Plus Size Clothing Article: Transition Your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring

During the awkward months of early spring, it can be tricky to transition your wardrobe from winter to the new season’s trends. All the stores are full of bright summer colors, tank tops, and other fun warm-weather choices, but the temperatures may still be yo-yoing back and forth between winter coat and sandal weather. So, what to wear?

The easiest way to visually say, “I’m ready for warmth!” is through bold color choices and an accessory change. You may need to keep wearing your warmer basics like a long-sleeved blouse and pants, but change out the accessories to reflect the fact that spring is on its way!

Accessories like chunky winter scarves, oversized handbags, and riding boots with thick socks should be traded out for a light floral scarf, a pastel handbag, and bright pink flats. White pants will keep your legs plenty warm, but visually brighten the outfit. If you aren’t a fan of wearing bright colors, your shoes are a great way to add a bright pop of color without being “too loud.” Flats are a personal favorite for the seasonal transition because they don’t require bulky socks like other winter shoes, but they aren’t quite as open as sandals. They’re also great for wearing all day — including running errands. Can I get an “amen” for skipping errand running in heels? Blegh!

Also pay attention to your outwear — it may be breezy out, but a fleece jacket screams winter. Try to find a trench or light jacket that will add an extra layer of warmth without looking bulky or making you too hot. With this in mind, remember that in addition to color and pattern, texture and fabric say something about season as well. Try to stay away from a heavy weave or cable-knit texture; instead, go for a lightweight knit or cotton blend. It’s not quite time to break out the linens yet, but thinner fabrics are another sign that a season has changed. Again, if it’s still chilly out and you can’t wear a light blouse on it’s own, pile on some more light layers to keep yourself warm.

Not only is this an easy way to make the transition a little more painless, it’s also a great way to update your accessory wardrobe. If you’ve built a wardrobe of solid and quality basic pieces (great jeans, cardigans, the wrap dress, the little black dress, etc.), then the best way to get extra mileage out of your wardrobe is by changing up those classics with some great accessories. Go forth and get more out of your wardrobe!

About the author: Sarah is a writer for Handbag Heaven, she loves sharing fashion tips with savvy women everywhere! When she is not sharing style advice on the best of tote bags, she is reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband.

Fashion Article: Work Dress Tips for Casual Friday

Get help figuring out what to wear (and what not to wear) to work on Fridays.

Casual Friday is great but it’s important that you approach it the right way. Here are some dos and don’ts to take into consideration.

If your workplace has casual Friday, it’s not necessarily a day to trudge into work looking like you just rolled out of bed. Sure, you don’t have to dress in business attire but casual Friday should still be a day where you look your best. After all, like it or not, the way you dress does make an impression on others. Here are some work dress tips for casual Friday:

Don’ts for Casual Friday:

• Don’t take casual too far. Remember that you’re being judged by your workmates and superiors on a daily basis by your actions and your appearance.

• Don’t wear ill-fitting clothes. Perhaps your workplace is one where graphic tees are handed out on a regular basis. This might seem like a good casual Friday choice but if you’re female, it typically isn’t. Graphic tees should never have sayings or graphics that could offend anyone in the workplace, of course.

• Track pants. Yoga pants, yes, sure but baggy sweatpants? Not a great choice for work. Be very choosy when it comes to elastic waistbands!

• Don’t wear anything you wouldn’t wear to a meeting with your boss or your best client. After all, he or she could call you into the office on a Friday to discuss a potential promotion or major deal. Remember that when getting dressed on Friday mornings.

• Don’t skip casual Friday because you’re afraid to wear the wrong thing. Take some advice from the Do’s section below.

• Don’t overdo it with stockings and tights. Fishnet stockings, suspender tights or laddered tights aren’t likely appropriate for most office environments, for example.

• Don’t go too casual with footwear.

Dos for Casual Friday:

• Look at what the successful people in the company wear on Fridays. If visiting clients, conform to their dress code. If they wear business attire or business casual on Fridays, dress in much the same manner so you don’t have to apologize for your attire.

• Do invest in a few different casual Friday outfits. Think of it as part of your business attire budget so you’re not dressing the exact same way each and every Friday (making it feel like a uniform!)

