Clothing Accessories Article: Wide Calf Boots: How to Find the Perfect Fit

If you’re starting to plan for the summer weather, it’s still not too late to find the perfect fitting pair of boots. But it’s not always easy to find the right pair if you’ve got wide calves. We all know about that disappointing feeling when you pull on those gorgeous boots to find that the zip only goes half way up. With such a huge number of retailers to choose from on the high street, surely there’s plenty of wide calf boots to choose from?

Fashionable high street stores often seem to forget that we don’t all have skinny pins, as there is only a small selection of retailers catering for women with wide feet and big calves. But things are slowly beginning to change. Both on the high street and online, it’s becoming so much easier to find on-trend wide calf boots. Who’s to say you can’t be plus-sized and fashionable? When buying wide calf boots online, you just need to make sure you measure yourself correctly to get the perfect fit.

The trick to finding the perfect fit is to place your feet flat on the floor and use a tape measure. Make sure you measure the widest part of both of your calves (as they can differ), and use the wider measurement to the nearest cm. When doing this don’t forget to think about what you’ll be wearing with your boots. If you prefer to wear them with thick tights or jeans, wear these when you measure yourself. It’s surprising how much these layers can affect your measurements! With so many different widths available, your winter boots will be as good as made to measure. Now all you have to do is choose your favourite pair!

There are so many styles of boots that will look equally great in spring with a pair of slim leg jeans and light knitwear. This season’s on-trend boot has been the knee high. Very slimming and leg lengthening, the knee high boot is the most flattering type of footwear (and a style that never really goes out of fashion). Coming in close second is the biker boot, which with its chunky sole is the most practical style for everyday wear. But whatever boot you opt for, remember, with the right measurements it can be easy to find the perfect pair of wide calf boots.

About the author: Sarah writes about current fashions, including trendy footwear to make you look your best this fashion season.

Clothing Accessories Article: How Handmade Jewelry Can be Affordable!

Making jewelry is a great, varied and fantastic hobby and such a great way to tailor all your own accessories to your independent fashion sense. Making your own hand-made jewelry doesn’t need to be an expensive hobby though – it’s something which you can enjoy on a budget too.

First things first though, you need to get the right tools. Depending on what kind of jewelry you want to make – you’ll need to put together a little “tool kit” that’ll help you make your pieces look professional. Investing in the right tools is also crucial when making sure your handmade pieces last longer too – after all you don’t want them falling apart at a special occasion! To find the right tool kit, having a quick look online should help you decide what you need. Using websites like eBay and tracking down smaller boutique sellers who sell the tools will save you a lot of money too – rather than ordering from big online stores who mark their prices up hugely.

Your next stop, after you’ve got your tools sorted is to purchase the material you need. The cheapest way to save money here is to opt for sterling silver or silver coated metal – it’s always wise to have some cheap metal of no value lying around too for when you need to practice techniques. To save even more money though, you could even choose to make metal-free jewelry and use leather, string or ribbon instead. All these materials can be purchased by the meter in most good market stalls (and you’ll find the prices in market stalls will be much lower than in boutique craft stores). Try buying in bulk too – as you’ll often be able to sway the retailer into giving you a discount if you’re willing to buy more upfront. Don’t worry about it not being used either – as a long term hobby, all the materials you buy will be perfect for whenever you choose to make your pieces.

Market stalls may not be the best place to locate some beautiful beads, metal pendants, glass pendants and crystals for your jewelry though – for these you might want to have a look for local art stores, bead shops and craft fairs. Craft fairs are usually a pretty good bet for finding things on a budget as they may offer craft industry cut prices. Remember too, that most traders will be flexible with prices – so if something is too expensive for your budget just explain and enquire whether you could get a discount.

Of course, it’s pointless you buying all these great materials if you don’t actually know very much about jewelry making – and it is often this bit of starting their hobby that people spend the most money on. Lots of people join courses at local colleges (which is a great option is you have the money) but if you’re on a budget you might struggle with the prices charged. To stick to your budget, why not try looking for online tutorials instead? YouTube.com is full of jewelry making tutorials, and the best bit is – it’s free! You can also pick up some amazing jewelry making books which are full of great tips and diagrams to guide you through the learning process. Try searching on eBay or Amazon for the books and get them second hand to save yourself even more money!

