SKORCH Plus Size Fashion Magazine with Plus Size Style Tips

Page 1

MAGAZINE / BLOG / TV

OCT 2012

EVENTS OOTD’s MEET TEAM SKORCH MISS PLUS WORLD

Rosalynn Minaya EXCLUSIVE Doria Pagnotta of Jerseylicious

COVER GIRL ASHLEY ROSE








Photography by Nichole Alex MUA: Miss Bellisima Hair: Daniel Koye John Calado

Models: Rosie Mercado Daniela Durante Michael Simsek Dominik Mager




skorch magazine real style. real women.

MASTHEAD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ Tiffany Kaelin Knight MANAGING EDITOR \ Courtney Mina EXECUTIVE FASHION EDITOR \ Bella Styles CELEB EDITOR-AT-LARGE \ Rosie Mercado LATIN AMERICA EDITOR-AT-LARGE \ Jennifer Barreto-Leyva JR FASHION EDITOR \ Nicole Anderson EDITOR \ Mandy Allen SKORCH TV PRODUCER \ Jovanna Reyes SKORCH TV HOSTS \ Shanda Freeman - Passion Jonesz - Rosie Mercado Dezzie - Nicole Zepeda - Jessica Lika - Jessica Kane SKORCH TV HOSTS - NUTRITION WITH MARGAUX \ Margaux Jean SKORCH RADIO HOST \ Trinia Dotson CO-FOUNDER \ Carrie Woomer PUBLISHER & OWNER \ Jessica Kane OF JESSICA KANE AGENCY

connect skorchmag.com twitter.com/skorchmagazine facebook.com/skorchmagazine youtube.com/skorchmagazine info@skorchmagazine.com


curvy chat

L

Are You Too Fashionable for the Workplace? By Bella Styles, Skorch Executive Fashion Editor

et’s face it, we all have come across co-workers who are either annoying, brown-nosers or just gossip all day long. But have you ever encountered ‘haterism’ because of your attire? I call them the “Fashionhaters”. That’s my topic for today. Are you too fashionable for your workplace? This subject hits home for me because I have always stood out with my sense of fashion. I remember back in the day when animal-prints first became popular I wore a cow-print coat to the movies and was the laughing stock when I walked in. (At least I thought I was). I guess my city just wasn’t ready for my style back then. Or then there was the case where I was in middle school and decided to dress-up one day just because and one of my enemies squeezed a tube of Vaseline on my outfit which then caused us to end up fighting right there in the middle of the class. But as a teen certain behaviors are expected from other youth because not everyone knows how to compliment another. But you would expect as an adult things to be more subtle. But noooo honey boo boo chile, I just had to say that, lol. I have discovered that even in the workplace, co-workers and employers can act like high-schoolers when it comes to other fashionable employees. Take for instance, when I worked as a legal secretary some years ago, one time I had a co-worker to tell me straight up, “I hate you because of the way you dress”. What was funny was that another co-worker had said the exact same thing to me so it was obvious that they were talking behind my back previously at some point. What I find that it is always the WOMEN who do this to one another. What is the harm in complimenting the next woman on her attire? I had that same co-worker who “hated” on me to come back and ask me, on numerous occasions, where to go shopping for deals and fashionable items. She also knew that I was a personal shopper in my spare time but yet she didn’t want to pay me for my services. So there-

fore I guess she hated on the fact that she couldn’t get free labor out of me as well, lol. Then on another job I had a co-worker, not even my direct boss, to address to me a concern that other persons have seen pics of me standing in front of the building, which I took before work and I also cropped the pics so that no one saw the business name. Hmmmm, that sounds like someone stalking my website to me. I mean how else are you seeing my pics when I don’t have them anywhere but online? What harm is it to take a pic in front of a wall or tree? Sometimes co-workers are so in your wallet they can’t figure out how it is that you can dress a certain way on your salary. But if they were stalking my website correctly then they would realize that some outfits are gifted to me to do reviews on since afterall I am a blogger too. But I just laugh, and I won’t let that stop me. I’ll just go elsewhere to take my pics from now on. Oftentimes people think that they’re hurting you or stopping your success but I always say, “What GOD has for you NO ONE can stop”. Point is women hate on other women and often times it’s just simply materialistic. As plus-size women for many years, and we still have a little ways to go, we have been looked down on in the “mainstream” fashion world as not being “stylish or model material”. That’s why I always went the extra mile to keep my appearance up to prove ‘society’ wrong. But when you have other women around you, and to my surprise, were also plus-size, you would think that there wouldn’t be so much haterism. I almost came to the point of trying to down-play my fashion sense but that’s just not me. Why shouldn’t I express myself in a classy way while in the office atmosphere? After all, you are in an office setting and should be dressed for the corporate world. As long as you’re not wearing club gear who cares about the haters. Sound off below with your comments or personal stories relating to this matter.



