Old Navy Skinny Look Ideas!

Have you tried the new skinny jeans yet?

I was taking a look at the Old Navy Plus site (now that they ship to Canada) trying to decide on which skinnies I was going to purchase and found a bunch of looks they had put together.

Old Navy Skinnies on Sale by plussizefashion

I love the options available with a skinny jean, as I mentioned previously.  I think you are only limited by your own imagination.  But today I think I am going to go with their imagination and choose one of their looks to take advantage of the Old Navy Skinnies Sale.  Sale ends October 2nd, and prices start at $19!

Are you ready to try a skinny jean now?  For $19, there is nothing to lose!  #ampedONstyle

Shopping Old Navy for a trip to Cityline

Something fun;  my mom has received tickets to go and watch Cityline live in studio and there is 4 of us going.  The cool thing is that is for the Makeover Madness show.  This got me thinking.  I am months past due for a hair cut wouldn't it be cool to be chosen for one of the makeovers.  With this mop I am sporting, ummm yeah!

So I have devised a strategy to be one of the people they pick.  At first I was like… just show up with bad hair and no make-up.  But then what happens if I don’t get picked?  I have to sit there potentially on national television with no make-up and really bad hair.  Nope, not good!

Then I strategize what if I go with my current mop, and not get it done before the show, wear plain make-up and a really funky outfit?  My thought process is when they are scouring the crowd for potential makeover candidates they will say to themselves… “hmmm, cool outfit but ahhh poor girl her hair and makeup don’t match the look.  We should update her look to be more fitting.  I pick her!”

Now it is quite possible that they look over and say to themselves “Whoa, call the janitor, he has left his mop out here in the crowd”.

What do you think?  Is that a good strategy?  Do you have any suggestions?

So now the discussion goes to what to wear.  Because I have nothing in my closet I must buy something new and the caveat… budget.  I don’t want to spend a lot.

Since Old Navy has announced they are offering Plus Size Online in Canada I have been visiting their site regularly thinking I should try it out.  I decided to put together three potential outfits that might work for my “strategy” using Old Navy options. 

Then I get thinking, what if I were to grab all of these items now because a lot of them on sale?  I save money, save time and would be a have great start to my fall wardrobe.   Old Navy is making it really easy for me!

Wish me luck on my TV makeover quest.  I will keep you posted on how it all goes.

Old Navy Plus Size Now Available in Canada

Well, it has been months since I have showed my face around these parts so you have to know it is pretty big and exciting news to have me brush the dust of these chubby fingers and type up this post.

A few weeks back I was contacted about a new national plus line being launched in Canada but no details about who it was so I started to speculate who it could be.  Never did I think Old Navy.

Yup, you read that correctly; Old Navy is now selling their plus size line in Canada (online only).  A few years back when they moved the plus size clothing to online only in the US I thought booo, they will never come to Canada.  Well wasn’t I wrong!

They have always carried XXL in the stores but now at OldNavy.ca you can order up to size 30, which I think, is really important to note since not all plus size lines are so inclusive.  They have also carefully considered the styles and designed them to flatter the fuller figure.

Let’s look at more of the plus’ (no pun intended)

• You can shop 24/7
• FREE shipping on orders of $50 or more
• No duty to pay since orders ship from Canada
• FREE returns everyday
• Great prices with separates starting at $10.94
• Get outfit ideas in the “Outfits We Love” section
• Casual, business, active-wear, loungewear, outerwear; they have you covered.
• Their accessory section means you can get a complete outfit; from head to toe.

With ALL jeans on sale starting at $19 until Aug. 29th and fall just around the corner I am thinking it is the perfect time to start shopping. 

Pantone 2013 Spring Colour Report

Pantone has recently announced the 2013 Spring Colour Report.  If you are an award show junkie - not naming any names, you will have already seen these colours on the red carpet.

For those of us not appearing on a red carpet I thought after the freezing cold weather we have been experiencing as of late seeing some brighter colours might pick-up our dreary spirits and give us something to look forward to.

Although spring merchandise is just starting to arrive in the stores I was able to find a few pieces that reflect the new colours you will see this spring season.

