plus size fashion :The Fashionable Gal

Fashion to Figure: Bringing Fashion to the Figure

July 6th, 2010 by Laney

Making people’s lives better through the ultimate full-fashion shopping experience.

Fashion to Figure is a retailer that caters to fashionistas who wear sizes 12 to 26. They have several locations in New York and New Jersey (I plan on visiting them during BlogHer!) and an online boutique. In store, the staff includes FTF Stylists that help you peruse the racks, put outfits together, and even take care of companions who aren’t interested in shopping (like a boyfriend or child). Fashion to Figure is working to create a fun, exciting place to hang out a shop – one where limitations don’t exist because of size.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to check out a piece from FTF’s inventory. Normally, selecting review items is pretty easy for me, but FTF had such a great inventory that it took me a good half hour or so to pick out a single item. I was particularly attracted to the range of dresses, that featured a range of styles and cuts which I found very appealing.

After much deliberation, I settled on the Watercolor Jersey Tunic, which features an empire waist (my favorite style). It’s described by FTF as “a tropics-tinged palette of aqua and lavender abstract hibiscus flowers pop against a black background on this wrap-front tunic,” and retails for $34.

Honestly, I cannot put into words how much I love this dress. And yes – it’s described as a tunic, but it works perfectly as a light Spring dress. It’s SO comfortable, like wearing a long t-shirt. Even in super hot weather, this dress is light as air and keeps me from overheating. The pattern is gorgeous and the colors are even more vibrant in person.

The best part? The style is incredibly flattering. The light, body-skimming fabric covers problem areas and the v-neck definitely draws eyes upwards. One person who saw me in it said immediately, “You look like you’ve lost a lot of weight!” Ignoring the suggestion that I have a lot to lose, it was fabulous compliment and made me feel incredibly confident. I wore it to a cocktail party over the weekend and got many compliments as well.

I highly, highly recommend both the Watercolor Jersey Tunic, and Fashion to Figure in general! I can’t wait to visit one of their stores in August! Also, the site is frequently updated with new pieces, which makes it easy to stay on top of your wardrobe and accommodate the latest trends.

Posted in plus size fashion Related Topics: fashion to figure, fashion to figure boutiques, fashion to figure online, floral tunic dresses, plus size fashion 2010, plus size summer fashion, tunic dresses

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Swimsuitsforall.com $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway

April 26th, 2010 by The Fashionable Housewife

88 Comments

Congratulations to Kelly for winning the $100 gift card for Swimsuitsforall.com!! Happy shopping spree!!

Comment #76 chosen by Random.org

Thank you to everyone who entered and a big thanks to Swimsuitsforall.com for hosting this fabulous giveaway for our lovely readers!

This week, we’re giving away a $100 Gift Certificate for Swimsuitsforall.com!!

You can find the perfect swimsuit to fit your figure at Swimsuitsforall.com. They have an amazing selection of swimwear for real women in styles we know you’ll love. Browse sizes 18W-34W for a figure flattering swimsuit you’ll actually be excited to wear!

There are plenty of styles to choose from including one pieces, tankinis, separates, athletic styles and sexy covers ups, all in sizes 8 and up.

TO ENTER:

Browse their selection of Swimwear then come back and here and leave a comment on this post and tell me which swimsuit is your favorite!!!

Extra Optional Entries: (Leave 1 comment for each extra entry.)

1 Entry: Follow @fashionablegal on Twitter (include your Twitter name in comment!)
1 Entry: Follow @swimsuits4all on Twitter (include your Twitter name in comment!)
1 Entry: (per day) Tweet about this contest. Leave 1 comment for each tweet with the link to tweet. (copy & paste the following:)

1 Entry: Become a fan of The Fashionable Gal on Facebook
1 Entry: Become a fan of Swimsuitsforall on Facebook
10 Entries: Blog about this contest and link back to this post and www.swimsuitsforall.com

(Note: You must leave 1 comment per entry. Extra entries will not be counted unless you leave a comment for each one.)

