Archive for June, 2010
1. Avoid wearing shapeless clothes
It is easy to try and wear clothes that are too big or shapeless in an attempt to try and hide your shape or figure. In reality this makes you look shapeless and bigger than you are. Fitted clothes work so much better for plus sized ladies they will compliment you natural shape and look much more stylish. Tailoring works particularly well. If you pick tailored trousers or a skirt that fit well they will give you a smooth and streamlined silhouette and show your shape off. Whilst you want your clothes to have some shape to them avoid any thing that is too clingy.
2. Play to your strengths
Looking stylish as a plus sized lady is similar to looking stylish at any size. You should choose your best points and use your clothes to highlight them and balance out or disguise your least favourite areas. It is all about proportions, so if you have larger hips and thighs, dressing them in a darker colour and wearing a wide necked top will help them to look more in proportion. If it is your stomach that you dislike, hide it with an empire line tunic and if you have a comparatively small waist cinch your clothes in with a belt to keep your whole look in proportion.
3. Try colours other than black
Black can be a slimming colour but it can also be quite draining and boring if worn too often. Don’t fall into the style trap of wearing black all of the time because you thin it is slimming. There are plenty of other colours that will look great. The cut, fit and style of your clothing will also affect how slimming it looks. Think about how you can make block colours work for you and also patterns.
4. Always opt for straight legged trousers
For plus sized women, straight legged womans trousers and jeans are most definitely the most flattering option. Tapered and skinny or tight fit trousers tend to look better on very slim ladies and can be tricky for anyone of any size to wear. A pair of high heels is also the perfect way to lengthen the legs a little which will also make them look slimmer.
5. Shorter plus sized ladies or petites should be careful of clothing that makes them look shorter
As a plus sized petite, you have exactly the same issues as any petite in avoiding clothes that make you look shorter. You will also need to work that bit harder to keep the whole look in proportion. Large prints, horizontal stripes and anything too long or that cuts across your body horizontally should be avoided. Tops and jackets will look best if they finish at hip height.
6. The fit of your clothes is essential
As a plus size, it is so important to buy your clothes  in the right size. Too big and they will look like a shapeless tent, too small and they will highlight every single lump or bump. The most flattering and slimming clothes for you will be those that fit correctly. If you are unable to buy the right size of clothes, look for the closest match and then get them altered.
As a plus sized lady, you should love yourself and your body just as it is. As with anyone looking stylish is all about high lighting the best bits and disguising the rest. If you struggle to find the right clothes in the right sizes, shop online for more choice.
When the sun is shining, there is nothing better to do than have a picnic in the park. A picnic in the park does not have to mean rolling out an old rug on the floor and munching on a few sandwiches and bag of crisps, although that sort of picnic can be fun. A picnic in the park can also be a stylish and lavish affair where you get the opportunity to get dressed up in a nice dress with a big straw hat and sip pimms or champagne whilst eating a luxurious lunch. This sort of picnic is perfect for a Sunday afternoon when you have got nothing to do but watch the world go by and relax in the sunshine. Many parks have bands or music on the weekends in the summer giving you the chance to really make an occasion of it and listen to some great music while you are dining.
To wear
A floral dress is the perfect thing to wear for a picnic in the park. It is in keeping with the general theme of nature and being outside and also has a slightly retro feel about it. Take your pick from brightly coloured florals or paler washed out pastels.
This green print strappy cotton sundress is ideal for a picnic in the park as it is pretty and comfortable to wear the light colours are also perfect for keeping cool in the sun.
This black and white ditsy crinkle flower crinkle dress is another great choice for relaxing in the park on a Sunday afternoon. Cool, comfortable and very stylish.
A stylish pair of flat shoes or wedges will look great and won’t sink into the grass. You just need to add a large pair of sunglasses and a big brimmed straw hat to keep the sun off your face.
To take with you
There is no need to rough it when having your picnic.You can get light weight fold up table and chairs and even pack a table cloth, pretty tableware and a flower for the centre of the table. You can get beautiful melamine plates and plastic glasses or take real glasses and china, if you can carry it. Knives and forks will also be an important part of you sit down picnic.
To eat
You can often get delicious picnic pre packed at a delicatessen or make up your own with freshly baked bread, olives, cheese and cold meats. Fresh fruit like strawberries are great options for desert or why not have scones with jam and cream for afternoon tea. You don’t have to spend hours preparing a picnic lunch sometimes the most simple things in life are the best. Why not top off at the local farm shop on your way and pick up a selection on local seasonal food.
To drink
You can easily make your own Pimms with a plastic jug, some lemonade and some ready chopped fruit, cucumber and sprigs of herbs. Alternatively a glass of chilled champagne makes for a very civilised picnic. For those who prefer something no alcoholic homemade lemonade or ginger beer or a flask of tea are the perfect refreshment.
