Archives for May 2011

Summer Dresses

May 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When I worked at Penningtons, eons ago, one of the things that seemed to turn over fast were the pretty dresses. If you found something, then blinked, it was gone. End of warning. Here are a few of my favorites. I especially like the convertible ones (sleeveless, halter, skirt):

plus size summer dresses from Penningtons

As you can see there are many of not-so-bra-friendly dresses this season. The good news is that Pennington’s also has an convertible bra in plus size (40B to 46DDD). They are a bit pricy so I suggest stocking up on a black one and a nude when when they go on sale (currently on for $29.99 — regular $49.99).

plus size convertible bra

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size dresses from Penningtons

Filed Under: Dresses, Lingerie Tagged With: , ,

Weekend Sales

May 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A few sales to make your weekend extra special:

plus size tankini from Swimsuits For All

Beach Belle Retro Halter Tankini, $48 from Swimsuits for All

Igigi is offering 20% off purchases
Coupon code: MemorialDay
Expires: May 31, 2011
Visit Igigi for plus size career and party dresses

Big Gals Lingerie is offering Buy 2 at regular price & get 3rd at 50% off
Coupon code: NA
Expires: May 29, 2011
Visit Big Gals Lingerie for plus size lingerie and costumes

Monif C is offering $20 off your swim purchase
Coupon code: SWIM20
Expires: May 31, 2011
Visit Monif C for plus size swimwear

Torrid is offering $20 off Dresses, 30% off Swim, $19.99 Tees + Sandals, BOGO 50% off Denim + more
Coupon code: NA
Expires: May 30, 3011
Visit Torrid for trendy plus size clothing

MIB is offering 20% off Clearance Now items
Coupon code: MEM2011
Expires: May 29, 2011
Visit Making It Big for plus size clothing

Swimsuits For All is offering 25% off for Memorial Day
Coupon code: MEM25
Expires: May 30, 2011
Visit Swimsuits For All for plus size swimsuits

Have a delightful weekend!

Filed Under: Sales Tagged With:

Target / Zellers Expansion

May 26, 2011 By 2 Comments

In January I mentioned that I heard on the radio that Target was taking over some 30 Zellers stores. It looks like a lot more now. Over at the BeautyGeek they have a listing of 150 locations where Target will hang its red bull’s eye. Target's red bull's eye logo

I will have at least 40 minutes to drive to get to one and am looking forward to additional affordable plus size fashions; but I hope that does not mean we will lose our local Zellers store. What about the rest of you, are you excited to have Target as a new local option?

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Topic Links
* See 150 store locations from Beauty Geek

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Summer Ponchos

May 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This time of the year it can be hot one moment and chilly the next. One of the great things about retro returning is the addition of ponchos to our wardrobe. They are not the big bulky behemoths of years gone by but delicate additions that add to the wardrobe without overheating the body. A summer poncho can dress up a plain tank or provide some skin camouflage to a cami or sleeveless dress. Ashley Stewart has a few I especially like.

The Crochet Fringe Poncho is $29 and comes in navy or white. I can see these ones easily becoming a staple for casual and dressy outfits.

plus size navy lace ponchoplus size white lace poncho

The Marled Multi-Color Poncho ($25) and the Solid Ruffle Poncho ($12) provide a bit more coverage. The Marled poncho would look beautiful with a wide assortment of solid maxi dresses or shorts (love it with the white jeans) and the casual Ruffle poncho would be great for snuggling in the back yard or a barbecue party.

plus size fringe ponchoplus size ruffled poncho

And yes, they deliver to Canada!

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size clothing from Ashley Stewart

Filed Under: Tops Tagged With: , , ,

Eileen Fisher Ships to Canada

May 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This week Eileen Fisher announced that they have opened shipping to Canada. They have partnered with a company called FiftyOne so when you place an order you will be able to see your shipping (a flat rate of $5), customs, and taxes. It is convenient but I still do not like this method — I like the option of paying at the door. You can also save the site in Canadian currency to make viewing and budgeting easier.

plus size fire colored silk tee from Eileen Fisher
You will find their plus sizes, 1x to 3x, under the “Woman” tab but you will not see any plus size models, not even full-figured models which is disappointing.

I mention budgeting but this is not a budget designer so don’t expect much below $100. Bare in mind that the increase product price will increase your customs and tax payout.

Eileen Fisher has a smart palette and interesting styles in tops, sweaters, jackets, pants, denim, dresses etc. Many in natural fabrics. One of my favorite pieces this season is the Silk Tee (at right) in fire for $208.