Details

Contest runs from April 26th till May 2nd till 2010. Last chance to enter is May 2nd at 11:59pm ET. A winner will be contacted on or before May 10th and asked for full name, along with their mailing address. If no response is given within 48 hours, a different winner will be chosen, so please be sure to check your email. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest open to USA!

Prize will be provided and shipped directly by Swimsuitsforall.

For another chance to win a $100 gift card, head on over to The Fashionable Housewife!

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, plus size fashion Related Topics: Bathingsuits, Contest, Giveaway, plus size, Plus Size Swimwear, post-mastectomy, Swimsuits, Swimsuitsforall.com, swimwear

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Alight Fashion Giveaway – Spring/Summer Top

April 1st, 2010 by Laney

75 Comments

Celery Stick Tunic ($30), Think Pink Top ($32)

I hope that you’ve been enjoying these Alight Fashion Giveaways as much as I have! This is the last one scheduled, although if you ladies so desire, perhaps I can negotiate more!

Alight continues to update their selection with beautiful, stylish pieces that are on trend and appropriate for the season. The two tops above are favorites from the new additions; it doesn’t hurt that pink and green are my favorite colors. I don’t normally do patterns, but Alight has compiled such an interesting selection of unique patterns that I’m very tempted to expand my wardrobe.

Since this is my sixth Alight giveaway, I’m sure you know the drill… So let’s get to the winning!

WIN IT: Alight.com is giving ONE reader a plus size top! It will be their choice (but your size)- don’t worry, each piece is designed with style, so I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! This contest will run until APRIL 28th at 11:59PM EST! You must complete the Mandatory Entry in order for any of your extra entries to count. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

Mandatory Entry: Subscribe to the Alight mailing list, which you can find on the top of the site!

Extra Entries:

1 Entry – Visit Alight and tell me which piece is your favorite.

1 Entry – Fan Alight on Facebook

1 Entry – Follow Alight on Twitter

1 Entry – Fan The Fashionable Gal on Facebook

1 Entry – Follow The Fashionable Gal on Twitter

1 Entry – Subscribe using the box on the top left sidebar

3 Entries – Add me to your blog roll.

3 Entries – Blog about this giveaway. Comment with a direct link.

1 Entry – Tweet this giveaway using the following text. Can be done twice daily for one entry per tweet.

#Win a gorgeous top for Spring and Summer from @Alightcom & @fashionablegal http://wp.me/pbj1u-1zx lots of ways to enter!

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, plus size fashion Related Topics: alight, alight plus size fashion, alight.com, plus size giveaway, spring 2010 plus size fashion, summer 2010 plus size fashion

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Dressbarn Spring Fashion Mission!

March 3rd, 2010 by Laney

0 Comments

Today, I present to you the results of my Dressbarn Top Secret Fashion Mission. I was sent the top above, and given the challenge of creating three outfits around it. I generally stick to shades of black and silver, which means that I didn’t have much to pair with a top featuring shades of brown and gold. So, I’ve turned to the internet for help! Below are three sets of items I’d love to pair with the top above… Who knows; I may just go shopping soon!

KORS Michael Kors ‘Paris’ Sandal

Cara Accessories Bangle Set

Majorica 8mm Pearl Stud Earrings

Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection

Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick Underage Red

Kyra Quilted Shoulder Bag

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Spring Fashion, Top Trends, plus size fashion Related Topics: 2010 spring clothing trends, affordable fashion, bebe berton platform sandal, bp el greco sandal, denim miniskirts, dressbarn, dressbarn fashion mission, fuschia makeup, gold pave jewelry, gold wedges, Handbag Heaven, kat von d painted love lipstick, kate spade jewelry, make up for ever eye lashes, michael kors sandals, pearl stud earrings, pop beauty lipstick, spring 2010 plus size fashion, too faced natural eye neutral eye shadow, yves saint laurent golden gloss, yves saint laurent waterproof mascara

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Alight Spring Fashion Giveaway!

