America's First Lady has Style

Being across the pond in the UK has done little to remove me from the buzz surrounding the US election, and the historic win of the first black president.

Stealing as many column inches as her husband, if only in the fashion world, is America's new first lady - Michelle Obama.

The general consensus is that the woman has style. Mrs Obama has gorgeous curves which she acccentuates perfectly, with no help from a personal stylist, so we are told.

Mrs Obama has been applauded for her fashion choices during the campaign, with women across the world seeking out copies of her smart, colourful dresses and well-cut skirt suits. She recently told Jay Leno that she shopped for most of her clothes online.

On election night I have to say that I think Mrs Obama suffered a rare lapse of taste. Wearing a red and black scoop-neck dress by Narciso Rodriguez for the historic moment, was a decision that has sparked instant debate among the fashion-focused.

Nobody gets it right every time so i'm sure it wont be long before Mrs Obama is back on her fashion pedestal and leading the world in power dressing with style for the modern woman.

Next say Hide your Love Handles

Next are a big name in high street fashion, and although willing to sell their clothes to some smaller plus sizes (albeit grudgingly), it seems they don't want any lumps & bumps on show in their stores.

The leaflet pictured has been distributed to staff in some Next shops and advises their female staff of many ways to assure they look as slim as possible when working their tills.

Firstly, they would like their women staff to try 'magic pants to hide lumps & bumps'. They also give a number of tips on how to cover large tummies & bottoms, plus advise to wear pinstripes to slim and avoid tight fitting AND baggy clothes which will make you look bigger.

Susan Ring, Chief Executive of Eating Disorder charity Beat told the Daily Mail: "What Next is saying here is that it wants the people who work in its stores to look as slim as possible so that the customers see the clothes on the staff and want to buy them. Stylists should be trying to show people the best ways to show off their figure and not imply that everyone has to conform to this skinny image."

So Next want their staff to look good when representing them, I can understand that, but this leaflet clearly implies that Next believe that to look good and 'presentable' you have to be slim. Luckily this attitude is slowly changing within the industry and plus sizes have more choice than ever. If you find shopping on the high street intimidating there are many online stores offering fabulous choices for larger women. Try Curvety.com, who stock great eveningwear & daywear in sizes up to a 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.

Free Style Advice

Have you ever wondered if the look you have perfected over the years is the right one for you? Or maybe you know that you could dress better to suit your shape but you're not quite sure where to start.

The thing with being a plus size is that there is such a huge variety of different body shapes that it makes dressing to suit you so much harder. But I think I have discovered the answer.

iStylista.com is an exciting new and revolutionary virtual personal stylist website that profiles your specific body information and provides you with your very own style guide. In the past, the personal stylist at iStylista.com have worked with my favourite plus size clothing store - Curvety.com who have a fab range in sizes up to a 36. Now with a little help from iStylista.com you can shop there safe in the knowledge that what you ordered is going to look amazing.

Purple for Plus Sizes

Each season has its colour and this Autumn/Winter it is purple that reigns supreme. From lavender to violet, lilac to plum. It doesn't matter if it is vibrant or subtle as long as it suits.

Purple is a brave and bold colour which I love but has the potential to be a fashion nightmare for some. Make sure you select a shade that matches your skin tone. And use as an accent rather than all over colour if you aren't comfortable being so bold.

This fab wrap dress from Curvety.com is perfect for fuller figured ladies who are a size 22 to 36. Not only is it the best colour for the season but the tie waist detail is also very on trend and the material is to die for.

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.

The importance of good underwear

In fashion in general there is a distrubing new trend which is fast on the rise - women wearing the wrong underwear.

It is a sure fire way to ruin an outfit and it's not just bras. I am talking about knickers, body shapers, camis, all undies!

Wearing the right size is everything, even more so than getting it right in your regular clothing. To arrive at the right size in underwear you should be measured at least once a year. This isn't as difficult as you'd think - just go to your local department store and ask a sales associate to measure your bust, waist and hips.

Once the size is right you need to find a comfortable fit and great support. You want items that will smooth and flatter your curves, helping your clothing to drape over them in a flattering way. For example, body shapers work best when worn with a dress or skirt. They provide a smoothing quality that streamlines your shape and softens your curves. Choose full body shapers for dresses and half-styles for skirts.

