short Curvy FIERCE | An aspiring petite plus size model with big dreams

Lane Bryant Blogger Fashion Style Off

May 20, 2013 8:31 pm // Leave a Comment // Colleen

Full Figured Fashion Week is coming up next month and I am bursting at the seams with excitement. Two of the runway shows are already sold out, but there are lots of other events you may enjoy. Check them out here.

I was selected to attend the FFFWeek Lane Bryant Blogger/Stylist Conference. Lane Bryant is a brand that always comes to mind when you think of plus size clothing so I was honored to be accepted. The team at Lane Bryant has definitely made things interesting and started a competition between the blogger and stylists attending. For the Lane Bryant Fashion Style Off Competition, all the bloggers and stylists who will be attending the conference during Full Figured Fashion Week had to put together an outfit. Our pictures will be posted on their Facebook page and whoever has the most “likes” on their picture wins!

I hope you like my outfit. I wanted to do something a little outside the box, young, and fun. Please vote for me and share with your friends and followers.You can vote here. Mobile users use this link.

I can’t wait to see everyone’s looks!

Top/Cami/Shorts/Fishnets : c/o Lane Bryant

Posted in: Fashion Events, Outfit of the Day, Plus Size Fashion, Plus Size Stores // Tagged: FFFWeek, Full Figured Fashion Week, Lane Bryant, Lane Bryant Blogger Conference, Lane Bryant Fashion Style Off

Curvy Closets Curvy Correspondent – Registration is Open!

May 15, 2013 9:15 pm // 4 Comments // Colleen

Last year, Curvy Closets was a ton of fun. My co-producer Domonique and I came together with just visions of a fabulous event for plus size women that Philly had never seen. I am really happy to say that we accomplished our goal. A great time was had by all who attended. Save the date, Saturday, October 12th, 2013! You don’t want to miss this year’s show!!!

To share a few exciting updates, Hairless 4 Her Awareness Inc has been selected as the charitable organization to benefit from this year’s event. Allison McGevna will be hosting the show. Plus Model Magazine is our title media sponsor. We have some amazing sponsors such as Sonsi and Elocin Plus.

The newest development is that we are looking for our Curvy Correspondent! Does the camera love you? Do you have a great personality? Do you enjoy talking to people? Is your love for fashion evident in all that you do? Well this may be the perfect opportunity for you. The lucky lady selected will be conducting interviews on our pink carpet with noted professionals from the plus size industry.

I can’t wait to see your videos. Go and apply now! Registration is only $25 and is open until June 15th.

Posted in: Casting Calls, Fashion Events, Fashion Shows, Plus Size Fashion, Plus Size Models // Tagged: Curvy Closets, Curvy Correspondent, plus size women, red carpet host

Dive Into Empress Lingerie

May 2, 2013 9:21 pm // Leave a Comment // Colleen

Empress Lingerie released their new spring/summer collection and the curvy community is already a buzz all over social media! Empress not only offers luxury plus size lingerie, but is giving curves the royal treatment poolside too. These new items empower today’s curvy diva to embrace her curves and get that cute two piece she’s been eyeing. The fatkini trend is here to stay and Empress definitely has some great options that your thin friends are sure to envy.

Make sure you check out the new collection which is available online now.

Divinity Ruffle Halter Bikini – Empress Lingerie
Model – Jamie Moore
Photo – Empire Photography

My favorite is the pink polka dot bikini. What’s yours?

Posted in: Plus Size Fashion // Tagged: Domonique Revere, Domonique Revere-Lincoln, empress lingerie, fatkini, plus size swimwear

A Testing We Will Go!

April 22, 2013 8:17 pm // Leave a Comment // Colleen

As a plus size model, keeping your portfolio updated is so important. Our looks change over time. No one wants you to show up the day of the job and they don’t recognize you. It’s also a great way to practice in front of the camera. You can only get so much done at home in the mirror.

I reached out to Rick Jones for my test shoot. If you are looking for a photographer in the NY/NY/PA area I would definitely recommend him. He is professional, fun, and always gets the shot! He also has affordable rates so you can get the job done without breaking the bank. The part I love the most are the turnaround times, I shot with him Saturday and I’ve already seen some of the images! How cool?! I can’t wait to see the rest!

I’m sharing a few with you. I’d love your feedback.

To book Rick, you can contact him via email at photos@rjonesphotographyllc.com.

Photo: RJones Photography
Shirt/Dress: Forever 21+

Photo: RJones Photography
Dress: Asos Curve
Shoes: Forever 21+
Bracelets: Ashley Stewart

Photo: RJones Photography
Shirt/Dress/Shoes: Forever 21+

If you are looking for more information on what type of pictures you should add to your portfolio. Check out this article.

Posted in: Photo Shoots, Plus Size Fashion, Plus Size Models // Tagged: asos, asos curve, forever 21 plus, forever 21+, petite plus, petite plus size model, plus model, Plus size model, plus size modeling, RJones Photography, test shoot

Final Update: Full Figured Fashion Week Casting Tour

April 17, 2013 12:21 am // Leave a Comment // Colleen

They say good things come to those who wait. In this case, it definitely rings true. If you read the last update, then you know I was on the standby list. I am happy to tell you that I have been officially added to the model line up for Full Figured Fashion Week 2013!!!

