Faith 21 – Long Layering Plus Size Cami

The color grey has emerged as one of the hottest neutrals this year!  We first saw the color start to trend last winter with Jennifer Lopez being the first celebrity to sport this trend in a head-to-toe outfit. Moving into the summer the grey trend has only heated up with numerous celebrities wearing the trend head-to-toe as well as incorporating the color into their summer wardrobe. All shades of grey work; from a light dusty grey to a deep dark slate, there are many options to choose from.

Check out some of our favorite grey items for summer and early fall!

Old Navy- Women’s Cropped Twill Moto Jackets

Nordstrom’s- Olivia Moon Drape Front Cardigan

Shopbop- The Santo Wedge Booties

Shopbop- Senora Leather Wrap Bracelet

Shopbop- Zipper Frame Sunglasses

Macy’s- Alfani Plus Size Top, Sleeveless Tiered Cascade Ruffle Tunic

Nordstrom’s- Daniel Rainn Swiss Dot Silk Tunic

Nordstrom’s- Olivia Moon Tiered Cardigan

Torrid- Z. Cavaricci Couture – Grey Stud-Trim Skinny Jean

Shopbop- Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffel

Macy’s- Spense Plus Size Dress, Sleeveless Drape Neck Belted

What do you think of this grey trend? Will you be wearing it head-to-toe or just in pieces?

If the first video from City Chic was not enough for you, here is another. Love the styling of the shoot!

Madison Plus recently spotted Jessica Simpson on Popsugar.com out and about grabbing a bite to eat with a few close friends in LA. She sported a short printed romper and her signature platform pumps to show off her curves and keep cool in the summer heat. She looks great! Madison Plus pulled some of the cutest romper looks to keep cool in the heat of the summer.

Torrid – Black and White Ikat Print Romper

Torrid – Black and Blue Floral Print Romper

Torrid – Black Tropical Birds Tube Romper

Torrid – Black Dot Print Tube Romper

Marc Jacobs launched his newest men’s fragrance, BANG, in London at Harvey Nichols. In attendance at the cologne launch was our favorite rocker, Beth Ditto! Check out her saucy look!

Does Beth Ditto’s look make a BANG to you?

Shop Jessica’s Look:

Dorothy Perkins – Dress
Zappos – Clarks Spa Black Leather
Fashion Bug – Plus Size Crochet Shrug

What do you think of Jessica’s look?

We are creating a new section at Madison Plus: MP Fresh Look! We wanted to showcase all of the amazing women (and men, we are looking for you too!) that are empowered, fashionable, creative, intelligent, established, and MP worthy to feature on the site! To kick this section off we had to go to Nicolette Mason. Nicolette lives in Brooklyn and is a design strategist, lifestyle blogger, Parsons grad, style leader, photographer, and Vogue Curvy star.  We just love her blog and wanted to learn more about the amazing woman behind it all!

Check out our interview with Nicolette Mason!

1) When and why did you start your blog?

I started the current incarnation of my blog November 2008, after some demands by some of my close friends to have a forum to share all the cool designed objects I was finding. In the last couple of years my blog has evolved a lot, from being a round-up of cool design around the world to being very lifestyle oriented – travel, fashion, art, food, etc.

2) You are originally from LA, what led you to move to New York?

I moved to NYC after spending a summer during high school taking classes at Parsons, the New School for Design. I had never felt more at home in any city – and having traveled quite a bit, that’s saying a lot! I returned to NYC to start school in September of 2004, and I haven’t left yet.

3) You have been featured on Italian Vogue’s Vogue Curvy website where they mentioned that you started a career as a Design Strategist after graduating from Parsons’ Design and Management Program. Your career sounds fascinating, could you tell us a little more about what you do?

A lot of people think that “design strategy” is a lofty, made-up term, but it’s actually a really exciting, transdisciplinary field. I get to work with designers across all fields – from fashion designers, to architects, to graphic designers – and I work on lots of up-front strategy, concept design, and research. It’s really amazing to see a project from its earliest forms, sometimes nothing more than an idea, to a finished product – whether it be a book or a brick-and-mortar store. I love being able to work with so many different creative people.

4) What is your personal style like? You wear some great designer clothing (Miu Miu, Phillip Lim, Chanel), where do you shop for your clothing at?

It’s funny, Refinery29 recently did a feature on personal style and defined two caps – the good girl and the bad girl. I think I’m a little bit manic in that I oscillate between the two. I love black, metal hardware, leather – and at the same time I love floral prints and pink and feminine embellishments. It really depends on my mood! It’s a little bit of uptown glamour, and a little bit of downtown edge.

As for shopping, I don’t really limit myself to anything or any one designer or even size range. I just gravitate towards things I like! I might have a few pieces from Chanel, but I’ve also bought lots of clothing at Target – especially with their recent designer collaborations (I really loved the Rodarte collection). I do tend to be drawn towards statement pieces that I can use to build upon basics.

5) Where do you find inspiration for your blog?

My everyday life is my inspiration. I’m really lucky in that unbelievably talented friends and coworkers constantly surround me. That paired with one of the best cities in the world? I’m hardly starving for things to inspire me!

