Plus-size holiday fashion: Cocktail dresses

 (photostock)

With holiday parties fast approaching, now is the time to start shopping for the perfect outfits to wear. One of the most common dress codes for holiday parties is cocktail attire. During this time of year retailers begin bringing out tons of gorgeous cocktail dresses that are perfect for holiday gatherings, so that makes shopping a little easier. 

To help make shopping even easier, here some some of the hottest trends for cocktail dresses from Louisville area retailers. When you go shopping, be sure to look for these styles and trends so that you will be a hit at your holiday parties.

Confessions of a Shoe-A-Holic

Plus Size OOTD- Sequins, Jeans and Riding Boots!

OOTD:
Top: Dots
Tank: Target
Jeans: YMI Dots
Boots: Dots
Blazer: Target
Earrings: Gift
Bag:  Louis Vuitton
Bracelets:  Dots and Target

A Lil Coach Haul

Major savings at Coach today thanks to a $50 off card sent to me by Coach! Instead of paying $70, I only paid $20 for these two items! loves it!!!!

Winter fashion trend: faux fur vests

Faux fur vests available at Fashion Bug. (Fashion Bug)

One of the major emerging plus size fashion trends this fall/winter is the faux fur vest. Like other key pieces this season, the faux fur vest is a great way to look stylish and stay warm during the cooler weather. 

Faux fur vests are versatile and easy to style, so they make a great addition to any fashionista's winter wardrobe. Here are a few ideas for styling your vest:

• Wear your vest over a long sleeve white tee with skinny jeans tucked into riding boots.
• Wear your vest over a dress and pair with tights.
• Wear your vest over a white button-up top paired with leggings.
• Pair your vest with your favorite maxi dress or top and maxi skirt.

Since they are on trend right now, it's a great time to shop for a faux fur vest. Many of your favorite plus size stores have them in stock! Check out some of these hot faux fur vests available here in Louisville.

Black Friday deals at some fab plus size stores

 Ideas go

Black Friday is only a few days away, so now is the time to plan out your shopping trips and figure out what deals you want to take advantage of. Since this is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, most retailers are offering fabulous deals with major savings! 

Before you go, check out some of these awesome Black Friday sales that will be going on at some of your favorites plus size stores in Louisville:

ootd and giveaway winner!

Pre-Black Friday private shopping event at Francesca's Nov. 20

Photo by digitalart

Francesca's Collections, located at The Summit in Louisville, will be hosting a Pre-Black Friday private shopping event this weekend. The event will take place on November 20, 2011 from the hours of 10:00am until noon and 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

During the event customers can shop with a personal styling assistant to find the perfect looks. Customers will also be able to enjoy food and drinks during the event. 

Another big perk of shopping during this event is the discount! Shoppers will be able to save 20% on their purchases during the event. Francesca's Collections sells women's apparel, accessories, handbags, shoes, and more. 

Before you go, check out some of these fab styles from Francesca's:

Where to shop for plus size tights

Photo by Dan

Tights are a must-have accessory during the fall and winter months. The weather may be cold outside, but don't let that stop you from wearing your fave dresses and winter shorts. Just add a pair of tights to your outfit, and you're ready to go!

The great thing about tights is that they are quite easy to find in area retail stores and online. Many stores that sell plus size clothing also sell plus size tights. 

When shopping for tights, you will find many different styles, colors and patterns. Shopping can be a lot of fun, and you can definitely express your personality through the fun patterns and colors. Wear them with boots, pumps, or flats to create a stylish winter look.

Here are some Louisville area retailers and online retailers who are selling plus size tights. Click the links to check out some of the selections offered at each individual location.

What to wear to Animal Kingdom theme night at Downs after Dark

Above, the sequin zebra print tank from Dots.

Tonight is a special Animal Kingdom themed night at Downs After Dark in Louisville. Fans will be dressed in special animal print attire as part of the event. According to the Churchill Downs website, this theme was inspired by the Kentucky Derby winner combined with one of this season's hottest styles, animal prints.

If you are attending tonight's Downs After Dark event, then be sure to dress with the Animal Kingdom them. If you are a late shopper, then check out some of these stylish animal print pieces from Louisville area retailers.

Plus size fashion haul

Plus Size Fashion Trend: Sequins

 Above, the sequin pencil skirt from Lane Bryant. (Lane Bryant)

Sequins are one of the hottest trends this fall/winter season. Because of that, retailers are carrying tons of sparkling sequined pieces this fall. From lingerie to coats, everyone is blinging out their collections.

With so many different sequin pieces to choose from, let's make this a little easier for you by showing you some of our top picks. Plus, all items mentioned are plus size and available at Louisville area retailers. Most stores also offer online shopping. If the item you are looking for is out of stock in the store, then be sure to check online and vice versa.

