ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:contests, Fashion, K mart, modeling, plus models style

Think you know all about style?  Share your style secrets and you could win a spot in a national ad campaign for K-mart!

 STEP 1: UPLOAD YOUR PICTURE AT THE OFFICIAL K-MART WEBSITE

Choose a picture that showcases your style and send it in.

STEP 2: MAKE A STYLE STATEMENT

Tell them the secrets to your style success.

STEP 3: SHOW IT OFF

The judges will decide who’s got what it takes.

Contest ends April 27, 2008

Visit the K-mart website for more contest details and enter to win!

Popularity: 47% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:Confidence, Fashion, fashion show, full figured diva academy, full figured women, Hello Gorgeous, Natasha Bryson, plus models, Plus Size, Plus Size Fashion, self esteem stillettos and curves

Stilettos and Curves Traveling Plus-Size Fashion Show
Whistle-Stop: Detroit, Michigan

by Lisa Klobucar,  Hello Gorgeous! Self-Esteem Columnist at Elegant Plus Magazine

Curvy, rubenesque, voluptuous and zaftig are all words to describe the fuller figure. I had the good fortune to attend a fashion show Sunday night (October 21, 2007) at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan that celebrated women who embodied those words: the “Stilettos and Curves” fashion show. Not your average fashion show, Stilettos and Curves is part of a growing grass-roots self-esteem movement across the United States that marries fashion with plus-size models to show big girls can, do, and deserve to look fabulous.  It joins the likes of the pioneering Hips, Heels and Curves Tour from DeVoe Signature Events out of New York City, the Simply Couture Tour out of Los Angeles, and the Divabetic Tour, to name just a few, that are criss-crossing the country, plus numerous local and regional shows that are shouting this positive message from the catwalks. Mo’Nique may have taken the movement sleek and Hollywood style with her enormously popular Fat Chance televised plus model boot camp and competition, but this type of urban event is where it all started.  This wasn’t just a simple fashion show, it was a fashion EVENT!

To see gorgeous, big girls, not just walking the runway but strutting their stuff in glamorous, well fitting and stunning clothes was truly exciting. These ladies knew they looked great and their confidence showed in the way they came down that runway. Outfit after outfit was presented on models of varying sizes and shapes, none smaller than a curvaceous size 14 with sizes as large as 30, while every shape of curves from apple to pear was dressed to kill. No matter the outfit or the model it was a celebration of curves. No wafer thin, “Twiggy’s” on this runway! This was a runway for the woman of size, substance, and style.

This wonderful fashion extravaganza was presented by the Full Figured Diva Academy. Who knew that there was a place to celebrate the “Diva” in all of us?

Plus models strut their stuff at the Stilettos and Curves Fashion Show

The Show

The sell-out crowd was an awesome mix of men, women and children. They were all charged and ready to see this show. Once the lights dimmed, the clapping started even before the first model had appeared on the stage. There were two little boys there cheering on their mom as she walked the runway. Deafening enthusiasm washed around me as the models came out. Cheers, shouts, whoops and whistles were the order of the evening, both in appreciation of the fashions being shown and for the models themselves.

The fashion show featured clothing from local stores, so the outfits were very accessible and affordable for anyone attending. Most of the stores were all very familiar big name brands like Lane Bryant, Torrid and Ashley Stewart to name a few. In every color of the rainbow, the clothing styles ranged from business attire, to casual weekend wear. There was even a section on formal evening wear. I saw several dresses that I would love to wear for some holiday gala or New Year’s Eve party.

While there were outfits that could easily run into the hundreds of dollars, there were also plenty of outfits for every size and budget imaginable. The fact that all the Divas were various shapes and sizes brought home the point of there is a outfit for every size. One of the models, Relita Clarke, has been a runway model for six years and she’s always been a plus model.  She told me, “I love being in an organization where everyone looks like me and to have that empowerment is a wonderful thing. We are trying to send the fashion industry a message. A message that not only thin women can do this.”

The one thing that really stood out with Stilettos and Curves Fashion Show was that each model wore colors that complimented her. In the big runway shows you never see that kind of nod to reality. The designers usually put the models in whatever fits best, applies make-up, and doesn’t worry about color. This show took the time to showcase clothes that put the models in the best light not only for the styles being displayed but for them personally, just like real women in the audience who were looking to them for inspiration ought to do.

For this big girl sitting in the audience and watching these women walk down the runway I felt exhilarated and inspired. The Divas looked great and they knew it, it showed on their faces. The audience loved the way the models looked as it was hardly ever quiet with clapping and shouts of encouragement throughout the hour and a half show. I have to admit after watching the Divas come down the runway, I felt the need to strut my stuff as I walked out the door.  I think their mission was accomplished.