ONE FINAL DON’T:

Don’t skip casual Friday altogether. Some fear casual dress interfering with their rise to the top of the corporate ladder but this is a mistake. If people think of you as too buttoned-up, it could negatively impact work relationships and team morale.

Image courtesy of http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/plus-size-blog

About the author: Sharon writes for Pamela Mann, a legwear store featuring a variety of stockings and tights for the office, for the nightclub, and for all seasons.

Fashion Article: Multifunctional Clothing Pieces – Save Money and Look Great

Some ideas for stretching your wardrobe and making clothing multi-purpose.

Hoping to stretch your wardrobe without spending a fortune? Here are some fashion ideas for basic pieces that will help you stretch your clothing budget.

If you want to look great on the cheap, here are some things you’ll want to integrate into your wardrobe. They are multifunctional and can help you stretch your wardrobe further without stretching your budget out of shape!

Little Black Dress
Every list of must have clothing items include the little black dress. But you don’t have to wear it only to cocktail parties or date night. It can be worn for other occasions, too, especially if you buy one of those little black dresses that’s versatile with convertible features, it can be a wrap dress, halter dress, over the shoulder version, strapless number, etcetera.

• Pair it with a blazer for the office
• Wear it with some funky tights and a great scarf and hat for the nightclubs
• Wear it with some cabled knit tights in the winter

A Great Blazer
A great blazer can dress up casual Friday with your jeans and can be worn with a pantsuit or a skirt. It could also go with that little black dress, too.

A Few Plain Blouses/Shirts
A button-up white dress shirt and a black dress shirt can be suitable for the office, an interview, and can look smart for business casual dress, too.

Tank Tops
Tanks can be worn to bed, to the gym, layered for a fashionable weekend wardrobe, and can be worn as a camisole under a business suit. Opt for the ones with the built in shelf bra and a bit of Lycra as they look the best and help flatter your shape, too.

Convertible Bras
Buying a few convertible bras (white, black, and tan) will cost you a bit more up front but will save you money in the long run. Being able to wear it strapless, halter style, and criss-cross style will help you look great in anything you wear without bra straps showing. Some women think a bit of color peeking through with their bra looks fashionable but many people still think they look their best when their bra straps are hidden.

Accessorize!
Accessories are cheaper than fashion pieces and can really dress up the look of that plain blouse, that mini skirt, or those jean shorts that can go from the park with bare legs to the club with some great fishnet tights. Tying a fancy knot on your scarf and adding some great earrings and a necklace could really dress up your jeans and t-shirt and help you stretch your wardrobe.

Image courtesy of plus-model-mag.com

About the author: Sharon writes for legwear store Pamela Mann. Check out the site for a great selection of stockings, tights, and leggings in a wide range of sizes.

Fashion Article: Work it: How to Negotiate the Office Dress-Code

Getting your professional wardrobe right has always been a bone of contention for people looking to make their mark – what’s the right approach to take? If your boss prefers to take the casual approach, your line manager wears jeans, but everyone else wears a suit, then how should you tailor your own wardrobe to suit your workplace? Fear not, brave office worker. These handy hints will help you negotiate the choppy waters of the corporate dress code…

Never underdress. By all means, develop your own style, but try to avoid jeans or trainers, even if you’re not client-facing. This includes clothes with rips in them, or trousers that have paint splashed artistically across them. Casual clothes can give the impression that you’re not particularly fussed about your image, and, as a result, the quality of work you’re producing. Always dress in a way that would allow you to attend an unplanned meeting without embarrassment.

Ladies – a face full of make-up can be slightly intimidating (and look dreadful), but don’t shy away from a touch of colour. Your natural beauty can still shine through with a dab of powder and some lipstick, trust us. We’re not saying wear make-up to be taken seriously, but wear it to make the best of your features. You’re in the office to showcase your talents, and get noticed – it doesn’t hurt to emphasise what you’ve got.

Don’t kid yourself – hangovers get noticed. Never try and slope into the office after an all-nighter, even if your boss does it – your reputation will be in tatters before 10 a.m. Get home, shower, and make the same effort you do every day. Contrary to popular belief, a wet wipe wash and disguising the smell of booze with gum are remarkably ineffective ways of hiding your sins. Offer to work late to make up the deficit, and NEVER complain about your lack of sleep. You’re a professional. Act like one.

