Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The Term “Expert” Used too Freely

Fashionable-Fabulous and Dangerous Curves

Editor-in-Chief: Sonya LaRae

Senior Editor: Nile Harper

Article by: Sonya LaRae-Certified Image Consultant, Certified Lifestyle Coach, Fashion/Style Journalist

Photos & Video: NBC K5 Seattle Washington, Lapazimageing and Google.com

LaPazions, I’m a little fired up today because, one of my clients, that lives in the Seattle Washington area emailed me over the weekend with a clip from their local News day show “King5 New Day NW” where  they featured a local “Expert Stylist” Darcy Camden.  My client was a little confused via the segment and the education that I have given her regarding, dressing her particular figure.  I watched the segment and became just disgusted to see what this “Expert Stylist” placed these gorgeous plus models in to wear and bring as the trend for Plus-Spring Fashion Trends.  I don’t know if her (Darcy Camden) expertise is limited to just the average sized model/woman but, clearly she has no clue nor education regarding body-type and image for curvy fabulous divas.  I must let you see the segment prior to go any further:

Styling by: Darcy Camden

LaPazions, so many times we hear this term “Expert” thrown around much to often but, when you get to see the level of skill(s); you realize very quickly that someone has tagged themselves as such and may not have all the work and hours it takes to truly be and expert in the field.  Being an “Expert” you have to know body-analysis so, when you’re making selections for your models or clients you are dressing them to enhance not detract. LaPazions, I say this because, I think once you’ve gotten to the point where you’re becoming the voice, educator for thousands of viewers regarding fashion-it’s your obligation to make sure you are giving accurate and precise information, that will show ladies how to pull looks together that look stunning for their particular body-shape.  Let me say this: There was nothing wrong with the fashion trends that were highlighted in the segment, the true and real issue I had is that she didn’t style these ladies correctly according to their particular body-type to give a finished polished look to a great collection from sponsor Lane Bryant-that gave all of the clothing for the segment. I feel Ms. Camden, detracted from the brand and the models and for me this is just ridiculous. I want all of you to understand there are different levels of stylist-and not all stylist are trained in working with real body-types, they’re only accustomed to working in Editorials, which means, they only work with Designers and models for photo shoots so, they don’t have a real concept of body-image/shape for real women ergo Plus-size fabulous Divas.

This style segment is a mess from start to finish none of the ladies are dressed properly for their particular body-types, none of the models are wearing things that will elongate per the words of Stylist Darcy Camden.  I did reach out to her prior to publishing this article to get her feedback, I also pointed out exactly what I was speaking of and wanted to know how she felt the models looked via the playback?

Here is a copy of my exact emails between Ms. Camden and myself:

Hi Sonya, 

This is Darcy Camden in Seattle, I got your message about a recent segment I did for KING5 New Day NW on Plus Size adaptations of NYFW Spring Runway Trends. Thanks for watching all the way out in Philly! 

You asked me if I had watched the playback, and I haven’t watched it since we taped it and it aired a few weeks ago…is there something specifically that I can comment on for you?

I worked with Lane Bryant locally in Seattle to feature current trend items—the looks in the segment were a collaboration of my own picks (and tie-ins to some specific runway trends/looks we wanted to cover) and the staff’s favorite pieces for spring. 

Perhaps worth mentioning: I don’t use professional models in my segments, so all the gals are personal friends, viewers, or friends of the show who lend their time. It’s important to me that I feature real women in all my segments, #1 because I think it makes all style much more relatable, and #2 I like to make sure the looks we show are outfits that women would actually wear. It’s very important to me—in every segment that I do—that our guest models feel good and love their outfits before we present them on television. (And they did, they loved their outfits!)

I’m happy to provide further comments or answer specific questions if you have any or can share a little bit more about the article you’re writing. Thanks again!

