BrylaneHome® announced this week that it has rolled out an even bigger assortment of seating options for Spring/Summer 2012 with trendy new styles and comfortable designs.

With the phenomenal success of its new seating line, BrylaneHome®, home and lifestyles brand in the portfolio of Redcats’ OneStopPlus Group, announced today that it has rolled out an even bigger assortment of seating options for Spring/Summer 2012 with trendy new styles and comfortable designs.

The BrylaneHome® Plus Size Living Collection specializes in unique, “hard-to-find” products at affordable prices that improve the customer’s overall lifestyle and adds comfort and beauty to their day-to-day life. Since the initial launch of this innovative product line, The BrylaneHome® team has developed an extensive selection of furniture as part of the BrylaneHome® Plus Size Living Collection, which currently features the largest assortment of seating options for plus size customers.

With a focus on style and comfort, BrylaneHome® designed the following Plus Size Living chairs/recliners for the spring/summer season:

• Armless office chair with 29” seat and 25% more foam for extra comfort; 500 lb. capacity
• Three-in-one massaging recliner rocker blends the aesthetics of an upscale recliner with the wellness benefits of a massage chair (supports up to 350 lbs.)
• Faux leather recliner is lever operated and richly cushioned (supports up to 350 lbs.)
• Faux leather office chairs built with wide seats and extra weight capacity
• Storage chaise lounge designed with flip open seat for convenient storage of blankets, pillows, books and more (supports up to 350-lbs.)
• Queen Anne style push back recliner (supports up to 350 lbs.)
• Extra-wide wingback chair (supports up to 350 lbs.) and matching storage ottoman, both upholstered in rich chenille fabric

“With an ever-growing number of plus-size consumers, the demand for specialty products that cater to this emergent market segment has never been greater,” said David Milgrom, Vice President/General Brand Manager for BrylaneHome®.

“To respond to the needs of this under-served sector, the BrylaneHome® team has continually developed new products for our exclusive Plus Size Living collection, including furniture and health focused products, to improve the quality of life for plus size men and women.”

To promote the launch of its expanded BrylaneHome® Plus Size Living Collection, the brand is offering customers 25% off their highest priced item from now until 2/28/12 with coupon code BHPSLPR25.

Check out BrylaneHome® Plus Size Living at BrylaneHome.com and order anytime 24/7. Customers can also join the thousands of fans who are following BrylaneHome® on its Facebook and Twitter pages.

OneStopPlus.com® is the #1 destination to shop for plus sizes, an online marketplace featuring thousands of brands and products that are specifically targeted to plus size customers.

LONDON, February 2, 2012

Our continental customers tell us that plus size fashion is very difficult to find in many European countries, so we at Littlewoods Europe have now have our largest range of women’s plus size clothing available online with over 1,500 lines available in sizes up to 32.

Our Confident Curves range, launched in autumn 2010, has proven very popular and due to huge customer demand, our confident curves collection has been extended this season with even more pieces. Lines in our Confident Curves range now include dresses, jeans, trousers and skirts.

Designed to celebrate feminine curves, our Confident Curves ranges include an invisible stretch jersey control panel that smoothes the waistline and bottom to give a sleeker silhouette. Our fashionable footwear ranges are also available in larger sizes and wider fits with cool wedge sandals and the cutest pumps available in up to size 9.

Littlewoods Europe’s exclusive So Fabulous collection features this season’s key pieces, like plus size maxi dresses among over 300 lines in sizes 14 to 32. So Fabulous is designed and created to flatter curves, rather than simply creating a larger version of standard clothing ranges.

A spokesperson for Littlewoods Europe said: ‘We are delighted to bring even more plus size fashion to our customers in Europe. Our collection is designed to compliment and celebrate women’s curves. It’s contemporary and completely fashion forward from statement prints to retro styles, allowing women to choose the latest looks whatever their size.’

Littlewoods Europe launched on 27th August 2009 is aimed at women who want the convenience of home delivery from one of their favourite British online retailers. Delivery is free shipping to customers placing orders over EUR30. Littlewoods Europe delivers to 25 countries in Europe, including France, Spain, Cyprus and Malta.

The Littlewoods Europe site features over 10,000 product lines, from core categories of clothing, footwear, toys, kidswear & homeware.

About Littlewoods Europe
Littlewoods Europe launched on 27th August 2009 and is aimed at women looking for the convenience of home delivery from one of their favourite British online retailers. The delivery cost is EUR5 regardless of size of order. Delivery is within 10 working days, with 28 days home approval guarantee. Littlewoods Europe currently delivers to 25 European countries including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden.

The Littlewoods Europe site features over 15000 product lines, from core categories of clothing, footwear, toys, kidswear & homeware.

Davinia was kind enough to take some time off her busy schedule to answer some questions for us, so we can get to know a little bit more about her, and why she created this short film. Read on…

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

My name is Davinia. I am originally from Malta, but moved to Dublin, Ireland, five months ago to do my Masters degree in Applied Digital Media. I am also a blogger (you can read my blog at http://www.daviniahamilton.com), freelance writer, editor and graphic designer.

What’s your passion in life?

There are many! My philosophy of life is that you have to try and experience and learn as much as you can while you’re here, so in my pursuits I end up loving a lot of things I do, but if I had to pick three, they would be music, the written word and film and photography.

What inspired you to create this short film?

I was a teenage girl once. I remember very clearly what it is like to look in the mirror and not feel good enough; to open magazines, turn on the TV and be bombarded with images of women I would never look like. I think that you have to choose to have a positive self-image. You can’t just expect it to happen because the odds are against it, unfortunately. It is a decision you make when you realise that you cannot go through life constantly feeling inadequate. When we were assigned the task of creating a short film in college, I decided I had to put this message across. I am friends with a group of bellydancers here and I realised this would be the perfect subject to focus on. Bellydance is all about owning your body and unlike some other forms of dance does not place importance on the way you look. Anybody can do it and look amazing as long as they feel comfortable in their own skin.

Do you bellydance yourself? If so, how has bellydancing affected you?

I did bellydance for about three years. I’ve had to stop since moving because of time and financial constraints but bellydance helped me understand my body and connect with muscles that other forms of dance and exercise did not. Bellydance is a fantastic workout both physically and emotionally because when you see what your body is actually capable of doing, then you realise you are far from inadequate. Furthermore, bellydance helps you meet other women and be creative together in a space without men, where you are not in danger of feeling sexualised or objectified.

What message would you like to convey with all women reading this?

You are enough. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like: you are exactly who you are supposed to be. Instead of picking an idol or role model and trying to be more like them, you should try to be more like yourself.

Thank you so much Davinia for creating this film! We truly hope it will help inspire every woman who watches it to start loving her body the way it is, and perhaps why not, encourage some women to take up bellydancing too!

Too many women choose to feel self conscious and cover up their figure, rather than embracing their shape and finding flattering ways to celebrate it. Lingerie is available in every shape and size, designed to make women feel beautiful in their own skin. Understanding lingerie design will help any woman select lingerie that makes the most of her full figure and gives her the confidence she needs to look and feel great.

Sizing

The unfortunate truth is that selecting a lingerie style that is too tight, and that does not provide support will make a woman look lumpy and heavier than she is. Never select a size smaller than you need, and try everything on before you leave the store. Remember the goal is to look your best, so if you look your best in an 18 rather than a 16, embrace it.

