Dresses - Great for EVERYDAY!

This year, I really wanted to amp up my style for everyday. I really didn't wear dresses unless I had to attend a work event. Earlier this year, I determined that if I had more dresses in my wardrobe that I found comfortable and stylish--maybe I could wear dresses more frequently. A-HA~~I have purchased my share of dresses over the last 6 months with great success. Michael Kors sundresses are available at Nordstrom & Zappos for Plus Size. I also love Design History--a little glam for my suburban lifestyle!

I recently discovered Monif C while attending an online chat with another fashion blogger. Monif C has at least a dozen YouTube videos on how to wrap different styles of dresses. $100 was steep for me to invest in a dress, particularly, from a brand I'd never heard of but I was willing to try. I received the dress in the mail this week and finally tried on today. I am hooked! It takes a little work getting used to it but there are several ways to wear this same dress...REALLY! I have the turquoise & black as pictured. I am looking to order in a steel gray color if I can find it--a great dress to wear with sandals to the beach, boots or pumps & a clutch for an evening on the town.

Merry Christmas & Happy Post-Holiday Shopping!

Which Department Store is best for Plus?

I must admit, I'm a fan of flaunting what you have. Form fitting styles with bulk or ruching where needed is the best way to look slimmer, in my opinion. Prints & color selection can also alter the appearance and hide the "rolls". I have been looking for something different lately; I shop the same stores over & over hoping to find that shining star on the clearance rack. That timeless quality item that will last despite the bargain price. I'm one of those people that goes for quality over quantity when shopping. I'd rather pay $80 for a pair of pants that last for years than spend $20 a few times a year.

Seattle is not exactly a haven for a woman that aspires to have that Carrie Bradshaw look--but I make it work. I have searched all over for a department store that offers a variety of styles & price ranges for the plus size woman. I find that Nordstrom certainly delivers--you can find plenty of gems on sale at their website or on the clearance racks. Neiman Marcus has a small selection--not a fan of their styles since they seem to offer plenty of bulky tent-like styles. However, I recently discovered Bloomingdale's and Saks online. Bloomie's has an amazing selection of dresses from everyday to cocktail wear, great everyday separates from sweaters & pants to t's & sweats. I'm going to order some cashmere sweaters today to try out the quality and see how it performs. Saks offers "Salon Z", their special sizes department. Like Bloomie's, it's a mix of youthful yet age appropriate styles for a plus size woman ranging from 20's to 50's and beyond.

And if you're worried about shipping if you don't have one of these retailers in your area, a free shipping offer can be found somewhere at almost anytime.

My Favorite Pick: Bloomingdale's with Nordstrom coming in a close 2nd! Happy Shopping!

Tell me your favorite retailer for Plus Sizes and why? I'd love to hear from you!

Most Comfortable Shoes EVER!

How many pairs of flat shoes do you own that are actually comfortable AND stylish? I have several pairs of flats. And my biggest complaint? They have NO support. I might as well be walking around barefoot. Looking for heels? I have plenty of stunning pairs of pumps, but a great pair of supportive flats has been a challenge for me. I recently discovered Attilio Giusti Leombruni shoes at Nordstrom. I was skeptical about spending $200+ on a pair of flats, but these are the most comfortable flats EVER! They fit like gloves. I purchased the white with black tips & pleated band over the toe. Firm soles and a comfy, supportive foot bed await. The white is actually cream and will transition beautifully into fall. I've worn them once to work where I am on my feet ALL day. And I was SO thrilled. I strongly encourage you to try them on if you're in the market. They are amazing!!

Boots for Athletic Calves

Ever since I moved West, I have been a loyal Nordstrom customer. After all these years, I finally decided to pre-select for the Sale of all Sales--Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale. It was SO much fun to go around to all the departments trying on stuff that wasn't available to the general public--at least on sale for another few weeks. I saw these boots had stretchy suede in the back and was in LOVE. I have several pairs of Cole Haan shoes and with Nike Air, these shoes can't be beat for comfort. After a few weeks of anticipation, the boots arrived today. Perfectly packaged and calling my name. I was anxious as with my athletic calves, it can be extremely difficult to find stylish boots. The hard part was getting my foot through the instep. After that, I was in heaven. These boots will look absolutely fabulous with skinny jeans tucked in or a pair of leggings and a tunic. Now--I can't WAIT for fall! I want to wear these boots now!

Do you have an absolutely favorite pair of shoes or boots? What trends will you be sporting this fall? I'd love to hear!

JIMMY CHOO - LOVE THIS

This shoe deserves a night on the town. Whether hitting the town with friends or a significant other--this shoe will be a show stopper. Paired with a little black dress, the shoes deserve all the attention. Simple accessories like a chain necklace and a brightly colored clutch would complete a fabulous look.

How did I get here?

I was listening to the radio recently and it was mentioned to me that upon entering your mid-30's, you begin to relate more to your "10-year old" self. I instantly thought of an old class picture from 5th grade--where I was dressed like I was going to an interview. My mother would take me to Horne's, Kaufmann's or Gimbel's in downtown Pittsburgh where I would ogle over the latest trends and styles. I desperately wanted guess jeans, esprit & benetton tops & bass shoes. But for this class picture, I wore pink slacks, a white collared shirt, and a pink/white plaid wool vest. It sounds terrible, but I look at that picture today and think of a woman ready for serious business. Today, I am a successful business woman always trying to find a balance between being fashionable and being taken seriously by co-workers & clients. What is your favorite stylish childhood memory?

Getting Acquainted

I am a size 18/20 woman with a passion for all things fashion-related. I anxiously await the mail every month for my issues of InStyle & Vogue. Then, I spend days dreaming about how I'd buy the latest Prada, D&G, or Burberry if I could just squeeze myself into a size 12/14. I have spent years performing this same ritual with little to no results of becoming smaller. So, I've decided to seek fashionable clothing for the plus size woman. I just LOVE (yeah, right) how designer brands consider anything over size 6 "plus size". WHAT??? The average woman is size 16+. While some designers have recently decided to collaborate to bring fashion to the everyday woman, they are still not wearable for anyone with curves. I will scour the world looking for fashionable finds for the plus size woman. AND finding clothes that are age-appropriate for those over 35. I read these fabulous magazines full of glitz & glam but wonder--would this work for me? Maybe if I were 21, but not 35.

If you have any ideas for things you'd like to talk about or see me test any beauty products, I am willing to try it.

-The Maven