Archive | December 2011

The B-Styles Curvy Girl of the Day: “Alysia Joy Powell”

Dec27

A couple of weeks ago there was this guest on “The Wendy Williams Show” who caught my attention.  She was vibrant and outspoken and had a sass that was undeniable. I liked her TV presence right away. Then when she gave one of my fave plus-size retailers, “Ashley Stewart”, a shout-out, that sparked my attention even more. Come to find out her name is Alysia Joy Powell of the new hit movie, “The Sitter”. I immediately reached out to Alysia for an interview and she politely agreed and made my day. So ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Ms. Alysia Joy Powell, whom I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of on the big screen soon……

Alysia hails from Los Angeles. Born of parents who met at an acting class, it was no wonder that she would have the gift. Some of those gifts are acting, singing, writing (poetry and screenwriting), stand up comedy, directing, and producing. She’s had a career in Film and TV including credits like: Desperate House Wives, a reoccurring role on Everybody Hates Chris, Scrubs, NYPD Blue, and The Shield, just to name a few. Four years ago, she got a deep passion for all things more true and cultural. That’s what brought her to NY and she has been on her grind ever since. She, now, reigns as the Two Time Manhattan Monologue Slam Champion. Alysia was in the amazing stage production of “Who Is A Virtuous Woman”, directed by the fabulous Wendy McKenzie and is in the 20th Century Fox Film, The Sitter with Jonah Hill  and is working on a One Woman Show. Alysia, Just finished shooting “Excuse Me For Living” with the talented Tom Pelphrey from Guiding Light, Dick Cavett, Robert Vaughn, and Chistopher Lloyd, and is work- shopping at The Gotham Comedy Club with her stand-up skills. Did I mention, she has a beautiful jewelry line called My Diva-Tude. Please enjoy my Q & A with Ms. Alysia Joy Powell.

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How did you get discovered in the acting world?

I grew up in the business. I wasn’t allowed to play, though. My parents met in an acting class. My Dad had a career in acting and I was his riding buddy. I went everywhere with him. I wanted to sing, act, and write. On movie and TV sets, on location, the theater, etc. I soaked it all up. I wrote plays when I was little and put them on at my school. Lol. My parents forbade me from doing anything more or deeper than that. I think my Dad was afraid for me to enter the entertainment business. It’s funny how God can bring you full circle with your gifts. I started out in my late 20’s singing Gospel and singing back up. I then started my own management co. I managed gospel artist with a business partner. It was after that that I had a calling to go into acting. A friend called out of the blue and gave me info to an acting class in the San Fernando Valley. Did I tell you, I’m from California. From that class, I got representation. My first gig, was a Co-starring role of The Shield. It’s been 14 years in the business for me. Perseverance is everything. I’ve been in NY for 5 years, now.

What has been your most challenging role yet?

I would have to say, working on Virtuous Woman.  Wendy McKenzie of In The Wink OF An Eye cast it and directed it. I fell in love with this stage play because the characters were so rich and deep. I had to dig real deep for that one. The Trailer is on You-Tube.  I regret that we didn’t take that show on the road or Off Broadway. It deserved a good run. The ensemble cast was so tight. It’s rare to be able to have a cast that is so equally talented and bring so much to it. That was the one that got away.

Do you feel any pressure from Hollywood being a full- figured woman on the big-screen?

I have been very blessed in my career. I have never been asked to lose weight or the change.  Actually, the opposite. I’ve have been told not to change. I can’t speak for everybody, but I think if you’re comfortable in your own skin and you’re fabulous being you, what could they say. If you don’t know who you are, they will try and come up with something for you. I’ve had to say “No” a couple of times and had to turn down some project because it wasn’t right.

How did you land the role in “The Sitter”?

The old fashion way, I earned it. Lol.It was funny. I had a manager, at the time, that submitted me for  the role opposite me that was a larger.  I auditioned for it and did my thing but it didn’t feel right. Soon after that, I went to L.A. I still have my agent in L.A. He called me and told me he submitted me for this movie in NY. I told him I was in L.A. He said, I had better get my butt back and I did. I went in for the role and it just fit. The director was in the room. After I went through it twice, the director said,” OK, put down the script and give me something. “ I’m good off the top of my head. When I left there, I thought I had it but I didn’t hear anything. It was a month later that my agent called me and said I had it.

