» Style Question

Style Q&A: The White Party Outift

Marie Denee — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:30:49 +0000

Help! I’m hosting a white party and need help finding attire. Any fashion forward finds come to mind? I would like a cut cocktail dress or a short suit. I’ve explored designers like Monif C and Rachel Pally and can’t seem to find that perfect garb.

Ellicia Q.

Hello Ellicia!

Thank you so much for reaching out! You know, funny thing about your question, it is perfectly timed! For Full Figured Fashion Week, the opening night is an All White Cruise, so I have searching for quite a few plus size white party options! I just got mines too (not tellin!)

White is such a tricky thing for most women, so when it comes to finding an outfit for an All-White party, it can be frustrating! BUT, be happy though that we are in season for white! Nothing is worse than searching for white in the winter! Finding that is like finding a needle in a haystack! LOL

But, as I was saying there are options! Below, I have rounded up some of my favorite choices for an All White Party and like you, I have been on the hunt for shorts suit! I have also included some tips for you too! LOL I think now for over a year!

All White Party Options for the Fashionably Plus Size

Simply Be Single Breasted White Linen Blazer and White Linen Wide Leg Pants

Navabi White Linen Dress

Eloquii Folded Shoulder Sheath Dress

Dorothy Perkins Ivory Glitter Spot Dress

Igigi Cybelle Dress

ASOS CURVE Dress with Chiffon Midi Skirt and Zip Back

Damn You Alexis Milk Dress

Calvin Klein Plus Size Leopard Jacquard Shift Dress

Tips when rocking all white:

Pay attention to the fit rather than the size on the tag. When wearing white, it’s all about the fit that will make it work!
If you can, opt for items that are lined. If not, check for the fabrication weight so that you are not showing all of your business.
Metallics and neon bold colors are trending for spring so pair your outfit with accessories that will make your look pop!
If you are a fan of shapewear, then definitely rock it if your outfit isn’t lined!
White does not make you look bigger, it is the shape and fit of your outfit that can take away from your curves. Play to your best assets and throw your shoulders back and sashay!

Good luck Ellicia and I hope this helps!

Are you attending any all white events? What tips do you have for wearing white OR where do you go to get your looks?

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Style Q&A: UK to US Plus Size Sizing

Marie Denee — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:55:51 +0000

Hi Miss Marie, how are you? I have a fashion question. UK sizes run small yes? I found the most amazing dress that will rock my whole body and I wear a 22. It’s in a 22 but it’s Dorothy Perkins? I should lean on not buying it yes?

This is the dress. Do you know where I can get anything like this on a budget (aka under 100)?

Leah W.

Hello Leah,

Thank you so much for your email! You know I write about and feature so many international plus size designers and yes, it can get tricky when you are confined to online shopping and size charts. To help you out, I have a few tips and need to know information for your reference!

A few tips when shopping online with international plus size designers:

UK sizing: The sizes you see on an UK site are not the same as US sizing. Neither is Australian sizing! To help you out, always reference the size charts. BUT also see if they have US conversions on their site.
If there isn’t a conversion on the site, you can reference a few places! I really love Kathy’s Curvy Corner, which houses the various size conversions across a few countries- including the metric conversion for lingerie too!
Most international brands now have US versions of their website, so if you can make sure you use those if you can to give you some guidance along the way! For example, Evans, ASOS Curve, City Chic, and Dorothy Perkins have US versions of their website, in which the sizing is converted into US sizing, to help you shop! Being that I am located in the US, most links I give (especially in my plus size designer lists) are to the US version of the sites!
Know that each retailer and designer has their own aesthetic- some are cut more body conscious and others more conservatively. For example, Dorothy Perkins does fit more on the smaller side, BUT if you look at the fabrication of the dress, depending on your shape, you have to see if it is worth a try- you may be surprised- which brings me to…
Return policies. I only shop places online that have a generous return policy. ASOS is really good for this and so is Dorothy Perkins. The only thing about Dorothy Perkins I do not like is the lack of expedited shipping L .
Worst case scenario, if you look at the size conversions and still are unsure, buy the item (of you can) in two sizes. I have done this multiple times! I buy the size I think and depending on the retailer, I buy the size up or down- usually up for me!

But to answer your question more in depth, if you are a US size 22, chances are you may be sized out of their dresses as their UK 22 is a US size 18. But do not fret, as the dress you referenced is definitely one that can be found at a few plus size retailers, thanks to the ladylike trend and the peplum trend for the spring! Make sure you follow the link for fashionable options and the designers and retailers who offer similar options!

I hoped this helped you out some!

If you are reading this and shop internationally, what tips would you share? What designers do you find convert quite nicely for you?

Do you have a style or fashion question? Please do not hesitate to shoot me an email and your question could be featured here!

