ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:body types, cashmere sweater, elegant plus, Fall Fashion, Fashion, fashion tips, full figured fashion, Plus Size Clothing, Plus Size Fashion, shopping guide, trench coat, trouser jeans wide calf boots

Four Must-Have Fall Fashions for the Stylish, Plus-Size Woman…..and Where to Find Them

by Elegant Plus Magazine

Fall is a time for luxurious textures, colors and fabrics.  It’s a season for invigorating your wardrobe with timeless, modern pieces that accentuate your curves and form the very heart of your style.  And it is, hands down, my favorite time of year to shop.

First weed through your wardrobe and throw out those well-loved items that have seen better days. Next give away those pieces that don’t fit properly or haven’t been put on even once in a full year.  Then it’s time to hit the shops in search of a few good, core styles that mix and match with everything while updating and polishing your look. 

Once, not so very long ago, these stylish items were next to impossible to find in plus-sizes. But, no more!  As retailers become savvier to the demands of full-figured customers it is becoming easier to dress well, no matter what your size.

1. Boots

This year both short pant boots and booties, and high, mid-calf to knee boots are both in style.  In the past, these could be impossible for more full-figured body types to find since curvy bods often means wider feet or plus-size calves.  This sad state of affairs is no longer so, and must-have fall fashion boots are within reach of every well dressed woman. 

The hottest trends in boots this year is buckle details, scrunch styles and fold-over booties.  To elongate leg lines look for at least a small heel.  Wedge styles offer the most stylish support for the stress of  larger bodies on feet.  But, be careful with large clunky heels which may be more comfortable, but usually make the leg look chunkier as well.  

Shorter booty styles look great with more casual looks.  Foldover styles will allow the trendier fashionista plenty of room to tuck in leggings and skinny jeans. Meanwhile, buckle detailed pant boots are a fabulous option for the more upscale look of boot-cut and flare jeans or trousers paired with casual, structured blazers and jackets.

Tall boots can be more challenging to fit properly and we suggest you consult our very popular Wide-Calf Boot Guide before ordering.  Buckle detailing is a “must-have” this season, and big girls, finally have not been left out of the most current boot trends.   You can wear tall boots with both long flowing skirts and chic knee grazing pencil skirts, or pair with your favorite wrap dress for day-time wear.

David Tate, “Cruise” Wide-Calf Scrunch Tall Boots	Step Up “Trish” Convertible Collar Booty	Tall Buckle Dress Boots	Sudini “Paula” Boot
Available in Brown or Black Sizes 4-13 M, W, WW Shaft: 14-20″ Wide $143.95 @ Zappos	Available in 4 Colors Sizes 7-12 M, W, WW $55.00 @ Roamans	Available in Brown or Black Sizes 6-12 M, W Shaft: 13.8-18.8″ Wide $188.00 @ Eddie Bauer	Available in Black or Brown Sizes 4-13 M, W $149.95 @ Nordstrom

More Editor’s Pick Wide-Calf Boots

2.  The Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is one of the single most fabulous styles you can own that will last from year to year and still look current and figure flattering.   Thankfully, gone are the days when voluptuous women were left out in the cold with this fantastic style.  Did you know it took your style editor a full year of searching to find a simple, black trench coat in her size not that many years ago?!  Now you can have one no matter whether you are a curvy size 12 or an ample size 34W.  You aren’t even limited to basic black (although that is still a very chic style option).

What’s so wonderful about this style coat, you ask? The look is crisp, timeless and fabulous whether worn over a mod short skirt and boots, finishing a wide-leg trouser silhouette,  or topping your favorite pair of jeans.  Throw it on and cinch the waist, and voila, perfect hourglass figure whether you are blessed naturally with one or not!   Taller curvy fashionistas can pull off longer lengths which are also highly appropriate over business and career wear.  Shorter, pant length trench coats have more of a fashion edge.  A tip to remember when choosing yours: make sure the length does not finish at the widest part of your hips as this only makes your figure look wider than it truly is, a caution particularly important for pear shaped figure types. 

Trends this year include menswear inspired plaids and houndstooth checks, bold pops of jewel tone color, and patent leather.  Fuller figures, especially apple body types,  should beware of the last trend and leave it to the skinny girls, as shiny and light reflective fabrics make whatever they cover appear to the eye larger than they truly are.  Classic black and tan trench coats are timeless but the fit must be impeccable to appear on-trend and stylish, so don’t stint on taking yours to the tailor for a custom fit.  Both single and double breasted styles are everywhere this year.