Images courtesy of Sue Tables

About the author: Tiffany Kirsten Cole works as a designer for Sue Tables. She began her career in the jewelry industry developing her own range of hand stamped silver jewelry.

Fashion Article: Trends vs. Value: Creating Lasting Looks Using the Latest Trends

While it can be exciting to try to stay current with the ever-changing trends in the fashion world, it is rarely economical. Dressing completely on trend every season can mean replacing your entire wardrobe several times a year, even your most basic pieces, to fit the new looks. For shoppers who don’t have that kind of money to spend, it’s much more realistic to use trends as inspiration for creating lasting looks.

Fashion and value can go hand in hand when you know how to incorporate trendy pieces into a well-rounded, classic wardrobe. By building a wardrobe of pieces that never go out of style, you can mix in trendy pieces that can be used over again.

For example, bright colors are a huge trend right now. Rather than recreating your wardrobe in all the brightest, boldest colors of the rainbow, invest in a few key pieces that represent this season’s bright color palette. By adding bright scarves, a purple handbag, or maybe even some red pants, you demonstrate an awareness of the trend without going overboard. Let bright colors serve as your inspiration, but don’t let them take over.

Similarly, bold prints – another major trend – can quickly overpower and overwhelm an outfit. Rather than trying to make every piece in your collection the boldest print or brightest color, find pieces that make feature a bold print, but function only as a highlight in a complete outfit.

Dressing a plus-size figure adds another element to the idea of using trends. Certain trends can be unflattering when worn in an extreme way on any body type, so it’s important to consider what shapes, patterns, and cuts of fabric are most flatting for you. Fashion is all about finding beautiful clothing that makes you look and feel beautiful too; trends are just inspiration, they aren’t the rule.

For example, certain bold prints – when worn in an overpowering way, like a floor-length dress – can camouflage plus-size curves and make the body appear boxy. For a more figure-enhancing way to incorporate prints, try pairing a bright printed skirt with a solid top. This way, the pattern is broken up across your body, and you draw attention to your hips and waist.

By working trends into your wardrobe without letting them completely direct your look, you not only maintain a more frugal fashion budget, but you make sure that the trends are working for you – and not the other way around. Dressing your plus-size figure should always be about flattering your own body first, and following the trend second. Examine what has worked for you in the past, and look for ways to incorporate the trend into your existing wardrobe. This way, you can confidently find fun, new pieces that will not only make you fashion-forward and on trend, but looking great too.

Image courtesy of womenplusdresses.com.

About the author: This guest post was written by Ella Davidson of charitable couponing site, Coupons. Coupons.org offers couponing etiquette tips as well as top retailer coupon information.

Fashion Accessories Article: Computer to Club Accessories

Nowadays, with many of us working hard and playing even harder, finding an outfit that takes us effortlessly from day to evening can be tricky. But looking flawlessly chic doesn’t have to revolve around make-up brushes and the right Max Mara dress. An accessory can make or break an outfit. Want to know the rest of the good news? Accessories work for everyone, no matter your size or shape. Any style-savvy girl worth her fashion salt probably already knows this, but does she know which accessories will take her from day to night? The answer is a big fat ‘no’. Always excited to talk about accessories, here’s a little condensed crash course in the perfect pieces to take you from office chair to bar stool.

-Bold statement earrings: Turn a simple outfit that’s appropriate enough for the boardroom to being ideal for that post-work dinner date by adding a dash of bling in the form of some statement earrings. Instead of sparkle which can be too ‘evening’ opt for earrings with precious stones or gemstones, like Susie Morrow’s onyx and silver earrings or Toosis’ green oval faceted jade ones (both pictured).

-Personalised jewelry: There’s nothing like a bit of personalised jewelry to keep you looking on-trend and your look unique. Make like Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff and show off your fashion stripes with this Bliss Letter necklace (pictured). Guaranteed to take you from day to evening in a flash!

-Add some flair with a bright-coloured scarf: Shy when it comes to brights? A bold look doesn’t have to be head-to-toe. Inject some colour into your work wardrobe and look the part post-office, with an attention-grabbing scarf, like Yuh Okano’s ‘Petal of Silk’ scarf (below.)

