Via a post on Twitter yesterday about the Plus Size Beauty of The Week Hall of Fame on Full Figure Plus @CurvyExchange commented which lead me to a community online for plus size women to meet and sell clothes online.  Established in 2002, the community is dedicated to plus size women rotating there closets with other ladies with similar interests.  Long time readers know one of the style tips I have written about on occassion is going shopping in other people closet to freshen up your closet.  The Curvy Exchange Live Journal community allows you to do just that.

Merchants featured on the site include:

• Torrid
• Ashley Stewart
• Lane Bryant
• Mossimo
• Old Navy
• Faith 21
• Cacique
• Betsey Johnson
• and more…

Surfing through the posts it appears that the community is extremely vibrant with lots of items going to other live journal members or going for sale on eBay.  If you are a person who likes the “never know what you are going to find” type of shopping you should bookmark the Curvy Exchange and get involved.  Spying in on the comments it does not look like anyone will bite your head of for asking any quesitons and all you have to do is follow the rules.

A snippet of the community guidelines:

Curvy Exchange is a community that promotes delicious curves and fashion! This is a place to post ebay auctions, sales, and give-a-ways for plus size clothing & accessories [sizes 14+]. 

Feel free to trade clothes, put up coupons and links for curve friendly websites, pics of items that you want [lj cut please!], plus size items that you’ve made, auction information, clothes you want to give away, styling tips for us curvy girls, clothes you want to sell, accessory items you want to buy/sell/trade, and anything plus size fashion related.

There needs to be more communities like this in which lovers of fashion are free to exchange clothes and have fun at the same time.  If you are a person who has taken advantage of some of the deals on the community would you be so kind as to share your experience with the readers of this blog?

Keep up the good work ladies.  This plus size fashion blogger salutes you.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Evans Mink Border Print Top

It is official there is now a new trend among fashion that you have never heard of!  It is called plus size and it is the hottest NEW trend since the invention of breathing! Now that you have scratched your head and wondered were I am going with this read the quote from an article I just read:

“Designers and stores are gradually realizing that plus-size women want the same kind of fashion-forward clothes as their “standard-size” counterparts. The Limited launched new plus-size brand Eloquii online in October and New York hosted its third Full-Figured Fashion Week in June.” -Soucre

The toungue and cheek title to this post is more for those outside of the plus size fashion world than for those on the inside.  For years mainstream fashion has ignored larger men and women which is part of the reason Full Figure Plus and other blogs in this niche were born.

The trend is more about dollars than it is about the fashion world taking plus size seriously.  Yes I said it.  In the article that prompted this post the numbers don’t lie.  Lane Bryant – $978 million Ann Taylor – $476 million.  Even my bad math can see that retailers, designers, and buyers are going to start warming up to a niche that is bringing in money regardless as to what they actually think about fat people.

Back to my point that plus size is a trending topic in the fashion world.  I have been only saying for the last few years that plus size is hot. It is hot without having to say the obvious - the average woman in america is size blah blah blah. Think about it like this if plus size was not already the hottest niche on the block these events, websites, models, and resources would not exist:

• Full Figured Fashion Week™ - event
• Plus Model Magazine - modeling resource
• Evans(uk) US website - plus size fashion
• City Chic(au) US website - plus size fashion
• Simply By(uk) US website - plus size fashion
• Fluvia Lacerda - plus size model

The point is yes the inspirational article made some great points about plus size women wanting the same things as their straight size counterparts but I must add again this is not a new phenomenon.  There are plus size consumers turned business owners, like Monif C Plus sizes, who looked to fill the need of the plus size fashion community that has been ignored for decades.

While its is great that designers and stores are jumping on the bandwagon hoping to make money of the fat people they secretly despise I hope they do not think those established community institutions are going to back down.

Now that I really think about it plus size is taking the world by storm but we are doing it on our own terms in our own way.  Mainstream outlets are scrambling to catch up to what we are doing and though there are a few people who are buying into the games from the outside.  One suggestion I have for mainstream fashion is to make sure you know your audience before you step into this arena.

The past is littered with companies who thought they could solve the plus size problem by throwing money at the community only to be run out of town.  Come to think of it if plus size is a storm then unless you are in the eye everything around you is in chaos.  Tread lightly mainstream fashion world.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

There is nothing like a cool crisp Winter day to inspire staying inside and doing some shopping from the computer.  I am working on some changes for Full Figure Plus that newsletter subscribers got a peek into this morning.  Additionally, I am hanging out more on Google+.  If you are over there add me Glen L Johnson, MBA to your circle.

