Luckyfabb Recap

Dress - JIBRI (soldout at least 2 yrs old), Shoes - Lane Bryant, Sweater Jacket - Ann Taylor (super old as well)

I wanted to do a quick recap of my #LuckyFabb weekend.  I had an awesome time and I definitely plan on going again.  They will be having one on the west coast in the Spring.  I hope this will help give bloggers some insight on the conference and help them decide if they will want to attend in the future.  

Pros

Needless to say, the swag bag was insane.  I'm not sure if this sounds ungrateful, but I am a person who often gives away swag bags.  In an effort not to keep stuff that I really don't want, I am quick to pass it on to someone who will appreciate the items more.  Well, I'm not sharing this bag. There were so many awesome items that I loved or could use. Nearly every item in the bag was a keeper.  The 2 day conference ticket ran me about $300, this bag and all the other items that I was gifted by the conference could easily total over $1K.  Want to get a sneak peek into the items that I got.  Check my LuckyFabb swag bag video below.  

Loved to see plus size represented on the panel.  Gabifresh was on panel and a lot of plus bloggers came out just to support her.    

Day 2 was most helpful.  Classes I attended focused on SEO, Photography, and Editorial Integrity.  These could be found useful by anyone who is trying to grow a blog.  

It was awesome to connect with new people and bloggers.  This event was great for networking.  Representatives from ASOS, Linkshare, Modcloth, etc were there and very approachable. 

Awesome features included BryanBoy, Eva Mendes, & the Man Repeller.

I got to room with AuthenticallyEmmie.  Love her!

Cons

I would have loved to see a little more diversity with more plus size and minority representation.  It's to be expected because it's mainstream fashion, but I do think if you don't point these things out, they will never change.  I will say that blogging almost has forced the fashion world to work on their diversity.  People who would probably never really have a chance to be recognized are now being brought to the forefront because of their successful blogging platforms. 

A lot of the conversation was straight size fashion oriented.  I think I live in sort of a plus size bubble, because of my blog.  I was listening to the editor talk about Chanel boots and other panelists talk about their high end fashion.  Now I love fashion just as much as the next girl, but I know that I will never own anything from a lot of the designers they talked about.  It kind of made me feel like an outsider to the "real" fashion world. In the same breath, I did like listening to Eva Mendes, she seemed very real, relatable, and down to earth.  Anyways, these are just my thoughts. 

NYC traveling is always pricey.   Be prepared.

I know there is probably a lot more than this that I could add, but I'm kind of fuzzy as I am getting back into the swing of things over here.  If you have any questions or would like my thoughts on anything, I am just one comment away.  :)  Don't hate me because of my clothing choices.  I know the items that I wore are old and probably sold out.  I was waiting on packages to arrive for NYC, but they didn't come until after I left.  I had to make it work with what I had. 

 #selfie/Swag Bag Explosion ~ 40lbs

 Eva Mendes spoke #luckyfabb, she eerily reminds me of my sister (ck my nephew Bobo in the back LOL.) 

 @manfattan selfie -- makeup was DONE!/@gabifresh on panel 

Sweatshirt gifted from Flaws of Couture

Shapewear Horror Story Giveaway

My worst shapewear experience was when I was in NYC, in a jumpsuit and I had been out walking all day in the middle of summer.  My shapewear was digging into my thighs so much that I thought I was bleeding.  I was so unhappy.  I kept visualizing a shower and getting into bed.  When I got back to the hotel I was so chafed.  All I could do is just lay there for the rest of the night.  It was so miserable.  I have another friend who stripped down buck naked in the middle of the streets of NYC, got back into her car and drove (naked, mind you) back to her hotel. I still tear up laughing at that story.  

My most common shapewear specific questions are, "Have you found any shapewear that doesn't roll down" and "What is the most comfortable shapewear?"    The absolute worst feeling is having your foundation stuck in a roll and then you have try to dig it out in public or when your shapewear is so hot that you feel like you are melting on the inside.  I die.  HookedUp™ Shapewear combats both of these horrible problems with their specially designed foundation.  Check out their video below to see how it works…and it really does!     

