xo, Charlie

I am grateful and excited that you chose to flip

through CAKEDbycharlie Magazine’s FIRST issue!! I have

to admit that it is pretty late, but better late than never!! If

you know me personally you can understand the accom-

plishment upon this online magazine. The most important

thing about CAKED to me is that this magazine is an outlet

for our rising stars to be recognized, and or appreciated.

Appreciated for their hard work, dedication, vision, and

amazing talent! CAKED will give you a personal feel to our

up and comers, or already established individuals that has

fought for their dream. My goal as the editor of CAKED is

to keep you in the loop whether it is on the next fashion

designer, next event, or next artist you will always know

about the freshest out there. There is a major renaissance

movement going on right now, and whether you are apart

of it, or you support it, it is important that we appreciate

it, and give it the value that it deserves. Each month you

will get to meet someone new doing something original,

and meaningful. There is so much more to CAKED, but I

rather surprise you.

I was introduced to GabiFresh.com by a friend, and I

thank her mentally every time I read Gabi’s blog. I

don't remember the last time I felt flabbergasted by

someone. As I scroll down her site I fall in love with

each piece she models. From her head to her toe she

has fashion written all over her. Gabi Fresh has a

way of embodying High Fashion, and making it look

easy to replicate. An intelligent fashion forward

beautiful woman describes Gabi to the tee.

Graduating from Mt Holyoke College in Western

Massachusetts Gabi earned a degree in International

Relations she became interested in Fashion Journal-

ism and decided to go with her passion that was

obviously a wise choice.

What motivated you to become a Plus Fashion

Blogger? I was really interested in fashion journalism

but I didn't have much experience. I knew blogging

was becoming more popular and decided to start a

plus size fashion blog because there weren't really

any resources for younger curvy girls who wanted to

follow the trends. I also participated in lots of outfit

communities online and had many requests to start a

blog showcasing my clothes.

Gabi is the ideal go to for Plus Size Fashion. Having

no remorse on flicking off the haters that refrain our

beautiful full figured women from feeling that they

have the ability of being fashionistas. Gabi is not

scared to get candid on her thoughts, views, and opin-

ions! Who can truly resist real talk?! Especially coming

from a smart reasonable resource! Gabi decided to use

her talents to make a way for those who have the

same fashion views as her, and I personally thank her

highly for that. She is such an inspiration to many in-

cluding myself who want “to take risks and have fun

with clothing regardless of their size”.

What and who was your inspiration?

I loved Karla from Karla's Closet. Her blog was every-

thing I wanted mine to be. Stephanie from Le Blog de

Big Beauty was another inspiration of mine.

What attracts you the most about Fashion?

I think fashion is transformative. It can really change

peoples' lives--I've witnessed it! It's also just a great,

fun way to express your personality and I love dress-

ing up each day.

Gabi being the trendsetter that she is came up with a

brilliant idea. Being that she is also confident and

wants to promote being so she came up with the

“Fat-Kini” movement. After being in vacation and

taking pictures in what she wore to soak the sun, she

was inspired to encourage other full figured women

to feel comfortable and confident in their “Fat-Kini’s”

and send in their pictures that were featured on

xojane.com. Such a wave reached the attention of

Good Morning America, and they reached out to

Gabi to have a live interview on the show about her

photos (not the first time btw). Now of course the

questions about promoting obesity rose. Asking her

questions on her views on the statistics on obese

women Gabi answered each one fluently and re-

spectfully. Especially when she said “ my health is not

determined by my size”. She graced my living room

with her humble well presented personality, and cute

outfit.

As the Plus Size Fashion Industry rises what do you

feel you have accomplished and would like to con-

tinue to accomplish as a well-known Plus Fashion

Blogger?

I think I've accomplished a lot! I know the industry

was NOT the same before I started and I think

bloggers have had a lot to do with pushing things

forward. We have made it clear that we want cuter

and younger options and I've seen brands start to

embrace that because of us. I want to continue to

show everyone that style is not just for certain sizes

and I hope to see more and more designers extend

their size range.

Describe a moment that you felt as if you finally made

it? Just recently when I realized I haven't been

"employed" by anyone for over a year and I'm still

making it on my own just by blogging. It feels good to

know that I can support myself doing something I love.

Describe your shopping & getting “dolled” up process?

Usually I shop online! I actually find it easier. To most

people's surprise, I'm VERY low maintenance so my

getting dolled up process consists of like 10 minutes of

makeup and that's pretty much it. My hair is usually

natural so I don't have to do anything but wash and

go.

