Interview: The Curvy Fashionista tells all about her blog, favourite brands and more

Marie Denee, a.k.a. The Curvy Fashionista (http://www.thecurvyfashionista-mariedenee.com), was kind enough to answer a few questions about her blog and herself. Find out about her sparkling personality and her interesting views on fashion.

1. Marie Denee, you’ve been in the fashion industry for many years. Could you first talk about how you built your expertise on plus-size fashion?

Well, it helps that I am a full figured chick! As a size 16/18 (depending on the designer) I have been around amazing fashion in the straight world, always frustrated that I could not find things in MY size. SO, I went on an excavation to find and uncover all things plus size and high fashion related. I dedicated my schooling to this subject to uncover as much as I could!

2. Your blog, The Curvy Fashionista has a tag line which is Curvy, Confident, Chic. How empowering and demanding, at the same time! Why did you choose these 3 adjectives?

While in school, I had been playing around with words and phrases that defined my state of mind and words that conveyed a confident plus size fashionista. I am Curvy - A full-figured woman who loves fashion on the outside of the “high fashion” sizing. I am Confident- I have no shame with my curves. I rock them, own them, and love them. I am Chic- Full- figured fashion addict, with a discerning eye for quality, fashion, and style.

3. The Curvy Fashionista contains a wealth of information. How would you describe its content to a first-time reader?

Hmm, interesting question. I would love for my readers to take away the impression that my blog provides and shines a light on the fashion aspect of plus size. For too long, plus size was cut from the same cloth- with bland designs, ill proportions, and frumpy patterns. I want them to know that there is so much more! While I may not know all, I do hope to share with others information going on within and for the plus size fashionista and even those aspiring to be!

4. I had run into your blog before, but we really got in touch for the first on time. Your account (http://twitter.com/MarieDenee) is super active! How many followers do you have and what value do you bring to your followers?

Hahaha! I have around 1890 followers. Twitter is a way for me to connect with the community- whether it is in full frontal fashion, plus size, or my local neighborhood, I love to chat and interact! I get interesting feedback too about my blog! I try my best to acknowledge all replies!

5. You are also present on several different social networks and websites, such as Examiner.com. What does it bring to you?

I write for the Examiner.com to reach out to the community in another venue. It helps bring a better visibility or another outlet to plus size and the goings on in the Bay Area!

6. What are your favorite designers catering to the plus-size crowd?

I could not say just one! I have soo many! I have amassed a list on my blog of those who bring it and do it well, in my opinion! And the list is growing and growing!

7. Over here in Europe, a lot of small, stylish plus-size clothing brands appear, stay on for 2 years, and then die. Is the same in the US? Is there just no room in the market for stylish site 14 clothings?

I think with all businesses, ther will be some who start strong and fizzle, but there are many mainstays here. I find that there are quite a few overseas that maintain my interest! Marie Melodie, Cartel, and Julie Envy (I loved that line!). I think that is important that we support our designers and boutiques who startup to allow and foster its growth! Support our designers! Lol

8. For all kinds of reasons, curvy shoppers are very keen on buying online. What are your favorite online stores? Do you ever buy from British or European online stores ?

I am a huge fan of a lot of the foreign designers and stores. I browse them online, mostly because many do not ship overseas! Nor do they have counterparts in the US! Sad, but one day, I will make my way across the pond to shop! But as far as my favorites. I love CarmaKoma, Dear Starlet, Marie Melodie, Anna Scholz, Evans, soo many! That is just the tip of the iceberg!

9. What other US-based plus-size fashion blogs or sites would you recommend to European readers?

Let’s see, asides from my blog, The Curvy Fashionista, there is Luvin’ My Curves, Fatshionista, Style it online, Full Figure Plus, and Belle Noir!

10. One last word?

Hmm, to keep it short and sweet “Never let your curves define your style~ Let your style define your curves” Keep it Curvy.Confident.Chic.

Thank you again, Marie Denee. Her blog : http://www.thecurvyfashionista-mariedenee.com

You may also like the following articles:

1. Big Interview: Marie Denee, the blogger who launched her own plus size store
2. Plus Size Blog: Curvy Lovely Lady (curvylovelylady.blogspot.com)
3. Plus Size Blog: Le Blog de Big Beauty (www.leblogdebigbeauty.com)
4. Plus Size UK: our favourite British plus size brands
5. Plus Size Blog: Pasazz (www.pasazz.net/blog)