“DARE” TO BE BOLD: New Plus Magazine Launches with Spring Issue

Okay. Okay. I can here some of you muttering under your breath already with, “not another one.” This isn’t the first nor will it be the last plus magazine that will burst on to the market but I have to say I’m hoping Dare Magazine will be one that will stay.

DARE Magazine

What’s so special about Dare?

Well, it’s founder, Diana Di Poce, a senior at Ryerson University in Canada, is looking do something that her predecessors did not.  She’s NOT trying to change the world or “rally the troops” so to speak like others of her generation and even other magazine before her. Rather she’s trying to provide a source of inspiration for curvy girls throughout Canada and beyond. Geared toward the woman size 12 and above, her purpose of the magazine is to acknowledge and inspire the woman with the fuller figure and all women in general of all shapes and sizes.

In a recent interview, Di Poce said, “I wanted to keep it more general in the way that any woman can look at the magazine and get inspiration from it…just like how I pick up an issue of Elle or Flare…even though I won’t fit these outfits and I won’t look like these models, I still get inspiration from it.”

Born of her final school project, the Fashion Communications major picked the ideal time to launch with the burgeoning acknowledgement plus size women are receiving from the fashion and beauty industry– though there are still some brands that are dead set against anyone over a size 8 wearing their clothing (let’s not even talk about the Abercrombie founder’s comments about not wanting “fat” or “ugly” people wearing his clothes. It’s his prerogative at the end of the day; the public’s choice whether or not to support.If you want to read the story for yourself, click here.)

I’m looking to see more and what the direction the magazine will take. But for now, it is piquing my interest and I am throwing in my support.

To find out more about Dare Magazine, visit www.daremag.ca.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Pump up the Volume with Living Proof’s AMP2

I’ve had another amazing opportunity to guest blog for a fellow New York Blogger Collective member. This time, I reviewed Living Proof‘s newest hair care product, Amp2 for the fabulous Glasgow Skinner of My Life On (and Off) the Guest List. 

Back in 1987 the British band MARRS was at the top of the charts with “Pump up the Volume” and today every editor, blogger and beauty guru is obsessed with volume—hair volume that is. We’re not talking about the big hair of the 80s where celebrities and girls-next-door alike teased and sprayed their hair to death to reach great heights that for some could be really be considered architectural feats in their own right. Today we’re all about the sexy, full touchable hair the graces the catwalks and red carpets. But how’s a girl to go from flat, boring hair to the sexy bouncy hair worthy of a Victoria’s Secret model without adding all that stiff, heavy product that only lasts about two hours. Enter the scene….Living Proof, the game changing beauty company that is changing the hair industry.

Living Proof recently released Amp2, a multifaceted new styling product that provides major volume while maintaining soft, touchable hair and flexible hold. The best part about it…is that Amp2 can be applied to dry hair for instant body and is “revivable” for up to 2 days!

Want to find out more about this product? See the full review on Glasgow’s blog here.

BEAUTY: FALL INSPIRATION (Essie Fall Colors)

As I watch as New York gets ready for it’s second storm in as many weeks, I attempted to regain some sense of normalcy. Finding myself in midtown, I ventured into one of my favorite nail salons for a mani-pedi.

One of the benefits of being a blogger is that you get a chance to sample some of the newest products on the market.  Essie recently sent me some gorgeous colors from their Fall Collection. So with a beautiful deep wine (Essie’s Skirting the Issue) and glittering gold (Essie’s Good as Gold) nail polishes in hand, I set off for some Fall inspiration.

Thanks for New York Nature Spa (just steps from Bryant Park on 41st Street) for this adorable wine and gold mani (and pedi). (Just a little note, in order to get the burgundy to be as deep as the color on the bottle I had to apply 3 coats.)

What do you think?

Manicure by New York Nature Spa featuring Essie’s Skirting the Issue and Good as Gold.

TIP-TOE THROUGH THE JULEPS WITH ME (Beauty Review)

Every two weeks, I make an effort to treat myself to a mani-pedi at my local nail salon. It’s kind of my own little therapeutic moment when I don’t have to worry about the needs of clients (FYI, for those of who do not know, in addition to being  your favorite blogger, I’m a fashion and beauty publicist) and to have a little me time where I get to be pampered  and feel pretty. So when the opportunity to review a the new line of nail polish from the company,  Julep, I was super excited as it was another chance to enjoy a hot stone manicure and pedicure—but little did I know that Julep was more than just a pretty nail polish brand.

Julep, it turns out, is a new nail polish and beauty product subscription program. You’re probably wondering what that means. Well… it means that every month Julep sends you some of the most fashion forward polishes and high quality beauty products right to your door-step based on your style profile (determined by a short quiz on their site when you sign up to be a “maven”).  There are 5 style profiles (AMERICAN BEAUTY, BOHO GLAM, BOMBSHELL, CLASSIC WITH A TWIST and IT GIRL) that mavens can fall into based on their fashion and beauty likes.  Yours truly was determined to be BOHO GLAM—not surprising with my love of earthy and neutral tones.

