Target Ventures into Canada

Yesterday while we were driving to Toronto we heard on the radio that Target purchased 30 Zellers stores in Canada and by 2013 would be ready to turn them into Target stores. I’ve heard varying stories on this since then but basically it could mean good things for the plus size shopper.

plus size print dress from Target

$30 plus size Merona dress from Target

Target will be a new venue for many plus size shoppers who don’t travel over the border to shop. I’ve been following Target online for a few years and they have an ever growing plus size selection worthy of our money and that I can only assume they offer in-store here as well. Unfortunately at the moment Canadians cannot order online from Target. I’m hoping this new move into Canada will mean they will open up their online shopping to us too.

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Topic Links
* Visit Target’s online plus size shopping department for a look-see

Neiman Marcus Does Canada

Neiman Marcus, an upscale clothing store in the U.S., now ships to Canada. If you are looking to update your wardrobe you can find plus sizes in their “special sizes” section under “women’s”. A little complicated but they make it easier by allowing you to pick a category and search for your size. On the down side, the shipping is a little pricy (but they use a border mediator) and there are no plus size models (boo). But look at these lovely fashions in sizes up to 3x:

plus size upscale clothing

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Topic Links
* Visit Neiman Marcus for plus size clothing

Berry Cocktail Dress

Loving the dazzle in the Holly Berry Dress from Maximum Woman. The Toronto based store has opened up online and has reasonable delivery. They carry some familiar looking brands like Kiyonna, Swak, and Igigi. This lovely red dress is available in sizes 1x to 6x for $80. While it might be too late for Christmas there’s still time for New Year’s!

plus size red cocktail dress

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size holiday dresses from Maximum Woman

Silk Maxi Dress

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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Topic Links
* Get your own silk maxi dress from La Grande Dame

Holiday Dresses

If you are thinking of ordering your holiday dress online then you shouldn’t delay; especially if you are thinking of ordering outside of Canada. Shipping takes longer to begin with but add the high volume packages from the holiday season to that and it can slow it down even more. Some of the larger shops like Igigi use private shipping companies which offer quicker delivery for an added price. When it comes to cocktail parties and evening events Igigi is definitely on the top of the list of places to shop. They are definitely ready for the holiday season. Here are three favorites I couldn’t resist sharing with you:

  1. Cybelle Cocktail Dress in Orchid, $162
  2. Guinevere Gown, $198
  3. Lapis Lazuli Gown, $198

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size holiday dresses from Igigi
* Check out my fave holiday dresses from Monif C

New Arrivals from Kiyonna

Kiyonna has always been one of my favorite online shopping sources for career wear but I haven’t spent much time there recently (so many shops so little time). I popped over today and fell in love with three items from their new arrivals.

plus size dresses from kiyonna

  1. The Amelie Peacoat, $196
  2. The Richelle Ruffle Dress, $112
  3. The Charlotte Cocktail Dress, $112

All items are made in the United States and Kiyonna ships internationally.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size clothing from Kiyonna

Funky Pattern Dress

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

Bright Blue Dress

I love this bright blue shirt dress by one of my favorite designers, Jibri. It is on sale at Lola and Gigi for $175 (Reg $250). The down side is there is only size 14/16 left. Scoop them up ladies!

plus size shirt dress by Jibri in bright blue

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Topic Links
* Get your own Jibri Aviator Wrap Dress from Lola and Gigi

The Difference a Model Makes

I was looking at the new arrivals at Anna Scholz’s official website and I realized how much I dislike her clothing… at least until I was able to see them on a body… then I fell in love. Tricked ya!

One of the things I like about Anna Scholz website is you get to see all of her pieces with and without a model. But what really makes me like a piece is seeing how it is styled on a model. There’s something about flesh, hair, and coordinating bits that really bring it home for me.

Take these examples for instance. I would never considering buying these pieces had I only seen them in the images on the left. It’s not that the pictures are bad or anything like that. The images on the right give the clothing some perspective and definitely make these pieces favorites I would want to buy:

Print Jersey Belt Shirt Dress, £125
I love this belted shirt with the leggings and orange pumps!

Plus Size Print Jersey Dress from Anna Scholz

Jersey and Silk Fringe Top, £89
I love this unusual top paired with jeans and boots!

Plus Size Silk Fringe Top from Anna Scholz

Digital Jersey Pleat Dress, £269
Ok, there isn’t much styling other than nude pumps here but the body brings the cut and pleats to life!

Plus Size Digital Print Dress by Anna Scholz

Crepe Jersey Sequin Sleeve, £165
Actually, this one not so much but I loved it so much I had to show it!

How about you? How important is product display for you? Do you prefer a model? No model? Or both?

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size clothing from Anna Scholz

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.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size designer clothing from La Grande Dame

Bright Blue Convertible Ruched Dress

The bright blue “Marilyn” Ruched Convertible Dress is one of my favorite looking dresses from Monif C. It combines two of my faves — the Marilyn Convertible and the Nelli Ruched. And here’s a new video of/by Monif showing off the ruched convertible on plus size model Stacy:

The convertible ruched dress has different sizing than the one size fits most convertible dress, fitting sizes 1x to 3x for $215. Go ahead, get ruched!

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Topic Links
* Get your own ruched convertible dress from Monif C
* My other favorites from Monif’s pre-fall collection

Love This Dress from Anna Scholz

I love the bold purples of blues of the “graffiti” pattern that decorate this wrap dress from Anna Scholz. The Print Jersey Wrap Dress is part of her black label and comes in sizes 16 to 28 for £135 (which is about $222 CAN with current exchange). You can get it online at her official website. Or keep an eye on Canadian boutique, Lola and Gigi (see store listings at right) which carries various styles from Anna Scholz.

plus size wrap graffiti dress from Anna Scholz

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size Print Jersey Wrap Dress from Anna Scholz
* Currency converter

The Allure of Texture

eShakti has some great textural pieces this fall in skirts, dresses and tops. Their unique custom sizing store for size 0 to 26 always has some intriguing pieces but I think even more so this fall. Here are a few of my favorite textural pieces ($45 to $70) from their new line up:

plus size dresses / skirts from eShakti

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Topic Links
* Get your own unique plus size blouses from eShakti