Plus Styled: A Guide to Plus Size Womens Clothing

May 14, Plus Size Clothing- 6 Ways to Ruin an Outfit

Thu, 14 May 2009 21:28:58 GMT

6 Ways to Ruin an Outfit

Apr 24, A Fashion Week Just for Us!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:09:14 GMT

Full Figured Fashion Week Hits New York City, Making History, and Spearheading a Global Movement For Immediate Release April 13, 2009 Fashion Week has grown into a prestigious event recognized worldwide for its success in presenting stunning couture fashion shows in upscale venues. For the first time in history, a partnership of independent fashion designers, retailers, event producers, models and plus industry businesses, will join forces to bring the fashion week experience to the curvy consumer. Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) will proudly launch in New York City, June 25-27, 2009. In America alone, there are 40 million women over size 14, spending $25 billion a year on clothing, or a quarter of all clothing sales, according to American Demographics. So, why isnt there a Fashion Week event dedicated to showcasing fashions available to the curvy consumer? There wasnt...until NOW! Produced by DeVoe Signature Events, a special events and management company, specializing in events for plus size consumers for over 10 years, the organizers of FFFWeek are very excited about creating an event that will not only showcase plus size designs, talented designers, retailers, local boutiques and real size models, but it is hoped that the event will also increase economic development in the area of plus size fashion design, clothing merchandising and plus modeling. The ancillary events for FFFWeek will create even more networking opportunities for designers, boutiques and businesses as this highly anticipated three-day fashion extravaganza will debut before an audience of over 1500+ plus size fashion enthusiasts, style mavens, models, boutiques, vendors and the media, while providing an inaugural showcase of talented designers, models, stylists and plus industry businesses that specialize in the needs of the plus size consumer. The grand finale event, which will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th at The Cathedral, one of New Yorks most preeminent and fashionable venues, will feature the collections of high-end plus size fashion boutiques, retail stores and local and out of state independent designers. Sponsors for this inaugural event include, Plus Model Magazine, The Voluptuous Woman Company, Divas Unlimited Inc., IPNY Travel and a number of other businesses devoted to the advancement of plus size fashion and consumer product marketing. Sponsors, Designers, Models and Vendors interested in participating in the event should visit www.fffweek.com/registration.html and download the applicable forms.

Apr 19, Add a Pop of Color to Your Outfits

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:25:04 GMT

Simple ways to add a pop of color to your outfits.

Apr 19, One Day Sale at Catherine's!!

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 06:31:55 GMT

Take 40 Off All Regular Price Items and An Extra 35 Off Clearance Items During the Customer Appreciation Day Sale at Catherines.com! Offer valid 04-19-09 only.

Apr 9, Gorgeous Wrap Dress From Kiyonna

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:22:15 GMT

Juliet Wrap Dress
From: Kiyonna Clothing

Mar 31, Queen Latifah: Celebrity Style Profile

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:00:35 GMT

Queen Latifah: Celebrity Style Profile

Mar 29, Is Kim Kardashians Cellulite Really That Serious?