Busty Women

If you are a busty woman select a style that shows and supports your cleavage. A loose and flowing nightie might look pretty, but it will not provide support for large breasts. Look for lingerie pieces that have a full bra with adjustable straps, back fasteners and underwires, or which have foam formed cups that give enough coverage and support to keep the breasts where they belong.

Hour-glass Women

If you are a woman with an hourglass shape select lingerie that emphasizes your waist. A corset that pinches in at the waist or a robe that ties at the waist will both enhance your natural body shape and your best assets. A nice solid coloured garment with a burst of colour at your narrowest point will also be flattering, especially if you are heavier below the waist.

Pear-shaped Women

If you are a pear shaped women select pieces with an Empire waist line and a flowing skirt that stops at the thigh. This uses the flowing cloth to camouflage your heaviest areas, and give you a defined shape. Avoid prints, instead select garments of a single colour with accenting lace at the neck and bottom hem.

Tall Women

Tall women typically have long legs, which should be celebrated. Tall women should pair pieces of lingerie which match their general body type with a garter belt and thigh high stockings. Thigh high stockings draw the viewer’s eye to the leg and highlight their length. Purchasing black stockings will also make the leg appear slimmer.

Athletic Girls

If you are an athletic girl with a square frame, embrace it and buy into the athletic lingerie cuts. Buy boycut shorts and a little tank top that accentuates your frame. If you want a more feminine look, search out baby doll style nighties with boy cut bloomers that both play on your style and add a more genteel finish.

No matter what your body type it is essential that you select pieces that you feel great it. Go with your gut instinct, if you don’t feel comfortable in a lingerie set in the store, you won’t feel comfortable in it at home. Take your time, try on multiple looks and select the pieces that best suit your unique shape and personality. In the end what matters most is how you feel in the lingerie.

Baltimore, MD – January 24, 2012 – Online retailer AboutCurves.com, a provider of plus size lingerie and accessories, is seeking aspiring plus-size models to help spread the message of size acceptance and beauty at any size throughout the fashion industry.

An upcoming photo shoot for the lingerie retailer will show off a wide variety of new plus size lingerie products. These photo shoots allow the retailer to challenge the idea that women have to fit into a certain mold in order to be attractive and that women of varying body types have limited options with respect to lingerie.

“We hold our own photo shoots because we think it’s so important that our customers can visualize what they would look like in our products,” says KC Culver, one of the company co-founders. “For that reason, we choose models with a variety of body types. We’re fighting against companies who care only about profits and show customers photos of size zero women in their lingerie.”

The date for the shoot has yet to be determined, but the location has already been decided upon and will take place in Maryland. Models who depict real plus size women are encouraged to contact the retailer about this open audition by calling 1-877-CURVY ME (1-877-287-8963) or emailing customercare(at)aboutcurves(dot)com.

The plus size models of Aboutcurves.com are size 16-22 and are working women with families and real lives. About Curves Plus Size Lingerie uses models of varying body types allowing users multiple views of their product on models with different assets and body shapes.

Anyone attempting to participate should be prepared to divulge information including of age, contact information, a photo, and a description about why the applicant feels like she would be ideal model plus size lingerie for AboutCurves.com and represent real plus size women.

The company carried out a similar photo shoot (last year, months ago, please tell me when this was), which was filmed and later featured on Women’s Entertainment Television, that offers a glimpse at what an About Curves Plus Size Lingerie photo shoot involves.

About AboutCurves.com
About Curves was established in 2001 by Robin Bryan-Culver and KC Culver, a mother-daughter duo who were frustrated with the lack of options for plus size lingerie as well as the misrepresentation of plus size women within the fashion industry. About Curves Plus Size Lingerie was founded with the intent of providing lingerie and accessories to address the need for viable options for woman of sizes that have been generally ignored by the majority of the fashion industry.

Using a process that ensures quality and comfort for all potential customers of AboutCurves.com, the company ensures that real women everywhere will be comfortable and confident, no matter what kind of lingerie they purchase.

If you’re a plus size gal struggling with excess weight and a negative body image, you’re not alone. And help is on the way. As part of the growing “Self Acceptance-Love Your Body” movement to encourage women to expand their definition of beauty, feel better about themselves and embrace their bodies, there has been a flood of media attention aimed at empowering women. Lifetime’s reality TV show, “How to Look Good Naked” hosted by Carson Kressley focuses on helping women rediscover their confidence and find self love by giving them the tools to improve their negative and distorted body images.

Kelly Park’s SOS Cry for Help, “I hate my body.”

After gaining 90 pounds post pregnancy, newly married mom, Kelly Park had lost the spark in her marriage. Once filled with body confidence, Kelly’s changing shape caused her to question her beauty, sense of worth and sex appeal. Assuming that her body revolted her husband, John, she stopped having sex with him and for the next five years they slept in separate beds. Kelly inspires other women by sharing her story of how she learned to love and appreciate her curvier, heavier mommy body after being on the show, “How to Look Good Naked.”

Andrea Amador

Hi Kelly. This is fabulous. I’m so excited to get a chance to speak with you. I think that you’re an amazing role model for women.

Aw. Thank you so much.

Please tell me a bit about what your life was like before you had the baby.

I was always kind of small boned. I had small breasts and a small body and I got married, fell in love with this incredible person and he accepted me for everything I was and was not. Then I had a baby, And the baby weight never went away. Suddenly from out of nowhere these feelings popped up. I became filled with self doubt, self loathing, feelings of ugliness, non sexiness, I was thinking of myself as a horrible person because I was so invisible. I wasn’t pretty. I wasn’t worthy. My clothes didn’t fit and food was my friend and I went through all these different things that I thought that I would never experience in my life, because I had such high self esteem and it lasted for years.

What were some of the things that you were thinking after you had the baby?

I used to think, “Well I’m just a momma.” I can’t be sexy. I can’t wear beautiful underwear and do they even make underwear in my size? I just didn’t understand anything and there was no intimacy in our marriage for a very, very, very difficult, very long time. It was tragic when I look back. I gave a lot of energy to my daughter, which was great, but there was never any room or any time left over for my husband and that’s how I wanted it to be. That was my perfect world, cause then by the time 11:00 rolls around, I’m tired, and there was always an excuse, always.

And then there would be times when my husband would want to get sweet with me, he would want to touch me and I’d say, “Well I don’t see what you see. I don’t see why you would want to do that with me. I just don’t see it. I don’t have a little tiny waist. You know. I don’t wear a size 2. I had large breasts and a round tummy and I didn’t find myself sexy at all. There was nothing remotely in my mind sexy or approachable at all about me.

And it was a downward spiral. I was scared. I was scared of losing him. I was scared of being in a situation like my mom with a baby and being divorced and being a single mom, but it just wasn’t enough for me to change. I wasn’t scared to the point where I needed to change. I knew something was wrong and something didn’t feel right about my feelings but I didn’t know how to approach them. I didn’t talk to other women about it. We didn’t discuss it really in my family. It was just, that’s just Kelly.

