CYBER MONDAY SALES!

Here are a few new sales exclusive for Cyber Monday and some sales that have continued from Black Friday:


AdditionElle
Cyber Monday, get 25% off your order + Free Shipping from AdditionElle.com!
Use Promo Code: AECYBER2011
(Valid Nov 28 only)

Penningtons
Cyber Monday, get 25% off your order + Free Shipping from Penningtons.com!
Use Promo Code: PTX25

BLACK FRIDAY SALES!

If you are one of the brave ones who crossed the border to take advantage of all the great deals on Black Friday in the US, you will be too busy in the stores to take advantage of these online deals. 

BUT if you are like me stuck in Canada and wishing you could be shopping, don't fret you can still take advantage of some of the special Black Friday Sales the stores have to offer:

AdditionElle
This Black Friday, get 20% off your order at AdditionElle.com!
Promo Code: AEBFNOV
Valid Nov 25

Fashion to Figure
Save 40% 
Coupon code DOORBUSTER

Lane Bryant
50% Off Everything
Coupon Code: BESTDEALLB

Penningtons
This Black Friday, get 20% off your order at Penningtons.com!
Promo Code: PBF20
Valid Nov 25

Satin Woods
Save 30% Off your entire order with a purchase of $75+
Promo Code: ColourfulFriday
Sale ends Monday Nov. 28

SexyPlus Clothing 
Take 30% off almost everything in store and 20% off online orders with no exclusions.
Promo Code: BLACK20

Shop Translated
50% Off Everything Friday to Monday
Code: Cybersale50

Style 369
Upto 30% off everything
Sale ends Nov 28th

Swimsuits For All 
Take an additional 30% off already reduced prices with coupon code CYBER30Valid Nov. 23rd - 29th

Torrid
Black Friday & Cyber Monday Savings - $25 off $100+, $50 off $150+, and $75 off $300+ at Torrid.com! Shop Now to Save!

Ends 11/28

Old Navy
Save 15% off on your Old Navy purchase! Online Only.
Promo Code: ON15OFF at checkout.

IF you hear of any other great deals feel free to share them!  I would also love to hear your best deal of the day.

Happy Shopping!
Sherri

FREE Clothing from SexyPlus Clothing

I bet you have been wondering how did she earn FREE clothing at SexyPlus Clothing?

I hosted a Big Sexy Shopping Party!

I called all my favourite shopping friends and we all met at SexyPlus Clothing on a Friday night.  We were greeted with a smile from Stefanie (boutique owner) as always and we jumped into shopping immediately.

Interestingly each one of my friends has a completely different body shape and a different style then one another but everyone was able to find a number of pieces to try on.  This is just one of the reasons why I love to shop at SexyPlus Clothing; there is literally something for everyone.  The size range is 12+ - 6X.

What I love about shopping with my girlfriends is that we all push each other to try on things that we wouldn’t otherwise try on.  In some cases these don’t always work out and result in a big laugh for all.  Sorry Jess! (My sister-in-law is always game to try anything I pass her.  I will admit to passing her some things “just to see” heehee)

k,k, - back to the topic… I think it is easy to get stuck in a rut trying on the same sort of cut, style even colour but keeping an open mind of suggestions from your friends will help you to avoid that style rut.  I figure they are not going to steer me wrong, they have to be seen with me!

When you shop in SexyPlus Clothing you will become fast friends with Stefanie.  She makes you feel very comfortable and creates a fun shopping atmosphere.  As our hostess with the mostess , she was fantastic; helping with suggestions, sharing her knowledge of the various product lines, providing beverages when we were parched and taking special orders for items we needed in different sizes.

As the host of the party I received 15% of what the total purchases were from the party to put towards my purchase.  It worked out great for me, I had a hard time deciding between a black or purple top and so when everything was totaled I got both!

I wasn’t the only one to benefit from Big Sexy Shopping Party.  My invitees also received at 15% off their purchases.  We all left with a bag and a smile on our faces.

So what did I buy?

Signature Wrap Cardigan

Enchanted Top purple

Disco Belt

Enchanted Top black

Phenomenon Stretch Boot Cut Slacks

Plus a fantastic one of a kind Kimono style satin top in an animal print, exclusively designed for SexyPlus Clothing.

