Women Class and Style

CHANEL Spring 2009 Haute-Couture Show

2009-03-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

Karl Lagerfield"s latest inspiration for the luxury house of Chanel is monochromatic, but in white, a hue on the opposite end of the spectrum from every fashionista's favorite, black.

According to Lagerfield, white represents a new page to begin on. He says, "A white page, a linear and timeless graphic interpretation. It's like a starting point for the story of this new era, for which all the details still need to be written. That is why I chose paper as the theme for the couture collection this season. It's also the fabric that I prefer most-I love paper! Everything begins on paper. Without paper I would be lost!"
Because of the monochrome color scheme, details in texture, accessories and fabric choice is what makes each piece of clothing stand out. Floral themes are presented in embroideries and tiny details, including the hairpieces by Japanese artist Katsuya Kamo.

The paper theme of the clothes was also set off by the show's stage at the Cambon-Capucines pavilion, which was designed to look like a pop-up book. Paper flowers and floral arrangements were placed around the columns and railings in the space as well at the table set up for guests.

Guests at the show were an international array of modern fashion icons including Keira Knightley, Olga Kurylenko, Kanye West and more.

The modern collection is a tribute to Coco Chanel's wise words, "Women think about all colors, except the absence of color. For me black has everything. So does white. They are absolute beauty. They are the perfect match. Dress a woman in white or in black and all eyes will be upon her.

Great Ideas For Trendy Plus Size Clothing

2009-02-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

The clothing market has caught up with the demand for trendy plus size clothing. Marketers have developed fashions for all occasions that offer women with a voluptuous figure trendy plus size fashions for every occasion. Whether it’s the gym or a night out, there are choices for event in life.

WORK OUT CLOTHING

Just because you are going to the gym doesn’t mean you have to look like a frump. Demand comfort and fashion with your exercise wear. Whether it’s workout pants or swimwear, having a few nice pieces of clothing will make working out a pleasure. Keep your body in prime condition while still looking trendy.

Exercise clothing manufacturers are designing trendy plus size exercise wear in response to the new demand. One survey reports that the average American woman is a size 16, and now you can get fashionable clothing in spite of the size on the tag. Shop in stores or online for a full selection of choices.

WORK CLOTHES

The plus size models that you see sprinkled throughout magazines are proof that the trendy plus size fashion industry is thriving. Work clothes are available in modified forms for the plus size woman, with jackets, skirts, and slacks. When selecting trendy plus size work clothing, make sure that you get a good fit and style for your body. Everything from suits to dresses are available.

Pair your work clothes with some nice pieces of quality jewelry and good shoes to give that added pop. If you aren’t used to wearing jewelry, try some pieces in moderation and see how much they add to your look without a lot of effort. Scarves also make a great compliment to your wardrobe.

CASUAL WEAR

The new fashions are quite complementary to plus sized women, with tunic shirts and wraps widely popular. Another good option is an empire waist shirt. These options can be paired with a nice fitting pair of jeans for every day wear or even an evening out with friends. These styles are designed to flatter and conceal the less desirable parts of your body. Many of these fashions come with flashy embroidery and embellishments, so you don’t need to worry about it being boring!

EVENING WEAR

When picking a flattering dress to wear for a night out, go for a halter-top or an A-line dress. These styles will flare at the bottom and are available in every imaginable length. Use these for a sassy and classic look in your trendy plus size fashion closet. Every woman needs that perfect little black dress - so pick a style that makes you feel sexy. As an added bonus, the black will slim you too!

Wearing plus size clothing does not mean that you have to give up your sense of style. Shop around for the best deals and looks for you. Spending money on your wardrobe and looking great will only lead to good things in your life. If you look good, you feel good - which means you are free to succeed at whatever you put your mind to.