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Style Q and A: New Year’s Eve Plus Size Shape Wear Options

Marie Denee — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:00:39 +0000

Hello Marie,

This is Cierra from Twitter and I am emailing you with an undergarment styling question for what I hope to be my NYE Dress. I’m going to attach a link to the dress below and let me know what you think. I’m a DD cup and with this dress I’m not sure if I should wear a half bra, full push up bra, no bra, a body shaper with a bra built-in? I’m just confused lol. Any help would be great and I really appreciate you for taking time out to listen to my concern.

Thank you soo much Cierra for writing me!

First off, AMAZING dress! Go head Macy’s! I think to answer this question; there are a few assumptions I have to make! I assume that it will be a bit cold yes? LOL Understatement and sooo obvious!

Here are a few things to keep in mind, or at least I do!

On a night like NYE, the last thing you want to do is to feel stuffed, restricted, or uncomfortable!
I come from a place where the less pieces the better, especially if you are thinking shapewear! Opt for pieces that are multifunctional! Take Spanx for example, they do tights that are also shapers!
As a plus size woman sitting on double d’s I dare not go out without a bra, that is just me! On a night where you may be dancing, playing, having fun, support the girls! It will be cold also and headlights are not the best look…
For your bra choice? If my dress has straps, then I am all in a strapped bra! Lift AND support? Yesssss!

So for your NYE look in this fabulous dress? I suggest this:

For your bra, I would opt for the Sateen deep plunge bra from Lane Bryant(I LOVE and LIVE in this one!). It is smooth, pushes the girls up, and definitely accentuates the waistline when the girls are in the right place!
If it is chilly, I would toss out the shaper and opt for tights that have both the shaper and the tights in one!

HOWEVER

If you do not want to wear tights, I would take a peek at my shaper post and choose a high-waist one (ten extra points if it connects to the bra!). But make sure you have an amazing coat for the brisk air!

I hope this helped you out a bit!

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And then I wrote an eBook

Marie Denee — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:12:40 +0000

I cannot believe its done!

I cannot believe that I did it!

Can you believe that after almost a year, I have finally released an eBook for YOU, for US as a nice little welcome into plus size fashion?

Yes! I did!

Keeping it Curvy.Confident.Chic. is my eBook that has launched TODAY and I am beyond geeked! OKAY!?

I have fancied a ten chapter, almost 60 page resource for you to take a gander at BEFORE you go shopping, DURING your Journey, and AFTER you have made the steps to embrace your curves!

Why?

Well, I have realized throughout my little blog journey that not everyone is privy to the designers, retailers, and resources available to you, the plus size woman. I have assembled a fun little read or guide of sorts to help you along your way!

Available through my book’s site, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon, you have direct access to this eBook, in either pdf or ePub format- for your eReaders!

How much does it cost?

Well, the regular price is $9.99, but for the launch of the book, you get to scoop yours for only $6.99! BUT, in order to do that, you must use THIS link!

I have a new site- Curvy.Confident.Chic. as the home base for the book, a fun little Fashion Q&A forum, daily fashion tips, and exclusive deals and promotions for those who purchase the book!

To learn more about the book in detail, Click Here! If you have questions about the book- you can always leave me a shout out on my Facebook Page or on Twitter!

What do you think? Are you going to snag one for yourself and a friend?

Remember, the $6.99 is ONLY accessible through the special link here!

Keep it Curvy!

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Style Q&A: Plus Size Leggings and Jeggings

Marie Denee — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:30:27 +0000

You have asked in the past about items that some of us may want to learn more about and you would discuss them here. I have two, which are jeggings/leggings and control garments. Since this fashion craze of the jeggings/leggings what I have realized truly that all things don’t look good on everybody. However I have seen some big girls work them and work them well so I shopped for them. Iam not finding one the helps to conceal or hold large thighs they all seem to help accentuate bulges, so am I correct to believe this product is only for those with nice legs. Have you found a line that works well with Plus Size women? I am also looking for a control top undergarment. I don’t want something that merely camouflages my rolls, I want something that helps to define my waist yet allow me to sit comfortably at a banquet. I need your help!!!- Trina Marie

Thank you so much for submitting your question Trina!

You know what? I completely agree with you on finding a great pair of leggings and jeggings. To tackle this, let’s focus on one thing at a time, as there are brands who make some fabulous options for both!

However, one thing remains the same among both leggings and jeggings- quality of fabric. The thicker the fabric and higher quality of the blend, the better control you will have and the longer they will last- as I have lived in my leggings and jeggings!

Onto the leggings:

I actually now have an UBER favorite pair of leggings, that I have in both full length and cropped- and they are by Lisse Leggings.

Why do I love them? Well, in my review of Lisse Leggings, I talked about the four highlights of the brand that they promised to deliver: Elimination of “The Roll”, four-way stretch, hidden control panel, and tag-less comfort. BUT! What I loved even more about these leggings was the double layer of the leggings (SMOOTHS OUT EVERYTHING!), the high rise (it comes up above my belly button), the finish of the leggings, and the all day comfort of these.

