Could the Tide Be Turning?
January 18, 2010 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty
First there was the image of Lizzie Miller, sitting naked, belly resting on her lap, and looking confident in the pages of Glamour magazine. After a huge response with women crying for more “Lizzie Millers”, Glamour responded with a commitment to feature more of a variety of body shapes and sizes within the pages of their magazines. Then there was designer Mark Fast’s move to feature plus-sized models on the runway during London’s Fashion Week. Not long after that, we heard that France is debating a law requiring magazines to display health warning labels on altered images in an attempt to dispel the beauty myths propagated by magazines. And now this week, one of Germany’s most popular women’s fashion magazines, Birgitte, announced it would no longer use models in photo spreads, instead planning on using readers and staff members, recognizing that “attractiveness has many faces”.
I am hesitant to hold my breath, wondering if all of these moves are nothing more than the fashion industry paying lip service to the rising movement against the narrow representation of beauty produced in glossy pages, runways, and red carpets. Will the storm that has been brewing lately clear with the winds of complacency, allowing designers and fashion editors to slip back into doing what they know best: creating looks and styles meant for one percent of the population creating an elitist standard the rest of us struggle — but always fail — to live up to?
But then I realized ultimately, it is in our control as to what happens next. In fact, it has always been in our control. Just like any other industry, the fashion industry manufacturers what they can sell, whether it’s designer clothing or fashion bibles like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Glamour. If we don’t buy it, they won’t sell it. Sure it might take a while for it to sink in, but ultimately, if they think they can sell more of their products by doing something different, then that’s what they’ll do. It’s not about being socially conscious, it’s about business. Just like Mark Fast realized he could sell even more clothing if he made it to fit real women with real curves, the fashion magazines might just be realizing they could sell even more magazines by featuring pictures of women that look like the rest of us, if that’s indeed what we really want. And to be honest, I think it’s taken us a long time to figure out that we really do want to see images of women like us.
For so long, we have been convinced that the “ideal” splayed out before us was one that we had to live up to. We didn’t consider an alternative — that we could possibly already be beautiful even though we looked nothing like what we saw before us, that we could be beautiful with protruding stomachs, cellulite, and stretch marks, that we could be beautiful with streaks of gray in our hair and wrinkles on our face. And yet, that IS the alternative. Every one of us has the right to feel beautiful and we shouldn’t have to kill ourselves through starvation or go broke buying beauty products to achieve that feeling. Bit by bit, we are waking up to the idea that beauty doesn’t have to be a size 2. It doesn’t have to be collar bones jutting out of the skin. It doesn’t have to be be achieved by photo editing tools that wipe away “flaws” to reveal a “perfect” image. By coming to this realization, and then demanding a new standard by putting our beauty-consumer dollars into the products that reflect that standard is sure to bring about the change we now so strongly desire, especially after having a little taste of what can be.
In the past, this doctored image of Filippa Hamilton, making her look even more emaciated than what has been the industry standard would have gone relatively unnoticed as far as ads go, except for the collective sigh at the newest standard of thinness we were supposed to live up to. But instead, there has been a huge backlash, and Ralph Lauren who has yet to apologize for the grotesque alteration, does admit it is a distorted image that does not reflect the integrity of the brand. Ok, so no culpability here, but if you read between the lines, I think they realize this something they can’t get away with anymore.
As I wrote in the post Giving Glamour Another Chance after they announced their commitment to body diversity, I have renewed my subscription to show my support and wrote them a letter saying so. And I will put my money where I see others making similar commitments, and ultimately it is our money that may speak louder than words when it comes to changing the tides.
What do you think? Is the tide actually turning?
Sale Alert! Ann Taylor LOFT
January 17, 2010 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty, Find Your Fashion
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I LOVE Ann Taylor Loft. Everyone has a store where the clothes fit them particularly well, and AT Loft is my store. So when I visited their web site this morning, I was ecstatic to see they are having limited time promotion where for each item you buy, you can get a second item at 50% off. The promotion includes ALL merchandise, regularly priced and items on sale! If you have an AT Loft store near you, go check out what they have, or you can visit them online at AnnTaylorLoft.com.