Water Repellant Trench Coat	Classic Plaid Trench	DG2 Denim Belted Trench	Manhattan Double Breasted Plaid Trench Coat
Available in Kelly Green, Black or Camel Sizes 14-26W $99.99 @ Jessica London	Available in Grey Plaid Sizes 12-34W $79.00 @ Ulla Popken	Available in Denim Blue or Bisque Twill Sizes L-3X $89.00 @ HSN	Available in Tan Plaid or Red Plaid Sizes 14-28W $89.95 @ Avenue

For more plus-size outerwear click here

3. The Cashmere Sweater

If there is one fabric that screams luxury, it’s cashmere.   It’s ultra-soft, warm and thin enough to layer under jackets without adding bulk.  What’s more, every woman deserves to have at least one cashmere sweater in her wardrobe. Unfortunately, they are still a rarity in sizes larger than 3X.  Whether you choose a classic cardigan, turtleneck or pullover style you’ll want versatile colors that will mix and match with your entire wardrobe.  But don’t be afraid of color!  Rich jewel tones add pop, while soft pastels speak of refined femininity.  This year along with the classics like black, camel, red and cream you’ll find a palette of rich purples, deep blues, subtle greys, and mystic teals. 

Since sweaters are worn near the face, it’s a good idea to understand your personal coloring and choose shades that bring out your best.  You’d be surprised how much of an instant make-over is achieved simply by choosing flattering hues that complement and highlight your natural coloring.  Don’t know which color palettes will achieve the desired affect?  Try this free, on-line color make-over.

Keep in mind that a universally flattering style is the v-neck sweater.  It visually opens the neckline and elongates the neck.   Cardigans are best worn fitted close to the body - extra fabric does not hide your flaws! Instead it makes you look sloppy.   Play with a variety of necklines to find the ones that best frame your face and create balance to your proportions.

V-Neck 100% Cashmere Sweater	Cable Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater	V-Neck Pure Cashmere Sweater	Cashmere Blend Cardigan
Colors: Black or Heather Grey Sizes 1X-3X $255.00 @ Saks	Available in 6 Colors Sizes L-3X $170.00 @ Lands End	Colors: Red, Green, or Grey Sizes 1X-3X $118.00 @ Nordstrom	Available Black or Grey Sizes 1X-3X $80.00 @ Liz Claiborne

For more full-figured cashmere options click here

4. Trouser Jeans

Just when you thought we’d seen the end of the jeans craze that took denim from casual play wear only to a fabric appropriate for cocktail parties, along comes a new silhouette.  The trouser jean is, undoubtedly, one of the best denim styless to come out yet.  Virtually universally flattering to all body types this jean is a “must have” in every woman’s wardrobe, from young to old, classic to trendy.

The key to this style is to find a pair that fits perfectly from waist to hip to inseam length, with the right rise and a pant leg that falls perfectly straight down from the widest part of your hips. It’s  important that the length is long enough to properly cover your shoes, as high waters in this style are an especially big fashion disaster.  Sounds like a tall order, but fortunately this style is so hot right now that there are many retailers and price points from which to choose, even in plus-sizes. Full-figured women must be particularly careful about what tops they pair with this wide-legged style in order to keep the look fashionable and sleek. But when done right, there is nothing better. 

Waist lines should be accented and nipped to keep the look from becoming sloppy.  Necklines should be v’s, wide scoops and other open shapes that keep the top in balanced proportion with the bottom.  Belted tunics, trenches, and wrap style blouses are especially good with this pant silhouette.  Structured jackets should be form fitting. Flattering possibilities include peplum styles, short cutaway hem jackets, and styles that visually accentuate the waist. Long, flowing duster jackets can work well with these trousers as long as the top underneath is visibly fitted at the waist in some fashion and the jacket is worn open. Petite plus women will look best in a monochromatic, body lengthening ensemble and at least a little bit of a heel to keep the overall effect in proportion.

Cotton Spandex Trouser Jeans	Rinse Wash Wide Leg Trouser Jean	Freestyle Revolution Trouser Jeans	Premium Pintuck Denim Trousers
Colors: Black or Indigo Sizes 12-42W; Petite and Tall to 26W $39.00 @ Silhouettes	Colors: Indigo Sizes 14-24W $74.00 @ Baby Phat	Colors: Dark Wash Sizes 12-26W $68.00 @ Torrid	Colors: Black or Medium Denim Sizes 14-38W $39.99 @ Woman Within

 Click here for more full-figured denim listings

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For more Editor’s Pick Fashion in sizes 12-34W check out the Elegant Plus Big Book of Style.

