The Chique*Life

Most Popular Item: It Figures! Skirtini Swimsuit

2009-04-05T13:22:00.004-04:00

It must be Spring - suddenly bathing suits are flying out the door! This week's most popular item has been the It Figures! Hip Hider Mesh Accents Skirtini.

This It Figures skirtini skims your silhouette, concealing curves for a slimming fit. The specially designed neckline on this turquoise-trimmed top broadens the shoulders, helping create a slimming effect on the hips. Mesh accents give the suit its sporty edge.

Comfortable and sporty, and a great addition to your swimwear wardrobe!

xoxo-Robyn

Plus Size Pencil Skirts: Do or Don't?

2009-03-26T17:24:00.006-04:00

When you wear plus sizes, the idea of a figure hugging skirt can be overwhelming no matter how classic the style. Is a plus size pencil skirt a fashion faux pas or a fashion superstar? A fashion do, or a fashion don’t?

Plus size pencil skirts are definitely on the fashion superstar, definite “do” list. They are more flattering to fuller figures, because of the seaming, the length and the basic design. While a pencil skirt can help anyone look curvier, no one rocks it like a girl who’s already curvy!

Plus size pencil skirts are a perfect choice for women whose waistlines are not much smaller than their hips. While it seems counter-intuitive, they are a great choice for plus size figures.

By definition, the skirt is cut in a straight line from hip to hip. The seaming narrows the silhouette slightly to accentuate the curve of the hip, and the length – traditionally skimming the bottom of the knee – is surprisingly flattering. The waistband suggests a more cinched figure, and creates a waistline even if you don’t have a defined one!

Women with a large waist and smaller hips can wear plus size pencil skirts, too, and create the illusion of a curvier figure. If you have a small waistline and large hips you can wear pencil skirts, too, but watch the fit and get it tailored if the material bunches up or sags.

The key to happy shopping in plus size fashion is to learn what styles flatter your figure. A classic pencil skirt is just the thing. Try to avoid stretchy materials, which are not as flattering as others, because they tend to accentuate problem areas. You want to accentuate the parts of your figure that you love, and embrace your curves!

When it comes to plus size fashion, the best material choices for classic pencil skirts are wool, gabardine or linen. Look for skirts to be lined or with finished seaming, and perfectly fitted. The material should be matte, not shiny. The hemline should fall about an inch below the knee and the garment should be free of any ornament or fussy decorations.

Often, a pencil skirt becomes staple of the wardrobe, worn repeatedly throughout a woman’s life. Think long-lasting when you buy it, because you will wear it often. Classic black is a good color choice for plus size pencil skirts, offering a day into evening option with a quick shoe and top change. Charcoal gray is perfect for the office (wear it with purple or lavender this spring), and a warm chocolate brown offers an on-trend statement. Try it with pink, aqua or pale green for a dynamite color statement.

xoxo-Robyn

Plus Size Dresses - Always in Fashion

2009-03-08T13:54:00.002-04:00

Plus size dresses come in almost as many sizes and shapes as plus size women, so why feel that you are stuck with just one style? The truth is that no matter what your size, you can find dresses that flatter your shape and bring out the very best you have to offer.

When most people consider plus size fashion, they think of boxy jackets, shapeless kaftans and monochromatic color schemes. But these tried and true “tricks” for dressing a large size woman don’t really work. Think about it…if there is not just one body shape, how can there be one dress style which fits everyone? The answer is, there can’t!

The first step in finding dresses that fit well and flatter you is to determine exactly which body type you are. Be aware of your shape and, most importantly, your most attractive features, and choose styles which enhance them. Plus size dresses come in everything from A-line to wrap to two piece and even strapless. Any of these can work as long as you choose a style which fits with your body type.

Even if you are heavy you may still have a slim waist. In this case, consider styles which cinch in at the waist, like a wrap dress, which can give you a fantastic hourglass shape. If your legs are your best asset, try a shorter length skirt to enhance them. Like most of the fashion world, plus size fashion is all about finding what works for you and helping you put your best face forward.