Pantone 2013 Spring Colour Report by plussizefashion

See something you like?
1.  AdditionElle Slub Striped Top
2.  Lane Bryant Short Sleeve Colorblock Dress
3. Old Navy Rockstar Pop-Color Skinny Jeans
4. SWAK Pretty Cami
5. Kiyonna Betsey Ruched Dress
6. Ashley Stewart Lurex Stripe Blouse
7. eShakti Graphic Stripe Knit Dress
8. City Chic Online Roxanne Dress
9. Fashion to Figure Pastel Present and Future Lace Dress
10. Torrid Emerald Green Mitered Stripe Belted Dress

Pantone has also named Emerald as the "Colour of the Year" so expect to see this everywhere!

I am loving the Emerald, Nectarine and Morocco Blue... what do you think of the colours?  Any favourites?  Any "hates"?

Plus Size Model Search

Beyond the Rack and Dulcedo Model Management have partnered together to hold an exclusive model search casting taking place on Saturday, October 27. They are looking for plus-size models who are interested in being signed with Dulcedo Model Management and become the face of Beyond the Rack’s newest plus size division, My Curvy Closet. 

(If you haven't joined Beyond the Rack yet here is an invite link with a $10 shopping credit)

They are looking for up to 10 new plus size models. The casting will take place Saturday Oct. 27th at Hotel Zero1 in Montreal. Here are the deets...

About Beyond the Rack
Beyond the Rack, North America’s premier online shopping club, offers its members the most sought-after designer brand apparel, accessories, beauty, and home décor products at up to 80% off retail. Ranked by Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide as North America’s fastest-growing e-tailer in 2011, Beyond the Rack sells its products in the context of two-day, first-come, first-served, limited-quantity events. Members can expect up to 15 new events each day. The privately held company has offices in Montreal and New York, with a staff of 360 full-time employees. Beyond the Rack proudly serves over 8 million members across North America.

About Dulcedo Model Management
With diversified looks that embody the hottest trends, Dulcedo represents a selection of most talented local and international models and artists. Well established agency with its head office located in the old port of Montreal, Dulcedo supports young talents by offering opportunities and long term relationships that go beyond industry standards. DULCEDO's mission is clear; to showcase Montreal talents internationally by making them accessible to the global fashion community and reinforce the city's heightened reputation as a great fashion metropolis.

Good luck to everyone to goes!

25+ Ways to Tie a Scarf Video

I am guilty of wearing my scarves the same old way, day in, day out but I inspired by this video I found on Pinterest.  Now I can't wait to show off my new scarf tying skills.  

The first time you watch it you will be scrambling to figure out how she does it but no worries at the end of the video you can click on the example you would like to learn and watch a video that is much slower and goes into more detail of how to get the look.




Is Wendy not so adorable?!  I thought I would snoop around her videos and website.  I encourage you to read her life story what an inspiration... but also check out some of her other videos.  Not only are they beautifully edited but she shares a ton of helpful tutorials and style pairings. Like...




Here are some additional scarf ideas from Scarves Dot Net...

Beyond The Rack Launches My Curvy Closet

Not one to pass up a good deal I was super excited to get the press release from BeyondTheRack.com.  They have launched a new plus size section called My Curvy Closet.  For those of you not familiar with BeyondTheRack.com, they provide limited-time sale events to their members - known as a flash sale.  Typically the sale lasts about 48 hours and is limited time, limited quantities.

I have never purchased anything from them before but have friends that do on a fairly regular basis and have got some pretty good deals.

The official launch is today so get ready to shop, shop, shop by signing up for a membership which takes all of 15 seconds. Here is a special invite link that will also give you a $10 shopping credit: http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/MYCURVYCLOSET

I won't tell you the prices because you need to check it out for yourself but here are a couple items on sale now:

This is the official press release:

Beyond the Rack LAUNCHESFlash-sale destination for plus-sized fashions

My curvy closet opens on october 3^rd and offers best selection on discounted PLUS-SIZE FASHIONS

MONTREAL, October 3, 2012 – Beyond the Rack, North America’s fastest growing online retailer announced today that it has launched a new destination accessible through its website called My Curvy Closet - devoted solely to plus size fashions. Members can expect ten new events per week including a selection of sportswear, dresses, denim, outerwear, intimate apparel, shapewear, accessories, and footwear – all up to 80% off

Recent studies indicate that almost 2/3 of North Americans wear a size 14 or more and that plus-size consumers represent approximately 30% of consumer purchasing power.