curvy chat

The Perfection V By Jessica Kane, Owner & Publisher

In a day where the perfection virus is at an all time high, Skorch teamed up with powerhouse retailer Lane Bryant to bring the Real is Perfect Campaign. Completely raw and real, no photoshop or photo manipulation. We are bombareded nearly 6,000 times a day with media imaging, and of that, 99.9% is showing you a fake reality of perfect skin, eyelashes (don’t get me started on the mascara commercials!) and perfect hair. And, even though we all KNOW it’s not real, we are

subliminally being told what we should look like, and whether we want it to or not, it defines our definition of beauty. With everything I do, I hope to contribute to the re-calibration of our beauty definitions and show more than one kind of beauty. I dreamed of this campaign with all sizes of women (thin too!) of all ethnicites coming together to create my dream empowerment photo... REAL IS PERFECT. This idea has been with me for years, and as I did more of what I do, I realized what I stood for


Virus kept narrowing down to one thing... real. In a world of over photo-shopped and digitally created images, I feel we need more diversity, and images of those gorgeous diverse women looking as they do in life - REAL. Which is also why Skorch is dedicated to showcasing the bloggers of the world who represent women like you and me. I dreamed of some of the most influential style bloggers I know, stripped down to a white shirt and jeans, taking away the armor of fabulousness to con-

nect on a human and raw level. Some might call me crazy, but thankfully our presenting sponsor Lane Bryant thought it was brilliant and signed up. Then, I reached out to these ladies, all extremely busy and sought after, my dream "cast", and they all said yes and met me downtown in NYC, on a Sunday, on Father's Day to shoot this campaign at the drop of a hat for free. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ladies!!! Now meet the women behind REAL IS PERFECT.

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG15 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Denim and Tank Top Provided by

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG16 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


rosie I

t all started with Rosie. I've known Rosie forever!! She is a mogul in the making ladies. And it's so amazing to see her MAKING her dreams come true. She is a makeup artist, spokeswoman, model, host and so much more plus she has her own online store which is slightly addictive - www.shoprosiemercado. com. She's also a Skorch Mag editor and one of the stars on the new reality show Curvy Girls on NUVO TV and they were filming while in NYC, I asked her to be apart of this and she said we needed to film it for the show! One thing led to another, the production team loved it and they showed up to film and now you'll be able to watch us shoot this campaign this season on Curvy Girls! Check www.mynuvotv.com for showtimes.


nadia A

nd what’s an empowerment campaign without THE NADIA.

Nadia Aboulhosn. She stands for everything fierce and is known for the NADIA pose. She’s a model, designer and blogger known around the world for blazing her own style path. She isn’t trying to be the next “whoever”, but she’s the first Nadia and I love her for that. She is the epitome of authentic and humble confidence. Read her blog here www.nadiaaboulhosn.com.


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG19 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Denim and Tank Top Provided by

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG20 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


jessica It was my dream to do this photoshoot and it would not have been possible without the ladies and the man behind the lens, the amazing Stanley Desbas. Thank you Stanley! For more about my projects and Real Is Perfect, visit my blog at www.lifeandstyleofjessica.com and Full Body Photo Project.


Denim and Tank Top Provided by


samantha M

eet Samantha Morris, one of my favorite ladies.

Originally I was only going to have 5 ladies, but then I met Sam. When I was in NYC for FFFWeek in June 2012, I roomed with her and two other fab ladies from down under. She is a 26 year old Plus Size Model from Australia, living in the whitsundays (a Melbourne girl originally) and signed with ‘Real Women Australia’s Curvy Revolution’.

