Review: The New CaciqueBody line by Lane Bryant

I had the great opportunity to be asked by Lane Bryant to review some of their new products for Cacique called “Cacique Body”. This is a new line of body care that is exclusively for Cacique. The actual products should hit the store this month or may be in stores now. The scent I received was Pinkberry. Pinkberry is a blend of cherry blossom, raspberry, and peppercorn. The two items I used were the Firm Believer Lotion and the Spray It Again Hydrating Body Mist. These products are described as:



The “Firm Believer” Smoothing Body Lotion is a lightweight sculpting seaweed extract, antioxidant blend with a jolt of caffeine and moisturizing properties.


The “Spray It Again” Hydrating Body Mist is a soft and silky formula that delivers delightful fragrances with moisturizing benefits.


My experience with these products was definitely great. I tried out the products for a few days at different times. The first time I used the Firm Believer lotion I applied it right after I got out of the shower. The lotion was smooth and cooling after being in the hot water. The lotion had great coverage and the consistency was perfect. I then sprayed on the Spray It Again Mist and it really brought out the fragrance of the product. I have to admit the smell of the Pinkberry is divine. The scent lasted me a while too! It is no surprise I live in the hot and humid area of Southern Florida. I wanted to see how the fragrance would hold up to the heat. It surpassed my expectations! The scent continued on long into the afternoon hours after being applied that morning. My robe still smells like Pinkberry and it is over a week later! I later just tried the body mist by itself, but the fragrance still was long lasting even on its own.

Smoothing Body Lotion 6.7 Oz. $18

Hydrating Body Mist 8.5 Oz. $15

_______________________

These special products were designed especially to enhance your curves:

• Keep it Smooth- This anti-chafing cream-to-powder formula is developed especially for the delicate skin areas. It absorbs moisture with a blend of cornstarch, mango and coconut oil, and helps prevent irritation as it smoothes skin. (2 oz. $14)

• Revive & Kicking- A revitalizing leg cream that will wake up your legs with a cool blend of watermint & energy boosting Arabica Coffee Seed Oil. (6.7 oz. $22)

• Shimmer Time- A shimmering body lotion that enhances the skin with its reflective shimmer, while still keeping your curves smooth and silky. (6.7 oz. $18)

The Caciquebody line will also feature these four products in fragrance of your choice with performance enhancing ingredients:

• Firm Believer- A smoothing body lotion that feeds curves with Wakame extract, a powerful anti-oxidant loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein. (6.7 oz. $18)

• Good as New- A 3-in-1 body wash that flaunts triple benefits and high performing ingredients to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize in one quick step. (6.7 oz. $12)

• You Butter Believe It- A pampering body butter that delivers intense skin hydration with shea butter, jojoba seed oil and grapeseed oil, creating a light layer of moisture. (6.7 oz. $20)

• Spray it Again- A hydrating body mist that leaves skin soft, silky and beautifully fragranced with a choice of four delightful scents. (8.5 oz. $15)

The products above are available in four delightful scents:

• Pinkberry- Romantic blend of cherry blossom, raspberry, & peppercorn

• Waterblossom- Calming blend of jasmine petals, violets, & white cedarwood

• Nightbloom- Sensual blend of plum orchid, orange, & vanilla cashmere

• Citrusfresh- Refreshing blend of bergamot, peony, & white amber

Definitely check out these products in store. I know I will be grabbing some of the other scents as I am excited to try them all out! Thanks to Lane Bryant for giving me the opportunity to test these items out and gives you the scoop on their new CaciqueBody line!

Check out details about them here:

Press Release: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lane-bryant-and-cacique-unveil-new-line-of-performance-based-body-products-122594263.html



Firm Believer: http://www.lanebryant.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&x=0&y=0&keyword=firm+believer

Spray it Again: http://www.lanebryant.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&x=0&y=0&keyword=spray+it+again

FYI: Parcel Forwarding From the UK

I wanted to do a quick post on a service I have just started using recently. It all started a few months ago while shopping online for plus size fashions. Since I live in South Florida, I am not close to most H&M's, a Torrid, or Forever 21. This has secluded my shopping to online. There are certain retailers who offer amazing clothes that are UK based, that just do not ship to the US yet. So I started a search to find a Parcel Forwarding service from the UK for a decent price. If you Google online you will pull up at tops 3 of them. Some of them charge a flat rate and others a monthly fee. Considering I did not shop over seas on a regular basis, I wanted to find something that would fit my shopping habits. That is when I came across Briony Buys UK. 

