Babs Fall Shopping Tour

September 13, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Through the next four months, Vancouver plus size clothing designer Babs will be featured at a number of Signatures “fine craft shows”. If you happen to be in the area you can check out her latest fashions and make a few additions to your fall and winter wardrobe.

Babs Fashion Tour for Fall 2015

Babs Fall Shopping Tour (2015)

  • Medicine Hat Fall into Christmas show Best to You Show — October 16 – 18.
  • Red Deer Our Best to You Show — October 23 – 25, Parkland and Prairie pavilions.
  • Lethbridge Fall into Christmas — October 30 – November 1, North Pavilion Exhibition park.
  • Regina Our Best to You Show — November 6 – 8, Canada centre East, Evraz place.
  • Saskatoon Our Best to You Show — November 13 – 15, Prairieland Park.
  • Edmonton Indie show — November 20 – 22.
  • Toronto One of a Kind Show — November 26 – December 6, Direct Energy Centre.
  • Edmonton Signatures Show — December 3 – 6, U of A Butterdome.
  • Ottawa Originals Show –December 10 – 20, EY centre.

Currently Babs’ size range is XS to 3X. You can find out further details at the Signature website or do a Google search for a specific show and location to come up with the official venue sites.

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Topic Links
* Visit Babs official website
* Visit Signatures official website

Filed Under: News Tagged With: ,

Lane Bryant Unleashes #ImNoAngel Lingerie

April 8, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Over the last eight+ years Lane Bryant has consistently delivered to plus size women some pretty hot lingerie and panties when everyone else was trying to sell us basic whites and only basic whites. Now even though there are more choices where to buy our mentionables (they are no longer unmentionables) Lane Bryant is still the leader and their new #ImNoAngel campaign prove it.

Full-figure models showing off Lane Bryant's Cacique line for #ImNoAngel campaign.

The adorable short black and white ad is kind of a brilliant tongue in cheek poke at Victoria Secret’s Angel campaign that has never offered our plus sized girls any decoration for our décolletage. If you haven’t seen it have a look-see:

When you are done with that head over to Lane Bryant and see what they have to offer in their plus size bras and panties this season.

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Topic Links
* Visit Lane Bryant for plus size bras and panties

Filed Under: News Tagged With: ,

Your Big Sister’s Closet

October 29, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Delivery, Dresses, News Tagged With: ,

Top Box Beauty Samples

April 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Top Box is a beauty sample box that is delivered every month for about $13.56 with taxes. It is one of the few Canadian only programs out there. In each box there is usually about four samples, sometimes full size and sometimes just a taste to whet your appetite (or not). At the moment you have to sign up via email to be on a waiting list. I was on for about three to four months before I received an email inviting me to officially join. I was so excited. I filled out their survey which is supposed to help them choose the right products to send to me.

A quick view of my first Top Box

As it stands I have received two Top Box parcels, February and March. The first box contained a full size Shu Uemura lip gloss (not a fan of lip gloss), full size Cuccio Color Nail Lacquer (never tried this brand and I loved it), a sample B. Kamins Nutrient Replacement Cream Kx (hate, leaves my face feeling greasy in morning, very expensive at $135 per 45g), full size Estee Lauder Double Ended Kajal Pencil in blackened black and blackened cocoa (it’s almost like they didn’t read my profile–way too dark for me). Overall I thought it was pretty lackluster for a first box to send out. But for $12 I didn’t feel jipped.

Within minutes I was trying the Cuccio top coat on my new mani.

