The Vogue Factor

Late Wednesday night I received a call from Chelsea Bonner of Bella Models, she wanted to know if I’d like to attend Kirstie Clements “The Vogue Factor” book launch the following night… um, sure you know, whatever. I almost died. A vogue party full of vogue people at a vogue location, sipping vogue drinks, all wearing very vogue things. A slight panic attack ensued.

How do you prepare for such an event with less that 24hrs notice? The answer is you do it quickly. I had to dye my roots over breakfast, dropped Aidan off for play date with my AWESOME friends so I could get a blow dry, my shellac was still in good nick from last weeks mani and thankfully I already had a brand new dress just perfect for the event. I spent about an hour getting my make up just right (blog post on that later as I had so many questions on instagram and facebook) and I felt good.

This is the dress I wore on the night. I haven’t bought anything from City Chic in ages but I had to take this home. This one is “Violet” but I call it Cadbury. I now also want it in black and the teal one is gorgeous too. The dress was made of thick, soft fabric that kept it’s shape and was really comfortable to wear. I skipped the bolero. Oh yes, I went to a Vogue party with bare arms and no one sneered at me, threw food in my direction or kicked me out of the party. They were too busy being dazzled by my smile and shape to notice I’m sure.

Before I could even get to the party the night was already beginning to fill with drama. I had a slightly awkward conversation with a woman on the train. Let’s set the scene, it was 4pm in Western Sydney and I’m big girl dressed to nines in a boobalicious dress heading towards the city. She taps my shoulder and asks what I do for a living.

I say I’m a blogger, an entrepreneur with a website. I realise how that sounds so I gave her my business card. She then asks timidly “Is it a G rated or MA15+ rated site?” and as my face turned a bright shade of scarlet I said “G rated, definitely G rated, I talk about fashion and lifestyle.” I safely got off the train with my dignity slightly questioned and then got in a cab which proceeded to get into an accident. Awesome.

I arrive at Toko Restaurant at exactly 5:30, so unfashionably on time. I get my name checked off the list and head straight to the bathroom to freshen up and hide for a few minutes until other people start arriving. I find the perfect spot right by the signing table, the bar and a window seat so I settle in waiting for Chelsea and the girls to arrive.

Chelsea and Abby arrived and we talked shop over glasses of Moet. You might recognise Abby from many MANY campaigns both here in Australia and internationally but she’s in town shooting for SARA at the moment. Not only is she mesmerisingly beautiful but she’s funny as hell.  She lives in New York so I’ll definitely make sure we catch up for “Jack & Ginger’s” (my new favourite drink, thanks Abby) whilst I’m over there in June.

The place fills to capacity quickly and soon Deborah Thomas was filling the air with laughter and appreciation during her speech about her dear friend. Kirstie came on stage and thanked her family and friends for their support and said something that really stuck with me: “You are your own accomplishments.“. She was from a small town like me. She had no family connections for networking in the industry just like me. She did it all with passion not for the money just like me. I’m 27… who knows where I could be in 10 years let alone 25 years.

Me, Chelsea, Mel S & Abby

Then Mel S (currently modelling BeMe and TS14+ among others) arrived and we both gave a squeal and rushed up for a hug. I love that. Sometimes I meet models on the job but they’re so in the zone or don’t get what I do so I get brushed off. It’s totally understandable, there is so much going on behind the scenes and so many people, I don’t take it personally because the ladies that I do click with, well… we always have a lot of fun.

It’s taken years though, I didn’t just fall into this scene. Being at runway shows, backstage and on set happens over time. I’ve also spent a lot of time talking to brands and getting good reps from PRs and also taking up special opportunities when they present themselves. I feel lucky that agencies like Bella Models and BGM Models get that and are always happy to support me in anyway that they can.

I’d made the decision to buy two books, one for me and one for me to giveaway. It was such a special night for me and I really wanted to share a physical slice of that with one of you but more about that towards the end of the post. With my books in hand I stood inline waiting to get them signed. My palms started to sweat and I began going over and over what I wanted to say. I wish the “How to make a good impression in less than 30 seconds and not come across as a bumbling fan girl” ebook was a real thing.

I knew that Kirstie wasn’t particularly a fan of bloggers but she did support plus size model editorials and their place in the industry. So when I casually sat down, shook her hand and calmly introduced myself “Hi I’m Danimezza, I’m a plus size fashion blogger and photographer.” (popping my business card onto the table) Kirstie said “Oh that’s nice, good for you!” in a warm upbeat way that made me feel completely and utterly validated. I explained that I was going to give one of the books away and she thought that was “Lovely.”. We had a quick photo taken together and then it was over.

Whilst we were at Toko I only managed to try two things: seared beef and jelly on a toothpick and a small piece of tempura fish. That wasn’t dinner, so after we glamourously slurped down the last of the Moet we went next door to the Clock Hotel for a serious feed. Mel and I both ordered burgers, Chelsea ordered the brisket and Abby got the crispy buttermilk fried chicken and salad. The meal (and the conversation) was delicious. Afterwards I rushed to catch my train and headed home but not before taking one last vain attempt at an outfit photo in the reflection of the train carriage.

• Scoop Ponte Peplum Dress – City Chic
• Wide Metal Belt – City Chic
• Deco Drop Earrings – Lovisa
• Black & Gold Elastic Bangle – Lovisa
• Black & Gold Enamel Bangle – Sussans
• Black Patent Gold Chain Handbag – Thrifted

I have one copy of “The Vogue Factor” personally signed by Kirstie Clements to give away. I sat in the bath for a few hours on Friday night and totally devoured it. I was hooked from the very first page and transported to opportunities bestowed upon someone that goes beyond my wildest dreams. To go into the draw to win all you have to do is leave a comment on this post answering this question: What is your favourite magazine and why?

Entries open to Australian/New Zealand residents only. Competition closes Sunday 17th March 2013 at 5pm AEST. This is not a sponsored post, the prize was paid for by me and shipping will also be paid for by me.

Tagged as: australia, author, bella models, book launch, chelsea bonner, city chic, editor, fashion, fired, kirstie clements, models, peplum, plus size, surry hills, the vogue factor, toko restaurant, vogue