Calvin Klein Plus Size Twill Belted Jacket - Fall 2008

Beautiful and practical, this cotton and elastane plus size Stretch Twill Belted Jacket by Calvin Klein is a great find for fall. This baby is machine washable, and a nice length for the woman on the go.

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Lane Bryant Sale - Online Prices May be Lower

I was cruising the sale racks at my local Lane Bryant store today and I picked up this plus size front tie cardigan in black. However... I just checked the Lane Bryant website, and they have the same cardigan for $13.99 - I paid $19.99 in the store. Also, there's a gift cheque offer for $15 off $50, $25 off $75 and $50 off $150 thru October 7th. No mention of that at the checkout counter. The offer is good online as well. Depending on your local store's prices, you might do better online.

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Plus Size Velvet Dresses - On Sale Now Thru 10/2

Now thru 10/2/08, all plus size velvet dresses at Igigi are 30% off. This Velvet Beauty dress comes with a matching shrug and is available in wine (shown), black and sapphire blue in sizes 12 - 30/32. The cascading hemline is dramatic and seductive. Scoop up this deal now and be calm and collected when the holiday party season begins.

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Plus Size Halloween Costumes - Ghostly Lady

If you're looking for a plus size Halloween costume that isn't too revealing, or you need a cool couples costume idea, consider this ghostly lady costume from halloweenexpress.com. There's a ghostly gentleman costume to match. This costume comes complete with gown, hat, wig, gloves and tulle petticoat.

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It's a Wrap - Plus Size Ruanas For Fall

This fall, wraps are trendy, practical and plentiful. They're great for staying warm and stylish without crushing delicate fabrics and they accomodate bell or dolman sleeves beautifully. This plus size ruffle trim ruana from Lane Bryant is gorgeous in spicy red, and is also available in black. There are other styles to choose from, including reversibles.

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Spooky Fun - Plus Size Halloween Tees

Get these super soft cotton/spandex plus size Halloween Tees with shimmering ghosts, scary black cats and smiling jack-o-lanterns. 3/4 length sleeves and shaped fit, made of cotton and spandex. Plus Sizes 1X - 3X. Available at Coldwater Creek.

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Avenue Plus Size Jeans and Jem Print Tunic

This plus size tunic and jeans outfit from Avenue.com gets high marks for casual style with a touch of sparkle. Great for a casual date night, shopping or ladies night out. The tunic is available in pink or blue print in plus sizes 14/16 - 30/32. The boot cut jeans are available in petite, average and tall sizes 14 - 26, and the boots are wide width and available in sizes 8 - 13.

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Plus Size Jersey V-Neck Top

This plus size refined jersey V-neck top from Land's End is casual and comfy in 100% cotton. Select t-shirts, polos and turtlenecks are $2.50 off when you buy 3 or more. Sizes 1X - 3X, in 10 colors.

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New! - Plus Size Juicy Couture Velour Separates

Pre-order your plus size velour pants and hoodies by Juicy Couture at Nordstrom.com. Items are scheduled to ship on 11/13/2008. Available in sizes 1X - 3X, in pink, navy, chocolate and black.

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Plus Size Wedding Dress - An Informal Option from Igigi

For this final installment in this plus size wedding series, I decided to highlight this White Diamonds wedding dress from Igigi. If you're looking for something less formal, this dress is devine. The sparkling accents and flowing skirt give this dress a dream-like quality. Available in sizes 12 - 30/32, and priced at $275 USD.

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Plus Size Bridesmaid Gowns - The Bolero is Back

I've seen lots and lots of plus size bridesmaids dresses and gowns that are sleeveless, but many plus size women tell me that they're not really comfortable going sleeveless. Luckily, bolero jackets are popular and coordinate well with a wide variety of dress styles. This taffeta A-line gown comes with one, and many designers offer one as an optional accessory. This is a great way to add modesty to a gown that might otherwise make the wearer feel too exposed.

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Plus Size Bridal Party - Bridesmaids and Junior Bridesmaids

Now for the bridal party... Finding a style that flatters all body types can be an extreme challenge, especially if you've got to choose a dress to accomodate straight sizes, plus sizes, and junior bridesmaids. I suggest something like this satin and crepe portrait collar gown. It's very chic, but not too bare. Available in sizes 2 - 28W and Junior bridemaid sizes 8-14.

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Plus Size Bridal Gowns - Fit and Foundation

Once you find the plus size wedding gown of your dreams, don't blow it by skimping on alterations and foundation garments. Even if the dress 'fits' (which it should - without dieting!), it will need some adjustments to make sure that it's perfectly matched to your body. Small lifts, nips and tucks in the gown will take your dress from 'fine' to 'fabulous!'

Purchase your foundation garments prior to your first fitting with a seamstress to ensure a superior fit. I recommend going to a specialty bra shop. The sales associates will be able to help you choose the right size and style and get you into these tricky underthings. Don't get talked into something that's seriously uncomfortable, but do realize that shaping, especially in the bust, in crucial to your gown fitting correctly. Gowns tend to be heavy so don't be surprised if they suggest a cup that's more armorific than what you'd wear on a daily basis.