You have done a Make Over for a reader that was a

mom of two, and who wanted assistance in making

herself feel as beautiful as she already was.

What motivated you to do this for her?

I receive tons of emails from people asking for

help. They are usually working on self-acceptance

and don't know where to start when it comes to

fashion. Since I unfortunately can't help every single

person, I decided a good way to give back would be

to offer a giveaway on my blog. It was a ton of fun

and Jasmine was so happy!

In the industry of Fashion & Blogging what do you

enjoy the most? && dislike the most?

I enjoy pretty much everything about it! The only

thing I dislike is the competitive nature that some

bloggers have. I think there's room for everyone and

we all offer something unique to our readers.

Terrace 390 was filled with an event that meant more

than exposure. The Fashion Against Bullying Event

showed that you can contribute to a cause while show-

casing your talent, and passion. The beautiful outside

side part of this venue was filled with people who came

to enjoy the entertainment while giving donations to-

wards The Gay and Lesbian Education Network. 390

echoed performances by Jasmine Rhey, Corey “Nova”

Grimes, Michael “Flocstarnice” Whitaker, Limitless 5, and

Niko IS. The designers were NUVizions, DExclusive,

Orygin, and Dream Catcher Designs. Each designer ex-

pressed different sides of fashion that showed each of

their personalities. This event was hosted by the beautiful

Estee Martin, co-host on the 95.3 morning show. Filled

with an amazing personality Estee made the event per-

sonable, and inviting. Ms. St. Augustine, KristiLee Twirler

gave a touching speech on her take on bullying, and

shared an inspiring story on victims that she came across

during her community outreach. This event traveled

from Georgia, and will continue to spread the awareness

on bullying and what we can do to put a stop to this

excusable crime while doing it with style.

“ Bullying is very horrible to me, because it can lead to

hurting someone, hurting them self and can also lead to

death. Some people that been bullied have grown up to

be a bully or be really abusive.

When I was in Middle School until my 10th grade year

I was bullied because of my Sexuality. It was very hard

for me with the name calling every single day. I use to

cry all the time because I hated that they use to pick on

me. I didn't even want to be Gay anymore until some

good friends helped me out. I would tell victims that

there is always someone that will listen to you. There is

a wide range of organizations that are willing to help

you and protect you from those who bully you and if I

can help you I WILL.”

“I was most interested in what the F.A.B event stands for -

Fashion Against Bullying. Let's face it, bullying exists. And

when you can create an event that brings art and creativi-

ty together all the while showing people what the real

meaning of respect is, you've hit a homerun. Many ask

whether or not I have been bullied. They're surprised

when I say yes. Maybe not in the traditional sense, but

everyday in the media. People are criticized for who they

are or what they look like. All of us deal with that every

single day and have to reach within ourselves to be origi-

nal and an individual in society. Bullying falls under many

categories and this event was able to capture them all.

Stay STRONG! I know it sounds cliché, but seriously you

have to! Fight your battles with positivity and prayer;

they go a long way. I think it is very important to take a

stand! I remember one time a boy's backpack opened up

as he walked and all his books came flying out. Would you

believe no one bent done to help! I stopped the whole

crowd of people got on the floor and helped the boy.

Small acts go a long way. so stick up for others and stick

up for yourself!

“My platform as Miss St. Augustine is mentoring

at-risk youth, and through my experiences with

teens from less-than-ideal family situations came

my discovery that what happens at home is often

a direct cause of bullying. Many bullies come from

abusive situations at home or were bullied them-

selves in their past. I've worked with these teens to

show that they can overcome their situations and

prevent against becoming a statistic. I've met many

homeless and foster care children who have been

bullied, and while each story is heartbreaking, be-

ing able to see each individual's healing process has

been most rewarding. I share the view that in or-

der for bullying to end, awareness of the facts and

stories of others must be spread to motivate and

encourage change. Listening to the stories of those

with family members who have ended their lives

due to bullying has emotionally moved me to take

a stand and join the FAB movement. By spreading

awareness, I know that many others will follow in

those same footsteps.”

“My cousin Laylla gets bullied in school and

it really affects her performance in the class room

and her behavior at home, and it constantly re-

minds me of how i was when i was a kid getting

bullied feeling like know one could hear me, so i

wanted to be a voice for the voiceless. I was bul-

lied and I reacted by beating up my bully's, I was

bigger than them and one day I had enough.”

