Sydney's Closet honorable mention in St Louis Post Dispatch Buzz Around Full Figured Fashion Week

Recognition from the press is always appreciated, and when it's from your very own town, it's quite endearing.  A shout-out of huge thanks to Debra Bass for including Sydney's Closet in her latest article, Can plus-size and high-end designer fashion meet in the middle?  It has been great fun to hear many shoppers at the store talk about reading her article!

In the article Debra does a great job of summarizing the third annual Full Figured Fashion Week, which just wrapped up another successful weekend in New York. Increasingly designers and retail stores are realizing the need for bigger and better fashions for the plus size woman.  

Plus size model Fluvia Lacerda who modeled for Sydney's Closet Spring 2011 Collection, was honored as the Plus Size Commercial Model of the Year. 

Sydney's Closet was proud to be one of 15 designers from the U.S., Canada and Europe to be showcased.  Two of our lovely gowns were included, and were very well received by the FFF crowds!

 

 

Fluvia Lacerda - Sydney's Closet Model & now also Commercial Print Model of the Year!

The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet is absolutely thrilled for Fluvia Lacerda for being honored as the Full Figure Fashion Week Award for Commercial Print Model of the Year! 

“The fact that I won this award is a major deal and I’m very passionate about my work, mostly because I feel that I represent the body image of many women,” says Lacerda.  “I'm not only a healthy woman, but one who wears a size 18 and am confident about it.”

 

Fluvia can be seen below as our beautiful cover bride of our Spring 2011 Bridal catalogue.  She also modeled numerous other bridal gowns and prom fashions.  She is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who now resides in New York.  Fluvia brings confidence and style to her profession as a size 18, as well as femininity.  And lets not forget an edge of "hot" from her native Brazil.

 

Featured on CNN & in the FFF Finale - Sydney's Closet is Dressed to the Nines!

Can someone please let us know when are feet hit the ground, because right now we are on Cloud 9!

Sydney's Closet Fashion Team was tickled to be a featured designer at the Full Figured Fashion Week 2011 in NYC, sponsored by our dear friends at Sonsi.  It was a fun filled event, with fashions ranging from casual to glitz and glamour.

Attendees from across the world got a first hand look at the wonderful plus size fashions available to them, and a look at fashions to come.  Designers and stores are realizing the need to be more real with their plus size fashion, and the options available to women of all sizes.  Every woman deserves the right to look and feel 

The finale show on Saturday was attended by 1,000 customers, and showcased more than 25 designers.  Sonsi set the mood with being first to the floor, with 12 fabulous looks.  Sydney's Closet is extremely proud to have been the final featured in the Sonsi collection with Dressed to the Nines (shown below)!

Even more recognition was given by CNN Living with their article Plus Sized Women: It's our turn for fine fashion.  CNN showcased the designs showed by Sonsi, including Sydney's Fashion, and did interviews with
Mara Urshel (Owner of Kleinfeld), and Gwen DeVoe, the executive producer of FFF. They agree the need is there, by the consumers, but now we need to get more designers to listen.

Our "Jersey Girl" mani's extended plus-size family is growing!

"Edinburgh College of Art has become the first fashion school in the UK to introduce size 18 mannequins to train the designers of the future."  In May, 2011 plus-size mannequins started appearing in Australia's Myer Department Store.

Along with the rise in need for plus-size clothing, the industry realizes the need to make sure the clothing is designed to fit properly.  As with many clothing when it's designed, a mannequin is very beneficial. However, most female mannequins are a made for a Size 6, with some going up to a size 10-12. 

At Sydney’s Closet we drape and design our plus size dresses on a fit mannequin that conforms perfectly to a Size 18 from on our size chart.  We call her “Jersey Girl” because we bought her from a company in New Jersey and shipped her to our headquarters in St. Louis.  She even has arms, so when we design dresses with sleeves or jackets we can be sure to get a great fit.

Not only is it important for the designing aspect, the true plus-size mannequins should also be used in shops that sell plus-size clothing, so the clothing is displayed properly, and not draped on then pinned back on a smaller mannequin.   

Rock-on Jersey Girl!

Full Figured Fashion Week is Rockin' New York City!