Popularity: 22% [?]

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Guest Author, Bette Tilch on set
creating wind for Plus Model, Mica

 

So You Want to Be a Plus Fashion Stylist

by Bette Tilch, Guest Contributor to Elegant Plus Magazine

As a wardrobe and fashion stylist, I’m always being asked about what I do and how I got into this business.  To most people,  this seems like the perfect dream job.  You know … great clothes, famous people and the fun and excitement of being on the inside of a fashion photo shoot.

 There are many and varied types of “styling”, such as set styling, prop styling, food styling and, of course, wardrobe and fashion styling. Any time someone needs something to be photographed, taped or filmed,  chances are that there is a stylist involved.  Specifically, a fashion stylist is responsible for choosing and providing the wardrobe for a fashion shoot, an ad shoot or even accessories to supplement inventory for a catalogue shoot.  Fashion stylists also work with celebrities, on videos, TV commercials and on films (they are usually called costumers or wardrobe assistants on films).  They sometimes use their own vision to determine the look, but more often than not, they work as part of the creative team to decide the “look” of the particular situation. If it is a commercial, an ad or a catalogue shoot, the client or his representative has creative control and the stylist must provide wardrobe to their precise specifications.  A stylist is expected to work on set to ensure that the wardrobe looks it’s best at all times. S/he should have the equipment to steam/press, make repairs and sew, clamp, tape and pin the garments to ensure a perfect and flattering fit.  The stylist will also use his/her own resources and contacts to obtain wardrobe, often borrowed from designers and boutiques or rented from costume houses.

It is an exciting and interesting job, but it’s also a lot of really hard work. Fashion styling is a highly competitive business and the reality is there is no guarantee that you can make any money doing it. The first realistic hurdle is that to be successful you really must live in New York City or Los Angeles … it’s where the work is.  Unless, of course, you are one of the fortunate few hired by a catalog company, television show or large retailer with a high volume of photo shoots. There are a handful of salaried styling jobs within large companies.  Usually located at the main corporate headquarters, these positions aren’t necessarily tied to New York or L.A. and can be anywhere in the country. Because catalogers and department stores have such a high volume of catalogs and advertising circulars to  produce these offices can have several stylists on staff who are kept very busy week in and week out. Many of the same talents and skills apply, but, unlike freelance fashion stylists, networking, portfolios and client acquisition are not central to the corporate stylist’s success. The trick is to find the position and get hired in the first place.

Most people don’t realize that I work freelance.  This is the more usual situation for a stylist. Mine is not a salaried “job”.  I am in competition with other stylists for every individual paid project (called a gig) and it’s totally up to me to find my own clients, build my own relationships, wow them with my portfolio, and negotiate my fees.  I am not salaried and I don’t get medical benefits. Clients don’t even hold out my income taxes when I get paid, so I have to handle all of that financial stuff on my own.  I have to be a skilled entrepreneur/ business owner, a team player and a sales/marketing expert as well as a creative person …. all rolled into one. 

 Most stylists, like me, got their start by knowing or working for someone in the fashion business. Very few stylists have been formally trained in fashion school or through any certification programs. A friend, who is a fashion photographer, asked me to help out with wardrobe and provided me with some coaching.  I loved it and discovered that I have the “eye”.   I had finally … after a long career in business … stumbled on my calling!  But, as mentioned above, those business skills have also come in handy but in a new, creative way.

What I did next took time and money …  but then what start up business doesn’t?  I spent my time and money learning my craft and building my portfolio by working on numerous “test” photo shoots which means NO PAY. A savvy new stylist pays attention to the quality of the models and photographer in these collaborative test shoots to get the best images possible for her portfolio; but beginners need to be realistic about the quality of their own work and usually must start testing with newer fashion photographers and non professional models.  I learned that the more I tested,the better pictures I got and was able to attract increasingly better photographers who would work with me.  I did a lot of networking/making contacts, finding sources for wardrobe, marketing my services, and building a good reputation.  A new stylist can’t expect to work for pay for at least the first year or two. Once you are established each paying gig must be negotiated separately with the client, and can range from a few hundred dollars for a small, single day shoot with a smaller client to thousands of dollars for large multi-day, corporate or celebrity shoots. How much you can get paid depends on your negotiating skills, the client, the job and the quality of your portfolio.

Photographer’s storyboard laying out the shots along with
magazine images to show the model and crew
the look they are going for.

