Sometimes it is just about the clothes instead of tips and trips to look fabulous while wearing your favorite outfits. Style369.com has some great items at a great price. Long time readers know that now is the time to snatch up end of the season garments. Spring and Summer items will be out soon. Happy shopping!

Samya Black Speckle Knit Top 
£30

£29.50

£29.50

£25

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

During Christmas I talked about a few mobile apps for your phone or tablet that would help you save some money and time during the busy holiday season.  If you are one of many indivuduals reading Full Figure Plus on a smartphone or tablet computer did you know there are lots of mobile apps that bring shopping to your fingertips?

Shopping Mobile Apps

Android

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

In a few weeks the Spring 2012 fashions will start to hit the stores which give you the perfect chance to save some money on end of season as well as next season sales. If you have been reading Full Figure Plus for anytime you have heard these money saving tips in one way or another.

What makes these money saving tips so important is that they are subtle enough to literally save you thousands of dollars over the course of a year.

10 Money Saving Tips For Savvy Shoppers

1. Shop off season when the prices are generally lower.  FYI: Spring 2012 Collection’s will be rolling out soon which means deep discounts on Fall/Winter 2011 items
2. Shop with merchants that offer free shipping
3. Combine discount offers where applicable (Not available with all merchants)
4. Check to see if coupons are available to print out BEFORE you go shopping
5. Shop online it will save you a tank of gas
6. Shop at international website dedicated to plus size shoppers like City Chic Online
7. Shop at consignment stores like Re/Dress NYC
8. Shop in friends and family members closets
9. Buy items that can be easily mixed and matched
10. Make one or two big purchases per year instead of many small purchases

The shop in others closet will save you the most money and keep your closet looking fresh year round.  Additionally, if you approach shopping from a point of view of building a wardrobe instead of a closet full of outfits you will also save lots of money over time.  If you are one of the millions of people who own a smartphone you can add mobile technology to list of ways you can save money.

For my Blackberry I use Google Mobile in particular Google Product Search to look for deals, unfortunately I cannot get Google Shopper but I use plenty of other barcode and price comparison apps that work just fine when looking for bargains.  With most mobile apps they are free meaning you have more money to shop with.

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

While selections are best take advantage of plus size fashion favorite Torrid during their Ultimate Fashion Sale With Up to 60% Off! You can find out how much they are passing the savings on to you through January 8th with savings on everything from shirts, shoes, dresses, accessories and more!

Savings include:

• $14.99 Select Twist Tees
• $19.99 Select Graphic Tees
• $24.99 Select Sweaters
• $29.99 Select Fashion Tops
• $29.99 Select Denim$39.99 Select Boots
• 50% Off Select Jackets & Outerwear
• All Panties 3 for $21
• All Jewelry BOGO 50% Off
• All Hosiery BOGO 50% Off

If the Torrid ultimate sale is not enough to get your shopping juices flowing check out these other sales:

• 40% Off Select Party Dresses! Wow the crowd this holiday season with the perfect party dress from Torrid.com. Shop Now! Ends 1/1
• Get 10% off your entire purchase at Torrid.com – Use Coupon Code 12AF11OFF! Expires 1/15/12
• Silver Leopard and Black Bangle Set
• Red Brocade Strap Dress
• Dollhouse – Charcoal Faux Fur-Lined Trench Coat

Top Sellers

• Black Ditsy Chiffon Dress
• Z. Cavaricci Couture – Grey Herringbone With Black Lace Jacket
• *CUSTOMER FAVORITE* Torrid Denim – Curvy Skinny Jean

A sale this big means you will be able to find a lot of items at unbelievable prices.  Remember the Spring 2012 fashion will be coming out by the middle of next month so the things you buy now you probably will not have an opportunity to exchange if you have a sizing issue.

Refer to the Torrid size chart and the FAQ pages to ensure that you have everything you need in order to make your order as smooth as possible.

In the new items section I was drawn to the patent leather Mary Jane pump that you see below.  What I like about this style of shoe is the wider heel which will provide extra support while giving you a bit of a retro look at the same time.

The links should keep you busy window shopping until you make your final selection.  If you are new to Torrid give them a try.  I am sure you will love what you select.

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

With all the sales going on with your favorite plus size merchant have you factored in shipping to ensure your holiday gift arrives on time?  If not reading this post will educate you on not only plus size favorites and shipping but for some of the popular shipping companies to help you with no matter what you purchase.

There are many other ways besides those listed but the three below are the major carriers that ship worldwide.  The majority of the dates apply to the United States but there are a few dates that apply to international holiday shipping.

Be sure to check with the carriers in YOUR area because they may have a slightly different schedule locally than they do on there websites.