I've been wearing HookedUp™ Shapewear for about a month now and is made out of a super soft and breathable material and hooks to your bra, so there is no roll down…AND that space where back fat usually pops out - it's totally gone! It's my favorite to date.  I love how shapewear is getting better and better as time goes on.  I love the silky soft feel.  In honor of Halloween, I have partnered with HookedUp™ Shapewear and they will generously be giving away 10 (yes, I said 10) pieces of their fabulous shapewear - 1 piece of shapewear for 10 lucky people! Here's how it works: Post your personal shapewear "HORROR" story. My favorite top 5 posts, win!  Don't have a shapewear horror story?  Well don't feel left out, the next 5 winners will be chosen randomly.  Best part? The winners get to choose the size and style they prefer! All entries, including the "horror story" must be entered though the Rafflecopter widget.  There are up to 6 ways to enter.  Travel to the bottom of the post to enter.

Alright, let's get it started.  As mentioned before, 5 of the winners will be chosen for their best "shapewear horror story."  You will be able to count the "horror story" entry in the Rafflecopter.  It will give you instructions to submit your story in the comments section.   Be sure to keep your story to 2 - 3 sentences. The contest will end at 11:59 pm on November 1st. Winners will be chosen in 48 hours after the end of the contest. International entrants welcome.  Good luck and I can't wait (no, I really can't) to hear your stories.  This is going to be good.  

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b03d8614/ 

This giveaway & post are sponsored by HookedUp™ Shapewear.   Opinions are 100% my own. 

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This post brought to you by Curvation.  All opinions are 100% mine.

 

 

Look 1:  JIBRI, Look 2:  GwynnieBee, Look 3:  Nordstrom

Fall is fully underway and I must say this is my favorite season to dress.  The weather is comfortable and I get to wear more layers.  I can just pile on the fashion.  I wanted to chat a little bit about my favorite trends happening for fall right now and possible bra options for each look.  I am a firm believer in the right bra for each look. 

The first trend that has me drooling is winter white.  It’s such a clean look.  One thing about winter white is that the color loves to highlight any bump or roll one may have. I paired the winter white with Curvation's back smoother bra, so that it can smooth out any issues that may arise from this unforgiving color.  The second trend is houndtooth.  This is a prevous look for fall that I wore.  I thought the lift and support would be the perfect bra.  Since this look is belted you want to make sure the girls aren’t falling past the belt line.  Finally, I am totally gushing over the velvet trend.  Since this dress has a deep scoop neck I decided to pair with a strapless bra.  Those deep scoop necks tend to be so wide at the shoulder that they tend to show the bra straps.  A strapless bra kills any strap visibility issues. 

In keeping with the Curvation #LookBookForAll theme, I encourage you to pin your latest fall looks on Pinterest and tag them with the #lookbookforall hashtag.  I’ve loved the looks that I have seen so far.  You guys look gorgeous trying on your fancy frocks.  I can't wait to see more.

Fall Crops 3.0

I am actually pre-shooting these for my upcoming NYC trip. I plan on wearing these looks while I'm in the Big Apple. When you have a fancy camera it can be hard to find someone who can take a clear shot.  Anyways, wondering how to bring your crop tops into fall or how to just participate in the trend?  I got you.  Fall colored crop tops are a  sure fire way to make sure your vertically challenged shirt is season appropriate.  

Dinner Party: Sometimes crop tops get a bad name.  They are seen as anything, but elegant or lady like.  Pairing it with a high-waist flare skirt or pencil can keep it lady-like.  This is also the perfect high-low pair.  Low end top + plus high end skirt = expensive look.

Street Style:  These are actually harem pants from Forever21.  Inexpensive harem pants can give girls with the big booties enough room for that high-waisted look.  This look is ultra comfortable but put together.  Now, I am not just going to walk around NYC with my booty just out for the taking.  I don't have that kind of time nor do I want to be bothered by any of my male counterparts.  Those NYC dudes are kind of aggressive. LOL.  I added in this sweater around my waist to add a little bit of coverage or if I get cold.  

Playing it Safe:  I think this is perfect for those that like the cropped look, but just feel that they just can't let their mid-section out.  A crop can easily be added to a tank or body con dress.  It will give you full coverage on the tummy area, but will allow you to get in on the crop action.  

