Uncover The Best Styles And Cuts To Keep You Looking Cool All Summer Long

I am excited to have another guest blogger, Rebecca Morin an Image Consultant.  Take it away Rebecca!

Summer is here again, a time of endless flip flop wearing, lemonade by the pool and hanging out on the beach. If you are unable to sit at the poolside all day, sipping on lemonade and iced tea, staying cool with style can be tricky in the heat. Here are some of the best patterns, styles, cuts and fabrics to keep you looking stylish and sexy all summer long.   

Plus size women may find bathing suit season the big uneasy. Remember, your body is perfect just the way it is! Your curves are a sign of your femininity and beauty. Be bold this summer, feeling sexy and confident, is to believe that you are. You have the right to love your body and to feel strong and beautiful at all times. 

The first order of business, “Go With It!” The styles and patterns that best optimise a beautiful feminine body are ones that harmonize with your curves.  For instance, go with a more rounded or curved pattern to better match your shape. 

Chlorine Resistant Aqua Swirl Plus Size Crossback Swimsuit $40.60 from SwimsuitsForAll.com

If you wear a straighter pattern, such as vertical or horizontal lines, they may be fighting against your natural curves. The straighter pattern will stand out on your body, creating less harmony and look more detached and rigid. Diagonal lines can replace horizontal or vertical. Diagonal lines are less widening than horizontal, and less lengthening then vertical. They can often work very well as a substitute, depending on your body type. I would suggest patterns that have more flow, ease and curve, such as pokadots, floral prints and paisleys.

Softening Canton Mock Surplice Plus Size Swimdress $74.00 from SwimsuitsForAll.com

Remember the law of contrast. In contrasting sizes, the differences are emphasized. When a small scale is next to a large scale it will appear smaller and the larger scale will appear larger.  I would suggest keeping patterns on a larger scale. Rather then having a tiny print, be bold and do a larger print. Your body can handle it and it will be a better fit and more flattering. 

v-neckline printed side detail dress $39.99 from AdditionElle

This same concept of “Go with It” also applies to the best cuts and styles for your body. When dressing for the office, a light cotton Lenin blazer with a shall collar may have more harmony and match your body’s softness, opposed to a jacket with a straight angled lapel.

For casual, stick with summer tees that have a rounded neckline. A beautiful cowl neck is stunning on a woman with a larger chest depth. The flow and drape of the fabric, will match the beauty of your curves.

printed braided peek-a-boo top $29.99 from AdditionElle

If you have a more “A” shape body type, wear skirts and trousers that flow away from the body. If you have a less extreme “A” shape, a straighter skirt and trouser may be in better proportion.

 

Evelyn Dress by Igigi $101.95 from Satin Woods

Generally avoid pleats in your trousers and skirts they will create more width and bulk.

When it comes to finding the perfect summer time beach bathing suit, look for styles that support you. A soft halter top or sweetheart neckline with a criss-cross   backing may be supportive and flattering. Tank-inis and one piece bathing suit may flatter your body type well.  A solid colour bathing suit may be less distracting and create a more uniform look.  

Swank Punaluu Plus Size Halter Swimdress $54.99 from SwimsuitsForAll.com

When it comes to fabrics, choose more natural fibres, such as cotton or silk blends. Steer clear of fabrics that are too clingy, they will only create an unflattering look.  Cotton has good strength and abrasion resistance. It absorbs moisture quickly and is quick to dry which provides a cooling effect.

Silk also has excellent drape and luxurious hand. It is the thinnest of natural fibres. It is breathable and lightweight. 

No matter what it is your shopping for this summer, remember the three keys. 

Number one... choose patterns that match the scale and curve of your natural body.
Number two... find cuts and styles that best optimise your body type by mirroring your body shape rather then wearing styles that are fighting against you.
Number three... look for fabrics with natural fibre blends, they will be the most cool and comfortable for summer time heat. 

Enjoy your body and enjoy feeling sexy, confident and cool all summer long.

Rebecca is certified in Image Consulting and Advanced Image Consulting and also has a diploma in fashion from George Brown College. She offers a variety of services such as colour and style analysis, wardrobe audit, and workshops. 

I encourage you to contact Rebecca at rebecca@rmic.ca or 416 788 1274

OneStopPlus.com Now Shipping To Canada!

Wow I thought I was sleeping at the wheel yesterday when I stumbled onto OneStopPlus.com and read they were shipping international!  I wondered how long that had been happening without my knowledge.

Today I learned it was announced yesterday, phew, I feel much better and don't feel like I have been missing out.

If you are not familiar with OneStopPlus.com they are a marketplace for plus size woman and men.  Basically, it is a one-stop shop for all of their Redcats brands which include Woman Within, AVENUE, Jessica London, King Size (for men), and Roaman's.

Since their launch in 2007 they have also added online retailers to their offering also Torrid, Igigi, Kiyonna, Ulla Popken and more.

When reading their shipping policies alot of the existing online retailers do not ship internationally through OneStopPlus.com. I recommend reading their specifics before placing an order.

