FFFWEEK 2013 RECAP
Hello Dolls,
Today I returned from my trip to New York for Full Figured Fashion Week 2013. This is my second year attending and I only committed to two events, the "Bloomingdale's" Fashion Show and the "Indie" Fashion Show. I also attended an event sponsored by Torrid that was not affiliated with fffweek. Unfortunately, my camera was not taking good photos so I don't have many to share.
TORRID EVENT
This is what I wore to the event. Top by Rue 107, skirt by Cristina Ehrlich for QVC.
Hosted by Jessica Kane and held in a cute little studio, we were welcomed with open arms. Surrounded by racks of fabulous new clothing by Torrid, we were encouraged to try on and give opinions of anything we desired. I chose to try on a pair of jeggings and a pair of skinny jeans and loved the fit of both! Servers walked the room with trays of yummy little finger foods and complimentary sangria's were at the bar!
The staff of Torrid displayed nothing but gratitude for all of our feedback and proved that they actually listen to it by modifying a couple of pieces based on our opinions. Torrid is a wonderful brand and I highly encourage you to try it! They are coming out with new bras! ;-)
The highlight of the event for me was finally meeting Gabifresh! I must say that she is not at all what I expected her to be in that she seemed a bit shy and secluded, but she's so pretty and such a sweetheart! Her smile will just melt your heart! This is the only picture I got of us and I hate my facial expression! lol
You can see more pics from Torrid event here.
BLOOMINGDALE'S FASHION SHOW
First off, getting to this event was INSANE! It was scheduled to start at 5:30 and getting a cab during rush hour traffic was basically impossible! After trying to get a cab for what seemed like eternity, we set out to walk. Finally, after about a mile of walking a cab was kind enough to stop and give us a lift. At this point I was so hot, sweaty and irritated.
When we arrived at around 5:15, the line was already completely wrapped around the corner. This was proof that it was a very good turn out, but the problem was there were only about 40 seats for approx. 200 people in attendance! Those of us that weren't fortunate enough to get a seat began filling in spots to stand around the runway. This was very uncomfortable because the store still had the areas surrounding the runway full of clothes and display mannequins. A couple mannequins actually fell over because it got so crowded where I was standing.
We stood and stood and stood and still the show did not begin. It was extremely hot and I was growing more and more irritated! The show finally began at around 7pm!! The models were beautiful but the fashion on the runway was not at all what I expected. I shop Bloomingdale's. I love their plus selection, -in my opinion-, it's one of the best plus selections out there. There are so many options but what was chosen for the runway was less than impressive. I honestly feel that some of the bloggers in attendance could have walked the runway in what they came in and put on a better show fashion wise.
One of my favorite designer's is Ralph Lauren and this is what was chosen from his line to walk the runway....
Today I returned from my trip to New York for Full Figured Fashion Week 2013. This is my second year attending and I only committed to two events, the "Bloomingdale's" Fashion Show and the "Indie" Fashion Show. I also attended an event sponsored by Torrid that was not affiliated with fffweek. Unfortunately, my camera was not taking good photos so I don't have many to share.
TORRID EVENT
This is what I wore to the event. Top by Rue 107, skirt by Cristina Ehrlich for QVC.
The staff of Torrid displayed nothing but gratitude for all of our feedback and proved that they actually listen to it by modifying a couple of pieces based on our opinions. Torrid is a wonderful brand and I highly encourage you to try it! They are coming out with new bras! ;-)
The highlight of the event for me was finally meeting Gabifresh! I must say that she is not at all what I expected her to be in that she seemed a bit shy and secluded, but she's so pretty and such a sweetheart! Her smile will just melt your heart! This is the only picture I got of us and I hate my facial expression! lol
BLOOMINGDALE'S FASHION SHOW
First off, getting to this event was INSANE! It was scheduled to start at 5:30 and getting a cab during rush hour traffic was basically impossible! After trying to get a cab for what seemed like eternity, we set out to walk. Finally, after about a mile of walking a cab was kind enough to stop and give us a lift. At this point I was so hot, sweaty and irritated.