Style Note:  This crop is from the reg. sizes of ASOS.  The top is described as having a wide sleeve which make is perfect for plus size arms.  Also fyi, Milani lipsticks are really beautifully pigmented.  I was telling my sister if times ever got hard remember that their colors are great.  They usually run $4 - $5.  

Crop Top:  ASOS, Pants - Kohls (similar), Dress - ASOS Curve, Skirt - JIBRI (soldout), Leopard Loafers - Dillards, Heels - Macys (similar), Nude Flats - 6pm (similar), Horse Necklace - Nordstrom (soldout), Charm Necklace - Chloe + Isabel, Lip - Milani Black Cherry, Shapewear - HookedupShapewear

Shapewear courtesy of HookedUp Shapewear. 

Haute Curves: Designers to Watch

Liesl Binx

I'm finally getting to the recap for the Haute Curves fashion show.  I was invited and really went in not knowing what to expect.  I definitely was pleasantly surprised.  There was a whole slew of new designers that I had never heard of, but because of this show, I will definitely be watching out for.  

My favorite designer was Liesl Binx.  Her line was so edgy and it really was something that I had never seen in plus sizes before. My favorite outfit of the whole show was the one above in the middle.  I love the leather piping detail and those pants!  Tied for second was Dama Talya & A'doreus.  Dama Talya delivered lady-like and tailored perfection.  A'doreus previewed ethnic prints in classic silhouettes  I will say that all the designers did an excellent job and I look forward to seeing what they offer in the future.  

Designers that were featured, but I did not have photographs for include: Curvato, Unique Sisters Design, and Phoenix Reign.  

From what you see here, who is your favorite?

Dama Talya

A'Doreus

 Photo Credit: Sergio Leon Lau Photography

Purple Diva Designs

Z by Zevarra

#PSPfit = Plus Size Princess Fit

I'm so excited, I've joined the #PSPfit to help me with my road to health.  It's an awesome program put together by Cece from The Big Girl Blog and her team.   It includes exercise videos, recipes, shopping lists, and so much more, but I'll let her tell you about it. I need structure, so the meal plans alone are worth it alone. She's my guest writer for the today.  Take it away! 

What is #PSPfit?

#PSPfit stands for Plus Size Princess Fitness, its a social media movement for healthy curves. We believe in Health at Every Size so, if you're looking to find curvy girls who work out and cook healthy meals just click #PSPfit on instagram or #PSPfit on twitter and there we are!

Tell me about this Clean Eating and Fitness Boot Camp you're doing...

Having a personal trainer and nutrition coach changed my life, but it is expensive! So, I came up with an idea to bring professional nutrition and fitness coaching to curvy girls at an affordable rate. Our Pre-Thanksgiving boot camp is four weeks of nutrition and fitness coaching for women in any part of the world. This would normally cost about $1800 per month, but because of a sponsorship from Lane Bryant Active we're able to do it for $99.

Do you have to live in NYC to join the boot camp?

Nope! We do sessions with the coaches online and in person so we have women joining us from London, Australia, Singapore and around the united states. If you live in/near NYC you can meet us in person too!

I actually just signed up... can you give me a breakdown of what I'll get?

Sure! The #PSPfit Boot Camp (Cycle 2) a Virtual Membership includes (An $1,800 value):

·  30 Days of meal plans, grocery lists and weekly Nutrition Guidance

·  Weekly Fitness videos via YouTube

·  30 Days of unlimited online yoga sessions from YogaWorks

·  Access to a private Facebook group with moderated by the #PSPfit professionals

·  Weekly online sessions with the international #PSPfit group and nutrition coach

·  a 7 Day pass to a YogaWorks studio near you

·  And of course, discounts and giveaways from our sponsor, Lane Bryant Activewear

If you live in New York/NJ an NYC Membership includes (An $1,800 value):

·  30 Days of meal plans, grocery lists and weekly Nutrition Guidance

·  Weekly Fitness videos via YouTube

·  30 Days of unlimited online yoga sessions from YogaWorks

·  Access to a private Facebook group with moderated by the #PSPfit professionals

·  Weekly online sessions with the international #PSPfit group and nutrition coach

·  a 7 Day pass to a YogaWorks studio near you

·  And of course, discounts and giveaways from our sponsor, Lane Bryant Activewear

·  Complimentary Admission to Weekly Group Workouts in NYC

·  Complimentary Admission to Weekly Nutrition Classes in NYC

Where can I sign up?

