10 Ways to Accessorize the Plus Size Little Black Dress

By Stacy Montgomery of Sealed with a Kiss Designs

There’s probably one thing that all plus-size women and their wardrobes have in common.  Should I let you guess?  Yep, you’re right, it’s the predominance of black clothing.  It’s funny.  Somewhere along the way, we all seem to have bought into the idea that black is SLIMMING – and into the further idea that we needed to be “slimmed” by our clothing.  An annoying concept for those of us who LIKE our curves.  (And who see the irony in skinny women “enhancing” curves after starving to be slender.)  Why can’t we all just get along???

But I didn’t start this article to write all that.  I started this article to talk about my favorite topic: the plus size little black dress.  There is one thing that we ALL need in our wardrobe, and that’s the perfect little black dress.  Why?  Because that one garment can take you from your daytime doldrums to your night-time fantasies within seconds – and almost as simply as if your fairy godmother showed up with a pair of glass slippers and a pumpkin carriage!

First of all, make sure that you HAVE a few little black dresses on hand, and make sure they’re stylish and in good condition.  Sometimes we wear them so often, that they’ve simply lost their pizzazz. If you need one or two new ones, be BOLD and go for a shorter hem or a lower neckline.  After all, you can always toss on a great long, dramatic silk scarf (tied at the back of your neck) to create a more appropriate look for the office.  When you leave for the day, tie that same scarf sideways around your waste to add an attention-getting extra to your ensemble.

What else can you do to pump up the volume?  Here’s 8 more tips to get the ball rolling.

Stockings.  Remember that a simple little black dress can carry a bigger accessory statement.  Go for fishnet pantyhose!  … or at least consider a few polka dots or a classy seam up the back.

Shoes.  Okay, this is your chance to give yourself a REAL lift.  The great thing about a black basic is that you can add almost ANY signature color to your accessories.  Just make sure that you create a symphony of color – and not chaos.  If your shoes are red, your scarf should feature the same shade too.  You get the picture.

Think about a hat.  Same reason.  A basic black outfit can carry those amazing extras that a print or plaid might not.  Just keep the chapeau to the same level of classiness.

Go for the gusto with ONE big signature piece of jewelry, instead of an ensemble.

Follow 7th Avenue’s latest craze and add a vibrant, colored trench over your little black dress!

Add a zipper!  If you’ve seen anything in the media about fashion recently, you’ve probably noticed that exterior, exposed zippers are jazzing it up all over the place.  Want to make a strong statement with little effort?  Use double-sided tape to put a long faux zipper up the back of your dress – or hey – up the FRONT would be amazing!  (Just remember, it will only get you through the night!)  Remember to actually SEW the zipper in place if you love the look!

Got an old dress that you’re ready to replace?  Add a few inches of lace at the bottom and at the neckline and save it for your next special occasion.  Lace might be too dressy for the office, but it is always a go at weddings and christenings.

Finally, #8 (which is actually #10, if you’ve been keeping count!). It’s all in the bag! Okay, I try NOT to talk about bags in every accessory column – just because it’s so obvious, but for the perfect little black dress, we simply CAN’T overlook the bag.  In this case, you don’t need to spend a TON of money either.  Hit the local thrift store and look for the most amazing little handbag you can find – or the boldest.  Remember, the great thing about the basic plus size black dress is that it can make a BIG statement with just a LITTLE effort.

Stacy Montgomery, VP of sales for Sealed with a Kiss Designs has built her career around her passion, which is embracing her own unique beauty and healthy, plus-sized body. She says: “I have always been full-figured, and I am a great looking size 16. I am healthy, beautiful, and proud to be me!” Sealed with a Kiss Designs covers everything from “the little black dress” to everyday fashions and outerwear.

How to Choose Plus Size Career Dresses?

By Stacy Montgomery of Sealed with a Kiss Designs

Today it’s important to look professional both at your office and workplace. It doesn’t really matter what size your body is. If you are one of those who opt for plus size dresses, you better find a dress that perfectly fits your curves and goes well with your work culture. It’s better to spend some time at an early period to avoid any problem later on.

You can consider the following factors while buying a plus size career dress:

First factor to look out for the plus size dresses is their fitting. The simple thing to keep in mind is to buy the size which exactly fits you right now not the size which you will attain in the coming months. The dress should be perfect for you now at this moment. If you are unsure about the best fit for your body, you may get some consultation from a professional who can help you in determining your exact figure. Try to strike a balance between the extreme types of clothing. The career dresses should neither be too tight near the chest and behind nor should they be loose and sloppy. A middle approach works the best.