I am honored to be chosen and so excited about the opportunity! Walking in FFFWeek has been one of my goals since I first started modeling so I am overjoyed. I hope to see all of my family, friends, and followers at the runway shows. Make sure to check the schedule for all the details. Tickets aren’t on sale yet, but they go quickly, so make sure to act fast when they do.

I also want to send my congratulations to the designers who I’ve worked with and have become quite fond of, Sean Anthony Designs, Elocin, and Tru Diva Designs. Hopefully I’ll get to walk for them at the show!

Thanks to everyone that prayed for me, offered words of encouragement, and/or sent positive vibes my way. Special thanks to the FFFWeek team! I can’t wait to work with you.

Posted in: Casting Calls, Fashion Events, Fashion Shows, Plus Size Fashion, Plus Size Models // Tagged: FFFWeek, fffweek casting tour, Full Figured Fashion Week

Update: Full Figured Fashion Week Casting Tour

April 4, 2013 11:48 am // Leave a Comment // Colleen

Last month, I went down to Virginia to audition for Full Figured Fashion Week. I talked about my experience here. I got an update from the FFFWeek team so I wanted to make sure I keep my supporters and followers in the loop.

A quick pic before heading to the FFFWeek casting
Makeup: Nakia Williams
Hair: Split Artistry Salon
Top/Jeans: BellaNOR Boutique

There is still a chance that I may be on the Full Figured Fashion Week runway in June. I have been placed on the standby list to be a featured model this year. Some people would be saddened by this but I actually feel encouraged. Over 1,500 women attended castings across the country to be considered to be a model for FFFWeek. There are only 50 spots for models and the competition was fierce. I know that being a petite plus model isn’t easy and I’m proud to still be in the running.

An update from the FFFWeek team

I’m staying optimistic. I have a lot of great people in my circle and they are all praying for me to be chosen. I know what God has for me is for me, hopefully it’s in His will for me to be a featured model at Full Figured Fashion Week this year. Congratulations to all the lovely ladies chosen.

I’ll be at the event either way.

Keep me in prayer!

Posted in: Casting Calls, Fashion Events, Fashion Shows, Plus Size Fashion, Plus Size Models // Tagged: aspiring plus model, casting call, FFFWeek, fffweek casting tour, Full Figured Fashion Week, petite plus model, petite plus size, petite plus size model

Spring Has Sprung at BellaNOR

March 28, 2013 1:16 pm // 4 Comments // Colleen

Spring has sprung at BellaNOR Boutique. It’s still a little chilly here in Philly but new arrivals for spring are rolling in. I was very excited to see the plus size offerings from Pretty Pretty Rebel sold exclusively at BellaNOR.

The designer Leah Delfiner is so sweet and uber talented. She is currently participating in The Philadelphia Incubator and I am so happy for her. I can’t wait to see what heights her brand will take off to next!

I am super stoked because I was a part of the design process as the fit model. It’s amazing to see the progress from just an idea to the finished product.

The Colleen

Bodycon dresses are all the rage and the colorblocking on this dress is to die for!

The Leah
(Bag from Love Cili)

Leopard, peplum, color…everything a curvy fashionista would want all in one outfit! This is actually a top and skirt, so you can mix and match these pieces with all kinds of bottoms or wear them together to make a big statement.

The Aleea

From the floral print to the poufy sleeve, this skater dress is so fun and feminine, the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe!

I love all the pieces. It’s not my namesake, but The Aleea is my favorite. Which one is yours?

Interested in ordering, but not in Philly? The webstore has not launched yet, but in the meantime email info@bellanorboutique.com and they will make arrangements to get the garments to you.

Posted in: Plus Size Fashion, Plus Size Models, Plus Size Stores // Tagged: BellaNOR, BellaNOR Boutique, Chanea Davis, Colleen Stovall, Leah Delfiner, Plus Size Fashion, Plus size spring trends, Pretty Pretty Rebel

Pouty Lips, Curvy Hips

March 25, 2013 8:58 pm // 2 Comments // Colleen

Every girl loves a fabulous outfit but sometimes it’s a jeans and tshirt kind of day. You can do it and still look fabulous.

When I saw this shirt on Instagram by Everything Curvy and Chic I knew I had to have it! It’s so me! My friends always tease me about my signature pouty lips and my hubby loves my curvy hips; so it was perfect. It sold out on the first run but they brought it back and I snabbed it!

It actually felt like spring on Saturday. I had a rehearsal early that morning for the Many Shapes of Confidence Fashion Show and then another fashion show that evening so I needed to be cute but comfy. I threw on this tshirt, some coated denim jeans, and my faux leather jacket, then hit the streets. I got lots of compliments on my outfit so I figure it was worth sharing.