Here is a little bit about Briony Buys:


Briony Buys UK is based out of Glasgow. It is a small blog started to help out us shoppers who longed for items from the UK that we could not get our hands on. Everything works through Paypal which gives the buyer extra security and comfort. The fee for forwarding is very minimal and is actual shipping costs. Briony Buys offers the option to choose the shipping method and will send you email confirmations along the process. I give the communication an A+. The process is pretty seamless and efficient. Briony Buys Uk also offers an instore shopping service (so you can purchase from shops that don't have an online store) and customers are notified via email on all order updates. (via Le Blog de Sushi)


I would definitely recommend Briony Buys UK for any overseas shopping needs. Here are the links to order:


BrionyBuysUK.blogspot.com
How to order 
Don't believe me, check out the other feedback: Customer feedback

Karyn Johnson: Plus Size Model

Tell me a little bit about yourself?

My dreams of becoming a plus size model came true in early 2010 when I was signed by B&M Models in Toronto, Ontario. In less than a year I have quickly gained success modeling for plus size clothing retailers such as Lola & Gigi, Voluptuous Clothing, Sears, and Walmart. When I am not modeling, I am the online face for the popular cosmetics company BALMSHELL (www.balmshell.com).

Where are you from originally?

I am a proud Canadian girl! I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba but grew up near Toronto.

Have you always been curvy?

Always! Ever since I was little I was chubbier and taller than all of the other kids, and I took a lot of slack for it. Fortunately that little chubby girl grew up into a confident and curvaceous woman who took what she experienced as a child and turned it into the strength to accomplish something she never thought possible.

When did you decide to become a model?

I have been interested in being a model for the past 10 years. It wasn’t until about two years ago that I got serious about it.

How did you start modeling?

When I decided to take the whole modeling thing seriously, I joined Model Mayhem and looked around for a photographer. I found an amazing girl who took some incredible shots of me. I used those photos to gain myself a few freelance jobs. Those jobs got me a few more great pictures that I took to the modeling agencies. One of the agencies loved me and signed me on the spot. It was a very exciting and happy moment for me.

What is your goal as a plus size model?

Besides the personal satisfaction and the financial benefits that come from modeling, my goals are focused on making a difference for all the little girls out there whoever felt like me. So that one-day they won’t have to live in a world where they are teased because they are not thin.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Anna Scholz, and many others.

What is your take on the plus size movement in the fashion industry?

I absolutely love it! There are so many exciting things going on right now. So many blogs, Twitter pages, Facebook pages, online magazines, models, agencies, designers, retailers, press, and events dedicated to the plus size industry. I believe this large movement has brought our collective thoughts around the world together and is building a force that cannot be reckoned with. This movement is bigger and stronger than those before and I believe it is the start to great changes in the fashion industry.

  

Who are some of your style icons?

Anna Nicole Smith and Marilyn Monroe. They were both so girly, curvy, and beautiful. They loved to dress up and neither was afraid to show off their curves.

Where do you draw inspiration?

Online. I love to read all sorts of plus size blogs; there are so many great bloggers online that have amazing style. I also check out the websites of different plus size retailers and see what is new and trendy.

What is your favorite fashion trend right now?

I have a fixation for dresses, and right now there are so many cute dresses coming out for summer in amazing fabrics, bright fun colours like hot pink, and adorned with ribbons, lace, and ruffles. I am so excited to see so many great dresses available in plus sizes right now.

If you could work with any designer, who would it be?

Betsey Johnson, I would love to help her create a full plus size line (besides her lingerie which she currently offers in plus sizes), and I would love to model for her too. And hey, having the same last name could help! :)

It would also be an honour to model for Anna Scholz, she has fantastic designs for plus size women. And I would love to model for companies such as Addition Elle, City Chic, Torrid, Pinup Girl Clothing, Lane Bryant and many others, there are so many great plus size designers and companies out there to work with.

If you could give advice to other aspiring plus size models, what would it be?

Just try! You will never know until you try. I used to joke around about becoming a plus size model one day… but now I really am! And it is only because I decided to stop joking and give it a serious try.

Do you have a lot of support in your endeavors to be a plus size model?

So much support! My friends are my biggest fans; they are always so excited when they see a new picture of me in a magazine, flyer, or catalogue. I am so lucky to know such wonderful and supportive people.

What are your hopes in the future for your career as a model?

Being from Canada, I would LOVE to model for Addition-Elle, one of Canada’s largest plus size retailers. It has been a dream of mine for many years. I would also love to break into the US, and international markets.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome being a model?