When we arrived at around 5:15, the line was already completely wrapped around the corner. This was proof that it was a very good turn out, but the problem was there were only about 40 seats for approx. 200 people in attendance! Those of us that weren't fortunate enough to get a seat began filling in spots to stand around the runway. This was very uncomfortable because the store still had the areas surrounding the runway full of clothes and display mannequins. A couple mannequins actually fell over because it got so crowded where I was standing.
We stood and stood and stood and still the show did not begin. It was extremely hot and I was growing more and more irritated! The show finally began at around 7pm!! The models were beautiful but the fashion on the runway was not at all what I expected. I shop Bloomingdale's. I love their plus selection, -in my opinion-, it's one of the best plus selections out there. There are so many options but what was chosen for the runway was less than impressive. I honestly feel that some of the bloggers in attendance could have walked the runway in what they came in and put on a better show fashion wise.
One of my favorite designer's is Ralph Lauren and this is what was chosen from his line to walk the runway....
We gotta do BETTER!
INDIE FASHION SHOW
I wore this stunning Tiger Lily skirt custom made for me by Charming by Jessica Dee. Love it!
Once again we stood in line. I just don't understand why they can't start receiving attendees as they come. Check the name off the list and let us go find a seat....PLEASE! It is too hot to be standing outside. I must admit that the wait was much shorter than last year. This is my favorite event of fffweek! I just love fashion so much and new designers are so exciting. My fave designers this year were Amiiee by Dunja Messer-Jourdain and Designer of the Year, Rue 114! Click the links to view the collections.
If I had to give my honest opinion, I would say that there is not enough fashion at fffweek. I would love to see more fashion shows! Also, there are too many blogger cliques for me and some folks just don't talk to you at all. This is my second year attending fffweek and I think it may be my last. :-( My experience both times were just not what I expect fashion week to be like. I guess I compare it to straight size fashion week and it's just not the same. We have to step up our game in order for the fashion industry to take us seriously! I also heard that other events were late starting. We gotta get better organized.
I want to close this post by saying that we plus bloggers need to stick together. There are some more successful than others in terms of collaborations with retailers/designers/paid endorsements, etc. but at the end of the day we are all still plus size bloggers who want to make a difference in the fashion game. We need to support one another and stop competing with one another. Be happy when another plus blogger gets an opportunity because it opens the door for our community to grow. Stop throwing shade. Stop back-biting and stop hating!! To those of you that have a large following, you are NOT a celebrity so stop acting like a stuck up diva! Some of you were just out right rude! I honestly fell that some of you have lost sight of why you started blogging to begin with and now it's all about what you can/are getting. You don't love fashion. You use it! I'm so sick of it! That's all.
Kiah
**Added Comment**
Just wanted to add a comment to this post....
I'm in no way, shape, or form trying to disrespect anyone. I actually ran into Gwen DeVoe (CEO of the event) at the Indie Show and she shook my hand and was very very kind to me. I'm so happy that someone saw a need in the plus community and stepped up to the plate. I'm sure it takes a LOT of work to organize such an event which is why I've supported it for 2 years.
Having said that, I fell that as an attendee, who paid for a ticket just like the next girl, that I'm entitled to my opinion about the events that I personally attended. I feel that all feedback, good or bad, should be used to do better and I'm not just giving an opinion without the offer of help. I would LOVE to help on the fashion side in any way that I can. I'm sure a lot of other bloggers would too!
My comments about cliques and rudeness were on a personal level and have nothing to do with fffweek. These are individuals who choose to act this way.
A few of the comments I've received have been wonderful and insightful. One comment said that the more "seasoned" bloggers should be leading by example. Walk the room, mingle with the newbies. Could you imagine how overwhelmed they must feel being around a blogger that could have been the inspiration behind them starting their own blogs?! Another comment said that when we join forces we contribute to the community as a whole. This comment seriously had me thinking. Thinking about all us bloggers out there that would love the opportunity to work with brands. Have any of you that have gotten those opportunities ever mentioned adding other bloggers to the work?