When looking for leggings, I like to look for those that will provide MULTI-Function: Support, Comfort, Durability, Style, and Quality. I look for fabrics that are a cotton blend with higher spandex blend. If they provide a tummy panel type of support, I am in heaven! In addition to Lisse Leggings, other brands that I actually love and that give me support are:

·Spanx (they have leggings now) and they are fun!
·Yummie Tummie. I fell in love with them when I was at Blog Her, definitely a brand to check out
·Sejour Leggings. Nordstrom’s private label is quite comfy! (softer cotton, more casual- no support but they have lasted me a year nicely!)

*For those reading, if you have favorite brands of leggings, please chime in with your favorites! *

The Jeggings:

Honestly. I have two pair of jeggings- one I think I have almost killed with wear and another that I have yet to actually step into.

SVOBODA makes these awesome pair of jeggings that have survived my thighs rubbing together, constant wash, and tireless wear!

What makes them SO amazing?

Well, there are tons of reasons, BUT those that I can quickly summarize are:

·The patent pending cotton blend. They are more substantive than a leggings and lighter than a traditional denim.
·Comfort and stretch- no tummy indentions and bruises (you know what I mean) the stretch is bananas! I have flown on an 8 hour flight and have been comfortable the whole time!
·The colorfast-ness- they do not fade or haven’t yet for me!
·Perfect rise and finish (they look like jeans) and the only way you know they are jeggings is when you actually touch them!

With a pair jeggings, as with any other denim, you have to be careful about the cotton to elastic blend. Too much elastic and quickly you will have a saggy crotch or behind, too little and you might as well be wearing regular jeans. When it come to jeggings, I would look at the integrity of the fabric and the reinforcements of the seams too!

Being a denim snob, I have not found too many jeggings that give me this level of comfort and fashion. Maybe because I have been moving to the skinny jean cut, rather than jeggings? Yes… Maybe.

*For the readers: What jeggings do you swear by? That hold you in and give you tons of support?*

Trina, I hope this helped you out!

If you have a style and fashion question, please contact me, shoot me a tweet, or leave your question on the Facebook Fan Page!

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Style Q&A- Plus Size Shapewear

Marie Denee — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:45:17 +0000

I love being asked questions, love being able to be of help anyway possible! I have been getting emails about what to wear, where to shop, and advice about events and such, and knowing how school was, I KNOW most questions are shared by many! So what I wanted to do was start to share these with you and the answers! If you have questions, please do not hesitate to email me and maybe your question will get answered here!

Hi Marie,

Happy day off it you have it. Okay so I have some questions and I know ms fashionista would know so I have been pushed into the business lime light while my dad has been ill and I have hardly ANY clothes that are career and career casual… I need help with foundation garments… I need to find some decent shapewear that can suck in all the bra strap fat on down…. I would like something very comfortable with firm control and doesn’t ride or roll up or gut into my girly parts ya dig?

-Marna A.

Hi Marna!

Thank you so much for reaching out! Okay, I think that your timing could not have been any better as I have had the pleasure of reviewing quite a few obvious and new shape wear brands that cater to the plus size woman!

Before I give you some recommendations, there are a few things to note when shopping for shape wear!

One of the things that I will truly advocate for is investing in the right size! A lot of times when an item rolls or rides, it is because the fit is wrong. With shapewear we think we should or could get a size smaller to hold us in tighter, but sometimes, this can be counterproductive to our desired looks! When shopping, make sure that you check the measurements and size charts, as each brand has varying fits!

I love technology and the new innovations that are provided to us! More specifically to your request, you are looking for a shapewear item that smoothes out the back and that is comfortable, and I actually have a few favorites at different prices!!

Bali, Spanx, Yummie Tummie, Miraclesuit, Assets, and Squeem all offer amazing options- especially in the high waisted arena! I tend to gravitate to this shape, to prevent and smooth out my back fat and to cinch in my waist comfortably! I also find quite a few options that connect to, or leave room for your own bra- which is a blessing!

Check these finds I have found, have, or love!

In order: 1. Yummie Tummie Slip (I have this one), 2.Spanx Body Slip, 3. Assets High Waist, 4. Body Wrap Bodysuit, 5. Yummie Tummie Tank, 6. Miracle Suit High Waist, 7. The Body Wrap Long Leg

To help you out, I picked out all of these options from Bare Necessities, but you can also check out Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, and Macy’s! I like to go to department stores because should anything go wrong, I can address quickly and I have experienced great service at these places!

Did this help a little bit? If you are reading this and have some favorite shape wear pieces you use, sound off and let Marna know! Popular Posts:

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Style Q and A: New Year’s Eve Plus Size Shape Wear Options