I've Got BeautyPlusPower

Building a Solid Foundation with Gigi's Closet

2008-05-02T22:13:00.003-04:00

Now is the time of year when we start wearing less and less clothing, which is both exciting (yay warm weather!) and intimidating (ack, I feel half naked!). For a lot of plus size women, this time of year can be challenging, particularly if you have a very full bust. As you know, "the girls" need to be properly supported, and that can be hard to do in an attractive bra, which is essential for summer wardrobe staples. If your tank top shows a peak of bra under it, you don't want it to be a lame, old lady bra.

That's why I am a fan of GigisCloset.com. They offer a huge (no pun intended) selection of full figured bras that are beautiful and supportive.

I did a quick search on 38DDD just to see if anything would come up (Their search by size feature is one of my favorite things about this site!) and among the results was this:

Fantasie Cally Full Cup Bra - $ 74.00

But maybe, just maybe, you are a 46H (and if you are, my poor dear, how your back must hurt!!!) then you can have this lovely number:

Goddess Georgia Full Cup Bra - $ 48.00

And if you are like me, and possess a middle of the road sized 36C, you have more than 50 styles to choose from, including this one that I am tempted by:

Jezebel Wild Thing Unlined Demi Cup Bra - $ 24.00

New on the scene - Belle Avenue

2008-03-07T20:48:00.003-05:00

I've recently been talking to the folks over at Belle Avenue - they are a relatively new plus size website that sells cute, affordable plus size clothes. For a while their inventory was kind of static, but I got word from them recently that they were really blowing up their inventory - they've got a lot more in stock and a lot of it is VERY cute and easy on the wallet. I have to say I find their product names kind of funny - "Beautiful Unique Dress" and "Warm Cute Jacket" but that's neither here nor there. Here are a few of my faves on their site right now:

Left: Trendy Hoody Top, $24.99
Right: Silver Stud Sexy Dress, $38.99

Left: Cute Wonderful Top, $26.99
Right: Ruffled Silky Hot Top, $28.99

In Love with ChicStar.com

2007-12-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

I just found this site called ChicStar.com and I am giddy for it. I can't vouch for the quality yet since I haven't ordered anything (still trying to decide what I want) but I am so jazzed about it. The clothes are edgier and more interesting than most things available in larger sizes. One note to make is that they are a straight size site, and although they sell up to an XXXL in most items, I am skeptical as to just how big this actually might be. They list the measurements for an XXXL as 44-36-46. This will most likely fit up to a size 18 plus but that will really depend on your measurements.

Here are some of the coolest items:

You want to know what's even better? The most expensive item I just posted here is only $69, and the least expensive is $29.95. Reasonable prices and fab fashion? Go check out ChicStar.com today.

A blog about blogs - plus size blogs, that is

2007-12-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

One thing I like about being part of the plus community is reading what other people have to say on issues related to size, and particular, to fashion. So I want to link you to some of my favorite plus size places to visit on the web:

Too Fat For Fashion - This blog is the most high style of any of the plus size fashion blogs I've ever read. They cover all the Elana Miro runway shoes, write smart articles on the state of fashion, and they really know how to co-opt straight size trends for our size. A must read.

Pretty Pear - A mix of scoop on sales and fashion advice. Has lots of good links too.

Big Fat Deal - Interesting, funny and thought provoking. Only occasionally about fashion, but the blogs are always about something interesting.

Big Fat Blog - This site gets a little too fat activist-ish for me sometimes, but it covers a lot of interesting news articles related to obesity and how plus size people are portrayed in the media. I may not always agree but I am always intrigued.

Oh, and my fave blog ever, although not remotely related to size or fashion really, is:

Dooce - You have to read the background on this site to really get a feel for it. The writer Heather started blogging about her job as a hobby, then got fired for writing about her job on her blog, then eventually came to write such a popular blog that her blog is now her full time job. She writes about being a former mormon, raising a beautiful but challenging little girl, being married and other funny stuff like bodily functions. The blog is so popular that her dog now has its own calendar. Nuff said.