Second factor to keep in mind is the modesty and decency involved with that dress. Even if you a have great body and figure, avoid exposing it at the workplace. The dress employed here should be fully professional and hence strictly avoid such exposure. You can always switch the clothes once you exit the office. However in lieu of covering up your body, make sure you don’t make yourself uncomfortable with excessively long and heavy dresses. Try to keep both the factors of comfort and modesty side by side.

Third factor while buying a plus size career dress is to see if it can help you in enhancing your positive factors. For example a long dress may help you in looking tall. Similarly a full sleeved dress may avoid the exposure of your arms if they are too fat. Tight dresses near the waist will make your overall personality better. You can always try the dress on store and ask your accompanying friend for opinions about the overall looks. If you don’t have such a friend, you always have a mirror and common sense. So, just go with your feelings.

Fourthly, see if this career dress allows you to carry extra accessories. For example see if this dress can match your favorite purse or not. See if your lucky bracelet or wrist watch can be worn with this or not. The best dress should be something which can easily accommodate maximum apparels and accessories which will further and enhance your personality. I recommend Classic Surplice Neck plus size dress in this regard. But make sure you don’t over-stuff yourself with these extra items. Sometimes a good and professional dress will do the job and there will be no need of such extra items.

In the end, it’s exactly up to you to make the choice.

Stacy Montgomery, VP of sales for Sealed with a Kiss Designs has built her career around her passion, which is embracing her own unique beauty and healthy, plus-sized body. She says: “I have always been full-figured, and I am a great looking size 16. I am healthy, beautiful, and proud to be me!” Sealed with a Kiss Designs covers everything from “the little black dress” to everyday fashions and outerwear.

The Great Plus Size Maxi Dresses

By Stacy Montgomery of Sealed with a Kiss Designs

You want to own that lovely plus size maxi dress but it seems that it is too heavy on your pocket. But do not worry; now several reasonable maxi dresses are easily available in the market. They are affordable as well as trendy because they can be worn on many occasions.

These maxi dresses have grown in their status steadily over a past few years. People had expected that this dress would soon go out of fashion within few months of its launch but instead it stayed and grew more famous than anyone could imagine. They are by far the hottest and most stylish pieces of clothing. The foremost thing about maxi dresses is their comfort. They are very comfortable as compared to almost any women’s clothing. Being long and loose in structure, they rest on your body parts very softly and gently. The plus size easily accommodates your body figure and shape accordingly. Another great thing about the maxi dress is that they sort of look romantic to anybody which is quite a unique feature of the vintage time. A many varieties are present out there from solid to dramatic, so that every woman can choose according to her own taste.

This is the prime reason that many online sites and designers now offer maxi dresses that too in plus size. You may be thinking that these dresses are nice and comfortable but they must have a hefty price. I would say, if you look around carefully, you will find places where you can get awesome plus size maxi dresses at very reasonable rates. Nowadays, you can both enjoy the maxi dress as well save your pocket at the same time.

But make sure that you don’t fill your entire wardrobe with these plus size maxi dresses. They may begin to appear dull and boring to you in that case. Go for the selected ones which you like a lot. For example I recommend the Goddess Maxi Dress (pictured) which is a great piece present out there. It comes in two varied stunning colors which will enhance your personality like a Greek goddess. The waist is empire shaped which well fits your curves resulting in a sleek and sexy look of your body. It consists of 98% polyester and 2% spandex and is made in USA.

Along with the importance to where to look, also stress on the fact “when” to look. They may be available in the stores all the year round but their variety and price is good during the spring and summer months. In those seasons, your chances of getting a sleek and comfortable maxi at a reasonable price increase many folds.

You can also choose whether to buy formal or casual maxi dresses. There are some romantic maxi dresses which are recommended to be worn specially at night. They may result in getting you all that unwanted love you have been looking for. They can hide those body parts you want hidden and accentuate those body elements which you wish to expose. So get out and begin your hunt for these awesome plus size maxi dresses.

Stacy Montgomery, VP of sales for Sealed with a Kiss Designs has built her career around her passion, which is embracing her own unique beauty and healthy, plus-sized body. She says: “I have always been full-figured, and I am a great looking size 16. I am healthy, beautiful, and proud to be me!”

Shop Translated Receives a People Magazine’s Honorable Mention

Top 10 Casual Plus Size Clothing Stores

Every woman I think is on the constant look out for stylish casual wear options, as this is such an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe. Be it to wear for work (if you work in a relaxed type of environment), whether you are off shopping with your girls, or whether you just feel like going for a stroll down the street, casual wear is essential. So today I wanted to have a look at what I think are the Top 10 Casual Plus Size Clothing Stores online, to help women and give them some options for where to shop.

