Swimsuit Season is coming!

We are getting close to that time of year we often dread called Swimsuit Season.   Finding suits that fit and compliment your curves can be a battle.  We recently viewed the line of suits from Sorella Swim and were impressed and wanted to share it with you. Sorella Swim is the first luxury swim line developed exclusively for plus size curves.  They focus on fit, support, and the fabric while designing.  One more reason we love them is the line is Made in the U.S.A.

Here are some of our favorites from the line:

Check out their site to find a store near you.

http://www.sorellaswim.com/

Spring Hot Picks Starting at $38

Now that we have changed the clocks it is time to refresh our wardrobe.  We suggested adding a few key pieces that are hot for spring to bring your wardrobe up to speed. Our stylists have some picks that won't break your budget.  Some as low as $38

Neon

Bold bright color is back.   Not ready to rock this look head to toe?  We  suggest trying accessories in neon colors.  A belt, scarf, earrings or even a pair of shoes will give you the look but not overwhelm you.    Just a little goes along way when toward giving you the neon glow.

Tarnish Asymmetrical Scarf $38 available  at Nordstrom.com

Art Deco

Fabric prints inspired by the Miami Art Deco architecture  were shown in almost every designers collection for Spring. From dresses to bikini's art deco prints will be all over this spring and summer.

Collective Concepts Print Blouson Tunic (Plus) $68 available  at Nordstrom.com

 Athletic Chic

Inspired by the upcoming Olympic Games designers created athletic inspired looks for spring.  Mixing functional modern athletic pieces with heels and skirts created a new modern look that is easy for anyone to wear.  

Women's Plus Compression Jackets $ 39.94 available at oldnavy.com

It's About What's Underneath

For plus size women what we wear underneath our clothes can make or break any outfit.  The challenges of creating smooth lines and taming the bulges of a curvy figure is tough work.   To help you the Curvtique style team has 3 tips to seamless and bulge free looks.

Tip #1 Get a bra that fits and supports in your size!

Your cup should not runith over .  The straps should not leave dents in your shoulders.  Most importantly how does it support you?   Spend the extra time and money to get the bra that is right for you.   Many stores offer fittings.  Invest in basic tone bras that fit even if they are spendy.  You will be thankful everyday when you see how your posture and style is affected.  

Our Pick :

Lane Bryant Back Smoothing Bra $ 40 available at www.lanebryant.com

Tip #2 Protect yourself from VPL (visible panty line)

Today’s styles are hip hugging and tight across the backside so you need to make sure you have the right panties.   Fill your intimate drawer with a variety of styles so you have just the right pair for every outfit.  Try some of the new seamless thong style panties.

Our pick:

Hanky Panky Plus Size Thong Set  $98  available at http://www.barenecessities.com

Tip# 3  Smooth it all out! 

Use shapewear to help give you smooth lines and take off a few inches.  SPANX are a favorite of many of the plus size stars.  They have a great way of smoothing you out and not creating overflow. 

 Our Pick:

SPANX Hide and Sleek Slip $80 available at www.Spanx.com

Plus Size Red Carpet Fashion

Just a few years ago the thought that a plus size woman would be walking the Red carpets in Hollywood and showing up on best dressed lists would have seemed impossible.  Finally the reality that women come in many sizes and can be beautiful and fashionable at any size has caught up with Hollywood.   This award season we saw Melissa McCarthy, Octavia Spencer, and Adele prove to the media and critics that plus size women can walk the red carpets and look sexy and fashionable while doing it. 

Here are a few of our recommendations to get your own plus size Red Carpet Look inspired by the plus size women from this years awards season.

The Dress

·         Fit is critical so if you have to buy it a size too big and get it tailored to fit you perfectly do it.

·         Stick to a single color dress the flatters your skin tone.

·         Pleating and ruched fabric at the waits to hips can help camouflage some of your trouble spots.

Our Pick –

JS Collections Ruched One Shoulder Gown (Plus) $248 available at Nordstrom.com

The Jewels

·         Simple and classic vintage inspired designs give you a timeless look of elegance.

·         Cuff bracelets give you a great look and are easy to wear.

·         Less is more.  With some dresses you might not need a necklace.

Our Pick

 Amazon.com Collection Silver Diamond Cuff Bracelet  $125 available on Amazon.com

The Shoes:

·         Make sure you can walk and stand in them.

·         Stay Away from strappy.

·         Break them in by wearing for a few hours each day prior to the event.

Our Pick-

Marc Fisher Shoes, Joey Peep-Toe Pumps $59.98 available at Macys.com

Plus Size Dress for Success Tips

Dressing for success is important for women of any size but can be a difficult challenge for Plus Size Women.   Over the years I have found ways to achieve the  polished look of success but it takes work. Here are some of my tips.


