Penningtons Style Insiders Program

It is always a good day when you go to the mailbox and you find something other then bills!  In addition to my new Addition Elle VIP Loyalty Program membership I also received a new loyalty program from Penningtons called the STYLE INSIDERS PROGRAM which starts September 1, 2012.

Within this program you have an opportunity improve your "status" resulting in increased rewards and benefits.  Initially you start out as a STYLE INSIDER which allows you to...
:: earn 20points for every dollar spent
:: accumulate points faster during bonus point events
::  access to special Style Insider contests
:: Style Insider fashion tip line
:: exclusive style savings

With 5,000 points accumulated annually you move up to PRIVATE EYE status giving you...
:: a $15 reward coupon when you reach 5,000 points
:: personalized offers by mail
:: an additional day to shop daily events
:: pre-book new arrivals and access to exclusive merchandise

Then with 10,000 points accumulated annually you move to SPECIAL AGENT which allows you all the benefits of the previous two statuses plus...
:: a $20 reward coupon when you reach 10,000 points
:: a $25 reward coupon when you reach 15,000 points
:: 2 free online shipping coupons
:: attend elite events by invitation only
:: $500 gift value for the top 10 Special Agents with the most accumulated points.

For more information and terms and conditions visit styleinsiders.penningtons.com

Are You A VIP?

Last week I received my new VIP card from Addition Elle in the mail.  What is it you ask?
The new and improved Addition Elle VIP Loyalty Program which goes into effect September 1st, 2012.  What do you get as a VIP member?

Reward Points
:: earn points for dollars you spend.

Insider Access
:: email notifications of new arrivals, special events and promotions
:: tips on the latest styles and trends

Exclusive Offers
:: a birthday surprise
:: invitations to exclusive shopping events
:: free delivery of unavailable items to your favourite store
:: "pick your own sale day' offers
:: fashion guides mailed to you
:: returns and exchanges without a receipt

There are some specific terms and conditions to the program that you might want to check out at vip.additionelle.com

If you received your invitation in the mail to sign-up for the the VIP program be sure to validate your membership and receive a 15% OFF discount on your next Addition Elle purchase.

If you are not a current member you can sign-up and receive $10 VIP dollars on your next $50 purchase.

Again all the details are at vip.additionelle.com

Introducing Loko Plus Lifestyle Wear with a 10% Off Offer

Recently my attempt at living a healthier lifestyle has included participating in a yoga class.  Effective and fun - yes. Pretty to watch - not so much.  How important is it to my health that I can wrap my leg over my head?  It isn't like I can or will show other people, "Hey everyone look at my new party trick!" Alright, alright maybe I would if I could actually do it.

I also know it is hard to look good doing anything in a crappy old tee and sweatpants.  Time to ditch that look and go for something that makes me feel good when I put it on.  I am sure I would feel motivated in cute well-fitting sportswear, which leads me to introducing Loko Plus, our newest ad sponsor. 

Sandra, owner/designer of Loko Sport/Plus  recently contacted me to introduce her line of plus size sportwear.  I was quite excited to see the great styles and colours she offered but also her ethical approach to business.

Some background, Loko Plus active/lifestyle wear is a woman's line designed for the plus-sized woman who is looking for quality, polish and comfort in her casual and activewear.
 
I interviewed Sandra to find out more about her business and products, I thought you might like to learn more:

Tell us how you started designing sportswear and for how long?
I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer at age 13. I started sewing my own clothes and making patterns using newspapers. My older sister decided to enroll us both in a Fanshawe College evening patternmaking course when I was 15. I was thrilled that I knew how to now make patterns that actually fit!
After highschool, I headed off to Toronto to study Fashion Design at Ryerson. To make a long story short, I started my own business Loko Sport in 1995 after getting some experience working as a pattern grader on Spadina, a part time seamstress at the National Ballet, and as a design room assistant at Body Wraps Aerobics Wear. Loko Sport started out by supplying Canadian cheerleading teams with uniforms and then branched into competitive dance costumes after my daughter took ballet. When she headed off to Grade 1 in 2005, I decided that I would now have the opportunity to start my women's activewear line and sell to retailers.
Loko Sport and Loko Plus is now sold to boutique stores across Canada, and I just picked up stores in Australia and Antigua.

How is your garments different then what we find in the stores?
Loko garments fit and flatter a real woman's body from size 4 to 24. I do the patternmaking myself. In the tops and jackets, I add extra tummy room and nip in the waist to give shape. Most of my customers want tops that can be worn with a bra. Pant rises are generally mid to high rise so they cover our curves instead of creating a muffin top. I use lots of bright colour paired with black on the bottom. Lastly, the Canadian-made quality can not be beat. The fabric feels amazing to wear, and the garments last forever.

