Wednesday, October 17, 2012

I know it's been a while...

It's been a busy month with work and travel, so unfortunately there hasn't been a lot of time for blogging. So, in an effort offer a piece offering, I thought i'd post a few links to sites that have some pretty great sales happening for fall...take a moment, and take a look!

http://www.lanebryant.com/   ***up to 50% off on select items****

http://www.simplybe.com/      ***up to 50% off on select items****

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5585  ****20% off, or 30% for card holders***

http://ashleystewart.com/  **25% off (today only) or free shipping with $75.00 or more**

http://www.avenue.com/  **  different sales for the next 4 days*****



Happy Shopping! Now go forth, and keep it classy!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

White after Labor Day...To Wear, Or Not To Wear. That IS The Question!

This will be short, sweet, and too the point! And thank you Nina Johnson for the idea!!!!


Let me start by saying that I did a bit of research, to see where this "rule" came from...and I came up empty! No one seems to be able to explain the origins of this fashion don't. So with that, I say GO FOR IT! I feel that the no white after labor day rule is very old school. And ladies, we are currently in the 21st century! Now, I will say that I am not a fan of white shoes...really at any time of the year...lol.... (though I do own a pair of white peep toe stilettos, that I have had for about 3 years, and have only worn twice) I would keep the white shoes put away for the cooler months...and no, this does not apply to sneakers. So, with that said, in this edition of the Big Girl Blog, I will give a few pointers on how to wear white after labor day. As always, comments, questions, and suggestions are welcomed!


Basically, there are only two things to remember when wearing white after labor day...

1. Choose fabrics that are typically worn in cooler months/climates. Sweaters, tweed, wool, etc. Stay away from summer fabrics like linen chiffon, and gauze. See below for a sweater, which can be found at www.onestopplus.com:



2. When wearing white bottoms, go with a darker shoe...i,e black or brown.

Also, for those who may be a bit skittish about wearing white after labor day, there is such a thing as "winter white". This is basically white, with a hint of beige.  See the pants below, which can be found at www.onestopplus.com:


As always, thank you for taking a moment to read my blog. Now go forth, and keep it classy!

My Review of Hollywood Slim Leg Jean

Originally submitted at Avenue.com

Stay on trend with these slim-style plus size jeans. The comfortable stretch denim will give you the perfect look every time you put them on.

  • Slim leg jean with 5-pocket styling.
  • Single button with zip closure.
  • Signature embroidery on back pocket...


Finally, a true slim leg Jean!

By Brenda V from Fayetteville, NC on 9/17/2012

 

5out of 5

Waist: Feels true to size

Inseam: Feels true to length

Pros: Flattering, Comfortable, Great Fit, Great Color

Best Uses: Casual Wear, Going Out, Travel

Describe Yourself: Trendy

Was this a gift?: No

I have purchased slim leg Jeans from the Avenue in the past, and the legs never fit me right. While I am decidedly plus sized(22/24), I have thin legs. These Jeans are a perfect fit. The legs, for once, are not too big, and they still fit in the waist, stomach, and butt. I got them in black, and the color is a true black. Very pleased with my purchas!

(legalese)

My Review of Colorblock Blouse

Originally submitted at Avenue.com

You'll cheer for this sheer, plus size blouse. It's the perfect cooler to cocktail style. From our Avenue Studio Collection.

  • Sheer, woven long-slee...


I really wanted to love this top...

By Brenda V from Fayetteville, NC on 9/17/2012

 

3out of 5

Neck Size: Feels true to size

Sleeve Length: Feels too long

Chest Size: Feels true to size

Cons: Sleeves Are Odd

Best Uses: Date Night, Casual Wear, Office, Going Out

Describe Yourself: Trendy, Stylish

Was this a gift?: No

I purchased this in red, and the color is really beautiful. Fits well through chest, stomach, and back(which are my problem areas). But the sleeves are way too big, and are an odd length. It looks like they are supposed to be tapered at the wrist, but they just hang in an awkward fashion. Very dissappointed over all...

(legalese)

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Halloween is right around the corner!

I know, it's not even September yet, and I'm already talking about Halloween! But I know many of you start early with your costumes, and put a lot of thought, time and effort into your Halloween looks. As you're preparing, keep in mind that just because it's Halloween, that does not give you licence to forget the rules of Big Girl Etiquette! To ensure that you are aware that there are choices for plus size women, when it comes to shopping for Halloween, I have found a few web sites that offer plus size costumes at fairly decent prices....see below for the list!

www.onestopplus.com

www.torrid.com

www.plussizecostume.com

www.halloweenexpress.com

www.buycostumes.com

also, don't be afraid to use what you have in your closet! Take a knee length A-line dress, a pair of knee boots, pull your hair back in a pony tail (or pull it back with a head band or scarf, and flip the ends), white eye shadow, thick black liner, frosty lip stick, and hoop earrings...and you have a go go dancer from the 60's!

as always, thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Now go forth and keep it classy!!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

as much as we may hate to face it....

