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.
***
Topic Links
* Get your own plus size designer clothing from La Grande Dame
Jessica Biffi — Plus Size Clothing Designer
Additional Elle and MXM are celebrating their latest line designed by plus size designer and plus size woman Jessica Biffi. The 26 year old recently made waves on the television show Project Runway Canada by becoming a finalist. Not only is she talented and has a keen fashion sense, the girl is smoking hot — I absolutely love that hair. Here is a recent video of her introducing a few pieces from the Addition-Elle line along with some of her inspiration:
From the Addition-Elle, Jessica’s line is called The Collection. I absolutely love the red pieces: The red trench coat is $120 and the red tube dress (especially with a wide black belt) is $90:


From the MXM, her line is called Bold Biffi. I’m loving the purple or sparkling grape. The halter is $49.99 and the tunic is $59.99:


Biffi’s lines are available is sizes x to 5x, not all styles are in all sizes. Jessica Biffi’s designs will only be available in select stores but you can always get them online.
***
Topic Links
* Get your own Jennifer Biffi pieces from Addition-Elle / MXM
Military Jacket for Spring
One of my favorite jackets in high school was a military jacket I picked up at the second hand store. I literally wore the shit out of it. Ah, fond memories. Why can’t all pieces of clothing be so blessed… 
As you may have guessed, military is back; and with a fierce vengeance, so if you have some packed away dig it out, if you saw something you here hedging on at the second hand store run back and get it. You can now wear it and actually be hip or as my nephew says “pro”.
In the new realm I found this cute military jacket at eShakti. I love the lines on this baby. This deep olive khaki is reasonably priced at $59.95. It is offered in regular and plus sizes up to 3x. Bigger than a 3x? eShakti offers custom sizing for an additional fee.
***
Topic Links
* Get your own plus size military jacket from eshakti
Plus Size Short Jackets
One of the hottest trends for jackets this spring is the short jacket. At the moment, in some parts of Canada it may not be too functional but in others it’s getting closer (it was +13°C here today).
Over at Forever 21 they have quite a few short jackets unfortunately there isn’t much variety in color (which is pretty much the same everywhere at the moment). Here are some of my favorites which range in price from $29.80 to $45.80 and go up to size 3x:

In theory, I like the way they look on models but I’m not completely sold on having one myself. What about you, do you love the short jackets or prefer something a little longer?
***
Topic Links
* Get your own plus size short jackets from Forever21/Faith21
Outerwear Where?
In some parts of Canada, like say Eastern Ontario, it is still winter. I woke up to 10cm of freshly fallen snow. That isn’t a complaint. I’ve been waiting for the real white stuff for months. Better now then say, April? 
If you are still looking for plus size outerwear for the remaining months of the season (if you are in B.C. I really don’t want to hear about what you’re wearing), Maximum Woman has some great prices at their site. Like this Suka belted wool coat for $59.99 (reg. $150). They currently have sizes 1x and 3x in this style. There a few other nice styles in sizes 1x and 2x.
In the mean time, keep warm spring will be here before you know it!
***
Topic Links
* Get your own plus size outerwear from Maximum Woman
The Boyfriend Blazer
Plus size girls can take advantage of the latest hot fashion trend — the boyfriend blazer — whether they have a boyfriend or not. Forever21′s plus size line Faith21 has an affordable black one for $40 in xl and 1x.
The boyfriend blazer is a necessary versatile piece for this season. Wear it with tee/tank and motorcycle boots; or with a sleeveless cocktail dress and dressy booties; or with a flowing skirt, cami, and flats.

***
Topic Links
* Get your own plus size boyfriend blazer from Forever 21
* More of my favorite Plus Size Boyfriend Blazers
The Classic Peacoat
Yes, it is still winter in most parts of Canada. While we can dream of warmer days the truth is spring is still far off for most of us. The good news is there is still time to take advantage of winter outwear sales. 
One of my favorite styles for coats is the military peacoat. It has made a huge fashion trend this winter and thankfully it is not a style that goes out of style quickly.
Swak Designs has this classic black peacoat in 100% wool on sale for $74.99 US. It is available in sizes 1x to 4x. Swak offers free shipping to Canadians for purchases $40 and over.
***
Topic Links
* Get your own Classic Peacoat from SwakDesigns
Red Down Jacket
For cold weather warmth I immediately think down. Unfortunately, if not styled right it can come off looking unshapely or puffy. Mark’s Work Wearhouse carries a small selection of plus sizes up to 2x, including this Women’s Wind River Down Jacket. 
This short jacket is filled with 90% down and 10% feathers. It is available in the fall red shown (favorite) or black, blue, and lavendula. It will be on sale until December 23, 2009 for $54.99 (regular $109.99). Don’t forget to look at their hat, mitt, and scarf accessories while you are there.
***
Topic Links
* Get your own red down jacket from Mark’s Work Warehouse





