by | Sep 6, 2011 | Blogging / Technology, Fashion |
The article in the September 1, 2011 issue of the Wall Street Journal Project Plus-Size by Sarah Naussar had me thinking about the vast fashion industry and sizing. Stories on retail companies changing ways of looking at sizing creep up because women’s clothing fit sizing issues are an ongoing problem.
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Naussar says, the fashion industry is trying new tricks.” She gave statistics that one-third of American women are plus size and sales of plus-size clothing hover around 15% of women’s apparel sales.
Really, new tricks? I disagree, companies for years have researched to address sizing issues of plus size women. QVC and HSN designers focus on women looking great no matter what size. Designers research different fabric that won’t cling and consistently designs for women from a size 2 to 3x. Also, these online retail stores do not charge larger size women extra money because additional fabric is needed for a particular garment. This type of thinking increase sales and confidence that plus-size women can wear cute clothes.
Diane Gilman, the “Jean Queen” designer for HSN, targets the baby boomer generation. She has sold over 1,000,000,000 pairs of jeans. That is so amazing! Gilman is an advocate for every woman who deals with sizing issues. Most of the high-end designers in the Couture houses have not sold that many jeans.
So the companies Naussar is mentioning in her article are seeking new innovative ways to make plus-size women look and feel better in their clothes but the concept is not new.
In the article, a spokesperson for Lane Bryant said, “Our customer fluctuates in size. How can we help her?”
Here’s my take on this quote:
1. Most women fluctuate in size not just a woman who’s over the size of a Misses 12. Size fluctuation can range from water gain to the time of the month. Go figure?
2. All women want to be able to try on one pair of pants and have the perfect fit. Perfect fit is not limited to plus-size women. I am not plus-sized but by me having a small waist and curvy hips all pants are not created equal. The majority of the time I have to tailor my jeans because they gap at the waist.
Do you think sizing issues are only limited to plus-size women?
Shapers
I want to add in shapers because normally people think plus-size women only wear shapers. Wrong! Shapers are for women in size ranges from extra small to large. Shapers are created to give a smooth finish to the body, if clothing fits snug there shouldn’t be any lumps or bumps. A size zero can have bumps as well as a plus size women. The concern is unanimously across the board.
Spanx.com
Spanx Shapers are for all figures because we want those knit dresses to look smooth whether we are a size 0 or higher.
No matter what our size and shape may be we all want to look flawless.
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by | Sep 6, 2011 | Fashion, Inspirations |
JT in Newport News Dress
Confidence comes from within and projects outwardly in a very positive way. Clothing and accessories can also make us feel good too. I wear this dress often by itself or with a jacket or vest. I will make it casual with boots or I will add some patent clogs to spice it up a bit. I wore this dress to church service and it’s so breathable.I tried my hair a little different using twist outs and it worked really well. I will definitely including this as one of my hair styles I do on my hair. I do not get chemicals in my hair anymore and I love the extra body and the thickness that my hair has after two years of no relaxers.
Leopard bible cover and Miss Tina caged handbag
I feel very confident when I wear this dress and purse. The color red evokes power and good vibes. The Miss Tina shoulder caged bag designed by Miss Tina Knowles (Beyonce and Solanges mother) when she was designing for HSN. This purse is an attention-grabber. I bought this purse in 2008 and still get questions asked about it often.
Miss Tina Caged bag
Miss Tina Caged purse
I love turquoise jewelry so I had to highlight my necklace.
Turquoise necklace
And also the earthiness of my bracelet and ring.
I am loving bright colors on my skin tone because it makes my face look so much more youthful.
This post is linked to Not Dead Yet Style blog.
by | Sep 5, 2011 | Fashion |
I hope everyone had a great Labor Day!
It’s beautiful here in my neck of the woods the temperature went from 100 degrees to lows in the 50’s. A welcome relief let me tell you.
This is an important week. Not only is this the most fashionable week of the year it’s also my wedding anniversary week.
I will not be able to get to New York this year for Mercedes Benz Fashion week but I will definite be watching Fashion week on QVC. They will have designers such as Rachel Zoe, Marc Bouwer , Heidi Klum and many m0re so there will be much to see.
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A little preview of some of the items that’s a sneak peak to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week on Qvc.com.
M by Marc Bouwer Faux Leather Jacket with ruffle trim qvc.com
This M by Marc Bouwer leather jacket looks delicious, I can see this with a pencil skirt or a pair of wide leg jeans and a wedge boot. The line at QVC.com is a line to watch because it’s gorgeous. The M by Marc Bouwer Faux leather jacket is $89.00 on Qvc.com.
