Sunday, April 5, 2009

Most Popular Item: It Figures! Skirtini Swimsuit


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


Thursday, March 26, 2009

Plus Size Pencil Skirts: Do or Don't?



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


Sunday, March 8, 2009

Plus Size Dresses - Always in Fashion

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


Monday, February 23, 2009

Most Popular Item: Tim Love Cast Iron Cookware Set


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


Sunday, February 8, 2009

Most Popular Item: Plus Size Kiyonna Lola Ruched Dress

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!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Chique*Plus in 365 Days of Fashion!

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


Sunday, January 18, 2009

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

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