plussizefashion.ca l Plus Size Fashion: January 2012

Monday, January 30, 2012

A Second Ulla Popken Product Review

As I mentioned a couple of days ago I had the opportunity to do some product reviews for Ulla Popken. See my previous post about the Colour Block Knit Dress.

When I was contacted by Babe Hope about doing a product review she asked me to send her a list of a few of the items I might be interested in. I was actually quite embarrassed by the long list (I didn't want to seem greedy) but I also wanted her to know that there were quite a few pieces - and that is a good thing.

Ulla Popken has been working hard to provide more contemporary styles and I think it is obvious when you peruse their website. If you are interested here are some of the items that appeared on my list:

1. Sequin Swing Tunic
2. Embellished Animal Tunic
3. Mixed Print Tunic
4. Striped Knit Dress
5. Leather Sport Boot
6. Scrunch Dress Boot
7. Ring Trim Dress Boot
Wing Collar Coat - not shown
Buckle Sport Boot - not shown

Plus these two items that I actually received; the Striped Swing Sweater and the Wide Leg Denim Trousers. Both of these are from their new Spring line.

I can foresee myself getting a lot of wear out of this Striped Swing Sweater once the warmer weather comes. It has 3/4 length sleeves and is lightweight so on a cool summers eve I think it will be perfect. I especially like the stripes, I thought the pattern added more interest then just a plain solid sweater would.

I also think there is a lot of versatility with this sweater; jeans, white linen pants, crisp white blouse, white tee, sandals, heels... the list is endless.

It washes up nicely after bring washed in cold water and hung to dry plus the fit is true to size. I am so happy with this piece.

The third piece I was sent to review was the Wide Legged Denim Trousers. When these showed up I was surprised to find they had an elastic waist at the back. That was 100% my mistake. Upon reading the product description again I did see where it is mentioned online.

What I loved most about these pants was the dark colour. Having the option to wear a nice dark denim in place of black dress pants is always nice. Again in the spring and summer these pants will be great to have. The fabric is very light and airy again a nice change from wearing jeans in warmer weather.

My two issues with these pants are the elastic waist, I prefer a full fabric waist and that the fabric stretched after wearing them. At the end of the night they were much more loose then when I had initially put them on. Once they had stretched they seem to be too big, whereas I would have said before wearing them they were true to size.

The material is 100% cotton so I thought they might snap back to the original shape after washing them in cold and hanging them to dry but that was not the case. One last drawback was they will need to be ironed after washing. Again that is 100% me not reading 100% cotton in the description.

By combining these two pieces you can have a new fresh spring look. I have collected a few different pieces to show you how versatile this outfit is and how you can mix and match accessories to create a variety of different looks:

Three Strand Necklace - Ulla Popken
Slouchy Buckle Shopper Bag - Top Shop
Circle Sandal - Ulla Popken
Striped Swing Sweater - Ulla Popken

Wide Leg Denim - Ulla Popken
Brown Wooden Bangles - Style 369
Pink Patent Shoulder Bag - Debenhams
Crush Platform Sandals - Endless.com

Babe Hope and Ulla Popken have been an absolute pleasure to work with and I am thankful to have had this opportunity - two thumbs up to Ulla Popken and Babe!

Happy Shopping!
Sherri

Friday, January 27, 2012

Wide Calf Boots and How To Wear Them

Today I am excited to share a blog post from Sarah of DUO. Sarah shares ideas of what fashions to wear with your boots to get the perfect fashionable look. I have put together some looks based on her recommendations.

As an aside, I wasn't familiar with DUO so I asked Sarah to share some info: "DUO is a boot and shoe manufacturer, who specialize in fitted boots or fitted shoes that are perfect for you. Buying with DUO for the first time is so easy – just follow their fitting advice to find your perfect pair amongst the biggest ever range of calf fitting women’s boots and width fitting shoes and try out DUO’s unbeatable recipe for style and fit. If you need any further help DUO’s team of fitting experts can answer anything from fit to fashion, measurements to delivery. DUO’s fitted boots winter sale is currently on, giving you 50% off selected boots."

Today, the boot is more fashionable than ever. The popularity of this classic footwear can be seen throughout leading fashion magazines and remains a popular style choice in the media, fashion and everyday life. Boots come in four main lengths; ankle, mid-calf, knee high and over the knee. With each of these lengths, it is important to know the proper fashions to wear your boots with so that you are sporting the perfect look!

This is especially important for us plus sized women, as the wrong boot with the wrong outfit could make our legs look short and dumpy, instead of let us keep their natural length or help us create the illusion of longer legs. And before you turn away from this post, thinking the knee high and over knee boots don’t apply to you then think again, as they certainly do. These style boots are available in wider calf and wider foot versions, so you needn’t sacrifice comfort for style.

Ankle Boots
Maxi dresses are hugely popular today and ankle boots are perfect to wear with this or any skirt. Beware that the dress or skirt aren’t too long, as ankle boots with a long dress make your legs look shorter. Yet, ankle boots are perfect for jeans or pants regardless of heel height. You can choose from a flat, short or high heeled ankle boot style when putting together your outfit. Consider the occasion and how long you need to be on your feet, or what terrain you will encounter. If there’s a lot of walking involved, you’d be better off with a smaller heel or flats. Also consider canvas, suede, leather and faux leather types when integrating them into your outfits of the day. All of these styles will compliment your jeans, pants, dress or skirt, giving you a trendy and on the go look.