Check out these top picks for ten ways to wear the sequin trend:

New Shoes

New shoes! These are a black suede wedge from Candie's at Kohl's. Got them for $11.99 (were $59.99)

bebe is Haute for the Holidays

Some looks from the Haute for the Holidays collection (bebe)

bebe's new Haute for the Holidays 2011 collection is now available online and in stores. This year's collection features everything from sporty workout wear to cocktail dresses. The collection also includes handbags, jewelry, and shoes to complete your holiday look.

While many other holiday collections have a common theme, bebe's collection seems to have a little of everything in it. Velvet, satin, lace, faux fur, python print, lurex, and velour are just some what you can expect to find. Like many other collections this season, the bebe collection also features a few pieces with sparkling sequins. Sequins are definitely the hottest trend this holiday season.

To check out the collection online, click here. To shop the collection in stores, check out the Louisville area bebe location at Mall St. Matthews. 

Also, check out some of our fave picks from bebe's Haute for the Holidays 2011 collection:

New York & Co.'s beautiful new collection, The Luxe Life, is now available

 Above, two stunning new looks from The Luxe Life (New York and Company)

The Luxe Life, New York & Company's latest collection, is now available in stores and online. The new collection features a series of stylish feminine looks that are sure to wow this holiday season.

Using a variety of colors and textures, this collection is full of eye pleasing looks. Classic black and white and bold jewel tone colors dominate in this collection. Silk, faux fur, lace, and sequins are used to created stunning pieces perfect for holiday events. Patterned legwear and sparkly accessories complete this collection.

To shop the collection, stop by any of the Louisville area New York & Company locations or shop online here. 

Need ideas? Check out some of our top picks from this fab collection:

Macy's plus-size holiday collection is now available

Photo by: Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot

Macy's Holiday 2011 Style Guide is now available on their website. The guide features all of the looks from their holiday collection, and is divided into four sections: 

• Girls' Night Out
• Office Party
• Evening
• Accessories and shoes

This year's styles feature gorgeous pieces full of sparkle, color, and texture. Sequins are going to be the must-have look this holiday season, and the Macy's collection has a large selection of sparkling pieces that are sure to be a hit. Also, be on the look out for bold colors, metallics, and blinged out accessories. 

Looking for outfit ideas for the holiday season? Check out some of these fab looks from the new Macy's Holiday 2011 Style Guide.

Beauty Haul

Must-have cold weather accessories

 These unique finger-free gloves from mitta, are available at Apricot Lane Boutique.

Photo from: mitta

Keep warm in style this winter, ladies. Choose stylish cold weather accessories that will compliment your style and personality, and also keep you feeling nice and toasty. 

When shopping for your winter wardrobe, coats and scarves will probably immediately come to mind, but there are also some other great accessories you should add to your winter wardrobe this year. From legwarmers to fingerless gloves, there are tons of different accessories to choose from. 

Also, look for your fave styles, colors, and patterns. You may be surprised by the selection of adorable, yet functional cold weather accessories! 

If you need some ideas, check out these must have cold weather accessories that can be found at Louisville area retailers:

Plus Size OOTD: Classic Workwear

Plus-size blazers: Shop the hottest styles this fall

SONOMA life + style velour blazer (Kohl's)

Blazers are a classic piece that everyone should have at least one of in their wardrobe. A great blazer can really enhance the look of an outfit, and they work really well with so many different looks.

Blazers can paired with everything from a dress to a tshirt and jeans to leggings and a dressy tank. Leave it open to add some structure and lines to your look, or button it up to enhance your curves. The combinations are endless, and the style of a blazer always looks chic.

As with past seasons, blazers seem to be really popular this fall. More and more retailers are beginning to carry larger selections of blazers too. If you are in the market for a stylish plus size blazer this season, then check out some of these Louisville area retailers.

Click the retailer's name to see the current selection of blazers and jackets in stock:

I love my new cape!

TJ Maxx had a lot of great plus size outerwear styles today (sizes 1X-3X). They were all quite affordable to! I fell in love with this cape when I saw it. Love at first sight- so it had to come home with me. It was only 29.99!!!

Above, me in my new cape! Loves it! It's so soft and warm. I can't wait to wear this as the weather gets cooler!

Plus Size OOTD

OOTD:
Cardi/Boots/Hat/Scarf: Target
Tee: Forever 21+
Leggings: NY&Co.

Fun in the country!

A few photos from the family weenie roast/hayride at my grandmother's home.

 Mimi roasting a hot dog.

 Mimi and daddy

 Me with my brother

Shop the latest styles and save at the upcoming J. Jill Dressy Event

 Some looks from the latest J. Jill collection www.jjill.com

Fashion retailer J. Jill is hosting a special event next weekend at their Mall St. Matthews location. The event will begin on Thursday, November 10, 2011 and go through Sunday, November 13, 2011. During the event, shoppers can expect special offers all weekend!