First, the script was very well written but I had a whole slew of curse words to say. So much so, I had to get an acting coach to help me. Needless, to say, I must not have been too convincing because they edited it all out. Lol

I recently saw you on” The Wendy Williams Show” and you shouted out clothing store Ashley Stewart. What is your fashion sense and what are your favorite stores?

Well I’ve been collecting fabric and designing wardrobe since I was in high school. I want to have my own clothing line one day. I, currently, have a jewelry line. I like to pattern styles from the 20s-30s and 50s- 60s. I love I Love Lucy for the fashions. I have a couple of designers in Brooklyn that I work with. My dress for the Red Carpet for The Sitter was a Monif C dress. But I, also, shop at Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant. It has to be something that can fit my curves and looks good. I’m not the trendy type. I like to set trends and have all eyes on me when I enter a room. Somebody’s going to say, “ where did she get that!” 

What projects are you working on for the near future?

I have a lot of irons in the fire. Some things on the acting side, producing and film packaging side, my jewelry, my stand up, writing, and I’m working on a One Woman Show. I am taking meeting and choosing very wisely.

Follow Alysia at: http://facebook.com/alysia.powell

Here’s the trailer for “The Sitter”: http://www.movieweb.com/movie/the-sitter/trailer-2

 

OOTD: My IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel Gown from Sonsi for My CBS Interview

Dec19

Last week I had the pleasure of being a guest on my local CBS “Virginia This Morning” show. I did a segment on “New Year’s Eve Fashion”. I was honored to have Sonsi, the #1 website for plus-size shopping, sponsor my dress for the segment and I chose a gown from IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel. I have worn Igigi before for my  Open House and their clothing always makes you feel like a stand-out.  My gown is called the “Sabina” and was floor-length with a silverish lace insert underneath and at the neckline. I especially like the hint of cleavage that shows at the front of the gown. My dress came with a long silver sash that I accented with my silver and studded jewelry. Celebs from Gabby Sidibe, Nikky Blonksy, Kim Coles, KayCee Stroh, Frenchie Davis and Martha Wash have all worn the IGIGI brand to red-carpet events and other Hollywood galas.  My shoes (although you can’t see them in the pic) were by Enzo Angiolini and completed the look to a tee. With this length of a gown you need a very high heel shoe. These are 5-inches but with the platform heel, I wasn’t in any discomfort wearing them at all.  

Outfit Details:

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel “Sabina” Gown   $190  Sizes 12-28  www.sonsi.com

Enzo Angiolini “Thaddea” Pump   $119.95    Sizes 4-11   Nordstrom

Jewelry from www.ashleystewart.com

My CBS “Virginia This Morning” Segment on “2011 New Year’s Eve Fashion”

Dec19

On Thursday, December 15, 2011 I had the wonderful opportunity of pre-taping a segment for CBS “Virginia This Morning” on “New Year’s Eve Fashion”.  I received the email to participate in this segment only the week before and I was so excited. I immediately started calling upon my fashion friends to assist me with this project. Let me just say, it was a week to remember.  From pulling clothes, to scouting models, to doing fittings, it all came together beautifully. I met a lot of new sponsors along the way and although I couldn’t squeeze everyone in to the segment, I have some great ideas planned for upcoming projects. I have to especially give thank you’s to all involved from Sonsi, IGIGI,  Nordstrom and Ashley Stewart for coming thru for me. I truly appreciate all of your personal assistance.  My photographer was Jaime Patterson of  “Hidden Exposure Photography”  and she captured some great shots of the segment. My models were Chanay Taylor, Darryl Miles and Lindsey Brown. They did a wonderful job on screen too.  I was interviewed by CBS’s Jessica Noll and we discussed what’s popular to wear on New Year’s Eve. My color scheme was my favorite color of purple, so everyone’s attire had a hint of the hue in it.

Video Clip Here

 

I first off had Chanay represent what  you would likely wear to a New Years Eve’s wedding or an upscale gala.  Her gown was by IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel and is the perfect selection for the occasion. Celebs such as Gabby Sidibe and Nikky Blonsky have been seen on the red-carpet in this designer’s clothing.  I had the pleasure of wearing Igigi on the set as well . These gowns are so luxurious on and you are sure to be a stand-out at any event that you attend.

