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Plus Size Belts
Ok, ladies, let's talk about something that I have been stewing about for months and months.
Plus size belts.
How hard is it to find great, stylish belts for us curvier girls? Especially if you are like me and not blessed with any type of waist! I personally need about a 38 inch belt, more like 40-42 inches if it is to be worn on my hips. And they are just about impossible to find!
How many of you look in the men's department for belts? I know I have. Haven't found anything nearly resembling a cute belt there, though. Belts are for me one of the top accessories in dressing great. Belts, shoes and purses should always be in the best quality you can afford. Scrimp on buying trendy pieces that you are only going to wear one season anyways, but never compromise on the quality of your shoes, handbags or belts.
Which leads me to my conundrum. If I find plus size belts at all, they are usually really icky! Lots of plastic crap that looks worn out the second time you wear it. Which sent me on a hunt online for FANTASTIC belts. Here's what I found!
I heart heart heart this belt!
It's a stretch belt with snakeskin embossed panels with metallic studs, big hook and eye closure and criss-crossed bands in the front. To.Die.For.
Think of all the possibilites with this one! Turn that boring plus size lbd into a stunner. Cinch that tunic over skinny jeans. And the best part is, it's only $19.50 at Ashley Stewart.
Here's a different kind of belt, one you can wear in your belt loops or over a cardigan or sweater. Love the leopard print to really pep up an outfit. Try this one with black trousers, a black shirt, black cardigan and camel colored shoes and bag. Easy and oh-so-chic!
On sale for $17.99 at One Stop Plus.
If you are looking for a lot of choice in belts, Torrid is your go-to place! It was really hard to pick just one example of their great styles, but I managed! :)
Really love this red stretch belt with rhinestone tabs and a big buckle. Would look great with camel colors! $22.00 at Torrid.
This might not look like much in the picture, but this is a really wonderful wrap belt from Igigi.
This is really trendy and along the lines of what I had been looking for in a belt. The two-tone colors in caramel and deep brown go great with just about every thing and the double leather looks great peeking out behind a cardigan!
$55 at Igigi.
Plus size belts.
How hard is it to find great, stylish belts for us curvier girls? Especially if you are like me and not blessed with any type of waist! I personally need about a 38 inch belt, more like 40-42 inches if it is to be worn on my hips. And they are just about impossible to find!
How many of you look in the men's department for belts? I know I have. Haven't found anything nearly resembling a cute belt there, though. Belts are for me one of the top accessories in dressing great. Belts, shoes and purses should always be in the best quality you can afford. Scrimp on buying trendy pieces that you are only going to wear one season anyways, but never compromise on the quality of your shoes, handbags or belts.
Which leads me to my conundrum. If I find plus size belts at all, they are usually really icky! Lots of plastic crap that looks worn out the second time you wear it. Which sent me on a hunt online for FANTASTIC belts. Here's what I found!
I heart heart heart this belt!
It's a stretch belt with snakeskin embossed panels with metallic studs, big hook and eye closure and criss-crossed bands in the front. To.Die.For.
Think of all the possibilites with this one! Turn that boring plus size lbd into a stunner. Cinch that tunic over skinny jeans. And the best part is, it's only $19.50 at Ashley Stewart.
Here's a different kind of belt, one you can wear in your belt loops or over a cardigan or sweater. Love the leopard print to really pep up an outfit. Try this one with black trousers, a black shirt, black cardigan and camel colored shoes and bag. Easy and oh-so-chic!
On sale for $17.99 at One Stop Plus.
If you are looking for a lot of choice in belts, Torrid is your go-to place! It was really hard to pick just one example of their great styles, but I managed! :)
Really love this red stretch belt with rhinestone tabs and a big buckle. Would look great with camel colors! $22.00 at Torrid.
This might not look like much in the picture, but this is a really wonderful wrap belt from Igigi.
This is really trendy and along the lines of what I had been looking for in a belt. The two-tone colors in caramel and deep brown go great with just about every thing and the double leather looks great peeking out behind a cardigan!
$55 at Igigi.
