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.

Plus Size Party Looks

The festive season is truly here & with it numerous parties, gatherings & events. I thought I would share my top 3 party outfits for the curvy plus size woman to celebrate this fab season in style.

House Parties - I love a good house party which is the perfect way to catch up with all of your friends & family and have a good natter, a few drinks, and a bit of a dance in a relaxed atmosphere. It is often a hard occasion to dress for as you need to get the right balance between smart & casual. For this year's house parties I will be wearing this jewelled charmeuse camisole in Autumn's hot colour block trend with jewelled neckline. Pair with favourite jeans and some fabulous shoe boots.

The Office Party - Your work party is the perfect chance to let your hair down with your colleagues and show them the 'real' you - outside of your work suit or uniform. I like to keep the look sophisticated, whilst suitably dazzling like this layered dress in chocolate which is sure to wow the bosses - roll on promotion!

Dinner Date - Every year a large group of us visit a local restaurant for a civilised evening, chatting, eating and sipping wine. As always, I love an excuse to dress up but getting it right is important. This year I will be wearing this smart & on trend cashmere satin jewelled dress with matching jacket. By pairing the dress with opaque tights and the cropped jacket with long gloves you will ensure that your entire outfit is this season's hottest look.

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.

Look Hot in Fuschia

Hot pink is so much cuter than red, but bolder than navy or black and has made a huge come back this season with designers and celebs alike.

Pop stars like Nelly Furtado and Victoria Beckham have been spotted in this striking shade, while quirky fashionistas including Chloe Sevigny have made it an off-beat choice for the party trail.

The look can be taken even further with a purple cardi & opaque tights - colour block clashing is very this season! If you're not quite that brave try this hot fuschia dress which has great colour with a very flattering shape for plus sizes, plus only a small amount of contrasting colour, ensuring you are on trend but the overall look isn't too bold.

Autumn Trend Shimmering Metallics

Metallics have been on trend for a while now and this Autumn sees the continued use of shimmering colour in fashion and make up.

It seems that the look has grown up for Autumn/Winter 07 - with an increasing elegance, sheeny colours and artful detailing.

The colour pallet has been broadened and metallics can now be found in fresh alternatives to gold and silver such as anthracite & bronze which can be more subtly flattering.

Bravely use this look in the day with accented pieces - pair tailored trousers with a fine knit metallic top and handbag for example. In the evening you can go all out and celebrate curves in fabulous dresses such as this Shimmering Evening Gown, available in the UK from Curvety.com.

To complete the look go for soft smoky eyes and simple hair pulled back from your face, you will look like a curvy goddess for the party season ahead.

Autumn 07 Cinched Waist

The new Autumn/Winter lines are starting to hit the shops and there is much talk of the new season trends. I will be looking at these over the coming weeks but thought I would start the ball rolling with THE hot look - the cinched waist.

The stores will be filled with midi length dresses with waist belts plus tie waisted tops, jackets and coats. You can create this look yourself with the right belt. Belts are not always the easiest plus size accessory to find but there is a great selection at Curvety.com in sizes up to a 36.

This can be a great look for the more voluptuous amoung us, as maximising & accentuating your curves is the aim - time to celebrate those hips and bum! Choose a good quality material which is forgiving over lumps and bumps and use a fairly sturdy (not too thin as this will widen your waist) belt to cinch tight and you will have the perfect Forties hour glass figure. Size zero's will not stand a chance at matching your style with this look.