ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:contests, plus model search, plus models, Plus Size Fashion Torrid

by Elegant Plus Magazine

Are you curvaceous, gorgeous and full of life? Have you always dreamed of being a model, but didn’t know where to get started?

Well you’re in luck! Torrid, a leading retailer in the trendy plus-size fashion world, is searching for new faces to represent their brand…….. and one of them could be you!

You need to hurry though. Entries are only being accepted through July 31, 2008.

What You’ll Need:

1. 8 x 10 full length photo exhibiting the best modeling moxie you’ve got

2. A completed application available to download from the TORRID WEBSITE.

Get it all in the Mail no later than July 31, 2008. Entries postmarked later will automatically be disqualified. Entries MUST be received by August 5, 2008.

MAIL TO:

TORRID HQ
Attn: Delia Douglas
18305 E. San Jose Ave.
City of Industry, CA 91748

Eligibility. Contest open only to legal female residents of the 50 United States and DC, 18 years or older at the time of entry. Employees, officers, directors and representatives of Hot Topic, Inc., E. San Jose Ave., City of Industry, CA 91748 (?Sponsor?) and Scandalous Cosmetics, and each of their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliates and immediate family members (spouse and parents, siblings and children and their spouses) and persons living in the same households of each of the above are ineligible to enter or win. Void outside the 50 United States and DC and where prohibited by law. All federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations apply. (IF ENTRANT IS UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE, ENTRY FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY ENTRANT?S PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN GIVING ENTRANT PERMISSION TO ENTER THE CONTEST)

Good luck to all you beautiful aspiring plusmodels!!

Popularity: 100% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:Guest Article, Plus Size, Plus Size Clothing, plus size dresses, Plus Size Fashion, shopping guide, wedding guest Weddings

Brought to you by The Dress-Directory , Guest Contributor to Elegant Plus Magazine

It’s the time of year when the wedding invitations start coming in from all those wonderful Christmas, New Year and Valentine engagements.  If you aren’t asked to be a bridesmaid or maid-of-honor, it’s up to you to find the perfect dress to flatter your curves.

What You Need to Consider

The first thing to think about is the color.  Many full-figured women like to reach for safe, reliable black for special occasions, afterall there is a reason “the little black dress” is considered a classic, right?  Well, as a wedding guest consider breaking out some color.  In many social circles solid black, along with red and shades of ivory or white, is considered inappropriate and even insulting to the bride.  

Instead, choose colors that brighten your complexion, add sparkle to your eyes, and bring out the natural bloom in your cheeks.    This spring, for the more adventurous, bold colors like cobalt blue, vivid pink, bright orange, sunshine yellow and greens are available in solids, graphic prints and splashy florals.  For the more demure, try sandy neutrals, soft pinks and classic spring pastels.  Remember to keep prints and accessories in proportion. Fuller figures look best in larger prints and accessories, although shorter plus figures need to moderate that rule of thumb to accommodate a more petite stature.

The second thing to take into consideration when choosing your dress is the time of day and location of wedding and reception.  Is it indoors or outdoors? What are the average temperatures and humidity for the region in the spring?  Is the event in the it afternoon or evening?   Those choosing skimpier fashions might want to be sure to include a wrap or opt for a less skin baring style like a jacket dress or church suit for outdoor weddings in an area or climate that can be on the cooler side in the spring.

Finally, the last thing to consider is formality.  Did the invitation indicate a formal or black tie affair?  While most weddings are very formal for the bride, groom and wedding party, wedding guests are usually not expected to dress in full length gowns unless the invitation specifically states so.  Formal weddings and receptions are much more common if scheduled after 6pm in the evening.  Far more common attire is something appropriate for a special dinner out or your Sunday best.

Our Wedding Guest Dress Picks for Spring 2008

Young and Trendy

London Times Spring Green Silk Cap Sleeve Dress; Sizes 14-24W; $129.00; Where to Buy

Choose this pretty and vibrant spring dress in floaty silk chiffon that gently skims your curves without being clingy.  Gathered straps are bra friendly while the empire waist, above the knee styling, and on-trend color add just the right fashion forward pizzazz.  Add a simple bolero (or go bare if you dare), sparkly clutch and metallic strappy heels for a look that might just catch the Best Man’s eye!

