So I had my “light bulb” moment the other day when I glanced in the mirror.  What I saw looked like a six year old playing dress up with mismatched items from a musty trunk in her grandmother’s attic.  This had to stop. For the next month or so I watched every fashion “how to” show I could find.  I read fashion magazines I never knew existed and tried on outfits that I never would have considered in the past. I scoured the internet for blogs and tips and here’s what I learned about dressing curvy.

1.)  It’s OK to wear snug, tailored clothing.  It is not OK to wear tight, revealing clothing.  One of the items that I would have never dared to try on is the blouse shown above.  It’s the Kiyonna Loretta Lace Top.  In the past I would have thought, it’s too tight, too revealing, and too low cut.  What I found after trying it on is that it had a tailored, crisp, trendy look.  It gave me a waistline that I haven’t seen in years and had a plunging neckline that was cut just right to create a little intrigue.

2.)  If you’re like me, comfortable flattering pants are impossible to find. If they fit nicely through the waistline they are too right through the hips.  If they happen to fit comfortably through the hips, they’re too long.  I’ve found that looking for a waistline on pants that hits slightly below your natural waistline will make your waist look smaller and lengthen your torso.  Another tip that I hadn’t considered:  alterations.  If you find trousers that fit perfectly and are comfortable through the hips, but they’re just too long, find a good seamstress.  Hemming pants is quick and typically inexpensive.

3.)  A fun tip in the reinvention process:  Buy new shoes.  Find a great pair of trendy, comfortable shoes that accentuate your look.  Heavier style heels that are not too tall will balance out your calves. Additionally, avoiding strappy shoes will lengthen your legs and make them appear thinner.

4.)  Lastly, have fun accessorizing, but don’t over do it.  Sometimes less is more.  Though one of the benefits of being plus sized is being able to wear larger jewelry, pairing metal accessories with glass beads or pearls with a trendy bangle just doesn’t work.  Pick a trend and use it consistently throughout your look.

Let’s face it, how many of us stick to our New Year’s Resolutions anyway. Sadly, 78% of us fail at sticking with our resolutions.  This year, I decided to reinvent myself without giving in to all the hype and spending a lot of money on trendy items that I’d be tossing next year at this time. Here’s my 2012 plan to be me with a few improvements.

1.)     Investigate my closet and give away anything I haven’t worn in one year.  This included clothing, handbags, shoes, belts, scarves.  This was really tough at first, then I realized that I had items so old that they were actually dusty.   Those had to go.

2.)    Revel in the space you have created.  WOW, look at all of that closet space.  Now that I was left with necessities and favorites only, I would attempt to create a new wardrobe from what I had.  I laid every remaining item out and just began pairing pieces together to create new looks.  I felt like a little girl playing with her Barbie’s.

3.)    Think about events.  I took my favorite little black dress and paired it with a hot pink satin scarf that I had actually never worn before.  The perfect ensemble for an upcoming wedding.  For the casual football party next week, my old jeans, a white blouse and a long sparkly necklace. I even paired a few items that I used to save for the office with funky skirts or skinny jeans to create new outfits for almost any occasion.

4.)    Shop and compliment what you have.  I set a budget and made a list of complimentary items that would complete the looks I had created.  I decided that I needed a new handbag but I would buy a used one from a local consignment shop.  That would be my biggest purchase.  I added a slinky black cardigan to my wardrobe that complimented fancy and not so fancy looks.

So don’t feel like you need to reinvent yourself every year.  Leave the diet plans and tooth whiteners at the store and create a whole new you with your imagination and items you already have.

With outerwear however, the rules of selection don’t always apply.  Outerwear is typically a more expensive purchase than a pair of slacks or an accessory.  Often women purchase outerwear to fit each season, but rarely have more than one or two coats per season.    So when you’re ready to invest in a new coat or piece of outerwear, it’s important to follow a few tips.

First, be sure that the coat is flattering.  Know your body type and select a coat that compliments your body type, comfortable and can work well with the majority of your outfits.  Secondly, attempt to select a coat that is manufactured from a fabric that will hold its shape and resist stains.  Finally, save your trendy purchases for less expensive items like shoes and accessories.  Coats and outerwear should be classic styles and be worn from year to year.