I highly recommend you book a Big Sexy Shopping Party today!   It is a fun thing to do before the craziness of the holidays start and you will get a jumpstart on finding that perfect holiday dress.
Call Stefanie!

Happy Shopping,
Sherri

A Product Review of Neon Budha and Pure Handknit

I was given the privilege of doing a product review for two companies:  neon budha and Pure HandKnit, sold separately but distributed by the same company.

You have seen more and more companies becoming more socially aware and ethical in how they do business and these two companies are leading the industry.  Here is how…

Although Canadian designed, the clothing is manufactured in Chiang Mai with a focus on women.  These women are given the opportunity to benefit from the core ethical working standards which are company paid health care, maternity leave and continuing education which includes English classes for not only staff but also their family and friends.

Both companies are also environmental conscious using solar power to heat hot water, Thailand staff are kept cool and Canadian staff warm by installing extra insulation, and dozens of trees have been planted to offset their carbon air foot print.

And if that wasn’t enough they donate 1% of each sale to various organizations plus any excess yarn and fabric is donated to non-governmental women’s organizations to be used to generate income.

Now let’s look at each company individually starting with Pure Handknit.  Made with 100% cotton yarn, what is so unique about Pure Handknit is that each piece is individually knit by hand by 3500 women knitters in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Handknit!  I know, I was surprized to learn this too.  It is rare to find an entire line of clothing knitted by hand.

I LOVE the two sweaters they sent me which were both in cream colour:

Vanetta Cable Cardigan

Rustic Patchwork Tunic

They look great; they fit to size (offering women’s sizes in 1X-3X) and wash perfectly.  I washed both on gentle, with cold water and hung them to dry.  I was so happy to find they kept their shape. 

The look and the quality of each piece is gorgeous to say the least.  I can’t express how the quality is really what makes these pieces.  You would expect to find sweaters like this to be WAY more expensive.

When I was initially asked to do a product review I was secretly hoping I would get one of each piece to try, I loved everything in their line.  For a knitwear company their styles are fashion forward and unique.  Here are just a couple of my favourites from their line:

Brisbane Cable Wrap

Patchwork Button Wrap 

Rosalyn Popover

Now to neon budha, their tagline is nirvana for your body and soul.  They offer lifestyle clothing for travel, work, home and yoga.  Made from 100% preshrunk cotton blends, this line is for women looking to be comfortable but stylish.  Using an amazing mix of colours neon budha has made knitwear something completely acceptable to wear to the office and not just something you wear to run out and get groceries.

Again, the sizing was true to size (1X-3X), washes great, and cozy, cozy, cozy.  When I wear the shirts I received from neon budha I can’t help from rubbing my arms.  The material is so soft; they are my favourites to pull on for a chilly fall day.  I know you can’t see me but I am wearing one right now!

These are the styles I had the opportunity to test drive both in white:

Button Tab Top

Kylie Cowl Tunic

Here are a couple of my favourites from their line:

Cowl Neck Tunic

Ruffle Collar Jacket

Straight Leg Pant

 I should add that both lines are also available in regular sizes too.

I highly recommend both neon budha and Pure Handknit lines.  You will not be disappointed.  Their products can be found in boutiques across Canada.

Happy Shopping
Sherri

Ashaki Charles Designs, a Canadian Design Team

I was recently contacted by Julie, one of the partners at Ashaki Charles Designs.  She wanted to introduce me to their up and coming company that is based out of Toronto.

As you know I love to support Canadian businesses as much as I can so I sent Julie a few questions to help us learn more about Ashaki Charles Designs.  Here is our online interview:

Tell me a little bit about your clothing line.The line is an on-trend, vintage-inspired collection of feminine pieces. May-December, our debut collection, includes gowns, maxi dresses, mini dresses and jumpsuits. Our clothing is figure-flattering; whether flowing or structured, made to compliments every silhouette.  


How did the two of you get started in the fashion industry?
We started out making our own jewellery because we had a difficult time finding contemporary pieces available for plus size women. When compliments turned to requests, we began designing and selling our creations, leading to opportunities to accessorize fashion shows and photo shoots. 

What do you think your clothing line brings to the Canadian plus size woman?
Ashaki Charles Designs brings Canadian plus size women the option to wear the same designer clothing as their smaller counterparts. A few mainstream designers have launched plus sized lines, but the clothes are always different to those in available in smaller sizes – the material, style, price; you name it. 

