OneStopPlus.com

Behind the Scenes

 

An interview with Julie Daly, President Avenue shop at home.

Q: What is your Hometown?

A: Growing up as an army “brat”, I moved every two to three years, all across the US and even overseas. I'm not a city person, but do feel at home in any smaller suburb since army bases have the same close knit community feeling that you find there. Q: What is the favorite part of your job? A: I love the Internet. It keeps me on my toes; learning every day. It's fast moving, and the job just keeps changing. At the same time, it brings me so much closer to the avenue customer. And unlike children who take internet as a given, the avenue customers are really getting surprised by all we can now do.  Q: What is your favorite hobby? A: I enjoy gardening.  I think I like the instant results and it's amazing how much better putting down mulch makes me feel.  I look at the revitalized  garden area and think "wow that looks really great!" Q: What is your latest project? A: Moving avenue.com to a new web platform, inventory to a new avenue fulfillment center and customer service to a new call center. Ugh the details! Any single one of these projects would be daunting, but the combination is just terrifying.

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Behind the Scenes

An interview with John Natale... the man and the mentor

Hometown: Waterbury, CT

Job Title: VP, Creative Services for Redcats USA

Q: What is the favorite part of your job?

A: I am a natural multi-tasker, so I love combining the creative with the people management.

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

A: Crossword puzzles, running, following my kids' sports.

Q: What is your latest project?

A: I just completed an plus size online swimwear fashion show for OneStopPlus.com.  It's not only a first for our company, it is a web first.  The idea that woman can see swimwear in a 3-dimensional format is very exciting as both functional shopping assistance and as inspiration, particularly in the plus-size market.

Q: What is on your wish list for the plus size fashion market?

A: I would love for plus size fashion to be considered as mainstream as missy fashion.  We have the majority of women and now we have great designs, so it's time.

Q: What or who inspires you?

A: Magazines and movies always do, but also iconic women who literally changee the way women feel and dress.  Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn and others have done it in the past, and I really think Michelle Obama is now having an extraordinary impact on proving that style doesn't have a specific price tag.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: "It's good to be king" by Mel Brooks.

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Behind the Scenes - Plus Size Swimwear Runway

We are working on an exciting new project for our plus size swimwear collection, we had so much fun we wanted to share some pics with everyone!

Enjoy!

Our Creative Director John showing off his moves!

 King Size's Swim trunks & linen button down shirt looked hot coming down the runway with a Woman Within plus size bandeau tankini!

The technical part that makes all the magic happen.

Sora & Stacey, your 2 E-shop managers for OneStopPlus.com.  

There is a lot of waiting around for the next shot to be ready.

One of our King Size models doing a solo strut down the runway.

John getting a little silly inbetween shots.

One of my favorite Woman Within plus size swim suit!! It has a great 50's feel to it.

Reviewing the days work & it looked amazing, if I do say so myself!

The day is finally done! It was fun but exhausting.

If you liked these pictures check out this and many more behind the scene shots & videos on our facebook fan page.

Heart Truth Charity Celebrity Fashion Show!

My co-worker and I were lucky enough to go to the annual Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection show in Bryant Park . The event has been staged since 2002 to help highlight awareness of heart disease, which has been acknowledged as the number one killer of women in America.  Roaman's has been involved with Heart Truth for several years and we had the honor of being the company's proud representatives.

The theme of the show was red dresses (representing Heart) by top designers worn by celebrities.

It was a true treat to get see a fashion show in the main tent and I had to share, I hope you enjoy my pictures.

Poster for show

Entering the main tent!

Very cool Barbie display

The audience was in red to support the cause!

Audience celebrity siting, Mark Indelicato, of Ugly Betty

Host Tim Gunn of Project Runway & Liz Clairborne.  Also, a personal favorite of mine!!

Amanda Bines opened the show in a strapless mini dress (you can't see it but she was adorable)

Vivica Fox burned up the runway in a sequin halter dress. I would hate her if I didn't love her so much.

Lynda Carter in one shoulder (a major trend for spring) gown looking amazing!  

 Daisy Fuentes was striking.

Kristi Yamaguchi showed off her DWS moves.

Valerie Berinelli sent the crowd into cheers when she came out!

From one of my favorite shoes, Patricia Arquette looked super glam in her floor legnth rouched gown!

Cicely Tyson danced up & down the runway to the delight of the audience!

Jane Kaczmarek in a straplesss dress with a beautiful pleated top!

The crowd errupted when Susan Lucci, the queen of daytime TV, floated down the runway looking so stunning!

Katie Couric  in Carmen Marc Valvo was the finale!

We couldn't help ourselves and jumped on the runway to get our shot!

For more pictures check out our facebook fan page.