New in Plus - Paige Premium Denim

2007-12-02T17:04:00.001-05:00

I love jeans. LOVE them. My office allows them on days when we don't have clients coming in, so I try to take advantage of that as often as possible. So imagine my surprise when I find out that Paige Premium Denim, one of the HOTTEST straight sizes jeans lines, has started making plus size jeans. This may be old news to some of you, but what with getting married and going on my honeymoon last month I've been a little out of the loop.

Paige Premium in Plus Sizes! This is c-razy! Interestingly, the jeans are exclusively being sold at Nordstrom.com. The site says they run a little small and you should order them a size up. Right now they are carrying 2 styles, "Mandeville Canyon" and "Las Palmas", both dark-ish rinse bootcut. You can see click on them both below:

The Mandevilles are pictured to the left and sell for $198, while the Las Palmas on the right are $209. It's a steep price to pay for jeans, and the jury is out on whether they are worth it (I am going to have to buy a pair to see).

However, I can't write a denim article without mentioning Svoboda Jeans, the plus size premium denim pioneers. Jessica Svoboda is constantly making new fabulous styles of her premium jeans, and I've got like 4 pairs (and soon to be more). I need to get my hands on the Trouser jeans before they completely sell out, and I love the new Sailor Trousers too!! I've pictured them both below:

The Kate Trousers on the Left are $118 and the Sailor Trousers on the right are $148. And for the sake of full disclosure, Jessica Svoboda is one of my closest friends, however I can testify that the jeans are as good as you've heard.

Etsy - Crafts come in all sizes

2007-09-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

So I am obsessed, and I mean OBSESSED, with this site I found called Etsy.com which is kind of like the craft fair of the internet. Anyone who makes anything - from paintings to scarves to pottery to jewelry can sell it through this site. The best part is, there are so many beautiful, interesting things to see and shop for. I haven't bought anything yet, but it's just because I am afraid once I start, I won't be able to stop. Oh, and did I mention in the clothing area you can sometimes find plus size stuff??? Here are some of the coolest things on Etsy this week:

Left: Cameo Print Panties, up to size 3X, $8.00
Middle: Love Note Necklace, $16.00
Right: Black & White Pleated Bag, $45

Go support fun indie artists!

Sweet sales items I found!

2007-07-22T21:44:00.000-04:00

I always mean to do this at least once a month, but tragically I am usually too busy to get to it. But here is another addition of hot steals I found on the web (aka cool clothes on sale!):

This cute dress by Lily, at Nordstrom, is on sale for $42 from $108 and all sizes are still in stock!!

Alfani Woman Deep Surplice Top, was $65, now $47.99 at Macys.com

Aphrodite Wrap Front Bathing Suit 50% off! Was $79, now $39.50 at AlwaysForMe.com

Crochet Gauze Dress, was $69.99, now $34.99 at Silhouettes.com

Anzie: Fab jewelry to support a great cause

2007-07-09T20:12:00.000-04:00

So there is this cool jewelry company that I've learned about, called Anzie that makes stunning, beautiful expensive jewelry that I covet heartily. Check out some of their stuff:

Tragically, the pieces above are way out of my price range, like about $1500 each. However, and there is a big however, Anzie does something that totally ROCKS.

They make these affordable bracelets, priced at about $95 each, that are all in support of different causes, like Cancer Awareness, Aids Awareness, Alzheimers etc. The coolest part is that they donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every bracelet to those charities!

Anzie is even working on a bracelet in BPP colors to support what they call "plus size power". But more I think it's about size acceptance. I am currently working on finding a good charity to have them donate the proceeds to - do any of you readers have any suggestions? I'd like it to go to an organization that helps promote women's self esteem. Anzie and I would love to hear your suggestions.

Go visit www.anzie.com to get jewelry for a cause!