Though there are limited sizes available on much of their sale items, regularly priced pieces go up to size 18. They also carry Tall, Petite, and Maternity sizes.
Here are just a few of my favorite things right now, but check out their web site and see if anything catches your eye.
Fab Fashion Find: Merona Fit Solutions Ruched Dress
January 4, 2010 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty, Find Your Fashion
I found this dress completely by accident. I went to Target to take advantage of their sale on Champion athletic wear, and as I was coming out of the dressing room, ready to head off to the cashier, this little black dress caught my eye.
I am always quick to notice potentially flattering, affordable clothing, but my style senses were heightened by the fact that my husband and I are going to a fancy French restaurant this Saturday to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary, and, well, I have nothing to wear. Or should I say, I had nothing to wear.
I didn’t have time to try the dress on, so I looked for a medium, prayed it would fit, and threw it in my basket with my new workout pants and tops. As soon as I got home, I stripped down and started to slip the dress over my head, immediately feeling how tight it was, and thinking there was NO way it was going to fit. But I went ahead and finished putting it on, thinking I would at least get an idea of whether or not it was worth it to exchange the dress for a larger size. While I was wriggling my way into the under layer, I noticed on the tag that it said “Built in slimming underlayer.” Aha! I had not heard of Merona’s line of Fit Solutions apparel, but I was instantly a fan.
After I got it all on, and adjusted the underlayer, I looked in the mirror, and WOW! It was love at first site! Between the high ruched waist line, and the a-line bottom, this dress is super flattering. If you have any excuse whatsoever, I highly recommend this Merona Women’s Fit Solutions Ruched Dress for a mere $29.99. You can dress it up for a fancy night out, or you could throw a fitted blazer over it and wear it to work. Wear with flats and voila! You have a perfect dress for a Sunday outing. There is no end to the possibilities this dress has. And it comes in plus sizes too!
Boycott Ralph Lauren
December 15, 2009 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty
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Since the advent of widespread popular media, we as a society have allowed the fashion and entertainment industries to dictate what women are supposed to look like. But that era is coming to an end. Through the power of our voices and our wallets, more and more people have said enough is enough. And now Darryl Roberts who brought us the documentary America the Beautiful: Is America Obsessed with Beauty? has been organizing a boycott of Ralph Lauren for their use of these pictures featuring pictures of women that have been photoshopped into unrealistic, disproportionate, almost alien-like images, some with heads that are bigger than their hips. Though Ralph Lauren issued a statement essentially apologizing for the quality of the photo rather than the possible negative impact such a photo can have, the ads or others like them continue to appear in various marketing outlets.
We know that images portrayed in the media influence how we view ourselves. If that were not the case, advertising and marketing would not be an $80 billion per year industry. So let’s start holding companies accountable. If you are ready to not only see changes in the fashion industry but be a part of bringing about change, please join the boycott, stop buying Ralph Lauren products, and become a fan on Facebook so your support can be counted. We will continue to speak until they hear us!
Cold Weather Styles That Flatter
November 20, 2009 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty, Find Your Fashion
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I love all four seasons, but as with many people, Fall is probably my favorite season. Sure, the beautiful colors of the changing leaves are spectacular, but equally important for me is the opportunity to put away shorts, and comfortably break out my jeans, sweaters, and jackets again. I LOVE sweater weather. I love cardigans, I love turtle-necks, I loved ribbed-knit sweaters, pull-overs, sweater coats — anything knitted that keeps me warm and feeling cozy. The problem is, like any other type of clothing, some styles work better on my body than others, and while I do gravitate towards sweaters that make me feel like I’m wearing a hug all day long, I want to also make sure I don’t look like I fell into a pit of shapeless wool. Likewise, when I don my winter coat for the first time of the cold-weather season, I don’t want to get lost in clumps of puffy down that make me look like the Michelin man.
