Inside Allie's World

Obsessed with tribal prints and red lips

2012-02-21T08:44:00.001-08:00

I'm completely in love with the aesthetic in fashion right now. I love the use of bold prints, bright colors and statement wardrobe pieces. Sure, it's not necessarily what everyone is wearing every day, but there are so many ways to adapt today's runway looks to your own style. I love seeing stores taking chances with prints they are carrying -- it's such a NICE change from the cookie-cutter shopping mall style I see on so many women. I know so many people reading blogs and magazines want to take chances but never do because it's outside of a comfort zone. But ladies, I implore you, throw away those dresses you know in your heart every time you put on you HATE but you keep wearing. Life is too short to be wearing boring clothing.

That's where a dress like this comes in handy. It's bold and could easily get looked over on a rack or catalog, but it's such a gem when you put it on. It's wearable, comfortable and pretty darn sexy, in my humble little opinion.

Dress: ASOS

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Belt: Macy's

An open letter to myself at 14 ...

2012-02-16T20:45:00.000-08:00

I recently came across this photo of me from the summer before high school. I had just turned 14. I saw it and got a little teary-eyed knowing what this girl would go through over the next few years.

When I look at this photo, I want to hug and counsel myself. If I could go back the 14-year-old a few things, I would do so in a heartbeat. Not to stop her from going through the things I did -- after all, it made me who I am. But I would like to let her know just a few things, to protect her just a little. If I had that chance, here is what I would say ...

Dear 14-year-old me,

-You're beautiful. I know you think that's just about the opposite of the truth, but it's true. You aren't going to believe it for a very long time. You won't at 15, 16, 17 or 18. But eventually, you'll start to recognize that you are made in the image of the Creator, and no matter what the boys are telling you now, you are still beautiful. In your twenties, you won't believe it every day. The most important lesson you will learn is that it's not about the exterior and that your true beauty comes from being at peace with yourself. And one day, you will believe it enough to put your foot down and go after what you deserve in this life, no matter how scary it seems.

-You're going to gain a very significant amount of weight very soon. You're going to cry yourself to sleep most nights. You're going to not understand what's happening to your body. You're going to give up sports and things that made you happy because you will internalize all the mean things people say about you in school. You'll replay in your mind when he asked you "how's the flab, fatass?" in front of the whole schoolbus. You'll remember when someone writes "Fat Bitch" about you in the bathroom. You'll cry when the boys you like make jokes about your size. About your hair. About your mother. About your race. About things you have no control over. You won't understand why people can't see you for the person and not the outward appearance. And all of that is going to make you seek out ways to numb your pain.

-While it's happening, you're going to go through drastic measures to try and stop it. You'll make yourself throw up for some time. But after a while, for some unexplained physical reason you can't understand, and what I say with certainty is divine intervention, your body won't let you anymore. You'll spend time in front of the toilet crying when you can't do it. So you'll try laxatives. And then diet pills. But none of it is going to make you lose weight. You'll stop using those things eventually, and keep gaining, and keep hating yourself in the process. But God is going to carry you through it to the other side.

-It will peak at 18, and then, as your teen years wind down, your body will balance itself out. You'll begin to hear God's voice in your heart. You'll start to know yourself. You'll discover your love for writing and music and theater. And all of those things will help you. Eventually, you will be able to take care of yourself. You'll go up and down in numbers over the years (something I'm trying to stop doing once and for all), but you'll start to be happy about who you are on the inside. Happiness is possible.

-The boys aren't going to pay much attention to you. You'll feel invisible. The ones you have a crush on will be jerks. And in their 20s, most of them will be the complete opposite of what you want in a man (trust me). A very small few will have an impact on your life and one will break your heart. You'll get over it. The one man that truly matters will be what you didn't even know was missing from your life until he is there. And he will be there ... without you chasing him or needing to convince him of your worth. He will love you at your best and your worst.

-The girls who bully you and make you cry and tease you about being fat, being mixed and not having money aren't all bad people. They are going through their own darkness as well. Being a bully and being the one bullied aren't that different. Both hate things about themselves, both are concerned with the silliness of being popular, being liked by the boys ... being cool. You'll meet some of them later in your adulthood. You'll even become friends with them. They'll apologize to you with tears in their eyes and sorrow in their heart. You'll forgive them and one day you both will laugh about it. As for the others --- well, let's just say they won't do much with themselves. It won't be ok to take a little bit of pride in that in your 20s, but you will anyway.

-You're going to seriously regret the electric blue eyeshadow phase. You won't die because you can't afford skater clothes and then oversize everything and all the other various, questionable style phases you'll go through. Your mom was right about most of those clothes being ugly. One day, you'll want to dress like her.

-Girls like yourself with curly hair shouldn't cut bangs. Ever.

-Wear sunblock. Your Irish side is going to be more dominant in that respect, and you will up your skin cancer risk with some serious burns. Besides, you already have a tan -- your other side is black, kiddo.

-Mom doesn't mean anything when she keeps dragging you to Weight Watchers with her and demanding to see the scale results in the most deeply embarrassing displays you can fathom. Or even when she makes a few less-than-favorable comments about your weight gain. In her own way, she is trying to help. You can't change her. She loves you and only wants the best for you, even if her ideas are different than yours. Eventually, she will see that you can discern that for yourself.

-You shouldn't stop singing or playing the clarinet. But you will. The good news is that there is a silver lining, and it is that it will lead you to writing. Eventually, that will become one of your main sources of income. Hold on to the poems, essays and short stories you write now. Some of them will one day become the premise for your first novel.

-It's ok to keep watching cartoons.

-You don't have a lot of friends now, but you will. You will be ridiculously rich in your relationships. I wish I could say the same for your bank account in your twenties, but there's always hope for the letter you'll write in your thirties.

-Don't apply for that credit card at 18. You won't just use it for books and emergencies.

-You're not always right.

-Your limit is 4 beers. You should never drink Vodka. You'll hate cigarettes. They won't make you look cool.

-Spend time with your siblings. You may argue now, but one day you will realize that they are your greatest gift from God.

-Hug your grandmother as much as you can. Your time with her won't be as long as you'd like.

-I'm sorry for the pain of adolescence, but it's not all bad. There will be lots of laughs and memories and beautiful moments. As an adult, you'll long for those days at the skating rink. For what felt like simpler times with bike rides with your brother, Nintendo and episodes of Saved By the Bell. You'll remember a lot of great moments along with the bad.

They will make you me.

I love you.

A vintage midi skirt for a curvy lady

2012-02-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

I never knew how much I loved pink shoes until I started blogging.

For some time now, I’ve been on the hunt for a midi skirt that is flattering on me. While I swear by midi dresses, due to my shape, I find that the way that skirts and separates fit on me sometimes isn’t ideal. I have a much smaller waist in comparison to my hips. And while my boyfriend (hi babe!) may appreciate that, it can be very challenging to dress. In addition, I carry most of my height in my legs and I tend to be short waisted, which can make things look very urkel instead of chic. No bueno.

That damn lamp kept trying to sneak in the pic!

I found this skirt buried in a heap at the Salvation Army. I fell in love with the colors and the vintage look. When I put it on, I knew I had to break up the colors in the shirt and skirt, so I added some dimension with a brown leather belt. The skirt is actually a little small on me in the waist, but I just moved the button over to solve that. And because I generally hate pockets on skirts and dresses , I sewed the pockets it has down. It came together much better that way and was able to lay flat.

The outfit itself is a little librarian, which I can appreciate , but wasn't quite what I was going for, so I added the chains from Ashley Stewart. I also opted to wear a choker necklace (which, btw, I wore to my senior prom) as a crown of sorts. Because really, who doesn’t want to be the queen of her life?

Skirt: Thrifted

Top & Blazer: H&M

Necklace: Ashley Stewart

Headpiece: Claires, circa 2000

Shoes: Shoedazzle

Bag: Juicy Couture

Casual cool: A simple, easy daytime look

2012-02-13T20:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but sometimes it's really hard for me to dress in more laid-back, casual clothes. That might sound crazy, but I often feel like if I'm not wearing a dress or skirt, I want to be in sweats, haha. One day I swear I am going to do a fashion post on rocking sexy sweats. Don't judge me.

Moving on -- I wanted to put together a look that was comfortable and casual, but also still felt like it could hold its own among the amazing fashionistas on parade at New York Fashion Week.

I really love this white TopShop blazer I bought about 2 years ago when exaggerated shoulders were first becoming popular. Again, I encourage my plus size readers to please dig around in certain straight size stores and try things on, and you might be surprised at what you find. Even if you can't find pants that fit you, dresses and tops can sometimes work and you can also get creative with layering options or wearing a dress as a shirt etc. By stepping out of your comfort zone (read: stores), you can have a few items other plus fashionista pals might not own. Because isn't the worst crisis when you and all of your friends are wearing the same outfit? And before I get hate mail, I mean SOMETIMES and for some items. Obviously I don't expect us all to wander around aimlessly in Bebe or Zara looking for a wardrobe that's never going to fit. It's about getting your basics from your fave stores and supplementing it by thinking outside of the box!

My pants, which are a staple of my wardrobe, are from Dorothy Perkins. The cami was $5 from H&M. But of course, it's this awesomely amazing leopard scarf from H&M that brings the whole thing together. I also added this clutch which I bought a few years ago from a Goodwill for $3.50. It's so glam and I'm obsessed with wearing clutches for daytime right now. You should try it too -- your shoulder will thank you.

Blazer: TopShop

Cami and scarf: H&M

Clutch: Thrifted

Pants: Dorothy Perkins

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Shoes (which, I know, I have to stop wearing so much): Jessica Simpson

Fashion Week: Fall 2012 trends and my favorite looks so far

2012-02-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

Tadashi Shoji, Jason Wu and Prabal Gurung (l to r)

Today officially marks day 3 of New York Fashion week, and in the collections seen so far, a few definitive trends have been dominating the runways.

So far, the collections which have impressed me most have definitely been Prabal Gurung, Tadashi Shoji and Jason Wu. I have been a little upset with Jason because I am not crazy about his Target collection and find it to be a huge disappointment in terms of sizing and quality in comparison to his usual aesthetic. But let me tell you, his runway show for Fall 2012 was amazing.

His collection utilized one of the biggest trends seen so far -- military. Jason's girls looked like chic, high-fashion, glam soldiers. It was lots of fur, leather, structure and an east-meets-west print on several of his dresses and tops. It's figure-friendly across the board and screams chic. So far, it's been my favorite.

Jason Wu

Another trend at Jason's collection as well as others has been the statement coat (as seen with the green leather trench). BCBG, whose collection was definitely different, but not my favorite, showed a lot of color blocking on all of their items. But there was one trench coat in particular that stuck out to me.

BCBG

In terms of colors and fabrics, orange, maroon/wine, gold and, of course, black, have dominated the collections. Fabrics are luxe and expensive this season -- lots of velvet and leather. Great for our bodies on cold days, but not so great for the wallet. Start saving now, ladies.

Prabal Gurung


Jill Stuart

Herve Leger

It's nice to see the return to luxe clothing, as America and the world works to pull itself back from tough times. And the other great thing I've noticed is that with the collections being showed, there is one piece that you can invest in and it's versatile. Obviously, I can't afford a leather coat from Jason Wu and I know most of you can't either, but you can certainly translate that into your favorite stores and designers that you can afford.

I've been impressed so far and find everything to be wearable, which is fantastic. Still, no collection has absolutely dazzled enough to leave me speechless just yet, but we're only halfway through.

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, I wasn't able to make Christian Siriano today, which is traditionally one of my favorite designers. But, I'll definitely read up on it and share my thoughts, should you care to read them.

Until then, have a great Saturday loves!!