Most coats in department stores are designed for average size women.  If you are a plus size woman you might have a hard time finding coats that fit well.  Remember that the selection of your outerwear sets the tone for your entire outfit.  It is probably the most important piece of women’s plus size fashion. Dark colors and long, lean, vertical lines can be slimming.

Additionally, if you are have a curvy shape, longer jackets with a belt can accentuate your waist. Keep in mind that if you select a coat with a belt, the belt should rest on your waist, not above or below.  Misplacement of a belt can create more curves and bulges.  The best styles of coats for a plus size woman are those that create a slim, tight waistline and an open chest.

Curvy women are not typically flattered by funnel neck coats or coats with large collars that rest flat or straight up when unzipped.  These designs have a tendency to highlight a double-chin and shorten the length of your neck.

With these tips you can select a jacket that will last for several years and flatter your shape.  Finding the perfect piece of outerwear should not be rushed.  Take your time and select a coat that is comfortable, stylish and flattering.

When it comes to pleasing women, being personal is always a hit.  Women love attention and love to be noticed.  Selecting a gift that is personal shows that you know her and what she’s all about.  Steer clear of gift cards and holiday themed gifts that you could give to the little old lady down the street or your boss. Take a moment and think about what she means to you and her likes and dislikes before you shop.  After all, the perfect gift for your sister may not be the perfect gift for your wife.

The goal of my holiday gift guide for women was to showcase creative and useful gifts as well as pricey and inexpensive gifts.

• My personal favorite – “The Shoe of the Month Club” offered by ShoeDazzle.  She will create her own personal style profile and each month stylists will select a shoe that fits her personality.
• Photo themed gifts – Online retailers offer a variety of photo themed products from coffee mugs to throw pillows, calendars and photo books.
• Jewelery – Diamonds are always great, but consider a more personalized gift.  Charm bracelets are all the rage this holiday season.  Consider starting a bracelet for that special lady and selecting just a few charms.  Then add charms to the bracelet throughout the year on special occasions. Birthstone jewelry or even birth flower jewelry is another option for personalization.
• A silk or cashmere pashmina – You can never go wrong with an accessory made of a fine fabric like silk or cashmere.  They can be paired with a little black dress or a pair of jeans and heels.  Just be sure to select a print or color that compliments the personality of the gal you’re buying for.
• Genealogy gifts – The holidays are all about family.  Moms and grandmas adore passing along traditions to the next generation.  Consider creating a family tree and framing it, preparing a family scrapbook or gifting a keepsake box to collect family memories for years to come.

Remember the ladies in your life this holiday season.  Gifts are important to women, but what’s more important is a thoughtful compliment or an offer to help in the kitchen!  Whatever you try to gift the important women in your life, make it personal and memorable.

It’s those little touches, that make all the difference when you enter a room.  The accessories we choose or neglect to choose can be the difference between looking put together or looking disheveled.  Accessorizing is also a cost effective way to reuse an outfit in a completely new way.  If you need a new outfit for a special gathering but the cash isn’t there, consider busing new costume jewelry or a new scarf rather than a brand new little black dress.  You’ll save money and can create a whole new look.

If you’re like me and happen to be a curvy gal, accessorizing must be done with care.  Shopping for accessories hasn’t always been easy.  When I was a teenager, it seemed like rings were never big enough, bracelets never fit without adding extensions and scarves seemed to short to get that trendy draping look.

Today, (finally) designers have started paying attention to the plus size market.  Brands offer adjustable rings, flexible bracelets and necklaces with built in extensions. In addition to jewelry, handbag manufacturers have extended their straps to fit across larger bodies comfortably.  My favorite accessory isn’t a hat or even a piece of jewelry, like many women it’s shoes.  Today’s styles are often narrow at the toe or have a ballet slipper cut that can cause painful foot issues.

So what is the perfect accessory in my opinion?  The perfect accessory is something that you take with you everywhere, it goes with every outfit and you’ve had it since the day you were born.  What’s more?  It’s free.  So before you leave for that important meeting, holiday party or hot date, be sure to put on your smile.  It’s your best accessory and fits you perfectly.