6) I have to ask, because I love your pictures, what kind of camera do you use?

I go between two primary cameras: a Leica D-Lux 4 that I take with me everywhere, and a Canon 5D DSLR that I use when I know I’m going to be shooting pictures and feel motivated to carry it around with me! I also love playing with toy cameras from Lomography.

7) What does Madison Plus mean to you?

I think Madison Plus is about revealing that little secret that you don’t have to be a size 2 – or even a size 8 – to be fashionable and achieve the look or style you want. I want more people to feel inspired to love themselves at any size – hips or no hips, fat or skinny, flat or busty – and everything in between.

Pictures of Nicolette Mason are by Lizz Kuehl (pictures #1-2, 9-11, 15-19) and Marissa Manning (pictures #3-8, 12-14)

Check out Nicolette’s blog here- NicoletteMason.com.

Check out Lizz Kuehl’s blog here- LizzKuehl.com.

Check out Marissa Manning’s website here- Balance.net/MarissaManning

What do you think? Who wore it better: America Ferrera or Maria Menounos?

Ultimo went from advertising with Peaches Geldof and Kelly Brook in their lingerie line to now “real women” in their first ever Ultimo Couture line! The campaign showcases 14 unairbrushed images of women ranging in age from 20 to 53 and sizes ranging from 8 t0 18. The women were chosen from a facebook contest.

Ultimo founder Michelle Mone says “Ultimo Couture dresses are designed for real women, so it made complete sense for us to feature real women in the brand’s first campaign. It is all about championing different shapes and sizes”.

What do you think of the real women campaign for Ultimo?

We were having a morning peruse of our City Style Correspondents blogs and we stumbled upon our Stockholm correspondent Jennifer’s old blog post on Tara Lynn for Zizi.  We can’t believe that we missed these great shots of Tara! The styling is definitely on the European side and different from the recent editorials we have seen of this looker.  The shots are for the plus clothing brand Zizi which is apart of the Sweedish plus brand Ellos.

To see more pictures of Tara Lynn, check out Jennifer’s blog at Jasifers Lions Club!

What do you think of the styling of plus model Tara Lynn?

Sabina is a new, up and coming plus model with Ford+ who is making the transition from straight size to plus. She is a Sweden’s Next Top Model alumni as well. We were so excited to have her come by the MP office so we could snap a photo of her off-duty style. She is so classic in her fitted trench but she adds in some edge with sky high heels and her full head of hair.

Shop her Off-duty Look!

Nordstroms – Krista Bootie

Nordstroms – MICHEAL by Micheal Kors Textured V-Nk Plus Size Blouse

Nordstroms – Ellen Tracy Plus Size Trench Coat

Nordstroms – CJ By Cookie Johnson ‘Joy’ Plus Size Denim Legging

Nordstroms – Hype Zulu Expandable Tote

Thank you for stopping by Sabina!

What do you think of Sabina’s look?

Check out some of your favorite new sequins items!

Nordstrom’s- Adrianna Papell Sequin Dolman Sleeve Plus Size Top

Lane Bryant- Sequin Chiffon Plus Size Tank

Lane Bryant- Sequin Tank

Shopbop.com- Rosie Sequin Headband

Shopbop.com- Felix Rey Sequin Bow Clutch

Shopbop.com- Alice + Olivia for Keds Sequin Sneakers

Shopbop.com- Diane von Furstenberg Nika Sequin Python Print Flats

How will you be wearing the all-over sequins trend?

Last week we were working away in the studio when MP friend Emme called and said she was having lunch for her birthday in the Time Square area and wanted us to stop by to get an exclusive street style pic! Of course we said yes, threw on our stilettos and ran out the door to see her.

As always, Emme looked amazing. Here she was wearing a printed dress that featured a self-tie sash at the waist and dolmen sleeves. Her long blond hair was slicked back in a sophisticated ponytail and her accessories of gold bangles and T-strap heels were simply elegant and paired well with the bold print of the dress. While Emme has been very successful as a plus model, she has been channeling her success into her charity, The Body Image Council.

For our MP fans, we put together the Emme’s perfect printed dress style with accessories so you can look as impeccably dressed as Emme!

Shop Emme’s Print Dress Look:

Anna Scholz- Fan Print Jersey Border Cuff Tunic

Macy’s- Alfani Plus Size Dress, Short Sleeve Stretch Cotton Zebra Print

Torrid- Black and White Triangle-Print Belted Dress

Anna Scholz- Silk Satin Plus Size Sequin Tunic Dress

Nordstrom- Lily Twist Front Matte Jersey Dress (Plus)

Nordstrom- MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Brushstroke’ Plus Size Dress

Macy’s- Michael Kors Shoes, Classic Sandals

Shopbop- Jules Smith Art Deco Bangle Set

What do you think of Emme’s look?

Trentacosta is having a 35% off site wide sale, but MP friends will receive 45% off using code (lowercase)  mp072010.

Act fast as the merchandise will be moving quickly!

Check out Beyonce’s looks and the recent posts we have done on shopping the jumpsuit trend!

Jump into a Jumpsuit!

Shop the Look: Aimee’s Jumpsuit

Are you going to rock the jumpsuit trend?

