Hips and Curves knows how to celebrate Valentine's Day every day but I think they have outdone themselves this year with these gorgeous velvet lingerie sets for curvy chics. Whether you are celebrating the day with a special someone or spoiling yourself, this romantic plus size lingerie makes sweet gifts.
The two piece with cheeky brief ($39.95) comes in sizes 1x to 4x and the halter corset ($61.95) comes in sizes 38 to 44. Don't forget the chocolate!
There is nothing more classic than black and white. This plus size dress in Beaded Zebra Print from JC Penny takes classic and makes it fun. It can be worn traditionally with hose and heels or as shown here with tights and boots.
The tights are Spanx High Waisted Tight-ends and accessories are from Lane Bryant. The Fitzwell Jigsaw wide calf boots
are from Zappos.
If you are wondering what to spend your money on in the new year here are ten plus size pieces to add to your wardrobe for fashion fun and fab:
"When we grow old, there can only be one regret -- not to have given enough of ourselves."
”~Eleonora Duse
The go to place for plus size evening dresses is Igigi. They are the top runner for well-made dresses (and career wear) designed for the curvy body. I have two fabulous dresses from them and highly recommend you steer yourself their way for the holiday season. Here are just a few styles they have to offer.
These first two dresses are from Igigi's Limited Collection. The Savona Lace Dress on the left is $162 and comes in sizes 12 to 32 (some sizes selling out fast). The Seinna Dress on the right features the rosebud accent which is one of the hottest trends right now. It is $168 and is available in sizes 12 to 28.
For more formal occasions there are the Modena Gown with flattering princess knot and flowing fabric for $192. It comes in sizes 12 to 32. The Empire Waist Gown with jewels has been a staple and a personal favorite of mine with it's elegant crossover skirt. It is sold out of all sizes except 12!
Make a stunning entrance!
This doesn't really have to do anything with shopping but if you are looking for a place to put a few of your shopping dollars you might want to consider supporting Fat Girls Float -- an independent documentary about fat women.
Kira Nerusskaya is the mastermind behind this film. She has collected oodles of footage about interesting women from all over the world. Now she's piecing it all together. But like most independent films it needs a little help with post-production costs. Here's is a six minute snippet to give you an idea of what Fat Girls Float involves. Bare in mind that this isn't the final cut just something to get the word out. It takes a few minutes to get into so don't dismiss it until you have watched the whole thing.
Learn more about sponsoring a little or a lot towards Fat Girls Float.
Baghaus offers an inexpensive way to provide fashion and functionality when it comes to handbags. Don't get me wrong they have your average bag lady bag like any other bag retailer but here are three wonderful choices that are sure to be conversation pieces when you are standing in line at the checkout.
Nicole Lee Houndstooth Sequin Shopper - $72. It comes in four other colors but the black and white gives it a classic look that would add life to any suit your wearing. It's irregular cuts, pattern and pocket placement scream Alice and the looking glass.
Mia Lorraine Hobo - $49.95. An affordable everyday bag with a color that pops. The tilted zipper and pocket on the front go against what we are used to looking at which is what makes it great. It comes in four other colors (neutral).
Dominique Paige Hobo - $62.95. Totally casual and dynamite with denim or khakis. It has a little bit of frindge to follow the trend but not over bearing for those not into it. It also comes in black but brown is where it's at.
This fall Fashion Bug introduced inclusive sizing for their fashions -- no more separate areas for regular and plus sizes. Most of their fashions are available in sizes 6 to 32. Fashion Bug currently ships within the U.S. Hopefully some time soon they will offer their plus size product line elsewhere. Especially since they have so many good pieces. Like the tops pictured here, all under $30!!
It's hard enough trying to pick a personal plus size costume without having to come up with ideas for a couples costume. Here's thirty ideas to help get your creative juices flowing. Some can be bought in store and some, if you are really creative, can be made at home:
One of my favorite models since the first time I laid eyes on her is Crystal Renn. This month she celebrated the official release of her biography Hungry which highlights some of the emotional and physical hurdles she has overcome to attain her goals. Here is a quick video courtesy of Ford Models (who represent her):
Plus size clothing is growing in leaps and bounds; and no, I don't mean sizes, I'm talking about selection. Regardless what mainstay media would have us believe there are a lot of choices out there for plus size clothing if the shopper is willing to go beyond their neighborhood.
I'm totally siked about a new company that is opening up shop online this fall. September 25th to be exact. Mark your calendars! Plusologie (say that ten times real fast) by Karolina Easley is the love child of Karol Jarvis.
Plusolgie's Mission: "To provide a brand that is stylish, sophisticated, and comfortable for the plus size consumer reflecting the notion that the plus size consumers watch the same TV shows, read the same fashion magazines, love fashion, newness, color, and want to be just as fashionable and neat as anyone else."
Here's a sneak peak:
Keep an eye on the Plusologie official website (or sign up for their newsletter) for more.
Torrid is gearing up for Halloween with even more costume options than ever -- thirteen so far. Being Torrid you know their costumes are going to be a little edgier than what your mama used to dress you up in. Their plus size costumes are available in combo sizes 1/2 and 3/4 with prices ranging from $65.99+ (not all accessories may be included).
Here's just a few of my favorites:
Clockwise from top right: Lady Luck, Naughty Cop, Candy Striper, Miss Wonderland, and Fairy Tale Princess in the center. Other options include: Riding Hood, Pirate, Miss Muffet, Queen of Wonderland, French Maid, Snow Princess, Heidi. Not your cup of tea? Here's a listing to find plus size Halloween costumes.
"If your happiness depends on what somebody else does, I guess you do have a problem."
”~ Richard BachI've been really impressed this year with Liz Claiborne's plus size styles ever since they gave their website and line an overall. Even their plus size models look plus size!
