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I interrupt your regularly scheduled TFFF for a couple of reasons. One is entirely to baste my ego, much like a turkey, and another is to give you some news of plus-sizes in the media, although not strictly fashion related. First, let me brandish this turkey baster and fill it with the sweet liquid goodness of blowing my own trumpet, to badly mix a metaphor or two. I had my first fashion piece published last week in British newspaper The Independent, which means that when you read TFFF you can rest easy in the knowledge that we are a website run by professionals. (Ha! My professionalism barely amounts to getting to work on time.) Anyway, I have a few more commissions coming up that I shan't bore you with in future, but since the article was in the features Extra section - and thus didn't go online - I thought for this first one at least I would bore you with a scan. (A bad scan, at that, since the paper is bigger than the scanners at my college, so the headline and picture is cut off. But my utterly brilliant words are there for all to see!) Click the glowstick to see my article!  The second piece of news I wanted to share was from another British paper, The Guardian, who have commissioned Gossip's Beth Ditto as their newest columnist. Beth will appear fortnightly in G2 (the features-based supplement to the main paper) in their Women section, dispensing advice to those who ask for it. Her opening column is here. I love this quote: People still sometimes comment on the way I look, but at this stage they can't tell me anything I don't already know. I know I'm fat, I know I'm quirky, I know my teeth are yellow. I do actually have access to a mirror, so this hasn't got past me. When people say things like that, I just feel like saying - "Duh?" Or, "Wow, you're a genius, you should be a photographer. You have such impeccable vision." Her first piece of advice relates to coming out to colleagues. Nothing to do with fashion, but everything to do with fat politics, and having more plus-size women in the media is a definite (no pun intended) plus.
April is the cruelest month. And not just because T. S. Eliot says so. April is the month wherein we pack up all our cable knits, stow away our jackets and wave goodbye to the trusty boots we traipsed around in all winter. As someone who is pollen allergic and floral print-phobic this is not my favorite time of year to say the least but since I'm determined to turn life's lemons into lemon sorbet I'm going to view spring as time to refresh and renew. Namely time to refresh the contents of my beauty stash in preperation for the months ahead. For me Spring makeup is all about the natural look. Natural, not boring. I am not an advocate of taupe lipstick and dull colors but I think the best spring looks are paired down and soft; flushed cheeks, glossy lips and the slightest hints of shimmer. Less about whats trendy and more about bringing out the beauty within the wearer. As such here are a host of products guaranteed to keep you looking great even if your allergies kick in.  - EYESHADOW | Bobbi Brown Surf & Sand Eye Palatte
As the weather gets warmer I like to switch to soft sheer shades that shimmer and sparkle. As glam as black liquid liner looks it tends to seem overdone with springs plethora of pastels and prints. A multicolored palatte like the one from Bobbi Brown is a great way to get several coordinating shades in one neat package. The golden nuetrals can flatter every skintone and the sea-toned blues are great for when you want a more dramatic look.
- LINER | Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil
If you just can't let go of the smoky look but want something a little more subdued Sue Devitt Eye Intensifiers are perfect. They're quick, foolproof and they last forever. Use the lighter shimmery shades for daytime and the darker colors for evening. They make a great eyeshadow base too if your feeling experimental. My personal favorite shade is the zesty green, Bangalore.
- LIPGLOSS | L'Oreal Color Juice
A girly cosmetic staple perfect for all seasons but spring is damn good excuse to stock up on new shades and at under $10 a pop L'Oreal Color Juice glosses wont break your budget while you test new colors. Added bonus, the sheer texture of these glosses makes them perfect for layering over lipliner or lipstick for when you want more color oomph.
- BODY SCRUB | Fresh Sugar Blossom Body Treatment
I suffer from the dreaded winter legs. After months of wearing nothing but pants and jeans I am left with gams in desperate need of sunlight and exfoliation. The body scrub from Fresh gets me ready for the former by helping me out with the latter. Plus like everything from Fresh it smells delicious. I'd say that it makes exfoliation fun but there's really nothing to amusing about buffing off dead skin.
- BRONZER | Benefit Hoola
As much as I dislike the fake-bake there is something to be said for a subtle hint of bronzer. The shade should be no more than 3 shades darker than your actual skintone if you'd like to avoid the "I just fell asleep in a tanning bed" look. Benefit Hoola looks natural and wont conjur any images of George Hamilton.
- ULTRA RICH LOTION | Cleo Cherry Body Cream
Another winter leg remedy. Since you'll invariably be showing off more skin as it heats up now is a good time to get your skin soft and luscious. A thick rich moisturizer will always do the trick and Cleo's Cherry Body Creme is just that. It'll leave you smooth and touchable, ready for all those flirty spring dresses.
- CREAM BLUSH | Delux Beauty Flush Stick
When I think of spring makeup, rosy cheeks come to mind automatically. Nothing is prettier than a nice natural blush and Delux Flush Sticks recreate that look perfectly. Its not "I just put on a pound of blusher" its "I just pinched my cheeks" a much better look overall in my opinion. Bonus, unlike other cream/gel blushes Delux flush sticks aren't sticky or tacky in texture.