I wouldn’t say box two was any better, just “Meh.” It contained a sample size Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (I was disappointed by the size but loved this stuff and may even consider the $72 for 35ml full size when I am done. I don’t wake up greasy and I noticed a definitely change to fine lines and skintone. Directions say to apply moisturizer afterwards but I haven’t yet), two packets of Belvada Blackhead Facial Mask (this 30 minute peel off mud mask is super sticky, takes too long, and removed a lot of peach fuzz facial hair with it — ouch!), Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (when I saw the dark color, I thought again “Didn’t they read my profile?” but it’s not bad and generally I like Clinique lipsticks), a full size tube of Epic Blend hemp lip balm (gave it to my husband as he is the lip balm user, haven’t heard back). Again, I don’t feel jipped by the $12 I paid for this box and it was fun to try the new beauty products. Here’s quick video I posted of the box on Instagram:

I realize I am not raving about this beauty box (which is actually a tube) but I am looking forward to this month’s to see what I get. I would love to try an eye cream, another brand of polish, a mascara perhaps… but I’ll have to wait and hopefully be pleasantly surprised.

Have you tried any beauty boxes?

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Topic Links
* Sign up for your Top Box beauty samples

Filed Under: Beauty Products, News Tagged With: ,

New Lingerie Line

November 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Addition-Elle be having a Twitter launch party to celebrate their new line by “iconic plus size supermodel Ashley Graham”. I have been stalking her for a few years now (as many of you painfully know) so it is nice to see her getting so much attention from famous brands, also not surprising because the woman is gorgeous.

The twitter party will be on November 5th from 7 to 8 p.m. EST where Addition-Elle will premiere Ashley’s new collection via Youtube. Fans and bra wearers everywhere will be able to join in the “live-tweet session with Ashley”. They will also be giveaways during the hour long premiere.

Here are a few images from the collection, featuring the lady herself:

Nothing pretty than Ashley Graham in basic black.

Here she is in a black assemble.

Ashley Graham shows off a pair of plus size bra and panties for Addition-Elle while reclining on a chaise longue.

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Topic Links
* Follow the Twitter Hashtag #AshleyGraham
* Get your plus size Ashley Graham bras from Addition-Elle
* Join their facebook event page

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,

New Headquarters for Fit Zone Plus

September 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

If you are ever in the Toronto area and are feeling in the mood for some yoga or zumba in a size acceptance atmosphere then visit Fit Zone Plus at their new location at 475 Danforth Avenue (a 4 minute walk from Chester Station or 5 mins by subway from Yonge/Bloor).

Fit Zone Plus new workout location with lovely floor space.

Their brand new space is 1200 square feet, three time bigger than the size of old one, and there is lots of free parking to be found in the area. You can sign up now for classes in the new space beginning October 15th.

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Topic Links
* Visit Fit Zone Plus for workout schedule and sign up

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Old Navy Sizes Up

August 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Finally after all these years of having an internet presence and all these years with the U.S. version of the site offering a higher range of sizes, OldNavy.ca is now offering us sizes up to 30 for plus size shoppers. It is only in their online shop so don’t go too crazy.

I had a long look at the new arrivals last week and while I am happy for the size range I was not too thrilled about the style selection. This week however they had a bunch of new stuff! Especially every day wear tops:

My favorite new arrivals from Old Navy's plus size top section.

From left to right:

  • Patterned Chiffon Shirts (four other patterns), $23
  • Pointelle Knit Sweaters (in navy too), $39
  • Drop-Shoulder Jersey Tops (three other colors), $32
  • Color Block Tunic Sweaters (one other color combo), $35
  • Military-Style Canvas Jackets (already sold out of 3x), $52
  • Boyfriend Cardis (four other colors), 37
  • Drape-Front Jersey Tunics (one other color), $27
  • Premium V-Neck Tops (two other colors), $27
  • Chiffon Dolman-Sleeve Blouses (also in navy), $35
  • Twill Surplus-Style Vests, $42
  • Pleated Crepe Blouses (also in grey), $35

But there are bottoms I like too:

My favorite new arrivals from Old Navy's plus size bottoms section.

From left to right:

  • Rockstar Coated-Wash Skinny Jeans (also in black), $47
  • Rockstar Boot-Cut Cords (three other colors), $49
  • Stretch-Twill Ankle Pants (four solids too), $45
  • Knit Pencil Skirts (four other colors), $35
  • The Rockstar Skinny Cords (three other colors), $47
  • Jersey Maxi Skirts (also in black), $39

Are you happy Old Navy is now offering a better size range?