Kiyonna Cosmo Cocktail Dress

We all have that “goto” dress in our closet.  We wear it to weddings and cocktail parties, hot dates and office socials.  It feels great, it’s a classic and it’s well…been worn to every formal social event for the last five years, blah.

This year, slide that dress to the back of your closet and check out the latest from Kiyonna.com.  Kiyonna has paired a classic black, sleek cocktail dress with this year’s hottest trend, lace and the results are a sultry and sophisticated frock that works for almost any formal event.

A flattering update on the styles of the 1960′s, this dress accentuates your best features and masks imperfections at the same time. The high and wide neckline showcases the collarbone, and the sheer sleeves add an air of sexy mystery. The dress is lined with a curve enhancing and smoothing material to maintain comfort, and has a sweetheart cut at the bust to create clean lines. Romantic scallops at the hems play up the playful yet sophisticated style which can be worn from the office to the gala.

For a formal affair, complete the look with a thick rhinestone bangle and sparkling chandelier earrings with a great updo.  For a less formal affair like a cocktail party, consider accessorizing with a long necklace that falls just below the waist and funky heels.  Whatever the event, we are sure that you’ll love how this dress makes you feel and you’ll love it’s versatility and style.

Tips and Tricks to Shine this Holiday Season

On your way to that special holiday gathering, family get-together or office party, here are some easy tips to shine this holiday season and make the most of your natural beauty.

1.) Now is not the time to recycle.  Though you may wear those old bridesmaid dresses and prom dresses someday, the holidays are not the time.  Overdressing is just as uncomfortable as underdressing.  Rather than wearing your old sequined prom dress to a formal holiday event, select a classic formal dress and accessorize. Consider a sparkling fabric wrap or pashmina to finish your look.

2.) Cartoons are for kiddos.  Steer clear of holiday sweaters with snowmen, reindeer, Santa Claus and excess holiday ric-rack.  Save those novelties for your children and theme parties.

3.)  Too much bling can be a bad thing.  Sequins, sparkles and glitter are festive but sometimes less is more. Accessorize with sparkles don’t wear an entire sequined dress. Leave the excessive adornments on the trees and they pretty packages you’ll be bringing.

4.) Be classy not sassy.  Other than perhaps a New Year’s Eve celebration, leave the tight dresses, mini-skirts and low cut necklines in your closet.  There’s no need to bare all at the office party or family get together.  Find sex appeal in silky fabrics and a great pair of high heels rather than a plunging neckline.

As a young woman, I don’t ever remember receiving any exciting product samples in the mail.  So I thought it might be nice to give something to the ladies to welcome them to a special stage in their lives. As women, we tend to be a little picky.  Did a product exist as useful and necessary as a razor for a woman?  Was there a product that would work for any woman regardless of her preferences, shape, size or style?  And then I found it…Spanx.

In case you’re not familiar with Spanx, here’s a quick lesson.  Spanx is the brand name for the world’s most popular female body shaping undergarments.  These undergarments fit and shape you, smoothing out your problem areas and accentuate a woman’s natural curves.  Made from contemporary fabrics and ingenious designs, these undergarments can provide wonderful compliments to any woman’s figure.  Spanx, like other body shaper manufactures offers foundational garments, hosiery, plus size body shapers and more.

Think you’re too thin for Spanx?  Here are a few of Hollywood’s trimmest that admit to wearing Spanx.  To get back her pre-baby figure, Gwyneth Paltrow wore not one, but two Spanx after giving birth to her daughter Apple.  Jessica Alba credits Spanx for her fabulous look in the motion picture Fantastic Four.  Alba admitted to slipping the shape-controlling garment on before getting into her body-hugging action hero suit.

For those of us that aren’t blessed with the shape of Alba and Paltrow, Spanx are available in plus sizes.   Spanx conceals rolls and bumps and can give the appearance of slimming you up to ten pounds.  For the larger woman, Spanx can assist with the prevention of chafing and are made from thin breathable fabrics.

