This hooded trench (pictured) from Addition Elle is a great way to sport the season’s sophisticated yet casual trend. The solid colour is universally flattering and the waist belt and hood add a little something extra to the classic jacket.

Are you hot on the beige trench trend this spring?

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Fantastic shopping news…fave Project Runway Canada alum Jessica Biffi has designed 2 fantastic clothing lines – Bold Biffi for MXM and Jessica Biffi for Addition Elle. I am always excited when new collections hit the stores especially when inspired by talented Canadian designers – special place in my heart for that.

When I have only previewed a few pieces and every single one has made my shopping list, I know we’re in for some fun shopping ahead! There are several reasons for this. Part of Jessica’s talent lies not only in her design training but also in the fact that she used to work as a visual merchandiser in Addition Elle’s flagship Toronto store. As a gorgeous, stylish curvy woman herself, Jessica knows what styles she loves and is passing on that knowledge to us. Yay for our closets!

The collections will be showcased at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week and I will be sure to cover all the scoop for you.  You may start your shopping as of April 1 when the collections hit stores across Canada.  Plan to meet Jessica at upcoming fashion parties in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto! Keep an eye on Jessica’s website and the MXM and Addition Elle pages for updates.

Yours on the curve,

Liis

Photos: Addition Elle & MXM

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This spring shop for jackets, shoes, and more in our shopping section. Not sure whcih trends are hot for 2010? Check out this month’s feature for the ultimate style tips and be sure to check out the 14+ section regularly for the fashion 4-1-1 you crave.

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I need a book to document all the changes happening in magazines this month. Having been in the modelling biz for 17 years, I have to say this is the most exciting it has ever been.  The biggest shock?  Vogue Italia has just launched Vogue Curvy, a new website packed with great videos, interviews, blogs and model spotlights. It is so much fun – you must go visit!

And speaking of Vogue, Vogue Russia has 9 pages featuring a size 12 model – a feat considering most models are a 0.  Did I mention we are talking about Vogue here ladies? Anna Wintour in the USA, I know you want to surprise us…bring it on!

Runway Revolution, by far one of my favourite websites, posts  fantastic editorials featuring only models size 10 and higher. It is here that I first saw the Vogue Russia spread as well as Spain’s Yo Dona magazine’s editorial featuring 2 curvy models.  The fact that such a great website can exist with such rich content is proof that the fashion industry is indeed changing.

Even more proof?  Crystal Renn blogged for Glamour during New York Fashion Week and Marie Claire’s plus-size stylist Ashley Falcon just rocked Rachael Ray. Don’t even get me started about how cool I think LOULOU’s 14+ site is….

Yours on the curve,

Liis

PS. I promise you – we are going to start seeing even curvier models in the future!

Photos: Joshua Jordan for Yo Dona

(Photo Source Credit: Runway Revolution)

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The Olympics are over – sniff – sniff.  It sort of feels like the morning after an incredible party that you never wanted to end.  Glasses are strewn everywhere, food is still out, the carpet is sort of dirty but you don’t care. You sit on your “chesterfield” with your hair askew, put your feet up and grin.  You know this was one for the books.

Last night’s men’s hockey win capped off an amazing journey.  When Canada hit the streets to celebrate, it wasn’t just for men’s hockey, it was for women’s hockey too, for our Olympians, for a record haul of medals and the most gold medals of any team. It was an announcement to the world that hockey courses through the blood of our nation and we are proud that with a population of a mere 34 million we kicked some major worldwide assumptions. Most importantly, there was joy in the air because all this wonderment took place on our soil, in our backyards and we proved to the world that Canada was the Hostess with the Mostest.

I took to Toronto’s Yonge Street last night. It was a sea of red and white, of delirious, crowded happiness. The best part? My toes got stepped on a million times by partiers and every time the person turned around to apologize.  How utterly Canadian. Enjoy these photos of some of my favourite fashionable revellers!

