FFFWeek™ Fashion Front Spotlight: “Curvaceous Boutique”
Last week it was announced that myself and 12 other top bloggers were chosen to be a part of “The Fashion Front for Full Figured Fashion Week™”. What that entails is that I will be bringing you behind the scenes footage, info and more about all things related to “Full Figured Fashion Week™”. So with that said this week I’d like to spotlight a personal favorite store of mine, “Curvaceous Boutique”. Now I have featured Curvaceous Boutique before on my blog, but today is extra special because she is now a featured presenter for the finale show during Full Figured Fashion Week™ in New York City this coming June. I first got introduced to boutique owner, Cassandra, a few years back thru Myspace and then we actually met at a fashion show where her clothes were featured. Not to mention the fact that Curvaceous Boutique is located right here in Virginia so I’m proud to spotlight her today. You can’t help but to fall in love at first sight with these clothes. I like the idea that Cassandra only sells plus-size clothes with an edge. Nothing is ever boring in her boutique. If you’ve seen some of my “Outfit of the Day” post then you know that I like things that you may not see on everybody else. Curvaceous Boutique offers that and more. Her clothes can take you from red-carpet affairs to a night on the town with your better half. Curvaceous Boutique offers plus size trendy clothing for curvy women. It is the source for unique and head turning fashions and concentrates on women’s wear sizes 14-24.
Cassandra Savage, understands the hardships of finding trendy plus size clothing as being a curvy woman herself. This sympathy enables her to be passionate about the lack of plus size consideration in the fashion industry since the average woman is size 14. After working in the telecommunications and financial industry for over 15 years, Ms. Savage became quite dismayed with the monotony of plus size fashions. She was frustrated with the offerings of this category in woman’s wear because most only offered maternal styles for the full figured woman. Always having a passion for fashion, she decided to fill hole in the fashion industry. An African-American woman who is at the heart of the fashion, she possesses a unique ability to merge cultures through a shared appreciation for style. With a prayer and a dream it all started in 2006, Curvaceous Boutique opened its doors in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Today, her face can be seen on the covers of national and local magazines, in addition to a recent TV spot on BET Jazz (Tears, Shears & Beauty). Ms. Savage is a highly sought after fashion liaison for her countless roles in Hair and Fashion Shows.
Curvaceous Boutique is a channel for the complete look by offering clothes, bags and jewelry. Providing current fashions for plus size women is one goal for Curvaceous Boutique, but another goal is providing plus size women with key information on how to dress their body appropriately such as offering a key undergarment SPANX and BODY MAGIC. Curvaceous Boutique teaches plus size women their silhouettes works best by accentuating their best features and hiding trouble areas. Plus size women come in many shapes and sizes, yet it caters towards all of them.
(Above) Me on my birthday in the “Mia Ruffle Dress” from Curvaceous Boutique/September 2009
My Q & A with Cassandra:
What made you want to open a plus-size clothing boutique?
I worked in corporate America for over 10 years, during this time I found it very difficult to find clothing that was trendy and age appropriate. I was corporately downsized in 2007. Curvaceous has been a dream of mine for many years. There was a need for fashionable, trendy clothing and the current selections in commercial retail chains was less than desirable. After much prayer, I stepped out in faith and open the doors of Curvaceous Boutique 2007.
Did you find it difficult in the beginning to get patrons to support your idea of an “All” plus-size boutique?
No, back in 2007 there was no competition for me in Virginia , the market was fresh. The only challenge I have ever encountered is the education of my clientele in the price point of my product and $7 store. “Quality vs. Quantity”
How long have you been in the fashion business?
Professionally, Curvaceous bouitique, LLC. just celebrated a land mark anniversary of 4 years in business. During these trying economic time, with my faith and the help of the God, he has made me recession proof. Personally, It all began with my Grandmother Daisy and my Mother Lady E., theses two iconic women propelled me into the world with a love and appreciation of Fashion. I am a symbol of excellence because of these women.
What has been your biggest success story from serving plus-size women with your boutique?
There is not one story I can pin point, but the constant testimonials via email,, and phone calls, of women have been inspired and transformed because of me and my store. My business is not just a store , its a ministry, you would never believe the countless young girls who were depressed because they could not fit the clothes in the mall or women who wanted a sexy dress to go out with there girlfriend but could never find that perfect dress. I am constantly encouraging young women who feel worthless and have no confidence. I am constantly asked, “Where do you get your confidence from” It all starts with self-love, you must love yourself and your curves.
Can you describe your personal fashion style?
My personal style is very diversified, not definitive upon a label or a designer. Image is everything to me; I love the complete look from makeup, heels to Uggs.
What is your biggest seller at the moment?
Curvaceous Boutique bigesst seller is the Jill 1 Shoulder Kimono Dress & ALL my skinny jeans..
Do you plan to expand your boutique nationally?
YES, with the help of God my goal is for Curvaceous to become a national chain across the continental United States and abroad.
GREAT NEWS: Curvaceous Boutique Owner, Cassandra, just informed me that she just named the above dress after me. What an honor. I am so excited right now. This dress is gorgeous and should be available for purchase soon!!!
