Your Big Sister’s Closet

Your Big Sister’s Closet has come a long way since I first mentioned it in 2012. It has been exciting to watch Karen Ward, the mastermind and entrepreneur, and her store bloom.

Karen’s Toronto based business has a walk-in boutique for Torontonians and travellers but she also has a smaller online shop for the rest of the country. Besides great looking clothing she offers free shipping (one of my fave customer service perks). The main model on the site? Why, it’s Karen of course! Here she is in action wearing a teacup dress:

Karen Ward, the entrepreneur behind Your Big Sister's Closet, source for plus size clothing in Toronto.

Originally, I had said the graphics were a bit too tech and left me dizzy but part of the growing has lead to its current incarnation with a smooth finish making it easy to shop and check out in a flash. The space really has settled into its own. And so has the gorgeous walk-in store located at 3126 Dundas Street West. If you are going to be in the Toronto area be sure to check it out.

An inside look at Your Big Sister's Closet floor plan.

While you are at it stop by Karen’s blog, the Curvy Canadian — especially if you live in or near the Toronto area to see what she’s up to. She always has great fashion pics.

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Topic Links
* Visit Big Sister’s Closet
* Visit the Curvy Canadian fashion blog

Celebrating Weddings with Igigi

If you have known me any length of time then you know I am a huge proponent of Igigi both for their style and their quality made plus size clothing. While their everyday collection can be pricey for the average person their wedding selection is actually quite reasonable in the grand scheme of weddings. Their actual wedding gown line is not a huge selection (eight dresses at the moment) but they do have a nice variance of style from sleeveless to almost long sleeve. Here are my favorites for celebrating a wedding with Igigi:

The Plus Size Bride

I think my absolute favorite from the current collection is the Eugenia Vintage Plus Size Wedding Gown ($570). I love the beaded tulle fabric and sequin embroidery. The model is 5’9″ so expect to have to visit your seamstress if you are petite (actually with a wedding dress you should have at least one seamstress appointment anyway to make sure your dress fits to your curves).

A full length wedding gown.

My next favorite is the the Ever After Plus Size Wedding Gown ($525). What I like about this one is that it has the hi-low trend incorporated into its hem. It is a wonderful accent for showing off the legs but not your backside — the women with big butts know what I am talking about. I also like the deep plunging scalloped bodice. The model in this one is 5’11” so again, a seamstress may be in order if you are petite or it might create a nice train.

A hi-low hem wedding gown.

Last up is the short and sweet Gisela Plus Size Wedding Dress ($235) with all over lace and sleeves. I like this one for a less traditional marriage, second marriage, or even as a second dress for the reception. Again, the model is 5’9″ so a seamstress is a definitely must to get the hem to hit the right spot.

A knee length wedding dress.

The Plus Size Bridal Party

I found it harder to pick some favorite wedding party dresses because the hottest items go really fast in the popular sizes so if you find something you like for your wedding party you have to act fast. At the moment these are a few of my favorites:

Mostly I love the Linea Plus Size Maxi Dress ($128) because of its Vermilion color. It’s a wonderful color for summer! You could have your maids all keep the maxi length or have them pick and choose their length by having a seamstress adjust the length.

A floor length maxi gown for a bridesmaid.

The Nencia Plus Size Cocktail Dress offers a more traditional look with the all over lace and navy. I love the allover lace look.

Short allover lace bridesmaid dress.

And finally I like the Francesca Plus Size Dress. While I am a fan of the dark cyan this is definitely one of the dresses I wish came in multiple colors every season — how about a bright pink, orange, and blue for summer? This is a flattering style that looks good on most body types, making it easier to be on display — weddings are like all day fashion shows with mandatory runways throughout the day.

An a-line bridesmaid dress.

The Plus Size Guest

As for guests, there are so many great dresses to choose from but I am partial to the maxi dresses.

My absolute fave is the Letta Plus Size Dress in Mandarin Rose ($168). It has such a pretty pattern and the mauve background lets you have that all over orange feel without the overpowering feeling all orange can bring. It’s a really nice color combination. The extra long sash helps break up the pattern too.

This mandarin rose maxi dress is an excellent wedding guest dress.

Next up is the Rainforest Paradise Plus Size Maxi Dress ($188). Again, it is the color combination that strikes me first. It is a good style for those very warm outdoor weddings with the short sleeves and long flowing skirt to keep the air moving.

A colorful maxi dress for summer.

And finally, the Tiana Plus Size Maxi Dress ($128). A very simple patterned maxi dress for a casual wedding.

A classic looking casual maxi dress for a wedding guest.

One of things I do think would make Igigi’s wedding collection complete would be offering multiple color options in their best styles; especially when it comes to bridesmaid options. But still there are many options to choose from if you are open.

Do you have any weddings you are looking forward to this summer?

