Ok, don't pass out from shock. I was rocking my new LucieLu shirt and wearing this cute boyfriend blazer with rolled up sleeves and my fave cameo necklace and I thought - I need to take a picture of myself!

Here I am!:


Yes, I realize my posture could be better, I am slouching on my desk. Also, I wear glasses - not a surprise to anyone who's met me but I never wear them in pics. And yes, I think the blazer kind of hides the shirt too much but it was too cold for me to wear the tee without it.

Here's a close up of the top:


The necklace is from the fun Day-Lab.com site. I am very bummed to say the LucieLu top appears to be sold out on the site, though I will check with Lucie if she is getting it back in. They do have the similar Whimsy Bow Top, which sells for $38



Full disclosure: I contacted LucieLu after I learned about their line and asked to see some pieces. Lucie sent me a number of items to check and very graciously offered to let me keep my fave, which was immediately identified as this zipper top. If she hadn't gifted it I would have bought it hands down. It's so cute, and I have gotten a million compliments on it already.

Labels: boyfriend blazer, lucielu, ootd, plus size

Apparently the plan for early spring is that your clothes should scream out loud. Prints are everywhere, the bigger, bolder, crazier and more randomly placed the better. To make sure this trend works for your plus size body, consider placement and proportion. Since I've got a teeny waist and big hips, I wouldn't splash the boldest part of the print across my booty (well, unless I just wanted to draw some more attention there than it already gets). Similarly, if you're very busty, watch where the layout of a print or pattern falls across your chest to make sure it doesn't get distorted. And for those with tummy concerns, you're in luck, since a lot of these prints will obscure a bit of the roll action!








All Tops from Macys.com

Labels: plus size

Italian Plus Size Designer Elena Miro has always showcased beautiful plus sized clothes on gorgeous plus models, so it's no surprise that she has done it again for Milan Fashion Week. However, coming on the heels of Mark Fast's awful fit on plus size models including Crystal Renn on the London Fashuion week runway, I think it's nice to see plus models in clothes that were fit well. I am not ectastic about what Elena is showing in her Fall 2010 line, it has a sort of coldness to it and seems a little retro secretary meets 80s, but I think there were a few nice looks.

Here a few that I liked at the Elano Miro show:

Labels: elena miro, plus size

My very good and very amazing plus size denim designer Jessica Svoboda is doing a trunk show in NYC at a top secret location on this Wednesday late afternoon. If you want to come and check out her booty loving jeans, and possibly get a chance to see me (I'll be there for some of the time!) please get me on twitter @beautypluspower with a PM for the location. If you aren't on twitter (why not? I love it) you can also send me a message on My Facebook page or, last resort, email me the old fashioned way!

If you've never tried Svoboda plus size denim before you'll be so glad you did. They are hands down my favorite brand, the first rockstar plus jeans on the market. And apparently her jeggings, which I plan on trying on Wednesday, are the bee's knees.

Labels: plus size, plus size denim, plus size jeans

Stop Staring makes vintage style dresses, almost all of them body conscious designs that they say "empowers women by embracing and celebrating their female form".

They have a nice selection of plus size dresses included on their site. Their standard dresses go up to a size 18 (which for some reason they call a "3X" on their site) but they also make a selection of their dresses available up to size 26. Not all the plus size dresses are available in all sizes, but we'd advise calling to find out more if you see a style you really want to buy. If you like body con retro looks, you'll be happy with this line!



I made this Polyvore set above from a selection of the dresses on their site. Dresses range in price from about $100-$175.

Labels: plus size, plus size retro

Hubby and I perused H&M today and I thought I'd translate some of their cheap trends for plus girls. Most of these are obviously trends that are already out and about. I'm not breaking any new ground here, but these are still good alternates for what's in store for the thin.

On a sizing note, I have 45 inch hips and fit into not one but all 3 of the size 14 dresses I tried on there (although 1 did not fit my 36C boobs - what's up with that?)

1) Floral is a must.

Every fashion mag has got this going on and it's true. Floral, in particular floral dresses are everywhere - mostly bold colors and patterns. I am seeing small & medium sized florals more than the bigger or abstract styles. Many have a very vintage-y feel. A couple of options in plus:



Left: Asos Curve Dress, £30.00 (but US shipping is affordable!)
Right: Lane Bryant Pleated Floral Dress, $59

Note: Each have the potential to make you look like a grandma, and if you are very top heavy, one of those old bosom-y grandmas. Make sure jewelry, shoes & hair are on point to keep you looking young and cute.


2)The eighties are not only alive and well, they are coming to get you and clubbing you over the head into submission.

Walking through H&M I felt like I was in an elementary school flashback (I was born in 1978). I refuse to go full eighties (although there are some amazing young Fatshion bloggers out there who rock the hell-o out of it) so if you are like me I recommend some softer influence here:






Left: B&Lu Celia Top, $34
This is eighties done subtle - a pop of retro in that flirty shoulder detail, but otherwise a simple, drapy top. I would avoid this style if you are very broad shouldered ,but if you want to draw attention up to your face, this will definitely do it and would like great with an updo.

Right: LucieLu Buffalo Plaid Skirt, $36
The Buffalo plaid trend is alive and well, but not everyone can succesfully wear a button down shirt (I always feel like they don't work well on me). So I like the idea of the buffalo plaid skirt, and then you can pair it with a casual black top, a big necklace and some shoe boots.

Labels: 80s fashion, plus size, plus size clothing, plus size dresses, spring dresses

I wrote about Etsy.com a long time ago on this blog but I think it's worth mentioning again. Etsy allows everyday people to sell things - but not like Ebay - this is craftspeople selling their wares, like a giant online craft fair. You can find it all, from pottery to prints to jewelry to clothes.

A lot of people are selling their unique, funky plus size clothes. Many of them offer clothing they will custom make to your size, which is fabulous. Check out this cute t-shirt, which you can get up to size 2X:



This Steampunk gear/cog t-shirt is only $28, and you can wear it knowing that none of your plus size friends will have one, which is nice in a Lane Bryant world.

Labels: etsy, plus size

I am extremely proud to announce that Beauty Plus Power has launched a new website! FashionFitsMe.com is the ShopNow section of BPP but pumped up.

FashionFitsMe.com is a shopping portal for Plus Size women. Essentially, we’re an online mall where you can shop for Plus Size clothes from a wide variety of department stores, online exclusive brands, and well-known designers. We feature everything a Plus Size woman needs in her wardrobe from tops and skirts to party dresses and designer jeans. From outerwear and sweaters for winter to lingerie and bathing suits for summer, we have everything you’re looking for. Every full figured Fashionista knows that a wardrobe isn’t complete without all the trimmings. To compliment your clothing selections, we also feature an extensive selection of shoes, including wide calf boots, and all the jewelry and handbags you’ll need to make your outfit look fabulous!

Let me know what you think! I'll be linking more sections of BPP to FFM so that you can go back and forth between them easier. It's all about creating the best shopping experience for you!

Labels: fashion, plus size, plus size clothes