Monday, December 21, 2009

Merry Christmas! Christmas Plus Size Dresses

Merry Christmas! I hope Santa brings you all the fashion goodies you're hoping for

Tess Daly.jpg

The race is on, ladies, to make like Santa and wrap and deliver all those presents in time for the big day on Friday. I don't know about you, but I need to get a move on!

And, just in case Santa is reading this, top of my Christmas wishlist is a Chanel bag.

Yes, I know I've mentioned this before - and I know these bags don't come cheap - but my argument is that it's a "forever" purchase. Right, Santa?

I've also had my eye on a Marc Jacobs hot-pink sequinned clutch and a Paul & Joe strapless jumpsuit from www.my-wardrobe.com.

So, now I've got my party outfit sorted, I'm looking out for something warm to combat these arctic conditions. I'm hunting down a pair of knee-high sheepskin boots - Made In Australia has some fab crystal-studded ones.

And, talking of clothes with a bit of bling, I got to wear two gorgeous dresses for the Strictly final on Saturday night. For the first show I wore an oyster silk dress by Petit S***pe, accessorised with a crystal-studded belt specially made by the show's costume designers Chrisanne - it was embellished with 1,000 Swarovski crystals.

Then for the results show I slipped into a dramatic full-length strapless sequinned dress by hot new designer Rachel Gilbert, with fab jewels by Astley Clarke (www.astleyclarke.com).

After 14 weeks of tans, tears and tantrums on the show, we saw people's champions Chris and Ola take home the glitter ball trophy, while heart-throb Ricky Whittle had to make do with being runner-up.

It was probably the closest fought final we've ever had.

We've also seen love blossom this series, not once but twice, with sweethearts Ali and Brian and of course sizzling Strictly couple Joe and Kristina.

I might need two hats next year - watch this space!

The final was a family affair for me - Vernon did his Radio 1 show from the studio. He lives and breathes the show as much as I do, so he was in his element interviewing the celebrities and dancers. Phoebe came too, handing out chocolate hearts to all her favourite dancers (all of them!).

Vernon returned for the main event with his mate Chris Moyles, who could cut a few shapes on the dancefloor himself. Series Eight perhaps, Chris?

Yesterday I was filming the Strictly Christmas special and I can reveal Austin Healey has agreed to perform the paso doble topless! Expect the full gun show, girls.

I wish you all the best for Christmas and I hope Santa brings you all the fashion goodies you're hoping for। See you for Strictly on Christmas Day.

Source:http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/tess-daly/2009/12/merry-christmas-i-hope-santa-b.html

Selfridges Drops Plus Size Clothing

Selfridges department store in abandoning plus-size offerings. London ditched , England. Photo: Getty Images

There's a big brouhaha brewing over Selfridges' latest move.

The British department store has subtracted plus-sizes from its inventory by dropping the Marina Rinaldi line, which catered to sizes 14 to 26, the Daily Mail reports.

Now, the store's highest size available is reportedly a size 18, sparking the ire of curvy customers.

"Half the country need size 16 or bigger," Cheryl Hughes, who runs a plus-size modeling agency, told the paper. "It's disgusting that Selfridges won't sell them."

"I was told they wanted to change their image," size-22 shopper Karen Segal told the source.

"They are saying plus-size clothing doesn't fit their image -- and therefore neither do I."

So, what does the narrow (literally) minded store have to say for itself?

"It's true we no longer stock Marina Rinaldi, however Selfridges is constantly updating its brand mix," Anita Barr, the store's Director of Womenswear and Childrenswear, tells the Daily Mail.

"This is also reflected in the sizing we offer. At present customers can find sizes up to a UK 18 in store."

Try telling that to a Size 20. And to add insult to injury, let's not forget that this is the same store that found room on its shelves for "mantihose."

Is Selfridges being insensitive and unrealistic by ditching plus-size clothes, or should larger shoppers stick to specialty shops? Leave a comment!

Meanwhile, read about Lara Stone's weight struggle in the modeling industry.

What's HOT @ Christmas Time In Plus Size Clothing


PURPLE PLEASER: Kerry Ann Murphy shows off a chic off-the-shoulder purple dress.

This Christmas, when it comes to dresses, whether you decide to wear it long or ultra-short, make sure it is full of colour, says Kerry Ann Murphy, manager of Bang Bang (plus-size) Clothing Store located inside Aboutique Mall, Port of Spain.

The traditional colours of red, green and gold seem to be a favourite for customers during this holiday season. From the sexy red heels to the fancy red dress, the Express visited the heart of Port of Spain last Tuesday to see what had many customers seeing red.

In almost every store window you looked there was red everywhere. From the clothes on display to the beautiful and elaborate Christmas ornaments which adorned many of the store showcases.

’We carry so many styles in dresses, including plus-size and generally when it is a luncheon or small party short dresses are ideal. For dinner, it is a little more formal so usually customers opt to wear full-length dresses. And this year bright colours such as orange, red, green and gold are very popular. And as for accessories it is usually simple and classy,’ Murphy said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Tinesha Buyer, the manager of the De Fuel Clothing Store, said, ’Though the little black dress will always be that one item of clothing that will remain timeless, this year women want colour for Christmas.’

And while the traditional colours of red, green and gold are the rage this season, store retailers have also seen the unconventional colours of pink, orange and purple striking a chord with women during this festive season।

Source:http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_features?id=161571491

Source:http://www.torontolife.com/daily/style/shop-talk/2009/12/21/life-in-the-fast-lane-canadian-designer-mark-fast-returns-home-after-turning-heads-



Cinderella’s Closet introduces the Cinderella’s Closet Teen Board! The prom dress retail store, Cinderella’s Closet, recently posted their Calendar of Events which included try-outs to become a Teen Board member. Members of the Teen Board must be residents in Cinderella’s Closet’s local community in order to fulfill their duties as a member. The try-outs will be held on January 9th 2010 from 1pm to 3pm.

Cinderella’s Closet is looking for female teenagers in their community to join Teen Board. Teen Board members will model prom dresses in Cinderella’s Closet fashion shows, represent Cinderella’s Closet at their high schools, volunteer in their local community, and earn discounts on Cinderella’s Closet merchandise.