Giraffe Style at Kiyonna

2007-07-04T21:08:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows I love Kiyonna, although I wish they'd start making their OX a little bit smaller - damn thing about having an hourglass figure when you lose weight is that your body gets thrown off balance - I am tiny on top but I'm still packing some serious heat in the booty, hips and thighs. But I digress.... they've got this new pattern that I love, and the pattern hides the fact that my boobs are a little too small to be wearing it, lolllll! It's this cute Giraffe pattern, more modern and less cliche than something like leopard for the plus gal. Check it out:

Babydoll Tee: $56
Wrap Dress: $116

Oh and FYI, here's a few ways to save money if you want to go shop Kiyonna:

Free ground shipping on orders over $85 with code SUMMER85

$20 off orders of $150 or more with code SUMMER2007

Renewed Appeal of Size Appeal

2007-05-28T17:52:00.001-04:00

So I've known about Size Appeal for a long time, and even purchased from it sporadically. But recently at Lee Lee's Valise (which I wrote about in my last blog) I had a chance to try out some of their newest stuff and I have to say I really like it!! It reminds me of a plus size H&M - affordable, disposable fashion in fun, funky colors and designs. These are not high quality long wear garments, they are seasonal pieces - but a cute top for twentysomething dollars, I don't mind! Lisa D (the owner of Lee Lee's) told me she is selling out of the Size Appeal stuff in her store and has had to order more! If you can't get into Lee Lee's to try it on, check out Size Appeal's website:

Left: Acacia Top in Mustard, $29
Middle: Elaine Top in Teal, $29
Right: Joanna Top in Blue, $29

Left: Captivate Dress, Black & Red, $68
Middle: Harriet Dress in Red, $52
Right: Serenity Dress in Black, $49

All available at SizeAppeal.com!

Lee Lee's Valise - Plus Size Boutique in Brooklyn!

2007-05-17T20:11:00.000-04:00

At the opening of a fab new plus size boutique in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn last weekend, I realized I, your own Lisafashionista, had NEVER BEEN TO A PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE! I've been to Torrid, Lane Bryant et al. But a boutique? Nope! Because there are NONE in NYC! (Ok, so there is like half of one, a store that sells muumuus and big jewlery somewhere on the upper west side, but that doesn't count!).

The store I am talking about is called Lee Lee's Valise and is run by the fabulous Lisa Dolan, a big girl with a big dream. She gutted a busted laundromat and carved out a gorgeous boutique full of the best plus size fashions. She is stocking a number of incredible lines, including Svoboda, Abby Z, Kiyonna, Igigi, Fashion Overdose, B&Lu, Size Appeal, C.enne.V and lots more!!!

She is also selling plus size thongs from Hanky Panky, beautiful jewelry, purses, large size bras, and course, more than anything - she is selling a feeling - of having the right and privledge to shop in a store that sells your size!

Here are a few of the items I saw in the store:

Top Row:
(L)- Kiyonna Lace Top
(R)- Size Appeal Butterfly Top

Bottom Row:
(L) - Fashion Overdoze Halter
(R)- Kiyonna Colorblock Tee

Visit Lee Lee's Valise:
368 Court Street (at the corner of President St)
Take the F or G train to Carroll Street Station and walk 1 block

Call 718-246-LEES for more info

I might just see you there!

Super Sales of the week

2007-04-15T20:11:00.000-04:00

I've been combing the net for some hot sale items again for you, so check out my latest fab finds:

Left: Abby Z Satin Keyhole Ruffle Top, was $68, now $19.90 at Nordstrom.com
Right: Tuberose Satin Kimono Top, was $58, now $16.90 at Nordstrom.com

Left: Nancy K Indian Oasis Skirt, was $42, now $14.99 at Alight.com
Right: Nancy K Terrific Tiered Skirt, was $45, now $14.99 at Alight.com

Svoboda Daisy Jeans (left) and Fancy Jeans (right),
were $162.50, now $98 at SvobodaStyle.com

Plan ahead - Dive into swimwear (part 1)

2007-04-10T15:44:00.000-04:00

Swimsuits - just the word makes me shudder a little. I am not a big fan of showing off my pasty white thighs at the beach, but I love going on vacation and this year's a big one - I'm going on my honeymoon to a resort in the Maldives!! Here are a few suits I've got my eye on at AlwaysForMe.com, one of the best sources for plus size swimwear:

From L-R:

Carol Wior Twist Front Swimdress, $98
Aphrodite Wrap Halter Suit, $79
Twist Front 1 Piece Swimsuit, $69

all available at AlwaysForMe.com

More swimsuit options and cover ups from other stores will be featured in this blog as the weather heats up, but these are just a few to get you started!!