So I just got bigger and bigger and food became my, even better friend. I started to shy away from my family and my friends, the people I love and care about. I hid behind large clothes. It was bad. I would never. I mean never, never purchase any clothes unless something ripped, or something caught on fire. It would have to be a total necessity, not like Wow, look at that color. That’s gorgeous. It was never like that and I started to shop in the maternity ward of Macy’s and different department stores because it was easy. It was one size. It was a large or Xtra large and I put it on and that was it. I didn’t have to make a fuss, or anything. I would also satisfy his needs by telling him I bought some clothes. He’d say, “Oh, you bought something new.” And he would never say, “Kel, what are you doing. These are maternity clothes. He would just accept it.

As thought that was a step forward.

Kelly: Right. Yeah.

Did you ever tell your husband how you felt about your body?

Whenever we would go to bed, or lay down with each other, or just talk, I would say, “God, I need some new clothes. And he would say, “Well, why don’t you just go out and buy some new clothes. Why don’t you go out and shop? And I would say, “I can’t buy new clothes. I can’t shop. Look at me. Who am I going to shop for? It would take me three weeks to shop for something that will fit me. So he would constantly encourage and I would bat it down. He would encourage and I’d bat it down. It was constantly like that.

What inspired you to nominate yourself to be on the show, “How to Look Good Naked?”

Around the time that my daughter, Sydney was 5, she started to watch television and movies and began asking questions about body image and about bodies, accepting and loving. She remembered a lot of things that I didn’t think that she would, asking me, “Mommy, why don’t you wear dresses? Why don’t you dress up? Why don’t you celebrate yourself? And I’m teaching her all this stuff about celebrate yourself and love who you are and it’s completely opposite, it’s like the Wizard of Oz where I was the big Oz behind this wall and I’m this little person…

Pay no attention to that little man behind the curtain…

Exactly. That’s exactly what I lived. And then she started to question me, “Why don’t you celebrate yourself, Mom? Why don’t you take a look at who you are and what you’re doing? And it hit me that all this time, I was giving her all this stuff with words but she was looking at me and questioning “What are you talking about?” I mean we got into a little argument. I’m like Sid well, you have to accept who you are and love yourself and she said, “Mom, You sit around and you’re frumpy, and you sit and you don’t love yourself. You don’t wear any makeup, you’re in converse sneakers all day, you’re wearing maternity clothes, who are you talking to? So she looked at me and told me, “Mom, you’re not loving yourself.”

So Sidney was really getting to some cold hard truths that you weren’t willing to face. But how did you and John go from being newlywed sweethearts to being more like room mates sleeping in separate beds?

Room mates. I would call it. We were room mates. There was respect and love, but there was no intimacy. And I mean none.

So was Sidney seeing any evidence of that?

Yeah. I slept in the bed with her for four years.

It sounds like she really got to see that Mom was not walking the walk.

Yup. I slept in the bed with her every night. That was my way of escaping what I was feeling, escaping the truth. When I finally left her bed. She’s like, “Where are you going? I said, “I’m going back to my life.”

Once you were on the show, what would you say was the most significant event that changed your distorted perception of your body?

I faced my greatest fear while standing with Carson in front of a mirror and an entire camera crew wearing just my bra and panties. But I trusted him because I’ve seen him on the show previously and I knew that if I could get through this, the rest of the journey wouldn’t be so hard. I was shaking and sweating because I just couldn’t believe that I was standing there acknowledging all this stuff that I had to talk about. He encouraged me to recognize and appreciate my body for its beauty, and that was the first time that I began to see myself differently.

Kelly, please talk a bit more about the time that Carson put you in a group of women wearing only their bra and panties and asked you to figure out where you fit in terms of size in the group. I was blown away when you chose a woman whose body was actually 2 sizes bigger than yours. What did you learn from that experience?

That was amazing. Because we women just don’t realize how our perceptions are different until you see it right in front of you. I was astonished and appalled at the same time because my perception was incorrect and she was a beautiful woman. She was stunning. She held her head up high. She had this huge round belly. Her skin was a little thicker then mine. I just kept looking at her and I really believed that she looked like me, and that she was my mirror image. I was shocked to see that she was bigger then me. She was holding her head up and happy. It was amazing.

How did that affect you?

I remember coming home the first day and I just got in the shower and cried for an hour. It’s just like an onion peeled, layers started to come off and it was a mixture of “What have I been doing all this time, and am I crazy, and why am I on this show? And the fear and it was crazy. I can not believe that I abused myself that way. I sometimes look back, I have the tape and I pop it in I watch little pieces and say, “Wow, I didn’t have sex with my husband, cause I thought I was ugly.

What do you do differently now?

I put lipstick on. I make sure to put out my clothes the night before. I take my time and I dress myself slowly. I bend over and put on a bra. Thanks to Susan Nethero, the Bra Whisperer associated with the show, I learned how to properly put on a bra. Now I kiss my husband. I flirt with him. I let my daughter see me putting on real stockings, like when you roll them up with the garters. I embrace my woman. I swish when I walk down the street. I move my hips. I look in the rearview mirrors of peoples cars. There are so many numerous things that I do differently. I tell other women when they don’t have the right bra on, I tell them, if I see them in pain and I make friends with people that used to be me. I think one of the biggest things is I pass it on and that is what keeps me going. That is what keeps me encouraged and enlightened. It is just wonderful. I love myself.

How has your relationship with your husband, John changed?

I just can’t believe that throughout all those years he stayed with me. He never cheated on me. He embraced every stage, as I look back now, I didn’t know that that was love. I just didn’t know that was what he was doing. He is such a wonderful husband and I have such an amazing marriage. I’m just so grateful and thankful.

And how has your relationship with your daughter, Sydney changed from the experience?

Before I went on the show she was so confused and didn’t really understand how I felt about my body. We didn’t talk about stuff like that. I just always told her that she should love herself. We never really talked about body issues like that. So, when she saw me going through this, she was kind of stunned and silent at first. I remember it was the third day, it was a Wednesday, she came to me and she said “Mom, I hear you crying in the shower a lot. What are you crying for”? And I told her “I am letting go of my old things. I am looking at my body again.” And she said, “Wow, you know, I always thought your body was beautiful and we never really talked about it. Will my body turn into this? Will I have large thighs too”? I’m so glad we’re talking now. I’ve learned that the key is communication and she is completely open, expressing herself and talking about the kids at her school that that are starting to go through these body things and anorexia. We talk about it now. We have such a different relationship now.

Do you feel that the changes you made will last?

I was absolutely at the edge. I was at the brink, completely ready for some sort of change. Because I could no longer deal with what I was looking at, and I knew that I couldn’t just get rid of this body, I was ready for some sort of explosion to happen in my life. I knew my body was not going to change over night. and I wasn’t willing to go on a diet. The bottom line is that I’ve got this body now, and it’s mine and I wear Double E bras that are beautiful and gorgeous and I take time with myself now, and I lotion my skin and I accept and love myself and I encourage other women to do the same. This is what it is, man. This is a gift and this is a blessing, and I’m just blown away by the whole experience.

The truth is I was so tired of feeling so sad all the time. I think that I was just really ready for change. During the whole five days, it wasn’t just me behind the camera with Carson. It was me talking to the crew members. It was me talking to the executive producers and other women that have gone through the same thing. It was me talking to Carson off the set. It was a constant reassurance that I was okay and I was worthy and valuable. It really hit me and I know that for some of the women on the show, a few of them have gone back to their ways. But it’s different for me. It lasted for me because I am happy. I feel, I don’t ever want to feel that way again. I don’t want to go back to that again. I have embraced who I am now. Yes I am a size 14. Yes, I wear FF bra and that is who I am now. My mind is just totally made up and ready for this journey. The journey did not stop after the show. It really started after the show.

