BlogHer Here I Come

Yes I know that I promised pics of my interview with the fantabulous Monif C., fashion designer to full figured movie stars.

Yes I know that I promised to give you all the details about the NAAFA convention.

Yes I know that I am leaving today for BlogHer and I have done none of the above.

Sigh.

How about I make it up to you when I get back ok?

Thank honey. I really appreciate it when you're so understanding.

See you next week!

Kisses.

Interview with fashion designer Monif C.

OK kiddies. Here it is. I have not yet replaced my digital camera-to-laptop cord so I am just going to let you have it and I will add the pics to Flickr soon. When you ask? I said soon! Damn woman why do you have to get all up in my face about it?!

Eh hem... And so here is my interview with the fantabulous Monif C.
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Driving south on the Taconic towards New York City and I am in heaven. It's a glorious sunny spring day. Delicate clouds in the sky look like they were painted and hung in place on a perfect blue background. What better day than today to meet with the fabulous Monif C. and discuss the glamorous life of fashion industry trend setter, her brilliant fashion line for full-figured women, her decision to open a boutique in the heart of New York City's garment district, and boys. Oh yes, certainly we must discuss boys!

Monif reclines on a gold chair looking every part the fashion icon when I walk into her office. The space is cozy and elegant. Monif tells me that she decided to move her office from New Jersey to the garment district of New York City so that she could be closer to all facets of the production of her line. Aside from some of her fabrics, which are imported, every aspect of her line is made in the U.S.A. “My patterns are cut right around the corner. Every part of my line is made within walking distance. This way I can watch each step of the production. Also, if a customer needs something custom or altered we can handle it very quickly.” Monif takes great pride in the superb customer service she offers. “It’s the foundation of my business.”

Clothing racks line the walls with beautiful clothes that make me want to strip and start trying things on immediately. But I restrained myself until the end of our interview. There is also jewelry made by a designer creating custom pieces for fuller figures as a boutique exclusive. Personally I really appreciate it when a long necklace lands either above or beyond my bust. When the chain falls right into my cleavage . . . well it’s not really the desired effect now is it?

And yes, we did in fact talk about boys. Mostly I talked about my husband. We’re still newlyweds, you know. I intended to get all kinds of personal information about Monif’s love life and tell you all about it here but honestly, once I start talking about my big hunk of man I lose my train of thought. Where was I? Oh right, the interview!

Monif told me that as long as she continues to get her clothes in front of the people, then the people will continue to appreciate what she is doing. She isn’t very concerned about seeing her name on the racks in big department stores. It would be nice, yes. But what is really important to her is that she wants you to know that she designs just for you.

Monif has the eye of a sculptor when it comes to fashion design. She chisels fabric to enhance a woman's natural curves with the use of darts in all the right places. Knowing that if the dress leaves your body at the bosom then there must be a way to bring it back in to embrace the waist and so, when I finally had my chance to try on the very same dress that Monif designed exclusively for Queen Latifah (and worn once by her Majesty) I was the recipient of that artistry. Monif’s creations floated on my body with ease, without restraints and in harmony with my curves. Wearing Monif’s clothing is a divine experience.

Monif C. Plus Sizes New York Boutique Store located at 325 W. 38th Street, Suite 1007 New York, NY 10018. For store hours call 1 (212)842-1641

New Post Coming Soon...really

After days of being frustrated I have decided to just lay my truth bare on the screen and level with you dear readers -- I have lost the cord that connects my digital camera to my laptop. The laptop is working perfectly fine, and so is the camera. Now if only I could get these two kids to play nice together I could show you how much fun I had interviewing fashion designer Monif C. But no. They will not play nice together without that missing cord and I have decided to give up on being frustrated and just go out and buy a new cord, which truthfully frustrates me in a completely different way. Not in a good way like when you are looking forward to having a really delicious dinner in your favorite restaurant and the chef has refused to serve what his underlings have prepared because it is not worthy of your demanding palate and even though you are frustrated because you are hungry and you want your favorite dinner you are so completely flattered by the attentions of the chef that you are happy to wait. This of course has never happened to me but I imagine that I would be flattered. No I am frustrated in the same way that you might be when you oversleep on Monday morning only to realize that you have missed the garbage collection and while the bag in your kitchen is so ripe that it could have walked to the dump itself, it seems to have overslept also and missed its ride so now you have to live with this smelly heap of trash for another week. I am that kind of frustrated.

I am going to Chicago next week for the NAAFA.org convention and I will have laptop, digital camera and the cord of connectedness between the two. My plan is to continue blogging, intrepid blogger that I am, even while away from home to bring you all the convention news that is fit to type. I know that you will appreciate my efforts because I am feeling the love. Right now...through the keyboard. umm...maybe I shouldn't have had that second glass of wine?

Anywho, (oooh did I just type the make believe word anywho???...I can't believe I typed that!) I'll have the much anticipated interview with the glmorous Monif C. for you tomorrow. Operators are standing by.