UPDATE!! There was a problem with the Contest Submit Form, so sorry!  It has been fixed now and the contest can continue.  Sorry if you had to submit twice! Click HERE to enter the eShakti Designer Plus Size Contest!!



I've said it before and I'll say it again.  There is no better place to get plus size designer clothing than at eShakti.  Just when we thought it was safe to put away our wallets, eShakti has gone and outdone themselves with new styles!  Can you believe their "standard" sizes go to size 26W and for a fee of $15 they will custom make EACH!! piece to your sizing, even if you are above a size 26.  Try and get something off the rack customized at your tailor's for 15 bucks.

There's just too much to showcase, so I split it up according to body types.  Click on them to see designer plus size fashion suited for you, and remember that they can customize individual parts of each of their articles of clothing: If you don't like the sleeves, change them for different ones.  Neck too low or too high cut?  Change it!  I looooooooooooooove eShakti (but when will they deliver to Germany...*sob*)  You can get to their site here: eShakti

Designer Plus Size Clothing for Apples
Designer Plus Size Clothing for Pears
Designer Plus Size Clothing for Hourglasses
Designer Plus Size Clothing for Rectangles
Designer Plus Size Clothing for Inverted Triangles


HEY! Guess what! eShakti is having a contest in March.  Answer two little questions and be eligible to win the main prize of $250 or one of 25 (!!) second prizes of $50 each.  Just by entering the contest you will receive a $10 gift certificate for eShakti.  The contest entry form is here.  Good luck and let them know that I sent you in the recommended by blogger part of the entry form!

 

 

All you have to do is answer the following two questions:

 

1.Who is The eShakti Woman? (in 25 words or less, please.)

2.Pick any three products from eShakti that you think represents eShakti the best. (Click HERE to open a new window at eShakti)

1.Product ID
2.Product ID
3.Product ID

Tell us why you think they represent eShakti the best. (in 30 words or less, please)

Your details
Full Name:
eMail ID:
Door Number & Street:
City:
State:
Zip:

(If you came to eShakti through a blogger, mention the blogger’s name below.)

Blogger’s name:
Blogger’s page URL:

Entries can be sent in from today up to 12 midnight Pacific Time, March 31, 2010.

FAQ:

1. What is the Product ID and where do I find it.
When you click on a product on eShakti and go to the page with product details, the product ID will be the second line right below the title of the product next to the large image of the product. For instance:
Twist Front Cotton Satin Blouse
ProductID: CL0018553

 

2. I am new to to eShakti, how do I describe the eShakti woman?
As someone who has browsed eShakti or has bought from the store, describe who you think would like the kind of clothes & accessories shown at the store.

Conditions:
1. There are no purchase requirements to enter the contest
2. Any resident of the USA can enter the contest, except anyone connected with eShakti as an employee, consultant or associate.
3. The participation gift certificate available to all entrants will be given only once to each entrant, though you may send in more than one entry, if you like. But all entries of a given entrant must have one common email id. Furthermore, no entrant can get more than one of the higher prizes.
4. The winnings will be in the form of Gift Certificates that can be redeemed on eShakti. The Gift Certificate will have a validity of 6 months.
5. The judging of the contest will be done by a panel of judges from within eShakti and their decision will be final and not subject to review.
6. Results will be announced on the eShakti website by mid April 2010.

Plus Size Designers Before...

For many decades, curvier women were prominently left out by clothes designers. They just had to make do with whatever clothing was available on the market or make their own custom clothes with the help of boutiques and individual tailors. Just a few years back, it was very difficult for larger women to find plus size designer outfits.

Plus Size Designers Now...

Today, designers have woken up and have sensed the slumbering potential of the plus size clothing market. Many top brands today are capitalizing on this opportunity and making profits by selling a variety of designer plus size clothes.

 Today there are a few select shops where you can find plus size designer clothes from designers like Marina Rinaldi, Elena Miro and Gayla Bentley.

Designers take pains to accentuate the positive attributes of plus size women and adjust the fit of designer plus size outfits in such a manner that they are comfortable while still being elegant and highly fashionable.

Designer Plus Size Clothing is Expensive?

There are a very few online stores catering exclusively to designer plus size clothes, one of which is La Grande Dame. While their clothes are fairly "cost intensive", you are paying for exquisite design, workmanship and material that will last for a long time.  You aren't likely to see every plus size woman in the office or at an event wearing the same clothes as you, as often happens when you shop at Target or OneStopPlus. 

High quality designer plus size clothes are generally also made to last many seasons, making a seemingly expensive item actually quite price-worthy in terms of Cost Per Wear (CPW).  A dress that may cost you $40 and that you only wear three times is a lot more expensive than a designer piece for $200 that makes you feel great and gets worn 30 times within 2 or 3 years. The cheaper dress would have a CPW of about $13, while the designer dress would have a CPW of about $6.50.

One of our favorite ways to save money is to invest in your basics and buy cheaper "trendy" items that will only be worn one season.  Buy the best quality basics you can afford because these will take you from one season to the next and be true friends for years to come.

Here are a few designers that make high fashion plus size clothing that we feel are high quality and long wearable clothes that we consider great basic pieces. 

 

This gorgeous Argon Cardi is made of lightweight silk, wool and cashmere and is from Marina Rinaldi's Voyage Line. It looks beautifully pulled together with slacks and a blouse for work and is right on trend and fun with jeans and a fun top. This cardigan has side drawstrings for a fun, ruched look, plus it is infinitely adjustable.

 

This is the perfect work dress! This ponte knit dress by Melissa Masse is very comfortable, but also takes the place of a pant suit when paired with the matching jacket. The flattering boat neck and 3/4 sleeve ensure a business like, yet fun, suit.

 

This Acchille Black Overcoat is by Marina Rinaldi and is a fantastic investment piece. Trench coats never go out of style but are a definite must have piece this spring. This overcoat has a classic trench shape with removable belt, making it wearable season after season.

 

These great wide leg pants from Gayla Bentley are flattering and fun, and go with everything in your wardrobe. Plus, they wash and hang dry like a dream, making them ideal for travel.