-Keep a cool head: Add a subtle headband to your everyday look and it’s guaranteed to get you noticed! Try Eddera’s ‘Greek Leaf’ headband which will be eye-catching for day and perfect for evening. Victoria Beckham’s already a big fan!

Images courtesy of Boticca.com

About the author: Nathalie writes for Boticca, the curated online marketplace for unique jewelry and accessories by independent designers. Visit Boticca to view more of the collection, from feather earrings to cross body bags.

Fashion Accessories Article: Accessories Guide

There are many things that can be done to make an outfit more attractive. Every woman should make an effort to find the right accessories that will enhance her look and make the clothes she is wearing really stand out. One of the items that can quickly add interest and beauty to even the plainest clothing is a beautiful necklace. There are many styles to choose from. Pendant necklaces are popular and go well with most outfits. There are many bold and brightly colored necklaces being sold today. A necklace made of blue stones can instantly emphasize an attractive neckline. It is important not to overdo accessories. A bright necklace matched with a top that has a busy design will clash and look overdone. It is best to pair bright, colored necklaces with one-color tops.

A pair of earrings is another accessory that will add color and sparkle to the wearer. Many women with short hair love to wear oversized earrings. This can look very stunning and bring attention to an attractive haircut. Earrings come in so many colors and varieties and it is up to the individual to decide which look she prefers. Rings and bracelets will really dress up a bare hand and wrist. An assortment of bangles can be worn together on the wrist. Some women like to wear large gold or silver bracelets around their upper arms. This can look stunning with a sleeveless dress. Rings can make pretty hands the focal point of attention. A manicure will show off beautifully shaped nails. Chipped nail polish should be avoided at all costs.

Wearing the right pair of shoes can make any woman feel like a queen. High-heeled shoes will instantly add height and authority to the petite woman. A pair of black boots worn with dark tights is a great winter and fall look. A white t-shirt and jeans will look fabulous with a pair of red high-heel shoes. The shoes will add instant glamour to an otherwise casual outfit. To project a polished look, it is important to always be perfectly groomed. An effort should be made to have an attractive hairstyle that suits the proportion and shape of the face. Amazing beauty makeovers can be achieved simply by changing the style of the hair. Nothing ages more than an unshapely hairstyle. A woman who takes care of her looks will always project an air of confidence. When it is time to relax at home, a comfortable pair of slouch socks will prove the perfect accessory for the fashionable woman.

Image courtesy of http://www.plussizeclothes.net/

About the author: Jennifer is a fashion writer who writes about women’s clothing and fashion accessories.

Fashion Accessory Article: Which Boots Should You Choose?

Good news! The winter is approaching and it is time for us ladies to do some serious shopping for women’s boots. We know that women’s boots come in all kinds of shapes, colours and sizes so there is a lot to choose from. Some women prefer to wear over-the-knee boots that look great with skirts, whereas other women prefer to wear flat boots that are great for doing lots of walking.

ALDO Criblez Suede Metal Heel Ankle Boots (ASOS) $226.98
Boots are generally very comfortable and easy to walk in, as the famous song of Nancy Sinatra (covered by Jessica Simpson) points out ‘’these boots are made for walking, that’s just what they’ll do’’, however not all boots are made for walking. Sexy high heel boots are known to be difficult to walk in, even though they certainly look great with dresses, skirts or even with jeans. They come in various heights, so if you are not a star in walking in high heels, make sure that the heels are no longer than 2 inches (or 5 cm).
 
 
 

Carvela Wigan Rouched Knee High Boots $401.58 (ASOS)
No matter what kind of boots you choose, there are several things you need to consider when purchasing boots. First, make sure that they are trendy and, for those who do not have much to spend, match most of your clothing. If you are the kind of girl who wears lots of colourful clothes, I would recommend buying black boots as they go with anything. Secondly, buy shoes that are right for you. If you have skinny legs, try some cowboy boots or knee-high boots. If you have slightly larger legs then I would suggest trying a pair of stretch boots or ankle boots.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Apache Shearling Cuff Ankle Boots $48.89 (ASOS)

Ankle boots are great because they are so confortable to walk in. I am wearing similar boots as the apache shearling cuff ankle boots right now and it is a big relief after having worn high heels for meetings yesterday all day! I prefer to wear ankle boots underneath pair of jeans or a long skirt. Don’t wear them under short skirts because this is a complete mismatch. When wearing these boots with a long skirt, make sure that your socks don’t show.
 