By: Lisa M. Earl

What Plus Size Women Can Learn From Her Personal Style

2009-02-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Michelle Obama has quickly made her mark as a fashion icon. It's no doubt that our First Lady has impeccable taste. Her personal style is bold, glamorous, and sophisticated. Yet, it's still youthful and accessible. Michelle makes it look effortless, but it's not. Her choices are thoughtful and yours can be too. Here are five things plus size women can learn from her personal style.

1. Get comfortable in your own skin. Michelle Obama has a commanding presence, but what demands so much attention is her self-confidence. You never catch her slouching or trying to hide. Plus size women should take note. Make no apologies for being yourself.

2. Dress for your stature. At 5'11, Michelle is not a dainty woman. She capitalizes on her size by wearing bright colors, bold prints, substantial jewelry, and heels. These things work for full-figured women too. Use your curves to your advantage.

3. Structure, structure, structure. I have yet to see the First Lady in anything overly frilly. She wears clothes with clean lines. Her garments have lots of seaming and built-in shape. This is a great example for plus size women. Flimsy fabrics and frilly clothes typically don't flatter larger frames.

4. Mix and match high end pieces with low end ones. You don't have to go broke to have head-turning personal style. Michelle Obama is known for wearing not just designer clothes, but more affordable brands like J. Crew as well. What's most important is the style and fit of a garment, not what you pay for it.

5. Follow your gut. Intuition is one of the best fashion tools a woman has. The First Lady is no slave to trends. She takes risks and she does her own thing. She often chooses obscure designers when she can have her pick of the most talented and famous ones out there. Michelle wears what she likes and what fits her body. Her look is modern and current, but uniquely her own.

By: Yolanda Early

Celebrities Who Have Had Cosmetic Surgery

2009-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

They will deny, deny, and deny some more that they have had cosmetic surgery, but there are plenty of celebrities who have had it done. If they won't admit it through the words that come out of their mouths, the difference in their appearance tells everything. Nevertheless, there are those celebrities who will admit to having such procedures as Botox done. They don't seem to have too much of an issue admitting that because it isn't surgical.

Surgical disasters
However, there are some celebrities that are considered cosmetic surgery disasters. One of the most recent ones was Lisa Rinna and she even admitted that she thought the results were horrendous. Other celebrities include:

- Melanie Griffith with her unnaturally thick lips. Being a naturally beautiful woman, many are saying that she should not have had her lips augmented because they overshadow the natural beauty that she possesses.

- Faye Dunaway is one in which her skin has been pulled too tightly.

- Kenny Rogers is another one who has changed quite a bit due to cosmetic surgery. He definitely looks different and the opinion is not always a favorable one.

- Joan Rivers is one you can't really forget. As a matter of fact, she might be the first one that you think of when someone mentions bad cosmetic surgery. She has even made fun of herself in a TV commercial where she says, "I can't feel my face. So you do have to admire her for finding humor in it.

There are certainly more surgical disasters than this, but these are some of the most notable.

Not so disastrous
There are some celebrities who have had cosmetic surgery that isn't so disastrous. The truth is that it can help some individuals. Take these celebrities, for instance:

- Pamela Anderson is quite obvious with the breast implants and it has been rumored that she has had some work done on her face as well.

- Nicole Kidman is more on the rumor side of things, but she has changed in the past 15 years or so. She has gotten older, but her nose has changed completely. However, she is still beautiful.

- Paula Abdul has had some work done, but it isn't horrendous work. It looks as if she has had a little tweak here and there.

- Victoria Beckham is still gorgeous although she has had some work done. It is quite obvious that she is different from what she used to be. And we do know that she has had breast implants.

- Jennifer Grey had one of the most obvious changes. She had a nose job done many years ago and when she did this, it made her unrecognizable to many of her fans. It was a dramatic change in her appearance, but it was one for the better.

- There is also the Ashley Simpson nose job, which improved her looks. That was actually a wise decision on her part, although she was a pretty girl anyway.

- Marilyn Monroe is an oldie and she has been gone for quite some time, but she had had Rhinoplasty surgery sometime between being a brunette and becoming a blonde.