I absolutely love this honeycomb boatneck tee from Liz Claiborne, part of many great new arrivals for fall. Take some time in your online browsing to pop over there and check them out. Great cuts, great patterns, lush colors.
The honeycomb tee also comes in black and cream. It is available in sizes 1x to 3x for $45.
Take 30% off everything at LizClaiborne.com from 08-24-09 to 08-27-09. No promotion code needed. Yep, that includes their already reduced merchandise too!
It's not too late to play with summer dresses. Macy's plus size clothing line has a lovely array of patterns that are actually pretty and interesting to look at instead of the usual we've been subjected too elsewhere. Some of them even qualify for free shipping!
And yes, if you absolutely don't do patterns Macy's has many solid dresses in a variety of styles. All the plus size dresses you see here are under $100 and offered in sizes up to 3X:
Tabeez is a new plus size clothing store to me. In actuality they have been serving customers in sizes 0 to 22 since 2008. I was immediately captivated by their prices and affordable plus size fashions. There isn't a huge selection of styles but they are worth exploring.
You could go skirt crazy there with these lovely styles and still not break your pocket book. All the skirts you see here are under $50 (some are even under $30). Tabeez offers free shipping on orders in the U.S. on orders $150 and over.
Who else has crazy fabulous skirts right now? Torrid. Be sure to check them out also.
Punk super diva Beth Ditto (Who is Beth Ditto) is no stranger to bending the fashion curve. As a plus size beauty who's not afraid to flaunt her curves (she's posed nude for at least three magazine covers) she's always has a unique style with a sharp edge. Most importantly she's not afraid to do what she wants. This summer she's joined the UK clothing company Evans to create twenty-four pieces for the Beth Ditto collection. Here are just a few of the best pieces:
The collection is available exclusively from Evans stores, their website and the official Ditto Evans online store. And in case you are wondering, yes, they ship to the United States. And it is rather reasonable as are the clothing prices.
Itsy teenie weenie bikinis are out according to Forbes. 
That works just fine for the majority of the swimsuit population (well the female contingent anyway).
Hot looks for swimwear this summer include polka dots, halter straps and ruched fabric.
One of my favorite plus size swimsuit providers is Always for Me and they have retro plus size swimwear that will knock your sock off and have your toes pining for a dip in the pool.
Like this Ocho Rios Twist One Piece Bandeau in sizes 16 to 26 for $79. It gives the polka dot bikini the updated look almost every one can wear.
Just when you think they are no longer offering plus sizes they release their new line. Liz Claiborne, working under the design genious of Isaac Mizrahi has about twenty-five items in their new plus size collection. Bold, bright and comfortable seems to be the trend for spring.
Liz Claiborne offers plus sizes 1x to 3x and all of their choices are under $100. Their hot color of the season? Persimmon:
The "maxi" dress is a hot item for plus size women this summer. Plus size clothing retailer Igigi has some of the loveliest ones available: flowing skirts, empire waists, surplice necklines, bra friendly and fully lined.
This Elena Maxi Dress even comes with a co-ordinating shrug for when the day gets cool or if you are feeling a bit bashfull about your upper arms and want to ease into baring them. This shrug designs still allows for ventilation under the arms should things warm up. It comes in sizes 14 to 32 for $162.
Sealed with a Kiss, or SWAK designs for short, is an online plus size clothing shop offering a small line of trendy clothing at affordable prizes. 
Like this adorable Nicollette Checkered Dress for $45 which comes in white/black, pink/black and teal/black. This dress is available in sizes 1x to 6x.
One of my favorite things about Swak is that they offer their customers free worldwide shipping (minimum $40 purchase). A complete rariety in the plus size clothing sector or any other.
Swak makes most of their unique designs but does offer a few other labels. While you might not like every piece they have I'm sure you will find one to three affordable items that you do.
One of my favorite plus size recording artist at the moment is Londoner, Adele. I first saw her on Saturday Night Live last year and have been addicted ever since. Make You Feel My Love (written by Bob Dylan) is my absolutely favorite song right now. Her voice slays me. Fashion wise, she strikes me as a rebel.
"Shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons insult fat people but also everyone else. They pull everyone down to their level and allow everyone to laugh it off. That’s probably how it should be. We need to recognize that we are, well, people. In the end I think it helps people with acceptance. No one is perfect, and if you are, you’re alone."
”Lara FraterOne of the hottest looks this past year has been the bubble dress. At least if you had a slim and trim body. 
But that didn't stop plus size companies from following suit. Much to my dismay, ugly bubble dresses were popping up everywhere.
Not until now have I seen a bubble dress that actually looks beautiful on a plus size form. Thanks to plus size trendy clothing shop, Torrid.
I love the Blue Brushstroke Glam Knit Bubble Dress. It has a subtle bubble so plus size chics don't look like a giant pear. The pattern is extremely flattering and broken up by the ruched black waist. I love ruched anything!
It is currently on sale for $54 (regular $74). It comes in sizes 0 to 3. If you spend $100 at Torrid, shipping is free.
Spring has sprung and so have the new styles. Plus size boutique, Kiyonna released a few flirty fashions to get any curvy shopper into the mood.
Like the Tory Cinch Dress in blush (also available in passionately purple and black). This faux wrap dress with accent ruffle comes in sizes 10 - 32 for $126.
Or the Felicity Blouson Blouse in floral water print. It comes in sizes 10 - 32 for $88. Great with jeans, dress pants or if you are already venturing, shorts!
To help curvy shoppers celebrate spring Kiyonna has also issued a coupon to help keep some money in your purse. Curvy customers can save $25 off their purchases of $175 or more. The coupon code is: COLOR. It expires August 1, 2009.
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