This will give teens an opportunity to volunteer, earn discounts, build their modeling resumes, and add extracurricular activities to their college applications! To be a member of Cinderella’s Closet’s Teen Board you must be a talented, enthusiastic, and motivated teenager in the surrounding community. The Teen Board is also looking for models to wear plus size prom dresses.

Cinderella’s Closet has made becoming a member of Teen Board really convenient. All you have to do is fill out the application on www.cinderellasgowns.com under the Calendar of Events tab and attend the try-outs on January 9th 2010. The application includes many different aspects including appearance and personality. A complete application will include a head shot, full body shot, the applicant’s measurements, the applicant’s height, the applicant’s dress size, and some information about why she wants to be a member of the Teen Board. Try-outs are held January 9th beginning at 1 PM at Cinderella's Closet.

Being a member of Teen Board at Cinderella’s Closet offers many opportunities. Teen Board members will model prom dresses at the fashion shows held by Cinderella’s Closet, allowing them to build their modeling resume. The members of the Cinderella’s Closet Teen Board will represent Cinderella’s Closet at their respective high schools. This allows the members to share special offers with their peers. A member of the Teen Board will also be expected to be a spokesperson for Cinderella’s Closet.

The experience of being a spokesperson for any business or organization looks wonderful on all college applications. Teen Board members will also be responsible for helping out their local community. Cinderella’s Closet’s Teen Board members are teens helping teens to make a difference in their community. After becoming a member of Teen Board they will be eligible to earn discounts on Cinderella’s Closet merchandise. Cinderella’s Closet’s Teen Board members are talented, enthusiastic, and motivated teen leaders from the Cinderella’s Closet community.
Cinderella’s Closet

Source:http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/apparel-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=80536

Life in the Fast lane: Canadian designer Mark Fast returns home after turning heads in London

markfast

Mark Fast at Ame, flanked by two models in his designs (Photo by Karon Liu)

With such magazines as Rolling Stone, ID, In Style, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and nine editions of Vogue (Korean, Japanese, Chinese, American, British, Italian, Russian, Greek and Spanish) featuring his designs, it’s odd that Manitoba-born knitwear designer Mark Fast doesn’t get more mainstream attention in his home and native land. But that could change shortly.

The 29-year-old was fĂȘted at the Rubino brothers’ new restaurant, Ame, in Toronto on Friday night—a splashy homecoming party following recent successes overseas. Fast, who has lived in England for the past eight years, caused a stir during London fashion week when he chose three plus-size models to wear his form-fitting knit dresses; his stylist quit, saying that the models “didn’t have the walk down as well as the more experienced slimmer girls.” His clothes have recently been spotted on pretty young things, including Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, and he won a coveted sponsorship from the British Fashion Council to show at London fashion week in February. “All of my ideas came from here, and I don’t want to be hidden away in London forever,” Fast told us on Friday. “Someday I’d like to get a place in Vancouver.”

Wearing a loose untucked shirt and baggy black pants, with wavy blond hair and a cherub face, Fast looks more like a surfer than someone working in fashion. He’s sitting on a low bench trying to make himself heard over the music blasting throughout the restaurant as media and industry types mingle in the bar area. Flashes occasionally go off, though the photographers are disappointed that Canadian model Coco Rocha couldn’t make it due to a late flight. In the back, bloggers congratulate Shinan Govani on his book, and Fashion Television’s Glen Baxter chats with models dressed in Fast’s creations. It’s a peculiar scene for someone who was living in a small town outside Winnipeg a little more than a decade ago.

“There was a subculture of ravers and Goths,” Fast recalls of the local teen fashions. “We had our own sense of style—buffalo chic, or rather bohemian.” He says he has always wanted to be involved in the fashion industry in some way, though he wasn’t a kid who made his own clothes; his mother was the resident seamstress and a source of inspiration for Fast, who would watch her sew at home.

The budding designer moved to Toronto to study patterns and garment making at Seneca College’s Newnham Campus for a year before moving across the Atlantic to get a BA and MA at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (he graduated last February). Fast’s name is now among the school’s famous alumni: Stella McCartney, Paul Smith, John Galliano and Zac Posen.

As for his signature knitwear, he began experimenting with the medium at the suggestion of a tutor at Saint Martins. “All you have to do is inject contemporary yarn into traditional stitching,” he says of his clothes. “I could take the usual sweater and inject a Lycra yarn into it to completely change it.” Fast says he also gets his ideas from old photographs and movies by such unconventional filmmakers as Tim Burton and Terry Gilliam.

“I could say a bunch of worlds like ‘strong’ and ‘brave,’” he says when asked to describe the woman he designs for. “But I design for just about anyone who appreciates good quality and craftsmanship.” His ideal celebrity model? Tilda Swinton.

With that, he gets up to talk to the dozens of other people hoping for a moment of Fast face time before he flies back to London the next day। But this won’t be the last time Canadians will be hearing of him; he has a few (unannounced) local projects lined up and sees the sartorial sparkle in Hogtown. “You can always find pockets and subcultures of great fashion here. Sometimes Toronto can be more fashionable than London.”

Source:http://www.torontolife.com/daily/style/shop-talk/2009/12/21/life-in-the-fast-lane-canadian-designer-mark-fast-returns-home-after-turning-heads-in-london/

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The rise of plus-size?

Mark Fast

When 20-year-old model Lizzie Miller appeared on the pages of a US fashion magazine, un-airbrushed to show a small roll of fat around her stomach, the world went mad. Many championed it, others hated it – but no-one can deny it bought the plus-size issue well and truly to the fashion table. And now, V magazine have joined the debate by announcing their first issue of 2010 will be dedicated to plus-size models.

"Big, little, pint-size, plus-size — every body is beautiful. And this issue is out to prove it," says editor, Stephen Gan. Gracing the pages of the edition will be models, both in clothes and nude, photographed by the likes of Terry Richardson, Bruce Weber and Karl Lagerfeld (he’s obviously changed his tune since that “No-one wants to see curvy women” comment, then…)

How exciting! While the names of successful plus-size models may not roll off the tongue as easily as ‘Naomi’ and ‘Kate’ do, all the recent hubbub around the issue surely shows the tide is turning when it comes to their recognition in the industry. So, to get ahead of the curve so to speak, check out our run-down of the big names in the plus-size biz…


Crystal Renn

Crystal Renn
After having minimal success as a “normal” working model and developing an eating disorder in the process, Crystal embraced her curves and has gone on to become the most well-known and highest-paid plus-size model in the industry. She has appeared on the pages of top fashion magazines, walked for Jean Paul Gaultier, and fronted a campaign for high-street giant Evans.