Controversy Over PLUS Magazine Article
Plus Size Fashion DivaPLUS magazine has written a body acceptance article that has sparked a lot of controversy, both inside and outside the plus size market.
The MailOnline, the online version of the Daily Mail did a full write up about the wildly popular article that went up last week. The article was accompanied by a great shot of Russian plus size model Katya Zahrkova, who wears a size 12, pictured along side a straight-size model.
The article is about trying to get the fashion industry to listen and use more normal size models instead of pushing the anorexic ideal down our throats.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the issue, leave your comments below!
Plus Size Fall Jean Fashion Trends 2011 for APPLES
Let's talk about bottoms. There's an undeniable trend towards flare and bell-bottom pants this season due to the major 70's fashion influence. But one caveat: due to an apple's proportions, jeans and pants tend to seem one "style" wider on an apples than on other figure types. By which I mean a straight cut pant often seems to be a boot cut, a boot can look like a flare and a flare just looks absolutely wrong. A fairly loose skinny jean will often look like a straight leg jean, which is a great flattering look on an apple.
If you want to go with the wide leg look, stay away from flares and tend towards straight wide leg pants with the opening no wider than the upper leg opening at the crotch.
These great boot cut jeans from Svoboda will look like a flare on most apples and ooze 70's sex appeal.
Pair them with a very plunged v-neck tunic that hits no further than your hip flexors and lots of jewellery for a fun, easy look.
These are wonderful trousers from Ashley Stewartand aside from coming in petite, average and tall lengths and 4 great colors, at the regular price of $29.50 they won't break the bank. These pants will look like a flare on apples, although they are billed as wide straigh legged pants.
Just remember the rule, the wider your pants, the slimmer your top should be. Long, elongating necklaces will help keep you from looking "puffy".
If you want to go with the wide leg look, stay away from flares and tend towards straight wide leg pants with the opening no wider than the upper leg opening at the crotch.
These great boot cut jeans from Svoboda will look like a flare on most apples and ooze 70's sex appeal.
Pair them with a very plunged v-neck tunic that hits no further than your hip flexors and lots of jewellery for a fun, easy look.
These are wonderful trousers from Ashley Stewartand aside from coming in petite, average and tall lengths and 4 great colors, at the regular price of $29.50 they won't break the bank. These pants will look like a flare on apples, although they are billed as wide straigh legged pants.
Just remember the rule, the wider your pants, the slimmer your top should be. Long, elongating necklaces will help keep you from looking "puffy".
Plus Size Fall Fashion Trends 2011 for HOURGLASSES
Moving along in the first part of our Plus Size Fashion Fall Trends 2011 by body type series, we are looking at plus size fashion Fall Trends 2011 for HOURGLASSES.
Let's do a quick recap of what we are looking for:
+ highlighting your waist
+ keeping proportions
+ lengthening the body to give it a leaner line
- anything that takes away from or hides your natural proportions
- too stiff clothing
- very large prints
So where do we start?
At the top! Lucky hourglasses, able to wear all that yummy silk and organza. Little boleros, flouncy blouses...these are all going to emphasize your curves and make you look very feminine.
This pretty blouse from Woman Within is right en vogue with it's flower print but in camo tones. Although we wouldn't style the blouse like in this pic, it would look smashing with (dark blue painted jeans in a skinny or slim cut. Belt it at the hip bones with a brown belt, and wear brown knee high boots and a leather jacket over it for a fun night out. Tuck it into low-slung wide-leg trousers and add some glam earrings for work. This blouse is really versatile and very trendy. Wooden jewelry would round this out nicely!
What we love about it: floral print in camoflage colors, versatality
Disclosure
Let's do a quick recap of what we are looking for:
+ highlighting your waist
+ keeping proportions
+ lengthening the body to give it a leaner line
- anything that takes away from or hides your natural proportions
- too stiff clothing
- very large prints
So where do we start?
At the top! Lucky hourglasses, able to wear all that yummy silk and organza. Little boleros, flouncy blouses...these are all going to emphasize your curves and make you look very feminine.
