Fashion Article: Trendy Handbags for Summer

Whether it’s from Lockheart or Isabella Fiore, a purse or handbag is essential to any woman’s wardrobe. A handbag is a great combination of form and function, adding that extra touch of style to any outfit while giving you the means to carry all your personal effects wherever you go.

Of course, there are hundreds of handbags to choose from at any online boutique. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular types of purses and handbags, each of varying style and function.

The Shoulder Strap Bag

Potentially the most common type of handbag used by women, the shoulder strap bag is probably what you would imagine when you think of the modern handbag. This bag comes in numerous shapes, sizes, and colors and is characterized by its two straps that go over the shoulders (hence its name). The great thing about this handbag is its versatility. It goes perfectly with any summer outfit, from casual to semi-formal.

The Satchel

Also known as a messenger bag, the satchel has a single long strap that is meant to be slung across one shoulder. As fashionable as this type of bag might be, it’s mainly an optimal means of storing your personal items, which makes it great for people running errands. Satchels are also a great alternative for those students seeking a more fashion friendly version of the backpack. In terms of clothing, a satchel would be most appropriate with casual wear.

The Hobo Bag

The hobo bag is a fairly large bag that is distinguished by its half-moon shape. The bag earned its name due to its resemblance to the bindles often carried by hobos in cartoons and popular media. As such, the hobo bag tends to have a lot of room to carry your items and slumps or slouches when set down. The hobo bag is a favorable accessory for the bohemian-chic style.

The Tote

The tote bag is probably the most simple of handbags. Tote bags are typically made from a piece of cloth or other soft material with arched straps that can be slung over the shoulder or serve as handles. This is the perfect bag for quick errands, especially when shopping. The tote offers a more environmentally friendly option for carrying your groceries over plastic bags.

The Clutch

The clutch is one of the smaller types of handbags. Lacking any straps or handles, clutch bags are meant to be carried by hand (clutched) and are strictly reserved for formal wear.

Image courtesy of Fairendel.com.

About the author: Sam is a blogger who writes about fashion trends for both men and women. Fashion isn’t always about how that new Isabella Fiore bag looks, it is also about how it makes you feel about yourself. Fashion has evolved from it being a necessity to it being an expression of who you are and what you are feeling. It’s time to go out there and start expressing yourself.

Plus Size Carwash Fringe Tunic From Roamans

This plus size fringe tunic has stunning good looks and style. The plus size shirt has an empire waist defining the grecian style draping in front, while shirred bra-friendly straps adjust underneath for comfort. The plus size shirt is sleeveless and flowing, with scooping neckline and side zip.

This tunic length plus size top is available in Raisin, Pale Blush, Black and Pine in sizes 18W to 32W. This stylish draping top is made of Polyester Chiffon with Cotton Voile lining, and is machine washable. The plus size shirt is priced at $69.99 to $74.99. Visit Roamans today to get a close up view of this beautiful plus size top.

Plus Size Carwash Fringe Tunic From Roamans

Plus Size Words Of Wisdom Tees From Cabelas

Wear these words of wisdom from animals and nature on brightly colored, casual plus size tees from Cabelas. Available in 100% preshrunk cool Cotton crew-neck tees sports fun graphics with witty sayings. These lighthearted, colorful plus size tees are a great choice to pair with shorts or jeans for casual days in the sun.

Available in prints of Wolf, Dog, Garden, Hummingbird, Ladybug, Horse, Canyon, Campfire, Bear, and Cabelas in sizes XL and 2XL. Made of comfy 100% preshrunk Cotton crew-neck tee, they are machine washable. Cabelas prices these plus size printed t-shirts at $24.99. Get a close up look at these fresh styled tees now at Cabelas.

Plus Size Words Of Wisdom Tees From Cabelas

Plus Size Mini Dress From OneStopPlus

This ultra-feminine mini dress is an absolutely flirty and fun choice for your fashion wardrobe. This OSP™ plus size dress shows off your legs in greatest style. The plus size mini dress features a scoop neck, lace front yoke with button closure, 3/4 sleeves with embroidery and scalloped edges, an embroidered and scalloped hem, and is lined.

Available in sizes 18 and 22 in Aquatic Green. The plus size mini dress is made of soft, flowing Georgette Polyester fabric and is machine washable. This trendy plus size dress is priced at $99.99. Visit OneStopPlus today to get a close up look at this luxurious dress now.

Plus Size Mini Dress From OneStopPlus

Fashion Article: Most Flattering Swimwear for Women with Wide Hips

Women with hips and thighs that are bigger and wider than their shoulders used to have a hard time shopping for beach clothes but with the advent of plus size swimwear, they now have many choices to to go through. Gone are the days where they would rather wear a t-shirt and shorts to cover their whole body. Now plus size women can flaunt their bodies on the beach. There are various plus size swimsuit styles which have been created to make a curvy woman look sexier and attractive.