- MASCARA | Fresh Supernova Mascara
Just because were going understated doesn't mean we have to skimp on the drama! A great mascara is an absolute must. There isn't a single makeup look that doesn't look a little nicer with thick glossy lashes and Fresh Supernova delivers them every time.
- THE SCENT | Les Parfums De Rosine Diabolo Rose
If spring = florals then finding a perfume should be a simple no brainer but nothing could be further from the truth. With all the choices ranging from designer brews to celebrity concoctions (why does Paris Hilton have a perfume someone explain this to me) finding the right fragrance can be a vertiable needle in a haystack search. Especially if you're picky like me and have tried just about every one of the usual fruity florals out there only to be disappointed. Its time for something different, Les Parfumes De Rosine makes a variety of delectable scents and their latest Diabolo Rose is my pick for spring scent. The mix of peppermint, lily of the valley, bergamot, amber, peony and rose absolut is astounding and completely left of center.
I do believe a shopping trip is in order. If only to make me feel better about putting all my cardigans back into storage.
I said in a previous post I'm not a classic dresser. But professionalism abounds, so instead of hunting high and low for, say, the ten best tacky plastic bangles, I have instead searched for shirts and blouses. Which I would love to wear myself if I didn't already know I'd drop chocolate ice-cream all over them. Still, a good, crisp white shirt is a must for corporate interviews, for dressing up a great jean, or for wearing with nothing but your underpants as you prance about in a sunlit room having a Sunday morning slow-motion pillow fight with your lover.* *Scene taken from cheesy film and not anyone's real-life. Sadly. In our continuing feature, Hunting High & Low, we bring you the best shirts and blouses, for all budgets. Budget Conscious? $20 - $60
   Camisaco; Gap; NexxThe white shirt from Camisaco has double-buttoned cuffs and is available in up to a 52" bust. This shirt from Gap has a cute drawstring detail and button tabs, and is available in sizes up to XXL. This Nexx shirt has a cute waist-defining sash and is available up to a US 18. Splashing the Cash-ing? $60 - $150
   Day Birger et Mikkelsen; Karen Kane; Fashionista.This Day Birger et Mikkelsen features a very now crochet bib, and is available up to a 38" waist. Not a shirt-shirt but this Karen Kane number is great for your girly days. Available in three plus-sizes, I love the embroidery detail. This tunic-style shirt by Fashionista is a chic twist on a classic, available in four sizes, up to a US 14. Got a Platinum Amex? $150+
   Chloe, Anne Klein New York, Ralph Lauren WomanWhat girl doesn't love Chloe? Le sigh. Love the broderie anglaise and round collar. Available up to a 41" waist. I love the pin-tuck pleats on this Anne Klein shirt, which is available up to size Plus 24W. Sure, it's navy...but I couldn't get through ten items without throwing in a little colour, and navy is both a classic and my favourite, so there! From Ralph Lauren's plus size Woman line, sizes 14-22. Budget Conscious? $20-$60:Not on the High Street - White shirt approx. $40The Gap - Drawstring shirt $24.99Nexx - Tie-front shirt, Nordstrom $58Splashing the Cash-ing? $60-$150:Day Birger et Mikkelsen - Cotton shirt approx. $150Karen Kane - Embroidered blouse, Nordstrom $124Fashionista - Tunic blouse, Bluefly $108Got a Platinum Amex? $150+Chloe - Broderie anglaise blouse, Net-a-Porter approx. $1,400Anne Klein New York - Pleat front blouse, Nordstrom $215Ralph Lauren - Navy ruffle blouse $159Sigh... I want them all, but I know they'll get dirty. Still, if I could afford the Chloe, I could probably afford a dry-cleaner!
America's Next Top Model is my reality TV guilty pleasure. I've never been particularly into reality TV but this show appeals to my inner masochist. There is something about a good bit of bad television. Anyone who has watched ANTM (or any of its global counterparts) knows that the show has little to do with fashion and much more to do with the kind of catty high school-esque drama depicted in films like Mean Girls and Heathers. Its less about who will win and more about who is getting on whose nerves within the walls of the house. The winners almost never attain any level of fashion cred and are much more likely to move on to another reality show than they are to appear between the pages of W or Bazaar. In short, its a weekly soapy opera set amidst the already melodramatic backdrop of the fashion world. And its a good excuse to watch Tyra Banks in full on fierce mode.  