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG23 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


kari K

ari Hansbarger is obviously not plus size, which is why I HAD to have her! She one of the women behind the scenes creating empowering content and curating plus size collections along with Aimee Cheshire at MadisonPlus.com. She was surprised when I asked her ...thinking I meant I only wanted plus size women, but for me Kari represents real women too and this campaign couldn’t have been the same without her.


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG25 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


passion I f you don’t know Passion Jonesz, you will soon. I met this girl on Youtube last year and she just had that IT, that something and we asked her to be apart of SKORCH. Her blog and YT channel (24,000 subs strong!) have blown up and not from luck, but hard work and knowing what her viewers relate to. Her style is amazing, she is authentic and true to herself and I’m in awe of the person she is and I know she’s will be. This girl is destined.

Catch her videos at www.youtube. com/passionjonesz and soon you’ll be shopping her new plus fashion line she’s developing! Can. Not. Wait.


Denim and Tank Top Provided by

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG27 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


T

hank you so much to the ladies Rosie, Nadia, Samantha, Passion and Kari! Thank you to our amazing photographer Stanley Desbas for coming out on FATHER’S DAY to shoot this campaign - you’re truly amazing. Thank you to the producers of NUVO TV’s Curvy Girls for shooting the creating of this campaign that appears in their season finale! Thank you to Dani Mezza for shooting these behind the scene pictures! And the biggest thanks to Lane Bryant for believing in our campaign and have the courage to stand behind it.

thank you! Now be sure to watch the episode! You can watch the entire season of Curvy Girls online at www.mynuvotv.com!

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG28 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM




style?

got

become a skorch blogger join the world’s largest collective of plus size fashion bloggers

apply today



VISIT FOR MORE INFORMATION www.ORplusamerica.com



reader submission

Cara Scott This is a reader submission editorial. Would you like to appear in SKORCH? Models and photographers, submit your work! Email to tiffany@skorchmagazine.com.

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG35 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


reader submission


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG37 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


reader submission


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG39 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM




MODEL HUNT WINNER

Sunni Diggs Skorch Magazine and Nfinite Form launched the first Plus

Night Out Model search and is proud to announce winner, Sunni Diggs. HUGE congratulations to team member and Curvysta Designer Jovanna Reyes for producing this amazing event for the community!

The model search took place in NYC at the famed YOTEL in the heart of Manhattan on September 6, 2012. As the winner, Sunni received a huge prize package filled with photoshoots, editorial spreads in Skorch and Nfinite Form Magazine, modeling campaign for F3 and over $500 in gifts and prizes. Connect and congratulate Sunni on her social profiles! www.modelmayhem.com/SunniD

Model Hunt Presented By

Skorch


Winner of the first Plus Night Out Model Search,

Sunni Diggs (middle) with Tykiesha Reed & Chanel Jones, founders of Curves Rock Fashion Weekend and co-sponsors of Plus Night Out NYC 2012.

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG43 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Sunn DIGGS

PLUS NIGHT OUT MODEL HUNT WINNER PRESENTED BY SKORCH & CURVYSTA & NFINITE FORM Model: Sunni Diggs Photographer & Creative Director: Jovanna Reyes Blazer: Curvysta Shorts/Stockings: Model’s own Hair: Yolanda Nicole Makeup: Angela Michelle

NER

IN UNT W H L E MOD


ni OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG45 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Sunni INNER

W HUNT L E D MO

DIGGS


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG47 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Sunni DIGGS

NER

IN UNT W H L E MOD


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG49 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Sunni DIGGS

ER

L

MODE

WINN HUNT


i OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG51 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM



Jessica likas

The host of On The Streets for SKORCH TV models Queen Grace Clothing for photographer Jovanna Reyes.