Registration is open until 10/25 at 1pm Eastern, the program runs from 10/26-11/27 (the 30 days before thanksgiving). You can sign up here: http://www.thebiggirlblog.com/2013/10/pspfit-clean-eating-fitness-bootcamp-fall-2013-registration-open/

Side note: I love CeCe, she has a genuine and sincere spirit and really wants to help the next girl.  I so excited for her and this awesome project.  I can't wait to get started. 

Celebrity Style Capture: Rihanna

One of my top reasons for the doing the celebrity captures is just because it takes some of the mystery out of clothing and style. Celebs wear things that we can only dream of wearing or do they? Unless it's a Oscar gown, a lot of the items worn are just basic items. Rihanna looks insanely sick in the denim ensemble, but at the end of the day it's just a denim skirt and a denim top.  The way she wears things is what puts it over the top.  Sometimes the confidence and the attitude you add can be everything to a look.  Adding confidence to anything you wear can make it look that much better.  Just food for thought.  

Style Note:   This denim skirt from Asos originally had a slit.  I had it sewn up.  I also had the waist taken in by 4 inches.  I really need to take this skirt back because the waist is still too big.  Think about that when ordering.  I distressed this skirt myself as well.  Please see video below for the an easy way to distress denim. I also talk about my "easy to add" ponytail.  

Top: Old Navy, Skirt - ASOS, Belt - Michael Kors, Hat - Nordstrom, Shoes - Nordstrom Rack (similar), Lip - Milani Black Cherry, Ponytail - Dermstore

Boutique to Know: Glamour Girl Curves

While in L.A., I got to venture over to plus size boutique, Glamour Girl Curves.   This boutique's style is glam meets boho chic.  Although boho is not my normal style, I do like to embrace it, especially in the summer.  A lot of the pieces were free flowing, jersey, comfortable, but totally adorable.  A total match for the Californian lifestyle.  Everything seemed to be price under $100.   The shining star in the boutique are the accessories.  Remember that clutch from last post, I got it there.  The accessories just had so much allure.  I really could have brought home way more stuff than I did.  I ended up purchases 3 pieces total.  

Glamour Girl Curves has a luxury atmosphere at affordable pricing.  In my opinion, it targets a 35+ crowd, but if you are under that age you can definitely find some things to integrate into your wardrobe.  I did.  Want to visit?  You can find them at 5365 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036.  For other info, hours, etc check out their Facebook page here.  As of now there is no webpage, but I was told that it is in the works.  Happy Shopping.  

Top:  Curvy Valentine, Skirt: JIBRI, Shoes - Michael Kors, Belt - Michael Kors, Bracelet - Lulu Avenue

To Live & Die in L.A.

I went to L.A. for the Haute Curves show.  This was my first time visiting.  I was kind of pumped and yall it was everything that I thought it would be.  It felt like I was riding through Tupac's song.  I actually passed by a swap meet.  I didn't get to stop, because I was rushing to a meeting but you know I wanted to.  It's on my list the next time I go.  I'm going to do a couple of posts on the my L.A. trip.    It is too much to fit into one.  There is so much to talk about, but I wanted to go ahead and get my outfit details to you guys.  This jacket right here (in Katt William's voice) is just sick!!! Some of you saw the pics on instagram, but "chilleee" when I got it in the mail my mouth literally got wet.  I am sorry to be so graphic, but this is one of those pieces that you never (AND I MEAN NEVER) let go.  It's apart of the Le Blog De Big Beauty for Jean Marc Philippe Collection.  I did a feature on the pieces a few months ago.  

Style Note: I bought a size 6 in this jacket, which is equal to a 22.  This jacket is meant to have an oversized but structured look, so keep that in mind when ordering.  It's important to note that this is white and long.  Don't be surprised if you have to have it dry cleaned after the first wear.  I've already taken mine.  Next, I picked up this necklace from Nordstrom.  It's insanely beautiful.  Some random rocker dude who was exiting a Pink concert and violated all of my personal space while he proceeded to stick his head to my chest, so he could get a good look at my necklace. LOL! (Yall Californians and yall personal space  issues).  Unfortunately, I will say that one of the jewels fell off.   I'm going to take mine back for an exchange.  It's too beautiful not to keep, but just be mindful of the jewels, so that in the case that one falls off you can find it and glue it back on.  Last but not least, my sister did an ammmmaaaazzzzinnng job on my make-up. I've never felt so glamourous.  Need something from MAC, she'll hook you up (shipping is free) and gives great advice and recommendations.  You can find her here on Instagram. 