    
All shapes of curves shown in casual and eveningwear

 

The Women Behind the Show

Natasha Bryson, 30, is the director of the “Diva Academy” and she also runs Gemini Modeling and Talent Group in Baltimore, Maryland. Natasha has graced the runway in many shows and is not your typical big girl. In fact she is not a big girl at all. She’s an extremely slender woman, but she’s in our corner. Natasha’s recognition for the need of big girl fashions prompted her to open the Full Figured Diva Academy several years ago. The Diva Academy includes a four week boot camp for aspiring models and women who just want to learn to strut their stuff and improve their confidence and fashion sense. Like most plus-size fashion and model boot camps, Diva’s are taught to not only walk the runway but also how to wear the clothes and how to walk confidently in 3 inch heels. Also included are makeup and hair tips that can be applied to your everyday life, not just on the runway.

I asked Natasha how she finds her Divas?  “Our advertising is pretty much a grass roots effort with email and radio spots, and of course word of mouth. Many of our Divas have come to us from friends of friends.”  The success of such methods was all around me Sunday night with a packed, sold-out show  which truly speaks of the hunger and demand for such shows in opposition to our “thin is in” culture. Natasha ‘s attitude in regards to all women shows when she says things like, “My goal is to have women feel good about themselves no matter their size. I feel that you have to work with what you have been given and improve on yourself from there.” Following up on the self-esteem message of these grass-root shows, Diva Tammara Zanders (Sponsorship Coordinator) added, “we are striving for a consistent presence not only in fashion but in ourselves.”

Don’t think that all these women do is walk the runway, they all have careers outside of the Academy too. For example, Kimberly Badru is one of the original Divas. She has been with the Full Figured Diva Academy for three years, but she is also the director of a catering company. Kimberly became involved with the Diva’s not only for herself but to give her daughter a positive role model. She wants to show her daughter that she can be and do anything she sets her mind to in life.

    
Trendy business wear and classic evening
styles come down the runway

The Tour

The Full Figured Diva Academy is currently on tour showcasing “Stilettos and Curves.” The tour has been to Pennsylvania, Virginia and Michigan. The next stop on the tour is Maryland. While in Maryland they will hold a four week, two hours a day boot camp and then present the fashion show with the local Divas who attended the boot camp as well as the national Diva’s who travel with the show.

So are you ready to be a Diva? Or maybe you just want to check out the next fashion show. You can find out more information by clicking here.

Popularity: 42% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:colored tights, Fashion, full figured, hosiery, Plus Size, Plus Size Clothing, Plus Size Fashion, plus size fishnets, plus size tights stylish tights

Colored and Patterned Tights in Plus-Sizes 

by Elegant Plus at Elegant Plus Magazine

Plus-size tights can be some of the hardest items to find, especially over Queen sizes and especially in colors other than basic black. Fun patterns like diamonds or fishnets, you’re kidding right?  But every fashionista knows that colored tights not only keep you toasty warm as a layering piece in fall and winter, but also can make an outfit go from ho-hum to fabulous. Plus, tights really are a must-have under wide-calf boots since they hold up better than finer weight hosiery.  Sizing is always a challenge with some manufacturers opting for the classic hosiery height and weight charts and others using dress sizes.  Height and weight chart sizing can be tricky with plus-size pears needing usually to go up at least one size from what the weight chart indicates, due to carrying a majority of their weight on the bottom half.   Sizing charts that follow dress or pant sizes usually are closer in size for all plus body types Here are a few of our favorite spots for colored or patterned tights to fit curvaceous, full-figured legs. 1. We Love Colors Topping the list is a fabulous shop called “We Love Colors”….. and boy do they!  They have 45 colors to choose from in their plus-size solid opaque and fishnet tight lines, plus eleven tie-dye colors and even striped tights for the wilder and more adventurous curvy cutie.   Their sizing chart goes up to a 4X which is determined by height and weight charts. This shop gets 5 stars for variety and a realistic size range. 2. One Stop Plus One Stop Plus gets our vote not for color or pattern variety so much as size range.  With colored tights available in season at a very reasonable price, this shop regularly stocks opaque tights in sizes up to 6X.  While the usual black, brown and navy blue are reliably available here in fall and winter months we’ve also spotted hues like crimson red, pearly gray and hunter green in the mix from time to time.  Worth a stop if you are a larger or super-size diva. 3. Torrid Who could leave the trendy plus retailer Torrid off the list when talking about fashionable and stylish leg wear?  This is THE shop that can be counted on to keep up with the latest ultra-trendy trends in plus-sizes.  Right now this translates to fishnets, footless tights in lace, patterns, metallics and stripes, sexy thigh highs and, of course, curve smoothing Spanx.  Sizing varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but most fit up to a size 4X.