Liv'n Out Loud - Empowering Tees

2007-03-24T22:07:00.000-04:00

I am one of those people who loves empowering slogans, mantras, quotes - anything that can help inspire you and remind you to be your best. That's why I love Liv'n Out Loud, a company that makes really cute t-shirts with positive slogans on them. Alyson Bruu and Kristina Fichera started this brand in 2004, after Alyson nearly died from routine surgery and decided she didn't just want to survive, she wanted to thrive. What is great about Liv'n out Loud is that they donate a portion of all sales to charity (either the ASPCA or The American Cancer Society, depending on the tee you buy). The shirts are all reasonably priced at $20-25 and they make great gifts. Most styles go up to a generously sized XXL. Here are some of my faves:

This one was a big hit when Liv'n Out Loud donated it for the LUSCIOUS Calendar Party in October. I think the message is so great:

So go ahead, pick up one of these great tees today for yourself or a woman in your life who needs to be reminded to live her best life!

Plus size vintage - it's out there

2007-03-18T19:46:00.000-04:00

Plus size vintage clothing can be hard to find, especially on the web. Sizing is different today than it was in the past, due to something called "vanity sizing". People today are fatter than ever, but they want to feel skinnier. So Marilyn Monroe, who has been touted as a size 12-14, may have been a size 8 today, for example. When buying vintage clothing online, never buy from a site that list things by dress size - instead look for bust, waist and hip measurements. Either measure yourself with a tape measure to see if you'll fit, or cross reference against my Size Chart for help.

One of the sites I recommend is Ballyhoo Vintage. You click on Curvy Dresses to see their plus size items. I like this dress:

1950s Fit and Flare Dress with Full Circle Skirt
Bust 40" - 42"
Waist to 35"
Shoulder to waist 16"
Waist to hem 29"
$85 at BallyhooVintage.com

The items below items are from RustyZipper.com. I found them by filtering their results by size, and I entered Women, Clothing, XXL, which turned up plenty of different large size items.

(L)1980's Hippie Shirt, 46" Bust 46" Waist 47" Hip, $24
(R)1970's Jacket, up to 46" Bust, $23.80

There are a few other plus size vintage stores in the Vintage section of the BPP shopping directory, but to be honest, Vintage isn't one of our biggest categories. So if you know any other hip stores online to find plus size vintage, make sure to let me know!!!

Black & White with a Punch!

2007-03-10T18:18:00.000-05:00

Every store I go into, I am seeing Black & White. It seems that the absence of color is the new color for Spring. I think its actually a really sleek look, and can be very flattering on plus sizes, if done in the right proportions. However, I recommend adding a real punch of color with your bag or shoes if you are going to go this route, otherwise you will look totally drab. Here a couple of my ideas:

Franco Sarto Knotting Hill Large Bag
$141.95 at Zappos.com

Gabrielle Rocha Ellie Shoes
$69.95 at Zappos.com

Above: Satin Tie Halter, $38 at Torrid

Chinese Laundry Bucana Heels
$62.95 at Zappos.com

Guess Collection Vixen Flap Handbag
$161 at Zappos.com

Michael Kors & Calvin Klein PLUS lines at Macys!

2007-03-05T19:46:00.000-05:00

Ok, SHOCKING! Michael Kors and Calvin Klein have both started plus size lines that are being sold at Macy's, Bloomingdales and Lord & Taylor. I have to admit that I learned this fact from my fabulous friend Kathryn's blog TheBudgetFashionista.com. The Bloomingales website does not feature the lines right now, but I did see a few pieces at Macy's online. I am not impressed with Calvin so far, but check out these Michael Kors pieces:

L: Mosaic Print Dress, $169.95

R: Cap Sleeve Lace Shirt, $69.50

There is also a somewhat cute Tiger Print sweater, but I have issues with designers thinking that all plus size women want to wear animal print. Even though sometimes we do....but I digress. Go to Macys or Bloomies and support Michael Kors and Calvin Klein! When straight size designers start designing for us, we need to show them that we'll buy their stuff (especially if its actually good!).