Literally two days after signing up, Lou (seriously the best postman ever—gotta give him a plug because he lugs all the magazines, new products and the results of my shopping binges to me with a smile) brought me my introductory Maven Box. From the moment I opened it, I was in love.

So what was in it? Inside the box, carefully wrapped in fuchsia tissue paper was a mini- reusable tote with Julep’s motto: “Beauty is about connection, not competition.” You see, Julep was founded as a tribute to girlfriends—true friends who tell it like it is and share new fashion and beauty secrets so that we can all call look good.

What you get in your introductory Boho Glam Julep Maven Box

Within the tote was the following:

• Toni -  Greige (what you get when grey marries beige) with a hint of lavender crème
• Sasha - Fresh cantaloupe melon crème
• Best Pedi Crème Ever! Exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish your feet (seriously I don’t know how they knew I’ve been hiding some seriously dry cuticles on my tootsies these last few days).

Julep actually names their nail colors after women who inspire them—a testament to the company’s pledge to empower women to be their most beautiful, confident, and happy—all while having fun along the way. Julep takes this mindset to heart and actually donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations that support women through their Powered by Girlfriends program.

The day I got my mani-pedi it was an unseasonably warm day (80 degrees in New York in October—seriously!) which probably persuaded me to opt to try Sasha as it gives you a little bit of summer (which came in handy today as I write this post and the temperature dropped like 30 degrees!).

Both the manicurist and I were impressed by how pretty Sasha was and how true to color it actually was (sometimes what the color looks like in the bottle isn’t what it looks like on your hands and feet). Also, we noticed that that super strong “nail polishy” smell didn’t really exist. That’s another great thing about Julep—they actually make a “Girlfriend’s Oath” to give you en trend beauty without all the toxins. Now though I love getting my nails done, I hate waiting for them to dry. If you’re like me, have no fear! Julep’s nail polish actually dries really fast. I was practically dry before I even got to the dryers. At the end of my therapy time, I had the cutest set of manicured fingers and toes.

Channeling Sasha Fierce!

Later that night before bed, I decided to try the pedicure cream. Julep boasts you can see results in one to two uses. I can attest to that. My feet felt soft and cool after the first use. I’m definitely a fan.

But the thing I love most about Julep best…they’re all about sharing! Julep has been so gracious to offer a discounted rate on their intro box to readers of my blog! The promo code “CURVYSOCIALITE” can be used here to sign up!

BUT WAIT…THERE’S ONE MORE THING!

One lucky reader will get a chance to score a free intro Maven box by entering the giveaway via The Curvy Socialite Facebook page (starting Monday, October 8th).

It’s super easy to enter!

 

 

BEAUTY NEWS: Songstress Janelle Monae is the newest face for CoverGirl

Janelle Monáe has just been named the newest face of CoverGirl

Now she can add beauty icon to her resume. Janelle Monae, the 26-year old pop singer who has already made a name for herself in the fashion world, is now the newest face for CoverGirl.

The Grammy nominated Kansas native joins the ranks of other notable celebrities including Paula Patton, Sofia Vergara, Ellen DeGeneres, Pink, Tyra Banks, Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Alicia Sacramone and Taylor Swift.

Recently, Monae shared her beauty philosophy and tips with Vogue Magazine. Check out the article here.

 

The Curvy Socialite was on a billboard in Time Square (well sort of….)!

The Curvy Socialite was on a billboard in Time Square (well sort of....)!

So a few weeks ago I got a marketing email from Dove (I’ve been using their products for years) talking about using “real” women in their upcoming campaign entitled “Show Us Your Skin.” Being the ambitious former plus model that I am, you know I had to submit my photo.

On a recent trip to Florida, I snapped a quick photo in the bathroom (ummm not one of those type of pics) of me with a fresh, unmade-up face to send to my significant other back home– as he is always trying to “see” how I’m feeling as my face is an open book to my emotions. So not having a recent “professional” picture, I said, what they hey, why not submit this one. It was accepted and I forgot all about it.

Fast forward to today….I got an email from Dove saying that my picture is part of their “living billboard” in Times Square! Check out my headshot in “the crossroads of the world.”

So I guess now I can add a Dove campaign to my model resume. LOL!

RED CARPET GLAM– How to wear this season’s trends on your curves

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the 2012 NFL Draft Classic event at the Bryant Park Hotel in New York City. I was part of a glamified crew of women of all shapes and sizes that brought their A-game with their amazing red carpet style. Each showcased how to look your best in some of the season’s hottest trends and colors.