Next was Mr. Debonaire, Darryl, in his attire provided by Nordstrom.  Honestly, this was my first time styling a guy, besides my son,  so I had to bring it. I’m trying to step out of the box with just styling plus-size women so I am very proud of the outcome look on Darryl. For his attire I had him to coordinate with my other female models’ outfits. He would be able to escort either model, Chanay or Lindsey, to NYE events. I had him in the sophisticated b-boy look with a blazer, vest, dress-shirt,  pocket-square and denim jeans.  Most of his clothing was by designer Ben Sherman, English Laundry and Cole Haan.  (BTW, all of Darryl’s clothing is on sale now thru January 6th during Nordstrom’s  Big Holiday sale)

Lastly, I had model Lindsey in clothing provided by Ashley Stewart. She is wearing the trends of faux-fur, studs and and skinny pants.  This outfit would be perfect for a girls-night-out themed NYE’s event. If you’re dancing the night away into the new year, you can easily remove the  shrug and show off your studded purple bustier blinging off the disco ball in the center of the room.  Notice that Ashley Stewart now sells the “basketball wives” style earrings.  Since Lindsey is wearing these  statement earrings I didn’t put a necklace on her because I felt that would clash with the studs on her bustier. I only did one piece of jewelry on each hand, a bracelet on one arm and a ring on the other hand,  to not over accessorize  her. Lindsey wore her own shoes , which are a deep pinkish color, and that  proves my point that not everything has to be matchy-matchy in order for it to complete the look.

Here are my models in their looks below:

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CLOTHING INFO:

Chanay:

Love Spell Gown by IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel  $190.00  Sizes 12-20  www.sonsi.com

Jewelry from www.ashleystewart.com

Sueded Platform Pump  $30 from Charlotte Russe

Darryl:

Ben Sherman ‘Kings’ Trim Fit Geometric Velvet Sportcoat  $295    Nordstrom

English Laundry Trim Fit Dress Shirt   $98.50   Nordstrom

J.Z. Richards Silk Pocket Square   $36.50   Nordstrom

New Era Cap ‘EK Yorker’ Fedora   $46.99   Nordstrom

Ben Sherman Paisley Vest   $125   Nordstrom

Cole Haan ‘Air Aiden’ Loafer  Sizes  7-15  $198  Nordstrom

Jeans, Darryl’s Own

Lindsey:

Faux Fur Cocoon Shrug  $49.50  www.ashleystewart.com

Purple Sleeveless Jeweled Top  $39.50  Sizes XL-3X   www.ashleystewart.com

Grey Skinny Sateen Trouser  $36.50  Sizes 12-26  www.ashleystewart.com

Pewter Rosette Clutch  $34.50  www.ashleystewart.com

Earrings, Bracelet & Ring from www.ashleystewart.com

Shoes: Lindsey’s Own

The segment will air on Tuesday, December 27th at 9am on www.wtvr.com

My Style Picks for Skorch Magazine December 2011

Dec13

http://skorchmagazine.com

With Christmas right around the corner what better time to give Santa your list of all your favorite things that you want. I love this time of year. I’m a beauty & fragrance kinda girl and you can get sets of your favorite scents at the same price you would a single bottle. I personally think that fragrance last longer when you layer it with the shower gel, lotion then the actual perfume. Here are some new scents that I must have:

Balenciaga Paris Holiday Gift Set  $100  http://shop.nordstrom.com/

Prada ‘Candy’ Holiday Set  $108   http://shop.nordstrom.com/

Image 1 of ASOS CURVE Faux Fur Coat with Contrast Hem
I love the two trends of faux fur and color-blocking. So when I saw this two-tone faux fur coat from Asos it immediately went on my must have list. $144. Sizes 16-22
ALEJANDRA
The Asos faux fur coat would go great with these H by Halston for Bakers. $160. Sizes 5-11
Colorblock Envelope<br /><br /><br /> Clutch” /></div> <div id=
A lady should always have a great clutch bag. New plus-size line, Eloquii for The Limited, has just the perfect one. I am totally loving this envelope clutch in the black and cream color scheme. $39.90
"Miranda" Draped Jersey Gown - Emerald Green
Now with the holidays right around the corner, every Skorchette must have that perfect party dress. The green Miranda draped jersey gown from designer Monif C. is at the top of my list. The color itself makes a bold statement and you’re sure to turn heads when you walk into the room. $208, Sizes 14/16-22/24