While many dread the summer season because they don’t want to wear shorts for fear of revealing their legs, they look forward to colder weather as an opportunity to cover it all up. But in order to really look your best, there is definitely a balance. It’s just as important to find the proper fit with cold-weather apparel as it is when you are searching for shorts that come down further than your butt cheeks (which I know was especially hard this past summer!). Since most of the styles we see in fashion magazines aren’t represented on women whose bodies reflect the sizes and shapes of most women in the real world, I sought advice from those in the know about how the rest of us can stay warm and look our best.
- Avoid too much of what I like to call “frills and thrills.” Clothes that are over embellished can add weight and bulk to a woman that is already moderate to plus size. Clean lines and figure flattering seaming is the key!
- Wear stiffer materials that have structure and shape. Stiff button down shirts are always a great staple and unlike loose fabrics, they provide shape to your overall body.
- Create a waistline whenever possible! There are several ways to do this. By wearing distinct separates, using a belt, or even wearing blazers that create a V-neck at the top and an inversed V-shape at the bottom.
This is easy enough to do with the belted sweater trend that has come back (thank goodness!). You can have your pick at Old Navy, but this Belted Cardigan is a good start.
Though ultimately I think you should wear what you really love and feel good in, Style Expert Amy Gordon of Artfulwears.com offered this tip for as a general rule: “Larger women should avoid heavier/bulkier fabrics and opt for warm thinner fabrics. For example, cashmere is not thick but very warm. If larger women want to layer, it’s a lot easier to layer thinner garments. Keep the bulk to a minimum.”
Michelle Poteet, a Professional Organizer who also has a flair for fashion added that “sweaters and coats that are more fitted in the waste or right below the bust will help to flatter average-sized to plus-sized women. Pairing an empire waste top or sweater with leggings can be attractive and trendy for any body shape.” To prove the point, I found this adorable swing cardigan at Nordstrom.com.
Personally, my favorite sweater trends EVER are the draped and flyaway sweaters. I think the long, uneven lines create an optical illusion that elongates the body while drawing attention away from the middle. In my opinion, it’s the best of all worlds, where comfort meets style as each style offers a flattering way to keep warm. This plus-sized cardigan from Calvin Klein is a little pricey even at its sale price of $72.90 , but Kohls.com has a great selection of stylish draped sweaters at a reasonable cost, like the Apt. 9 Floral Flyaway Cardigan.
Of course, an easy way to quickly alter the look of any outfit is to accessorize. Jewelry designer Amanda Jaron pointed out that “long necklaces and bold rings, earrings and bracelets help draw the eye to the sparkle and create a more balanced look.” While it is definitely nice to have unique hand crafted pieces from boutique jewelers if it is in your budget, there are plenty of great places to pick up trendy pieces at a low cost. Once again, Kohls.com offers a great selection of jewelry at much lower prices so that you can afford to experiment a little and have fun with different looks.
And we can’t forget about footwear. Donnella Tilery, CEO & Founder of Donnella’s Closet suggested that for a warm but still seductive look, “invest in a pair knee high leather riding boots chocolate brown or black with a small heel. These boots look great with jeans or a dress, so not only can you layer, but expand your wardrobe.” If you are thinking tall boots are out of the question for you because of larger calves, think again. Many stores now carry boots with larger shafts, including Silhouettes.com which carries a large inventory of plus-size shoes and boots, like this pair of Two Buckle Riding Boots.
Tilery pointed to another good investment for your winter wardrobe – a long, fitted wool coat. If you like to be a little adventurous, try getting one in a brighter color to offset an otherwise plain outfit underneath. This Bell Sleeve Coat in Plum from Old Navy is a great way to stand out in the crowd without looking like you are trying to make a statement. Lane Bryant also has a fabulous belted wool coat in red that is worth checking out. But of course, you can never go wrong with black, navy, or gray if you want to stay conservative.
