Black and White Jacket

Black and white is coming on strong for the remainder of winter and into spring as shown by this amazing jacket from Addition-Elle. It’s faux leather and a bit pricey at $129. I remember the days when you could get a leather jacket from them for $249. But it is adorable isn’t it? It’s a nice tailored jacket, I don’t imagine this one will hang around for long.

Two tone black and white faux leather jacket is from Addition-Elle.

Faux leather has come a long way since the pleather days I remember. This plus size jacket comes in sizes X to 4x. If you don’t have an Addition-Elle near you the shipping rates are pretty reasonable.

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* Get your black and white plus size jacket from Addition-Elle

Houndstooth Jacket

One of my favorite fall patterns is houndstooth especially if it is in classic black and white. I love this cute little houndstooth jacket from Ulla Popken which comes in a great size range from 12 to 34 for $69.

This black and white houndstooth knit jacket is from Ulla Popken.

This would be a great piece to dress up your little black dress or over a cami and trousers. Or dress it down with a pair of black denim jeans or your favorite leggings. Having a jacket style gives the option for completely different looks; it can be left open as shown and layered over lighter pieces or it can be buttoned up to the neck and belted to give it contour.

How are you incorporating houndstooth into your fall and winter wardrobe?

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* Get this plus size Houndstooth Jacket from Ulla Popken

Working It

I am totally loving Igigi’s work wear this summer. Lots of functional and fun pieces for the work place — plus size tops, bottoms, dresses, belts and other accessories but I especially love these pieces:

plus size work career wear from Igigi

  • The Signature Wrap Dress is so cute. The pattern at the bottom looks like moving fringe.
  • The Ishiko Top in Jade is such an amazing color and it comes with the belt (detachable) for more versatility.
  • The Boticelli Top in Sunshine, again, great color to wear as is or layered under a jacket.
  • The Allegra Summer Jacket is a perfect “lightweight” jacket for summer layering — beautiful lines all the way.
  • The Candace Flirty Pencil Skirt is lightweight and can worn alone (with a top obviously) or with the matching Allegra jacket.
  • The Kayden Dress in Lemoncello looks like two pieces with its linen bottom and bright yellow top – and it comes with the belt.
  • The Kayden Dress in White/Pearl Blue is a little more subtle than the Lemoncello but still gorgeous – and it comes with the pop of color belt.
  • And the Trina Pants in Charcoal are such a nice break from black in the summer.

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* Get your plus size work wear from Igigi

The Melrose Mesh Top

Kiyonna has their own version of the pussy bow top which comes in five different patterns making each one a new look in itself and I love them all. Even though it is a mesh top it comes fully lined so at $64 you do not have to worry about finding a coordinating cami.

plus size sheer tops from Kiyonna

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* Get your plus size Melrose Mesh Top from Kiyonna

Blue Poppies and Pussy Bows

I love blue poppies! I even tried (unsuccessfully) to plant them in my garden a few years back. So when I saw this large print Blue Poppy Skirt from Kiyonna I got incredibly excited. And it is a pencil skirt no less.

plus size poppy print skirt from Kiyonna

Kiyonna gets better every year with their separates, helping women create professional career looks from day to night. I love the Blue Poppy Skirt paired here with the black Melrose Mesh Top (also affectionately called a pussy bow top). This mesh top comes in other colors and patterns including a lovely leopard and a most awesome black with mini white polka dots

plus size Melrose Mesh Top from Kiyonna

The skirt is $74 and the top is $64. Both are available in sizes 10 to 32.

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* Get your plus size Blue Poppies Pencil Skirt from Kiyonna
* Get your plus size Melrose Mesh Top from Kiyonna
* See more plus size pussy bow blouses

2 in 1 Blouses

I know I have gone on and on about not liking the “fooler” tops at Penningtons. BUT I could not help but like these 2 In 1 Tops at Evans (US). They are so pretty, especially the black and white one in the right corner.

plus size 2 in 1 tops from Evans

Maybe it is the patterns, I do not know. What I do know for sure is that fooler tops do not seem to be going away any time soon. The good thing about them is they take the thinking out of layering. These tops range in price from $50 to $70 and are available in sizes 10 to 28.