And plus size dresses do not have to be stuck in a color rut! We all know that wearing black can be slimming, but that doesn’t mean you have to wrap yourself in nothing but. Larger women can pull off prints as long as the style of the dress is flattering and the print isn’t overpowering. And color can be your friend. Pairing up a basic like black with a punch of red or blue can actually give you a more dramatic and modern look.

The important thing to remember when choosing a dress is that plus size fashion should be about emphasizing, not hiding. Forget the baggy muumuus and tent-like shapes and don’t be afraid to show your curves. Accentuate a full bust, shapely legs or slim waist. If your eyes are your best feature, draw the attention up to them with colors that bring them out and make them sparkle.

You can also play down problem areas by choosing plus size dresses which de-emphasize them. If you have a thick middle, consider an empire waist, which brings the waistline just below the bust and is looser. Also, an A-line, which is more fitted at the top and gently slopes outward as it goes down, can be another way to draw attention away from a heavy midsection while emphasizing a full bust and/or long legs.

The thing to remember is that just because you may be larger in size does not mean you can’t find clothes that fit. Being plus size no longer means having to hide. You can be proud of your curves and with the right figure flattering dress you can show the world that there is more of you to love!

xoxo-Robyn

Most Popular Item: Tim Love Cast Iron Cookware Set

2009-02-23T11:40:00.002-05:00

This week I had a surprise - the most popular item isn't one of our plus size designer items, it's cookware!

It's the Tim Love 7 Piece Cast Iron Cookware Set - a basic set that combines cast iron's great cooking qualities with contemporary design and color. It comes in black, green, chocolate, blue or orange and brightens up any kitchen! Safe for all types of stoves and goes from oven to table with ease.

Cast iron is great for cooking because it holds the heat and distributes it evenly, which avoids the burning that can happen quickly with thinner pans.

Here's an easy recipe that I made in my set over the weekend:

Curried Carrot Ginger Soup

2 T butter or olive oil, or a combination
1 onion, diced
1 lb peeled, chunked carrots
1-2 t curry powder
1-2 T grated ginger (fresh or from the jar)
Salt + pepper
3-4 cups vegetable or chicken stock, or plain water

Melt butter/olive oil in largest pot and add onion and curry powder, cooking over medium heat until softened (about 10 minutes.) Add carrots, ginger, and salt and pepper and stir for a minute or two. Add stock, adding a bit more (or water) if needed to cover the carrots. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes until carrots are tender. Puree with handheld wand mixer, or in the blender. If you like the soup creamier, you can stir in some sour cream, half and half, milk, or yogurt.

I made some grilled cheese sandwiches (gruyere on sourdough) to go with the soup, and it was great!

Happy cooking - Robyn

Most Popular Item: Plus Size Kiyonna Lola Ruched Dress

2009-02-08T13:52:00.004-05:00

This week our most popular item is the "Lola" ruched dress from Kiyonna - and it's a big hit. The Lola dress is versatile, going from office and meetings to an evening out, and doing it all with ease.

This classic dress possesses a palpable yet understated sexiness. Simple design elements such as a surplice neckline and ruching at the empire waist make figure flattering elegance effortless. A fluid, smooth jersey knit gently skims over your curves and makes for the perfect dress to pack for traveling with minimal wrinkling.

Available in Plum, Red or Black, and one of the best priced dresses Kiyonna offers. I picked one up in Plum, and found that the fit is great and it really does flatter the figure. I took it out of a suitcase and sure enouogh - minimal wrinkles that steamed right out while I was getting ready. It was perfect for the conference I attended, where I had to attend sessions and then cocktails.

All in all, a wardrobe workhorse!

Chique*Plus in 365 Days of Fashion!