The 3rd annual Full Figured Fashion Week will be heating up the city of New York staring today, June 16th at the Affinia Hotel, and finishing on June 18th with a fashion show finale Saturday evening at The Marriott Marquis in New York City.

The FFF event is for the plus-size industry and its consumers, models, designers, retailers, bloggers and more!  Sydney's Closet is proud to be part of the Sonsi team, and will have gorgeous dresses from our Signature Collection shown!

Over 1000 attendees are expected this year, and at last report tickets were almost sold out.  If you are lucky enough to be attending the event in person, we would love to hear from you!  Tell us what fabulous fashions you are seeing, and remember...we always love pictures!

Happy One Year Anniversary to Sonsi.com!

As they approach their One Year Anniversary, Sonsi.com has many things to celebrate! 

Sonsi.com is an award-winning online shopping site exclusively for plus-size women.  They recently did a head-to-toe makeover that is modern and fresh, and expanded.  In their revamp they have created “Style Your Way™ outfitting tool”, helping plus size women take the guesswork out of finding the perfect outfit to match the occasion. 

Since launching in June 2010, Sonsi.com quickly became a hot spot for plus size women to shop and do social networking.  They have continued to expand the fashion lines offered, including yours truly, Sydney's Closet!

This week Sonsi.com is once again off to Full Figured Fashion Week in New York, where they are sure to wow the audience with their beautiful selections of fashions.

First 2012 Prom Dress Sold!

It’s never too early to shop for Prom 2012 dress.  Just ask the eager customer from West Virginia who already bought SC7020, the dress we call “Dramatic Effect”,  to wear to Prom 2012!

No wonder!  The super sexy Prom dress is a must-have in a striking combination of black satin paired with an eye-catching black and white whirling print. The asymmetrical blocks of alternating print and solid  fabric wrap the silhouette in a very figure-flattering pattern. A sweep train adds an oh-so red-carpet look making this stunning strapless design perfect for a night as big as Prom 2012.   Optional straps and shawl included!

Buying a Prom Dress ahead of time has great advantages!  You get that gorgeous gown you absolutely fell in love with and avoid the disappointment of having it sell out. Plus you get part of your Prom expense out of the way very early; and you often get a fantastic deal saving big bucks on your Prom gown!  (And who doesn't love a bargain!)

Many of the hottest Prom 2011 dresses from Sydney's Closet are now on Sale!  Quantities and sizes are limited, so hurry over to grab your favorite today!  Need help with sizing?  Just call toll free: 888.479.3639 and a Prom stylist will personally assist you in selecting a dress that fits and flatters your curves.

Wedding Trends: Tried-and-True, or Here Today-Gone Tomorrow

Over the years many wedding trends have tried to take flight.  Some become instant hits and continue to be repeated year after year, and others fizzle out after just one to two years. Let's have some fun and touch on a few that have recently been on our minds.

Candy Bar: One of the most yummy trends there is!  The Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet is sure this is a trend that will stay.  Who doesn't love being able to pick and chose delicious candy and chocolate treats to snack on?  The best ones are those who offer up small paper bags to you can take some home with you too ;-)

Photo Booth:  This is a terrific idea, especially if there is a master copy of all photos given to the Bride and Groom as well.  We've seen this master copy worked into a video montage with music also.  We predict this trend will continue on for a while.

Video Booth:  Another sure hit of a trend.  This is a nice way for guests to leave a personal video message to the Bride & Groom.  It's usually less formal, and can be lots of fun for everyone.

Dancing down the aisle:  We think this trend is fizzling out.  It was fun while it lasted but lets leave dancing for the reception.

Trash the Dress:  While it pains us to think of anyone trashing their gorgeous Wedding Dress, we have seen some very artistic photos from brides who have done this type of photography session.  We predict this trend will stay for a while longer.

Have you seen any new trends at weddings you've attended recently?  What do you think will be the "next big wedding trend?

Italian Vogue Strikes a Plus Size Pose

Peer pressure doesn’t just happen in your teenage years, but it can certainly be the impressionable starting point of how you live your life and your self-esteem.  

Italian Vogue recently featured three gorgeous plus size models on their July issue ‘Real Beauties’.