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Plus Size Bridal Gowns - Keep an Open Mind

Even if you think you know what style of wedding dress you want to wear, try on plenty of gowns, and choose a few that are outside of your comfort zone. For instance, if you think you want to wear long sleeves, try on some sleeveless or short sleeved gowns to make sure. Try slender vs. puffy, simple vs. glitzy and A-line vs. empire or princess. You may find that your original ideas change once you see which styles look ravishing on you and which are 'just okay'. Tomorrow, we'll talk about fit and foundation garments.

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Plus Size Wedding Gowns - Choosing a Color

Betcha didn't know you could get a plus size wedding dress in ruby red if you wanted to. Okay, I'm not sure I'd recommend this for a church wedding, but if you're going with a castle or something like that, then by all means! As with any wedding dress, it needs to be in synch with your wedding location and the level of formality of your event. Let's look at some more color...

Now here we have a rich ivory color that is very obviously off-white. If you prefer to wear white or a shade of white, choose one that complements your skin tone. Personally, I look washed out in pure white, but a barely off-white ivory breathes new life into my pale skin. And off-white can look pure white when there is no basis for comparison.

These two dresses are both available in sizes 14-32 and come in more colors.

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Plus Size Bridal Gowns and Bridal Party Dresses

This week, I'll be doing a 'plus size' wedding series. First up is this nouveaux taffeta gown with beaded bodice, cap sleeves and billowing pickup skirt. This is a good example of how you can use the neckline and sleeves to balance wider hips and create a defined waistline. The sleeves provide some arm coverage, without looking like you're hiding or wearing a bathrobe. Sizes 18-28. Special order.

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Comfy Plus Size Cotton Jersey Pants by Champion

Need to transition to full length pants for fall/winter workouts and lounging? These Plus Size Champion Cotton Jersey Pants are only $14.99. The relaxed fit and functional drawstring give you freedom of movement. Still available in sizes 14/16 and 18/20.

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Plaid Skirt and Wrap Jacket - Plus Size Fall Fashion

All I can say is wow... I am in love with this plaid skirt and wraparound jacket from Igigi. Their whole line of plus size clothes for Fall 2008 has been outstanding, but this outfit is heartstoppingly chic. The side zip boucle skirt is still available in sizes 18-26, while the cotton elastane adjustable wrap jacket is available in sizes 12-30. If you think you might like the skirt better in black, it's available in sizes 12-30, except 28 (sold out), but many sizes are on the verge of selling out.

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Plus Size Trendy Clothes - Designed to Fit You

Missphit - 'clothing for the curvy fashionista' - designs each piece in their line especially for plus size women. Instead of just making standard sized patterns bigger all over, they design everything in size 2X to start. This ensures that the proportions are right for an actual 'plus size' body. I've got my eye on this Beaded Bohem top, available in rust or brown. Looks comfy and very cute.

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Plus Size Tailored Blouse by Igigi

Wow! Look at this dazzling plus size tailored blouse by Igigi. The amethyst color is amazing and the trapeze neckline and french cuffs make this blouse absolutely stunning. Available in sizes 12 - 30. It also comes in crisp white, if you prefer.

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Plus Size Zig Zag Tunic by INC International Concepts

I wasn't sure at first if I liked this, but it keeps catching my eye, so I guess I do. This plus size Zig Zag Tunic is made of luxurious silk/cotton blend. The warm colors are nice for fall, and the pattern is playful and vibrant. Available in sizes 0X-3X from Macy's.

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Wide Width Boots at Shoetrader.com

Here's a fun, fashionable, wide width boot - the Regina Tall Stretch Boot from Shoetrader. These side zip, 2 1/4" heeled, rubber-blend soled boots are available in 4 colors, in sizes 6 M to 12WW.

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Boo! - Plus Size Halloween Costumes for Connoisseurs

If you take your halloween partying seriously, you've got to see this incredible Fiona the ogre queen costume (from the Shrek movie series). The mother and daughter team at Plus Size Costume Shop hand make their high quality costumes. While certainly more pricey than mass produced, cheaply made costumes, their selection of fine halloween and renaissance wear for women is so gorgeous and loaded with fine details. I also particularly liked the Scottish and Irish Lass costumes in the renaissance category. I'd like to add that while I've never had the desire to dress up as a witch, these gals have got me seriously considering it, due to their really creative and gorgeous variations on that theme. Oh, and sizes are truly plus - starting at 18-20W.

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Plus Size Golf Sportswear for Women by Liz Claiborne

Golf sportswear for women has come a long way and now you can even get cute golf outfits in plus sizes at retailers like Liz Claiborne. For example, this stretch pique polo which comes in white and navy blue. There is also an assortment of shorts, capris, pants and jackets for golf afficionados - in plus sizes 1X to 3X and 14W to 24W.

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Little Black Dress - Plus Size A-Line Dress by Kiyonna

Looking for a plus size little black dress with personality and classic style? This one from Kiyonna Klothing should do the trick. I'm sad that this is the best picture I can get to post here. You really need to click here to see the detail on this dress. (Go ahead... I'll wait.) The circle embroidered pattern is what makes it. I also love the A-Line shape and princess seaming. Available in sizes 10-12 to 30-32.

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Plus Size This Monthly Round-Up - August 2008

August ushered in the end-of-summer sales and the Fall previews. As we get ready to hit the Fall and Winter seasons full swing, here's a look back at what we saw this month.

Plus Size Accessories