Pretty in Pink

 Tiered Chiffon Jacket Dress; Sizes 6-24W; $139; Where to Buy

For the more mature wedding guest who likes modesty, choose this pretty tiered chiffon ensemble with delicate beading, organza ribbon trim and embroidery.  Baby pink is a classic spring favorite that can be spiced up with bolder, deep pink accessories or kept soft and feminine mixed with white.

Dance the Night Away

  Ruffled Surplice Dress; Sizes 6-26W; $99.99; Where to Buy

Kick up your heels and dance the night away in this deep teal green chiffon dress.  Faux wrap styling accentuates your curves while feminine ruffles add a little salsa va-va voom.  Mix in metallic accessories for extra spice. You won’t be short of partners at the reception in this number!

Designer Diva

 Lewis Cho Silk Jacquard Dress; Sizes 14-24W; $298; Where to Buy

Simple, sophisticated designer style is always chic at special events.  Choose this periwinkle jacquard shift dress by Lewis Cho for a subtle look of luxury.  You are sure to appreciate the fine tailoring and extra details like a back tie to keep the look sleek and flattering.

Black-Tie Wedding Guest

 Alyce Designs Black Label Dress 5146, Off the Shoulder Lace and Silk Chiffon; Sizes 4-28W; $398; Where to Buy

Black tie weddings require sophistication and elegance in your attire, and grown up styles are a must.  This gorgeous off the shoulder silk gown in rich navy blue is subtly glamorous.  Remember formalwear frequently must be ordered four to six weeks in advance, so plan ahead.

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About the Author

The Dress Directory is an on-line comparison shopping engine listing dresses organized by occasion (from casual to career to special occasion and formal dresses) and size ranges, offering options for juniors, misses, petites, talls and plus-sizes.

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For more plus-size dresses appropriate for wedding guests, check our sister plus-size shopping website Elegant Plus.

Popularity: 78% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:contest, Guest Article, Lane Bryant, Plus Size Clothing Plus Size Fashion

  Lane Bryant Contest:  Win the Closet of Your Dreams

 by Kristyn Wilson as a guest contributor for Lane Bryant to Elegant Plus Magazine

Got a crowded closet? Who doesn’t! I’ve got a hot tip for Elegant Plus Magazine readers!

Starting March 10 through April 1 Lane Bryant is sponsoring a contest to win a closet and wardrobe makeover. The contest is called “Closet of Your Dreams” and the grand prize winner gets a ClosetMaid closet makeover valued at $2,500 and a Lane Bryant wardrobe valued at $2,500. LB will even hook you up with a personal shopper. Not bad!

Who couldn’t use a new wardrobe and a new closet with spring right around the corner? I’d hate for people to take a peek in my closet – it’s a mess!

Additional prizes will be awarded too. The first place prize winner gets $500 in ClosetMaid products and a $500 LB gift card. Second place winners (10 total) get $100 in ClosetMaid products and a $100 LB gift card. Third place winners (150 total) get $25 LB gift cards and 1,000 other winners will get $5 ClosetMaid canvas organizers.

To  learn about contest rules and how you can enter check the LB website, plus click here for secret Elegant Plus savings!

Popularity: 40% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:Advice, Guest Article, Plus Size Fashion, plus size prom dresses, plus size prom gowns, prom, prom dresses Teens

How To Have a Fabulous and Memorable Prom Night

by Patrica Kopp, Guest article for Elegant Plus Magazine

 Prom is a night for graduating seniors to celebrate their twelve plus years of school. It is one of the last few times that your class will get together and have a good time. It is a time when you realize that you are leaving high school behind and are growing up and becoming a young adult. It is a time for graduating seniors to make a great memory and here are some ideas to have a fabulous and memorable prom night:

1. Create a prom scrapbook

Fill a binder with mementos such as the price tag from your dress, your corsage, your ticket stubs— anything that has to do with prom night. Then decorate the outside of the scrapbook with a collage of your favorite prom pictures. Theme the scrapbook with the same theme as your prom.

2. Be organized with your prom planning

Have a checklist of everything you need to get done for prom including your dress, activities before and after and who you are going with. Also, plan your pre-dance dinner if needed well ahead of time. Prom night is a popular night for local restaurants, so reserve a table for you and your date at least a month prior to the event.