I got a lot of feedback on puffer style jackets, and the general consensus was this just is not a style for larger women, since it seems to add to the bulk. I disagree that puffer jackets can never be pulled off if you are plus size. I LOVE this quilted hooded coat, also found at Lane Bryant, and the belt at the waist gives it shape to offset the bulk of the jacket.
An additional tip Racine Peters offered when talking about winter coats was to remember that the tailor is your friend. “Coats and jackets look best when they fit well in the shoulders. However the dilemma with this tip is that coats and jackets that fit well in the shoulders do not usually close on plus size women. Purchase a coat or jacket that you can close and that fits the largest part of the body. Hurry to your tailor to have the shoulder reset as well as any additional alterations that need to be done. This will create a proper fitting coat or jacket.” And finally, her last tip might be the most important: “Remember that women come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What works for one may not work for another. Are you pear shaped? Apple shaped? No curves at all? Find out your body type and shop accordingly.”
Fall for Boots!
September 18, 2009 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty, Find Your Fashion
One of the things I love about entering into the fall months is the transition from flip flops to boots. I have a weakness for boots and can’t wait for the first opportunity to put them on as the weather gets cooler. I also love to see what new styles have come out and want to use this opportunity to share them with you. I scoured some of my favorite shoe sites, and found tons of great boots, including many offered in wide and extra wide sizes. Here are just a few of my favorites.
- Frye is synonomous with cowboy boots, and I love this brown Carson Shortie.
- Merrell combines sporty with stylish in these Wiseteria boots.
- Get fashion and comfort with Aerosoles Speartint Boots
- This Born Rascal make a great ankle boot, and it’s sure to feel great too!
- These pointy-toe Franco Sarto Laugh Boots are a good way to elongate the look of your legs
- I love the rich brown of these Ecco Image Boots
- This patent leather Lake Creek Drive boot by Rockport looks so yummy I almost want to eat it!
- I LOVE red boots and I’m crazy about these La Canadienne Blance boots.
- Dansko may be known for comfort shoes, but these Delilah boots offer a classic look that won’t go out of style.
- Add height without compromising comfort with these Rockport Tinnar boots.
- Maybe it’s my upcoming trip to Paris, but these Rieker Liv boots seem ultra Euro to me, and might just be my favorite.
- The hardware on this dark green suede boot by Aerosoles adds some understated detail.
- I have to admit, I could never pull off these Three Button Booties but they are so fun, I’m hoping to inspire someone else to try them!
- This Double Buckle Sport Boot is also available in wide and extra-wide sizes.
- These Two Buckle Riding Boots are available in wide and extra-wide sizes.
Ok, so I do admit, I tend to be attracted to the same styles which comes from my strong need to balance comfort with fashion. But I tried to branch out with a couple of offerings, and I really hope you see something you like.
Fashion Advice for Every Woman
September 16, 2009 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty, Find Your Fashion
While researching the latest trends for the article Fall Fashion for REAL Women, I came across a lot of really great advice that goes beyond fleeting trends, and merited a dedicated article offering fashion tips for every woman. Whether you are a size 2 or a size 22, you will find fashion advice that works for you.
Laura Yoder of 24-7 Style had this to say: “In regards to dressing to compliment any size, it’s important to remember to create a perfect silhouette. For instance, when choosing to wear skinny jeans or leggings (and yes, this can be pulled off in plus sizes –”skinny” only refers to leg hole opening), pair with tops that just cover the hips and finish the look with heels to instantly slim yourself by a few inches!” Proving the point, Lane Bryant creates the look with their Slim Leg Jeans.Over and over, one recurring message from so many fashion experts is the importance of a good fit. Oriana Khatso, owner of the small contemporary boutique Terra in Washington, DC., emphasized that “Fit is what makes or breaks a piece, so find a good tailor. Tailoring is the best way to extend the life of your purchase and maximize its impact. A good fit is more slimming than any label and ensures you will look your best. Do not let size influence how you feel about yourself. Focus on finding the right fit.” Oriana added “Shoes, jewelry, handbags, and eyewear are all part of how you create a finished look. Place importance on these items and coordinate them back to your outfit.”
