skorch may 2012
voice of an
industry
denee
marie
exclusive interview with
the curvy fashionista
skorch magazine EXCLUSIVE BONUS ISSUE FEATURING MARIE DENEE of the curvy fashionista
real style. real women.
COVER IMAGE CREDITS
Photography by Will Utley \ will.utley@gmail.com
connect skorchmag.com twitter.com/skorchmagazine facebook.com/skorchmagazine youtube.com/skorchmagazine info@skorchmagazine.com
THIS EXCLUSIVE ISSUE BROUGHT TO YOU BY SEALED WITH A KISS DESIGNS
SWAKDESIGNS.COM
masthead PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ Jessica Kane SENIOR EDITOR \ Tiffany Kaelin Knight MANAGING EDITOR \ Courtney Mina EXECUTIVE FASHION EDITOR \ Bella Styles SPECIAL PROJECTS CREATIVE DIRECTOR \ Jovanna Reyes NYC EDITOR-AT-LARGE \ Kellie Brown CELEB EDITOR-AT-LARGE \ Rosie Mercado LATIN AMERICA EDITOR-AT-LARGE \ Jennifer Barreto-Leyva JR FASHION EDITOR \ Nicole Anderson EDITOR \ Mandy Allen SKORCH TV HOST \ Marcy Guevara SKORCH TV HOST \ PassionJonesz SKORCH TV HOST \ BabyTigga23 SKORCH TV HOST - NUTRITION WITH MARGAUX \ Margaux Jean SKORCH RADIO HOST \ Trinia Dotson CO-FOUNDER \ Carrie Woomer
industry
marie denee voice of an
by jessica kane editor-in-chief project production by cali ann lee
Marie Denee is one of the founding bloggers of the plus size fashion community and has been “keeping it curvy” since 2008. She works behind the scenes as much as you see her out and about, her authentic passion for fashion rings true with her readers who come by the thousands to support her blog, e-book and events.
She is a the creator and voice of The Curvy Fashionista®, Fashion Editor for Plus Model Magazine, a representative for Marina Rinaldi, worked with Chevrolet in the Cruzarati Campaign, Teen Vogue Plus Fashion Blogger at MAGIC and now the 2012 Full Figured Fashion Week™ Blogger of the Year among so many more achievements! I look to Marie as an authority as well and have had the pleasure to work with her and this is why I am calling her a Voice of an Industry, she’s a fashion compass that we all look to and we are honored to feature Marie in this exclusive issue.
MAY 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG5 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM
APRIL 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG6 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM
CONGRATS marie!
APRIL 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG7 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM
q&a
interview by tiffany kaelin knight senior editor
First, welcome Marie! We are so excited to feature you and chat a bit! Can you tell me a little bit about all of the things you have going on?
Thank YOU for reaching out to me! All the things I have going on? Let’s see, currently I am collaborating with Marina Rinaldi on their new Facebook App “You are the Expert”, I have my eBook Keeping it Curvy.Confident.Chic., I have recently celebrated my blog turning three. Oh, and I most recently returned back from the MAGIC tradeshow! I have a few more projects coming up that I cannot share yet, but definitely exciting! Magic is a big deal for any lover of fashion, what part did you play at the convention?
I attended Magic tradeshow as one of the bloggers for the Teen Vogue blogger lounge. As the plus size fashion blogger, I sat on a few panels, toured the booths and scouted out new lines that were carrying plus sizes! Are there any exciting new designers or trends happening for the plus size fashion world? There are always new trends and designers! I am really excited for 17 Sundays, Cult
of Cali, excited about KYS and what Chan.nel Karma has out! In regards to the
trends, I have the sweetest spot for maxi and midi skirts with tons of sheer play! Really excited about that! That and my childhood love for jumpsuits and rompers. For some reason, they are always quite comfy and sweet. In your opinion, being at a convention like
MAGIC, how is plus size fashion perceived by everyone else in the fashion world? I am really excited that MAGIC (the tradeshow as a whole) has taken notice of the plus size consumer and has really paid attention to bringing awareness and shining the light on this industry. I think plus size fashion, especially for those who are not so involved, is quite an alluring mystery. They know dollars are there, they know the customers will buy, I think or find its more of an educational gap or true understanding of how the plus size woman buys. Are we finally being taken seriously and looked at as viable buyers? I truly feel, from my last two visits to MAGIC that there is a slow change and welcome to this consumer. While I was there I met a few designers who launched or expanded their offerings beyond the exclusive cuts for the department stores! Is there anything blatantly and obviously lacking in the plus size fashion world? That is such a loaded question that I am not even sure that I could answer that without giving you an essay! Overall, there is so much room for growth within the plus size fashion community. From the buyers understanding what the plus size woman wants to the designers not holding back and being innovative. The
community as a whole is definitely growing with more options than we had ten years ago! In your book you talk about tips and tricks for the plus size lady, is there a possibility for a second book?
