Everyday Runway

Sunday, September 15, 2013

An Open Letter to Target...

Dear Target-

As I sit here at 3 AM in front of my computer simultaneously refreshing your website and hashtag stalking Twitter on my iPhone, I wonder, why do none of the designer collaborations come in plus size? I know that their normal designs may not, but why not partner with designers that are willing to include something for all of your patrons? In some of the bigger collaborations like Missoni & Neiman Marcus there were things for the home, men, kids, pets, even sporting goods, but nothing for plus sized women. At best, something may come in XXL or a size 16 that fits like a 12, but what about the rest of us? As I'm reading tweets & viewing Instagram posts from the curvy community, we are reduced to shopping for what we deem to be "plus friendly" because there is truly nothing other than accessories for us.

I can appreciate the fact that you have made some efforts by expanding your juniors Xhilaration line to plus sizes and have the "somewhat" fashionable Pure Energy line, but I guess if you have never been fat, then you wouldn't understand what it feels like to be reduced to shopping 17 pieces of ill-fitting clothing that are crammed at the back of the store between maternity and menswear. There are millions of us out there screaming for more fashion forward plus size pieces!

Despite the lack of clothing for us, we still patronize you. Sure we could lose weight, but why should we have to change who we are? What if the roles were reversed and all clothing were only made for plus size people? Sure, I would be happy, but my straight sized sisters would be in the same position I am.

I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that if brands like QVC and HSN can offer designer collaborations in plus sizes, why can't Target? The market is there. If you don't know how to approach it, why not reach out to us plus size fashion bloggers who understand what aesthetic works on a fuller body?

This letter is not meant to be controversial. I'm not going to boycott Target because there are not enough fat clothes. I'm not trying to change the world, I simply want to raise awareness that plus size women wear fashionable clothes and shop at Target with the hopes that you will offer something better for us.

Respectfully-

Parker Simmons

Fashion Flash Phillip Lim 3.1 for Target

Just in case you weren't up stalking www.target.com with the rest of us psychos this morning, be sure to pop into you local Target store to snap up the latest designer collab. Phillip Lim 3.1 launched today around 3:00 am online and will launch in stores beginning at 8:00 am. This designer collaboration has been highly anticipated, much like the Missoni for Target collection. Although the Neiman Marcus collab was a flop, this definitely won't be.

I highly encourage you to get to your Target stores early or shop in the suburbs because this collection will sell out. It took constant refreshing and Twitter stalking for me to score the pieces I wanted. For my curvies, there aren't any plus size pieces in the collection, but fashion blogger Chastity Valentine of Garner Style Blog has put together this post of what she thinks will work well on plus sizes. I wasn't particularly moved by the clothes in this group, but both the men's & women's accessories are everything! Happy Shopping!

xoxo-

Parker S.

Phillip Lim 3.1 for Target by everydayrunway

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Thursday Three-Way: Winterize

Over the past week I have been cleaning out my closet. Needless to say I have entirely too much stuff. So much, I have put myself on shopping restriction (with my own money) for the next couple of months. Because of my self imposed penance, I have started to get really creative with the things I already have in my closet.

Since I live in Georgia, I really don't get a chance to enjoy fall. Today it was 90 degrees which feels more like summer. However with the month being September my mind is telling me that it's fall, but the weather isn't complying. Although I'm suffering in my own personal "summer like" fall hell, it doesn't mean the rest of you are. Therefore, for this Thursday Three-Way post I am going to show you how to turn a summer maxi dress into a look for both fall and winter.

During #FFFWeek2013 I scored the most amazing maxi dress from Lane Bryant (green is no longer available). I wore it once and pretty much had resolved that I would just store it and wear it again next summer. Because I am shopping in my own closet for the next couple of months, I decided to pull it out and put a fall spin on it.

Me & My Aussie Blogger Boo Jenn

Shopping at #FFFWeek Curves in the City Market

I decided to grab my leopard shirt, also from Lane Bryant (similar one here), Joan Boyce for HSN foldable loafers & black JustFab handbag. By tying the shirt up in the front I created a fun casual look that will work whether you are out shopping on a Saturday or grabbing a quick lunch with your girlfriends.

Finally, for the winter spin, I decided to keep the leopard shirt from the fall look, but add a denim blazer from Talbots (no longer available). In addition to the blazer I also added my brown, faux leather boots from Lane Bryant. For this look, I untied the shirt and buttoned both it an the blazer. This look could work for the office or for a quick client meeting.

So, there you have it! One dress, Three different looks. It's fun to shop in your own closet and create looks that defy conventional fashion norms. I challenge you to think outside of the box and to "winterize" some of your own summer ensembles. Until next time, "Make the world your personal runway!"

<3 Parker S.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Are you in???

Are you in? What an amazing open ended question that fits a variety of situations. Are you in control of your destiny? Are you in a fulfilling relationship? Are you in a promising career? This question can be asked hundreds, even thousands of different ways, but ultimately the original question is often the hardest to answer; are you in?