 
 

Lastly, always make sure that your boots have a long life-span as poor quality boots usually only last for a couple of weeks. Even though this gives you the opportunity to buy a new pair (we can never have too many shoes!), it would be great to have boots that can be worn for the winter as well. Good quality boots usually have a solid and thick sole, are waterproof and have extra padding filled inside, preventing the fabric from ripping too easily.

Images courtesy of http://www.asos.com.

About the author: Susanna Hellinga is a Dutch writer currently living in the UK and holds a preference towards writing about fashion and tourism related topics.

Interview: Madison Plus Founder Aimee Cheshire Talks Plus Size Fashions

Aimee Cheshire is the Founder and Owner of Madison Plus. Madison Plus’ mission is to cater to the previously under served market for women’s plus size fashion by offering all of her favorite brands in one place. Madison Plus seeks to reach out to this customer though exclusive editorials, trend coverage, hand-picked online shops, and daily blog, presented on a beautiful web platform. Visit Madison Plus’ fashion blog The Dish for the latest in plus size fashion.

How did you become a part of the plus size clothing industry?

MadisonPlus.com has been a lifelong project. Even though I didn’t always know it would eventually be expressed in the form of MP, I was born with the “a ha” moment. At a young age I came to realize that there was a problem with the restrictive nature of women’s fashion. Somewhere between only being able to shop for men’s jeans and having to buy an adult women’s size for my communion dress, it dawned on me that I should not have to go through so much to buy a simple outfit. I knew then that I had to do something to ensure that no one else would have to experience such exclusion.

I made it my personal mission to understand and participate in all aspects of the plus size fashion industry. I lived it from modeling and styling to product development. As far as I know I am one of the few people out there who has experienced and worked in all aspects of the plus industry and seen it from all perspectives.

Tell me about the creation of Madison Plus.

The moment I was struck to get my act together and create MP I was working in Product Development for plus sizes. I was presenting to my bosses a collection of harem pants and a knit motorcycle jacket, pieces that were fashion forward and flattering for the curvy silhouette. They were looking at me like I had two heads and that’s when I thought, “I will never impact anything staying here!” Their only focus was on finding the next million dollar v-neck tee, not uplifting plus women and providing more options for us. That’s when I knew it was time to launch something like MP and if I didn’t do it right away someone else would beat me to it. I also wanted to take advantage of the recession since the economic downturn was a perfect time to create a company. I wanted to develop the website so that when retailers and brands started looking for new sources of money I would be there ready. I saw an opportunity to help jump start the redevelopment of the plus industry.

What tips do you have for dressing the plus size figure?

I always start with telling women not to hide their shape, find fabrics which skim over your problem areas. Highlight your smallest point in your figure, which is usually your waist and that allows for the creation of a hourglass shape. Most importantly understand your figure, what are the area’s that your most proud of and highlight that. Wear a v-neck top which shows off some cleavage, if you love your legs then find that shorter skirt, but remain mindful of showing off too much, it does not matter what size you are, too much is too much!

Once you’ve mastered the day to day you can start breaking the rules, wear stripes, skinny belts, over sized silhouettes and pleats. All these can be done for a plus size figure but if you’re a fashion novice its important to not run before you can walk.

What accessories do you consider a must when it comes to fashion?

I always find a place for one bold accessory, I tend to mostly wear necklaces and earrings. Personally don’t like the feeling of having too much on so I like to keep it simple with one strong piece.

How has plus size clothing changed since it was first introduced to the market?

Yes it had greatly changed, it started many years ago with the launch of Lane Bryant and has now grown to a multi billion dollar industry, and I believe we are still only at the beginning. The choices for shopping have increased when I was young there was no such thing as junior plus and now that market is growing quickly with brands like Torrid or lines like Love Your Style by Kmart, Pure Energy by Target. There is also a growing contemporary plus fashion market which designer Anna Scholz has been a leader in, now there are up and coming plus designers like Damn You Alexis, Stefanie Bezaire and Hope & Harvest. To name a few.

