City Chic has just launched an exclusive lingerie collection made for us curvy girls. Their brand new lingerie range consists of two main sections:

1. The Smooth and Chic Collection, which includes various shapewear pieces.
2. The Chic Separates Collection which consists of fabulous bra and brief sets.

These lingerie pieces from City Chic’s new range aren’t your old boring grandma styles. Far from it! This lingerie range consists of fun prints, including polka dots, sexy fabrics and alluring styles.

To celebrate this new lingerie collection launch, City Chic are offering you 30% OFF the entire range! No coupon codes are required, in fact prices are marked as reduced already. This offer is only running for a limited time, so head on to City Chic online today to check out this fabulous new range of plus size lingerie, and to take advantage of these introductory prices.

Also, watch the videos below to find out more about the City Chic lingerie range, take a look at how these styles fit on a plus size woman, and also to learn how to measure yourself correctly for a bra.

An Introduction to City Chic Lingerie

How To Find Your Perfect Fitting Bra

Sealed With A Kiss Designs have been adding new items over the past week, some of which we’ll go into further detail tomorrow, though today I wanted to stop and take a closer look at a unique new top, which has recently been seen on the catwalk of FFFWeek 20011 (Full Figured Fashion Week) in New York City, the Reah One Shoulder Top.

If you are looking for a new summer top, one which is versatile though unique, this might be the top for you! A top inspired by the lovely photo stylist Reah Norman, it features fun ruffles, a full elastic waist to accommodate any body type, and a removable fabric tie belt. It is available in three colors: black, iris and honeysuckle. If you like this top, don’t think about it too much because some sizes in black are already sold out! So take a closer look at the Reah One Shoulder Top today.

A lot of stylish new items are in store for us this week and in the coming weeks from plus size boutique Sealed With A Kiss Designs, all part of their Summer collection. I’m excited to see what new designs they will be launching, as this store always offers versatile pieces at great prices.

To start off with they have introduced a lovely new plus size top to their collection, which they have named The Laura Top. This simple yet versatile cut is sure to be very flattering on all body shapes thanks to the ruching detail along the tummy area. This detail ladies, works wonders at concealing any buldges you would like to minimize and hide!

The Laura Top can work both in the day-time and in the evening: it can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Pair it up with some jeans and wedges for a casual lunch out with friends. In the evening add some sexy heels to the equation and striking jewelry!

This perfect summer top is available in 4 different shades: black, mushroom, teal and pink. It is available in sizes 1X (14/16) to 6X (34/36). Visit Sealed With A Kiss Designs to take a closer look and the Laura Top and make sure you keep on waching this space for more updates on new arrivals from Sealed With A Kiss Designs.

This week Monif C. has in fact just launcher her latest styles, part of the 2011 Summer Collection. Once again Monif C. has over delivered in her promise to provide plus size women with contemporary pieces. Her new designs exude elegance and are curve hugging.

The new Summer collection includes a caped jumpsuit style available in tan, white and black. We’ve seen Monif C. jumpsuit before, though these new ones take on a new twist. Monif C. is famous for incorporating fantastic fabrics into her designs, and in fact this new collection includes a flattering all leather sleeved dress, available in white or black, plus a gorgeous and very daring gold all over sequin dress – one which is definitely made to impress! Those are just some of the new items available in this brand new summer collection. Visit Monif C. today to check out all these styles, and more.

Remember if you like something at Monif C., grab it right away as her styles tend to get sold out very quickly! Just a heads up

Every woman should be able to find the right dress for any event or occasion. Here are some very beautiful dresses that will make any plus sized woman feel feminine no matter the occasion:

1. Claire De Lune Wrap Dress

This beautiful dress has a set-in waistband that can be adjusted to fit your size. Its wrap-around silhouette enhances your figure without sticking too close to the body. An A-line flared skirt is included to also help bring out that hourglass figure. This dress retails at $150 which is a great bargain since the dress is versatile and can be worn in different looks by dressing it up or down with accessories.

2. Nina Origami Dress

An official function or even a dressy day at the office can easily be pulled off in this beautifully fitted short dress with a back zip. A V-neckline draws attention to your bust while a tulip shaped skirt hits below the knee to show off your legs and create a feminine shape. Especially great for those with a box shape and can also be used by those with a “diamond” shape to smooth out the figure and create a more feminine silhouette. The dress retails at $115.