The Original Miss J and Tyra Getting Fierce With NigelWith that in mind I have always been confused by Top Model's rejection of its plus size competitors. Almost every season Tyra selects one or two girls who are either plus sized or just more curvaceous than the standard ANTM contestant in general. And every season there comes a point wherein one of the judges (particularly Janice back in the day) says "You just don't have a models body." This aggravates me to no end. Most models working today in high fashion are over 5'10, under 18 and Eastern European, the odds of any ANTM girl having a legitimate shot are null and void. Who besides Elyse Sewell has ever left that show and found high fashion success? No one. In the end the girls wind up being reality stars, tv hosts and Brady wives, not supermodels and yet they are still judged on their weight negatively. Other physical atributes are rarely if ever brought up as discussion, occassionally a girl is labeled "too commercial" (too commercial for a Cover Girl contract and a spread in Seventeen, the irony abounds) but those traits are never nitpicked and judged the way a girls weight is. Never mind the fact that Cassandra at 24 would be considered a tad long in the tooth to begin a modeling career or that Brittany has exactly one facial expression. Its all good, because they "look like models".
 
This Cycle's Curvy Competition: Whitney & DianaAdd to this the snide commentary the girls face away from the judges. Remember the season when Toccara (who I love) couldn't find anything to fit her at a photoshoot and the stylists said "How could she ever expect to find anything." Or this season when Diana and Whitney crossed their fingers with the hope that the stock sundresses for their shoot might fit? Or when Renee, one of the nastiest humans to ever grace that show, told Whitney "Do you honestly ever think there will be a plus sized model on the cover of Vogue?"Can it Renee. No one asked your bitter ass. And by the way Jennifer Hudson called, she's got a magazine cover to show you. While I know the shows producers are aiming for high drama I really wish they'd give these girls a fair shot. They're plus sized girls, of course they're going to have different bodies, let the stylists know that. Don't judge them based on what is on the runway or in magazines if your goal, as you say is to change all that. Look at their pictures, look at the energy they bring forth and then make your choice. Oh yeah and kick Renee off the show already. What do you guys think, are we ever going to have a plus sized America's Next Top Model? Or does Tyra just like getting our hopes up?
Kate Moss for Topshop is arriving any day now, so naturally the press is all a twitter and her pieces are everywhere in the media. Well, I say 'her' pieces but as we've all seen, they're not really 'her' pieces at all...Anyhoo, the collection's Look Book / press release / catalogue / whatever dropped on my desk this morning. The clothes can best be summed up as 'um' and 'what was she smoking?' and 'oh, Topshop. Why hast thou forsaken me?'. The clothes are not quite as um, however, as the introduction to the lookbook. (Really! Since when does a glorified catalogue need an introduction?!) Which is written by one Jefferson Hack. Luckily for TFFF readers, I love you like I love kittens and rainbows and Nintendo, so I painstakingly copy-typed it for your edification: "Let’s look at the collection; a life long obsession with costume and clothing, distressed elegance and finely tuned decadence. These are more than just hand-picked pieces from Kate’s wardrobe, sourced from impossible-to-find boutiques and bazaars scattered around the world. It’s a mercurial touch that restructures a vintage dress so it looks modern and cutting edge. It’s a cunning eye that holds original prints and fabrics in elegant proportion.
The muses – women like Anita Pallenberg, Marianne Faithful and Edie Sedgwick. Iconic night birds who fill our daydreams with rock ‘n’ roll chic. Excess all areas, but always impeccably dressed. Their sartorial romance is still a blue print for independence and personal freedom. They are strong women who changed the way men dressed and changed the way girls carried themselves, who inspired directors to make movies, musicians to write anthems and photographers to create archetypes.
Kate & Irina, it was a kinship that bound them together first. Work always came second. They are from different chapters of fashion history, but share the same lineage. The outsiders. Their rebel spirits bound by a passion for music and a love of life.
Kate Moss’s collection blurs the distinction* between night and day, between high class and street smart, the possible and the impossible in style and dress.
Jefferson Hack" *Kate's collection blurs the distinction between plagiarism, copying and homage, says I. Oh, Jefferson. Remember the good ol' days, when Mossie's crew used to refer to you as "the babysitter" and you were basically totally pussywhipped? What's it like now you've broken up, and you're totally an independent man, throwing your hands up at me, buying your own diamonds and paying your own bills....oh, wait. Why is Jefferson Hack doing the intro? Why's it so obsequious? Why doesn't it make any sense? Photographers create photographs, not archetypes. And surely "life long" should be hyphenated? Whatever. Hack is quite obviously still in thrall to La Moss, for reasons that elude me. (I've read the gossip on Holy Moly about how and why the collection samples had to be thrown away repeatedly and remade, thanks to Moss's questionable hygiene...) Those who have had the misfortune to see Kate's collection...what do you think? Kate Moss for Topshop is available at Topshop, London; Corso Como, Milan; Colette, Paris; and Barneys, New York.** **TFFF holds no responsibility for the massive disappointment you will feel should you be fool enough to be excited about it.