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:17:37 GMT

To Photoshop or not to Photoshop, that is the question. Kim Kardashian is not a plus size woman, but she is known for her voluptuous figure. Complex Magazine created a buzz when it inadvertently put up an unaltered photo of the reality star on its website, and then replaced it with a retouched version later. The new and improved Kim had smaller breasts, a trimmer waist, and of course, slimmer cellulite-free thighs. The entire photo had been lightened including the background and Ms. Kardashians complexion. Side by side comparisons of the two images popped up all over the web. Kim immediately took to her blog to defend herself. She brushed off the entire hubbub by responding So what; I have a little cellulite. What curvy girl doesnt? Okay, that works. But then, after claiming to be proud of her curves and her body, she lets everyone know that shes worked hard to make herself acceptable once again. Kardashian goes on, At the same time as this Complex shoot, I was gearing up for my fitness DVD and you should see my thighs now!!! Ha ha! This is all disturbing on a few levels. For starters, the fact is that using Photoshop to change real bodies into cookie-cutter fakes is common industry practice. It is ridiculous, but its also old news. So, why do women still buy into the this is how you should look drama of magazines? And if Kim is so proud, why ruin a perfectly good with response by claiming she doesnt look like that anymore? What bugs me the most about the whole thing is that people think it is okay to criticize her figure whether its Photoshopped or not. There is no perfect or ideal body. Yet, women continue to make the news for gaining or losing weight like it is a matter of national security or something. Oprah felt so ashamed that she put her own side by side comparison on the cover of her magazine. Tyra Banks ranted on her show about her weight gain after critics ripped into her. Jennifer Love Hewitt blogged about the negative response to her bikini laden vacation photos. And weightloss companies like Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem keep making comeback stories of people like Valerie Bertinelli and Marie Osmond. Its time that we learn to embrace all bodies for what they are. Beauty doesnt come in one shape or size. If youre plus-sized, work it. If youre slender, work it. If youre somewhere in between, work it. Just dont let someone elses standard of beauty determine how you feel about yourself.

Mar 26, How to Choose Prints That Flatter the Full Figure

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:06:46 GMT

Tips on choosing the right prints for plus size women.

Mar 25, Five Clothing Details That Flatter the Full Figure

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:58:46 GMT

Five Clothing Details That Flatter the Full Figure

Mar 23, Personal Style- Whoopi Got It Half Right

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:47:46 GMT

Yes, it might be nice if people actually did judge others by what they say instead of what they wear. Itd be better if we didnt judge each other that way at all. Unfortunately, thats not how things work. Its just not the world we live in. Whether we like it or not, we are visual creatures. So, we respond to what looks good. It may not be fair, but it happens. You are constantly making impressions on others. Before you open your mouth, your clothes speak for you. They provide clues to who you are. They send signals about your job, your hobbies, your socioeconomic status, and your personality. So, why not make all that work to your advantage? Whoopi also accused her critics of trying to make her look like everyone else on the street. Now, I can agree with that. Personal style is just that, personal. Theres no need for us all to look alike. Whoopi clearly has a style all her own. I cant see her decked out in the suits and heels that were suggested for her. She always looks so uncomfortable in clothes like that, for example, that horrible gown she wore to the 2009 Oscars. Stacey London is at least partly right too. Those oversized clothes dont flatter Whoopis plus size frame. Whoopi can easily make her style work for her by wearing clothes that fit, updating the style and wash of denim pieces, and wearing supportive bras that lift and separate. The bottom line is that what you wear matters. We all know the cliche about first impressions, but it couldnt have become one if there wasnt some truth to it. Fit should be every plus size womans first priority regardless of her style.

Mar 14, I'm totally in love with this cardigan from Catherine's!

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:45:12 GMT

It's a beautiful color, a bold hue that's hot for spring. Also, the shape is fabulous. It flares out from the waist giving that hourglass effect and the dolman sleeves offer great coverage for the arms. Too cute!

Mar 8, Totes and Hobos for the Low at Old Navy

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:48:00 GMT

Mar 6, A Professional Bra Fitting - Why YOU Should Get One

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:17:56 GMT

Reasons to get a professional bra fitting.

