For those who are new to Sakina and her fantastic sense of fun and style here’s a quick recap.

Sakina began her blog, quite innocently last year where she wrote about her fashion finds and posted pictures. Sakina is plus sized but what made her popular was her honest and non fussy approach to her fashion reviews. In short – she picked up things she liked, posted lovely pictures and made friends with other bloggers. Skip twelve months on and Sakina is now a regular blogger for Italian Vogue and now seems to be one of the key spokes people during the surge of interest in plus-size fashion.

Finding out her story and viewing her blog made me terribly excited, because here was a young lady just using her blog to showcase her love for fashion and BOOM she becomes quite the guru in her field. So much so that Italian Vogue knew they were onto a winner by asking her to post her thoughts and videos on the plus-size section of their website.

But I wanted to know more about Sakina – because quite frankly I am tres nosey. Good job she speaks fluent English because my French is very bad!

Thankfully she sat down to give me some time and I think you’ll all agree she’s a sweetheart!

J’adore Sakina of Saks in the City – Interview

V: Sakina it’s lovely to connect with you. Thanks for taking the time for me!

Sakina: Hey you’re more than welcome, thank YOU!

V: I barely know where to start but I guess I should ask how your love for fashion came about? Is it because you’re French or something else?

Sakina: Probably… hum well no actually I became a fashion lover when I started learning English! Yes! After my very first English class I was like : I must speak as well as a native speaker (don’t freak, I’m very passionate !) Long story short I started reading a lot of fashion magazines in English and that’s what introduced me to fashion, clothing aesthetics and sense of style.

V: You represent the fuller figured woman in your blog, but also I get a sense that any women, regardless of size, could get style ideas from you – is this intentional?

Sakina: Absolutely, when I released the blog it was mostly speaking to fuller figured women because I my fashion tips were for plus sizes : it’s so hard to believe you can be fashionable when you are a plus size that I wanted to show some confidence and optimism but I never meant to only target plus size women. I intentionally dress like an average size woman, I don’t stop myself from wearing miniskirts or skinny jeans or carrot pants (which are all supposedly not flattering on a curvy woman!) and that’s why my blog speaks to a lot more people. My outfits are very close to any stylish lady ! And that’s why I never wanted to mention the word fat or plus size or curvy on my blog’s name, I wanted it to sound more like the fashion diary of a fashion lover !

V: When did you start your blog officially?

Sakina: I think it was on May 1rst 2009, almost a year now! Unbelievable! Time really flies…

V: Did you promote your blog with other curvy fashionistas or did simply post and gain a following?

Sakina: Well it was Les Modeuses Rondes a French plus size fashion community that first mentioned my blog on their platform and I think a month after I released my blog, Gabi from Young, Fat & Fabulous wanted to feature me on her YFF Girl of the moment section and that’s when people started to know about my blog and my followers grew very fast after that ! Lately I’ve been featured in a lot of press! I have very good relationships with other fatshionistas like Gabi (YFF) Christina from The Musings of a Fatshionista, Mimmi & Peppi from More To Love, Charlotte from Kylanita… and a lot more!

V: Your pictures are always natural and well shot! Do you have a definite plan when taking the pictures for your blog or do you just roll with it?

Sakina: If only you could be there when I take pictures! You would see how improvised it is! Well, except from 2 or 3 photo shoots, it’s not planned. I picture myself in the area I am and I try to find the cutest backgrounds to shoot. I don’t have a high quality camera so there are some few things I do to get have a nice picture: I try to have a simple background (like a beautiful wall or door, something without a lot of elements) and a bright light. These are the few things I’m doing to have a nice picture! When it’s planned I have my friend’s reflex camera and the only thing I have to do is find a place that will match with my outfit!

V: You are a natural model; one of the best – if not the best examples of what a true Curvaceous Model should be, in my opinion. If you were asked to be on the cover of one magazine as a Cover Girl what would it be?

Sakina: OMG you’re so sweet! Thank you! Let me think… Probably Vogue, yes Vogue because it’s THE fashion forward magazine. And it would make a statement I think to have a curvy model on a Vogue cover!