J. Jill is having giving away some awesome prizes as part of the event. Among the prizes includ an iPad 2, a J. Jill gift card, and a spa gift certificate. Stop by the store during the event to register for the drawing.

This event is also a great time to check out the latest fashion collection from J. Jill. J. Jill specializes in women's clothing in misses, petites, womens and tall sizes. Shop between now and November 14, 2011 and take an extra 15% off of your purchase of full price merchandise in store and online.

Check out some of these hot new styles from J. Jill:

Forever 21+ Haul

Gold Necklace, $6.80

Gold Necklace, $8.80

October Faves and the monthly giveaway

October Faves:

L'Oreal Visible Lift Line Minimizing Make-up

Revlon CustomEyes (020 Naturally Glamorous)

Unionbay Nicolette Platform Loafers

Avenue's dazzling new holiday collection is now available.

With the winter holidays right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking of what to wear to all of those holiday gatherings and parties. No matter where you are heading this holiday season, be sure to shop Avenue's holiday collectionbefore you go.

With bold colors, rich textures and flattering styles, this year'sholiday collection is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Whether you are looking for something more casual for a family gathering or getting all dressed up for a special event, avenue's newholiday collection has the perfect look for you.

Check out some of these showstopping looks from the collection:

 Festive in red look from avenue.com

• Festive in red: This look features the solid batwing dress, and would be perfect for going out to a holiday party. Pair this dress with sparkly accessories to really make your look pop.
• Shiny and bright: This is a more casual, but still very chic look, but it still sparkles with that gorgeous embellished cardigan. This is perfect for a casual family gathering.
• Fancy finishes: This look would be perfect to wear to the office or to a holiday event. The beautiful red boucle jacket paired with the sequin tee gives the outfit a sophisticated, yet modern look.
• Sparkle Season: Everyone needs a gorgeous, sparkling  holiday sweater, and the Lurex pullover sweater, featured in this look, is the perfect holiday sweater.
• Party Jacket- This is the perfect faux fur jacket to help create a stylish look, and keep you warm at the same time
• Katherine Georgette Dress: This is the perfect, classic red holiday dress. It's a definite must have.

The collection is full of fabulous holiday fashions. To check out the rest of the collection, click here.

To check out the collection in person, stop by avenue, located in the Dixie Manor Shopping Center in Louisville, KY.  For more information, click here.

This article, written by me, also appears on examiner.com here.

Requested: Fall/Winter Boot Collection

Louisville holiday fashion events to be held November 12th & 19th

 Photo by photostock

If you are looking for ideas for what to wear to upcoming holiday events and parties, or maybe just looking for gift ideas, then be sure to check out one of the upcoming holiday fashion shows being held in Louisville this month.

Mall St. Matthews is hosting a holiday fashion event on November 12, 2011 from 1pm to 3pm. The event will be located in the Dillard's women's wing, and it will feature the latest holiday fashions and gift ideas for the entire family. Members of the Mall St. Matthews Fashion Council will be modeling the holiday fashions for this show.

Mall St. Matthews is located at 5000 Shelbyville Road, here, in Louisville, KY. For more information or directions, click here.

Oxmoor Center is also hosting a holiday fashion show. This holiday event will take place on November 19, 2011 from 1pm to 3pm. This event will take place next to Sears. This event will feature fashions perfect for the upcoming holidays and gift ideas too. The Oxmoor Center Fashion Council will be modeling the holiday fashions for this event.

Oxmoor Center is located at 7900 Shelbyville Road, here, in Louisville, KY. For more information or directions, click here.

Be sure to attend one of these exciting upcoming fashion events so that you can check out all of the hottest new styles and trends for the holiday season.

This article also appears on examiner.com here.

eloquii's Shape My Style feature helps you to shop for the perfect fit

The Limited's newly launched plus size site, eloquii, not only offers shopping, but also offers a feature that helps style the perfect wardrobe for you. The Shape My Style feature uses your personal measurements to find a collection of clothing from the eloquii line that will fit best with your body shape.

Before using the feature, take a measuring tape to find your own measurements. Then select the body shape on the screen that is shaped similar to yours. The screen will also list a few statements about that body shape, and you can check those off just to make sure you are using the correct shape. The body shapes represented are described as either diamond, teardrop, heart, infinity, or emerald.

If you have selected the right body shape, then the Shape My Style feature will give you some style tips, and link you to a collection of clothing from the eloquii collection that will best fit your individual style

The Shop My Style feature helps ease the stress of online shopping by giving you a set of clothing and accessories that will work for your body shape. 

For more information about sizing, be sure to check out the eloquii size & fit chart for specific measurements used on clothing items.

This article, written by me, is also found here on examiner.com