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#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

Instagram/Curvysta

Twitter/Curvysta

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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PLUS NIGHT OUT 2014 RUNWAY-ASHLEY STEWART

| CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Ashley Stewart delivered the top trends of the fall season at Plus Night Out 2014, the only exclusively plus fashion event during New York Fashion Week.  Tough girl cutouts, bold fur, patterns, color and just enough sparkle!

Ashley Stewart entregó las principales tendencias de la temporada de otoño en el Plus Night Out 2014, el evento sólo exclusivamente para la moda plus, durante la Semana de la Moda de Nueva York. Recortes de chica dura, piel acentuado, patrones audaces, color y suficiente chispa!

All photos by Doug Swaim of NFPhotography.com

ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: APRIL SHARI
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MODEL: APRIL SHARI

 

ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: YASNELY LOPEZ
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MODEL: YASNELY LOPEZ
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: JESSICA LIKAS
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MODEL: JESSICA LIKAS(TRUE MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: MONIQUE ROBINSON
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MODEL: MONIQUE ROBINSON(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: FERIN CATLETT(IPM MODELS)
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MODEL: FERIN CATLETT(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: SAMANTHA LEBBIE(IPM MODELS)
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MODEL: SAMANTHA LEBBIE(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: JESSICA GUZMAN(IPM MODELS)
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MODEL: JESSICA GUZMAN(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: LAURA LEE JOHNSON
ASHLEY STEWART
MODEL: LAURA LEE JOHNSON(BICOASTAL MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: ALIYAH CHERRISSE
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MODEL: ALIYAH CHERRISSE(TRUE MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: R. SERAPHIN(IPM MODELS)
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MODEL: R. SERAPHIN(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: SOMMER GREEN(IPM MODELS)
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MODEL: SOMMER GREEN(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: LIZ SHAR(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART
MODEL: LIZ SHAR(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: LAURA JOHNSON(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART
MODEL: LAURA JOHNSON(IPM MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART MODEL: VANESSA MAY HINDS(BICOASTAL MODELS)
ASHLEY STEWART
MODEL: VANESSA MAY HINDS(BICOASTAL MODELS)

Curvysta Sculpture in HOMEGOODS

| CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

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.

The Miss Tina Collection by Tina Knowles at Walmart

| CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Hi Curvystas,

I no longer live near a Walmart so as soon as I was able to get there, I headed straight to the Miss Tina Collection by Tina Knowles.  There were three racks of clothing to select from.  Out of those three racks, I honestly only liked three pieces.  I know its Walmart, but I expected a little more from the collection.  Norma Kamali delivered a great selection and better cut clothing for the plus size woman.

The first piece I tried on were her knit leggings with an attached miniskirt.  This was my favorite piece, although the skirt could be just a tad higher on the waistline for comfort and to avoid belly rollover.  It is 96% polyester and 4% spandex and was $15.00.

The second piece was an embellished long sleeve top made of 96% polyester and 4% spandex and $15.00 as well.  The length of the top was great.  It hit almost mid thigh, so its something you can actually wear with leggings or jeggings and not feel like your exposing to much bottom.  I tried it on with the skirt/legging piece and the proportions were wrong together.  I would love this top to wear with black leggings or tight jeans, maybe even a longer pencil skirt and a body shaper.

The last piece I tried on was a woven taffeta jacket with stretch fabric built into the sides.  The jacket had great hanger appeal but once I put it on I was soooo disappointed.  The closure was too high on my stomach.  The attached belt does not give allowance for women that may choose a more structured belt.  I hate fabric belts.  It accentuates my problem area.  The reason I was soooo disappointed is that the jacket had potential.  The collar and the sleeves are amazing.  The sleeves were 3/4, with just enough pouf without reminding you of the 80’s but the elastic at the end of the sleeve cheapened it.

The fabric reminded me of the old Adidas workout pants that made noise when you walked.  Like plastic rubbing together or sitting on your grandmother’s sofa.  It was $25.00 and the woven taffeta is really polyester.

I didn’t buy anything from Miss Tina but I did leave with this great t-shirt.  I plan to wear it with one of my many black blazers.  What do you think too much for a PTA meeting?  And I could not leave without my Wonder Woman wallet.   All I need are my gold cuffs and red and white bustier.  If only I could find a golden lasso.

NY Street Style on 34th

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Last week I was in NY doing business and I couldn’t help myself.  I had to stop these people and take their picture.  The first pic I took in front of Daffy’s, I’m so upset I didn’t get a chance to shop that day.  She will remain nameless, but not fashionless.  She was statuesque, therefore able to carry her great do and accessories.  I wish I could record her personality.  She was as bubbly and as kind as she looks.  What a pleasure to chat with.  I hope she and her friends found a great place for cocktails!

This young man just finished a job interview with Cosmopolitan Magazine.  Do I know how to pick them?  He looked more like a Londoner, than NYorker.  I love the texture of his jacket and the fact that it was only 3/4 sleeve length, was even sexier.  His sunglasses were a tortoise shell, the photo is too dark to show how truly chic they are.  The mother in me wanted to give him a scarf, since it was a little chilly and I must say, I wanted to snatch those McDonald fries right out of his hands. (I was starving.)  Good luck Brandun!

This adorable woman’s sweet pink shoes caught my eye and I love how she transitioned her shorts into fall with the opaque stockings.  She looked comfortable and stylish.  As we go into winter, she could wear them with riding boots and thicker stockings to ward off the chill.

Homecoming Shoe Decision 2010

Drumroll please!  My daughter chose to wear the Suede Ankle Wedges with a dress that I had in my last boutique; even though I did buy her a new dress.

She looked FABULOUS!  I also added the picture with her father.  He really didn’t want to let her go.  I pray that he makes it through four cycles of female teenagedom!  We’ve only just begun!