San Juan Beauty Show

Entrance to the San Juan Beauty Show

Out of this world!! This is how I would describe the San Juan Beauty Show this year, celebrating their 15^th anniversary. I went with my photographer, Apolonia Vargas and my official Curvy model Ana García, to the event and we had so much fun! I met Victor Pino one of the organizers; a very gracious man and he gave us our VIP passes.

First we went to the Beauty Show itself. I was literally in beauty heaven. They had a full house as always. My first stop was to go say hi to my friend Millie Banchs, the make up artist to the stars. She was with Lourdes Chacon, a beautiful artist from the Island.

Millie Banchs and Lourdes Chacon

I visited many booths. The prices were great and the people...so nice. I especially liked the body painting. It was incredible! They had conferences about everything that had to do with beauty. I sat down for a while and listened to their lectures. They gave great tips! I also went to see the makeup competition. This year it was hard to pick a winner because they all did a great job. The models looked stunning.

Marta and Millie Banchs

We went to the green carpet event. They interviewed people in the beauty industry and local artists from the Island. I felt like I was in Hollywood! Then we went to the cocktail party before the fashion shows and the awards.

Interviewing Nelly Trinidad

I got to go backstage and say hi to designer Nelly Trinidad, as always so sweet and humble. She looked like a diva in her beautiful white dress. Her models looked incredible and her fashion show was amazing! To end the night, designer Carlos Alberto showed his collection...beautiful as well. The Latin American Awards were given out.

Guests at the Green Carpet

I want to congratulate the San Juan Beauty Show organizers, their show was amazing!!!

Blessings to all,

Marta

Fuera de este mundo, así es como yo describiría El San Juan Beauty Show de este año, celebrando su quince aniversario. Fui con mi fotógrafa Apolonia Vargas y mi modelo con curvas Ana García, nos divertimos muchísimo! Conocí a Víctor Pino uno de los organizadores, un hombre muy amable que nos dio la pases VIP.

Giving facials

Primero fuimos al evento y yo estaba literalmente en el cielo de la belleza con tantas cosas bellas que vi allí, tenían casa llena como siempre. Mi primera parada fue ir a saludar a mi amiga Millie Banchs, la maquillista de las estrellas, ella estaba con Lourdes Chacón, una artista bella de la Isla. Visité muchas estaciones de productos, tenian muy buenos precios y la gente, muy agradable. Me gustó mucho la pintura corporal, era increíble, habian conferencias de todo relacionado a la belleza, me senté un rato a escuchar sus conferencias, y dieron muy buenos consejos!

Apolonia and Ana at the cocktail

También fui a ver a la competencia de maquillaje, este año fue difícil elegir un ganador, porque todos hicieron un gran trabajo, las modelos lucían regias! Fuimos al evento de la alfombra verde, donde entrevistaron a personas de la industria de la belleza y los artistas locales de la isla, me sentí que estaba en Hollywood con tanto glamour!!!!

One of their gorgeous models

Nelly Trinidad and her beautiful models

Luego fuimos al cóctel antes de los desfiles de moda y los premios, fui a saludar a mi amiga la diseñadora Nelly Trinidad, como siempre tan dulce y humilde, parecía una Diva con su bello vestido blanco y sus modelos estaban preciosas, su desfile de moda fue increíble! Para finalizar la noche el diseñador Carlos Alberto mostró su colección, hermosa también y los Premios de América Latina fueron otorgados.

Body Painting

Quiero felicitar a los organizadores del San Juan Beauty Show, el evento fue increíble y un éxito total!!!

Bendiciones a todos,

Marta

Everyday Curvy People

Curvy women wear confidence, radiate strength, passion and conviction. It contributes more to a look than a designer label or the perfect pearl. When a curvy woman knows who she is, why she is and what she’s supposed to do, she may be dressed in thrift store specials and be absolutely beautiful. A curvy confident woman is not afraid to be herself. Plain, simple and beautiful, or flamboyant and fabulous because the key is  knowing who she is. I asked my curvy beautiful women from Puerto Rico to send me pics telling me why they loved their curves.The response was amazing. I received so many pics from beautiful curvy women, I decided to sent them to my friend Karina who writes a column about fashion, and she chose the four she liked the most. Because I know all these beautiful curvy women, I wanted to be fair about who was chosen.

Dessie Velazquez

Dessie Velázquez, is a beautiful, curvy, confident woman. She loves her curves because they make her feel more of a woman and it has made a difference in her life inspiring other women! She is more confident now than when she was a smaller size!

Yoli Amer Velez

Yoli Amer Velez loves her curves, because it makes her feel like a real woman. She turns heads when she enters a room because of her confidence. Life is about inner beauty not outer beauty and she wouldn’t change a thing about herself!