“I've been writing and performing hip hop for about

10yrs I wanted to use hip hop as a way to reach our

youth in a way they are very familiar with,

although rap music's positive effects are often over-

shadowed with scandal and negative views. coupled

wit the FAB event i used news clips and rap to take a

stand on this bullying epidemic that plagues our

schools across... the world.”

“I have been performing for 12 years. My first

original single that I released along with a music video

is called "Life Goes On" and it was inspired by events

that happened in my life as well as ones that I saw

surrounding me. It showcases the struggle I went thru

with verbal bullying in middle school and how no

matter what my struggle was or anyone's struggle is,

life goes on. The choices we make because of those

circumstances are all we have control of. Although

bullying is very hurtful to your self-esteem, its im-

portant to build yourself stronger, know yourself and

what you're worth. I choose to make a positive im-

pact with my life and that is why I chose to be a part

of Fashion Against Bullying. To be a positive inspira-

tion to even just one person is the biggest blessing one

can afford to oneself.”

How long have you been designing? I started as a

seamstress when I was 11. In my early teens I start-

ed designing different dresses and it quickly

evolved into something I knew I would do for the

rest of my life.

Describe your line. The inspiration behind it is my

heritage and Dream Catchers. The concept is that

we can filter the bad out of our lives if we focus on

the positive. That being said majority of my line is

organic materials and several have a dream catcher

on them or in the material design. As with all fash-

ion it changes throughout the year. Being a Florida

based designer my line tends to be a little more re-

vealing than most and Florida Heat friendly.

What do want your brand to contribute to-

wards fashion? I would like people to look at my

clothes and see art.

Quick Q&A

What's your perspective

on bullying? Coming

from a family of 8 chil-

dren (I am the oldest sis-

ter) and I also have 2

children of my own I

am firmly against any

form of bullying. I be-

lieve it is too often

overlooked or shrugged

off as "just being kids"

when in fact we are al-

lowing the children to

learn behavior that will

follow them throughout

their life.

How do you feel about

coming together with

fashion to take a

stand? I think this is a

great idea. Anything we

can do to spread the

word and give guidance

so we can teach our

children together to be

better.

How long have you been designing? I've

been designing for a couple of years but just re-

cently started taking it serious. Art and fashion

have always been two things that I've always had

a passion for so I thought it was time to take it se-

rious and show the public.

Describe your line. My line is a brand that transi-

tions two complete different types of clothing into

one. I bring urban designs to high end wear. Being

unique and standing out from the rest is what I

strive for.

What do you want your brand to contribute to

Fashion? I want to be known as a brand that

shows creativity at its highest by bringing art into

fashion. Orygin will be a brand bringing origi-

nal never before seen designs to the public.

Quick Q&A

What is your perspective on bullying?

I really dislike bullying i know people who have

been bullied and I have always been against it.

Bullying takes place at all ages no matter what race

you are, it can happen any place and time. Bully-

ing can even take place in the business world

too between former colleagues, bosses or whom-

ever you may encounter during business.

How do you feel about coming together with fash-

ion to take a stand?

When I was asked to be a part of this movement I

was honored. Bullying is a cause that doesn't get

the attention that it should get from the public.

The fact that David Rice thought of combining the

awareness of a cause like bullying with fashion,

something that so many people are a part of is

amazing. We are all designers that are using our

talents to show everyone that bullying exist every-

where and needs to be stopped.

I'VE ALWAYS FELT THAT FASHION HAS BEEN A PART OF SOCIAL ISSUES

AND IT WAS NOT BEING REPRESENTED AS FAR AS BULLYING. SO

MANY PEOPLE ARE BULLIED FOR WHAT THEY WEAR THAT WE FELT IT

WAS TIME FOR FASHION TO TAKE A STAND. DAVID AND I WERE HAV-

ING A MEETING AND WATCHING A TV SHOW WHERE WE SAW A

STORY ABOUT A YOUNG MAN WHO HUNG HIMSELF AFTER BEING

BULLIED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. THIS WAS ALSO PERSONAL FOR

MYSELF BECAUSE I WAS BULLIED AS A KID FOR BEING SHORT DARK

AND OVERWEIGHT. DAVID HAS ALSO GONE THROUGH IS SHARE OF

BEING TEASED THROUGH OUT HIS TEENAGE YEARS. ADRI SILVER-

MAN WHO ATTENDED OUR LAUNCH EVENT IN ATLANTA. WAS SO

MOVED BY THE EVENT AND WHAT IT STOOD FOR THAT SHE CON-

VINCED US TO TAKE THE SHOW ON THE ROAD AND SHE SPEAR

HEADED THE ORLANDO EVENT. OUR GOAL WITH THE FAB EVENT IS

TO GO ON THE ROAD AND TOUR DIFFERENT CITIES AND STATES,

OUR NEXT STOP WILL BE NEW YORK IN NOVEMBER. EXPANDING THE

SHOW AS WE GO ALONG, DOING AN EVEN BIGGER ONE IN ATLAN-

TA. WE ALSO WANT TO BEGIN ASAP, WORKING WITH SCHOOLS AND

KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY JOINING WITH POLITICAL LEADERS AND