I'm not a girl known for her minimalist, classic style. Much as I adore a chic, classic dresser - Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Princess Diana...erm, other dead broads who had a knack for dressing - my own magpie instincts make me alight on the nearest cheap bauble. In my somewhat eclectic wardrobe, you can find: a blue polka dot see-through chiffon sun-dress; pink neon footless tights; a 10" silver belt buckle adorned with "The State of Texas"; a classy t-shirt reading Jack Bauer Fucks Like an Animal (£18 from Shot Dead in the Head); a green-sequined minidress... etc. This Rainbow Brite enthusiasm for colour and glitter makes getting dressed in the morning supremely difficult. Oft are the times I bemoan my lack of a classic white tank, since it'd be the only thing I could team with my orange-and-white print ribbon-tie bubble skirt (yes, I own such an item). The sparse state of the 'classics' section of my wardrobe was spotlighted this weekend when I cleared out my winter clothes and shoes into storage (shoved ‘em under the bed), and cleared out a further 8 bags of clothes, shoes and accessories to charity. Most of my 'classic' clothes are winter-only: structured LBDs, knee-high black leather riding boots, black court shoes...black features a lot, but hey, it's a classic! My initial list of 'basics' had 12 items under jeans alone. So I set myself a challenge. Ten classic items. My ten, can't live without, wear 'em every summer, classic pieces. I could conceivably only have 20 items in my wardrobe - 10 for spring/summer, 10 for autumn/winter - and yet get dressed stylishly each day. When you're shopping for capsule pieces rather than short-lived trends, the trick is to buy quality, not quantity - think classic, i.e. expensive! An expensive piece might make you think twice, but if you can wear it for years - both because of the quality and the fact classic pieces liven longer than trend pieces - it's worth the investment. Neon earrings: don’t spend more than a fiver. Classic = the sky's the limit. What would your Perfect Summer 10 be? Here's mine: A Classic Summer Wardrobe in 10 Easy Pieces
  
L-R: 1. The Shoe; 2. The Jeans; 3. The Dress.1. The ShoeYour toes are tanned and your nails painted; you skip through meadows hand-in-hand with your sweetheart, or stroll along hot city streets. To do that, you need a flat shoe. Ballet flats may be the flat shoe du jour, but a sandal will never go out of style - and will show off those painted nails. For me, a leather sandal is absolutely it. If you prefer something more eco-friendly, Terra Plana, Beyond Skin and Traidcraft all do great flats. Gap also do a great spring sandal in white, black or brown leather. Birkenstocks are always a good choice if your tastes run to the crunchy. Flat sandal £95 by Yin from Viva La Divawww.vivaladiva.com2. The JeanI truly think the skinny jean is a modern classic, set to last us a lifetime. But it's not a summer classic. Skintight denim when the sun's melting the asphalt? Diaper rash, anyone? A winter classic should keep you warm and a summer classic should keep you cool. Which is like, physics, or something. When I think of a classic jean, only one name springs to mind: Levi 501. Yes, they're a guy jean. But also, yes - they are totally hot and available in 8 colours and about a billion waist/leg ratios. Jeans, £60 from Leviwww.levi.com3. The DressThe LBD is an autumn/winter classic, but black in summer is an evening-only thing, I think. White doesn't work, either: a white frock is a little too Nancy Drew Goes to Cotillion. My classic summer dress should be in glorious technicolour. This dress (excuse the crappy picture!) is a classic and flattering shape, with sleeves and a neckline to suit everyone; it works equally well for day or night, as all classics should. Also try Diane von Furstenberg and See by Chloe for great day-to-night dresses. Dress, £100 by Kind at Libertywww.liberty.co.uk
   
L-R: 4. The Tank; 5. The Blouse; 6. The Jewellery.4. The TankWhat goes better with your jean and sandal combo than a white tank? Just avoid accessorising it with a leather cuff and choker...unless you like that Ryan Atwood look. Tyra Banks would tell you that you look "very model" in this timeless tank. This is the one instance I'd advise you to buy cheap & in quantity: I cannot conceivably get through a summer in a white (or any other colour...) tank without getting grass, mud, beer, ice-cream and um, other, stains on it. Inevitably, Topshop has a fabulous selection of tanks, camisoles and vests in billions of colours. Buy a bunch in white, black, grey and navy. Tank, £12 from Gapwww.gap.com5. The BlouseTaking you from day to date: swap your tank for a sweet summer blouse and you're ready for evening. A blouse is a better option than the white shirt that often turns up on classic lists, not least because a loose blouse is, in addition to being more comfortable, easier to keep looking good all day. (Hands up who can keep a white shirt crisp and clean all day? I salute you.) This Marc by Marc blouse in teal suits all skin tones and is a little more interesting than monochrome. Toast is a good option for slightly cheaper, quirky blouses. Blouse, £120 by Marc by Marc Jacobs from Net a Porterwww.net-a-porter.com6. The JewelleryNothing makes an outfit like accessories. I have more boxes than I care to admit to of cheap plastic tchotchkes. The absolute must for a Perfect 10 wardrobe is something that goes with everything and dresses everything up: small silver earrings. These hoops are available from Wright and Teague (who are offering a 20% discount for online sales throughout April), and are available in silver, platinum, rose gold and yellow gold - rose gold looks great with summer skin. If hoops aren’t your thing, Tiffany have a great pair of simple silver ball earrings, but then Tiffany have great everything: Hoops, £80 from Wright and Teaguewww.wrightandteague.comStuds, £60 from Tiffanywww.tiffany.com
   