Photo Credit - Jana'e at Naturally Kinky Curly

Outfit:  Jacket - Jean Marc Philippe, Skirt - JIBRI, Tank - Target, Flats - Michael Kors, Necklace - Nordstrom, Clutch - GlamourGirlCurves (similar)

Makeup Colors (Everything MAC):  Eyes - Shadowy Lady, Fig 1, Sushi Flower, Yogurt, Lips - Ready or Not, Feed the Senses

$500 #PlusSizeGiveaway

The Giveaways are still rolling out and this one is an awesome one.  I teamed up with several other plus size bloggers (see them above) to giveaway 2 readers a Visa Gift Card worth $250 for a total of $500 in giftcard prizes. You can literally spend this anywhere Visa is accepted  Contest will run from October 15th - October 30th.  This is open to both U.S. & International entrants with a valid address.  The Winner will by chosen at random and will be contacted from Kirstin Marie. Winner will be announced within 48 hours after the contest closes.  Here's the sticky part. Winners chosen have 48 hours to claim your prize, if prize goes unclaimed, the another winner will be drawn.   I know I usually have to hunt down winners myself, so if you enter please be on top of your email.   We will definitely do our due diligence to contact you.  Enter below.  Good Luck to you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Truly a #Lookbookforall

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Curvation for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

As much as I love looking at gorgeous plus size models, it can often be difficult to know what clothing will look like on myself. Plus Size models are often on the smaller end of plus size and usually only represent the hourglass body type. Did you know that only 8% of plus size women have the hourglass body type? The other 92% of us have to use our imaginations on the possible fit of a garment.

I think this is one of the awesome parts of being a plus size blogger. There is a network of plus size bloggers with different body types, different sizes, and different heights that can help us with our shopping choices. I included one of my Curvation team members,  the The Big Girl Blog’s, CeCe, to show how items looked on a different shapes. Doesn't she look fab! 

 

The purpose of this post is to take it one step further and get you involved. To truly make this a #lookbookforall. You don’t have to be a model or even a blogger to help another girl shop. Curvation wants to truly make their Pinterest page a Lookbook for all and represent all the different types of plus size women!

Taking photos of yourself in items that you are trying and pinning them to the Curvation Pinterest page could really help the next girl. I would love for you to get involved and start pinning you from/in the dressing room, at home, or wherever you try on your new threads! Just pin your photos to the Curvation #LookBookForAll Pinterest page. Don't forget to use the hashtag #lookbookforall

I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you feel about plus size representation on our shopping sites and what you feel like a campaign like this could do for the plus size shopper.

Dress c/o eShakti.

Plus Size Halloween Costumes

 Sleepshirt | Mask & Earplug Set | Slippers

Medusa Wig | Earrings | Top | Pants | Eyeshadow | Eyeliner | Lipstick | Shoes | Necklace | Nail Polish

Skirt | Wig | Top | Boots | Lipstick | Fishnets | Fanny Pack

Halloween is upon us and this is one of my favorite times of year.  The best part, for me, is just being able to be creative and take things to the extreme.  Since I am fashion oriented, I put together a few costume fashion centered ideas that I thought of for Halloween.  I'm not sure if I'll be dressing up this year (Boo-hooo).  As of now I don't have anywhere to go.  Woes of being somewhere new, but I think my pick is Versace's Medusa.  

Breakfast at Tiffany's - You always see tradition Holly Golightly in in the black dress, but I wanted to do something a little different from the movie. Remember the scene when  Holly answering the door after a night of partying.  She has on the most adorable men's tuxedo shirt, sleep mask, and ear plugs.  Holly is barefoot in this scene, but I think velvet slippers would complete the look.  They kind of look like bed slippers, but they are shoes.  I think regular slippers could get nasty by the end of the night.  Don't want to wear you bare legs, slip on nude hosiery.