3. IGIGI Enchanted Wedding Gown

Look enchanted on your big day with this amazing piece. It features bra-friendly straps which are decorated with handmade self-flowers to allow you the comfort of being able to show off your neckline and bust without having to opt for a strapless gown and strapless bra. An empire waist and flowing charmeuse skirt silhouette your figure and make for a great shape. An amazing and great bargain price of $250 makes this dress even more appealing considering that most wedding gowns usually have high prices.

Visit Oly Web to discover more plus size dresses!

Floral Panel Belted Sheath Dress
This is a sleek floral dress with figure flattering panels and a waist cinching stretch belt, which is removable, so you can choose not to wear it. A perfect choice if you want to wear some prints, but not looking for an all-over print dress. It runs up to size 32.

Belted Floral Sheath Dress
But, if on the other hand you are comfortable with wearing prints all over your outfit, check out this lovely floral printed black and white sheath dress, which comes with a removable stretch belt to help you define your waistline. This dress is carried up to size 26.

Faux Wrap Scroll Dress
A wrap silhouette is always a great and flattering choice. A faux wrap is even better because you get all the benefits of wearing a wrap dress, without having to worry about tying up your dress and making sure it stays in place. This particular style features a bold black and white pattern and crossover pleated front. Sizes run up to 32.

Tulip Border Dress
Finally, check out this unique tulip themed border print stretch dress. It features a banded empire waist, which like the wrap silhouette, is always a flattering choice. This dress is available up to size 32.

So there you have it… 4 different plus size dresses from Avenue in the black and white color combination. Which one is your favorite?

This contemporary and yet chic LBD reminds me of Audrey Hepburn’s elegance: a simple silhouette, yet it’s simplicity is what makes it great – it is versatile and truly elegant.

The Alicia dress features white trim a the neckline and hem, which adds flair to this classic piece. It is designed to skim the body, create the perfect curvy silhouette.

This is a versatile piece which can be perfect for a day at the office, or even an important meeting when paired up with a smart jacket. Though it can also work perfectly for a dinner date for example, when paired up with some heels, classic jewelry and a sating clutch bag.

This gorgeous dress is available from size 24W up to size 36W.

Every plus size fashionista out there knows who Anna Scholz is: one of the best plus size designers out there. I’ve been following Anna Scholz for a long while now, and have always loved her fashion forward designs. I love her collections in particular because they are never short of one thing: color. Through her wonderful styles it is evident that Anna absolutely loves colors and experimenting with different prints, materials and silhouettes.

Well, although I have been following Anna’s work for a while, I had never actually taken the plunge and bought one of her pieces, even though I’ve always longed to. The major hurdle was the price point I have to admit; Anna’s pieces do not come cheap (although now, I know why!). However recently Anna Scholz ran a massive sale, which you can still access right now through Anna’s Sales pages, so it was the perfect time to grab a dress I had been eying for a loooooong time: the Print Jersey Gathered Dress.

So a few weeks back, on a Friday afternoon, I hit the order button on this super lovely, extremely sassy (extremely moi!) dress. I managed to grab it at $87.87, from an original $219.67. Since Anna Scholz ships from the UK, I was very happy to find that just on the following Tuesday an lovely package was waiting for me at home.

I couldn’t wait; I had to try this baby on! I was in particular curious to see if I got the size right. Every designer has their individual size chart, so if you buy size X from designer A, does not mean your size from designer B is necessarily also called X, it might actually be size Y. So I was hoping I got my Anna Scholz dress size right. To give you an idea, I usually buy an IGIGI size 12, though consulting Anna’s size chart I had to be 14 (or DE 44). So that was one calculation I was hoping I got right.

So upon opening the package I just adored the cute golden heart sticker which said ‘Love from AnnaScholz‘. Simple touches like this are what I think differ one online shopping experience from the next. Very nice touch!

Unfolding the wrapping revealed a dress with beautifully vibrant colors. Upon inspecting the dress the next thing that hit me, and which I was slightly disappointed about, was the fact that this dress was not lined. Especially for the price, I thought the dress would be lined, though this was not such a huge issue.

So I rushed off to try on the dress, and well what can I say? Once I tried it on I absolutely loved it, and decided there and then this was definitely NOT going to be my last Anna Scholz purchase.

