Plus-Size vs. Obese

Hello All,

Lately, I have had an ongoing debate concerning the difference between plus-size and obese.  After doing research, and being pressured by family and friends, I have decided to design for plus-size, in addition to the standard sizes in the fashion industry.  While I am happy about this, especially since the average woman is a size 14, I have been getting backlash regarding MY size proportions with my croquis (if you have been following my blog, you will know that "croquis" is the human figure).

Let's get one thing straight.  The size measurements for plus-size in the fashion industry is between 10-18.  Size 10 has been considered plus size since 2010.  I am not making this up.  I remember when I was in graduate school preparing myself to create a swimsuit collection for the first time when my professor said, "you will have to use a size 8 dress form because a size 10 is not standard size anymore, it is now plus-size!"  She also informed me that a size 8 was the new standard size.

The average plus-size woman looks like this:

Now I know, just like everyone else in the fashion industry, that this is how a plus-size woman looks.  When we say plus-size, we are referring to a woman that looks like this.  The problem I am having: everyone in my community who is plus-size does not fit this category!  

The women in my hometown who consider themselves plus-size are three times the size of these models. Let me give you some information about my home state.  Mississippi is #1 in obesity!  People in my hometown feel it is no problem to weigh over 300! As a matter of fact, if you are changing your lifestyle and cutting fatty foods from your diet, they feel something is wrong with you! Most women in my hometown feel that being a size 20-30 and wearing a 5X is plus-size, when it is actually OBESITY!  If you wear a size 20 or above, you are obese!!

The average obese woman looks like this:

I had to post this on my blog because I am so sick and tired of debating with my family, friends, and people in my hometown about what is plus-size and what is obese! I have actually developed a headache because I am so tired of explaining the difference in this size category.  I felt the only way to show the difference and voice my opinion is by talking about it on here!

Again.....this is plus-size

And this is obese

And I am done!!  Until Next Time!!

Prints Everywhere!!!!

Hello All,

I am loving the new prints that are out!!! Geometric, floral, stripes....they are everywhere!!!  I feel that stripes and prints will carry on through the 2015 fashion season.  At first, it seemed like the only print that was on the runway was paisley (which I am not a fan of), but now, there have been so many creations of prints that have come out, I am just overjoyed.

there is print inspiration on floors too!

and staircases!

Pictures can be found on wgsn.tumblr.com, blog.stylesight.com, and stylesight.tumblr.com.

Until Next Time!!

British Fashion Colors and Trends

Hello All,


I know it has been a while since I have written to you.  I apologize for that.  Have been really busy.  Back to fashion, I am falling in love with neon prints, vertical/horizontal stripes, and geometric/chevron prints.  I am especially loving the fashion trends from London!!  Here are some examples.

Street Wear

found on blog.stylesight.com

Neon Prints

found on redonline.co.uk

Stripes

found on redonline.co.uk

Prints

found on redonline.co.uk

If you would like to look for more London fashion trends, Red, a magazine company based in London, is a great source.  Not only does this magazine have all of the latest trends, but it also shows how to be "comfortably chic".  You can check out Red Magazine at redonline.co.uk.

Until Next Time!!

Justice for Trayvon Martin: George Zimmerman Case

Hello All,

I know this is not fashion related, but I am beyond outraged at the verdict of George Zimmerman.  I was among the many people glued to the television day after day, night after night, hearing every argument of what possibly happened the night that Trayvon Martin lost his life.

First of all, this man wanted to become a cop/lawyer so bad that he harassed the City of Sanford by calling 911 for every little thing (was reported that he called 911 because a neighbor had his garage door opened).  Trayvon was minding his own business.  He was not bothering anyone, and the following happens:

• Zimmerman calls the police suspecting Martin of doing something suspicious when Martin was just walking home.
• Not only does he follow Martin, but he starts chasing him after the 911 operator told him not to get out of the car
• After he finds Martin, he then asks "What are you doing here?" That is none of your business!!
• After Martin was trying to defend himself from this stranger, he shoots this boy in cold blood!!

The evidence was right there.  The proof was right there, and the jury find him NOT GUILTY OF ALL CHARGES! WHAT?! 

What made me upset about this whole trial was that it seemed as if Trayvon Martin was on trial, not Zimmerman, and the lawyers were badgering Rachel Jeantel because of the way she talked and looked.  It seemed like everyone was covering for this man who murdered this boy for nothing.  I know this has nothing to do with race, but Zimmerman racially profiled Trayvon Martin by saying, "he was no good" and "he's up to something".  What really made me steam is the fact that he actual 911 tapes were played, and Zimmerman says, "these coons always get away" and Sanford, FL police tried to cover it up!!

I am upset and outraged by this verdict.  A young man's life was lost, and the person who took his life is free.    The only thing we can do is look for justice and pray this does not happen to another person.  Trayvon Martin, may you continue to rest in peace, and we will always remember you.  #JusticeForTrayvon

Schiaparelli Haute Couture Collection debuted for Fall/Winter 2013

Hello All,

As shown on blog.stylesight.com, designer Christian Lacroix debuted the first collection of Schiaparelli Haute Couture collection today in Paris at the Les Arts Décoratifs since its closing in 1954.  If you are unfamiliar Elsa Schiaparelli, she was an Italian fashion designer, and the biggest rival of French fashion designer, Coco Chanel.  Schiaparelli, also known as "Schiap" to her friends and family, started her career in fashion in 1926.  Although she did not have any sewing, draping, or drawing skills, she created many beautiful garments, and was one of the most sought-after designers.

one of Schiaparelli's actual designs

The 18 piece collection will be on display through Haute Couture Fashion Week, which will be through July 3, by invitation only, and thereafter by appointment at the original Schiaparelli salons on Place Vendôme.  Schiaparelli was known for adding the color "shocking pink" throughout all of her collections. As stated in the  Stylesight article, "this hue was carried through in the whimsical fur accessories – in sumptuous draped gowns, nipped jackets, and ornately embroidered coats and capes that nodded as much to Schiaparelli’s embellished tailoring of the ’30s as they did Lacroix’s own couture at the height of his success, in the late ’80s and early ’90s".

If you would like to read more on this collection, please visit http://blog.stylesight.com/vintage/christian-lacroix-debuts-schiaparelli-haute-couture-collection-for-fw-13.

Until Next Time!

Christian Dior Couture Fall 2013 Runway Collection

Hello All,

For those of you who follow fashion, you will know the Couture runway shows have begun.  One of my favorite sites that I follow for all of the fashion runway shows is Trend Council.  Trend Council is not only a trend forecasting service for design professionals, but it covers all of the latest runway trends, news, etc.  They are showing the Fall 2013 Couture collection of Christian Dior.

To view this collection, and other runway collections, please visit trendcouncil.wordpress.com.

Until Next Time!