Here is my reply to Ms. Camden:

Hello Darcy,

Thank you so much for getting back to me so promptly. Allow me to say first, I love that you chose to use regular ladies from your local viewing area because, as you stated it makes it more relatable.  Darcy, as you know, women period no matter what size, aren't trying to look heavier or none complimentary for their particular body-type or shape. This brings me to my point of why exactly I contacted you; I was rather surprised that you selected these particular looks and styles for these ladies particular body-types. You selected 4 very different body-types and shapes to highlight the fashion trends and must haves but, the issue, you didn't dress these women according to their particular body-type. Instead of them looking fashion forward and per your words exactly "long and lean" Unfortunately, the ladies looked totally the opposite, they ended up looking heavier and frumpy (and as you know being on camera adds 5-to-10lbs).

You did bring the hottest trends on the runway which are fabulous, but, you didn't compliment these ladies with the trend(s) for example:

1. Black and Blue Trend: This particular tend for plus-size women-has to be done almost like color blocking to take away from the heaviest area. Which in this case with your model she is and inverted triangle so, her weight is up top.  The model should have had a fabulous navy blouse that didn't bubble (which added weight to her mid-section and didn't allow her jacket to sit correctly) and instead of a pleated front  Capri-pant suit, she could have had a gorg midi-skirt/pencil skirt or flat front full length pant suit, that would have balanced her particular body-type.

Darcy, I'm upset to see yet again another "Stylist" not dressing plus-size women properly and complimentary to their particular body-types (shape), that would flatter and educate ladies on how to minimize certain issues but, still looking fashion forward and fresh.

I hoped you had the opportunity to watch the playback as to get your feedback in this matter, as well as, how you felt these ladies looked on camera. The article we're going to run is going to be addressing this very issue from this very point of view and we'd like your comment regarding your particular style choices for this segment during NBC's King5 News Day NW segment. 

http://bcove.me/1mnqqvb2

Darcy, again I appreciate you replying to my email and I'm also looking forward to your reply.

This is the reply that Ms. Camden sent:

Hi Sonya,
Thank you for this interesting feedback. I do have some additional thoughts to share. May I please first ask about the details of your article--where/when is it running?

Needless to say once I emailed her again she had no reply what-so-ever and I held the article for another day to see if Ms. Camden would reply but, needless to say she hasn’t. My question is when are we going to stop excepting mediocrity as the standard of “Expert?” I know for myself as well as other well known Image Consultants and Stylist, where just appalled by this depiction of our business and our expertise.

I am admit in regards to truly knowing and understanding a person(s) body-type, especially a curvy divas figure. Rule 101: Never, no matter what size a female/male is, do you want to make them look heavier than what they are, nor do you want to bring attention to per say; the heaviest areas for their particular body-shape/type. In a nut shell I’m going to show you how quickly these style issues on this segment could have been corrected if this was “Expertly” styled:

TREND: BLACK & BLUE: The model that was featured in the segment her body-type: Inverted Triangle-This body-type carries most of there weight up-top and can have broad shoulders with a smaller lower half:Inverted TrangleMs. Camden placed this particular model in a bubble blouse, short waist jacket, Capri-pleated front pant suit. NO, NO, NO- I’m sorry this just isn’t going to look good on this particular body-type. Why?

1st: the bubble top is hitting the model in the mid-section and making her look heavier (fuller at the waist) –2nd: the jacket is hitting her at the point of her waist that needs to be elongated – 3rd: The pleated front pants are giving her like a pooch – 4th: The Capri-styled pants are cutting her off. Which is adding weight and making her look unbalanced.

THE QUICK FIX:

You always want to take away from the heaviest part of the body so, with this particular body-type (inverted triangle) you want to draw the eyes downward. That being stated, she should have placed the model in a fabulous pair of full-length Navy pants or a gorgeous pencil skit and a beautiful free flowing black tank or blouse that would fall just below the natural waistband of the skirt, add a Navy jacket that also hits past the natural waistband and she would look polished and ready to go… She would have elongated this models particular body-type gave the eye a little trick on not taking in the heavier top half and pulled the eye downward.

This is styling 101-I’m sorry for saying this but, I cannot agree with so many individuals that have been featured lately on shows stating they are “EXPERTS.” We as people must stand-up let our voices be heard that we aren’t going to tolerate this type of thing to continue.