This pretty blouse from Woman Within is right en vogue with it's flower print but in camo tones. Although we wouldn't style the blouse like in this pic, it would look smashing with (dark blue painted jeans in a skinny or slim cut. Belt it at the hip bones with a brown belt, and wear brown knee high boots and a leather jacket over it for a fun night out. Tuck it into low-slung wide-leg trousers and add some glam earrings for work. This blouse is really versatile and very trendy. Wooden jewelry would round this out nicely! What we love about it: floral print in camoflage colors, versatality
Disclosure
Hot Deal, Act Quick!
Just a quick post to let you know that Lane Bryant is having a fantastic summer sale. Get 40% off EVERYTHING, including their sale stuff. Although they used to be a bit "old lady-ish", they have really ramped up their offerings and with also selling DKNY Jeans they are definitely worth checking out again.
Here are a few favorite sales picks at AMAZING prices! They are all sale items, so some pieces may not be available in all sizes, sorry!
A click on the picture will take you right to the item at Lane Bryant.
Can you believe these DKNY StraightLeg jeans are only going to cost you $34.99 (regular $80.00) after the 40% deal discount?
Body Type: These amazing versatile jeans are suitable for ALL body types.
Skirts and dresses are hot items this fall, and this printed skirt is so great. We love the graphic-ness of it and it's versatality. Wear it classically with a white top or shirt, add some vibrance with a red jacket or sweater or use cream to bring the color palette into the "ethnic" realm. High boots, high heels or flats will all look great with this skirt. It will run you only $29.99 after discount!
Body Type: Hourglass, Rectangle, Triangle
There are also a lot of pants with their "Right Fit Technology", meaning made extra to fit the different body types. You'll find a lot of them around $19.99 regular sale price, after the 40% discount they will be at $11.99. These are real steals, Ladies!
Just click on the logo and enter GET40LB at checkout to get 40% off your entire order.
Sale ends Monday, September 5th.
Disclosure
Here are a few favorite sales picks at AMAZING prices! They are all sale items, so some pieces may not be available in all sizes, sorry!
A click on the picture will take you right to the item at Lane Bryant.
Can you believe these DKNY StraightLeg jeans are only going to cost you $34.99 (regular $80.00) after the 40% deal discount?
Body Type: These amazing versatile jeans are suitable for ALL body types.
Skirts and dresses are hot items this fall, and this printed skirt is so great. We love the graphic-ness of it and it's versatality. Wear it classically with a white top or shirt, add some vibrance with a red jacket or sweater or use cream to bring the color palette into the "ethnic" realm. High boots, high heels or flats will all look great with this skirt. It will run you only $29.99 after discount!
Body Type: Hourglass, Rectangle, Triangle
There are also a lot of pants with their "Right Fit Technology", meaning made extra to fit the different body types. You'll find a lot of them around $19.99 regular sale price, after the 40% discount they will be at $11.99. These are real steals, Ladies!
Sale ends Monday, September 5th.
Disclosure
Plus Size Fall Fashion Trends 2011 for APPLES
Ok so meteorlogically fall/autumn started on September 1st. Labor day weekend is here, and in many parts of the country it will be starting to cool down and slow down. Our favorite fashion time of year--still warm enough to use your summer wardrobe, but cool enough to start pulling out the new items in your closet!
The Plus Size Fashion Diva will be taking a look to see what shops are offering top fall fashion trends at already discounted prices. Frugal February can wait, it is time to stock up and revv up that closet!
Today we are looking af plus size fashion Fall Trends 2011 for APPLES.
Let's do a quick recap of what we are looking for:
+ structuring a large middle section
+ highlighting your plus points, generally your legs, arms
+ lengthening the body, especially the middle
+ structured materials to give the body definition, layers
- anything bulky over the middle section, i.e. ruffles, bows, thick cable knit
- sheath-type clothing, i.e. long, straight tunics, sheath dresses
- shoulder-widening clothing, i.e. boat necks, large lapels
So where do we start?
