Archives for March 2010

Spring into Prints

March 31, 2010 By 1 Comment

If I lived in the UK not only would I dress from head to toe in fashions from Evans, I’d probably move in next door. Yes, I love this store. I have to admit that much of that love goes with the presentation.

Here are my favorites from their latest spring catalog in no particular order:

Plus Size Clothing from Evans UK

  1. Pink Embroidered Cutwork Top (11C16FPNK) in geranium, sizes 14 to 32 for £25
  2. Blue Criss Cross Sandals (32R38GBLE) in wide and wider fit for £23
  3. Grey Ruched Hem Trouser (03T07GGRY), sizes 14 to 32 for £29.50
  4. Red Floral Ditsy Print Tunic (08M19GRED), sizes 16 to 32 for £37
  5. Black Pinstripe Pencil Skirt (03S11GBLK), sizes 14 to 30 for £20
  6. Red Peeptoe Ballerinas (21G51GRED), in wide and wider fit for £15
  7. Blue Marble-Wash Check Top (11D41GBLE), in sizes 14 to 32 for £20

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Topic Links
* Browse Evan’s spring catalog for great plus size fashions

Filed Under: Bottoms, Career, Dresses, Shoes, Tops Tagged With: ,

Jessica Biffi — Plus Size Clothing Designer

March 30, 2010 By 2 Comments

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:

Plus Size Short Trench by Jessica BiffiPlus Size Tube Dress by Jessica Biffi

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:

Plus Size Pleated Halter by Jessica BiffiPlus Size Tunic with Gold Accent by Jessica Biffi

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.

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Topic Links
* Get your own Jennifer Biffi pieces from Addition-Elle

Filed Under: Dresses, Outerwear, Tops Tagged With: , ,

40 Beauty Questions

March 29, 2010 By 1 Comment

One of my favorite people to watch on YouTube is Misschievous. Here is a video of her answering 40 beauty questions, some of which you may have wondered yourself and there are a quite a few mini product reviews. You can skip ahead to 1:08 to avoid the personal stuff which would only be relevant to those who follow her make up tutorials.

Here is my answers to the questions. Feel free to copy and paste in the comments or your own blog:

SKINCARE

How many times do you wash your face daily?
I wash it with cleanser in the evening to remove makeup. In the morning I rinse it with warm and then cold water.

What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I have dry skin that tends to get a layer of oil over it by the end of the day.

What is your current facial wash?
I have been using Yonka’s cleansing milk (Lait Nettoyant) for over a year. I love it because it is a cleanser and eye make up remover in one.

Do you exfoliate?
Yes. But not as often as I should!

What brand do you use?
I use two different ones by Yonka.

What moisturizer do you use?
I have used Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion and the Moisture Surge (totally awesome). I’m currently using one by Yonka and Amarte Aqua Veil depending on my mood.

Do you have freckles?
Yes! they kind of turn into one freckle in the summer. They are pretty like though.

Do you use eye cream?
Occasionally. Either by Yonka or Clinique

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I had moderate acne in my teens and early adulthood.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Yes, it was awesome.

MAKE-UP

What foundation do you use?
Currently I’m alternate between Revlon and L’oreal.

How about concealer?
Yes, but I can’t remember by who. A sign that I need a fresh one.

Do you know your undertone color?
No idea. I think I’m cool.

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
Honestly, I think they are ridiculous unless you don’t have any or are a celebrity.

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes, but I usually end up getting rid of it sooner because it turns clumpy on me (regardless of how fabulous the brand).

What brand of mascara do you use?
Currently using a sucky Avon, Cover Girl, and a new one the sales clerk talked me into — can’t remember.

Sephora or MAC?
Definitely MAC.

Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
Nope.

What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
I have a huge brush kit that I bought on ebay from abestlife.

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Sometimes.

For the face?
No.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I especially partial to pinks and neutrals.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Once in a blue moon. More likely to do it with a mascara brush.

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I don’t think of them.

Do you use mineral makeup?
Occasionally, trying to get used to them.

What is your favorite lipstick?
Right now I’m using a Stilo I found on ebay. It’s an awesome deep red color.

How about lipgloss?
Not a huge gloss fan, only use occasionally.

What is your favorite blush to use?
Hardly ever wear it.

Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Occasionally, but I do research first.

Do you like drugstore makeup?
Sometimes. It’s cheap fun!

Do you go to CCO’s? (cosmetic company outlets)
No.

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
No.

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
No.

Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Brash eyeshadow.

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I prefer neutral mostly.

Which celebrity always has great make up?
Sandra Bullock.

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?
Lipstick is number one. If there is no lipstick then mascara.

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes!

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
I look a different kind of good.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
MAC.

What do you think of Makeup?
It is great fun!

Filed Under: Beauty Products Tagged With: , , , ,

Promo Friday for Canadian Shoppers

March 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A sale or two to make your weekend a little more exciting:

Kiyonna is offering 20% Off Everything on ALL Orders Over $100
Coupon Code: LOVEU
Expires: 3/31/10
Visit Kiyonna for plus size career wear

MIB is offering $10 shipping credit (in lieu of free shipping offered for US) on the purchase of sale items
Coupon code: FSSALE
Expires: March 28, 2010
Visit MIB for plus size clothing

Yoga Accessories is offering 10% off retail purchases of $50 or more
Coupon code: AFFS9324
Expires: March 31, 2010
Visit Yoga Accessories for yoga aids during plus size yoga

Hot Topic is offering 25% on Purchases over $40
Coupon code: HTA25OFF40
Expires: April 3, 2010
Visit Hot Topic for plus size novelty tees and accessories

Have a great weekend!

Filed Under: Sales Tagged With: , , , ,

Five Trends to Watch for This Spring

March 25, 2010 By 1 Comment

Not everyone likes to watch fashion trends. I have to admit while I keep an eye out for them I don’t allow them to restrict me in my fashion choices. I think plus size women have been restricted enough. What I do like to do with them is use them as a forecast of things that I can expect to find in the shops and then use my personal taste to decide if it’s something I want to shape into my own sense of style. There are five trends that I am totally warming up to this season. Silk Dupion Frill Coat from Anna Scholz

Electric Blue

This is probably one of my absolute favorite color trends this year. And no one has taken better advantage of it than Anna Scholz. Look for this color locally in your own shops as well and if you like it try to add at least one piece in this color. It is a showcase color so don’t go crazy with it. I know it will be hard because it is such an awesome color.

Paisley

I don’t know what it is about paisley but it seems like it never dies. I’m sure it must be one of the most rebirthed patterns (other than stripes and dots). And it is back again. I find it to be an incredibly pleasing pattern for the plus size frame especially if it is in the form of a skirt and mixed in with one or two other patterns.

Lace Tops and Dresses

My next favorite trend is lace tops/blouses and dresses. I always find straight blouses to be boring but lace adds texture and romance. And if they are a completely different styles we can get away with more than one of them in our wardrobe. This lace top is from Torrid and the dress is from SwakDesigns.

Lace Stretch Top from Torrid

Asymmetrical Draping

The asymmetrical cardigans were a hot item last season and they are continuing to pick up momentum this season but it is no longer limited to just cardigans. You can find it in tops, scarves, skirts, and dresses. Asymmetry is a great distraction!

Applique Sweater from Faith21Appliqué

Overall, clothing with stuff stuck on it is not my favorite fashion trend unless of course it is monochrome. For some reason the multicolored appliqués remind me of the poor kids who’s crafty mothers sent them to school with decorated sweatshirts (apologies to crafty mothers). Fortunately this is not the case for this fashion trend.

Which ones do you like?

[poll id=”3″]

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size trends from Anna Scholz, Torrid, Swak Designs, and Forever21.

Filed Under: Bottoms, Dresses, Tops Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Working Curves with Grecian Goddess Collection

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Kiyonna’s spring collection is a sophisticated sexy. Here’s a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot as well as an inpromtu interview with plus size model Ashley Graham.

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Topic Links
* Get your favorite pieces from the Grecian collection from Kiyonna

Filed Under: Career, Party Tagged With: ,

Clinique Deal at Bay

March 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

From now until April 11, 2010 the Bay has a Clinique deal on. Spend $26.50 and get a sample bag full of goodies worth$70. This is a really good one too. The bag includes:

  • Color Surge Eye Shadow Trio for your eye color
  • Youth Surge
  • A Different Grape (one of my favorite shades)
  • Take the Day Off Makeup Remover
  • Lash Doubling Mascara
  • Travel Mirror
  • And of course a cosmetics bag

Rush, don’t dally. While quantities last.

