Marie Denee: Curvy. Confident. Chic. Keeping you feeling fabulous

I had the privilege of meeting the fantastic Marie Dene, the founder of The Curvy Fashionista, a blog keeping you and me alike up to date and current with all that is happening in the plus size fashion industry!

I have been an addict of her blog and advice since I started working for 100% People and I have now had the privilege to speak with her about her up and coming new online plus size boutique due to launch in Autumn of this year. Not only this but she tells me all about how her blog started and gives me some fantastic advice about whats going to be hot and helps me in the search for my perfect Little Black Dress (LBD)!! Keep reading to discover all about Marie Denee.

As I read about you, your work in retail is extensive, how has this fuelled your passion for fashion?
I have realized the consistently missed opportunity in fashion, as I would consistently have clients coming to me for options that I sold at my various retailers, but in our size!  I started scouring out those options to become a wealth of information for those who needed to know where to go and who makes what in highly fashionable options.

From there it became a personal challenge to find, excavate, unearth, all fabulous pieces in plus size!

Have you always wanted to work in the fashion industry?
I started in retail at the young age of 16!  Who doesn’t love playing in clothes?  I have always been the girly girl, and I found a career that supported my habit!  It was a done deal after that!

How did the ‘Curvy Fashionista’ come about and what do you most enjoy about blogging?
While I was in my Masters program, I was fortunate to dedicate my research to the plus size industry.  I decided that I needed to share what I have found, as I knew if it took this much work, I had to share!  I love sharing information.  I was frustrated and I started sharing what I have found and the response was so positive!

Where does your inspiration for your different blog articles come from?
It depends on quite a few things. It could be my mood, what is going on in the media, fashion, or plus size world. It also depends on conversations I have had with industry friends, comments, or questions I receive!

I’m so excited to see your new online boutique when it launches, where did the idea come from and can you tell me all about it?
The idea from my boutique came before my blog. I have had this dream for the longest time (I think like since the age of 12?), and now the opportunity presented itself and I ran with it! I am the hugest fan of the Elle magazine looks, spreads from Bazaar, but I could never find those looks in my size- it was frustrating, so I tried to see who was doing something this bold, and while some of the individual designers were working it, there were not many retailers whose aesthetic mirrored mines and my readers.
I recognized this niche and have worked towards it, through my blog, research, and interactions within the industry!

Difficult question but who is your all time favourite designer?
Um. I do not have an all time favorite- honestly. I am a slave to it, therefore, I respect the many perspectives and interpretations of fashion.
My favorites vary to my mood!

Do you have any fashion predictions for the coming year? What will be hot and not so hot?
I am loving the refined boho chic diva, as well as the hard-edged chick.
Black, zippers, overstated necklaces, power suits, thigh high boots, all a symbol of strength and confidence in this current state of the economy. I think I am over the jumpsuit and harem pants, too much for me- but some can rock it- just not for me!

I am always on the look out for my perfect LBD and to my frustration have still not found it, any recommendations for places to find that perfect fit?
Well, I think before you try to find it, you must figure out what your own lifestyle and taste reflect in a LBD. If you are the chic type of woman, a sleeveless shift dress may work the best for you. If you are a more conservative, a short-sleeve or three-quarter sleeve dress may work the best for you. determine your personal style, then when looking for it, you will not be as overwhelmed in your choices!
With that in mind, you will be able to know which designers speak to your personal style and the direction may be easier!

Can I ask, do you have any further plans for the future in the pipeline or any dreams you would like to fulfil?
You know, I have not thought that far in advance as I am still trying to set up shop with my boutique, and continually build The Curvy Fashionista. Who knows!

Any last tips or advice for our plus size readers?
When it comes to fashion, do not be afraid of it! Experiment, explore, and think out of the box! You will be pleasantly surprised with what you will find, and the many designers out there! You will be surprised how an amazing dress can alter your mood!

Check out Marie’s blog The Curvy Fashionista and sign up to her Online Boutique newsletter so you can keep up to date with developments and be the first to see the launch of this fantastic website.