MAY 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG8 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM
Hehe! Yes, I have been thinking about the next steps and the next chapter to follow up on this. I am only in the thinking stages right now! As you know Skorch Magazine is a great resource to find plus size fashion bloggers, what can you tell our bloggers and all of our aspiring bloggers is a key to having a successful blog? Find your own voice. Stay consistent. Create your own path and do not look at blogging as a way to make money or to get famous. While that can happen, if your focus is too “me” driven, your readers will know and see right through that. Authenticity is sooo key! I also must note, that one must crawl before you walk. If you have 10 readers, that is a great feat! Staying consistent and delivering great content for your audience is one great way to grow over time. The bloggers who are big now did not start yesterday. Many have been in the game 3 years +! I really think it is about building a solid foundation of you, your brand, and your message. The rest will come over time and persistence! There are so many people that are blogging now, what can someone do to set their blog apart or what are some new options for bloggers, so that it is just not OOTD’s? This is a bit hard to answer. Your blog is reflective of YOU. As eclectic or minimal as you are. I would suggest listening to your readers, are they asking for more? Does your life expand beyond the outfits? For me, I have never really been a big outfit poster. Most of my time is behind the computer and in my PJ’s. But, in listening to my readers, I started doing them, sharing my own style - more relaxed and laid back than others. I live in lounge wear and even my besties make fun of me at how dressy my relaxed clothes are, but hey - its me. Also, I suggest the blogger find and share what she feels most comfortable with and stay the truest to who she is. As she grows, so will
her blog. I received the most pertinent piece of advice when I first started blogging: What you start your blog is now will be different in a year from now, and that is okay. As you evolve, so will your blog. Full Figured Fashion week is coming up, what role will the Curvy Fashionista play there? I am actually part of the production team for Full Figured Fashion Week and have been since inception! I work with the bloggers for the Fashion Front and I am moderating a panel for Blogging 101! It is no secret there is some drama and some very mean spirited things that happen in the plus size community even by fellow plus sizers…how do you manage to rise above and stay friendly with all in the community? I am the consummate girl scout and love to keep peace. I honestly feel that we
get enough criticism and are fighting for our right to be fashionable that there is no need to tear down our sisters. I also believe in Karma and the Golden Rule.
But overall, I really try not to focus on the drama nor do I invite it into my space. I have enough to deal with without the weight of drama on my shoulders. My blog is about empowering and uplifting women and this is true in my personal life. It is a reflection of me. I do not like to dwell on the bad, I have to look at life with the glass half full. This does not mean I do not see nor turn a blind eye to the drama, I have to focus my energies on the positive side of things. That’s just how I am wired :)
That’s fantastic Marie, love your positive attitude and you’re truly such a role model and inspiration. Now, for a little fun, let’s do eight questions!
MAY 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG9 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM
industry
marie denee voice of an
connect with marie
www.thecurvyfashionista.com www.twitter.com/mariedenee www.facebook.com/thecurvyfashionista book: www.curvyconfidentchic.com www.mariedenee.com
questions 8 West Coast or East Coast fashion? West Colored jegging or play suits? Play suits
Melissa McCarthy or Octavia Spencer? Octavia Bold Striped or Flirty Florals? Bold Stripes Twitter or Facebook? Tie Blogger or Wordpress? Wordpress Little black dress or long black maxi? MAXI! End it on a funny note like David Beckham or Brad Pitt? Brad Pitt! MAY 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG11 \ Š SKORCHMAG.COM
www.waplusamerica.com
APRIL 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG14 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM
project APRIL 2012 EXCLUSIVE \ PG15 \ © SKORCHMAG.COM
thank you for reading
Thank you to team Skorch for making this exclusive issue happen! And, thank you to our amazing sponsors. We are always on the look out for new style talent, so if you would like to join the SKORCH Blogger Network and our global team of editors, visit us at www.skorchmag.com!
connect with us skorchmag.com twitter.com/skorchmagazine facebook.com/skorchmagazine youtube.com/skorchmagazine info@skorchmagazine.com