Kelly, what’s up next for you?

I’m so excited to be able to take the experience that I’ve had and put this into an opportunity to teach young girls and women and empower them to recognize the importance of loving their bodies exactly as they are. Since I’ve done a lot of improv acting and some stand up comedy, I’ve decided to take my story and do a show to help people to build their self esteem so that they can learn how to love themselves more by laughing about all the stuff that I went through. I think the road is wide open for me because I’m a gal on a mission.

What advice would you give to other women struggling with their own bad feelings about their bodies?

Before I became pregnant and my body went through so many changes, I used to always listen to a little voice inside of me. She sounds like all of the women who have gone before me and I love her very much. And now I listen. Now I listen. But right after I had my daughter, I noticed that the voice was weakening and sometimes it was a battle. That little voice would scream out and I would push it down and I would ignore it. But when she finally came back, it came back like a whisper. It wasn’t a scream. So I had to listen really close and now I pride myself on that.

But something moved me and I listen to her often and she tells me, “You know what? Do something nice for your husband today. You know what? Go buy those sexy panties. You know what, Kelly. Go on and get your hair done, girl. Now I’m a great listener because of all this. Sometimes the gifts come in really tiny, really quiet little voices. You know?

You got to find that place in you to let that little tiny seed grow, cause it’s just there and it’s waiting. And talk about it, communicate with people. Don’t be afraid to tell your story. Help comes in many different forms, but you’ve got to open your mouth. You’ve got to be willing to receive the help that you get. It comes in a lot of different ways, not in a diet pill. It might come from a girlfriend who says, “My God, I’m going through the same thing.”

For you, it came from your little girl. It came from Sidney.

Andrea, Kelly (in unison): Out of the mouths of babes

Kelly: It came from a child, so I’m living proof. It came from my child. So I learned to just take it easy. Don’t be hard on yourself and please don’t waste any more time. You have no more time. You were given a gift and that gift is life. You have to do it. You have to do it. You have to do it. Just take it easy. Don’t be so hard on yourself and please don’t waste any more time. You have no more time. You were given a gift and that gift is life. You have to do it. You have to do it. You have to do it.

What did you learn that has helped you to keep that little voice in you singing loud and proud?

Every morning I get up, no matter what, if I’m feeling good, or feeling bad, and I go into the mirror and I explain how beautiful I am, how strong, how worthy, how wonderful and how courageous, and I get that voice back over and over again every day. Speak for me, voice. Let me hear that birdie in my head again. Every day I get up and I promise myself, and I promised Carson that every day I would get up and do that. And I thought it was corny at first but I thought, “That doesn’t work.” And it does. And that voice keeps coming back and it starts my day, like I’m putting fresh oil in the car.

And then on those days when I’m feeling schlumpy, my voice says, You know what? This is what life is. You’ve lived long enough to know. You know how to deal with this. You’re strong enough, girl. Keep on keeping on. Something positive from this will happen. Just keep on keeping on. Don’t even sweat it.

Wow! What a great place to close the interview. Keep on keeping on, Kelly, girl, and don’t even sweat it.

Kelly: That’s right.

For more up to the minute tips, inspiration and resources designed to support you on the road to non diet weight control, making peace with food and friends with your body, follow Andrea, The Juicy Woman on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/thejuicywoman.

And to get a free 81 page excerpt of Andrea’s new book, “Lovin’ the Skin You’re In: The Juicy Woman’s Guide to Making Peace with Food and Friends with Your Body,” go to http://www.thejuicywoman.com.

Have you already begun to search for your perfect prom dress? Seeking out the hottest 2012 trends? With so many dresses to choose from, finding the perfect dress can be confusing. Use these tips and the newest trends to help you reduce your selection and help you find the perfect dress without the stress.

1. Color

Choose a color that is right for your skin tone and complexion. Fair colored skin should wear blue, red, and dark greens. White complexion goes well with brown, pink, red, and blue; most colors are fine here. As for you fortunate tan skinned ladies, you may wear any color. Brown colored skin, slightly darker than tan, unique purples and oranges compliment your skin tone well. For more dark complexioned, black browns, and dark purples are gorgeous, along with light pinks, deep reds, and bright greens. And finally yellow completion goes well with pure whites, light colors, and black. Bright and solid colors of a wide range along with detailed prints are in for 2012. With fabrics such as satin, silk, and metallic chiffon bring the latest style into a dress and add a unique flair.

2. Necklines and Straps

The straps and neckline of your dress show off your personality and sense of style. Choosing the perfect neckline can be the icing on top of the cake.. For those you plan on doing lots of dancing, one shoulder and two straps are great for you! One shoulder is a fun and stylish look, while two straps provide a modest and classic yet timeless look. For those who have wider shoulders, a halter is a fabulous way to give the appearance of slimming them. The Halter is also a sophisticated appearance that can be obtained, especially accompanied by a mermaid style dress. Those who are bigger busted, strapless or another form of straps should be your first choice over the halter top. For a romantic feel to your dress, go for the elegant sweetheart neckline. Modern ladies strapless is a terrific look.

3. Lengths and Styles

An A-line style dress is a forever fashionable look, and is perfect for every body type. Mermaid and trumpet skirt silhouette will hug the contours of your body especially at the waist and hips, creating a sassy look. Ball gown styles are lovely, light, and flowing; which shows off your inner princess. The right dress for you may be a cocktail-dress or shorter length dress. Open back dresses are a popular 2012 trend. From fitted skirts to flowing the choice is yours.

4. Embellishments

From elaborate prints and colors to simple, solid colors, a dress is not complete without the embellishments. Crystals and sequins complement the vibrant glam of your dress, while rosettes, ribbons, and bows show your unique sense of taste. Ruffles and ruching are a compliment to every body type. However, for those who love the simplicity; look for a classier dress that will give you an elegant appearance.

5. 2012 Trends

Hot red carpet trends for 2012 prom dresses are all about glitz and glam. Elaborate, electric, and sleek looks have become the “in styles” alongside classic and elegant simple dresses.

Whether your taste in style is simplicity or all out glam, there is a gown out there for you. Now it’s your job to find your perfect dress. Think carefully about what you are looking for in a dress; style, skirt, embellishments, colors, print or solid, neckline, length, ect. Knowing what you wish for in a dress will help minimize being overwhelmed by all the dress sections. However keep your options open, you might be surprised by other styles.

The most influential factors of selecting a dress are:

1. “Is this you, and does this dress show who you are?”, and
2. “Does the dress compliment your figure and give you the image you were looking for?”

Remember, the dress will reflect you, the beautiful young woman that you are. Before purchasing a dress, check your school dress codes for their rules on strap width, and dress length.

So enjoy choosing the perfect dress, and feel gorgeous in it on your special night.

So whether you are planning for homecoming, prom, or a fun night out on the town, we have the latest trends and the enchanting accessories to have you turning heads and feeling fabulous at our downtown Milford store or see just a sample of the dresses we offer at: http://www.theclothingcove.com/Prom-Dresses/3192/3104-3192/dept.