After my friend/makeup artist, Nakia gave my face the ultimate beat down, I snapped a couple pics in the hallway before I hit the runway. Thanks to my model friend Aliyah C. for my camera phone photoshoot, lol.

Top: Everything Curvy and Chic
Jacket/Jeans/Shoes: Forever 21

Posted in: Outfit of the Day, Uncategorized // Tagged: curvy hips, everything curvy and chic, forever 21 plus, forever 21+, plus size ootd, plus size outfit of the day, pouty lips

Full Figured Fashion Week Casting Tour

March 10, 2013 12:17 pm // 1 Comment // Colleen

The curvy community has been buzzing with excitement about Full Figured Fashion Week! This is the first year that they have done a casting tour which has given an amazing opportunity to plus models and aspiring models to audition for the show without having to incur the expense of traveling to New York.

As a petite plus model my chances are always slimmer than models who meet the industry standard of 5’8″ and up. I was excited about the casting because I feel I present so much better in person rather than submitting online. So with high hopes I made the trip from Philly to Virginia with some of my other modeling comrades, Quita, Angie, and Jessel. My friend Nakia walked in the show last year and met us down there. She is an amazing makeup artist as well as being a plus model and gave me a quick makeover before heading into line.

So we filed into line, filled out our paperwork, and waited patiently for our turn. We walked for Creator and Executive Producer – Gwen DeVoe, Casting Director – Sharon Quinn, and guest judge & Face of Full Figured Fashion Week 2011 – Nina Taylor. I admit I was so nervous. I’ve done tons of shows but to walk in the best show that the plus size community has, is an opportunity that no plus model wants to miss out on. The pressure was added on when Ms. DeVoe came out after a few hopefuls had their turns and told us she was bored and we better turn it up!

As I handed in my application, waiver, and comp card my heart pounded but I tried to cover it up with a smile. The face time in front of the judges wasn’t long but I hope I made a good lasting impression. I even heard some on lookers cheering for me which was an unexpected treat.

Here are a couple pics from the day. Make sure you follow me on Instagram so you can see these moments as they happen in the future. I didn’t snap many pics of my outfit but I kept it simple with a cute Pretty Pretty Rebel double peplum top sold exclusively at BellaNOR Boutique and my new favorite jeggings by Silver Jeans which I picked up from BellaNOR too. I put on my Just Fab booties and opted for no accessories so I didn’t have too much going on.

Me and Ms. Gwen DeVoe, Creator and Executive Producer of Full Figured Fashion Week

My beautiful model friends (from L to R: Angie, Jessel, me, Nakia, Quita)

Will this short, curvy, fierce girl make it on the Full Figured Fashion Week runway? Time will tell! Keep me in prayer while I sweat it out and wait to hear back!

Posted in: Casting Calls, Fashion Events, Fashion Shows, Height Discrimination, Model Search, Plus Size Fashion, Plus Size Models // Tagged: Angie de Milo, Angie Gruver, casting tour, Christina Ramos, Colleen Stovall, FFFW, FFFWeek, fffweek casting tour, Full Figured Fashion Week, Gwen DeVoe, Jessel Ramos, Marquita Bishop, Nina Taylor, Quita Bishop, Sharon Quinn

“Colleen Honesty” Type of Fresh

February 25, 2013 10:38 pm // 2 Comments // Colleen

Today is my grandmother’s birthday. It’s been two years since she passed away. She was like a second mother to me and not having her around is really tough. But instead of moping around today, I decided to think of the good times we shared. My grandmother had a sense of style I always admired. She always inspired me to be fabulous and is one of my style icons.

My look today really makes me think of her. She had a love for classic cuts and luxe fabrics, like silk, leather, and fur. My look is definitely a “look for less” version but it’s funny how fashion connects us in ways we wouldn’t expect.

As a child, I can remember countless weekends at the mall with my mom and grandma. Most of our time was spent in Bloomingdale’s, my grandmother’s favorite store, but we went to all the department stores, Macy’s, Sear’s, and JC Penney. As an adult, I had counted JCP out when it came to stylish options, but a few months ago Corrinn Liche’t of The Fuller Figure told me to stop sleeping on them. While shopping for my daughter recently, I happened to run into the women’s section and realized she was completely right. This sheer floral top was a steal at $12, and the faux leather skirt made me just as happy at only $17. Every girl loves a sale, right?

Trends always come back around again, so even though florals are on trend now, it totally reminds me of something my grandma would choose. The faux leather skirt reminds me of a red leather skirt she bought for me that I hated when I was a kid but would love to have one just like it in my closet now.

I miss my grandma terribly but I love how little things make me think of some of the fun times we had over the years that I was blessed to have her.

Shirt: JC Penney
Skirt: JC Penney
Tights: Assets via Target
Shoes: Just Fab

Posted in: Outfit of the Day, Plus Size Fashion // Tagged: Assets, Colleen Honesty, Colleen Stovall, faux leather, JCP, JCPenney, JustFab, OOTD, plus size blogger, Plus Size Fashion, plus size ootd, target

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