The biggest challenge has been battling my inner critic. I can easily discourage myself, but I always have to remember that my agency signed me , and the client hired me for a reason; they see something special in me that they like. And that is what matters most.

  

What is the greatest reward?

Knowing that I have accomplished something that I never though I would do. It is like a fairy tale sometimes! :)

Please contact Karyn at:

http://www.karynjohnson.ca

www.bnmmodels.com

Shannon Hiett: Plus Size Model

Tell me a little bit about yourself? (in here you can put age, where you are from, etc.)

My name is Shannon Hiett. I am from Doylestown, PA and I manage a small construction office and pursue my passion, modeling, on the side. I have high hopes of making modeling my career in the near future. I have a sister, Stacey, who also models and a brother, Sean, who probably wants to model. The love of my life is my nephew, Ethan Fabian Hiett, who will be turning two soon. Ethan defines unconditional love for me.

Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Santa Maria, CA; however, we moved around a lot when we were younger and have spent the most time in Doylestown, PA, so I consider Doylestown my hometown.

Have you always been curvy?

For as long as I can remember, I have always felt that I am the largest person in the room.  I considered myself fat and undesirable. Only in the past ten years did I begin to appreciate my body and consider myself curvy, not ugly.  A size six is a shoe size to me, not a dress size.

When did you decide to become a model?

 I actually wanted to be an actress; still do. So, in 2007, I auditioned for a casting company in Philly and the director told me that I looked great on camera, but couldn’t act to save my life. I went home feeling down, but not out. I was determined to revamp and try again. I received a call from a modeling agency in Philly the next day regarding a casting that they wanted me to go to and that they had received a call from the casting agency about a beautiful full figured woman.

How did you start modeling?

I went to the casting for a fit model for Mother’s Work (now Destination Maternity) and booked the gig. I began fit modeling and held that booking for a year until I switched to another agency in Philly. After that first booking, I was hooked and I wanted to know more and be more, so I began researching like a mad woman.

What is your goal as a plus size model?

               

Stacey and I have a combined goal as plus size models and that is to make women appreciate their bodies for just as they are.  It took

Who are some of your favorite designers?

                

Straight size designers that I’d love to see create a full figured line are: DVF, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Louis Vuitton. I wish Alexander McQueen had done a full figured line as well.

                

My current full figured favorites are: City Chic, ASOS Curve, I.N.C., B&Lu, Pure Energy, & Monif C.

What is your take on the plus size movement in the fashion industry?

               

I think people in the high fashion world feel as if plus size models/fashions are a fad.  The thing is, there have always been full figured women. Look at Marilyn Monroe. Curves are here to stay and if the designers that refuse to do a full figured line miss the curve (pun intended), then it will be their loss.  The majority of the women that I associate with on a day-to-day basis are full figured. They are also willing to spend money on quality clothing that is fashion forward and fits well. Why designers refuse to see this is beyond me.

What is your favorite fashion trend right now?

               

My favorite fashion trend in this moment is leggings; mainly because they always fit, they’re forgiving, and they hug my curves. I hope they don’t go out of style any time soon!

If you could work with any designer, who would it be?

                

Oscar de la Renta. The designs are timeless.

If you could give advice to other aspiring plus size models, what would it be?

               

I get this question a lot and I’m actually flattered that aspiring models feel I am successful enough to give advice.  My advice is to start small and local. Do not take the leap and move to NYC if you are not 100% certain this is an industry in which you want to work or if this industry even wants to work with you.

                

Find a local agency and a local photographer (there are plenty on Model Mayhem) and do a test shoot where you can get a quality headshot and full length body shot. Then find out if your agency has an open call and take the photos to the open call.

               

I feel you have a better shot at being noticed if you have another model from the same agency submit your photos/measurements on your behalf. If a model says they’ve worked with you, it gives you credibility. These agencies receive electronic submissions daily and the agents do not have time to pore over each one.

                

Do not say “no” to working for free. Networking is priceless in this industry. You never know who you will meet and what they can do for you and vice versa. Always be pleasant and never get a big head about the accomplishments you achieve because this industry can knock you right back down in a matter of moments. You are replaceable.  Remember that. There is always a younger, fresher, more eager girl willing to take your place.

                

Don’t sell yourself short either. There is a point where one should begin charging a rate for their services. You are selling their clothes, after all. The designers are making money off of you and it is only fair that you be paid for services rendered, especially if you are experienced.

