Plus Size PLUS Model Magazine [The Pulse of Plus Size Fashion, Beauty, Arts and Plus Size Models] » Michele Weston

A Sneak Peak at Ashley Stewart’s New Flagship Store

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Tue, 10 May 2011 18:40:02 +0000

Few stores have been around as long as Ashley Stewart, so I was excited to be one of a select few, to be invited to the new Ashley Stewart flagship store in the Fulton Mall. I was met by Jackie Bivens of 360 Engagement, and as we entered the store the change was immediately seen. Don’t take me the wrong way when I say this, but the store looked like a straight size store. I can’t put my finger on it, it’s bright, dance music was playing, the energy and the store is beautifully styled. It was exciting to walk in and see brightly colored dresses, shorts, cropped pants, skirts, tank tops and two giant walls of accessories.

Little by little we all trickled in and greeted each other, Alissa Wilson – Stylish Curves, Cece – The Big Girl Blog, and a rep for Madison Plus and Golda Poretsky – Body Love Wellness.

Once we were all accounted for, Ashley Stewart’s President, Steve Newman, was introduced to us by Michele Weston- Body Lifestyle Expert and Founder of Selling Style Inc., to speak with us about the new direction for the brand. I was happy to hear the focus for the clothing is not just “curvy” inspired but “fashion” inspired, which is what all brands should be doing. Yes, there are things that we need like longer tanks or more room for arms, but we should never have to sacrifice fashion for comfort.

Why the new look? Well there is a new feeling about the Ashley Stewart woman, and it seems like they are taking their old formula, “Great Woman of Style” and bringing her into a more current and contemporary place in fashion. This 25 to 45 year old woman is sexy, and wants good clothing at a great value that fits her body well. This is the focus for the New Ashley Stewart and in just a few short moments, we were about to find out for ourselves as we were treated to a full look by Ashley Stewart.

In celebration of Ashley Stewart’s 20 years commitment to the plus sizes woman, they are taking a very liberating approach to fashion for plus size women which will now include a wider variety of accessories, handbags, swimwear and shoes. Last Fall they began offering size 12 because of the demand they received from this potential customer and it’s been a huge success. All clothing is available in sizes 12 to 24 in store, and 26 through 32 online. Customers can look forward to having access to a computer when they cannot find a certain garment in the store, the order can be placed and shipped to the store, free.

The big elephant in the room was the question about Ashley Stewart incorporating models of other ethnicity’s, so the question was asked and yes, Ashley Stewart will continue to, and will be incorporating all ethnicity’s in future campaigns. I remember when Ashley Stewart used Crystal Renn in a campaign and I was awakened by phone calls of worried friends who thought Ashley Stewart was bought by another brand. Well obviously, this was not the case, but it was a prelude for things to come. Ashley Stewart has marketed to the Black and Latino community very well for the majority of their existence, and while some customers may not be entirely comfortable with the idea, it’s a smart move from a business stand point to include all women.

Many years ago I remember my boss telling me, “Maddy, people don’t like change, and at times its uncomfortable, but in the end it’s necessary“. I think the new look, the feel and the energy was necessary for Ashley Stewart to come back into the spotlight after last years bankruptcy announcement. Ashley Stewart is back and in a big way…

I’ll have more for you from the Ashley Stewart flagship store when I attend a press event on May 18, 2011. If your in the New York area visit the store and let us know what you think.

Special thanks to Steve Newman, Colleen Koch, Hovig Garabedian, Jackie Bivens and Michele Weston for inviting PLUS Model Magazine.

Behind The Scenes with Plus Size Model Natalie Laughlin and PLUS Model Magazine

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:35:51 +0000

PLUS Model Magazines’s January 2011 issue, is a well thought out tribute to the “Icon’s” of the plus size modeling industry. Plus size supermodel Natalie Laughlin is featured on the cover and in an editorial entitled “New Year…New You”. Along with Natalie, PLUS interviewed names like Kim Baker, Michele Weston, Catherine Schuller, Gwen DeVoe, and Jess Weiner.

www.plusmodelmag.com

PLUS Model Magazine’s “Icon Issue” tributes the plus size modeling history.

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 06:56:18 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Press@plusmodelmagazine.com

PLUS Model Magazine’s “Icon Issue” tributes the plus size modeling history.

Plus Size supermodel, Natalie Laughlin, is featured in an all star plus size modeling tribute issue.

NEW YORK CITY – January 3, 2011 – On January 1, 2011 the number one plus size industry magazine, PLUS Model Magazine unveiled it’s first tribute issue to the plus size modeling industry.

In recent years, plus size models have been taking center stage at fashion shows and editorials around the world, and the plus size fashion industry has been growing by leaps and bounds leaving plus size women with more options than ever.

