Fashions First Lady

America's new first lady has also acquired another new title courtesy of the Washington Post: the leader of the fashionable world.

So why so much interest in Mrs Obama's wardrobe?

Michelle is young, tall and attractive which stands her apart from previous first ladies, but there is more to it than that. She represents hope & change as much as the new president himself. For the ceremony she dressed herself and her daughters in glorious & vibrant colour. Her daring green gold ensemble was striking, a complete contrast to the expected.

But more telling than the outfits themselves is the names behind them. Michelle's coat and dress for the ceremony were by Isabel Toledo, a 47-year-old Cuban-American designer who is well known to fashion insiders but has almost no profile among the public. Her evening gown, a one-shoulder ivory gown, was by Jason Wu, a 26-year-old Taipei-born, American-based designer. Another who is known only to those who keep a close eye on 'the ones to watch' in fashion magazines.

Choosing to shun the big name designers who will have been fighting to dress the most important woman in America is significant in showing her credentials as a deserved leader in fashion.

Back to Black

Written by Emily Robertson

Stella mcartney and Chanel have recently been sporting a cinched in waist, and a dress or trousers creating the effect of larger hips and a defined, shaped waistline.

For fuller figures this current trend is ideal, its highlights a perfect hourglass figure yet hides those little extras to show off your best assets. This autumns new colour is black, a colour that is suited for any situation, for that little black dress for those special nights out or smart work wear for impressing your friends, the colour is chic, elegant, classic and suits any age.

A perfect example of this is curvetys keyhole overlay black dress, the halter neck is ideal for those of us with bigger boobs and the cinched in waist adds curves to all the right places on your body. The beautiful bead detailing across the waist gives elegant beauty and this elegance is reflected in the flawless black colour of the dress.

For that definition of your hips seen particularly in stella mcartney's clothing this season look at curvetys high waist pin stripe trousers, they not only create a waist but they are shaped to fit your hips and they create a dynamic, stylish effect for that 'effortless' work look. The highlighted waist lines and hip definitions are perfectly suited for fuller figures and curvacious beautys.

With curvier figures these new designer looks can really be put into their element, with hips they are simply defined, with boobs they are classically revealed and with a waist it is defined, the clothes are merely hiding the sexiness that is in each of us. The colour black can be used to create drama or elegance, two opposite looks but they are achieved by the style and colour used.

For a simple day look the sweetheart dress in black can be dressed up with accessories, and for that night look the mock leather belt in black creates a sexy outline of your figure and a small black teardrop croc clutch gives an overall touch of glam to your look.

Try out Curvety's range of black clothing and experiment with looks that suit you, and to top off any outfit choose either a black or neon nail polish to finish your image, black to show glam and neon represents fun and creativity.

Plus Size Summer Wardrobe

How are you all getting on with your summer wardrobes.I thought I would throw some inspiration out there for great summer looks in larger sizes.

I'm loving these plus size casual shorts which are great for the beach but smart enough for a spot of lunch followed by shopping - perfect! If you prefer your shorts with a little mor edge these cuffed shorts ar every sophisticated.

This white bolero shrug is a summer essential. The bolero is big news this summer and this soft stretch jersey will keep you cool while looking hot. I LOVE the puff sleeves.

This season there are loads of fab dresses available in large sizes, this colourblock dress is one of my favourites.

Summer Dresses for Curvy Women

I love the summer, the perfect excuse to go all girlie in beautiful summer dresses. This year there are some absolute corkers - and with the growing choice in plus sizes us curvy women aren't being left out!!

I love this dress available at Curvety.com. It's a new style and i'm sure it wont be around for long!

Goodbye Size Zero Role Models

Now, I know that Coleen McLoughlin is NOT a plus size woman, but there is no denying she has more curves than the average WAG. This is why I was so pleased to hear that she is now regarded as the nations top fashion role model, replacing her size zero counterparts.

Introduced to fame as the fiancee of top footballer Wayne Rooney, she is now a bigger influence than Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham, according to the poll.Supermodel Kate Moss, 34, takes second place, followed by actress Sienna Miller, 26. Posh Spice, 33, is fourth while Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole, 24, is fifth - and the third Wag to make the Top 10.

Other top 10 fashion influences included Kylie Minogue, Gwen Stefani, Keira Knightley, Lily Allen & Angelina Jolie.

Look editor Ali Hall said: 'Coleen has transformed herself from puffa jacket schoolgirl to style icon in just a few years. Women relate to her as she's more shapely than your average Wag. 'She doesn't mind splashing out on a designer 'it' item but mixes it with the great stuff available on the high street'.