Click here for more plus-size hosiery listings.

Popularity: 26% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:body types, cashmere sweater, elegant plus, Fall Fashion, Fashion, fashion tips, full figured fashion, Plus Size Clothing, Plus Size Fashion, shopping guide, trench coat, trouser jeans wide calf boots

Four Must-Have Fall Fashions for the Stylish, Plus-Size Woman…..and Where to Find Them

by Elegant Plus Magazine

Fall is a time for luxurious textures, colors and fabrics.  It’s a season for invigorating your wardrobe with timeless, modern pieces that accentuate your curves and form the very heart of your style.  And it is, hands down, my favorite time of year to shop.

First weed through your wardrobe and throw out those well-loved items that have seen better days. Next give away those pieces that don’t fit properly or haven’t been put on even once in a full year.  Then it’s time to hit the shops in search of a few good, core styles that mix and match with everything while updating and polishing your look. 

Once, not so very long ago, these stylish items were next to impossible to find in plus-sizes. But, no more!  As retailers become savvier to the demands of full-figured customers it is becoming easier to dress well, no matter what your size.

1. Boots

This year both short pant boots and booties, and high, mid-calf to knee boots are both in style.  In the past, these could be impossible for more full-figured body types to find since curvy bods often means wider feet or plus-size calves.  This sad state of affairs is no longer so, and must-have fall fashion boots are within reach of every well dressed woman. 

The hottest trends in boots this year is buckle details, scrunch styles and fold-over booties.  To elongate leg lines look for at least a small heel.  Wedge styles offer the most stylish support for the stress of  larger bodies on feet.  But, be careful with large clunky heels which may be more comfortable, but usually make the leg look chunkier as well.  

Shorter booty styles look great with more casual looks.  Foldover styles will allow the trendier fashionista plenty of room to tuck in leggings and skinny jeans. Meanwhile, buckle detailed pant boots are a fabulous option for the more upscale look of boot-cut and flare jeans or trousers paired with casual, structured blazers and jackets.

Tall boots can be more challenging to fit properly and we suggest you consult our very popular Wide-Calf Boot Guide before ordering.  Buckle detailing is a “must-have” this season, and big girls, finally have not been left out of the most current boot trends.   You can wear tall boots with both long flowing skirts and chic knee grazing pencil skirts, or pair with your favorite wrap dress for day-time wear.

David Tate, “Cruise” Wide-Calf Scrunch Tall Boots	Step Up “Trish” Convertible Collar Booty	Tall Buckle Dress Boots	Sudini “Paula” Boot
Available in Brown or Black Sizes 4-13 M, W, WW Shaft: 14-20″ Wide $143.95 @ Zappos	Available in 4 Colors Sizes 7-12 M, W, WW $55.00 @ Roamans	Available in Brown or Black Sizes 6-12 M, W Shaft: 13.8-18.8″ Wide $188.00 @ Eddie Bauer	Available in Black or Brown Sizes 4-13 M, W $149.95 @ Nordstrom

More Editor’s Pick Wide-Calf Boots

2.  The Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is one of the single most fabulous styles you can own that will last from year to year and still look current and figure flattering.   Thankfully, gone are the days when voluptuous women were left out in the cold with this fantastic style.  Did you know it took your style editor a full year of searching to find a simple, black trench coat in her size not that many years ago?!  Now you can have one no matter whether you are a curvy size 12 or an ample size 34W.  You aren’t even limited to basic black (although that is still a very chic style option).

What’s so wonderful about this style coat, you ask? The look is crisp, timeless and fabulous whether worn over a mod short skirt and boots, finishing a wide-leg trouser silhouette,  or topping your favorite pair of jeans.  Throw it on and cinch the waist, and voila, perfect hourglass figure whether you are blessed naturally with one or not!   Taller curvy fashionistas can pull off longer lengths which are also highly appropriate over business and career wear.  Shorter, pant length trench coats have more of a fashion edge.  A tip to remember when choosing yours: make sure the length does not finish at the widest part of your hips as this only makes your figure look wider than it truly is, a caution particularly important for pear shaped figure types. 