Dennis Basso Matte Jersey Faux Wrap Dress with Belt qvc.com
Dennis Basso designs elegant coats however his clothing is a must see as well. This faux wrap dressby Mr. Basso is so chic the leather jacket by Marc Bouwer could easily work with this dress. A wrap dress is so versatile like a chameleon. The wrap dress is $64.00 on Qvc.com.
If you would like to purchase a memorable item where proceeds will go towards Fashion Targets Breast Cancer please take a look at this beautiful scarf . The scarf can be purchased on QVC.com for $20.00.
Vogue, CFDA scarf
QVC.com detail
Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation (CFDA), the City of New York, and NYC & Company have teamed up for this worldwide initiative to promote local retail and celebrate the fashion industry. Net proceeds raised from the sale of this Vogue-designed “Fashion’s Night Out” scarf, sold exclusively through QVC, will benefit “Fashion Targets Breast Cancer,” the charitable initiative of the CFDA, for all sales through the end of 2011.
by | Aug 25, 2011 | Accessories, Fashion |
I am fancying some toile today because it just reminds me of a summer breeze.
I love wearing toile and using toile in my home decor. It’s so versatile and vintage.
I have had this toile dress for almost five years and I bought it from Chadwicks.com on sale for less than $12.00. My sheer white blouse is vintage; this was my mother’s blouse. This is the first time I have worn this blouse with this dress and the first time I have worn the dress this summer. This dress was hid in my closet. So what is old is new again. I was thinking, “I have this toile dress in my closet; but I don’t see it. Wait, Wait! There it is.” Do you have items in your closet that you can’t find because they may be tightly pressed against another outfit?
Charm by Nolan Miller and Necklace was a gift
I wear this charm and necklace with so many different outfits and I always get so many compliments on it. The charm is from Nolan Miller and I bought help raise money for cancer research.
My bracelet is a southwestern piece with many different natural stones from turquoise to tigers eye.
If you noticed I have pink and turquoise nail polish. I tried something a little different and painted one nail on each hand a different color than the rest. The pink nail polish is from ProStrong and the turquoise nail polish is called Empire from Tarina Tarantino.
I love to layer bracelets with my watch. I say load them up. The more the merrier. I am all about adding a pop of color.
That is where my pink LifeStride sandals come in, a pop of color takes your outfit to another level. Flats can be cool and chic.
Purse info:
Dooney and Bourke (This is one of my favorite purses).
by | Aug 20, 2011 | Fashion, Music |
Sade: Effortless Style
My hubby and I (two doggies in the background)
The 2011 Sade World Tour is currently making its way through the United States right now. Since this tour was announced last fall, my hubby and I knew that we would there. Even if it meant traveling out of town to the closest venue site. Thankfully, our fine city was on the schedule. I have been a long-time fan of Sade. I remember listening to the group in high school and loving the music then. Sade has stood the test of time and continued making outstanding music with her latest release – Soldier of Love. This was the second time that my hubby and I went to a Sade concert. Back in 2001, we attended the Lover’s Rock tour.
I have enjoyed music all my life. As a baby, my mother would take me to local BBQ place. As we waited for our food, she would place me on top of the table. I would be dancing and singing. One of the songs that I remember singing was Pappa Was a Rolling Stone by The Temptations. Sorry, but there are no photos.
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For the concert, I wore a black top from Macy’s, silk skirt from Chadwick’s, peep toe wedges from Gretta and Guitar bag with metal chain from Carlos Santana. My hair is in a two strand twist untwisted and pulled up. It was over a 100 degrees, so I wanted to be cool. This outfit was definitely the right choice. The fashion was ever so Sade chic, which is not subdued at all.
My concert outfit
John Legend opened the show with his R&B sounds. His music proved to be a great balance for Sade. Legend wore an all white suit, which is so very on trend. With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees on the day of the concert, the white suit screamed summer and freshness. He worked the show with great vocals, his signature piano playing, awesome backup singers and his band.
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During one of his songs, he asked if someone would want to come on stage and dance with him. He picked a young lady named Markita from the crowd and brought her on stage. The crowd wildly applauded and cheered as the two slow danced. Markita was having a fabulous time. As the song ended, Legend handed her a red rose. I’m sure that she will keep that rose forever. Legend ended his hour-long set with his popular tune “Green Light.” After his set concluded, the stage hands broke down the equipment and instruments to prepare for Sade’s stage.