Adding on to Oriana’s advice, Katy Goshtasbi of Puris Image & Style declares “NO matter what your size, you must accept your body and size (not love it!) and dress what you’ve got to look and feel your best. Your overall image, confidence and interactions with people are completely affected by how you feel in your clothing.”
Michelle Poteet, who owns the professional organizing business Reclaim Order had this to say: “Spend the larger part of your budget on classic pieces that will continue to be in style season after season. Look for trendy pieces on sale or at less expensive stores (ie. Target). This allows you to add some personality to your wardrobe without breaking the budget, especially since the trendier pieces tend to go out of style quickly.” (For hints on more timeless pieces, read 5 Essential Elements of Every Wardrobe.)
Stylist and personal shopper Indra A. Books of Your Own Entourage suggests creating a budget before you go out to buy, and avoiding impulse purchases. She also offered this important advice: “If you are trying to be stylish within your means, know your body type, your skin color and buy what works for you not what you see on the run way so that you don’t make costly mistakes.”
Self-proclaimed “minor fashion guru” Sally McGraw of Already Pretty points out that “Wearing the same color from head to toe is incredibly flattering, as your outfit provides no easy stopping point for the eye. You look tall, slender, powerful, and awesome. Sure, cooking up a truly monotone look may require you to go out and buy some teal, pink, or navy shoes to add a splash of color, but is that really such a burden?” A great start is a simple black dress, and you can almost never go wrong with one like this black wrap dress from Fashion Bug.
And let’s not forget that great style begins with the first things you put on — your undergarments. “The best advice I have for women of all sizes is to wear a good bra. A bra that positions you girls where they belong for a youthful and healthy appearance will make every outfit you have (whether it was $5 or $500) look its best. Without a good fitting bra, a $500 outfit can look like something you would not want to spend $5 on!” This great truism comes from Rachel Perlmutter, owner of The Greater LA Woman. (For more about finding the right fit, read Taking Care of “the Girls”.)
Ultimately, you need to find the style that works for you, but hopefully these tips can help you make the most of any wardrobe.
Fall Fashions for REAL Women
September 9, 2009 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty, Find Your Fashion
Every where you look, from the magazine stands to your local newspaper delivered right to your door, you’re likely to find an article, or perhaps an entire issue, devoted to fall fashion. You will see the latest runway designs, fashions from premium labels, and clothes that look great on the models, but that most of us react to with a reticent sigh of envy, or perhaps even humor knowing that the likes of our bodies will never be blessed with such high fashion.
So here it is, the Fall Fashion article for real women. What do I mean by real women? Well, walk down any street (except perhaps 5th avenue or Sunset Boulevard), look around, and the women you see — the big ones, the small ones, the pear shapes, the apple shapes, the mom, the business woman, the college student … those are the real women. Ok, I realize I can’t write one piece to cater to ALL types of women, but I am hoping to include a little something for everyone that can’t find fashion suitable for them in other women’s media.
After consulting a variety of fashion experts, the basic trends are: bright, jewel-tone colors, animal prints, a lot of mixed patterns, and even plaid. Think 80s — updated. I know, I know, we’ve all forever buried the pictures of us with our big hair and shoulder pads. But trust me, just like the best of the 70s fashions were brought back to life with a fresh look (bell bottoms=boot cut), this trend can and does work.
A quick search at Nordstrom in their What’s New section reveals a little of everything. They even have an entire section dedicated to animal prints. But if you’re like me, your body and your budget might call for other options. Whenever I am in the mood for something new, the first place I look is Shop It To Me. This amazing site caters sales from your favorite stores and brands and returns results only in the sizes you specify. (If you want to read more about Shop It To Me, click here.)
One of my favorite stores is Ann Taylor Loft, where you can find a good mix of trendy and classic looks at more reasonable prices. Their new arrivals section also offers a glimpse of the fall trends with a classier flair. Paisley is definitely a throw back from the 80s, but this tunic is nothing but outdated. Unfortunately, the Ann Taylor brand recently decided not to carry plus size clothing anymore, but their are plenty of great alternatives in 14+ sizes.
