solid womens magazine spring 2010
DESCRIPTION
Celeb Style With the Angie Stone Look The Gabby Sidibe Look The Monique Look Health 211 Holistic Council By Dr. Robert G. Runway 311 Queens FFF Fashion Week Little Rock FFF Fashion Week Project Curve AppealTRANSCRIPT
The
“Angie Stone”
“Gabby Sidibe”
“Monique”
Look
Queens Fashion Week
Project Curve Appeal
Little Rock FFF Week Stretching &
Excersise with
Personal Trainer
Nafie Pollard Francisca Ramos
Nicole Sturdivant
Holistic Health
Council By
Dr. Robert G
“Sophisticated, Official, Lusious, Incomparible, Diva’s”
4. Feature Contents
7. Editor Letter
9. Spring Best Dresses
10. Health 211
11. Fitness 101
12. Celeb Inspired Style
14. Solid Cover Model
16. Runway 311
All Content featured in this issue of Solid Women’s Magazine
Updates about company news, from Editor & Chief Keya Odom
Best Six 2010 Wedding Dresses from out best Advertisers
A Health Inquiry from Dr. Robert G about Health for Solid Women
Simple workout techniques from Personal Trainer Nafie Pollard
Featuring Styles From Solid Celebrity's like Angie Stone, and more
Interview with Francisca Ramos, Solid Cover Model Winner of 2009
Plus Size Industry Runway News featuring the most talked about
fashion shows, recent and upcoming. Also featuring Plus Size Model
Calls, Beauty Pageant Castings, and Upcoming Plus Size Industry
Spring Events.
Welcome Back! Solid Women’s Magazine
has sat back for the rest of 2009 to analyze what
changes need to be made to produce more publi-
cations in a timely manner without being over-
whelmed by the workload of maintaining the con-
tent in the publications, the websites, and our
public relations.
Since our last issue We have reviewed our
company, and brain stormed on solutions to cre-
ate better content for our readers. Since 2009 we
have made many changes. There has been recent
changes in staff positions, New editors and edito-
rials to be featured in every issue. We also have a
better structure than previous issues, to have a
consistent base of content our readers can look
forward to.
1. ONLINE We have changed our website again and
added a blog now viewable at
www.solidwomensblog.com also on the naviga-
tion tab as blog. Just click blog on the home page
and it will take you directly there. The blog will
be the reference to our content in between publi-
cations. When looking for more info during our
next issue publishing process go to the blog for
more recent content. We have subtracted one of
our Ning communities House OF Solid Women.
Our new site is more user friendly and organized
for our viewers and our advertisers.
2. TRANSLATION
Since we have added our translation de-
partment we have translated the magazine twice
in Spanish and once in French. We have not pub-
lished the translations yet, because of the accu-
racy of spoken and written language in the trans-
lations, and we are still seeking Spanish and
French advertisers. We need your help too! If
you are proficient in speaking, reading, and writ-
ing, in French and/or Spanish we would like to
welcome you aboard our team of interns. Just
email us your information and contact to get
started. We are looking for dedicated, trustwor-
thy, and responsible individuals, willing to par-
ticipate on this project without compensation until
the company reaches significant growth to sustain
itself.
3. MARKETING We are now on twitter, become a follower
at www.twitter.com/solidwomensmag We have
gained new ground with Advertisers, and would
like to welcome aboard more of your favorite Ad-
vertisers located on the right side of our website.
4. FUNDING We hope you enjoy this issue as much as
you did the last. If this is your first time reading
our publication, please come back for more. We
are working harder to go from an Annual/Semi-
Annual Publication to a Quarterly Publication.
Support Our Efforts Please. Help keep Solid
Women’s Magazine going. Make a donation to-
day of $1.00 or more, or shop with advertisers
from our page. We receive a small portions of
your sale. All proceeds will go to maintaining the
sites, traveling to your events, paying our con-
tributors, working towards more frequent online
publications and producing print issues. Thank
you for your support. And don’t forget to love
yourself. “You must love you first for others to
appreciate your love.” K.O
Sincerely,
Keya Odom Keya Odom
CEO & Founder/
Editor & Chief
www.solidwomensmag.com
www.solidwomensblog.com
EDITOR’S FAVORITES By Keya Odom
www.monifc.com www.sydneyscloset.com
www.kiyonna.com www.plussizebridal.com
www.igigi.com www.plussizebridal.com
The Monif C White Convertible dress is
young and hip enough to wear as a
wedding dress, also capable of being
worn many different ways after the
wedding day. #1 wedding dress be-
cause you can get every penny out of it,
and it will not sit in your closet as an
expensive memory.
