Many of you know that I am a huge supporter of independent designers especially ones that make clothing either specifically for or including plus sizes. I’ve drooled over pieces from Zana Bayne, Babooshka Boutique and Greta Pollman and worn clothes from the likes of Monif C, Jibri, Norwegian Wood and NaKIMuli. Another favorite of mine is Zoe Phobic who recently released her Spring 2011 collection, BITE. While I loathe most Spring collections for their cliche use of florals and pastels, I’m a huge fan of the nude/camel trend this season. This collection features plenty of that in softly structured pieces like blazers, bodysuits and dresses with interesting bust and shoulder detailing.

Let’s talk the blazers for a second, I am such a blazer fiend but it’s so hard to find the perfect lightweight blazer to go over semi-sheer tops and tanks. Because of this, I fully intend to purchase every single one in the collection. I also love the lace hooded dress (how hot would that be in black?!) and the two-tone dress with the tulip skirt and shoulder detail. The mini dress with bust detailing would be perfect for a night out too.

What do you all think? I think Spring is a more interesting season when interesting shapes are presented rather than the default flowy, bohemian maxi dresses that we are sure to see.

If you want to stay up-to-date, you can “like” Zoe Phobic on Facebook here and check out the Etsy shop, where you can purchase anything featured above here.

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1. Eniko + Abbey Lee + Crystal = Instant win. Totally tacky and campy in the best way possible.

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I’ve been in NYC since Thursday and unfortunately have gotten a terrible cough so I’m not up for tons and tons of words today. Here’s some photos I snapped at Re/Dress and the INDIE+ runway show! Thanks to Deb and Michelle for inviting me to attend!

Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of my outfit on my camera but when the photos come out from the show, I’ll do a proper outfit post.

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Megan Moir Pardy is the designer behind new Australian line, Damn You Alexis, which launched earlier this month. A size 22, she got tired of not finding the clothes she wants to wear in her size, so she set out to make her own. The first collection, Femme Fatale, is for every plus woman who may have browsed Topshop’s racks at one point or another wishing they made things larger than a US12. It’s for the woman who wants to add fashionable, high-quality pieces to her wardrobe to accompany her love of fast fashion. The wide range of little black dresses being offered has something for all everyone as it includes structured pieces, body conscious pieces as well as flowy pieces. In addition to dresses, there’s leggings, skirts, tanks and even a romper to round out the mix. My absolute favorite piece is the Bodycon Dress. The bustier detailing as well as the subtle seaming running down the front of the dress gives off a sultrier feeling. The Bandage Dress has to come in second, I love the draped mesh with side ruching. Simply gorgeous! The line ranges from sizes AUS16-24 but be sure to check out the size chart measurements as sometimes the conversions can be off. This is definitely a line to keep an eye on.

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In conjunction with the fab shopgirls of Re/Dress NYC, I’m giving away a pair of VIP tickets to the INDIE+ runway show Friday, November 12th! Now for those who are unfamiliar with the INDIE+ show, it’s basically a 3-day trunk show where independent plus size designers come to NYC and show/sell their items. To kick off the festivities the right way, there will be a runway show on Friday night featuring all of the designers. This year’s lineup consists of Jibri, Fennimas Jewelry, Cupcake and Cuddlebunny, La’Dan’s Closet, Decadent Designs, Size Queen Clothing, Jessica Pritchett Shoes and Luxidermey by Taueret.

So what does these VIP tickets get you? VIP treatment, access to the back of the house before the show and a chance to meet the designers in person! If you are a blogger, this is something you don’t want to pass up. Even if you aren’t a blogger, it’s a sweet deal! Plus, I hear there will be some amazing people in attendance (and I’m not referring to myself lol).

So if you want to attend (and trust me, you do) then all you have to do is comment on this post WITH your email address. Do not forget to add your email address, I need a way to contact you!

The giveaway ends Wednesday, November 10th at Midnight EST. I will pick the winner using Random.org and contact them Thursday, the 11th. If you don’t win the giveaway and would like to attend, you can purchase tickets! There is only a limited amount available so try to get yours as soon as you can before they sell out.

Also, be sure to follow the INDIE+ blog because they are posting sneak peeks from the designers’ new collections as well as answering any questions you may have.

Good luck and I hope to see you all there!

In the past Etsy spotlights, I’ve written about Babooshka Boutique. The designer, Francesca, has recently launched her new collection of basics with a twist and I’m really loving everything (namely the Faux Leather Box T that I want to wear over a black unitard!). There’s such a lack of chic basic pieces in my wardrobe so I’m ecstatic to have found her last year. These are great for layering or for wearing solely on their own to create more dramatic shapes.