So if you are a plus size women with wide hips, here are two options to consider to choose the most flattering swimwear for your shape: the first option involves covering the areas you are most uncomfortable with and the other option involves wearing swimsuits that would create an illusion of longer and leaner legs.

You can place a sarong or sash over your swimsuit to conceal the width of your hips. This is particularly effective if you have a high cut bottom swimsuit. There are also swimsuits that have miniskirts and these can hide wide hips if they are in darker shades or colors. As much as possible your swimsuit must not have huge patterns or designs especially in the hip and thigh area because this will make them appear even wider than they are. Designs or patterns should be kept for the upper area of the bathing suit, while darker colors should be in the lower area. Swimsuits that have vertical stripes or lines will give an illusion of a slender figure. It is also better for some women to wear a one-piece swimwear instead of a two-piece swimsuit because this will also help hide the size of the hips. With the right cut, you can feel taller, more slender and sexier.

The color of the swimwear you choose is also important. It is a blessing that plus size swimsuits now can be found in various colors and patterns that would appeal to women of all tastes and age. Choosing the right color is equally important as the right cut and design. The hip area should have darker colors while the upper area should have a lighter shade. Women with small bust lines should wear swimsuits with lighter color or huge patterns on the upper part so as to create an illusion of a bigger bust line.

Any woman should be able to enjoy going to the beach and get a tan. They should also enjoy the coolness of the water especially during summer time. Before, women would rather miss the opportunity to enjoy the beach because they do not have the right body or a great swimsuit. The advent of plus size clothes are really a blessing because nowadays, women with a larger frame can feel just as sexy and confident as slimmer people. They can accentuate assets and downplay problem areas. Summer is just around the corner so it is better to shop for the sexy, colorful and attractive plus size swimwear that will make one a smashing sight to behold at the beach.

Photo courtesy of Pasazz.net.

About the author: Sassy Sarah is the founder of Pasazz.net, a plus size clothing portal online since 2003 which provide curvy with with an extensive shopping guide, fashion tips and updates on sales. Check out the plus size swimwear section to find a list of stores that specialize in swimsuits for the fuller figure.

Plus Size Dress In Lace From Jessica London

Elegant, light, and airy, lace is one look that never seems to go out of style. This dress comes in a pale mauve, which is the perfect shade of pink for the summer time. To add to its elegance, this dress has double ruffled sleeves with a pearl edge and smocking around the elastic waist. The dress is 40” long and would be very comfortable for the summer months ahead. Can’t you just image wearing this dreamy gown to a summer wedding or work event?

Unlike most dresses, this dress has an additional feature. It has an attached bra-friendly knit tank lining. If you are afraid of your bra showing through this delicate dress, the bra lined in the dress should hopefully give you enough support for the event you choose to wear it to. If it does not add the support you desire, you always can purchase a thin and stretchy camisole to go underneath the lacey dress for added support.

Ruffles and lace go together in a complimenting manner. Both ironically are the current trend for the season. If you are feeling extra flirty you can pair the ruffle dress with a ruffle purse, shoes, or light coat for the evenings when it cools down. A lovely shawl would be another accessory that paired with this outfit, would look very stunning. You can find similar accessories and more on a hot deals shopping page.

If you aren’t into the girlie look, don’t fret. You can always add a motorcycle black jacket with black knee high boots to better suit your style. Bangle bracelets and a big ring would also help take the attention away from the elegant lace by showing the people that you come in contact with that you aren’t afraid to play with style by transforming a girlie dress into an outfit with some edge. Enjoy your summer and don’t be afraid to spend some funds on some amazing outfits such as this adorable Lace Dress from Jessica London.

Image courtesy of Jessica London.

About the author: An ocean dreamer at heart and in real life, Sierra Greenman thrives on visiting and living near the beach and could never imagine herself anywhere else. She recently ventured out into the freelance world and now is a Freelance Writer and Social Media Specialist and absolutely loves it. Writing about fashion and style are one of her many passions. You can also find Sierra at her blog Ocean Dreams and follow her on Twitter @oceandreams4u. She also is a featured fashion blogger for JoeShopping.com where she loves discussing the latest and greatest styles!

Plus Size Bianca Tie-Dyed Caftan Tunic From OneStopPlus

Love the look of tie-dye and the comfort of tunics? This plus size tie-dye caftan tunic is a retro feel but modern in design. The tunic can easily switch from casual days to after hours dressed up or dressed down. The plus size tunic has Poncho-style sleeves, a slit neckline, and feminine ruffle trim at bottom of tunic.

