A peek at the collections!!

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Jessica Biffi
 Hello Everyone!
It's Jessica Biffi again.  I just wanted to share my excitement over my plus collections launching this April in stores and online!

I wanted to give you all a little peek at what to look for in stores.  For Addition Elle, I was very inspired by the myth of the Phoenix, and used feathers and fire colours as my base, and added flattering pleats and draping to very cute tops that could work day or night.  For MXM, I want you to take a trip to India and Morocco with me.  I used the vibrant colours and gold details of these amazing cultures to create a very fun and playful, sexy collection.  My favourite pieces are the purple coin tunic and a teal embellished top.

I want to thank everyone for all the amazing support and comments!  Keep them coming and please stay tuned for more blog posts, tweets and Facebook messages from me as I travel from Toronto, Guelph, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary to launch the collections in store!   

Getting excited!

Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Jessica Biffi
 Hello Everyone!  
Its Jessica Biffi here!  I'm getting more and more excited as the launch gets closer!  I was on the street the other day and saw one of my regular customers from when I worked at Addition Elle, at Yonge and Temperance in downtown Toronto.  She stopped me and asked me what I was working on these days, and she freaked out when I told her about the plus size collections I've designed.  For me that's one of the best things about this amazing partnership with between Jessica Biffi and Addition Elle and MXM - I know the customer and get to dress her in a different way now.  I'm also very happy to say that I will be at the Yonge and Temperance store again in the near future for an exciting launch party for loyal customers.  I will be crossing Canada during the first few weeks of April to launch the collections in selected stores.  I love interacting with my customers, just like how I got to the other day, and I hope that you will stay tuned for more information about cities I will be visiting and hope to see you at the parties!!   

TREND ALERT

Monday, February 22, 2010 by Marie-Pierre Bourbeau & Christina Bino

The Boyfriend

 

Some of us thought we’d never see it again, but yes ladies that denim inspired 80’s look is back. Only this time we’re calling it, the boyfriend jean.

 

This boyfriend look – doesn’t have to be so masculine after all, believe it or not you can make this look very sexy and feminine! Your boyfriend is going to wonder when you got into his closet ;) Don’t forget to wear it with your MXM boyfriend cardigan and for that finishing touch roll up the bottom and match them with your sexy high heals or even cute ballet flats!

 

 

Ps: Every celebrity is doing it! Check it out.

 

 

 

Go Canada!!!

Monday, February 15, 2010 by Laura Corcoran

Is your household in an Olympic frenzy like ours?  We've been glued to the TV all weekend long, from the Opening Ceremonies (Nikki & KD were spectacular, non?) through the heart warming "I believe" commercials and the extraordinary excitement & pride that the first ever gold medal won at home generated last night! 

There's a movement to show your support of the home team by wearing red during the games.  I sported a red suit jacket today... and am looking at several of these plus size fashion tops from Addition Elle, MXM &  Penningtons to help get me through the week.   



cap sleeve draped neck top3/4 sleeve henley foolerchain back top with screen print

I believe, do you?

An inspiration.

Thursday, February 11, 2010 by Jessica Biffi
 Hello Everyone,
Its Jessica Biffi.  I really wanted to share something with you all today, that is very dear to me.  As some of you may know, Alexander McQueen was my favourite designer.  His work spoke to me as a young woman, and his voice called to me as a designer.  I still remember the first show that shaped me to be the designer I am today, and the designer I hope to be one day be - and that was my first experience with Alexander McQueen.  It is with a heavy heart that I morn him today.  

He was not a plus size designer, but he was a creator that inspired me.  A true tailor and someone that worshiped his craft, I respected him whole heartedly.  He is, and will forever be one of the biggest inspirations in my work.  I strive to be the artist that he is, weather it is in creating my own label's collections, or the new collections that I have created for Addition Elle and MXM.

He will be greatly missed.  

MXM new skinny jeans

Thursday, February 4, 2010 by Marie-Pierre Bourbeau & Christina Bino

 Fashion experts report its a must-have in every women's closet!!

THE SKINNY



You asked. MXM Delivered.

The SUPER SKINNY Jean
(In selected MXM stores)

Let the Super skinny jean become your new found love.
Made especially with YOU in mind, to shape and flatter your body!


