How to Look Your Best and Not Under Durrest ! The Plus Size Edition

Hey guys--I promised to make a blog that tells you how to stay current, how to get it all for less and how to really look amazing! In this blog I'm gonna focus more on the "looking amazing" part, because I think it's time to talk about this. This blog is all about how to dress well as a plus-size woman. 

It's an issue that most magazines skip past or barely mention.  Also so-called "fashion forward" plus size stores claim to have your best interests at heart , but they really can make you look awful. Some of these places claim that you can wear what that skinny toothpick girl is also wearing because they made it bigger. Women go into these stores and buy that size 18 spaghetti dress, walking away with  the false confidence that they can offically be just like that skinny toothpick. But its not right or fair. It's literally straight up false advertising. 

 I actually spent some time going through some of these plus sizes stores/sections seeing exactly what they were pushing to their customers. In some places I liked what I saw, but it was very common to come across something that most plus-size women should never ever wear. So I've decided to write a little bit about what you gals should and shouldn't be seen in.

Patterns, colors, cuts, sizes, pleats--I'm gonna talk about all of this and more! Why? Because it must be addressed. And I'm saying it cause I love you all and truly want the best for you!! 

The one retail store that you can rely on to constantly reproduce the current trends in a wearable way is Lane Bryant--remember that--Lane Bryant! Just in case you forget, I will mention this store's name over and over again until you get that this is so the it store to be!

Sensitive Issue Time: How to keep it Going Strong in Plus Sizes

Omg. Don't kill me, don't hate me, please.  Just listen. 

I have to talk about this because it's something that is a very sensitive issue for people that fall into this size category. I am the size that I am. But I have many friends that range in very different dress sizes and it doesn't phase me a bit. I love it. But everyone knows that "plus-size" is the new norm in America.  It's just a fact. So rather than making people feel bad that they have a certain dress size, instead, we should embrace them and make them feel special. A size is just a size, it doesn't reflect what kind of soul it is that you have inside. Some people can be horribly mean and be as skinny as a runway model--their size doesn't make them beautiful at all.

So take this in as I go over this part--big is beautiful because it is you. If you have health issues, however, and losing weight will make it go away then by all means you must go and seek health advice, get a healthy diet and really push yourself to get to where you need to be. You can't enjoy life if you expire because you were unable to maintain a healthy diet and liftestyle. Lose the weight to extend your life span.  Lose the weight if you feel you need to and not because someone else has bullied you into doing so. 

Don't Let Their Opinions Control You! You are Better than They Are!

You should all be aware that October is National Anti-Bullying month. Many people fall prey to the horrid acts of insensitive people. But you should never let the words of insensitive people hurt you. If you want to or need to change, don't let the petty people around you make that decision for you.  I've found that when it comes to making drastic changes with yourself, you only do it if you truly need to and want to ---not because your douche bag boyfriend or bitchy frenemies tell you to. If you don't truly want or need to change you, then you can not. 

Phew. Now that we have gotten all of that out of the way, it's time to tell you how to feel comfortable and look fabulous in your own skin.


Stripes and Black are slimming? Well It All Depends

I'm sorry, but this poor woman actually has a nice well rounded body--but in this pix she looks like a stripped , huge round beach ball . Doesn't do her body justice!

Everyone has heard that black is sliming and that stripes are too; but here's what you don't know--it all depends on the size, cut and color balance of these two looks. Let's deal firstly with the stripes issue. In more sophisticated terms, the width of stripes and their vertical/horizontal orientation determines how slim they make you look.

The Science of Stripes:  The Width Determines the Fit

The width of the black stripe is bigger than the yellow stripe. The yellow will accentuate the parts that you want to, while the black will slim out the other parts you don't want accentuated. 

Some people don't realize that the width of stripes featured on your clothing determines how slimming that dress will look. For example, stripes are only slimming on you if the thin line is the light color, and the dark color is the bigger, bolder stripe. Or if both stripes themselves are teeny weeny ones then it can have that desired slimming effect. If both of them are big and bold, however, then the orientation of the line will be the last factor in making the garment look slim. In other words, the width of the lines determines how slimming it looks. 

Vertical vs. Horizontal

These vertical lines are perfect in color and width and compliment any body type.