An Interview with Patti Woodson - Divisional Merchandise Manager for Jessica London

A Modern Take on Classic Fashion

 

Q: Jessica London has always been a brand known as the perfect source for fashion that works...literally. How has workplace fashion changed? 
A: Women have changed how they dress for work and Jessica London has changed to reflect that. Before, if you worked in a bank, you needed to look like a 'banker'. Now, it's more about looking professional, but with a little personal style, like separates and suits with a twist. And accessories that once seemed frivolous now seem fun. It's about lightening up the look. Most important, dress for the job you want...it really does make a difference. 

Q: If you're changing jobs, how do you know what to wear to the interview?
A: Interviews are nerve-racking enough without feeling like you didn't dress correctly. Visit the company before the interview to watch people going in and out or just call the receptionist and ask her...you'll be amazed at how much information you will get. Try to fit in, but make sure you add a personal touch so you don't look cookie-cutter. Accessories and shoes are a great way for a subtle personal statement... if you pay attention to your whole look, you're saying you'll be just as thorough in the job. 

Q: What should women buy to look fresh this season?
A: The easiest way to update a wardrobe is by adding the color of the season. This spring, orange and neutrals will be everywhere. If you have a brown suit, wear it with an orange tank top and chunky necklace, and it will look fresh and new. Or take last year's navy blazer, wear it with khaki pants and a white ruffled shirt, and you will look terrific.

An Interview with Keith Atlas - Divisional Merchandise Manager to King Size

Q: Women buy a lot of their guys' clothes. What are some features to look for so the clothes really fit and are comfortable?
A: Our clothing is cut to flatter larger guys and most of our outerwear features double zippers for easy driving and sitting. Performance attributes include stain release, expandable waist or side elastics for comfort.

Q: So many men are afraid of wearing color. How do you ease a guy into color without making him feel metro?
A: Guys are usually comfortable with color in tops. Start with a style he likes, then try a color close to his favorite, e.g. turquoise if he likes blue. Then move on to greens and purples. Save pink for the brave ones.

Q:The holidays require some spiffing up, without spending a lot of money. What are the best buys for plus size guys this year?
A: Here are 4 great items for the holidays and all year long:
1. The Velour Banded Pullover makes even jeans look put together, and for under $25, he'll look great!
2. The Zip Sweater has a 'jacket-like' look and sweater comfort, so it can be dressed up or down.
3. The wrinkle-resistant long-sleeve oxford shirt can bank on to give him the finished, styled look.
4. And what guy wouldn't love a new pair of indoor/outdoor Clog Slippers?

An interview with Victoria Strychack - Senior Product Manager BrylaneHome Kitchen

Q: What makes BrylaneHome Kitchen® stand out from it's competitors?
A: We look for products to help our customers get professional results in the kitchen without having to be a pro. We also offer lots of unique, hard-to-find products. Take baking for instance. Monkey Bread is a holiday favorite, so we found the perfect bread mold for it, only $29.99. Our Slim-Jim Rolling Pantry adds 12 feet of kitchen storage in just 10 inches and fits between a counter and refrigerator, only $79.98. You can make a whole meal for your family in our Jumbo Stainless Roaster with Bonus Carving Set, only $39.98. It's all about saving time, space and money!

Q: How do you choose your merchandise?
A: For the holidays, we think about the time leading up to the holiday, the holiday itself, and the time right after. We make sure customers have everything they'll need to prepare for the holiday-and not just in the kitchen. We also have outdoor decor, and don't forget BrylaneHome with the perfect choices for guest rooms and baths. Overnight guests coming and need extra space? Our Guest Bed Ottoman opens to a comfortable spare bed, only $199.99. After the holidays, we offer ingeniously designed storage solutions, such our stacking Ornament Box Trio for $24.99.

Interview with Michele Crawbuck - Divisional Merchadise Manager - Intimates

Q: You've said that bras are the single most important accessory to a
woman's wardrobe. Why do you mean by that?
A: It's really because the right fitting bra makes all the difference in how clothes fit...and, for that matter, the way a woman feels. It can make a woman's shape look either youthful or matronly, regardless of her age.

Q: What are the biggest concerns for women when buying a bra?
A: Fit, fit, fit! It's always been about the proper cup size, straps and back band, but it is only recently that the technology has caught up with the needs and we now have fit, function and comfort in bras that are also beautiful. OneStopPlus.com has over 75 styles in over 140 sizes, making us the authority in the plus size intimates market. Every woman can now find a great-fitting bra in an incredible choice of sizes and styles. This is one of the reasons we created the Bra Club.

Q: Tell me more about the Bra Club. Do women really buy that many bras?
A: You know, when a woman finds a bra with the perfect fit, she'll want it in white, nude, black and something colorful. This way, it's easy to alternate as well as match whatever she's wearing. It is also one of the main reasons we created the Bra Club. If a woman buys 5 bras within 12 months, she'll get her 6th bra free. That means she can build a bra wardrobe of her favorites and then indulge in an extra special one as a gift from us. Not only can she shop from national brands, she can also choose from our exclusive Comfort Choice collection. Finally, it's both easy and fun for plus size women to have the best in great-fitting and great-looking bras.