Yours on the Canadian Curve,

Liis

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As I write this, I am blaring Bob Marley’s “Stir it Up” – seems quite appropriate with the curvy cornucopia that is fashion right now. Canadian knitwear designer Mark Fast continued to grab worldwide headlines for using diverse sizes in his London Fashion Week (LFW) collection including 4 curvier-than-usual models.  Considering most runway models are a 0, and this was Fast’s second showing incorporating size diversity, the world now knows he is not all about a one-off attention seeking gimmick.

UK department chain Debenhams launched a LFW initiative   entitled ““I’m a size 16, do you want to see more of me?” Realizing 42% of its women’s clothing sales come from sizes 14-16 (CDN 10-12), it was decided its mannequins should better reflect its largest customer base. This is a trial project to measure customer response so  PLEASE leave feedback. (FYI -Average mannequin- size 4, 6″0, 32A-23-33. Average Canadian woman – size 14, 5″4, 41-35-43 ) I left my comment suggesting several sizes be used to represent all women.  Retailers worldwide are paying attention!

Over at Milan Fashion Week, plus-size retailer Elena Miro is the only plus company showing a Fall 2010 Collection during a major fashion week. The rate things are changing, expect that to change soon!  Catch all the great outfits here. More to blog about – not enough space.  Next week – even more curves hit the world’s magazines!

Yours on the curve,

Liis

Top Photo: KEYSTONE Press

Bottom Photo: Debenhams

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And who says being on trend means sacrificing comfort? This MXM hoodie (pictured) has it all: plaid, comfort and a great price. On a relaxing weekend getaway, this trendy hoodie will keep your look stylish and practical. No need to get all dolled up in the season’s highest heels to stay on trend. We do enough of that during the week so come the weekend, women want style, comfort and wallet-friendly.

Shop for the hoodie here.

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New York Fashion Week is over and London Fashion Week ends tomorrow.  It has been all kinds of interesting as each city and season brings about much needed changes in fashion.

NYFW hosted a symposium by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) which led to many big names – Diane von Furstenberg, Vogue’s Anna Wintour and other designers, models and editors discussing much needed changes including raising the industry standard clothing sample size for shoots and runway shows from a size 0 to a 4.  Gorgeous size 4 supermodel Doutzen Kroes of Victoria’s Secret and Eternity perfume fame spoke about being too big to do runway shows for other companies. Crazy right?

The CFDA discussions spurred many articles and blogs worldwide lit up with opinions. Size issue articles were printed in The New York Times and the New York Daily News about Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha, a  size 4, a size deemed too big by many in fashion. I respect her very much and even more so after reading her intelligent response to all the media attention.

So how does all this affect us curvy women? The foundation of fashion is finally shifting.The philosophies held in place for so long are changing. The code of silence is lifting and the more big names that speak out, the more size diversity can prevail in magazines and on the runways of the world. Every “little”ripple creates a wonderful wave of change. And on that note… next blog – great changes at London Fashion Week!

Yours on the curve, Liis

Photos:  Harper’s Bazaar & Vogue Mexico

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Mc Queen grabbed my attention and my heart in 1999 when he used stunning model Aimee Mullins in a show.   The press went crazy afterwards when it was discovered her boots were in fact beautifully carved wooden legs and she was a double amputee. It was assumed he was trying to sensationalize her “disability.” The truth is, he saw a powerful woman before him, a world class, record setting athlete with no limits in her life. Aimee has stated he “was just trying to expand the idea of beauty.”

There is something very special about a “bad boy” designer who could just as easily dress the First Lady as he could Lady Gaga or Beth Ditto and create outlandish outfits just as easily as simple, classy red carpet gowns. That is rare genius. It was announced today his collection will continue without him.  This I find hard to envision as did he in a 2006 interview.  Lee Alexander Mc Queen, you will be missed.

Yours on the curve,

Liis

Top Photo: Wire Image

Bottom Photo: Alexander Mc Queen

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If you want to be on trend, you can be. All you have to do is opt for the right variation of that trend and rock it like you do everything else. If you have a pear-shaped silhouette, opt for a slim pair (like the ones pictured) of jeans rather a super skinny pair. You’ll still get the trendy look you want while maintaining the appropriate balance in your look.

These slim fit jeans from MXM are the perfect combination of flattering and stylish. Bonus: They’re only $49.99!

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