Why is it important to you that the garments are "fair-wage" and environmentally friendly?
Many popular brands are made off shore where labour standards are much lower than Canada's. The garment workers get paid about $5.00 per day for a 10-12 hour day. Loko is made in Canada where workers get paid competitive wages and are then able to put the money they earn back in our local economy.
Environmentally friendly fabrics are becoming more and more available. When a fabric is made with bamboo, it becomes naturally breathable, wickable and anti-bacterial. Bamboo is essentially a grass which grows easily in little water and regenerates itself in 30 days. It also requires no pesticides.

How is the Loko Plus different then the Loko Sport?
I started Loko Sport first in 2005: sizes XS-XL. As time went on, women asked me for Plus sizes, so I created Loko Plus in 2009: sized 1X-4X, and happily, it has been well received!

Other then on your website, where else can we find Loko Sport/Loko Plus.
Loko Sport/Plus is sold in boutique stores across Canada. They are listed on the website. I am working on getting the lines into more stores. I see a real demand out there that retailers are starting to address.  http://www.lokosport.ca/womens_fitness_wear_where_to_buy.php

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your company and products?
I love what I do. I makes me happy when a woman puts on one of my designs and loves the way she looks and feels. Every woman deserves to feel comfortable and beautiful no matter what size or age.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
Sandra has generously created an exclusive offer to readers of Plus Size Fashion.  Receive 10% off your purchase until May 31, 2011.  When you place an order refer to code: BAMBOO10OFF


 
HOW-TO-ORDER
For individual Loko Plus orders please contact Loko Sport directly thru email or phone:
Email your order to: sandra@lokosport.ca
Phone in your order: 519.471.0504

Beach Bound?

Okay, so now that the snow has finally hit Toronto the itch to get out of town is growing.

I know, I know most of you have been dealing with a ton of snow for quite some time now and the itch has now turned in to snow hives - time to head south?

Before you go I recommend you check out the SwimsuitsForAll.com website. They are offering all my readers an exclusive promo, FREE SHIPPING on orders $50+. Use coupon code:  PLUSSHIPCA.  We never get free shipping to Canada so make sure you take advantage of it.

I have stated before, bathing suit shopping should not be done without copious amounts of wine and a therapist on hand. Since that is impossible how can we make it easier on ourselves – SHOP ONLINE!

To help with your search for the perfect suit I have shared a few suit suggestions and why they work:  (sorry I couldn't grab images off their website)

Larger on the Bottom?
Flirtatious Coverage Bali High Lingerie Swimdress by Delta Burke® $98
And why this works?
Nobody is looking at your thighs, hips, or stomach; all the attention is on the bust. Try to bring the emphasis up to your chest area and this will create a more balanced look.


Larger on the Top?
Refined Kehena Plus Size Sarong Front Swimsuit by Beach Belle® $48
And why this works?
This suit is sexy in its simplicity. The girls are supported but with a beautiful neckline. It also cinches at the waist with a faux sarong again creating a balance on the bottom. I think this suit would hide a multitude of sins and that is why it is my #1 choice.


Thicker around the Waist?
Fashionista Brown Halter Plus Size Swimdress by Beach Bay $44
And why this works?
The patterned line under the bust visually cinches the waist making it look smaller. The deep V neckline helps to bring the eyes up, giving you a “faux” hourglahourglass figure.


You can’t hit the beach without a cover-up…

Check out this gorgeous yet versatile cover-up… and for $36 that is a steal!
Six-in-One! Convertible St. Lucia Plus Size Dress by Beach Belle® $36

See you on the beach!

Spend but get Cash Back!

A super Cash Back promotion is happening April 14th to April 27, 2010 at plus size stores Addition Elle, MXM and Penningtons:

Spend $100, Get $40 online dollars
Spend $150, Get $60 online dollars
Spend $200, Get $80 online dollars

See their websites for all the specific details.

Happy Spring Shopping!

P.S. My SIL (sister-in-law) purchased two fantastic dresses at Penningtons this weekend that I don’t see online so I encourage you to visit the store too. Remember the best time to shop for the seasons clothing is at the very beginning of the season!

After a quick peak at Penningtons website here are two pieces that I really liked and will be taking a closer look at:

Border Print Smocked Blouse $39.99

Maxi Halter Dress $49.99