How refreshing that women and teens are starting to realise that a more natural curve is much more flattering, and that we don't have to aspire to the Unobtainable. Lets hope this is the first step in ending the craze of role models such as Victoria Beckham portraying an unrealistic and impossible to maintain figure. Coleen is pictured wearing a summer essential, the shirt dress. Here is a similar shirt dress available in sizes 16 to 34.

Adele - Proud of her Curves

The first time I heard Adele on the radio I was an instant fan of her sexy, timeless sound. She has seen huge success over the last 6 months or so, but as with any curvy star, she has had to put up with a certain amount of media sniping about her weight.

I am heartened to hear that Adele has the strngth of character to ignore such comments - she really has the personality and talent to be a role model to women in the UK who want to succeed and fight the stereotypes that weight has anything to do with talent.

Adele fights back against the negative criticism by making her views public - 'People are starting to go on about my weight but I’m not going to change my size because they don’t like the way I look. They can f**k off. My favourite way to relax is to get a pizza or curry and get lots of beer round my house. I also love Malaysian food. My weakness is alcohol.'

In another interview she said - 'I’ve always been a size 24-26, and been fine with it,' Adele told The Times. 'I would only lose weight if it affected my health or sex life, which it doesn’t.'

Adele has a great fashion sense and always looks amazing. She is an excellent example to plus size women everywhere. Just because you buy plus size clothing, it doesn't mean you can't have an original sense of style and stand out from the crowd.

Favourite Oscars 2008 Fashion

The red carpet season continues with the 80th Annual Acadamy Awards ceremony last night in Hollywood. Although the whole night was a civlised (if not slightly dull) affair, with no major surprises, hiccups or the like - there was still some hot (and not so hot) fashion on the red carpet to contemplate.

Some of my personal favourites this year included Nicole Kidman in a gorgeous black Balenciaga dress & Heidi Klum who wore a show stopping bespoke red gown made by John Galliano. I was also a big fan of Jennifer Hudsons dress this year, a full length white beaded number by Roberto Cavalli, which showed her voluptuous figure at its best.

My favourite by far, however, was actress Kelly Preston. She appeared on the red carpet with husband John Travolta, wearing a gorgeous strapless Roberto Cavalli gown in deep yellow. The simple cut paired with the bold but very this season colour really make a statement.

In contrast, my worst outfit of the evening was worn by best actress winner - Marion Cotillard. The Jean Paul Gaultier mermaid-inspired gown will be a huge hit with some, but for me it was just all a bit over the top.

If you have your own special event planned and need to find a dress to impress in plus sizes try Curvety.com, who offer affordable red carpet chic in sizes 16 to 36.

Top Style at Brits

The celebritites attending the 2008 Brit Awards did not disappoint, and all arrived well turned out amidst a whirl of sparkle, shimmer & glitz. For me, the red carpet winners were Fearne Cotton, who presented the ITV live show and showed up in a small but perfectly formed satin shirt dress, Rihanna who looked simply stunning in a silver strapless dress, and of course - Beth Ditto in a daring coral strapless tutu style dress.

The show was opened with an extravagant performance from Mika, who went on to win best breakthrough act. He was joined on stage by gorgeous plus size inspiration Beth Ditto, who had changed & looked stunning in a sexy red satin & lace number. As always, size 20/22 Beth shows the world that you can be just as daring with your wardrobe when you're more voluptuous.

It was most heartening to see the array of shapes and sizes on show - raising hope of a more accepting view on size acceptance for the future. This included Adele, whose debut album 19 recently went to number one. She picked up the Critics' Choice Award at the ceremony and sang as part of Mark Ronson's act.

So, if you've been buoyed by the likes of Beth and need a fantastic new plus size outfit to make you stand out from the crowd, try Curvety.com, where fab fashion in sizes up to a 36 is much more reasonably priced than the one off designer pieces sported by Beth!

Hooray for Online Shopping

As a long time convert to the joys of online shopping, I was not surprised to find out that more and more of you are starting to agree.

Fashion is now second only to books when it comes to shopping online, according to the latest Nielsen Global Online Survey published in December. It is the fastest growing area of any e-commerce category, with about 36 percent of Internet users saying they had bought clothing, accessories or shoes online in the three months before the survey. This is a huge increase from the 20 percent who reported doing so only two years before.

Britain, Germany and the United States had an especially high number of online fashion shoppers, with slightly more than 40 percent of the users reporting online purchases.

Ebay is still the most visited website, in general and for fashion shopping. But the growth of the market has meant there is a budding array of interesting boutique style websites which offer each niche as rich a shopping experience as the standard size 10 teen receives on the high street. This is the case for plus sizes, with great stores such as Curvety.com giving more choice in a market where shoppers would traditionally struggle.

