The Gathered Fashion Spread (June 22, 2013)

This week we got wind of the fabulously chic Running In Heels  event in Atlanta from our GL staffer Queen Aftan.  Here's a quick Recap by The Garner Circle PR: Author Nicole K. Garner, founder of The Garner Circle PR, celebrated the book launch for "Are You In Inc: PR's Alter Ego" and the kick off for the "Running In Heels" Multi-Market Tour at TAGS boutique (owned by Bravo TV's Kandi Burress). This ultimate guide focuses on niche Public Relations and publicity disciplines of fashion, music, entertainment and film.  This complete manual is filled with everything one needs to know about the fabulous world of PR equipped with very sepcific tools of the trade. To celebrate the book, Amazon Publishing joined forces with Garner to create a multi-market tour titled "Running In Heels" The Diary Of A Publicist. The cocktails and conversation themed event, hosted by Stacii J. (Black Girls Radio, )featured top PR and media mavens - including Tammie Reed (TalkingWithTami.com, Mattie James (www.Mattieologie.com), Kimberly Walker (journalist, content specialist), Tahira Wright (Branded PR), and insight on the book by Nicole Garner (The Garner Circle PR). 

 

For more information on upcoming tour dates, hosts and to RSVP visit  http://runninginheelstour.blogspot.com/ and to purchase the book visit www.AreYouInInc.com . To join the conversation the twitter / instagram is @thegarnercircle and the hashtag is #AreYouInInc

Now, back to what we love the most: FASHION! We adore Nicole Garner's stand out colorful dress that truly shows how to be in the spotlight and hold attention. Several other guests definitely made the gathered cut! Check out the fab pictures

 

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Lori & Power Circle Photography

Kimberly Walker, Tahira Wright, Talking with Tami, Stacii J, Mattie James and Nicole Garner

Fashion Bloggers Mattie James and McKenzie Renae, Nicole & Host Stacii J, Black Girls Radio "Are You In Inc: PR's Alter Ego" Author Nicole K. Garner

Do you have a gathered event you would love for us to attend and share the fashionable experience in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, or New Orleans? If so, send us an email to thegatheredlady@gmail.com or invite us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @ TheGatheredLady!

A Peek Behind the Scenes at Full Figured Fashion Week 2013!

From June 17th to the 20th, New York City has been abuzz with fierce, gathered, and curvy fashionistas on fire for Full Figured Fashion Week 2013. The Gathered Lady couldn't be there in person, but we planted a spy networked and got a sneak peek into one of their expo events. It just so happens that close personal friend, avowed oenophile, and award winning, wine-making genius Mikael Wargin of Wargin Winery was on the scene as an official sponsor of FFF week. Mikael's award winning winery is located near Santa Cruz, CA, but he flew across the country to attend the events bearing cases and cases of his Big & Beautiful wine label, complete with a very whimsical curvy fashionista logo. In the process of being a man about town, he snapped some pics of us of some of the looks on the scene this week. Thanks Mikael! 

Enough about wine (um, did I just really say that?)... more about FASHION! Here goes: 

(left to right) Rue 115, Youtheary Khmer, Evans (bottom)

(left to right) Live Unlimited, Aiimee, T Tyme Lady Couture

(left to right) OnOz, Big & Beautiful Official Wine Sponsor, Ashley Dean (Memphis, TN), Fitzgerald Ballroom, Dean of Fashion (bottom)

(left to right) Huudaverti, Curvy Couture, Tru Diva Designs

(top left, clockwise Swimsuits for All, Kaylene Designs (Singapore), Lane Bryant, ZMJ Denim

Had enough? Us either. But we're out of pics to share for now...

Do you have full-figured fashion pics to share? Facebook or email us and if we like, we'll share! 

Staying Cute, Cool & Comfortable During Festival Season

By In this fleeting moment on Flickr

Now that we’re rolling into the heart of summer (yes, I mixed my metaphors, but it’s OK since I’m being shameless about it), festival season is here. Festivals and fairs are great social outings for the community- (and fun-) minded fashionista, but they are also a fashion tragedy waiting to happen. I’ve assembled a quick list of ideas to ensure your next outing is a success. Because I care.

By BeautifullyPure on FlickrFind sensible shoes. Let’s get the most obvious piece advice out of the way first: wear a good flat. It can (and should!) be cute, but it should also be comfortable. Which means staying away from thin-soled ballerina slippers with no support. I can pretty confidently guarantee that your feet will hurt after walking on uneven grass or hard pavement in these types of shoes for four or five hours. Remember, most fairs and festivals are short on seating, so you won’t have much opportunity for reprieve if you’re in an impractical shoe.

Wear fresh-faced makeup. The last thing you want is for your makeup to slowly melt off your face and run onto your cute top. Yes, it does, in fact, look as gross as it sounds (speaking from personal experience). Select a mineral makeup or tinted moisturizer with a built in SPF. If you tend to get oily, it will be exacerbated by the weather, so remember to use a mattifying foundation primer and toss some blotting papers into your purse.

Carry a small cross-body purse. Speaking of purses, a festival is no place for a hobo large enough to carry a small child. Smaller purses have been enjoying a bit of a resurgence lately, so it’s quite convenient that this particular trend also happens to be practical. Your hands will be free to hold a teddy bear or perhaps a turkey leg, and you don’t have to experience the buzz-killing anxiety of not knowing where to stash your purse before you get on a ride.