How successful is the use of online shopping in relation to plus size fashions?

Shopping online for plus sizes has always been the norm since the launch of the Internet. Special sizes were only offered online because retailers could not justify the floor space for these unique sizes, which retailers believed did not represent the majority of their shoppers. This came with personal biases as to what plus women want and when plus was offered in stores it was in the basement or back corner of the department store. Therefore not making it the most appealing place for plus women (or any woman to shop). So online shopping and plus sizes are a perfect match, and the plus consumer has now been trained to shop online first. I know I’ve been personally shopping online since 1996, due to my weight and height combo I knew it was a waste of time for me to even try shopping in a mall. I knew I was not the only one with that feeling.

What do you see as the most interesting plus size fashion trends for the upcoming year?

While reviewing the fall trends for Madison Plus what I came away with is that they are very accessible for all shapes and sizes. Bright colour combo’s are by far my favorite trend of the season, and easily work for any figure and the bonus is you may already have the pieces in your closet.

Start with eye catching outerwear, sweaters, skirts and trousers and pair the unexpected together. I’ve been loving the color combos of bright orange and blue, poppy red and pink, fuchsia and Kelly green.

Are there any other plus size fashion tips or info you’d like to share with our online readers?

Shop for yourself today, enjoy fashion today. If you constantly think you’ll go shopping when you lose that 10 lbs you are doing yourself a disservice. Find that piece now which makes you feel better about yourself, walk a little taller and brings on a smile that just opens the door to whatever personal goals you have.

Images courtesy of Madison Plus.

Fashion Accessories Article: Charm Bracelets that Cater to All Wrist Sizes

Fashion has witnessed the charm bracelet’s return to prominence as a popular choice accessory over the last few years. Bracelets that provide the wearer with the option to decorate them charm by charm have proved a hit with everyone from girls on the street to popular celebrities, and the emerging trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

A primary selling point for these particular types of bracelet is choice, and how anyone and everyone can share their personality and unique stories by building a bracelet from scratch and then showcasing it upon their wrists. As a result, it’s only right that women of all sizes – specifically, wrist sizes – are afforded the same option to build a charm bracelet they can call their own.

There are many famous brands that have seen their charm bracelets become successful around the world over the last decade, including Thomas Sabo and Links of London. Pandora has led the charge with their phenomenal charm bracelet concept that celebrates its tenth year in 2011.

All women can join in the fun by selecting from bracelets that vary in length, making it easy to choose a good fit. For example, Pandora bracelets (which are available in sterling silver and 14ct gold) range in length from 6 to 9 inches; Pandora highlights the 7.5 inch length as their bestselling bracelet size, so it’s good to see there is a good choice of sizes above and beyond the ‘average’ wrist size.

As well as comfort, one further benefit to more sizeable bracelets is that they allow further room for more charms. Okay, so this might not be good news for your bank balance, but ladies who wear larger bracelets can enjoy showcasing a larger variety of beads – and, with so many to choose from regardless of what brand you go for, that’s an advantage. It may even save you money in the long run, as those with smaller bracelets might be starting on a second one while you still have room to spare.

With the trend for charm bracelets still going strong, any fashion-savvy lady’s wardrobe isn’t complete without one. Interchangeable looks mean they’re ideal for any season, and the range of combinations means it’s as close to a unique accessory as you’ll find. Thankfully, the sizing options available means there will be a fit for most women, demonstrating how exclusion continues to be eroded from the fashion industry.

Image courtesy of http://www.thejewelhut.co.uk/.

About the author: Luke M is a keen writer and guest blogger who enjoys writing mainly on lifestyle topics, particularly fashion (jewelery, watches), leisure, sport and celebrities. Contact him at isthatluke@gmail.com.