Ana Garcia

Ana Garcia is a curvy Latina who has been different sizes in her life; but as a size 14 she’s confident, comfortable and more secure about her body than ever before. She would not change her curves for anything in the world! She radiates confidence where ever she goes!

Neysha Martinez Orengo

Neysha Martinez Orengo is a happy, lovely, curvy girl. She is full of confidence and loves her curves. They characterize her as a latin woman making her feel sexy, feminine and unique!

Always remember, confident curvy women have deep faith in their future and can accurately assess their capabilities.

Blessings to all,

Marta

Big Sexy: The New Sex in the City

Yesterday was the season premier of Big Sexy, a new reality TV show featuring five plus size women in the fashion biz living in the Big Apple. Let me first say, I'm really proud of The Learning Channel (TLC) for picking up this show. There is not another show like this on television that promotes beautiful women of all sizes. So kudos!!

TLC's Big Sexy

My favorite person on the show...well persons...are Tiffany and Heather. Heather, a bra and swimsuit designer, because she seems laid back and low key. Though she has some walls that she constructed due to something that's happened in her past. You know how I can tell...she didn't go to the club with the rest of the castmates. She's been through the shunning, the giggles, the hate and doesn't put herself in that situation.

Tiffany, a plus size model, because it's like looking in the mirror. When her ex told her she was a stalker...hahaha...I've done some crazy foolishness like that. But Tiffany's ex said it best..."If your size is a problem for you, then your size is a problem for them." That statement rung bells in my head, and it's so true.

Leslie, a fashion stylist and retail associate at ReDress, is the most confident of the group. She gets it. I'm jealous of her confidence. She's come to terms with herself, her flaws and her beauty. Leslie's embraced it and encourages others to do so. She's the mother of the group...the foundation... the rock.

Audrey gets a WHOOP WHOOP cause she's from Indiana and relocated to NYC to pursue her dream in fashion. The MUA and now model is gorgeous at her 6 foot 3 frame. Jay (who watched it with me last night) was like WOW, she's taller than me. I am happy her mother came to watch her in the fashion show, though I'm not convinced she enjoyed it as much as she said she did. Her face was stone cold as Audrey walked down the runway; almost disapproving. But...you know how things get edited. Yeah...we'll chalk that up to editing.

And last but not least there's Nikki, plus size model. The married but separated model finds love in the arms of an old classmate who is also married but separated. I want to see how that turns out. Escandalo!!

Sooo let me tell you though...when ol gurl (Nikki) pulled out that snack at New York Fashion Week...I was appalled. There is a time and place for everything. I cringed when she pulled out the cookies, crackers, whatever it was...and Leslie wanting to eat a whole chicken. That scene was so stereotypical of a plus size girl...always hungry and got food in her mouth. It makes it seem like she just took it out of her bra and started munching! Time and place chicas...time and place.

BBW...I hate that term. It reminds me of porn. So when the group went to the BBW party...I was mesmerized at the "Thunderthighs" competition. When of of the contestants, Erika (the black woman with the pleather fitting dress not one of the featured women) started popping her booty/fat...my eyes grew 10 times. She needs her own show! LOL

But in all seriousness, the show is a great behind the scenes look at a typical plus size woman; her fears, her outward confidence but inward fight to be strong in a world where big is bad. It focuses on relationships between a plus size woman, family, friends, lovers and haters.

Is it a must see...well I will definitely watch it...but a must see...Meh. If you haven't seen it, you should watch it for yourself. It's on Tuesdays on TLC at 10pm 9 central time.

What do you think of Big Sexy?

Janelle

Could You Be The Most Beautiful Girl in the World

I think beautiful women simply have a unique way about themselves. Their good attributes, kindness, authenticity, sense of humor, artistic talent, intelligence, confidence without conceit, respectfulness and humility stand above everything else. It's just something about their attitude. What is my point while writing this blog? I want everyone to realize that beauty comes from within because no matter how beautiful and how fashion you are, if you don’t have inner beauty, you have nothing my friends.

I chose four women here on the Island that have all of these qualities so you can see that Puerto Rican women can be beautiful inside and out.

Mariana Vicente

Mariana Vicente is our Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2010. She is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Mariana decided to pose topless with the intention of promoting El Yunque internationally and getting people to vote for this national forest becoming one of the seven world natural wonders. She knew this would cause a little bit of a stir, but she did it because it was for such a great cause, and it was very tastefully done. I saw the pictures and they were beautiful.

Dayanara Torres

Dayanara Torres is our 1993 Miss Universe. She caught my eye because of her humble beginnings and how tight she is with her family. Every time she is interviewed she is so charming and so down to earth. During and after her reign as Miss Universe, she became an ambassador for UNICEF, traveling through Asia and Latin America in support of the organization. She was married to Marc Anthony. Her greatest accomplishment is being a great mother to her children!