The January 2011 issue of PLUS Model Magazine features models like Natalie Laughlin, the only plus size model to have five consecutive billboards in Times Square, plus size model – turned celebrity makeup artist Kim Baker, CEO of Full Figured Fashion Week, Gwen DeVoe and two of the most influential women in the business Michele Weston – former Fashion Director of MODE Magazine and Catherine Schuller – Image and Style Director. Along side this lineup, PLUS caught up with some of the plus models that helped to pave the way for today’s models. Actionist, Jess Weiner was also brought in to help inspire women and share her story as a plus size women and entrepreneur.

In her editor’s letter, Madeline Jones says “To many, the beginning of the year symbolizes an opportunity to leave things in the past and start new, but to me, this January issue is very special. We are looking back at plus size modeling history, in order to move forward.”

With the current confusion in the plus size modeling industry over the size of some plus size models, PLUS Model Magazine continues to create conversations and vehicles for women to speak their voices. “I believe the obesity epidemic has scared some brands”, says Michele Weston former Fashion Director of MODE Magazine, “The issue is that there are people that have decided what we are all supposed to look like; the beauty of Mode and now PLUS, is that we pushed against all that.”

Included in the tribute issue, PLUS Model Magazine joined forces with the number one Australian plus size brand, – City Chic, Full Figured Fashion Week and Natural Models Management for a US plus size model search. The winner of the model search will be featured in a PLUS editorial, City Chic US site, walk in Full Figured Fashion Week 2011, and receive a one year contract with Natural Models Management. For more information on the model search, please visit the PLUS Model Magazine blog at www.plus-model-mag.com.

The January issue of PLUS Model Magazine can be seen at www.plusmodelmag.com and for more information on City Chic visit the US site, www.citychiconline.com.

About PLUS Model Magazine: PLUS Model Magazine, the premiere virtual magazine celebrating the plus size fashion, beauty, arts and plus size modeling industries, inspires YOU to thrive in your curves, crave contemporary fashion and design your life on your own terms, sans apologies.

About City Chic: City Chic is the plus size destination for plus size fashion, plus size denim & plus size dresses in sizes 14-24. The plus size clothing store for curvy girls who want to look hot with what they’ve got! We cater for every aspect of a busy lifestyle, from clubbing on a Saturday night to relaxing with friends, from a formal occasion to a BBQ, we have it covered. With new styles in every day there is always something for you at City Chic.

PLUS Model Magazine Pays Tribute To The Plus Model Icon’s of The Industry

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:10:46 +0000

PLUS Model Magazine pays tribute to the Icon’s of the industry.

We were so excited when we first heard Natalie Laughlin had come back into the modeling industry. Natalie was coined “the plus size Cindy Crawford”, and was most memorable in her five consecutive billboards in Times Square and numerous appearances in MODE Magazine. Being able to spend the day with her on set was like being with a long time friend. Watching her in front of the camera was one of the highlights of my career with PLUS, she is still as graceful as ever, and has fun on set.

I’ve been a fan of the plus size industry for a long time, and putting together an “Icon Issue” has been on my mind for some time now, but when Wilhelmina called to tell me about Natalie, I knew it was the right time. To many, the beginning of the year symbolizes an opportunity to leave things in the past and start new, but to me, this January issue is very special. We are looking back at plus size modeling history, in order to move forward.

Jess Weiner has made a powerful career as an advocate for plus size women, and this month we bring you closer to this amazing woman. Another interview you will want to read carefully is our update with CEO of DeVoe Signature Events, Gwen DeVoe. The 2011 dates for Full Figured Fashion Week were announced this past December, and we have some tips to help you when submitting for their castings.

Along with an incredible line-up of, City Chic and PMM are officially announcing their Model Search. Yes, one lucky girl will win the opportunity to model for City Chic’s new U.S. site, a spread in PLUS Model Magazine and a one-year contract with Natural Model Management. For more information, visit the PMM blog, and click on Model Search.

Over the next few months, we will be adding new features and staff to the magazine as we continue to grow and expand. We urge you to subscribe to PMM, in order to receive the latest news and opportunities.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue and don’t forget to catch up with us daily by joining our blog at www.plus-model-mag.com.

Body Conversation: Can You Wear “Jeggings” With Your Curvy Shape?

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:18:43 +0000

Test-Driving the Jeggings Denim Trend on Curves…

Fashion Tips from CurveStyle Therapy Expert – Michele Weston

Things seem to be getting out of hand in the fashion vocabulary description world. Invented by stylists & writers lately is the word JEGGING. After a lifetime spent dueling with denim styles and finishes we women now have jeggings. These can be described as extremely skinny jeans that look like leggings and are also are worn like leggings (with a zipper and flat front pockets and also w/o an elastic waist BUT the elastic waist is better for SMOOTHNESS for those of us with a fuller mid-section)

Read the entire article at The Curvy Counselors by clicking here.