V: I totally agree with you there! Ok, so who would you like to be the face of if you could pick any fashion label?

Sakina: Any? Well ASOS & H&M of course! I love these brands, their clothes and their spirit, ! In terms of luxury brand, I would love to be the face for Chloé or Stella McCartney, I love these two brands fashion approach, I’m never disappointed by the new collections, and it’s feminine, classy, as well as trendy.

V: You have a huge love for H&M clothes – but tell me about some of the other stores you love!

Sakina: Oh you have noticed? I’m probably one of their biggest lovers!!! But I have other brands I LOVE for my bank’s despair: Asos, Dorothy Perkins, Vero Moda, Carmakoma, Manoush, Faith 21 & Forever 21, Zara…

V: You have a lot of clothes! Is your wardrobe/closet organized in any colours or seasons or is it just organized chaos?

Sakina: Perfectly organized, I hate chaos; everything’s clean and organized according to colours… No I swear I’m not a freak!!

V: Ha. No don’t feel bad. Mine is set into colours as well. I see you also love shoes, jewellery and bags. I can relate to the love of jewellery and bags as I’m a big fan of co-coordinating those with clothes I wear. Where do you buy the majority of your accessories?

Sakina: It really depends, I don’t go to a specific place to shop accessories and jewellery, most of the brands I shop in have their jewellery and accessories range so if I have a crush on something I bring it home. I’m more a clothes hunter than an accessories hunter! I don’t follow any trends in terms of bags, jewels, shoes… I mostly look for the timeless pieces.

V: Let’s talk Vogue! I am thrilled you are now a spoke person for (Italian) Vogue Curvy. Tell me about your involvement with them and how you plan your videos for them.

Sakina: Well, I’m very involved since its VOGUE ;D I go taping twice a month and I pick out the stores I want. I choose the stores according to their stylistic spirit and according to whether I’ll find oversized pieces or not. I have no one telling me yes or no, and in that way it’s great! Besides, they’ve chose me because of my sense of style so they have an absolute faith in my outfits combinations. I’m free and it’s fun!

V: Do you think that mainstream fashion is truly embracing fuller figures or do you just think it’s a fad?

Sakina: No I think the fashion industry is finally taking fuller figures in real consideration. They don’t have choice anymore, the fashion plus size industry is growing very fast, and its representatives are getting more and more publicity (Beth Ditto, Crystal Renn… who doesn’t know about them?) it would be stupid to continue to ignore us! The only thing for a brand now who wants to enlarge its target is to step out from what has already been done in terms of plus size fashion… and not care about the supposedly plus size fashion. Dare to take risks!!!

V: I totally agree on the risk thing. I’m finding out being in the industry that there is still hesitation to step out of some boxes when it comes to marketing plus sizes fashion, but we can talk about that when we next meet. Speaking of which – if I hopped over to Paris for the day and went shopping with you describe what our perfect day out would be? Where would we go and what would we do?

Sakina: What a lovely idea! I would take you with me to have a breakfast at Angélina’s near the Concorde, it’s an authentic lovely tea shop that has incredibly delicious pastry and real hot chocolate. We would then cross the Tuileries gardens to go to the Louvre because if there’s a place to visit in Paris is the Louvre Museum, it’s Magic ! We would then have lunch at the Café Marly which is a very classy restaurant near the Louvre. We would of course go shopping after that and I would take you over the Opéra district for its beauty and because there are a lot of shops and Le Marais to continue the shopping/visiting session ! By night I would take you to Montmartre to eat an absolutely delicious Nutella crepe and we would walk around this crazy place while chatting about everything the world is made of ! How does that sound to you ?

V: Oh yes sounds fabulous! OK, totally not fashion related but I’m going to ask since I’m a make-up artist and beauty writer, amongst other things. Your skin and make-up always looks flawless, what is your beauty regime and what skincare and what make-up products can you not live without?