L-R: 7. The Sunglasses; 8. The Cardigan; 9. The Watch; 10. The Jacket.7. The SunglassesFor some, the thought of the words "Wayfarer by Ray-Ban" give such unpleasant flashbacks to toothy, diminutive homosexual Scientologists prancing about in their underpants, that smelling salts have to be administered. Tough. Wayfarer have lasted since the 1950s: surely the sign of a classic. If you really can't bear them, check out Cutler and Gross or Linda Farrow Vintage for some great oversized sunglasses. Sunglasses, £120 from Ray-Banwww.ray-ban.com8. The CardiganThose long summer evenings often necessitate an extra layer. Pashminas and wraps go in and out of style, and there's something ageing to me about a wrap. A thin-knit cardigan is perfect for keeping warm after the sun goes down, or for covering up a little at the office. Agnes b always has perfect cardigans that fit really well, in neutral shades of cream, taupe, black, white and navy. I love this silk/cashmere mix. Kew have a great selection if you prefer to throw a little colour into your classics. Cardigan, approx. £100, from Agnes bwww.agnesb.net9. The WatchEvery girl needs a good watch. A classic watch should definitely not be digital, and never ever battery operated. Quartz only, please, with a plain leather strap. (Hi! My name's baggy and I have appointed myself the Chief of Wristwatches!) Mine is an ancient number that in fact was my dad's 21st birthday present handed down to me - it's quartz, it has a large face and a black leather strap. My preference is for a man’s watch - I think the designs tend to be more simple, more classic, less fussy, where women's watches are often diamonds! Snakeskin! Stuff! This Rolex is the baby bear's: not too big, not too small, but just right. Timex and Swatch have some equally good classic leather-strap watches starting from a less-budget breaking £25. Watch, from a selection from Rolexwww.rolex.com10. The JacketEven in spring/summer you need a coat. Spring jackets are one of my favourite things, taking you in and out of the season when it's too warm for your winter coat, but too chilly to go bare. Plus let's not forget summer's irritating habit of providing us with random downpours of rain when we least want them. This cute mac has a tie waist for cinching in but would look equally good hanging open and loose. Burberry is always good for a mac as well. (Totally a trend item not a classic but I love this cropped jacket from French Connection too!) Jacket, £130 from French Connectionwww.frenchconnection.comThere you have my Perfect Summer Ten. 10 pieces that all work together. That dress works great with the sandals; the jeans go equally well with the tank or the blouse - add the cardigan for a cover up. The accessories set off everything to perfection - there's nothing that doesn't go with a chic little earring. The beauty of a classic wardrobe is once you have these basics, you can go hog-wild buying all sorts of on-trend stuff, knowing you have the underlying architecture to make it work. Buy as many trendy bikinis, bags, tops, cheap bangles and fun hair scarves as you like!
In the spirit of Ashley Graham's fabulous shopping hit list TFFF's team is bringing you their favorite hometown shops and the reasons why they're worth going to. The goal of this project is to think outside the box when it comes to shopping, the usual suspects are great but there are some hidden gems out there or stores one never considers for whatever reason. Hopefully some of these stores are new to you and even if you're a seasoned shopper who knows them all hopefully this inspires you on some level. If you have any questions about any of these stores, please feel free to ask me :D A FEW OF MY FAVORITE STORES | PLUS A SHOPPING PRINT OUT TO TAKE WITH YOU Barney's Co-Op236 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011
 The younger, hipper counterpart of the New York luxury staple, Barney's Co-op only stocks the freshest designs from the trendiest of the minute labels. Since the clientele schews younger, the prices tend to be lower than typical Barney's fare but bargain store this isn't. Luxury is still the bottom line even when its hidden beneath layers of downtown grunge. If you're looking for the latest in Marc by Marc Jacobs, Philip Lim & Daryl K this is the place to be. The Chelsea boutique is the biggest and best of the Co-Op chain and boasts a killer accessories section complete with to die for shoes from the latest labels. Tel: 212.593.7800 Sizing: Varies by label but XS - XL is typical Web: Barneys Co-Op.comPrice: $$$$$ Opening Ceremony35 Howard St
New York, NY 10013 If you're a local fashionista with dreams of being a global shopper then Opening Ceremony is the store for you. Hidden on Howard street in between Canal street's endless stream of vendors and Broadway's tourist district is this little gem that stocks designers from a different country each year. Its sort of a fashion exchange program and the results are incredible. If you're looking for basics this might not be the store for you as the pickings then to be more avant garde than most but if you want to wear that trends before they even become trends this is the store for you. And as an added bonus Opening Ceremony is the only store in NYC that carries select pieces from UK haven, Topshop. Tel: (212) 219-2688 Sizing: Varies by label but XS - XL is typical Web: Opening Ceremony.comPrice: $$$$ Flying A