(Photos: Getty/AP/Reuters)

2012-02-09T11:15:00.000-08:00

Fashion Week has officially descended upon New York and I attended my first of many events last night.

The Red Dress Collection fashion show was at the Hammerstein Ballroom and that thing was complete pandemonium. It’s a huge charity production for heart disease and it always brings in big celebs. Among the memorable ladies who walked in red dresses were Chaka Khan, Christie Brinkley, Rose McGowan and Minka Kelly.

As soon as I get video from the show, I’ll share it here.

In the meantime, it was FREEZING last night and snowing. That really sucked and meant I wasn’t going to take photos outside. So I snapped a few afterward of what I was wearing.

It’s a shame my hair is covering it because the shoulders on this blouse are actually cut-outs so it shows skin in a nice, subtle way. I don’t know if it’s office appropriate, but it definitely works for an after-hours event. I’ve had the shirt for a few years now and I never stop loving it. The color is so vibrant.

I also got this polka dot skirt for dirt cheap from Strawberry. I love finding nice clothing at a recessionista price.

I don’t think anyone would know looking at it where I bought it from.

My shoes are also from a few years ago, and they have sentimental value. They’re from Michael Kors and I bought them as my FIRST major purchase after getting a job after college. I remember thinking they were so expensive at the time, but looking back I see it was just bc I was broke, LOL. Still, they have lasted me years now and are still as beautiful as ever.

Top: Arden B.

Skirt: Strawberry

Shoes: Michael Kors

Belt: My closet (can't remember where I bought it from)

VIDEO: Interview with Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds and Robert Patrick

2012-02-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

Here's the final product from last night's interview!

'Safe House' premiere red carpet wearing Bettie Page Clothing

2012-02-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

Tonight was one of those awesome nights where you just have to stop and take it all in.

I covered the premiere of Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynold's new thriller "Safe House" here in New York City and had the best time on the carpet.

Denzel was as polite and charming as you'd expect and the rest of the cast were all down-to-earth and gracious. There are definitely a few stars in Hollywood whose egos and attitudes leave something to be desired, but that wasn't the case with this cast. As soon as I have video of my interview, I'll add it here.

Read on for details of my outfit.

Apologies for the blur

You can see some of the sparkles in the thread here.

The amazing dress I am wearing is from one of my favorite designers these days, Bettie Page Clothing. Ladies, if you don't know about Bettie Page dresses yet, RUN, don't walk to your computer and look them up. Simply to die for!

I saw this dress and fell in love with it online, but let me tell you, it's even better in person. It's a fantastic material that's great for this time of year and the color is so rich and vivid in person. It's a gorgeous blue with just a hint of sparkle in the thread that really catches the light nicely. I got a ton of compliments on it, one from the film's star Vera Farmiga, who actually asked me where I got it from! That was surreal.

The dress is really classy and chic, but is also fitted and therefore has a serious va va voom factor. I paired it with a thicker belt to give a more dramatic waistline effect. And while my hair got frizzy and my headband somehow ended up at the back of my head by the end of the night, overall, I loved the way the dress looked.

Rockin glasses while setting up.

But honestly, the most fun part of the whole night was catching up with some of my media friends who I don't get to see often, except at events like this. It's always so great to share stories and give each other ideas and motivation. This is a really tough industry -- sometimes so much that I can't even put it into words -- and can be very dog-eat-dog, so I feel privileged to have made some friends here and there with really nice and genuine people.

Dress: Bettie Page Clothing

Shoes: Guess

Belt: New York and Company

Disco Fever: My love affair with gold continues ...

2012-02-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era because I am admittedly a little obsessed with disco fashion. From the overuse of lame, lycra, gold, sequins to the exaggerated construction of garments, I really love it all.

So when I saw this gold pleated shirt with bell sleeves from the Jennifer Lopez collection for Kohls, I was instantly in love. Gold has been big on the runways recently, but it’s definitely pretty tricky to wear, especially when it’s not in an accent like shoes or accessories, but an actual piece of clothing. This shirt was no different.

I felt it my duty to use the 70s effects on my Instagram with this look.

First, the shirt is a strange fit – it runs pretty large and the belt it comes with doesn’t do much in terms of figure flattery. Then of course, there is the challenge of wearing a shiny GOLD material across the bust. Talk about drawing attention.

But, when I switched out the belt for a skinny black one and bloused it just a bit over the cinched waist , it wasn’t too tight across the bust and came across much better. I used the belt it came with as a headband instead. Normally, as you know, I’m not a fan of matchy-matchy looks AT ALL, but it felt right given the fact that I was going for a 70’s look.

Yes, I was trying to hide a chipped manicure. Don't judge me.

I paired it with a skirt from Forever 21 and a pair of Guess leopard pumps.

The funniest thing about this shirt is that it looks different in every single photo. I got a lot of compliments on it and about 5 people asked me if they could feel the material. That was interesting, to say the least, haha.

Added bonus: Since I wore this, I swear to you I’ve had Donna Summer and Thelma Houston in my head all weekend.

Top: Jennifer Lopez Collection for Kohl's

Pencil Skirt: Forever 21

Belt: Charlotte Ronson for JCPenney

Leopard Pumps: Guess

The curious case of the curvy woman's fear of horizontal stripes

2012-02-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

As I move forward with my blog, you’ll learn something about me. I really, really love wearing horizontal stripes.

Not simply because people told me my whole life that I shouldn’t, but because I actually think they are pretty flattering on women with curves. Fashion rules have said forever that if you have big hips (which I clearly do), you should never even think to wear them. If you agree with that, well, to each her own, but I’m very sorry for you that you will miss out on enjoying a wonderful print.

Anyway, I wore this particular dress in 2010 to FFFWeek L.A. It ended up being in a few pictures and I haven’t really worn it since because it’s quite distinct and I didn’t want it to be overkill. But I’ve been looking for a way to wear it again with a different vibe and I think I found it.

Enter polka dots. Take it one step further and put stripes and polka dots together. And then you end up with the final product which, in theory, would be an assault on your eyes. But in practice, I’d say, is one of my favorite looks so far.

DRESS: TopShop

Top: H&M

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Belt: Gap

Simply Be USA spring preview party

2012-02-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

Last night, I attended the SimplyBe Spring 2012 preview party in New York. It was a really wonderful time and I got to see a lot of my friends and fellow fashionistas whose work I really admire.

The Spring collection really has some wonderful pieces and I’ll be telling you more and more about them in the coming weeks. There were several items that had the entire group completely head over heels in love.

Borrowed this shot from the SimplyBe USA Facebook pg.

I’ve been a seriously retro mood lately and have been experimenting different looks with my hair. Last night I wanted to do a Bardot-inspired side ponytail. So with the help of a million bobby pins, lots of hairspray and a bump-it, I was able to achieve the look I was going for.

I tied it up with my Fendi scarf and I was off. I did get some interesting looks from ppl when I was hailing a cab with giant hair, but I’m from New Jersey, so big hair is my life.

With stylist Nanthale Collins

With the amazing Nicolette Mason of Marie Claire

Apologies for the crappy iPhone camera shots. My camera battery died while I was taking a test shot when I first arrived. Fail.

Dress: Tristan (Canadian retailer)

Headband: Fendi

Shoes: ShoeDazzle

Belt/Cami: H&M

Blue and green and inbetween

2012-01-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

Blue and green is one of my favorite color combinations right now. But it’s not always easy wearing two bright colors together, especially in a professional environment, and especially in New York City, where everyone lives in black.

I bought this dress from Target last season and it’s super cute and comfortable. I wore it all summer. This jacket is thrifted and I believe it cost me $7. It looks to be about 15-20 years old and is in great condition. I saw the EXACT same replicas at H&M, Forever 21 and several other stores for the new season. I was thrilled to know I got it for a complete steal.

I’m trying to make sure I take a lot of risks with color in my own wardrobe because I’m sick of wearing gloomy.

What color combos are you looking to wear this season?

Dress: Target

Blazer: Thrifted

Shoes: Carlos Santana via Macy's

Bag: Borrowed (She is going to kill me if I don't give it back soon! :) )

Baby it's cold outside ...

2012-01-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

When it’s cold outside, I’ll admit that all I am interested in wearing is sweatpants, wool socks, my college sweatshirt, and some Ugg boots. Winter is really one of the hardest season’s to stay chic.

But when I went out of town this weekend for a family celebration and it was EVEN COLDER where I was than here in New York City, I had to pull it together and make sure I wasn't looking like a bum.

I wanted to look professional, but didn’t want to wear all black, so I rocked a black pencil skirt with a bright yellow sweater. I was also excited to finally get to pull out my orange studded clutch I snagged at the final weekend of our beloved vintage shop Re/Dress (don’t worry, you can still shop online).

The one good thing about the cold was that I got to finally wear my hat and not feel kind of silly. (Full disclosure, I always feel a little silly in hats, no matter what they look like … random, I know.)

Coat and hat: H&M

Skirt: Fashion to Figure

Sweater: Vintage

Bag: Re/Dress

Shoes: Carlos Santana via Macy's

Journey to health: The top habits I'm kicking

2012-01-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

My goal is getting back to the intersection of health and happiness. What's yours?

As I continue on my journey to be the healthiest I can be, I am learning so much about certain unhealthy behaviors that I didn't even realize I was engaging in over the past few years. And as I make daily changes to be a healthier individual, that voice in my head will not let up in reminding me that I have to let these things go.

As I get back into running and working out regularly, and I work to get my emotions and coping mechanisms under control, I'm feeling my body thank me for taking better care of it. I am happier these days than I have been in a long time because I feel like I'm in control of my life. It's a wonderful feeling and I refuse to let it go.

That being said, it's a long way to being perfect and I have no delusions about the journey to get there. I think everything in moderation is a good goal to have. But eventually, I'd like to stop doing some of these things altogether, and I'll be damned if I don't keep trying.

So, without further ado, here are the eating habits I am working to kick this year:

Not drinking enough water.

A very close friend of mine who is a very fit doctor recently told me that she developed a bladder stone. For whatever reason, the stones passed from her kidneys into her bladder without her feeling it. From there, it began to cause excruciating pain and bleeding every time she went to the bathroom. This girl is one of the HEALTHIEST people I know and she told me she was actually afraid to use the bathroom because of the level of pain she was experiencing. I cringed when she described her symptoms to me.

And do you know what her doctor said caused it? Not drinking enough water. She is super busy and would find herself usually drinking juice or coffee or whatever is in the house or her job. It's VERY easy in today's society not to consume any water because you have things like soda, juice, sports drinks and coffee available wherever you go. And let's be real, sometimes you want something TASTY to quench your thirst.

So what I've been doing to make sure I get it is forcing myself to drink it if I don't feel like it. I wake up, chug a BIG glass of water before I eat breakfast or workout. When I work out, I make sure to drink before, during and after (this is usually the easiest time bc you're dying for it), before lunch, I chug another big glass, before dinner and then an hour before bed (give yourself an hour so you can pee before bed, because yea, no one wants to have to wake up in the middle of the night).

Drinking diet soda

Sigh.

I really friggin love diet soda. It's stupid, they are gross and full of chemicals, but I love 'em. I love the fake sugary, fizzy goodness. It's very hard to give up. I can usually last a few months at a time, but then the devil's ambrosia, aka Diet Coke, comes whispering sweet nothings in my ear and I'm seduced by its deliciousness once again.

The interesting thing about diet soda is that the warnings are all about how the sweeteners in it make you crave more sugar and that's why it's bad. Well that means ZERO, ZILCH, NADA to me, bc guess what, when you're trying to eat healthy you're always fighting your cravings. They are a part of life, you don't have to give into them.