In her inaugural book, Nicole K. Garner, President & CEO of The Garner Circle broaches this question from a PR standpoint. Operating one of the most successful PR firms in in Atlanta, Nicole met many pitfalls and dead ends on her rise to success. In her book, "Are you in? Inc, PR's Alter Ego", she gives her readers..."the book (she) wanted when (she) was twenty-two and jumping into the world of publicity..."

Full of anecdotal observations and no-nonsense advice, Nicole delivers a must read for those looking to get their feet wet in the every growing field of PR as well as offers a quick refresher for those who are already engrossed in the field. Although I'm not delving directly into that arena, it's always important to understand all facets of the machine that indirectly drives my industry of blogging. Nicole's book coupled with her Power Plug PR seminar gave me some great perspective on brand building, gaining a stronger presence on social media as well as what publicists find desirable when working with brands and bloggers.

Nicole & I earlier this year at Google Atlanta for the kick of her Power Plug PR Conference

I recommend grabbing this book. It's a quick read that keeps you engaged until you finish it. I started reading this book at the airport and finished on a flight to NYC this summer. I was immediately able to start applying some of it's principles when I landed. You can order both the digital and printed versions from Amazon . Happy Reading!

xoxo-

<3 Parker S.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

#OOTD Kate Spade NY

Hey guys! How is your weekend going? I have been busy cleaning out my closet which is no small feat. Anyway, I wanted to take a break and give you the deets on the outfit I wore last Saturday to #IndiqueAtlanta grand opening.

Whenever I'm going out during the day to an event, I want to look fun but still be comfortable. Lately, I have been on high heel strike and have found myself exploring fun flat alternatives. About a month ago, I scored the cutest Kate Spade for Keds shoes. Yes I said Keds as in Dirty Dancing, Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner, Keds.

If you follow me on Instagram or were at the opening you know I chose the black and yellow with the white apples! Of course I had to pair these fun kicks with my new Kate Spade "Far from the Tree Gia" clutch. To round out the look, I rocked my ASOS "Almost Famous" tee (my full tee is no longer available, but the tank is) and a custom Lavender's Jungle tutu courtesy of Twelve 24 Boutique. My look was so Carrie Bradshaw meets Grease set in 2013, lol!

If you love my shoes or any others in the Kate Spade for Keds collection, don't sleep on them. These babies are limited edition and limited in quantity. I am already spying another pair from this group as well as an new pair I saw from their SS/14 collection. There is also a new version of my clutch coming out, too! Happy Shopping!

xoxo-

Parker S.

Collage by @kiwithebeauty (@asos ring is no longer available)

Fashion Flash #SonsiFallTrends

Fall is just around the corner, what will you be wearing this season? If your brain is fried and trend forecasting is not your forte, the style experts at Sonsi have got you covered. Reah Norman, plus size style guru, has curated a capsule collection of her favorite fall trends. Whether you're looking for something edgy or a way to interpret your summer florals into fall, Reah & Sonsi have got you covered. The #SonsiFallTrends boutique launches online today! Happy Shopping!

xoxo-

Parker S.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

#IndiqueAtlanta

"The best possible hair starts with the best possible team." Seven and a half years ago, the Indique brand was launched. Born from necessity, Co-Founder and Creative Ericka Dotson was a Texas based hair stylist wanting to have quality human hair available for her clients. She along with her business partner Krishan Jhalani launched the budding line at the Bronner Brothers hair show in 2007. With it's unique tubular packaging and the undeniable quality of the hair inside, Indique began to build a loyal client base. After a couple of years, they opened their very first Indique Boutique in NYC and the rest is history.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Indique culture while covering their Atlanta boutique's grand opening. The opening didn't start until 1, but in true "Parker" fashion I got there about an hour early. Of course the idea of being one of the first 50 people in line to get a free tube of hair would be a good motivator, but honestly, I wanted to experience the space before the onslaught of people. After reading online that the space was more than 2000 sq ft, I had been chomping at the bits all week to get there.

Located in trendy & chic Virginia Highlands, Indique Atlanta is a breath of fresh air from the normal weave shopping experience. With an ultra modern pink and white decor, the boutique is a virtual wonderland of weave goodness. You can experience almost a dozen different hair textures with a knowledgeable team to to enhance your shopping experience by providing exemplary customer service. Being a sales person by trade, customer service & product knowledge are very important to me when I'm shopping.

Brand Partner Angela Hargro from Twelve 24 Boutique and Moi

After the ribbon cutting, a few bloggers and various media outlets were ushered in to a private office for one on one time with Co-Founder and Creative Director Ericka Dotson. She explained that all Indique employees get extensive training over the course of several weeks to insure that they know the product they are selling, understand the Indique culture and are able to translate that to their customers. Hearing Ericka's story was so inspiring. From hair stylist to co-owner of her own hair factory, she is living proof that if you work hard and believe in your vision, dreams can become reality. What she has done with the Indique brand is truly something special. I encourage all of you visit this wonderful space and create your own Indique experience.

See you on the front row!

<3 Parker S.