There are 3, no actually 4, key elements which make me love this dress:

1. Side Ruching: The ruching and gathering at the side is extremely flattering; it creates an asymmetrical hem and truly makes your rear end look, well, great! The fact the everything gathers at the side works very well for hiding any tummy flaws too.
2. V Neck: A V neckline is a sexy and flattering cut, one which I love. I think in general V necklines create a slimming effect, as opposed to something like a round neck.
3. Sequin Shoulders: The teal sequin shoulder detail completes this dress, adds a touch of sparkle and takes this dress on a ‘glam’ level without overdoing it. Just the right amount of glam.
4. The Colors: What can I say? If you read the Plus Size Clothing Scoop often you know that I love colors, and these vibrant colors are just the perfect combination.

Luckily I already own a pair of pink shoes from Evans, which I bought quite a while back actually, and they match perfectly. I also found some teal, sparkly, dangling earrings which I think match the dress and sequin detail well – they blend quite nicely. What do you think?

I already have some special occasions coming up in the next months where I plan on wearing my brand new Anna Scholz dress, and in all honesty I simply cannot wait! This definitely makes the list of ‘my favorite dresses ever’, and am overall very glad I purchased it.

Thanks Anna Scholz for creating such a beautiful dress.

So I have been following the Yours Clothing collections ever since, and have purchase quite a number of items from them over the past year. Although I have been disappointed with maybe a couple of items I purchases (mainly due to them being too big to fit), I love shopping at Yours because of their amazing price points. I can keep up with new trends, without breaking the bank. Hurray!

As I said, Yours have launched their Spring/Summer collection last month, and I had to share this with you to show you what type of styles are in store for us from Yours in the coming months. Many items are in fact already available to purchase form Yours Clothing online.

A big trend last year, which has definitely not gone away this year, are maxi dresses. If you recall last year I posted about the plus size maxi dresses trend, as well as the massive collection of plus size maxi dresses Yours Clothing carries. Well ladies you will not be disappointed this year, as we see a lot of fresh and fun new maxi dresses included in the Yours Clothing’s Spring/Summer collection.

This new collection also features fun and colorful tights, the perfect accessory to jazz up an ordinary outfit. Fun and floral plus size swimwear, as well as dainty curvy lingerie pieces are also included in this new collection.

Another big trend which we will keep on seeing for months to come are tunic tops. Tunic tops have been huge lately, and for good reason. They are comfortable and look great over skinny jeans, leggings and jeggings. Yours Clothing has carried a great collection of tunics over the past year, and their Spring/Summer collection is not short of them either as it features many more new tunic top styles, from casual ones perfect for a day out with the girls, to much more dressy styles great for an evening do.

Nautical inspired styles and animal prints are still very in, and the Spring/Summer collection from Yours Clothing includes many items along these trends as well.

Which are your favorite trends and your favorite pieces from Yours Clothing’s new collection? I am loving the new tunic tops and animal print styles. In particular I have my eye on this super stylish Black and Stone Spot Print Tunic, as well as this lovely Black and Stone Animal Print Dip Back Dress which forms part of their Limited Collection.

The LYS collection offers items that are easy to mix and match to create casual yet sophisticated looks from head to toe. The ready-to-wear collection ranges from drape-front sweaters, cropped jackets and reversible tank tops to denim cargo, satin pants, embellished leggings and tiered miniskirts. The LYS line offers its endless chic combinations in the seasons’ hottest colors to help women transition seamlessly from the work week to the weekend.

“Over the past year, we have strengthened our brand offerings in apparel to appeal to a young, contemporary customer,” said Tara Poseley, senior vice president and president of Kmart Apparel. “The launch of LYS sends another strong message to the market that Kmart is serious about fashion and committed to bringing incredible style and quality to all women. With the addition of labels like LYS, the Sofia Vergara Collection, Bongo and Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, we’re giving them a number of compelling reasons to shop our stores or check us out online.”

The LYS collection arrives just in time for spring. Kmart will offer the separates in a price range of $14.99 to $29.99. The LYS collection is currently available in 450 stores across the nation and online in a variety of sizes, including 1X to 3X and 18W to 26W.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance our brand portfolio to better meet the fashion needs of all of our customers,” said John Goodman, executive vice president of Apparel and Home for Sears Holdings. “Many retailers overlook the plus-size category, which has created an opportunity for Kmart to become a destination for that particular customer. We are excited to launch LYS, offering trends and styles that all women want, at approachable prices.”