As a Toronto based design company, where do you see the plus size clothing industry heading?
We see the industry headed for expansion and acceptance.  There’s no reason why Canadian women have to do almost all of their shopping overseas and across the border. There are only a handful of major retailers in Canada carrying plus size clothing and three out of five are owned by the same parent company. 

I see you were chosen as one of a few designers to feature your line at Full Figured Fashion Week 2011 in New York. What was that experience like?
It was a great experience. We were able to participate in a whole list of activities including industry parties, fittings and of course the runway show. The backstage rush is completely different when your name is on the line.

And what response and/or positive things have happened since attending Full Figured Fashion Week?
We met some great people at FFFWeek and we’ve kept in touch. We’ve participated in the NAAFA (National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance) 2011 Conference in DC, The Fuller Woman Expo in Detroit, FNO Plus in Virginia, The Clothing Show at Toronto’s Exhibition Place and at Pop-Up Plus in New York. 

Your clothing seems to be made for a curvy figure however your product is available in sizes 2-32.  Do you begin by designing for a fuller figure and scale down the size or vice versa?
We design our clothes with various women in mind. The beautiful thing is that all women have curves, some just have more than others. The larger the size, the more curves our clothes facilitate. When we select one of our designs to go into production, we ensure it’s one that will appeal and compliment women of any size. 

What can we expect from Ashaki Charles Designs in the coming future?
You can expect more high quality vintage-inspired pieces, continued use of colour, clean lines and the introduction of separates. 

Aside from your website where else can find your designs?
Ashaki Charles Designs can also be found at SexyPlus Clothing in Toronto. They are also going to be available in Atlanta, GA in the near future. 

Is there anything else you would like Plus Size Fashion readers to know about your company or product?
In addition to clothing, Ashaki Charles Designs continues to design jewellery which is also available online. Our Spring/Summer collection look-book will be available in late 2011/early 2012. 


Here are some of their designs:

Very.com, a New Company from the UK

It is their first week online and Very.com has come out with a great selection for the plus size woman. 

To find the plus size clothing select women, and look for Size 16+.  They offer clothing in US sizes 14-28.  Be sure to check out their size charts because UK sizing is slightly different then ours.

You can shop in US$'s by changing the currency button on the top right side of the site.  Shipping is $8.99 and takes 9 days.

Very.com calls themselves no ordinary fashion store so lets see why...

So Fabulous Printed Maxi Dress $55US

So Fabulous Sequin Snake Dress $66US

So Fabulous Wide Leg Jumpsuit $77US

So Fabulous Leather Look Vest Top $27US

So Fabulous Knot Front Top $34US

So Fabulous Camel Belted Coat $101US

I have not had a chance to order from them but if you do please share your experience; good or bad.

Happy Shopping,
Sherri

Thank you to our Sponsors and Coming Soon!

It is the amazing disappearing woman!  I know, I know, I apologize.  I know you can all relate, life sometimes gets in the way of doing things you love.  It shouldn't be the case but it is reality.

I have a ton of stuff to share with you but instead of blasting you with everything in one day I am going to spread it out over the next few weeks.  Coming soon to a Plus Size Fashion blog near you...

1. A look at the new UK store that just launched this week, Very.com.  Some great finds with shipping to Canada taking only 9 days, and costing $8.99.
2. An interview with Ashaki Charles Designs, a Toronto based design team that is going places in the fashion industry.
3. A product review for neon buddha and Pure Handknit.
4. A shopping party with my girls and earning free clothes at SexyPlus Clothing.
5. A special thank you from my friend.

And to kick if all off a big thank you to my sponsors for the month of October.  We appreciate their support in helping make Plus Size Fashion a success.  I thought it would be fun to take a look at what each one has new in for Fall/Winter:


Satin Woods
Caviar Scoopneck Dress $98

Kate Mesh Top $62

Roxy Top $62

LucieLu

Emilie Dress-Charcoal $49

French Birdie Dress-Teal $62

Trina Tunic $38.50

Karen Kane
Sequin Front Banded Blouson $147

Structred Knit Pant $101

Metallic Drape Top $98

Dress 911

Forever Blusey Dress $52.95

Get Together Dress $44.95

By Invitation Dress in Yellow $47.95

Happy Shopping,
Sherri