GET THEM INVOLVED. WE WILL BE DOING MINI FUNDRAISERS TO

HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE TOUR. WE ARE WORKING ON OUR WEB

SITE AND OTHER EXCITING THINGS THAT YOU MUST STAY TUNED TO

SEE DEVELOP.

On June 16th, 2012

The Access Fashion & Wine Event

took over The Abbey in Downtown

Orlando. This venue was lit with awe-

some designs, and had a sparkling

runway smack dab center stage which

complimented the fashion forward

look this venue has to offer. The Ab-

bey was infiltrated with stylist that

came from different directions to

show off their particular eye for fashion.

FahionablySadeCloset, Apricot Lane Boutique,

Created4Fashion, Fashion Junkees, and last but

not least Tally Renee were sending off the mod-

els down the runway with their individual con-

cepts of fashion and styling. On top of fashion

who can resist a chilled glass of Chardonnay?!

The event was hosted by funny Sterling Steven-

son. There were performances in between the

show by vivacious singer Scarlie P. who killed

the runway with not only with her voice and

moves, but also with her wardrobe. After the

models rocked the runway they were surprised

with Fashionably Sade Closet’s give away. They

got to keep the look they strutted in.

Talk about quid pro quo. Now there

were also quo’s for those who attend

the event. Apricot Lane Boutique filled

each chair in the venue with a bag of

goodies that included a mini Vera

Bradley Clip Zip ID case and an Apri-

cot Lane roll on fragrance that really

smells like apricots. Overall this event

went by smoothly and cordially. The

Access Fashion Show was truly a suc-

cess, not relying on the amount of

tickets sold, and the number of seats

filled, but because of the positive vibe

that allowed networking and communica-

tion come easily. Coordinators Brianna

Corchado and Toni-Ann Blair, CEO and

founder of Ladies 1st INC did an amaz-

ing job putting this show together and

keeping it that way!

FashionablySade’sCloset had

the runway and audience on a

thrift as she sends each model

down the runway at The Access

Fashion & Wine Show. FSC is

all about the ‘everyday” afforda-

ble style that is convenient for

the everyday woman. Being an

everyday woman herself she be-

lieves in looking stylish with

out spending too much cash.

FSC styled the models with cas-

ual almost effortless looks, and

the crazy thing about it is that

she did not spend over forty-five

dollars. YEP you read correctly !!

45 BUCKS!! All the way from

the clothing to the accessories.

In my book she is the go to

when you need a new wardrobe

with out breaking pockets.

I’ve been hoping that an event like this existed here in

Orlando and all along it has. An event that showcases

raw local talent within all areas of our urban lifestyle.

From art to music Orlando aLive sure knows how to

pick them. Coordinated by Culture Climax and Event

Junkies this event is expected to have a fashion

forward artistic hip hop vibe. Hosted by Prote- J hip

hop was surely exalted. Young Smitchell on the ones

and twos reassured bangin’ tunes. My fav. of the night

“Vibrant Thing” by Qtip!! GlorifiedEgo held down

fashion and GenesisAngel showcased their one of a

kind earth toned jewelry. Amazing performances by

soulful Bobbie Ruffin , eclectic Kaitlin Jonez, melodic

Evan Taylor Jones, and many more amazing MC’s &

Singers. A sick cypher concluded an amazing evening

with an amazing vibe! I cannot wait for the next

Orlando aLive Event coming up August 27th!! Be

there or be squared!! && F.Y.I NO one likes squares!!

Sick boards, sick kicks, tight apparel, and beautiful

ladies sounds like a concoction for an amazing

Photo shoot! TOP NOTCH TREND and GlorifiedEgo

collaborated on a shoot to showcase GE’s fashion,

and might I add it looked pretty damn good on the-

se ladies! Photos were taken by Short Stop Studios

and Pocket 7 was in the building. So we got to get a

preview on whats coming and expected from

GlorifiedEgo, and Top Notch Trend. You can view

more exclusive shots of the shoot at

www.topnotctrend.com!! It’s about to BLOW!

