In the heat of the night...

EMF Pt.II

During the EMF, one of the most popular plus size designers, MonifC held a shopping event at Voluptous Vixen in the French Quarter. I go to VV everytime I visit New Orleans and always purchase something. Jackie, the store owner, carries high end plus size lines and I always manage to find something I can't find anywhere else. I have met Monif on several occasions and she is always sweet and helpful. With the help of her amazingly funny/nice/helpful/honest assistant Brandon, I was able to convince my friend LaToya into trying on (and later purchasing) one of Monif's famous convertible dresses:

 store owner, Jackie

 Monif looking good!

the winner!!!

P.S. I had mentioned in the previous post how I was apart of a fashion show during the EMF...well the pictures are finally up! http://photos.essence.com/galleries/emf_2011__real_girl_fashion_show#855243

 





Essence Music Festival 2011

Over the 4th of July weekend, I attended the Essence Music Fest...I've been to this festival before and I always have a blast. Music, food, tons of beautiful black folks and cheap liquor...seriously, what more could you ask for??? My challenge was to pack 4 days of worth of clothing, shoes AND accessories without going over the airline weight limit. (I ALWAYS fail at this; seriously, it's bad. My bag is usually 53lbs) I was successful this time around: 44.5lbs!!!!

Scarf as shirt: Nordies Rack, Skirt: F21, Shoes: Report Signature, Clutch: vintage

Dress: Envi, Shoes: Chinese Laundry, Bracelet: Nordies Rack

Dress: Leifsdottier, Clutch: Charles David, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Cuff: handmade by Robyn. I wasn't able to get a close up on this dress, but the detail is awesome...tons of folds and a drape-like effect.

Romper: F21, Flats: no name brand from the Garment district in L.A, Clutch: vintage, Turban: scarf from F21

 (tired much??)

Jumpsuit: Asos, Belt: Chico's, Clutch: boutique in New Orleans from 2008, Shoes: Report Signature

Dress: vintage (it has pockets!!!). It's deadstock from Montgomery Ward :-)

Included in the EMF festivities, they also hold tons of seminars and events inside of the Convention Ctr. One of these events was a "Full Figured (mini) Fashion Show". Lauren, Toya and I were approached by Zandile Blay (she was absolutely adorable/sweet) asking for us to walk the show. Initially, we were supposed to hang out at the convention center for a couple of hours and move on to a daytime party. After about a 2 minute debate, we said "F it" and walked in the show. It was both terrifying and exciting...I hate a bunch of people looking/staring at me (makes me super uncomfortable) and it seemed like they were 100's of people in the audience. Everyone seemed to love my "go to" outfit and my clutch (it's not pictured, but I carried the above orange Charles David clutch). The video was livestreamed on Essence.com and as soon as I find details about the event, I'll post it here. (I'm so not a model; my face is all wonky because I was trying to walk and smile at the same time LOL)

Scarf worn as shirt: F21, Belt: Ashley Stewart, Shorts: F21 (I distressed them myself), Shoes: Chinese Laundry, Accessories: vintage, various flea markets and street vendors.

My lovely photogs for the weekend, Toya and Lauren...aren't they beautiful???