Trends this year include menswear inspired plaids and houndstooth checks, bold pops of jewel tone color, and patent leather.  Fuller figures, especially apple body types,  should beware of the last trend and leave it to the skinny girls, as shiny and light reflective fabrics make whatever they cover appear to the eye larger than they truly are.  Classic black and tan trench coats are timeless but the fit must be impeccable to appear on-trend and stylish, so don’t stint on taking yours to the tailor for a custom fit.  Both single and double breasted styles are everywhere this year.

Water Repellant Trench Coat	Classic Plaid Trench	DG2 Denim Belted Trench	Manhattan Double Breasted Plaid Trench Coat
Available in Kelly Green, Black or Camel Sizes 14-26W $99.99 @ Jessica London	Available in Grey Plaid Sizes 12-34W $79.00 @ Ulla Popken	Available in Denim Blue or Bisque Twill Sizes L-3X $89.00 @ HSN	Available in Tan Plaid or Red Plaid Sizes 14-28W $89.95 @ Avenue

For more plus-size outerwear click here

3. The Cashmere Sweater

If there is one fabric that screams luxury, it’s cashmere.   It’s ultra-soft, warm and thin enough to layer under jackets without adding bulk.  What’s more, every woman deserves to have at least one cashmere sweater in her wardrobe. Unfortunately, they are still a rarity in sizes larger than 3X.  Whether you choose a classic cardigan, turtleneck or pullover style you’ll want versatile colors that will mix and match with your entire wardrobe.  But don’t be afraid of color!  Rich jewel tones add pop, while soft pastels speak of refined femininity.  This year along with the classics like black, camel, red and cream you’ll find a palette of rich purples, deep blues, subtle greys, and mystic teals. 

Since sweaters are worn near the face, it’s a good idea to understand your personal coloring and choose shades that bring out your best.  You’d be surprised how much of an instant make-over is achieved simply by choosing flattering hues that complement and highlight your natural coloring.  Don’t know which color palettes will achieve the desired affect?  Try this free, on-line color make-over.

Keep in mind that a universally flattering style is the v-neck sweater.  It visually opens the neckline and elongates the neck.   Cardigans are best worn fitted close to the body - extra fabric does not hide your flaws! Instead it makes you look sloppy.   Play with a variety of necklines to find the ones that best frame your face and create balance to your proportions.

V-Neck 100% Cashmere Sweater	Cable Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater	V-Neck Pure Cashmere Sweater	Cashmere Blend Cardigan
Colors: Black or Heather Grey Sizes 1X-3X $255.00 @ Saks	Available in 6 Colors Sizes L-3X $170.00 @ Lands End	Colors: Red, Green, or Grey Sizes 1X-3X $118.00 @ Nordstrom	Available Black or Grey Sizes 1X-3X $80.00 @ Liz Claiborne

For more full-figured cashmere options click here

4. Trouser Jeans

Just when you thought we’d seen the end of the jeans craze that took denim from casual play wear only to a fabric appropriate for cocktail parties, along comes a new silhouette.  The trouser jean is, undoubtedly, one of the best denim styless to come out yet.  Virtually universally flattering to all body types this jean is a “must have” in every woman’s wardrobe, from young to old, classic to trendy.

The key to this style is to find a pair that fits perfectly from waist to hip to inseam length, with the right rise and a pant leg that falls perfectly straight down from the widest part of your hips. It’s  important that the length is long enough to properly cover your shoes, as high waters in this style are an especially big fashion disaster.  Sounds like a tall order, but fortunately this style is so hot right now that there are many retailers and price points from which to choose, even in plus-sizes. Full-figured women must be particularly careful about what tops they pair with this wide-legged style in order to keep the look fashionable and sleek. But when done right, there is nothing better. 

Waist lines should be accented and nipped to keep the look from becoming sloppy.  Necklines should be v’s, wide scoops and other open shapes that keep the top in balanced proportion with the bottom.  Belted tunics, trenches, and wrap style blouses are especially good with this pant silhouette.  Structured jackets should be form fitting. Flattering possibilities include peplum styles, short cutaway hem jackets, and styles that visually accentuate the waist. Long, flowing duster jackets can work well with these trousers as long as the top underneath is visibly fitted at the waist in some fashion and the jacket is worn open. Petite plus women will look best in a monochromatic, body lengthening ensemble and at least a little bit of a heel to keep the overall effect in proportion.

