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: 82% [?]

ELEGANT PLUS CONTENT TAGS:dreams, goal setting, goals, Guest Article success

How To Take a Small Step Towards Your Goals and Achieve Your Dreams

by Veronica Parker of Goal Setting That Works for Elegant Plus Magazine

Not happy with your current state? Want more cheer, a better house, a stronger relationship, a job where you are respected and valued, or want to earn more, close more sales and buy that dream car?

Well, Quit dreaming. Just thinking about them and not taking any single step towards your dreams, your aspirations, and your desires is not going to bring them to you. That’s just wishful thinking.

The moment you decide that you want something, and surge ahead to take the next step in that direction, then providence moves too, in your direction. And the object of your desire comes a step closer to you.

Rather than just dreaming, when you focus on what you want, and take the time to write it down, it becomes permanently imprinted in your subconscious. Our brain has a problem solving mechanism. You give it a problem, and it starts to find a solution all the time, even when you don’t know about it. The power of the subconscious mind is limitless. The human mind has not been able to completely comprehend what our brain and our subconscious is fully capable of.

What is Goal Setting?

Goal Setting is a formal process of writing down what you wish for, what you desire, and what your truly want. Whether you want more money, or a better relationship, a new car or a better paying job, each of these is a goal. But just saying “I want more money” is not enough. The brain does not understand “more”. You must tell it how much more, by explicitly describing it.

Imagine if you were to asked to find a red house in the city. Without the suburb, the zip code, the address or location, you could roam endlessly till the evening, and not be any closer to your destination. But if you are given sufficient details about the location, suburb or address, sooner or later you will find it.

The better you define the object of your desires, the better it will be for your subconscious mind to be able to find it. So the first step in achieving your goals is to define them clearly. Write them down, break them down into smaller chunks, and divide them into categories.

For example you may have financial goals or career goals. That’s a category by itself. Similarly, you may want to organize your goals into these or similar categories.

Financial / Career
Social / Cultural
Family / Friends
Health / Physical
Personal Development / Educational
Spiritual

Once you have written down your goals in each category, group them into short term goals and long term goals. For example if you are earning $50,000 a year, and your goal might be to get to 500,000 a year later. Now I am not saying that it is impossible. Nothing is impossible! Unless you win the lottery, it will require a Herculean effort on your part to get to that figure in an year.

So chunking it down helps. Maybe, get to 80,000 in the next year,150,000 the year later, and get to 500,000 by the third, fourth or fifth year. Based on your goals, and how deeply and intensely you want those goals, work out your own blueprint to success.

Once you break it down to short term goals to attain in the next 6-12 months, you could lose 10 pounds, save $5,000 or plan for a vacation cross country. Take small steps, and get successful at doing the smalls steps. Nothing succeeds like success. As you attain small successes, you will get more confidence and more faith in your ability to attain your dream goals. Your motivation and inspiration will increase manifold, and you will be on a roll… going from peak to peak to reach your dreams.

Goal Setting Tips

1. Make sure your goals are SMART goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time bound. This gives them power and clarity.

2. Take your 5 year goals, and split then into year by year goals. Then take your first year goal and split further into 6 months goals. Then work on the month by month increments. Work on how you will start updating your resume, or start saving $200 dollars each month, or find a book or video on Yoga or aerobic exercises.

You can even start jogging for 15-20 minutes a day, and then gradually increase it to about 30 to 45 minutes, and eventually take it to an hour of exercises. 6 months is not a very long period. You could have lost a few pounds by then, become a lot trimmer, and will have a new wardrobe of nicely fitting clothes that will give your personality an extra edge.

3. Use a Daily Checklist to remind yourself of the actions you need to take each day to achieving your goals. Don’t skip a single day. Even if you can spare only 30 minutes towards your goals, doing so consistently will soon add up, and you will begin to notice the difference it is making in your life!

4. Do a periodic Review of your long and short term goals. See what is working, and feel free to make amends to reflect what you want to change, and what you have already achieved. Keep in mind that personal goal setting is an ever evolving exercise. Your goals evolve dynamically based on the changes in nature, your self and your environment. So keep reviewing them regularly to stay on course.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead, get started now. Write down your goals now. When you look back in a few months time, you will cherish this moment of decision. It will take you towards getting that house, the car, be mortgage free, or find the loving relationship you are looking for.

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About the Author

Goal Setting That Works is a Free Goal Setting service that automatically sends you your written goals on a weekly basis. Keep yourself focused on your goals, and achieve them faster. For more articles on Goal Setting, visit the Achieving Goals Blog to get started in achieving your goals now. This article is written by the editor of GoalSettingThatWorks.com, Veronica Parker.

Popularity: 27% [?]

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: 41% [?]

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, Guest Article, Health, Size Acceptance Women and Media

 By Jeanne Rust, Phd, Guest Author for Elegant Plus Magazine

What can we do to begin to combat the messages we get from the media including magazines and television?

How can we make a difference in the world and begin to teach people to respect who we are as a person on the inside rather than what we look like on the outside?

When am I going to say, This is enough! I am going to refuse to pay attention to what other people think when they judge how I look. I am going to refuse to give away my power to a society that worships a handful of super models who use airbrushed photos!

The PBS website has a marvelous article called Perfect Illusions. The beginning paragraph states, One of the ways we can protect our self-esteem and body image from the often narrow definitions of beauty and acceptability is to become a critical viewer of the messages we are bombarded with each day. Media messages about body shape affect the way we feel about our bodies and ourselves only if we let them! When we recognize and analyze the media messages that influence us, we remember that the definitions of beauty and success do not have to define our self-image or potential. We must use our creative minds to view all media with a discriminating eye. All media images and messages are things that are made up. They are not reflections of reality. Advertisements are created to do one thing: convince you to buy or support a specific product or service. We see what advertisers want us to see to convince us to buy a specific product or service. Advertisers often will make up an emotional experience that looks like reality. Just because they think their approach will work with you, it does not mean it has to work with you! As individuals we decide how we want to experience media messages. We can choose whether we want to think or believe the message. We can use a filter that protects our self-esteem and body image. (I like to put on my super-dooper protective bubble!)

1. When you see an ad or hear a message that makes you feel bad about yourself, your body, or others by promoting only thin, formulaic body ideals, talk back to the TV and advertiser by writing a letter.

2. Make a list of companies who consistently send negative body image messages and make a conscious effort to avoid buying their products.

3. Write them a letter explaining why you are using your buying power to protest their messages.

4. Get your friends and/or students at your school or work to join you. There is power in a grass-roots movement.

5. You can tear out the ads you find offensive and send them to the advertiser with the message: I do not want them.

6. Consumers have much more influence with corporations than we realize. Corporations are so competitive with each other in todays world as they fight to get our attention. They have to be flexible and responsive so just a few people raising their voices can make a huge difference. We can look upon this as seed planting. Our seeds will sprout and grow. it might take some time but we can make a beginning in changing our culture!

We can be strong and change the world in which we live!

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Jeanne Rust, PhD is the CEO and Founder of Mirasol, a treatment program for women and teens with anorexia, bulimia, obesity, and binge eating disorder. Her treatment philosophy is integrative combining the best of the medical model of treatment with the most effective alternative ones. Learn more about eating disorders at http://www.mirasol.net

Reprinted with Peremission from: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanne_Rust,_Phd
http://EzineArticles.com/?6-Ways-to-Combat-the-Medias-Body-Image-Message&id=827128

Popularity: 33% [?]