Available in Burgundy Ivory, Navy Blue Ivory, Pine Ivory, and Purple Ivory in sizes 18W to 32W, the plus size tunic is 30 inches long, made of Rayon Crinkle Gauze, and is machine washable. Originally priced at $49.99 to $54.99, this modern tie-dye shirt is sale priced at $19.99 to $24.99. Visit OneStopPlus for a close up look at this trend-setting plus size shirt.

Plus Size Bianca Tie-Dyed Caftan Tunic From OneStopPlus

Plus Size Ruffled Tank Top From Lord And Taylor

This Michael Kors plus size ruffled tank top is a classic design for work, yet dressy enough for evening wear and special occasions. The plus size tank top has cascading rows of ruffles down the front of the shirt, ideally suited to be worn on its own or with a classic blazer. The plus size sleeveless ruffled tank top has a flattering rounded neckline, falls to the hip in length, and is fully lined.

Available in Lavender and Red Blaze in sizes 18W to 22W, the plus size ruffled shirt is made of 100% Polyester and is dry clean only. Originally priced at $89.50, this plus size top is now sale priced at $50.24 to $53.70. Go online to see this beautiful Michael Kors plus size blouse at Lord & Taylor now.

Lord and Taylor is providing Free Shipping for orders over $99, No Coupon Code Needed. Good from 5/14/2011 to 5/18/2011, 5/22/2011 to 5/25/2011, and 5/28/2011 to 5/31/2011.

Plus Size Ruffled Tank Top From Lord And Taylor

Makeup Article: Fashion is More than Just Clothes – Makeup Tips for Plus Sized Women

Makeup Hints and Tips for BBWs.

You found the perfect outfit and now it’s time to discover your perfect make up. Use these hints and tips to look fabulous every day and for special occasions.

Contouring Your Face

If your face is round, you can add some subtle contouring to make your features pop. To make features recede, use dark colors. To highlight features, use light colors and/or shimmer.

There are makeup brushes that are specially made for contour. Gently brush it over your brown eyeshadow or bronzer to load up the brush. Tap the brush so that excess falls off before using the brush on your face.

Places to apply contour would include under the cheekbones, under the bottom of your face/top of your neck area, to make your face stand out more from your neck. You can also use a bit of contour around your nose. To narrow the top of your face, you can also apply it around your temples.

If you’re going to contour, you must blend and blend some more. If you have harsh edges, it will look terrible. Make sure you have good lighting including a well-lit makeup mirror and check yourself before heading out the door.

Highlighting Your Face

In addition to setting back areas of your face, you can also bring forward other areas by either using lighter colors or using a bit of shimmer. Places to highlight are on your cheekbones and under your brow bone. Depending on the shape of your nose, you may also want to use some highlighting to bring the tip forward to help make a thick nose look thinner.

Be careful of shimmer if you’re middle aged or older. Glistening shimmer can emphasize wrinkles.

Smashbox Lightcast Detail Highlighter provides the right amount of light without shimmer. This is a great product for us 40-somethings who want highlighting but don’t want to emphasize wrinkles. This product is also great for hiding crow’s feet.

Balanced Makeup

You can wear subtle lips and dramatic eyes, or dramatic eyes and subtle lips, but not both. Too much makeup will look garish and if you have dramatic eyes and lips, it will overwhelm your face.

Many women are afraid of lip color but have fun and experiment. You can stick with tones near your own lip color but why not sample the reds, corals, and plums at the department store makeup counter. Don’t be afraid to add some color to your face.

Image courtesy of Smashbox cosmetics.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Kayla Block from Makeup Deal of the Day. She loves makeup but her bank account doesn’t. When browsing cosmetic company outlets, she decided to start one of her own. Makeup Deal of the Day specializes in high end makeup brands at bargain prices. She carries brands like Urban Decay, Smashbox, Benefit, Lancome, Clinique, Estee Lauder, all at discount prices. Join the Makeup Deal of the Day mailing list so that you don’t miss out on great makeup coupons.

Plus Size Maxi Dress Peasant Style From OneStopPlus

Warm weather calls for comfort, style, and great fashion. This plus size peasant maxi dress is casual yet dressy enough for parties and events. The plus size maxi dress is sleeveless, with peasant style and Mandarin collar, a button-loop placket, side zip, and goldtone piping. The plus size dress is 54 inches long and features a flattering empire waist that is shirred for fullness.

Available in sizes 18 to 28 in Purple Orange peasant print, this retro style plus size peasant dress is made of easy care Polyester, and is fully lined and machine washable. Priced originally at $89.99 to $99.99, the plus size maxi dress is sale priced at $69.99 to $79.99. Get in on the sale of this trend setting maxi dress now at Jessica London.

Plus Size Maxi Dress Peasant Style From Jessica London