Sakina: That’s funny because I have NO makeup skills! I mean really, I’ve been wearing the same make up style for ages! First of I clean my skin with a lotion with rose in the morning before my moisturizer, it’ known as a good cheek redness softener. I always have red cheeks, and I hate it! Then I put on my skin moisturizer (which is the ‘Crème Etincelante’ by NUXE). After that I put on some beige powder everywhere on my face. Then I work on the eyes: black eyeliner and underline and mascara. I also brush my eyebrows and put a tiny little bit of hair wax on them, I like when they don’t move during the day! And at last I put some pink blush on my cheeks (I know I said I hated to have red cheeks but it’s sweet when it’s the blush and not the skin trust me!) In spring/summer I add some sun powder on the forehead, nose + chin to look like I’m tanned! And when I go to a party I wear red on my lips, I love it, it’s so sexy!

V: What would be your ultimate job?

Sakina: FASHION DESIGNER!!!! Wish me luck!

V: Good luck!!! I have a feeling you’re going to be a celebrity in mainstream as well as the fashion world. Are you ready?

Sakina: Really? What makes you think I would be a celebrity? I would love to have the money of a celebrity, but I’d HATE to be spied upon.

V: I think sometimes fame can reach out to those that don’t necessarily expect it. You have done your own thing and got mass attention. I think that’s amazing even if you didn’t expect it. You’ve become an inspiration to me so for that reason I am adding you to my ‘Inspirational Women’ section to the right of my blog. Congratulations!

Sakina: YAY! Thank you! I’m honoured!

V: Sakina you’ve been a sweetheart – thanks for giving me this interview and who knows we may collaborate in some way, some day! I hope!

Sakina: It was my pleasure I hope you had fun! I too hope we’ll collaborate, we never know, it might be sooner than we’d think; D

V: I think you may be right!

***

Pictures copyright of Sakina – Saks in The City 2010

For more information on the clothes worn in the pictures above go to http://saksinthecity.blogspot.com/ and you can also view Sakina’s videos at Italian Vogue Online

Follow Sakina on Facebook and Twitter

Related Post:

The ASOS Curve Club is now open!

Fit #4 with ASOS Curve

Vanessa Reece in the Northampton Chronicle

Yesterday I was answering mail from people from my mailing list; congratulating me on my newest and most exciting modelling adventure when I wrote the following, ‘We have to get a little lost to find our way sometimes – know what I mean?’ I was referring to my several months away from doing anything public. As a model, actress, make-up artist and writer (and goodness knows what else I do) I feel the time out of people’s way has been invaluable and insightful.

I wanted to share what I’ve learned and how best people who are possibly in any creative or self-employed field can maybe benefit from my journey in Lost-ville.

I came back to my hometown from London, at the back end of last summer, due to the poor economy and barely any work in any of my fields and I felt like a complete failure. I had destroyed friendships (gladly) that were bad for me; I came back to my hometown with no good friends here. Don’t get the violins out though since I had my son back from boarding school which was a HUGE bonus.

I made some serious notes to myself.

• Make friends outside your modelling, acting, writing etc.
• Get a job that allows focus on your creative beauty side. Re-learn about the cosmetics/beauty industry.
• Pay your bills on time.
• Plan your come back to modelling with care and attention.
• Spend more time reading other people’s blogs & twitter links.
• Get over your Facebook phobia and lesson your use of MySpace.
• Start exercising.
• Don’t put up with anyone’s crap and hang-ups, but be polite about it.
• Write another eBook

After two jobs in the same place I finally realised in February I’d fulfilled these things and after feeling like I had nothing left to give or gain from my permanent job I handed in my notice. People asked me what I was going to do and I said, ‘go back to working for myself.’ There were many people who said I was making a mistake. I let them have their say and to be honest many of them have no idea that I have been paid in my time for modelling, acting and even writing! There are lots of strings to my bow and many of them are creative ones.

During my first week of self-employment I have gained a huge permanent model contract with well known fashion house, and two strong leads for my make-up artistry and beauty consulting work (this I will do in between modelling as well as writing and web design). I don’t want to say it was all luck, because analysing further it was thanks to my time being completely lost.

Now I’m not suggesting if you’re a creative type you just go and hand in your notice. You have to do the work in order to get to a point you feel confident enough you will get work when you decide to be self-employed.