What concerns me are the reports about aspartame and splenda. That stuff is no joke. I've read reports that it's a neurotoxin, cancer-causing carcinogen, leads to alzheimers (which runs in my family), can trick your body into thinking it's real sugar leading to insulin issues that cause diabetes, causes metabolic syndrome and many other equally frightening stories. I don't want that in my body and the only place I really find myself consuming it is in diet soda and coffee. But I know I have to bid you adieu, my dear beloved. (Excuse me while I go cry now ....)

Not buying organic

Admittedly, the whole organic regulation industry is a mess. The regulations these days and the claims being made by supposedly organic/free range/grass fed meat and produce are becoming outrageous. Why? Because it's very "in" to eat that way and people are shelling out a lot of money for it.

Don't believe that there is shadiness going on? Consider the evidence below:

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

All in all, it's important to make sure you do your research about where you are shopping and which companies you are giving your hard-earned dollars to.

Unfortunately, we all consume trace amounts of pesticides. And FDA and the USDA keep promising that there are no demonstrated health problems. But do you want chemicals on your food? Do you want to consume the poison killing pests and just believe what the government says? Probably not.

While it can be expensive, the good news is that even just switching some of the fruits and veggies you eat to organic can make a difference. I was surprised to learn that apples are the worst foods to consume if you aren't eating organic. Switching the so called "dirty dozen" to organic can make a big change.

These include: apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, grapes, nectarines, potatoes, peppers, lettuce, berries, greens like kale, collard greens, milk, meats high in fat (like red meat).

Some foods you don't have to worry about? (According to reports, although I'm still giving them the side eye): onions, cabbage, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes, mango, eggplant and avocado.

I remain skeptical of those mentioned above, but hey, baby steps, right?

Eating processed food

This is a long discussion for another day but is probably my BIGGEST goal.

The frightening reality of the American diet is that we are so often consuming food already prepared for us in a manner about which we have NO IDEA. I'm not even talking about restuarant meals. I mean good old fashioned microwavable food. How often do we eat lean cuisines, prepared soups/stews, tv dinners, "formed" chicken tenders/breasts/patties? We just pop it in the microwave for three minutes and boom, good to go. We're all guilty of it, myself included. We're busy busy people, but is your schedule really worth poisoning yourself?

By now, most of us have read about scary food ingredients you can't pronounce, but let me just share some frightening ones I've recently come across.

Ammonia

Cardboard and ink

FETUSES: (Yes, I did write that)

Additives considered to be "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen)

And the list goes on. Bottom line? It's time to start cooking our own meals so we can control the ingredients we are putting in them.

Also, if you really, really want to eat some junk food - like nachos or quesadillas or buffalo wings or typical bar food fare, why not cook them yourself? The effort it takes to do so may deter you and even if it doesn't, it's cheaper and healthier to cook it at home. I learned that tip, btw, from the AMAZING blog "Black Girl's Guide to Weightloss". I highly recommend adding it to your reading list. Very informative about the health and diet industry.

What habits do you want to give up? Share if you dare!

Have a happy, healthy weekend

Awesome press features!

2012-01-27T16:09:00.000-08:00

This has been such a whirlwind week for me with nonstop great things! YES! I feel so blessed.

Just wanted to share two press features on my blog.

I was voted Skorch magazine's best dressed of the week, as well featured in Plus Model Magazine's Fashion Friday and Black Fashion on Tumblr.

Check out the Skorch here: http://skorchmagazine.com/2012/01/best-dressed-allison-mcgevna.html

Check out the PLUS feature here: http://plus-model-mag.com/2012/01/plus-model-magazine-celebrates-fashion-friday-59/

Check out the Black Fashion bit here: http://blackfashion.tumblr.com/post/16666751981/submitted-by-http-alliemcgev-blogspot-com

Thanks again for being awesome readers! xoxoxo

Think pink

2012-01-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

I'd just like to announce I have completely ignored the fact that it's winter right now.

I've been wearing all spring colors for weeks now and I clearly just don't care, haha. They put me in a good mood, I find. And nothing's more important when it comes to accessories than a good attitude. I see it lacking in too many people these days.

This skirt was a vintage gem I found a few weeks ago for which I paid $5. Yes, $5 for a stunning silk magenta skirt in perfect condition. And then the fact that it's sexy without the need for Spanx? Jesus smiled on me that day. I get giddy just thinking about it.

Excuse those rogue curls. My hair is such a fussy diva and always wants to do her own thing.

The top is from the Miss Tina collection at Walmart. Yes honey, I said WALMART! So all in all, this entire outfit, minus the shoes, was less than $30. FaBAM! For a chic look at a recession price tag, I'll suffer through it looking a little too spring-timey. Besides, I'm a Virgo, which means I'm incredibly impatient anyway, so there was no way I was waiting for another month or two. It's my blog, so I make the rules, LOL.

All jokes aside, I wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for commenting and leaving your feedback. I wish I could express to you how much it means to me, but there aren't enough words to do so. This is a little dream of mine I've had for a while and I'm so grateful to you for clicking and commenting. You inspire me to keep pushing myself.

With much love, have a wonderful weekend my friends

Skirt: Vintage

Denim Top: Miss Tina for Walmart

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Necklace: Kenneth Cole via Macy's

Headband: My girl's closet ;)

Moon in my eyes

2012-01-25T21:50:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason, this outfit was totally inspired by the classic Eagles song, "Witchy Woman."

I was listening to the song the other day and decided I wanted to do something totally in black and gold with of course my fave pop of color. I just needed an occasion to wear it.

Enter Wednesday: My boyfriend performed with his band (so sexay, I know) in New York City and I was having one of the worst hair days of all time. It wasn't pretty kids. So what's a girl to do but throw it up and a head wrap and go? Couldn't be easier and it's one of my favorite looks to wear out.

Check it out below:

I really love this Aztec jumper from Fashion to Figure, which I shot for them this summer when it came out. It's very comfortable and really flattering. I wanted to really play it up, so I went with my go-to Fennimas jewels and my fave candy green pumps, which happened to match my green and blue manicure (got some interesting comments at the office on that one). I don't care that it's cold for open toes and I don't care that it's January. Fashion rules mean very little to me.

Overall, I'm pretty happy w the gypsy glam feel that I got when I put it all together. Hope it puts a fashion spell on you.

Ok, that was corny. What do u want from me, I'm tired! Lol, ok, that's enough. Thanks for clicking and following my loves.

OH and pretty please tell everyone you know about Allison McGevna being your favorite new blogger!! Or don't, I'll still love you, hehe.

Jumper: Fashion to Figure

Sweater: Calvin Klein

Jewelry: Fennimas

Shoes: Shoedazzle

Mellow yellow at the 'One for the Money Premiere'

2012-01-24T19:39:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the premiere of Katherine Heigl's new film, "One for the Money" and I had such an amazing time hanging with the cast.'

Katherine, Debbie Reynolds, John Leguizamo and Daniel Sunjata were all so friendly and had hysterical responses to the questions I asked them.

There's a scene where Debbie shoots a chicken with a handgun and I asked her if it took a lot of rehearsal bc everyone was laughing. She looked me dead in the face and said, "oh honey I killed that chicken in one take." It was just so funny and spot on. Pretty amazing to talk to a legend.

More on the clothes below.

I also loved talking to Daniel, who said we look alike. Haha, cutie. Check out my amazing photo bomb w him when Us magazine was intereviewing him.

Epic.

I was supposed to get a dress from a great designer I'm excited to wear, but it didn't arrive in time, so I had to get creative in my own closet. The skirt is actually a dress that I just folded and tied at the waist.

Sherri Shepherd said she loved my outfit. Pretty damn cool.

Hope you like it! Oh and me matching the step and repeat is completely and totally an accident.

Jacket and Cami: H&M

Necklace: Ashley Stewart

Skirt: Baby Phat dress (circa 2007)

Rue 114: Amazing new designer I'm obsessed with

2012-01-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

I *might* be a little biased as I am one of the faces of her collection, but I'm head over heels in love with Rue114.

She's an amazing designer who designs for sizes 0-26 and ladies, let me tell you, her clothes are so sexy and elegant that you will be sure to stop traffic.

This is Serwah Asante's (the designer's) first collection and it doesn't disappoint. The aesthetic is "Modern African Chic" and the clothes are well constructed and the fit is perfect.

Check out the photos and read more after the jump.

When we shot the collection, called "Et Dieu Créa La Femme" (And God Created Woman), in this amazing historic brownstone in Harlem and the idea was complete femme fatale. No smiles, dark shadows in the shots and a very moody feel.

My favorite thing about Rue 114 is that it COMPLETELY shatters the idea that you can't design for straight sizes and plus sizes. This woman designs for ALL sizes and every single piece is wearable and sexy.

Please support her work, she is amazing!

Animal instincts

2012-01-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

So I have a confession to make: I'm kind of obsessed with animal prints.

It's not really my fault, I grew up in New Jersey. But regardless, I nearly died when I saw this beautiful, dangerously sexy leopard dress. I also love the idea of pairing it with a different leopard print belt. Mixing prints is one of my absolute favorite trends right now.

Today's look was inspired by one of my best friends, the beautiful model Griselangel Paula. It's totally her style and it's my little way of paying homage to one of the great up and coming superstars.

And, another one of my best friends, also another superstar, Shannon Hiett, also wore this fabulous dress recently. What can I say, great minds think alike.

Dress: Asos

Belt: New York & Company

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

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OOTD: "Put a blazer over it"

2012-01-21T21:58:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid and my mom was one of those fabulous working moms in the 80s and 90s, she used to always say the same thing to me when offering me fashion advice: "put a blazer over it." These days, with blazers being as much of a fashion staple as jeans, I crack up to myself every time I put a blazer on over an outfit. I'm slowly becoming my mommy.

I've been kind of obsessed with ones that remind me of my her style in those days, and this plaid number was no exception. I love it, so thanks for the inspiration mom!

Blazer: Vintage

Pants: Dorothy Perkins

Bag/bangles: My friend's closet

Shoes: Nine West

Interview on AshleyGaga.com

2012-01-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

Hi lovies!

The beautiful Ashley Jefferson interviewed me recently for her website, AshleyGaga.com. She asked a lot of great questions and I'm just happy to be featured on her awesome site.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW

Please check it out and be sure to follow Ashley's work!

Ps, I also got to work with her as a fellow face of Rue114 's new collection, which debuts January 23! Excited!

DVD REVIEW: Jillian Michaels "Shred It With Weights"

2012-01-11T19:59:00.000-08:00

This week, I've been working out with Jillian Michaels' (of Biggest Loser fame) DVD "Shred It With Weights" and I want to give you some feedback about things that jump out at me about the purchase.

I'd like to tell you there was a grand plan in why I am starting with this DVD review first, but really it was just at the top of my pile of DVDs I bought at Walmart last week as part of my Allie to Rocky transformation. I haven't really purchased a lot of fitness DVDs in the past and I don't know who's-who in the video workout world. But I knew Jillian's name and the DVD was on sale for $7, so, boom, let's go.

(Full review after the jump)

My level of fitness: Beginner/Intermediate (I work at a desk job, have previously done weight training with light free-weights but have not worked out steadily in a few months (or maybe more, shh, don't judge me))

What's on the DVD: Kettlebell Instructional Guide, Level 1 Workout (approx 30 mins), Level 2 Workout (approx 30 mins).

If you've never used kettlebells, let me tell you, you're in for a treat. They are lots of fun and use your entire body. That makes it easier to do the move while you're doing it, but trust me, you will still get a great workout and really feel it the next day in a way that will surprise you.

The KEY to kettlebells is proper form. Watch the instructional first before you do anything. Even if you have used them before, make sure you watch to hear what Jillian calls some of the moves because some of the names she comes up with are NOTHING like what traditional k-bellers use. But, odd names aside, her form is excellent and it's a great way to learn the basics. You might want to YouTube a few kettlebell videos as well, just to see more people's forms. I did this because when I was first starting out with them, it took me a few tries to get it right.