169 Spring St.
New York, NY 10012  Old meets new at Flying A and the selection is nothing sort of amazing. From incredibly hip worn in shoes and boots to immaculate fresh off the catwalk dresses, its a unique shopping experience centered around the idea of mixing vintage into your wardrobe. As someone who is an decent vintage shopper at best its nice to step into a store that has already narrowed down their selection perfectly. You seriously can't go wrong and if for some chance you do there is a friendly and knowledgable staff there to help. Tel: 212-965-9090 Sizing: Varies by label but XS - XL is typical Web: Flying A.comPrice: $$$ Century 2122 Cortlandt Street
New York, NY 10007  The downtown legend! An entire city block full of discount designer gear for everyone in the entire family. Excellent for anyone who wants a bargain and is willing to hunt for it. If you're planning on making the trip down to Century 21 be sure to give yourself an hour or two just to sort through everything as there are literally miles and miles of clothes/shoes/accessories to see. Stock changes regularly and the store is always packed so if you see something you want be sure to grab it then an there as it may not be around tomorrow. Tel: 212.227-9092 Sizing: Varies by label but XS - XL is typical | There is also a plus department on the 3rd floor Web: Century 21.comPrice: $$ H&M640 5th Ave
New York, NY 10019 Just about every city has an H&M by now and New York alone has at least a dozen but the 5th Avenue branch of the discount shopping mega-chain is something special and not just because of its sheer size. It is the only place on the east coast where you can get H&M's full designer capsule collections (the other stores will only stock a selection) on the day they're released and it boasts the greatest selection (and most larger sizes) of any H&M period. Tel: 212.489.0390 Sizing: 2-16 | XS - XL Web: H&M.comPrice: $ Matta241 Lafayette St.
New York, NY 10012 Matta is one of those tiny boutiques that you might miss if you blink but its chock full of things you absolutely want. From a great selection of one of a kind flats and sandals to their renowned printed sarongs and tunics made from the softest silks and cottons. Even the shopping bags are made from twee patterned fabric! I have to admit I keep them all and use them as tote bags sometimes. Matta is also a great source for unique accessories, especially the bold printed works of Orla Kiely. Tel: 212.343.9399 Sizing: XS - XL Web: MattaNy.comPrice: $ L'Artisan68 Thompson St.
New York, NY 10012 Perfume is one of my favorite things to shop for in general. There is something so personal about finding that perfect scent, be it a signature that defines you or just something new to match your mood. If you're tired of the tried and true fruity florals Sephora stocks and want something a little different L'Artisan is perfect. Every kind of beautiful smell you can imagine can be found in this hole in the wall boutique and best of all the scents are original and unusual. I'm personally a fan of the spicy pineapple tinged Ananas Fizz and the berry infused Mure et Musc. Tel: 212.334.1500 Sizing: N/A Web: L'Artisan.comPrice: $$$ Mulberry387 Bleecker Street
New York, NY, 10014 For all the purses proclaimed as it bags, very few actually measure up. Either they're too dull, too done or too omnipresent to really be useful for more than a season. Mulberry's low key bohemian bags are just detailed enough to catch the eye but maintain an understated charm that prevents them from ever going out of style. The Soho Mulberry store is the best source for Mulberry on this side of the atlantic and while most of the offerings boast a hefty price-tag these are the kind of bags you'll have forever and they only get better with age. I'm still in love my deconstructed Phoebe, that bag takes a licking and...well you know the rest. Sizing: N/A Web: Mulberry Price: $$$$$ Anthropologie375 West Broadway
New york, NY 10012  Anthropologie has something of a bad reputation. At its worst it can fall into the realm of faux nostalgic psuedo vintage but at its best its a den of unique accessible pieces that just plain look good. I enjoy the overall aesthetic of Anthropologie, there is a certain kitschy retro girlishness to all the clothes, from the 1950-esque cocktail dresses to the mod blouse prints its an appealing pastiche of trends all under one roof. Although there are several Anthropologie's in Manhattan I'm most at home in the Soho locale. Stock changes frequently and there is always something good to be found be it amidst the clothes or in the housewares department. Add to this that I have the most luck finding larger sizes in the Soho outpost as opposed to its Rockafeller center cousin. Tel: 212.343.7070 Sizing: Varies by label but XS - XL is typical or 0 -16 Web: AnthropologiePrice: $$$ Uniqlo (212) 334-4193
546 Broadway
New York, NY 10012  Uniqlo is what the Gap would be if the Gap were you know, cool and useful. They stock an endless supply of multi colored basics perfect for mixing, matching and layering in infinite combinations. Prices are affordable and while you can find that perfect white t shirt there are also a myriad of hipper alternatives. Clothing aside the Soho store is gorgeous, bright and open with trendy music blaring making for a very cool shopping experience. Tel: (212) 334-4193 Sizing: XS - XL Web: Uniqlo.comPrice: $$
