Crisp Cool Summer Yellow Maxi

06/08/2011 By

Can you say amazing summer crisp and cool? Picture you in this maxi in a field of wildflowers – you’ll blend right in with the daffodils in the meadow! Shown here in yellow, but you’ll love it in pink as well, or choose white to make the brightest flower in the garden pale in comparison.

Plus Size Yellow Solid Maxi Dress

Plus Size Yellow Solid Maxi Dress

Plus Size Yellow Solid Maxi Dress
$45.00
Maxi sundress adorned with ribbon accents on bodice. Skirt is tiered and also adorned with ribbon accents. Smocked elastic waistband. Lined. Hand wash, please.
More summery looks like this…

Accessorize? Of course, with natural straw, rich earth tones, solid copper bracelets and cuffs, playful summery sandals.

sur la tete Pacific Lifeguard

$30.00  $22.50

by sur la tete
Filed Under: Dresses, Fashion+ Tagged With: maxi dress, yellow dress

Sommer Johnson – Plus Size Fashion Perspective

05/24/2011 By

Gemini Magazine Cover Art

Gemini Magazine

Plus Size Fashion Perspective is a series of interviews with movers, shakers, stylists, designers, writers, critical observers, and influencers in the ever-changing world of plus size fashion. Our fifth interview is with Sommer Johnson – owner and publisher of Gemini Magazine.

What’s your name?
Sommer Johnson–and that’s pronounced Summer like the season. LOL People never get it right.

What’s your opinion of today’s plus size fashion?
I think that while it has come a long long way, it still has a ways to go.  I think it helps for fashion companies, buyers, and designers to have their ear to the ground so they know what is wanted and needed for today’s plus size woman.

How do you think plus size fashion has changed in the past few years?
Well, it definitely moved from boxey shirts with huge glittery flowers and gross embellishments on everything to a more mainstream look.  Not every plus size woman enjoys loose clothing and boxey dresses with ill fitting fabric.  It’s just gross–thank God some retailers/buyers/designers get it.

What plus size fashion trend should grow in popularity?
Honestly, workout clothes. I think it sucks to go into a store and have to buy baggy sweats or sports bras that are too small or big baggy tees just to work out in. We like to look good on the treadmill too. I think it’s getting better, but I want to see more. I also want to see more curvies getting it in at the gym.  No one says you have to go at it Biggest Loser style, but too many of us end up with hypertension, diabetes, strokes, heart disease, and cancer because we aren’t giving our body what it needs.  That’s another topic for another day I suppose, but yes, I would like to see plus size workout gear that gives us support in all the right places.

What plus size fashion trend should go away?
Hmmm… that’s a tough one.  I would say jumpsuits. LOL I just hate them. Some women can pull them off, but not everyone can. OH! and curvies wearing clothing 3 sizes too damn small. Just stop it, please. Yes, they might make baby tees and skinny jeans in every size but that doesn’t mean you should take part in that trend. Know your body and accentuate it–don’t just throw it out there.

If you could change one aspect of today’s plus size fashion, what would it be?
Maybe the price point.  People are still out of work or still struggling to make ends meet. Clothing is needed, but geesh! $200-$500 for a dress is just too much. I know the work and time that goes into it so I can see why it may be priced that way–especially if a designer or retailer is more high end, but the average curvie can’t just shell out $300 for a dress.

Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion designer, and why?
I absolutely love the Honey Bun Boutique.  Rosalyn Womack, the designer and owner, really creates beautiful transitional pieces that are easy to wear.  There’s not a bunch of sparkle and pop and glitter, but that’s what I love because you can really make it your own.  The ease of her pieces both in design and fabric is absolutely perfect for every woman–especially busy moms.  I can throw on one of her creations, go to the school and volunteer in my kids’ class, go to a business lunch, straighten up the house, and finish the day with a nice dinner date—all in ONE dress!  I love that type of fashion.  Those are the staples every woman needs, especially curvies because our clothing tends to be more expensive.

Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion retailer, and why?
Lane Bryant is doing a pretty good job of getting out there in the community and I love how they have totally embraced the sexiness that goes on underneath the clothes.  I really love Old Navy too.  I am an easy kinda gal–I prefer flip flops, cute top and jeans any day of the week so Old Navy gives me that ease but with a touch of color.

Where do you see plus size fashion going in the next few years?
I see it as a front runner.  I see the same things as a size 0 in a size 20. I see delicious colors, fantastic fabrics, and beautiful designs.