3. Be sure to rest before the big night

Having fun on prom night will use up a lot of energy. You will be stressed from all the preparations and with all the dancing you will be doing, you need to make sure that you get a good night’s sleep before prom and maybe even take a nap the day of prom. If you talked your parents into extending curfew on prom night, you will need all the sleep you can get beforehand. Believe me you will have more fun if you are not dead tired.

4. Go in a group

 Most students find the prom a lot more fun if they go in a group. Couples can share a car, and several cars can go together and arrive at the dance at the same time. Or super size your prom ride by renting a minibus. Pass around a list and recruit your group. A ride this size costs less than a limo does per person. You will all arrive together and you can all sit together at the same table and enjoy each other’s company all evening. Remember that the earlier you arrive, the better your chances will be of finding an empty table where you can all sit together.

5.  Pre-Prom warm up party

You may want to get together at one person’s house to take group pictures and have hors d’oeuvres. Throw kind of a pre-prom “mocktail party” with virgin drinks. This gives everyone an opportunity to get a good start on the evening. It will also give parents a chance to make a fuss over all of you and take as many pictures as they want. They will probably be having as much fun as you are.

6. Picture book memories

Buy a bunch of one time use cameras and pass them around to your friends. Set a goal to use every last picture before the night is through. Hopefully, you will want to remember this night forever and this way you will get plenty of candid shots.

7. Dance away the night

Don’t be a wall flower on prom night. Get up and dance! If you don’t want to slow dance with your prom date, don’t let that stop you from having fun. Pull your friends onto the floor and dance in a circle.

8.  Enjoy the night

Sometimes students don’t spend much time at the dance, but just show up for pictures and leave. These are the ones that really miss out on the fun. This may be the last time you will be seeing a lot of the people you have spent the last four years of high school with. It may be the biggest party you will ever attend where you know so many people in attendance. Enjoy it and have a great time! You’ll remember it when you look back years later, and it will be a good memory.

9. Take care of your belongings

Don’t leave valuables on the table or in bathrooms. Even if you think you know everyone at the dance, it would be very sad to lose a camera or your money just because you were careless and left it sitting around unattended.

10. After - Prom activities

After prom is over, be playful and have fun. Some suggestions: After prom, go bowling or to a late-night arcade. There’s nothing like friendly competition to really get everyone laughing. Or go to a late night diner all dressed up and order fries and a milk shake; it’ll hit the spot and you’ll get lots of attention. You can even gather in a friend’s house or backyard or on the beach, take your shoes off, turn up the music and really dance. Even the most ordinary things become more fun when you’re dressed up! You’re only in high school once. You might as well enjoy your night and make it last as long as you can.

Prom is a wonderful way to celebrate with your class but please don’t make choices on prom night that you will regret later. Don’t drink or use drugs as both impair your judgment, can hurt you and are illegal. You want this to be a night you can remember in a good way not a bad one.

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About the Author

Article by Patricia Kopp of Prom-Dress-and-Gown.com.  Visit their blog for more articles on prom.

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Plus-Size Prom Dresses

Looking for a plus-size prom dress?  Check out the Editor’s Prom Dress Picks at our sister Elegant Plus web-site.  Want more options? Check out the Prom and Homecoming Gown listings at the Dress-Directory.com comparison shopping engine.  Be sure to check out both the Misses and Plus-Size sections if you wear under a size 20 or smaller.

Popularity: 36% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:body image, Designer Fashion, Elena Miro, fashion designer, Milan Fashion Week, plus models, Plus Size Clothing Plus Size Fashion

Elena Miro:  Fall/Winter 2008-09

by Elegant Plus Magazine

It wasn’t so long ago that the fashion world was in an uproar over too skinny models, body image and eating disorders.   But, as is typical with such fads in the fashion world such healthy concern in setting good examples for young girls has gone by the wayside and pursuit of the elusive, perfect size 0 model continues.

This makes all the more extra-ordinary the showing of the Elena Miro collection during Milan’s Fashion week on February 16, 2008.  A regular in the Milan line-up, Italian designer Elena Miro is not only noteworthy in the use of full-figured models (womanly and well-proportioned but not fat), but also in the design of plus-size fashion.

The Fall/Winter 2008-09 collection continues styles seen this past winter season and is characterized by lush berry ripe purples and reds,  European black in menswear inspired styles softened by lady-like details, and fabrics with soft luster and sheen.

      

         

       

Popularity: 62% [?]