New Lingerie Line

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

Summer Loving

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

Mint and Black

For me, mint on its own is a pretty bland color but add some black it and really begins to sizzle. Addition-Elle has this cute sheer mint top with black accents on their site in sizes 14 to 26.

Plus Size Roll-Sleeve Shimmer Blouse, $60

Plus size mint sheer top and cami from Addition-Elle.

Personally I prefer the “roll-sleeve” rolled instead of unrolled like they have in the first photo.

This plus size sheer mint blouse is from Addition-Elle.

The cami you see here does not come with the blouse and is sold in the same color or many others — black would look equally fetching.

Adjustable Tank, $25

Plus size mint cami from Addition-Elle.

Do you have any mint in your closet?

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size mint top from AdditionElle

Be a Showstopper

Addition Elle announced the launch of their “Be a Showstopper” campaign this week. It features these three plus size Canadian bloggers in their lingerie collection.

Plus size bloggers in lingerie for Addition-Elle.

Here is a sneak peak at their individual photos. You can see more at the Addition-Elle site where you can vote on your favorite bra and receive a coupon for $20 off any purchase of $50 or more.

Karyn Johnson of Killer Kurves

Plus size blogger Karyn Johnson in Addition-Elle bra.

Sarah St-Fleur of Queen Sized Flava

Plus size blogger, Sarah St-Fleur in lingerie for Addition-Elle.

Nadia Aboulhosn of Nadia Aboulhosn

Plus size blogger, Nadia Aboulhosn in bra an panty for Addition-Elle.

As if that were not enough beauty for you, they enlisted plus size super model Ashley Graham to feature in their new lingerie lookbook. The line includes pretty bras and panties as well as every day bras and shapewear.

Ashley Graham wearing plus size lingerie for Addition-Elle.

There is a coordinating commercial to see her in motion too. Watch it here, then look for it on the TV beginning March 18:

The music featured in this spot is called “Showstopper” by Brandon & Leah and is currently available for a limited time for free download on the Be a Showstopper page. You can also learn more about Addition-Elle’s plus size bras, panties and other accessories. And read their lingerie guide to get the best fit.

If you are on Twitter or Instagram you can find out what others think by following #beashowstopper.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size lingerie from Addition-Elle

Addition-Elle Giveaway for Canadians

I do not normally post giveaways on this blog but Addition-Elle sent a $100 gift certificate for me to offer to one lucky PlusShe.ca winner. That’s right, a Canadians only giveaway (FYI: the giveaway on the sister blog is for U.S/ Canada if you have not entered already).

If you are not familiar with this online plus size clothing company (currently sizes 14 to 26):

“Addition Elle is part of the Reitmans fashion group, which also includes Reitmans stores, RW & Co, Smart Set, Thyme Maternity and Penningtons. They have a beautiful selection of intimate apparel, sleepwear, activewear, outerwear and accessories available in sizes 14 to 26 that can be purchased online or in-store.”

Plus size tops from Addition-Elle.

A peek at the new arrivals from Addition-Elle.

Prize Details:

  • One reader will receive a gift certificate for $100 to shop at Addition-Elle.

How to Enter:

For this giveaway there is the option of five entries per person! To get all entries you must follow the directions for the Rafflecopter widget below, the first entry is the most important so read closely. If you have any problems using the Rafflecopter please email me via the contact form on this blog (or Tweet me) so I can check on it.

This giveaway closes on January 28, 2013 at midnight (UPDATE: this giveaway has been extended for another week because of server issues–see Rafflecopter box below). The lucky winner will be chosen from the entries at random, using Rafflecopter withing three days of closing date. There will be 1 winner. This giveaway is sponsored by Addition-Elle and I will be confirming the email and mailing address of the winners (so make sure you enter the right email). This giveaway is open to persons 18 years and older living in Canada. Void where prohibited by law. The winners will have ONE week to claim the prize; after which time it will be rewarded to someone else.