The characteristics of a good bra are a great lift, comfortable fit, straps that stay in place, a back strap that doesn't rise and no spillage - anywhere. The only way to overcome these problems is to be properly measured regularly. Every outfit needs a good bra. If your bra is digging into your skin, If you are spilling out everywhere, If there is lots of room inside the cup, If the straps are falling down, even when adjusted, Or if your breasts are sagging when you are wearing a bra, it's the wrong size.

Knickers should also be chosen depending on the outfit. Wear thongs or low-rise styles with any bottoms that sit below your waist. Full-coverage panties are perfect for dresses but make sure you don't have any visible panty lines whicy are a huge no no. What you don't want is to be spilling out over the top of your underwear, creating a roll you don't really have. Choose slightly loose over too-tight when it comes to the fit.

Wearing the right underwear will make the world of difference to the overall effect of your outfit. So now you're prepared you can choose your new killer outfit from someone like Curvety.com, safe in the knowledge that it will hang well and you will look great!

Style Tips for High Waist trousers in plus sizes

The latest trend for high-waist trousers and jeans can make even the smallest & pertest of bottoms look large. So - How do you carry off these latest styles?

Firstly it is essential to distract attention away from your behind. Pockets or anything that adds volume to your bum are a big no-no. When buying new trousers go for wider loose legged or straight styles. Avoid tapered trousers if you have wide hips - Boot-cut trousers will balance out wider hips. A deep waistband will make your bottom look half the size, while wide-cut legs will hide a less than toned bum.

Dark colours are slimming so wearing darker trousers with a bright top will draw the eye way from your bottom. Avoid the opposite combination & shiny materials at all costs, both will accentuate your bottom and make it look larger.

Try wearing heels with full length wide trousers long enough to cover your shoes. Finally, if you’re going to wear a jacket it should cover your bottom. Short jackets will exaggerate the width of your bum.

New issue of Skorch Magazine for plus sizes

Skorch magazine offers fashion, styling & lifestyle advice, but it is just for those of us who are a size 16+ (in UK sizes).

Check it out as it is an excellent read for the plus size woman that doesn't want to be condescended to read about diet advice. In the mean time here is a round up with some UK alternatives as they are based stateside.

Skorch praise the halter neck dress. They say - 'Halter dresses are so in right now. This cut of dress appeals to the classic Marilyn Monroe in every woman'. Try the aptly named Marilyn Halter Dress available from UK based Curvety.com.

Curvy icon Jennifer Hudson featured as their 'get the look' - She was spotted in a stunning ruched black dress.

Skorch think you can look like a million bucks in this seasons hot trend of gold and black. As well as some beautiful accessories, they have featured this black & gold tunic also available in the UK. I agree, this is a trend with real sex appeal!

Romantic dresses in plus sizes

With the number of beautiful dresses available this season, here is some advice on picking the right one for you. Romanticism rules at the moment with dresses being festooned with embroidery, jewels, and lace, so find one for sensual summer evenings in a juicy jewel color like this one from Igigi, available in the UK at Curvety.com. Know Your Shape: Flatter a larger bust with a wider scoop neckline for summer, or a tummy with a flattering empire waist. Try to find a dress with a sash to cinch the waist slightly and add a trendy touch.

Black is Back

Through every season and trend, there is always the appearance of black as the colour of the moment. It has been a wardrobe staple for many years and has a way of making you feel sexy and womanly, whilst being very flattering.

Well this season is no different and this summer has seen a new rise of our favourite colour mainly due to the bad weather. However, it IS still summer so try to use the colour in some fab summer materials like this lovely black linen skirt.

Make the most of prom season with this fab black ruched dress. This dress is in chiffon which is lovely and lightweight for this time of year but has the added benefit of being lined. Take this seasons top trend - the tunic top, and make it black. This is the perfect top as, whatever the weather you will be able to pair it with something to suit your mood.

Building the perfect plus size wardrobe

When shopping most women buy single items that catch their eye rather than an antire outfit, which can be expensive to buy all at once. But have you ever got home to find that the special item you bought doesn't quite match anything in your wardrobe?

This is why building a selection of good basics is essential. One special item will be enough to make it look like you've spent a fortune on each and every shopping trip.

Firstly, stock up on good quality underwear in black and white. Make sure a couple have pretty straps which you wouldnt mind showing off with certain outfits.

Invest in a selection of different coloured basic cami tops which can be worn under cardigans and jackets, they will also be useful for layering.