So Spanx is THE accessory that every woman should have.  Just like the man and his razor, Spanx is a necessity for the young woman getting married, the Mom that just gave birth and the mature woman that still wants to turn heads.   Wouldn’t it be great to go to the mailbox and get a free pair of Spanx!  Perhaps someday!

Though we may not be able to change our body type, clothing designers are making it easier and easier to fake it with our wardrobes.  Today, 64% of American women are considered overweight.  With excess weight occasionally comes excess cleveage and though many men may disagree, being large busted is not always a positive attribute.

After you’ve purchased a quality and correctly sized undergarment that lifts and separates, there are additional wardrobe tips that can be helpful in accentuating your shape rather than flaunt it inappropriately.

Here are some hints and tips for the large busted woman when selecting new items to add to your wardrobe.

Dresses

Thankfully the past few fashion cycles have included the wrap dress as a trend.  Wrap dresses are a flattering style for almost any body type, but can really shape and smooth a curvy woman.  Styles that include an empire line where the fabric flows from the waist can create a waist line and hide oversized hips or bellies.

Avoid sleeveless dresses and those with high necklines as they can draw attention to the upper area of your body.  If you must wear a sheath dress or sleeveless dress, try pairing it with a cropped jacket, bolero or shrug.

Blouses and Tops

As noted in dresses, wrap blouses and even faux wrap tops accentuate large breasts and lift and separate the bustline.  Tank top and spaghetti strap styles can emphasize the bust and shoulders.  Supportive, thicker straps allow for sturdy undergarments and lessen the attention to the upper body.

Jackets and Outerwear

Double-breasted, and high neckline outerwear can make you appear top heavy.  Steer clear of wide lapels and belted trench coats which tend to puff up your upper body.  For a slimmer style, look for a fitter, v-neckline that is single breasted.

Neckline Tips

V-necks are flattering as they lengthen the upper body and appear to separate your chest.  Rounded and high necklines on blouses and t-shirts alike, provide no slimming lines and therefore can make your bust appear amplified.

Swimsuits

Ruching, ruching, ruching.  If you’re not familiar with the term, ruching refers to a gather, ruffle or pleat.  Ruching does wonders to hide rolls and slim waistlines.  Wrap styles like dresses and blouses create slimmer lines.  Retro style swimwear often utilizes ruching and wrap characteristics and can be an a perfect fit for a large chested woman.

Kiyonna's Tamara Twist Dress

It’s that gorgeous time of year again.  The trees are showcasing their best attributes. Jewel tones and the deep colors of nature blend against the crisp blue sky.  Why not take a cue from mother nature and spruce up your wardrobe with the latest trend for Autumn – color.

The modern monochromatic and neutral styles that graced the catwalks this Spring are being replaced by deep oranges, rich yellows and majestic purples.  Fabrics are cozy yet tailored, feminine and warm.
Top trends include the timeless pea coat, the stylish wrap dress and scarves and hats are the Fall accessory of choice.  Each of these pieces are nothing new of course, but trendy new updates are all the chatter this Fall.

The traditional military inspired pea coat with it’s double-breasted cut and navy or black  wool fabric has been updated with to include a belt at the waist, over-sized cuffs and bold new colors. Select a deep burnt orange pea coat rather than the traditional navy blue to spice up your exterior wardrobe.

The classic wrap dress continues to find a place in fashion this Fall because it compliments almost any body type.  With the criss cross neckline and often belted waist, the wrap dress provides slim and fuller body types with soft feminine shape.

Perfect for Autumn hikes and chilly mornings, the addition of scarves and hats to any ensemble is the hot trend this Fall.  Lengthy wool scarves in traditional knit styles can accompany a long sleeved t-shirt or worn with your outerwear in a variety of ways.  Feminine silky patterned scarves can beautifully accompany a classic white blouse or solid sweater and jeans.  Additionally, adding a scarf to last year’s Autumn trends can update any outfit.

Wearing hats for fashion rather than function often seems to be a lost art.  Cab hats, army caps, velvety bucket hats and even a knitted beret can enhance any wardrobe and keep you cozy on those chilly nights.