Elegance in Black

When it comes to originality, many of our younger designers are certainly stepping outside of the square and coming up with beautiful, sharp designs.  Here's an elegant suit from Trelize Cooper which can be seen on the website of Wendys of New Zealand.

What a pity (once again!) that these designs only go up to a size 16.   For a simply tailored elegance what will it take for designers to see the potential of designing for the more curvaceous?  We know there'll be a need for more fabric and certainly a more discerning eye for the curves, but we of the "generously endowed" women seek garments such as this, to enhance our figures too!

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Sometimes it gets a little confusing.   There are stores that describe a garment as a tunic and then there are those that describe a similar garment as being a kimono.   It's all in the interpretation.   For quite honestly the names can be interchangeable.

Let's face it.  Quite often a tunic is merely a garment that is meant to "cover up" or be worn as a jacket or coat would, especially in the cooler months.   In the warmer months, a tunic can be a frothy, chiffony, satiny, all-kind-of fabric garment that compliments smart pants, whether long, short or capri length.  It can be a day-time, night-time garment and will fit in for any occasion.

There are times however when tunics can be somewhat disappointing in the variety of fabrics and the sewmanship.  But then suppliers like Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com) will bring out something fresh that inspires you to add it to your wardrobe.   Notice how the design on the fabric has the effect of creating a border or frame around the main design.   Enough to make this a "must-have" garment for any plus size girl.

Topsy-Turvy Seasons!

We're in the midst of Summer here, and while we've experienced some severe heat waves, we then slip into what appears to be early Autumn - very cool, nippy, crisp mornings that later during the day turn into those lovely warm days when one thinks of picnics or lazy afternoons.

One things however that has been obvious this summer is that there is very little in the way of bright, cheery, fun-filled florals here in Melbourne at any rate - we seem to be in sort of "that will do" doldrums for some reason or another.  Bold colours yes, but combined as block colours rather than overall summery designs.  And the sameness of cut, "design" (if you can call it that) and style.  What is style these days?

In Europe and the USA however, they're eager for Spring, and this becomes apparent with some of the bright, sassy clothing that's already coming up for our attention.

Let's look at Anna Scholz (www.annascholz.com)

Then consider Evans, UK (www.evans.com)

And last but certainly not least, Igigi (USA)

MAKE HEARTS FLUTTER

This was the title of an email I received from Monif C.   I love the peplum effect.  And isn't it true that red is definitely a colour of "power".   It says so many things, not the least being "I am Woman, Hear Me Roar!.

QUEEN FOR A DAY, OR A LONG WEEKEND, OR EVERY DAY?

There's no two ways about it - the opportunity to "dress up" every day of the week is becoming more available as more and more stores go on-line.   The majority of these stores that have taken up the challenge of selling their garments this way have built up very high reputations and it augers well for the purchaser.

By the same token, and I don't know how many other readers find this, but I quite often will see something on-line from local outlets, yet will go into their actual stories just to see what the garment is like and more importantly the quality of the fabric and the sewmanship before I buy from a salesperson - in other words I do like face to face purchasing.   I realise this is not possible when buying offshore.

But let's get down to tintacks.   It's just about the Queen's Birthday weekend here in Australia (and of course we know that it's not actually her real birthday, but we celebrate it anyway and there is a historical reason for this.)  

So I figured that it doesn't matter if you're in Australia in Winter or Europe in Summer, you can still be a Queen whether for a day, a weekend or every day of the year.

Here are some examples I found this morning - and that's not even counting the accessories or jewellery!!

 

SUMMER/AUTUMN

Heading into Summer over in the Northern Hemisphere means exciting new ideas as far as plus-size fashion.   For that matter any season brings with it amazing new creations utilitising colour combinations and style concepts that not only inspire us but make us realise that the fashion industry, particularly overseas, is really "getting" what we are all about.    It also allows us here in the Southern Hemisphere, as we experience Autumn and proceeding into the winter months, to be forward-thinking and to add to our wardrobes now from the ranges available overseas, rather than to bemoan the fact that we can't find anything "different" over here at the moment.

I know I promote Igigi as well as a number of other USA companies on a regular basis.  The reason is quite simply because these companies do their homework and they work with models who have curvy and beautifully proportioned plus size figures.   The other noticable point is that Igigi has shown imagination and courage in professionally lifting their model poses to depict young, beautiful, plus-size women as cheeky, vibrant, feminine, flirty women.  Which is, after all, what we are!