Kate Dillon

Kate Dillon
The beautiful red head has three Mode covers under her belt, plus a clothing contract with Liz Claiborne and a cosmetic contract with Isabella Rossellini's Manifesto line. Like Crystal Renn, she withdrew from a (very successful) “normal” modelling career which included work in all the major fashion capitals, after developing an eating disorder. She was the first plus-size model to be shot by fashion photographer Richard Avedon.

Mia Tyler

Mia Tyler
The daughter of Aerosmith front man Steve Tyler and half-sister of Liv, Mia has fronted campaigns for H&M and Pennington’s in Canada. She has graced the pages of numerous magazines including high-fashion titles. She is currently working on an acting career.

Whitney Thompson

Whitney Thompson
After winning the coveted title of America’s Next Top Model in cycle 10 of the reality TV show, Whitney Thompson – who was compared to Anna Nicole Smith during her time on the programme – became the face of Covergirl Cosmetics and bagged a spread in a major teen magazine.

Hayley Morley

Hayley Morley
Mark Fast caused a media storm at this year's London Fashion Week after he sent plus-size models onto the catwalk in his knitted bodycon numbers. And leading the strut in the opening outfit was 21-year-old size 12 model Hayley Morley. Having caught everyone's eye with her ice-blond locks, womanly curves and gorgeous cheek bones, we reckon she is definitely a face (and body) to watch.


Source: http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2009/12/14/the-rise-of-plus-size.htm

Monday, December 7, 2009

Layers – The perfect look for this winter

Layers – The perfect look for this winter

The winter months call for an added dose of creativity when it comes to looking fashionable and staying warm. The layered look is a trend that has become increasingly popular and allows one to look great without sacrificing comfort. This look is a stylish choice for men and women of every size. Wearing layers makes one look polished and pulled-together.

Providing the winter perfect look, the ‘Layers’ are elegant and helps to fight the chilly weather in a stylish way. Layers with structured pieces are the way to go this winter. Structured layer with simple clothes & clean lines are flattering to the full figure. Any item with details that create shapes is the most recommended fashion buy this season. For example, wear garments with empire or clinched waists; try well placed darts or ruching (zig zag pattern). Typically, the more seaming a garment has, the better it'll look on a super curvy body.

Layered look can also be faked, it's not always necessary to wear multiple garments; there are plenty of items in the market to help achieve the perfect layer look. Some suggestions to get the look: Wear a cami bra under tops with deep v-necklines or choose shirts & sweaters with built-in collars and cuffs which will give the illusion of layers.

Shrugs, scarves, camis & other layering pieces like knee length boots, woolen caps, gloves etc. are great add-ons to the wardrobe. For girls pairing a sexy short dress with leggings or tights and a vibrant shrug or bolero could do wonders. Waist coats teamed with a bold hue top and scarves also makes to an interesting combination for layers. Shrugs are the most commonly used piece to create the layered effect. It comes in all shapes, colors and textures

Stiff or medium weight fabrics works best for layers, anything too light and flimsy won't hold much shape. For instance: This can work if it's a base garment and wear something with more shape over it. Otherwise, one can run the risk of looking bigger.

Layering with bulky materials is an absolute ‘NO’ as hefty fabric adds unnecessary fullness. For instance: Plus size women should try a boxy jacket to counterbalance a full bust or a wide midsection. Or bring attention to the shoulders to take the focus away from fuller hips. To make the layered look work, you must keep an eye on the overall silhouette.

Full-figured women just have to make sure their outfits don't add extra padding to their frames and stick to dark colors as they have a slimming effect while lighter colors give the appearance of fullness.

The layer look fits well for casual as well as the formal look. Depicting the mood of the season, a host of apparel brands like Wills Lifestyle, Lifestyle, Bossini, Max, Spash and many more reflect the layered look explicitly in their AW 09 Collection.

Lifestyle: This season, set out on a journey of rediscovery as Lifestyle launches its 2009 winter wear collection which promises to have fun and youthful elements like Edgy fashion, chic designs, bold hues and more. For the winters the focus is on Layers as it increases one’s style quotient while also providing comfort. The colours used are vibrant and kaleidoscopic range of colours, the Winter collection has a feel of fun and frolic to it. Winter accessories such as sweaters, woolen caps, mufflers, gloves etc form an integral part of the winter wear collection by Lifestyle.

Splash: The Splash Winter wear collection is a shot of power and energy that has the potential to jolt its customers out of recession fatigue with the most fashion forward line ever. The range inspired by a futuristic theme is designed as per the latest trends on the international ramp and offers current rages like tulip shaped pencil skirts, shrugs, work-wear denims starting at Rs. 500.

Women can dress this winter by sporting the `80s Power Dressing` trend this fall. As the structured and tailored look returns, it brings along a futuristic twist to season chic. Exaggerated sleeves, powered shoulders and body con dresses in streamlined silhouettes bring out the theatrical impact of 80’s fashion. You can lend expression to the power woman in you with leather jackets, burnished metallics, mesh and furs accentuated in antique gold, berry tones and blacks.

Max Retail brings you a wide range of smart and affordable Winterwear comprising of smart, chic yet elegant cardigans and pull-overs in acro wools, mohair and angora blends for women. Hues like royal purple, magenta, pine to burnt orange and burgudy make this is a very colourful and vibrant range.

The winter collection comes in varied styles like jackets in wool blends, kimono sweaters, wrap around shawls, long sweater dresses which are so international in there styling and yet so affordable! Argyle patterns,cables and jacquards are also on the offing. Starting from Rs. 469/- the Winter wear collection from Max is a definate must have!

Tyne Tees Plus Size Models

SKINNY size zero models are out and larger ladies are in at a North agency searching for curvy women.

Tyne Tees Models launched a search for larger women in the Sunday Sun earlier this month, after several clients demanded “real women” to star in their advertising campaigns instead of stick-thin catwalk queens.

The Newcastle-based agency didn’t have enough beauties to meet the demand.

But they have now been inundated with applications – more than 100 in the first few days after our appeal – from women all over the North East.