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size bridal dress from Igigi
* Get your plus size bridal dress from Igigi

The Jade 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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Topic Links
* Get your plus size gown from Igigi

Cabiria Print Dresses

Cabiria is a plus size line by Eden Miller, a US costume designer and wardrobe specialist. The line features whimsical designs like these adorable Flaminia available in sizes 12 to 24 from Madison Plus Select:

Plus size tropical print dress from Madison Plus Select.

It is on sale for $175. You can find this and many other brands at Madison Plus Select, they ship internationally.

Out of curiosity, how do you like your flower prints? Bigger the better, minute, or somewhere in between?

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size Flaminia dress from Madison Plus Select

Maxi Fall Dresses

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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Topic Links
* Get your plus size maxi dress from Swak Designs

The Sapphira Dress

I wanted to say… I know it is summer and you are probably all about short sleeves and what not but I love this long sleeve Sapphira dress from Igigi. Mostly because of the pattern but I also like how they made it look like a sleeveless dress over a top. It is a doubly great illusion for the eyes. But I really love that pattern.

This is a Igigi by Yuliya Raquel dress called Saphira.

The same dress on a different model and with different lighting.

When I started this post last night they had the dress available in all their sizes. Tonight when I was ready to post, they had 1 dress left in a size 30. Now that is popular! I debated not posting this but I really like this dress and if I have to be disappointed then I thought you should be too. I did not want to be alone in hoping they get more of them.

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Topic Links
* Get some other plus size dress from Igigi

Royal Blue Annette Pin-up Dress

Are you feeling a little retro with all the Mad Men and other vintage inspired shows you watch? Cherry Velvet, a Canadian company out of BC may have what you are looking for. One of my favorite vintage inspired dresses is the Annette in royal blue. This cute dress is available in sizes xs to 3x for $175. I never said vintage was a bargain!

This plus size royal blue dress is from Cherry Velvet in BC.

What do you think, is this dress too sexy for work? Or is it the way it is styled in the photo?

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Topic Links
* Get your vintage inspired plus size dresses from Cherry Velvet

The Tank Dress

If you are anything like me, when you think of a tank dress you think of a plain cotton jersey dress that really is not very flattering unless it is dressed up with a belt and accessories. SwakDesigns just released the most flattering dress for summer — the Essential Tank dress comes in black, coral, or blue for $59.90 (US). The dress is beautiful in all three colors but I of course love the blue best. I adore all the ruching and the built in waistband. This dress is available in sizes 1x to 6x.

Plus size ruched tank dresses from Sealed with a Kiss (SwakDesigns).

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size summer tank dress from SwakDesigns

Marcy Guevara Talks Maxis

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
* Visit Lane Bryant for plus size clothing

The Adorable Cowgirl

Slip your painted toes into a pair of western boots after donning this adorable flower print chiffon dress from SwakDesigns. Then cover your delicate shoulder with their new cropped denim jacket to complete the adorable cowgirl look.

This plus size floral dress and denim jacket are from Swak Designs.

Both the Angie Chiffon Dress in jordan floral and the jacket are available in sizes 1x to 5x. The dress rings in at $60 and the jacket is $70. All you need is the slouch boots. No boots? No worries, this outfit would still look adorable with your favorite sandals.

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Topic Links
* Get this look from SwakDesigns

Fun with Print Dresses

Penningtons summer fashion book is full of dresses. Some of the dresses are in store but most of them will be available in May so keep checking the website and your local store for updates.

With this first set of dresses the last one on the right is my favorite. I love the multicolored chevron stripes and the dress is an excellent length.

Print dresses for the summer.

With this set, again, I love the one on the far right with its interesting mesh of different prints (want those shoes too).

Plus size print dresses.

I am seeing a mixed print theme with Penningtons plus size summer dresses. The one on the left is very pretty but I wish it was either longer or shorter.

Plus size summer dresses from Penningtons.

Penningtons ships throughout the U.S. and Canada so you do not need to have a store in your town to shop there.

What do you think of the upcoming print dresses?

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size print dresses from Penningtons

Stripe It Up and Down

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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Topic Links
* Get your plus size striped maxi dress from Monif C

Igigi Spring Dress Picks

I am really digging the Cinema Retro collection from Igigi which includes some hot accessories, tops, and of course dresses. These five are my favorites — all available in sizes 12 to 32 — and a few of my favorite accessories:

Plus size day dresses from Igigi.

From left to right:

  • Vera Plus Size Dress, $118
  • Cicily Plus Size Wrap Dress, $122
  • Aubriella Plus Size Dress, $118
  • Katie Plus Size Dress, $122
  • Chrissy Plus Size Maxi Dress, $195

Fashion jewelry from Igigi.

From left to right:

  • Mandy Necklace in Ivory, $44
  • Monica Earrings in Nutmeg, $34
  • Fiona Clutch in Gold, $62
  • Zoya Ring in Hematite, $32
  • Carrie Earrings in Royal Blue, $36

If you sign up for their newsletter you can get 15% off your next purchase including their spring collection.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size day dresses from Igigi