I'd recommend you visiting their site and leafing through their latest e-catalogue.  It's stunning - like a picture book of fashion that is bold, daring, innovative and full of style.     The title itself encourages you to turn the pages - Introducing Into the Blue, Summer 2013.  

Here are two dresses from their latest range.

 

A PALETTE OF COLOUR

I came across a new plus-size website - Rue 107.  Talk about colour and imaginative designs.   

Have a look at their Fifi dress (doesn't it remind you of a Stained Glass Window?) which has already become a signature piece for many of their loyal customers.   The fabric is NylonSpandex.  Hand wash and hang to dry.  Made in NYC.

Then there is their Essy - a great combination of contrasts.

LATEST STYLE STATEMENT!

Give credit where it's due - is an old saying, that is as true today as back when.    And all credit to Monif C of the USA.

Monif C comes up with some great designs and the Fiona Dress is a dress that says to the world - look at me.  

Monif C's writeup for this dress states it has just arrived for spring!  Well, we're in Autumn over here, but this dress would do fine for any occasion in our season and would be as much a hit here as in the USA.

What I love about this dress is its "return to the 50's" look in the front zip, but Monif C has combined another look from that era, by adding a peplum.  So feminine, so flirty.

The fabric in this dress is luxe ottoman which Monif C claims "glides over your curves".  Wow!

Look chic, tailored and sexy in this new design.

CONTRASTS!

A large percentage of plus-sizers prefer to wear black;  it is of course now accepted as a "colour", which certainly makes sense to me. The explanation that scientifically, black is not a colour as it absorbs all the colours of the visible spectrum and reflects none of them, doesn't quite gell with lots of people. The black clothes in my wardrobe act as a magnet and enhancer of colours when mixed and matched, and I'd hate to think that when I wear black everything else is absorbed! Think about it. So therefore in my eyes black is a colour.

But let's get down to tintacks. While I love black and white (and I've frequently written about wearing white), it's nice to see this season that designers have taken up the idea of combining black with red. Even Bill Blass, Fashion Designer has gone down in history as saying:  "When in doubt, wear red."

The combination of black and red, used wisely, flatters and slims.   See if you agree with me.

THE LUXURY of LACE

For special occasions, and let's face it, any occasion can be special if it's a reason for celebration, lace has always been the "wish-I-had", or "I must have".

Igigi has a beautiful range of Cocktail as well as Wedding Wear, that includes the LBD as well as colourful statements that tell your friends and the the world I can have style, too!

Here's the "RACHELLE" Plus size Lace Dress in Onyx with a another from Igigi.  Rachelle is on the right of the photo.  Notice that both necklines are very flattering to the plus size - the v-neck and the sweetheart neckline.

The "Rachelle" features a lace overlay design.  Keep it simple with ankle strap heels (if you can wear high heels) and a classic clutch!

FLORAL CORDUROY JACKET

Florals are all the go this season.   Whether it's summer in Europe or Autumn in Australia.   How better to add a layer to the cooling temperatures here in Australia and New Zealand than to add a colourful jacket?

Long Island (New Zealand) has an interesting range at all times, and they've now added this lovely jacket.   Style Number 813702.   The corduroy is a soft-stretch (cotton/spandex) with long sleeves, a yoke and soft gathers at the centre back for shaping.  It has front button closing and two handy pockets (always an added bonus)!

What is particularly pleasing about this jacket is its length - at the lower hips.

The price of this jacket is Australian $127.49.

CHOICE OF COLOURFUL TOPS FOR 2013

There are some really nice tops available for this season.   Visit Generous Fashions to see what I mean. Lots to choose from, and they also have separates, which you can team together stylishly.

In the meantime, watch this video to get a first glimpse of feminine, fun and even funky tops.

CORPORATE WEAR

A woman in the corporate world needs to feel confident in how she looks.   For there's nothing surer, if she looks good, she feels good.   Regardless of her age, size or shape.

TS14+ is an Australian company that supplies lots of practical every-day clothing, and their casual wear is sometimes funky and trendy.   Today however they also have a lovely selection of corporate wear that will enable any working woman to look smart and stylish when mingling with her many work colleagues.

With their Suiting range of sensible pants, leggings, long skirt and jacket, it's a matter of switching the contrast colours of a shirt or top, with a scarf, handbag and shoes or boots to match, plus some jewellery and we have a veritable wardrobe of options to choose from each day.

Visit the TS14+ website.   Their sizings go from 14 through to 24.

MIXING 'N MATCHING!