We have to do better with fashion. It's bad enough that the fashion industry provides limited options for us. It makes me think that we're a joke to them. We have to take the limited fashion options and WERK the heck out of them so that we can get more! I see so many things in the straight section that can easily be made in plus size too. It really ticks me off!
We must prove that we have just as much fashion sense as the straight size community. Fashion has no size. If you've got it, you've got it! We have to step up our fashion game....we just have to!
I'm in no way, shape, or form trying to disrespect anyone. I actually ran into Gwen DeVoe (CEO of the event) at the Indie Show and she shook my hand and was very very kind to me. I'm so happy that someone saw a need in the plus community and stepped up to the plate. I'm sure it takes a LOT of work to organize such an event which is why I've supported it for 2 years.
Having said that, I fell that as an attendee, who paid for a ticket just like the next girl, that I'm entitled to my opinion about the events that I personally attended. I feel that all feedback, good or bad, should be used to do better and I'm not just giving an opinion without the offer of help. I would LOVE to help on the fashion side in any way that I can. I'm sure a lot of other bloggers would too!
My comments about cliques and rudeness were on a personal level and have nothing to do with fffweek. These are individuals who choose to act this way.
A few of the comments I've received have been wonderful and insightful. One comment said that the more "seasoned" bloggers should be leading by example. Walk the room, mingle with the newbies. Could you imagine how overwhelmed they must feel being around a blogger that could have been the inspiration behind them starting their own blogs?! Another comment said that when we join forces we contribute to the community as a whole. This comment seriously had me thinking. Thinking about all us bloggers out there that would love the opportunity to work with brands. Have any of you that have gotten those opportunities ever mentioned adding other bloggers to the work?
We have to do better with fashion. It's bad enough that the fashion industry provides limited options for us. It makes me think that we're a joke to them. We have to take the limited fashion options and WERK the heck out of them so that we can get more! I see so many things in the straight section that can easily be made in plus size too. It really ticks me off!
We must prove that we have just as much fashion sense as the straight size community. Fashion has no size. If you've got it, you've got it! We have to step up our fashion game....we just have to!
Comments
I love fashion and I was so disappointed that I did not have the opportunity to see any of the shows, that RL outfit from the Bloomingdale's show was so disappointing that I just could not stay to see anymore! That was something I would put my 3 year old son in, if I had one!
The clicks, oh my gosh you are so right! Everything was just, well...very disappointing. I'm trying to figure out if I will attend in the future or not, but I doubt it. Nothing about FFFWeek, was fun hip or fresh! I got stares from having changed my clothes the day of the Bloomingdales event. You are so right, we have got to do better!!! I'm in the process of writing my write ups and man I'm just not used to writing such bad reviews. :(
Thank you for posting! you look great as always!
I've read a lot of complaints about the fashions in FFFweek. It just shows Plus size fashion still has a long way to go.
and for the attitudes.. I can totally believe it! But just like in any other community there will be a few bad apples but it seems like more and more are popping up. I agree when you said people need to reflect back and remember why they started blogging in the first place!
Ans as for the clicks I've been seeing so many pop up its crazy. But you have to understand why clicks are formed. for some people clicks are like a "Safe Circle" but it can be very damaging to a community. People tend to stay with their groups and not venture off and meet new people. One of perks with blogging in the plus size community is meeting different people with the same interest.
I miss your post, knowledge and inspiration.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
~Whitney
www.whitneynicjames.com
Girl I felt the same way too!! These women has allowed the hype to build up their egos. You are not a celebrity no one offline knows who you are. Be humble and show everyone love. I was not feeling the attitudes nor fashion week =/
As far as the cliques are concerned, it happens online as well. You can tell who they are & I would expect nothing more from those individuals in person. Sad, but true. Keep on being the sweet supportive person that you are.
First and foremost, It was such a pleasure actually meeting you this year at the Torrid event.
You are a total doll!