March 1st, 2010 by Laney

112 Comments

If you’ve entered my previous Alight giveaways, you know how stylish and chick their clothes are. I’ve been dying to have some warm weather and start living in gorgeous dresses, like the one above (Pitter Pattern Dress $40). There’s a wide selection of patterns, colors, and cuts – so there’s guaranteed to be a style that will work for you. I’m partial to empire waists, v-necks, and greens… So you can see why I love the dress above. Here are a few other choices I find fabulous:

WIN IT: Alight.com is giving ONE reader a plus size top! It will be their choice (but your size)- but don’t worry, each piece is designed with style, so I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! This contest will run until MARCH 31st at 11:59PM EST! You must be 18 or older & complete the mandatory entry below. Please leave a comment for EACH extra entry as well!

Mandatory Entry: Subscribe to the Alight mailing list, which you can find on the top of the site!

Extra Entries:

~Check out Alight.com, then tell me something you love for 1 Entry

~Fan Alight on Facebook for 1 Entry

~Follow Alight on Twitter for 1 Entry

~Fan The Fashionable Gal on Facebook for 1 Entry

~Follow The Fashionable Gal on Twitter for 1 Entry

~Subscribe to The Fashionable Gal for 1 Entry

~Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link for 3 Entries

~Enter any other giveaway on The Fashionable Gal and leave a comment that you did so!

~Tweet this giveaway using the following text (or your own) and leave a link – can be done daily!

#Win a gorgeous top for Spring from @Alightcom & @fashionablegal http://wp.me/pbj1u-1jX lots of ways to enter!

Good luck, ladies!

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, Spring Fashion, plus size fashion Related Topics: alight, alight.com, plus size fashion, plus size giveaway, plus size spring 2010 trends, plus size spring dresses, plus size style, plus size summer dresses, spring dresses, stylish spring dresses, summer dresses

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Silhouettes: Fabulous Plus Size Fashion

February 23rd, 2010 by Laney

5 Comments

What really makes Silhouettes stand out for me isn’t that they have a wide selection of plus size fashions; plenty of crappy mass retailers push boxy sweaters and unflattering tees to larger women every day. No, what sets Silhouettes apart is that their selection is beautiful, flattering, body conscious, on trend, AND well crafted. It’s like a high end boutique for plus size women, except with out the excruciating price tags. Normally you’ll get one of those pluses (no pun intended) from a plus size apparel company… but that’s why you’re not going to be shopping with them anymore!

Check out the beautiful Spring 2010 pieces from Silhouettes. Several of my favorite pieces are featured below.

The rich color palette offers something for everyone, from the gal who wants to try new trend colors (like pink and orange) to the lady who loves her pastels and favors neutrals. I’m particularly fond of the dress on the bottom right, and am seriously considering adding it to my Spring wardrobe.

The only real drawback to Silhouettes is the product photos. I wish they were featured on plus size girls, rather than tall, thin models. Everything’s going to look good on their body type, but it’s hard to tell if the pieces will translate on different shapes.

What are the looks you’re most eager to try for Spring? Will you be adding any of these pieces to your closet?

Silhouettes did send me samples to review in exchange for this post. They did not alter my opinion as expressed in this review, but rather, provided a basis for my positive feelings about the company.

Posted in Spring Fashion, plus size fashion Related Topics: plus size fashion, plus size spring 2010 trends, plus size spring dresses, silhouettes fashion, silhouettes plus size fashion, spring 2010 plus size trends, spring 2010 styles

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Stylish Wide Calf Boots from Torrid

February 16th, 2010 by Laney

2 Comments

For plus size ladies, there are a lot of fashion challenges. Figuring out how to interpret runway trends, which are presented on stick thin models, into a style which actually flatters a curvy figure? That can be a nightmare, or at least an intense challenge.

One of the biggest fashion challenges every year I face is actually not a clothing issue – it’s footwear. Finding boots that fit wide calves is an epic challenge, and one that has two parts: not only do they need to fit, but they need to be cute and stylish too! Often, the I can only find boots that fit into one of these categories, which is a major disappointment.

