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Geez! It’s been a while since I’ve written up a “5 Questions” feature! Sorry about that. Let me make it up to you. As a Neutrogena Ambassador I get access to the world of Neutrogena, this includes being able to introduce you to amazing people like Makeup Artist Elizabeth Ulloa. Read up on this Los Angeles beauty pro below! Read more
I love doing this 5 Questions feature. It’s a way for me to introduce you to (awesome) people who I think you should get to know. Today, I want to introduce you to one of my very good and super supportive friends, Reah Norman. She’s a stylist and is one of the hardest working people in fashion. She’s a pro at what she does and I know you’ll love her as much as I do! Read more
5 Questions is back with an amazingly sweet person I’ve met through blogging! Her name is Elann and she not only has an amazing blog, but she’s just started her own clothing line. Oh and she’s beautiful too. Read all about her below. Read more
Hey loves! Here we are with another 5 Questions profile! This time I want to introduce you to Robin, who is awesome by-the-way. You may recognize her as one of the models from the 365Hangers Style-A-Thon. She’s not only beautiful, but very kind and always willing to help me out! I love this chick!! Read more
This new 5 Questions features a beautiful plus-size model, Nicole Esperanza Zepeda. She’s such a sweetheart and I think you should get to know her a little. I saw her last in New York City representing on the runway at Full Figured Fashion Week. Read more
I love the “5 Question” feature on this blog. I think it’s a really great way to get to know someone a little better without dragging on a long interview. Today, I want to introduce you to an amazing model, Monique Robinson. I first met Monique at Full Figured Fashion Week 2011. She immediately stood out to me and rocked that finale runway show! I had to go over and introduce myself after. She is one of my favorite models and of course I love her name…duh! So, If you don’t know who she is…well get to know her, because I know you’ll be seeing a lot more of her! Read more
What is Pop Up Plus and where did the idea come from?
Pop Up Plus is a indie and designer mobile store catering to sizes 14 and larger. I have been curvy all and my life and from working in the plus size industry I understood the incredible need for clothes that fit and an extraordinary shopping experience. I joined a business plan class in Brooklyn and the first business plan I wrote was for a boutique space. After I did the financial analysis with a loan officer and discovered that I would have to find $100k for the build out of the space and 6 months cash flow, the loan officer told me – it’s impossible- “You have to be rich”- and I wasn’t. I began doing research and came across a mobile store in Toronto Canada and a new phenomenon called “pop up” retail. I decided that I would be the first to do it for plus sizes and so Pop Up Plus was born.
What designers have you featured and who do you hope to feature in the future?
In the past we have featured Anna Scholz, Design History, Tbags, Damn You Alexis, just to name a few. With Pop Up Plus we try to create your ideal closet. We call our collection “curated” because it actually takes us 6 months to pull the inventory. We search the globe for any plus size brand that is edgy, trendy and out of reach for regular customers. In the future we are hoping to get Designers Moss and Hope and Harvest in our pop up shops.
Describe a Pop Up Plus opening.
A pop up opening is Fun, Fun, Fun! We always have a DJ, hors d’oeuvres, fashion, models and giveaways. This past opening we held a trunk show with Curvysta and showcased Arturo Rios Hats.
What kind of shopper is Pop Up Plus created for?
Pop Up Plus is created for the shopper who wants something different. We carry so many fashion forward pieces, so Pop Up Plus is really for the shopper who desires to be the “talk of the town”. We feel great when we get emails from our customers telling us that they wore a Pop Up Plus outfit and received compliments. That is what we strive for.
Is there a quote or saying that you live by or inspires you?
I am spiritual person and the quote that keeps me going every day is Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible but with God ALL things are possible”
All images courtesy of Pop Up Plus NY.
When/How did you know that you wanted to become a fashion designer?
I started Chinoo Designs 2 years ago. I’ve seen beautiful clothing for the smaller sized women, but not a lot for those that wear plus sizes. I like to shop, but going to the same stores was becoming boring. They didn’t have much style to offer, but there weren’t any designers offering much difference. That’s when I decided to become a designer.
And why for plus size women?
I’m a plus sized woman and some of my friends are, too. I decided it was time to offer something much different for curvy women. My designs are fashionable, trendy and sexy.
When you look at today’s plus size fashion world what do you think is missing?
Just about everything. They’re missing style, trend and color. Just because we’re plus sized doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be offered something more fashionable.
What kind of woman wears Chinoo Designs?
A woman who is willing to try to step out of her comfort zone. She’s an all around woman.
What can we expect from Chinoo Designs in the future collections?
My fall collection is going to wow the plus world. The line has a touch of leather as well as leopard prints.
Is there a quote or saying that inspires you to do what you do?
“Feeling good about you.” I want every woman who wears Chinoo Designs to feel this way.
