Fab Fashion Find: Merona Fit Solutions Jeans

I admit it. I have an addiction. It comes in the form of denim. Half of my closet consists of it. I have boot-cut jeans, straight-leg jeans, low-rise, mid-rise, dark rinse, medium rinse, longer cuts for wearing with heels, shorter cuts for wearing with sneakers, flap pockets, plain pockets, embellished pockets. And yet, I haven’t been able to find the perfect pair — until now.

Once again, Target has come to the rescue. After a failed attempt to find a new pair of jeans at the mall earlier in the day, I decided to hit Target. After falling in love with the Merona Fit Solutions dress I bought a couple of weeks ago, I thought I’d check to see Merona had Fit Solutions jeans. I am pleased to say, I hit the jackpot! These Merona Fit Solutions Jeans are so incredibly fabulous, and the fact that they are priced at a mere $24.99 makes it clear why some of the reviewers who left comments (and gave the jeans 5 stars) at Target.com bought several pairs.

The dark rinse is one that I always prefer because it is so much more versatile as you can easily dress it up or down. The mid-rise waist line sits low enough that it doesn’t look like mom-jeans (though I must admit, some of the pix on Target.com make them look that way), but not so low that everyone will see you underwear every time you bend over. The stretchy fabric and control panel help make your tummy look flatter without making you feel like you are wearing a girdle. They come in Short, Regular, and Tall sizes up to size 18.

I wore my pair last night at my home viewing party for America the Beautiful, and got so many compliments on them. I love shocking everyone by telling them I bought them at Target at such a great price! And they look great with this cute Merona Wrap Top I got to go along with them.

I have a fun weekend planned and this outfit will be doing a repeat performance. Just a note though — the tag does warn that the dark rinse can come off on other fabrics and recommends washing them (separately in cold water) before wearing.

Fab Fashion Find: Calvin Klein Dress

Alright, I know the last Fab Fashion Find was a dress too, but what can I say? I love dresses! I especially love dresses with flattering cuts that can work well on different body sizes and shapes, and this Calvin Klein Sleeveless Criss-Cross dress that I came across via my daily sale alert from Shop It To Me definitely fits the bill. And for a mere $65.99 (original price was $158), I can hardly resist. This dress is a color and style that can be worn all year round, so you just can’t go wrong with it. Since it’s on sale, there are currently only sizes 4-12, so if you love this dress as much as I do, hurry up and get yours!

Could the Tide Be Turning?

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

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

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

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!

Review of Girl on Top: Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules Into Career Success

Last night I went to a fabulous event that was part of a book tour for Girl on Top: Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules into Career Success, the new career guide by Nicole Williams. The invite-only event, hosted by The Limited, was a chance for Williams to showcase her book to the backdrop of fantastic styles.

Girl on Top is not your ordinary career advice book for women, just as Nicole is not your ordinary career woman. Founder and owner of Works, a company focusing on career development for women, Nicole has a tell-it-like-it is approach that you might liken to a career-consulting version of What Not to Wear’s Stacy London. Sometimes Nicole’s advice and choice of wording can be harsh, but it is only in the interest of bringing out your best. Using the most common rules of dating, Nicole delivers a witty, accessible, fun read on how to succeed in your career much in the same way you might try to snag a man.

Like Stacy London, Nicole rolls eyes at the notion that your brain and/or personality is all you need to get ahead. While conceding that it would be terrific to be acknowledged for your brains even though you have hair growing on your chin and a wort on your nose, ultimately she points to the inevitable truth that first and foremost we are all judged by our looks. That’s not to say that looks alone are the key to success, but there is something to be said for playing up your assets and Girl on Top coaches you on how to do just that.

For example, chapter 5 is entitled “If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It.” If you are asking what “it” is, good. She has the answer, and it might not be exactly what you are thinking: “What I’m talking about is an intangible energy. It is a stand-up-straight kind of confidence. It is a lightness and ease. It is a sense of humor that comes from not taking yourself too seriously. It’s captivating and commands attention.” Whether you’re Catherine Zeta-Jones or Susan Boyle, we all have ‘it’ — it’s just that some of us are better skilled at tapping into “it” than others. Ultimately it’s an art anyone can learn and Nicole will teach you.

Girl on Top goes on to tell you about etiquette, work-life balance, navigating social functions with colleagues, and more. And of course, woven throughout the book is advice on work-place style. There is no checklist for each item of clothing that belongs in your closet. Instead you will find guidance in helping you choose a wardrobe that enhances your assets without making you look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Women. I think most people ultimately agree that “less is more” when it comes to feminine wiles and this book gives the proverbial “hear hear” to that notion.

Ultimately Williams’s book is about empowering women to bring out their best, and learning how to work it to their advantage. Sure much of the advice may seem like common sense, but it serves as a good reminder of what to do and what NOT to do in the professional world. Coming from someone who has made a career of teaching other women how to succeed, her advice is worth listening to.

Cold Weather Styles That Flatter

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.

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.”

Fashion Advice for Every Woman

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.

Yoder also wanted to bring attention to an often overlooked area of an outfit: sleeve length. “Eyes are naturally drawn to the place where the sleeve ends.  So, if don’t want to highlight your hips, make sure your sleeves don’t end right at your hips. If you love your waist wear your sleeves at your waist.”

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

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.

« Previous Page — Next Page »