Ana Garcia

Ana García is a beautiful aspiring plus size model from Puerto Rico. Her inner beauty reflects her outer beauty as she always has a kind word for everyone she meets, never judging anyone and accepting everyone as they are. What I most admire about her is her perseverance, her passion for what she believes in, she accepts she will never be a size zero and she is happy with this. She is proud to be plus on an Island where there are many issues about plus size women, especially in the modeling world. She has inspired other plus size ladies all over the Island to reach out for their dreams.

Tirzha Alcaide

Tirzha Alcaide is a woman whom I find fascinating. She is the designer of Matahari Jewelry and is in charge of The Shop in PRHFW. Furthermore, she is reality show contestant, works for charities and yet she is always so accessible to everyone. Her sense of humor and smile light up a room. You would think that a woman with all her accomplishments would be conceited and she is not like that at all. Talking to her is like a breath of fresh air.

So you see, if you cultivate your inner beauty, like these women have, your outer beauty will shine like a star. MY POINT EXACTLY!!!!

Blessings to all,

Marta

You're Going to Vegas!

It's summertime, so I don't watch a lot of TV. There's only two shows in my summer roster, True Blood (which is starting soon) and So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD).

I come from a family that LOVES dancing. My sister is a dance teacher (she teaches hip hop, jazz, contemporary and lyrical) here in Indianapolis. My five-year-old niece takes dance classes and has competed in competitions all across the state. I've been known to cut a rug or two when I go out. When SYTYCD is on, everyone in my inner circle is glued to the TV, talking, texting and sometimes crying to each other. 

I was SO ecstatic last night when dancer Natalia Mallory got through to the Vegas round. To have a plus size woman be praised for dancing in mainstream is WONDERFUL! I know plenty of chunky dancers that belongs on the show. Hopefully now they will step up since this courageous girl has broken the mold.

Congratulations Natalia! I hope you go far!

My Interview with Syreeta Rios of Lipstick Killers

A few weeks ago, I discovered a new designer while on Sense of Fashion trying to find a dress for a function I was attending. After seeing her work, I contacted Syreeta Rios of Lipstick Killers and she agreed to do an interview with me for the RL readers.

A model with Lipstick Killers designer, Syreeta Rios.

How long have you been designing?

For close to ten years.

Where are you from?

Originally from Wilmington, Delaware and now reside in Atlanta, Georgia.

Print Romper w/ Sash Retail: $65

How did you come up with the name Lipstick Killers?

My actual company name is Big Gyrl Clothing, Inc. but I wanted to expand my line with more sizes and give it more umph..lol So while I was listening to a song by Ghostface called "Killer Lipstick" talking about women assassins and hustler divas, it inspired me with the name Lipstick Killers. I wanted the line to be different, fierce, punkish, and original so there it goes.

Why plus size? Why couture?

Plus size is where its at baby! I'm a big girl myself and always make my own dresses and there is still such a lack of style and proper definition for plus sizes in major stores so designing for my fellow plus divas will always be something that I will feel passionate about. To be couture is to make custom, made to measure pieces that cost thousands of dollars so I wouldn't say that my collection is couture, but it is my desire to be at that level soon.

What type of woman is a Lipstick Killer?

Lipstick Killers live by their own rules, control their destiny, and fight for everything worth fighting for. We live fearlessly and dress fearlessly. We don't break fashion rules, we create them. We don't live by the trend, we set them. We love hard and work hard just to play even harder. We live a life full of passion, excitement, and fullfillment. Lipstick Killers rock! To read more, please visit my blog post http://www.ustrendy.com/lipstick-killers-collection/blog/.

Tube Top Rhinestone Jumper Retail: $60

What's special about Lipstick Killers?

Its original prints and designs, flowing pieces, tight pieces, unique tees, and some accessories. LKC is where its at for the killer outfit. Its head turning, eye catching garments.

Explain how you construct your pieces?

My pieces are constructed from various patterns and from the heart.

What are your inspirations?

My inspirations come from anything and everywhere. Mainly, I am inspired by different genres of music such as heavy metal, rock, pop, and hip hop.

Do you prefer independent designers or mainstream designers?

 I think independent designers are the best! We hustle hard for what we make and go through so much to put our lines out there. There is nothing like exclusivity.



Sexy Striped Spartan Dress Retail: $45



Who are you influences?

I adore Chanel, Dior, and especially Christian Siriano. I also love Kimora Simmons business ethic and style.

What is the average price of your pieces?

On average about $50

What is your favorite piece?

I must honestly say that I do not have a favorite piece, I love them all like children, equally..lol

Do you have any side projects you want to share with our readers?

 I am also a journalist for examiner.com as a nightlife expert which you can read my articles at http://www.examiner.com/nightlife-in-atlanta/syreeta-rios and also am working on a men's line.

Thank you Syreeta for sharing Lipstick Killers with our readers! Make sure you become a fan on Facebook.