Here’s how I came to the conclusion things were right for me to go it alone.

• I worked in retail and realized that the economy was picking up and people were spending money on luxury goods. If you’re a creative person then always count yourself as a luxury for people to invest money in.
• I made good friends who genuinely wanted to help me pursue my creative endeavours.
• I offered some of my services for free to make good networking leads and also understand how people liked to work. I chose the people I wanted to continue to work with and dropped the ones who I deemed to be not doing things the way I found appealing.
• I practiced my skills in various creative avenues.
• I stopped relying on people to showcase me without having any input, but to work in conjunction with people on my own terms so we would both find benefit and balance.
• I gave myself time frames to step back into certain avenues of creativity.
• I re-connected with strong leads to let them know I was available and ready.
• I thanked and still thank the people who invest time coming to my site, following my work and wishing me luck. These people are important!

I don’t know if you’re in lost-ville but if so, you have to turn the initial feeling of failure into a positive thing. You must rise above those who seek to bring you down further and make a plan to find your right path.

Don’t just dream your steps, but write them down. Focus.

Being self-employed in the creative world is one of the hardest things to do. You cannot do it alone. You need people to help you. That said you also need to genuinely give something to those people that help you.

It isn’t about how many people are on your twitter, Facebook, or MySpace lists. It’s about the quality of those people. It’s about connecting with as many genuinely interested people as possible.

Now I’m not saying you should just give up your job like that. But you’re heart and your head should be working in sync. Do you have the contacts you need? Have you sought ways to supplement your income through dry times? Are you actively networking (not fan collecting)?

And here is one for karma sake – appreciate others you admire and support them in their goals. Even if their goals have nothing to do with you it’s just really good to celebrate people who are stepping out of the crowd and reaching their goals. It’s especially good to support those when you’re not doing as well. Their fire for success should not be a portal for jealousy but a portal for you to get off your behind and make things happen for yourself!

I’d be really interested to hear other people’s lost-ville experiences. I know I’m not the only one who’s been there and has come out successfully focused and gained more than she thought she would.

Let me know either in comment or email.

Good Karmaz

V x

Are you interested in joining my free mailing list for exclusive updates and blog updates? Click Here!

Other inspirational posts

My girl, Devyn Ashely in the new Asher Roth Video

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

Unleash Your Magnificence and Marketing with Kimmoy – The Curvy Coach

I miss hanging out with her – she knows how to get her dance on!

God bless her in all she does – she truely deserves so much success.
Vx

Open the post to check out the video!

www.myspace.com/stinglikeme
http://www.youtube.com/user/stinglikeme

www.twitter.com/qbandthehive

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!

Never let your curves Define your style- let your Style Define your Curves!

Vanessa: Thank you for chatting with me today, Marie. I think it’s safe to say you’d be every plus-size woman’s favorite clothes shopping buddy!

Marie: Thank you so much!!!! I am so happy you wanted to chat!

For more information on Marie and to connect with her go to any of the following links:

Marie Denee Boutique
Marie Denee on Twitter
The Curvy Fashionista

Other Links:

http://vanessareece.com/2009/08/25/guest-post-curvy-fashionista/

I was never bullied as a kid because of my weight, but I was regarding my color and well, just because. Listen to the first of my podcast memoirs on iTunes and you’ll hear all about it.

Bullying is never right, and Beth is correct with what she said; bullying can turn people into bullies themselves. It doesn’t just stop in childhood but go further into adulthood.
Be inspired by others who’ve lived through bullying and become empowered by it. Better still lets stop bullying altogether!

She loves her curves and she loves to let people know just how positive being bigger can be. Working in the entertainment industry in Hollywood isn’t easy, but Ashely ignores the size obsession and takes herself  in the direction  of being consistent in her motivation in getting to her goals achieved. If one door closes she is sure to open five more.

This is pretty much how she is. Tough and resilient but also super kind and loving too.

You go girl!

I love ya!

Vanessa Reece

P.S Devyn is the hot blond in the vid below.

Visit her here Myspace/stinglinkeme