2009-02-01T15:21:00.004-05:00

Hi - just a quick note to let you know that we are participating in mom blogger Audrey McClellan's 365 Days of Fashion as plus size clothing experts!

I'll be making my video over the next couple of days, so please keep a lookout for it!

xoxo-Robyn

Most Popular Item: Plus Size C.enne.V Convertible Shrug Cardigan Sweater

2009-01-18T15:54:00.007-05:00

I thought it would be fun to talk about our most popular items from time to time. Right now, this great cardigan from C.enne.V is a big hit. I think because it's so versatile, and adds new life to existing wardrobe options.

This cardigan does double duty! There's more to this little topper from C.enne.V than meets the eye: scrunch the ties for a cropped shrug or stretch the ties for a longer hip length cardigan. A perfect companion for dresses, skirts and pants.

Silky soft fabric conceals the arms without being bulky. Flatters all shapes-offers great waist definition and is very versatile - wear it as a shrug or open cardigan.

It comes in Black, Cornflower, Peacock or Chocolate. Every color looks great!

xoxo-Robyn

Plus Size Fashion: Beating the Mid-Winter Blahs

2009-01-11T12:29:00.007-05:00

It's been cold, and now it's icy here in the Northeast, and I have a serious case of the mid-winter blahs. I'm tired of my wardrobe and I don't want to spend a lot on a quick refresher. And I'm not in the mood for another sweater.

So I dug into our inventory and decided to try a top that combines two fresh trends - plaid and purple.

From Missphit, it's a surprisingly flattering top with lots of pretty details, like a flat ruffle neckline and soft ribbon lacing at the neck and sides. The slightly fitted waist proved more figure-flattering than I expected! I checked in with my 16 year old niece, the Family Fashionista, and she gave her approval.

It's a three season top, not really for the dead of winter, so I paired it with an olive long-sleeve t-shirt and really love the results.

It was just the pick-me-up I needed! Spring seems far away right now, but a fresh new wardrobe piece can go a long way to brightening your attitude during the dark, cold days of January!

xoxo-Robyn

Best Fit, Best Look for 2009

2009-01-04T13:23:00.007-05:00

Hi there and Happy New Year!

I've been thinking a lot about plus size fashion, or more accurately, plus size NOT fashion. You know, the women we see every day (who are sometimes us) that are wearing unflattering, badly fitting items. It looks frumpy and can make even an expensive item look cheap.

So I've made a resolution to do my best to look my best, no matter what size I wear or where I am going.

My current favorite casual look is the Abby Z. Classic 5 Pocket Jeans and a Classic Wrap Top from Kiyonna. It takes me anywhere from errands to a casual dinner out, and can be accessorized easily.

I love the dark blue wash on the jeans, the no-gap fit, and the straight line from hip to ankle. I know it helps me to look taller and better proportioned! The top hugs my curves but isn't overtly sexy, and in crisp white looks fresh and lively.

What are YOUR favorite everyday casual looks? Here's to a fashion-forward 2009!

Cheers, Robyn

Plus Size Fashion - Tips for Finding the Right Bra

2008-10-12T11:15:00.003-04:00

How often does a plus size woman despair about finding the right bra for everyday wear? The one that makes her clothes fit right, feels good, and -- dare we expect it -- looks pretty? October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so it's been on my mind lately.

It's estimated that as many as 85% of women are wearing the wrong size bra! It seems a bigger challenge for plus size women, who may shy away from the triple mirror and feel too exposed in the lingerie dressing room, not to mention intimidated by the intimate nature of proper bra fitting by an expert.

