Mocking model wins popular vote but doesn't win over American Apparel

Nancy Upton was one of about a thousand women who entered American Apparel's newest contest, but she was probably the ONLY one who entered hoping not to win. 

AA is no stranger to controversy but this time they've opened up a whole new can of worms. The company created a photo contest trying to find "The Next BIG Thing"(which it was conveniently titled) to show off their new "extended sizes." It was geared toward finding a plus-size model, size 12-14, based on votes from visitors. 

Here is part of the description from the contest:

"If you think you’ve got what it takes to be the next XLent model, send us photos of you and your junk to back it up."

Upton, was annoyed by the campaign's tone, feeling as though she was being talked down to for her size. "The puns, the insulting, giggly tones, and the over-used euphemisms for fat that were scattered throughout the campaign’s solicitation began to crystalize an opinion in my mind," Upton said. So she did something about it. Upton recruited a photographer friend, Shannon Skloss to take photos protesting the new contest. The size 12, 24-year-old, uploaded her photos, never expecting to win, just hoping to create awareness. 

She took the pictures to mock the contest and she shares how she would never model for American Apparel on her blog Extra Wiggle Room, dedicated to her journey with AA and aftermath: 

'I most certainly would not model for American Apparel, because (pretty obviously) I don’t agree with their business practices. I also would not expect to be asked to do so, even if I receive a majority of the votes (something I never planned on).'

She goes on to write how she disagrees with the message AA is sending but she respects others opinions.  

Here is Upton's description of the blog:

"MY NAME IS NANCY UPTON. I'M A SIZE 12 AND WANTED TO SHOW AMERICAN APPAREL MY FRESH FACE (AND FULL FIGURE). MY GOOD FRIEND SHANNON SKLOSS CAME OVER TO TAKE SOME "BOOTY-FUL" PHOTOS OF ME...BUT I JUST COULDN'T STOP EATING. 

I CAME IN FIRST PLACE IN THE AA 'NEXT BIG THING' CONTEST, BUT WON'T BE MODELING FOR THE COMPANY ANY TIME SOON."

As the company learned of Upton's antics and her angle on the contest, AA's Iris Alonzo fired back. (Here is a a few pieces of the 7 paragraph letter to show the response)

"It’s a shame that your project attempts to discredit the positive intentions of our challenge based on your personal distaste for our use of light-hearted language, and that “bootylicous” was too much for you to handle. While we may be a bit TOO inspired by Beyoncé, and do have a tendency to occasionally go pun-crazy, we try not to take ourselves too seriously around here. I wonder if you had taken just a moment to imagine that this campaign could actually be well intentioned, and that my team and I are not out to offend and insult women, would you have still behaved in the same way, mocking the confident and excited participants who put themselves out there? " 

"Oh - and regarding winning the contest, while you were clearly the popular choice, we have decided to award the prizes to other contestants that we feel truly exemplify the idea of beauty inside and out, and whom we will be proud to have representing our company."

Trying to take a stand against the contest, Upton's dream became a reality. She has now caused an international discussion, bringing the problem of plus-sized women and the media to a forefront.

Upton has been featured in many publications and news stations including: 

Fashionista
The Frisky
Yahoo News UK and Ireland
AOL UK
The Independent

CNN

ABC

and the list goes on....

While many people are siding with her, there are those who just don't agree and that is why this controversy has become such a heated debate. 

"I feel like I accomplished what I set out to do on a greater scale than I realized I was doing,” Upton said. “I've provoked discussion and promoted awareness about the depiction of plus-size women in the media."

Photos from: http://extrawiggleroom.tumblr.com/

With all the media buzz and controversy that has stirred up, Upton and AA have reached an agreement to fly her and photographer friend Skloss to American Apparel in L.A. They will be able to see what the company is like and she is allowed to write about whatever she sees.

Check her blog for future updates.

What’s Haute: Diary of a Flagler Fashionisto

By Jody Marich 

Photos by Victoria Grace Choeff and Michael O’Hara 

Michael O’Hara always has two things with him; his fashion sense and his Canon Rebel XSi camera.

The 20-year-old photographer can be found at almost every St. Augustine hot spot taking photos of Flagler students and other interesting people. His passion is photography but from the looks of his style, fashion is a hidden passion for O’Hara. I recently had the chance to talk to the communication student about his unique style.

Marich: What inspires you when you dress? 

O’Hara: “I am inspired by unusual patterns in fabric, as well as a signature article of clothing or accessory to pull the entire outfit together. I am also inspired by underground LA style, as well as looks being worn throughout London. Colorful, dark tones, and a serious edge.”