Plunging necklines! Hot, hot, hot this fall are plunging v-neck lines. These are perfect for apples, lengthening and thinning the upper body. First up we have a really cute top that can be worn now in summer and will take you to fall with a jacket over it:
This really cute tank from Lane Bryant is, admittedly, ruffled, but in all the right spots. Apples generally have narrow hips, which do their part to make the upper body seem big. These well placed ruffles are going to even you out and give your proportions a lot of balance. We would suggest pairing this tank with a skinny or straight cut jean, and a structured jacket, as well as a long necklace.
What we love about it: ethnic print, burnished colors, combinability, body balancing for apples
Lane Bryant has 40% off their entire store until September 5th, so hurry and get this at a great bargain price! Click here to go to Lane Bryant.
Disclosure
The Plus Size Fashion Diva will be taking a look to see what shops are offering top fall fashion trends at already discounted prices. Frugal February can wait, it is time to stock up and revv up that closet!
Today we are looking af plus size fashion Fall Trends 2011 for APPLES.
Let's do a quick recap of what we are looking for:
+ structuring a large middle section
+ highlighting your plus points, generally your legs, arms
+ lengthening the body, especially the middle
+ structured materials to give the body definition, layers
- anything bulky over the middle section, i.e. ruffles, bows, thick cable knit
- sheath-type clothing, i.e. long, straight tunics, sheath dresses
- shoulder-widening clothing, i.e. boat necks, large lapels
So where do we start?
Plunging necklines! Hot, hot, hot this fall are plunging v-neck lines. These are perfect for apples, lengthening and thinning the upper body. First up we have a really cute top that can be worn now in summer and will take you to fall with a jacket over it:
This really cute tank from Lane Bryant is, admittedly, ruffled, but in all the right spots. Apples generally have narrow hips, which do their part to make the upper body seem big. These well placed ruffles are going to even you out and give your proportions a lot of balance. We would suggest pairing this tank with a skinny or straight cut jean, and a structured jacket, as well as a long necklace.
What we love about it: ethnic print, burnished colors, combinability, body balancing for apples
Lane Bryant has 40% off their entire store until September 5th, so hurry and get this at a great bargain price! Click here to go to Lane Bryant.
Disclosure
Plus Size Fall Fashion Trends 2011
I know it is HOT HOT HOT outside and you're not thinking about the fall/winter fashion season at ALL yet. But there are so many ways you can start incorporating what is going to be hot into your end-of-summer wardrobe and be a real trend setter this summer.
First let's take a peek at plus size fashion trends for fall 2011:
Sober: Back to Black and back to basics! What with the economy in the shape that it is in, there is a lot of emphasis on quality over quantity, timeless pieces in timeless colors that you will wear over and over again, and look a million bucks each time. Look for shades of black, charcol, navy and classic prints like houndstooth, glen check and tweed.
Simplistic: taking a step back from high fashion nightmares, cuts are more simplistic and serene. This season there is an emphasis on what really looks good on you. Simple but perfect cuts, traditional sewing
techniques and natural materials reflect our need to nurture and be nurtured.
Natural: Back to the roots. Natural materials are going to make a huge splash, starting with furs, going to wool, organic cottons and the like. Sustainability doesn't stop at fashion, and making sure that our planet will be able to sustain our children has become a top priority.
Rich: Simple cuts and colors have a way of looking very expensive, but can be boring if not broken up with a little color interest. Look for warm, deep jewel tones to brighten up your outfits. Remember jewel tones don't just mean emerald green or garnet red, but think of intersting jewels like tourquoise, aquamarine, canary diamonds and also lighter jewel tones like soft amathyst, jade and amber to really add pop to the neutral colored basics.
Cuts will be very feminine and accessories will play a huge part in dressing individually. Look for an emphasis on using and re-using, i.e. using old buttons to "down-date" new items. High waistbands on pants keep our curves in place and flowy, silky tops add a soft dimension. This winter it's all about being a sophisticated woman.
What do all these things have in common? They are generally universally flattering and will look great on us gals with curves! Check out Ashley Stewart
, they've already got some of their Fall/Winter 2011/12 collection in, and it is fabulous! A lot of it is absolutely wearable in summer, too. Here's a preview of their line up, enjoy!
