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 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.

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

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: 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 Article: Winter Best Beauty Buys

More than any other season, winter wreaks havoc from head to toe. Chapped lips, parched skin and brittle hair can leave you longing for summer days again. Make a few simple beauty choices now and help to ease red, irritated, wind-burned skin and static-filled hair before it even starts.

Warm, heated rooms might be cozy on cold days, but the dry air helps contribute to chapped, tight skin. Try spreading lotion on in the shower before towel drying to help lock in moisture. Facial creams come in different blends for night or day use. Switch to a nighttime formula during the day, if your skin feels tight or looks dry. The extra moisture might be heavy during summer months, but will help to seal in moisture when the winter wind blows.

Avoid any styling products that contain alcohol, as this will only dry your hair and contribute to flyaway, unmanageable styles. Curly locks can benefit from shine serums that are oil-based rather than alcohol-based and help to define curls and avoid unmanageable frizz while hydrating the hair. Avoid blow-drying hair; instead, get most of the water out by towel drying and run the blow dryer for a minute or two before letting it dry naturally. This will help to ease static-filled hair. Apply a conditioner made specifically for fine hair to also help tame any rebellious strands.

The thick skin of heels, elbows and kneecaps can become particularly dry during the winter months. Find a moisturizer with shea butter or lanolin to give these dry patches the extra boost of conditioning they need. Apply products at night to give skin extra time to absorb and reapply in the morning after showering. A clean pair of cotton socks can be worn on your feet to keep the balm from getting messy.

Don’t forget your lips; the delicate skin can become dry and rough quickly, so look for a formula that’s beeswax-based and has an SPF of at least 15. It might be overcast outside, but the sun can still affect skin with damaging ultraviolet rays, so don’t neglect sunscreen just because you`re not at the beach.

Winter beauty doesn’t have to break the bank. For stocking up on moisture-rich supplies, New Look discount vouchers can help ease the price at the checkout counter and fill your bathroom cabinet with all the supplies you’ll need to stay glamorous on the darkest winter day.

Image courtesy of skin-care.becomegorgeous.com.

About the author: Hannah is a beauty writer who writes about ways to keep women’s skin looking perfect in every season.

Fashion Article: Autumn/Winter Style Guide

Just because the weather`s getting colder doesn`t mean you have to sacrifice style. When the temperature plummets and it`s time to cover up, you can still look fashionable. Keep warm and look great by incorporating some of these styles into your autumn and winter wardrobe.

Autumn and winter is the best time to experiment with a variety of fabulous fabrics. Corduroy, fake fur, suede and wool are some smart choices when looking for stylish cold weather clothes. Other fabric choices include velvet, cotton blends and lace. Of course, you can never go wrong with denim.

Who says that floral dresses are only for spring and summer? Take that floral dress gracefully into autumn and winter by pairing it with rugged fabrics like tweed. Enhancing your floral dress with the right accessories can make you look both stylish and warm.

Floral dresses are just a small sample of dresses that are perfect for the fall and winter months. Coat dresses, classic straight dresses, A-line dresses and swing dresses are more fashion-forward pieces that can make you look great during the fall and winter seasons. You may even wish to include leggings with some dress styles to add extra warmth.

A tailored suit is another great piece to add to your cold weather wardrobe. Throw in a soft camisole and jewelry and you can wear the suit for the office and a night on the town. The classic, tailored pant suit is a wonderful staple for any woman`s closet and makes you feel both elegant and in charge.

Many women look terrific when they throw on a pair of wide-legged pants. Wide-legged pants make you look taller without overwhelming your body. They come in a variety of fabrics and look gorgeous paired with a classic button down shirt. Wear the outfit at the office and go straight to an evening event.

If wide-legged pants are not what you seek, you can still look fashionable by wearing straight-legged pants or leggings. Tuck them into boots and pair them with a pretty shirt or tunic.

Skirts are staples for many women during the winter months. Whether you choose above-the-knee skirts, maxi skirts or anything in between, choose a skirt that suits your body type. Winter skirts come in a dizzying array of fabrics that are sure to please almost any taste. One popular skirt fabric during winter months is suede and it looks good with a stylish pair of boots.

Updating your winter wardrobe is essential for women who want to stay on top of trends. While it isn`t necessary to completely revamp your winter wardrobe, you should still stay abreast of the new fall and winter fashions. Whether you choose to purchase warm items like new Hunter Welly Socks, treat yourself to buying some new dresses or add a new pair of shoes to your wardrobe, purchasing fall and winter clothing is a great way to get ready for the colder seasons.

Image courtesy of 100percentpeople.com

About the author: Georgina writes about current clothing trends and provides an inside view to seasonal women’s fashions.

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 Article: Choosing The Perfect Winter Coat

Winter is approaching fast and for most Northern Hemisphere shoppers, the time has come to look for a good winter coat- something to see us through the chilly months warm, dry, and looking good. There are tens of thousands to choose and picking the perfect one can be quite tricky. The first thing to do is think about the material. Here are a few of the most likely picks:

-Wool. It’s warm but heavy, and highly variable in quality. If you want the best, look for a Merino wool. It’s finer than most others and less itchy, and it’s naturally good at not picking up odors. Wool is never all that easy to wash, so it’s a definitely plus.