The basic structure for both workouts is a warm up, three circuits, a cool down and stretch. Both are 30-min workouts.

Level 1 is a great workout for beginners because there is an option to do the moves without a bell and with a light free-weight. If you're just starting, that's important. The workout is challenging, but not impossible, even for a beginner. For those of you looking for a little more intense of a workout, don't think that just because it's level one that it's easy. There are definitely some moves to get your heart rate up, especially towards the end (that Turkish get-up move is NO JOKE).

If you're looking for a really challenging workout and feel that Level 1 is too easy, then Level 2 should definitely satisfy your needs. I'm still working through Level 1, so it's going to take me some time to work up to that level. Bc that thing looks intense. When I get there, I'll let you know.

What you'll need: A kettlebell is recommended but not necessary. There is room for substitution with a 3-8lb free-weight. Jillian is using her own kettlebell in the DVD, but folks, that thing is $$$$. Like more than $100 expensive. Now, ALL kettlebells are a bit pricey, but if you're just starting out, you can buy a 10 or 15lb one for around $15-$30, depending on the brand you choose. I purchased a Danskin 10lb ball from Walmart for around $20. I have also seen them at Target. You'll want to buy a standard size bell, not the tiny ones, as you need to be able to maneuver it with both of your hands.

The pros about buying Jillian's kettlebell is that it is adjustable. You can click the different plates into place to increase/decrease your weight, so as you get stronger, it's beneficial. But honestly, the clinking sound it makes (which you even hear in the video) is really annoying. And the major con is that even with the sale price, you're still looking at paying at least $60 for hers. But to each his own.

How much space you'll need: I live in an apartment building and I pushed my coffee table and chair aside in my living room to give myself a space of around 5'X8''. You can work with less, but there is a lot of swinging involved, some jumping (but not enough to piss off my downstairs neighbors - at least I don't think) and one move where you are lying down fully with your arms extended. So you'll want some space. Also, don't use kettlebells near anything that can break. You don't wanna drop this thing on your glassware. No bueno.

Other Important Things to Note: If you have a bad back, you should probably work your way into this video slowly. Most of the strength you're using in kettlebells comes from hip thrusts and your core, so you want to MAKE SURE you are keeping proper form. Kettlebell workouts are explosive moves, with a lot of locking of the knees and elbows, which is important to do to avoid injury. It is performed differently than it appears to be, so listen to what she says in terms of the form. The locking is something to be aware of if you have joint issues. It's not impossible to do, but you should always consult your doc (as if you didn't know that) and ease yourself into it if you're concerned.

At my current size, I tend to have light knee problems, meaning I get some soreness and pain with some squat moves, but I am able to get through the moves without problems. There is a jump squat move, but it's brief and, while hard, didn't give me knee issues afterward.

Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with this DVD. It's too early to tell about results, but I will keep you updated, as I plan to do it a few times a week for the next few weeks as my main source of strength training. It's a challenging workout that I think will appeal to many different fitness and age levels. Plus doing it at home means I can work out in a sports bra and leggings like Jillian and no one has to judge my jiggle. #Winning.

What to Do When You Absolutely, Without -a-Doubt, Really Hate the Gym

2012-01-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make, and I know I'm not alone: At this juncture in my life and my fitness journey, I really, really hate the gym.

I hate everything about it. I hate the intimidating number of machines. I hate feeling awkward and chubby next to the big ass dudes grunting while they lift in their muscle tees. I hate waiting for treadmills. I hate avoiding socializing bc my face looks like a tomato doused in water. I hate being self-conscious about frizzy hair. I hate contracts. I hate people trying to sell me personal training I can't afford (though I have worked with amazing trainers in the past and I know they work). I hate seeing upwards of $60 come out of my bank account. I hate feeling so fat next to skinny girls who give me sympathetic looks. I hate walking on the treadmill when I'm too tired to run and knowing that people are thinking "when is the fat chick gonna finish her workout?". I hate crowds. I hate the elliptical. I hate the stair-master. I hate the bike.

If you're having trouble reading between the lines, Allie hates the gym.

So what's a girl who wants to work out and get in shape do?

Well, I'm determined to find a solution. If Rocky Balboa could train in the snow in Soviet Russia with nothing but mountains, ropes, barn equipment and his cute cropped leather/shearling jacket while Ivan Drago trained shirtless in a state-of-the-art facility in Rocky IV, then dammit, I can do this the alternative route.

That's gonna be me, at the top of the stairs in my walk-up apt.

So, my latest crazy idea is to document this.

Disclaimer: I might reach a point where I realize it's impossible and I break down and join. I might get so annoyed that I go back to watching Lord of the Rings on my couch telling myself "I'll start tomorrow."

Or, I might get in really kick ass shape.

Wouldn't that be cool?

So anyway, to get started, I've done the following:

1. Purchased an embarrassing number of workout dvds. In fact, I bought so many that the cashier dude at Walmart looked at me and said, "somebody's got a New Years Resolution to keep". That was SO clever!
Among them: Jillian Michaels "Shred It With Weights," Jillian's "Ripped in 30," Jackie Warner "Xtreme Timesaver Training", Billy Blanks "This Is Tae Bo". I also own Beach Body's "Turbo Jam" and "Insanity" programs.

I figured I could be one of THOSE people who reviews stuff (is this really my life?). Because yea, I'm just like you. I used to be pretty good at things like running and boxing/muay thai. But I never got crazy with weights. Sister girl still can't do a pull-up, just like in 7th grade. Or more than 2 real pushups (don't judge me). And honestly, I haven't worked out steadily in a while, so I'm no pro. I'm just a regular chick with a desk job trying to be healthy. Let me know if there's one you want me to review specifically. Let me know if you're even reading this. Someone. ANYONE!? Just kidding, I'm not that desperate (but really, I am).

2. Talked to friends, my boyfriend, and my bff-4-eva, Google, about what kinds of exercises I can do it home without weights.

3.Bought a jump rope and some new running sneakers.

4.Bought a shake weight (mostly cuz I just wanted to laugh when I did this workout)

5.Bought an abs ball. Probably not the "official name" but thats what it is.

6.Bought a 10lb kettle bell. It goes with the DVDs and YouTube has some great tutorials. More on that to come. The brand I bought is from Danskin and I bought it at Walmart as well.

7.YouTubed the crap out of the following words "home workout". There is such a wealth of knowledge out there on that thing called "the internet." Now I sound like my grandfather.

8.Borrowed some of my boyfriend's old body building books.

9.Stole my sister's old yoga mat she left at my mom's house (I know, I'm not proud)

10.Prayed and came up with the crazy idea to document this journey. Maybe God has a sense of humor.

So there you have it. I'm starting with Jillian Michaels' "Shred It With Weights" video first. I just used it for the first time and I'll do a quick review and then let you know how it goes. Hope I can help someone out.

Here goes nothin ....

My Work Out Mix This Week

2012-01-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

I thought I might try something new every week and post the music I am listening to on my iPod as I huff and puff along through my workouts and try to hide from anyone in humanity seeing how red my face turns when I exercise, LOL.

As much as I am into dance music and club songs for cardio, they just haven't been cutting it this week, which has been my reintroduction into strength training, so below is what I've been having on steady repeat.

Jay Z - Say Hello
Jay Z - The Ruler's Back
TI - Tha King
TI- Motivation
Foo Fighters - Everlong
Foo Fighters - Hero
Eminem Ft. Pink - Won't Back Down
Eminem - Til I Collapse
Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff
Papa Roach - Last Resort
DMX - Ruff Ryders Anthem
Immigrant Song - Led Zeppelin
Muse - Uprising
Fort Minor - Remember the Name
Linkin Park - What I've Done
Bonecrusher Ft. TI/Big Mike - Neva Scared
Dipset -Get Crunk Music
Jimi Hendrix -All Along the Watchtower
Cream -Sunshine of Your Love
AC/DC - Back in Black

That's all for now. Sorry ladies, not the best cardio mix, but if you're feeling angry, you might be surprised and like it. But it's working for me to relieve frustration and stress. AND it makes pushing yourself MUCH easier.

The International Fuller Woman's Expo 2012 Campaign

2012-01-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

I'm very pleased to announce that I am the face of the 2012 International Fuller Woman's Expo to be held this September in Detroit, MI.

I found out about the campaign last year and was thrilled when I was asked to be a part of it. It is known worldwide for promoting positivity in the plus size world, with fashion industry insiders and businesses and more all coming together in a happy and positive environment.

Previously, the campaigns were shot by my dear friend and mentor, Mia Amber Davis, who tragically passed away last year. Mia is the reason I am in this business and the release of the photos has been very emotional for me. Mia was one of the absolute best models I ever had the pleasure of observing and she taught me so much of what I know. I feel humbled by being able to take on something that she lent her name to, and I hope I can make you proud.

The other REALLY exciting news is that I get to go and have a spot at the expo for a business/venture of my choice. I haven't in any way finalized anything but I am leaning toward doing something with the plus size woman and healthy lifestyle and fitness. I think it would be very exciting and empowering to go there with the recognition of being the spokesmodel and getting the opportunity to raise awareness for something I care about so deeply. I don't know how it's going to work yet, but I know that me and the universe are an awesome team and will be making it happen.

I am just so excited and I really hope to see all of you in Detroit in September!

Photo by Lucas Pictures
Makeup by Tara Taylor
Hair by Aliza Belinda
Styling by Steffany Bready-Edwards
Expo Chair: Cassandra Jones McBryde

Fun on set

2012-01-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

I shot for a new client today and one of the looks featured vintage eyewear. While I was waiting for the other model to finish, I had a little fun w hipstamatic, LOL. I am buying these glasses! Long live the 90s ....

Bringing in 2012 in My New Favorite Dress!

2012-01-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

This pink dress I wore was a vintage purchase that is probably one of my favorite things I've ever bought. It is absolutely hideous on the hanger (minus the color) but is so beautiful and perfect on. I swear I think buying vintage is becoming easier for me than shopping in regular stores.

If you’re just getting into vintage shopping, don’t be intimidated. Go in relatively form fitting clothing so you can try on right on top. I always wear a tight t-shirt and leggings and then just try on jackets and blouses right there in the aisle, especially when there is no opportunity for a fitting room. Have patience, look through everything and don’t judge it by how it looks on the hanger.

Have things altered and dry-cleaned and you will have an enviable closet that is all your own.

Oh and my shoes are my favorite Jessica Simpson’s. You canget them here. They're on sale big time and are waaaay cheaper than when I bought them, haha!

Let’s make 2012 the best year of our lives. No more negativity. Don’t go in thinking it’s going to be hard for you. You can condemn yourself with your own negative thoughts and words. Speak light into your life.

Xoxo!

Curves and Chaos Picked Me As a Favorite Face!

2012-01-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

One of my absolute favorite blogs, Curves and Chaos, gave me the honor of saying I was one of her favorite faces of 2011.

http://curvesandchaos.com/2011/12/my-favorite-faces-of-2011-2.html

It’s been such a crazy, fast-paced year and things like this are awesome to look back on. She also listed some of my favorite models and dear friends on the list, so it was an honor to be among them. Happy reading!

I'm Back!

2012-01-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year loves!

I'm sorry I have been so behind on blogging. It's been a very, very, VERY busy December and holiday season. But I've missed you terribly. Really, I have. And I promise to be around more this year.

I have lots of posts from the holidays and end of 2011, and I will also be putting my New Year's resolutions out there soon.

But in the meantime, look at this photo I found in my modeling archives. This was from one of my first tests and I really loved this day. I wish I could go back in time and warn myself about the struggles of the next few years, lol.

My 2012 Mantra

2012-01-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

"You can’t look at yourself in the mirror and tear your body apart. You have to look at it and go, “Thank you. Thank you for standing by me, for being there for me no matter what I have put you through."

-Demi Moore to Harper's Bazaar

*Editor's (aka Allie's) note: I had no idea at this time that Demi was allegedly abusing her body with reported substances like whip-its and other unhealthy behaviors. I would never, ever promote those kinds of behavior on a site dedicated to the bettering of yourself physically, spiritually, aesthetically and emotionally. Regardless, I wish Demi a speedy recovery and am sending her good vibes and prayers. And it's still an awesome quote.

"Mission Impossible" NYC Premiere

2012-01-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

The week before Christmas, I covered the “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” premiere.

It was extremely chaotic on that carpet and some people in the media were acting like they lost their minds to get an interview with the cast.

I wish I could really explain to you what the pace of a carpet is like so that you could understand it, but you probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you anyway, haha. Let’s just say it’s a lot of screaming, interrupting, scrambling and reporters/photographers practically jumping on top of people to get their shot. It’s pandemonium. Especially with a world-renowned star like Tom Cruise.

Anyway, check out my interview with Tom and my standup that I shot right next to him. In the editing process, we dropped the sound of the fans, but it was so deafening I could barely hear myself. There’s a moment when you see me kind of acknowledge him when he turns around next to me and it’s because the fans went COMPLETELY wild right at that moment (shh, don’t tell anyone, as you’re not really supposed to have any reaction when you're on camera, lol.). But the magic of editing gets rid of all of that.

Check it out and look for more at Fox411.com.

Oh, and my gorgeous dress is by Igigi. They are such a lovely and generous team and I love wearing their clothes on the carpet!

Divided We Fall ...

2011-12-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

Excuse the obvious girl-power reference here.

As it stands right now, the body acceptance movement is at a complete standstill. And many of us are playing a role in holding it back.

Somewhere along the line, in the fight to be accepted as the women we are, whether fat or thin, we have allowed ourselves to become divided and pitted against one another.

You don’t have to look far to find the infighting. On social networking sites, in articles, in material meant to be uplifting, I constantly read plus size women cutting down models for being “too skinny” or not a “real woman.”

It's frightengly familiar to the criticisms that have haunted so many of us for all our lives: “she’s too fat.”

It’s not that I don’t understand how it happened.

For decades now, women have been shamed into believing that failing to live up to the media and fashion industry’s standard of beauty has made them less than their thinner counterparts. You don’t need me to tell you how many of us have been made to feel less than deserving of quality fashion, respect, love and desirability for not resembling celebrities and models.

And it’s not just in the media.

When I was a teen, in the critical years of shaping my self-worth and deep in the throes of disordered eating, I had a person close to me try to shame me into losing weight.

“Aren’t you embarrassed at how everyone is staring at how big your butt is?"

“Don’t you want to look pretty?"

“No man will ever want a fat woman.”

It still hurts me to type those words – an excerpt of examples that could fill volumes – all these years later. I forgive that person, they were using their understanding of the world to try and “fix” me. But it failed miserably. It made me hate myself and therefore abuse myself. I carry it with me. It shaped my understanding of myself and the world around me.

As women, especially in adolescence, the criticisms we face on a daily basis give birth to an ugliness that casts a dark shadow on our lives and relationships: Jealousy. Bitterness. Sadness. A penchant for cutting other women down. It is a cycle as old as time and one of the most difficult to break.

In our own journeys to self acceptance, how often have we used these terms?

Real women have curves.

We’re “real size.”

Only a dog likes bones.

The “us vs them” attitude permeates in everything we do. We have created our own destructive and damning fortress --where plus size women are firmly pitted against their smaller counterparts. And in our division, we are slowly allowing ourselves to be conquered.

As the fad diet industry soars and a condemnation of women above a size 4 saturates the media, America’s obesity epidemic is growing more and more grave.

In the fashion industry, models are not becoming more realistic representations of the women to whom their clients cater. They’re getting smaller. Companies that claim to promote “healthy models” are being outed for encouraging ridiculous diets for their girls (Yes, I’m looking at you Victoria’s Secret).

Supermodels from the 90s , wearing a size 6, would be considered plus size by today’s standards. Women today who wear between a size 6 and 10 are left profoundly confused and isolated. They are either grouped with plus size or left with nothing at all.

We’ve all walked further and further away from the middle to a twisted, confusing and destructive world of extremes. And instead of looking at those who are causing the problems, we are turning on each other.

As Madeline Jones of Plus Model Magazine has so often pointed out, when it comes to the use of thin models to represent plus size women, agency bookers blame the clients. The clients blame the bookers. And we, as consumers, have in turn begun blaming models and public figures.

I understand the logic behind the criticisms. It is so confusing, so hurtful and so damaging to see a woman who is a size 6 wearing clothes that are being marketed to you when you’re a size 18, 20, 24 etc.

Worse, women’s careers in the public eye skyrocket after losing weight – look at Kelly Osbourne or Kim Kardashian. And when an already established talent loses weight, the sheer obsession with it often overshadows their career. It's easy to forget Jennifer Hudson, Valerie Bertinelli, and Kirstie Alley were established talent before they became weight loss icons.

I know why we get mad when they lose weight.

When someone you admire for accepting themselves loses weight and talks about how happy they are thinner, it feels like a reaffirmation of what the world tells you 10,000 times a day: that you are a better person if you are skinny.

Having been both slimmer and fatter than I am now, I can safely say that a woman who loses weight is not attempting to make a greater statement on this issue. She is just trying to settle something within herself. I was not better when I’m thinner and I’m not worse when I’m fatter. And vice versa. I am always Allie, the loud, crazy, slightly ill-tempered, obsessive woman I have always been. My outside packaging has NO impact on it.

And with that, I would ask – even implore – plus size women to stop cutting smaller women down. The movement I am a part of and want to be a part of is one that uplifts women, regardless of their appearance. One that accepts women of all shapes and sizes.

It is not one that believes in cutting down someone who does not look like you.

We cannot ask people to accept us if we turn around and shun them. By declaring that slim women, women without any curves or any non-plus size woman is somehow less “real” than us, we are part of the problem, not the solution.

After all, aren’t we fighting for the ability to be accepted and embraced at the size and shape that makes us happiest? Do those rules not apply to a woman who is smaller than a size 14?

In the interest of being explicitly clear, I am in no way condoning forcing models to lose excessive amounts of weight. I do not support companies that market to a plus size woman with a model that is nowhere near their customer’s size. I do not believe that everyone needs to be a size 6. Most of all, speaking from experience, I do not believe that losing weight will solve all of one’s problems.

What I am saying is that we have to remain steadfast in our support of ALL WOMEN in this whirlwind storm

going on in America today. No battle was ever conquered with insults. Fat shaming is ineffective and damaging, but so is shaming women who choose to lose weight or those who are naturally thin.

So today, I am stepping back and committing myself to resist being a pawn in an industry that promotes a “divide and conquer” mentality. I am going to stop preoccupying myself with proclamations that cut down someone else to make me feel better. I am accepting myself and every single one of you, at the size you were yesterday, today, tomorrow and in 20 years. I am going to try my hardest to set an example for a generation of women that will not cut down other women. I hope you will join me.

Inspiration

2011-12-06T21:49:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I YouTube how to do pretty much anything.

It all started when my boyfriend earned a huge following for teaching people how to create a home recording studio on a budget, but since then, it's taken off into a full-fledged addiction. This morning I may or may not have YouTubed how to do a "messy updo."

Anywho, in my YouTube research a few weeks ago, I came across this teenager named Cassandra Bankson, who offered tips for covering acne scars with foundation. I clicked on the video and was amazed at this emotional 19-year-old conquering her biggest fear -- to show her skin in its true form, scars and all -- in the name of showing others who struggle with similar issues how to cover up what they weren't ready to show the world.

Fast forward to today, and here was the same beautiful teen on "Good Morning America," speaking candidly about her own struggles with acne scarring and how she felt she needed to face her fears to help other young people.

From Fox's story:

“I am the most self conscious person about my acne,” Bankson said in the video. “I know it doesn’t look like it, but taking my makeup off is probably one of the most insecure things I can do.”

She appears in the video in full makeup, then removes it and shows a step-by-step guide for applying her foundation.

“This is probably the most nerve-wracking thing that I could possibly do because it is my biggest insecurity,” she says in the video while wearing no makeup.

I have to say, makeup magic aside, what struck me about this young woman was how her true, inner beauty shone through SO powerfully that I, along with many commenters, was blown away by how beautiful she was both with and WITHOUT makeup. Not in a cliche way, not in some contrived thing we are all supposed to say, but in reality.

She is gorgeous.

Needless to say, I got emotional while watching this. No, I don't have acne, but we can all relate to what she says and her shaky voice as she revealed what she looked like without the makeup. We all wear a mask of some sort, every single day, but how many of us not only have the courage to ADMIT that we wear one, but also to take it off for millions to see.

Some accuse her of being vain or fake, covering up her natural state with makeup. But that's silly. We cover up so much with our words, our clothing, our Facebook pages (insert shameless blog plug here), our cars and homes,even the people we surround ourselves with. I challenge all of her critics to ask themselves if they would be willing to share with the world their truth for ANY reason, much less one to help an internet stranger.

This girl is living proof of my theory that drove me to start a blog and to live my life in an open, honest and truthful matter. What we struggle with most is the key to our destiny. And by her sharing her deepest fear and insecurity, this young woman's world is about to change.

So Bravo, Cassandra. You are my hero today.

"Where in the world is ... Allison McGevna? (In My Carmen Sandiego Voice)

2011-12-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

Lol, I have the "Carmen Sandiego" theme song in my head now. Way to go Allie!

SO!

Forgive me for disappearing for more than a week, it’s been CRAZY!

First of all, I hope you all had an amazing holiday. I was out of town at my sister’s home and it was just perfect to be there with my whole family. I had a wonderful time.

Before that, I was sick as a dog! Fever, cough, no voice … the whole bit. I got an amazing medicine cocktail from my doc and now I’m all better.

So I wanted to take a minute to share with you some updates:

New Fashion to Figure Shoot:

I shot some new holiday looks for Fashion to Figure earlier this month, so make sure you stop by their site and pick up some goodies.

Plus Model Magazine Feature (photo above)

PMM did a great feature on girls who are working at a size 18. I’m closer to a 16 now, but I am proud to have worked and keep working steadily in spite of being on the larger spectrum of plus size models, some of whom are as small as a 6 these days! It feels nice to be recognized.

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE ISSUE HERE!

Hope you’re all doing fab lovies!

Oh, That's Just My Boyfriend, the Lead Singer of the Band ...

2011-11-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

This weekend, my boyfriend performed with his band in midtown.

I loaded up on Theraflu before going and only stayed for the performance portion. Afterward, they went out for drinks but I was a big, tired, sick mess and I just drove me and my brother home.

I did manage to snap a few shots of my outfit, which was another head to toe look for less than $50, aside from the earrings, which are from Fennimas. I think I'm earning my recessionista badge big time.

Jacket - Thrifted

Dress - H&M

Necklace - Soho vendor

Earrings - Fennimas

Indie + Fashion Show and a Farewell to Re/Dress

2011-11-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Domino Dollhouse gals w the amazing designer Tracy. (And Jeannie in the far right, LOL). Thanks Alicia for the pic I stole.

In spite of me being sick as a dog, I had an amazing time last night at the final Indie+ Fashion Show at Brooklyn's Re/Dress.

I got to walk for two amazing designers I haven't worked with before, Hissy Fit and Domino Dollhouse.