Mar 3, Check Out These Fun Flirty Dresses from Old Navy

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:35:58 GMT

Feb 26, Plus Size Magazines Need Our Support

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 10:17:46 GMT

Why do plus size magazines always die a slow agonizing death? Figure magazine is the latest casualty. The March/April 2009 issue will be the last. A letter was posted on the website attributing the publications demise to unprecedented economic times. To add insult to injury, the website will also be shut down. While I recognize that a lot companies have run into trouble lately, I just dont see that being the only reason. Plus size magazines often have problems finding the readership they need to maintain a successful enterprise. And so, they end up running out of funds and ceasing publication. Figure is one of many that have suffered this fate. And I cant help but ask why? Being that most women in this country are at least a size twelve or larger, youd think that these plus size magazines would find a following pretty easily. Yet, that just hasnt been the case. Its surprising. With all the complaining about the exclusivity of popular fashion magazines, the fashion industry as a whole, and the entertainment industry, youd expect these publications to be met with overwhelming support. I am sad to see Figure go. Its a great loss for plus size women. Im just not sure how far the ramifications will reach. Plus size fashion has made great strides in recent years. But if we want to see that progress continue , then we have to show our preferences by supporting businesses that work to that end. Im not trying to be overly dramatic, but its the nature of things. No matter how noble a cause or goal may be, it cant survive without backing. And in the business world that means turning a profit. So, please, spend your money in ways that reflect your beliefs. Buy plus size magazines that show our community positively. Support bloggers that provide good information. Get your clothes from retailers that sell quality, attractive plus clothing (and ones that actually use plus size models). Show up-and-coming designers that their work is needed and wanted. Your choices matter more than you may think.

Feb 20, Plus Size Models- All Plus Clothing Retailers Should Use Them

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 05:09:05 GMT

It never fails. Every time I check my mailbox, theres at least one catalog from a plus clothing retailer. No biggie. I love clothes and I enjoy checking out whats new. However, I dont enjoy seeing those clothes on slender models that just seem out of place. In fact, it ticks me off. Seriously. Why are these thin women plastered all over catalogs geared towards plus size women? The simple answer is that they shouldnt be. Every plus clothing retailer should use plus size models. Heres why. For starters, plus size women want and need to see more women like them in the entertainment and beauty industries. Full-figured women are just as talented, beautiful, smart, and capable as their slender counterparts. Yet, curvier ladies are often overlooked because they dont fit some cookie-cutter beauty ideal. Many of them have esteem issues that could easily be rectified with self-acceptance. While seeing more plus size models wont fix the situation, it could certainly help the process along. Secondly, its time to level the playing field. Its taken a lot of hard work to claim a portion of the industry for plus size fashion. The modeling industry has got to catch up. Im not advocating that slender models be banned like some people do. However, modeling plus size fashion should be reserved for plus size women. There are plenty of full-bodied ladies out there who are willing and able to do the job. They deserve the chance to represent themselves. However, the most important reason for retailers to use plus size models is simple, practicality. Its hard to tell how a garment will fit me when the model in the picture looks like shes drowning in it. It makes no sense whatsoever to have slender women wear clothes ten sizes too big rather than use curvy ones who actually fill out the clothes. I am much more likely to make a purchase from retailers that use models with bodies I can relate to. Im pretty sure other women like me feel the same. Its just good business. More plus size models please!

Jan 12, A New Years Revolution: Three Resolutions for Plus Size Women

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:20:13 GMT

Change is in the air. The euphoria of the New Year is fresh. Were all optimistic and anticipating what 2009 will bring. The country is witnessing the beginning of a ground-breaking presidency. Were hoping the economy will rebound. Its only natural to set some goals for ourselves. After all, it is resolution season. This also means that companies will try to capitalize on this time. Unfortunately, not all of them do it in a positive way. Self-loathing is used to market everything from gym memberships to protein bars. Were inundated with messages that being plus-sized just isnt okay. No matter how untrue those messages are, they are everywhere. And curvy women have to work hard to stay grounded. So, here are three New Years resolutions to help keep you focused on the good things. Resolution #1 Unconditional self-acceptance. Its a plus size womans best defense against negativity. When the world seems against you, its imperative that you treat yourself with the utmost kindness and respect. Be your own best friend. However, self-acceptance is not to be confused with complacency. It just means that any changes you decide to undertake will come from a place of strength rather than resignation. Resolution #2 Do more of what makes you happy. Too often, life gets so busy that we forget to enjoy ourselves. Happiness doesnt have to be elusive. Find it in the small things that bring you joy: a cup of tea, a loved ones hug, sleeping in an extra ten minutes. Resolution #3 Make this your best dressed year thus far. Being stylish may not seem like a profound goal, but looking good has its benefits. It boosts your confidence level and projects a positive self-image. A plus size womans wardrobe should always reflect the beauty she has within while showcasing her curves. Its all up to you and youre worth it. Happy New Year!