Fashion Accessories Article: Scarf Styling Tips for a Plus-Sized Figure

Scarves are a perfect accessory for women of all sizes, but did you know there are special scarf styling tips and tricks for plus-sized women? With scarves, it’s all about playing to your figure and using colors and patterns to attract the eye. Here are 5 tips for plus sized women who love to wear scarves:

Tip #1: Use Color to Your Advantage

Human eyes are naturally drawn to colors and patterns, so you can use scarves to distract eyes from problem areas. If you’re heavy in the hip area, wear a bright scarf around your neck to attract attention to your upper body. Warm-skinned ladies look gorgeous in pinks, reds and oranges, while cool-skinned gals pull off blues, purples, and greens beautifully. A patterned scarf attracts the eye even more than a solid-colored one. Some of my favorite patterns are stripes, florals, and animal prints!

Tip #2: Wear Scarves with Low Necklines

If you’re well-endowed and struggle with finding the right neckline for your chest, a scarf is a perfect way to add some modesty to a shirt that just feels too low. For v-neck shirts, a simple neck tie knot works, while muffler and bow styles are good for U, round, and square necklines.

Tip #3: Balance Out Your Top

Besides necklines, busty women should also keep in mind the volume and pattern of their scarf. For a well-endowed woman, a long and thick scarf with a large pattern can make the chest area look too crowded. Instead, try a skinny scarf and delicate, small pattern; this will add color to your outfit without adding volume. Small polka dots, thin stripes, and small floral prints look great.

Tip #4: Balance Out Your Bottom

For a pear-shaped woman, it’s all about creating a balance between your chest and your hips. You can make your chest-to-hip ratio smaller by wearing thick scarves with bold patterns. This will also draw people’s eyes away from your hips and add volume to your chest.

Tip #5: Accentuate Your Waist

If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Accentuate your figure by wearing a scarf around the slimmest part of your waist! Long thin scarves and silk scarves make the best scarf belts. Wear a pretty patterned scarf over a solid-colored tee to dress up a casual look!

Image courtesy of http://www.affordablescarves.com/.

About the author: Sarah Beckman is a writer and editor at Affordable Scarves. She loves to blog about different ways to wear and style scarves. When she’s not blogging, Sarah enjoys shopping, cooking, and hanging out with her fiance.

Fashion Article: Alpaca Fiber – A Fabric More Versatile Than Wool

Wool is a very popular textile fiber. I’m sure that most everyone owns something made from wool. Sheep’s wool is most common, but many people are allergic or otherwise sensitive to sheep’s wool.

This is where alpacas come into play. Alpacas are four legged mammals and of the same species as llamas. Their fur can be woven and processed into a fiber that resembles wool, which can then be used to create numerous articles of clothing, like alpaca sweaters, and is also very useful for household items, like place mats, ornaments, and baskets. Alpaca clothing provides form and function and has become quite popular in the world of fashion.

Characteristics of Alpaca Wool

Despite the fact that it closely resembles sheep’s wool, alpaca fiber is quite different. Here are a few of its notable characteristics.

The most important characteristic of alpaca fiber is its hypoallergenic qualities. Lanolin is the oil found in sheep’s wool and is often the substance attributed to wool allergies. Alpaca wool does not contain any lanolin, making it a great alternative for people allergic to wool.

The Downside

Unfortunately, alpaca wool tends to be much more expensive than normal sheep’s wool and other similar materials, but alpaca is not nearly as expensive as cashmere. The main reason for alpaca fiber’s high price tag is the fact that alpacas are sheared on a yearly basis and are not in great supply. This means that the material is incredibly rare. Cashmere is also sheared only once a year, though it usually takes fibers from three or four goats to get enough cashmere to make a simple sweater. Sheep are sheared once a year but thousands of sheep are sheared at once, making sheep’s wool much more available.

Uses of Alpaca

Still, alpaca is a wonderfully versatile fiber. It is soft and luxurious, making it perfect for sweaters, gloves, scarves, and other articles of clothing. Most importantly, alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic. Normal sheep’s wool contains lanolin, an oil that is naturally secreted from a sheep’s sebaceous glands. Lanolin is often the substance that is attributed to wool allergies. Alpaca fiber contains no oils or grease, making it a perfect substitute for traditional sheep’s wool. Alpaca fiber is a great choice for those needing hypoallergenic clothing and a comparable value for natural wool clothing.

Image courtesy of http://www.alpacacollections.com/.

About the author: Sam is a blogger who writes about fashion trends for both men and women. Fashion isn’t always about what are the new and trendy bags or scarves, 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.