                

My sister, Stacey, and I are each other’s biggest fans. It is so nice to have someone so close to you in the same industry. We share experiences, learn, and grow together. And we are honest with one another. Stacey helps me out tremendously and keeps me grounded.

                

We get really excited when we can work together and we’ve loved meeting so many wonderful new friends in the industry. The friends we’ve made give us unconditional support and that’s a fabulous feeling.

               

What are your hopes in the future for your career as a model?

                

As a sister due, we’ve created Team Hiett and are working on an effort to bring body awareness and appreciation to women out there who desire to be comfortable in their own skin. We have created a blog (http://teamhiett.tumblr.com/ ) and have a website coming, along with a few other opportunities in the works.

                

Personally, I hope to make my dream my career.

What is the greatest reward?

                

The greatest reward came when I was doing an informal modeling gig at Nordstorm’s and a woman about a size four approached me and said that she wished she had my figure. I was dumbstruck that a thin woman would want my body. That made me feel really good and appreciate what I have been blessed with even more.

Thanks again Shannon! You and your sister are a force to be reckoned with! You can reach Shannon at:


shannon.hiett@gmail.com

 www.shannonhiett.com

Limarie Lewis: Plus Model on the Rise and Artist

Tell me a little bit about yourself?

I am 33 years old and was born and raised in Philadelphia.  I am a Latina mix(Puerto Rican & Dominican parents).  I am a spoken word recording artist known as Poetikmind, freelance plus model, writer, teacher and also the Curvy Confidence Editor for Daily Venus Diva.  I am happily married with kids.

Where are you from originally?  

Philadelphia

Have you always been curvy?  

By today’s standards of what curvy is I would say yes!

When did you decide to become a model?  

I have always wanted to try modeling because many people told me I was tall enough for it growing up however I didn’t think anyone would consider me because I was not skinny enough.  I never knew about plus modeling or that it even existed until I was inspired by seeing photos of real full figured women modeling Ashley Stewart clothing in one of their stores while shopping and I thought to myself “that could be me.”  It really helped to boost my confidence to pursue modeling.

How did you start modeling? 

I started modeling by first doing my research online and I found Venus Diva and Plus Model Magazine.  These websites gave me almost all of the information that I needed to get started.  I immediately started testing with photographers to create my own portfolio and after that I started looking for modeling opportunities that suit me best.

What is your goal as a plus size model?  

To dispel the stereotypes and limitations that society puts on the full figured woman and to encourage women to love themselves just as they are.  There is nothing wrong with losing weight because you are seeking to get healthier but there are many thick girls that are totally healthy too.  It is important to have a positive self-image because if you don’t love yourself then you won’t be true to yourself and the world would be missing out on whatever unique thing you bring to it just by being and loving you.  We can’t look and be like any other person, so why try.

Who are some of your favorite designers?  

There are so many wonderful designers out there but I am really in love with fashions from Ashley Stewart, Monif C, Qristyl Frazier, Igigi & Kiyonna just to name a few.  If I could afford anything from the following designers and they catered to full figured women, it would be:  Valentino, Dior & Chloe.  I love feminine clothing and these designers really deliver in that area!

What is your take on the plus size movement in the fashion industry?  

It feels like a movement because something is actually happening…progress.  I am seeing trendier fashions available for plus sized women and more about “loving your curves” in magazines, blogs and on websites.  It feels good to know that we no longer have to walk to the back of a clothing store to only find two racks of ugly, ill fitting clothes.  The plus sized fashions available seem to be cut better now to fit our different shapes and I love that we are being offered some of the same styles that normally were only available for our skinny sisters.   I love the progress we are making and think we are headed in the right direction.

Who are some of your style icons? 

I don’t really have any, lol.  I just like what I like.

Where do you draw inspiration?  

I draw inspiration from other plus models and seeing how different shaped full figured women wear their clothes and I pick up styling ideas from them but I usually do what works for me.  I like classic pieces mixed with trendy styles to keep my look up to date without spending a lot of money.

What is your favorite fashion trend right now?  

I love the jegging because it is comfortable and it hugs every curve in a very forgiving way BUT it is very hard to get them everywhere in a plus sized tall.  I also love pencil skirts, I wish I had one in every color because it compliments my shape.

If you could work with any designer, who would it be?  

I would love to work with Monif C because she seems friendly and she understands women’s curves being full figured herself. 

If you could give advice to other aspiring plus size models, what would it be?