PLUS Model Magazine’s June 2010 Issue Brought To You By Swimsuits For All – Sneak Peak!

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:51:21 +0000

PLUS Model Magazine Welcome’s Swimsuits For All In The June 2010 Issue

New York, NY – May 20, 2010 – PLUS Model Magazine, the premier virtual magazine celebrating the plus size industry, welcomes Swimsuits For All (www.swimsuitsforall.com) with a cover featuring Wilhelmina Model Bernadett Vajda. Bernadett is a veteran of the plus size industry and has been seen in numerous catalogs, websites and television segments such as Good Morning America, The View and The Today Show.

Swimsuits For All has long been known as the place for women of all sizes to shop for swimsuits flattering to their bodies. In this month’s issue, “Swimsuits” is bringing our readers an opportunity to win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card with the “My Fabulous Body” contest. The contest will run for twelve weeks from May 24 until August 24, 2010. Each week a winner will be chosen and walk away with a $100 gift card. The grand prize winner will be announced in the August 2010 Issue of PLUS Model Magazine. For more information on the contest visit www.swimsuitsforallcontest.com.

In addition to numerous editorials from some of our favorite photographers, we are pleased to welcome Michele Weston, former Editor of Mode Magazine, as our guest editor of the Utilitarian Desert Pictorial. Michele says, “Seems like the Utilitarian Desert trend took over most runways for Spring/Summer 2010. Personally, I love trying new trends, but not every one really works for us “fuller figure ladies.” How do you get this trend to work for your curves this summer?” Find out in our June 2010 Issue of plus coming to you LIVE on June 1st.

With plus size models gracing the media, we are sure to see new comer, Caralyn Mirand, doing the same very soon. Caralyn was one of the finalists for Tyra Banks’ “Teen Fiercely Real Model Search” a few months back. Her obvious beauty and comfort in front of the camera made us curious to meet this young lady. Her first editorial, sponsored by Faith 21, will impress you.

Summer is almost here and New York City is in a near frenzy in anticipation over Full Figured Fashion Week. If you have not secured your attendance, visit www.fffweek.com for the schedule of events and ticket information. PLUS Model Magazine is a proud media sponsor of Full Figured Fashion Week and will be present during the days’ events. If you cannot attend please follow us on Twitter (@plusmodelmag) as we update you and bring you the latest.

PLUS Model Magazine is also pleased to announce our media sponsorship with The Curvy Revolution. The events are taking place next February 2011 in Las Vegas. For all the details visit: www.thecurvyrevolution.com

About PLUS Model Magazine:

PLUS Model Magazine, the premiere virtual magazine celebrating the plus size fashion, beauty, arts and plus size modeling industries, inspires YOU to thrive in your curves, crave contemporary fashion and design your life on your own terms, sans apologies.

PLUS Model Magazine brings aspiring and professional plus size models the information and resources needed to have a successful plus size modeling career. And for fashion conscious women with curves, we also report on the best beauty tips as well as plus size clothing companies and designers styling for today’s modern plus size women.

www.plusmodelmag.com

www.plusmodelradio.com

www.plus-model-mag.com

www.facebook.com/plusmodelmag

www.twitter.com/plusmodelmag

www.myspace.com/plusmodelmagazine.com

Michele Weston on ABC’s Chicago “Spring New Neutrals” Fashion Segment 2010

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:43:57 +0000

Former Mode Editor, Michele Weston, is still the “go-to” luminary when it comes to plus size fashion. On today’s Fashion Segment “Spring New Neutrals”, she show’s how to create marvelous looks by using neutrals this Spring. Some familiar faces were included in the segment, plus size models Lauren Koenig and Candace Harris.

You can see the entire segment here.

For more Spring looks, check out the May issue of PLUS Model Magazine coming May 1st!

Another Fashion Segment for the Curvy Set with Michele Weston!

PLUS Model Magazine — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:23:50 +0000

It’s Activewear! Looks from: AlwaysforMe.com, Gap.com with Athleta & Priceline, Champion, and of course Avenue.com… Check it out! Related posts: Michele Weston on ABC’s Chicago “Spring New Neutrals” Fashion Segment 2010 Michele Weston on MODE Magazine and The State of The Plus Size Modeling and Fashion Industry Curvy Chic at Alwasysforme.com! Related posts:

Judging Panel for the PLUS Model Competition

Editor-in-Chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:00:24 +0000

Check out the judging panel for the PLUS Model Competition including Michele Weston, Mia Amber Davis, Kendra C. Johnson, Lisamarie Audiss, Brand Model and Talent Agency, Rebecca Jennings, CEO and Founder Hips & Curves, and Maggie Brown.

And click here for all of the details on the contest…

And don’t miss your opportunity to meet with us at Love Your Body Day 2009!

Best…

Maddy