Calvin Klein Hooded Satin Coat (Plus)

Calvin Klein Hooded Satin Coat

Curved quilting gives feminine shape to a fitted satin coat topped with a removable hood. Color(s): black, dune, eggplant.

What caught my eye about this coat wasn’t just its rich color (I am wild about eggplant) — but take a look at the way the quilting size changes at the waist, creating a slenderizing effect.

Plus it’s Calvin Klein, which puts it high on my Lovin’ It list. If this wild weather continues, I may need one of each color.

Inspiration Around Every Corner

Jessica

So I was chatting online with an acquaintance a few weeks ago, and she said “but I still haven’t found that dress.” I reached back into my fuzzy memory – what dress was she talking about? “You know. I told you. One for that dinner.” Oh, yeah. THAT dinner.

“So what kind of dress are you looking for?” I paused, envisioning her Italian heritage revealing itself in waving hands I couldn’t see.

“Well, you know. Sort of like this, and a bit like this, then one of those waists, and those sleeves.” I nodded. Served her right. “Ok,” I IM’d back. “Here’s something that’d be perf -” I stopped, realizing she couldn’t see my air drawings any better than I could see hers.

Why, I mulled to myself, can’t I get her to look at some ideas I had that’d be perfect for her color season and body type? (Autumn. Hourglass, dangit.) Sure, I could copy URLs and links to her. But how would I know for sure she was seeing what I wanted her to look at?

DOH! … and the interactive Shopping Helper was born.

FV-9181, 10-28-10 Plus Size Attraction

FV-9181 Faviana 2010 Collection

FV-9181 from Faviana 2010 Collection

Ignore the cryptic name of this gorgeous dress from Faviana’s 2010 collection. This plus size chiffon confection of a dress is a must-have focal point of your 2010 holiday wardrobe.  A delicate touch of beadwork adorns the shoulder line and bodice.

Accessorizing? Personally I’d go black and silver.  In fact, I’d prepare for holiday events with a pair of pashmina scarves, matching heels like these elegant Dolce (shown in black) and clutch purses (we’ve got a nice selection to choose from at Bag Biddy).

Eileen Fisher Brushed Wool Blend Coat, 10-19-10 Plus Size Attraction

Brushed Wool Blend Coat

Brushed Wool Blend Coat

A cascading neckline flows into the drapey silhouette of an oversized coat fashioned from a warm brushed-wool blend. Wide sleeves complete the easy, chic look. Color(s): charcoal.  It’s perfect for this “just barely Fall” weather!  While it’s “just barely chilly,” drape this over a lightweight shirt and soft knee-length skirt.  When the temperature drops, substitute a snuggly turtleneck and warm slacks – double duty across the seasons.

Calvin Klein Ruched Jersey V-Neck Dress, 10-3-10 Plus Size Attraction

By Calvin Klein

By Calvin Klein

This sleek sapphire V-neck plus size sheath dress is fashioned with expertly placed ruching at the sides of a smooth center panel and topped with pert cap sleeves. Color(s): sapphire. Brand: CALVIN KLEIN DRESSES. Style Name: Calvin Klein Ruched Jersey V-Neck Dress (Plus).

Accessorizing? Sapphire blue provides a vivid backdrop for a monochromatic approach, but will stand up equally well to one of the season’s popular trends like leopard. For a formal evening, think silver and diamonds, an effect that will definitely make heads turn as you make an entrance.

Kimono Sleeve Dress, 10-1-10 Plus Size Attraction

Kimono Sleeve Dress

Kimono Sleeve Dress

This plus size dress is a fabulous option for your next night out. Shiny trim at the sleeves adds a touch of glam. Jersey knit plus size dress features square neck, gentle gathers at empire waist, three-quarter kimono sleeves. Pullover style; no closures. Black plus size dress – 41″ long – Polyester Washable Imported.

Accessorizing? I’d pick up that sleeve detail and go with a black-on-black high impact look, with patent leather square-toe heels and matching clutch, a trio of black and silver bangles or an antique silver cuff. I’d then use that stunning square neckline as the frame for a bold White House Black Market necklace like the top three shown here on Bling Lass.

Preswick & Moore 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan, 9-25-10 Plus Size Attraction

Preswick & Moore 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan

Preswick & Moore 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan

Belted button down cardigan. 50% Wool, 50% Acrylic. Hand wash, dry flat. Available in Black Coffee (a very dark brown), Black, Oatmeal or Rio Red (looks like a brick red to me). Sizes 1X-3X. As I write this, it’s on sale, cut from $64 to $38.40 for the plus sizes.

Little Black Dress, 9-17-10 Plus Size Attraction

Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress

Brought to us by Curvaceous Chic Woman: The classic Little Black Dress is an unqualified YES.  The sweetheart neckline provides the ideal frame for a wide variety of necklaces. Bra-friendly straps keep your support system modestly under wraps. Uncomplicated and versatile, every girl’s wardrobe staple to play up or down depending on your occasion and imagination. Pair this classic dress with a pashmina or shrug for extra arm coverage.

Accessorizing?  Go conservative, almost formal, with black-on-black: Black pearls, black earrings, black bracelet, black shoes, black clutch. Pick one accessory to break from the pattern and shine exclusively.

J Kara Beaded Godet Dress, 9-14-10 Plus Size Attraction

J Kara Beaded Godet Dress

J Kara Beaded Godet Dress

Seriously gorgeous twist on the little black dress. Dramatic beading highlights the fluid silhouette of a sheer chiffon dress with short flutter sleeves and diamond-shaped godet insets around the hem. This confection slips on over the head, and is fully lined.

Accessorizing? Pick up the delicate beadwork’s glitter and amplify it slightly, with one of Giuseppe Zanotti elegant crystal-encrusted pumps, like these at The Shoe Lass (look for the I06184).

Silk Satin Kaftan by Anna Scholz, 9-7-10 Plus Size Attraction

Silk Satin Kaftan

Silk Satin Kaftan

Brought to us by La Grande Dame, one of my favorite upscale plus size boutiques: Anna Scholz classic silk satin v-neck kaftan with sequins is back in a stunning black and white print. You will love the smooth silk against your body and feel sexy and sassy with the sequined v-neck. We will be wearing this to work with black pants and out on the weekend with our favorite jeans.

Catherine Wood Hill, Co-founder of La Grande Dame, warns me: Supplies are EXTREMELY limited, so move fast on this one.

Accessorizing? I’d go with stacks and stacks of bracelets to match the gold neckline, dangle / bangle earrings to match. Like La Grande Dame’s wear recommendation, black pants – capris for the weekend and a slithery maxi skirt for the evening. This caftan gem just begs for a retro ensemble!