I cannot wait to hear all the feedback regarding this topic. Please repost, tweet, add it to your Facebook timeline to let your voice be heard that YOU WILL NOT EXCEPT this ANY LONGER! #areyouarealexpert

Please join our Exclusive LaPazion family on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lapazimageing

To book a free consultation visit: http://www.lapazimageing.com

Come and Tweet awhile with us: http://www.twitter.com/LaPazConsultant

Be Apart of the Hottest Spot on the Internet:

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Where Everything is Fabulous!

*Giving Style a Voice!*

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageingfashion.blogspot.com © 2011-2015. It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws.

@king5seattle, @darcycamden, @_IFB, @NBC, @NBCNEWS, @phillydotcom, #style, #styleblogger, #Imitation, #Fashion, #FashionBlogger, @Blogger, #Blog, #ImageConsultant, #Stylist, @Najaamlee, @NLArt, @LaPazConsultant

Thursday, March 26, 2015

To Bully or Not To Bully

To Bully or Not To Bully

Editor-in-Chief: Sonya LaRae

Senior Editor: Nile Harper

Article by: Sonya LaRae- Certified Lifestyle Coach, Certified Image Consultant, Fashion/Style Journalist

Photographs provided by: Google.com

 

Hello LaPazions, I guess this topic has really been on my mind with so much we’ve been seeing/hearing in the media as of late. We have seen many of our A-lister’s in these nasty bullying scenarios. Poor behavior after poor behavior, such mean girl isms/tactics, which are becoming more and more disturbing and somewhat of a “Norm” (I’ll come back and revisit this).  

One morning I happen to have the television on in my office and the morning talk show “The Real” with Loni Love, Tamar Braxton, Adrienne Bailon, Jeannie Mai and Tamera Mowry-Housley came on:The RealThe ladies started discussing the topic regarding bullying, and Tamara Braxton, started to cry and spoke of someone who was “Bulling” her and was calling her a Muppet. Per Tamar “This was taking a toll on her” and, Tamar was noticeably upset and shared “how it was making her feel less beautiful, how she even asked her husband/manager Vincent Herbert if she looked like a Muppet?”

I felt bad for her- but, in the same breath I know for a fact , that Tamar and this other person (singer/Reality star) K. Michelle; had a very open and ugly beef and exchange of some horrible insults via social media (Twitter) as well as, on a popular radio show “The Breakfast Club” a few months back. Needless to say even their fans got involved and this ugly mess has taken on a whole other life of its own:Tamar and K MichelleHere is the thing, both ladies have played the mean girl and have taken self-worth from each other but, both ladies are calling foul and one is feeling more victimized then the other. Unfortunately, they both are victims of jealousy and being down right just point blank MEAN. These ladies are talented in their own right and neither has anything to be jealous of the other. I think they need to grow up stop trying to shame or in the words of Tamar “Shade” each other and acknowledge they both are wrong and move on. 

In recent months there has been so much bullying happening in the media that, it’s rather draining and seems to becoming the new it thing. If you don’t have some sort of negativity you just aren’t famous enough.

Even the media has gotten in on this type of behavior, by resorting to such things as “Fat Shaming” celebrities if they don’t fit the so called “body-image” of what they consider as normal perfect example is singer Kelly Clarkson:Kelly ClarksonVery well known host of a hot fashion show “Fashion Police” Giuliana Rancic stating something very hurtful and mean toward Disney Star Zendaya Coleman:Giuliana and ZendayaAmber Rose and Khloe Kardashian airing all of their dirty laundry and saying such vial things toward each other plus members of ones family:Amber Rose and Khloe KardashianI was wondering what message is this really sending and, where will the line be drawn regarding this matter? Is it okay to be mean, because maybe you have a small fact about a person that you want to air? Maybe you feel justified because, you see how they have become “famous” and you don’t approve? Maybe you feel entitle to your opinion and how dare anyone else be offended that you said something? Could it be that you are just simply jealous? Whatever the scenario is it’s point blank unacceptable behavior.

In my professional opinion; people who are bullying others have something that they don’t like about themselves and they are trying to take that negative energy out on someone else, to deflect from the bigger picture, which is their own short comings, self loathing and insecurities.