I have a couple of cute pics that I took of you that I can send if needed! :)
In regards to the events, You know I am right *here* with you on the Bloomingdales snafu. It was disorganized and I don't think as attendees we were given a fair experience.
Overall, my experience with other bloggers was more positive than last year. I feel like I got to meet some great women and I hope that overall we all continue to spread positivity amongst this community. There were a couple bad seeds but I refuse to let them spoil how I feel about the bunch.
SIDE NOTE: Your outfits were adorable and I want to steal your skirts. Tis all lol
Much love,
Lauren
www.KurvayshusB.com
I am sorry you ran into some rude people. I haven't been to FFFWeek yet because it's quite a trip (and budget) from Belgium, but I was thinking of attending next year.
I did a few bloggers meetup in London and everyone was really nice. Maybe because in Europe we seem to be less in "competition" with one another so to speak.
I so agree with you that we must do better. I was shocked at the Bloomies show because last year it was NOTHING like this!
Although I only briefly met you while standing in line at Bloomies, it was such a pleasure to finally meet you and I look forward to seeing you again!
xxx
The Bloomies event was a total disaster. I really hope they can get it together for next year.
XO,
Jenny
:D Sending you love and thank you for sharing! XOXOX
Roni
www.styleandpoise.blogspot.com
Love all your outfits! I hope we get to meet again soon. *fingers crossed*
I've met a blogger before at a conference and was all excited and was shocked that she barely made eye contact. I had to realize that people "on paper" might not be as open in real life.
Now, that I've said that. I've met some messy a$$ people too. One blogger in Dallas whom I've never met bad mouths me to strangers and I've never met her! Blogging can cause people to be "cliquish" . These events sometimes are a disappointment when they don't welcome or acknowledge their audience. In other words... "People need to get their life."
And don't even get me started on how social media makes everyone "overappreciate" themselves. Instagram has made every body feel like they have paparazzi following them and they feed off that energy when they meet someone who recognizes them. (Can you tell I was a psychology minor in college?!? Lol)
Lol. PS ... I WILL meet you one day:)
On a side note...So happy to have met you (as brief as it was). God works in mysterious ways all the time! I'd read on instagram that you and Garnerstyle would be at the H&M on 34th street if anyone wanted to join (I sure did!) but I had my beautiful goddaughters so it was a no-go. It was SUCH a pleasant surprise when who else but you, Ms. Rez to the City, walked up to me for directions! You are just as beautiful in person!
xo
Tiffany
p.s. Thank you for wearing polka dots that day. I'd just spent a half hour convincing my 6-year old goddaughter that her graduation dress was not to "polkadotty" and after we left you she told me she loved your outfit.
Clicks, yes...high school all over again, nightmare. the "blogger fame" goes to peoples heads. I saw it during fffweek and is was really bothering me.
XOXO
What an epic downer! We had our first Plus Size Fashion Weekend here in London this year and it was pretty badly organised overall. It had its moments, (mine was meeting Kelly B from Fatshion Insider, who was really lovely), but the whole time I was thinking, "I bet FFFW is a hundred times better than this", so it's sad to hear to the contrary, especially as the event has been going for several years.
I'll admit that I don't always speak to people because I don't know if they'll know me or if they even want to be bothered but that's a chance that I probably should take.
I tell people all of the time that I'm not a fashion girl. I know what I like and don't like but I don't consider myself a fashion blogger. The plus size industry isn't in a place where the fashion you see on the runway is seasons ahead anyway so it's all accessible on the web.
With that being said, I don't attend FFFWeek for the fashion, I attend it for the camaraderie. Even if I see a handful of my curvy girlfriends, that's more than I see at home. Unless you live in New York or LA, FFFWeek is our only chance to connect with women like us and for me that's the experience that I'm after.
I would never encourage you to lower your expectations but I would say be honest in those expectations and the only thing any of us can do is to make the best of the situation.
I'm a relatively new reader of your blog and I hope you attend next year because I would love to meet you. After reading some of the comments, I now know that I have to be willing to say the first hello at times too, even when I'm feeling a little shy.