Online catalogs?

When I need something for myself or my clients and I can’t find it, I turn to the Web. I run across this problem most when it comes to swimwear and lingerie. For some reason retail seems to have go skimpy for skinny and matronly for the bigger girls and there is not much in between. There are definitely some exceptions but every woman wants to be unique, sexy, and chic so the only antidote is catalog shopping. Catalogs seem so passé but that’s not necessarily the case! With the current explosion of media on the equality of the sizes, the fashion world has imploded on itself; there are now too many plus size designers and not enough stores willing to take the product.

There are now some great online catalogs creating the unique, high fashion look and feel that is missing at retail. Here are my favorites:

Lingerie: www.hipsandcurves.com

Swim: www.Speigel.com

www.Shapefx.com (up to size 20)

www.alwaysforme.com

Do the New Trends work for Plus size?

Fashion is about a silhouette and the fashionable silhouette is definitely in transition! I see that we are moving into a traditional fabrication (away from tops with jeans as everyday attire), and the twist is the modern edgy cut. I am excited to finally start getting excited again about fashion but there are many fashion trends that may not be tasteful on your figure. Here are the top 5 to be careful with and how to wear them:

1-Bubble
The bubble trend started with fabric that lacked a clean hem…instead it was tucked underneath creating a round shape at the bottom. Then the trend went into shapes that made your lower half balloon at the hips. Now bubble skirts and dresses bubble from the high waist down. This silhouette needs to be really considered. Remember, the bubble is about proportion so it should be about 1/3 wider/fuller than your normal hips and it will make you look bigger so make sure that your body looks slim everywhere else. Try to wear it high wasted and make sure its not tight. Make sure that you cover your knees if you have thick legs and avoid if you have really large calves.

2-Leather bottoms
Leather bottoms especially pants are back ladies…where else did we have to go from the shinny leggings? Much like tights, I am not a fan of this for plus size. If you decide to go forward with leather pants, think sexy…. Get a pair that fits the waistband just below your belly button. It should slim the curves of your sides and lower abs…not accentuate. Try not to get leather bottoms that are baggy; if they have an unusual slouch in any portion of the garment, leave it. In order to be properly executed for the current trend, the garmetn must drape perfectly…so be careful.

3-Big shoulders
80 inspired with extreme modern edges, this trend is big! Shoulders are accentuated by coming to a point, layered ruffles, stiff materials overhanging the shoulder or a large tubelike cylinder of fabric. This trend, I think is okay for plus sizes and definitely can give a plus girls’ rounder shoulder some structure. My only concern is balance if you already have a much smaller lower body, you may look like a linebacker; be objective and do this look only if its flattering.

4-Pleats
Accordion pleats are back and this time they are larger and more pronounced. They are the perfect alternative to ruffles and the texture they add to an outfit excite me. I’ve seen this go wrong many times though. You cannot wear this style tight or the pleats will not wear right. Also, please make sure to keep your garment pressed so that it looks crisper. Remember to wear a shaper underneath to sleek curves that can interrupt the structure of the pleats.

5-Ruffled dresses/skirts
Another great classy trend that has great potential! The new trend has bigger tiered ruffles that are not equilateral; they hang over each other and at different lengths. This is definitely modern and feminine. I see a lot of bigger girls shy away from ruffles, but I highly recommend trying this trend as it does wonders and is what I call a feminine camouflage. Try wearing one piece like a top or a skirt and then play with the look.

On a final note, it was extremely difficult to locate any plus size designers on point with these trends. I found a lot of old silhouettes in oversized, drapey over printed items for fall. I encourage you to make the most of your money right now and be choosey; go for the best fit and be clever…Goodluck!

Get inspired…

This is the time of year where I start getting burned out on fashion. Nothing seems inspiring or fresh…Its just about too late to jazz up my summer wardrobe and its definitely too warm to get out my fall duds and this can lead me to walking out looking very…let’s just say pedestrian. I see it all around too; I work in the arts district and one glance around lets me know I’m not alone.

Here are my favorite 5 tips to getting re-inspired to flaunt your fabulous:

1. Color- Take this last ditch opportunity to walk around like a box of crayola. This year’s trends were very accepting of this, plus what other season allows you to do it? Have fun with it. Incorporate some colors that your looking forward to wearing next seaon.

-Think Pumpkin orange top with cobalt blue jeans.

