I love, love, love, the Oscars! How about you?! I was thinking about how plus size women can take advantage of the trends that we have been seeing for special occasions.

Two things to keep in mind: outrageous and elegant mixed together.

There is a nod to trends of the past, but this spring, fashion is taking a big step in what we are being told, is quite a new direction.  This season: smart and sexy looks rule when paired with sporty and delicate styles and how about in neutral tones all serve to create an elegant, barely there look.

Look for champagne, beige and all shades of grey are in!  Take a look at this grey beaded jacket from Simply Silk.

Part of the reason why this neutral color style has emerged is because there is so much print and energy in other trends this season, which suggests that neutral will also outlive these other trends. You will see bold geometric patterns and animal prints to complement and contrast with the neutral tones.

I am wondering with great anticipation! Will we see these neutrals with a hint of the outrageous this evening for the Oscars?  What will Mo’ Nique and Sandra and Meryl be wearing?
Cannot wait! More tomorrow! We will know soon!
Jodell

Last week, Designer, Mark Fast, the Canadian born knitwear designer sent plus size model Crystal Renn, a size 16, out on the London catwalk wearing two clingy, knit dresses from his Fall 2010 Collection.

This red dress

And this beige-colored dress

Photos: www.Imaxtree.com/Matteo Volta

His point? Women can look good in couture at any size.  Fast said, “Modeling should be about personality and variety.  It is about beautiful women.  Size should not come into the equation.”

Last season, Fast used models in his show in a range of sizes from 0 to 14.

What to think?  I don’t know.  I have to ponder a bit.

But, I am  liking it.

The story continues.

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We Love Colors has a New Plus Size Modeling Contest!  The contest runs all month long! All you need to do is to submit a headshot and body shot and one paragraph that talks about why you would look good wearing a pair of We Love Colors tights.  The Winner will receive three pair of tights FREE!

We’ve got all the details below! Check it out!

We Love Colors is a hosiery company that offers a large selection of sizes, including plus size, and colors for women, men and children.  They carry dancewear, tights, leggings, fishnet hosiery, socks and much more.  And, the colors range from solids to wild prints and everything in between! Baby, it’s cold outside! and with temperatures in the single digits, this is a perfect time to wear tights with your favorite outfit! So stock up now with all of your faves from We Love Colors!

Photo: We Love Colors.

We Love Colors has been featured in such magazines as Italian Vogue, Teen Vogue, Sportswear International, and W.  They also carry custom tights by Caroline Geys.  Ordering is easy! You can order on-line or by phone at 800-770-3177.  They ship domestic and internationally.  For the U.S., Shipping is only $5. For more fashion info, visit their blog!

‘Tis the season for holiday festivities.  And, yes there is still time to get your outfit thanks to overnight shipping!  Chances are this week you will find yourself at one, if not two or more, holiday parties.

You’re in luck because this season offers fun and flirty looks that are affordable, versatile and feminine.  Remember, one essential piece is all you need to transform your outfit in to a fun, festive look.

Look #1: Mix and match rich jewel tone shades in amethyst, sapphire or emerald to glam up your winter ensemble or make it the focal point of your wardrobe in an easy-to-wear dress such as Kiyonna’s Vivienne Cinch Dress in Perfectly Purple.

Look #2: Holiday 2009 is the year of the sweater.  Pair a lovely cardigan or pullover with your favorite pair of pants for a more comfy, casual look.  Check out Pure & Co’s Kimono Sleeve Pullover in dry chili. Don’t want to get hot? Make sure your sweater is cotton or plan on layering.

Look #3: A dressy jacket adds polish to any outfit. We love the Simply Silk jackets that are affordable and easy on your budget.  All of the Simply Silk jackets are hand-washable silk and come in so many beautiful prints you won’t know which one to choose.

Look #4: Red.  Need we say more? Nothing says holidays more than Red.  Go with one accessory item such as shoes or a handbag or how about this comfy-looking, versatile Neon Buddha Red Cotton Blazer? The button detailing makes this item a great piece.

Look#5: Accessories always give you a boost without breaking the bank! Let a gorgeous scarf complete your look.  How about a plush, luxe scarf from Pierre Q to complete your outfit. Now, go have fun and party on!

We love it! And we are adding another magazine to the list!

First Glamour Magazine then Brigitte Magazine from Germany, and now Marie Claire debuts the first plus size style column.

In an effort to attract women who more accurately reflect the demographics of U.S. women, Marie Claire has hired Ashley Falcon, a  a 5-foot-2-inch, 220-lb. fashion stylist, and a Size 18W,  who will be giving out fashion advice in her “Big Girl in a Skinny World” column that is geared toward the plus size woman.

Marie Claire.com

First up. in her November column Falcon offers tips for the best jeans for plus size bodies as well as finding the accessories (they always fit).

What we love the most is Ms. Falcon’s column is really her honest musings about being plus size in the fashion industry. She says, ” I long ago made peace with the fact that I’ll never look good in a slinky dress or pleated paper-bag-waist pants, even if Coco Chanel herself came back from the dead to hand-stitch them for me. So I stick to cuts that always flatter—even in a size 18—like wrap dresses and pencil skirts.”

We also like her advice already!! Need a wrap dress or in the mood for a pencil skirt?

Check out our Martini Wrap Dress from Diane Kennedy and we love this denim pencil skirt from Kiyonna! When is next month’s issue coming out? We’ll be ready!