After much searching, I found the solution at a store that was already a favorite for reasonably priced fashion fixes: Torrid. I have two pairs of boots from Torrid – one I bought, and one I received for review. The result? Pure, unadulterated love. They’re perfect.

Torrid’s wide-calf boots fit both of my musts: they’re incredibly stylish, and they fit like a dream. And did I mention they’re also super comfortable? Now Torrid’s just showing off!

Below are some of my favorite pairs from Torrid’s current stock. Unfortunately, neither pair that I own is currently available… However, now I’m drooling over several new pairs!

(Right – Left, Top – Bottom)

Rust Britney Distressed Boot

Ivory Bazaar Western Boot

Taupe Faux Suede Connie Boot

Black Faux Suede Monica Wedge Boot

Black Pebble Tina Slouch Boot

Black Patent Janet Short Boot

Just look at the creamy ivory, the caramel, the rich taupe… The pointy toes, the high heels, the comfortable calves! There are many more styles, as the six above are just my current faves – I’m thrilled with the variety, and of course, the price! The entire selection ranges from $49 – $62, which is significantly less than most of the season’s hot boots. It just keeps getting better, right?

So, ladies, stop worrying about the size of your calves, and start trying to decide which pair to buy first. I find the boots fit very true to size, and since the calf circumference is listed on the site, you don’t have to worry about shopping online.

Posted in Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!, plus size fashion Related Topics: plus size boots, plus size leather boots, suede boots, torrid boots, torrid plus size boots, wide calf boots, wide calf cowboy boots, wide calf knee boots, wide calf knee high boots, wide calf leather boots, wide calf thigh high boots

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We Love Colors: Tights for Fashionistas (Plus Sizes, too!)

February 3rd, 2010 by Laney

1 Comment

Tights, tights, tights. Tights got me through most of high school. I went to a school with a bland, unappealing uniform and rigid rules. Tights, however were my loophole. I could wear tights in any color, pattern, or style I wanted. They were the highlight of getting dressed each day.

Unfortunately, finding tights in all the colors I wanted was difficult. Finding tights that fit comfortably and didn’t strain on my plus size silhouette was a challenge as well. The one brand I did find to be well fitting didn’t offer all the colors I wanted, and brands that made those colors didn’t make big enough sizes. What a drag!

Of course, the internet is an amazing place. Ask and you shall receive. So when I Googled “plus size tights” I wasn’t surprised to discover “We Love Colors” – but I was delighted.

The brand offers 51 shades of solid color tights, plus striped, patterned, and fishnet styles. I’m particularly fond of the solid styles, as they help the eye glide down my leg and aid the appearance of it being slimmer and longer – especially in high heels.

We Love Colors sent me two pairs of tights to check out, in Hunter Green and Aqua. The tights are soft, high quality, and incredibly comfortable. They provide a bit of tummy control, and prevent the chafing that happens when I wear a dress or skirt and sport bare legs. Plus, it totally doesn’t matter if I shave – shhh!

As the temperature begins to lose a bit of its bite, but doesn’t exactly become balmy, tights are a great way to get some early wear out of your cute Spring dresses. Stylish, boyfriend style shorts and capri pants (although I don’t recommend capris if you’re plus sized) are also an adorable pairing. I’ve seen several fashion forward ladies wearing menswear style shorts, tights, and boots lately – I love the look!

We Love Colors sells tights for women, children, and men (yes, men). However, that’s not all they do! The brand also offers a wide selection of thigh highs, knee highs, socks, gloves, dance wear, and the like. The trend of fabulous colors and patterns continues throughout all these categories, which means that you’re more than likely to find what you’re looking for.

Posted in Spring Fashion, plus size fashion Related Topics: colored hosiery, colored tights, dancewear, durable tights, knee highs, plus size hosiery, plus size leggings, plus size tights, we love colors

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Alight Plus-Size Fashions Giveaway

February 1st, 2010 by Laney

156 Comments

It’s time for another fabulous giveaway sponsored by Alight.com! We’ve already had two lucky winners, and there are more to come.