Finally a bit of biography: What’s your role and background in the world of plus size fashion?
Honestly, I suck at fashion. As I said before, I’m an easy gal so I never understood the ins and outs of it all; however, owning and operating a plus size pubication I’ve come to learn quite a bit.  What I’ve learned is that fashion is individual.  What you see in a magazine or in a store window might not work for you exactly as you see it, but that’s ok.  Fashion is in the eye of the beholder. It’s a form of expression and it’s just another amazing gift of life–explore it, treasure it, cherish it…what do you have to lose?

Visit Sommer Johnson at Gemini Magazine’s fan page.

Is there a particular plus size fashion voice you’d like to hear? Let me know – I’ll do my best to interview them!  Just add a comment here or use the Contact Us form to drop me a note.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Gemini Magazine, plus size fashion interview, Sommer Johnson

Francesca Plus Size Little Black Dress by IGIGI

05/14/2011 By
Francesca Little Black Dress

La Grande Dame brings us the Francesca Little Black Dress by IGIGI

The most versatile little black dress! Add a belt and this basic little black dress goes from casual to chic in an instant.

On or off-shoulder neckline and a draped surplice bodice along with a sleek empire waist will make this dress a go-to essential in your plus size wardrobe. The softly flared skirt will have you dancing all night!

Accessorize? You bet, and your imagination is the only limit. This classic look can support any look from deeply glinting antique silver sandals and matching bag to a riot of red lucites!

Filed Under: Dresses Tagged With: LBD, little black dress, plus size dress

Peggy Lutz – Plus Size Fashion Perspective

05/09/2011 By

Gabi in a Peggy Lutz creation

Plus Size Fashion Perspective is a series of interviews with movers, shakers, stylists, designers, writers, critical observers, and influencers in the ever-changing world of plus size fashion. Our fourth interview is with Peggy Lutz, renowned designer of plus size couture.

What’s your name?
Peggy Lutz

What’s your opinion of today’s plus size fashion?
There’s much more diversity and real style than ever before and yet not nearly enough.

How do you think plus size fashion has changed in the past few years?
There’s been a boom in fashions for younger women recently, which I think is great. It’s a kind of liberation.

What plus size fashion trend should grow in popularity?
My favorite current trend is towards freedom of self-expression in dressing. I love how rules are relaxing and women are owning their personal style.

What plus size fashion trend should go away?
It may be a trend or just a reality, that most plus size formal wear looks like it was designed for the prior generation.

If you could change one aspect of today’s plus size fashion, what would it be?
A central web location for sourcing all aspects of fine plus size clothing, something like Perfectly Shaped World would be just perfect.

Where do you see plus size fashion going in the next few years?
Retailing plus size fashion online will explode into global markets just as “average” sizes have.

Finally a bit of biography: What’s your role and background in the world of plus size fashion?
I’ve been designing and producing fine plus size clothing for over 20 years here in Northern California, evolving with the plus size market and always working very closely with our clients. Here’s a photo from our new Summer Plus Size Mother of the Bride Collection. We love a simple dress or separates and a great jacket as a winning formula for our clients.

Visit Peggy Lutz: www.plus-size.com

Is there a particular plus size fashion voice you’d like to hear? Let me know – I’ll do my best to interview them! Just add a comment here.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Peggy Lutz, plus size fashion interview

Sweet Lounging in Natori Yunnan Caftan

04/26/2011 By

Natori Yunnan Caftan

It’s been so long since I featured something to lounge around in… I figured we could all use a break and wrap ourselves in a bit of indulgent luxury in the form of this exquisite caftan in our size!

A lush, large-scale floral print with orchids and poppies graces this silky V-neck caftan with side-seam pockets and deep slits at the sides for ease of movement. Made of polyester for silken comfort and easy care. Flattering V-neck.

Kabuki sleeves are bound at the edges with same fabric, and underarm is open to the side seam. Deep side slits offer ease of movement. Side seam pockets are convenient.

Beulah, peel me a grape!

Filed Under: Sleepwear Tagged With: Natori, plus size caftan, plus size sleepwear

Danielle Marie Line – Plus Size Fashion Perspective

04/16/2011 By
Danielle Marie Line

Danielle Marie Line, Plus Size Model

Plus Size Fashion Perspective is a series of interviews with movers, shakers, stylists, designers, writers, critical observers, and influencers in the ever-changing world of plus size fashion. Our third interview is with Danielle Line, wife, mom, and plus size model with an extensive portfolio.