Summer is nearing its end, which means that fall is around the corner. And, as we all know, that transition period where it's still warm, but not warm enough for "summer clothes" can be tricky to plan an outfit for. In this addition of the Big Girl Blog, my goal is to give some suggestions on how to layer, with out adding bulk, and keeping it stylish. As always, questions and feed back are encouraged!

Now, on to layering suggestions...

1.The Cardigan- what seems like a basic staple to any wardrobe. But if not worn properly, it can take you from trendy to tragic in the snap of a finger. Basically, you want to make sure it fits you properly. If you wear it closed, it should JUST hug the body. In other words, make sure it's not too tight. If the buttons are pulling, and leaving additional holes along the front, where there shouldn't be, then you need to go  up a size. If you choose to wear it open, be sure that it is not too big. The last thing you want is to be swimming in your cardigan. This will only make you look bigger. To get perfect fit, apply the same principle mentioned above...when the buttons line up perfectly down the center of the body, and the fabric hugs the body with out showing all the "bumps and bulges", you have the perfect fit.

2. The Hankie-hem Cardi- this too can be tricky. They tend to have long hems, and if not paired with the right items it can look awful. So, when wearing a hankie-hem cardi, be sure to pair with slim legged bottoms or straight skirts. If pairing with a skirt, make sure the skirt is longer than the longest part of the cardi. Lastly, be sure to wear your true size!

3. The Blazer- I must say, I am guilty of NOT owning one...not sure why that is, but I don't. I guess I should rectify this, and soon! Picking the perfect blazer is relatively simple, just make sure it fits properly. The sleeve (if a traditional long sleeve) should hit right at the wrist. It should be able to button with ease (same rules for the cardigan apply here also), and when buttoned, it should accentuate your waist...not hide it.


4. Layering these items- The cardi, and the hankie-hem cardi should be pair with a shirt that fits a bit sloser to the body, i.e a t-shirt, or a "baby tee". With the traditional cardi, it is ok to go with a fuller bottom, i.e a wide leg pant or peasant skirt. Because the traditional cardi will fit closer to the body, and fuller bottom will help to balance out your over all look.  See below for examples of both:

The traditional cardi look can be found at Oldnavy.com. The Hankie-Hem Cardi look can be found at Onestopplus.com.



***with the Hankie-Hem cardi, make sure the shirt you wear under neath is long enough to cover your stomach and booty!

When wearing a Blazer, these rule do not necessarily apply, because it can also double as outer ware. Just  be sure to purchase in solid colors, that can be easily matched with any outfit.  See below for an example from Simplybe.com:


As always, thank you for taking the time to read m blog! Now go forth, and keep it classy!



Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Jeans, Jeans, and more Jeans!

Now, more than ever, the choices we have for Jeans are endless...which can make it very difficult to find the right style of  Jean for you. But never fear, the Big Girl Blog is here with tips on how to find the perfect style and fit for you. As always, questions and feedback are welcome! And you all must think I am joking when I say that, but I mean it...I really do!!!

First. lets tackle the don'ts...

1. The "mom jean"- Why? No really, why? Why would any woman want to walk around in a high waisted, slim legged jean that does absolutely nothing to enhance the figure? I mean really, do want to walk around looking like this?


2. The boot cut jean- in my personal opinion, this look is atrocious on any one...tall, short, full figured, and thin...unless you're going to a costume party dressed as a hippy, there is no need for the boot cut jean...boot cut is just a fancy way of saying bell bottom...to this I say, please don't. lol... I mean really, do you find this look flattering?

Now, with those items out of the way...let move on to the Do's.

1. Flare Jeans- these are a great alternative to the boot leg jean. When worn correctly, they fit closer to the body until about mid to lower calf, where the cut is slightly wider. These can be worn with anything from heals, to flats, to boots, and still be stylish. See below for an example from Lane Bryant:


2.The straight leg jean- in most cases, this should be the standard go to jean. As long as you are wearing your true size, straight leg jeans will look good on anyone. There are, as always, exceptions to the rule...if your calves are thick, you may want to stick with flare jeans. See below for example from Lane Bryant:

3. The Skinny Jeans/Jeggings- I touched on this in a previous blog. Basically, the same rules that apply for the straight leg jean will apply here. Big Calves? Say no to the skinny Jean. That's all.

4. The new trend...the colored jean- as a 35 year old woman, I am not entirely sure about how I feel about these yet. In theory, I like the idea of taking the basic skinny jean or jegging, and stepping it up a notch...but I am not sure if this would be age appropriate for me. So, I believe I will give them a try in order to make an informed decision, and report back later...lol. In the mean time, if you are brave enough to give them a try, click the link below to check some from Old Navy.
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=70133

5. Fit-If you are unsure on how to fit yourself properly for jeans of any style, make a trip to Lane Bryant. They have a color coded system that will help you find the perfect jean for you. And, the associates are trained to help you find your true size, and the style that works best for you. I have personally had the fitting, and it works!

As always, thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Now go forth and keep it classy!!!