I have to say, I am OBSESSED w Domino Dollhouse as a result. Her stuff is so cute, fashionable, vintage and girly and my FAVORITE part is her awesome price point. You won't break the bank for adorable fashion. Plus, Tracy, the designer, has an awesome blog, Chubble Bubble. I'm officially a HUGE fan.

Me, puffy from being sick, in the chair.

Things were VERY hectic back stage but it was all worth it in the end to work with Deb, the owner of Re/Dress, who has been such a staple in the industry for the last three years.

Last night, she got very emotional when talking about the store and closing its doors in these tough economic times. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. Deb, her store and the employees have been so wonderful to all the NYC fashionistas and it was always such a positive place to be.

I remember when I was first getting into the NY modeling scene a few years ago, Deb's store was something I stumbled upon and immediately fell in love. Not only for the fashion, but for the shopping experience. It was nothing but love and positivity in that place and I know it was a reflection of the type of woman that Deb is. I'm so glad her store will be available on line and I'm proud I got the chance to know and work with her.

We'll miss your Brooklyn store, but I know so many ladies around the country will now be thrilled to get a piece of Re/Dress' amazingness online.

So, I toast to you Deb, for three years of amazing work and to many more years of amazing things to come.

After the show, I went out with three of my fave gals and we had some drinks and some laughs. (Well, they had drinks, I had tea!). Perfect way to end the night!!

Fluvia, Gabi and Maddy's liquor, and my peppermint tea, LOL

Talk soon lovies! More pics to come...

If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right ...

2011-11-19T15:02:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make: I really friggin love you, bagels.

But I'm on a quest to make healthier choices in my life and take better care of myself. Which means my beloved, holey, doughy goodnesses will have to be placed on temporary suspension.

It's not you, my loves, it's me. I just need to make a few better choices and you're one of those last things I need to let go of that are holding me back.

I just can't have you every day with your delicious high carbohydrates, which unfortunately are probably turning to fat every time I eat them. Or the fact that one of you is the equivalent of eating about 5 slices of bread.

We can still hang out sometimes, just not every day. And maybe not for a few weeks until it's easier to see you again.

But I still love you, and I'll come back for you, so don't forget about me, ok?

Signed,

Allie

Are You a Resident of Planet Facebook?

2011-11-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gentlemen, repeat the following affirmations after me:

Facebook is not reality.

Just because someone has more friends than me doesn’t mean they are a celebrity and I am not.

I will not base my self-worth on how many comments I get.

Everyone’s life seems better on Facebook.

It’s something that we all do but none of us will ever discuss: we put entirely too much emphasis on Facebook.

Now before you give me the side eye and think about how much you want to scream “shut up heffa!” at me, I will make a confession: I am guilty of it too.

The truth is that we have all done it. Facebook is a tabloid for regular people. And let’s face it, we all love some juicy gossip.

It’s how we find out what’s going on with our friends. Who our ex is dating. If we are cuter than said ex’s new honey dip (we always are of course!). How we catch up with the lives we want professionally and the people we admire. How we make ourselves feel better when we realize we’re doing better than the popular girl from high school. How we validate our own accomplishments.

Unfortunately, the ugly flip side is that it often becomes the tool for how we decide to feel about ourselves that week. Because the minute we see someone doing something positive in their own lives and we know we have been slacking, all of a sudden the guilt comes rolling on down like an old pair of Spanx after a big dinner. (Lol, sorry for the visual).

Let’s say you’re working your butt off and nothing is happening for you. Or you’re single and actively trying to find a new main squeeze but the prospects are bleak. Then comes some heffa on your newsfeed with EXACTLY what you want. How dare she?? Even if you like them, you find yourself giving them the side eye. Before they know it, their success has earned them a dreaded spot on the “hide” list. And then comes the whispers and the badmouthing. Before you know it, you can’t stop yourself from talking about so and so and how she thinks she is all that.

“Did you see what she put on Facebook? Who does this fool think she is?”

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I confess that hide people too. (That line above may or may not be my own words from an email I sent to my girls … oopsies)

Because let’s be real, some people take it too far the OTHER way and start to become celebrities in their own minds. Some of you probably know who you are. If you think it might be you, chances are, it has been at one time or another. There’s nothing wrong with promoting yourself. Trust me, as the girl without an agent/manager/PR team for years, I have promoted the crap outta myself. And, I have a public page for my blog and my work on Facebook myself. But I don't operate under any illusions about who I am.

Because guess what lovies? Pretending to be a celebrity on Facebook won’t make you one any faster.

Sorry, boos.

With nothing but love and positivity, I say to you: Some of you cross the line. You probably shouldn’t refer to your friends as your “fans.” Lots of you have ACTUAL FANS and that’s amazing for you. But you needn’t confuse everyone on your list with the people who are your actual fans.

Trust me. Your neighbors, colleagues, cousins and exes probably don’t appreciate it.

Bottom line: Being a Facebook celebrity and an actual celebrity are two very, very different things.

The other day an out-of-work magazine writer friend of mine confessed to me that she had to “hide” me because I had exactly the kind of job she wanted and she just couldn’t take seeing the things I did. I was so taken aback by it that it made me tear up while she told me about it. Was I committing the cardinal offense of Facebook Celebrity? Were my posts so annoying that I had earned a spot on The Great List of People Who Suck on Facebook? WAS I THE GIRL WE HATE??????

I admit it, I have an amazing job. I really do. I am very blessed. But I work really hard. Really, really, really hard. And I appreciate what I have been given and thank God for it daily, but honey child, I am NOT living the perfect life.

To be clear:

I interview celebrities. I am not one of them.

I have a great job and health benefits and all that jazz, but there are still weeks I eat ramen noodles to make rent (damn you, shopping addiction!)

I interview rich people, I am not one of them. Yet. (You see what I did there?)

I am really proud of the work I do and I will continue to promote it. That doesn’t mean that I think I am better than anyone (except maybe my boyfriend's exes, my ex's girlfriends and my jr high bullies, mmkay?)

I’m a big proponent of what my college mentor called “Faking it til you make it.” And lots of people do that. So it’s important NOT TO FORGET that fact the next time you think someone is living the perfect life based on their status updates. Step back and realize that their little 200 character post is not reflective of the whole picture. Just as you are, they too are trying to find peace within themselves.

Stop talking about your haters. Stop talking about people who stalk you. We all stalk each other. It’s why Stalkbook is successful. Complain privately to friends and family, don’t post it as your status. Stop judging your self-worth on other people’s lives. Because at the end of the day, my loves, their success doesn’t cancel out your own. Your life won’t end if you don’t ever pass your friends.

And, shuga, nobody ever got rich from a Facebook status.

With that I leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”

Yes, dolls, even the Facebook celebrities.

Now go ahead and tell your friends on Facebook how awesome my blog is so I can feel good about myself! Kthxbye!

New shoot for curve-friendly designer

2011-11-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, I did take this photo in the makeup chair. Are you judging me ?

This week I got the chance to be a part of a big project that is a small, but significant step when it comes to size diversity in the fashion world.

It’s with a store and publication that many of you guys know and I’m so excited to share. Can’t wait for December! Stay tuned lovies! God is blessing your girl!

Running While Fat: A Cautionary Tale

2011-11-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

A long time ago, in a land far away known as “high school”, I was a runner.

I joined the cross country team after my older sister, who was captain at the time, convinced me to go out for the team (Ok, she basically told me she’d beat me up if I didn’t). I hated her for about six months as she teamed up with my coach at the time to humiliate me in new and underhanded ways, including driving next to me in our parents minivan while I ran and she screamed at me if I stopped to walk. (Yes, my family is just a TAD obsessive).

Eventually, I got pretty good at it. Not the best, but I could hold my own. For about 2 years, I was solid. The-little-chubby-that-could, if you will.

Then, in the throes of my teenage crazy years, I got too big for it to be fun. It was not only physically challenging, but downright humiliating. (Hello, have you seen the booty shorts runners wear? With my booty? No bueno).

It was then that I became a repeat offender of RWF, or simply “Running While Fat.”

It wasn’t that the rest of the world thought it was so much of an offense, although as you’d imagine, the boys on the team did indeed have a way of taunting me (I forgive them, they were teenagers). But instead, it was mostly in my head.

I agonized over the uniforms. I faked injuries so I wouldn’t have to practice with the rest of the team and worry about keeping up with them. I stopped to tie my shoes and told the others to go ahead. I thought about impending races for weeks and the inevitable brutal headaches that would follow. I came up with creative ways to carry baby oil in my track bag (chafing is no joke, boo). I cried silently each time that I came in last in a race (which, to be fair, was almost every time.)

At this point, you might find yourself asking the obvious … why didn’t I just quit? Because I’m a lunatic? Well that too, but mostly because I actually really loved the ACT of running.

It’s hard to explain to people who hate running why it is gratifying for some people. Because, let’s face it, running hurts. It’s very difficult. It’s trying on your muscles and your lungs if you don’t know how to breathe properly. It can give you dreadful headaches if you combine improper breathing with dehydration.

But there’s a point where, if you keep going and keep improving, running becomes like medicine for your soul. It’s amazing how clear your thought process is when it’s just you, your ipod, your sneakers and the path rising to meet you like an old familiar friend. And of course it helps that it’s an awesome workout and will keep your body healthy.

To me, running is also the ultimate metaphor for life. It’s always a challenge. It’s always a sacrifice to run. You have to listen to your body and ultimately learn when it’s really had enough and when it’s the lazy voice in your head just trying to talk you out of pushing yourself. And once you DO get past the initial pain of it all, it becomes therapeutic. There is no greater test of patience and dedication.

I picked it up again in my 20s and was running steadily. I got up to about 3 miles a day, 5 days a week. I felt very healthy and happy. Running and I became BFFS 4EVA.

Or at least until some life crap happened. I got a demanding job. I gained weight. I got a pedicure. It was cold out. I had to wash my hair. Whatever it was, I made excuses, and I stopped running.

Now, I’m bigger than my body’s natural, happy weight, which means that the joyful act has been replaced with again RWF.

It’s back to panting. Back to mostly walking with a bounce. Back to three sports bras. Back to stopping. Back to headaches. Back to chafing and jiggling. Back to too much weight on my knees. Back to being embarrassed when my pants ride up. Back to being the hard, shitty part (I hope you don’t mind if I curse, it is my blog after all, and I’m Irish, so get used to it.)

But I’m reminding myself WHY I am doing this, even though I'm afraid of the pain – it’s for my health.. I don’t care if I lose 1 pound from running, to be honest. I am comfortable in my skin. What I want is to be healthier. And to make peace with vigorous activity again. I want my peaceful, old friend back. I want to enjoy running again. I want to awaken my inner athlete.

This week, I am setting a goal to walk/run at least 3 days for the week. I’ll find my rhythm again, it’s a promise I’ve made to myself. And one day, I'll work my way up to the ultimate goal - the New York City marathon.

I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Funny pictures and moments will certainly ensue. After all, what good is a life without laughter? And who better to laugh at than my own damn self.

Do you have a goal you’re setting for yourselves? Do you miss an activity you let slip out of your life? Let’s work on those goals together!

**disclaimer: I’m sorry if you’re offended by the word fat. Because then you probably will hate my blog and hate me too. Honestly, it is what it is. I don’t take myself seriously. And I’ve made peace with my current state of fatness. So with love and hugs I say to you, get the hell over it J

Until next time loves! Xo.

An Amazing Weekend ...

2011-11-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Me, on set, after the dream team made me up!

This weekend was really amazing.

First of all, my boyfriend, who of course i love to absolute pieces, got some amazing professional news this weekend. So Friday night, it was all about him. I treated him to dinner and a movie (Cheeseburger Paradise and Immortals to be exact).

