My FFFWeek

I am so excited to post this entry.  Not because it’s all about me, but because I am passionate about the topic:  Full Figured Fashion Week.  This was the fourth year for the event and it was definitely better than the previous years.  Kudos to Gwen DeVoe and her team for providing a one-of-a-kind experience with some great additions.

There was a sweet twist to Wednesday’s “Curves at Sea” All White Sunset Cruise.  There was the very 1^st FFFWeek Big and Tall Male Fashion Showcase right there on the yacht!  I mean how many shows have you seen on a moving boat?  There was an assortment of men who kept the energy high and all eyes focused.  I was able to get a little footage.  You are more than welcome to check it out below (from my YouTube page).  Outside of the handsome models, the food was great, music kept me moving, and the guests were fresh and clean in their best white ensembles.

Thursday was full of events:  workshops and shopping to networking and a free fashion show at Bloomingdale’s.  Seeing that all of the events were sold out, yes SOLD OUT, a free showcase was easy on the eyes and the pockets (more $ to shop with my dear).  The Bloomingdale’s showcase was an intimate experience with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.  Now with me loving the runway, I secured a great seat and enjoyed the show.  The networking event that night was an awesome idea.  Allowing all members of the plus community (consumers, businesses, models, etc) to mix and mingle is great for building relationships and keeping businesses thriving.  The performances also helped in enjoying the atmosphere.

Friday also included some day and night activities.  I took on the city and did a little shopping at the “Curves in the City” event.  That evening was one of the most anticipated events:  the Indie Designer’s Showcase.  This semi-formal event was a first being dedicated solely to, yeah you guessed it, indie designers.  Speaking of indie designers, I was able to wear a piece by D’Michelle Designs (detrieaburr@yahoo.com).  You should have seen the looks I got on the streets of Manhattan and through the subway.  The show was full of vibrant, sexy, and innovative designs.  There have been blog posts popping up raving about what’s to come in full figured fashion from them and how people are so excited about it.  Hey, here’s another one.  I’m excited too :D  These curves and those designs…nothing but fierce!  The Indie Showcase was followed by the official afterparty where I went, shook my tail-feather, enjoyed the crowd, and high tailed it back to get some rest.  After all, there was still one day left.

Now Saturday’s schedule gave me a chance to breathe a little.  I had all day to relax and prepare for the Retailer/Boutique showcase and Awards ceremony.  Did I do that?  Of course not!  I had lunch in Harlem at Melba’s.  I met some great people and tried some new cuisine.  Make sure you get your taste:  www.melbasrestaurant.com.  I left there just in time to meet with another indie designer to grab my piece for the night.  I wore an edgy but classic curvy number by Confectioners Frock.  Stay tuned for their debut in the upcoming issue of Full Blossom Magazine.  I arrived at the showcase and enjoyed the show and awards.  The décor was elegant and crowd was pumped.  There were swimsuits, bridal gowns, couture pieces, and even lingerie (something for every curvy girl in the building).  The awards ceremony was great.  Felt good seeing people in the curvy community receive recognition for their hard work and influence.  No after party followed, but there was lots of mingling and photos. 

If you missed this year, please start saving up and making plans.  There will be another and I am sure it will be bigger and better.  I hope to see you in June 2013, www.fffweek.com.  Thanks for reading and be sure to subscribe and share.  I took a few photos and put together a little something…enjoy!

Until next time… Andrea

Don’t I Know You?

Being recognized by the public is probably one of the best ways to become famous.  But how does one make that happen?  Be a bad girl, act crazy/extreme, date someone who already has a spotlight, win a contest, join the reality TV family, be a hero to a community…or just one? There are loads of ways to gain the attention of society and possibly even build a brand.  But what costs will you pay?  Will it be your privacy, security, peace of mind, or family and other relationships?  How much do you want that spotlight, even if it is just 15 minutes? 

Whatever your goals, know that your process matters.  People will give you props for your success, but how you got there is just as important.  Your journey is a large part of your legacy.  It is what inspires others and maintains loyal supporters.  Another important thing is what you do with your success.  Yes, take care of your family, momma ‘nem, friends, etc, but remember to give back.  Being able to sow into something or someone you are passionate about speaks volumes to your character and really feels great!  You may find that you reach more in giving from the heart than in any other way.

Some people make a living because people dislike them.  It works in some cases, but who really wants to be the person that others want to see fail?  There is always room for positive and progressive people in the forefront.  Yes, nobody is perfect and bad days are inevitable.  But your attitude, actions, and faith will always help you prevail.  So on your road to stardom or as you are in the limelight, be responsible, confident, and blessed.

Until next time…Andrea M.

Don’t Get Lost

Wow it's June already?!  How time has flown.  I have been on a break from the hustle and bustle of New York for a little while.  A few important things and people required my attention.  Now that I am gaining new focus, I have a different mindset.  I am the type of person who lives life with an open mind, enjoys learning new things, and loves meeting new people.  I have connected with some great people who are working in their purpose and who have inspired me to push forward.  I have matured in different areas and feel great about the future.

As my path takes me further, I remember those who have affected my life.  Their passion for purpose and motivation for success are contagious.  I have been blessed with many talents, similar to those of others.  Just because the talents match doesn’t mean our destinies should.  I am learning to take those contagious qualities and apply them to MY life.

What path are you traveling?  The one that belongs to only you or a pretty good look-a-like?  It may be a little easier or even more lucrative, but is it yours?  Don’t allow yourself to be strayed from YOUR destined path.  Yes you probably have some positive, fun, and productive people around, but they have their own path and agenda.  In some cases, they may even have one for you.  Keep yourself focused and don’t lose sight of your future.  It is very easy to get lost in a crowd, but it can be just as easy to get lost in relationships that can’t handle your destiny.

Until next time…Andrea M.