The skinny gives you the ability to look sexy and confident effortelessly. When you pair them with the right piece they can flatter any figure. The lean look from hip to ankle makes the leg look longer, which makes you look taller and slimmer! Wear your new favorite jeans with a great tunic or longer shirt, like the MXM long boyfriend cardigan (see below). And dont forget, skinny jeans always look adorable with a pair of ankle boots or balerina!
Put on your skinny jeans and find out exactly what I mean!




http://www.1-plus.com/mxm-denim-super-skinny-jean_stcVVproductId92298553VVcatId487091VVviewprod.htm 




 



Fashion comes to Life

Monday, February 1, 2010 by Laura Corcoran

Last week, Addition Elle stores across Canada decided to take a fresh approach to help shake those winter blues.  You may not have noticed, but in-stores and online a plant has been growing for over a week. It’s our inspiration to think spring, rebirth, and newness.

So visit Addition Elle's website to watch fashion come to life at your favorite plus size retailer.  You'll also find new arrivals in our Spring assortment of plus size tops, lingerie, activewear & capris.  

And on February 3rd see our plant, and our collection, in full bloom, You'll be pleasantly surprised! 

Fiercely Real?

Thursday, January 28, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
Tyra Banks has a new project -- she's launching a Fiercely Real  plus size teen model search. 

"I've always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty," says Banks.  She tries  to "challenge industry and universal standards" by "celebrating non-traditional beauty" and stressing the importance of inner beauty.

The criteria?  Contestants must wear size 12 to 20, be between thirteen and nineteen, 5'9" or taller, oh, and American. 

That's OK, Canadian full figure women had their opportunity last year during Canada's Plus Size model search :), sponsored by Penningtons, Addition Elle & MXM along with Specs Model Agency & Lou Lou Magazine.  You've seen the finalists featured in our Fall advertising campaigns.

Tyra's finalists & the grand prize winner will be announced on her talk show early March. 

If done well, this search may help plus size teens uncover their inner beauty and encourage impressionable, curvy girls to realize that a fit, healthy size 16 is as stunning as a size 6.

We'll be watching....


 


Jessica Biffi - catch a rising star :)

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 by Laura Corcoran

An update on the Jessica Biffi collections, exclusive to Addition Elle & MXM.  The collections will launch at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week in March, and will be available in select stores across Canada starting April 1st, 2010.  You'll also be able to shop these hot new styles online at 1 Plus in April.

Although very diverse, each collection includes a thread of similarity including elements of gold detailing and embellishments, and my signature feminine draping and pleats with touches of tailoring,” says Jessica Biffi. “The Jessica Biffi for Addition Elle, features contemporary, sophisticated styling; clean, simple lines with pops of brilliant colour, and a phoenix-inspired, graphic feather print. At the other end of the spectrum and in keeping with its cool, trendy image, the MXM collection, Bold Biffi for MXM, is hip, youthful, and exotic – inspired by the culture, colours, embellishments, and traditional clothing of evocative countries such as India and Morocco", says Jessica. 

V is for Voluptuous!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and Addition-Elle, your plus size lingerie experts, have created a collection of Valentine intimates that will bring out your 'va va voom' !

You'll find , balconnet embroidered underwire bravoluptuous bras and hi cut embroidered pantymatching panties to cover your curves in a variety of prints, trims and colors that will make you feel like a V.I.P.

Vibrantnew femme fatale underwire bracolors,  a variety of prints like this contour padded fashion underwire bra'key to my heart'  and vivacious animal instincts padded plunge fashion convertible braall VERY sexy. 

Feel daring?  Complete your look with a pair of  lace stay ups. 


YES! YES! It's true!! Jessica Biffi designs two plus size collections!!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 by Jessica Biffi
 Hello!
I just wanted to take a second to introduce myself.  My name is Jessica Biffi.  For those of you who might not know me, I'm a designer, and was recently on season two of Project Runway Canada. Since the show, I have launched my own brand, Jessica Biffi, and I've been working on a few very exciting projects.  I am thrilled to be announcing that I have designed two amazing collections for you!  You can look forward to Jessica Biffi for Addition Elle, and Bold Biffi for MXM!  

I will be posting on this blog with more exciting updates, news and information about the collections, as well as on Addition Elle and MXM's Facebook pages.  Also you can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JessicaBiffi, as we get closer to the launch of these great capsules due out in selected stores and online this spring!


Jessica in the house

Monday, January 25, 2010 by Laura Corcoran


 
Remember Jessica Biffi? She was the second place winner of last season's Project Runway Canada, and we followed and celebrated her creativity & success.