Select a couple of pairs of jeans in varying shades in a shape that suits you but isn't high trend. jeans can be dressed up or down easily which makes them very versatile.

It is essential to have a pair of black trousers, and a skirt. Both can be used for every occasion from interview to party.

I love shoes and buy many pairs each season but find it is always best to have 3 basic pairs throughout the year. One pair of flats, a pair of heels and some boots.

Once you have these basics you will be able to buy that perfect high fashion top that you fall in love with feeling safe in the knowledge that you will be able to wear it again and again and always look like you've splashed out on a whole new outfit.

Skorch magazine For hot plus sizes

I have just discovered an excellent resource for plus size women - an online magazine called Skorch.

Skorch is produced monthly and gives excellent advice and ideas on plus size fashion, styling tips, celebrity looks and much more. The shops featured are all US based but the information is very useful and can help you when looking at UK alternatives. This month Skorch show some fab tops they have picked up in this seasons favourite colour - green. You can try this Green Scoop Neck Topfrom Curvety.com, a UK based plus size clothing store.

Year of the Dress

2007 is definitely the year of the dress. The sheer choice of shapes, fabrics and patterns - plus the continued support from popular figures such as Lily Allen has assured the dress is safe this season.

Fashion experts say there's a dress style for every body shape which means plus size ladies like myself can spend the coming months looking and feeling sexy and feminine.

If you're thinking of ignoring summer dresses and waiting out the trend, think again. Dresses are the designers' choice for fall and winter, too. They will be layered with long-sleeved shirts, cardigans and jackets, worn with slender pants and tights, and accented with boots.

Prints are big news especially geometric patterns and bold florals. Black and white together is the top color choice. Also hot for summer are greens, browns and reds.

If you are size 16 to 36 then there is nowhere better to pick up this seasons hottest dress styles than at Curvety.com. So make the most of it and have a girly summer!

Plus size wedding dresses

If you are a size 16 plus and married you will know how difficult it is to find the perfect dress for your big day. Whilst our slimmer friends have a seemingly unlimited choice of beautiful gowns at their disposal we are often forced to make do with some flouncy number.

So for every plus size woman who wants to look stunning on their wedding day - here are some suggestions...

Look magical in this dress designed by igigi and available in the UK at Curvety.com in sizes up to a 34.

For the traditional look you could choose the chloe lace gown in ivory. This dress gives an off shoulder illusion but with bra friendly straps.

Or maybe you want to stand out from the croud with the glory lace gown - the most delicate and feminine dress I have seen.

Igigi design many fabulous wedding dresses - all of which are available in the UK by special order through Curvety.com. If they dont have the style you like available on their website call 08450 941 848 and they will be happy to order it for you for your special day.

What not to wear US style

Clinton Kelly recently hosted the launch of a plus size range in one of America's most famous stores. As presenter of the US version of 'what not to wear' it was not surprising that the evening involved some hot style tips on plus size dressing from the man himself.It is only fair to share these tips with all UK plus sizes!!!

The evening started with a Q%A...

Q: What are the wardrobe essentials for a plus size woman on a budget?
A: He said there are four key items your wardrobe should never be without: a structured jacket, wide leg trousers, an A-line skirt and a pair of pointy toe shoes.

Q: What is the biggest mistake plus size women make when trying to flatter their figure?
A: Women try to hide beneath flowy shapeless garments. Hiding under piles of loose clothing doesn’t fool anyone and only adds the illusion of extra weight.

He then moved onto more general advice...

He suggests curvier women, particularly if they are more hippy, should steer clear of slim-fitting pants and opt for a wider, fuller leg.

They should also avoid clingy fabrics which draw attention to lumps and bumps, and says that paying extra for materials with a significant amount of drape will make clothes, particularly trousers fit better. As for crop pants, if you have good legs go ahead and wear a slimmer fit. However, if you are not completely comfortable with your legs, opt for a looser pair, with great drape that hits about mid-calf.

If you’re heavier on the bottom, don’t wear a little revealing top because it will only exaggerate the size of your lower half. The reverse is also true. It is all about creating balance and defining a waist to give the look of the classic hourglass figure.

He stresses, it is also vital in plus sizes to understand prints. A tiny, intricate print on a larger size woman is going to make her appear even larger.

The evening ended with a trip into the signature 360 Degree Mirror of “What Not to Wear.” Clinton Kelly was able to provide a few 'lucky' guests with constructive criticism.