Vogue Italia editor Franca Sozzani shares her thoughts: 'Curvy women are back in all their splendour. The exuberance of a body with rounded lines is much more alluring and sexy.' She added: 'A growing number of readers are now asking to see – even in fashion magazines – a real world, made of real people who are not obsessed with staying thin, but are able instead to naturally accept and respect their bodies as they are.'

Remember the incredible uproar over the now infamous Lane Bryant commercial in which they featured a plus size model in lingerie?  It was applauded by the plus size communities and supporters, and censored by many television stations from main stream viewers.  Instead of being censored, the stations would have been more productive to have given their audience the choice to watch or turn the channel.

In a time when we are trying to empower young girls and women, the Fashion Team at Sydney's Closet applauds Italian Vogue in their quest to do just that!  Bravo for their bodacious and bold editorial move!

How do you feel about the editors' decision in Italy to feature three women with real curves on the cover of their slick magazine?  Would you like to see editors of American fashion magazines make a similar decision?  If so, what would be the perfect way to dress plus size models?  In lingerie.  Red-carpet evening gowns.  Denim and leather jackets. Tell us what you think!  We'd love to hear from you.  The timing is perfect.  We're just starting to cast plus size models for our next photo shoot in July that will feature Sydney's Closet plus size Prom dresses for Prom 2012.   

Happy Customers

The Fashion Team loves getting fan mail from our Happy Customers. Even better, we love sharing it with you. Here’s some of the latest – and greatest - emails and letters from shoppers who found the dress of their dreams at Sydney’s Closet. Hope you enjoy reading these comments  and the fabulous photos of our curvy customers looking very glam!


Happy Mother-of-the-Bride
Dear Sydney:  I purchased the “Beloved” mother of the bride dress for my daughter’s wedding and loved it. It was almost a perfect fit according to the sizing chart. It only needed to be hemmed. The dress is a little more purple in person than in the pictures, but it is gorgeous. I received so many compliments. I am so glad to have found your website and this dress. Thank you!
Christine from Pennsylvania


Happy Prom Princess
Dear Sydney,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I ordered my daughter's prom dress from you. We measured carefully and it looks amazing. I cried and told her how fabulous she looks. I can't thank you enough!
Pamela from New Jersey

Happy Prom Princess

Dear Sydney, I just wanted to drop you a line and a few photos. My daughter Rakeda looked lovely. Thank you very much for helping her make such a flattering selection. Sincerely, Viola B. from St. Louis, MO
 
Happy Bride
Dear Sydney,  I bought the “Unspoken Love” informal wedding dress, and I love it. The dress fits nice and flows very BEAUTIFUL.  Just because you’re a plus size lady doesn’t mean you can’t feel like a PRINCESS on the most important day of your life! I felt BEAUTIFUL, and I’m very happy that Sydney’s Closet is around for us plus size girls!

Mary


Now we want to hear from you!

The Low Down on High-Low Dresses

Trend Alert!  For 2011, Prom dresses with high-low hemlines are all the rage. 

What's a high-low dress?  It's really simple. The front of the dress features a skirt with a shorter length skirt.  The back of the dress dips low to the floor.  The result: the best of both worlds in one dress.  The front is styled with the fun of a flirty cocktail dress that hits at or above the knees.  The back of the dress drapes with the elegance of a formal evening gown. 

Now the trend extends to almost every special occasion dress.
We're spotting high-low hemlines on wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and evening dresses. Style savvy shoppers love the chance to show off their great legs and create a real head-to-toe glam look with show-stopping shoes.
Designers just want to have fun with the hi-low hems whether they use chiffon, taffeta, satin or lace fabric. Some create a real fashion pop by lining the skirt in a contrasting color or playful polka dots. Others make a  fashion roar by lining the dress in a bold animal print. 

Here at Sydney's Closet, the Fashion Team is working hard on a high-low dress for Prom 2012. Of course, the new design is still under wraps. But we can tell you the 2012 Prom dress will feature a form-fitting bodice with a sweetheart neck and a skirt that skims the knees in the front and falls to the floor in the back.  The look is sure to make a dramatic entrance - and exit- at Prom 2012!

Do you think this trend is tasteful? tracky? trashy?
Would you wear a high-low dress to Prom 2012 or to your next special occasion? Let us know. We'd love to hear from you!