SheFinds.com - Cool Site Spotlight

2007-03-03T20:15:00.000-05:00

BeautyPlusPower.com has achieved its success mostly based on word of mouth - you tell a friend, she tells 2 friends.... etc. So I figure that when I find a cool site, I should make sure to spread the word about it too. One of my latest finds is SheFinds.com. She Finds is not a plus size site, rather its a general fashion & trends site. They check out everything from shoes to purses to cosmetics to yes, even the occasional plus size fashion mention! They have a blog and a really fab newsletter and tend to spotlight unique companies you may not have heard of. They also do a lot of sales & coupon updates, which are majorly useful!

Here are some sweet links to features that might be useful to BPP girls:

Bras for big busts: http://shefinds.com/archive_91/bras_for_big_busts/

Plus Size Clothing & Shoe Advice: http://shefinds.com/archive_131/Hard-to-Fit/

Shapewear guide: http://www.shefinds.com/archive_64/Shapewear/

Best bang for your buck - SALES!

2007-02-18T14:46:00.000-05:00

Whenever I work on updating the ShopNow section of my website, I always check my current links to see if they are still active. This generally leads to some fantastic inside info as to what's on sale, and today's update did not dissapoint! Check out these great deals:

Lace Trim Denim Jacket
from Nordstrom
Available in 3X only
Was $68, now $31!

Crushed Velvet Blazer
from Lane Bryant
Available in 7 colors
Was $89.99, now $29.99!

Terrific Tiered Skirt by Nancy K
from Alight.com
Eggplant Size 1X Only
Was $45, now $14.99!

Black & Red Satin Cross Front Dress
from Torrid.com
Available in size 12 only
Was $78, now $32.49

Plus Size Cashmere

2007-01-27T18:44:00.000-05:00

In the winter, my wardrobe almost exclusively consists of Cashmere sweaters. I collect them, buying a few a year. They are great investment pieces because they last a long time, are always in style, and are incredibly delicious and warm to have on your body. It can sometimes be challenging to find plus size cashmere, but I've found a couple of (affordable!) plus size cashmere options for you:

Red Caslon Cargidan
Size 1X only
Originally $108, now $69.99
at Nordstrom.com

Cashmere Hoodie
Sizes 1-3X
Originally $129.50, now $64.75
at LaneBryant.com
Comes in Heather Gray, Black, Petal Pink (shown) and Mirage Blue

2-Ply Cashmere Turtleneck
Sizes XS-3X
$89.99 at Bloomingdales.com
Available in 12 colors

FYI - Almost all my cashmere comes from Bloomingdales. Their cashmere is fabulous and affordable. Their XLs have a generous fit if you are a smaller plus. If you go to the Bloomingdales store, ask for the "Sutton Studio" section, which is their signature cashmere line.

New year - new body?

2006-12-30T20:41:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the number 1 most popular new years resolution is to lose weight? Just because you, my dear readers, are empowered and attempting to love your body (if not loving it already) does not mean that you aren't going to be tempted to undertake a weight loss regiment yourselves.

I am not going to try and stop you; as many of you know I have lost more than 40 pounds in the last 2 years by exercising and changing my eating habits.

But I highly encourage you not to go on a diet. Diets don't work! They are restrictive and boring and no fun. I am not on a diet. I just finished a fabulous vanilla and peanut butter swirl frozen yogurt with peanut butter chips. But I also did a kick butt workout this morning for an hour and half. It's all about balance, girlies.

I also encourage you not to try and get "skinny". I may have lost 40 pounds, but I am still a full figured fashionista. It's about health, not size 2 jeans. It's about energy to walk and run and do all the fun things you want to do. It's about living your life to the fullest - not rejecting or hating the body you have, but loving it enough to make it perform at its best, regardless of its size.

Since this is a blog where I do make recommendations, I will make one now. I have lost my weight with 2 things: 1) A gym membership. 2)Weight Watchers. It lets you eat like a human being, and yet gives you the tools to lose weight. Amazingly, its not that hard (if you are truly ready to start), or that expensive. It may not work for everybody, but its the plan I have found that teaches you the most how to eat like a "normal" person, not a dieter. I am on the points plan (I think its called "flex") and I love it!

Oh, and if you have no desire to lose weight, that's cool too. Just giving you some food for thought!