[Read more…]

Boots and Jeans

It has been a busy season for Addition-Elle this season. There is the usual fall line release of course but they also have some big additions namely Wide Calf Boots and Perfect Fit Denim.

The Boots

First the footwear, this is really a huge addition because they have not carried footwear before this. Addition-Elle is not just offering wide calf boots but a whole line from flats to tall boots (sister store Penningtons will be carrying their own footwear line too). Prices range in price from $25 for flats to $170 for boots. Here’s a sneak peak:

When you visit the boot section at Addition-Elle be sure to scroll down to the overview section to find out the calf width for each size — excellent feature to make shopping online easier but make sure you measure both calves and go with the largest size.

The Denim

If you have been looking for a better fit in your denim and have been longing for the better fit options available in the states, whine no further. Addition-Elle has unveiled their Perfect Fit Denim blues you see here on the hips of Ashley Graham and in the following video:

Perfect Fit Denim on Ashley Graham for Addition-Elle

They are giving you three options to choose from: Curvy, Shapely, and Versatile which should be the majority of denim wearers happy.

You will find some deeply dyed twill colors for fall and a few designer brands like DKNY, Levi’s (yes they make plus size now), Suko, Angels, Silver, Apple Bottoms and more.

I am especially looking forward to the coloured twill pants and printed denim. Denim will range in price from $60 to $130 depending on brand.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size cruise wear from Addition-Elle
* Other places to find plus size denim
* Other places to find wide calf boots

The Daily Bra

Addition-Elle provided me with one of their “daily wear” bras for review. By daily wear I mean the bras we tend to wear more than any of the other bras in our drawers for the activities of daily living — going to work, shopping etc. Typically there is nothing spectacular about them like lace or bows to get in the way or distract us or anyone else for that matter.

The Smooth Embrace Un-padded Underwire bra has a deep underwire so it does not poke into the breast or the inside of the arm midway up the side like the shorter ones tend to do. (FYI: I realize the pictures make this bra look greyish but it is pristine white.)

plus size white bra from Addition-Elle

The cups are made of microfiber which is silky soft to touch. I thought it would have been warmer to wear than my regular bras but it was remarkably breathable (Side note: I wear a bra liner with my bras in the summer). The underwire is lightly padded with brushed material for softness. The only thing I did not like was the little satiny overlay at the top of the underwires between the breasts. For some reason this irritates my skin there with an annoying itchy sensation.

plus size white bra from Addition-Elle

The bra has immaculate stitching.

plus size white bra from Addition-Elle

The boning at the side is moderately soft.

plus size white bra from Addition-Elle

The straps are lightly padded at the shoulders and sit in a wide position on the shoulders so they do not dig into that tender meaty section.

plus size white bra from Addition-Elle

The band is reasonably thin without providing extra lumps under tops. I also like the extra width in the side back panels.

plus size white bra from Addition-Elle

The brand tag is a satiny soft so no picking.

plus size white bra from Addition-Elle

This was a perfectly comfortable bra for all day wear.

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Topic Link
* Get your basic daily wear bras (and the pretty ones too) from Addition-Elle

Addition-Elle Bras and Panties

Back in February Addition-Elle invited me to the spring launch of their new intimates collection featuring plus model Ashley Graham. Much to my disappointment I was not able to attend but shortly after they sent me a press package which included a coupon for a bra a panty from my local store.

This past weekend I was finally able to make it over to Addition-Elle to check out their lingerie line. I have to say, IT’S FRIGGING HUGE! Seriously, I could not believe how many styles there were for pretty bras and functional bras; both underwire and wire free. I took a few pictures while I was there and of course tried on a few styles.

plus size bras from Addition-Elle

And that was not all of them.

plus size bras from Addition-Elle

As you can see from their mannequins many of the pretty bras have matching panties.

plus size bras from Addition-Elle

Unfortunately many of the pretty panties did not go above 2x. In fact there was a huge amount of 1x and 2x sizing but I did not not find anything larger. Perhaps those sizes just sold out quickly. When I say “pretty panties” I am referring to the lacy ones, not the basic briefs. The bras though had many sizing options to choose from.

plus size bras and panties from Addition Elle

I tried on the lacy Femme Fatale and Smooth Curve Underwire Bra (definitely check out this one as its band is really unique) but ended up taking home the Smooth Embrace Underwire Bra in white (with a coordinating white brief) which does not have any molding so will be perfect for summer. I also loved how it covered the back area (I will do a full review posting once I wear it for a day).