Kristina Renee Photog-

raphy teamed up with

Shear Love and thought

of an amazing gesture.

Being selfless themselves

they thought of a way

to give back to the

woman that deserves.

Make Over Monday was

conceived and the y

began to search for those who needed a new look!

Krisitna posted on Facebook and asked for nomi-

nations. She thought what’s better than a make

over? Feeling appreciated, and being told that you

deserve one. Time went by and she noticed the

nominees that were brought to her attention each

one of them truly deserving a pampering treatment

due to their big hearts, amazing testimonials, and

the need for a fresh new look to remind them how

worthy they are. Nominated by, friends, loved

ones, or co workers these ladies received amazing

treatment. Hairstyling provided by Shear Love in

her home Salon, and make up done by K. Luxe they

walked out a whole different person. Some were

shocked to be nominated, and others knew that they

were deserving. I personally was shocked when I

found out that I was a nominee, but was so grateful

in knowing that I was perceived as deserving as well,

and at perfect timing. Cause I was due for a blow out!

Gail Johnson was nominated by a coworker who

noticed the type of mother and grandmother she

was. I think at times we underestimate grand-

mothers. We forget that this is their second time

around raising children and this time it wasn't

their choice. Being a “meemaw” has its perks, but

it can still get a bit overwhelming. There is a

reason why they are called GRANDmas.

Christi Pomeroy was nominated for this Make Over

by family due to the hard work she puts in for her

family. Being a mother sometimes allows one to

forget about themselves and attend to what is most

important in one’s life. Christi

deserved the over due hair cut and photo shoot

provided. I have to say she definitely rocked that

royal blue.

Marion Pascella was a nominated from Port St.

Lucie, FL by a friend through Facebook. Being a

High School English Teacher Marion is often ex-

hausted yet still finds time to be there for those

who need her. Being a selfless and mindful friend

landed her this make over. Being newly engaged I

am sure she was ready to show off her new do’

to her boo. I hope he appreciated it because she

just looked stunning.

Marla Appelo was nominated from Lake Mary, FL

by a friend who felt that this make over was going

to do Marla some justice. Marla is a Avon Repre-

sentative that motivated other women to reach

their goals. Being diagnosed with Colon Cancer,

and headed to surgery in several day Marla de-

served this make over to reassure her that she will

look beautiful before, during, and after her surgery.

Also being a grandmother of two boys it was time

to put away the tennis shoes for a bit.

When Wilmary Roque decided to nominate herself

I agreed with her. A mother of a 4 year old boy

who was diagnosed with eye cancer on his left eye

she dedicated her life to the well being of her son.

For the past four years Wilmary spent it side by

side her baby boy praying and having faith and

strength in knowing that with her help her son was

going to get through these hard times. She admit-

tedly stated that she let herself go by gaining

weight and never really having the time to even

look at the mirror.

Spending the last four years nose deep in her

son’s health driving back and fourth to Miami, FL

in order to see a specialist

Wilmary forgot how it felt to be a woman.

When I asked about her educational career she

replied “My degree was in stay at home mom” I

thought well that must be a PhD then. After

prayers, and commitment her son was cured, and

did not have to go through a gruesome surgery

of removing the ill eye, yet still blind he is

healthy. Wilmary felt accomplished and grateful

to her God, and to herself for being the strong,

caring, attentive parent he expects us to be, and

more than deserved this make over, and any

more to come.

Top Notch Trend is a fashion company in New York

City which also expanded in Florida. We are a team

of young energetic people. Our mission is to pro-

vide models, designers and publishing companies

with enhanced branding, innovative campaign strat-

egies and top notch photography. Top Notch Trend

is the one stop shop for all talent. Our services in-

clude portfolio enhancements, personal shoots, mar-

keting and event planning. We are not a modeling

agency, photography company or publisher, we are

“everything fashion.”

Cameron M

Top Notch Trend

Marketing, Event Coordinator

(917) 420-3227

Cam@topnotchtrend.com

www.TopNotchTrend.com

Fashionably Sade’s

Closet has been

taking thrift-ing by

the scrotum and mak-

ing it visible that she

has every reason to. I

can honestly say that

I have tried thrift-ing

myself and came up

with nothing. FSC is

making her mark in this

day in age by proving

that even though our

economy is suffering

our wallets and closets

don't have to. I gained

access to ask Sade Gray

CEO of FSC questions

about it all. Check out

this exclusive live

interview with FSC.