“Plus-size fashions have been a top requested category from our customers for quite some time.  Providing plus-size customers with an equally broad assortment of goods tailored to a variety of shapes and sizes - in a dedicated shopping destination - was a priority for us,” says Yona Shtern, CEO of Beyond the Rack. “Listening to and acting upon feedback from our members has always been integral to our success and continued growth.”

My Curvy Closet will be accessible to all new and existing members of Beyond the Rack.  Membership in the club is always free.

To kick-off this new destination, My Curvy Closet has invited top plus-size fashion expert Marie Denee and America’s Next Top Model’s first plus-size winner, Whitney Thompson to select their favorite looks for the month of October, while sharing their exclusive style recommendations to suit every curvy fashionista.

About Beyond the Rack

Beyond the Rack, North America’s premier online shopping club, offers its members the most sought-after designer brand apparel, accessories, beauty, and home décor products at up to 80% off retail. Ranked by Internet Retailer’s Top 500 Guide as North America’s fastest-growing e-tailer in 2011, Beyond the Rack sells its products in the context of two-day, first-come, first-served, limited-quantity events. Members can expect up to 15 new events each day. The privately held company has offices in Montreal, New York and Las Vegas with a staff of 360 full-time employees. Beyond the Rack proudly serves 8 million members across North America.

Happy Shopping!

ADDITION ELLE Shopping and Contest

A couple of weeks ago I received a package in the mail which was a very generous gift from Addition Elle; a free pair of jeans and a gorgeous necklace.

I haven't had a chance to stop by Addition Elle to find a pair of jeans but I thought before I went shopping I would put a couple of looks together to try while I am there.  I had to narrow down my pics from about 10 different looks to these...

1. love legend pleather jacket, snake print scarf, skinny python print jean

2. 2-in-1 bolero top, mxm lightweight jegging, leaf pendent necklace, braided belt, leather riding boots

3. striped silk front blouse, curvy dkny soho bootcut , snake chain necklace, lace-up ankle bootie

4. houndstooth jacket, pashu by parasuco bootcut, trio of rings with stones, houndstooth jacket

reversible belt, ankle heel bootie with button

With the variety of styles and name brands now available at Addition Elle I am pretty hopeful shopping for jeans won't be as painful as it has been in the past. Wish me luck!

You can win your own jeans+ by entering the #jeansdujour contest at Addition Elle.  Upload a creative picture of jeans and you have an opportunity to win $200 in gift cards or an iPAD.  Contest ends October 12, 2012.

Lastly, some jean inspiration....

What do you look for in the perfect pair of jeans?

Pantone Fall 2012 Colour Trend Pink Flambe

Pink in the fall... what the what?!? Yep, you will be seeing this vibrant colour in the stores.  Don't be afraid, you can wear pink after labour day.

Don't you find that fall is when our tan starts to fade and the circles under the eyes start to show a little bit more and your skin is looking sorta drab. Well not if you are wearing Pink Flambe!  This colour adds life to your face and a pep to your step.

Satin Woods Boutique Aditi Dress

QVC George Simonton Drape Neck Milky Knit Dress

She Inside Neon Pink Dappled Metal Crescent Collar Necklace

Romwe Neon Double Spikes Earrings 

Bloomingdales Melissa Masse Plus Long Sleeve Shirt Dress

Reitmans Short Sleeve Tee

Dorothy Perkins Pink Lace Print Tee

FOREVER 21+ Colored Acid Wash Skinny Jeans

Shebella Purse (Rep # 90)

Evans Pink Peplum Hem Top

One Stop Plus Women's Journee Collection Belt

One Stop Plus Kelley Slingbacks

Happy Shopping!

Pantone Fall 2012 Colour Trend Titanium

Continuing the Pantone Fall 2012 Colour Trend Report, today we focus on Titanium.  I LOVE all of these pieces.  There was so many to choose from it was hard to decide what to focus on.  They call it Titanium but lets be honest it is grey, a must in any wardrobe.  And why it is a must?

