We've Moved...Follow us to our new home!

Hello readers and followers, Ruby Leonne has officially moved to it's new web address, RubyLeonne (dot) com! You will love our new logo and layout, but we didn't change what you loved about RL...the content!

Make sure you swing over to the new website and read our updates on a HUGE plus size fashion event in Puerto Rico! Just remember...RubyLeonne (dot) com. This will be the last blogger post!

See you there!

Welcome Damariz to our Family!

Ruby Leonne has grown in the short two years we've been on the web and we are excited about the future. Starting in January, we will have a new layout, we will have seasonal fashion editorial features with a new fashion editorial editor, and now we have a new beauty editor.

I would like to introduce you to Damariz Candelario.

Damariz is a curvy Puerto Rican native residing in San Antonio, Texas. With 14 years in the beauty industry as a MUA, she ignites everyone with her passion for life, beauty, and glamour.

Please welcome Damariz to the Ruby Leonne family and look for her first post soon!



Ruby Leonne's Closet

It's almost time for me to clean out my closet again! This time I'm going to do something a little different. I have a few items I've never worn or worn only once. (The size is wrong, didn't like the color, couldn't return it cause I bought it on clearance...etc) I'm going to sell these items online. Don't worry they'll be super cheap and shipping will be next to nothing. Just to get rid of somethings and make a few extra bucks.

Ruby Leonne's Closet will be open throughout the next few months. So if you have something you want to sell an item on our site (for a small fee), just contact us by email at RubyLeonne@gmail.com for more information. The site should be up in a couple of weeks.

Janelle

Calling All Size 18s!

One of the creative directors, Truen James, from House of 5th contacted me this past weekend. House of 5th camp are really working on expanding their sizes.

Their first project is a bridal gown for a customer. The diva is a size 18th. House of 5th needs help with research on the fit of a plus size woman, especially with their bridal project. This is where you come in Divas! All you ladies who are a size 18 or flucuate between 16/18 or 18/20, email me rubyleonne@gmail.com, complete the survey below or post a comment about what your measurements are, where you tend to wear your weight and what problems do you find with clothing fit.

You actually get to have a say in what may be put on the market in the future! Don't miss this opportunity!

Thanks guys!

Brand New Day

I hope everyone's holiday was a blast. Thanksgiving, I hung out with family. I did a little shopping Thanksgiving night and into the wee hours of Friday morning and then BAM...it hit me. I'm sick! I missed a lot of wheelin' and dealin' this past weekend, so I'm very upset. But the holiday season is young and I have a lot more to do.

Changing things here at the RL camp. Starting January 1st, we will have a new blogger. She will be sharing her experiences in dating and love. RL will also have a family and marriage segment once a week. There is more to plus size than just fashion. We want to make sure we are covering all aspects of the plus size woman's (and man) life. We would like to hear a man's point of view. So calling all males...If you are plus size or like plus size women and you want to blog, then email me at rubyleonne@gmail.com.

Stay tuned, on December 1st we will be starting our Christmas wish list contest. (Hint: something to keep you soft in these hard winter months) So keep an eye out on the contest details and what you need to do to get sign up.

Ta ta for now...the Dayquil is wearing off.

Janelle

Life is a Bowl of Cherries

Hello everyone! I've been going non-stop the past two weeks. I've neglected my blog...yet again. Please be patient with me as the diamond dust starts to settle. First, the fall semester is coming to a close. I'm excited. This has been the hardest non busiest semester since I've enrolled back in school. The biggest thorn in my side is a group project that I have to do. I hate school group projects. I'd rather have blood taken and I hate needles. Second, I have a public relations internship with Aesthetic Design Style (ADS) here in Indianapolis. ADS is a liaison between independent fashion and accessory designers and retailers around the country. I'm so amped to be working with them. {Doing my mashedpotatohappydanceinmychair Ahuhn Ahuhn!}

I want to thank all our readers and followers. The blog will be a year old in February. Gawsh, time has flown by. I want to prepare you for some exciting things as we grow. This is a new experience and everyday I learn something new. Thanks again!

Stay tuned for our holiday hands contest!

~Janelle

Reflection: Commitment

It's October! October is such a busy month; school has started, the holiday season is about to begin and it's my anniversary. My boyfriend and I have been together four years, October 19th. It's the longest relationship I've ever been in. I've wondered why this one lasted? What makes us tick? I thank God that we've been together this long and hope we will see many more years together.

(Jason and I Vegas 2009)

Today's question of the day derived from a television show I watched with my boyfriend. I don't remember what show or even who it featured, but a woman talked about her past relationship and why it ended. She used the phrase, "she fell out of love". So my boyfriend puts on his OMG face and says, "what does that even mean?"  Then a question sparked my interest, if it's so easy to fall out of love with someone, were you ever in love to begin with?