Now she is working with Addition Elle and MXM  to develop two signature collections of plus size fashion that will premiere in select stores in April 2010. 

"It's a dream come true" she said as she jet setted in to Montreal to put some finishing touches on her styles. Jessica's design signature style includes pleating, surface detail, draping & clean lines.  We're looking forward to the big "reveal" soon, stay tuned for more details.

 

Living the brand - Casually.

Friday, January 22, 2010 by Laura Corcoran

Living the Brandwith our Dynamic Casual Buying Department

                            Brands represent the sum of all valuable qualities of a product to the consumer. There are many intangibles involved in business, intangibles left wholly from the income statement and balance sheet which determine how a business is perceived. The learned skill of a knowledge worker, the type of facing, the type of stitch: all may be without an 'accounting cost' but for those who truly know the product, the difference is incomparable.

 Failing to recognize these assets that a business, any business, can create and maintain will set an enterprise at a serious disadvantage. To get a sense of what a brand is, just stop and think like a customer.

 Addition Elle Brand Ambassador, Josie Fasciano is spotlighting the teams who are 'dedicated to enhancing the image of plus size women' each week.

SPOTLIGHT of the WEEK: Addition Elle's CASUAL BUYING DEPARTMENT

 

Meet Addition Elle’s Casual Buying Department – a group of talented, dynamic and detailed oriented people. Buyers, supported by their Assistants and Merchandising Assistants, work very hard to develop the best casual products that our customers would fall in love with. As a team they analyse, develop, seek, modify, try-on, test, review… they do everything they can to offer the best of the best!  They take their role seriously. They listen and care about our customers’ needs. You will be amazed by the casual products in our stores… Make sure you visit our stores for spring 2010!  

Let's be brief

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
Next to Christmas, Valentines Day is one of the best times to shop for plus size lingerie.  The 1 Plus collection of pretty, sexy & pretty sexy lingerie is starting to hit stores now.

MXM's brief collection features plus size panties in great shapes and fun prints, including low rise bikinis and hipsters.  
Are you a Hearts & Arrows hipster with heart & arrowor 'love & sexy' printed hipsterLove & Sexy girl?   
Penningtons has a flattering "Fairy" panty Lower rise Fairy panty in Redin several color combinations, along with thongs, full & high cut briefs.

If you prefer Lace,  Addition Elle has new femme fatale boyshortjust what you are looking for... in their Femme Fatale boyshort, or cotton briefs with lace trim. 

Looking to make a cute statement this Valentine's day? Express your true love in this soft pink thong.... 

I promised to be 'brief', next time I'll give you the scoop on full figure lingerie & stunning bras at your plus size lingerie experts! 

Red Carpet

Monday, January 18, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
Are you an award show junkie? 

It's tough to resist the red carpet.  My sweetie, George Clooney, Elisabetta CanalisGeorge Cloony did not disappoint his fans, signing autographs in the rain at the Golden Globes.  I'm not star struck, but do love to see what the stars are wearing, or not wearing, all in the name of Fashion Research :)


If there's a dressy event on your social calendar, scouting the red carpet will give you stying, accessory and color trend direction.
 
Watching plus size stars at awards ceremonies are a great resource for figure flattering styling.  Here are a few 'winners':


Full figure actress Mo'Nique posed with presenter
Nicole Kidman, after winning her best supporting actress award, and both looked equally stunning in long, feminine, goddess gowns.  Mo'Nique opted for no accessories...letting her glowing skin & gown speak for themselves.




Like many on the red carpet, Gabourey Sidibe,
nominated for her performance in the heart
wrenching 'Precious', sported a Haiti ribbon
with her green Kevin Hall dress.    

This was not my favorite look, I would have preferred to see her in something younger, but the color was flattering and she wore the look with a lot of confidence, which is always your best accessory.


Amber Riley/Glee - wearing SS10 Tadashi Shoji to Golden Globes last night!Amber Riley, part of the cast of this season's 
musical hit "Glee", opted for a rich blue goddess gown, and winning smile.


Skin was in - in one shoulder, strapless and plunging necklines as seen on Olivia Wilde.
 
Remember your double sided tape to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions. 



Rich, opulent color and creamy neutrals worked the red carpet as beautifully as elegant basic black and the fashion faux pas were very few & far between... all in all a winning evening, and a nice prelude to the Oscars.