Funky new finds from IGIGI

2006-11-13T20:55:00.000-05:00

IGIGI just got some really cute stuff in stock. Although they stock a variety of pieces, my favorite items of theirs tend to be their dresses.

I've raved before about their Satin Dream gown before, which is so soft and comfy that it feels like you are wearing pajamas but look appropriate for a black tie event. It's also a great dress for cleavage - and its covered up enough to wear a regular bra with!

Here are some of their other items I am fond of:

L: Fur Shrug, $90
R: Brocade Lace Wrap Top, $65

L: Fiorella Lace Gown and Shrug, $209
R: Pencil Skirt, $52

Winter Coats for plus sizes - Puffy coats galore!

2006-11-05T19:54:00.000-05:00

I don't know about where you live, but in NYC it is getting SERIOUSLY cold. So, I figured I'd show you some of the more stylish picks us plus girls have out there for winter coats. There is actually a pretty good selection available online and I keep running across one style I really like - puffy coats. When done correctly, puffy coats don't make the wearer look any puffier than they already are, but they do keep you nice and warm.

(L)Quilted Jacket, $65 at Fashion Bug
(R)Downlight Jacket by Eddie Bauer, $105 at Amazon.com

(L)Sunburst Down Coat by Via Spiga, $168 at Nordstrom.com
(R)Hooded Puffer Jacket by Alfani, $200 at Macys.com

Other great places to snag a puffy jacket this winter include: Avenue.com, BabyPhat.com and OldNavy.com

We love colors! (The tights)

2006-10-26T20:25:00.000-04:00

With winter coming, tights are all the rage right now. So I figured I'd tell you about the best place to get tights. It's a site called We Love Colors and its sells a wide, and very wacky selection of tights.

So first for your basic tights lover, we've got the solids. In 45 COLORS!!! Yes, Seriously. Here is their color chart:

We Love Colors Solid Tights come in 45 colors and up to a size 4X, which they say should fit a woman around 330 pounds and at least 6 feet tall. Did I mention they cost the extremely reasonable amount of $9 a pair???? I would recommend picking up a pair, or maybe 40! Seriously, even the fabulous Torrid couldn't revival the funk-a-tude of turquoise or hot pink tights!

But that's not all! We Love Colors also sells Fishnets! Their fishnets also come in all 45 colors, but they only come in a standard "1-3X" (one size). This says it will fit up to about 48 inch hips. That means that me and my wide hips might just have to say a prayer to squeeze into them, but there are plenty of plus girls with hips that will fit!

For you wacky tights lovers, try the Splash Color tights, which come in 11 different patterns, in sizes up to 4X, and cost $12. Or go for the Black Striped Tights which come in 44 color combos, and are available in either 1/2X or 2/3X, also for $12.

Style at Silhouettes! Part 1

2006-10-15T17:51:00.000-04:00

Silhouttes is a catalog and website catering exclusively to plus size women, and it's a brand that until recently I hadn't paid much attention to. Someone showed me their stuff recently and I was SO impressed. They are working on a more fashion forward look for their brand, bringing in some younger trends, using plus size models now in their photos, and making clothes that young, fashionable plus women would want to wear. I decided to snatch up a few of the pieces and I am thrilled with what I got. Here are a few of my scores:

Leather Jacket

This leather jacket comes in both black and bronze, but I of course snatched it up in the bronze. The bronze makes a real statement - the jacket would be perfect over a dressy outift for a night on the town. The leather is really soft, and the fit is tailored but not tight - more like outerwear than a blazer. It sells for $149 and comes in sizes 12-26.

Velvet Dress With Brooch

I don't this picture can truly do justice to how gorgeous this dress is. First of all, it fis PERFECTLY. The velvet is not clingy, it just slides down your curves fabulously and shows them up. Second, the ruching detail is super flattering, and the brooch is gorgeous. My only comment would be that girls with large chests may want to take the brooch to get re-inforced (sewn on a little more securely) just to make sure it doesn't come off. Oh and the best part - you can even wear the dress with a regular bra!

My Silhouettes scores were more than just these 2 pieces, but I wanted to start you off with a sampler, and will post more later this week. Coming up: a hot belt, and a delicious pair of sexy wide calf boots!