Things that have caught my attention this morning include:

• TechCrunch | Why Every Entrepreneur Should Self-Publish a Book
• Leading Plus Size Retailer Sonsi.com Adds Exciting New Apparel and Accessories …
• Curves win big at the 2012 SAG Awards
• Brazilian bikinis burgeon to fit the fat
• Get 20% off orders of $150 or more when you use code: STYLE2012 at Kiyonna.com! Offer Expires March 2, 2012. Not valid on body shapers, wedding dresses and gift certificates. Cannot be combined with any other coupons.
  
• ‘Feeling Beautiful is Empowering!’
  Ulla Popken promotions running right now:
  Friday, Feb 03 – extra 20% off Clearance – C21K0203
  Monday, Feb 06 – 10% off entire order – C21K0206
  Wednesday, Feb 15 – $5 shipping – C21K0215
  ullapopken.com
  
• Media misquotes - Octavia Spencer: I’m Not at a Healthy Weight Facebook response: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=371396182886483&id=149279818431455

Contestant Barbara Monteiro, from Brazil’s Mato Grosso do Sul state, gestures after winning the Miss Brazil Plus Size Beauty Pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. A growing number of bikini and swimming suits manufacturers have woken up to Brazil’s thickening waistline and are reaching out to the ever-expanding ranks of heavy women with new plus-size lines. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Contestant Ariana Costa, from Brazil’s Minas Gerais state, performs during the Miss Brazil Plus Size Beauty Pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. A growing number of bikini and swimming suits manufacturers have woken up to Brazil’s thickening waistline and are reaching out to the ever-expanding ranks of heavy women with new plus-size lines. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Contestant Adriana Santos, from Brazil’s Bahia state, performs during the Miss Brazil Plus Size Beauty Pageant in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. A growing number of bikini and swimming suits manufacturers have woken up to Brazil’s thickening waistline and are reaching out to the ever-expanding ranks of heavy women with new plus-size lines. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

This guest post is by Isabella Woods

Now, we know that the media and society are obsessed with thin culture, size zero ‘models’ and women who look like children. Despite this, evidence suggests that historically bigger is better and as we like to show off, the plus size fashion market is more attractive to the modern man but also, in many instances, to the modern woman.

With grown women dressed in little more than baby clothing, the fate of the plus sized citizen is seemingly doomed by popular media but this is not so. If we look back in time, you can see that the skinny phenomena is a sad, modern development and throughout the centuries before, women of larger size, healthier and bigger, were considered much more attractive.

Celebrating curvaceous bodies throughout history

The first instance in which evidence can be found of celebration of the larger human form is the Song of Solomon in the Old Testament. The text uses the phrase ‘your belly is like a heap of wheat’ and researchers believe the use of such a phrase suggests a rounder, larger belly than those seen on current day fashion icons. The idea of a heap is much more akin to a larger lady than a modern waif.

The sixteenth century Renaissance artists and poets are renowned for their love of the female form, complete with curves and flesh. A popular feature of many Renaissance paintings was Venus, the Roman goddess of love, often portrayed naked with a curvaceous, beautiful body, with no angular or sharp edges. Renaissance women were celebrated for being voluptuous, curvy and sensual.

Early modern literary trends veer towards the larger lady

19^th century and early 20^th century classic novelists were also not shy of expressing the beauty of the plus sized lady. In Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, the eldest sister, Meg, is admired and lusted after because of her larger size. Meg’s plumpness is what sets her apart from her younger sisters as she’s viewed as a woman instead of a girl as her body is developed, curvy and more womanly. It seems, in the 19^th century, the trend was for women who looked like women and not those who looked like girls.

The early 20^th century saw the publication of the risqué Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence with Lady Chatterley described as a larger plus-size woman with the description of the ‘curving drop of her haunches’ and ‘the heavy roundness of her buttocks’. The curves of Lady Chatterley cannot be questioned and it shows the trends of the time and what was considered beautiful and attractive.

Isabella Woods is a freelance writer who lives in London.  Contact her if you need some writing done.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Click on Photo To get this outfit

If your primary occupation over the last few months (or years) required more bedtimes than deadlines, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 5 million women classified themselves as stay-at-home moms in 2010. Yet, that figure is down from just two years earlier as more mothers return to the workforce. For any mom taking on new 9 to 5 with duties that go beyond diapers and dinner, your wardrobe will likely need a makeover. However, sprucing up your business style doesn’t have to drain your kids’ college funds nor limit your options.