When I attended the One Stop Plus fashion show during New York Fashion Week, I wore the Closed Wing Cardigan (pictured below) from Shanae (sister line to NaKIMuli) and fell in love with its oversized, draped shape. I then realized that I really needed to invest in some great basics that can be worn a variety of ways. Babooshka is full of said pieces and a lot of them are oversized so they’ll fit a larger range of sizes. In addition, Francesca does custom alterations so size isn’t an issue. If you’re interested in anything, currently she’s running a 10% off promotion on BabooshkaBoutique.com, so be sure to check it out!

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As you all know, I’m a bit of an Etsy addict. I can spend hours upon hours searching and finding new places to spend money. A few days ago I came across the Etsy shop Lola Alexander and it was basically everything I need my summer wardrobe to be. In the last post I mentioned that as of now, my summer wardrobe tactic is to wear as little as possible without being naked. With the variations of sheer and lace available in her shop, I think I’ll be able to achieve that. The aesthetic is definitely inspired by Los Angeles but there’s also retro elements as well as punk influences. I knew it was love at first sight because lately I’ve been channeling my inner hippie and wearing all sorts of head accessories.

My favorite pieces are the Scoop Neckline dress (which is cut very low in front to showcase fancy underthings like a bra or corset), Sheer Lace Ruffle Mini Dress and the Two-Way Asymmetrical Top. I also have my eye on the Nearly Bare Lace Skirt as there are so many ways that can be worn. Also, I reached out to the designer and she’s open to making custom garments in any size so if you’re interested in anything, don’t be afraid to send her a convo on Etsy!

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In the short time that I’ve owned this ASOS Curve maxi dress, it has become my go-to dress, my default of sorts. I’ve channeled my inner 90s grunge and worn it with plaid shirts and combat boots. I’ve dressed it up with a black blazer and heels. There’s so many looks you can achieve with it, I love experimenting. I was thinking of the Fall 2010 Marc Jacobs collection and his play on proportions when I put this outfit together. The long, draped effect of the vest over the maxi dress is a combination that I would never normally put together. However, I’m really into longer lengths lately and I’m liking how it turned out.

Earlier this week, a few old co-workers and I got together with Jose Cuervo and celebrated our recent successes. Upon my arrival, one of the first things mentioned was that I looked like Wednesday Addams from the Addams Family, a comparison that I very much so welcome. It was mentioned that my sudden fixation with long dresses and skirts was weird because normally (and especially when we all worked together), I was the queen of short skirts. I guess its all about evolution, right?

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Continuing on with the Etsy spotlights, today we have Greta Pollman, who I also came across courtesy of Charon. What first caught my attention was, no doubt, the black velvet dress with leather panels (pictured below). In combination with the sheer black leggings with the biker details on the knees, I immediately added it to my shopping wishlist. I then took a look at the rest of the collection and found myself wanting almost every piece. At first glance, the clothes may seem deceptively simple but there is some gorgeous detail work in every piece.

According the Greta:

The creation of a new collection usually requires a source of inspiration, a certain ‘required reading’ on my part. This time around with VERB I decided to let go of a certain theme and to put first and foremost the function.

This concept translates in both the choice of organic fabrics like cotton, wool and silk and in the restrained color palette, almost monochromatic but with gentle skin tones.

Building on a background of graphic design and sculpture, I love the adventure of building layers and patterns on the human body to form a living sculpture while also maintaining and encouraging the freedom of movement we all crave.

VERB is a collection designed to be enjoyed by women who desire garments that are smart and practical for everyday use and for the unexpected.

I definitely get the soft structure feeling from the collection which is in an interesting take. There’s been so much of the bold, black, armor-like silhouettes that its nice to get a different spin on it.

Edited to add: I totally forgot to mention it but her size chart goes up to a size 16, however, she is open to making things in larger sizes!

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As we all know, it can be very tedious to sit and go through pages and pages of shops on Etsy, hoping to find something amazing. I’ve come across a few great ones that I plan to spotlight over the next few days so hopefully you’ll see something you love! Charon, blogger of Black Anesthesia, shared some of her favorite Etsy shops with me and upon first glance, I fell in love with the clothes from ZoePhobic. In the latest collection, there’s a mix of delicate femininity and soft structure, which is the only way I’d ever be interested in tans and soft pinks. Shoulder embellishments are also a focal point as there are small origami-like pleats and bold, sharp silhouettes seen on almost every piece in the collection.

The designer behind the magic is 21-year-old Agnes Nora Szimon, who I’ve been in contact with over the past week as I’m getting a few garments custom made. From our many brief Facebook messages and Etsy conversations, she is the sweetest person! I know some people feel weird about asking for custom garments on Etsy, not knowing if the designer would be open to making things in plus sizes, but she was very interested and open to collaboration. I’m excited to see the finished product and of course, it’ll be posted here on the blog upon completion.

If you are like me and are in love with the clothes, you can keep up with Agnes and ZoePhobic on their blog and on Facebook.

ps. Apparently she is working on a new collection which will debut soon! I cannot wait!

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