Cotton Spandex Trouser Jeans	Rinse Wash Wide Leg Trouser Jean	Freestyle Revolution Trouser Jeans	Premium Pintuck Denim Trousers
Colors: Black or Indigo Sizes 12-42W; Petite and Tall to 26W $39.00 @ Silhouettes	Colors: Indigo Sizes 14-24W $74.00 @ Baby Phat	Colors: Dark Wash Sizes 12-26W $68.00 @ Torrid	Colors: Black or Medium Denim Sizes 14-38W $39.99 @ Woman Within

 Click here for more full-figured denim listings

_____________________________________

For more Editor’s Pick Fashion in sizes 12-34W check out the Elegant Plus Big Book of Style.

Popularity: 31% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:body image, body types, Fashion, jeans, Lane Bryant, Plus Size, Plus Size Clothing, Plus Size Fashion, plus size jeans, Right Fit Jeans, shopping guide Shopping Review

Right Fit Jeans by Lane Bryant (TM) - Hot or Not?

by Elegant Plus Magazine

While wide leg trouser jeans are certainly the hottest (and most flattering) silhouette available for Fall 2007,  and more designers are entering the plus denim market (last time we checked Nordstrom alone is carrying Paige Premium, Michael Kors, Svoboda, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein jeans in plus-sizes), the most exciting denim news for plus-size women this year is the unveiling of Lane Bryant’s new “Right Fit Jeans”.   Every full-figured woman (heck, every woman) knows just how difficult the search truly is for the perfect fitting pair of jeans.  Forget the status of designer labels, trendy washes and special detailing…… if your jeans don’t fit your body right you are going to be neither comfortable nor stylish.

 The Technology

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago everyone’s clothing was custom made to fit their body perfectly.  There was no “perfect size” or trying to fit all of the various shapes and sizes of feminine curves into a single prescribed, standard manufactured shape based on averages.  And then along came the Industrial Revolution and mass produced clothing.  Suddenly the whole idea that clothing should fit the body got turned on its head and instead bodies needed to fit the clothes.  And there we see the seeds of modern body image issues and fashion.

After over sixty years of static sizing standards which we are all still trying to get our bodies to mold into, a new women’s clothing sizing project was born. Right Fit  comes from a three year initiative by Lane Bryant using cutting edge technology to scan 14,000 women’s bodies and compile the data to give their design team precise and scientific information about how full-figured bodies are shaped and how to fit those bodies. 

And guess what?  They found out what we all knew all along.  There is no one single plus-size body type.  We come in all different shapes of curves.

The Sizing

This is where a great idea gets confusing in execution.   Instead of using a sizing system and numbers  with which we are all familiar, Lane Bryant has created a new sizing system from 1 to 8.  And from there, they’ve created three shapes which are color coded: a Yellow body type is straight from the waist through the hips; a Red fit is slightly curved from the waist to the hips; and a woman with a Blue body type has a small waist and is fullest at the hips.  Finally a variety of inseam lengths are available for petite, average and tall plus-size women.

Without their sizing calculator it’s anybody’s best guess what a normally sized 20 pear might wear (OK, we can say “Blue” but would that be a Blue 2, Blue 5, or….??) .  But we can tell you this,  waist measurements from 34″-52″ are used in the calculator and hip sizes 36″-65″ are available.   This leads us to suspect that some of our more voluptuously proportioned, super-sized sisters may actually be included in this new sizing system.  And this isn’t as much of a shocker as it at first appears because over the last year or so, Lane Bryant has been quietly experimenting with extending the top of their size range in select styles from 28W to larger.   We couldn’t find anything on the website larger than a 28W when we popped in today, but the new Lane Bryant Catalog releasing this fall by parent company Charming Shoppes will carry sizes as large as 44W.  Furthermore, plus-size  specialty sister store, Catherine’s, is also offering the Right Fit jeans and they serve women up to sizes 34W and extend the Right Fit specialty sizing system from 8 to 12.

Hot or Not?

Right Fit jeans are available under the Venezia label at Lane Bryant in different styles: classic, flare, Houston trouser fit and boot cut; lengths: petite, average and tall; and washes: light rinse, medium vintage, dark blast, and dark rinse.  Prices are much more reasonable than most premium, designer lines of jeans and  range from $39.50 to $49.50.

 

Elegant Plus Magazine  Click & Save!  Want to try the new Lane Bryant Right Fit Jeans   or love them so much you want another pair?      Click here to receive your code to save 20% off your   order, with no minimum purchase.

So here’s our question to you, dear readers.  Are the Right Fit Jeans from Lane Bryant hot or not?  Have you tried them?  Do they fit as well as promised?  Do you like the styling? Do you like the idea of a completely new sizing system or do you find it confusing?  We want to know!

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More full-figured jeans can be found in the Elegant Plus Jeans and Denim Directory.

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Popularity: 39% [?]