Ladies, for the gentlemen in your life – the subject of a bag can be a touchy one. Briefcase or carrier bag? Well, neither. We suggest you side with a bag that can carry a huge amount of files to a meeting, will last the distance, and won’t look out of place on the bus on the way home. Gola messenger bags are good all-rounders, especially if you work in the creative sphere.

If you’re on a budget, don’t fret about buying expensive suits, and worry that cheaper versions won’t look as good. With a bit of homework, they will – and the trick is to find yourself a good tailor. A middle-range suit can be vastly improved by a few alterations, and there are plenty of retailers online that sell professional-wear at reduced prices. Don’t forget factory outlets and stores like TK Maxx can also be lifesavers.

On the subject of wearing clothes well, remember that if you carry yourself with confidence, your clothes will look instantly better. Just putting your shoulders back and lifting your head is a great mood-booster. Shiny shoes, a great hairstyle, well-kept nails and a big smile will ensure that you look great; people frequently pick up on smaller details, and as long as you believe you look fantastic, so will everyone else.

Finally, don’t feel that you have to use the office as a catwalk. Even if your colleagues are rocking sky-high shoes, skirts that masquerade as belts and suspender tights, remember you’re there to work, not moonlight as a model. It’s a good rule of thumb to imagine that if (heavens forbid) you were called into a meeting with several senior colleagues, would your wardrobe turn heads for the wrong reasons? Be honest with yourself. If the answer’s yes, tone it down a bit. There’s always the weekend to bring out that sequined halterneck…

Image courtesy of Plussizebusinesssuits.net.

About the author: Vicky Anscombe is an Online PR Consultant and Social Media Charlatan for Further. She lives in black leggings, Kurt Geiger boots and black tops from various charity shops. She also has an unhealthy relationship with cheap black eyeliner and other people’s cats.

Fashion Article: Any Body Shape Can Wear Skinny Jeans – Just Add Confidence!

Any woman, no matter her body shape, can and does look fantastic in a pair of the right jeans. Skinny jeans made their appearance on the fashion scene in the 1980′s and stole the show with their versatility of design. Their stretchiness that fit the body like a glove wasn’t apparent to anyone but the person wearing the pants. These jeans look so stylish they may be worn as evening wear and on a casual day shopping with friends.

Every woman is one of four body shapes.

1. The Apple
The shoulders and chest are wide, the hips narrow, but the abdomen often protrudes as does the lower tummy.In fact, the whole body appears round much like an apple. Skinny jeans on this body shape accent the thinner legs and hips, and if worn with a hip length blouse or shirt the tummy will be hidden. Because the shoulders are broad, the blouse long, the body appears as a straight sleek line, which is very slimming and attractive.

2. The Banana
This body shape is defined by the straight up and down appearance. This is due to the waist being almost the same circumference as the hips and breasts. Skinny jeans on this woman should be the type that combines leggings and jean material called jeggings. These create curves where there are none. Very flattering to the banana figure.

3. The Pear or Bell
This body shape is the most common and is obvious by how narrow the shoulders are, the smaller breasts and waist, yet larger hip size and thighs. The tummy is nice and flat, but the bottom portion of the body may resemble a bell with legs and feet. The skinny jeans this type of woman should wear should be black or navy in color to diminish hip size. Adding a lighter fuller blouse to the set will give the appearance of fullness on top to even out the bottom half.

4. The Hourglass
Considered the perfect female shape due to the measurements being the same for breasts and hips and a small waist, these body types look great in everything they wear. For them, the low rise skinny jeans look superb. Additionally, this body shape will look stunning in a pair of black skinny jeans and stilettos. A cropped blouse that stops above the hips completes the look.

All the body shapes above will enjoy numerous rewards to wearing skinny jeans, whether they accompany them with trainers, flats, wedge heels or stilettos. And whether they choose darker colored jeans or not, the important thing is that the blouses brush the hips, because this will make a woman look slimmer, taller, curvier, classy, and very sexy.

Sam is a blogger who believes fashion doesn’t only apply to stick-thin models. He is also a contributing writer for a company that sells personalised clothing for the fashionista with a unique flair.