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size clothing from Old Navy

Filed Under: News

Summer Sale at Laura Plus

July 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment

According to their website Laura Plus has about 170 but I have not been fortunate to be in one. If like me, you have not then now you can shop online and it so happens they have their summer sale on now. I found these great pieces and more while browsing their site.

The Sale Section

While Laura Plus does not offer bargain bin prices they do offer sales on their high-end fashions that are worth looking at especially if you do not normally shop there because of the high price points.

My sale picks from Laura Plus.

From left to right:

  • Collarless Zebra Print Blazer, $82.50 (reg. $155)
  • Cropped Coloured Jeans, $79.99 (reg. $135)
  • Cotton Linen Cropped Pant, $39.99 (reg. $110)
  • Straight Leg Stretch Jeans, $49.99 (reg. $100)
  • Chevron Print Day Dress, $119.99 (reg. $165)
  • Tiered Mixed Mesh Print Top, $59.99 (reg. $75)
  • Two-Tone Floral Print Belted Dress, $119.99 (reg. $165)
  • Sheath Dress with Lace Blazer, $59.99 (reg. $195)
  • Pull-on Straight Leg Jeans, $59.99 (reg. $105)

The Not on Sale Section

As I searched through the many pages of fashions I could not help noticing the plus size fashions that were not on sale and decided to a few of my favorites from there too.

Plus size coordinates from Laura Plus.

From left to right:

  • Belted Short Dress with Bolero, $195
  • Polka Dot Ruched Waist Dress, $165
  • Frank Lyman Ruffled Butterfly Print Top, $175
  • Frank Lyman Textured Stripe Swing Cardigan, $155
  • Ikat Print Gathered Waist Dress, $135

Laura Plus carries sizes 14 to 24 and ships only within Canada for about $8 to $18 depending on province.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size clothing from Laura Plus Online

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Garnier Coupon

May 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Last week I visited the Garnier site looking for information on the new oil free BB Cream because I had not seen it in the local store yet. I noticed they had a $2.00 off coupon so clicked on the a link that sent me to the WebSaver website where I had to fill in my personal information and pick out at least four coupons (they have a minimum) to get the Garnier coupon that I wanted.

The coupon arrived today — super quick delivery. I am looking forward to using it on the Oil Free (I think it is called Skin Renew) BB Cream when I can find it in my shade (I have the regular BB but would like the oil free for summer). The coupon expires June 15th.

My Garnier coupon from Websaver.

If you have been meaning to try the BB cream or other Garnier products the coupon is still available as of this posting. It does not show up if you head straight to the WebSaver website (I just tried) you must click the link at Garnier for it to show up. You will find a few other Garnier coupons for hair and sun care too.

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Topic Links
* Visit Garnier’s official website
* Visit WebSaver’s coupon website

Filed Under: Beauty Products, News Tagged With: ,

Summer Loving

May 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Addition-Elle is showing us some summer lovin’ with their whopping twenty-one page look book featuring top plus size model Tara Lynn in captivating prints, rich colors, and figure hugging styles.

Plus size model, Tara Lynn in a flower print chiffon blouse from Addition-Elle.

The rich green of the cuff capri pants is a perfect match for the floral chiffon blouse. With cute outfits like this there is no reason not to bare our arms and look good doing it.

Plus size floral pants from Addition-Elle.

Floral print pants are just not going to go away but when they are mixed with solids I think I can live with that.

Plus size flower blous from Addition-Elle.

More chiffon and more floral prints, proving that plus size women can “work” those large prints (and white pants) too.

Plus size flower print skirt from Addition-Elle.

When it comes to floral I actually prefer accent prints like the one on this mirror print pencil skirt. It is a very classy look for the career woman. Pretty without being distracting.

Plus size white sheath dress from Addition-Elle.

As is this white linen sheath dress. Wear it alone on warm days or put a bright jacket over it when it is cooler.

Tara Lynn in a plus size skater dress from Addition-Elle.