More Than Just A Fat Girl

Mia Amber Davis

The plus size community has been shattered by the death of model, producer and actress Mia Amber Davis. I didn't know her personally, but I've followed her career over the years. My heart sank in my chest when I read it on Facebook. I went home and told Jay. He didn't know who Mia was. I told him she was the girl from "Road Trip" and tried to scrounge for pictures of her in my plus size catalogs. Soon as I said "Road Trip", he knew immediately who I was talking about, but she was so much more than the leopard print underwear wearing minx most people knew her by. I worked for Ashley Stewart in the past, where she was a spokesmodel and she was one the funniest part in that movie, but she was more than just a fat girl.

Davis produced many television shows including Ricki Lake, Showtime at the Apollo, Change of Heart and Divorce Court. Her television career was extensive way before she ever became a model and in 2008 she was appointed the creative fashion editor for Plus Model Magazine.

She was what all plus size women strived to be, a beautiful healthy woman who was not afraid or ashamed to speak her mind about plus size issues. Whether it was confronting self proclaimed supermodel Janice Dickinson to debating against Anti-Fat buff like Meme Roth, Davis held herself with poise and grace.

More information is coming out about her death. TMZ reported Davis had knee surgery a day prior to her death and was complaining about dizziness. Davis shortly died.

Davis' death helps me realize life is too short. Live, laugh and love...you never know what tomorrow brings. Bless you Mia.

Miredy is a Smooth Criminal

Hi, hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!

 Today, I am going to blog about a Michael Jackson impersonator we have on the island. Michael was my favorite singer and I found a beautiful young girl from Puerto Rico that imitates him.

 I was introduced to her by my friend and co-worker, Gladys Rodríguez. Her son, Christian, is one of her backup dancers. Her name is Miredy Rivera from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and she's eleven years old. Her show, dance and its projection makes you believe you are actually experiencing the emotion that Michael Jackson caused us when he was alive.

Miredy Rivera

Miredy has never taken dance classes; her talent and stage presence is as natural as breathing. After Michael Jackson died, Miredy was at The Normandie Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico where she stood up on a stage and danced a small choreography to pay tribute to Michael. This is how her journey as a Michael Jackson impersonator began. She has so much passion and commitment, that you can see it in her videos as her magical talent is reflected in her performance.

Like Michael, Miredy has made it her mission and responsibility to bring a message of peace, love and protection for our world. She has been on many shows and has done concerts to collect money for the people in Haiti. She has a heart of gold! Miredy is so lucky her parents support her on her journey. God bless you, thank God for people like you in this world. I wish you all the luck in the world!!

Miredy with an Elvis impersonator in Night of Kings at The Conquistador Hotel in Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Blessings to all,

Marta

Viva Lazzy Jo!

Hi! Hope everyone is having a great day. Today, I am going to talk about a topic that may have you asking yourself why is a conservative English Professor talking about this particular topic? I chose to write about this topic because it puts a smile on my face, and anything that does this is worth talking about.  It’s just as simple as that!

In Puerto Rico, we have drag queens just like anywhere else in the world. They are beautiful and very talented. I am going to introduce you to one from my hometown of Aguas Buenas. Her name is Lazzy Jo Spanic. I contacted her in Facebook and she was sweet enough to tell me her story.

Lazzy Jo told me I could use his real name. He is proud of who he is and he has no problem with people knowing this. His real name is Jeoshua Sanchez, everyone calls him “Canito” in English “blondie”. His artistic name is Lazzy Jo Spanic.

Lazzy Jo lives in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico; being the first drag queen in our small town. He is 24 years old. His journey as a drag queen started when he was 20 years old. Lazzy Jo told me she loves makeup. At first, a friend of hers named Gaby did her makeup, and after watching very closely her fellow drag queens she started doing her own. Her wardrobe is from Luis Octavio, Alex Le Blanc (a good friend) and from Maribel owner of Sassy Girl Boutique.

She has several videos on YouTube. She does her show in different nightclubs in San Juan. Among them are Esechys, Juniors and La Caverna. She has also performed in straight bars like Millennium and El Faro in Aguas Buenas. She once entered a contest at a club named The Cowboy in our hometown and won two first place prizes. In a short time, she has learned so much about this profession, but it is not in her plans to have a sex change. Her work is limited to expressing what she feels, stealing smiles and on occasions many tears from her public. It is her favorite hobby because it is not her real profession. Lazzy loves what she does and is proud of who she is although her family is very religious and does not accept her choices, some friends don’t either. She has met many people that support and help her because of her talent. This makes her happy and proud!

 

I loved talking to him because he is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. He studied with my daughter Ana in Junior High School. Ana told me in school people liked him because he was a kind and caring person. I wish this person the best in life. Remember always, we must be proud of who we are because that is the key to true happiness!

Blessings to all,

Marta