The Difference a Model Makes

I was looking at the new arrivals at Anna Scholz’s official website and I realized how much I dislike her clothing… at least until I was able to see them on a body… then I fell in love. Tricked ya!

One of the things I like about Anna Scholz website is you get to see all of her pieces with and without a model. But what really makes me like a piece is seeing how it is styled on a model. There’s something about flesh, hair, and coordinating bits that really bring it home for me.

Take these examples for instance. I would never considering buying these pieces had I only seen them in the images on the left. It’s not that the pictures are bad or anything like that. The images on the right give the clothing some perspective and definitely make these pieces favorites I would want to buy:

Print Jersey Belt Shirt Dress, £125
I love this belted shirt with the leggings and orange pumps!

Jersey and Silk Fringe Top, £89
I love this unusual top paired with jeans and boots!

Digital Jersey Pleat Dress, £269
Ok, there isn’t much styling other than nude pumps here but the body brings the cut and pleats to life!

Crepe Jersey Sequin Sleeve, £165
Actually, this one not so much but I loved it so much I had to show it!

How about you? How important is product display for you? Do you prefer a model? No model? Or both?

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size clothing from Anna Scholz

Purple Trench Coat

La Grande Dame added a few new arrivals from plus designers, Melissa Masse, Marina Rinaldi, and Anna Scholz just in time for fall. Three pieces really stood out for me though. The Calogera two piece suit by Marina Rinaldi ($799), the Jersey Wrap Dress by Melissa Masse ($325), and the Acchille Purple Rain Coat by Marina Rinaldi ($546). That Calogera suit would look awesome with the “wisteria” rain coat.

The Wisteria Purple Rain coat will probably be a hot item thanks to Christina Hendrick’s bringing attention to an alternate shade of purple at the Emmy’s this past weekend. We’ve been so focused on deep purple we’ve forgotten about the deep pastels. It’s not an exact match but it’s pretty close and it’s a little more versatile than an evening gown.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size designer clothing from La Grande Dame

Bright Blue Convertible Ruched Dress

The bright blue “Marilyn” Ruched Convertible Dress is one of my favorite looking dresses from Monif C. It combines two of my faves — the Marilyn Convertible and the Nelli Ruched. And here’s a new video of/by Monif showing off the ruched convertible on plus size model Stacy:

The convertible ruched dress has different sizing than the one size fits most convertible dress, fitting sizes 1x to 3x for $215. Go ahead, get ruched!

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Topic Links
* Get your own ruched convertible dress from Monif C
* My other favorites from Monif’s pre-fall collection

Love This Dress from Anna Scholz

I love the bold purples of blues of the “graffiti” pattern that decorate this wrap dress from Anna Scholz. The Print Jersey Wrap Dress is part of her black label and comes in sizes 16 to 28 for £135 (which is about $222 CAN with current exchange). You can get it online at her official website. Or keep an eye on Canadian boutique, Lola and Gigi (see store listings at right) which carries various styles from Anna Scholz.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size Print Jersey Wrap Dress from Anna Scholz
* Currency converter

The Allure of Texture

eShakti has some great textural pieces this fall in skirts, dresses and tops. Their unique custom sizing store for size 0 to 26 always has some intriguing pieces but I think even more so this fall. Here are a few of my favorite textural pieces ($45 to $70) from their new line up:

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Topic Links
* Get your own unique plus size blouses from eShakti

Fall Arrivals at Ulla Popken

In general I would say that Ulla Popken has a more mature look than I prefer but I do believe they have styles for many tastes which is why I had no problem finding some favorites in their new fall arrivals. All items are between $39 and $89. My absolute favorites are the military vest, black shirt dress and zebra flats.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size fall arrivals from Ulla Popken

Tube Dresses

Voluptuous Clothing now has an online shop featuring a select line of their products. Two items that stood out for me were a long and short tube dress. The short Linen Layered Dress ($64.50) has the ruffle layers that women have been coveting this season while the long Long Layered dress ($69.50) has a pseudo layer look. And if you really would like a little more coverage at some point while you’re wearing one of these dresses they have a cute bolero ($35).