 Here is a first look at America Ferrera photographed by Michael Thompson for W May 2007. At first I was not so sure what I felt about this cover choice -- America is rather "safe" at a US size 6 or 8 -- but the photography is beautiful and it appears she was not airbrushed into oblivion ala Jennifer Hudson's Vogue cover. The article is a breath of fresh air compared to other mags' profiles of Ferrera, with only a paragraph devoted to any talk of her weight; author Jenny Comita recognizes that with all the constant reporting on this, "it seems she can't win." "Of course I want to be at a weight where I'm happy," says Ferrera, who in person is neither lumpy nor emaciated but a healthy-looking, average-size woman. "There are times when I go to the gym and really try, and there are times when I just don't. I gain a pound; I lose a pound. But I think I've developed a really good sense of when I'm doing something for myself as opposed to when I'm doing something because of other people's expectations of me."   I have seen nothing but positive feedback so far [outside of the usual complaints re: styling and non-model covers], even from body-obsessed TFS. I love that W appears to be embracing some non-traditional celebrities like America and Ellen Degeneres for their cover stories. Read the full story at Style.com
Ladies and gentleman, this is Kailee O'Sullivan and she's just about the sexiest thing I've seen in a long time. This month's Glamour has a body positive special on all shapes and sizes and Kailee is the prerequisite curvaceous girl. While I am usually leery of these sorts of articles as they tend to be sandwiched in-between 10 other articles on how to starve yourself into submission I genuinely enjoyed this piece. It wasn't about praising one shape over another it was about embracing your perceived flaws and thinking outside our preconceived notions on beauty. There was also a nice bit on things you should never say about your body. Its very easy to succumb to negativity about our physical appearance and I know I have been guilty of saying a few of these things about myself at one point or another. Its important to realize that telling ourselves these is counterproductive and quite frankly ridiculous. There were of course a few things we ought to tell ourselves more often as well.  
Kailee O'Sullivan + Things To Say More Often | Click to Enlarge It was also interesting to see what the women pictured in the article saw/had been told were their flaws. From Stefi Graff talking about how she felt pressure to get a nose job to Yu-jin Kim saying she would rather be seen as strong than thin I felt it was quite insightful. It just goes to show that they way in which we view ourselves and the way in which the world views us can be so different.
Another day, another capsule collection. It seems that after the success of the limited edition H&M collections every designer on earth is rushing out to do a collaboration with an affordable store. Proenza paired up with Target, Sophia Kokosalaki worked with La Redoute and now designers from the CFDA's Fashion Fund have joined forces with the Gap to breathe fresh life into the classic white button down. The designers; Rodarte, Thakoon & Doo-Ri are each relatively new but their names will be familiar to fashion forward young ladies.  
The White Shirt ala Rodarte & Doo-RiWhile I love idea of affordable, accessible design brought forth in these designer collaborations one thing that has always irked me is the sizing. Target's collections feature interesting pieces, often duplicates of runway favorites but the clothes are only offered in juniors sizes which limits the options for anyone over a size 12. As TFFF's very own Olivia can attest the very same thing is going with the UK designer capsule collections. Now while Gap's new collection will only be available up to a size 16, I am simply pleased that there will be some larger sizes offered. For a company that generally keeps all its larger sizes exclusive to its website (a practice I find fascist) this is a small step in the right direction. Sizing aside I am still intrigued by the offerings presented as these are all designers whose work I enjoy. I'm especially interested to see what the sisters Mulleavy of Rodarte will do as they're both curvaceous girls and of all the shirts shown in the previews thiers is the one I'm most drawn to. An elegant sleeveless top is always going to come in handy no matter what and this one in particular looks simple and useful. Their intricate couture inspired style has piqued my interest from their very first collection but I do wonder what, if anything at all the Mulleavy sisters think about Gap's sizing practices. Whenever I see a designer who is plus sized themselves but doesn't offer plus sized clothing as part of their own line I can't help but scratch my head. Perhaps this is a grander topic worthy of its own post but I have always wondered about that dichotomy. Gap's Fashion Fund Collection Launches April 17th at 100 select Gap locations.
This month Vogue's Sally Singer went shopping with plus sized model Ashley Graham and the results were quite interesting.  