On Saturday, we went to hear his brother DJ at Crimson Lounge in NYC. We bought a bottle of champagne and toasted to our family's success. I'm lucky to have a great relationship with his siblings and his brother's girlfriend, so it was just nice to be around loved ones.

And, It's great to see your loved ones succeed!

PS, my whole outfit cost $50. Down to the accessories.

Love me some Tarjay and Charlotte Russe baby!

(Dress is by Pure Energy, earrings from China Town and belt is from Charlotte Russe)

On Sunday, I shot some fliers for a big conference coming up next year, which I will share as soon as it's out. Needless to say, it was a really wonderful day.

I shot the images with the amazing LucasPictures/Plus Model Magazine team and it's always nothing short of a pleasure to work with people you admire professionally and personally. Plus, they're my dear friends! So the day was full of laughter and joy.

I hung around for a bit afterward to watch the lovely Shannon Hiett shoot an editorial for the magazine and it was amazing to see this girl work her magic in front of the camera. JUST WAIT TIL YOU SEE IT! She's amazing folks.

Me and Shannon on set

Most importantly, the last person who shot this campaign was my friend Mia Amber Davis, who passed away earlier this year. It was very emotional for me to think about her and channel the things I learned from her in the short time I was blessed to know her.

I was so nervous the night before, but as soon as I got on set, I felt more calm than I ever have while shooting. I felt at peace and just prayed to God and asked Mia to help me make her proud.

I hope I did.

Weekends like that are truly what makes life worth living. In spite of the hard troubles of this year, I'm really feeling like 2011 will end on a high note.

I can't wait to share.

And Mia, if you're reading this in heaven, please know how much you are missed. By me and everyone who ever knew you or your work.

Finally, if you get a chance, please check out the latest Monif C video for the holiday collection, featuring yours truly!

xoxo!

"Oh My God, You Interview CELEBRITIES???!!!"

2011-11-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

Please note, this is the Cannes Film Festival. I've never been. Never interviewed Brad or Angie. And most photogs are in regular clothes at the avg red carpet. But it's a cool pic. Oh and I didn't take it either. Kthxbye.

So, by now you’re privy to the fact that my job calls for me to interview celebrities.

A lot.

Because of this, people think I am some kind of secret agent or CIA operative. Like I can feel the side eye I get from people asking themselves "how in the HELL did SHE get that?" Every single day, I talk to people who are either impressed, bitter, shocked, disgusted or generally in disbelief when they hear what my job entails..

Then comes the question: “What’s it like?”

So I wanted to share a typical night.

It goes something like this:

Work a full 9 hour day at the office.

After work day is complete, drive to red carpet with camera news crews who remind you how much they HATE red carpets.

Arrive at red carpet.

Wait in really long line next to other, equally cranky newscrews.

Wait some more.

Get yelled at at least twice by said newscrews.

Have publicists and security treat you like you’re five.

Get knocked over by some very made-up ladies with big hair and big heels.

Stand in a 2-foot wide area for you and a giant camera behind you.

Wait some more.

Try to position yourself so your hair is not in the shot.

Temporarily curse the heavens for giving you abnormally large hair.

Try to suck in your butt (not possible, trust me, I've tried)

Wait some more.

Snap some photos and post to Facebook.

Proceed to sense that you are annoying people with said photos.

Wait some more.

Listen to photographers scream celebs’ name like their lives depend on it. You cannot even imagine the sound until you have experienced it. It's downright creepy.

Recognize celeb before they even come up to you.

Since you feel like you know them (DUH I saw all your movies!), call them by their first name.

Ignore weird looks they give you.

Put out your hand to shake theirs (unless they are Mark Wahlberg, who refuses to shake hands with the lowly folk).

Do your best not to react if their hands are clammy.

Try not to be distracted by their 105lb publicist in 6 inch heels who gives you the look of death with everything you ask. They may be small, but they are SCARY!

Try REALLY hard to form coherent thoughts and not think about WHO you are talking to.

Finish interview.

Wait some more.

Repeat again with next celebrity.

Leave red carpet and try not to get annoyed that you are taking the $2 gypsy bus home while the people you just talked to jump into limos.

Sit on your couch and watch Netflix and forget about what you just did.

Realize that most celebrities are like aliens from another planet.

Promptly lose any and all fascination with them.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show -- The Final Product

2011-11-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a minute to share the pieces I did from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

They were both lots of fun and I hope that the two people who read my blog REALLY enjoy them.

Full disclosure: Sometimes it’s so weird to see yourself on camera. Anyone else have moments where you look at yourself and say, Holy CRAP! Is that what I look like? Lol. Not even in a bad way always (ok, that’s always how it is for me) but just like a surprised, shocked moment.

Why is it that we see something completely different in the mirror than we do in photos or on camera?

(Shrugs)

Who knows. Enjoy!

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

2011-11-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

I really wish I wasn't holding my blackberry, which I'm also in the process of dumping, on the pink carpet. Fail.

For the third year in a row, I attended the Victoria's Secret holiday fashion show. It's always a lot of fun to be on the pink carpet, but it's also incredibly stressful because it's the most chaotic, tightly-packed, cramped event.

When I started covering the event, I was just starting out in the world of entertainment news and I remember being overwhelmed while I was interviewing people with my blackberry for sound bytes. I was one of the last people in a really ridiculously long carpet and most of the celebrities weren't even interested in talking to me.

Working in this business, whether you like it or not, you're judged on your appearance and whether you look like you "belong" on the carpet. Don't get me wrong, lots of people show up in regular clothing. But there are a lot of really young, thin, fashionable New York women on that carpet and it's enough to make a girl feel a little ... insecure.

The people on the carpet may be glamorous, but let me tell you, the cramped, chaotic carpets themselves ARE NOT!

This is definitely something I am working to correct and perfect. It's ridiculous to buy into it, but as my college mentor always said, you have to look the part before you can be the part. And let's face it, being the woman that I am and the size that I am, I already don't LOOK what people expect "the part" to be.

Enter my fashion. Truth be told, I don't have a lot of money right now in my life to buy lots of clothes. So I'm trying to get creative, but it's not always the easiest. I need to try harder and step up my game!

When you work these 13 hour days a few times a week, I am often tired and don't feel like dealing with heels and spanx and fancy clothes, but it's important to myself to FEEL my best. As my Irish dad loves to say, I don't give a fiddler's fart what other people think of me and my appearance. It's more important to me to FEEL like I put in the effort.

With "Project Runway" star Nick Verreos

That being said, I wore a beautiful jacket from Igigi tonight and styled my hair in a girly updo. I felt good about it and even got two compliments -- one from my fab fellow celebrity reporter Micah Jesse and another from the AMAZING Nick Verreos from "Project Runway."

I'll do another post when my videos go up, and I have some thoughts on Victoria's Secret and the image of women. So please stay tuned lovies!

For now, it's time for me to sleep in my favorite place on earth, my bed! Gnite beauties!

DEBBIIIIEEE!!! <3

The Journey of a Thousand Miles ....

2011-11-08T20:54:00.000-08:00

Me, in all my big-hipped glory.

I don't want to blog about losing weight.

I know you're thinking, uh DUH no one asked you to. But I want to be honest with all of you and share my journey. The emotional journey of setting a goal that seems impossible and working to achieve it.

I love myself and my body. I embrace being a voluptuous woman and I don't want to change that. In fact, I want to be a role model for other women in the hopes that they will learn to accept themselves as beautiful no matter how they feel.

What I want to change is my relationship with food, myself and my body. Ask anyone who has struggled with weight, it is exclusively an emotional struggle above all else. It's never about being really hungry for food, we are hungry for something else - usually a big, ugly, gaping, rotting emotional wound we carry just beneath our exterior. Scratch the surface and there it is like a bad penny that keeps turning up.

Strip away my exterior and you know what's there? A great deal of unresolved emotional issues that I am working to conquer.

But before I get into that, I want to share my story with you a little.

For most of my life, I thought of myself as fat, and therefore inferior. I was a chubby kid who was late to develop, but the struggles of a teenager seeking acceptance and dealing with pain and darkness she didn't know how to cope with turned very quickly into dangerous behavior and a pretty raging eating disorder.

At 14, I moved to a new school that was almost exclusively people that did not look like me and had far more money than I did. I know what you're thinking, waaaah, waaah, but even I forget how young I was then (just four years in double digits - lol, I know that sounds crazy, but think about it.) And if we all think back to our teen years, we'll all remember how everything seemed like the world was ending.

Anyway, at 14 I gained forty pounds in just six months and learned eating habits that would spell a laundry list of struggles I carry even to this day more than a decade later.

Let me be clear, this is MY story alone. A lot of people don't have a problem with food, whether they are thin or fat. But a lot of people (also, both thin and fat) do. Just look around at America. Most of us, on both sides, have a VERY unhealthy relationship with food.

When it comes to pain, some people use drugs, some people use food. It's all the same really: abusing something to the point where it impedes your daily life, your judgment and above all else, your health. In my case, I would self-medicate my teenage woes - which I will spare u deets of -- with carbs, fat, fast food and then an ensuing nap.

As a teen, I slept like crazy. Of course I did ... all I did was gorge, unsuccessfully purge, cry, then sleep away the guilt for three hours. Then I'd wake up and eat more garbage. Then go back to sleep to wake up and repeat the day's behaviors. I graduated high school in a bad physical place. I'm not sure the number and really it doesn't matter. My behaviors were neither happy nor healthy. I had high cholesterol and could barely do any activity. I went from a cross country runner as a freshman to a depressed couch potato senior who cried herself to sleep most nights.

Fast forward to college, where I lost weight. Yes, my eating habits were SO bad as a teenager that the dining hall, beer and pizza caused me to LOSE weight. I started taking somewhat better care of myself emotionally, allowing myself to believe that I was an attractive and worthy person. It's amazing the power that a little self love has. Honestly, THIS is why those who argue against accepting yourself at any size are profoundly flawed. Really, it's only upon accepting who you are, flaws and all, that you can become the BEST version of yourself. In fact, if all women (and men) were allowed the PERMISSION to feel beautiful and worthy no matter how they look, I guarantee that half of the world's health problems would be solved. Be it obesity or otherwise.

I'll get off my soapbox now.

Anyway, at 22, after graduating, I weighed less, but I still wasn't practicing healthy eating habits or working out as I should have been. And I can't say what sparked it, but one day I just decided I wanted to try and change. I knew it was different that time because something in my head was clear. I was at peace with it. And with that, something clicked. I learned how to eat and how to exercise and I lost weight. A lot of weight. Almost seventy pounds to be exact.

Me, a long time and a lot of pounds ago.

At that time, I was missing a VERY critical piece of life's puzzle and I paid a huge price because of it.

You see, I THOUGHT that losing weight meant I was cured of the emotional issues. I thought if I was thinner (and therefore beautiful), that meant that i would never have to deal with the darkness inside of me again. I thought I just turned off the switch and BOOM I would be CURED. If my size 8's fit, Jesus himself was going to come down and tell me how great and worthy I was of his love. And duh, I thought that seventy pounds was gone forever.

I was as deluded, broken and wrong as before. But no one seemed to care because I was doing it in smaller pants.

During this time, I was COMPLETELY obsessed with dieting, going from extreme menus of nothing but cauliflower, broccoli and protein shakes to weekends where I lived off McDonalds (counteracted with grueling workouts for several hours at a time.) I tried it all --well known diet pills, cleanses, fasts .. anything to get it off. And guess what? They ALL worked. I didn't care that those diet pills caused me to faint in the middle of Lake Shore Drive in Chicago and wake up with two nice university students standing over me yelling to see if I was ok (yea, I'm not sharing all the deets of that story with you until you buy me a beer).