Another great holiday gown is the “Mia” dress from Virginia boutique owner, Cassandra of Curvaceous Boutique. Sequins is a must have this season and the one-shoulder styling is still in for 2011. I definitely have this on my list for Santa too! $159.99, Sizes L-3X
To contour your curves under your form-fitting holiday gown, make sure to wear a great foundation. Australian based plus-size retailer, City Chic, has just launched their new lingerie collection. This thigh-shaper is sure to give you a smooth look under your garment.
 $69, Sizes 14-24   www.citychiconline.com
My must have holiday coat is this military inspired Jessica London. I love the ivy green color, standing collar and uneven hem. $130 Sizes 12-20
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I’m a sucker for jumpsuits. Especially one in a great stretch jersey material. I just feel that a jumpsuit does wonders for a woman with curves. This jumpsuit named “Elite” from Project Runway designer, Qristyl Frazier’s new Epitome collection, is on my must have list as well. It comes in the colors of brown, pink, yellow, white, teal and more and the sizing goes from a 4-22. $200. (Be sure to look out for Qristyl on the show, “All On The Line with Joe Zee”, on the Sundance Channel)
GORGEOUS WP

Now don’t ask me why I like this pump but I have always been attracted to the “bold and unique” items. The spikes just gravitated me towards them. These pumps from Bakers are no exception. I know that I probably couldn’t last an hour in them but they are a must have for me. Even if it’s just for a photoshoot. $165, Sizes 5-12  www.bakersshoes.com


What diva doesn’t love her some MAC makeup? Apparently the flyest diva on the silver screen right now is none other than Miss Piggy. The Muppet icon has teamed up with MAC to present her own line. Complete with liner, lashes and eyeshadow, it’s just what you need to complete any outfit on you must have list!
It’s in MAC stores and online

Skorch Magazine’s December 2011 Celeb Spotlight: “VH1′s Tionna Smalls and Her New Book, “Men Love Abuse”

Dec12

In last month’s Skorch Magazine I did a photoshoot with VH1′s “What Chilli Wants” star, Tionna Smalls. So for the December issue of Skorch I have my actual interview with Tionna and part two of our photoshoot. Tionna served as TLC singer Chilli’s relationship expert on the show and is now releasing her second relationship book entitled, “Men Love Abuse”. In last month’s Skorch issue I featured Tionna in all Ashley Stewart clothing to show her more urban glamour side. This month I’m styling her in Holiday 2011 looks from Lane Bryant. I’m so happy to announce that Tionna also chose one of my looks for the “Men Love Abuse” book cover.

I got a chance to do a Q & A with Tionna and that interview is below:


 

Now, for the bookcover styling, I wanted to have Tionna in a more sophisticated look. I called upon my friends at Lane Bryant and told them who I was styling and what for and within hours, they had me in store pulling looks for the shoot. I had seen this velvet blazer and gold lame skirt in store early October and really thought it looked great together. But you can still be sexy while dressing classy and that’s why for Tionna I had her wear this lace bustier along with the blazer and skirt. Turns out, this is the look she chose for her upcoming bookcover. She even said herself that it was good to step out of her usual element. She proclaims that she would normally have never chosen this outfit for herself but liked the finalized look.

Black Ruffled velvet blazer  $79.95  Sizes 14-28  www.lanebryant.com
Gold lamé A-line skirt  $64.95   Sizes 14-20  www.lanebryant.com
Lace bustier top   $56.95   Sizes 14-28    www.lanebryant.com
Necklace and Bracelet from www.ashleystewart.com
Shoes and Earrings: Tionna’s Own

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What was your inspiration for writing your new book, “Men Love
Abuse”?
I wrote “Men Love Abuse” based on my experience with men and being around men. I realized that men didn’t act nice to women who were nice to them. I realized then that men loved abuse and needed to be called out on that very fact.


What important message would you like for your women readers to take away from this new book?
I want them to be strong and realize that they can’t be too nice to a man if they plan on keeping that man. I want them to know that their happiness is the most important thing in the world.

Do you plan on doing a nationwide book tour or motivational seminars to inspire women on the topic of relationships?
Yes I have some great plans to do that. I also want to teach women that love for self is the most important and greatest love of all.