EDITORIAL CREDITS Model: Jessica Likas Photographer & Creative Director: Jovanna Reyes Makeup: Angela Michelle Hair:Yolanda Nicole Clothing: All Queen Grace

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG53 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Jessica likas

Photography: Marc Wyche Photography Model: Jessica Likas Creative Director: Jovanna Reyes Makeup: Angela Michelle Hair:Yolanda Nicole Clothing: All Queen Grace OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG54 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Model: Jessica Likas Photographer & Creative Director: Jovanna Reyes Makeup: Angela Michelle Hair: Yolanda Nicole Clothing: Queen Grace OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG55 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Jessica likas

The host of On The Streets for SKORCH TV models Queen Grace Clothing for photographer Jovanna Reyes.

Model: Jessica Likas Photographer & Creative Director: Jovanna Reyes Makeup: Angela Michelle Hair: Yolanda Nicole Clothing: Queen Grace


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG57 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Model: Jessica Likas Photographer & Creative Director: Jovanna Reyes Makeup: Angela Michelle Hair: Yolanda Nicole Clothing: Queen Grace

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG58 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


WATCH JESSICA’S LATEST EPISODE OF

SKORCH TV On The Streets!

atch! Click to w

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG59 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


SKORCHtv

C

urvy Mode presents New York Fashion Week - House of Roderick Couture Jewelry Fashion Show coverage hosted by LornaLitz Baez of NUVO TV’s newest plus size reality show sensation, Curvy Girls. See Shanda Freeman, Mr. USA and Martha Wash on the red carpet.

red tch the a w o t click overage carpet c

C

URVY MODE is on a webshow created and produced by Jovanna Reyes and avaialable on the SKORCH TV web channel. The show brings you the best in plus size events whether on the runway, a top boutique or your favorite celebrity. Curvy Mode is the entertainment show for the curvaceous woman. Inteterested in having your event or business featured on Curvy Mode? Contact jovanna@skorchmagazine.com.

PHOTO CREDITS (Opposite Page) Model: Chearice Vaughn Hair: Yolanda Nicole Makeup: Angela Michelle Jewelry by House of Roderick first jeweler to present during New York Fashion Week

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG60 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG61 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


H

ouse of Roderick Couture Jewelry

PHOTO CREDITS (Opposite Page) Model: Jessica Likas Hair: Yolanda Nicole Makeup: Angela Michelle Jewelry by House of Roderick first jeweler to present during New York Fashion Week


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG63 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


H

ouse of Roderick Couture Jewelry

PHOTO CREDITS (Opposite Page) Model: Chearice Vaughn Hair: Yolanda Nicole Makeup: Angela Michelle Jewelry by House of Roderick first jeweler to present during New York Fashion Week


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG65 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM




OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG68 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

Skorch Celebrity Editor Rosie Mercado http://www.shoprosiemercado.com/

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG69 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

Beauty Blogger Jacqueline A Brilliant Brunette http://www.abrilliantbrunette.com/

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG70 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

Beauty & Style Skorch Blogger Passion Jonesz http://passionjonesz.blogspot.com/

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG71 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

skorch executive fashion editor bella styles http://bellastyles.com/

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG72 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM



team skorch

style

team skorch

Native American Skorch Blogger Kiah http://fromthereztothecity.blogspot.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG74 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

Australian Skorch Blogger Caitlin Bradley http://closet-confessions.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG75 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

Skorch Latin American Editor Jennifer Barreto-Leyva http://jenniferbarretoleyva.blogspot.com/

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG76 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG77 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

United Kingdom Skorch Blogger Georgina Horne http://fullerfigurefullerbust.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG78 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

Irish Skorch Blogger Sian http://foreverfabulousinbows.blogspot.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG79 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

Skorch Managing Editor Courtney Mina http://www.theglitterthread.com/

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG80 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG81 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

Australian Skorch Blogger Olivia http://waituntilthesunset.com/

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG82 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

Australian Skorch Blogger Jessica Dee http://www.toomanysequins.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG83 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

American Skorch Blogger Catrice O’Neal http://fatshionistas.tumblr.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG84 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

Australian Skorch Blogger Ashley Rose http://thisisashleyrose.blogspot.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG85 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

Skorch Scene Editor Kim McCarter http://www.thecurvyspot.com/

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG86 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

Filipino Skorch Bloggers Stacy & Danah http://www.theplumpinay.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG87 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