 

Love yourself, be true to yourself and have fun with it. Do your research online and read Plus Model Magazine and check out Daily Venus Diva’s online community where you can ask questions about modeling. Try to meet as many people in the industry as you can. Practice in the mirror and study poses in ads or online. Test often with photographers. Learn how to do your own makeup, you never know when you may need this. Save some money and invest in building your portfolio. Look for opportunities to model and agencies that represent plus sized women. 

Do you have a lot of support in your endeavors to be a plus size model? 

Yes my husband and family and everyone I have met so far in plus modeling industry and community have been extremely supportive.

What are your hopes in the future for your career as a model? 

I would love to get signed to an agency because I believe it will get me one step closer to becoming an Ashley Stewart model which is my dream.  I also would love to do more commercial/lifestyle modeling.  I’ve always loved fashion shows and up until this point, have only been in one so I would love to walk on the runway as well maybe at FFF week?  We’ll see.

What is the biggest challenge you have overcome being a model?  

Even though I don’t feel 100% all the time, I feel good to know that I have overcome insecurities that I still had about my body and look.  When I first started modeling I used to compare myself a lot to other models and realized there were still a lot of insecurities there that I had to let go of completely. It’s funny because sometimes different situations reveal things about yourself to you.  I can say that I am now totally confident in who I am and am thankful to God to just be me.

What is the greatest reward?  

I feel like I have accomplished something big in my life.  I took a chance on something that I wasn’t sure that I could do because I never saw it for me but always wanted it.  One of the greatest rewards is the boost in self confidence that I now have, it translates into every area of my life.  I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and God is worthy to be praised for it all.

Thanks again Limarie for this awesome interview! You can find Limarie at:

http://modelmayhem.com/poetikmind
And on Twitter: @Poetikmind

One Stop Plus Fashion..... Show

At 1 p.m. today around 600 people eagerly waited on the One Stop Plus website for a glimpse of their Fashion Show for their Fall 2011 collection. We excitedly waited, many of us showed up over 15 minutes early and chatted while we waited for it to come on. Our expectations were high from the fact that we enjoyed their fashion show last year. As the video loaded the reactions from the viewers were definitely mixed. While it was a "fashion show" by definition, it was not a live runway. The video had been prerecorded and edited. I am not sure if people actually showed up at Time's Square today to see the show, but I hope that they at least had it up on jumbo screens. Okay, so now the pros and con's of the show.

Pros:

• There was some great colors. Lots of vibrant blues, reds, and purples. A pop of green in there as well.
• Fabrics with burnout prints. It was hard to see the exact detail, but some of the cutout did add intrigue to simple garments.
• The dresses towards the end were very elegant and offered almost a red carpet option for plus size beauties.
• I did like the bracelets and necklace pieces they used. Not sure they are part of the collection, but they were interesting and tied in. 

Con's:

• There was a definite lack of shape in the collection. I liked the look of some of the draping, but many silhouettes will have to be created to give the item structure.
• Lack of diversity in the models- Not much of a fashion show with one model, doing all the looks. (But as I said, it was prerecorded)
• There was a lot of velvety looking fabrics. This is a great for a piece or two, but I am not sure it rang well with the customers viewing the collection.

So I gathered pictures of the pieces that I am mostly interested in. You can check out the whole collection on One Stop Plus's Facebook Page. Or you can re-watch the show here.

Designer Shoes at Payless a Flop?

I am writing this post with a sad heart. Last September, my excitement was peaked by the reveal of Payless shoes on the runway designed by Christian Siriano. It was the premier of his Spring 2011 collection for Payless. After his show pictures were all over the blogging world buzzing with excitement. Myself personally was stoked by the idea that these high fashion shoes were going to be first off easily available to average people such as myself and also somewhat affordable. Now let's get this clear now, I was not expecting them to be dirt cheap. I was however expecting to be wowed for affordable prices. I have been stalking Payless for the last month or so waiting for the reveal of the collection. Well, today is the day that the Payless Designer Collections are on the website and I have to say............ well let me show you.

How do we go from <-- to -->

 

 Okay these are similar, not as drastic, but definitely muted down!

Once again, why did we mute the shoes?? I mean come on, keep some of the fashionable integrity.

All in all I am sad that Payless felt the need to in my words "dumb down" the collection. I was excited about the crazy heels and styles. I was WILLING to pay for the fashion. This was a great opportunity for Payless to expand their clientele. Le sigh. Out of all the designer's shoes that are featured on the website, there are maybe 2 shoes in total I would even think about purchasing. Has anyone else checked them out? What do you think?

*Pictures courtesy of Payless.com and Style.com