Open letter to online stores

While I love shopping online I MUST write all online plus stores this open letter!

Dear Shops,

I do hope you're well, you're one of the few places that has my attention on a daily basis. The only place in which my addiction will quell.

I'd like to ask you though, to please show all items on models of bigger sizes. Its no good having a piece of clothing on sale in sizes 8-32 if the model in the picture is a 2. Please show us what it looks like in bigger sizes. I personally feel curves are easier on the eyes, but more importantly the cut changes so us examples of all sizes in your ranges.

Better still,  list the dimensions of the piece (in larger sizes) so that we can better work out on what size we should feast.

Services have been set up like dressipi to help us decipher what size we are in different stores... Isn't that a message that we need your help to buy more?

Another thing, please ship for free if you're going to take more than 3 days. We'll pay more if we need it today or tomorrow, but why cause us extended sorrow if we didn't pay for it to arrive the next day?

Yours sincerely,
Shopaholic: went cold turkey for the winter but with full amazon wishlist ...

7 reasons why I love online shopping

1. Since I was a child I've hated trying on clothes in changing rooms. So the first thing has to be trying on clothes in the comfort and warmth of my own home where I can take my time!

2. I love stores like forever 21 Who offer free delivery if you've spent a lot of money in some cases and I can have it sent to work.

3. Shopping online often gives you access to the full range of sizes. Many sites allow you to search by size removing the chances of the disappointment of finding the perfect item, in the wrong size.

4. Sometimes you'll find things out of stock but you can often set up an automated alert which tells you when things are back in stock. Or its quick and easy to check if something is back (from anywhere with your smart phone ;-))

5. I love sites like simply be, asos curve, and forever 21 plus who use plus sized models! It means when I look at it online on a bigger model it allows me to better work out how it will look on me!

6. An extra good reason as it gives you time to rationalise what you buy! You can save it to a wish list or even favourite it in your browser - then if its still haunting you come pay day - you know what you have to do! 


7. You save money and time and energy - no walking up and down, no paying for parking, no temptation to eat out at the mall and no struggle to find where you parked the car in the first place. 

I hope that's given you some encouragement to do more  shopping online!!

Chinoo Design's 2012 Collection: FAB!

I was going through the websites of some of my favorite designers and I instantly fell in love with Chinoo Design's 2012 collection. Chinoo cuts their clothing with the fuller figure in mind. Their use of geometric shapes and patterns helps the clothing look very flattering on us curvy girls. Take a look at what's coming for 2012, are you ready?

Chiffon Print Top has a Asymmetrical neckline, Cap sleeves (14-24)
High-Waist Chiffon Print Pencil Skirt (14-24)
Obi Leather Belt (L-3X)

Ponte' Knit, Boat Neck Crop Top with Dolman Sleeves (14-24)
High-Waist Ponte' Knit Pant has Faux Leather front panel (14-24) (front panel black only)

Maxi Coat with Raglan sleeves, Geometric hemline pleating, Pleated oversize collar, Front pockets (14-22)

Douche Satin Top with Asymmetrical neckline, Cap Sleeves (14-24)
Faux Suede Double Breasted Jacket, long sleeve, faux leather wrap closure, V opening hemline (lined) (14-24) (black and carmel only)
Faux Suede High-Waist pencil Skirt (lined) (14-24) (black and carmel only)

Asymmetrical Sheath Dress, Pleated front with angled neckline, Cap Sleeve (lined)(14-24)

Full-lenther Coat with Merrowed Seamed Oversized Pleated Collar, Single squared natural wood button, Front pockets and "V" front opening (14-24)

Faux Suede Sheath, Raglan Sleeve Dress, detailed with faux leather piping detail (14-24)

Douche Satin Top with Asymmetrical Neckline, Cap Sleeves (14-24)
Faux Leopard Print Bolero Jacket, with single bone button closure, Three-Quarter sleeves, rounded front hemline (lined)(14-24)
High-Waist Pleat front slim leg pant in Shanghai Crepe (lined) (14-24)

Chiffon Printed Top with Asymmetrical Neckline, Cap Sleeves (14-24)
Faux Suede High-Waist slim leg pant seamed at side front, Angled pockets (lined)(14-24)
Leather Obi Belt (L-3X) (Purple-Grey only)

Double Breasted Douche Satin Blouse with pleats on front and back at waist (14-24)
High-Waist Faux Suede Leopard Lined Pencil Skirt (14-24)

I love the cohesiveness of this collection, the pops of color, and the play with prints.Kudos to Chinoo Designs, I'll definitely be shopping!

You can connect with Chinoo Designs via Facebook -[Click Here] and Twitter [Click Here]


Happy Shopping!

Freakin’ Fetish

I have to say – I probably like this trend because I can mess with the Leopard print trend and this one – and I get to wear black, leather and fur if I feel like it…It’s also an excuse to wear a black leather waist cinching belt!

Rather sexy if you ask me ;-) It’s all about that slightly dominatrix look - black PVC or leather in any shape or form.

This is how to do it on a “budget” (assuming you have your staple pieces already).

1.  You can crack out any of your black military trend items, black leggings, jeggings, cage shoes or sequins… they all fit in.
2. This style easily over laps with both the animal print, “like a boy”, and the heritage trends  - you might be able to find pieces that work within 2 or more trends!
3. You can wear your staple black courts, waist cinching dresses or corset belts, get patent shoes, your black or red pencil skirt, black shirts and or black skinny jeans!
4.   Perfect excuse to invest in some over the knee boots.

 Got to say - I couldnt find a lot online! Just so glad I can re-use so many items from previous trends!

That's a bad example of a cage shoe - but they're here: for £75 they're called Melissa and go up to a size 8 from coggles.
Shirt with Satin Bib (at the top) is from ASOS up to size 26 £30
Lace bib mini dress is also from ASOS up to size 26 £30
As is the Sheer arm midi dress (from ASOS). up to size 26 £30
The sequin tube dress is from Forever 21+ UK priced £19.75 up to size 1x
The Sequin snake dress is from Very! Priced £39 up to a size 32.
The over knee boots pictured - arent the best I know exist - but these are plus sized! And are from Very: In the sale at £35 up to size 9.
Those beautiful Leather boots in the middle are £85 and would become a wardrobe staple! They're from Evans and go up to a size 10 xtra wide.
The patent elastic boots are from Missguided and are £43.99 up to size 8.

Considering the Animal Print trend ;-)

I love animal print – always have – since the last time it was out and I was but a baby I loved it. Its wild and a perfect way to jazz up and sex up our favourite black wardrobe staples – we can even walk on the wild side and wear it with a faux fur coat or stole.

I’d recommend just one of these items per outfit – we don’t want to walk around lookin’ like cheetarah now…
For a “trend” there doesn’t seem to be a lot of plus size Animal print clothes around – and I can generally only find ONE print – Leopard/cheetah style. That said if dresses are a bit much for you – dress up some jeans with leopard print shoes or boots – wear a print scarf with your leather jacket … or embrace the Alice band ;-)

This is the best of it :-)

The dress is on sale at Evans 

The leopard print slippers are River Island but I found them on ASOS

All the other Leopard print shoes here are from Forever 21 UK

The tights (which I own and they fit perfect with some space!) are from Dorothy Perkins
Elephant earrings - Forever 21 UK! They're on sale at the moment for £2.21
Pheasant feather earrings are from Dorothy Perkins for £10
Jumper; Forever 21+ UK, £18.75
Peacock Open Jacket £14.75 - Forever 21 +
The scarves and head scarf is from ASOS as is the belt (nb: not plus size the belt is just an idea...) 
Those amazing leggings are from Forever 21 + UK