- Halle Berry has even had a nose job, but we all know that she is beautiful either way. She could have left her nose the way it was and everyone would have loved her just as much.

This is a good rundown of the good and the bad in celebrity cosmetic surgery. It is quite amazing the results that we have seen in some of our favorite stars. And if you wondered about any of them, now you know.

By: Amy Nutt

Face Lift, Brow Lift, Neck Left and Eyelid Surgery

2009-02-02T08:47:00.001-08:00

For those considering cosmetic surgery to the face or neck, a variety of procedures exist to reduce the signs of aging and restore a more youthful look to the target area. Four of such procedures include a face, brow, neck and eyelid lift surgery.

Because the results of each procedure can vary greatly, it's important for a person to educate themselves on exactly what each procedure does and how it affects the final look of the face.

This article will discuss the aforementioned procedures while indicating what type of person would be best suited to undergo such changes to the face or neck area. As always, a person should seek the advice of a licensed cosmetic surgeon for a truly accurate opinion of what procedure is best for them:

* Brow Lift: A brow lift (also known as a forehead lift) works to correct the sagging of the eyebrows which can cause a person to look mad, sad or aged beyond their years. To accomplish this goal, a cosmetic surgeon will remove the muscles in the forehead responsible for the drooping, sagging and creation of scowl lines above and in-between the eye brows to create a tighter, brighter and more youthful appearance to the face.

This procedure is generally appropriate for individuals between 40-60 years of age (or slightly younger for people in stressful occupations or experiencing early signs of aging), and for those that have significant lines or drooping around the brow area.

* Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) seeks to restore a youthful appearance to the eyes by removing excess skin, fat and tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery is appropriate only for those suffering from bagginess or puffiness of the upper or lower eyelids.

It is not appropriate for those looking to correct crows feet, dark circles or sagging closer to the brows, as this particular procedure will not address those issues.

* Face Lift: This is a popular cosmetic procedure to lift and tone the skin and muscles in the face. It helps to dramatically reduce signs of aging, as sagging and wrinkles are tightened up and smoothed out in the forehead, around the eyes and in the jowl area. To accomplish this goal, a cosmetic surgeon will actually create small incisions in front of the ear, behind the ear and possibly into the scalp.

Through various tightening methods, the deeper layers of the face and possibly the neck are then lifted to create a natural, yet refreshed and youthful look. A full face lift is generally appropriate for those 40 and up, as younger patients can still get away with the less invasive 'mini face lift' for similar results.

* Neck Lift: A neck lift can be performed on its own or in conjunction with a face lift as listed above. This procedure is typically sought out by patients that complain of a "turkey gobble under the chin" or a wide appearance to the neck and chin caused by excess fat. In this procedure, extra fat, skin and muscles are removed to create a thinner and tighter appearance to the neck.

By: A Aaronson

Who is and is Not a Good Candidate?

2009-02-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

Practically everyone has those stubborn spots where the fat just won't go away. You eat right, you exercise and you think you're in pretty good shape except for that pooch in your tummy or you have that condition lovingly referred to as back fat.

Liposuction may be the only way to remove those aggravating fat cells. But, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. Here are some questions to ask to tell you if it will work for you:

1. Are you close to or at your ideal weight?
Liposuction is not a method of weight loss. It is not to take the place of diet, exercise or bariatric procedures. It is for getting rid of the last bit of stubborn fat that just won't go away through the other methods. As long as you are within at least 20 pounds of your ideal weight, you are a good candidate for liposuction.

2. How is your overall health?
Liposuction is surgery so you must be in good physical health. Tell your surgeon all medications you are taking and what your medical history is. Getting a check-up prior to the procedure is a great idea. Certain medications and health conditions increase your chances of bleeding, cardiac problems and embolisms. The healing process is also compromised if you are not in good health.

3. Do you have unhealthy habits?
Smoking and drinking are bad for your skin as well as your body. This compromises the elasticity and health of the skin. It is important to drink a lot of water and adopt healthier habits. Diet and exercise are also important to maintaining the results from your procedure. Remember, the fat can always come back.

