Vanessa Reece – The Curvy Fashionista, Marie Denee, speaks to V about everything Fashion!

Marie Denee Curvy. Confident. Chic

Marie Denee came to my attention via Twitter. I can’t remember who added who first but the point was I finally found someone talking about fashion I could relate to.

After quietly reading her Curvy Fashionista blog and also finding some great articles on examiner.com , which she also writes for; I concluded that not only is this woman a proud plus-size Fashionista she also has her finger on the pulse of what plus-size women really want – style, chic, and for many of us, up-to-the minute information on great clothes.

I have to tell you that despite being in the modeling world I truly hate shopping for clothes.

In the UK there is very little to be found by way of up to the minute fashion for plus-size women. Fiddling with zips in non-air-conditioned changing rooms that are not really big enough to swing your fine behind around is not exactly my idea of a fun day.
I tend to quickly pick up things and try them on at home. I’ve taken a lot of clothes back which simply don’t hang right.

Marie Denee has given me hope that shopping as a plus-size lady can be fun and less of a strain. Plus, with her new boutique website opening soon www.mariedenee.com the wardrobe shift from summer to fall won’t seem as daunting.

I caught up with Marie to ask her just what makes her the Curvy Fashionista – Curvy. Confident. Chic.

Vanessa: Marie, it’s an honor to finally touch base with you because I’m a huge fan of yours, as everyone knows. Thank you for taking the time to chat to me today.

Marie: Thank you! You are too fabulous and I am a fan of yours as well!

Vanessa: Thank you! I think the beginning is a good place to start right? So I read you started in the fashion world by working in department stores. How did that shape your views towards plus-size fashion?

Marie: You know, it has been hard and quite saddening. Working not only in department stores but specialty stores, I straddled the line at that time as a 14. There were already options that were not available to me. I would always be the “go-to” person who would know where the clients could get options that they were looking for. This opened the door for me to find out just who was making what we see in those stores- but in our size.

In addition, it frustrated me to see the stores that DID have plus and how they represented it or merchandised it. If it was not in the basement, it was next to the men’s department or across from the bathing suits… we were an afterthought, not a forethought.

On top of that, the items that they did have were frumpy or just plain ugly. When did the world decide that anything over a 12 is deemed unfashionable?

So I made it my mission to unearth these designers who delivered the fashion forward options.

Vanessa: When did you decide to become ‘The Curvy Fashionista’ and what was the catalyst that sparked you wanting to set up a blog?

Marie: While pursuing my Masters in Marketing, I was fortunate to dedicate this to the Plus Size industry. While I amassed my resources, I knew and I felt it was my responsibility to share! I had always wanted to do a blog, and thus The Curvy Fashionista was born!

Vanessa: Define your own personal fashion style.

Marie: I lean more on the Boho chic side- I love effortless style! Therefore you will often find me in dresses and pieces that are always timeless and still have an interesting edge to them. Every once in a while I will don a fierce piece as it reflects my mood! Lol

Vanessa: We get told a lot that making clothes for plus-size women is more expensive, therefore we pay more; however there are stores like Ross, Torrid and even Lane Bryant that seem to make affordable clothes. So I’m wondering; why more stores aren’t making ranges for plus-size women? I mean are we being sold a lie about the cost of making these clothes?

Marie: I think the focus should be getting what you pay for. I would rather invest in quality pieces that are going to last me more than one wash rather than certain fast fashion that will not afford me a full season’s wear.

However- to answer your questions- many companies do not know HOW to make items that will sell (i.e. take our curves into account and more than a tent or muumuu) and not sell only at a reduced price point. It is what they put out that sits there and then gets marked down and does not come back because it does not make money. Then using this logic (does not make money) as an excuse to not carry the brand.

I find that rather getting to know and understand their customer, they would rather cater to her with disdain, but happily take her money.

Vanessa: Let’s talk about the designers. Judging from the pictures from Fuller Figured Fashion week there are some excellent designers who are catering for plus-size women. I’m guessing you spoke to quite of few of them so can you tell me if they have any frustrations with getting their work to the masses?

Marie: From what I have understood, there are two frustrations. The buyers for the department stores- taking a risk and having a keen eye for plus fashion and us the consumer not understanding why it costs more for their items.