We are a generation that moves at a fast pace. Everything, objects and even people are easily disposable and replaceable; and our love lives are suffering. We want to try new things. We get easily distracted. As human beings, we long for companionship; even if it's fleeting. My friend is in the dating scene right now. I'm surprised at how many men she encounters that tell her, openly and without remorse, they have a girlfriend/wife at home. Their significant other is at home trying to establish a life with this person, while their man is out courting other women/men. Most of these men are shocked that she (my friend) disagrees with their infidelity. And women, you're not excluded, you are just as trifling... if not more.

There is a lack of commitment in our relationships. We fall out of love because there wasn't a foundation of love in the relationship. Relationships are a lot of work. It's not easy to be with someone through the good times and bad. We give up easily and we search for something or someone that is not there; not real. Don't start something that you can't finish. Don't get into a relationship with anyone unless it's real and you build your foundation with love. Not fleeting love or lust, but true love.

RL's First Luncheon

Next Saturday, October 16th is Ruby Leonne's first luncheon. I'm a little dismayed. We've had a lot of people say they're attending, but no one purchased a ticket yet. If you plan to attend the luncheon, email us at rubyleonne@gmail.com and we can reserve your ticket and get your name on the list. Please contact us as soon as possible. Bravo's will need a head count to prepare our meal. I'm going to be out and about this weekend. I will post where I will be so if anyone wants to meet to buy tickets we can do that. Come, network and meet others while having a great meal. Calling Anjie and Koko tonight and I'm sure they have something in store for us. Remember email us at rubyleonne@gmail.com and leave your contact information. We will give you a call shortly.

~ Janelle

Congrats Shawntel!

Shawntel Adams-Echoles won Ruby Leonne's first contest! She won a $50 gift certificate for Lane Bryant. We are excited that we can bring you contest and other events. Look for more contest in the future. Remember to check back on the blog or on our Facebook page for updates. 

Almost at 100

Ruby Leonne has been in existance for seven months. (We are still a baby!) We are almost at our goal of 100 Facebook fans! Once we reach 100 fans, we will give out a $50 Lane Bryant gift certificate to someone at random. So if you are not one of our Facebook fans, get on our page. We try to keep you updated on the latest news, fashion and gossip. Every now and then we get a great discussion going. Don't miss out...become a fan!

Ruby Leonne Luncheon

We are excited about the future of Ruby Leonne. We plan to endorse the plus size industry of the Indianapolis and the Midwest for many years to come. We want to meet each one of you so we can discuss the plus size fashion industry in Indianapolis and its future. We also want you to network and socialize with each other, so we are planning our first fall luncheon.

Our fall luncheon will be held at Bravo's Italian Restaurant on 8651 Castle Creek Parkway East Drive, near the Castleton area, in Indianapolis, IN. The tickets are just $25. The price of tickets include the meal, soft drinks (water etc) and the tip to the wait staff. We will  have some talented designers and vendors that will be showcasing their line/product and will be taking any orders.

Because of space, we are limited to 50 people, so please get your tickets soon. For more information, ticket purchase or to showcase your product, contact Ruby Leonne at rubyleonne@gmail.com.

We look forward to having lunch with you all. Look for updates here or on our Facebook fan page, Ruby Leonne.

My Apologies and Shoe of the Month Club

We're still here people. I apologize for not updating blogs or Facebook. I work for a university in Indianapolis, and with school around the corner, we are MAD busy. So the time I use during work to update Facebook and do some of my blogging is compromised. When I get home, I'm so sick of the computer and phones I can't see straight. I promise things will slow down and Ruby Leonne will be back in full force. We had a staff meeting on Saturday, and we have a lot of new and exciting things on our agenda. Takia Harrow is no longer a guest contributor, she is blogging full time for Ruby Leonne. So welcome to our family. She really has stepped in and taken charge in my absence lately. So sometimes on Facebook statuses, you will see two Ruby Leonne post or comments.

At work, my co-workers and I do a lot of online shopping. We happened upon a website called Shoe Dazzle. I know some of you have heard of it, but it was new to me. You pay $39.95 a month and you choose through a gallery of shoes that were selected for you based on a questionaire. Every month you can get a new shoe or accessory. You can opt out on months that you don't like your choices or can't pay for the merchandise.

Shoe Dazzle is co-founded by Kim Kardashian and a team of professional celebrity stylist. Celebrities also lend a hand in designing shoes and choosing purchases for customers.

I'm a little leary about purchasing shoes online. Shoes are a funny thing especially online and especially for me. The color can be off and the fit could be uncomfortable making your shoe purchase a bad experience. Plus there is the whole flatfooted thing that irks my nerves. So my friend, Angela, was a guinea pig. She enrolled in Shoe Dazzle's program and got her first pair of shoes. She had them delivered to work, so we all got to see the purchase. She bought the Midge, which was designed my actress Kristen Bell. The color matched perfectly to the color that was presented online and the fit her feet perfectly (size 10). She has yet to wear them for a long period of time, but so far I'm sold. I enrolled in the program and will be picking my shoe of the month soon. I will keep you updated on our progress.