Versace's Medusa Emblem - I actually got this idea from Jay Miranda on Instagram.  I was trying on the Medusa wig from the Chris Marsh Halloween Collection.  In my head, Versace's Medusa (as a woman) is gold.  I mean all gold errrthang!!!  Since the wig is green, I would paint with gold fabric spray paint.  I would wear tons of heavy jewelry with the lion head or medusa.  I saw a lot of cheap pieces on Ebay and Etsy.  If you have access to wholesale places, you should probably go to one of those shops.  You can get lots of gold jewelry inexpensively.  You could paint your whole face gold as well, but that could be break out city.  Eek!  I would just stick with regular gold make-up.

Betsey Johnson - I'm a fan of her show.  She's so all over the place, but in a good way. Love her.  Betsey loves her stripes and her tulle skirts.  Anyways,  first off you need to grab a pair of scissors and go to town on that wig. Betsey Johnson hair is extremely unevenly cut.  I would just take small section and cut them in all different lengths.  Don't go too crazy and cut the wig too short.  Just crazy uneven is the key.  I would also add in a really dark smokey eye with HEAVY eyeliner and mascara.  You can also add in tons of colorful bracelets.    You may want to steer clear of the feeling to do any splits. 

Plus Size Costume Tips - For inexpensive parts of your costume make sure you check your Goodwill, Salvation  Army, & Thrift stores FIRST!  Second, Halloween costumes can be barely there with extremely short hemlines, bare midriffs, and low necklines.  If you are not comfortable, but still like the costume don't be afraid to modify.  One year I was a playboy bunny and I don't do bare legs, so I added in a pair of leggings, a camisole or anything else that will make you more comfortable.  In the case that you don't have time to create your own costume, here are some fun options below.  Don't see something you like, a simply google plus size halloween costumes.  There are a whole bunch of options out there.  Happy Halloween.  

Flapper | Sock Hop | Marge Simpson | Femme Bot | Queen of Hearts | Cleopatra | Burlesque Babe | Ursula | Olive Oil | 

20 under $30 - October Edition

 Skirt | Pants | Flats | Top | Clutch

So the 20 pieces under $30 is back again this month.  Last month, I had a few say that pieces were sold out. Since this is a very economically friendly segment, if you see something you like you best go and get it.  It could very possibly sell out quickly. I even had a couple of things that I wanted that sold out in my size.  I was mad at my own self, because I know better.  Anyways, I hope you like this month's picks.  Happy Shopping and see you next month.   

Savings Note:    Here's a couple of coupons to get you some extra savings: Talbots - Free Shipping 20% off CODE:  933757574, Old Navy - CODE: STUFFSAVE for 20%, SimplyBe CODE:  5885 20% off.  Update*  The best deal on this post is the Doupioni Silk Skirt. The original price is $139.  This skirt is made out of one the most beautiful and expensive looking fabrics.  This is definitely the cat's meow.  

 Dress | Booties | Jacket

 Vest | Flats | Handbag | Skirt | Dress

Dress | Necklace | Belt | Skirt | Cardi

InVESTED

Pushing right on through October, my husband and I celebrated his birthday yesterday.   For yesterday's outfit, GwynnieBee gave me the opportunity to try a brand that I've only heard about, but never had the chance to try or see.  My vest complete with leather trim is from MYNT1792.  They just did an amazing blogger/design collaboration with some of plus size's most awesome bloggers.  Just as I was doting on the campaign, this shows up at my doorstep.  That's one of the awesome perks of GwynnieBee.  Even I haven't tried everything that is out there, but this allows me a no risk solution to try the product, especially when that brand may carry a heavier price tag.  From what I've seen thus far, me likey!

Style Note:  I actually saw this dress pass through a facebook post from Plus Model Mag.    I am such a shopper.  I literally find a lot of the items I buy just from social media.  Thank God tight season is here.  This dress is shorter than I like to wear, but with a pair of opaque tights, it works.  FYI, I've had these tights 2 years now.  Now despite my appearance, I am not very dainty (more like a bull in a china shop) and I can tear up a pair of tights.  These are a bit more expensive, but they have lasted.  After two years, I am just about to replace them.  

Vest - GwynnieBee, Dress - Ashley Stewart (similar), Tights - Spanx, Shoes - 6pm, Belt - French Connection (sold-out)