2. Season Klash- Nights and Mornings may be cooler so you can probably add some of your lightweight spring/fall jackets during this time. This will give you that same fashion fresh feeling you have in those seasons. Also, think of ways you can trim your summer look with fall flair and pattern.

-Think a plaid tweed band on your summer hat.

3. Favorite- Wear your favorite summer outfit somewhere almost inappropriate and style it for the occasion .

Think your sun dress to work- but make sure to cover up and put on classy accessories or even a blazer with it.

4. Addition- Summer is about cool and simple so go the other direction; do a lot of accessories or add some lightweight winter accessories like hats and scarfs.
5.

Think pirate sailor- basic clothing could include a nautical jacket, or a blue and white striped shirt. For accessories, wear an anchor or a rope belt, an anchor necklace, a coin bracelet

6. MOD- The mod look is both winter and summer and its timeless. Play with the MOD look and make it yours. Remember this is a look you can create and wear again anytime and any season with the right additions/subtractions.

Weight and Wardrobe

I’ve been away focusing a little on myself…giving my body some TLC and on a small journey to lose a little weight. I am almost to my minimum goal of 30 lbs and I learned some valuable lessons, which I am willing to share with you!


Here’s my story:

Most of my clothes were a little bit tight and some stuff didn’t really work all the time because my stomach volume fluctuated. I was happy getting creative and figuring out ways to wear most of my clothes. I have to admit, I had a bag of stuff that I figured must have shrunk until I finally weighed myself and noticed I’d actually gained a little weight.

So I started a diet and lost about 10lbs the first week or so. This little bit of weight loss was just what I needed. There were no longer any tightness issues in my clothes and I was especially happy to see the drop in my gut! So when I lost the next 8-10, the visual representation of that was not as drastic. I just kind of became a smaller version and no particular body part was drastically cut.I have 10 more lbs to go and I wonder how that will play out.

I am happy to tell you however that you can drop a few lbs and not have to buy a whole new wardrobe! The other side of that coin is that you can gain up to about 20 lbs and not really notice it in terms of your clothes. So be honest with yourself if you ever feel like your clothes might be getting a little bit tight. Don’t let 20 or 30 lbs just creep up on you…anything more and you’ll be in need of a new bigger wardrobe- and no woman wants that!

My Top 5 Must Have Accessory Trends for Fall

Accessories can make or break any outfit. The accessory end of fashion moves just as fast if not faster than the clothing end. I suggest you don't try to get a piece (necklace, shoe, handbag)in every trend that comes out, but try to incorporate 1 or 2 pieces in with some classic accessories you already have...Mix and match old with new and see if you can make it work. If you can't, then go for simple elegance. With that said, here are my top 5 accessory trends for 2005:


1) Rocker- Fall is going to be big on chains, studs, zippers and quilted looks.

2) Animalistic- Animal prints are always big but try to also incorporate fur or feathers.

3) Rainbow- Not literally the rainbow, but bold jewel tones are big for fall and if something is embellished with big or colorful jewels, then its also in this fall.

4) Tubular- Tube scarfs, and over the knee boots are must haves and they looks so comfortably futuristic. My little hint about the boots is that if you have a lot of meat around your knee, they will look much slimmer and sexier.

5)Fringe- You'll see lots of shoes, jewelery and handbags with fringe and tassels...how fun!

What happens when an east coast b-boy meets west coast glamor?

East Meets West

Brooklyn Native and LA resident Rahk Loretta is reaming up to launch his limited edition and custom line of fitted caps. Mixing lux fabrics like lamb skin, brass, and snake skin with vintage emblems and well planned color schemes makes these caps unique, urban high end and a must have! These caps can inspire a distinctive outfit or pop and give flare to even the most casual look. What’s next for the designer? Embellished Sneakers. This is an upcoming designer to watch particularly in the high end urban realm. For more information, to purchase or to for your own custom design, contact Rahk at RahkSolid@gmail.com or at (347) 267-6575.
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The Convertible Dress

I've been asked a lot about the convertible dress since my post about Summer must haves... So here is my recommendation of the best convertible dress- Victoria's Secret. The fabric may require a little control garment if you have a lot of curves, but is easy to care for. Their convertible dress can be worn 10 different ways and thus has the most versatility I've seen. It has a feminine drape and comes in 8 different colors. My favorite is the medium blue but that's just because I have a thing for blue dresses. My next favorite would be the red because its a classic sexy color. This dress transitions from day, to evening to work. You can learn more at Victoria's Secret's website.