Faith 21

Forever 21 will debut a plus-size line, called Faith 21 that will feature items similar to other Forever 21 clothing, including flirty dresses, trendy tops, skirts, jeans and basics such as T-shirts, camisoles, tanks and leggings. The target customer is age 15 to 29. Junior plus sizes include XL, 1X and 2X. Prices will range from $3.80 to $29.80.

"In the past we've had XL sizes and we would sell out of them so quickly," said Heidi Canalizo, a regional manager at Forever 21. "Our customers have been asking for this for so long and in the past few years we've really decided it's time to get into it. Not everyone is a size 2."

Apparently not. In the last 20 years, the rate of obesity among adolescents age 12-19 has more than tripled, increasing from 5 percent to 17.6 percent, according to a National Health and Nutrition Examination survey. Catering to bigger teens could potentially mean bigger bucks for the fashion industry, which has been adversely affected by the recession.

"You're looking at an under $2 billion business that could easily grow to a $4 billion, $5 billion business within a relatively short period of time, like within a year or two," said Marshal Cohen, an analyst for the NPD Group, which studies the clothing market.

"Not only are the [fashion companies] leaving money on the table, they're not even looking at the table. It is a huge opportunity."

Historically, there has been a stigma attached to plus-size clothing, experts said. Many designers don't produce beyond a size 10, even though the average women is a size 14.

"These brands don't want the consumer to aspire to be a plus-size," Cohen said, "they want them to aspire to be that mini-consumer, that slim model that walks down the runway, that's a size 0."

Here's hoping that with the inclusion of more plus size brands that being abnormally thin won't continue to be what's in. Faith 21 will debut in select Forever 21 stores and online May 1st.

(information via cnn.com)

Well, knowing that Forever 21 clothing is notorious for its smaller fit, this "plus size" line will probably fit regular size women just fine.

Things I learned last week.....

1. That everyone doesn't know the meaning of clothes swap. There is a big difference between clothes swap and cleaning out your closet. I guess I should have been more specific about the types of things I didn't want people to bring.....

2. It pays to be nice to people you run into even though they made your life hell when you worked with them....

3. I am a creative individual. I assume that anyone has the ability to create or visualize the way that I do but I am learning that I am not giving myself enough credit for this gift that I have been given.

check out my items on ebay....

What I Want NOW!

The description for this cheery taffeta skirt says "A sunny look for after hours" but I think that this is a perfect work skirt combined with a simple white tee and could also be paired with a fitted tank and skinny heels for a night out. Cute cute cute!


Victoria's Secret taffeta skirt $108 (on sale!)

I adore being such a girly girl; ruffles, flowers and bows make me melt on the inside. These satin stilettos are pure heaven and are a steal for $54!


ASOS Premium side corsage satin shoes $53.92

I would wear these boyfriend jeans with the heels pictured above for a mix of sass and slouch. I am going to go thrifting in the men's section and see if I can find a cheap version of these. (OR I could raid my boyfriend's closet....hmmmm...)


Banana Republic Medium wash boyfriend jean $89

Style Profile: Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has had a fashion forward week while out promoting her HBO movie Grey Gardens. Drew is known as a risk taker and I like how she switches up her style. Here are a few of her looks:


The craftsmanship of this beaded Alberta Ferretti gown is exquisite but I think that the color washes her out. I understand the look that she is aiming for in order to tie in with her movie but the gown, feather wrap and veil look too costume-y in my opinion.


Drew in a gorgeous sea green Elie Saab one shoulder dress and Guiseppe Zanotti "Tuxedo" shoes promoting the movie in Hollywood. Note the feather headband, I have one too! (Purchased it here.)


Barrymore, channeling French actress Brigitte Bardot in a jeweled Andrew Gn gown, Badgley Mischka earrings and Christian Louboutin peep-toes. I adore the gown and her pops of color but I wish she hadn't done the Bardot hair and made it more modern. Maybe she could have pulled half of it up but still kept the tousled look.


My fave look, Drew keeps it sleek and modern in a Narciso Rodriguez dress with red Miu Miu pumps at a taping of Live with Regis & Kelly in NYC.

Pencil Me In

When basic black just won't do, spice it up by adding a pencil skirt in a funky print, unexpected details or bold color.


Just Cavalli print pencil sjirt $399 @ Zappos Couture


High waist scribble pencil skirt $69.50 @ Express


Moschino Cheap & Chic polka dot pencil skirt $655 @ Net-a-porter


Tulip pencil skirt $39 (on sale!) @ Newport News


Cotton rose paisley print skirt $88 @ White House Black Market


Michael Kors Malibu dot skirt $950 @ Bergdorf Goodman


Twill pencil skirt $24.50 @ Alloy


Dulce sequin skirt $450 @ J. Crew


High waist denim pencil skirt $39.50 (on sale!) @ Victoria's Secret


Trinity long pencil skirt $118 @ Guess by Marciano

No Time Like the Present!