USPS

December 15 is the last day to ship Parcel Post for Christmas arrival
December 17 is the last day to ship to military for Christmas arrival
December 19 is the last day to ship international for Christmas arrival
December 21 is the last day to send Priority Mail for Christmas arrival
December 22 is the last day to send Express Mail for Christmas arrival

UPS

December 21 is the last day to ship normal air, international, and international ground packages to be deleivered by Friday December 23. Shipping from the 22-23 will be delivered December 27

FedEx

Smart Post 12/14
Home Delivery 12/19
Ground 12/16
Express Saver 12/20
2Day 12/21 or 12/22
2Day A.M 12/21
Standard Overnight 12/22
Priority Overnight 12/22 & 12/23
First Overnight 12/22 & 12/23
Same Day 12/25

Online holiday shipping really leaves you up to the mercy of the shipper.  Take note that many plus size fashion companies even the more known names are small business operations meaning they have small staffs and can be swamped during this time of year so ordering early is the best to ensure your package arrives on time and is actually in stock.

What would a guide to plus size shipping be without plus size websites to shop from.  Below are the the most frequented websites from this blog but by no means a full list.  For a larger list of plus size shopping choices check out the Ultimate Shopping List.

• CityChic – plus size fashion for curvy women
• Sydney’s Closet: Special Occasion Dresses Sizes 14-44
• Monif C. Plus Sizes
• Hips and Curves.com – Sexy plus size lingerie for women with curves
• Get $35 OFF orders of $175 or more when you use code: GLAM at Kiyonna.com! Offer Expires January 2, 2012
• Get 10% off your entire purchase at Torrid.com – Use Coupon Code 12AF11OFF! Expires 1/15/12
• Payless Holiday Sale: Huge Savings!
• IGIGI – $4.99 FedEx 2nd Day – All Continental US Orders over $150
• Free Shipping to Your Local Lane Bryant Store!

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

Holiday shopping season is officially in full swing. I suppose it would be wise to begin thinking about how to approach shopping for the 2011 holiday shopping season.

Holiday shopping today is now a near Olympic level event that starts these days before Halloween. If you haven’t begun shopping that’s ok your not alone.

We simply must make a commitment to not making the same mistakes we made in years past including  standing in the long lines, fighting the crowds, spending more than we budgeted, waiting until the absolute last minute or being the first in line on “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving which traditionally marks the start of the holiday shopping season) and ultimately getting trampled over as we fight to get that discounted Ipad 2 or Xbox 360.

Instead, we are going to take the “Smart Holiday Shopping Pledge” (feel free to print and share).

“Smart Holiday Shopping Pledge”

I, (insert your name here), pledge to adhere to the ten holiday shopping tips outlined below. I realize that by not doing so, I may suffer the consequences of holiday shopper’s remorse which include but are not limited to: loss of cash reserves, higher credit card debt, and near insanity from overexposure to large crowds, outrageous lines, and low product inventory.

I will use cash
Using cash makes it easier to stay within the budget. This does NOT mean using your debit card. Set limits, when the cash is gone, there’s no more gift buying.

I will keep track of my credit card spending
If you absolutely must use a credit card, use the one with the lowest interest and know how you are going to pay off the credit card balance. Carrying balances costs more than the item itself meaning that bargain that we got during the holidays is no longer a bargain 90 – 120 days later.

I will be patient
There’s nothing like waiting in a long check out line and having to endure price check after price check or a declined credit card holder arguing with the cashier, or even a shift change just as you approach the register. Calm down and be patient.

Holiday shopping should not deplete your cash reserves

I will start shopping early in the season and get it out of the way
I’ve never understood why people wait until the very last minute to do their holiday shopping. Start shopping now. The malls aren’t overcrowded yet. No one else is really thinking about holiday shopping for now.

I will give less expensive but creative gifts instead
Now, I’m not necessarily suggesting arts and crafts here unless of course that’s what you want to do. But, all of us are not creative minds. Remember not everyone on your list wants the latest high tech expensive widget. Think outside the box to say money!

I will have a game plan
In order to get those must have items or those hard to find popular items, you have to create a game plan. Don’t leave your house without a game plan outlining where you’re going, what you’re going to purchase, how much you are going to purchase it for, and what your alternate gift selections are. If at this point you feel overwhelmed go home and sit at your computer to shop.

I will shop safely
Safer is better. Watch your personal belongings at all times including handbags, purchases, and children. Pay particular attention at the register when you can be distracted by the particulars of the transaction or outside in the parking lot or waiting on public transportation.

I will get enough rest
There’s nothing like going out during the holiday shopping season and running out of steam. An important part of your shopping game plan should be to get plenty of rest the night before. If shopping is your daily workout routine treat it as such by getting plenty of rest before the holiday shopping extravaganza begins.

Annual holiday shopping should not be frustrating

I will not forget the bargains available online
Online holiday shopping makes it so much more easy.  By doing this one step you can honestly skip the other nine, grab you a glass of wine and relax.  The only issue with shopping online is you have to factor in shipping time.

I will attempt to avoid the crowds at all costs
Shopping earlier during the day or first thing Saturday morning will help avoid some of the crowd during the week and those late risers on Saturday or Sunday. If you really want to avoid the crowd go between 2-4pm on a Wednesday.

With the economy the way it is honestly this time of year should be more about what we are thankful for instead of what we buy.  Once you get off the floor laughing at me print off this tips to help you get through the 2011 holiday shopping madness.

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