy (and employed!). There are many who want to work but just can't find anything (or nothing is really available in their field). Anyhow, I digress. 2014 has greeted many of us in the northeast rather rudely! We had a snowstorm a few days into the new year, temperatures are steadily in the freezing range, and we are currently dealing with a polar vortex. The temperature over the past week has been in single digits and many people have suffered the affects of canceled flights. It has also been a challenge on the fashion front as well. At this point, I find myself going for warmth and comfort over style (so if you see me on the street, don't ridicule me for my look! Just know that I'm trying to keep warm and healthy).

OK, well I'm the type of shopper who likes to buy things in the off season when they don't cost as much. Well, this year I find myself stuck and having to buy winter stuff now when the prices are up. Earlier this winter I said goodbye to an old reversible faux fur trench coat because it doesn't fit anymore. It's in a new home, in good hands, and it will get some good use. I've now dedictaed my winter to finding another faux fur trench (or a good trench in general) that will fit properly (without breaking the bank). So far, the trenches I've seen haven't been that appealing: they're either too short or the design isn't that great for my plus size figure. If you see or know of any places, place shoot me an e-mail so I can check it out. The other hunt I've been on has been for a good pair of (leather) knee high boots. I know many ladies have approached me telling me that they've had trouble finding boots and stuff in a size 11 or 12. Imagine the issues I'm having trying to find something in a size 15!

It's been a challenging winter, but I find myself happy in the new year, busy with lots of projects and possibilities in fashion: I've gotten some opportunities to model and work with some photographers and I'm hoping to have my own portfolio in the near future. I've also done a few shows with participants from various seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. 2014 is off and running and I hope to get back to posting on a weekly basis.

Until next time! Stay warm and remember, being beautiful in not only about what you wear!

Sasha

Looks for this Fall

Hello all! I hope this post finds you all in good health and good spirits! It's that time of year when the weather is turning, the clocks have been turned back an hour, and now we're all trying to figure out what to wear! It appears that this fall the big looks are leather, leatherette, hounds tooth, leggings, and cute sweaters and tops. I'm still working the cute light jackets in the club (because sweaters are just to hot and heavy) and to finish it off, the all-important coat or jacket is a must have. The casual look also can include a nice fitted pair of jeans with a turtleneck. Who says you can't be stylish and comfortable?  Many people are also releasing their looks for the holiday season so keep an eye out! I've found myself checking out a lot of stuff from Ashley Stewart, Fashion to Figure (check out their pre-holiday look book), and ASOS. I've found some cute accessories at forever 21 and DOTS. I've also browsed, spoken to, and viewed and various new releases from independent designers. So, with all the holiday dates, parties, and events to go to, hit up theses website or throw on your walking shoes and get out there nice and early! Remember to take into consideration what you'll be wearing for undergarments when selecting and trying on a garment. I hope you find some good stylish looks for this fall and holiday season and remember the 11th commandment (if you don't know what it is, you'll have to e-mail or facebook me to find out!). Good luck shopping and send pics of the looks you come up with. Remember, being beautiful is not just about what you wear! Until next time!

Sasha

One of my "classic" casual fall looks.

Me wearing the "Ameila" dress from Monif C. (last year's holiday collection)

About to hit the club. Jacket: Dots, Top: Rainbow, Skirt: Rue 107, Bag: Ashley Stewart, Shoes: Bordello

Halloween Season Review

Hey y'all! This past Halloween was a crazy one! There were a slew of parties I was invited to (as usual), but it also seemed like there were more parties this year due to Halloween falling on a Thursday. Some people (and companies) opted to have their parties on the weekend before Halloween while others decided to wait until Halloween night and the following Friday and Saturday.nights. What did this all mean for me? Besides attending a Halloween event with Snooki and J Woww from MTV's "Jersey Shore" featuring contestants from various seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, and doing a show at the legendary Stonewall Inn between all of this, I had to come up with a few different costumes! I also try not to repeat costumes ( I've only repeated a costume once in 15 years!) so this year was going to be interesting. Among all of this chaos came the annual problem: where to find good costumes in plus sizes.

In the past I've gotten costumes from Torrid and a few other places, but a lot of places are online and I typically have to order them well in advance so that I have time to try them on and to get the proper accessories with them. It seems that every year the options for big girls become fewer and fewer, so this year I decided to take matters into my own hands! I broke out my sketchbook, took out my colored pencils, and drew some ideas. Next, I went to the garment district here in New York City and bought fabric from some stores, and finally made stops at Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics for some pieces to accent my main costume this year. With all of the materials not in my possession, I began the process of sewing and making my own costume. It took a few days and the process was tedious, frustrating, and downright annoying, but it was all worth it in the end. There were plenty of moments when I cussed my sewing machine and when I felt like giving up, but once I had a comfortable and good looking costume, I felt quite accomplished! I was the superhero I always considered being for Halloween and I was pretty sure that I would be the only plus sized version of this lady at most events I went to. One of my other costumes included me wearing a lace top from Rainbow and lace leggings from Lane Bryant along with red gauntlets and a matching belt made by a friend. I put this all together with half of a Freddy Kruger mask glued to my face to make a commentary about beauty. This costume went over well and ended up spawning an idea for a performance for the Stonewall Inn drag show. Halloween is now a week behind us, so now what? A word of advice: This is the time to go stores and online and buy costumes! Almost all of them will be reduced (some up to 70% off) and those pop up stores try to get rid of as much as possible so that it's less to pack up. This is also the best time to load up on all of those accessories, temporary hair color (spray), and other products! This will probably be the last weekend to do such things since many stores and companies have already rolled out their Xmas holiday displays and sales. Happy shopping and remember, if they don't have it in your size, you can always make it (if you have the time and patience!). Until next time. Remember, being beautiful is not only about what you wear!

Sasha

Me as "Wonder Woman" in the costume I made!

Costume made by yours truly

Wearing the lace outfit and Freddy Kruger mask

The full body effect