Thursday, February 23, 2012

Review // SVOBODA Premium Denim

Soooooo I've been wearing my SVOBODA Jeggings like there's nothing else in my closet, well those and my black Source of Wisdom Luxe Skinnies from Torrid.

These were gifted to me from the owner of the company, Jessica Svoboda, who is also a good friend of mine and someone I've known in the plus industry since I started Skorch in 2006. She is someone I can rely on to shoot it straight and someone who knows more about the plus manufacturing process than almost anyone else I know. So, I can confidently tell you there's a reason why her jeans are carried in the finest stores, it's because she has spent years perfecting her product for the plus size woman and is obsessed with quality and perfection....that makes for some great jeans ladies :).

I feel horrible it's taken me so long to give you guys my review on these babies and even though Jess and I are friends, you and I are too and I will always give you my 100% honest opinion. So, here's a recap of the outfits I've worn these jeggings in and my review is below.

OXOX


I wanted to give you guys a close up look at the jeggings, and show you the other side of the fabric. What I SO much love about these is the outside is SO denim in look and feel, yet the inside is so plush and soft - almost velevty - like pajama jeans or something. Makes them SOOOOO comfortable to wear! 

This is after wearing them for the day, I wanted you to see the wear/stretch. These are size 26. For perspective, I wear a 24/26 in Source of Wisdom and a 28 in Torrid and LB denim. So, I think these are perfectly sized as I do believe me to be a true 26 on the bottom.


I've washed these about 10 times probably. Compared to my other jeggings, I say the stretch to shrink ratio is about 10% difference....really not much at all. So if you tried these on, they might stretch about 1/2 in on the belly. While I love my Source of Wisdoms, their stretch ratio is probably 17% and my Old Navy ones are definitely 20% stretch/shrink from washing.

Things I love about these jeggings:

  • Fabric - SUPER Luxe
  • Color - I love the denim sheen/color - in my opinion, its the PERFECT dark denim.
  • Sizing - Was nice to have a pair that fix right.
  • Length - These are Regular length and are nice and perfectly long.
  • How many sizes they are offered in! 10-28, Petite/Reg/Tall
Things I don't love about these jeggings:
  • Price - While I understand the pricing - $138 can be hard for women to do. 
  • Button - The button seems to have too much give - enough for me to think it's going to fall off....but I've looked and it's secure?
If you can afford these babies, I HIGHLY suggest you get a pair - they will last forever and that's so nice. I've purchased 3 pairs of old navy jeggings at $40 a piece, washed same as these and wear, and they already are broken down and fading. But these jeggings still look brand new. So $120 for jeggings that will fail in less than a year or $138 for a pair that I can wear with anything and I know will last MUCH MUCH longer? Save for these ladies!

Where to find these jeggings? http://svobodastyle.com/bluestone.aspx


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Being a Tease



Hello loves!
The above picture is a sneak peek at a shoot I did with one of my fav photographers and new graphic designer for Skorch Magazine, Stacy of Stacy J Photography! I'm wearing a vintage jacket and Lane Bryant top and pants, handbag from Torrid. There's an entire set that will launch soon!

So, about this weekend!I have SO much hugeness I can't even begin to describe the enormity of the huge that is going to happen this weekend in LA. I've been told I can let the cat outta the bag to get you excited....so, of course, here comes the tease :)

First! HUGEness with my friends at Sealed With A Kiss Designs! Read more about me coming to SWAK with a little thing called "Project Plus." Kinda dying with the fun that will happen to tomorrow :).

Then, some more HUGE happening with Torrid. I'll be at their HQ tomorrow for a top secret thing that for SURE you're going to love. GAHH!!

Then headed over to see the HQ and manufactering facility for Karen Kane and meet Karen herself! After that popping over to Kristin Miles (formerly Missphit) and then going to meet Rosie Mercado - and icon in the plus industry!

Headed to Santa Monica on Saturday and then a huge girls brunch planned for Sunday!

So lots of videos, photos and exclusives coming from this weekend.....all for YOU!
I'll be sure to send some mobile pics from the fun times to my facebook page - be sure to join in at www.facebook.com/jessicakanestyle.

xoxo
Jess

Finale Night Pictures // Washington Plus America

The finale was Monday, Feb 20th at the Everett Performing Arts Center! Was SUCH an emotional night!!! GAHHHH I'm not sure I'm made for the judging stuff, so hard.

I caught some quick snaps in the lobby after (photography was prohibited in center since they have official photog) and here are some quick shots. I'm sure there be more pouring in, so be sure to watch my facebook page!

Getting ready to board for LA - see you later!
XOXO
Jess

With the reigning Mrs. Plus America, Danielle Zavala!
The amazing Erin Hagerty, former Mrs. Plus America and fellow judge!
The shoes! From Torrid.
Our Judge Liaison Yulia was AHMAZING! So we all chipped in and got her flowers for being so great with us and putting up with all our bathroom breaks :).

Leaving Seattle and can't believe I caught this! Beautiful Space Needle, wish I could have gone to it!

Journal // Full Day of Judging at Washington Plus America

Sunday, Feb 19th was a FULL day of judging from the nicest Holiday Inn I've EVERRRRRR been in (marble, chandeliers, amazing restaurant). Starting at 7am we had judges orientation, then judges breakfast where all the contestants got to kind of meet us judges (look at us) and where Chenese Lewis and Danielle Zavala had me tearing up with their moving speeches of trial and triumph (amazing women).

Then we had the one-on-one interviews with all 26 contestants.

After lunch was the evening gown and interview wear judging where all the ladies were on stage and showing their best! This is where the judges panel pic was taken (below) - thanks Chenese!

Then, Chenese and I capped off the night with a second Vlog (click here for #1 vlog) and recouped for the big crowning day/finale night on Monday! -- That post coming next after pictures received from photogs :)


Since we were on the move ALL day I wore a new dress that was sent to me by http://ccbcustomdress.com/! It's the sheath classic boat neck knee length dress, custom made to my measurements (and for you too! that's what she does!) and made of this amazing heavy thick fabric that covers everything from bumps to bright underwear :). AMAZING fabric, it's ALL about the fabric! I need to do a video!! It's a simple dress, but add a skinny belt and accessories and it feels so classy. I felt like a business woman that day and so thankful to Cassaundra for the dress! 



Price of my custom dress = $59 & FREE Shipping!!

What I would have expected to pay = $150





Went for classic hair and makeup to match the day. Wanted to be taken seriously as a judge :).


More soon from the pageant and I'm flying to LA today! Lots of fun meetings, photoshoots and video shoots that I'm BURSTING at the seams to tell you aboutttttttttttttt. Damn secrets :(
But, SO worth the wait!!!!!!!!

AHHH!!!
Ok...I'll stop shouting.
XOOX
Jess