So here's the thing - I've always had a special place in my heart for designer fashion. Designer fashion doesn't love me back so much, but it's still fun to look, right? You can check out the collections at Coutorture, if you're into that type of stuff. At the very least, you can get an idea of the trends that plus size retailers might adopt... eventually... some day... if we're lucky.
You're going to hate me for that post title in about two seconds.
Swing jackets! They're all over the place right now. I haven't tried anything swingy on but my guess is that the silhouette would be better suited on an apple shaped figure than a pear shaped figure, or anyone with proportionately slimmer hips and thighs. I have a feeling that the width right above the hip would make me look boxy but would look retro fabulous on a woman with narrower hips.
Having said that, after looking at a few swingy pieces on the internet, I think it's a very cute look. My mother will be sure to point out that she had a jacket just like that in the year 196whatever and that she should have kept all her old clothes! Yes, mother, you should have.
We have that exact discussion quite often because, as it turns out, every last thing she's ever worn has come right back into style. I really dread the day that designers start parading models around in acid washed, tight rolled jeans and crispy bangs. If they haven't already...
Anyway, I digress. Swing jackets! Let's take a look.
If you're looking for an easy, versatile way to update your wardrobe for fall, a charcoal gray dress might just be the perfect solution. With the right accessories, a good dress can go to work, out to dinner, to lunch on the weekend, to church, to a job interview, etc. After the cut is a complete, head to toe look that uses a menswear-inspired gray dress as the centerpiece.
Along with gray, another big color for fall is plum (or wine, burgundy, etc.) This is a color combo that I'm particularly fond of. Black is a good basic but to bring out the richness of a deep jewel tone, I think a lighter shade like charcoal is a more sophisticated choice. After the cut are some of my picks from Lane Bryant - a day to evening look and a casual outfit for running around on the weekend.
Yes, gray. See Michael Kors' Fall 2007 collection for inspiration. The nice thing about color trends, as opposed to style trends, is that they translate very easily to plus sized clothes. Gray is a wonderful neutral and it goes nicely with both warm and cool tones. Gray doesn't have to be dull if you pair it with bright, happy colors like Mr. Kors' use of yellow and electric blue or with rich jewel tones that are always so lovely for fall.
Over the next few days, I'll be putting together plus sized outfits using Kors' gray color story as an inspiration. The first look is after the cut.
Did you watch Mo'Nique's FAT Chance? I was really into it and even got a little teary a few times! I think they really got it right this go around. Previously, I was ambivalent because of the whole beauty pageant thing but this year, there was more depth and less "Hey, look! Fat chicks!" I was rooting for Ruth since she's a Chicago girl but Marcia's style and confidence were just amazing.
The best part for me was the end when Mo'Nique said something about not letting your size keep you from living the life you want right now. That's something I have to remind myself of on a constant basis and I'm glad she's out there, showing the world what's up.
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I picked up this dress from Target today. Unfortunately, it's sold out on the website but if you spot it in the store, give it a try-on. The material is very nice, substantial but flowy and I really like the shirring at the bust. It's really versatile and flattering. It also comes in a turquoise and brown print.
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I went to see a somewhat obscure little band play at a bar here in Chicago last night and noticed a lot of women carrying HUGE bags. I have to wonder what they could be carrying to a bar on a Friday night that would require bags of that size. It's a fun trend and necessary for work/school purposes, but at a bar? Ok, whatever. Do your thing, ladies. I'll stick to my teensy clutches.