Speaking of brights, I love the rich color and texture of this eyelet skater-like dress. So pretty. Going to be a wedding guest this summer?

Tara Lynn in plus size swimwear from Addition-Elle.

And we are left to cool down poolside with this gorgeous tankini. The above photos are only a glimpse at what to look forward to, check out the Addition-Elle site for the full look book which also features Ashley Graham and Georgina Burke. New stuff continues to become available between now and mid-May.

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Topic Links
* Visit Addition-Elle for plus size clothing

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,

5 Earth Day Do’s

April 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

April 22 is Earth Day. Are you going to do anything to celebrate? Here are five quiet things you can do on your own to celebrate. Of course, because this is a shopping blog, all items are related to clothing or shopping.

Hands holding earth globe.

5 Earth Day Do’s

Clean and Share

Clean your closet. Instead of throwing things out make a pile of things that…

  • can be made into rags like old t-shirts (this prevents stuff from ending up in landfills and decreases your use of paper towels),
  • can be given away to charity (the Diabetes and Cerebral Palsy organizations are always looking for donations as a fundraiser),
  • you have not worn but want to keep. This last pile gets moved to the most visible part of your closet with the plan of forcing yourself to wear them over the next three months. If you do not, then put it in one of the before mentioned piles during the next closet cleaning.

Think Shop

Make an extra special effort to avoid spur of the moment shopping today! Think about whether the item you want to purchase is similar to something you already have in your closet? Is it a fad piece that you will not be able to wear next season/year? Does it go with more than one thing in your closet?

Purchase Effect

If you have decided to buy something think of where and how it was made and how your purchase will affect the planet. I know, heavy right? A good place to start is by reading the label.

Reward Local Businesses

Invest in a locally made item — I say invest for two reasons. First, you are supporting and rewarding a local business with your purchase and second, making local purchases tend to cost more but they are usually better made too so it is a two-fold investment. If you cannot buy locally then at least purchase something from your continent.

Bag It, Honey!

Make sure any bags you receive while shopping get recycled and not tossed in the garbage. Or better yet, make a point of taking your own shopping bags with you. I use Baggu, a Canadian company that makes phenomenally looking shopping bags in oodles of color options that are so durable and fit easily into my handbag.

These are are a few little things you can do to honour Earth Day, I am sure you can think of many more. Make an extra effort today and try to carry it on through the year.

Happy Earth Day!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , ,

Justine LeGault Graces Elle

April 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Plus size model Justine LeGault is on the cover of the May 2013 Quebec issue of Elle Magazine. The size 14/16 model has been strutting her stuff locally and abroad for a few years. According to her Facebook profile it looks like she is signed with Heffner Management, Muse Model Management, and Milk Management.

Justine LeGault for the May Issue of Elle Quebec!

The Elle Quebec cover is gorgeous and I think groundbreaking because her thighs are in full view and she has not been photoshopped to look like a porcelain doll. Here is a behind the scenes look of the photo shoot (it is in French), sorry if it automatically started playing when you opened this page:

I think Justine looks gorgeous on the cover and if I see this on the stands when I am there I plan to purchase to support it.

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Topic Links
* Elle Quebec
* Follow Justine on Facebook

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

New Fashions for Winnipeg

March 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

If you live in Winnipeg, Manitoba and you are plus size you now have a new place to shop for exciting plus size fashions. Jaime Mackenzie has opened the J. Mackenzie Fashions boutique at 525-B St. Anne’s Road.

J. Mackenzie Logo

At the moment she is carrying fashions like dresses, tops, skirts, and leggings from brands like Igigi, SwakDesigns, and Kiyonna.

Plus size fashions on display at J. Mackenzie Fashions in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

If you shopped at these stores online separately you would have to pay separate shipping and duty costs for each order. You can shop for all the brands in-store or order from their pretty online store — shipping is pretty reasonable at $10 to $14 or free if you purchase at least $175.

A large selection of fashions to choose from in-store or online at J. Mackenzie Fashions.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size clothing from J. Mackenzie Fashions

Filed Under: News Tagged With: , , ,
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