The type of lines that make up these strips effects how slim it is that you look, aka horizontal versus vertical lines. I believe that horizontal lines are for people who aren't so curvaceous or for people who desire to call more attention to their curviness. I believe that vertical lines downplay your curviness. So you can mix and match these two depending on what image you're going for. 

Horizontal lines that would look great on most body types. 

 Often times many women, size 0-20+, don't understand how these shapes drastically changes the shape that they want to portray to the world. So remember this, thin lighter stripes over the darker is the best way to go.  And if both stripes are very thin together, then this will look great on you as well. I'm more of a thin stripped, vertical-line kind of girl, but to each their own. Black, however, is a whole nother story.

This woman , a plus size indeed, wears her weight well by wearing the right colors and cuts in the right way. She is curvaceous and fabulous . Use this concept .

Black is slimming only in certain flattering cuts. Sometimes, based on your curves, skin tone, hair color and size--black can make you look like a huge beach ball, a cheap whore or a total hot mess. Get to know your body so you don't make this error. That "little black dress" only works if it compliments ALL parts of your body. Seriously. ALL parts. And when you seek out that "little black dress" you must have a clear vision of what you want that dress to do and what kind of vibe you want to give off. To make these distinctions clear, I will make up three different categories : Sultry, Cute and Office. 

If you want sultry, you have to think about  showing legs , cleavage and curves.  If you want cute, you have to think about the waist fit, the shoulder cuts and the way the dress grabs you in a warm, cuddly yet fun way. If you want office, you have to make sure that cleavage is packed away or subtlely shown, its knee length at least so that it screams womanly but appropiate. If you consider these issues with these three concepts, you can successfully achieve whatever version of this look you want. 

Wear black and wear it well. The power is in your hands.

Color .  Color Blocking. Color Fun! Period.

NO!! NO!!!! OMG NO!!!

Color. Choose wisely from the colors you will see before you very, very carefully. A solid neon yellow or turquoise pencil-shaped/mini-dress can never, ever, ever be your friend. It calls too much attention to your waist, your hips and your legs. And you don't want all of that attention. You want to put on something that exuberates Fall 2012 in the most flattering way possible. Color blocking--thank goodness--is very in this season and will be your savior as well as your great creative direction.

Lane Bryant does it right in this top! Just a tease of skin and it fits so well 

 If you truly want to show a little skin, then you have to give the skin-teasing tops and dresses a shot. For example, a full shirt that is button down or totally closed with little slits on top of the shoulder areas. The top till middle part of your shoulder usually shows less jiggly-weight than does completely exposed arms or legs. So if you're worried about the potential excessive layered skin effect, then you can go with this look. 

Ugh! Ashley Stewart is pushing the wrong kind of color blocked dress here, the lighter color is the strongest one present! It grabs at your body too much and will show unwanted parts and gives you a whole "hootchie mama" look too---and you deserve better than that!

Plus--jump on the band wagon of color blocking apparel! It creates so many fun and exciting angles for you!

Shawls, Cowls , Wraps and Jackets---all made just for you!

I really have to give Lane Bryant a huge pat on the back for carrying some of the BEST selections of plus size clothing . Ashley Stewart ( a plus-size only store), Rainbow , H&M  and other stores that have a plus-size section usually don't go the extra mile to adjust their clothing to suit your body type. It's just the same design, same material--except bigger. And that's really not the best thing if it won't look good on your body type . But Lane Bryant tends to transform the current fashion trends so that it translates well for your body.

This is a shell designed as a cowl in a wonderful fall/wintery print. There are so many cuts and angles to it that it creates an amazing structured look on your body that makes it look curvy and fresh!

Fall time means its layering season. Scarves, wraps, and the like are totally in now. Lane Bryant grasps at this trend and pulls magical bunnies out of their hat just for you! This pix below, which although does have its own caption, is another example of how this company takes everything to the next level. I want to wear this cape. Anyone would love to wear this cape.  Luckily, it's all for you guys!

YOWSA!! Look at this amazing, amazing cape! The pattern is amazing! The cut is great for ANY body type! Go Lane Bryant!

Lane Bryant currently has killer looks with your body in mind! I can't stop singing their praises really!  Their collection of versatile inner-outter wear is astounding--check out this amazing color blocked poncho. I love it! Its so sophisticated and slimming all at the same time!  All in all, Lane Bryant has a great collection of sportswear, casual wear and formal wear that flatters you. Put them up there on your list of top stores to shop at.

