STYLE EYE ON: SIOBAHN PEAY

While at District of Curves Fashion Week,  I met Siobahn Peay.  I had seen this designer at Curvy Rock Weekend 2014 so it was good to see she was still grinding out some amazing designs.  I wanted to highlight the designer because I think everyone should own one of her circle skirts and two, I love wearing independent designers and highlighting them.  It opens up my stylistas to more designers and keeps you looking like an individual.  

Below is my interview and photos of her collection

Enjoy...

NEC:  Give me a little history on you as a designer and Siobahn Peay.
SP: I had my first runway show with a mini collection in Spring 2014! I have been in business for 2 years. 2016 marks my sophomore year as a designer and creator. I look forward to the years to come!

NEC: How would you describe your line?

SP: I’ve been told that this mini collection is sexy and sophisticated! What  a combo! My collections are and will continue to be ready-to-wear with on-trend designs, making them perfect for women who want to make a bold statement while engaging in everyday activities, or a night out!

NEC: What made you want to become a designer?
SP: Designing is fun! Plain and simple! I’ve always loved to draw, so sketching came naturally…I wanted to see what I created on paper come to life!

NEC: How does your designs improve Plus Size fashion?
SP: I hope to make an impact on the world of plus size fashion by creating well-constructed, accessible, unique, and form flattering pieces without sacrificing style.

NEC: In the end what do u want your designs to be remembered for? 

SP: When you try on a piece by Siobahn Peay, what was your initial reaction, confidence, sexiness? I want my pieces to be remembered for that. What is your motto? “Stop acting like a sheep when you know you a wolf!” This quote reminds me that I don’t have to “dumb-down” anything that I do, it reminds me to go about life with my head held high, never changing for anyone!

Visit Siobahn Peay @

Instagram: @siobahnpeay

Shop:http://www.siobahnpeay.weebly.com/

FB: Siobahn L. Peay

photos courtesy and property of Mickey Armstrong Photography

STYLE EYE ON: HONEYSUCKLE CLOTHING

About a month ago, while in District of Curves Fashion Week,  I saw Honey Suckle Atelier and fell in love with her designs.  I wanted to highlight the designer, Jasmine Swartz, because not only do I have my stylist eye on her but I can see her designs changing the plus size fashion industry.
Below is my interview and photos of her collection

Enjoy...

NEC: What made you want to become a designer?

 Jasmine:       I started designing when I was very young because I was plus sized and lacking clothing options. Through-out the years of hearing complaints from my fellow plus sized friends about straight sizing clothing brands, as well as having my own dilemmas, I felt I had a insider advantage of what plus size women wanted & I needed to do something with that information.

NEC: When did you start Honey Suckle?

Jasmine:        I started in 2015, right after college graduation. I had been brewing up some ideas even before graduation because I knew I did not want to design under someone else's label & felt I always had great designs/shaped for the plus sized body.

NEC: How How would you describe your line?

Jasmine:    My brand is an accumulation of vintage silhouettes with modern day flare.
I always admired fashions from the late 1940's to the early 60's, and it shows through my designs. These silhouettes are extremely flattering on almost any body type and size & it can be dressed up or down depending on the personal styling.

NEC: The Plus size fashion industry is starting to be flooded with new designers.  How does Honey Suckle improve  the plus size industry?
 Jasmine:  I feel my brand improves the plus size movement because it acknowledges the fact that every body is equal but not the same. Many big plus size brands today still fail to realize this.  They offer very little options to the plus size bodies that are not tall & hour-glassed shaped. I want to make my clothing as customize-able as possible by offering options to fit the pear shaped, busty-ier queens, tall, or short.  We offer online tailoring the garment without coming in to be measured.

NEC:  I love the garments from DC Curves.  What was your inspiration for this season?

Jasmine:      This season's inspiration was the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra & the beautiful colors found along the Nile River. I designed an 11-piece ready-to-wear resort collection for plus sizes, which was debuted at the District of Curves Fashion Showcase back on April 23rd. I wanted to give women who needed clothing for their Spring trips or Summer get-a-ways a fun and wearable selection that would not break the bank. So the pieces are very simplistic in fabrication and construction, but the fine detailing and visual interest makes the outfits stand out & look fabulous.

Since starting, Honeysuckle has been showcased in Pink the Runway 2015(Oct. 2015) & District of Curves (April 2016)

NEC Stylistas get a 30% off discount on purchase. Go to www.honeysuckleclothing.com Use discount code "dcuves16"

Visit Honey Suckle @

Instagram: @honeysuckle_atelier

Shop: honeysuckleclothing.com

FB: Honeysuckle Atelier

photos courtesy and property of Mickey Armstrong Photography