Dec 30, Plus Size Cinema Part 2

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:25:25 GMT

Ready for more great movies to check out? Well here's the second installment of the list. 5. Camp (2003)- Teenagers attend a performing arts camp. While most of the ensemble of characters struggle with figuring out who they are, the stand out for me is Jenna. Jennas jaws are wired shut throughout most of the movie, a compromise made to avoid fat camp, but when she finally stands up to her overbearing parentsits all worthwhile. 6. Circle of Friends (1995)- This film chronicles the dynamics of a single peer group in 1950s Ireland. Benny, our curvy heroine, experiences the ups and downs of love and betrayal. She shows strength and poise throughout where others fall incredibly short. 7.Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)- In this sequel, we see chubby overly analytical Bridget up to her usual antics in dating and living. Funny and heartwarming, this film is worth watching if for no other reason than one scene: Bridget attempts to get dressed under a sheet, fumbling around until her boyfriend tells her that he has a very high regard for your wobbly bits. Don't you just love a guy who loves all of his woman? 8. Hairspray (2008)-While the earlier version captivated me, the latest one stole my heart. Its great to see women who are more than just a little chubby find self-acceptance and happiness. You have to love all the singing, dancing, and plus size pride abound. And you just cant beat John Travolta in drag!

Dec 29, Plus Size Cinema Part 1

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:10:48 GMT

Plus size women have long been neglected and outright mistreated by Hollywood. Yet, times are changing. Full-figured women are showing up everywhere in movies now and in more three-dimensional roles. While some of the movies on this list are clearly better than others, none of them were chosen for any sort of cinematic genius. They made the list because they handle the issues facing plus size women in a humane way. The characters are real people. They are so much more than just a fat girl punch line. So, grab some popcorn and make it a movie night. 1. Real Women Have Curves (2002)- America Ferrera stars as Ana, a Mexican-American teenager trying to find her way. The story explores family dynamics, ambition, body image issues, and more. Follow Ana as she enters womanhood, searches for identity, and struggles to mesh other peoples belief systems with her own. 2.Shag The Movie (1989)- This lighthearted film set in the Summer of 1963 follows a group of four friends who intend to have one last girls adventure before one members upcoming wedding. Caroline, nicknamed Pudge, is a chubby girl who loves to dance. While her friends run amuck all weekend, Pudge makes peace with herself, finds a guy, and shags til her heart is content. 3. Last Holiday (2006)- Queen Latifah stars as Georgia Byrd, a plus size woman who lives life on the sidelines until she discovers that she is terminally ill. Georgia promptly sets out to make at least some of her dreams come true before she dies. She takes the trip of a lifetime, eats without guilt, and gets herself a to-die-for makeover amongst other things. 4. Phat Girlz (2006)- Ahwhat to say about this movie? Well, its certainly the worst of the bunch in my opinion. The cinematography isnt great, the jokes are crude, and many of the attitudes expressed in it are contrary to all that I believe in. However, there are definitely some worthwhile aspects. Jazmin, the lead character, is a smart, talented business woman. Her struggles with weight and self-acceptance are very poignant. It shows different cultural beliefs about weight. And all the men are fit dispelling the myth that only fat guys are attracted to fat women. Thats enough good stuff to watch this one at least once on cable. Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of this list.

Nov 26, Own Your Beauty

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:52:44 GMT

Think beauty is easily defined? Well, think again. Last week, The Oprah Winfrey Show aired an episode about beauty standards around the world. While women all over strive to great lengths to achieve beauty, what those women consider beautiful varies by personality, region, and culture. Some cultures prize long necks covered in rings while others are wild for tatoos. Japanese women eat and drink collagen infused products because fair, smooth skin is the ulitimate beauty essential there. The women of Iran cover their bodies. So, facial features get the most focus earning the country a reputation as the "nose job capital of the world." In a West African country called Mauritania, thin women are considered unattractive. Full-figured beauty is celebrated and preferred. The take-home message here is that beauty is subjective. There is no definite set of features that add up to perferction. There are as many beauty ideals as there are people in the world. Women often spend too much time focused on other people's thoughts about beauty. Don't get caught up! Be proud of who you are. Own your beauty.