-Down. Not so much a material as a filling, down is the best lightweight insulation money can buy. Despite all the ‘smart fibers’ on the market today, the suits worn by polar explorers and Everest mountaineers are still filled with good old fashioned down. There is a big difference between the best high grade goose down and a lesser mix of duck down and feather- the former is a whole lot lighter and warmer. Down quality is usually expressed as a ‘fill power’. If you’re looking for a really warm, really light jacket, make sure the maker lists a fill power of at least 550.

-Synthetic fill. The problem with down is that it doesn’t like getting wet. It’s hard to wash and if it gets wet in a rain shower it won’t do anything to keep you warm at all. Synthetic insulation will offer some warmth even when damp and it’s easier to clean, but on the other hand, it’s not quite so light. Look for a well-known name (eg Primaloft- many clothing manufacturers buy their insulation from these experts). One bonus to choosing a synthetic fill coat over a down one is that synthetic insulation usually looks a little less bulky and puffy.

-Fleece. The best and warmest modern fleece jackets and tops are wonderfully warm and gorgeous to wear. They’re soft, furry, and can provide a much-needed touch of winter luxury. Most of them won’t cut out the wind, though, so they’re best worn under a coat that will.

Waterproof or not waterproof?

Some fabrics, like natural wool, have a degree of shower-resistance, and there are plenty of fully waterproof coats on the market. One thing to watch out for is breathability- cheaper waterproofs can feel sweaty and damp inside if you get warm while walking up stairs, for example. Materials like GoreTex and eVent are fully waterproof but feel more comfortable to wear when you’re active.

Cut and stitching

A winter coat can be any length but watch out for short jackets- if there is a gap around your midriff you’ll really feel it on a cold day! Coats that reach halfway down the thighs insulate some major arteries and help keep the blood (and hence your body) nice and warm.
Stitching can be the ruin of any piece of winter clothing but it’s most often a problem with down jackets and other insulated coats. All too often a line of stitching lets the wind blow right in, creating a cold patch across the seam. Beware of jackets with stitching that goes all the way through and look for those with a consistent thickness of cloth between you and the chill. Make sure zips have baffles behind so draughts won’t get to you that way.

Image courtesy of plussizethis.com

About the author: Jess Spate edits a women’s outdoor clothing resource. She also works for Appalachian Outdoors, an online retailer that carries a wide range of women’s clothes and hiking gear.

Fashion Article: Winter Sports Clothing

During the summer months, all you have to do is throw on a t-shirt and shorts and you can participate in most sports. The clothing for winter sports takes a little more thought and a lot more organization. When you want to participate in winter sports, you will need to keep the varied temperatures in mind. Layering is a good way to keep warm and you can also take layers off if you need to cool down. You also need to protect the extremities that can get cold fast like hands, toes, ears and head. Footwear is especially important since you will likely have winter elements like ice, snow and even slush with which to contend. Winter sporting activities can be cut short if you do not have the right clothing. At the very least, they will not be as enjoyable if you are cold or wet.
 
 
 

Hats and gloves are some of the most important items for any winter sporting activity. They can insulate the extremities while protecting you from wind, snow and looming frostbite. There are plenty of winter sports clothing options on the market both in the stylish and functional categories. Certain items are more suitable for certain sports so choose accordingly and you too can stay warm and enjoy your sport at the same time.

A layered approach is the best idea for any winter sporting activity. If you layer correctly, you can regulate your temperature and stay dry at the same time. The best approach includes an inner, mid and outer layer. The inner layer should draw sweat away from your body in order to keep you both dry and warm. If sweat lingers close to your body, you will feel cold as the water evaporates. The inner layer should be tight and the material should be polyester or perhaps even polypropylene. Cotton is the worst material for the inner layer. Depending on the temperature, you can choose fabrics that are light or heavy. The inner layer is usually a very functional piece of clothing. It provides insulation and warmth, but it should also be easy to remove and perhaps have storage pockets available. You may also want the inner layer to be adjustable in the sleeve and collar area so you can gain more or less protection, depending on the weather.

The middle layer is also an insulator, but it does not have to be quite as tight as the inner layer. The middle layer will have to stay in contact with the inner layer in order to do its job. It should also draw moisture away from the body. The best materials are polyester, fleece or down.

The outer layer is generally a coat of some kind on top and pants on the bottom. The main function of the outer layer is to protect you from the cold, wind and snow. You will want your outer layer to be breathable as well as waterproof. It should also be made from a tough material that resists tears and other damage. Many outerwear items will have pockets and zippered openings that can provide both storage and ventilation. Gore-tex is one of the most popular outerwear products. Volcom also has plenty of options available.

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

About the author: Muriel is an outdoor enthusiast who writes about online shopping and women’s fashion.