While I cannot elaborate about the buyers, I can share about the “us” concerns. When dealing with “designer” fashion, there is a lot more that comes with it than a cute dress. If you look at the items in Glamour, Vogue, etc. those contemporary items are aligned with a lot of the emerging plus size designers who are making inroads in contemporary fashion! Each item should be viewed (especially in regards to the curves) as an investment!

Vanessa: What would be your advice for any designer of plus-size clothes wanting to get their work seen?

Marie: Do not be afraid to reach out to your audience, bloggers, media, etc. Be accessible. If we are trying to reach you, say hi! The person who is trying to reach you can help link you up with other people and in this age of social media, it can only help!

Vanessa: O.K Marie, I know you can help me with this. Jeans! Who makes the best plus-sized jeans that offer curve appeal?

Marie: Ha! That would depend on your shape! And there are quite a few! I love Svoboda, David Kahn, and Embody Denim! These fit the thighs and rear all while having an amazing blend and right amount of stretch!

Vanessa: I’m excited about your online boutique a www.mariedenee.com You know that is going to have a big fan fare on my site when it opens in the fall. What can you tell me about it?

Marie: Well, I have created Marie Denee as an upscale contemporary online boutique that offers today’s fashion forward, curvy, confident, and chic plus size woman, a haven where she can confidently shop the latest designer fashions in her size, without sacrificing her desires for premium, fashion forward, and impeccably fit options.

I have carefully edited and sourced designers from all over the globe by those who see fashion beyond a size 12! I will feature lifestyle apparel and accessories from designers like Gayla Bentley, Kingley & Posh, Embody Denim by Natalie Wakeling, Melissa Masse, David Kahn Jeanswear, BGU and Amanda Uprichard, Spree Girl Curves, Marie Melodie and many more.

To stay informed on the launching of Marie Denee, make sure you sign up for my newsletter at www.mariedenee.com !

Vanessa: How easy or difficult is it to source great fashion for plus-size people?

Marie: A little bit of both! Easy I am a blogger and have had the benefit of research at my fingertips! I am naturally an inquisitive person, so I am always searching and scouring what is new! On the other hand, it is difficult finding quality, edgy, fierce, mouth-watering items! It’s funny as I happen to find those across the pond!

Vanessa: I’ve always thought women should have a few key items in their wardrobe – with this in mind, what key five items would you suggest a woman has in her wardrobe and why.

Marie: Ohhh I love this question and I might even blog about this! Lets see…

An perfectly fitting bra/ shapewear! You have to lay the right foundation
A great pair of bootcut jeans- these can be dressed up or down, but a great option that fits the curves, in a dark wash to polish your look
A great white button up or white blouse- a must for the work to night fashionista as she can easily take an amazing blouse to jeans, from that pencil skirt or pantsuit.
The LBD “Little Black Dress” a classic –need I say more?
The last one is a wild card, but I would say something in a bold color! Something that makes you feel sexy and fabulous!

Vanessa: Now, Marie I’m going to throw one word at you and you have to tell me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear or see this word. BRAS!

Marie: Boobies! LOL. Very hard to find.

Vanessa: Ha! Yes, indeed! Where is a good place to get good lingerie for a buxom bigger girl?

Marie: Place? Hips and Curves, Kiyonna, Elomi- oooh! You have Gok Wan killing it over there! We cannot get our hands on him over here!

Vanessa: Now onto something a little different; you recently voiced your opinions about the Fox show, More to Love. It doesn’t seem to be getting any better does it? In your opinion what could have FOX done better with this show?

Marie: What I find appalling is that for a show that portrayed curves as sexy and confident, they could have showed women who were happy with their body and their lives! What bothers me even more is the message that its sending to the young women- if you are fat, you will never go on a date, you will eat all your depression away, and you will cry all the time. Really?

Why separate these women with a Big and Tall man? Why not integrate, or to really show them , why not put a couple of Curvy.Confident.Chic. Fashionistas amongst the straight size divas and have the man choose a curvy gal- unbeknownst to the ladies? How about that?

Vanessa: Now I know you’re super busy so let me end with one last question. What is your top tip for plus-size women seeking affordable fashionable clothes?

Rather than trying to buy up all the trendy items you see, INVEST in a strong foundation of a wardrobe and updating it will not be a headache! Buy items that accentuate the positive and camouflage the unmentionables!