4. What are your expectations for the procedure?
Again, this procedure is not a weight loss so you have to have realistic expectations. Understand that liposuction is used to spot remove fat cells, not huge amounts of fat. Also, while the fat cells are permanently removed, new ones can always come back in the same place or somewhere new.

If you think you are ready for liposuction to help contour and put the finishing touches on your body, you need to find the right surgeon for the job. Make sure he is board certified and experienced in performing the procedure.

Complications are always a possibility so experience is necessary. During your consultation, be clear about what you hope to achieve. But, listen to your surgeon because he knows if your expectations are realistic or not.

Liposuction gives you a more streamlined look and smoothes out the pooches and pockets. You won't have a dramatic drop in clothing sizes. You have to lose the weight through diet, exercise or bariatric procedures first.

By: By A Aaronson

My Shopping Experience at Torrid

2009-02-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I walked into a Torrid store for the very first time. I had heard of this store before from a friend of mine. I saw a picture of her wearing the cutest corset-style shirt that looked amazing on her and I immediately demanded that she tell me where she got it. She told me she got it at Torrid. I'd never heard of Torrid so I hurriedly looked up the store and browsed their clothing selection online, but I'd never actually been in the store until the other day when I happened to see it at the mall.

I love, love, love this store!! The very best part? In Torrid, I'm a size 2! Yes! You heard correctly, a SIZE 2! In all other clothing stores, I'm a 16-18 or an x-tra large (sometimes an x-tra, x-tra large). Not in Torrid! In Torrid I'm a smaller size than I've ever been in my life! Whoever thought up this sizing system was a genius. It doesn't say you're a 2X extra large, just a "2". Let me tell you, this does great things for your self-image.

The second best part is the clothes! The clothing line at Torrid is one of the best I've seen for us voluptuous women. They have a wonderful selection to choose from including hats, shoes and everything in between and even underneath! The styles there range from retro young to modern classy and are full of color, instead of the usual black, white and grey. They have cool t-shirts with skulls on them alongside classy button-up blouses. There are cute little plaid skirts and jeans alongside beautiful dresses, skirts and slacks. Everything you'd want for your professional look and your fun look. For underneath it all they have a large selection of sexy, pretty, and flattering lingerie for everyday wear and also those special occasions.

If you're a young (or young at heart) girl who's tired of wearing the same old, unflattering styles that your typical store provides for a woman with curves, check out Torrid! You won't be sorry!

By: Lisa M. Earl

Defining Your Plus Size Shape

2009-02-02T08:39:00.001-08:00

Buying a perfect outfit involves many factors, but getting the right cut for your body type is one of the most important issues. This, of course, means you need to define your body type.

When discussing the female body type, magazines and the media tend to focus on the supermodel niche. The rest of us "real" women tend to be grouped together as "plus size" without much additional consideration. As you well know, there are many different plus size body types. Magazines often mention pear or apple body shapes, but this is an oversimplification of the variety of shapes we come in. Let's take a closer look.

The hourglass is a classic plus size figure. As the name suggests, a woman with this figure tends to be full through the hips and the upper body. Not only do you have a fuller bust line, but the figure typically also incorporates a fuller shoulder area. The figure eight body is similar to the hourglass look, but the shoulders tend to be less full.

The triangle body shape is common among plus size women. With this figure, we tend to be fuller through the hips and buttocks, but thinner through the upper body area. A minority of plus size women have the exact opposite look. They are thinner through the hips, but much fuller through the upper body. This is often noted as an "inverted triangle" or "V" body type.

The rectangle body type is pretty much what it sounds like. The body tends to be very linear. Clothes can be worn that fall fairly vertical from the shoulders or hips on down. This body type can require special attention when it comes to underwear as hip riding pieces may tend to slide down and be uncomfortable.