For more information about the LYS collection and to shop online, please visit www.Kmart.com.

Both the short and long versions of this dress are now available and ready to ship from Monif C. online, so order yours today. These pieces get snatched up very quickly, so don’t delay to avoid disappointment.

The ruched version of the convertible dress from Monif C. is also available in a selection of new colors though this dress will start shipping on March 7th. Though you can still pre-order!

When was Satin Woods founded, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Satin Woods was founded in 2010. Our Founder is a plus size woman who has experienced first-hand the serious lack in plus size clothing options available.  Additionally, she witnessed discrimination toward the curvy woman in stores, including plus size stores, which should have been a place of acceptance. These negative experiences led to the realization of the need for a boutique that caters exclusively to the plus size woman.  The average woman now weighs over 150 lbs and wears a size 14 and ‘plus sizes’ should no longer be a stingy section in the back of stores.

What type of clothing do you carry, and in what sizes?
We carry exclusively plus size clothing in sizes 14+ Our range is the broadest in a boutique-style shop in Canada, carrying up to a true size 40.  Our collection encompasses many style options including but not limited to: cocktail dresses, chic tops, sexy pencil skirts and funky jewellery including longer length sterling silver chains.  Our collection is entirely hand-selected by us and nothing is carried in bulk so that our patrons may take pride in knowing their garments are unique.

What makes Satin Woods stand out from other Canadian plus size clothing stores?
Our founder is a plus size woman who understands the experiences of shopping for a curvy physique.  You can read our blog where she touches on her own personal life experiences in a light-hearted manner.  Also, we offer extended customer service hours so our busy clients have time to shop with us and contact us with inquiries after traiditional store-hours. We don’t roll up the red carpet at 5p.m.  Additionally, we have an exclusively designed Loyalty Program that offers discounts on purchases and other perks.  Full details can be obtained on our website.

If you have to share one fashion top with your plus size customer, what would it be?
Only one? That’s difficult! I’m cheating and listing two First, I’d like to touch on our Abby Twist Top which encompasses funky knot detailing under the bust which has received rave reviews on it’s flattering cut. It has a lower cut bustline which can be sported for a sexier look or paired with a cami for a more demure look. The second item is the Anastasia Corset Top.  The flared skirt on it is also very flattering and the velvety details on the arm are unique and dramatic making a great top for a night out to the club or for dinner.

Pick one item you currently carry, that makes a perfect party dress – why so?
Parties should be a time to kick back, relax and let loose.  The Alexandra Gathered Dress offers gorgeous draping details as well as peek-a-boo shoulders that show just a hint of skin for that added touch of allure.  It is also fully lined, providing comfort without having to wear a slip underneath.

How can people order from Satin Woods?
Orders can be placed online through our secured website or via telephone.

What can we expect from Satin Woods in 2011 and beyond?
By demand, we have acquired a beautiful and cozy showroom so women can touch and try our amazing collection. As of February 2011, it will be open for winter hours in beautiful Port Stanley, Ontario which is located in South Western Ontario. Store hours and details can be obtained on our website. We can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.

Here are some of my favorite items within this collection…

• Animal Print, Sequin Detail Maxi Dress
• Black & White Animal Print Bolero Top
• Animal Print Sequin Effect Jean Belt
• Tan Animal Print Chain Detail Shopper Bag
• Black & Brown Animal Print Fleece Jacket
• Black & Stone Leopard Print Top

This gorgeous plus size dress features black and silver animal mesh fabric, making it a perfect choice for a party or night out. It comes in a sexy V neckline and flattering ruching detail along the waist. Pair this dress up with a nice pair of heels, and your favorite clutch bag and you’ll be dressed to impress!

This dress is available in the Yours Clothing sale section for just $15 / €12, though Yours are having even further reductions this week so this dress is actually now available for only $12 / €10, from an original price of $45 / €26! Talk about great savings. A lot of sizes are still available, from size 14 up to 30 in fact (US sizes) so go ahead and add this lovely party dress to your closet. It’s definitely a steal! Have a closer look at this dress right away.