Celebrity Fashion Article: Adele: Voice of an Angel and Fashion Icon

She is the queen of grammy awards this year, but there no denying that Adele’s voice can be compared to an angel. She also possess a great personality! Her gorgeous curves were featured in the latest addition of Vogue.  She really highlights the beauty that is being herself. I feel we should learn a great fashion tip from Adele. In a modelling world, where the obsession with being skinny is considered to be great looking, Adele reminds us to appreciate beauty in all forms.

The vogue photoshoot also captures her beauty really well. The make up is bright and vibrant yet makes her look fresh and youthful. She also carries the image of grace and her soulful eyes and expression makes you really love her overall appearance and look.  The outfits she wore are high-end couture look with vintage touch. Photographers Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott do justice to this beauty and makes this look last in our minds for a long time.

Images courtesy of fashionistaera.blogspot.com

About the author: Hanz writes about celebrity fashion and is the editor of Fashionista Era

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.

Fashion Article: Hidden Plus Size Boutiques

Most plus size women are well aware of Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart, but these hugely recognizable brands often only have a limited choice of truly fashionable items. Fortunately, there are a number of smaller companies that are making excellent plus size garments that take fashion to the next level. The problem is that many of them are hidden in plain view, having extensive websites but remaining relatively unknown to potential buyers. All three of the following retailers have great clothes and a plus size woman may find that one look at their offerings may change their minds about ever shopping at the mall again.

First up is Ulla Popken, a retail chain that is much better known in Europe than in the United States. Many of their designs have inspiration from European sources, including a new line of tunics that borrow elements from the traditional cultures of Eastern European countries and make them modern. This example comes directly from the village culture of countries like Bulgaria and Romania, but the floral embroidery brings it into modern times. The result is a piece that is utterly wearable and a light addition for any woman’s summer wardrobe.

With spring just around the corner, purchasing a new sun dress may be in order. This model was found at Torrid, an online retailer that has been growing quickly in their number of home shoppers. The sun dress uses a sleek black top section and a striped bottom section to create an attractive contrast. To give the piece a more flowing appearance, the designer pleated the lower part of the dress, making it extremely comfortable to wear and fit to a woman’s body. Made of cotton, the sun dress will breathe well as the weather starts to heat up.

For true high fashion for plus size women, there is one company that is quietly making a name for itself as having inventive designs and refusing to produce cookie cutter clothes. That company is Kristin Miles and was formerly known as Missphit. The transition to the new name was accompanied by a deeper commitment to quality and a more refined vision for their product line. This Damask Darling Coat shows well the new direction of the company, focusing on bold styles and increased comfort. This coat has a satin lining and the light material makes it a good choice for spring and autumn months. The antique print and buttons give a timeless feel to the coat, but the bright orange cuffs and hem keep the piece squarely rooted in the modern age.

The shopping choices that plus size women have are quickly growing in number. Not only can a woman find several shops at their local mall, but online options have also started to become popular. By digging deeper than the well known brand names, a woman will be able to find several companies that are flying under the radar and producing extremely high quality clothing at reasonable prices. The focus for many of these companies is true fashion, a niche that has been largely ignored by other plus size retailers.

Images courtesy of Dailymakeover.com

About the author: Dailymakeover.com – Find expert fashion advice and beauty tips, as well the latest celebrity hairstyle and fashion trends. Cutting edge virtual makeover tool let’s you try on 1000′s of looks, from hairstyles to cosmetics and accessories. A must-stop website for any fashion and beauty enthusiast!

Fashion Article: T-Shirts an Essential Clothing Piece for Every Wardrobe

T-shirts are a wearable fashion staple for women of all shapes and sizes. Every woman should have a good supply of long and short sleeved t-shirts in a variety of colours and styles. Comfortable and breathable, t-shirts and jersey vests can be dressed down for relaxed weekend style or dressed up to create a chic workwear outfit. With the right accessories, many types of tees can even be worn as part of a fabulous, fashion-forward look for evening. We give larger ladies the lowdown on how to rock a tee, whatever the occasion.