First let's take a peek at plus size fashion trends for fall 2011:
Sober: Back to Black and back to basics! What with the economy in the shape that it is in, there is a lot of emphasis on quality over quantity, timeless pieces in timeless colors that you will wear over and over again, and look a million bucks each time. Look for shades of black, charcol, navy and classic prints like houndstooth, glen check and tweed.Simplistic: taking a step back from high fashion nightmares, cuts are more simplistic and serene. This season there is an emphasis on what really looks good on you. Simple but perfect cuts, traditional sewing
techniques and natural materials reflect our need to nurture and be nurtured.Natural: Back to the roots. Natural materials are going to make a huge splash, starting with furs, going to wool, organic cottons and the like. Sustainability doesn't stop at fashion, and making sure that our planet will be able to sustain our children has become a top priority.
Rich: Simple cuts and colors have a way of looking very expensive, but can be boring if not broken up with a little color interest. Look for warm, deep jewel tones to brighten up your outfits. Remember jewel tones don't just mean emerald green or garnet red, but think of intersting jewels like tourquoise, aquamarine, canary diamonds and also lighter jewel tones like soft amathyst, jade and amber to really add pop to the neutral colored basics.
Cuts will be very feminine and accessories will play a huge part in dressing individually. Look for an emphasis on using and re-using, i.e. using old buttons to "down-date" new items. High waistbands on pants keep our curves in place and flowy, silky tops add a soft dimension. This winter it's all about being a sophisticated woman.
What do all these things have in common? They are generally universally flattering and will look great on us gals with curves! Check out Ashley Stewart
Plus Size Designer Kim Camarella-Khanbeigi KIYONNA
Lyndsey
Kim Camarella-Khanbeigi is a truly inspirational designer for all those stylish plus size ladies out there, who want to show off their fabulous curves. As an entrepreneur in the making, Kim struggled to come up with a unique business idea. That was until she had a conversation with her friend on holiday, who explained about her difficulty in finding stylish clothes to suit her larger frame. Kim decided to create her own line of plus size clothing, with the aim of making ladies of all sizes feel sexy and glamorous. As a plus size designer, Kim had an eye for noticing what women really wanted to see in their fashion.
Kiyonna Clothing was the name chosen by Kim for this plus sized range, which was created in 1996. Working with speciality boutique owners, the popular ladies range is available in over 100 stores and can also be purchased online at Kiyonna.com. Catering for sizes from 10-32, Kiyonna Clothing has featured in most of the popular women's magazines on the market. The first flagship retail location was also opened in 2007, called Upstairs Boutique, and to date, the company has over 100,000 consumers.
The range of clothes on offer at Kiyonna, includes stylish dresses which will flatter your curves in all the right places. As plus sized ladies often struggle to find clothes which are in-keeping with all the latest trends, Kiyonna offers dresses in gorgeous styles such as maxi, wrap, lace and cocktail styles. It doesn't end there though, there is also a range of separates including tops, bottoms and career wear. The wide range of lingerie from Kiyonna Clothing enables plus sized ladies to show off their gorgeous curves and feel just as sexy as smaller sized ladies.
Kim Camarella is leading the way for plus sized fashion and is among the leading plus size designers currently giving ladies the opportunity to feel as special as they should. The range follows all the latest trends and is available in vibrant, vivacious colours.
Our favorite picks from the Spring / Summer collection 2011 are:
This is a MUST HAVE this summer. Maxi dresses are everywhere and this one is so versatile. Dress it up with snazzy jewelry and heels or dress it down with sandals and a straw bag. Comes in great colors, like vibrant purple ("plum") and cobalt blue ("teal"). This dress is great on you hourglasses and pears.
Maxi Dress at Kiyonna
This fantastic faux wrap dress is perfect for you ladies that need a little waist definition: apples, rectangles and invertered triangles. A really flattering neckline, the eye-popping black sash and the hip peacock print is so attractive and trendy. Also comes in eggplant (deep purple) and black. We heart this print, though!