Tyne Tees Models 'real women'

Agency bosses have now called in their six favourites, who are between a dress size 12 and 16, for a test photo shoot in their city centre studios, to see if they have what it takes to be a model.

And manager Lesley Middlemiss says all the women – Sophie Cuthbertson, Rebecca Brown, Emma Winder, Michelle Storey, Paula Luke and Natalie Stempniak – could get a place on the agency’s books.

Lesley, who is also a former model, told of her delight at the response to the Sunday Sun appeal at the start of the month.

She said: “I am absolutely chuffed to bits, we’ve been inundated with applications.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t bring them all into the studio but we’ve picked our favourite six to come in for a special photo shoot, and so we can find out a bit about them too. Evans kindly loaned us some clothes too and they all look absolutely fabulous.” One of the “finalists”, health care nurse Emma Winder of Carlisle, Cumbria, hopes she impressed Lesley’s team enough to be taken on to the books.

The young mum, 23, said: “We’ve had a fantastic day and I would love to take it further.

“I had my little girl Sienna two years ago so my whole body has changed shape – I’m a dress size 14 – but I’m very comfortable with my curves.”

Hairdressing graduate Rebecca Brown, 21, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, said: “It’s been a really exciting experience.

“I always thought there was nothing in modelling for me because I’m a size 14 but I’m very, very happy with my figure.”

Paula Luke, 24, a support worker for people with autism, of Jarrow, South Tyneside, got the courage to contact the agency after seeing an advert featuring a plus-size model.

She said: “Quite often people will say to me “you should be a model” but I thought you had to be a size zero and I’m a dress size 16 . . . but then I saw a billboard advert for a clothing range for bigger ladies.

“I think the whole size zero debate is ridiculous anyway, and so unrealistic . . . I think people would rather see real women on the catwalk.”

Plus Size Fashion Trends

Here's the good news about plus-size fashion.

The industry is more or less listening to what women want. Hip new Web sites and blogs are cropping up all the time with links and news about cute, chic clothes. Given that the average American woman wears a size 14, according to a recent segment on plus-size fashion on "CBS News Sunday Morning," and with the recent outcry over an absurdly altered Ralph Lauren ad that made the already teensy model look grotesquely thin, there's hope that more designers will cater to curvy women.

The bad news: You won't find any Chanels separates from hot labels like Alexander Wang, and the department store offerings are far more traditional than trendy - if they have plus-size departments at all.

E-commerce is taking up the slack, but it will take time. "Patience and research, patience and research," counsels Marie Denee of Oakland, a former Bay Area women's contemporary clothing retail manager who started her own Web site, in September, and blog, the Curvy Fashionista, in December 2008.

"I want my site to be a place where you can find out what Jennifer Hudson wore, what Beth Ditto said and where to find the latest trends," she said.

Denee is happy there are so many contemporary plus-size lines out there. "There's Jibri, Qristyl Frazier, Gayla Bentley, Faith 21 (Forever 21's new plus-size line), Torrid, Amanda Uprichard and Kingley & Posh," she says.

Several big-name designers, including Michael Kors and Calvin Klein, do cute plus-size lines; Oscar de la Renta and Betsey Johnson do plus-size lingerie. At Macy's, in addition to Klein and Kors, you'll find Tadashi, INC, Sunny Leigh and Studio M. At Nordstrom, the Suzi Chin line has been a longtime favorite with plus-size shoppers.

From New York, Sarah Conley's chic and cheery photo blog, On the Plus Side, is a fun, informative read. Locally, Igigi.com (pronounced ee-zhee-zhee) is a hip San Francisco plus-size Web site run by designer Yuliya Raquel. She started Igigi (the name given to some ancient Mesopotamian gods) in 2000.

Her Web site's LC (Limited Collection) is her nod to runway trends, with structured jackets sporting interesting cuffs and hems, and slimmer pants; all the clothes are made in San Francisco.

"The plus-size woman is a savvy and sophisticated shopper, and I think plus-size designers are finally starting to celebrate women's curves rather than cover them up with piles of fabric," she says.

Not the trendy type? For a more artful look, Go Figure, a popular plus-size boutique on Clement Street, delivers with lots of classic looks from European and Scandinavian brands. The boutique carries lots of hard-to-find labels in nicer fabrications than the polyester of old.

"I make every effort to get the silks, satins and georgettes," says owner Carolyn Honig. "My customer spans all ages and is looking for a more arty, unusual look." For the traditionalist, there's San Francisco's Harper Greer, which has carried its own made-in-San Francisco designs since 1985.

And, of course, the been-there-forever chain Lane Bryant caters to just about everybody, offering a range of both conservative and more youthful looks.

If there's a clear consensus among plus-size experts, it's to wear the proper foundation garments, find the best fit and let the fabric hug your body without clinging.

"Make sure your clothing choices are somewhat fitted so you don't add extra girth to yourself, but at the same time, making sure that they don't pull or ride is important," says Liliane Klein, a plus-size model and actress starring in Neil LaBute's poignant and provocatively titled "Fat Pig," at the Aurora Theatre through next Sunday. "Your clothes should lay nicely on your body. ... I am a huge fan of control-top anything," she adds with a smile.


Read more

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Designer Plus size Dresses To Make You Proud

It is proved that to look beautiful it is not necessary to be slim as the examples are in front of you like Oprah and Delta Burke, they have proved that beauty and size do not have any connection.

But your dress wearing helps you a lot in looking beautiful. Now a days there are many popular brands in the market offering designer plus size dresses for you and the days of the frumpy, tent sized clothing are gone. Many designers are now making pretty plus size fashion dresses in a nice selection of fabrics and colors.

Discount plus size fashion dress costs less than the cost of dinner at a fine dining establishment.Make sure that the plus size fashion dress you select suits your particular body shape or not.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Britney Spears New Look in Clothing Ads

Britney Spears is set to stun again as part of a new campaign for clothing company Candie's.
The pop star shows off her toned body in the provocative new ads for Candie's spring collection.Spears is the new face of the U.S. fashion firm.

Source

Michelle Obama makes a fashion statement in London

Changing into an elegant black-and-white Isabel Toledo dress from springy J.Crew pieces Wednesday in London, First Lady Michelle Obama showcased her versatility and officially became one of the fab four of the political fashion world in the modern era—joining Jacqueline Kennedy, French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Princess Diana.