Lane Bryant has introduced their Icon line featuring styles “inspired by the runways of Paris, Milan and London.” This asymmetrical, one-shoulder top is daring and sexy. And premium denim lines are FINALLY figuring out that they have an awesome market in plus sizes. Lane Bryant now offers Seven7 jeans in different cuts. PZI Jeans offers an extraordinary selection of denim for every shape. OneStopPlus is also a great source for reasonably-priced, fashionable plus-size clothing.
If you’re not brave enough to pull off bold animal prints on the outside, consider letting your inner animal come out in your intimates. I love this leopard print push up bra and panties set from Lane Bryant. Of course, when buying a new bra, make sure you have a proper fit. If you’re bulging out of your bra or the straps are digging into you, it might be time to try a new size. For some tips on finding the right sizing for you, check out this article by the Greater LA Woman: Finding a Bra That Fits.

Shoes and accessories are a good way to capitalize on trends without overdoing the look or spending a lot of money. Target.com has a great selection of animal print shoes. For unending selection in sizes, styles, and prices, be sure to check out new shoe styles at Zappos.com where you always get free shipping and free returns. And they have more than just shoes! Check out their handbags, accessories, and apparel.

Jewelry is another way to freshen up your look without going out and buying a whole new wardrobe. Once again, you will find that Target offers loads of fun, trendy pieces at affordable prices, like this beaded tassel necklace.
If you have an occasion that calls for something a little fancier, you can’t go wrong with this Goddess Dress from Britt Steele. Available in sizes 0-24, this dress really IS for everyone. It’s a shape that can flatter all, and make anyone feel like a Goddess! Personally, I’m trying to figure out what event I can get invited to just so I have an excuse to get one!
And of course, it’s important to balance trends with the basics. It’s always best to spend the bulk of your fashion dollars on pieces that will never go out of style. A trench coat may not be the most exciting part of your look, but it won’t ever go out of fashion, and you can dress it up with a brightly colored scarf. For $49.50, you can’t beat the price of this belted trench coat at Old Navy. Wear over top a fun, but flattering top like this smocked waist top from JC Penny, paired with a black pencil skirt or dark jeans, and you have a look that will always look current.
Last but not least, it is important to remember that no matter what the style, make sure it fits well. Don’t squeeze into sizes that are too small just because that’s what you used to wear, or wish you could wear now. You will feel your best in clothes that fit you well and flatter your body.
Shopping Smart (and Cheap)
May 19, 2009 by Missy Ann Wilmoth
Filed under Fashion & Beauty, Find Your Fashion
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By Missy Ann Wilmoth
Finding things that you love while shopping can be a nightmare. Some days I refuse to go shopping even though I need to because I don’t have the energy to face the problems that come along with it. But it needn’t be that way. There are a few effortless tricks that can make retail hunting a whole lot easier, more affordable, and more fun!
Be a perfectionist.
I realize that in any other instance this would be a terrible idea, but in the shopping world perfectionism is the one thing standing between you and a lot of things you’ll never wear again. Try it on. Unless it fits perfectly and makes you look slim and fantastic, forget it. This way you can make your closet a sanctuary for perfect fits. Everything you own should flatter you. Don’t assume you can fix a stain or a tear. Know that you have appropriate undergarments for the item. Don’t buy a slightly small size and promise yourself you’ll lose weight. Be hard on your potential wardrobe. Find something that makes you look hot without any effort on your part. This way you can be confident in whatever you happen to throw on.

Shield your eyes until you get to the back of the store.
Clearance racks are always at the back of the store. This is a strategic move on the part of the company to encourage you to browse through regular priced items before getting to the sale items. Don’t get sucked in. You can find excellent items on sale, and you don’t need to pay full price when you can look fabulous for half off.
Know what you came for in advance. Scan. Don’t browse.