What’s your name?
Danielle Marie Line

What’s your opinion of today’s plus size fashion?
In my opinion today’s plus size fashion is drastically different from when I began modeling four years ago. Designers and retailers are both finally becoming more aware of the styles and cuts necessary for plus size women. They are also realizing what a huge percentage of the fashion industry is plus size and are finally reaching out to give us what we want. With the help of some amazing new plus size designers and retailers, we now have some selection and can be trendy and fashionable.

How do you think plus size fashion has changed in the past few years?
Today’s plus size fashion has made a huge improvement over the last few years. Having my first child six years ago brought me into the plus size world of fashion, and I did not have a clue where to shop. The only store I knew at that time that carried plus size clothing that was “somewhat cute” was Lane Bryant. Now for a plus size woman there are so many more options and the styles are so much better.

What plus size fashion trend should grow in popularity?
The plus size fashion trend I feel should grow in popularity is the Military Trend. This trend has been going steady for the last couple of seasons and I am a huge fan. I am all about a structured jacket with epaulet trimmed shoulders, camouflage bottoms, Olive Green camisoles or tee’s, and a chunky duffle bag inspired purse.

What plus size fashion trend should go away?
The plus size fashion trend I feel should go away is the Boho Chic Trend. This trend can be great as long as it is done right but too many times I see beautiful plus size woman thinking that they have to completely cover their bodies from head to toe with fabric to achieve this look and they end up looking like they are attending the Renaissance Fair.

Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion designer, and why?
My favorite must-watch plus size fashion designer would have to be Anna Sholz. Her prints are fabulous and fine details are impeccable. She definitely knows how to dress the full-figured fashionista in jaw dropping styles. I would love to model for her someday, too. :)

Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion retailer, and why?
My favorite must-watch plus size fashion retailer would have to be Sealed with a Kiss Designs. This is one of the first companies that hired me to model for them when I first started back in 2007, and I still continue to model for them now. Over this time I have had the opportunity to watch them grow and it is amazing how far they have come. They have some kick-ass designs, super affordable prices, and the sizing is spot on.

Where do you see plus size fashion going in the next few years?
I see plus size fashion becoming MORE of a priority in the fashion industry in the next few years. With technology growing as it is and the use of social networking our voice is being heard and companies are responding.

Finally a bit of biography: What’s your role and background in the world of plus size fashion?
I’m a Wife, a Mom, and Plus Size Model that has built a career around my passion, which is embracing my own unique beauty and healthy, plus-sized body.

Visit Danielle’s site: www.danielleline.com

Is there a particular plus size fashion voice you’d like to hear? Let me know – I’ll do my best to interview them! Just add a comment here.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Danielle Marie Line, plus size fashion interview

Can Your Cardigan Do This?

04/15/2011 By

Signature Wrap Cardigan

Signature Wrap Cardigan

Plus size wrap with long edges designed to be twisted and styled. The perfect piece to travel with!

On the plane as a wrap and a blanket, as a cowl neck cardigan out to dinner with the girls and as a sexy wrap top for a date! Long sleeves provide arm coverage and the wrap allows for a totally customizable fit to best match your body type.

Wear it open and belted or draped over your shoulders. Wear it as a cowl neck or off the shoulder for something more daring.

The most versatile cardigan your closet has ever seen! Soft, lightweight and totally you.

Fabric: 95% Rayon / 5% Spandex
Colors: Raspberry, Grey Gardens, Chocolate, Plum Purple
Made in USA

Filed Under: Featuring, Sweaters Tagged With: cardigan, plus size sweater, plus size top

Catherine Wood Hill – Plus Size Fashion Perspective

04/02/2011 By
La Grande Dame

La Grande Dame

Plus Size Fashion Perspective is a series of interviews with movers, shakers, stylists, designers, writers, critical observers, and influencers in the ever-changing world of plus size fashion. Our second interview is with Catherine Wood Hill, CEO/Co-founder of La Grande Dame:

What’s your name?
Catherine Wood Hill

What’s your opinion of today’s plus size fashion?
I started my business, www.lagrandedame.com, because I noticed a big hole in the contemporary/bridge/designer sections of plus size fashion. I think there is still a gap in this arena but it is improving as designers like Anna Scholz, Melissa Masse, Rani Zakhem and others become more mainstream.

How do you think plus size fashion has changed in the past few years?
Well, it has been up and down. Years back it seemed there was a bigger selection of high end plus size clothing on the market with Dana Buchman and Ellen Tracy, then, it kind of dipped, now I think the selection of plus size fashions are improving again.

What plus size fashion trend should grow in popularity?
I don’t like to think of fashion trends as specifically “plus size!” I want to make the same trends that our size 6 friends are wearing available to plus size women, in flattering cuts and fabrics.