Here are 8 tips to help you update your wardrobe with fashionable work-wear on a budget.

1. Scope Out Consignment Stores Back when you were expecting, consignment shops were goldmines for inexpensive maternity wear. Lucky for you, they’re also a great resource for professional attire. Sell some of your gently-used maternity wear and stock up on business basics including blazers, slacks and pencil skirts. For tips on navigating consignment racks, check out this article fromWoman’s Day.

2. Shop for Shoes Online Ultimately, footwear is one of the most important parts of a professional wardrobe. Despite the sheer joy of finding that perfect pair of black-patent pumps, shopping with a toddler is often a trying experience. Avoid the department-store drama and shop online at e-retailers like Endless or Piperlime, who offer free shipping both ways. Alternatively, find free shipping codes for Macy’s and other popular retailers from sites like FreeShipping.org to avoid delivery charges.

3. Think Simplicity You obviously can’t afford a series of tailor-made suits, but you can afford a few simple pieces you can dress up or down, as the situation requires. Button-up blouses are a must and can be found on the cheap at Target, Old Navy and other discount retailers. And don’t forget cardigans – find a few in your most flattering colors to wear all year long.

4. Avoid Trendy Keeping up the trends is expensive and you’ll often end up with a closet full of unwearable items from last scene. Go for the classics and use accessories to showcase your inner trendsetter — think freshwater pearls, stud earrings and a tangerine handbag. For more inspiration, consult the 12 Jewelry Trends for 2012 from JCK Magazine.

5. Keep it Clean Cleanliness is next to godliness, or at least next to a good first impression. No matter the quality or cost of your clothes, it’s vital they remain clean and pressed at all times. You can reduce dry cleaning costs by avoiding such items altogether or using the home-laundry packets readily available at your grocery store.

6. Gauge the Office Culture You’ll feel really uncomfortable in a formal suit if the business owner is sporting jeans and a graphic tee. Many younger entrepreneurs encourage a more relaxed look, so it pays to gauge the office culture before heading into an interview. If the company website doesn’t yield any insight, talk to the hiring manager about the office dress code when you schedule the interview.

7. When in Doubt, LBD The last thing you want to deal with during a job interview is insecurity over your appearance. If you’re struggling over what to wear, keep it simple with a little black dress. This versatile piece can be paired with a blazer and smart pumps for corporate cultures, or with a bright cardigan and layered necklace for more casual environments.

8. Swap Your Maternity Clothes If you have friends or family members who recently announced they’re expecting, it’s time to dust off your maternity clothes and consider a swap. Ask the new mom to be if she has any business attire that she would be willing to exchange for your pregnancy wear.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women

Have you ever thought about what fashion among poker players would look like?  If you are like me you have probably attended a house poker game or watched one of the many shows on television in which the majority of the players even the high end players for the most part wear only jeans and a t-shirt.  As a fashionista if you are interested poker who says that you can’t look good while your sitting at the table?

Think about it from this point of view.  Regardless to your skill level you will be sitting for a long period of time and even the most causal game means you will possibly be seen by dozens of people.  Even if the cards are not kind to you at least you can look good while you play.

For everyone comfort is the key to not only looking good but having fun.  Combining my fashion background with the poker ideas by Reese McKenzie I am going to talk about fashion between ladies and gentlemen then for then cover the resources available to poker players.

Women

Ladies, as I stated before it is about looking good and being comfortable at the same time.  While I am not crossing jeans of the poker fashion list if you are going to wear jeans why not throw a pump or since its cold outside a nice boot.

Any dress worn should be one that has plenty of give considering once again you will be sitting for an extended period. Though shoes are not as important because you will be sitting there is no need to have a great causal outift and not have the right shoes to complete the look.

Men

Guys I know when it comes to playing poker games you are thinking more about having fun than your wardrobe but there is no rule that says you can’t look good while your playing.  Instead of a T-shirt why not go for a nice polo shirt or a button-down shirt with slacks instead of jeans.  If jeans are just part of your DNA make sure they are not your work pants.  Even if you feel good in the pants with the hole in the knee those have no place at the poker table.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion For Today's Active Women