Worn to Buckingham Palace on the Obamas' first overseas visit since occupying the White House, her Toledo dress with full skirt and tulle underlay earned plaudits precisely for its understatement. For her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth, she topped the sleeveless dress with a black cardigan and a Jason Wu duchess-satin opera coat on the way in.

For dinner later, the cardigan came off—no international incident. (Kennedy and the queen wore sleeveless gowns with gloves for their dinner in 1961.) Nor would it have been scandalous for the Obamas' informal meeting with the queen, for that matter.

"There really aren't the same conservative old rules now," British-born Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper's Bazaar, said.

Earlier in the day, at 10 Downing St., Obama exuded youthful cheer in a J.Crew sparkling beaded cardigan and skirt in icy-mint dotted jacquard that subliminally reinforced the administration's message of "America's forward-thinking dynamism."

The quoted words, it must be said, are borrowed from an account of one of the other first ladies' visits to London—in 1961, as written in "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years."

But the consensus among Obama fashion pundits is that the kitten-heeled shoe fits.

Drawing parallels, however, is not the same as equating. Obama already has established her individuality through her fashion choices, but with a self-assurance and far-reaching influence similar to her predecessors'.

Kennedy occasionally wore acid yellow, notably in Pakistan where sun-drenched colors reign. But what dignitary besides Obama has successfully adopted the treacherous shade as a signature, including in the Wu chartreuse silk crepe short-sleeve sheath she wore upon arrival Tuesday in England for the G-20 summit?

Pearls are part of the job description of just about every first wife. But on Tuesday, Obama paired hers with another of her signature accessories, a brooch, on the Thakoon ivory tweed grosgrain-trimmed coat she wore before her costume change aboard Air Force One. Some have said Coco Chanel—who advised "before you leave the house, remove one thing"—would frown on this as excess. On the contrary, Graham says that Chanel pioneered the wearing of costume jewelry in just this sort of fun, creative way.

In a stroke of designer diplomacy last year at Buckingham Palace, Bruni-Sarkozy wore dignified Dior—an established French label headed by a Brit, John Galliano. Advancing her own domestic causes at Buckingham Palace, Obama chose the Taiwan-born Wu and Cuban-born Toledo, designers who embody both the entrepreneurial and multicultural spirit of America. The J.Crew ensemble showed her support of more affordable American fashion and the masses who wear it.

Like Princess Diana, Obama has become a fashion superstar in a realm not known for trend setting, though it's worth noting this:

"The queen is also regarded as a bit of a fashion icon herself, someone who's kept her style conservative but elegant," Graham said, which may be one reason Obama chose black for their introduction, to let the queen's pink stand out, in deference.

The younger Princess Diana, like Obama now, broke the mold and had a sense of humor about her choices. "She defined the glamor of that era," Graham said.

Obama's on the same track, epitomizing the high-low stylishness that many women aspire to right now.

For the real showcase showdown in fashion this week, check in Saturday, when the French and American first ladies visit Strasbourg Cathedral in France. Bruni-Sarkozy didn't go to London, so Saturday offers the first glimpse of the two fashion darlings together.

Will one outshine the other, in the way that both tend to upstage their husbands at public appearances (as did Kennedy and Diana)?

Former supermodel Bruni-Sarkozy can be expected to look stunning in just about anything. But if only one contemporary first lady can win a fashion-revolutionary war, we're siding with Michelle Obama.

Source

Friday, March 27, 2009

Fashion Designer Sues Courtney Love

A designer filed six complaints in a lawsuit against Courtney Love.

Fashion designer Dawn Simorangkir filed a lawsuit against Courtney Love on six complaints. The six listed complaints are invasion of privacy, invasion of privacy, intentional interference with a prospective economic advantage, intentional infliction of emotional distress and two charges for breach of contract.

Simorangkir alleges that she is “the latest victim of Love’s volatile personality, hair trigger temper, and malicious and tortuous behavior,” in the document. According to the lawsuit, Love spread “vile and vicious lies” about the designer, and it describes Love as “an obsessive and delusional crusade to terrorize and destroy” Simorangkir.

To further establish the complaints, the Twitter and MySpace postings are provided, Radaronline.com reports.

The postings call the designer a “liar” and a “drug addict” in a long laundry list of accusations. Simorangkir is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

Source:

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Designer Plus Size Dresses For Women

Nowadays, there seems to be a lot of younger people belonging to the plus-size category. Nevertheless, they need dresses to make them stand out and look fashionable too. Many fashion retailers have come out with great outfits in large sizes.

We all know that the fashion industry is changing, along with the recent trends and needs for Designer Plus Size Dresses. Internet is helping out the peoples in finding lot of fashion shops and merchants with a wide range of Designer Plus Size Dresses. These plus size dresses are offered at discounted prices, which is another definite plus.

But what exactly is a plus-size? Well, this is the most common term used to define women’s sizes ranging from size 12 and above. These sizes are available in a wide variety of styles and are designed to fit the size and shape of a larger woman. Designer Plus Size Dresses are now readily available for different seasons and occasions, and come in different fabrics, colors, and designs.

Monday, March 23, 2009

'The Biggest Loser Couples' going at record pace

THE SHOW " The Biggest Loser: Couples"
WHEN|WHERE Tuesday night at 9 on NBC/4REASON TO WATCH Bethpage-raised Tara Costa, who could become the third contestant from Long Island to win NBC's resurgent reality show. (The others: Erik Chopin of West Islip and Bill Germanakos of Massapequa.)

WHAT IT'S ABOUT The couple who are probably of greatest interest to L.I. viewers are roomies Tara and Laura (last names on the show, as with most reality shows, are rarely if ever used or mentioned). Both are longtime friends and plus-size models who worked in New York. Costa, 23, is an executive with L'Oreal in Manhattan, but her hometown is Bethpage.

Costa is now the one to beat on NBC's highest-rated unscripted show - 10.4 million viewers to date, or 2 million over the sixth season. The show is also on pace to become the most-watched "Loser" of them all.