$235.00
Sydney’s Closet Believe in me wedding
gown is the Cinderella dream dress
that can make a wedding feel enchant-
ing. The strapless neckline and natu-
ral waist is great for the not too busty
bride, as it compliments the hip and
buns area with the A-line skirt design.
#4 wedding dress because it can serve
for two wonderful occasions and give
you the enchanted feeling on your
wedding day and at your pageant win.
$899.00
The Kiyonna Luxe Lace Wedding
dress has a beautiful lace pattern that
creates a sexy bride appeal. It is also
modestly cut just below the knee, and
still daring enough to show off a great
pair of legs coming down the aisle. #2
wedding dress because it’s not too
lacy like a table cloth and covers a
thick bra strap for top heavy brides.
$242.00
The Igigi White Diamonds Wedding
Gown has beautiful rhinestones, and
astonishing hand made crystals below
the breast line, giving a very high end
look for a high end deal. #3
wedding gown because it has the
beautiful flow of a maxi dress and
makes the dream wedding seem reality
without all the real expenses.
$275.00
The Aurora D’Paradiso Halter neck
wedding dress is #5 on my list. I love
the A line sweep dress and the halter
neck. A great wedding dress to wear
for a summer beach front wedding.
Also great for pear shaped ladies. It
flatters the hips, and is great for those
who are not top heavy. It is also very
young and hip with hip price tag of
$374.00
The Alfred Angelo wedding dress is #6
on my list because it is definitely just a
wedding dress. A great sexy look with
embroidered lace, Crystal Beading and
Sequins, with Pearls. A Modern meets
Vintage look. I love how it shows off
your sexy legs and has the tail low hem-
line in the back and the hi hemline in the
front. Truly says I do in spring.
$657.00
As Solid Women, we must take care of our bodies inside as well as out-
side. Unfortunately the mirror, and the scale do not tell us how well we look, or
feel inside our bodies as well as they portray our outside image. We can have our
outward appearance perfected from head top to shoes bottom; yet does it really
matter if our insides are not equally maintained? Dr. Robert G. is a Naturopathic
Doctor - Expert in clini-
cal nutrition, mind -
body healing, and natu-
ral health services. He
has volunteered to give
us the health inquiry we
often overlook.
SWM: what is your view on being overweight?
Dr. Robert G.: My view on people who are overweight is
multi-dimensional. I view it as a physical, emotional and
social issue.
The physical issue can be as simple as overeating...or not
eating the correct foods. There is also the physical compo-
nent of a person's genetics and their possible metabolic
problems. We are all born with a set of genes from our an-
cestors and are only capable of doing what is within our
genetic capability for weight loss. It's an often
frustrating reality to face, but true all the same....not that
there aren't natural effective ways we can combat our
'natural history'.
The other physical issue is a metabolic problem. Someone
may have a decreased metabolism due to hypothyroidism or
an another type of disorder. Again, these can be addressed
and bolstered with a good thorough diagnosis, diet and then
proactive supplementation.
The emotional component to weight loss is eating to fulfill
an emotional desire. For example, many of us have been
taught to eat for a reward, to comfort ourselves, to feel bet-
ter in times of stress.
Socially, we interact almost one hundred percent over
meals. We sit down and share meals with family members
and friends; it's often times the only time we see these peo-
ple! How often do we say 'Let's catch a quick bite?' or do
we meet someone over coffee. Almost all of our mod-
ern social interactions are spent eating.
SWM: What methods do you use to help your clients
have successful weight loss? Dr. Robert G.: Basically my approach addresses all the
above factors. A client comes to me and I assess them to
make sure there is not a metabolic problem. Then we work
with a realistic low calorie diet, which may also address any
health issues such as cholesterol, high blood pressure,
etc. And finally with the emotional component I use tech-
niques to deal with 'emotional eating' such as guided im-
agery, talk therapy, hypnosis furthering my clients healthy
approach to food solo or in social settings.