Hold on, buy you can save even further as Yours have a great coupon code running right now. Use coupon code LOVE11 to knock a further £2 OFF your order! This coupon expires on 14th February, 2011.

Jessica London has designed a beautiful portfolio of Spring leather with more colors and styles, as well as high definition denim with new and improved fit jeans specially made for the plus size woman. The collection also features modernized fits on all its pants (denim, career pants and suits) and a broader selection of plus size dresses.

In addition, Jessica London has launched a “What’s your sign?” swimsuit campaign of swim solutions for all body types. Plus size women can get their best-ever swimsuit fit by choosing the solution most suitable for their body type: bust support, tummy control or hip hider.  To learn more, customers can check out the “What’s your sign?” video posted at JessicaLondon.com.

For Jessica London Facebook fans, the brand will make shopping easier by posting an “item of the week” beginning late January!  Plus, trend-setters can read fashion news live from New York City by accessing the “JL Buzz” page at JessicaLondon.com.

“The Jessica London team has created excitement in the plus size industry with the launch of our Spring campaign and the rollout of an unbelievably gorgeous fashion collection,” said John Mallon, Vice President/General Brand Manager for Jessica London.  “Customers will also notice a change in our creative layout with many of our images shot on location in Miami versus a studio, as well as the addition of fresh new faces.”

Since 1997, Jessica London has brought quality career, casual and special occasion fashion, plus classic, easy-to-wear separates, comfortable lingerie and shoes to women sizes 12 to 32, including petites and talls.

Visit JessicaLondon.com to order from Jessica London’s 2011 Spring Collection, or call (800) 784-1667 anytime 24/7.  You can also find fabulous Jessica London fashions at OneStopPlus.com, the world’s first and only web-mall for plus size women and big and tall men.

Customers and fans can stay up-to-date with the latest Jessica London styles via the brand’s official blog, Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as OneStopPlus.com’s online web magazine created to share fashion tips, hot trends and new products.

Meet the Bridgitte Sculpting Dress, Yuliya Raquel’s latest creation which exudes sophistication. This new addition to the IGIGI collection is a sexy curve hugging, vintage glamour inspired dress, which makes the perfect LBD any special occasion, such as a cocktail party.

This plus size LBD features double knit fabric which skins over your curves, princess seams, 3/4 length sleeves and a sexy pluging neckline which is decorated with a gorgeous chiffon applique.

Although just added to IGIGI’s collection this dress is selling fast, so if you’re interested do not think about it too much because you might be disappointed. It is available in sizes 12 to 32. Head on over to IGIGI.com to have a closes look at this sexy plus size LBD right away!

Some women take fashion more seriously than others. There are those who really do not care what they look like. Others will not leave the house unless they are positively sure that they look great and are wearing the latest trends. If fashion is important to you, then you may already be thinking about what you will wear during the winter of 2010/2011. So what fashions for women will be hot when the temperature cools down this year?  Suits, pencil skirts, pin stripes, oversized blazers, alluring black dresses, skinny pants, crewneck sweaters, faux fur, long skirts, knee-length socks and grungy layers featured in many of the popular designer collections winter of 2010/2011. There were also many military style coats for both men and women. Some of these military style coats have gorgeous buttons and are reminiscent of the Russian Tsar period of history. However if you want to be really hip when the weather starts to cool off, you should seriously consider investing in a padded aviator jacket.

Aviator jackets are usually made of leather or suede. The aviator jacket is an enjoyable item to wear because the texture of the material is yielding yet rough. Aviator jackets have a faux fur lining and a striking, oversized collar. Popular colors for the coming fall and winter season are nudes, warm browns and beiges. Alternatively you may wish to purchase a black or dark blue aviator jacket. The best aviator jackets for the winter of 2010/2011 are from the Burberry Prorsum collection. However a Burberry Prorsum aviator jacket will set you back several hundred dollars. If you cannot afford to pay for Burberry Prorsum, there are some attractive but less expensive alternatives available in bricks and mortar stores and online.

The aviator jacket is quite a masculine garment, so for women it should ideally be worn with something feminine. It is a good idea to wear your aviator jacket with a womanly dress (as in the picture above), a sexy skirt, long boots or a pair of leggings. Whatever you decide to wear with your aviator jacket, you will feel warm and look stylish. The aviator jacket is definitely the must-have item of clothing for winter of 2010/2011. If you like to look chic and cutting-edge, be sure to purchase yours in time for the cool weather months this year.