A winner is determined by who loses the most weight, expressed as a percentage, over the course of the season. Costa began the season at 294 pounds and is now within a few pounds of losing 100, the first female to do so while on the ranch at "TBL."
CATCHING UP Costa is de facto leader of the Black team (contestants are split into two teams, like "Survivor"), which has completely dominated and demoralized the Blue. How has it managed this feat? In part, Costa won immunity from competition a couple of weeks ago, and then earned rights to strategically match Black team members opposite Blue team members. The Blacks even got a night of luxury, which involved a generous consumption of tequila, and still beat the Blues.
BOTTOM LINE What's best about "The Biggest Loser" - couples or solo - is that it often feels more real than most reality shows. Unlike those others - " The Bachelor," excepted, which is about "true love" - the stakes here seem more personal. This is about health, self-esteem, quality of life and even life expectancy. Sure, someone's going to win a quarter-million, but what's the use of money if future health is squandered? And this season feels most urgent of all. Why? Maybe all the tears at elimination - and who out there didn't tear up just a bit when Mandi was sent home two weeks ago? Meanwhile, there's Costa: She's an everywoman who's morphed into a superwoman. Many viewers are rooting for her. Easy to see why.
GRADE A- ("The Biggest Loser" earns a demerit for those grating in-show product placement plugs.)

Source

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Updates

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week - Day 1

Day 1 of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week kick started with a desi twist.The queen bee of the designing world Ritu Kumar showcased a fine blend of Indian fashion and western sensibilities. Anarkali kurtas were teamed with leggings and gota work dominated colourful tunics, kurtis and jackets. Introduction of black with gold embroidery was quite a surprise. The colour palette started with burnt yellow and orange and goes into an interesting mix of purple, deep maroon and black. The signature intricate embroidery looked chic.
It was interesting to see a mix of short knitted kaftans and elegantly flared jersey skirts teamed with embroidered silks and brocades. Canary yellow coordinated with rust and grey created a fun combination with a refreshing feel. Particularly interesting was the use of tussore wool with multiple colour panelling for a trendy look. Tartan checks were well played with colourful solids bringing in nostalgia with refreshing modernity. The overall silhouettes were a mix of fit and flare in abundance, with swinging skirts and sculpted tops enhancing the body contours.
I particularly liked Rocky S's collection which made a a modern statement in black, steel and metallic silver. Short dresses with a variety of cuts had set the tone towards being chic yet bold. Off-shoulder and the backless-look designs added a lot of oomph. The designer is known to design for some big Bollywood names like John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Hrithik Roshan.
Designer Nitin Bal Chauhan brought in a collections a black, white, grey collection of structured dresses, slim trousers and fitted trousers shirts. To tone down the masculine edge to these structured garments, he used pleat detailing even in his trousers!
The show stopper ofcourse, was the gorgeous Mughda who sizzled the ramp in a Satya Paul creation.

Mughda Godse walked the ramp for designer Satya Paul




The 13th edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW), India’s biggest fashion trade event, kick started at the luxurious Intercontinental Eros, Nehru Place, New Delhi on 18 March, 2009. Since over a decade, WLIFW along with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has acted as a medium for the indian fashion designers to showcase their potential and earn for themselves a name that people would reckon with. The new season will bring with it newcolor shades, designs, creations, clothing construction . Once again, the best of Indian Fashion Industry has come together on a common platform.

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week - Day 2

Day 2 of the Wills showcase was a brilliant presentation of Art and Fashion complete in style.

Prashant Verma’s showcase Meat was an artistic representation of the Greek narrative of robust and mighty male aggression and its fascination with perfection. Digital prints of modern day gymnast in the colours of Olympic leotards. He further explores the military power in printed portraits of dictator, their faces interestingly replaced by screaming guerrillas, explosion of colours on large quilted over coats in linen. All these were contrasted with severe black patent collars, military insignia, black leather hard and coarse.

Urban Bohemia by Pankaj and Nidhi had flaming reds, potent blues, plush orchid plums and mesmerising purples and violets brings new resonance to 2009, a year of hope and recovery. A range of fine trapunto-quilted jackets, precision geometric embroideries of luscious florals, hexagon diskette-quilt capes and Russian vintage print tunics evoke life in all its vibrancy. Sheer leggings, accessorised with gloves and neckpieces in solid colour floral patterns enhanced the theme title “Life in Technicolour”.

Nomad’s Land by Sonam Dubal was an authentic and aesthetic amalgamation of enriched Asian heritage with nomadic lives. The designer showcased a Nomadic/banjara look with tribal elements. The colour palette consisted of deep burgundy, purple and aubergine contrasted with black. His creations reflected the urban lifestyle and beautifully explored the bohemian to the urban nomad.

I was particularly honed into Gaurav Gupta’s dark and futuristic collection which giving due credit to the designer was a visual treat of feminine grace, elegance and beauty. Exaggeration, anthropometry and layers highlighted the soft structural engineering of chiffons and georgettes to control volumes and exaggerated shapes of sleeves, shoulder and waist. His colour palette restrained as always remained grungy deep with dark teal, cobalt blue black, grey yellow with accents of red, bright purples and hot pink.
With dreamy silks, chiffons, tulles and fluid jerseys he uses techniques of draping large flat shapes into soft organic forms. Ingenious use of zips all over the place, soft cowls at the neck, hip and sleeves were punctuated with embroideries. The signature high neck frills with exaggerated collars and organic shapes lent costume-like air to the collection. And so did the anti-fits and folds.
Body moulded stockings with organic cuts and detailing completed the look with a space age futuristic look.

Priyadarshini Rao’s eclectic, mostly Indian and sometimes western styled garments kept in line with the current times. The collection looked very close to the theme ‘Earth’, with traditional yet contemporary ensembles in deliciously earthy colours with a touch of pastels and pinks here and there.

Kavita Bhartia had beautiful gowns with seashell embellishments were the surprise element and gave a very debutante feel to the collection. Chiffon balloon tops with short skirts completed the look. And as expected of Kavita Bharita, the showstopper was a black sheer dupatta draped saree styled over floor sweeping asymmetrical skirt. Cross back black blouse was beautifully embroidered.