Filed Under: Beauty Products Tagged With:

Mixed Patterns

March 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The latest fashion mags are really toting mixed patterns; but do they work for plus size bodies? Hell yes! And, Hell no! What? Like anything else each item has to be judged on it’s own merits and your own personal taste. If you don’t like it, don’t waste your money on it.

Alight has literally oodles of pattern dresses and tops to choose from in sizes 1x to 4x. Here are a few of my favorite mixed pattern dresses (prices range from $48 to $62) — my absolute favorite is top right corner:

Plus Size Pattern Dresses from Alight

If you have some pattern clothing that you have had tucked in the trunk for the last twenty years (or your mom does) it’s time to dig it out. Warning, yes, patterns can look dated or just plain old. Have a look at what is fresh now and judge accordingly. Chances are you’ll find many are fashionable. If it’s paisley you are safe; yes, once again paisley is a do. Go figure.

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Topic Links
* Get your own patterned plus sized dresses from Alight

Filed Under: Dresses Tagged With: ,

Promo Friday for Canadian Shoppers

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A sale or two to get you through the weekend:

Mac Cosmetics is offering FREE SHIPPING on all purchases
Coupon code: NA
Expires: March 21, 2010
Visit Mac Cosmetics

Swimsuits for All is offering 15% off swimwear starting at $19.99
Coupon code: 15MORE
When: NA
Visit Swimsuits for All for plus size swimwear

Have a delightful weekend!

Filed Under: Sales Tagged With: ,

Bright Leggings

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you have been wanting to get on to the bright legging bandwagon but just weren’t too sure how to take the plunge, here’s a perfect example of a fresh look. The leggings are of course from We Love Colors and fit up to 375lbs. The ruffle skirt, cami, and shoes are from Torrid and the asymmetrical cardigan is from Kiyonna.

One Way to Wear Plus Size Leggings

Have fun with color!

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Topic Links
* Get your own bright tights/leggings from We Love Colors
* Get your own ruffle skirt from Torrid
* Get your own asymmetrical cardigan from Kiyonna

Filed Under: Bottoms, Casual, Shoes, Tops Tagged With: , ,

Plus Size Wedding Dresses

March 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It is possible to look at a huge selection of wedding gown designers (who actually offer plus sizes) without leaving the comfort of your home. If you have someone to help you with your measurements you can even get a made-to order one. Plus Size Wedding Gown from Sydney's Closet

There are two long running shops that I most recommend to women. The first is Sydney’s Closet which has been online since 2002 providing plus size gowns for weddings and proms. Their online shop dresses the curves of excited women size 14 to 44. One of my favorites is the Aurora D’Paradiso Bridal Style 6866 in sizes 14 to 32 for $499. It has simple soft lines with just a hint of draping and flutter.

The other place is PS Bridal, formerly Plus Size Bridal. This long time contender used to be be strictly plus but now offer regular and plus sizes up to size 32. They carry a lot of professional designers like the respected Alfred Angelo. Their website isn’t as pretty as Sydney’s but they are definitely worth checking out.

Both online bridal shops ship to Canada but please read their shipping, sizing, and faq information before ordering. And don’t forget to give yourself LOTS of time for shipping.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size wedding dress from Sydney’s Closet
* Get your own plus size wedding dress from PS Bridal

Filed Under: Dresses Tagged With: , , , ,

Military Jacket for Spring

March 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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… Plus Size Military Jacket in Brushed Cotton

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.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size military jacket from eshakti

Filed Under: Casual, Outerwear Tagged With: , , ,

Promo Friday for Canadian Shoppers

March 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I’ve been super busy spring cleaning the office so I only have a few sales for you this weekend but they are good ones:

Kiyonna is offering Free Shipping on all orders over $100
Coupon code: NA
Expires: March 17, 2010
Visit Kiyonna for plus size career wear

Torrid is offering 10% Off Torrid’s Best Night Ever Collection
Coupon code: 3AF10OFF
Expires: April 20, 2010
Visit Torrid for plus size clothing

Have a great weekend!

Filed Under: Sales Tagged With:
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