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.

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.

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.

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.

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 O7 THE EVENT DRESS

According to Vogue one of this season's hottest trends is the good old evening dress. There's a sultry glamour to these sumptuous floor-length gowns which will make this year's party season all the more fun.

From pistachio silk to lipstick-pink chiffon, colour gives extra dazzle and infuses another top trend - bold colours. Elbow-length gloves add to the drama but short gloves are the bang-up-to-date option. Be sure not to go mad with the jewellery though or you may over do it.

For those who don't like to show too much flesh on the upper arms, a wonderful wrap or shrug will finish the look in style.

There has always been a limited choice for plus size women when it comes to eveningwear but Curvety.com always have a wonderful selection in large sizes as they specialise in evening dresses which are cut well to fit the larger frame.

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.

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.

Fashion in the rain

This year summer is looking to be a complete wash out. Across the country you can hear the same conversation - When is the rain going to stop!

The constant rain seems to be a natural depressant - instead of planning sunny picnics in the park and days at the coast, most of us find ourselves saying - what do we do now? It also causes its fair share of problems when choosing an outfit for the day. The occasional appearance of the sun makes it too hot for our winter warmers, but the constant threat of a downpour pretty much wipes out any possibility of sandals!

We are fortunate that this seasons style can be adapted to keep us warm but with the summer look we all crave at this time of year. Try adding some bold on trend summer colours like this green chiffon dress. To keep you warmer and dryer pair with ballet shoes & leggings rather than tights which are too warm even with the rain!

Maybe the sunny colours of this long length halter tunic/ short dress will help with the summer vibe. Just pair it with your fave jeans to keep warm.

There are a number of pretty but lightweight jackets about plus some very funky brollies to match any outfit. Whatever your wearing be sure to keep your spirits up.

Shopping may be more fun in the sun but now we have the internet we can still indulge in retail therapy without getting wet!

Season to go Yellow

According to Vogue, this seasons top colour trend is yellow and is boldly featured on the catwalk in a number of collections from high street to high price!

We have picked out some fab yellow pieces especially for the fuller figure.

The Honey Halter tunic is a beautiful piece which incorporates a number of this seasons top trends, the beautiful yellow and flower detail, plus the very popular tunic style. As this is a longer length it can also be worn as a short summer dress.

It is essential to get girlie in dresses this summer so the Yellow Summer dress is a great way to do just that. The flattering ruched empire waist make the fit perfect for covering tummies and the lining keeps some weight and makes it hang perfectly. Finally - accessories, as always, are essential outfit finishers.

Take a look at this Yellow Faux Leather bag, a beautiful soft faux leather which is a steal as it's in the sale!

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!