Day 2 of the Wills showcase was a brilliant presentation of Art and Fashion complete in style. Prashant Verma’s showcase Meat was an artistic representation of the Greek narrative of robust and mighty male aggression and its fascination with perfection. The other designers who showcased their creations were Pankaj & Nidhi, Priyadarshini Rao, Sonam Dubal, Gaurav & Ritika, Abdul Halder, Gaurav Gupta, Ashima & Leena Singh, Rohit Mittal, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Preeti S Kapoor and one of the most noted designers of India, Manish Malhotra. Ashima & Leena Singh had a surprise for the audience with the 'Slumdog Millionire' fame Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail and Rubina Ali walking the ramp for their designs. The little celebrities didn't fail to grab the attention of the audience. We take you through a glimpse of what happened on the ramp on Day 2 of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week - Day 3
The Day 3 of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week saw some of the most brilliant designs from some of the most noted designers of India taking the audience by surprises. The designs by Manish Arora were the ones much noted for its play of colours as well as the sheer novelty of presentation.

Another attraction of Day 3 was the models cat walking the pool side for the designers. The most noted designers of Day 3 were Ankur & Priyanka Modi, Manish Gupta, Zubair Kirmani, Rathore Jodhpur, Nikhita Tandon, Nikiee Mahajan, Namrata Joshipura, Hemant & Nandita and Puja Arya.

Source: India Syndicate

Monday, March 16, 2009

Judge Dismisses Lindsay Lohan's Arrest Warrant



Lindsay Lohan's next appearance won't be in jail garb.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Monday quashed an arrest warrant that was issued Friday for the 22-year-old "Mean Girls" star.

Judge Marsha N. Revel determined that the actress has been complying with the terms of her probation but needs to show her treatment program better documentation to avoid future court problems. The judge also noted that Lohan has not failed any drug or alcohol tests.

Lohan pleaded guilty in August 2007 to two misdemeanor counts of being under the influence of cocaine; no contest to two counts of driving with a blood-alcohol level above 0.08 percent and one count of reckless driving. She was sentenced to three years of probation.

The plea came after a pair of high-profile arrests in 2007.

Lohan was arrested Memorial Day weekend 2007 after her Mercedes-Benz hit a tree in Beverly Hills. She was arrested in Santa Monica a few weeks later after the mother of her former personal assistant called 911 to report that her car was being chased by an SUV driven by Lohan.

Lohan spent 84 minutes in jail and had to perform community service and undergo drug-rehabilitation treatment.


Source

Friday, March 13, 2009

Founder of clothing firm killed in Ferrari crash

By SERENA MARIA DANIELS, SARA FAY, CARLOS ARIAS and DOUG IRVING
The Orange County Register
updated 10:47 a.m. ET March 12, 2009

NEWPORT BEACH — A larger-than-life character who called himself “Mask” and who helped create a mixed-martial-arts empire from the back of a van died early Wednesday when the Ferrari he was driving crashed into a light pole.

Charles Lewis Jr., 45, of Huntington Beach, the co-founder of a $100 million company called TapouT, was declared dead at the scene. The impact ripped the car in half and sent his passenger, an unidentified woman, to the hospital.

Police arrested the driver of another car, a white 1977 Porsche, on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. An on-duty officer reported seeing that driver, Jeffrey David Kirby, 51, of Costa Mesa, flee the scene after his Porsche was involved in the crash.

Kirby has a history of driving violations, including a 2002 conviction for driving under the influence, court and Department of Motor Vehicle records show. He was being held in lieu of $2 million bail.

The police officer who witnessed the crash reported seeing the Porsche driving next to the Ferrari on Jamboree Road, near Eastbluff Drive, according to the Newport Beach Police Department. The two cars appeared to spin out of control, possibly after colliding, police said.

The Ferrari jumped the curb and then slammed into the light pole. The officer reported seeing the Porsche stop briefly, and then drive away, police said.

Police found a white Porsche with moderate collision damage a few blocks away, and stopped a man and woman who were walking away from it. They later identified the man as Kirby. They arrested his passenger, Lynn Marie Nabozny, 32, of Newport Beach, on suspicion of public intoxication; she was later released.

Skid marks on the road pointed the way to the crash site. The Ferrari – a 2004 Modena likely worth around $140,000 – was cut in two, its rear coming to rest more than 30 feet away from its front. The unidentified woman who was riding in it as a passenger was thrown from the car; her condition was not known late Wednesday, but police described her as stable.

SOURCE

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Big means beautiful at plus-size pageant

(From left): Contestants Latoya Evans, Sara Brenton and April Reed hold hands in their evening gowns during the first annual Miss Voluptuous Beauty contest. Brenton, a business owner and classically trained chef, will be back as a judge and sponsor at this year’s pageant, taking place Saturday afternoon in Woburn. (Alex Uncapher photo)

Last year, Sara Brenton donned a pastel blue ball gown with sparkles and a ruffle trim, then strutted down the walkway in her first beauty pageant. The experience was both a novelty and a revelation for the 27-year-old resident of Whitman, Mass.

“This was probably one of the most fun things I’ve ever done,” she recalled. “I’m a big girl and there aren’t a lot of pageants for me. It gave everyone the empowerment to know that we are beautiful, whether we are a size zero or a size 28, like I am.”

The pageant, the first annual Miss Voluptuous Beauty contest, brought together 16 contestants from across the country under the encouraging direction of pageant organizer and Dorchester resident Fabiola Brunache, founder of the plus-size modeling company Uniquely Plus Size. The second annual pageant takes place this Saturday afternoon in Woburn.

According to Brunache, Miss Voluptuous Beauty exemplifies the evolution of her work.

“I started the organization first about modeling, but now it’s more of a nonprofit to encourage women to love themselves as they are and be healthy about their own body,” she said.

That encouragement is important, she added, because plus-size women are often subject to scrutiny from strangers.

“A lot of people want you to be a size two or a size four,” Brunache said. “They automatically stereotype a plus-size person as lazy, unhappy or having low self-esteem.”

Brenton also emphasized the importance of challenging perceptions about plus-size women, noting that many people assume that large women don’t have a lot of energy. On the contrary, she said, she owns her own business and is a classically trained chef.

“I was a big kid and a big teenager, and I didn’t really have any role models,” she said. “For me to be able to go out now to show little girls who are 10 or 12 that I can be beautiful and I can strut my stuff on the runway — that shows them they should be confident, too.

“It’s such a great event, it’s free to come watch and everybody in the crowd cheers for everybody on stage,” added Brenton, who will return to this year’s pageant as a judge and sponsor.

The contest is divided into four portions. The women first introduce themselves clad in attire related to a selected theme. Last year’s was “Sweetest Sin,” while this year’s is “International Big Girls.” The next steps are dressing up as a career professional or demonstrating a talent, taking part in a question-and-answer interview and, finally, donning an evening gown.

Explaining why she kept the entry fee for the competition at $50, Brunache said, “I looked around and saw a lot of pageants are really expensive, and I want the point that I’m trying to [make] to get across. I wanted everyday women who don’t have that much money to still be able to participate.”

Shennary Nurse, a 25-year-old Guyana-born resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., traveled to Boston last year to take part in the contest. A naturally shy person, Nurse said that her favorite part of the eventwas conquering her stage fright by walking down the runway in fishnet stockings and a petticoat, putting some style into her “Sweetest Sin” entrance.

“A lot of times, when we’re plus-size, we’re a little self-conscious of our bodies. It’s hard to put on lingerie and be in front of a crowd,” said the mother of four with a laugh. “I was so nervous the night before, but I said to myself: ‘You just have to do this.’”

As it happened, fortune favored the bold: Nurse took top honors in the introductory portion, as well as the grand prize of being crowned the first ever Miss Voluptuous Beauty.

While Nurse’s children were in awe of the trophies she brought home, she said she was most amazed at how the contest changed her.

“It’s made me a better person,” she said. “I don’t usually doubt myself but there’s a little bit of doubt. Now, I love myself and the pageant has made me more confident. It’s in my presence and you can see it in my face.”

Brenton echoed Nurse’s observations. Before last year’s contest, Brenton said, “I had no confidence and I would walk into a room with my head down.”

But the supportive environment she found at the pageant — the enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, the warm encouragement from her fellow contestants — transformed her outlook.

“I thought because it was a pageant these people would be mean and catty and it was just the polar opposite,” she added. “After the pageant, my confidence has grown and I’m a totally different person.”

Most important, however, are the women’s hopes that the event will show audiences that beauty defies definition.

“I would love to have us get to a point where size is not an issue, where on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ there could be a girl my size on there and little girls who might not be skinny-mini can see people who look like them,” Brenton said. “It’s about including everybody.”

The second annual Miss Voluptuous Beauty Contest will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 15 Middlesex Canal Park, Woburn. Admission is free and open to individuals ages 16 and up.




Brooklyn, N.Y., resident Shennary Nurse broke out of her shell last year and took home the inaugural Miss Voluptuous Beauty pageant. (Alex Uncapher photo)

Source

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

City barista reaches finals in plus-size model search

An Edmonton woman is proving that you don’t have to be a size zero to be beautiful.

Chantelle Thompson, 23, will board a plane bound for Toronto next week, to find out if she’s been selected as the winner in Canada’s Plus Size Model Search.

The barista was recently selected to be in the top 10 for the contest, sponsored by plus size retailers, Penningtons, Addition Elle, MXM, and LouLou Magazine.

She bashfully admitted that before entering, she’d never considered modelling before.

“I never really thought it was a possibility for me,” she said. “This is something that hasn’t been put in the spotlight before by society.”

Thompson surpassed thousands for the spot. The five-foot-nine, size-18 blond said that though she spent much of her life ashamed of her body shape, she’s never felt more alive.

“I’m not perfect. I’m not a size zero, or even a two, or a four. I’m a bigger person, and I’m happy with myself,” she said. “One day I decided that I feel great and embrace myself, and show people that they can be confident as well.”

If chosen, Thompson will receive a one-year modelling contract.

Source :

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Full & Fabulous Plus-Size Fashion Show in Atlanta

Miss Sophia from Atlanta radio station WVEE V103.3 FM, will host the Full & Fabulous Spring Fashion Show on March 14, 2009 at Greenbriar Malls Vogue Collections Event Facility in Atlanta. Doors open at 7pm. Curvaceous plus models will grace the stage representing fuller figured women around the world. This event will feature collections from Untide and Agape Goddess of the Diva Day Design Team as well as various department stores catering to plus size women. You can expect to see Ms. Oklahoma Plus America. The event is being sponsored by Diva Day International, LLC, Ashley Stewart, Avenue, V103.3 FM, Christine & Carol, Macy’s, Media, Greenbriar Mall, Purple Door Salon and Spa. The night will end with an After Party at the Vogue Collections Event Facility.

Global information, Inc reports plus size clothing retail market for adults and children totaled $76 billion in 2006. The report also forecast sales will continue to rise and reach the $100 billion mark by 2012.

About Diva Day International, LLC

Ms. Nickee Mack is the founder of Diva Day International a Modeling and Artist Development Agency. This One Stop Shop Fashion House is breaking ground in the South and represents women of all sizes from 0-24. The agencies mission is to bring together all entities involved in the beauty and fashion industry for networking opportunities, while leveling the playing field for the ever changing world of beauty. Ms. Nickee is also the Casting Director and Booking Agent for Vogue Collections Event Facility at Greenbriar Mall.

Diva Day International offers runway training, image consulting, go-see training, media training, professional photo shoots, castings and more. Events include, Bronner Brothers Hair Show 2009, Lifetime Television, Red Carpet Curves, Project Curves, Queen City Music Conference, DSTV Awards, and Atlanta International Fashion Week 2008.

Diva Day International community events include Diversity of Talent Breast Cancer, Tupac Shakur Charity Benefit, Elements Hip Hop Youth Center and E.T.H.E.R. Campaign.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Large-size, stylish clothing is hard to find, but it's out there


No doubt about it -- shopping can be frustrating. But for fuller-figured women looking to keep up with current trends, it can feel like an archaeological excavation.

Megan Anton, manager of L.A. designer resale store Decadestwo, wears a size 12 or 14, and she has the kind of personal style other women unconsciously emulate. But to maintain it, she's learned to circumvent fashion's size restrictions.

Source

Where to shop for stylish plus-size clothes

Kiyonna, a rare plus-size brand that interprets up-to-the-minute contemporary looks for larger shapes — such as this posey patio dress from its new Spring Awakening line — is available online, but also has its own Anaheim store. On top of the company's headquarters, the aptly named Upstairs Boutique carries Kiyonna (including its new lingerie line) in sizes 10 to 32, Spanx body shapers and Svoboda denim.

Source