Model and New York City’s current Perfect Miss title holder, Shekinah Monee shows off her super fit curves in this beautiful Amirah Creations by Nailah Lymus piece that is all about the hi-low trend.

Shekinah Monee, model & New York City's Perfect Miss in a Amirah Creations by Nailah Lymus original.

Amaris Acosta, a former Miss New York United States, and currently one of the top pageant coaches and entertainment personalities in New York,  shows off her hour glass figure in this beautiful electric blue and black dress from ASOS. Blue is big this season from runway to red carpet to everything in between.

Amaris Acosta, former pageant queen and entertainment personality, sports this cute little number from ASOS.

Who said a curvy girl couldn’t do sequins? Asia Mone’t shows that even full figured girls can sparkle on the red carpet in the Embolden dress by plus-size designer, Qristyl Fraizer.

Plus Model du jour, Asia Mone't, shows that sequins can look good too on a curvier body in the Embolden dress by Qristyl Fraizer Designs.

So you say you’re afraid of wearing prints? Well why not pair a bold print with an amazing solid item for balance. Check out with celebrity stylist, Shatonia Amee of Pink Suede, Inc. did here with this neon-printed dress and black leather jacket.

Celebrity Stylist Shatonia Amee of Pink Suede Inc, shows us how to work neon colors and prints in this amazing dress!

So you got the outfit down, but what about your face? Take some cues from Asia Mone’t and celebrity make up artist, Bishaeba Swain on how to all about the face. Asia shows us how beautiful a soft natural look can be paired with and balances out a “blingy” outfit. Bishaeba showcases the classic smoky eye and nude lip. Bishaeba’s advice….pick your best feature and play it up!

Glamazons, Asia Mone't and Celebrity Make Up Artist BiShaeba Swain, show us to do the beauty thing on the red carpet

Thanks ladies for showcasing your amazing style!

See Kaela Humphries's First Photo Shoot for The Limited's eloquii

Reblogged from Style News - StyleWatch - People.com:

Courtesy eloquii

That was fast! Just one month after landing a modeling contract with FORD Models’ FORD +, Kaela Humphries is starring in her first campaign, for The Limited's new plus-size line, eloquii.

"It's been really great," Humphries tells PEOPLE. "The line is really fashion forward, the clothes fit and they look amazing. It's been a really good experience."

Read more… 140 more words

Congrats to Kaela Humphries on the Eloquii shoot-- just 30 days after signing to Ford!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Artistry Intensive Skincare Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum

Ever heard of Artistry Skincare? Chances are you may not have but you have definitely seen the brand’s effects. Confused? Let me clarify for you.

Artistry Skincare, an Amway brand (one of the first direct sales companies in the United States), has been around since the 1960s. Boasting a cosmetics line that includes over 400 products, Artistry is ranked one of the top cosmetics brands in the world along side, industry legends Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancome and Chanel.  In 2010, the beauty brand became the official cosmetic and makeup line of Miss America.

I had the luxury of sampling their product line recently after attending their product launch and meet-and-greet event with the new Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler. A fan for years, I was super excited to get a chance to sample the newest collection.

A firm believer that it is never to early to start an anti-aging regime (seriously who really wants to use botox and fillers?), I was eager to sample the brand’s new Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum. I was a little hesitant when I saw that it contained Retinol (known to be effective, but to have some unpleasant side effects including redness, dryness and flakiness). But science team at Artistry took care of that. Teaming with the University of Michigan, Artistry has used a breakthrough technology (utilizing botanicals) to produce their anti-wrinkle firming serum. Not once did my skin have a negative reaction to the Retinol.

I’m always skeptical of a product (no matter how much I love the brand) that boasts results in as little as four weeks. Artistry definitely lives up to the hype. Though I didn’t have wrinkles per se, I did notice some wear and tear starting to appear due to the craziness of life (late nights working, events, and a recent bout of insomnia). Two weeks after starting to use the anti-wrinkle serum, I started getting compliments on how “bright” and healthy my skin was looking (mind you, I still don’t sleep). After four weeks, strangers were telling me that i looked like I just came from a spa visit (A-OK in my book).

Not “cheap” by any means, at $138 a pop, the anti-wrinkle serum is an intensive treatment that is definitely worth it’s price.

Interested in trying it for yourself, visit the Artistry website here.

MODESTY AND MODELING: Kylie Bisutti Retires Her Wings

With the launch of Brooklyn designer, Nailah Lymus‘, newest venture the UNDERWRAPS Agency, just days away, the news of Kylie Bisutti‘s retirement from Victoria’s Secret seems so timely.

Hear why the famed angel has retired her wings and the new direction she is taking her modeling career in (click on Kylie’s image to view the video courtesy of ABC).