Styled to Surprise with a Penningtons Trench Coat

A few weeks ago I was getting my Saturday morning started when “bing bong” my doorbell rang.  It was a courier with a big box for whom?  ME!

I was so excited I ripped it open to find a gorgeous Styled to Surprise box from Penningtons – I say mission accomplished.  Inside was a trench coat in a fabulous orangey red, I would describe it as a deep red grapefruit colour.  Whatever colour it is, the colour is absolutely beautiful.  On the inside of the jacket is a fun polka dot pattern that just makes you smile.

Like I said I have had the jacket for a few weeks but didn’t want to blog about it until I had chance to wear it.  The weather up until the last couple of days has been unbelievable here in Toronto.  Sunny and hot – people were wearing shorts in March and hairy men were taking their shirts off.  Yup, that hot!

The last few days have been cooler, damp and dreary making it perfect to try my new trench coat out.  LOVE IT!  The colour is what makes it special.  As soon as you put it on you feel fabulous, and the dreariness of the day just disappears.  Everywhere I go I get compliments from sales people, cashiers and best of all, my husband.  This coat is not for the shrinking violet type, you standout when you are out and about. 

I should also mention the fit is perfect and size is true to size.

When I looked it up online I have to say the image didn’t impress me.  It would not be something I would have taken a second look at but when I saw the jacket styled the way it should be in the Penningtons Spring 2012 Look Book, it illustrated how fantastic the jacket really was.

Now I wish every Saturday started with a surprise like this… and now they kind of do; Penningtons will be offering “Surprize Saturday” specials.

They don’t give us a heads up you just have to check their website weekly to find out if and what is on special.  Love this idea, before my big Saturday surprise was if my husband made me coffee and took the dog out.

If you haven’t been to the Penningtons website lately, they have made some changes.  Bigger thumbnails and pictures;  so when you use the zoom feature you can actually see the garment details, plus a new search by size and colour feature making it much more user friendly. 

Penningtons offers clothing for plus size women up to Size 6x and ships internationally.

They also have a contest running right now.  Fill Your Bag and Win up to $1000, enter here.

Happy Shopping!

PS Thanks Penningtons for the great coat, I appreciate it.

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

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

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

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!

Fabulous Friday Find - Thigh Society

Today I have the pleasure of sharing a local find with you - well local if you live in Toronto.

Thigh Society is Marnie Consky’s solution to “chub rub”. A unique short, made in Canada, that helps to prevent inner thigh rub. I hear ya, you are thinking thigh chaffing season doesn’t start until at least May, why are we talking about this now? This is for those lucky ducks that are heading south this winter. You have your cute little summer dresses already packed but you might want to consider grabbing a pair to add to your suitcase.

Marnie asked me to do a product review of her Thigh Society shorts, of which I was so happy to oblige too. Here is what I found…

Yay’s

I was super impressed by how soft the material was. The shorts I tested were the cotton/spandex blend but I did have the opportunity to feel the bamboo shorts which were deliciously soft.

I liked how breathable and lightweight they were. I hate feeling like I have layers of fabric on and I didn’t experience this at all.

There was no sliding or rolling of fabric on the leg or on my waist. I was concerned because I thought not coming right up to my waist it would or would feel like they were sliding down and that would drive me crazy but again they stayed in place all day long.

There was zero panty line.

They kept their shape all day. I was conscious of this because I thought there was a possibility with a cotton/spandex blend that by the end of the day I would have droopy drawers and stretched out legs.

They fit true to size.

I actually wore mine with a dress and a pair of pants which I appreciated the multi-use options.

They washed up like a charm.

Obviously, I haven’t had a chance to try these in the summer but I did really like the fact they kept me pretty cozy on my dog walk in -11. So you can say they are multi-seasonal too.

Nay’s
I can’t really say I had any nays for this product. I would probably classify them as hmmmms:

I was interested to see how the cotton/spandex worked with a dress that was a jersey knit. The materials did stick alittle bit but not as bad as I expected. I would probably be okay with wearing them together but I would be aware that I might need to straighten myself out every so often.

The length of the leg came to just above my knees. I think I would prefer them to be just alittle bit shorter. Not that I wear short skirts or dresses or even have any business doing so, I think with a shorter leg there wouldn’t be any chance of seeing them when bending over, getting out of the car or even if a breeze catches your dress.

Overall, I think this is a great product and recommend it. Any thing that stops “chub rub”, doesn’t add bulk and is breathable is a hit in my books.

Product Details
Find them at: Thigh Society
Colours available: black, white and nude
Material blends: bamboo/cotton/spandex or cotton/spandex
Sizes available: S – 4XL

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Special thanks to this months sponsors
SwimSuitsForAll.com
Satin Woods