   Get the perfect black suit

Even if it takes trying on hundreds once you have it you will have your go to outfit for years to come.  In fact I recommend if you find a brand and style you like buy two if you can afford it since they are hard to come by sometimes.

Shop for separates

This allows you to pick the best size for each piece of the suit.  Also you can create a bigger wardrobe by mixing and matching the pieces together.  Mixing cardigans and jackets with  your skirts and pants gives you options.

   Get your clothes tailored

Fit is everything .  Get your suits , skirts., pants, and tops tailored to your.  Buy for your largest area and have them altered to fit you.  After all your unique  so don’t expect the off the rack selections to give you that tailored look.   Once you find a good tailor locally and understand how he can help you some of the frustration of shopping will be eased .  You will realize that you can make things fit with a little help. 

Being plus size does not mean you can't dress for success.  These are just a few tips to help you.  Send us your fashion problems and we will keep the tips and solutions coming.

Five Tips for Getting the Best Deals from Your Favorite Store

By Curvtique Stylist Margaret McGriff

The holidays are officially over and after all of that Christmas shopping we are watching our wallets more than ever.  That doesn’t mean you have to skip shopping all together!  You can still get the best bang for your buck when shopping your favorite stores.  Here are five tips for getting the best deals in store and online.

1.        Know the regular retail price of the items you want.  Just because the sign says “Sale” doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal.  If you know what the regular price of those shoes you’re eying, you’ll know a great sales price when you see it.  Stores can be very sneaky with their deals, only offering a few dollars off the regular price.   

2.       Be the first to know when a sale is on by signing up for email alerts, newsletters, or even following your favorite stores on Twitter and Facebook.  Not only will you will not miss a sale, you may even a great coupon (H&M gives you a 20% off you’re first purchase when you subscribe to their newsletter), a free gift with purchase, or take of advantage of an early sale – just for signing up!

3.       Buy your seasonal staples at the end of the season.  Stores don’t wait for the temperature to change before getting ready for the next season.  Big chains like Macy’s are already clearing out their Winter wear, which could spell great sales for you!  So, take advantage of these transitional times to stock up on wardrobe essentials like coats, boots, or even bathing suits depending on what part of the world you’re on.

4.       Bring a lot of patience when scouring the clearance racks.  They can be daunting (and very messy!) but if you’re on the hunt for that dress that was out of your price range it may be worth it!  So instead of browsing the regular racks, hit the clearance racks when you first arrive to the store so you can make better use of your time (and energy!).

5.       When shopping clearance online, it’s essential to know your size. Clothes and shoes on clearance not only go fast but are also limited in quantity so you want to make sure what you’re buying is the right fit the first time.  Otherwise, if you need a size bigger or smaller, it may no longer be available by the time you return it.

How do you shop for the best deals?

How to sparkle during the holidays at any size

By Curvtique Stylist Margaret McGriff

The holidays are in full swing and a big trend this season is anything that sparkles.  Incorporating a little glitter and sequins into your wardrobe is doable no matter how curvy you are!  The key is sticking to the silhouettes that are the most flattering on you and getting a little creative with accessories.  Here are three ways you can add some sparkle to your holiday outfit.

Subtle Spark

If you just want to add a touch of holiday glitter to your look, go for accessories that have that holiday glam factor.  A clutch, a pair of shoes (like these from Madden Girl) or fashion jewelry like chandelier earrings or a cocktail ring are easy ways to rock this trend at your next holiday party.  Having sparkly accessories on hand does wonders for dressing up a classic LBD or transforming your jeggings and cardigan into the perfect girls-night out outfit.

Just the Right Amount of Glitter

To turn up the sparkle you can go with dazzling separates.  Blouses like this one from Tahari can be paired with dark skinny jeans for a chic yet casual look.  For something more formal, you can opt for a classic pencil skirt.  When choosing a sequined top pay attention to the cut.  Go for a loose but tailored fit like a banded straight hem that brings attention to your curves while concealing your mid section.  Kimono shaped sleeves are ultra chic and the right neckline can add sexiness to your look. 

All out Glam

If you’re not afraid to steal the spotlight when you walk into the room, go all out with a sequined dress.  Classic A-line and shift dresses are ideal for curvy girls because they are very flattering and sexy without letting it all hang out.  Because your dress is the center of attention, it’s important that the rest of your accessories stay low key and compliment your outfit.  You can wear a pair of nude peep-toe shoes or black patent leather pumps.  Add a small purse to match and you’ll be ready to sparkle for the holidays!

How will you sparkle this holiday season?