Full Figured Fashion Week hits NYC

On June 25-27, 2009, New York City history will be made! The fashion week experience will finally be focused on the super sexy curvy girls of the world! And with 40 million women over size 14 in America alone, spending $25 billion a year on clothing, I'd say it's about time. Produced by DeVoe Signature Events, Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) will debut with a series of social events specifically showcasing "real size" designs, designers, retailers, local boutiques and models.

Come out and network with over 1500 plus size fashion enthusiasts, style mavens, vendors and press during this highly anticipated three-day fashion extravaganza!

Miss Kim Coles will be hosting the finale runway event, to be held at 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th at the Prince George Ballroom, NYC. Get all the details at http://www.fffweek.com/. See you there!

Ask Elle

OK Elle,

Since you were all up and through Fashion Week, I know you've got the HOT stuff right from the runway. Help a plus-size sista out! I've got a formal ball to go to and I don't have a thing to wear in my closet. I need to know where I can shop for plus-size formal fashions that are within my budget of $250-300, that will be age appropriate (40-50) and turn the heads...for sure!!! Please give me the low-down on what's flattering these days...mama I needs visuals!

Desperate...
Sherry


Hi Sherry-luv!

No worries, cupcake, I have the perfect dress for you! Plus size glamour girls in search of fabulous formal wear should look no further than Monif C., a well-known plus size designer with a boutique conveniently located right in NYC. Monif C.'s line has been featured on Rip the Runway, in Essence and in many other noted fashion zines.


My favorite current piece in her line is the Marilyn Convertible Dress, a definite must-have for the season. It is a convertible dream! It can be tied and styled in at least 22 different ways, including as a halter dress, a dress with sleeves, a skirt, a baby doll top, and more!


Made of luxurious jersey, it is as comfortable as it is flattering. The best part? It fits sizes 8 through 24 and comes in a number of trendy colors.

There are even instructional videos on all the different ways to wear it! Click here and here to watch and learn!

For a less formal affair, I would also give the a shorter, cocktail version a go!


Try this one on for size, Miss S., I promise it will live up to your every expectation! Thanks for writing!

xo, Elle

Forever 21 Launches a Plus-Size Line!

Hell to the yes! On May 1st, Forever 21 is (finally) launching Faith 21, its first ever plus-size collection! This means that I can now shop for more than just accessories in the trendy, cheap and chic bastion of teen fashion. Faith 21 will have sizes ranging from XL-2X and will range in price from $3.50 to $34.80.

Much like the Forever 21's main collection for petite and skinny minis, Faith 21 will feature of-the-moment pieces including sheer peasant blouses, denim leggings and mini dresses like the flirty floral above.

Heidi Canalizo, a regional manager at Forever 21, confirmed the collection was a no-brainer. "In the past we've had XL sizes and we would sell out of them so quickly," she said. "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."

Ready for your own piece of Faith? Head on over to Forever21.com and get free standard shipping on orders of $75 or more! If you're in Southern California, you can actually shop the line in-store beginning May 1 at Lakewood Center Mall, Montebello Town Center, Los Cerritos Mall, and Anaheim Plaza.

In other news, this Spring will also see the launch of Target's plus-size line for juniors. Target's Pure Energy line will go up to a size 30 and feature skinny jeans, maxi dresses and sleeveless party tops. From the looks of it, I'm not in love, but hopefully more and better looks will be found in store. Give it a whirl!