Okay, with the holiday season and the sales safely out of the way, it’s time to look forward to what 2012 will bring us, fashion wise. Over the last few years, we’ve finally seen the fashion industry start to come to terms with the idea that larger women don’t want to wear floral tents, thank you very much, and as a result there’s a good deal more happening on the plus-size fashion stage for you to keep your eye out for.

Firstly, celebrated UK plus-size retailer Evans launched evansusa.com in October this year, so if you haven’t checked out their range yet, shame on you. There’s a good mix of basics alongside more eye-catching look-at-me pieces; and they’re claiming to add over a hundred new styles a week. We particularly like the leaf print maxi dress… it’s bright and bold without being too in-your-face, and cut well to flatter the curvier figure.

Meanwhile, Swedish high street retailer H&M has announced that it will be launching a small plus-size range in 2012 – and not before time. Called ‘Inclusive’, the range will feature 20 pieces including party dresses, skirts, tops and lingerie and will be in stores from the start of March this year – although that’s only in Europe: ladies on the other side of the pond will have to look elsewhere for inspiration.

And staying international, 2012 will almost certainly be the year to look out for Aussie plus-size label Damn You Alexis. The Sydney-based fashion house is claiming to put ‘young, fashionable and chic first’ and ‘plus size second’ – and so far it’s gaining a reputation for being stylish, bold and eclectic, and certainly never boring; so look out for a great new influence on the plus-size fashion scene.

The Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk shows have had some interesting highlights, too. For one thing, fashion is staying fun in 2012 for all sizes of women, with bright colours continuing to feature (think teal, tangerine, raspberry and plum), alongside some big prints, both floral and geometric. Add faux fur and 1920s fringing and beading to the mix, and there’s a lot of looks to play with.

All in all, 2012 looks like being a good year for plus-size fashion. There’s something to tempt every taste, whether your preference is coloured skinny jeans or the brilliant wide leg trouser, boyfriend blazers and tuxedos or softer more feminine waterfall knits. Get out there and see what you can find!

Katie Theisinger writes on behalf of Café La Moda, the online style shop, home to all the latest fashion and beauty products to leave you looking and feeling fabulous.

Plus size women face many unique challenges when it comes to beauty and fashion, from hairstyles to makeup, and clothes to shoes. Our bodies are different than the average woman’s, and we have just as many special considerations as the very petite woman, or even the very tall woman. Being plus sized is not a curse that should force us to shop as rarely as possible, and we should never be afraid to look and dress as sexy as we feel just because of our body size.

There are many hairstyles and makeup options for plus size women, and many of the same hairstyles that our smaller counterparts enjoy can easily be incorporated for the larger of us. It is a matter of finding a stylist who understands the plus size face and body, and how to best flatter that look. After all, we are just as beautiful as any other woman, regardless of what the scale says. Here are a few examples of great hairstyles, based on face shape, not body size, for plus size women.

Oval-shaped Face

Oval shapes are the easiest to work with, because just about any hairstyle is flattering to this face shape. Body size has nothing to do with the shape of your face, and if you flatter your face, your body will seem less important when you look in the mirror. When you feel like you look beautiful, then you should never let anyone else tell you that you do not.

Best choices: Ponytails, soft curls, up-dos, and long hair are all great ideas for women with an oval shaped face.

Round Face

A round face gives the most accent to the cheek areas, and the best hairstyles will elongate the forehead and/or chin in order to balance your face. Look for styles that build up, not out, for the most beautiful look.

Best choices: Natural waves, long curls, long layers, long bobs, and similar cuts are beautiful with a round face.

Heart-shaped Face

Since a heart shape accents the forehead area, go with hairstyles that balance by accenting the chin or neck. Most experts recommend shorter hairstyles for plus sized women with heart-shaped faces, so that the hairdo balances the shortness of the body, giving the body a more proportioned look overall.

Best choices: chin-length styles, such as bobs, work well, especially with wispy bangs or a side part.

Square Face

Square faces have sharper angles than other shapes, and the hairstyle should soften the angles and give the face a more feminine look. Long hair is probably best avoided for this face shape, as it sharpens the angles instead, but slightly shorter than chin-length or slightly longer is a very attractive option.

Best choices: Wavy layers, body waves, layered bobs (watch the length), wispy bangs, and similar cuts are beautiful with a square face.

Pear-shaped Face

Opposite the heart-shaped face, a pear shape accents the chin area while minimizing the forehead, so the best options are those hairstyles that accent the forehead. Soften your jawline by choosing hairstyles that are worn back, making the forehead look wider than it is.

Best choices: Choppy layers, off-centered part, shag, wedge, and hair tucked behind the ears to add fullness to the upper part of the face.

Rectangle-shaped Face

Finally, a long, slender face offers accent to the entire face, without any need for additional accent. Be careful, though, if you have a high forehead or narrow chin, because these may create a need to offer some softening. Use styles that shorten the face, such as short or medium length cuts.

Best choices: Bangs, straight back styles, off-centered parts, and cuts that widen the face are best.

Best hairstyles for plus size women do not depend on the size of the woman’s body, but instead on the shape of her face. Another tip: use shampoos and other hair products that work with your hair type, and take care of problems such as dandruff, dryness, oiliness, frizz, and so on in order to look your best. If you need volume, do not be afraid to try a volumizer, or if your hair is oily, consider a cleansing shampoo. Use what works for your hair type and face shape, and your hair will look great, no matter what size you are. For more information, on hairstyles for large women visit us today.

Large Size Living understands the lifestyle challenges of men and women who are overweight. We provide a safe forum for the exchange of ideas, practices, and solutions to living a fulfilling life. Our feature articles inform and educate so our members can make intelligent decisions about important matters of health, diet, relationships, style and travel. We know life isn’t easy. We just make it easier for people to understand themselves and live better.

Plus size clothing shopping is a pleasure for some full-figured women, and a chore for others. Whether you love it and shop twice a week, or hate it and shop twice a year, it can be a painless experience no matter what size you are. Use these plus size shopping tips to make your wardrobe hunt the fun experience it should be.

1. Know Your Measurements

Notice I didn’t say know your size. Your size will vary according to what you’re shopping for. The brand, style and sometimes even the fabric will make a difference. No two size 16′s are the same in my book. That goes for the clothes, and the women. So ask a trusted friend (it’s easier that way) and with a measuring tape, have them measure across the fullest part of your bust. Your natural waistline, and around the fullest part of your hips. Pull the measuring tape snug, not tight. Write these numbers down and tuck them in your purse. They will come in very handy, especially if you can’t or don’t want to try things on. — I recommend you try on clothes whenever possible, unless it’s something you’ve owned before.

2. Wear Your Best Undergarments

Unless you’re shopping for sweats and t-shirts, don’t go shopping in your sports bra. To get the best fit wear a supportive bra and underwear that keeps you smooth under your clothes.

3. Dress Comfortably Head to Toe

Trying on clothes is tedious for some plus size women so make sure you’re comfortable while you do it. Easy on; easy off is the name of the game. Don’t forget some comfy shoes, especially if you’re going to be trekking through the mall all day. A simple slip on flat will have you in and out of dressing rooms with ease.

4. Shop with a Friend

An opinion you trust is a valuable thing, especially if you’re going to move out of your comfort zone and experiment with new styles or colors in your wardrobe. If you have to shop alone but want a sounding board, chit chat with a sales person and ask her to pick out what she thinks will look good on you.This will give you a feel for her taste and plus size know-how. Use the sales staff ( I’ve found they’re usually honest) to get feedback about what you’re trying on. I’ve never been afraid to ask the lady in the next fitting room what she thinks either.