Duo Boots Ankle Boot Outfit by plussizefashion featuring mirrored sunglasses

Mid-Calf Boots
Western stars made the Western mid-calf boot a hit by pairing them with shorts or short skirts. Now you see a wide range of choices in the mid-calf boot from those popular suede fleece-lined and sheepskin boots to other popular pull-on suede, leather and faux leather styles. They can be paired with leggings, shorts, mini-skirts, long skirts and dresses as well as capri pants. Regarding dresses, I’d again keep to the short rule. Skirts can be longer, providing they’re not too clingy or a pencil skirt. Long skirts, which flow with your movements, are best suited for mid-calf boots. An option for this style is the currently popular petticoat skirt. The various styles available have made the mid-calf boot a great fashion choice among the trendsetters. Mid-calf boots are a versatile wardrobe item to own and will allow you to add some flair to your daily outfit choices.

Mid Calf Outfit for DUO Boots by plussizefashion featuring tights

Knee High Boots
The classic knee high boot is suitable for almost any look. This boot, whether heeled or not, is fantastic to go with any outfit you own. These are great to wear with mini-skirts or dresses and allow you to liven up your look with colourful hosiery or tights or none at all. They are comfortable under skirts and are particularly good choices when you are tucking in jeans or pants for a modern style. They are the most practical and stylish choice for winter, and can also be combined well with work wear, especially a suit. They have been and always will be a must for every woman’s wardrobe.

DUO Knee High Boots Outfit by plussizefashion featuring knot earrings

Over Knee Boots
Over knee boots are making a comeback. For the daring among us, they are a must have, and come in a wide range of fabrics and materials, pull-on or lace up styles and can be heeled or flat. They are available in many different looks and styles such as embellished with buckles, trims or other accents. For a different look you can flip them down, keeping your admirers on their toes, to what you are going to do with them next. With this style of boot, it is important that you team them with clothing that complements the look. A pair of jeans or leggings and a chunky knit jumper would look great with over knee boots. Avoid dresses and skirts, as they highlight the boot too much, making it overbearing and a little tacky looking. DUO will be launching their new spring over knee boots soon so keep an eye out for them.

Over Knee Duo Boots Outfit by plussizefashion featuring statement necklaces

When it comes to boots, it is best to experiment with outfit combinations, as the danger of losing your legs natural length or missing out on the chance to elongate them is high. This goes for women of any size. These tips will keep you on the straight and narrow though.

Sarah Oxley- Born in the UK and grew up in Germany. Creative writer and fashion enthusiast interested in good plus size fashion, as that’s what I wear, as well as good fitting and long lasting footwear. Since there’s nothing worse than ill-fitting shoes and boots.

Thanks Sarah!

Happy Shopping,
Sherri

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

A Product Review for Ulla Popken

I was recently contacted by Babe Hope from Ulla Popken. Babe is an author, stylist, personal shopper and blogger. She asked me if I would be interested in doing a product review for Ulla Popken.

I was unfamiliar with Ulla Popken having only visited the site a few times so I was excited for the opportunity. When I went to the site to do some research I was pleasantly surprised. I have since learned that the president of Ulla Popken has been working very hard to improve the whole line; making it more contemporary in style, more accurate fit, and better fabrication.

I would have to say that what they are doing is working. I found a lot of things that I think would fit well into my closet. Is it high fashion? No, but that isn't who their market is - it is plus size women over 40 (unfortunately yes I do fit into this category). I do think that even women under 40 could easily find pieces they would enjoy.

I think you will find a number of pieces with great potential. I say potential because I do think some of the styling could be done differently, the silhouette seen on the models appears to be the same throughout the site. When shopping and see you something interesting consider what it might look like with a wide belt, a scarf, a chunky necklace, numerous bracelets, tights - look for the potential.

Babe asked me to send her some ideas of items that I might be interested in. I was actually quite embarrassed by the numerous items on the list but I thought it was important she know - hey there are a lot of great things here. ( I will share my complete list in my next posting)

I left it to Babe to decide what she wanted me to review. On December 23rd (perfect timing) a package arrived with three pieces in it. One of which was this Colour Block Knit Dress

I have had the opportunity to wear this dress a couple of times and love it. Comfortable, comfortable, comfortable while being stylish. The sizing was perfect but what I loved the most was the fabric. I thought it was like a jersey knit but it is actually a blend of rayon and spandex making it super soft and resilient. I hate when jersey dresses stretch out after you have worn it half a day - nope not this one. For a true product test I actually wore it to my nieces 1st birthday. I was on the floor playing games with the kids, in the kitchen cooking and relaxing chatting with friends. By the end of the day it still looked great and kept its shape. As an aside I was asked if I had lost weight -nope, just a flattering dress.

Typically a straight knit dress like this may not necessarily be flattering without a belt or some to create a silhouette but the way the colour blocking is used in the design it actually makes the eye see a silhouette. The green and black point up bringing the attention to the chest and the waist is minimized because it appears your waist is only as wide as the black.

One of the other reasons I chose this dress is the potential I saw in it. There are so many ways you can wear this dress casual and dressy so I have put together a grouping of various accessories you could potentially wear with it.

Accessorizing a Ulla Popken Color Block Knit Dress by plussizefashion featuring accessories

I should also add that after a wash, it kept it's shape. I washed it in cold and hung it to dry. Easy to care for clothing, it doesn't get any better!

If you haven't checked out Ulla Popken I really recommend it. You will find new arrivals with the latest spring looks. While on their site check out Babe's blog, where she shares fashion tips and feeling fabulous in your clothing.

Stay tuned for my second product review for Ulla Popken coming soon.

Happy Shopping,
Sherri