So, what does all this mean? Well, you have to come to grips with the body type you have. Each of us is unique, but we will fall within one of these general classifications. The key is to recognize that type and then shop for clothes that are designed for the look. Each look has certain aspects that should be emphasized as well as aspects that should be de-emphasized. If you buy the wrong cut for your body type, getting this correct will be nearly impossible.

By: Tiffany Hart

Buying Plus Size Fashion in a Down Economy

2009-02-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

When money is tight, building a plus size fashion wardrobe is likely the last thing on a person's mind. We pare things down to the necessities. Food and shelter take priority over everything, then whatever money is left goes to other bills. With the latest economy woes, many of us are pinching pennies. That doesn't mean we have to look like paupers though. Here are a few budget shopping tips to help you buy plus size fashion for less.

Tip# 1

Stick to the basics. Now is not the time to splurge on expensive or trendy items. Your wallet may not be able to withstand such a big hit in the long run and trendy styles fade too fast. Focus on wardrobe essentials and classic styles that are chic and timeless instead.

Tip#2

Buy multifunctional pieces. When you invest in items that work double or triple duty, you stretch your dollars getting the highest value possible from them. Go for pieces like a well-fitting suit that can be worn as separates in numerous outfits or a convertible dress that offers multiple looks in one garment.

Tip# 3

Comparison shop. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many shoppers never bother to try it. Plus size fashion retailers may not offer items that are exactly the same, but they certainly offer similar ones. If you're in the market for something specific, like a little black dress, then check out several places. Choose the best quality item for the lowest price.

Tip# 4

Bargain hunt. It's the cornerstone of budget shopping. Always, always, always check out sale and clearance items first. Savvy plus size fashionistas know that's where you'll find the best deals. Don't however buy something just because it doesn't cost much. Fit, quality, and necessity should all be factored into every purchase.

By: Yolanda Early

Tips For Looking Fabulous!

2009-02-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

Often, women who are plus size feel that they simply cannot look good. Not true. While it can be difficult to find something attractive when you are larger than the average sizes, it is definitely possible to put together outfits that look fabulous every time.

Being plus size does not doom you to a life of black outfits. Plus size women can look great all the time; it is just a matter of choosing to follow these ideas.

Start With a Strong Foundation
No matter what your outfit, be sure to start with figure-enhancing foundation garments. Bras, slips, pantyhose, and even a comfortable shaper can make a huge difference. You want smooth lines underneath your clothing so the eye goes where it should and not to a bulky undergarment pushing through.

Make It Fit
There is a silly myth that larger women should use loose-fitting clothes, but that is not a good idea. Clothes that fit your body, no matter what size, will always look better than bulky clothes that hide your assets. With a nice, fitted shirt and pants, you will always look much thinner you look than in a baggy sweater.

Darker Colors Are Slimming
Bright colors do make you look larger. Don't dismiss them - balance them with a darker color as darker colors make you look slimmer. Black, Charcoal, and burgundy are all very classy options that will make your clothes look better on your body. Add some darker neutrals to your wardrobe to help you look great.

Prints Should Be Proportionate
Have you ever seen a plus size woman in a dress with a tiny print all over it? It usually results in making her look far larger than she actually is. Much like a petite woman´s body would be overwhelmed by a large print, small prints are not usually suitable for larger women. Sometimes a small print combined with a bold larger colored stripe can look great. Evaluate each print option individually knowing that the smaller the print the bigger you will look.

Avoid Stiff, Bulky Fabrics
There is no need to bulk yourself up by using fabrics that stand out from your skin and add visual weight. The same goes for ruffles or layers. They add unnecessary bulk to your look. Rather than going with stiffer fabrics, look for ones that are light and flow without clinging, as clingy fabric just enhances any bulges.

Keep Accessories Proportional
What you use to enhance your wardrobe counts too. Everything from earrings and necklaces, to belts, scarves and handbags should be scaled to your size. A tiny clutch or delicate chain will only serve to make you appear larger than you are. Make sure your jewelry and other accessories are proportionate to your size for the best results. Do not hesitate to wear bold statement pieces. Leave the dainty earrings to the petite ladies - on you they will look out of place.