As mentioned before, browsing can lead to meaningless and non-specific purchases. If you look up what style you want before going shopping, you can expedite the process. Choose your color and style at home, and then scan the racks for something that meets your expectations when you get there. If you do want to browse, memorize the colors that look best on you. Then scan only in those colors. This will save you from buying something that you “mostly:” like.
Versatility is key.
It should be versatile enough that you can wear it with more than one thing. If you get too specific, you’ll hardly ever wear the thing. You want something that can be worn in many different contexts. If you’re buying zebra print pants, make sure that you know places you can wear them often. We all have outfits in our closets that we adore but never wear. Save yourself the pain of having to stare at your favorites and skip to the practical stuff.
Stay strong.
Don’t let friends or salespeople talk you into anything. This can be especially hard with friends. Just remember that the most important thing is that you feel good about the way you look. If you disagree with someone’s opinion, do not buy! You will regret it. Salespeople are trained to attempt to talk you into buying things you may not really want or need. If you feel pressured, leave the store. It’s your money. You have the right to spend it as you see fit. This isn’t high school. You shouldn’t have to endure peer pressure.
Rebel with a bargain hunt.
Never pay full price. You can find fashion gems for less. Stores like Ross, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls have the market cornered on the discount designer shoes racket. And some excellent find can be found at outlet stores. Online, SmartBargains.com and Overstock.com are great places to get designer names for less.
Buy used, but buy carefully.
The only worry about buying secondhand is that you won’t notice an imperfection before purchasing. Make sure you survey every inch before you head to the cash register. Although, if you are going to buy something imperfect, it is best to do so at these kind of prices. Some stores have a half price day. Look into it. Be sure to check out the blue jeans. I buy all of my blue jeans at the thrift store. Often I buy designer labels. It only takes a bit of patience to find a treasure among the rest. Don’t forget to bring cash. Many places don’t accept credit cards.
Dump the excess.
Once you’re started your mission to exclusively stock your wardrobe with exquisite pieces, it’s time to clear out the Goodwill are eager to turn your leftovers into something special for those less fortunate. Your neighborhood might also have a local Freecycle community for getting rid of unwanted items. Don’t keep those out of date and ill fitting items hoping that one day you’ll be able to get into them. Find the stuff that makes you feel and look great today!
Stay Comfortable, Casual and Cool in Fun Summer Dresses
May 12, 2009 by Michelle Cantrell
Filed under Fashion & Beauty, Find Your Fashion

A few weeks ago, my husband and I marveled at how we could be wearing long sleeve shirts, sweaters, our winter vests, and scarves while sitting on the sofa next to a roaring fire in the fireplace, watching TV — in the middle of April. No, we don’t live in Alaska. We live in Virginia. But somehow, someone forgot to tell Mother Nature that it was spring. Fast forward about 5 days, when I was standing in the sweltering heat (when you go from 50 to 95 in a matter of days, it’s sweltering) at my daughter’s soccer game while everyone was doing their best to stay cool. Of course, my wardrobe hadn’t transitioned to the warmer weather yet, and I was still wearing dark pants and a t-shirt. Needless to say I was a tad uncomfortable and feeling a little awkward about the unseemly sweat marks forming in unfortunate places in my pants.
Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE summer, and the hot, sticky air that comes with it. What I DON’T like is finding clothing I feel comfortable in. I have plenty of light weight cotton shorts, but while they keep me cooler than heavier materials like denim, they also soak through with my profuse sweat more and create embarrassing moments. Since I have young kids, I’m outdoors a lot, so continuing my normal uniform of jeans and a t-shirt is out of the question. Thank goodness for the proliferation of comfortable cotton jersey dresses! They avoid revealing sweat in places you don’t want to draw attention to, they’re lightweight and breezy, they allow plenty of movement, and with the popular empire cut, they flatter most body types.
In case you’re not sure where to find fun summer dress styles, I went looking around and picked out a few of my favorites ranging in size and price. This summer will definitely be a ‘dressy’ one for me!


















