Over time, I’ve learned how to consult with photographers, clients and art directors to determine the “look” of the shoot, how to go out and find the right garments and accessories, do fittings on the models and make the final choices.  I’ve learned to clamp, pin and tape garments (on the side away from the camera) to make everything fit like a glove and to keep an eye on it all during the shoot to make sure there are no gaps wrinkles, lumps or pulls.  I can now steam a garment in about 30 seconds, make quick temporary adjustments with the flick of a wrist, use any accessory multiple ways, and make quick decisions about what looks right and what doesn’t.  When necessary, I can even bolster the confidence of a nervous model while I help her get dressed.  Most importantly of all, I’ve started to build a network of contacts and repeat clients so I can get paid work.

A surprise benefit … I’ve lost weight and am down 3 dress sizes without dieting from all the extra physical activity!  It’s all the lifting and carrying of the wardrobe, shoes, accessories, racks and equipment.  I must stand on set or location for hours at a time.  Sometimes we hike into the location  … up in the hills, across the beach or into the woods. Yes …it is that physical! 

After all the long hours and hard work, the pay off for me is seeing the results … the actual finished pictures.  I love to start with a concept and bring it to fruition.  It is usually very collaborative and if everyone on the team is good at what they do and are working as hard as I do, the results can be amazing!   Seeing my name in print for the first time in a magazine editorial made me realize that I had become a professional fashion stylist!

Today, a large portion of my work involves plus-size fashion. It seems that I have a reputation for knowing how to flatter the plus figure. I’ve found that, unlike the slim bodies that typical straight sized models have,  plus models’ bodies come in different shapes … not just different sizes.  So I’ve learned how to deal with differences in each model.  Sometimes it’s things like  large thighs but a small waist and chest, or too much around the tummy and chest but slim legs.  And I also need to adjust for proportion too … perhaps a girl’s legs are short and  her torso is long and she’s needs to look longer legged. I know how to balance the proportions of the body, play up the assets and disguise the problems. I can do this with the wardrobe’s cut, color and fabric … they all can have an impact.

I’ve had dozens of plus models hire me to help them put together looks for their own portfolio shoots and have been hired for personal wardrobe consultations as well.   I have worked for clients who sell great plus fashions such as Kiyonna, B & Lu, Alight and Dulce, to name a few.  Although I work in the world of regular size fashion too, my favorite shoots are with plus models … they are so beautiful and represent the average to large sized woman so well.  I am proud to be at the leading edge of the plus fashion industry.

© 2006 Bette Tilch

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About the Author

  After years in real estate and banking, Bette Tilch has been working  as a freelance fashion stylist since 2001.  She works primarily in the print and web (advertising, catalogs, magazine editorials) media but also offers personal styling services for working and aspiring plus models.

One of her specialties is working with designers and retailers who sell plus lines. She has worked as a stylist for plus apparel companies like Kiyonna, b & lu, and has participated in a holiday plus fashion editorial for Elegant Plus.  

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Chuck, and her Siamese and Balinese cats. When not working, she loves to travel.  She can be contacted through her portfolio website.

Popularity: 12% [?]

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So You Want to Be a Plus-Size Fashion Designer

by Yuliya Zeltser of Igigi for Elegant Plus Magazine

Many of you are very interested in the fashion design field; but don’t  know how to get started. Recently, the managing editor of Elegant Plus, Thea Politis,  approached me and asked me to share my experiences, as well as some insider tips for beginners. I thought this was a great idea, since approximately five years ago I was in the similar position of a novice, starting my own plus-size designer fashion company. Today, Igigi is a very successful company, with thousands of curvy fashionistas wearing our exclusive designs worldwide.

Plus-size clothing is the fastest growing sector of the women’s apparel industry in the United States today, so now is a great time to get into the business.  But it is also an ultra-competitive industry, with many failures due to lack of proper preparation, lack of understanding of the full-figured market, and poor business skills.

What Does a Plus-Size Fashion Designer Do?

The main job of a plus-size fashion designer is to conceptualize and create clothing designs that will fit and flatter women’s full-figured bodies. Additionally, there are other duties that can be performed by a designer such as planning production, merchandising of the clothing collection, as well as helping to market your own creations.

To be successful in this field there are certain necessary basic skills. The first one is, of course, the skill of design. This means comprehension of basic fashion design techniques and principles, knowledge of apparel construction and patternmaking, understanding mass production, as well as the ability to deliver flat technical design drawings with specifications for production. A flexible, creative problem solving approach to design and the ability to come up with multiple possible solutions is also a must.