As Autumn starts to make its appearance felt, there are time when an added jacket or top will set off a smart pair of pants or a slinky.   Mixing and matching is the name of the game, and it can be fun.

Layering is something that becomes not only interesting but necessary as the cooler early mornings and then evenings close in on us.  

Big Time Clothing is an Australian online store/supplier and has attractive tops and jackets that will take you from home to work and from work to dinner.   The great thing about Big Time Clothing is that their range goes from 20 to 50 (yes, that's right!).  Big Time Clothing is now fully internet based, so visit their website and contact them via email on their "Contact Us" Page.

THE ETERNAL "WRAP" DRESS

Once again Igigi of the USA has come up trumps.   With Spring in the air in the USA, Igigi has brought out an incredible array of designs, and colours, that will suit EVERY woman - no matter what age, size or shape.  

The eternal Wrap Dress is again on the agenda, and the Carmelle Pls Size Wrap Dress is a winner.   As the blurb on her website says:  "A soft and true wrap silhouette with 3/4 flared sleeves, the Carmelle is chic and versatile.  With adjustable set-in waistband, A-line flared skirt and surplice bodice, this beauty comes in two colour choices and can be worn both dressed up or down.  All depending on what accessories are chosen."

ANOTHER PLUS SIZE SUPPLIER HITS THE DUST!

Plus Size Retailer Eloquii Calls It Quits

Plus Size Retailer Eloquii Calls It Quits After One Year

Eloquii is the most recent plus size fashion casualty. A few weeks ago the Limited brand announced that after a year of offering quality plus size clothing they’ve decided to close their doors and give up on the plus size consumer. If I sound irritated it’s because I am.

When they opened their doors to us, a few of us in the industry knew of them but more could’ve been done to get the word out.  We did our part but if you want customers it’s probably a good idea to advertise. Obviously they think they did all they could to serve the curvy consumer but I beg to differ.

The future of all of their fabulous clothing hasn’t been determined, we have decided to phase out eloquii and we have begun discussions with others who have expressed an interest in the future of the brand and/or its products, the company posted on their Facebook page.

Unfortunately they aren’t the first but hopefully they’ll be the last plus size consumer to throw in the towel.

(This article is from the internet and does not necessarily represent my personal opinion, 14th March 2013).

BLACK is the "NEW" BLACK

Seems that no matter what colour scheme sets the trend for any season, that black is THE major source of inspiration.

This is again proven by the beautiful range of plus-size garments from Igigi - USA.

Their "GENEVIEVE" DRESS says it all.   (Read their blurb.)

Spritz of sequins brings just the right amount of shine to this faux wrap silhouette. This dress is cut to enhance and define curves with its flattering ruching at the side seams. Complement the shine with a silver metallic pump and art deco gems for some on-trend flare.

Designed and made in San Francisco, USA

Color: Black/Silver
Material: Poly/Elastane

THIS IS STARTING TO BE ......

A GREAT YEAR when it comes to beautiful clothing for the more curvaceous woman.

There are a number of American companies who come up trumps over and over again with their definitions of some of the older classics.  Igigi has done it again with their version of the Minnelli Skirt, which they pair with their Raisa Top.

The skirt is slimming and seductive, up to size 30/32, while the wrap around top is flattering to a woman with curves.

Black is always smart and it looks as though Black is back In vogue as the colour "most likely".  One could say the colour most of us love.   This twosome certainly bears that out.

Please satisfy my curiosity - where, oh where, is there fashion such as this, available and made here in Australia?  And at equivalent prices!!    Let me know and I'll gladly shout it from the rooftops.

A beautiful Wrap Dress

Vadela Wrap Dress

From Igigi, USA

One of the most flattering styles of dress for the curvaceous woman is the wrap.   And there are few who do it better than Igigi.

Set-in flutter sleeves and A-line skirt trimmed with cascading flounce is set aglow with its deep gem tone hue. A true wrap-around silhouette that adjusts with ties to achieve your desired coverage makes this a summer staple!

Designed and made in San Francisco, USA

Color: Turquoise
Material: ViscoseRayon/Elastane
Care: Hand Wash in Cold Water or Dry Clean

Another UK website worth visiting

Butterfly Print Rain Mac from Style 369.com

• Price: £29.50
• Colour: Grey
• Item code: 05J13LNEU

• Showerproof butterfly print rain mac
• With front zip and popper fastening
• Hood with draw cord
• Front pockets
• Length: 91cm (35")
• 100% Polyester
• Machine washable  

In sizes up to 24.  Delivery includes to Australia.