5 Steps to a Healthier Fashion Week

I am as excited as the rest of you about the forthcoming London Fashion Week. However, for plus size women like myself, it is always slightly tainted due to the lack of acceptance of curvy women in the high fashion industry & the continued promotion of super skinny on the catwalk.

With the ongoing issues surrounding the size zero debate, Susan Ringwood, CEO of Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorders charity, issues a challenge to the fashion industry to ensure the health of its models this fashion week.

Ringwood's plea - “Progress has been made through the Kingsmill Inquiry, to look at the overall industry and take steps to protect those working within it. We would urge the fashion world to follow through the recommendations made by the Inquiry and issue the following call to action:

OUR CALL TO ACTION

Five steps that everyone can take – no matter where or how they are involved in the fashion industry:-

1. Raise awareness – get informed about eating disorders and understand the risks. Change working practices to help reduce the risks involved.

2. Demonstrate diversity – in shape and size as well as ethnicity and age. Challenge the narrow aesthetic.

3. Take an ethical stance – make a commitment to supply chain integrity. Translate lessons from fair trade to make fashion healthy.

4. Build resilience – in the young people employed in the industry and those influenced by it. Help people understand the pressures and how to reduce them.

5. Celebrate creativity – fashion is aspirational. The creativity that drives it should be life affirming – not potentially deadly.”

Great points well made from Beat. For further information visit B-eat.co.uk. If, like me, you celebrate your curves & believe that plus size fashion should be as fresh & exciting as mainstream, then check out Curvety.com.

Is Spring in the Air?

Ok, firstly I'll admit that looking out of the window today is not filling me with the joys of Spring. However, when walking the dog over the last few days I have been surprised to see the sprouting of tulips and other spring flowers along my way. Apart from the odd day (like today) the weather has been pleasantly mild for the time of year - so I thought it time to turn my thoughts to Spring/Summer fashion.

Spring promises a soft and feminine feel in fashion, with sheer silk dresses which are so delicate they will dance at a hint of summer breeze. Following the success of purple in Winter, Spring will bring a new lighter shade - violet, which will be a key colour in all tones. Even denim will be turning soft, in faded blue washes and wispy frayed seams. Floral & safari patterns, and indulgent hand painted fabrics will also be out in force. So get girly this season, and for some plus size fashion essentials try Curvety.com.

Nikki Blonski chooses Igigi again

Nikki Blonsky has always been a bit of an Igigi fan and has worn several pieces from the IGIGI collections to her public appearances in the past, including the Hairspray premiere and the Marianna dress she wore at the 'Critics Choice Awards 08'.

The actress is next to appear in Igigi at the 14th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at the end of January, but this time it will be in a couture dress. Custom designed by IGIGI Founder and Designer Yuliya Zeltser, Blonsky's gown is made of stretch charmeuse satin in a vibrant royal blue and comes with a ruched sweetheart neckline and a cascading hemline with a long trail.

IGIGI has done it again! Yuliya truly understands the details involved in designing elegant, sophisticated silhouettes that celebrate curves. I just love this design. It fits Nikki like a glove and the color is gorgeous! She is very excited to grace the red carpet in another one of IGIGI's original designs at the upcoming SAG awards.' Said Nicole Brewer, Wardrobe Stylist to Blonksy.

Igigi is available in the UK at Curvety.com.

Wanna be a Plus Size Model?

Have you ever felt you have what it takes to model but been put of because you're plus size?

Well here's your opportunity to prove you have the talent to succeed as one of the top plus size faces in the UK. One of my favourite reads for the larger woman, Just as Beautiful Magazine, are launching Britain's next plus size model. They are looking for females who are at least size 20 and over the age of 18, and know they are a big beautiful woman.

As the UK's First Free Lifestyle Magazine Dedicated To The Plus-Size Woman, Just As Beautiful magazine have a good idea of what it takes to succeed, and are looking to give one lucky lady a break into the world of modelling. Look out for details in Just As Beautiful Magazine which you can subscribe to by visiting www.justasbeautiful.co.uk.

Want to make an impression? Pick up something sassy at plus size clothing specialists Curvety.com.

Further Plus Size Discounts

The plus size clothing specialists Curvety.com have reduced their sale prices even further. Most items in the sale are now reduced by 50%, giving you the perfect chance to grab a bargain.

As they have fabulous clothing in sizes 16 to 36 you are bound to find someting you like - and there is no better way to lift your mood when it's so grey outside, than with a little retail therapy!

My favourite pick - these stretch jeans detailed with gem stones, now only £15!!!

Igigi New Workwear Collection

US plus size clothing specialists IGIGI have introduced a ten-piece work collection made up of fabulous staples including jackets, trousers and skirts in US sizes 12 to 30 (UK sizes 16 to 34).