But...finding the right bra with the right fit isn't as hard as it seems, if you follow just a few simple rules:

Measure correctly! Just to refresh your memory:

Wear a non-padded bra. Keeping the measuring tape parallel with the ground, measure around your bra directly under your bust after expelling all air from your lungs. Round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole number. If the measurement is even, add 4"; if the measurement is odd, add 5". Look in a mirror to ensure the tape is parallel to the floor. The position of your tape measure is critical. If you have the tape too high, your measurement will be too large; too low and it's too small.
Standing straight, with your arms at your side, measure at the fullest part of your bust making sure the measuring tape is parallel with the floor and not binding. Round all fractional measurements to the nearest whole number. If one of your breasts is significantly larger, put some type of padding in the cup of the smaller breast to make it even with the larger breast before taking your measurement.
Subtract your band measurement (step 1) from your cup measurement (step 2). Generally, for each inch in difference, the cup goes up by one size. Example:
Step 1: 37" under bust measurement + 5" = 42" band
Step 2: 45" over bust measurement
Step 3: 45" - 42" = 3" or "C" cup
Your correct size would be 42C

Take some time to try on different styles and choose one that supports with smooth lines, does not cut into your back or breasts, and avoids "squashing".

Lift, support and comfort are all key. Many women find underwire bras to be uncomfortable, so they make the mistake of wearing a soft, non-underwire cup. There's not enough support, especially for full-figured women. A properly fitted underwire bra should rest comfortably against your rib cage with a soft cotton casing. If the wire lifts away from your chest, move up one cup size. It's OK to alternate between soft cup and underwire bras.

The back band of your bra provides 90 percent of the support, so the ideal fit should be firm yet comfortable; and stretch across the middle of your back, not up around your shoulder blades.

A word on minimizers...they compress rather than support. A bra with seams, shape and cup depth will prevent jiggling without mashing. Stick with bras that lift and center the bust line for the best look.

There's another important reason to wear a bra that fits correctly - there may be a link between breast cancer and tight bras that restrict lymphatic drainage in the breast. There are many lymph nodes and passages in the breast and underarm area that can be restricted (and thereby unable to do their job) by tight fitting lingerie, allowing an accumulation of body waste and toxins in breast tissue.

Did you know that your bra size can change as many as six times throughout your life? Weight gain and loss, pregnancy, nursing, and hormonal changes contribute to these changes. Experts recommend getting fitted yearly to ensure optimum fit and health.

As a result of thinking about how bras complement or destroy how we look in our clothes and writing this article, I measured myself again and found that I need a bigger band size and a smaller cup size. I guess I'm off to a department store to check out styles in my new size!

Don't sacrifice service, style and comfort because you're embarrassed to ask for help when buying a bra. Go ahead, ask as many questions as you need to! You'll be much happier (and more comfortable) in the long run.

Remember to check your breasts and to schedule your annual mammogram!

xoxo-Robyn

Plus Size Fashion - Dress the Body You Have: Top 4 Hints

2008-09-26T14:56:00.028-04:00

Every day we are inundated with images of what it means to be a fashionable woman. And that usually entails wearing a size that is as small as possible, despite the fact that more than 40% of us wear a size 14 or larger.

The body you have is curvy and voluptuous – but most importantly it is the body that you have right now, today. And to feel good, pretty, sexy, smart, and capable, you need to dress it the right way to enhance the positive aspects and minimize the negatives. That means wearing Clothes That Fit.

The two biggest mistakes are made at both ends of the fit spectrum. Some women wear clothes that are too small, creating a tight casing that looks as bad as it feels and highlights and exaggerates figure flaws. Some women dress in clothes that are too big, thinking that they are “hiding” problem zones, when in fact they are making themselves look bigger and, quite frankly, sloppy.

Take a deep breath. The size on the tag is a number only YOU see. What everyone else sees is a confident woman in clothes that are suited to her figure and that fit correctly. So get out of those jeans and pants you can’t breathe in; and the baggy, droopy tops that you should only wear to clean the bathroom – and get into figure flattering clothes in the right size for YOU.

Where to start? Here are a few hints to get you started:

Lingerie - Pretty Is As Pretty Does. The basic foundation for how clothes will drape on your frame.If your lingerie is too tight, you’ll get exaggerated bulges and cuts that make you look lumpy. If it’s too big, you won’t get the fit and foundation you need. Get thee to a lingerie expert and get fitted for a bra and panties that suit your figure. You need help on this, and will want to try on a variety of styles.