In addition to your wonderful career as an author, I also hear of another passion of yours, fashion. As a Richmond, VA girl I’m so excited to learn that you’re opening a new plus-size boutique here called, “Majesty’s Closet”. How did this venture come about and what made you decide on the boutique name?
I dressed my behind off on the second season of “What Chilli Wants.” Fans from all over used to ask me where did I shop and I realized that there wasn’t one specific spot. I shopped all over. So I said you know what, its time for a place where a thick girl can shop for all kind of items and be fabulous while doing so. I told my sister about the idea and she loved it and we decided to be business partners. Majesty is my niece’s name (my business partner’s daughter) and it also means “queen”. I remember seeing Queen Size on the tights we bought back in the day. So Queen meant plus and it all just added up. Majesty’s Closet is all about the thicker girl being fabulous and dressing better than her size 4 friends.


What type of clothing and designers do you plan to carry in Majesty’s Closet?
We plan to sell everything fabulous from dresses, leggings, hot sweaters, and even larger sized shoes. We will sell any designer who has the hot ‘ish whether they are known or unknown. Its just all about the plus size girl being majestic.

What is your personal fashion style?
I’m just a fab girl. I love vintage stuff like half hats and hair pieces. I love cute bags and accessories but most of all I just love looking extra! I change my style up all of the time because I love a variety of things.

If plus-size ladies would like to model for your boutique or better yet shop there, when is the launch date and contact info?
If you are a plus size model who would like to model for Majesty’s Closet, you can email my partner who is our fashion director at toni@Majestyscloset.com. We plan on launching the site in January and our showroom will be opened in February/March. We can’t wait. We will definitely change the face of “plus size.”
You can learn more about Majesty’s Closet at www.majestyscloset.com and follow us at twitter.com/MajestysCloset.

(Tionna and Bella having a little “twin” fun on the set):

Ponte knit colorblock dress   Now $69.99   (Tionna in ‘Deep Purple’, Bella in ‘Fanfare’)  
Sizes 14/16-26/28   www.lanebryant.com
Tionna’s Necklace by www.ashleystewart.com
Tionna’s Shoes: Her Own
Bella’s Shoes: Jessica Simpson “Vadio” in Blue Violet  $98  www1.macys.com
Bella’s Hat is from Dots

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Photoshoot Info:

Celebrity: Tionna Smalls (www.tionnasmallsonline.com)
Fashion Stylist: Bella Styles (www.bellastyles.com)
Photographer: Kermit Gresham of Beau Monde Fashion Group (kermitgresham@gmail.com)
Make-Up Artist: Charlene Easter of Epiphany Beauty ( www.epiphany-beauty.com)
Hairstylist: Tahnesha Ervin (www.topnotchstyles1.com)

OOTD: “Lady in Leopard”

Dec11

It’s been forever since I’ve done an “Outfit of the Day” post but I needed a little time to regroup. Between working my day job and prepping for the holidays, I’ve been swamped. But thanks to my friends over at Torrid for reaching out to me to work on this project, I’ve come back full swing. Today’s outfit is a mixture of animal prints, pencil skirts and the faux fur trends. I recently did a seminar where I taught participants on must have items and current trends. One of those must haves was a pencil skirt. Typically every woman should have a basic black pencil skirt but I chose this leopard pencil skirt today to wear to church. You never want to over do it with animal prints so I kept it basic black pretty much everywhere else. I’m just getting into the black tights thing but I am now a new fan of them. They are both trendy and warming on a cold day. I then added a black shell under the leopard faux fur trim cardigan. Only adding a leopard print belt since my shell had a belt loop made into it. The leopard trim on the cardigan was just enough to compliment the skirt but not to over power the entire outfit. It is very comfortable and it fit perfect with the one button closure. This outfit can take you from a dinner function, social gathering or to church like I did mine today. Here’s the complete look:

 

Retro Chic By Torrid – Black Leopard Faux Fur Trim Cardigan   $48.50   www.torrid.com

Tripp – Leopard Pencil Skirt   $49.50   www.torrid.com

Black Opaque Tights    $15.00    www.torrid.com

Salvatore Ferragamo Booties   $140   Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets from H & M and Earrings Plaza (NYC)

Belt and Shell ?

Gold Clutch Purse from Earrings Plaza (NYC)