Dresses with asymetrical necklines have been a big celebrity trend recently! Stars such as Kim Kardashian, Rachelle Lefevre, and Ashley Greene have all been spotted out and about in asymetrical style dresses that give an extra bit of glam to your look.

Shop the asymetrical neckline trend now!

Torrid- Black One-Shoulder Banded Dress

Fashion to Figure- Shimmer Ruffle Dress

Macy’s- Ruby Rox Plus Size Dress, One Shoulder Satin Bubble

Macy’s- Baby Phat Plus Size Dress, One Shoulder Ikat Print

See more at People.com.

Shop The Look:

Nordstroms – Ray Ban Wayfair Sunglasses

Nordstroms – Tom’s Calypso Wedge

Nordstroms – Rachel Pally Dolman Sleeve

New Look – Denim Boy Shorts

Dorothy Perkins – Engraved Clock

Shopbop – Carol Marie Pyramid Earrings

Tell us: If Urban Outfitters offered larger sizes, would shop there?

We were so excited to be invited to the Eliza Parker launch party in New York City and had to share some pics with our fans! The Eliza Parker line is designed by Jessica Tenaglia and features clothing that is for fashionable women on the go. The styles works from boardroom to black tie and are featured in a rich color palette of jewel tones.  One of the things we immediately gravitated to, especially with our history in product development, was the nice drape of the wraps and the extra attention to details that flatter curvier girls.  Some of these details included stretch fabrics, empire waist lines with the perfect amount of stretch, and fabric draping in the right places to flatter curvier figures.  After checking out the fashions, we took some shots of our friends at the party for you to enjoy!

Aimee and I were happy to catch up with MP friend and writer Marcy Cruz who found some great pieces to add to her closet.

Model Fluvia Lacerda, who is the face of the Eliza Parker line, was attending the launch party in a beautiful blue dress from Eliza Parker.

When Jessica Tenaglia had a moment to relax from the party, we were able to grab a quick picture with the designer as well as talk to her about the new fashion line.

After the party was over, Aimee and I went went down to the Union Square subway to head home and caught Gabby Sidibie’s Mom, Alice Tan Ridley, performing.  If you have heard Alice Tan Ridley perform before, you know what a treat her soul/gospel music is!

It was a great MP and NYC night!

What do you think of the new plus size line, Eliza Parker?

Which shot of Toccara is  your favorite?

I was anti-jumpsuit until I found this jumpsuit. I remember being asked to do one by my old bosses when I was in plus size product development and I told her she was nuts and that it would be a fit nightmare, needless to say I was very wrong. Thats when I started to realize most fashions that are traditionally thought to be taboo for plus ladies, can be done for plus, it just takes a little more work from both ends of the retail world. We’ve got to buy them when retailers make one that works. Though I should take what I learned from my search for my knit jumpsuit that am wearing here and put together my picks for your hourglass, pear, or apple shape all based off of my look.

Shop “apple shape”:

Shopbop – Temperly London Illusion Pouch

Shopbop – Jenny Bird Shoulder Sweeping Earrings

Torrid – Gold Rhinestone Bracelet

Monif C – “Eva” Plus Size Jumpsuit

Torrid – Wide Width Red Suede System Heel

Shop “hourglass shape”:

Simply Be – Plus Size Jersey Catsuit

Evans – Wide Width T-Bar Diamante Sandals

Shopbop – Rebecca Minkoff Eyelet Clutch

Shopbop – Lee Angel Chain Earrings

Shop “pear shape”:

Piperlime – Cry Bow Earrings

Lane Bryant – Tux Detailed Jumpsuit

Piperlime – Randee Sandal

Zappos – Soiree Sparkly Cross Body Bag

How do you like these outfits? Would

Shop Eva Mendes Look:

Macy’s- Spense Plus Size Dress, Sleeveless Gingham Belted

Piperlime- Nina Papina Heel

Macy’s- Ray Ban Wayfarer Shield Sunglasses

What do you think of Eva Mendes style?

What do you think of these 5 looks? What is your favorite shot?

Last night was the first night of FFFW. Erica and I arrived raring to go and ready to meet all the fabulous fashionistas, designers, models and sponsors. We quickly ran backstage to say hello to everyone and check out the collections which were about to be sent down the runway. We got to see the newest collections from Pure Energy, Just My Size, La’Dan’s Closet, Chan.nel Karama and Kiyonna.

Check out our photos from our night out!

We had fun in the Sonsi photobooth with Lauren Koenig and the designers Katie and Jess from the new plus size line Lotis.

And this is just from day one! stay tuned for our FFFW coverage.

Anne Hathaway was spotted on the street with a summer perfect sundress.  The look is a combo of an around-the-world voyage pattern combined with a sweet sundress. It is a great way to beat the heat yet look stylish this summer season!

Shop Anne Hathaway’s Look:

ASOS CURVE Hawaiian Print Plus Size Cocktail Dress

Evans- Black Wedge Wide Width Sandals

Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Sunglasses

Marc by Marc Jacobs Perfect Tavi Cross Body Bag

What do you think of Anne Hathaway’s sundress?