In my practice I come to view everyone as an individual. I
make no assumptions about a person's lifestyle or health,
because of the way they look. But it is my goal to make my
clients healthier and if they come to me with a specific
problem we address it together and try to reach their opti-
mal health.
SWM: Is holistic health the new trend diet?
“Holistic Health and Wellness is
More Than Just A Good Diet” Dr. Robert G.
Dr. Robert G.: Any good talk therapist will tell you that
focusing on a concept is the first step to achieving it. A car
racer will tell you that you have to look at where you want
the car to go, not what you need to avoid. However, how
often do we focus on our wellness? Instead, we go from day
to day, not thinking about our health or body until it begins
to ache, a joint twinges, or a headache starts. Then we try to
fix the problem. Wellness is a much wider concept, encom-
passing our physical, mental and spiritual sides. Each day
we make decisions that affect the balance of our body and
our wellbeing:
What we eat for lunch: Salad with low fat chicken and
piece of fruit shortly after or a fast food sandwich and a
candy bar later.
How we respond to getting up in the morning: by get-
ting upset at the days tasks or trying to find the positive in
every situation.
How we respond to feeling tired during the day: choos-
ing a heart damaging energy drink or selecting a herbal tea
blend.
How we act when we get home from work: collapsing on
the couch, exhausted, or summoning up the will to stop at
the gym or a yoga class on the way home, or walking
around our neighborhood.
Each decision we make throughout each day creates our
wellness. For more health inquiries from Dr. Robert G. or
to seek services go to www.drrobertg.com
By Dr. Robert Galarwicz ND
By Nafie Pollard
Greeting fitness newbies! This is “Fitness 101”. I am your personal instruc-
tor Nafie Pollard. I'm here to guide and coach you to a healthier lifestyle. We all
know that exercise is very important. In that being so, I'm going to help you with
through the basics. So, open your notebooks and pay attention.
Stretching and Exercise Basics 101
1. Hamstring Stretch Start out with stretching the hamstrings
(back of leg) by allowing one leg to bal-
ance on a stable object. Once you are
balanced, grab your toes and give a gen-
tle pull towards your body. While doing
all of this you may use your opposing
arm as a counter balance, so that you
don't fall over. Hold this stretch for 20
seconds on each leg.
2. Shoulder/Chest Stretch This stretch is great to relieve tension in the
chest and shoulders. The Pectoral stretch is
done by grabbing hold of a bar or a station-
ary object that is shoulder height. Note, you
want to get a good stretch so make sure that
the object is high enough for you to extend
your shoulders high enough so that you
really feel your chest and shoulders loosen
up. Hold it for 20 seconds.
3. Inclined Lunge This is one of my personal favorites when it
comes to getting a good lower-body stretch.
This stretch primarily targets that hip flex-
ors and the hamstrings. Start out by finding
an object that is about waist high and able to
support you. Next, lunge out nice and high
and feel the back of your leg stretch and re-
lease tension. Remember to balance with
your palms down. Hold for 30 seconds.
4. Quadriceps Stretch Start this stretch out by finding a
stationary object or a bar that is
about waist high. Hold on to that
balancer and then begin to lift
your opposing leg up and grab it
with the opposing hand that is not
helping you to balance.
5 Triceps Dips This is a pretty simple stretch/exercise. The
good thing about this exercise is that there is
tension bringing you down as you try and
hold yourself up. Start out with your feet bal-
anced and even form each other. Next, allow
your body to be lowered. Go down until your
arms have gone to a 90° angle, now bring
yourself up and repeat 10 times.
6. Incline Pushup This is another classic exercise
that will primarily target the tri-
ceps (back of arms) and your
chest. Start by finding an object
that is waist high. You will then
lean on the object and allow your-
self to go all the way down until
your face is 1'' for the object. Do
10 pushups.
7. Power Walking/Light Jog This is considered to be one of the
most straight forward approaches
towards getting some needed exercise.
Walk and jog it out for about 35 min-
utes, for 3 days a week. Find a friend,
a Personal Trainer, or go solo. It does-
n't matter, either way when you are
done you will be so glad you stepped
out and got your blood pumping. So,
go out there and get it done!
“It is great to have a fitness trainer because every now and then you need
some motivation to keep striving towards your goal of good health.