I had a conversation with a potential client and she admitted that she wants to use my personal shopping/closet makeover services after she loses some weight. I told her that she should dress for the size that she is NOW. It will make her feel better and could serve as a motivator once she starts feeling better about herself. If you are putting off buying or doing anything for yourself, remember, tomorrow is not promised. That being said, I thought it would be helpful to give some tips to my fuller figure fashionistas out there.

"Ride your curves, don't HIDE your curves."

Lane Bryant belted halter paisley dress $79.50, Kiyonna Paris back flap pocket jeans $128

Use prints in proportion to your body

Kiyonna Posey waist tie top $68

Avoid boxy or puffy coats

Kiyonna London car coat $250

Don't be afraid of color

Lane Bryant Waterfall sleeveless knit dress $59.50

Choose fabrics and cuts that are more forgiving if you do experience some weight gain.

Lane Bryant Surplice front maxi dress $89.50

Look and feel good TODAY!

Finally, no gap at the waist jeans!

That is the claim made by PZI jeans and I want to try them! Made for curvy girls (i.e. those of us with a "streamlined waist, fuller hips, and curvy bottom") these jeans boast that they are "redefining the meaning of fit." I have my favorite pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans that don't need adjustments but other than those, I have never been able to buy jeans that fit in the waist straight off the rack.

Make sure you take your measurements to get an accurate fit, sizes range from 4-16 and the jeans are available in 31", 34",36" and 38" lengths to ensure that no inseam alterations are needed.

JET SKINNY JEAN $69

CLASSIC JEAN Dark Wash $69

PEWTER SKINNY JEAN $79

Those with full hips and a fashionable demeanor can find PZI jeans at select Macy's stores and other area retailers and boutiques.

***The folks at PZI were awesome enough to send me a pair of jeans to review. Details (and pics!) to follow.....

I'm Just Saying.....

When I saw this pic of Beyonce wearing this Balmain jacket, I immediately thought of THIS


Beyonce's drummer jacket retails for $11,000

White Hot!

Do the white thing and add some sizzle to your wardrobe with shots of eye catching white.


Ravinstyle Loeffler Randall dress $425


ASOS Kookai halter shirt $54.71


Zappos Emilio Pucci patent ankle strap sandal $1,070


Bebe elastic corset belt $39


Shopbop Martine Sitbon seamed tote $472


Lulu's Dina stitched strapless dress $59



Bluefly Fendi "New Bag De Jour" $1,303.20

Wet Seal large metal aviators $7.50


Bergdorf Goodman Dior fringe collar sheath dress $2,690


J. Crew denim matchstick jean $98


Nine West Crazy Day hobo $195

see my items on ebay

Check out: Sariah NYC

Native Dallasite Sariah Carson brings her whimsy and fun loving designs and intertwines that with quality hand painted one of a kind fit and fahion. "They're clothes for individualists," Carson says of the collection. "Someone who is looking for something well-crafted that isn't everywhere."






Prices range from $495 to $695 and the collection is available at Barneys.

To view the Sariah NYC lookbook, click here

Interview Appearance Etiquette

Dress for sucess and get the job you want by making a great first impression! I am a strong believer that you should dress for the job that you want.

Step 1
Research the company you are interviewing with, and find out about the dress code for the employees; then opt to wear something a little dressier to your interview.

Step2

Overdress rather than under dress. It is better to be dressed too formally than to be dressed too casually for a job interview. Wearing a suit is always appropriate. It shows that you are serious about wanting the job and that you are professional.

Step3

Pick an outfit that fits well and is conservative. Loud prints or bright colors distract the interviewer. You want the focus to be on you and your skills—not your clothing.
*I don't know if I agree with this particular tip, especially if the position is in the creative field, you want to show a little bit of your personality. I prefer to wear one colorful item to stand out. I interviewed with a conservative jacket and skirt but wore blue platform heels and the interviewer complimented me and remembered me on my follow up phone call by my shoes.

Step4

Make sure the clothing you choose is clean and pressed. Take a moment to inspect your shoes and clean off any scuffs.

Step5

Choose nice slacks and a button down top or a business suit for men. Khaki pants are as casual as you want to wear for a job interview, and you should only wear those if the work environment is very casual.

Step6

Wear a business suit, slacks or a skirt with a sweater or button down top for women. Wear nylons if you wear a skirt. Capri pants, skorts and shorts are inappropriate to wear to a job interview.

Step7

Tone down your hair, makeup and jewelry. Wear no more than one ring on each hand, no dangling bracelets and only one set of earrings. Camouflage or remove visible body piercings for a job interview. Again, the focus should be on your skills for the job and your outward appearance should not be a distraction.

Step 8
Make sure to try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview. Make sure your clothing fits well and is not too tight or short.
*You would think that this would be self-explanatory but you would be surprised.

Step 9
Don't overdo the perfume, makeup, cologne or after shave.

Step 10
Check your nails. Keep them short, neat and not too bright if you choose to polish them.







Most importantly, ********Smile!*******

Interesting note from hiring managers regarding interviewees dress code for interviews:

According to Kim Zoller at Image Dynamics, 55% of another person's perception of you is based on how you look so remember, you only get ONE chance to make a first impression!

These tips were compiled from Ehow, About, Interview Stuff and Vault