 

JM: Where do you get your fashion sense from? 

MO: “I feel as though I received my fashion sense from one person in general. Mary Kate Olsen taught me that there is definite order to chaos, and chaos can be trendy.” 

JM: How would you describe your style? 

MO: “I would describe my style as grunge chic. Anything that is tattered or black is hot in my eyes. I feel as though my style pushes the boundaries, for instance, a Looney Tunes black “Taz” t-shirt worn under a black leather jacket or tattered light wash denim vest is perfectly acceptable to me. As long as my style makes a statement, I’m happy.”


(Photo to the left is a self-portrait taken by Michael O’Hara) 

JM: Where do you like to shop? 

MO: “I have a couple of stores/designers I cherish most. [One] local clothing store I love is American Apparel. I love basics! [Some] stores nationally I admire are Blood is the New Black, Rag and Bone and Marc by Marc Jacobs. Thrift stores such as GoodWill and Betty Griffin are also hot spots for good eyes and good finds.” 

JM: What is your fashion accessory you can’t live without? 

MO: “A fashion accessory I cannot live without are bracelets. I really love finding unusual and unique wrist candy and it’s the perfect way to compliment an outfit.” 

JM: What is the one thing you can’t leave home without? 

MO: “One thing I cannot leave home without are my contacts. Like it or not, contact lenses are a huge part of my fashion. Deciding to sport glasses or contacts is just as important as deciding what top would go right with what bottoms. There is a system to my madness.” 

The 20-year-old is making a name for himself in the photography world but also the fashion world. With his grunge edge, people remember who Michael O’Hara is. 

Check out his photography on his blog, Ice Cream Social.

Cute costume ideas inspired by fashion ....

Halloween is a week away and many are scrambling to find a costume. Here are six cute costume ideas inspired by fashion.

1. Twiggy - the world's first supermodel. 

Pieces you will need:

Vans, American Apparel, Forever 21, MAC

                                                  

2. Where's Wanda - the cute gf of Where's Waldo has a fun street style. With these pieces you will look just as cute and be able to use the pieces over and over again.

Forever 21, Swell, Target, Modcloth.

3. Strawberry Shortcake- become the cute little dolls that we used to play with as kids. 

Hot topic, Spirit Halloween, DSW, Ulta, Asos, Modcloth.

You can use streeker temporary hair color or grab a wig to achieve the red locks. I opted for the streeker because it's more inexpensive. 

4. Meow- Cats are a staple for Halloween costumes. This is an easy way to look like the sexy feline you are.

American Apparel, Spirit Halloween, DSW, Ulta, MAC.

5. Lady Gaga- the fashion forward singer is all the rage this Halloween. Here is one of her many looks.

Forever 21, DSW, Urban Outfitters, Spirit Halloween.

If you want to up the ante, create your own Gaga rhinestone sunglasses like I did. It's cheap and easy. 

6. The Mad Hatter- this favorite of Alice in Wonderland is an easy choice. Put together mixed matched pieces with a pea coat, tights and booties. Find accessories that have to do with watches, hats, tea cups and rabbits. 

Forever 21, Modcloth, Disney Store, Spirit Halloween. 

Don't forget the colored hair spray, white face make-up and mystical smile. 

Hope these ideas help. Happy Hauntings X

Diary of a Flagler fashionista

Flagler junior, Chiara Cortesano, is passionate about fashion. Everyday she wears an outfit that expresses her own individuality while still looking chic and stylish.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the 20-year-old and get to know her style.

1. What inspires you when you dress?

"Everything. It could be a movie I just saw, a magazine I just read, a song I just heard or even other people I see out. I take inspiration from everywhere and add my own touch."

2. Where do you get your fashion sense from?

"My parents. My mother is way more stylish than I could ever be. Half of the amazing pieces I have she found for me. I steal from her closet every time I am home. My father is from Italy and you can definitely tell by his style. They both have an appreciation for fashion which has rubbed off on me."

3. Who is your fashion icon?

"This is a tough one. I would say between Margherita Missoni & Sienna Miller."

4. How would you describe your style?

"I would describe my style as a duet between vintage, feminine, classic pieces & edgy, bold accents."

5. Where do you like to shop?

"I like to shop at The Closet, Goldfinch, American Apparel, Off Saks and a few thrift stores on the island when I am in Saint Augustine. I also like to shop online at Top Shop."

6. What is your fashion accessory you can't live without?

"I cannot live without lip stick. I keep reserves of my favorite colors in case one runs down. I like soft shades of pink for all day and coral reds for night"

Check out Chiara’s Blog:
SaintAugFog.tumblr.com