Skirts – Take the A Train. An A-line skirt is the most flattering for just about any figure. It fits at the waist and skims the hips, drawing the eye outward.It won’t cling or look baggy, and it’s a great figure balancer. Here’s a great A-line skirt from my store, in Fall-perfect suede in a variety of colors.

Pants – Shoot From the Hip. Look for pants that fall at or just below your natural waist. A wider waistband is flattering, and a bit of stretch in the fabric will allow ease of motion and prevent gaps when you move. Most important is a pant that falls in a straight line from hip to ankle, which elongates the leg and hides any bulges. Designer Abby Z. makes a great basic pant that works for the office or the weekend, and a super pair of jeans that hugs your curves without looking or feeling tight.

Tops – Wrap It Up. A wrap top is an integral part of your wardrobe.It elongates the neck, hugs your curves in a modest fashion, nips in at the waist to create an hourglass shape, and moves with you. Here’s a wonderful wrap from Kiyonna in classic white or black.

It’s critical to treat yourself with respect, and wearing the right style of clothing in the right size will give you a big confidence boost in your on-the-go lifestyle. Give it a try - you'll see and feel the difference!

xoxo-Robyn

A version of this article first appeared in Prospere Magazine.

Plus Size Fashion - Budget Style for an Art Gallery Opening

2008-09-14T15:00:00.014-04:00

I was invited to a fancy gallery opening, and it was dripping summer hot. What to wear that would be stylish enough, but also easy to wear in hot, sticky humidity?

I went with a bit of budget style - just because an outfit isn't expensive doesn't mean it has no style! I picked up this cute little black dress from Merona and shoes from Moda Spana

The dress has simple, elegant styling, with an empire waist with ruched bodice and back tie closure. The spaghetti straps are adjustable, and the just-below-the-knee length flowing skirt is flattering. I've worn it to a beachside wedding in Miami with killer Manolo Blahniks, and out for a casual dinner in NYC with sparkly silver flat sandals.

The shoes offer a lacy laser cut-out design and patent bow with a feminine kitten heel. Simple style for standing up and walking through the gallery for several hours!

I felt well-put together for meeting collectors and other business professionals, but also cool and comfortable. The opening was fantastic with lots of interesting people and I was confident that the style and fit of my clothes was flattering.

And isn’t confidence the most important thing?

xoxo-Robyn

Welcome to Chique*Life!

2008-09-05T14:37:00.017-04:00

Hi from Chique*Life - the web store and web mall for plus size fashion and other specialties. I'm Robyn, the founder of Chique*Life, and I believe that if you feel passionate about something, you can use your enthusiasm and expertise and build a community of like-minded people to share ideas.

A little bit about me:

I'm a small business entrepreneur living in the big city.
I'm a homemaker and organic gardener.
I'm a world traveler who loves home best.
I take adventures even though I'm sometimes afraid.
I'm using all the skills I learned in a variety of businesses to make Chique*Life a success.

The idea behind Chique*Life is to create a community of stores that specialize in the best products in a given category. Chique*Life offers a variety of fashion, home, and pet goods and is the anchor store in the community. We'll be testing new ideas and new categories there first.

We just launched our newest website, Chique*Plus, specializing in fashion-forward women's plus size apparel.

Why Plus?

Because finding beautiful, stylish and unique clothing can be daunting in sizes over 12.
Because every woman has the right to look her best, in clothes that fit.
Because shopping in an environment where your needs are understood makes it easier and much more fun.

We're still putting the finishing touches on design and merchandise selection, but hope you'll like what we offer.

Be sure to let me know if you have a favorite brand or designer that you think we should carry, or if there is a new "must have" item that we can get for you. Please leave a comment or get in touch at robyn at chiquelife dot com.

Robyn