All plus size women do not like to hide their gams in long pants and capris (don't get me wrong I love my capris). When it's hot and humid there is nothing more comfortable than a pair of casual short shorts. Old Navy women's plus size section has not forgotten that curvy girls like to show off their legs too and have provided a good selection of styles to choose from. All are under $27 and come in sizes 16 to 30.

It's an indispensable tool, a valuable fashion asset and a source of all manner of important things like breath mints, a safety pin to fix a broken zipper, or keys to entertain a toddler. A woman's purse is a collector of things - and sometimes those things are downright unhealthful.

According to recent studies, a woman's purse ranks as one of the top ten germiest items we come in contact with on a regular basis. Ironically, a woman's handbag is also the place where she carries her wealth and financial power.

Is your purse a symbol of wealth or is it a danger to your health? Maybe it's a little of both.

Interestingly, for women, a purse is often a symbol of the self. An attractive, organized purse makes us feel better and more in control of our lives.

When our purses are a mess and we can't find anything, we feel lost and our bank accounts often reflect that scattered state.

Simply put, a purse with good feng shui is a purse that is organized, a handy resource, and supports its principal purpose: holding your money and financial wherewithal.

Read these tips to get your purse in tip top feng shui shape -- and make you more prosperous!

1. Elevate your purse.
You'd never see a man put his wallet on the floor, yet women put their purses on the floor all the time - in the restroom, at restaurants, at work. Always keep your purse elevated and off the floor. And never, ever, put it on the floor of the restroom. Hang it on a door hinge or the corner of the door. A great idea is to buy a purse hanger for those times when you want to put your purse down, but not on a floor.

2. Keep it clean.
Resist the temptation to throw gum or food wrappers, bits of paper or used tissues into your purse. What does it say when you carry trash in the same place as your money? Garbage should go in a trashcan and never into a purse.

3. Mind the change.
Avoid throwing change into your purse where it will fall to the bottom of the bag. This is disrespectful to money. If it's too inconvenient to put change into a zippered coin compartment in your wallet, buy an old fashioned coinpurse that makes collecting change easy - and getting it out for tolls or parking meters -- convenient too.

4. Be prepared.
Carry a small safety pin, a tiny container of dental floss, a small notepad with pen, a small pocketknife, highlighter pen and bottle of eye drops. Little items that make your purse a point of refuge in the world make you love your purse even more. Better still, when someone has a broken zipper they will forever remember you and your purse of wonders! Lastly, carry a $100 bill, but don't spend it. Having a purse (and some cash) at the ready helps you be prepared for financial surprises.

5. Activate your purse.
If you see pretty hanging Chinese ornaments or tassels put some of these on your purse. These hangers are great for pumping up the feng shui volume of your purse and activating it for wealth. Choose hangers that appeal to you and that look especially pretty and coordinated. Yes, pretty is good feng shui!

6. Buy thoughtfully.
Like a bra, never buy a purse just for the fashion name or for how it looks. Make sure the purse hangs on your shoulder comfortably, and like a good bra, stays there. Even better, find a purse with enough compartments to hold small items like pens, your cell phone, and other items you need to get to quickly. Make sure you can easily close your purse for security sake, that you can find what you need and that the purse is working for you, not the other way around.

7. Use a key keeper.
These small hooks fit onto your purse and keep you from fishing around for your keys, which can endanger you if you're trying to find them at night in an empty parking lot. By hanging on the edge of your purse, you can access your keys faster and more easily. This says you can find your way financially too.

8. Avoid wallet clutter.
Get a wallet that helps you stay organized with your money. Your money should be easily arranged, not rammed into a wad, and your credit cards should be easily accessible. Also, have only as many credit cards as you absolutely need. Too many credit cards becomes a financial trap, a credit score nightmare, and, well, clutter. When the clerks ask if you want one of the store-name-credit cards, tell them "No thanks; I'm cutting down on wallet clutter." Who can argue with that?

9. Buy a purse in your personal wealth color.
Selecting a purse in a color that resonates with your personal wealth energy will help stimulate your wealth and money-making opportunities. If you don't want to buy a purse in your personal wealth colors, other good options include red, metallic, white, black, and blue. Greens are also fine and a nice choice in 2010. The best choice for the year? Blue.

10. Pursue love.
The No. 1 feng shui rule for your purse? Don't buy it unless you absolutely love it - and then treat it that way. Keep it clean, organized, and off the floor. Your money mojo will be activated and you'll have more to spend and save. Show some purse love!

© K Weber Communications LLC 2002-2010

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook "Easy Money - 3 Steps to Building Massive Wealth with Feng Shui" visit www.redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

A one stop clothing shop, is one of the reasons I love plus size clothing retailer Torrid. You can dress from head to toe all in one spot. And their new online website is making it easier. This romantic outfit was put together with little effort. And the best part is this plus size outfitis all under $200.

• The jeans are new arrivals by Silver Jeans -- Lola Medium Wash Bootcut Jean Regular. They are available in sizes 14 to 24.
• The Ivory Rose Chiffon Babydoll Top is almost sold out with only sizes 0 and 1 left. But they have lots of cute tops in other sizes.
• The Cognac Berlin Heel take advantage of one of the hottest trends for shoes -- studs. They are available in sizes 7 to 12.
• The jewelry, well, that's just fun. The necklace (Wolf Pack Friendship) is part of Torrid's Twilight New Moon collection. And the Gold Turquoise Oval Ring is chunky and an awesome color.

One of the gotta have essentials for this season is the "boyfriend blazer". Whether you are attached or not you should take advantage of this versatile fashion trend.

A few ways to wear:

• With striped tunic, leggings, and knee high boots
• With a tee/tank, jeans, and motorcycle boots
• With a sleeveless cocktail dress and dressy booties
• With a flowing skirt, cami, and flats.

The Kenneth Cole boyfriend blazer shown here is from Nordstrom's in regular and plus sizes. It is available in olive or black for $109.

How are you going to wear your "boyfriend blazer"?

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:

1. The Purple Dress
2. The Military Peacoat
3. Bright Colored Leggings/Tights
4. The Cardi Shawl
5. The Convertible Dress
6. A Leather Bracelet
7. Novel Tees
8. Black Knee High Boots
9. The Pintucked White Shirt
10. Second Yoga Black Jeans

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:

1. Princess Leia and Jedi
2. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
3. Betty and Barney
4. Velma and Daphne
5. Superman and Lois Lane
6. Wonder Woman and Major Steve Trevor
7. Roman God and Goddess
8. Linebacker and Cheerleader
9. Nurse and Doctor (don't think traditional!)
10. Police Officer and Prisoner
11. Two Cherries
12. Spartan and Queen
13. Bollywood Beauty and Beau
14. Evil Raggedy Ann and Andy
15. Dog and Beth, Bounty Hunters
16. Ghostly Married Couple
17. Mummy Queen and King
18. Edward and Bella
19. Pirate and his Wench (or her wench)
20. Frankenstein and Bride
21. Hawaiian Hula Family
22. Batman and Robin (he was always kind of feminine anyway)
23. Dog and Dog Catcher (or cat)
24. Cougar and her Boy Toy
25. Vampire and Vampire Slayer (don't think traditional)
26. Hugh and Bunny
27. Harry Potter and Sexy Owl
28. Male and Female Hollywood Starlettes
29. Marc Antony and Cleopatra
30. Mickey and Mallory Knox (Natural Born Killers)

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.

I'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: