the sweet lark

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

New York State of Mind

It's Finally hear dolls! Sonsi Full Figured Fashion Week! I am packing a bag and heading east for FFFWeek! Here's an idea of my clothing inspiration for the extra long fashion forward weekend. Comfort rules while attaining to remain chic while beating the heat! What do you think of my traveling wardrobe?

This month the positive body image advocate behind Vogue Curvy and editor of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani has put three plus sized models on the cover of the June issue of Vogue Italia. Models Candice Huffine, Robyn Lawley and Tara Lynn are showing off their curves in a gorgeous black and white lingerie shoot by Steven Meisel. Sozzani also currently has a campaign on the site against pro anorexia websites. I am grateful to such a healthy celebration of the female form in the world's dominant fashion magazine. Vogue Italia has had issues completely dedicated to Black models in 2008 and more recently provacative issues with controversial editorial shoots around the themes of rehab and the chase for youth through plastic surgery. Vogue Italia is easily the vanguard and representing fashion in a way that respects it as an art form. As we know art should be available to everyone. Let's hope couture and rtw by our favorite high end designers will be closely following Vogue Italia's lead when it comes to size acceptance. If Lanvin can tackle children's clothing they should certainly be able to consider full figured women as a potential market, as we are ready and willing.

I will arrive for a blogger's luncheon on the 18th and the Fashion Week Finale Fashion Show, and then look forward to three days of quality time with one of my favorite cities! Of course a trip to NYC would not be complete without a trip to the Metropolitan Museum for the Alexander McQueen Exhibit.

I'll also be spying for my major fashion crush Daphne Guinness and checking out the famous Re/Dress NYC in the flesh. I suspect a mini spree wll be in tow this trip.

Social Media is an amazing thing. Two months ago I did not know that there was such a thing as Full Figured Fashion Week. How awesome is this small social media world of ours that I'm looking forward to meeting in the flesh people who have already inspired me to change my life and pursue my dreams by their mere existence. It is a beautiful thing! If you are in NYC and would like to touch base send me a line! To a fabulous month darlings!

Grease

Grease by Vanessa Leigh featuring ASOS

Aso
$46 - asos.com

Day dresses-eShakti.com
$60 - eshakti.com

Alright Darlings! It's getting tot hat time where I have to decided what to wear to Grease! The above are my option inspirations. Obviously I tend toward the sweet but love a pink ladie in any incarnation. Opinions?

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Paris in the 20's

I am very much a visual creature as are most style-o-philes, soaking up every lovely thing before me. After weeks of attempting to get to the movies I finally succeeded. Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris was the film of choice. I have a special place in my heart for neurotics and romantics. His subject staple.

There are some stunningly funny and fabulous caricatures of the great artists and icons of the 20's. Allen's ode to Romantics who fantasize about living in another time suits me well, however flawed or delusional we might be. It is sweet, sentimental and rings true.. It certainly inspired me to consider a life in Paris...

If you could have dinner with anyone from anytime?

My guest list:

Dali

Frida Kahlo and Josephine Baker

Coco Chanel

My wardrobe inspiration because of course dinner would easily become a fortnight of wicked conversation, debate and creation :

xo <3

Sunday, May 29, 2011

grease lightening!

On June 24, some of my girlfriends and I will be attending the 2nd Annual Grease Sing-A-Long at the Hollywood Bowl I have loved this movie from the age of 6. My mother says that I danced down the aisle when the movie came out in 1978 and I remember putting the two album soundtrack on the record player repeating every song.

A long time has passed but I am the same giddy kid in love with the same summer luvin story. When I think of the movie Grease I want to be a Pink Lady, which one is to be determined. But a decision must be made soon cuz I am making my Grease ensemble to be sure!

In the mean time a lot has come onto my plate. I have been given an amazing opportunity to contribute my business card to a friends product in a celebrity swag bag. Wow. Of course this calls for a photo extravaganza and some new postings for My Etsy shop. I just recently met some awesome new folks on the same page and path and became an insider to one of my favorite summer arts series. And equally exciting, a new curvy bloggers luncheon invitation spurred me to go for it and attend NYC Full Figured Fashion Week. Plane ticket bought and can't wait to meet, engage and learn from other curvy fashion lovers, writers and designers.

These opportunities have come quickly and while I am still working on new merchandise and original designs. I have had to step up and I am proud of myself for doing so. Opportunity knocks and I for the first time in a long time, I am ready and waiting. The last week has definitely felt like grease lightning.

Keeping up with all that is still scary a happy challenge, but more importantly, what to wear!?

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

happy hunting

This week has been CRAZY! I recently began volunteering with Create Now, an AMAZING non profit here in Los Angeles dedicated to matching mentors with impoverished kids and young adults. I've been working on my etsy shop, SweetLeigh and my Facebook Page which is now up! Its been quite a laborious week and will continue to be as i get ready to vend at the Silverlake Farmer's Market this Saturda May 14! Woohoo!

In the meantime I thought I'd celebrate some recent thrift store gems. Not only have i been crazed but i've found some CRAZY AMAZING gems in my "me time!" My favorite thrift store has been CRAZY GOOD to me. Just some of the loveliness i scored below: