Summertime! Cute and Cool Looks for the Plus and Petites

I don't know about you but I couldn't be happier summertime has finally arrived! The air feels warmer, the breeze not as chilly, and the streets much more crowded with foot-traffic and some great eye candy outfits. It's the perfect time to bust out with some shorter hemlines and some sleeveless tops. There's nothing like the freedom a dress or a skirt brings from skinny jeans. True liberation and style lies in that which is comfortable, so says I.

However, I have a great many clients who are either plus or petite size and who struggle not only to find something to wear but also something that suits the season. This post is for all those ladies here today. There are incredibly cute things to wear right now! I know when I'm out shopping, I'm never 100% satisfied with what's available in stores but I'm very skilled at updating a closet that probably has some basics in it. Here, are some quick tips and options to liven up your wardrobe for summer. First up, Petites.

If you want to embrace the neon trend, you can either do it in an accessory or in a piece of clothing. This dress by Maggy London is a perfect hybrid. It's got the balance of a casual dress but it's also great for an office. The only thing "loud" about it is the color. The all-over print keeps the eye moving so it never settles in one place and the V-neck brings the attention back up to the face. All A+'s in my book.

Maggy London, Nordstrom, $98

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your closet is to incorporate a few more fun and fresh tops. That means color and/or print. Colors are mood manipulators so why not wear what makes you happy!? I love the silhouette of this top. It's perfect when you're feeling bloated. Make sure to avoid looking big all over by balancing the top out with a skinnier bottom. A pencil skirt would work as an alternative to skinny jeans.

Citron top, Nordstrom, $92 (it's machine washable silk!)

If you don't know what chambray is but have heard it before, don't worry. It's not a fancy fabric. Think of it as a very light weight denim. It's sort of like going from a muslin to a canvas. The name is your clue to what weight it is, light or heavy. In this case, chambray is a great jean but "not jean" option for summer. It's best done as a skirt.

Nic + Zoe skirt, Nordstrom, on sale for $71.90

Because we live in the bay area, it's never really safe to leave home with out a jacket or sweater of some kind. Just because it's warm outside, doesn't mean you're safe from the wind. A great summer  option to wear when the chill comes back is a knit blazer. 

Caslon blazer, Nordstrom,  $59

 For Plus-

A versatile dress in a pop of color will always look good and always feel good. The relaxed silhouette of this dress marks it as being easily dressed up or down. A good staple for any woman to have.

Kelsey dress, IGIGI, $118

Many people think they can't wear yellow. They're wrong! It just has to be your shade of yellow. Most people have it as an undertone in their skin anyway so if you kind a yellow that compliments your undertones, it'll make you look radiant. Trust me.

Double collar, sleeveless top, ASOS.com, on sale for $24.86

Since most plus-size clients I have dislike their legs, I figured pants might be the way to go here. Instead of turning to your typical jeans or work pants, try a cropped pant in a bright blue. The blue is familiar but not "safe" by any means because of the vibrancy of the color. They'll nicely compliment the bright yellow in the top above.

Cropped pants, Avenue.com, on sale for $32.99

To finish off any pants and top combo, you need a cute jacket. I love the color and cut of this motorcycle-inspired one. And if you paired it with the pants and yellow top, you'd have a stunning look from head to toe.

Faux leather jacket, ASOS.com, on sale for $54.68

One thing that doesn't discriminate based on size is shoes. Shoes (almost) always fit. So to really finalize these looks, I picked one heel and one flat sandal that all women, regardless of size, could drool over.

Whistles "Noemi" sandal, ASOS.com, $207.13

One of my favorite style of sandal for any gal is a gladiator sandal. The numerous straps helps shape the foot into a flattering appearance. Most sandals are a little too naked for my taste but these have a bit more "shoe" to them so they'll feel like they cover more of your foot.

Nine West, Nordstrom, on sale for $38.90

Hopefully as the days continue to get warmer, you continue to find inspiration in the season and dare to be cute and cool, regardless of what size you are. There's never been a more appropriate season for women than summer. After all, we get to wear dresses and skirts! Enjoy it!

Image(s) courtesy of asos.com, nordstrom.com, avenue.com, igigi.com

San Francisco Sale Info for July 2012

 July Fine Jewelry Birthday Card Sunday, July 1st- Tuesday, July 31st

Looking for the perfect gift? We have you covered! Clients will receive a $100 Splurge Card when spending $500 or more in Fine Jewelry or Fine Watches using your Bloomingdales card!

Designer Ready to Wear Power Point Offer Thursday, July 12th- Sunday, July 15th

Ladies, this is the time to shop until you drop! For every $1,000 spent in full price Designer and The New View Designer Collections, you will receive 50,000 Power Points! Our Designer collections are calling your name this month!

July FOD Thursday, July 12th- Sunday, July 15th

Clients will receive 15% off of almost any purchase in our Center Core, Ready to Wear, Men’s or Young World departments when using their Bloomingdales card!

A Better Offer: Soft Goods Clearance Sale Thursday, July 26th- Sunday, July 29th

We know you have been waiting for it, and it is finally here! Come in to Bloomingdales to receive 40%-50% off of almost all permanently reduced items in Women’s Men’s and Kid’s fashions, Handbags, Fashion Accessories and Intimates! Total savings during this time can range from 50%-75%.

Polo Olympics Power Points Event Thursday, July 12th- Saturday, July 28th

Now that SF Pride has ended, we are focusing on a new kind of celebration, the Olympics! Take pride and shop our Olympics line here at Bloomingdales! Clients will receive triple points on Men’s and Women’s Polo Olympics merchandise!

July Last Chance Clearance Sale Thursday, July 26th- Sunday, July 29th

Be sure to make your appointment for all of your last minute summer items! The Last Chance Clearance Sale is the perfect time to include any last minute items to your wardrobe.

 

You can shop this sale online any time, or make an appointment to shop it in-store on the 11th.

 Barney's in San Francisco is currently on sale at up to 60% off Spring Summer; definitely a great time to stop in!

Summer stock-up sale, presell starts July 8 - save up to 20% off regular and sale merchandise with Friends and Family exclusions!

One Day Sale is coming on Saturday, July 14 with a preview day on Friday, July 13.
You can use your Star Rewards towards purchases. (Unfortunately we can't presell for Summer stock-up sale during the One Day Sale).

It's time for the big Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!!!!!!!!!!!  This sale is not to be missed.  While everyone is is putting their Spring/Summer clothes on sale, Nordstrom gets you ready for the cool weather early by putting their FALL clothing on sale before everyone else's hit the shelves.

ANNIVERSARY SALE STARTS JULY 20!
Next season's styles are making their debut, and they'll be on sale for a limited time. Shop early for the best selection.
Prices go up August 6.

BE FASHIONABLY EARLY

Shop the Anniversary Sale for nine full days before everyone else with Early Access! Just join the Nordstrom cardholder family and become a Fashion Rewards® member

ONLINE SALES:

If you're a fan of The Limited and a plus sized woman, then you need to know about Eloquii.  Check them out now while you take advantage of their current offer: "enjoy 50% off 3 or more items" when you use code SAVENOW.  That includes already markdown items.

 

Banana Republic Collaboration with Trina Turk

I could not be more excited about the Trina Turk for Banana Republic collection that hits the general public in-store and online TODAY! 

Here are the looks I purchased:

Would look great belted

How cute would this be paired with the jacket below?

Sizes are running out of this one, quick!

Trina Turk is known for her use of bright signature colors and bold, dare-I-say iconic, vintage inspired prints.  Banana Republic is known for their quality and affordability.  What could more more perfect than a collaboration between the two?  I'll tell you..... one of the only designer collaborations thanks for nothing Target who only does collaborations in junior sizing resulting in size 16's!  While that's not quite plus size, it's larger than you'll find in Trina Turk's regular line.

Image(s) courtesy of Banana Republic.com

Swimwear 101: Plus-Size Gals Celebrating Their Curves

I'm about to head off on a last-minute (much needed) vacation to Hawaii with my husband.  The first since we were married in 2009.  When he told me we were going I was first very excited thinking about the hot sun, warm sand and cool blue waters.  Then I realized, thanks to a substantial injury and a lack of self-control when it came to chocolate, that I didn't have a swimsuit that fit me anymore.  All of a sudden my shock and awe at the good news was blown to bits by my worry over having to swimsuit shop for myself.  Sure, it's much easier to help other people show for swimwear.  I'm a wardrobe stylist, I'm supposed to know how to do this- which I do.  But the pace I had made with my thighs was on shaky ground when I knew I wasn't going to be able to hide them in clothing all the time.

So I set about to find myself a plus-sized swimsuit.  I'm one of those weird body shapes that is not plus-sized everywhere, but my bust has grown so much over the last year (38E) that regular misses sized suits let my cups runneth over (Psalm 23:5).  After an exhaustive online search of plus-sized swimwear, including ordering and truing many of them on myself, here are my favorites...

Personal Shopper Picks:

OneStopPlus.com $79.99

This is the little number I will be sporting this week.  The little ruffled skirt hides the top of my thighs, but not so much that it looks like a dress.  It actually has a cute vintage feeling to it.

Monif C. $118

Who says plus-sized has to nothing but a swim dress?  I think this ruffle is great, and would nicely play up your bust line to proportionally minimize the size of your thighs.

Torrid $34

Have a top that you love, but a bottom that you don't (I can't help but laugh at the pun)?  These shorts are great because they will match pretty much any top you already have, and they are adjustable via the draw strong cords on the sides.

OneStopPlus.com $49.40

A not-so-fitted tankini is a great way to hide any lumps and bumps in your midsection.  It's also a good option for those of us with longer torsos.

Lane Bryant $119.95

This large print will keep the eye moving and won't linger over any spots you don't want seen.  The ruched sides also help disguise and bulges.

This summer I vow:

...not to hide my curves under a matronly swim dress.
...to go beyond black and wear colorful swimwear.
...to celebrate my curves by not hiding in my clothes all summer.

Diane's high praises have left me speechless...

"It is such a STRUGGLE fending off compliments to my outfit today... REALLY!!!

...I see that the better I feel about myself, the less likely I am to indulge in an eating marathon.  The clothes you chose and the support you have given me make me feel incredible... having beautiful clothes when I am at my "fullest" has really had a profound positive impact on my self esteem."

People tend to think of fashion as being purely superficial.  But you'd be amazed at the way your appearance can lift/hurt your self-esteem.  Anyone who's ever felt over-weight knows what it feels like to have your outward appearance affect you negatively.  Like Diane (see her "after photo" on the FB page), did you ever stop to think that a wardrobe update might help build your self-esteem?

Bay Area's First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala- this Saturday!!!!

I am so excited to be a part of this amazing event!  Being a plus-sized woman myself, I am glad that the fashion industry is waking up to the fact that not all women wear a size 2, nor do we want to.  For that matter, I'd like to see someone other than a walking hanger go down the runways (trust me, they're all skinnier in person than they are in the magazines).  I'm so excited to be covering this fashion show.... look for a blog post with all the 411 next week!

Countdown Begins in the Bay Area for the First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala
New York, NY, 1/26/2010: The models were selected, rehearsals have been underway, and in a little under a week and a half, Kiss the Curves: “The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala in the Bay,” will be center stage on February 6, 2010 at the Historic Sweets Ballroom in Oakland, CA.

This historic platform, hosted by Bay Area's Quiet Storm 102.9 KBLX-FM radio personality, Sterling James, will allow plus-size designers such as Ashley Stewart, Igigi, Marie Denee, Corinthia Peoples Designs, Chocolate Sushi Couture, A Clothes Mind, Tru Diva and Isle’s of Paradise to debut their latest collections to an audience of media outlets, VIP guests, socialites and fashion enthusiasts under the direction of renowned runway talent coach, Charleston Pierce.

While the excitement is brewing for a successful event, the recent fatalities and devastation in Haiti has broken the hearts of the entire Kiss the Curves staff. Compelled to extend monetary help to the Haitian relief efforts, Executive Producer, Tracie Collins will donate proceeds from this monumental event to the Red Cross.

Advertising sponsors of Kiss the Curves includes, Clear Channel Radio, PLUS Model Magazine, Ashley Stewart, SKORCH Magazine, Lexus, Daily Venus Diva Magazine and Black Entertainment Monthly. Lead photography will be provided by celebrity photographer, Nana of 510 Media.

Pre-sale tickets to Kiss the Curves for general admission are currently on sale for $20, with VIP tickets on sale for $35 and can be purchased through Airbourne Tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $25 on the day of the event.

For more information or press inquiries, please contact: Renee D. Jennings: reneejennings@rmediagroup.com

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Image(s) courtesy of Kiss the Curves