Well I am very glad I went ahead with the order, in fact when I received my order and tried on the clothes, I was trying to rember why I had waited so long to purchase an IGIGI piece – they are truly made to fit a woman’s curves and it is obvious each piece is carefully crafted. Luckily IGIGI orders always arrive quickly, usually within less than one week (I am located outside the US), so I did not have to wait too long to get my hands on the new pieces.

Part of my purchase included the classic Champs Elysees Dress in black, which I had been drooling over ever since it was added to the collection. This dress oozes drama and timeless chic, and to me it stood out from all other styles. The older I grow, the more ‘longevity’ I look for in my purchases. I admit to quite some impulsive purchases around the year, based on hot trends. Though I am really trying to adding classic pieces to my wardrobe which will last through the years, seasons and trends; pieces which can be easily dressed up or down to fit various occasions; pieces which will still have me looking chic for years to come. The Champs Elysees Dress in black fit that bill.

So I could not wait to wear my new favorite dress, and I had the chance to do so on New Year’s Eve; that night I paired the Champs Elysees dress up with a beaded cream necklace, pearl stud earrings, cream peep-toe sandals with black piping (online purchase from New Look – these have also become my new favorite pair of shoes lately!) and a cream knee length coat (sorry forgot to take a picture of the coat!). Everything fit perfectly together (…or so I thought! Well my hubby truly approved of the look, so it worked!).

The dress is extremely comfortable and very figure flattering. The wrap style and ruching detail along the front of the dress are very slimming! The dress is slightly cinched at the shoulders and it is also cinched along the middle of the back, again helping to flattering your figure from the back and hide any bumps. Very handy indeed; this feature came to a surprise to me as it is not displayed on the images on IGIGI and it’s not mentioned in the item description either, though it’s a very lovely touch. The dress includes gold button details on the side, adding a touch of color to an all black piece and glam.

All in all this dress is gorgeous and I am very very happy with my purchase; this has become my new favorite LBD for the winter time. Honestly, I did not expect this dress to look so good on; although I love ruching detail along the waistline and I expected that to be flattering, I was not so sure about the wrap style – it is not a silhouette I wear very often and can say I am comfortable in – though I am now a wrap convert! This dress is a true winner. Thank you Yuliya and IGIGI for creating such a gorgeous and chic dress that fits like a glove.

Fashions come and go over the years. During the teenage years, the speed at which styles change simply adds to the ‘buzz’ of trend-setting but, in later years, it makes sense to opt for classic clothes that are a little more expensive but will not date, and, with the right maintenance, will last and last.

The chic French do not spend a fortune on clothes, and they do not slavishly follow every new trend that the fashion houses throw up. Instead, they purchase a few key items throughout the year, and ring the changes with their use of accessories. They keep their clothing in good repair so the items they buy last a long time.

It’s not long after the designers have finished their fashion week catwalk shows before the cheaper copies of the clothes that have been showcased find their way into the high street. While the designer versions of dresses are extremely expensive,  the copies are quite often vastly inferior – fine it you want a dress to last just one season, not so good if you want value for money.  It is better to spend more on fewer items, making sure you buy with quality in mind, than to buy lots of cheap versions that will fall apart at the first laundering.

A winter wardrobe needs a lot of thought because it needs to take account of  very cold weather as well as the more balmy days that autumn can sometimes bring.

A key item in a winter wardrobe, and one that will not date, is a full-length wool coat.  In a neutral colour such as oatmeal, chocolate brown, or pewter grey, it can be dressed up with the addition of a few simple accessories, such as a scarf, a brooch, or a handbag. These needn’t match; some great looks are put together using clashing colours.  The accessories can be changed each year for very little cost which means that you can change your look without having to go to the expense of purchasing a brand new coat every winter.

If the budget permits, a knee-length coat is very useful, too. This could be a raincoat in the classic beige, which always looks fashionable and, as with the full-length coat, can be enhanced with good accessories.

Footwear is important, too.  A good pair of winter boots is essential. Buy a pair that will work equally well with the full-length coat as the knee-length, and this will double their usefulness.  A pair of court shoes will be a good investment because they look good with any length of dress or coat.

Once the key items have been purchased, accessories come next and are the ideal way of ringing the changes.