Marijo Monteiro
Q: What is your fashion “weakness?”
Q: What advice would you give to any new or aspiring “curvy” models?
Griselangel Paula
New York, NY
Modeling Agecies : Model Service / Briggite Models / Y Models
Website: 
Q: What is your fashion “weakness?”
Over-sized purses. I carry everything with me, because I seem to suffer from the “what if I need it?” syndrome. Therefore, when I see over-sized purse that I like, I cannot say no.
Q: What advice would you give to any new or aspiring “curvy” models?
Testing for new pictures makes all the difference. I started developing my book thanks to model mayhem. The pictures where with amateur photographers but I too was an amateur model, and even though those images are no longer in my book, it helped me learn how to command a shoot, how to move, and which angles were more flattering.
Shalon Dozier
Hometown: Hollywood, Ca
Current City: Los Angeles, Ca
Modeling Agency: LA Models
Website: 
Q. What is your fashion weakness?
OMG! My fashion weakness are coats, jackets, purses, and shoes. With these items I can create any kind of style I want. When i go shopping I usually end up buying shoes and working from the ground up!
Q. What advice would you give to any new or aspiring “curvy” models?
My advice to the aspiring curvy model is don’t worry about the standards in the plus industry, there just standards! If you feel that you have what it takes to model and you are serious about modeling. Set the your own standard! Do your research and look to see what kind of pictures curvy models in the industry are shooting, find a good photographer, shoot, shoot, and then shoot some more, build your book and get yourself out there. You never know what may come of it!
Name: Denise Bidot
Hometown: Miami, FL
Current City: Burbank, CA
Modeling Agency: Brand/Heffner
Web site or Blog address: 
Q. Where are your favorite places to shop?
Oh I’ve become a true shopaholic in these past years lol. I can’t get over the Forever 21+ line and I’m still a HUGE Torrid lover. I have also started to migrate towards Nordstrom a bit, because it seems they have everything, from fantastic shoes, to cool outerwear and the best lingerie ever (other than Hips & Curves) But by far, as most people have figured out, I LOVE the Gap. Best denim, shirts, sandals and the cutest kids clothes ever!
Q. What is your fashion “weakness?”
Jeans jeans jeans!! Lol Growing up I was never able to find the right jeans, and now that there are so many options, I find myself buying them all! I swear, most of my closet is denim. People are usually surprised to find that I don’t have that many shoes.
Q. What advice would you give to any new or aspiring “curvy” models?
Be yourself. At the end of the day, no matter how good your pictures are, what they will remember is your personality. Stay positive and clear about your goals and everything will fall into place.
And remember like the beautiful Aaliyah once said “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again” xoxo
Here’s a new feature simply titled “5 Questions:” Meet Amanda Tice! I had the honor of meeting the beautiful and extremely nice Amanda in Miami. She was one of the models showcased in a Bali exhibit for their new shapewear. I went over and spoke with the curvy women…of course, and found them to be so down to earth! I knew I had to introduce you to her!
Name: Amanda Tice
Hometown: Tacoma, Washington and Honolulu, HI
Current City: New York
Modeling Agency: Wilhelmina NY, Excel Models UK
Web site or Blog address: 
Being a curvy model is a blessing. I love the fact that I don’t have to stress and obsess over what to eat, that I can live a healthy lifestyle, and that I have the ability to portray an image of what a real body looks like to the mainstream media in a positive light. Being a curvy model also means that I get the opportunity to embrace my full size 10 figure – real breasts, runner’s butt, womanly hips and all! It’s equally thrilling to be a curvy model this year because retailers are finally stepping up their game and realizing that real women want to buy seriously fashionable clothes in all shapes and sizes! I could not be more thankful to be a part of this ground-breaking change.
What or whom inspires you the most?
I am most inspired by my mother. She’s a great role model because she’s smart, confident, independent, loving, AND beautiful. She has always been my top motivating factor in following my dreams and aspirations. If it wasn’t for her unwavering encouragement and support as well as her invaluable advice, I would not be a plus size model today.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I honestly love trendy clothes…at reasonable prices. Since trends change on such a frequent basis, it’s great to stay current and not break the bank. Because of this, I spend a lot of my time shopping at Saks Off Fifth, Barney’s Co-Op, Forever 21, and H&M.
What is your fashion “weakness?”
My biggest fashion weakness is definitely, without a doubt….SHOES! I absolutely love them. Over the knee riding boots, open-toed stilettos, a solid pair of wedges, you name it!
What advice would you give to any new or aspiring “curvy” models?
My best advice would be…get ready for the ride of a lifetime. It’s a tough business, but also one that can be very rewarding. In order to be successful, you have to always be on your game and always willing to travel and take a leap of faith. If you can’t stand knowing when or where your next paycheck is coming from, this is not the job for you.
(photos courtesy of Amanda Tice)