1. Alight – Sizes 12 to 34 – When you talk about casual plus size clothing, if you are more of less familiar with the leading plus size speciality stores online, then definitely Alight will be the first store you will think of. Alight offers a lot more then casual wear, in fact I like to call Alight the online mall for plus size shopping. It offers a wide range of styles, and carries a lot of different designers, which is what sets it apart. The vast choice of casual wear you can browse through here is what makes Alight the first go to place for findnig casual plus size clothing online.

2. Figuresque – Sizes 14 to 36 – A store which not everyone might be familiar with, but which I truly encourage every full figured woman to visit. Figuresque is quite a new store to hit the online scene, though do not be put off by this. They offer a vast selection of very stylish casual wear, and most of all their options are truly affordable. This is what sets Figuresque apart from the competition. If you’re looking for a bargain, head on their way!

3. Avenue – Sizes 14 to 32 – A store which I am sure a lot of curvy women will be familiar with, Avenue again is one of the first go to places to go for when shopping online for curvy clothing. They offers a great selection of casual fashions, which are also easy on the budget. Avenue is always adding on new, contemporary styles to make sure the latest trends are available, so again this is one to check out.

4. OneStopPlus – Sizes 12W to 44W – Another store which carries a large range of clothing, as well as accessories. However the casual clothing options offered at OneStopPlus are endless and definitely not to miss. They carry anything from tops, to skirts, to denim and dresses.

5. Torrid – Sizes 12 to 28 – A name synonymous with plus size clothing online, Torrid has become a favorite with many women and for good reasion. They offer a great selection of casual wear, with trendy new designs added on a regular basis. Various items can be found at Torrid including a great selection of casual tops, skirts, dresses and denim. A curvy girl will definitely satisfy her casual wear needs at Torrid.

6. SWAK Designs -  Sizes 14 to 36 – Another must visit store when you are looking for casual wear. SWAK Designs carry a great range of tops, skirts, dresses, pants and denim at affordable prices. Most of their items are available up to a size 6X (which would be approximately size 30/32), and include individual item size charts, which makes finding your size for a particular items a breeze.

7. Lane Bryant – Sizes 14 to 32 – Definitely a well known brand with full figured ladies, Lane Bryant carries a good selection of plus size casual wear, among their vast collection. Price points suit a lot of different budgets, and new designs are frequently added.

8. Fashion Bug – Sizes 14 to 32 – A store which might appeal more to a younger plus size woman, Fashion Bug provides the full figured woman a lot of options when it comes to casual wear. Again here you can find items ranging from skirts, to tops, to dresses.

9. Yours Clothing – 14 to 32 – An online store based in the UK, but which ships around the world, Yours carries one of the biggest collections of casual plus size apparel you can find online andhas become one of my favorites! Best of all their prices are truly affordable, and they hold sales and apply price reductions very often, which makes shopping here both fun and very easy on your budget. This is definitely a must visit, and I encourage plus size women outside of the UK not to get discourage from shopping here, as shipping fees are very reasonable and the vast selection of items available definitely make it worth shopping here.

10. Old Navy – Sizes 16 to 30 – I know some plus size women frown upon Old Navy (and with reason) because they reserve their plus size collection just for their online sale, but the stylish and vast selection they do offer online meant they had to be included in this list. Whatever everyone says I do think Old Navy offer a nice selection of casual plus size clothing, to suit everyone’s tastes and budgets.

So there you have it! What do you think? Should any particular store not be in the list? Do you think I missed listing down a store which you absolutely cannot live without? Comment below, and let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

For a more comprehensive list of casual plus size clothing stores, do consult our casual directory page.

Julianna Cowl Neck Dress by Kiyonna

Last week Kiyonna unveiled a gorgeous new dress which they have named the Julianna Dress. This dress is not just another short sleeved cowl neck dress! The sleeves are uniquely set-in which give this dress a chic and Grecian feel to it. The soigné details and ruching at the side make this dress super flattering. Any dress that include ruching somewhere at the waist is a winner for me, because ruching truly disguises your tummy, and flatters any figure. This dress follows the Grecian style of recent dresses Kiyonna have unveiled which are equally gorgeous such as the Alexandra Gathered Dress and the Celine Chiffon Maxi Dress.

The Julianna dress comes in three different colors: blue, rich purple and black. Definitely a dress that will leave a lasting impression, one to have a closer look at if you’re searching for a special dress for a special occasion.

This dress is available in sizes 0X (10/12) to 5X (30/32) and is priced at only $98! It starts shipping tomorrow 25th May, 2010.