Big Girls, Don't Cry!

Hello my fashionable dolls! I am here to share some interesting links I stumbled upon while browsing the internet.  Coincidentally enough, they both discuss plus-size clothes, and as a subject matter that rarely gets any press at all, I feel compelled to regurgitate it.

So first up, I found this very interesting article as American Apparel is marketing a very chic size 12 as they encourage girls to post pictures of their "plus-sized" selves.  People can then rank the beauties by how "booty-ful" they may be.  The contest is all in efforts to select a new plus-sized model from the mix. Many people are weighing-in (pun intended) on this contest, debating whether or not this can be viewed as a mockery of plus-sized people, or as an effort to better expose the plus-size market.  Which do you believe it to be? In this writers opinion, the plus-sized market should be more exposed, but I don't necessarily agree with a ranking system for any model of any size.

Now on to the next subject of discussion, an article here that discusses an Australian fashion show called "Big is Beautiful", a self-proclaimed show to highlight the plus-sized clothes/models in the industry. However, while many critique the bodies of skeletal models, one Australian journalist Damian Woolbough discusses the other size of beauty " There is a place for women of all sizes in the fashion media, as seen by the positive response to a plus-size shoot with Lawley in this month'sVogue Australia, but obese models send just as irresponsible a message about the need for healthy eating and exercise as models with protruding clavicles and ribcages." The pictures can be seen on the site. What is your opinion? Healthy or obese models? Frankly, I feel the definition has been re-interpreted as to what is healthy or what is not. 


Otherwise, it's a very happy countdown to Fashion's Night Out 2011 with yours truly setting off to NYC for this years shopping extravaganza! More to come as the night gets closer. 

xx-Christine

Fashion's Night Out! FNO Tank Contest! And Fall Fashion Week Updates!

Hello darlings! First off, I would like to thank everyone that entered the FNO Tank Contest! The winner was randomly selected from a hat with everyone's name on it. Congratulations to the winner, Ashley Vasquez from Washington State University (I am waiting for her to give me permission to post her winning picture, that's why the post is kinda late). Congratulations again, Ashely, and thank you to everyone who entered, followed, or "Liked" The Fashion Monocle on Facebook! (If you didn't "like" it, you have a chance to now!:

And on to Fashion Week! First of all, I hope everyone had a spectacular Fashion's Night Out, or were at least fortunate enough to catch the Vogue Presentation of FNO last night on CBS.  (If not, follow this link, even if you did attend FNO!) The actual night was exhilarating: impromptu fashion shows, models, half-naked women and men walking around, and, of course, free food, fun and goodies were all apart of the magic of FNO.  As previously stated, I ventured to Aventura Mall in Aventura, Florida, just north of Miami.  I attended with my mom and sister, and our first stop of the night was (inadvertinely) Kenneth Cole.  I passed by the store and saw they were selling FNO Gear, so I stocked up on one for my winner and me! Kenneth Cole was offering a free tote with every purchase,

and had wine and cheese to sample, as well as a photo op with your favorite Kenneth Cole saying.  I posed with one that read "Still Undiscovered."

All too-true is that saying and I only hope my desperate plea catches the eye of some Kenneth Cole Rep one day! My sister also snagged a great deal on a red trench while there, a must-have color of the season. After getting a great coupon package from Kenneth Cole to save on future purchases, the night continued on with a William Rast Fashion Show on the ground floor of the mall.  Described by Justin Timberlake as a little bit of country with rock and roll, and ultimately "ideal clothing for the Rat Pack should they be around today", the clothes had a very "New America" about them, think Tommy Hilfiger of today.  Truly an underestimated line. Another stop for the night was Nordstrom, who, to my knowledge, was not having any particular thing going on for the night.  But to my surprise as I entered the building, a gentleman announced that Steve Madden was on the second floor in the shoe department.  I thought I heard him correctly, but I asked him "The Steve Madden?" Yes came the reply, and downstairs I fled to see the twisted line running through t-stands and clothes like a wild  fashion snake of people ready and waiting to see Steve.  I beheld first the sight of Steve Madden, then I took to gawking at shoes a-plenty flying past me on silver trays, being served and suggested from customer to customer by helpful Nordstrom Employees.  My eyes darted from tray to tray, when I spotted a pair of multi-colored glitter dreams, these Steve Madden Snobbie's. What do you think of them? Too Millennium  for you?

Picture from SteveMadden.com

Now, as I approached the line to get in it as I was eager to make this very famous, very popular designer's acquaintance, snap a few pics, and have him sign an autograph, I was told by Steve Madden's "People" that I was not allowed in line, as they had initiated a limit on the amount of people he would see.  I was heartbroken, and very upset.  But my fashionable mood prevailed, and I still snapped a pic of him, below :) haha!

Well, after I left Nordstrom, I wandered over to Intimissy, a bra store, where my mom made some very cute purchases. They had a delightful G.W.P., which was a commemorative bra necklace to celebrate the 100th year of the bra. I always wanted a bra charm!

And so, at the end of my shopping adventure, I made my way to J.Crew, just to check out the deals.  And since I work for J.Crew, I get a pretty sweet discount. So I check out some items and manage to find two pretty cute tops for only twenty bucks total.  Like taking candy from a baby!