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* Get your plus size 2 in 1 tops from Evans (US)

New From Kiyonna

I think when I first visit Kiyonna the first thing I fall in love with is the colors: red, green, plum, maple and gold. Definitely makes me think of fall. Five of my favorites from Kiyonna’s new collection are the lipstick red bellini, the olive green sheath dress (and I am not usually a big fan of green), the plum ruched top, the maple twist dress (also in a hot magenta), and the golden cocktail dress (awesome in allover black too).

plus size tops and dresses from Kiyonna

The Nadia Knit Belini ($68) is one of my favorite layering pieces that Kiyonna has been carrying over season after season with new colors. The Olivia Sheath Dress ($118) is just so pretty and flattering with its vertical ruched bodice. The Rylan Ruched Top ($58) has the same neckline but the ruched fabric is horizontal and just as flattering and with long sleeves. The Tamara Twist Dress ($118) has so much going on, all with the fabric, a twist here, ruching there. And the Cosmo Cocktail Dress ($158) would be the go to dress for the upcoming holiday season. Despite the all over lace it is modern and polished. All in sizes 10 to 32.

I am disappointed their shipping costs to Canada are so obscene; starting at $30 for the first $300.

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* Shop at Kiyonna for plus size clothing

Channeling Harlow and Dietrich

I have been drooling over Igigi’s old Hollywood collection all week. There are a number of favorite pieces amongst the dresses, tops, pants etc but these two pieces are my absolute favorite.

plus size Harlow Skirt and Dietrich Top from Igigi

The Dietrich Top – You can’t see from the photo but the top has origami pleating which is gorgeous. Sizes are selling out quickly! I love that the top is only $60, a bargain from Igigi.

The Harlow Skirt – This pencil skirt is a herringbone tweed that is perfect for fall. It looks fabulous with the Dietrich top but would look equally bliss with a pussy bow blouse. For $65 it is a steal for this kind of quality. And yes, sizes are starting to disappear!

I love this whole look — the top, the skirt, the boots, the gloves, the purse. Gorgeous, just like Harlow and Dietrich.

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Can I Have an Autograph

Autograph Fashion is an Australian plus size clothing store that is new to me. And guess what, they deliver to Canada. There is no flat rate listed and costs are dependent on location, weight of package, and method of shipping. At the moment of this posting they offer free shipping if you spend $100 (easy enough to do) even to international customers.

They carry sizes 14 to 26 but definitely read their sizing information before you order. Prices are shown in Australian money when you first visit but you can change the currency with the drop down menu in the top right to Canada or the US.

plus size clothing options from Autograph Fashion

The prices do not fall into the budget range meaning a dress will probably cost $90, a top $60; unless it is on sale. I follow a few Australian bloggers and they absolutely love this store.

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* Get your plus size fashions from Autograph

Updated Polka Dots

It is no secret that I love dots. Big ones, little one, symmetrically spaced or not. And it is becoming apparent that Evans really likes dots too as I am really seeing lots of dots over there. Dots are a universal pattern. They work on tops, bottoms, lingerie and accessories. No I would not wear them all together (but I might be tempted)– that would be pretty painful for onlookers. But Evans does have great spotted pieces to add to your wardrobe:

mini dot clothing from Evans

The bra is £18; the scarf is £12.50; the 2 in 1 top is £39.50; the trousers are £32; and the pumps are £18.

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* Get your spots from Evans

Plus Size Clothing Options

plus size teal top from IGIGIOver the last fifteen years our options for plus size clothing have improved greatly. Our clothing section is no longer relegated to a 8′ x 10′ section in the back corner of the store. And in many cases we have our own stores.

Today we have more styles and designers who focus on accentuating our curves instead of hiding them in boxy masculine cuts. Even the types of fabrics available to us have increased. While polyester is still around, it has evolved.

Plus size clothing options are better today but still need improvement. What would you change?

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Ladies Night at Marks

On Thursday May 5th from 5pm to 11pm Mark’s Work Warehouse is having a ladies night. They are offering 20% off everything store wide. If you haven’t considered Mark’s for plus size clothing it might be a good time. They have more than industrial and health wear. Most stores carry up to 2x — call ahead if you like.

plus size clothing from Marks

Mark’s does not offer online shopping at this time but you can see some of their styles and find the store nearest you.

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* Visit Mark’s official website for store locater

Cynthia Twist Dress

Kiyonna is rocking the dresses this month with dresses like the Cynthia Twist Dress. I love the pattern and the style — just enough arm coverage and not too much cleavage. If you visit the Kiyonna website you’ll see bodies other than model Ashley Graham (below) wearing it — in other words, it looks good on many types. It is available in sizes 1x to 5x for $108 U.S.

plus size patterned dress

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* Get your own Cynthia Twist Dress from Kiyonna