Alight.com is a fabulous retailer for plus-size fashions. Their clothing is up to date, well made, affordable, and most importantly – fashionable!

They’ve started stocking Spring arrivals, and if you need to update your wardrobe, now’s a great time to do so. The dress at left, the Siren Dress, retails for $45 and is one of my favorite new pieces. The detailing on the front, gorgeous waistband, and flattering cut… What’s not to love?

Pair it with one of their adorable cardigans or shrugs, mix it up with a pair of leggings, or wear it on it’s own… whatever you do, you’re sure to make a statement.

WIN IT: Alight.com is giving ONE reader a plus size top! It will be their choice (but your size)- but don’t worry, each piece is designed with style, so I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! This contest will run until FEBRUARY 28th at 11:59PM EST! You must be 18 or older & complete the mandatory entry below. Please leave a comment for EACH extra entry as well!

Mandatory Entry: Subscribe to the Alight mailing list, which you can find on the top of the site!

Extra Entries:

~Check out Alight.com, then tell me something you love for 1 Entry

~Fan Alight on Facebook for 1 Entry

~Follow Alight on Twitter for 1 Entry

~Fan The Fashionable Gal on Facebook for 1 Entry

~Follow The Fashionable Gal on Twitter for 1 Entry

~Tweet the giveaway using the following text up to 2x daily, for 1 Entry Each (Win a fabulous plus size top from @alightcom and @fashionablegal http://tinyurl.com/ye3ak4t Ends 2/28 lots of entries! )

~Subscribe to The Fashionable Gal for 1 Entry

~Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link for 3 Entries

Good luck, ladies!

And check out Big Men’s T-Shirts for the hunky guy in your life!

Posted in Contests & Giveaways, Spring Fashion, plus size fashion Related Topics: alight, alight.com, plus size dresses, plus size fashions, plus size giveaway, spring 2010 fashion, spring 2010 plus size fashion, spring dresses, summer dresses

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Day 1 – Alight.com Fashion Giveaway

December 1st, 2009 by Laney

133 Comments

day1

Welcome to Day 1 of The Fashionable Gal’s 12 Days of Giveaways! Today’s giveaway sponsor is Alight.com

If Alight sounds familiar, it’s because they were generous to sponsor one of last month’s fabulous giveaways as well!

“While other online and bricks-and-mortar outlets have a limited range of plus-size fashions, alight.com offers a breadth and depth of selection that is unmatched – almost 100 brands and over 900 styles! alight.com also carries the largest selection of contemporary and junior plus designers, including Blue Plate, pink.girl, Angels, Abby Z, Ruby Rox, Fashion Love, ToTo, Mecca Femme, Pink Apple, and Sele.”

This coat is one of my favorite new additions – Amp It Up Motorcycle Jacket ($45).

dress tunic

Sugarcoat It Dress ($45), New Moon Tunic ($42)

WIN IT: Alight.com is giving ONE reader a plus size top! It will be their choice (but your size)- but don’t worry, each piece is designed with style, so I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! This contest will run until DECEMBER 31st at 11:59PM EST! You must be 18 or older & complete the mandatory entry below. Please leave a comment for EACH extra entry as well!

Mandatory Entry: Subscribe to the Alight mailing list, which you can find on the top of the site!

Extra Entries:

~Check out Alight.com, then tell me something you love for 1 Entry

~Fan Alight on Facebook for 1 Entry

~Follow Alight on Twitter for 1 Entry

~Fan The Fashionable Gal on Facebook for 1 Entry

~Follow The Fashionable Gal on Twitter for 1 Entry

~Tweet the giveaway using the following text up to 2x daily, for 1 Entry Each (Win a fabulous plus size top from @alightcom and @fashionablegal http://tinyurl.com/ygoj6vr Ends 12/31 lots of entries! )

~Subscribe to The Fashionable Gal for 1 Entry

~Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link for 3 Entries

Good luck, ladies!