Wear What You Feel Comfortable In
All these tips can be helpful in creating a look that makes you feel confident and look great no matter what your size. No one looks good when they feel uncomfortable, make sure you also choose clothing that makes you feel good and you are comfortable wearing. The confidence you display when you feel at ease will shine through and help enhance any outfit.

Time For a Closet Review
It is important that you always feel you have some great outfits to wear. If your size fluctuates, keep only a few outfits at your smaller size, not a whole closet full. If you do, you will feel like you have tons of clothes but you never have anything to wear.

Go take a look at your wardrobe and do an honest assessment of what you've got and what you might need. Try things on, send anything to the cleaners that needs attention and send anything to the seamstress that needs mending. Invest a few hours in putting different outfits together, and deciding which accessories finish out the look.

Follow the guidelines above and then go do some shopping to fill any holes in your wardrobe. With a little attention to your look, you will feel and look great every time you get dressed.

By: Cecile Blanco

Plus Size Shrug is Available at Retail Stores

2009-02-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

People are more fashionable nowadays. The male and the female gender are not afraid of experimenting anymore especially when it comes to fashion. That is why you see men and women wearing scarves, boots and shrugs even when the weather is warm. No worries, just as long as they look good and feel good then that's all that matters.

The thing with fashion is, it could get really expensive. One has to be a little innovative so as to not spend all your earnings with just your clothing. Being able to move with the speed by which fashion moves is tiring. Plus it could burn a big hole on one's pocket. So all one needs is to be ingenious to be able to go with the fashion flow.

Invest in a nice black top or a black dress and you can use it in several ways if you know how to. You can add a shrug or a nice necklace to go with your black ensemble. The key in dressing up is to accessorize. That is what should learn how to do. Learn how to accentuate. When you do, even your plainest outfit can make you look like a movie star.

The size of your physique no longer matters because there is no longer any limit when it comes to the size. Concentrate on things that you can control such as your clothes. There are times when we cannot do something with our built. Plus, retail stores have answered the growing need for plus size clothing. So women who are on the large side can look as fashionable as somebody who has just walked on the runway. So if you are looking for a plus size shrug, all you got to do is go to the store and buy one. This is actually the same for all other types of clothing. So make your outfit special with something extra.

By: Cheryl Forbes

Overweight Teen? How to Dress to Look Thinner

2009-02-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

It used to be that being overweight as a teenager meant that you had no choices with clothing that would be fashionable with everything that you had to choose from were all old-fashioned looking. The designers didn't put a lot of effort into designing clothing for teenagers who wore clothing bigger than a size 4. Now days there are many designers that are designing great looking clothing for the plus size younger generation and they look great and are still very fashionable.

The new designs are available in many different styles which are available for plus size people are very fashionable and comfortable. At one time if you were overweight everyone told you that you should wear black because it would make you appear thinner. Wearing black does make you look slimmer but now you can wear any color and still look thinner. It's not that the colors that will make you look bigger than you really are it's the larger designs on the fabrics. Therefore, feel free to choose bright, vibrant colors to wear. Here are some simple tips that will help you look thinner.

Footwear: Wearing heels with your outfits will make you appear thinner. Wearing shoes with heels will make you look taller and make your legs look longer thus making your weight look more evenly distributed. You don't want to wear spiked heels but you want to wear a little heel with your outfits.

Print: With prints it is better to have smaller design sizes on the fabric than big designs. But you may find some big designs that will make you look great. It all depends on the design and the outfit. Strips will look better vertical then horizontal.

Jewelry: Wearing jewelry can make the eye look at the jewelry and not your size. You won't want to wear overbearing jewelry but you will want to wear some jewelry.

You can look a few pounds slimmer just by what you wear, always check a full length mirror if you have access to one so that you can check out and see which outfits look better and make you look thinner.

By: Judith Thomas