Nafie was pleasant and knowledgeable. He also is laid back enough not to
yell at you, and bark out orders; but instead he guides you, and shows you
what works best.
I would recommend him....in Fact hey Nafie drive to Jersey and drag me
out of my bed every morning PLEASE!” Plus Model Alicia
“Inspired” Style
The “ ” Look
Marquessa Steel Boned Silk
Corset
$149.95
www.hipsandcurves.com
The Duchess
Steel Boned Corset
$149.95
www.hipsandcurves.com
Satin & Ruffle Pump
$54.95
www.hipsandcurves.com
Skinny Leg Jeans
$59.50
www.lanebryant.com
Sexy Diva Biker
Black Jacket
$68.00
www.plussizefix.com
“Inspired” Dress
to Impress
The “ ” Look
The “ ” Look
Classic Kitten Dress
$158.00
www.alight.com
Precious Metallic Puff
Heart Pendant
$12.00
www.anyknockoff.com
Touch Ups Gemini Black
$83.00
www.designershoes.com
Tiered Knit Surplice Dress
$29.99
www.fashionbug.lanebryant.com
Shimmer Stripe Chiffon Dress
$54.99
www.lanebryant.com
COVER MODEL 2009 CONTEST WINNER Francisca Ramos
Solid Women’s Magazine Exclusive Interview
SWM: How many years have
you been modeling in the plus
size community?
FRANCISCA: I got started back
in 2006
SWM: What sparked your in-
terest in Plus Size Modeling? FRANCISCA: It was kind of by
accident. I saw this contest on line
and they were looking for new plus
size models. So I decided to enter
it. I figured, what the heck, I'm not
going to win but it but it might be
fun and I won for public choice.
SWM: You have submitted a
photo to our contest twice, and
the first time you was beaten by
a hair, what made you give the
contest another chance? FRANCISCA: I figured, why
not? I was so close the first time, I
knew that I can win the second
time. Being so close to winning to
many times in the past, I knew that
my time would come.
SWM: Do you consider yourself
and activist in the plus size com-
munity, or just a model; how do
you activate for the plus size
community? FRANCISCA: I like to think of
myself as an activist for the plus
size community. I have learned so
much from so many plus size
model and other activists and I am
still learning everyday something
new. I feel like I can be a positive
role model and teach so much to
others now.
SWM: What were the highlights
of your modeling career for
2009?
FRANCISCA: The absolute high
light of 2009 was being chosen as
a signature model for The Real
Women Summit. Of all the hun-
dreds of plus size models in the
USA, they chose me to be one of
twenty. I never felt so proud of
myself. My smile was from ear to
ear to the point that my face started
to hurt...LOL. All I kept saying
was "Is this real?" "Was I really
chosen?"
SWM: What's next for you in
2010? FRANCISCA: To keep pushing
myself to get better, and to get
more recognized. Again, I have
come so close to winning so many
contests that I know my time is
coming to win a big one. I will not
stop until that goal has been
reached!
SWM: In your experience of
modeling what advise would you
give to other plus size models? FRANCISCA: My advice would
be....."Just be yourself. Don't ever
let anyone put you down or tell
you that you can not do it. Keep
pushing yourself to be the best you
can".
SWM: Who was the photogra-
pher of your winning photo?
FRANCISCA: Keith McNulty -
www.keithmcnulty.com
Wonderful to work with. He is
very kind, and very profes-
sional. Anyone would be lucky to
work with him.
SWM: Thank you so much for
gracing our cover, its been a
pleasure.
BE SURE TO VISIT OUR SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.solidwomensmag.com
Submit Professional Headshot & Full body Photos With contact information to
Delali Osun Haligah, Founder of Queens Fahion
Week and CEO of OSUN Designs, exhibited her
Spring 2010 Collection at Queens Fashion Week, held
in Queens, New York. OSUN’s designs are well
known for their unique cultural look on the runways of
Paris and New York. The versatility of her designs
going from Cultural/Traditional, to Cultural/Couture, to
Cultural/Modern has a wow factor that is eye catching
and demands to be looked upon coming down the run-
way or sidewalk. OSUN’s Solid models notably dis-
played attitude befitting for each motif. For more go to
Full Figured Fashion Week
also known as FFF Week had
their first ever Male model
audition. So far, sources say
it was a successful turnout;
with some heart stopping han-
som men set to come down
the runway. According to the
information posted on their
site, FFF Week is set for June
16-19, 2010 in our home
town New York City.