I am glad this fashion designer offers a full range of sizes (regular and plus) AND it is now accessible to Canadians. We need all the options we can get. Have fun!

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size designer clothing from Eileen Fisher

Filed Under: Tops Tagged With: , , , ,

Weekend Sales

May 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

A sale or two to brighten what I hope will already be a fabulous weekend:

plus size floral corset from Torrid

Floral Print Lace Trim Corset, $30 from Torrid

BuyCostumes is offering 40% off Clearance
Coupon code: Clear40
Expires: May 15, 2011
Visit BuyCostumes for plus size costumes

Naturalizer Canada is offering is offering 10% off your order
Coupon code: NATCA10
Expires: June 30, 2011
Visit Naturalizer Canada for fashionable shoes and handbags

Destination Maternity is offering $15 off your purchase of $75 or more
Coupon code: DM15
Expires: May 16, 2011
Visit Destination Maternity for plus size maternity clothing

BuyCostumes is offering 40% off Clearance
Coupon code: Clear40
Expires: May 15, 2011
Visit BuyCostumes for plus size costumes

Eileen Fisher is offering $25 off your order of $50 or more
Coupon code: 523900
Expires: May 15, 2011
Visit Eileen Fisher for plus size “womens’ fashions

Kiyonna is offering $15 OFF orders of $100 or more (excludes spanx and wedding)
Coupon code: CURVY
Expires: June 15, 2011
Visit Kiyonna for plus size career wear

BigGalsLingerie is offering a huge clearance sale (24 pages)
Coupon code: NA
Expires: Limited quantities
Visit BigGalsLingerie for plus size lingerie, swimwear, costumes

Have a lovely weekend!

Filed Under: Sales Tagged With: , , , ,

Baggu Bags

May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

No one ever said that shopping bags cannot be fashionable. They totally can. The shopping bags I am addicted to and always recommend to people are called Baggu. eco-friendly nylon bags from Baggu

Baggu bags are ethically made in China from 100% ripstop nylon. What that means is they are pretty darn durable — each bag can carry 50lbs. Baggu offers a one year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship although I have never had any problems with mine. All the seams are still intact and the bags still look gorgeous. When it is time to retire the bag, Baggu offer a $1 credit if you send it back for them to recycle. They have a flat shipping rate of $12 to Canada which makes me love them more (you know how I feel about shipping).

I have had mine for a few years and I love them and always get compliments on them. The colors are intensely rich and do not fade with washing. Yes, washing! I can actually wash these bags in my machine (and hang them to dry). You cannot say that about a lot of the freebie bags out there. Not to mention the freebie bags usually have a giant logo on the side. Baggu’s logo is a one inch or so tag that simply says “Baggu”.

I am mentioning them today because they had a sale a few weeks ago and I decided to stock up for Christmas. I know, I am super early for Christmas shopping but last year I left it too late so I decided to get them while I was thinking about it. I like to use Baggu bags instead of traditional wrapping paper (my eco-friendly god child especially appreciates this) for gifts. That way there is no waste and the receiver has a bonus gift. Of course I bought a few extra for myself including the “Big Baggu” which holds twice the size of stuff.

colorful shopping bags from Baggu

As you can see the bags have their own little pouch that you can refold the bag into or just stuff it in. I am neurotic so I fold them (or if I have to, refold after my husband has done it). I always have at least one in my handbag but also comfortably carry three. I used to use them only for none grocery shopping because I was carrying them in my purse but with my collection growing I’m slowly getting rid of the ugly bags as they die.

For the basic Baggu one bag costs $8, three+ bags $7.50 each, and six+ bags cost $6.50 each. The double duty bag I mentioned is $12. There is also a baby Baggu which is perfect for a trip to the drug store. They are $6. They have a few canvas designs worth looking at too.

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Topic Links
* Get your own fashionable eco-friendly Baggu bags

Filed Under: Accessories Tagged With: , , ,

Trunk Sale

May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Canadian designer of eco-friendly and sustainable clothing, Diane Kennedy is having a Trunk Sample in conjunction with the Bodacious Lifestyles boutique. plus size eco-friendly top from Diane Kennedy

So if you live in the Vancouver area (301-343 Railway Street, Vancouver, B.C.) head on over to join this bodacious team for some “shopping, refreshments, and lots of girly fun”.

Diane Kennedy’s plus size clothing is offered in sizes S to 3X and she will have samples on sale too.

Take some time to meet the designer and network with other curvy women.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size eco-friendly clothing from Diane Kennedy
* Learn more about Bodacious Lifestyles

Filed Under: Sales, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,