Nov 20, Have you been following Stylista?

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:46:30 GMT

Well, I have. The CW reality t.v. show follows a group of contestants vying for a junior editor's position at Elle magazine. We know how brutal the fashion industry can be on plus size women. So of course, I was rooting for Danielle, our resident plus size fashionista. From the moment Danielle entered the house, she was underestimated. She endured snickers and disapproving side-glances, but excelled nevertheless. The judges complimented her style and applauded her fashion knowledge. Her abilities kept her moving forward from week to week. Alas, Danielle's stint on the show ended with last night's episode. I'm sad, not so much because she lost, but for the reasons that she did. Danielle lost focus, perspective, and her self-confidence. The contestants were allowed to choose an outfit from the Elle closet as a part of a challenge. Only two things fit, neither of which Danielle actually liked. She ended up wearing her own clothes and she looked great. Unfortunately, the damage from the experience had already been done. Total meltdown. That's the best way to describe all the crying, freaking out, and self-doubt that occured. Danielle began to explain to her housemates that she doesn't eat much and that she's healthy. True or not, all unneccessary information, not that they believed her anyway. The saddest moment happened when Danielle asked another contestant "What do you see when you look at me?" The response, "That's a loaded question." The cast member relayed her definition of beauty which is essentially tall and thin. Danielle crumbled, her work suffered, and she was eliminated. Whenever your self-image becomes overly dependent on the opinions of others, your confidence level will take a beating. What you think matters so much more! Define beauty for yourself and stay focused on what you believe. Looking your best should be about self-love, not just vanity. Beauty is broader than height and weight, don't let your self-esteem be determined by either.

Nov 9, Shake the Shopping Blues

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:28:40 GMT

True or false? Thin women can wear whatever they want. Not matter which answer you chose, you're right. Anyone can wear what they want, when they want. The fashion police may ridicule a person, but that person is free to continue to dress just the same. So, in that sense, the statement is true. However, for any woman with the intention to look her best, the statement is undeniably false. It is a common misconception that being thin is an automatic ticket to fashion nirvana. The truth is that all women have to work with the bodies they have. We all have features that we love and some that we aren't so crazy about. A woman who looks fabulous on a regular basis looks that way because she puts effort into it, not because of a certain body type. So, let's not view being plus-sized as a fashion handicap. It's true that our fashion needs have been neglected in the past, but as the demand for attractive plus size womens clothing goes up, so does the supply. Considering that most women in this country are a size twelve or larger, the effort it takes you to find the right clothes is about average. How you think and feel about shopping affects what you wear. Be open to the search for the best of what's out there. Trial and error is the name of the game afterall. Shopping isn't a chore, it's the pathway to great style. Try to enjoy the journey. But if you still find yourself loathing the hunt, hire someone to do it for you.

Nov 1, Plus Size Fashion Rules To Live By

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:30:37 GMT

Here are three simple rules to make shopping for plus size womens clothing simple and rewarding. 1. Make fit your top priority. Baggy and shapeless is never a good look, but when you're full-figured it's a disastrous one. Oversized clothes don't hide problem areas, they just make the wearer appear larger. Tight clothes have a similar effect and leave you overexposed. Finding clothes that fit well can be daunting, but it's worth the effort in the end. 2. Know your body. No figure is perfect and no two are the same. So, get acquainted with your shape. Learn what works for your body type. Decide what features you want to accentuate and which ones you want to downplay. Remember that you have to dress the body you have today, not the one you had five years ago or the one you hope to have six months from now. 3. Choose style over trend. It's not that you can't have both, but whenever the two are at odds go with style. Every fashion season brings a new "it" item. It can be a hot color, a certain jacket, or just about anything. Unfortunately, what's trendy doesn't always work. Maybe the hot color washes you out or that popular mini skirt isn't age or body appropriate. Always go with what suits you over what's in.