All brands on OneStopPlus.com are available for international shipping with the exception of the following: Aerin Rose, Aerosoles, Alight, Carol Wior, IGIGI, Kiyona, Lafayette 148 New York, Torrid, Ulla Popken, SVOBODA, Sealed With A Kiss Designs (S.W.A.K.), Tafford Uniforms, Reebok, ShoeBuy, handbags, jewelry, fragrances, costumes, home and kitchen, items delivered from the manufacturer, or gift cards & e-gift cards.

If you have done any shopping online you have probably come across this website and been seriously disappointed to learn they didn't ship to Canada after finding a bunch of things you wanted to purchase.

Here are a few things that we can now shop for....

1. Lightweight Cotton Denim Jumper $29.99-$39.99 and Denim Illusion Print Scarf $19.992.  2. Taillissime Printed Empire Waist Maxi Dress $69.99-$79.993.  3. Woman Within Comfort Smocked Dress $34.99 - $39.99

1. Taillissime Slightly Crinkled Chiffon A-line Dress $79.992. 2. Taillissime Tiered Tunic $24.99 - $44.99 3. Taillissime 2-in-1 Blouse $54.994. Taillissime Wide Leg Pants  $24.99 - $44.99

Don't miss their huge clearance section too.

A sunny summer Friday just got alittle bit better.  Happy Shopping!

Slipping Bra Strap Solution and a Giveaway

A cure for slipping straps?  I know right!

I was recently contacted by Paula from the StrapDoctor to try her innovative product.  She provides a simple solution to stop bra straps that slide down your shoulder.

Now sometimes you may be going for this look (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) but most times it is annoying, frustrating and can totally turn a “look” from good to bad really fast.

I received my package and was happy to find each comes with 2pairs; 1 narrow and 1 regular width. 

Instructions were really simply...

1.  remove from package – done.

2.  insert under each strap – easy peasy.

3.  oh I am done already – no slipping bra straps.

The material is a like a clear rubbery plastic, smooth on one side, rough textured on the other.  It is this texture that sticks to your bra strap.  The smooth side goes against your skin.

They are super comfortable. Now I have to say with these girls, 46 Long J I don’t typically have problems with bra straps slipping but a few of my bras will move around enough to be annoying.  These are the ones I used the Strap Doctor on and it was great.  No slippage, so comfortable you forget they are even there.

And that is what I THOUGHT was the only drawback but it turns out that isn’t a problem either.  At night getting ready for bed I undressed and forgot about them.  Just as I was falling asleep I remembered, and jumped up to make sure I didn’t lose them.  Later I learned from Paula that the straps are designed and tested to stay on even in the wash.  Yes, they are reusable so I do recommend you keep the packaging to use as a place holder for them when not in use.

The StrapDoctor also works with dress straps, tank tops and probably any other clothing that just won’t stay on your shoulder.

I appreciated the opportunity to try this cool product but what impressed me most was the story of how Paula came up with the idea.  Inside the packaging is her full story.  I will give you the really fast version… as a farmer in P.E.I. Paula would get frustrated with her bra strap sliding all the time while she worked.   She decided to fix the problem which was inspired by shelf liner material.

I love me a great Canadian business woman success story.

GIVEAWAY!

Paula has kindly offered a giveaway of 6 StrapDoctors to Plus Size Fashion readers.  To enter just post a comment saying “I hate slipping straps!”  We will randomly select 6 different winners.  I will post the names on August 1/11 so watch for your name.  As a winner I will ask you to send me an email with your mailing address.

If you are so frustrated with slipping straps that you can’t wait until August to find out if you are a winner, you can order the cure on Paula’s website www.strapdr.com

Two thumbs up from me!

Craigspass, a modern approach to couponing

Have you heard of Craigspass? Started by a Toronto company, it is like real time couponing.

So the idea is you join Craigspass and you will be notified with your mobile device or computer of sales, contests and exclusive offers within your area or even where you are right now!

After joining search for your favourite stores click “follow” to stay updated on their latest offers.

If a store is offering something you would like to share with your friends click “want” and they will learn of the great deal too.

To receive the offer no need for clipping coupons or using vouchers just walk into the store and show them your phone. Tada you just saved money!

Craigspass will never let you miss a great deal.  Out and about on a Saturday, take your phone and on your travels learn of what sales are happening around you.

I think the service sounds pretty cool but the company’s success is really dependent on both consumers and shop-owners.  Shop-owners really have to stay current and use the service (Which by the way doesn’t cost them anything unless someone actually redeems the special so why wouldn’t stores sign-up?)  And the job of the consumer is just shop and share.

I personally haven’t used it yet BUT it is on my todo list.  How did I learn about this service?  SexyPlus Clothing.  Stefanie is always embracing new technology and looking for new ways to stay in touch and keep her customers informed of what is happening at her store.

In case you were wondering, she does have an exclusive contest happening right now.  Click “want” on her contest and have a chance to win an iPhone 4 from Craigspass.  They have partnered to get the Craigspass word out.  The contest needs 400 “wants” by July 8th to activate.  If they hit 400 “wants” your name is entered into the draw.  I definitely WANT that!

While on the subject of SexyPlus Clothing, if you are in the city (Toronto) Saturday Stefanie is celebrating being 3 months Yonge with a  BOGO Sale (Buy one get one half off), a Sidewalk Fashion Show and a chance to win $100 SexyPlus gift certificate.  A party, shopping and saving all at the same time… sweet!