Canadian Skorch Blogger Karen Ward http://curvycanadian.blogspot.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG88 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

American Skorch Blogger Tyesha http://www.diaryofachicmommy.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG89 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

Nigerian-American Skorch Blogger Vivi http://www.heartprintandstyle.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG90 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

American Skorch Blogger Shawna http://www.chubbycartwheels.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG91 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


team skorch

style

team skorch

American Skorch Blogger Nikeya Young http://www.nikeyayoung.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG92 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


style

team skorch

team skorch

Canadian Skorch Blogger Dee http://xxellefatshion.blogspot.com/ OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG93 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM






loving What I’m by Tiffany Kaelin-Knight Editor-in-Chief

urve

c asos

ally

lp rache

l rache

pally


skorch style

er 21+

forev

urve

c asos

y be

simpl

r 21+

e forev

y be

simpl

for more skorch style visit www.skorchmag.com OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG99 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


skorch style by Jessica Kane, Owner & Publisher


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG101 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


e E s N E u C S o ON THE no dollh i m o d -up shop pop

los angeles, ca september 29, 2012




haute curves la fashion week 2012 EVENT COVERAGE

skorch events

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG105 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


OH STED BnYese Lewis Che

haute curves la fashion week 2012

SKORCH MAGAZINE WAS A PROUD MEDIA SPONSOR OF HAUTE CURVES

For more coverage visit www.elitecurvesinternational.com. Images courtesy of Poses Photografi & Elite Curves International


skorch events

carpet. d e r e h t rcado on ired style. e M e i s o b Editor R rocking a 20’s insp e l e C h c r Left - Sko h Editor-in-Chief rc Top - Sko OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG107 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


2 1 0 2 k e e w ion

h s a f a l s e ru v AGE

c R e E t V u ha ENT CO

fi & E a r g o t es Pho s o P f sy o

EImVages courte

ional t a n r e t rves In

lite Cu

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG108 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


skorch events

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG109 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM



witching hour EDITORIAL CREDITS Model: Rosie Mercado Photographer: Nichole Alex Hair and Make Up: Stephanie Eloise

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG111 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


witching hour


EDITORIAL CREDITS Model: Rosie Mercado Photographer: Nichole Alex Hair and Make Up: Stephanie Eloise

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG113 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


EDITORIAL CREDITS Model: Rosie Mercado Photographer: Nichole Alex Hair and Make Up: Stephanie Eloise

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG114 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


witching hour


witch hour EDITORIAL CREDITS Model: Rosie Mercado Photographer: Nichole Alex Hair and Make Up: Stephanie Eloise


hing r

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG117 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


made

history R

by Jennifer Barreto-Leyva Skorch Latina America Editor

osalynn Minaya, a beautiful Dominican/Puerto Rican, has become in the new Miss Plus World. Recently crowned in North Carolina our very own Rosy (as I call her) has shown to the World that every girl can have a crown over her head, can be pretty and her size doesn’t define who she is. Rosalynn is not a rookie in the world of beauty pageants. She won in 2009 the Miss Puerto Rico Bold and Beautiful just right after this epic moment of her life a whole new world open its doors for her giving her the chance to be a pioneer in Puerto Rico in the plus size modeling world, being a model in major worldwide department stores. She also has the opportunity to be Master of ceremony, Pageant Judge and Coach, giving to the next gen-

erations the same opportunity it was given to her. Beauty pageants for some reason gave Rosalynn that extra factor she needed to dramatically change her life. Rosie faced for many years low self esteem but after winning her first crown, everything changed for good. Knowing by first hand her uplifting and inspiration story I wanted to share it with our Skorch readers and give as a gift to all of you a huge message of hope: you can do and be exactly what you decide, no matter what. Here is my one on one with this amazing woman Rosalynn Minaya. Who is Rosalynn? In a few words, I’m a woman who enjoys the simple things in life, who loves her family, God and helping others. What made you decide to join the Pageants World? I love when I get asked this, because people don’t know that I’m not the typical girl that used to dream with tiara and pageants back when I was kid, as a matter of fact I used to dislike everything that was related to fashion, models, beauty queens etc.


