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?

Winter Layers

Winter fashion is always a reflection of the weather and the many layers we need to help us handle the chilly temperatures and endure the cranked up force air heating indoors.    If you are plus sized these layers can add bulk and before you know it you are looking like the kid in “the Christmas Story”.  Here are a few tips to help you as you build your winter looks.

Avoid chunky knits and invest in a versatile winter layering piece

To create layers and keep out the chill try using light weight tight weaver knits.  Stay away from the chunky sweaters they just add bulk.  Invest in cashmere or blend draping open front cardigan.   It is a light thin knit but offers tons of warmth.  Wear it open or belted over just about anything to give you that layers winter look and extra warmth.   Also wearing the flowing open front sweater over a more form fitting top and leggings or jeggings can be a great way to show off your curves while hiding

Use Color to help you balance your layered look

 Since dark colors are slimming, you should wear darker colors in the areas you want to deemphasize. And no, that doesn't mean wear all black or charcoal gray. That's not great either. Look at your body with a loving but critical eye, and use whites and colors to emphasize your best features.

Use a variety of fabrics with varrying textures

Silks and other flowing fabrics are great under a sweater or blazer.  The contract of the winter weight sweaters or wools over a soft feminine flowing fabric not only keeps the bulk down it gives a soft yet warm feeling to your look.  

Balance it all out

 If you  wear  layers on top, keep the bottom half of your outfit long and lean. Try skinny-cut, tapered, or bootcut pants or leggings or tights. To get that lean legg look try matching your shoes or boots to your pants, leggings, or tights.


Have a winter fashion style question?  Send it over and our stylists can help. 

Boots, boots , and more boots.

Every winter there are cute fashion looks centered around boots.  For many plus size woman this is a challenge.  Finding boots to fit can be a daunting task.  I was surprised the other day when I realized many women had no idea there are plus size ( wide calf )  boots out there. 
I am happy to report that there are plus size boots a plenty.   Even Payless Shoe Source has a wide calf boot this year.  I recommend investing in a pair that can be either dressy or casual.  A basic black wide calf boot can be paired with jeans, leggings, or with a dress.

How do you find them?   I recommend searching "wide calf boots " on Amazon or Yahoo Shopping.   Also measure the circumference of your calf in the widest spot so you can compare the boot sizing.  If the description does not include that measurement ask for it.  They can get it for you and are happy to help. You will find options as low as $49 and up to $200 depending on design and brand. A good leather pair will last years so it is worht the investment. Personally I am so happy I finally found mine.    From Halloween all the way through to spring they are a staple to finish off all my winter looks. 

Fashion is for you!

Shopping and fashion for most plus size women is a never ending depressing battle. You can go through and entire mall or shopping area and not find any plus size clothing. Not to mention in the few stores that do have plus size it is like an after thought. No glamorous displays and fancy furnishings just a few racks by the luggage department. Often plus size women leave boutiques or department stores feeling like fashion is just not a world they can be part of. Then they surrender to purchase the the mass produced low quality clothing and sacrifice their sense of style. 

Ladies I am pleased to tell you fashion is for you.  No matter what size you are you can be part of the trends and world of fashion.   We are going to bring to you tips, tricks, and share resources to help you enjoy the world of fashion and create stylish, sexy, and figure flattering looks for yourself.  There is a whole world out there of stylish clothing for plus size women.  At Curvtique  we are so excited to begin sharing with you and hope you share with us.