'I am thrilled to introduce this new collection,' said IGIGI Founder and Designer. 'It is almost like every customer who bought a dress, wore it and came back home with a trail of compliments called or emailed us and asked when we would come out with clothes they could wear to the office and feel like they we were on top of the world. It took us some time for development purposes, but here it is now and I think the IGIGI community will love these pieces of class and comfort.'

The new line, which is designed to flatter the plus size figure, features large open collars, 3/4 length sleeves, side zippers and princess seams & are made from top quality stretch gabardine/viscose. The new line will shortly be available in the UK at Curvety.com.

Igigi Extend Size Range

San Francisco based plus size designer line - Igigi (www.igigi.com), have announced the launch of a new size. The designer range which has been pictured on full-figured celebrities like American Idol contestant Lakisha Jones and Hairspray star Nikki Blonsky, have listened to their customers and bridged the gap between straight and plus sizes by adding US size 12 (UK 14) to their collections.

The company introduced a small collection of dresses and tops for women who struggle on the high street as they wear neither a straight nor a plus 14. Later this month will see the launch of a comprehensive work collection made up of separates including jackets, pants and skirts.

“We are very happy to add size 12 to our collections,” said Yuliya Zeltser, IGIGI Founder and Designer. “It is hard to shop for a woman who is in between straight and plus sizes. Straight size clothes are small and plus size clothes are too big. We had many size-14 shoppers saying that they really wanted to buy IGIGI, but our size 14 was too big for them. We did our homework, listened to our customers, and decided to come out with plus size 12 with a goal to fulfill their wishes.”

A selection of Igigi's fabulous line of plus size fashion is available in the UK from Curvety.com.

Spring/Summer 08 Colour Style

It's time for some early peaks at what is expected to be hot for Spring/Summer 08. Get a head start so you can get some Christmas requests in that will guarantee you are the best dressed in 2008.

High fashion rails will boast a luscious mix of bright cartoon like colours with fuchsia and coral being top choices. Floral prints were everywhere on the catwalk, including collections from Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, Roberto Cavalli and Dolce & Gabbana. Nude and pastel shades will offer the coming season an alluring sophistication for the less flamboyant. And finally - to add some glitz - there was much use of gold, from small accents and detailing to full on shimmering sensation.

The best thing about spring/summer 2008's strongest colours is they look great worn all together or one by one. There was a time when following fashion when a plus size was nigh on impossible. Thankfully times have changed and now the choice in larger sizes is much improved. I particularly like this tie waist evening dress which is the perfect colour pallet for the coming season - and it goes up to a size 36.

Plus Size Suits

There are certain lines that are just harder to find in plus sizes, like fashionable jackets and coats, work suits are always a little mission impossible if you are an 18 plus. The main problem I have with this is that I feel that a well cut suit is one of the most flattering outfits on a curvy figure.

That is why I was so pleased to find a new line of workwear at Curvety.com. I am assured that the line will be growing over the coming months to include more choice in size and style. Right now they only have up to a size 26 (this will grow to a 36 to match their other lines) but the three new styles available are all flattering and on trend, Particularly the very smart waistcoat suit which I am rushing to buy now before it sells out as I think it will offer just the right mix of fashion while making me look presentable and professional in the office.

New Curvety Own Label Brand

Curvety.com, a UK based plus size clothing specialist, has started developing its own label. You can now purchase from their Curvety branded line of evening and day dresses in UK sizes 18 to 36.

Curvety.com have always sold fab plus size clothing on behalf of worldwide deigners such as Igigi and Kiyonna. These lines are still available but over the coming months Curvety plans to add more and more of their own styles in sizes made exclusively for the UK public. There is a severe lack of UK brands catering for a size 32 or over so this is a welcome development.

Black on Black

Fashion's all time favourite colour gets a texture twist this Autumn/Winter with the black on black trend. You will see an array of shade & texture mix match such as luschious jet on raven-black silk to inky velvet glittering with crystals.

This look is a real winner for plus size women as wearing shades & variations of one colour is guaranteed to give a flatteringly tall & slim silhouette. Try wearing separates in different finishes like this sexy stretch satin shirt paired with this sleek chiffon skirt.

The look can be taken one step further by adding contrasting pattern & decoration such as this black velvet wrap top with a stunning burned out pattern to the neckline, paired with a contrasting black lace skirt.

Have a little fun with this trend. You can be as brave and bold as you like with this look as many of the problems that arise when trying to follow fashion, such as matching on trend colours to your skin tone and existing wardrobe, are not going to pose a problem. Plus most of the separates you buy will be able to be worn individually for many years to come.