I find it more interesting then a basic black which we tend to get stuck wearing these cooler fall days.  As a neutral it literally goes with any colour and used as a pattern the colour is subtle but interesting.  Perfect for those trying to dip their toes in to the world of wearing pattern.  I am sitting here trying to think of a colour that doesn't work with grey and I can't think of any, can you?  Hmmm? I need more grey in my wardrobe, like Fifty Shades of Grey! **blush**

Ruche Spring Garden Earrings In Gray

SheBella Bracelet (Rep # 90)

eShakti Pleated Ponte Knit Dress

Sears Aqua Blues Women's Plus Ear Mesh Top

SheBella Purse  (Rep # 90)

Modcloth About the Artist Dress

eShakti Her Fifties Colorblock Dress

Ruche Ambrym Island Curvy Plus Top 

JMackenzie Fashion Allegra Summer Jacket

Bloomingdales Jones New York Collection Plus Pleated Skirt

Happy Shopping!

Pantone Fall 2012 Colour Trend Rhapsody

And the Pantone Fall 2012 Colour Trend report continues.  Today I am featuring the colour Rhapsody.  I am not sure how accurate Pantone was when they predicted this colour -  2 seasons ago because I did have a hard time finding examples of this colour.  

Because of this I did improvise a teensy bit and add in some bolder richer purples.  I think incorporating these rich colours with rhapsody make a bigger impact.  On it's own I do think it is some what "wish washy" but that is just my opinion... what's yours?

Kristin Miles Sequins Raglan

Dorothy Perkins Purple sketchy poppy tee

Reitmans Printed scoop neck tank 

One Stop Shop Milano Series Crinkle Weekender Tote 

Forever 21 Ruffled Faux Leather Jacket

Torrid Purple Skinny Corduroy Pants

Style 369 Square Facet Ring

SWAK Evangaline Tunic

I should also note that I did create these collections a while ago and am slowly publishing so some examples may not be available any more.

Pantone Fall 2012 Colour Trend Honey Gold

There is nothing that brightens your spirits on a gloomy Friday morning (like it is today here in Toronto) then wearing a bright colour.  The Pantone fall fashion report features a rich Honey Gold as a colour to watch for this fall season. I am seeing it everywhere, are you?

All over pattern Honey Gold may be too bold for most so consider wearing it as a pop of colour with some of your basic blacks, greys or browns;  a simple cashmere cardigan and a pencil skirt, a polka dot blouse under a suit jacket  or a tank under a grey sweater.

If you are the type of person who gets stuck in the black hole rut every fall/winter, use the Honey Gold accessories to lighten things up and add some funk.  My yellow faux croc purse puts a smile on my face every time I use it.

SheBella Large Handbag (Rep #90)

QVC Linea by Louis Dell'Olio Floral Print Scoop Neck Maxi Dress

SheBella Scarf (Rep #90)

LucieLu Gladys Blouse

Queen Grace The Elina Dress Mustard Yellow

Fashion To Figure Just My Luxe Chain Print Maxi

Debenhams Yellow And Black Resin Block Necklace And Earring Set

Asos Curve Exclusive Pussybow Shirt In Heart Print

Old Navy Women's Plus Open-Front Jersey Cardis

Reitmans 3/4 sleeve tee Plus Sizes

Do you plan on incorporating this colour into your fall wardrobe?  Happy shopping!

Put A Little RRRAAARRR Into Your Closet

Drink and blog much?  NO! But you may have thought I did if you receive my blog email OR saw my previous posts now deleted.  Apparently linking my blogger account and Polyvore account allowed some I items "clipped" for my boards to be automatically published.  No header, no notes, no details just the clothes and a link.  I have since changed my settings but when things like that go out to the blogger universe it can appear as if I am sitting here with a glass or two of wine. Hmmm, now that I think about it that might be such a bad idea - I will be right back!

Qdfkljhfoa nasdjlfj adkj... oh I am just kidding - just diet root beer for me.  Back to business, today we are looking at another of the colours predicted to be hot for the fall season by Pantone.  French Roast is a gorgeous rich brown that oooozzesss warmth.  Nothing says fall then a deep dark brown.  What I love about this colour is how it easily it transitions from day to evening wear, it works well as a neutral but even better in an animal print.

When I would putting this collection together I couldn't get enough of the animal prints.  They are everywhere.  Use French Roast to put a little Raarrrr in your closet.