Originality is a necessary talent to have, as well. For example, a fashion designer must be able to create unique variations of popular trends, and adapt them to look flattering on a voluptuous figure. Other important skills are the ability to successfully communicate with the design team, and coordinate the design process. I also believe that an in depth knowledge of various women’s shapes and different figure specifics are also necessary to create flattering garments. Moreover, artistic talent is  crucial in fashion design, as well as a strong sense of form, aesthetics, color balance and proportion, and an eye for detail.

Many of these skills have to be a natural part of the individual - the raw talent, if you will. However, I strongly believe that formal training and education play a key role in the success of a designer.

Education and Preparation

There are several ways to obtain a fashion design education. Many aspiring designers begin at top post secondary design schools like the Parsons School of Design in New York, or Academy of Art in San Francisco. If you’re serious about reaching the top in this field, it is a good idea to make an effort to attend such a school.

However, in my opinion, very effective fashion design training is also obtainable in a two-year vocational school. Usually students will receive an extensive preparation and design skills, as well as some exposure to the garment industry. Many of these programs are also available in community colleges.

After graduating, many people acquire as much experience in the real working environment as they can get. Many find internship positions with already established fashion designers or apparel manufacturing companies. Developing a comprehensive portfolio while in school will help get these internship opportunities.

Many graduates often begin as Design Room Assistants, an entry-level position that allows them to develop their skills and even possibly grow within the company. Others begin as Design Assistants, a much more responsible position that offers right-hand help to a lead Designer. Check the Elegant Plus Fashion Jobs board and other fashion industry job boards for opportunities in the plus-size designer field.

It certainly takes time, enormous amounts of patience, and dedication to succeed in this industry. However if you have the passion for design, tenacity, perseverance and willingness to constantly grow and evolve as both a professional and an individual, this could be a profession for you.

I think that every aspiring plus fashion designer should honestly ask her/himself a question: is she/he willing to work for several years for free, or minimal compensation?

If your answer is “yes”, than this is a job made for you. The good news is that a Plus-size industry is the fastest growing segment in the apparel industry, and the quantity of jobs related to fashion design for plus-sizes will grow tremendously in the next few years.

Financial Opportunities in Plus-Size Design

Now let’s talk about financial opportunities in the field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics an average annual income for fashion designers in 2003 was $64,030 a year. Many earn a lot less. However, many top designers can earn up to $100,000 within the straight size industry. In my opinion, as the plus-size segment gets larger and more popular, so will the opportunity to become a top designer, receiving larger compensation.

Many designers, including myself, choose to work independently and start their own fashion labels. However, this choice also comes with a heavy price. A need to be ready to work 14 -18 hour days, with no compensation for as long as 3 years could be in-store for the young entrepreneurs…..as it was for me. However, success of the brand is one of the most rewarding pay offs.

My suggestion for the young fashion design entrepreneurs who want to start and run their own label is to  enroll in  some kind of the business training, in addition to your more creative coursework. This will help you to create a business plan, marketing plan and expose you to various resources for financing. Many of these educational programs are also available to women and minority groups for a nominal cost. It is wise to research these programs in the area where you live.

It is always better to start a fashion design business in a location not too far from a garment district. A major benefit is that you will have direct access to sewing contractors, fabric and trim suppliers. Some popular places that I am familiar with are, of course, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta and Dallas. Many smaller cities also have garment manufacturing friendly areas. It is a good idea to do your homework and research this in your city or town. Many states (such as California) require that designers opening a business pass a special test and pay a hefty registration fee. Contact your local authorities to find out if this applies in your area.

Lastly, I would like to add that I am convinced that if you truly believe that you can accomplish something, and don’t let anything get in your way, all the challenges that you will experience will turn into opportunities…. what along the way some termed as ”impossible” will become a reality.

About the Author

Yuliya Zeltser is the founding and lead designer of the plus-size clothing company Igigi.  She believes that words like “ample,” “opulent,” “curvaceous,” and “voluptuous” should be mainstays in the fashion dictionary. It is important to accentuate and celebrate the beauty and sensuality of the female figure rather than cover it up with piles of fabric. She is as passionate about creating unique, fashion-forward, stylish and great fitting clothes, as she is about changing the way our society defines feminine beauty.  Among other venues, her designs have been worn by contestants in the Miss Plus America pageant and on the red carpet by Hairspray star Nikki Blonsky.