Make a Difference

Thursday, January 14, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
If you are feeling blessed today, because your family is safe and you have a roof over your heads....take a minute & and reflect on the catastrophic events in Haiti.

 "In unity there is strength" said Raymond Joseph, US Ambassador to Haiti last night.

United we can make a difference.  However you choose to reach out to those who are suffering today, through support, donations or prayers, please open your hearts to our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Addition Elle, Penningtons & MXM are supporting the Red Cross with monetary & clothing donations.

Know that all efforts will be appreciated.  Remember how precious life is, and hug someone you love. Today. Twice, just because you can.

January Blahs.....

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
Are you tired of your winter wardrobe already?  I stood in front of mine this morning & felt the January Blahs starting to taking hold.....time to be creative. 

If your basic black needs a splash of inspiration, there are several ways to perk it up.
Some ideas....
  • Toss colorful accessories over a sweater or jacket to give you a little lift.        Pashminas and chunky jewelery can add color and update your look with           minimal effort.
    all over print v-neck top

     
  • an eye-catching print can add new life to your little black outfit.  White or light color grounds will give your skin a fresh glow.


  • scoop neck top with cutoutSpeaking of skin, this may be the time to expose a little, inviting the illusion of Spring into your mindset.  Opt for
    Addition Elle's new plus size top - soft, comfortable, and 
    the cut outs make it just a little sexy. 

 






  • Remember that leggings are a fun way to update your wardrobe. Wearing them  under long sweaters, short skirts, tunics or boyfriend jackets instead of dress pants or jeans will give you a whole new look.

It's time to beat the winter blues ladies --- pop up your full figure outfits up with color and start counting down (how many days?) to Spring!
 


Choose Active

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
Active has come to mean so much more than workout gear, it really is a lifestyle choice.  As a plus size woman I am often surprised at how little my 'little' friends actually do. 

The simple things like taking the stairs or parking your car at the end of the lot instead of closest to the door can make a difference in how you look & feel....and the more you move the easier it gets.   It's not so much about losing weight or going down a dress size, as much as it's about feeling good in your skin. 

There's a certain fashion element about dressing up that I love, but my casual evenings or weekends are all about comfort. I find the more comfortable you are in your clothing, the easier it is to move, and the easier it is to move, the more likely you are to take those extra steps.   I am one of the least coordinated people I know & things with wheels are not a good mix for me (like bikes & roller blades) but I love to walk, to dance, to swim, to dance, to run, did I mention dance? 

Active is not an age, or a size, it's a choice.  You can be spirited at 70 or sedentary at 17,  as dynamic a size 22, as as size 2.  It's all in how you choose to live. 

If you choose active this year, you'll find the perfect plus size pieces, from the all important sports bra to yoga & active wear , at Addition Elle.  Get moving!

Last Call

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
Happy 2010!  The sun is shining, the weather is crisp and clear (ok, it's freezing but I prefer glass half full) and we still have a few more weeks of winter before the big thaw....perfect time for you to drop by Addition Elle and pick up some fun, new Winter Wardrobe pieces at exceptional prices!  
During our "Last Call" event, you get an additional 50% Off already reduced plus size merchandise. You'll find full figure tops, bottoms, intimates and activewear (was  hitting the gym part of your New Year's resolution?) at savings that are tough to resist.  Enjoy!



 


Living the Brand - Committed to Excellence in Service

Monday, January 11, 2010 by Laura Corcoran
The essence of good customer service is forming a relationship with customers. Without qualified and well-trained employees committed to strong customer service your efforts to please customers will be fruitless.   You need to provide customer service that exceeds your customers' expectations

 

Addition Elle Brand Ambassador, Josie Fasciano is spotlighting the teams who are 'dedicated to enhancing the image of plus size women' each week.

SPOTLIGHT of the WEEK: Addition Elle's CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT


This small team handles four of the Reitman brands and three online stores.

Baring in mind that a customer who receives bad service will most like tell 10 people versus a good experience being passed on to 1 or 2 people, this department manages with efficiency and professionalism to respond to an average of over 12,000 inquiries per month within 24 hours.  

 They not only represent the company but also represent the customers and will always resolve issue with evenhandedness to both the customer and the company.

A quick stroll through the department and it’s easy to see that the team really enjoys what they do and when you like what you do it ceases being work. 
 Kudos to a group of people who are relentless in their work to make our customers feel valued and delighted!