Go to ShoeDazzle.com to learn more about the program and enroll.

~ J.

Boutique Update

It has been a CRAZY weekend, but filled with some exciting news.

While at work and surfing the web on Wednesday, I saw a listing on Craig's List that excited me. You have to be careful on Craig's List, there are a lot of crazies out there. The ad was for an already established boutique for a possible buyout or partnership. I was fearful to respond to the ad. Questions were swirling in my mind...Am I ready for a big step? This store thing is so big...it's bigger than me. What about money and supplies? If I quit my job, what about insurance and benefits? Doubt just circled my whole being, but I responded anyways. I just knew I wouldn't get a response anyways...or would I? Within minutes I got a call from an unrecognized number. I didn't answer in fear. The next day I checked my messages and it was the owner of JJ's Apparel and Accessories wanting to speak with me. I called back and we set up a meeting on Saturday.

Saturday morning, my meeting went great. I was nervous at first...bought a pack of cigarettes (I've been good about not smoking...but I needed one!) After talking with the owners about a vision and each other's needs, a partnership seems promising. We will be contacting each other this week and I will let the world know if Ruby Leonne will be a co-owner of JJ's Apparel and Accessories. Even if this doesn't happen, I still have the taste in my mouth. My only goal is to have a job that I love. I don't want to get up in the morning and dread going to work. I've done that for too long. It's not work if you love to do it.

So there is still a lot of questions up in the air...will I quit my job...how will I make money...are people going to buy...but one thing is for certain...it will all work out if it is meant to be.

WHERE ARE MY SCRUPLES?

(Just a corner of my office...starting to sort through clothes for consignment. This place is a madhouse.)

I am sorry for my absence. I didn't realize that people actually read this ol thing! So I am back to stay...YAY! I will not stay absent for so long again. Well lots of things have been going on in the world of  sonsie life! I think the biggest thing is the Lane Bryant Ad. If any of your are a Facebook fan, then you will see that I posted the feud between Lane Bryant and the networks ABC and FOX. After refusing to air the Cacique Lingerie commercial due to indecency and family values, the networks finally relented and showed the ads. I think it is hilarious that a half naked skinny woman can dance around in "barely there" bras and panties, doing almost everything but putting a breast on the glass, in a Victoria Secret commercial. BUT a "plus size"woman (who is just barely plus size mind you) sitting at a vanity getting dressed and finishes the shot fully clothed is a sin. FOX you guys offend people everyday with your programing. Family Guy, a prime time show (a show that I love) which gets hate mail from Christian and family groups routinely, is on for younger audiences to see. So really...you can't show LB's ad during American Idol? Give me a break.

On to new business!

So I am going through some changes in my life. I have seriously been at a crossroad. As Dolly Parton says in one of my favorite movies, "Steel Magnolias", I don't know whether to scratch my watch or wind my butt! I had an idea for a plus size marketplace later on in the summer. Plus size women in the Indianapolis, IN area can come together sale some of their clothing items and mingle. But I wanted to do something more. If you know me personally, you know I have many goals and mini-dreams in my life. I have serious commitment issues and tend to be a bit ADDish. One dream I always wanted was to be in fashion merchandising, but I took the journalistic path instead. I also wanted to own a boutique and consignment shop. Fear has held me back from that vision. What if I do poorly? It's scary to take that leap of faith. But I am going to do it! I'm very excited. I am laying the groundwork now. So get used to me talking about putting this project together! Tonight I had to change some legal and tax stuff around to meet the needs of a retail store from a publishing company. Ugh...this stuff is hard. All these forms and contracts. Pray for me...seriously...

Video Blog 1: Welcome to Ruby Leonne

Welcome to Ruby Leonne 2.0

As some of you readers have noticed, my blog is new and improved. I left my last blog unkept and empty; but I promise the new Ruby Leonne 2.0 will not be neglected.

Within the next year and a half (or so), I will complete my degree in Public Relations. I want to specialize in fashion PR. So I emailed a well known fashion PR professional, Crosby Noricks of PR Couture, for some well needed advice. She told me to jump in, get my feet wet now so when I make my transition to the field I would be prepared and (hopefully) build a brand within the fashion PR field. This blog is a testament of the advice Crosby bestowed me. Thanks Crosby.

On "Nine Lives", we will discuss the ins and outs of the fashion and beauty industry. Once a week, I will showcase a new product that I will test and report my findings. (All products are purchase by myself unless indicated in the blog. So the review will be completely bias. I have to make sure I add that so the blogger police don't come after me.) I will give some "Local Love". Indiana is sprouting many local fashion designers and beauty experts. I want to do my part to increase awareness of the mark that Hoosiers make in the industry.

Photography is one of my new hobbies. So my readers will be subjected to my novice. Bear with me, please. (I should also note, all pictures are taken by me unless noted.)

I hope that you will enjoy the 2.0 version. Feel free to leave comments and voice your opinion.