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More Resources

Elegant Plus Fashion Job Board - find a job in the industry

Elegant Plus Designer Fashion Listings - who’s already in the field

Books on Plus-Size Style - understanding body shapes, silhouette, fit and proportion

Books on Fashion Design - learning the skills of fashion design

Books on Plus-Size Sewing and Knitting - resources, tips and tricks for great design

Books on Fashion Marketing - great design isn’t enough. How to reach your public

 

Popularity: 10% [?]

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Money Talk for Women

How to Write a Business Plan

by Monica Rasso for Elegant Plus Magazine

Your dream might be to start your own fashion design company or open your own clothing store, but you don’t know where to begin!  The first thing you need to do is sit down over a period of weeks, even months, and do a bit of careful planning.  Chances are you will need to find investors in your dream, but even if you have the capital to start a company with your own resources, it’s best to have a solid business plan.

A business plan is vital to the success of your business. It is your roadmap to success! You wouldn’t start a long road trip across the country without a map! Why would you start your business, your dream, your hope without a plan? Besides being a directional and motivational tool, a business plan is important for obtaining financing from banks, venture capitalists and other start up funds. 

So where do you start? In writing a business plan, there are four main questions to consider: what, how, where and why. 

WHAT

1. What is my product or service? To answer this question, describe in detail exactly what you will be offering your customer. Describe the product or service in as much detail as you can. How is your idea unique? What value can you provide your customer? Why is this product or service needed?

1. What compensation do I offer any employees I may have? When do I plan to hire employees? Having a plan for when and if you will need to bring in employees can help your in organizing your business. You may site examples of when you would like to begin hiring.

1. What sources of help are available to me? It is important to know that help is available in planning your business. The local/state government, local college business advisors, Small Business Administration, and women business owners associations are all examples of service administrations available to help you financially and emotionally.

HOW

1. How do I pick supply and service vendors? What help can these companies provide for your business? For example, if you are starting a clothing store, where will you get your merchandise? How much time does a vendor need in order to get their product/service to you? You may begin to price the supplies necessary for creation of your product or service so that you can begin a budget. 

1. How do I fill customer’s orders or requests?  Will you provide a basic service or can customers do special requests? Who can you rely on to meet these special requests? 

1. How will I advertise my services?  Will you use local or national advertising? How much will all of this cost? What is the most effective use of advertising for your product? How do companies similar to yours advertise? 

WHERE

1. Where will I buy or lease an office/store? How big of a space do you need? What technology do you need? How will you transport, package, and/or deliver your product or service? 

1. Where will I get start-up funding? Bank, personal capital/savings, borrow from family/friends, or venture capital? You may want to look into possibilities of development capital from the Small Business Administration or women-owned business loans/programs or grants. 

1. Where do I want my business to be in five ten, fifteen, twenty years? Will you have more than one location? How will your business grow to be more profitable? Who can help you make this happen? 

WHY

1. Why should I choose a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? This question will require the assistance of a tax advisor. 

1. Why should I go into business anyways? What is driving you to open this business? 

Now that you have a business plan, what are you going to do with it? This plan should be used as your roadmap to start your business but also as a tool to look back on as your business grows and changes. Keep in mind that your success relies on your passion, commitment, and determination to reach your goals. Set goals and follow through! Put your dream on paper and make it happen! 

More Resources

SBA - Starting Your Own Business On-line Women’s Business Center The Guide to Retail Business Planning Business Plan Pro Software

Fashion Business e-Commerce Retailing Publicity & Marketing

Popularity: 12% [?]

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Could you be the next new face of Torrid?

American Idol, Jordin Sparks, was a Torrid model. Are you the next hottest face of plus-size fashion? Last year the model search took them to Chicago, Charlotte, Phoenix and Philadelphia.  This year it’s new locations and new cities, giving an opportunity for more curvy cuties to try out.  No registration fees, plus great shopping discounts the day of the model call and prizes.  So what do you have to lose?  Flaunt your curves and show the world your full-figured charisma, beauty and camera ready smile!

Torrid Cover Girl, Katie (left) 
Model Search Winner, Jordin Sparkes (right)

Registration for the Model Search will take place on-site at the day of the event.  There is no on-line registration.

Each Model Search begins at 10 A.M.  Get there early to get your place in line.

Dates and Cities for the Torrid 2007 Model Search are:

Saturday July 28, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Stephenson Galleria

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Saturday,  August 25, 2007

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA

Emerald Square

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Saturday, September 22, 2007

ORLANDO, FL

Florida Mall

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Saturday, October 27, 2007

REDONDO BEACH, CA

Galleria at South Bay

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For more information visit Torrid on-line.

Popularity: 25% [?]