skorch latin america

It was not until 2009, when I was going through a very hard depression due to a personal situation and my sister encourage me to join a pageant to get me out of my room. She made the call and signed me up, and a couple of weeks later I went to a seminar, where they were talking about how to love yourself and it changed me, the rest is history. How and where you’ve won your first crown? It was precisely in 2009 when I was crowned Miss Puerto Rico Bold and Beautiful after competing against 10 contestants in swimsuits, evening gowns, national costume and talent. That year I won the Miss Intellect and the Bold and Beautiful award as well. What’s the title you’ve recently won? I have been crowned as the first ever Miss Plus World. What were your activities during your year as beauty queen? As Miss Puerto Rico Bold and Beautiful I attended several beauty pageants, fashion shows, fundraiser and was able to work with other plus size girls. Let’s talk about THE crown. You’ve recently won the Miss Plus World. Please share with us how was the experience? The experience was awesome! I arrived to the hosting city (Charlotte, North Carolina) on a Friday just in time to attend to the preliminary competition where we competed in swim suit, national costume and runway. The next following days were the photo shooting, sightseeing of the hosting city, and lots of rehearsals for the final night. The whole weekend was full of fun things to do, to include lots of activities. The staff was

also very friendly, the girls were amazing, plus we were treated like royalty. If you could turn back time; is there anything you would like to do or not? Nothing at all, our character and who we are in the present is based on our life experiences and the lesson we learn from the past. Plus I come from a family that is very supportive and that has always encouraged me to do everything I wanted. To pursue my dreams, my goals and my passions. So what’s next for you as Miss Plus World? I’m going to continue working for the girls around the world by promoting my platform “We are more than just a size“ and plan to enjoy and have fun with every opportunity that is given to me during this year. One good thing about this crown is that it is opening doors of opportunities for me. What would you recommend to all those girls who want to participate in beauty pageants? I will tell them that the difference between a contestant and a queen are the little details so they must take time to evaluate every aspect of the competition and fix whatever it is not in the way it should. Also to always be themselves, be confident and have fun, that is what the judges are looking for. How is a regular day in your life? I wake up at 5am, go to work till 5pm then I work out for an hour, then after that go home to work either on my group, the local chapter of Ms Plus pageant or

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG119 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


skorch latin america

interview continued...

do some research work for the column I write in the magazine I contribute for. The weekends are for the modeling related shows, appearances and my family. How you manage to balance all at the same time? With a lot of planning and the help of my staff and friends. When you really have a passion for something you manage to make the time, and I love what I do because it is my way of giving back to the community. Is early yet, but what are your plans once the year as a beauty queen is over? I’m retiring from modeling and pageants as a contestant, I want to continue in the industry as a pageant coach, event producer and also continue helping out other plus size girls like me. How do you work to improve and make stronger your self-esteem? We live in a world that can be cruel and judgmental especially if you are a plus size woman. As a plus size woman I am happy and confident with my size. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I continuously

try to stay focused on the good and above all remain positive about everything. I also surround myself with supportive friends and family that encourage me and accept me for who I am.

For you beauty is_______? Beauty starts from the inside out. I believe that the real beauty of a person is more than just their outward appearance , it is OCT 20 the combination of personality, talents, abilities, your attitude, mind, and of course and how the heart of a person is expressed through how they act towards others. What takes to a guy to conquer your heart? Someone who is patient, understanding, loving, caring, romantic and supportive. Who and what’s your inspiration on fashion? Even though I’m gothic, when it comes to clothes I’m classic. My biggest inspirations are designers like Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Monif C and Yuliya Raquel. In 10 years, how do you see yourself? With my own business, running a successful local pageant and probably married. What’s the best advice/message you can give too all our fabulous readers? I will tell them that the sky is the limit when it comes to reach their goal and that everything in life is possible with discipline, determination, and perseverance.

For more information on the Miss Plus World Pageant, visit their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ms-Plus-World-Pageant/184452614927505.