For an easy capsule wardrobe, make sure you have at least one black and one white t-shirt, as well as a coloured tee in a shade which suits your skin-tone. Plain black and white tees worn with a smart pair of jeans or basic black trousers create a smart blank canvas, which can be altered with accessories. If you have a range of simple tees, you can get away with wearing the same thing every day, dressed-up in a variety of ways. Sticking to style staples is a common mistake amongst plus size ladies. While you should wear what makes you feel comfortable, it is important to let your personality shine through in your fashion choices. Always vary your accessories to keep your look fresh and avoid getting stuck in a style rut.

Slash neck t-shirts look particularly smart, whatever your size. These can be worn under a blazer for work, or with a cardigan for a pretty, pulled-together style which will take you seamlessly from the office to post-work drinks. Longer length tees are another flattering choice for the larger lady. Paired with skinny jeans, they help to elongate the body and smooth the silhouette making you appear slimmer. Try wearing dark indigo skinnies with a long black t-shirt and pretty ballet pumps. Dress-up the look with a skinny scarf and some statement jewellery to create a laid-back daytime look.

Although it is often said that plus size ladies should avoid stripes, a carefully chosen Breton striped tee can be a stylish choice, whatever your size. Opt for thick, quality cottons in a loose-fitting style and choose chunky stripes for the ultimate in Gallic chic.

Punky rock-chick tees look set to stick around on the fashion scene. Band t-shirts look great teamed with a leather jacket and can be smartened-up with a chic blazer. If you want to personalize your tee, specialist T shirt printing companies will embellish plain cotton tops with unique designs to make you stand out from the crowd. Especially popular with hen party groups custom printed t-shirts are perfect for making you feel part of the pack on a ladies-only holiday.

T-shirts are a top fashion choice, whatever your size. Versatile and flattering, a cotton tee is an easy-to-wear wardrobe staple which can be worked in many different ways, depending on the occasion. To look good every day, no woman should be without a selection of stylish t-shirts.

Image courtesy of Plus-size-womens-fashions.blogspot.com

About the author: Caroline enjoys writing fashion posts about the latest clothing styles and keeping up with anything to do with current fashion trends.

Fashion Article: Spring Must Haves for Plus Sized Women

Although the effects of winter are still here and spring is still several weeks away, that doesn’t mean that you can start revamping your wardrobe for the upcoming warmer weather. When spring arrives, it is finally time to ditch the cumbersome sweaters, coats, and scarves for lighter and brighter wares. So if you are ready to get those drab colors and heavy garments out of your closet, make sure fill your wardrobe with the following Spring 2012 fashion trends:

Cardigans
Cardigans are great for making the transition from colder to warmer temps while still providing ample cover. To give some of your office attire a great boost, be sure to pick out brightly colored cardigans that can be worn with a variety of outfits.

Vintage Jewelry
Bangles, a black diamond ring, a chunky costume necklace – all of these are great pieces of vintage jewelry that can spice up any outfit. While certain types of vintage jewelry can be a little steep in price or harder to find, great, inexpensive costume jewelry can easily be found online and in thrift stores and vintage clothing storefronts.

Pencil Skirts
While more flowy skirts tend to come in fashion in the spring, there is nothing wrong with a classic pencil skirt. They come in a wide variety of colors, the brighter the better for spring, are easy to dress up, and accentuate your curves in the all the right places. Put on great stockings and a pair of heels with a pencil skirt, and you’ll have a sexy, chic professional look that commands all the right attention.

Cropped Tops
There is no denying that the loose cropped top is in, and yes, even plus size women can wear them. They come in a variety of patterns and colors, making it easy to find one or a couple that best flatter your coloring, and require only a tank top or cami underneath to stay modest. Put one of these tops on with a great pair of skinny or boot cut jeans, and you are ready to go for a night out.

Peplum
That’s right, this 80s styled blazer is making a comeback, and there is a strong reason for it. The peplum blazer accentuates the plus size figure in all the right places, and just looks downright womanly. So if you are in the market for a new, lighter blazer this spring, skip the traditional and head for the peplum.

While some of us dread spring, because we know it will require us to stop hiding away in our sweaters and heavy coats, there are plenty of great pieces that compliment the curvier figure and can let us strut our stuff with confidence. Don’t let the warmer weather get you down, look for some of the aforementioned trending fashions, and be ready to enjoy a few extra days in the sun.

Image courtesy of kaboodle.com

About the author: Alex Summers is a regular contributor to several fashion blogs, often specializing in 80s and a 90s influenced collections.