Faux Wrap Dress at Kiyonna
Cobalt and the Plus Size Woman
The Dumpy DuchessOne of my favorite colors to wear right now is Cobalt blue! This color is so HOT right now! Even though, it’s a classic hue, it was all over the Spring 2011 runways this year. Richer than royal blue and brighter than navy blue, cobalt adds flavor to everything that you pair it with!
Why should you love it?
“The vibrancy of cobalt blue is undeniably captivating, but that same intensity is the main reason most people shy from wearing it,” says Bianca Bartz of Trendhunter Fashion. It can be especially intimidating for the plus size woman. But don’t be afraid my little (fat)shionistas! Go for it! Everything that is already stunning in black looks even richer and sexier in cobalt! Such as: the little black dress, a structured blazer, or a great pair of pants or trousers. Pieces like these create clean, sleek lines that can really make cobalt POP!
How do you wear it?
When wearing cobalt, try to avoid the ruffles and frills. The color does look nice on silky or frilly dresses, but it looks even better on more streamlined looks. As far as color-pairing, white or black is always a safe bet. For my daring divas, make a statement by combining cobalt with pastels like sunflower yellow or a light coral. My favorite combo is cobalt and turquoise. Both colors are so rich and luxurious looking! They look amazing when they are combined and create quite a striking statement. I own a pair of cobalt slacks that I purchased during an “end of the season” sale at Lane Bryant for fifteen bucks! I often pair them with a turquoise sweater and I get lots of compliments!
What about accessories and makeup?
Accessories ALWAYS boost an outfit! Silver accessories are best with cobalt. Rich and deep blues call for frosty silver or dark pewter. Cobalt is such a sophisticated color that your makeup really shouldn’t be overstated around the eyes and cheeks. When wearing cobalt, go for bold scarlet or crimson lips. Red lips look so cosmopolitan against the rich blue!
Our favorites:
Love, love, love this little dress with black lillies of the valley embroidered into the hem. Looks great on pears and hourglasses!Find it at e-Shakti
Love this versatile top for all body types. The material is a beautiful draping (but not clingy!) jersey that can be dressed up and down with acessories. Find it at La Grande Dame
Another year round favorite, this waterfall vest is made from a light jersey that can be worn belted, front tied it or open - we just love versatile pieces that will take you from the office to a night out!
Find it at SWAK Designs
Disclosure
Plus Size Fashion by Yuliya Raquel
Lyndsey
Yuliya Raquel is a Ukrainian born designer, who specialises in ladies' plus sized fashion. With a keen interest in fashion from a very young age, Yuliya first learned to sew at the tender age of five, and created her very first design at the age of seven.
After re-locating to San Francisco, Yuliya began a career in medicine, but soon realised her heart was really in fashion, and she longed to create her own designs. She was particularly interested in fashion for plus sized ladies, as she realised there was a gap in the market for this group. Her desire was to design plus size clothing which was stylish and focused on a persons body shape, rather than just a size.
In 2000, Yuliya opened her first plus size clothing store, IGIGI. The success of the store has continued to grow since it was first opened, and there are now stores located throughout the United States. IGIGI has a wide range of clothing for all occasions, including dresses, separates and a full bridal collection. She designs highly attractive, sexy clothes actually made with a plus size body in mind, not your run-of-the-mill unattractive and matronly plus size clothes often found in this segment. They are sensual, sexy and sophisticated, and available in a full range of wonderful colours.
Yuliya designs in sizes 12-32 and her range includes gorgeous dresses, including cocktail, wrap and tunic. The colours are vibrant and designed to fit like a glove for any size. These designs are not only clothes, but are a celebration of the female form in all it's glorious shapes. There is also a full range of bridal and wedding party outfits to ensure that no matter what your size you will feel a million dollars on your special day. The clothing line of separates contains a range of glamorous tops, skirts and jackets.
That Yuliya Raquel's IGIGI is a roaring success was proven by being voted No.1 plus size designer 2011 by About.com, as well as best plus size fashion retailer 2010 by the Full Figured Fashion Week.
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