012 ISSUE \ PG121 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM

Rosalynn Minaya Miss Plus World

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG121 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


skorch exclusive

DORIA PAGNOTTA from jerseylicious

Interview by Lola Darling & Photography by Jovanna Reyes

W

hen we first spoke to Doria Pagnotta, resident plus size diva from the hit Style network show Jerseylicious, She was very pregnant and glowing, since that time she has given birth. She and fiancée Vinnie DeMaio became proud parents of a beautiful baby girl appropriately named Gia Rose!

Lola Darling, I guess with the amount of luggage and equipment we bought in we should include them also.

Doria was dressed casually, in a strapless short tube dress her belly perfectly rounded, and as a plus size woman you tend to worry about all over weight gain, but this lucky girl was all belly (Can we say jealous). Upon settling down and speaking to her, she menWe interviewed Doria in May at her tioned that as a makeup and hairstylNJ home which she shares with her ist on Jerseylicious, she never gets Fiancée Vinnie. Before you arrived a chance to have someone work on to meet anyone, but especially a TV personality, you come in with some pre her face and hair she’s always the one transforming someone into gorgeousconceived notions, but all that went ness, this was exciting for us, because out of the window when we pulled we really wanted her to feel feminine, up to the beach front property. As we disembarked looking up at the balcony pampered and beautiful. we were greeted by the entire family, it felt like a warm embrace, everyone was I’ve been speaking and texting Doria, and she shared some beautiful pictures so genuinely pleasant, and Ms. Doria of her and her beautiful bundle of joy, herself was so down to earth and oh so funny, her sense of humor was side baby Gia Rose with us. Seriously this is the cutest little girl, and me knowing splitting and so amusing. and seeing firsthand what her closet looks like I can attest to her being the We felt like we were literarily barging best dressed baby in New Jersey right in, we came with a crew of four, photographer Jovanna Reyes, makeup art- now! Looking at the photos – Gia’s ist Gabrielle Bowens, Hairstylist Yolan- mom already has her hair nicely coifed; da Nicole, and me Interviewer/ stylist

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG122 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM



skorch exclusive

....continued Gia Rose is looking perfectly posed and SO precious! And mom is also glowing and I’m happy to say that she is doing very well also. She is keeping up with her social networking and interacting with her friends, and even with her new even busier schedule and new mom status, she still took the time to speak with me, text me and send pictures. How can you not love her? Thank you Doria! (Again) for sharing this HUGE milestone with us!! We are so happy for her and Vinnie, and we are looking forward to the wedding, we wouldn’t miss it! I urged all the plus size community and really everyone to follow this amazing woman on her journey of motherhood, stardom and life. You can catch up with Doria or send her a “congratulations” than follow her on Twitter @ DoriaPagnotta. Also, please remember to watch Jerseylicious and request that we see more of Doria, let’s show her an overabundance of support! Sunday nights on the Style Network! Doria, from the Curvy Mode Team we wish you and your family much continued happiness. And we are awaiting the next chapter. Our original interview can be viewed on the new Skorch TV channel please tune it for the full interview on Curvy Mode.

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG124 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM




DORIA PAGNOTTA from jerseylicious

Interview by Lola Darling & Photography by Jovanna Reyes

All of Doria’s clothing provided by Fashion To Figure JEWELS by Fringe Coral Earrings by Soul Rebel Yes Black Ring by EnjeaniousbyRean

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG127 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


go into gia’s closet in this special episode of curvymode

e s o R

Gia o i a eM

D

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG128 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG129 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


skorch weddings

special insert this 16 page plus size bridal exclusive preview is brought to you by pretty pear bride mag


OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG131 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


special insert size bridal exclusive preview is b


brought to you by pretty pear bride mag

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG133 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


special insert size bridal exclusive preview is b


brought to you by pretty pear bride mag

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG135 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


special insert size bridal exclusive preview is b


brought to you by pretty pear bride mag


special insert size bridal exclusive preview is b


brought to you by pretty pear bride mag


special insert size bridal exclusive preview is b


brought to you by pretty pear bride mag


special insert size bridal exclusive preview is b


brought to you by pretty pear bride mag


special insert size bridal exclusive preview is b


brought to you by pretty pear bride mag


skorch weddings


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

OCT 2012 ISSUE \ PG147 \ WWW.SKORCHMAG.COM


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.