5. Size is a Guideline, Not a Goal

Keep this in mind and your shopping experience will be much more pleasant and productive. If you fall into the trap of believing you should be one particular size no matter what, you’ll make yourself miserable. Plus size clothing sizing can vary wildly so your idea of what “size” you are can limit your choices. Use your perceived size as a guideline; a starting point. Then be willing to go up or down a size to get the perfect fit for you.

With so many plus size options available now both on the internet and out in the malls, shopping can be just as much fun for full-figured women as it is for any other woman, trendy or classic, who’s looking for plus size fashion style, fit and comfort.

Alicia Rivera is a entrepreneur and internet resource creator. Naturally a plus size woman she nurtured her love of fashion by learning how to sew clothes at an early age. She went on to work in the retail fashion industry, and later created her own line of handcrafted jewelry. She brings it all together offering plus size fashion and styling tips at http://www.plus-size-savvy.com.

Plus size clothing retailer Taste-Fully is giving away clothing to encourage others to “Get Free and Give Free” by helping those in their local community.

Taste-Fully.com has just gone live with “Get Free, Give Free” in hopes that women who get free plus size clothing through this arrangement will, in return, give freely of their resources to their community.

When Taste-Fully officially launched its e-commerce website, Taste-Fully.com, in Spring 2010 the retailer had one goal in mind. That was to provide tasteful clothing for the full-figured woman that was easy to afford.

Quickly, the company realized that its goals easily aligned with needs of its local community in Los Angeles. Soon emerged in-home clothing parties, at which women would gather at the home of a friend to discover racks and tables of affordable plus size clothing that would not require regret or great sacrifice to purchase.

From an online focus, to hosting in-home clothing parties, followed by larger public events such as “Ladies ‘Noon Out”, the plus-sized retailer has continued to serve the community throughout its growth and would like to encourage women of other communities to do the same.

“The way the initiative is structured is simple. There are 50 pieces of plus size women’s clothing reserved for the first 50 women to claim an item for themselves and pay only for shipping. We ask that the women let us know how they plan to give free, or, how they are already doing so. There’s an endless list that comes to mind when thinking of the acts of giving that could result from this,” says Desiree Alysse, Founder of Taste-Fully.com.

A few of the Give Free ideas Taste-Fully.com suggests are:

• Giving an item of clothing to a person who may be in need
• Providing a meal – large or small – to someone asking for assistance
• Collecting plastic bottles or other recyclables and donating them to a person or family experiencing hard times

The concerns of many people during this end of the year season include what to wear for an upcoming dinner party, where to shop for the bests gifts and which wall to place the new television on. Others consider the end of the year a time to wonder where the next meal will come from, contemplate how essential bills will be paid, and possibly brave the elements of living on the streets. In reality, for the later group, their concerns are likely to last much longer than just a season. Why not start giving free today… and don’t stop?

Guest post by David Williams

Fast becoming the must have trend, metallics are back just in time for party season. But these glitzy garments are more than just one night stands; winter 2011 is all about embracing this incandescent trend and wearing your metallics loud and proud during the daytime too. Take a look at these ways to wear metallics from plus size women’s clothing retailer, Curvissa, and shimmy in silver and gold hues for a luxe look that’s entirely wearable.

On a Date

Men are attracted to women who feel confident with how they look, so dress to impress but make sure you feel comfortable with what you’re wearing. You can achieve this by incorporating the perfect amount of glitter glamour into your date night outfit but being careful not to go overboard. Keep your metallics to your accessories and just one garment; for example, a pair of black skinny jeans teamed with a gold top, black bag and statement gold earrings will provide the perfect level of shine without dazzling your date.

At Work

Metallics at work are all about striking the balance between office appropriate attire and fashion forward thinking. For many, this bold trend is a definite no-no for work wear but it is entirely possible to embrace the razzle-dazzle without foregoing your professionalism. Instead of a shiny top, wear your metallics on your legs, either with a figure hugging silver pencil skirt or tailored smart pants. By opting for bottoms with a traditional cut teamed with a crisp white shirt and black court shoes you’ll keep the look smart, polished and chic.

On a Night Out

Forget toning this trend down, if you’re on a night out embrace metallics in all their glory with a bold sequinned dress in glamorous gold or shimmery silver. A night on the town is the perfect opportunity to experiment with your personal sense of style and try something you might not ordinarily wear. So, if you normally play it safe in jeans and ballet pumps, go all out in an embellished cocktail dress teamed with killer heels and eye catching accessories. If you’d prefer something a little more subtle, go for a black dress paired with metallic accessories such as silver shoes or a gold clutch.

by Andrea Amador

As a plus size woman, living in a thin obsessed society, it’s highly likely that you’ll often find yourself the target of people’s fat phobic ridicule. Whether you’ve known them forever or just met these trash talkin’ diet lovin’ plus size body haters recently, it’s up to you to teach people how you want to be treated, and remember it’s never too late. In this article, I answer a reader’s question wanting to know what to do about the seemingly fat phobic new guy she’s been dating.

Question: I’ve been on a few dates with a guy I met on a dating site. We’re not exclusive or anything, and he’s kind of fun to be with. But almost from the beginning of our relationship, he’s been critical of my appearance, particularly my weight. He’s always making little comments about how thin people behave or remarking on how much better my clothes would fit if I’d join a gym and shed a few pounds. What’s really funny is that he has a bit of a belly and love handles, but I don’t mind stuff like that. The other night at dinner, he actually asked if I should be eating a salad instead of hamburger! I really liked him at first, but these comments are getting old fast. Should I stick it out and let him get to know me and see if he’ll accept me the way that I am?

Andrea: Here’s what I’ve learned over about a million years of dealing with fat phobic peeps who are often creeps -We teach people how to treat us. Taking that into consideration, give this guy a break and look at him as a blank canvas. First let me say that it’s a well known fact that it’s not easy to change people, but since this person doesn’t really know you, you’re really just setting the ground rules.

Just like an untrained puppy, if you don’t teach him that peeing on your sofa is not okay, he’ll go ahead and do it because he knows he can. If you haven’t actually stepped up and told this guy that you’re not okay with his comments, and you don’t appreciate having him piss all over you, then consider giving him the benefit of the doubt. If you’re truly comfortable lovin’ the skin you’re in, then you’ve just got to make it clear to him. Tell him that this is who you are. No apologies. No excuses. No regrets-just you lovin’ yourself, right now as you are.

As with all of us, he’s developed his beliefs by what he’s learned from his experience. His behavior is most likely the product of a man who was raised to value women based on how they look. Whether that came from hearing his sisters or mom hating on themselves for being overweight, or being a guy who is just insecure around women, or one who just does not like curvy women in general, that’s up to you to find out if he’s worth the time and trouble to retrain.

My suggestion is to take the bull by the horns and initiate a conversation letting him know immediately how you feel, what you expect from him and what you are willing to accept and what your deal breakers are. Then based on how that conversation goes, and then what follows, that will tell you everything you need to know. I’ve got to tell you when I made the decision to love my thighs at any size, and stop dieting everything changed in my life. That’s when my confidence really started to soar, and yours can too.