Speaking of candy, that was my last purchase of the night: stopping in at the candy store in the mall made my Florida adventure seem a little more New York, remembering Dylan's Candy Bar.  It wasn't the same, but a close second. Now, that is all I have time for today, but I have much more to discuss later (like, duh, FASHION WEEK!)

What are your thoughts or opinions on Fashion Week? What did you do for Fashion's Night Out??

xx-Christine

Countdown to FNO; Shows, Sites, and Steals!

The day before the night everyone is talking about: Fashion's Night Out is set to take the stage tomorrow night; have you made your plans yet? You still have time to create your itineraries on FashionsNightOut.com or search your local malls and events.

You also still have time to enter The Fashion Monocle Exclusive FNO Tank Contest! Here are the three easy steps you need to take to enter:

1. Grab a camera (and a friend)

2. Take a photo of you in your best runway model pose.

3. Email it to fashionmonocle@gmail.com

That's it! If you want EXTRA, NO HASSLE ENTRIES:

1. "Like" The Fashion Monocle on Facebook.com.

2. "Follow" The Fashion Monocle using Google. This will count for TWO ENTRIES!

It's as easy as that! Now! On to the shows!

So far, the fashions of Fall Fashion Week have been structured and polished, a throwback to the 50's fashions. Sachin + Babi were all about the bohemian, fringe, leather, open lace, and small, whispy prints at every turn.

Willow had a grunge-esque feel about it, with a natural vibe.

There will definitely be more reviews of fashion shows coming, but next up would be a sight that I stumbled up on today (but will never forget again).  Have you ever heard of Fashion Tale Magazine? I had not (to my great regret and complete faux pas) and stumbled upon it while finding inspiration at Fashion Gone Rogue, a fabulous site to find inspiration, trends, and gorgeous girls. Not only is Fashion Tale's Exclusive online magazine and website fabulous to read and discover page by page, but so is the option to create your own magazine! If you've ever had the desire to have your own images, thoughts, and ideas in a magazine, this is certainly the site for you. (and me!)

Another site I fell in love with today was chic.tv, and the video on the opening page.  Watch this clip of the movie via YouTube, but please visit chic.tv to watch the full version (it's only twenty minutes long). The most fabulous part of this wedding in particular? Besides her wedding taking place in a French Chateau, the dress was designed by Zac Posen (one of my favorite designers). Watch it, it's definitely worth it! You can also follow Coco Rocha and her blog here.

As far as steals go for the day, I have found one in particular that is just in time for fall (and corresponds to my previous post: Falling for Fashion: Fall Trends the camel-colored Nine West cross body!) A similar style posted within that article from Amazon.com by Nine West is nice and well worth the price, but I have found one at my local Ross store for a mere $14.99,  Nine West as well, and 100% leather. Below is a picture of the steal, and personally, I like the one from Ross much better!

That's all for now darlings! Get excited for tomorrow! I'll be channeling Carrie Bradshaw for my outfit, wear something to-die! Happy Fashion Week!

xx-Christine

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Fashion's Night Out! FNO Tank Give-Away!

For all you fashionable darlings who are scratching your heads trying to figure out how to celebrate Fall Fashion Week can search out the events in your area at The Fashion's Night Out Events Website. There, a list of all of the fabulous design stars, including Jenna Lyons of J.Crew, gifts with purchase at most stores, performances from bands, discounts, in-store makeovers, and free give-aways are detailed and can be added to an itinerary. Manolo Blahnik promises "special appearances", as does Madewell, and I'm crossing my fingers for an SJP and Katie Holmes sighting. Can't make it to the Big Apple in time? (Neither can I, don't be discouraged) Check out the local events listed under the FNO Elsewear Tab. In Florida, Aventura Mall or The Shoppes at Bal Harbour will be the most fashionable venues for the evening, with extended mall hours and special sales. Miami Design District is also hosting an all-out event, details at the site here. Check the listing for your area, don't miss this once-a-year event! If you still can't make it, make it a GNI (Girls Night In) by supporting the cause by purchasing the FNO Official T-Shirts where forty percent of the proceeds benefit the The New York City AIDS Fund in The New York Community Trust. Then, grab a bottle of wine, your favorite girlfriends, and your computer and go to CBS.com and catch up on all things fashion as the fabulous Vogue Contributing Editor Andre Leon Tally shows Erica Hill the best places to shop, the latest fashions, and his personal favorites.

To help support the cause even further (and add a little fun to your night) grab a camera and snap your best catwalk move and send it to me at fashionmonocle@gmail.com for a chance to win the FNO Tank Top! "Like" The Fashion Monocle on Facebook.com for an extra entry! "Follow" The Fashion Monocle for TWO EXTRA entries! No entries accepted past September 13, 2010, winner announced September 14, 2010! Help support the NYC AIDS Fund!

If you want a unique spin on the shirt, check out QVC's exclusive optionRed is definitely in this season!
Check Facebook for FNO events in your area and join the FNO Facebook page for more information!

Read more about FNO from the LA Times and the fabulous 150-model fashion show here!

Pictures from QVC.com and fashionsnightout.com