The staff of course were friendly and helpful. I think they might have had a few extras on for the customer appreciation day (I have such good timing) they were celebrating with their customers. One of the things they were giving out with purchases were some kick-ass fashion watches — I was given a lovely Michel Studio bracelet watch. This photo does not do the watch justice.

watch from Addition-Elle

I looked at their website and they still have their buy one get the second 40% off if you are interested.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size bras from Addition-Elle

The Valentine’s Day Bra

If the Valentine’s Day bra was not pretty enough they went and put one on the lovely plus size model Ashley Graham. And then made a sexy video about it:

This and all bras are currently buy one get the second for 50% off until February 14, 2012.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size bras from Addition-Elle

Twitter Chat with Ashley Graham

Plus size model Ashley Graham hit super model status after the sexy Lane Bryant commercial featuring her was banned from the super bowl. It went on to be immortalized on the internet. If you missed it you can view it (or relive it) here:

Ashley has appeared on the pages of Vogue, Latina and this past year she has been every where in betweeen including the Addition Elle website and in store banners. On Sunday January 22 fans will be able to Twitter Chat with the bombshell via Addition Elle’s twitter. You can do a twitter search for this hashtag: #AdditionElleChat to keep up with the conversation.

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Topic Links
* Get your plus size clothing from Addition-Elle

Jessica Biffi Lands Shopping Channel

If you fell in love with Jessica Biffi’s designs on Project Runway Canada or for the two seasons she designed for Addition-Elle but have been wondering where she disappeared to, mark your calenders for May 17. Jessica Biffi, Fashion and Jewelry Designer

Jessica will be appearing on The Shopping Channel with a whole new line called MizBiffi by Jessica Biffi and it will still be plus size focused.

The Shopping Channel is a great place to find plus size clothing deals if you know about them ahead of time. Unfortunately it means exclusivity — they will only be available on the shopping channel. But on the upside again, you can order online. Just don’t miss the date as I imagine the fashions will sell out quickly.

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Topic Links
* Jessica Biffi’s Twitter
* The Shopping Channel

What Is a Maxi Dress

Today I received Addition-Elle’s latest lookbook and it was filled with some cute dresses many of which are not on the website yet or else I would be talking in more detail about them. Instead today I am talking about “maxi dresses”.

Not surprisingly there were many long dresses — or what Addition-Elle (and many other clothing companies) are mislabeling as “maxi” dresses. Maxi dresses were a super hot trend last year and it is expected to continue throughout this year. Most women will have more than one in their closet for summer or will be patiently shopping for a few favorites. Here is a quick eye guide to what is and isn’t a maxi dress.

If you visit Addition-Elle’s online shop you will see that all three of these dresses are labeled as “maxi” dresses. The first dress is NOT a maxi dress. It is just an awkward length dress at least on this model. Perhaps on a petite woman it could be a maxi. The second is close but still is not a true maxi dress. The third one is a maxi dress! But an inch or two longer wouldn’t hurt.

Plus Size Print Dress from Addition-EllePlus Size Print Halter Dress from Addition-EllePlus Size Maxi Dress from Addition-Elle

What makes a maxi dress “maxi”? If you have not figured it out yet, it is all in the length. The longer the better. If you can see skin above your ankles then it is NOT a maxi dress. If you can see your ankles then it isn’t a maxi dress. If you can just see the tops of your feet then you can get away with calling it a maxi dress. But a true maxi dress hits the top of your feet or lower. I hope this clears things up.

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Topic Links
* Get your cute plus size dresses from Addition-Elle