Full Figured Fashion Week New York (FFFweek) June 2011 Part 2:

This years FFFweek was from June 15th - 18th and events were held on each day/evening. Not all events were for everyone some were by invite only. This years events included networking/social gatherings for industry big wigs, a shopping soiree where you were escorted and taken to high end designer boutiques around NYC, a sample sale at The Pennsylvania Hotel, panel discussions on empowering the curvy community and upcoming fashion trends, the Sunset Cruise, photo shoots, and of course the FFFweek Finale Fashion Show held at the Marriot Marquis in NYC's Times Square. The only events I can speak about are the ones I attended which were the Sunset Cruise,  a panel discussion and of course the Finale Fashion Show.

This year I was part of the FFFweek Social Media Team, that basically meant promoting via social networks. I was able to tweet and post on Facebook.. YES how convenient!! haha. I loved it!! As much as I love socializing and networking on social networks I always make it a priority to volunteer every year. There's something about giving back and doing something because you truly feel it in your heart to do so... can't really explain it.  There's nothing more rewarding than that. For the first time during FFFweek, I was a volunteer at one of the panel discussions. It was called "Young Curvy and Empowered". The panelist included everything from plus size models, youth activist, and a Emmy award winning writer. The whole message behind this discussion was to speak to teens regarding the lifestyle they live and how it effects their future. The panelist shared their stories, some coming from abusive families/relationships, some having self-esteem issues because of their weight, or because of how they looked. They all had a story to tell and the audience including myself was very moved. The young ladies that attended were so impressed and so motivated because they were actually able to speak to women who looked exactly like them, or women who have been in the same or similar situation, they no longer felt alone and helpless. Watching and listening to what took place that day was so heartfelt it brought me to tears. I was reminded how grateful and blessed I am to have had the childhood I did growing up. It also made me realize that no matter what you go through in life you ALWAYS have options to make your life better. Every woman who spoke to the young people were a living testimony to that. They even motivated me!! For some many years I've wanted to transition into another career besides counseling/mental health but because of my age and my own insecurities I put my dreams and aspirations on hold. After attending this event I left feeling "Young Curvy and Empowered".

The All White Sunset Cruise was a blast!!!! DJ  Laa Choc, a female DJ, was on the 1's and 2's and had everyone on that boat JAMMIN!! Dancing, food, everyone sexy in their all white, what else can you ask for. Everyone from models, to agents, to CEO's and editors of magazines was in attendance. You wouldn't be able to tell who's who since the dance floor was packed and the energy was amazing! My date for the night was one of my best friends so thankfully my anxiety wasn't on level 10 from going alone. We mingled, ate and danced the evening away.

The Finale Fashion Show was soooooo exciting!!!! 13 Designers show cased upcoming fashion lines and the models WORKED that runaway. Being a part of this experience caused me to step out of my comfort zone and begin a new journey. A journey I was afraid to go on and now have the confidence to ATTEMPT something I've dreamed about. Even if I fail I finally have the courage to try and that's HUGE for me.

Hopefully I will see some of you who are reading this next year at FFFweek 2012. For now I've posted some pictures of this amazing movement.


Stay Pretty,
Tee Tee