What I would like to see in the future, is where the media outlets wouldn’t bring attention to this negative behavior by placing it as one of there top stories of the evening. I’d love to see where such behavior isn’t rewarded by being the subject of a hot topic on entertainment television and to keep the mean girl persona’s off the air. This type of behavior and action cannot become the “normalcy” in how to handle your disputes with another person, as well as, giving the message to our very impressionable younger generation this is how we are to settle things with our peers.

It’s time to grow up take accountability and settle your differences as adults not spoiled little mean girls.

I cannot wait to hear your feedback and your thoughts on this topic.

Help-Wanted-Guest-BloggersFabulous Opportunity: Would you like to be a “Guest Blogger” on one of The Hottest Spots on the Internet? Then email us a sampling of your writing style along with photos in Jpeg form to: promoservices4_lapazimageing@yahoo.com

Would you like for Lapazimageing Fashion Forward to attend your next runway show, feature your collection or product? Email us at: homeoffice_lapazimageing@yahoo.com

Book your next Style session with LaPaz Image/Event Consultants: http://www.lapazimageing.com

Facebook5Join our Exclusive LaPazion family on Facebook located at: http://www.facebook.com/lapazimageing

 

Twitter-Logo6

Come and Tweet awhile with us we’d love to have you join our nest! http://www.twitter.com/LaPazConsultant

 

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Where Everything is Fabulous!

*Giving Style a Voice!*

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageingfashion.blogspot.com © 2011-2015. It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws.

#NoMoreBullying, #StopBullying, #Bullies, #SocialMedia, #Style, #Fashion, #FashionBlogger, #StyleBlogger, @Blogger, @_IFB, #Motivate

Saturday, March 14, 2015

BREAKING NEWS!!

Dior-Logo

Editor-in-Chief: Sonya LaRae

Senior Editor: Nile Harper

Article by: Sonya LaRae-Certified Image Consultant/Certified Lifestyle Coach, Fashion/Style Journalist

Photos provided by: Lapazimageing and Bazaar Chine and Dior Ad Campaign via Google.com

 

LaPazions, history is being made once again with this new partnership between The House of Dior and Rihanna! I know you’re thinking how is this history? Well, Rihanna is “The” first woman of color to land a major contract with The House of Dior-This is going to be FIRE!!!

I guess during PFW (Paris Fashion Week) when Rihanna planted a big kiss on the cheek of Artistic Director Raf Simon wasn’t just for having her at the show but, maybe to celebrate the new found friendship/business relationship:Rihanna and Raf SimonTuesday, Rihanna was spotted at Versailles Castle Park shooting her new campaign ads for Dior looking FIERCE and, bringing her edgy style by unzipping the jacket and exposing a little side boob in Rihanna fashion:Rihanna at Versilles Castle Park Looks like this campaign is going to be fresh and the edge we have come to expect from this fabulous Diva. I mean Rihanna’s star is shining bright like a diamond; from her smash hit Four-Five Seconds that features Kanye West and Paul McCarthy:Plus she has two brand new covers for Bazaar Magazine China-Which are Gorgeous and shows her diversity:China Bazaar Mag coversRihanna is also the voice in the new Dreamworks animated movie “Home.” Rihanna, voices the main character Tip; who is this sassy girl who friends and alien who is named OH! The new animated film hits theaters on March 27th (here is the official trailer for the movie):

We congratulate Rihanna on all of her success and we know that this partnership is going to bring great success for both brands!

We cannot wait to hear your feedback and thoughts, so leave us your comments.

Help-Wanted-Guest-Bloggers

Fabulous Opportunity: Would you like to be a “Guest Blogger” on one of The Hottest Spots on the Internet? Then email us a sampling of your writing style along with photos in Jpeg form to: promoservices4_lapazimageing@yahoo.com

Would you like for Lapazimageing Fashion Forward to attend your next runway show, feature your collection or product? Email us at: homeoffice_lapazimageing@yahoo.com

Book your next Style session with LaPaz Image/Event Consultants: http://www.lapazimageing.com

FacebookJoin our Exclusive LaPazion family on Facebook located at: http://www.facebook.com/lapazimageing

 

Twitter Logo

Come and Tweet awhile with us we’d love to have you join our nest!