For more up to the minute tips, inspiration and resources designed to support you on the road to non diet weight control, making peace with food and friends with your body, follow Andrea, The Juicy Woman on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/thejuicywoman.

And to get a free excerpt of Andrea’s new book, “Lovin’ the Skin You’re In: The Juicy Woman’s Guide to Making Peace with Food and Friends with Your Body,” go to http://www.thejuicywoman.com.

Guest post by Michael D Taylor

When you look around the average office Christmas party, you’ll see men milling about in red and green sweaters, or perhaps in an ill fitting suit and the same pair of brown leather loafers they wear to work each day. This year, don’t be that guy! As I always say, there’s nothing wrong with being the best dressed man in the room, regardless of where you are. And with party attire, you have quite a bit of freedom in terms of style and creativity. So use it to insure that you look your best at the Christmas parties you attend this year.

The first factor when considering what to wear is appropriateness. If the party is a black tie event, you wear a tuxedo, no questions asked. If it is semi formal, this is a little more open to interpretation. An evening event will be more formal than a daytime one. A party at a sophisticated candlelit restaurant will be more formal than one at a family style restaurant. Pay attention to the details of the party to figure out how formal it may be.

Now, one of the biggest mistakes that both men (and women) make when dressing for a holiday party is donning holiday “themed” attire. You should really not wear a sweater with Rudolph on it, or a tie with the image of Santa Claus. It’s just not sophisticated enough for a company party. So instead of holiday “themed,” think holiday “inspired.” For example, wear a double breasted jacket with a bit of sheen to it over a button down shirt with a piped collar. Or layer your outfit in rich colors, such as an olive green button down shirt and a tie in dark purple. Other tie stylesthat work great for the holidays are those in metallics, such as silver, bronze, or gold.

Even though you may be partying with the same people you work with every day, it is important to not wear the same work outfit that everyone has seen you in before. Add a few special, discerning touches to your outfit, such as a colorful silk pocket square, or a pair of nice sterling silver cuff links. Another important touch is to wear a great pair of dress shoes, not your normal everyday work shoes. Although this may sound like an exaggeration, it is completely true to say that people always notice shoes, and they are therefore an easy way to dress up any outfit. For a holiday party, I love a classic black and white wingtip oxford shoe.

Is it okay to wear a suit that you’ve worn to the office before? Sure it is. Again, just make sure to dress it up a bit. It is appropriate, regardless of the setting, for your Christmas party attire to be one step dressier than your normal office wear. If you wish to wear your favorite black suit, don’t reach for your normal white button up oxford and red tie. Instead, try a white oxford with a black pin stripe, and a silver tie. Other color combinations that work nicely together are charcoal gray with chocolate brown; tweed with burnt orange or mustard yellow; and light gray with cobalt blue.

If the Christmas party invitation specifies “holiday casual wear” as the dress code, don’t reach for your jeans. Instead try a nice pair of wool or cotton chino dress trousers with a button down shirt, sweater vest, tie, and sport jacket. If you want a little bit more of a laid-back appearance, try an open collar shirt, the vest from your three piece suit, and a pair of wool trousers or suit pants. Even without the Santa Claus tie, you’ll look appropriately dressed for the holidays.

About the Author
Michael Taylor is a Marketing Manager at TIE SNUG. TIE SNUG eliminates continuous adjusting and makes wearing a tie more comfortable. The right necktie accessories can ensure you look professional and help you stand out for the right reasons. Now you can be confident knowing your tie knot looks great. For more information, please visit http://www.tiesnug.com.

Guest post by by Jamie Simpson

Every woman knows that the right pair of shoes can make or break an outfit. This is especially true for Christmas parties. Women must dress to impress as there are bound to be countless old friends and acquaintances in attendance. And let’s face it, we want other women to envy our style.

There are several factors to keep in mind when selecting a pair of shoes for a holiday party. The first thing to consider is the time of day. Is the party to take place during the day or in the evening? A daytime party is often less formal and may not require the same calibre of attire as would an evening party.

Glittery heels won’t do for the daytime, but a pair of satin pumps would be perfect. Also, lower heels are more appropriate for daytime functions. Opt for a block heel instead of sky high heels, which could look a bit out of place in the daytime. However, once the sun goes down your heels can be as sky high, colourful and glittery as you like!

A perfect party pump should flatter a woman’s leg. Avoid wearing sling backs with skirts and dresses, as sling backs can make even dainty ankles look thick and bulky. Ankle strap heels are a much better option, as they define the ankles and have a slimming effect. Mid-calf length boots tend to divide the lower leg at the widest point, which will make even the longest legs appear short and chunky. Opt for a fitted knee length or thigh high boot instead, as it will elongate the calf and legs will look longer as a result.

A classic heeled shoe can do wonders for a woman’s physique, especially her legs and derriere. A tall heel can define the calf muscles and accentuates curves. Being tall can also make you feel more confident.

However, comfort is another important variable in selecting party shoes. Ill-fitting heels will negatively affect your posture and stride, and may even result in injuries such as blisters or twisted ankles. So, make sure they’re not too high that they will compromise your fun!

Don’t be afraid to make a statement by pairing a bold heel colour with a plain dress. Try bright red heels with a black dress or leopard print pumps with a red dress. If the dress is more detailed, select a plainer shoe, instead. For instance, a glittery or sequined dress would look great with a solid colour velvet or satin shoe.

This article was written by Jamie Simpson on behalf of ASOS.com where you can find a wide range of shoes; including party shoes, high heels, boots from a variety of brands.

So let’s take a look at these gorgeous new plus size dresses, tops and also skirts from Kiyonna:

Burlesque Lace Cocktail Party Dress
This is such a unique and gorgeous dress! It features a flattering black sweetheart bodice, and black sheer lace pattern over lining either in a Merlot of Black color, plus lace sleeves. This Burlesque style dress is a must have for any fashionista, and as with all other Kiyonna styles is available up to size 5X (30/32).

Lucille Lace Dressy Pencil Skirt
A feminine lace skirt is a must have in any woman’s closet, and this new style from Kiyonna ticks all the boxes for us! I own a couple of other Kiyonna skirt and I must tell you, they are the most curve flattering skirts I’ve ever owned. So I am sure this lace skirt will not disappoint. It’s a perfect mixture of sex appeal and femininity.

Cabaret Dressy Cowl Neck Top in Rust
Such a versatile top, one which can easily be worn over a skirt (even the Kiyonna lace skirt above!), classic black pants, or even jeans for a more casual look. It’s available in 4 different colors: black, amethyst, sugared maple and pumpkin spice!

Bennet Beaded Dressy Top in Burgundy
Another versatile top, in that this one can also be worn with various ‘bottoms’ you might already own. Of course as the name implies, this gorgeous Bennet top is more of a dressy top ideal for a cocktail party or any other special occasion.

Socialite Glitz Long Gown in Black
Glamour and glitz is what this dress is all about! This is classic, simply and yet so chic! The straps adorned with sparkling Rhinestones make this dress so special, and ideal for any black tie event you have coming up this season, or throughout the entire year. This dress is also available up to size 5X (30/32).

These are my absolute favorite pieces from Kiyonna right now! But tell me, which one is your favorite?

Even better, Roaman’s is making holiday shopping easier and more enjoyable by offering free express shipping on any order using coupon code RDSweater between today and January 2, 2012.