Sources say last year was a
blast. Many local and out of
state designers are set to show
their 2010 Fall Collections.
To find out more information
go to www.fffweek.com
Full Figured Fashion Week
Queens Fashion Week
Model Calls
Essence It Girl Model Call
EN.V Model Search
The Curve Competition
Fashion Shapes & Curves Audition
Size is Sexy Model Portfolio Contest Daily Venus Diva Cover Model Search
Curves Full Throttle Fashion Show Model Call
Project Curve Appeal Virginia Casting Call
FOPC Casting
Big Boned Women’s Rep Your City
Pageant Castings
Nebraska State Plus America Pageant Miss Illinois Plus America Pageant
Alabama State Plus America Pageant
U.S United Pageant
Big Beautiful Women Pageant
Upcoming Events
Lady Doves Fashion & Talent Show
U.S.A Plus Pageants
Plus Size in the City club 40/40 Meet & Greet
The Curvy Network– Plus Size Industry Networking
Dangerous Curves Ahead Fashion Show
Miss Voluptuous Beauty Pageant
By Keya Odom
www.osundesigns.com
Kurvy Kuties will be producing Little Rock Full
Figure Fashion Week April 8-11. This event is
taking place in Little Rock, Arkansas. There will
be 3 fashion shows, a trunk show, and a health and
beauty expo. A portion of the proceeds from the
event will be donated to the Arkansas Coalition
Against Domestic Violence.
Thursday night is the kick off night for
LRFFFW. It begins with a fashion show sponsored
by David's Bridal and will also feature gowns from
Tulle-Bridal. The theme of that show is "A Night
To Remember" and will have a heavy lean towards
showcasing Prom 2010 gowns. Several local high
school seniors will also be participating in this
showcase. It is going to take place at UALR in the
Donaghey Student Center ballrooms.
Friday nights fashion show is scheduled to take
place at the Holiday Inn Presidential in downtown
Little Rock. This show, "Figure This", will feature
several local retailers, boutiques as well as some
out of town boutiques and e-commerce retail-
ers. Retailers from Igigi.com to Curvysta will be
showcasing designs. Also on schedule to showcase
are Cato Fashions and Dress Barn.
Saturday's events will kick off with a health and
beauty expo that will cater to the curvy
woman. There will be information relating to
health issues from diabetes to breast care. Also,
beauty information from skin care to hair
care. Additionally, there will be vendors on site to
assist the ladies with items from proper bra fitting
to the best recipes! Guest will also enjoy an entire
lineup of local talent. This event will take place at
the Kramer School Lofts in downtown Little Rock.
Saturday night is the designer showcase. This over
the top show will take place at Philander Smith
College in the Kendall Center. "Designed to
Shine" will showcase several local and out of town
designers. This show will feature designer Just
Raymona, Lillie Burnett, and will also include a
couture jewelry segment by Krystal Bijoux Jew-
elry.
Sunday will wrap up the events of Little Rock Full
Figure Fashion Week with a trunk show to take
place at the Kramer School Lofts in downtown Lit-
tle Rock. Guests will have an opportunity to get
their hands on the one of a kind looks that were
showcased on the runway during LRFFFW as well
as any other goodies that the designers might have
in their trunks.
Several MUAs, photographers, videographers,
stage crew, volunteers and full figure models will
be involved in making this show a success. Kurvy
Kuties has included several industry friends to be a
part of this show including, the full figure ladies of
Size Revolution from Charlotte, NC, the full figure
ladies of DiMension from Charlotte, NC, and the
full figure ladies of the Atlanta division of Kurvy
Kuties.
Little Rock Full Figure Fashion Week is being
sponsored by several entities including David's Bri-
dal, alight.com, Torrid, Igigi.com and Kurvy
Kuties, Inc.
UPCOMING EVENTS By Kimbie Akins
President, Kurvy Kuties, Inc.
The
“Angie Stone”
“Gabby Sidibe”
“Monique”
Look
Queens Fashion Week
Project Curve Appeal
Little Rock FFF Week Stretching &
Excersise with
Personal Trainer
Nafie Pollard
Francisca Ramos
Nicole Sturdivant
Holistic Health
Council By
Dr. Robert G