How cute is this plus size paper doll?  I just had to tell you about it!

Ciao Bellas…affinity

FROM MY FRIENDS AT IN FULL SWING, THEIR GIFT TO YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON:    TAKE 25% OFF ANY ONE ITEM IN THE STORE THROUGH 12/31/12*

Our guest Jenny in some fabulous new arrivals.

Comfy Modal Pant, Sympli Pant , Naturaline Podelesk

Sole Dior Copper Jacket, Diane Kennedy, Bamboo Skirt

Eileen Fisher, Lantern Dress

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I promised you a better look at the fashion at the Black Rock Arts Foundation ARTumnal where I won the “Affinity Award”.  So here is a series of photos where you can see the variety of fashion that you might find at this kind of gala event.  This photo is of my friends and we are celebrating my receiving the Award. Have you ever seen a broader definition of fashion?  I love San Francisco and my friends and community.

I wish you could see my friend April’s fabulous dress below, and my friend Steve always looks dashing.

This dress is from Fashion Bug (now defunct) and is a Size 4X, and it was less than $50.

 More friends.

  And how is this for a Fall Ensemble?

And there was even a fashion show.

I thought you might like to see the venue, the Bently Reserve, which used to be the Federal Reserve.

Hope you enjoyed the event, it was a highlight in my life.

Ciao Bellas…affinity

I got one of the biggest surprises and honors of my life at the ARTumnal Gathering Saturday night.  I was asked to come on stage and then Harley DuBois, Founding Member of Burning Man and the Burning Man Project said they had decided to start an award to be given to the person that year most embodies their mission.  The Award is to be the “Affinity Award” and I was the first recipient.

I was so amazed and overwhelmed I did not even cry like I usually do in a situation like that, but to be honest I have never been in a situation like that.  I am sure you all know I love Burning Man and the Black Rock Arts Foundation and the new Burning Man Project.  I love what they bring to the world, I love the COMMUNITY and I love the art and culture.  To express that in shorthand I have chosen the vision statement from the Burning Man Project:

The Burning Man Project will bring experiences to people in grand, awe-inspiring and joyful ways that lift the human spirit, address social problems and inspire a sense of culture, community and cultural engagement.

Why does the organization think I embody that point of view?  I can only guess, but what I know is that everyday I am grateful for the amazing, creative and loving people that Burning Man has brought to my life.  They have breadth and depth and some of my favorites are brilliant.  I love the art.  For four years I was the blogger for the Black Rock Arts Foundation and they have brought amazing art to the community.  Before that I was the logistics coordinator for Burning Man’s staff training and prior to that for 3 years I was the Wedding Coordinator for couples who were actually having a legal wedding at Burning Man.  Currently I am doing documentation for the Burning Man Project.  I love the variety of jobs I have been able to do as a volunteer in the past 12 years.

Thanks for letting me express my gratitude for this amazing honor.

Ciao Bellas…affinity

photo: George Post

Check here for the details about the Glamorous Curves Fashion Show and Sip N Shop After Party.  Lots going on in the Bay Area this month.  I am thinking about going to this, always love to get to see the clothes in person and I love that it starts so early.

Ciao Bellas…affinity

How cool is that?  I bet the clothes will be fabulous!

Ciao Bellas…affinity

I ran into Ingrid at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco the other night and I thought she looked so put together I asked if I could take a photo and include her in my blog.  Her top is from INC – International Concept and she bought it from Macy’s plus size department here in San Francsico.  I have a couple of pieces from INC and I like them very much.  They are sized generously, and the quality has been good in my experience.  Good “go to work” clothes.  Welcome Ingrid, it was nice to meet you and you look lovely.  Ciao Bellas…affinity

You know that current trend of stripes in all directions.  It is everywhere right now and I love it.  In the spirt of everything old is new again I just found a photo of Belle Bennett in Stella Dallas, a silent film circa 1925, about 90 years ago.  It just so amused me I had to share it with you.  Doncha just love the interwebs?   Ciao Bellas…affinity