Sweaters are now the fashion industry’s most important category and Roaman’s has an unbeatable selection. The brand’s own Ultra-Lux™ – “cashmere luxe at a fraction of the price” – is a must-have texture. Plus, the collection features hot trends such as: the boldest shades of colorblock spliced to perfection; fun ‘pattern’ play with Fair Isle; crochet; lace accents; hanky hem; feminine touches like cowl necks that highlight the drama of the drape; and sweaters with glamorous sequins and beading, transforming sweaters from fine to fabulous. And with a wide range of colors, and sizes up to 4X, plus-size women will find the perfect style to enhance their curvy figure and add a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

“With all of the unique styles, vibrant colors and bold fashion statements, every woman must own a wardrobe of sweaters this season,” said Blanca Vera, SVP, General Brand Manager for Roaman’s. “Adding a sweater to any outfit creates a whole new chic look without spending a lot of money, plus it’s an ideal holiday gift for that hard-to-buy-for woman in your life.”

A plus-size fashion leader for more than 100 years, Roaman’s was created for the woman who appreciates style and true value. Roaman’s® offers glamorous dresses and outerwear, smart suits, great denim looks, casual options and fabulous shoes. The brand also provides romantic intimate apparel from its exclusive Comfort Choice collection. Sizes range from 12W to 34W (women’s, petite and tall), bras to size 56J and shoes to 14WW.

Visit Roamans.com or call 800-436-0800 to place an order. You can also find the Roaman’s sweater collection on the web’s only plus-size shopping mall at OneStopPlus.com.

But that doesn’t mean we should give up looking stylish, it just means we need to become more shopping savvy! I’ve always confessed I love a bargain and I use various ways to find out the best deals online. But what I love more than finding a bargain, is sharing my new found steals and deals with you ladies!

So since everyone is pretty much looking for a new party dress these days, with all the parties and events going on, I wanted to share with you some great party dress options all for under $50! So if you’ve been looking for a brand spanking new plus size party dress for under $50, check out my top 20 recommendations below.

1. Mint Bandage Tube Dress by Torrid
Yours for: $19.96
Available up to size 4X.

2. Flutter Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress by Avenue
Just: $29.99
Available up to size 30/32W.

3. Knot & Ruffle Waist Dress by Avenue
Just: $29.99
Available up to size 30/32W.

4. Ruched Side Knot Dress by Avenue
Your for only: $29.99
Available up to size 30/32W.

5. Side Ruffle Sleeveless Dress by Avenue
Priced only: $29.99
Available up to size 26W.

6. Ruffle Trim Wrap Dress by Figuresque
Just: $32.95
Available up to size 3X.

7. Rhinestone Black Batwing Dress by Figuresque
Just: $35.00
Available up to size 3X.

8. Diva Convertible Dress in Magenta by Figuresque
Your for only: $38.95
Available up to size 3X.

9. One Shoulder Dress in Purple by Figuresque
Yours for: $39.95
Available up to size 3X.

10. Navy Cross Neck Bubble Dress by Torrid
Yours for: $39.97
Available up to size 26.

11. Brown Mesh One Shoulder Bead Trim Dress by Torrid
Yours for: $39.98
Available up to size 4X.

12. Printed Faux Wrap Dress by Avenue
Yours for: $39.99
Available up to size 30/32W.

13. Lace Inset Faux Wrap Dress
Just: $39.99
Available up to size 30/32W.

14. Printed Cowlneck Dress by Avenue
Yours for: $39.99
Available up to size 30/32W.

15. Beaded Chiffon Peasant Dress by Roaman’s
Yours for: $41.99
Available up to size 24W.

16. Katherine Georgette Dress by Avenue
Yours for: $44.99
Available up to size 26W.

17. Black and Grey Splice Dress by Torrid
Yours for: $48.50
Available up to size 4X .

18. Black Tiered One Shoulder Dress
Yours for: $49.98
Available up to size 4X.

19. Solid Batwing Dress by Avenue
Yours for: $49.99
Available up to size 26/28W.

20. Back Drape Shift Dress
Yours for: $49.99
Available up to size 26/28W.

So there you have 20 plus size party dresses for under $50, all ideal for any event you might have this Holiday season, and throughout the entire year! There are even more options are all the stores mentioned within this list, but obviously I couldn’t mention them all here otherwise this post would have been endless. So I encourage you to visit them, especially if you didn’t like any of these dresses I picked out today. Visit these store, and shop through their range by price, that way you can see the lowest priced items first, making your bargain finding mission so much easier!

The Tarina Gown is one of the newest dresses you can find at IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel. Each week IGIGI launch some gorgeous new styles… the love to tempt me you see … and today I wanted to highlight one of my favorites from their new arrivals.

This gorgeous gown come in a gorgeous deep grape color and features a sexy plunging neckline and full length pleated skirt. It ships with a lovely detachable hand beaded belt – so you can choose to wear the dress either with or without the skirt. I recommend you try it out with the belt though, as it will help cinch in your waist. Up to a little over a year ago you wouldn’t have caught be wearing a belt ever, I though they accentuate by large stomach further, but how wrong I was! I tried on a wide belt with a tunic top from Fashion To Figure once, and I was won over. So if you have a belt phobia, I truly understand! But take the leap and see how you like it.

Back to the Tarina Gown by IGIGI, this dress is available up to size 30/32, and can be worn both on or off the shoulder. IGIGI recommends this dress for the following body shape: triangle, inverted triangle, hourglass, rectangle and figure eight body shape.

eloquii has all of your holiday must haves. Some of their holiday collection features sequenced tops which can be worn day or night, plus size dresses and blouse with lace and of course that little black dress which every woman should have.

With the holiday season upon us, many people will be preparing for the upcoming festivities and Christmas parties. And many women will be searching for the perfect outfit to wear and eloquii by The Limited will be able to help women with their plus size clothing needs this holiday season.

eloquii by the Limited is an online clothing retailer which carries designer clothing which is geared towards plus sized women who are between 25-35 years old who either yearn for great fashion. This plus size clothing line carries clothing which ranges from size 14 to 24. Each piece in the eloquii by The Limited collection has been designed from start to finish, with attention paid to fit and comfort during the design process. eloquii by The Limited offers an assortment of pieces which are sharp, professional and fashionable classics that have been taken straight from the runway, keeping in mind that everyone woman deserves great fashion .

This line of women’s plus size clothing, dresses, sweaters and outerwear has been featured in many magazine articles and blogs with the two most being Refinery 29 and Marie Claire. The Refinery 29 site features a black sequenced plus sized skirt while the Marie Claire piece showcases the pink and black ruched satin plus size dress, both of which are perfect for any holiday party. The most recent segment was on Good Day Live New York with Greg Kelly and Jené Luciani which featured the plus size leather jacket. This leather jacket would look great paired with the cascading ruffle dress or their plus size jeans in either the classic or curvy fit.

eloquii has every women’s holiday must haves. Some of their holiday collection features sequenced tops which can be worn day or night, plus size dresses and blouse with lace and of course that little black dress which every woman should have. eloquii also has a wide range of clothing in various shades of red which is perfect for holiday season.

To make a purchase from eloquii’s holiday collection, available exclusively online, or to find out more information, please visit http://www.eloquii.com.