What plus size fashion trend should go away?
I don’t know if it is really a trend but I want women to stop jamming themselves into clothes that are 2 sizes too small AND stop thinking you are hiding in clothes 2 sizes too big!! It is most flattering to be proud of who you are and what size by wearing clothes that fit your body size and type!

If you could change one aspect of today’s plus size fashion, what would it be?
Better selection.

Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion designer, and why?
Hmmmm, I am loving Rani Zakhem right now and I really hope he sticks around. He uses luscious fabrics and sexy, body conscious cuts that really flatter a full figure.

Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion retailer, and why?
Umm, I may be biased but of course, La Grande Dame!

Finally a bit of biography: What’s your role and background in the world of plus size fashion?
I am CEO/Co-founder of La Grande Dame – I started lagrandedame.com with my business partner, Mom, Michelle Wood in 2008. We share a love of fashion and a strong desire to bring beautiful designer fashions to plus size women.

Is there a particular plus size fashion voice you’d like to hear? Let me know – I’ll do my best to interview them! Just add a comment here.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Catherine Wood Hill, La Grande Dame, plus size fashion interview

Timeless Black Silk In Vogue for Work, Formal Attire

03/31/2011 By

Black Silk Rani Zakhem Top

Black Silk by Rani Zakhem

This black silk cowl neck top from hot new plus size international designer Rani Zakhem is a beautiful addition to your stylish wardrobe.

Pair with Rani Zakhem’s Faux Wrap Silk Skirt (as shown) for a formal look or with slacks or a skirt for work. The elegant, draped cowl complements all body types and is a classic, timeless style.

Exclusive to La Grande Dame, Rani’s styles have previously only been available in the US on a couture basis and have been seen on Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Filed Under: Tops Tagged With: black silk, plus size formal wear, plus size top, Rani Zakhem

Marie Denee – Plus Size Fashion Perspective

03/29/2011 By
Marie Denee, the Curvy Fashionista

Marie Denee, the Curvy Fashionista

Plus Size Fashion Perspective is a series of interviews with movers, shakers, stylists, designers, writers, critical observers, and influencers in the ever-changing world of plus size fashion. Our first interview is with Marie Denee, The Curvy Fashionista:

What’s your name?
My name is Marie Leggette, although peeps either know me as Marie Denee or The Curvy Fashionista!

What’s your opinion of today’s plus size fashion?
I feel that the climate of today’s plus size fashion has changed from and is no longer the same climate as it was three years ago, as it was ten years ago! People and designers are taking notice and the plus size woman is empowered today to demand a better quality, option, and array of fashions for her lifestyle.

How do you think plus size fashion has changed in the past few years?
I think plus size fashion has gotten more contemporary, celebratory, and daring. While we still have a ways to go, finding options that are ON TREND and that have an element of chic sophistication now exist and for me, I am like a kid in candy store! Plus size woman are no longer wanting to hide their curves- rather thrive and own them! Designers have taken note and are designing more body conscious fits!

If you could change one aspect of today’s plus size fashion, what would it be?
That both plus size women and designers push the envelope! Fashion is not always about being safe and just having clothes that fit… it should be an expression of who you are and what you love. Education… I would love the plus size woman to educate herself with the mountains of information out there now, there is no reason why someone should yell there is nothing available…

Who’s your favorite must-watch plus size fashion designer, and why?
Oooh I have soo many!
I am a fan of Jibri- Always a distinct perspective, great tailoring, and sumptuous choice of fabrics! I adore her! From Australia, there are both Damn You Alexis and Evie Foster- newcomers into the contemporary plus size designer scene and from what I have seen- I am in love.

You know, Tennille White is another hidden Gem that always comes out with a eyebrow raising dress or jumpsuit as well! These are just a few!

Where do you see plus size fashion going in the next few years?
In a perfect world, plus size fashion would be as diverse and evolved as main stream fashion is. Accepted and welcome and integrated into mainstream levels without a “special” issue dedicated by an outsider… lol

Finally a bit of biography: What’s your role and background in the world of plus size fashion?
I am a plus size fashion and style blogger with my blog, The Curvy Fashionista. I take my 12+ years in retail and my passion for fashion and deliver to the Curvy.Confident.Chic. woman resources so she can whet her appetite!
 
Read more from Marie on her blog, The Curvy Fashionista

Is there a particular plus size fashion voice you’d like to hear? Let me know – I’ll do my best to interview them! Just add a comment here.

Filed Under: Business Tagged With: Marie Denee, plus size fashion interview, The Curvy Fashionista
« Older Posts