The fashions in hats changes almost with every season but, as they are not as expensive as a new coat, buying – or, indeed, making, if you are handy with the sewing machine, knitting needles, or a crochet hook – one each winter will not break the bank.  The same goes for scarves, gloves, brooches, and handbags.  All can be purchased cheaply or made at home, and mean that you can vary the changes as often as you choose.  A bright hat and scarf will give a neutral-coloured coat a completely different look to that achieved if using pastel colours, and will make it feel like a new outfit.

Buy the best coat, boots, and shoes, that  you can afford at the time, and buy them with a view to making them last for many years. Once you have purchased the big-ticket items, the only money you will need to spend to keep yourself ‘on trend’ will be spent on inexpensive accessories. You will get through the colder winter months looking fashionable but knowing that you have a look that will last.

Pasazz.net: Could you tell us a bit more about your collection, the CCB Collection?
Cassaundra: CCB Collection features dresses that have classic lines: sheath, A-line and wrap style made from matte jersey. I chose matte jersey for this collection because it’s gorgeous fabric and has a comfortable stretch; it wears beautifully without clinging. What makes my collection unique is that each style has customizable variations (hem and sleeve length and neckline shape). The dresses are made to order and allow each woman to choose details that meet her own personal style. My complete collection is available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/cassaundrasboutique

Pasazz.net: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
Cassaundra: I started sewing when I was about 9 years old. Stitch by stitch, I sewed my first shirt by hand and learned how to use a sewing machine a few years later. In my teens I started making clothes for my friends and at age 21, on a dare from a friend, I went on an interview with a top fashion designer in Boston. Much to my surprise, I was hired as his apprentice. The opportunity to hone my craft under the tutelage of such an accomplished designer was both a blessing and an advantage. 5 years later I branched out on my own and opened an Haute Couture Boutique, designing for many of Boston’s “Who’s Who”. In 2006 I closed my business and moved to the south with my husband and two children. After an almost five year leave from the fashion business, I discovered that nothing (work related) was as satisfying as what I now understand is my true passion.

I was ready to design a line of clothing that represented where I was in my life. Celebrating my 40th birthday and memorializing the one year anniversary of losing my father gave me a new perspective on life. I spent my entire career in fashion designing for other people. This collection represents the woman that I am and what I like to wear. I am a plus size woman with a bend towards classic lines; this collection is a peak into my closet. I developed my line and began selling it on ebay. The overwhelming response to my collection has inspired me to develop a CCB store which I have hopes to launch fall of 2011.

Pasazz.net: When did you start designing fashions, and what was your inspiration?
Cassaundra: I started designing for other people as early as my teens. The majority of my career in fashion was spent designing for my clients; my inspiration came from their needs. As I listened to my clients describe what they wanted, design idea’s would begin to form. I would have to find the just right fabric first before I could complete the design. My inspiration almost entirely starts with fabric and the design ultimately comes from that point.

Pasazz.net: What was the main inspiration behind the CCB Collection?
Cassaundra: The main inspiration behind my CCB Collection is my love of simple clean lines and great fabric. Beautiful fabric is my muse and that is always where my process starts. This collection is based on the use of matte jersey; I sing its praises because it’s so forgiving. One of my biggest (fashion) pet peeves is seeing plus size women wearing clothes that are too big. I think that the most important thing a plus size woman can do (fashion related) is wear clothes that are the correct size. A plus size woman does not need to hide her curves under layers of fabric but present herself with style.

Pasazz.net: Why did you feel you have to expand your collection to include plus sizes?
Cassaundra: I didn’t give a second thought to expanding my line to include plus sizes. Most of my line was designed with plus sizes in mind.

Pasazz.net: Do you ship only to the US?
Cassaundra: I offer free shipping to USA & Canada and I ship worldwide for a minimal additional charge.

Pasazz.net: What can we expect in the future from Cassaundra’s Clothing Boutique?
Cassaundra: My vision for Cassaundra’s Clothing Boutique is to open my own internet store in the fall of 2011. My hope is to expand the customization options to allow woman more control in the design process so they can wear clothes that represent their own style.

Thank you so much Cassaundra for taking the time to answer these questions for us! We wish you all the very best for the future and we cannot wait to see more of your designs and collections in 2011 and beyond.