The crowd had a euphoric buzz of anticipation. For some it had been ten years since her last concert. For others, it was their first time seeing the band. About twenty minutes later, the auditorium went dark, the crowd erupted in sheer excitement. Sade and the band members made their way to the stage, opening with Solider of Love. Sade wore a black outfit with black heels. The whole outfit gave a military feel to it, which is so on trend right now. It looked like an outfit you would wear if you were an undercover cop, so perfect for this song. Her significant other is a marine, so I wonder if this song relates to him. Who knows? Her signature ponytail and wide hoop earrings made it all real to me. Sade and the band has not changed one bit since the last tour and I like it that way. Her wide hoop earrings to her shoulders, her hair slicked back into a ponytail and bright red lips has been her style since the 80s. Sade has managed to keep her signature look without looking dated. Back in the day, I was trying to go to every store I could to find replicas of those wide hoop earrings.
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Sade (Helen Folasade Adu) studied Fashion in college. In early days of her fashion/musical career, she designed clothing for the group Spandau Ballet. For me to see her style up close is fabulous. She didn’t change her clothing constantly during the show. However, when she did, it was fitting for the song she was singing at the time. These days, many singers and musicians are coming on stage wearing practically nothing. But Sade’s clothing choices were very different. Her full-length dresses were in good taste, but were oh-so-sexy. The outfits look so effortless, but I am sure that they were well planned out.
She and her band mates were so laid back while on the stage. The band has remained the almost same since the 80s, with the exception of one new back up singer and another guitar player. Their sounds jelled together so well that it really didn’t seem like they were newbies. There is no exuberant dance routines or people flying through the air. When you attend a Sade concert, you are attending a theatrical performance with a perfect balance of Sade’s strong voice and the band’s powerful music. In a time of auto tunes, it is so refreshing to hear the crystal clear sounds of the drums, the guitar, and the saxophone. The band was tight was jamming. I could feel the vibrations from where I was sitting. Yeah, I could feel the music and it was so cool. Each song included a video backdrop that drew me in and added another dimension to my concert experience.
Being a part of this concert was almost like I was back in time at the other concert. However, it was better because I was right there in the moment, enjoying every song. Sade performed her timeless, classic tunes like Smooth Operator, Jezebel, and Is It a Crime, among others. The concert also included several songs from the Soldier of Love and Greatest Hits albums. One of these songs, Love Is Found, has so many staccato moments in it that it reminds me so much of a flamenco. While Sade was singing the Background screen was white with her and a man dancing in silhouette. Love Is Found is becoming one of my new favorites.
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Sade ended the over two hour show with Cherish The Day. I definitely will cherish this day that I spent with my hubby. Sade did not disappoint her fans. I just hope that it is not another ten years before she comes to town again.
by | Aug 14, 2011 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Bubbling and Elegant Readers!
I have been going non-stop and I needed a break. A lot has been on my plate these past two weeks so it’s so nice to sit back and relax. I had tried to post earlier in the week but just couldn’t do it because I needed to get some sleep.
I wanted to share some pics from our Church Anniversary, it was a lovely evening full of great fellowship, music and good food.
Everyone looked so gorgeous all dressed up and decked out.
In the Lobby at the Ritz
I said hi to a really good friend that I have known since I was in grade school. She is like a second mother to me, wonderful woman.
Pic with a lovely friend
The event was filled with dancing.
The food was delish, lobster ravioli was my hubby’s and my favorite.
The food was great!
My earrings by Amirita Singh are from the QVC Super Saturday event to help in ovarian cancer research and my necklace is made of Italian lire on a silver chain. The cuff, Nolan Miller ring, cameo bracelet and watch was great with the dress. It just worked very well.
Gem cuff, Kenneth Jay Lane ring, cameo bracelet, watch gift from cruise
The sounds of the choir (not pictured) set the tone for the event. Jesse and his band (pictured below) singing and playing while we were enjoying dinner was so snapping fingers groovy. Jesse and his band did excellent renditions of music by Al Green, Marvin Gaye and Etta James to name a few. They were on fire that night.
Jesse and his band at the Ritz
Everyone had an awesome time.
We also had the anointed Helen Baylor at the anniversary singing some of her greatest hits; every song she sings is so powerful.
The evening was wonderful. After the anniversary gala was over my hubby and I took pictures.
My hubby and I
Okay time for me to take a load off after a beautiful evening.
Follow!