Obviously, the tube dress isn’t for every plus size body. A bra is still a must but at least these days finding a strapless bra in larger sizes is easier. If you are able to get to Lane Bryant they have an excellent one (no shipping to Canada yet, boo) and of course our very own Addition-Elle usually carries a convertible bra. Another option is getting clear bra straps on eBay to replace the straps on one of your bras.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size dresses from Voluptuous Clothing
* Get your own convertible bra from Addition-Elle

More to Love

More to Love is an Australian women’s plus size clothing company offering sizes 14 to 24. And yes, they ship to Canada; although, there are a few details under “policy” you many want to email them first for details. They have a cute website that is easy to surf and shop. Their fashion labels include: More to Love, as well as Alquema, Angle Circle, Advocado, Euphoria, Cafe, Chocolat, Woman, Swish, Lounge Apparel, Chee, F & I, Qui, Insalata, Mirrors, Moss, Embody Denim, Kiyonna, SWAK, C.enne.V, Tara Vao, Angelica, SPANX.

I found lots of cute pieces all in the high-end price range:

The fact there seems to be a lot of red items in my picks is probably more of a reflection on me than them.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size clothing from More to Love

Going Tribal

La Grande Dame has one of the best looking plus size tribal print dresses I’ve seen yet. It has attached ties to control the fit. I’m not sure who the designer is. It comes in sizes 1x or 3x for $349. Check the website for “limited” promotions too.

I also came across these Blowfish Malibu sandals in black or white for $49.95 at Zappos.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size tribal print dress from La Grand Dame
* Get your own Blowfish Malibu sandals from Zappos

MIB Goes Contemporary

Making It Big has added a new line to their offerings. Their “contemporary” line is streamline more than their regular line to highlight the curves. I’m actually quite happy with the new additions and I’m sure it will bring a whole new following of plus size women to their door. MIB offers sizes 1x to 8x (an awesome size range!!) and are in the mid-price range.

Here are five of my favorite new pieces:

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Topic Links
* Get your own contemporary plus size clothing from Making It Big

I Love Belts

Wide belts, narrow belts, metal belts, fabric belts but most importantly I love leather belts. My favorite belt is a black leather one with punched out flowers along the leather. To me the best belts are the ones you can stick in a pair of jeans and they just get better with age.

La Chik is a handmade belt company out of Calgary Alberta. They offer 1.5″ leather unisex belts in eighteen of colors (naturals, brights, and prints) with interchangeable click in 3″ x 2″ buckles. Not just any kind of buckle.. pretty buckles! Here are just four of my favorites:

Belts range in size from 30″ to 44″ for $22 and the buckles are $28.

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Topic Links
* Get your own interchangeable belt from La Chik

Pleat Shift Dress

I immediately fell in love with the Pleat Shift Dress from Anna Scholz. I love the orange and white creamsicle color, the cute cap sleeves, and the pleated accent at the waist. This fun every day dress is part of Anna’s white label and oozes that retro appeal that is so hot right now. It comes in sizes 16 to 28 for £224. Yes, they ship internationally.

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Topic Links
* Get your own Pleat Shift Dress from Anna Scholz

Promo Friday for Canadian Shoppers

A listing of sales and promotions for this weekend:

Alexandra Gathered Dress from Kiyonna, $128

Torrid is offering select $29.99 Denim
Coupon code: NA
When: May 22, 2010
Visit Torrid for plus size jeans

Tabi is offering 2 for $40 cotton t-shirts
Coupon code: NA
Expires: NA
In store only

Silhouettes is offering $20 off $100 or $30 off $150 or more
Coupon code: AFM
Expires: June 10, 2010
Visit Silhouettes for plus size clothing

Shoes.com is offering 15% off purchase
Coupon code: SUMMER
Expires: June 30, 2010
Shoes.com offers International Shipping

Kiyonna is offering $25 Off Purchases of $150 or more
Coupon Code: CURVES
Expires: May 30, 2010
Visit Kiyonna for plus size career and party wear

Have a wonderful weekend!

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