Pantone Fall 2012 Fashion Colour French Roast

One Stop Plus Jessica London Leather Sheath Dress

Fashion to Figure Tortoise Shell Bracelet

Queen Grace The Claire Dress

Evans LIVE UNLIMITED Blurred Print Top

Penningtons Perforated Belt

Land Bryant Leather Jacket 

Evans LIVE UNLIMITED Snake Print Jeggings

Old Navy Women's Plus Cross-Front Jersey Tanks

Old Navy Women's Plus Long-Sleeved Cardis

Penningtons Laced-up Back Riding Boots

I Won the Ulla Popken Pin-a-thon Contest!

It doesn't take much to get me excited but when I won the Ulla Popken Pin-a-thon Contest I was pretty excited.  I did a little squeal, well okay a big one.  I went running to the dude to tell him and his response was "Boooo, why don't I win anything? Oh and congrats!"  Apparently, he had entered a contest and just before I walked in with my announcement he learned that he didn't win.... ahhhh poor dude!

So back to the contest... to enter you had to "pin" and outfit on Pinterest using Ulla Popken clothing up to a total of $250. If chosen you would win the outfit you put together.  I am in!

This is what I put together and was chosen as one of two winners:

(Sorry for the blurry pic)

Mixed Print Beaded Tunic

Shawl Collar Chenille Jacket

Stretch Back Riding Boot

Snap Stretch Knit Leggings

Autumn Cluster Drop Earrings

I am waiting on everything to arrive so I can't tell you how it all works together or how it fits but I will.  You can follow Ulla Popken and Plus Size Fashion on Pinterest.

Now get out there and find a contest to enter because you never know!

Happy Contesting!

Pantone Fall 2012 Colour Trend Tangerine Tango

Continuing our focus on Pantone's Fall 2012 Colour Trend Guide, today we are featuring the colour Tangerine Tango

Dress 911 Good Fortune Dress
Fashion to Figure Neon A Roll Zig-Zag Dress
Igigi Katelyn Dress in Tahiti Coral
Style 369 Block and Rhinestone Ring
Simply Be Patent Belt
Asos Pug Suede Wedges
Forever21 Colorblocked Cutaway Blazer
Fashion to Figure Voile Blouse with Elbow Sleeves

Pantone Fall 2012 Colour Trend Rose Smoke

As promised I have put together a collection of fashions and accessories that fall within the TOP 10 Fall 2012 colour trends provided by Pantone. Today's feature colour is Rose Smoke

Forever21 Safari Print Top

Asos Curve Exclusive Dip Back Top With Double Layer

Dress 911 Tokyo'55 Dress/Tunic

Forever21 Embellished Feather Maxi Dress

eShakti Collide beams pencil skirt

Asos Valencia Flatforms

Addition Elle flower belt

Fall 2012 Pantone Fashion Colour Report

Soooooo what to buy, what to buy?  Fall 2012 is arriving in the stores now so what are you planning to pick up for your new fall wardrobe.  Do you have a plan?  Wondering what the trends are for this season?

Lets start with colour trends.  Each year PANTONE®, known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer, releases a fashion colour report that shares the TOP 10 colours that designers are featuring on the runway. Here is what you can expect to see in the stores this season.

I love the vibrancy and richness of the colours.  They could easily be mistaken for Spring colours with the Bright Chartreuse, Tangerine Tango and Pink Flambe. 

So where can you find these colours?  Stay tuned over the next few weeks I will be putting together a collection of these colours so you know exactly where to find your favourites.

What colours are you drawn to in this fall collection?

Get The Boot at Addition Elle and Penningtons!

Have you seen the new Look Books from Addition Elle and Penningtons?

Mine came in my new loyalty program announcements.  As I was flipping through enjoying the sneak peak into Fall 2012 I was shocked and excited to find they are now carrying Wide Calf boots.

What the what?!? In Canada, are you kidding me? Wide calf boots that don't cost huge buckaroos, what a concept! 

Penningtons

Addition Elle

(Remember if they are not in a store near try online!)

I am so excited to see these in the stores and have an opportunity to try them on.  I have had okay luck purchasing boots/shoes online from various stores but being able to see the quality and try them on will make a huge difference.

I figure you can never have enough boots, what about you?  Are you happy to see our Canadian retailers offering wide calf, wide foot boots?

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