The Jade Gown

The-Plus-SizeThalia-Gown

Looking for a gown you can really sparkle in? Igigi has the amazing Thalia gown. It doesn’t have any glitter or sequins but still manages to sparkle. I love the black lace overlay on jade lining. It also has a sweetheart neckline and piping that accentuates the waist for an elegant look. So pretty. And the possibility for so many occasions: bridesmaid, wedding guest, prom, formal dinner, dinner theatre… I’m sure you can think of more.

The plus size Thalia gown from Igigi is a beautiful black overlay on jade.

This floor length gown is available in sizes 12 to 32 for $225. If floor length is not your cup of tea they have many cocktail style dresses to choose from. Or if you actually need a wedding dress they have a few of those too.

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* Get your plus size gown from Igigi

Maxi Fall Dresses

Plus size maxi dresses for fall.

It has been getting cooler here at night (7C) but is still pretty warm during the day. It is going to be something like 29C tomorrow — that’s just wrong. The maple tree out front is already changing color but the weather has another idea although I am not sure what.

I have been waiting for a few weeks to show you this fall maxi dress from Swak Designs. It was unveiled in their lookbook but was not available until now. I think it will be a hot item for fall. I can see it worn with sandals for the remaining fleeting days of warm weather and transitioning into boots, tights, and big bulky scarves draped around the neck as it gets cooler.

Long sleeve teal maxi dress from SwakDesigns.

The Lois Maxi Dress is available in sizes 1x to 6x for $69.90 and comes in wine, black, or teal. I think the black would be the most versatile if you do not have pets but I am partial to the teal.

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* Get your plus size maxi dress from Swak Designs

Marcy Guevara Talks Maxis

Summer plus size maxi dresses from Lane Bryant.

Marcy Guevara from the web show Marcy’s Minute is now appearing on Lane Bryant Fashion TV. In this video she talks about their maxi dresses; specifically prints, fit options, and accessorizing.

Of all of the plus size maxi dresses I looked at in Lane Bryant’s online store this one on model Ashley Graham (I realize I am obsessed) is my favourite. First blue, always a winner, layered over a large wispy hibiscus print. Pretty. This dress is available in dual sizes 14 to 28 for $89.95.

Hibiscus layered maxi dress from Lane Bryant.

I love the comfort of brown. It looks great with natural or bright accessories; especially yellows and pinks. I love the texture of the layering in the bodice. It is a nice casual dress. I am not sure how tall the model is but I am hoping the dress is longer than it appears. This layered maxi dress is also available in dual sizes 14 to 28 but it is $69.95.

Layered brown long dress from Lane Bryant.

One of the things I wish Lane Bryant had was dresses for different heights, like they do for bottoms, petite, regular and tall options for dresses would be fabulous, no? I do not mind if a dress is too long because it can always be shortened but if a dress is not long enough there is not much you can do to make it longer.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size maxi dresses from Lane Bryant

Stripe It Up and Down

Plus size Lourdes dress from Monif C.

Whether you are a fan or not, stripes are here with a vengeance this year. Expect to find them everywhere in all shapes and sizes, directions and colors. I love stripes (almost as much as I love dots) but I seem to be most attracted to the classic look of black and white stripes.

Monif C has combined my love for black and white multi-directional stripes with my love for her maxi dresses to offer the amazing Lourdes Cold Shoulder Dress ($198) which is currently on pre-order to ship in late April. This dress was here once before and it did so well she brought it back.

Plus size striped maxi dress from Monif C.

Monif carries sizes 14 to 24. Make sure you check out the fabulous swimsuits while you are there.

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* Get your plus size striped maxi dress from Monif C

What Is a Maxi Dress

Plus Size Print Dress from Addition-Elle

Today I received Addition-Elle’s latest lookbook and it was filled with some cute dresses many of which are not on the website yet or else I would be talking in more detail about them. Instead today I am talking about “maxi dresses”.

Not surprisingly there were many long dresses — or what Addition-Elle (and many other clothing companies) are mislabeling as “maxi” dresses. Maxi dresses were a super hot trend last year and it is expected to continue throughout this year. Most women will have more than one in their closet for summer or will be patiently shopping for a few favorites. Here is a quick eye guide to what is and isn’t a maxi dress.

If you visit Addition-Elle’s online shop you will see that all three of these dresses are labeled as “maxi” dresses. The first dress is NOT a maxi dress. It is just an awkward length dress at least on this model. Perhaps on a petite woman it could be a maxi. The second is close but still is not a true maxi dress. The third one is a maxi dress! But an inch or two longer wouldn’t hurt.

Plus Size Print Dress from Addition-EllePlus Size Print Halter Dress from Addition-EllePlus Size Maxi Dress from Addition-Elle

What makes a maxi dress “maxi”? If you have not figured it out yet, it is all in the length. The longer the better. If you can see skin above your ankles then it is NOT a maxi dress. If you can see your ankles then it isn’t a maxi dress. If you can just see the tops of your feet then you can get away with calling it a maxi dress. But a true maxi dress hits the top of your feet or lower. I hope this clears things up.

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* Get your cute plus size dresses from Addition-Elle

Silk Maxi Dress

plus size maxi dress by designer Melissa Masse

I fell in love with the simplicity of Melissa Masse’s Silk Maxi dress this week at La Grande Dame. All it needs is a chunky belt and boots in bright red or camel (current fave accessory colors). It is available in sizes 1x to 3x for $380.

plus size maxi dress by designer Melissa Masse

I really like the neckline and dress length but the real think that curls my toes is that it actually has sleeves. I’d say 90% or more of the maxi dresses I’ve seen this season are still sleeveless or are too fancy. This silk dress is a refreshing change.

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* Get your own silk maxi dress from La Grande Dame

Funky Pattern Dress

plus size patterned maxi dress from Anna Scholz

I’m not a funky person but I love this funky patterned maxi dress from Anna Scholz. This isn’t just another maxi dress you buy and stuff in your closet. At £449 this is an investment dress that you love and make a point of wearing often. I love the contrasting black lapel collar and alternate pattern sash. The dress looks feminine and easy as is for a comfortable day with sandals or when it’s a little brisk with black / gray tights and a long sleeve black micro shirt underneath and your favorite boots.

plus size patterned maxi dress from Anna Scholz

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Topic Links
* Get your own Double Silk Maxi Lapel Dress from Anna Scholz