Did Someone Say Jumpsuits?!!

Featured here are 2  strapless jump suits created by Fanista. Look at how it gathers so that your belly isn't seen and your waist is accentuated ! 

Yes! Believe it or not, jump suits are pretty much naturally made to flatter any body shape or size! They are usually fitted but loose at the same time, and this is the one thing that is sold in most stores that a plus size woman can buy with confidence that it will fit her well! There's something magical about jumpsuits, I just can't describe it!

This stunning piece of work can be found at this website :http://www.plusshe.com/

I bought my first jumpsuit over the summer, and whether I was walking around on the beach or dancing my heart out in the club , I felt so comfy, free and beautiful all at the same time. Most retail shops are pushing these out now, so go out there and find one that speaks to you the most. You will love how it holds you and how great you feel in it. 

Pleated Looks Does it!

Nothing but pleat showing here! Although I disagree with the sleeveless part of it, overall it does an excellent job of fashion flare and awesome coverage.

Oh. My. Gosh. Seriously. Pleats are the BEST thing for anyone. Like ANYONE. Like ANY body type. It gives you a whimsical and sophisticated look with little to no regard at all whatsoever to your body size! It makes me feel magical and weightless even when I'm having a really bad bloated day or I just don't like what I see when I look into the mirror.  Ladies, grab this up. Tops, skirts, dresses, omg. Pleated clothing does not discriminate, it loves you no matter what size you are. 

Just a little fyi--don't take it in the too "cheesy" direction . Match it up in nice, normal tones. If you are going to get a silver pleated dress...it may call too much attention to yourself in a not-so-good way. But a metallic, dark color is the best thing for you. Please DON'T get this in  neon yellow, neon orange, lime green or neon pink. That's half way to cheesy and trashy town. Plus, its the fall not the summer or spring so you really shouldn't be wearing those kind of colors in a pleated style anyway ( not that it can be pulled off so gracefully during the summer or spring at all). It's fall so indulge yourself in dark blues, purples, violets, greens, grays, browns, reds and blacks. If you are getting the glittery kind of pleated styles,the glare of it all will make up for the dark colors and give you that extra sparkle at night. No need to get a bright color to look like a shining star in the dark city night! 

Give your Hair that Extra Flair! 

Here's the thing, as I mentioned before in my second blog entry--big hair is in. And big hair also has the power to take the attention off your body. If your hair is big and bursting with tons of volume, it actually gives the illusion that you are much tinier than you actually are!  I've been doing the big hair thing since the spring and I love what it does for me! Its sooo big that it overshadows my waist and make me look super slim! 

Disclaimer: There is no guarantee that everyone who tries this clever little fashion trick will get the exact same results I did, but you will get something that takes the attention off your body and slims you down a bit. Give it a shot. Do an ode to whitney houston or just a throw back to diana ross.  Big hair will help you in the long run for the better, so get the blow dryer and start teasing it! ^_^.

Make Up Revolution

Rihanna is rocking the black eyeliner, bright red lip look here. Dramatic and Sensual all in one! 

Big hair is in, yes it is! Since it will make your face a major focal point you really should do something great to pull people into it. So  if you're more of a same-routine type of gal when it comes to make up, now would be a great time to start experimenting! I personally love the overly dramatic look with either a whimsical or sultry feel. Some days I want to feel like a floating fairy; other days I want to feel so sensual and super sexy. 

Loreal Makes the Best Eyeshadows that aid me creating my Fairy-like look!

Dark and defined eyeliner with bright crimson red lips are the perfect companions to capture that dramatic-sensual look. A colorful array of fall-toned eyeshadows in green, brown, purple, orange , lilac, gold, silver and  black along with pixy-pink blush captures the dramatic-fairy look so easily. These are good guidelines to work with, but everyone has their own look and their own taste, so experiment ladies. You will be glad that you did.  

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Ahh omg!! I'm so excited for you gals, you're gonna rock out this fall 2012 season in style ! I hope this itty, bitty little entry will help you in nailing down your look in just the way you want to! And don't fret or cry when you hear the word "plus-size". Think of it the way that I do, there's more of the awesomeness that is you to love. And I want you to rock it out in the best way possible. I <3 u guys! So until next time, keep rocking it! And don't forget to get some Sugar and Spice in your life!