Choose natural, breathable fabrics. I know I’m stating the obvious right now, but I feel like it has to be said—it’s really hot outside guys. And nobody wants to overheat because their wearing a portable, personal sauna. Scary and embarrassing. Stick to light natural fabrics like cotton and linen, which will breathe and wick away moisture.

Avoid short-sleeved tees. Because Farmer’s Tan. That is all.

By BeautifullyPure on FlickrGo retro. Retro is always in and the fashion mavens of the past are great inspiration for sensible, stylish attire. If you’re looking for a new look, try your favorite thrift store or Mod Cloth, which has a lot of great retro-inspired pieces.

Select smart, stylish accessories. If you're a hat person, think about incorporating a sun or cowboy hat into your look. If you're doing the retro look, try a head-band, round shades and a brightly-colored lipstick!

Fashionista Feature: Leah

Happy Monday! This week we've brougth you another beautiful gathered fashionista. Leah is a 29 year old California native who currently is finishing her PhD in biomedical science with ambitions to become a cancer researcher. Leah is smart, fun, social and fabulously stylish. Currently in Nashville, Tennessee, Leah enjoys hosting dinner parties, going to lounges, live music and sports events. Leah  says "My style is edgy and chic. I love color, prints, accessories, and shoes. Also, I like to show off my legs, so it's sexy too." We agree, but don't take our word. See for yourself and check out this week's fave fashionista's pictures and interview and be inspired to be gathered like Leah!

1. Describe your fashion style in 5 words. edgy. colorful. chic. sexy. tribal.

2. Who are your favorite style icons? Beyonce! Rihanna for her edgy appeal. Also, being plus size, I look up to Mia Amber. I admired her style, presence and poise. Queen Latifah.

3. Finish this sentence: I can’t help but buy more shoes and accessories for my closet.

4. Surprise! Impromptu interview for Marie Claire in 2 hours! What do you wear?  Denim trousers, a plain T, a striped cropped blazer, platform sandals, and hot accessories. Casual but working it!

5. Favorite stores to supply your fashion habit? For budget friendly items I go to Target & Forever 21, Sears and Khol’s, sometimes Ross. Some of the online places I shop are Dorthyperkins.com and  ASOS.com.  I also like a lot of random cute boutiques from Instagram.

6. Best fashion advice you live by? “Dare to be different.”. My style is very daring and uniquely me, so I follow trends but I always make it my own. Also, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to look amazing. It’s about piecing things together in a creative way.

7. Worst fashion mistake you ever made? Yeah... in the late 90’s when wearing super baggy tom-boy clothes were in style. I pray that trend never comes back. I wore baggy jersey’s and jeans. I’m so glad I had a come up from that time. It was rough, lol.

8. Favorite childhood fashion item you were obsessed with? Baby doll dresses and the wedge keds! I’ve always been into accesories, so I loved little lace necklaces too.

9. Secret fashion look you wish you could pull off? Hmm, definitely a crop top. I can show a little something- something, but I want to rock the fitted top with tight jeans.

10. What traits make up a gathered lady to you? Which do you have? A gathered lady is a confident, successful, stylish woman who knows how to be causal chic and can look great in anything. The most essential feature is her confidence. When I wear stuff, and I slide my heels on, I tap into my inner diva, own the look and no one can tell me anything! That’s gathered!

11. Favorite asset to accentuate? How? My legs. I’m tall and when I wear heels it accentuates their long length. And I keep them toned, so I try to rock them when I can with skirts and sexy dresses.

12. How do you dress your body concerns? I’m not the curviest girl as far as hips. I love bodycon-dresses, but I go more for one that has patterns that gives my curves more bang.  I adore A-line dresses and skirts, because it creates an illusion of fuller curves. My corsets and foundations garments also help me work my magic.

13. Lazy day- what are you wearing? Regular black leggings, oversized T shirts from Target (the cotton one's with  a top pocket), and converse chucks-- I am from california, gotta love my chucks!
14. Fun fashion fact: I hate wearing tennis shoes (my chucks are excluded), unless it has a wedge. I just always gravitate to shoes that make me feel fabulous!

 Are you a fashionista with fabulously gathered style? Send us your pictures to thegatheredlady@gmail.com and if we like them, we'll share them! If you're really gathered, we may even feature you!

The Gathered Fashion Spread (June 15, 2013)

Happy Saturday! This week our ATL affiliate Queen Aftan attended the exclusive launch party for LA based Gourmet shoes' partnership with Young Jezzy and his new line of dope sneakers. The event was held at popular clothing boutique Wish in Atlanta. Special Guest Mimi Faust from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta showed up, as well as music artist Gloss, DJ Baby Yu and DJ RootsQueen and even Trinidad James. The event was serviced by Bottle Bar and with drinks by Avion Tequila. Jezzy's shoes are "the perfect blend of luxury and street". Suffice it to say, I definitely want a pair. Check out the fashion forward crowd and their swaggalicious style for your weekend inspiration!

Gourmet Brand, Young Jezzy & Aftan, Mimi Faust of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta

Recording Artist Gloss, AW Media Group & BriceNicole Garner or The Garner Circle PR, Wish employee, Pretti Polish Swap Owner

Kahdijiha Rowe- Owner of Platform Addicts Shoe Boutique (Yellow polka dot dress)

Young Jezzy Gourmet shoes in action!

Do you have a gathered event you would love for us to attend and share the fashionable experience in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, or New Orleans? If so, send us an email to thegatheredlady@gmail.com or invite us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @ TheGatheredLady!