 

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Where Everything is Fabulous!

*Giving Style a Voice!*

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageingfashion.blogspot.com © 2011-2015. It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws

#Fashion, #FashionBlogger, #Style, #Styleblogger, #Blogger, #Livingthedream, @Dior, @rihanna, @perfumesbyRiRi, @_IFB, @TheBloggerBabes @LaPazConsultant

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Plus and Fabulous!

monifc_logo

Editor-in-Chief: Sonya LaRae

Senior Editor: Nile Harper

Article by: Sonya LaRae- Certified Image Consultant, Certified Lifestyle Coach, Fashion/Style Journalist  Photographs provided by: Monif C Ad campaign

Hello LaPazions, well I have to tell you I was very excited to see the new ad campaign from Designer Monif C, featuring plus-size model Tess Holliday. Tess is one of the first plus-size models that is signed to a major agency.. I’m very familiar with Tess because, I first noticed her in ads for one of my personal favorite stores Torrid:Tess Holliday for Torrid                             Tess Holliday size 22 and is 5’5’

I wasn’t very familiar with Designer Monif C until, I started researching this article and I can tell you honestly that “I’m a fan!” I plan on making it my mission; to connect with Monif Clark in the near future not just for myself but, for my clients as well. I love the background of this Designer because, she hales from corporate America and was bitten by the fashion bug, via a trip to Europe visiting a cousin-who just opened her eyes to all things fashionable and fabulous!! JUST what Lapazimageing Fashion Forward is ALL about!!  That trip was the seedling she needed to spark her passion and, per her own words “gave her the drive to create something stunning for women with curves.” Designer Monif CThe thing I like about this Designer is that she is creating looks that are complimentary to many body-types in the plus sector and; she’s doing it with a modern edge for the business woman, creative artist, moms you name it she has EVERY woman in mind and style.

Monif C’s new collection is really beautiful and I sat and truly examined all the photos and the intricate details and I love her new swimwear line “Sea” by Monif C:

Ladies if you are sick and tired of the same ole-same-ole that you see for plus-size women, then you need to do yourself a favor and visit Monif C’s website located at http://www.monifc.com (at time of publishing this article they “monifc.com” were having some technical difficulties with the site)

This collection is well constructed with boning, tummy tuck lining, underwire and high-waisted two pieces. Monif is designing for the real woman in mind that may have a few more curves but, the clothing she is producing is of excellent quality and taste:Doing it the Right wayI’m really excited over this Designer and I know that many of you all may be just as excited, or if not more so. All I could do is sit here and think about Meghan Trainor’s hit song “All About that Bass” because this Designers’ vision is definitely not serving up any “Treble!”

I cannot wait to hear your thoughts and opinions regarding the collection and Fabulous Designer Monif C

Please make sure you join our Exclusive LaPazion family on Facebook to get full-coverage from some of the top red carpet events and much more at: http://www.facebook.com/lapazimageing

Help-Wanted-Guest-BloggersStunning Opportunity: Would you like to be a “Guest Blogger” on one of the Hottest Spots on the Internet? Then simple email a sampling of your writing style along with photos in Jpeg form to: promoservices4_lapazimageing@yahoo.com

Would you like for Lapazimageing Fashion Forward to attend your next runway show, feature your collection or product? Email us at: homeoffice_lapazimageing@yahoo.com

Book you next Style Session with LaPaz Image/Event Consultants: http://www.lapazimageing.com

Twitter Logo

Come and Tweet awhile with us we’d loved to have you join our nest!

 

 

Lapazimageing Fashion Forward

Where Everything is Fabulous!

*Giving Style a Voice!*

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageingfashion.blogspot.com © 2011-2015. It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws

#Plus-Size, #Fashion, #Plussizefashion, #Style, #Styleblogger, #FashionBlogger, #LivingtheDream, @TessHolliday, @LaPazConsultant, @MonifC, @Torrid, #Blogger, @_IFB