The pills made me vomit and live in a constant state of light-headedness. But who cares, I was getting THIN, y'all! I weighed myself daily. I wrote my calories on napkins and carried photos of my celebrity inspirations in my wallet. I worked out twice, sometimes three times a day. I lived and breathed my weight loss. I relished every single compliment I received from people who were just SO surprised at how GOOD I looked and could I share my secret to success? My secret was that I was a raging lunatic. But it didn't matter because on the outside, I was moving toward what the world SAYS women should look like.

I was hardly better ... I was just what I like to call "differently bad."

I moved back to NJ with my parents in the summer of 2007. At that time I was a great "on-paper" weight and felt and looked fantastic. Removed from the confines of living in my own apartment alone, I was reintroduced to all the things that had caused me to gain in the first place. Within 2 weeks, I had already gained 15 pounds. By December, another 18. By the next June, I had gained nearly 50 pounds back.

And now, I am here, beginning my journey to healthy again. A little older, a little wiser, and, well, a little fatter.

I am now working in my dream field of journalism, trying to work my way toward broadcast. I am also a plus size model who thinks curves are the most beautiful amazing thing a woman possesses.

But understand that all of this does NOT mean that i don't still struggle with the emotional issues that caused me to gain and lose nearly 200 pounds in my lifetime.

Modeling and television are both industries fraught with men and women who carry inside of them a darkness and a narcissism that most refuse to articulate.

Well, I am going to articulate it.

I am here not because I want to be thin. I have been thin and I have been fat and every damn size in between. Trust me, I was never a better person either way. I was always the same old Allie.

I am here because I want to live a good, long and healthy life that inspires others. I am here because I want to teach my future children what it means to be a healthy, active person who is not just self-accepting, but also self-loving. I am here because I am living proof that you can love yourself and your body and still want to be healthy and improve it. I am here because I still abuse myself with unkind words, self deprecation and unhealthy habits. I am here because there are still pains in my heart that if I share them, they will at least not be inside of me any longer.

I am here because if I have these feelings, I know some of you do too.

You don't have to comment on my blog. You don't have to repost my words. Really, you don't even have to read it. I just want to put it out there because so many of YOUR words help, inspire and touch me. And part of my goal in life is to help women and men who have dealt and continue to deal with the issues I stand up today to face.

I'm going to write whatever I feel - uncensored. I am going to open myself up to the ghosts of the web. And I am going to let those wounds be exposed to the air and the elements. And, as is nature's way, even my worst wounds will surely heal.

I've been told God gives all of us our purpose right in front of our faces but most of us never realize it. The other day my pastor looked at me and said, "Al, you want to know how you learn your purpose? Take what has been the biggest, most recurring issue in your heart and in your life and boom, there you have your first step. Whatever it is, decide to talk about it and slowly, your path will be revealed."

I just took the first step.

Who Is Allie?

2011-11-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

Me at the 2010 LA Full Figured Fashion Week Afterparty

I know it's been forever, and I can only say for that I'm sorry. The 2 of you who have looked at this blog awaiting an update (hi Mom and Dad, lol!) I know have been disappointing in the lack of posts, but I've been trying to get my mind together.

Really, I've been trying to figure out what I have to say and what makes my voice unique in what feels like an endless sea of blogs in the internet. From entertainment to weight loss to fashion to fatshion to beauty, there are just so many things to read out there, it's hard to distinguish yourself.

But I wouldn't be me if I didn't try.

Me on the red carpet at the 2011 NY Film Festival

So far, I've posted mostly about the work I've done, but kept who Allie is pretty tight under wraps. Frankly, I'd like to change that and I have to believe that the reason most of us go to blogs, other than to look at pretty pictures of course, is because we grow attached to the person writing the posts.

So here goes the few reasons why i can only hope that you would care to read what I have to say.

I'm a complicated but confident woman who is plus size working in two industries that have pretty much a zero tolerance for women above a size 6. I'm not complaining. I love what I do. But it's not always what you see in Facebook photos and tweets. Let's be honest, whose life really is? My goal is to be honest. To be truthful and up front. You may not like all that I have to say, but I hope that you can respect it and that it affects even one person out there who reads it (again, shout out to my mommy!).

I love working in television. But it's a notoriously competitive, brutal industry. And I've faced my fair share of brutal moments. If you have even one fracture in your self confidence, this business will chew you up, spit you out and feed your soul's remains to the dogs. Ok, that was ridiculously dramatic, but you see where I'm going with this.

Yes, I'm a plus size model, but I have struggled beyond words in that industry. I get a lot of messages from young women asking me how to get started and truthfully, I don't always know how to answer. Because I have had to fight tooth and nail to get every little scrap I have. I'm so proud of the things I have accomplished, but it has not been easy. To say the least.

I also am struggling to find the weight and size I really want to be. I know I know, as a plus size model you're not supposed to say that. But I'm going to say whatever I want. I love myself, I love my body for the amazing things it does and I'm proud to show off when I feel beautiful, sexy, confident and happy. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't be able to be honest. And isn't that the whole purpose of this movement to include plus women, that we ALL have permission to be the size we want and still be fashionable and feel beautiful? I'm not at MY ideal in MY mind and I want to share that with all of you.

Moreover, I want to share with you my journey back to health because I have not been the healthiest I could have been. But I'm working to change that. I'm learning about myself. About the athlete inside of me and all the things she can do. I hope you understand that.

Oh and of course I'll talk about celebrities. DUH! Lol.

So I hope you will stay tuned. And I hope you'll enjoy the ride.


Now let's drink and be merry!

Sebastian Bach and the Oak Ridge Boys

2011-09-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

The one day I don't wear makeup to work!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting two music legends in two very different genres.

Earlier this week, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row fame and country legends The Oak Ridge Boys stopped by the office for in-studio interviews.

The Oak Ridge Boys were such a delight to interview -- they all had great things to say to me about their years in the business. Even if you're not a country fan, you can really appreciate artists who have been successfully touring and recording for more than three decades.

I didn't get to interview Sebastian, but I did pose for a groupie pic.

I had to!

Coach Sylvester!

2011-09-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today the amazing Jane Lynch stopped by my office to do an in-studio interview for her new memoir "Happy Accidents." I cant believe that less than a WEEK after hosting the Emmys, she is promoting a book now across the country! Does this woman sleep?

She was very gracious and sweet to our team and snapped a few photos with us after. I felt very short next to her and the guys at work, but she is VERY tall! :)

Stay tuned for the video piece to come!

More From the Plus Model Magazine / As You Are Blogger Conference

2011-09-20T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more photos of me at the Plus Model Magazine/As You Are blogger conference. It was so much fun to be a part of! I got to wear four beautiful coats. It was hard to pick a favorite!!

Thanks to Lucas Pictures for the images. More to come in the October issue of Plus Model Mag.

How to Date a Super Model - With Julia Lescova

2011-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago I told you guys about an interview I did with Guess Model Julia Lescova. Well, here is the final video. It was so much fun to interview her and we laughed a lot while she told me some of her hysterical stories about dating and pick-up lines from guys.

Check out more at FOX 411.

Emmy Fashion Hots or Nots

2011-09-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

So this year I got to watch the Emmys at home with a glass of wine and it was so much fun to not be working for the show! But I was in early today to work on the fashion recaps at Fox.

Overall, I wasn't that impressed with a lot of the looks but I did love Sofia Vergara's Vera Wang and Kate Winslet's Elie Saab gowns.

Check out my slideshow on FOX 411 for the full re-cap:

http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2011/09/19/hot-or-not-best-and-worst-dressed-at-emmy-awards/#slide=1

Am I the Only One Who Thinks Christina Hendricks Needs to Switch It Up?

2011-09-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, she looks beautiful. And I love a woman with curves who likes to show off her body, but seriously sister, it's ok to put those puppies away. And u know, there are bras that don't push your cleavage into your collarbone.

Just sayin.

Some of My Work With Fashion to Figure

2011-09-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest clients I've gotten the pleasure of working with is Fashion to Figure. I like working with a client that features clothes I would wear.

I'm excited to be a part of it and it's cool bc so many of my model and stylist friends have or will be working with them as well. It's nice to see people you know in the industry working together.

Check out some of my work with them below.

Julia Lescova Interview

2011-09-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

I have to say, I feel very brave posting this photo, lol.

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing the beautiful model Julia Lescova for FOX 411. She is the new face of Guess lingerie and was super sweet.

The interview topic is really funny and will be available soon on FoxNews.com. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, you can see a slideshow of Julia's work for Guess here @ FOX411.

Fashion's Night Out and the Plus Model Magazine Blogger Conference

2011-09-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

With plus models Stacey Hiett, Shannon Hiett, Griselangel Paula and The Curvy Fashionista Blogger Marie Denee.

It's officially Fashion Week here in New York City and last week kicked things off with Fashion's Night Out.

I stopped by a few places on Thursday night, but made sure to get a lot of sleep as well because I had to work Friday at the Plus Model Magazine blogger conference for the new outerwear company As You Are. The company offers beautiful coats for plus size women and I was lucky enough to model a few of the looks.

Check out some behind the scenes photos from Thursday and Friday.

For Fashion's Night Out, my striped dress is from Marciano, shoes from Jessica Simpson and my clutch was thrifted.

With the beautiful Shannon Hiett

With the stunning Griselangel Paula. Check her out in the her new Lane Bryant campaign.

With stylist Steffany Allen

September 11 and the Cast of "Rescue Me"

2011-09-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Me on the red carpet

Last Wednesday, I interviewed the cast of FX's amazing show "Rescue Me" at their series finale event in New York City.

I was happy to get the opportunity to chat with the cast -- all of whom were gracious, down to earth and wonderful -- about their final year of shooting, and how working on a September 11-centric show was for them as actors.

You can check out my interview below from FoxNews.com, as well as some pics from the red carpet after the jump.

Denis Leary on the carpet. You can see me (looking so mad, why Allie?!?) in the middle (Getty)


Steven Pasquale, Callie Thorne, Denis Leary, and John Scurti (Getty)

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-09-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

My birthday party's livelihood was SERIOUSLY threatened by Hurricane Irene this year.

After what felt like weeks of planning, it ended up being rained out and most of my friends were too busy preparing for the impending doom to make it out.

But a few were able to come out, which made me SO happy. Most were college pals and their significant others, but we had a blast in VIP.

I'm wearing a dress from ASOS Curve and my headband is from Bebe.

Countdown of Some of My Favorite Professional Moments (TV Edition)

2011-09-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

With film legend James Brolin. What a moment!

So since I don't want to bore you with tons of posts about some of the best moments of my years working in the television and news world, I thought I'd just share some pics and videos of the past three years.

It's an inaugural post really, and I promise my future ones will be much more specific.

More photos after the jump.

With the Fox News team at the Tony Awards

With Ashlyne Huff and Jill Dobson

On the "black" carpet for the premiere of X-Men First Class wearing Forever 21+

Interviewing the amazing and funny Jon Hamm

At the premiere of "The Next Three Days."

With Allison Barrie, Ashley Dvorkin and Jill Dobson on "The Strategy Room," now re-named "FoxNews.com Live"

At the 2011 NY Film Festival wearing Fashion to Figure

At the Tonys (again)

Welcome to my blog!

2011-09-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!

My name is Allison McGevna and I am a New York-based reporter and producer. I currently work for Fox411.com and I absolutely love what I do.

I'm also a plus size model and I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with amazing designers. Some of the ones I am most proud of include Fashion to Figure, Monif C, Baby Phat, Roca Wear, Plus Model Magazine, All You Magazine, Igigi and more.

My work often takes me to interesting people and affords me the opportunity to meet and interview very interesting people, so I wanted a platform to share some of the behind the scenes, as well as the final product. I'm already on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and more, but I wanted a place that can connect all of them.

So let's take a journey ...