Ashley Graham (right) pictured with Crystal Renn | A Map of Ashley's Favorite Stores - click to enlargeAshley is a very stylish (and beautiful) girl so her store choices are wonderful. She hits the usual suspects; Lane Bryant, Marini Rinaldi but there are some surprises to be found. I for one did not know that Agent Provacateur (whose elegantly sexy lingerie I've coveted for the longest while) went past a C cup. They in fact go up to an F cup in some styles for anyone who is interested. Foley and Corinna, is another store that piques my interest, their flirty feminine styles seem like just the thing for spring. What I like most about her list is that there is a good mix of high and low, plus and straight size. I think it reflects accurately how most women do their shopping and smashes the myth that plus sized women don't spend money on clothes. Were all just as likely to set foot in Barney's as we are to set foot in Lane Bryant so its about time that was acknowledged. Shoping aside I think Ashley has got a really great attitude when it comes to style. She acknowledges that plus shopping can be something of a crapshoot (note the bit about designers who make larger sizes but don't put them in the stores) but remains positive. I especially enjoyed this quote: "You can wear what the skinny girls are wearing; a simple top, simple jeans, amazing shoes, belts and jewelry. You just have to find it. And once you've found it you have to know how to wear it." - Ashley Graham Exactly. Now don't get me wrong, the article isn't all peaches and cream, they make a big deal about how Ashley is isn't "jiggly" but honestly I'm just glad to read a Vogue shopping article that isn't devoted to Lauren Davis and her ilk. Here is the Ashley article in its entirety, don't you just love that Marina Rinaldi trench?:   
To continue the shopping bonanza, next week TFFF's team members will be sharing their favorite stores in their respective locales, complete with size information, addresses and reasons why these stores are worth going to.
TFFF Beauty Coverage I know next to nothing about organic food. I've been to a farm exactly once in my life and the only thing I took away from that experience was a pair of ruined boots. My trips to Whole Foods are comprised of picking up whatever looks "yummy" as opposed to what complies with NOC standards and my apples are no doubt encrusted in all manner of poisonous radioactive material. In short organic food, not my speciality. I am sincerely trying to catch up with everyone else on this front but at present I cannot claim to be an expert. Organic skincare on the other hand I know something about. Ever since people started to become more conscious of what they put in their bodies companies have been popping up to bring their own environmentally sound variations of what to put on our bodies. There's something nice about looking at an ingredients label and being able to actually pronounce the contents of your skin care as opposed to wondering what exactly dimethicone polyrenophate is. Here are few all natural, cruelty free products I love, use and am generally excited about.
Featured products from : Ren, Juice Beauty & Stella McCartneyREN: Ren, is an UK skincare line I was turned on to by a good friend and ever since I started using their products I've been hooked. Their philosophy is all about combining technological advances and natural ingredients to create "clean skincare" a concept that sounds easier than it is. How many times have you used skincare that leaves you feeling more perfumed and chemical filled than actually clean. The line itself is incredible with loads of standout products. Their Mayblossom and Blue Cypress Facial Wash is heaven sent, it somehow manages to remove all my makeup without leaving my sensitive skin dry, a problem I've had with other cleansers. I also use the Multi Mineral Detox Mask once a week to save my skin from NYC's thick layer of smog. Juice Beauty: My local Sephora just started stocking Juice Beauty, an organic skincare line that has been getting raves all over the place. So far I've had a chance to use their Green Apple Moisturizer which is fabulous but I've been dying to try their Green Apple Peel, a mask designed to improve skin clarity and texture. Stella McCartney CARE: Stella McCartney is a designer I've always admired for her commitment to cruelty free fashion so I was intrigued by her foray into skincare. Her just launched CARE collection is the first designer organic skin line and its really quite lovely. I haven't had a chance to try the full range just yet but I'm working my way through my Discovery set and I like what I see thus far. The Purifying Foaming Cleanser is every bit as luxurious as one would expect. Plus it smells absolutely ravishing.
Featured products from: Dr. Hauschka, Ren, Korres, Red FlowerDr. Hauschka: Dr Hauschka is like the gold standard in all natural skincare and their following borders on cultish. The good kind of cult though, not the bad Tom Cruise variety. Now there are about a thousand things I love from Dr. H but I've been using my Body Silk Powder daily since the weather started getting warmer and the Neem Oil Pen is always in my bag to treat my cuticles. Ren: No. I don't work for Ren I just really like their products, not just for the face but for the whole body as well. Now, everyone is going to tell you about the Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash and thats all fine and dandy its great but its lesser known cousin, the Neroli & Grapefruit Body Wash is just as good. I like to use the Neroli in the morning to wake me up and Rose in the evening to calm me down. Clearly I have a shower gel addiction. And for you exfoliation junkies nothing beats the Guerande Salt Exfoliating Balm for getting legs ready for summer. Korres: Shampoo and conditioner are the areas in which I'm the absolute pickiest. My hair never seems to do what I'd like it to do and I'm not one of those lucky girls who rolls out of bed with perfect artfully mused tresses. Korres Rice Protein shampoo and Shea Butter Hair Mask make my life a little easier. Whenever I use them my hair comes out glossy and soft which helps even when I can't replicate what my stylist did in the first place. Red Flower: In truth candles have little to do with skincare but the Red Flower Honeysuckle Candle keeps me zen and surely that can only have a positive affect on my overall well-being. The scent is sweet and fresh plus these are small enough to take with you when you travel. For something that touches the body as opposed to hovering in the air above it the French Lavendar Lotion is about as creamy as it gets.
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