plus size fashions

#ModelFocus: Andre Belue at the International Fuller Woman Festival

| CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Our #ModelFocus is Andre Belue, who participated at The Focus Forum during the International Fuller Woman Festival this past weekend.  Mr. Belue is an actor and Plus male model based in Detroit.  Being my first male model ever, was a little tricky, as my instinct is to allow models to look softer and more feminine, not strong and manly.

A true gentleman and a pleasure to photograph!

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Visit the International Fuller Woman Festival atwww.fullerwoman.org for more information on any future events.  Don’t miss next year’s Focus Forum!

For more of my photos visit www.jovannareyes.com and please follow Curvysta @:

Facebook/CurvystaMagazine

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Our Parisian influenced background was the Hotel St. Regis(@hotelstregis), with its french inspired facade and wrought iron details.

 

“Exclusively Inclusive” with BYRON LARS BEAUTY MARK at KiaStyle360NYFW

| CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Byron Lars of Byron Lars Beauty Mark presented his collection during New York Fashion Week at Kia Style 360.  Mr. Lars goal for the season is to be “exclusively inclusive”.

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The runway was culturally diverse and body positive.  Byron Lars featured a variety of Curvy models on the runway and each dress just as fierce as the straight size models. Sommer Green(@Sommerboogie), a Plus/Curvy model, opened the show in a “Gele”, pronounced gaye lay, an African head wrap, wearing a body conscious, multi-patterned dress.  Her silhouette at the start of the runway, set the tone for the entire show.

Mr. Lars embraced ethnicities, shapes, races and sizes.  His presentation was an easy example of what may be done and must be done in all runway shows.  He didn’t tease us with possibilities, he made it happen.

The show included Kristi Castlin(@kristihollywood), Bronze medal winner in Track and Field in the 2016 Olympics in Rio.  She wore a patterned dress of stripes and florals accessorized with her solid bronze medal and track shoes.

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Model extraordinaire and Hello Beautiful, style and beauty editor, Danielle James(@TheIslanDiva), walked in the show in her signature converse sneakers.  Mr. Lars was inspired by their last meeting when she wore her converse with a dress and appreciated her laid back, ultra-feminine style.

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Celebrities, models and fashion’s finest were all in attendance.  Fern Mallis, Ana Maria Sandegren of Precious7.com, Ashley Dobson, Supermodel Denise Bidot, Bonang, Geneva S. Thomas of Bravo’s “Blood, Sweat & Heels” and many more.

ANA MARIA SANDEGREN OF PRECIOUS7.COM AND DENISE BIDOT, SUPERMODEL
GENEVA S. THOMAS OF BLOOD,SWEAT & TEARS
NATURI NAUGHTON
BYRON LARS AND BONANG
MODELS-NAIMAH TERRY AND MOCHA MERCILUS

Models seen on the runway were from MSA Models, Major and True Model Management. TMM was the official model management sponsor of Byron Lars Beauty Mark. Jenna Rusnak(@thecurvyrebel), Frankie Tavares(@frankietavares), were just a few of the True Model Management models gracing the runway. As hard as it was to take your eyes off of Byron Lars’ beautifully patterned dresses, Tiannia Barnes, a luxury shoe designer, sponsored the Italian made stilettos featured in the show.  My favorite, the mustard fringe heels. The handmade, couture accessories were created by The Sheila Gray Collection. The best of accessories to compliment the best of NYFW.

TRUE MODEL MANAGEMENT AND THEIR MODELS
TIANNIA BARNES
TIANNIA BARNES LUXURY SHOES

 

All photos by Alec Turner and Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by Jovanna Reyes

CRFW 2016-TRU DIVA, the Print Queen!

| CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Curves Rock held in Baltimore, Maryland this past weekend, showcased independent designers from all over the United States.  One of the most well known in the Plus community is Tru Diva Designs by Veronica L.  The designer, Veronica Lipscomb, delivered color blocking in various textures, fabrics and prints.  Her ability to produce complimentary prints on a Curvy woman is unmatched. The use of mandarin collars and Japanese inspired textiles, were perfectly  in tune with her red, white and black combinations seen in the rest of the collection.  Tru Diva Designs never disappoints!

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Curvysta Sculpture in HOMEGOODS

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Hi Curvystas!

I’m still in need of some furniture pieces in my new place but am trying to avoid overshopping.  I no longer have my own personal garage to hoard things in anymore, now that I’m a city girl.  My go to place is HOMEGOODS, the sister furniture store to Marshall’s/T.J. Maxx.  They have the best selection of decorative items, at an affordable price.  Here are some of my fave pieces that I would’ve purchased without thinking about it, just because I liked them.  Clutter is no longer an option and therefore I have these lovely pictures to hold on to instead.  Check out the Curvysta sculpture!  LOVE IT!  I’m going to try to find a spot for it somewhere in my house.

Curvysta Home Fashions

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Hello Curvy Ladies! I am definitely a minimalist when it comes to decor (just like the store).  I’m the crazy woman that buys all the white sheets and pillowcases.  I was so ecstatic when I found this Margaret Muir Duvet Set at Marshall’s/T.J. Maxx.  The floral is just enough and even though its a duvet cover, I chose to not use a comforter.  It’s perfect for August summer nights in Virginia, where the temperature falls into the mid 50’s.

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You too can have this look…..

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Gabourey Sidibe in Ebony Magazine, 2010

This is my favorite outfit I’ve seen Ms. Gabby in.  The best thing, it is so easy to copy!

Monif C.- “Roxie” Batwing Dress in Black-$175.00 at www.monifc.com

Curvysta-“Alexis”  Liquid Pleather Pant,-$27.99 www.curvystashop.com

 

 Qupid System Platforms-$39.99  www.FlyJane.net

or if you prefer boots…..

Qupid POTENCY Midcalf Boot-$54.90  www.FlyJane.net

 

Fashionista Offspring!

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The oldest offspring mixes cheap and expensive with a Limited too top (T.J. Maxx)  and a Marc Jacobs skirt (Loehmann’s, N.Y. find).  The leggings/stockings are IISLI (Loehmann’s, N.Y.) that happened to match exactly.    The boots are from Nordstrom’s (Phipps Plaza, Atlanta).  Sunglasses (Bealls outlet).

The baby diva is wearing a faux fur coat with pleather belt (my boutique, last season), Black suede boots (T.J. Maxx),  Hello Kitty watch (N.Y. street vendor). 

Sunglasses(two seasons ago, my boutique).

Yes, these are my girls working at the boutique and dressing mannequins.  The baby diva chose the outfit and accessory and is clearly directing her vision.   OK!

’til tomorrow people!