Yellow is such a bright, energising and beautiful colour. Just looking at yellow makes you feel happy and yet so many people shy away from wearing it. Summer is the perfect time to wear yellow, some how when the sun is shining it just seems so appropriate, but yellow can also work well in spring, autumn and winter. Yellow is one of those colours that will always earn you compliments and catch everyones eye. It is a little bit unusual. Here are some of our top tips on introducing yellow to your wardrobe.
Pick your shade
There are so many different shades of yellow to choose from. Just because one shade doesn’t suit you it doesn’t mean that another won’t. Choose from acid and citrus yellows to banana yellow and mustard yellow, pale yellow or yellow with a slightly orange or green tinge. Generally speaking the really bold and bright yellows will look best on those who have the most contrast between their skin and hair colour. So if you have pale skin and dark brown hair opt for a really bright yellow. If you have tanned skin and medium brown hair, a paler or pastel yellow will look best. If you have a cool skin tone (with blue, pink or purple undertones) you will probably look best in yellows on the green end of the spectrum. For those with warmer skin tones (olive, orange and yellow undertones), you will look better with yellows towards the orange end of the spectrum.
Colour blocking
If you are bold enough why not use yellow to create a colour blocked outfit. It is by far the boldest and most eyecatching way to wear yellow. If you are a little weary start off with a small colour block perhaps a stripe and work your way up to a whole yellow top.
Accessorise with yellow
Adding one of two yellow accessories is a great way to add yellow to your wardrobe without spending too much money or being too bold. Think about adding a bright yellow belt, clutch bag, necklace or shoes to your favourite little black dress for a great style statement.
Yellow Patterns
Contrast Tie Back Yellow Sleeveless Dress
Patterns that include yellow are a great way to introduce yellow to your wardrobe in a more subtle way than colour blocking. If you are unsure about yellow, then start off with a pattern with just a little yellow in it. Once you get used to wearing it you may well want to try a bit more yellow.
Yellow combinations
Yellow and black contrast sleeve top
Consider carefully how the colours that you combine with yellow will change the look. The more of a contrast the more eye popping the look. Combine yellow with black for a really bold look or try white for a more subtle effect. Yellow also looks great with lots of other colours including browns, blues, greens, oranges and reds for a really tropical feel.
If you are still unsure about yellow, why not have a look at some of the beautiful yellow clothes available at Roman Originals.
Florals are so perfect for summer, whether they are bright tropical colours or more subtle ditsy floral prints. Ditsy floral prints look great on a blouse for a casual summer outfit. They are really on trend this year due to a resurgence in the popularity of the vintage Liberty floral prints which are being seen on tennis shoes, accessories, dresses and a lot more this summer. There is definitely something a little bit nostalgic about these floral prints which are also becoming quite popular for home decoration. Floral print blouses also look great with denim or the seasons neutral colour palettes.
Beautiful blouses are the perfect choice for covering your arms from the sun if they burn easily. They are also really flattering as they skim over curves for a streamlined silhouette.
These two floral prints blouses are the perfect choice for a summer outfit with plenty of detail and a slightly fitted shape. These blouses have three quarter length sleeves and pleating on the front and sleeves. They also have a flattering high collar neckline.
Ditsy green floral print blouse
This green blouse perfectly compliments those with blonde, red or brown hair and skin with cool undertones. It can be worn with denim, blue, stone and khaki trousers or a skirt for a very stylish look.
This red blouse looks amazing on those with brown hair and skin with warmish undertones. It can be combined with denim, brown, white and beige trousers for a great outfit.
Of course if ditsy floral prints aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other floral print blouses to satisfy just about everyone.
This ditsy cotton floral cap sleeved blouse has a beautiful orange print on it. The capped sleeves and button neckline has small frills on it. It looks great when worn with brown trousers or jeans for a casual outfit but also works well with a suit for work or brighter trousers for a party or smarter event.
This red floral print blouse would look equally good with black or white trousers. It is cool and light weight for the summer and its vibrant colours are really eye catching.
This floral embroidered summer blouse is cool and crisp for the summer. Its delicate embroidered flowers look amazing with denim for a classic casual look.
To accessorise a casual floral print blouse, there are a number of options. For a subtle look accessories in a tan or brown colour will look good but will not compete with the floral print for attention. You could also try picking out one of the colours from the print for a co- ordinated look. For a really different and eclectic look, a clashing print handbag or scarf will look great. You will need to pick carefully though. Try out some different combinations to see what looks good. Spots stripes and different florals are all good choices.
Why not add a bit of colour and interest to your casual wardrobe with some great summer floral print blouses?
The summer sales are a great place to buy a bargain or two and everyone loves a bargain. But whilst some people seem to manage top buy just about everything they need in the sales, others end up with lots of clothes that they never wear. A bargain is only a bargain if it is something that you really need. By keeping focused and choosing carefully instead of being seduced by the great prices, you can fill your wardrobe with lots of great clothes at a fraction of their original price.
This year the summer clothes seem to be going on sale just as the weather is hotting up so there will still be plenty of opportunity to wear your sales purchases this year. Here are out top ten tips on how to bag some great bargains in the sales.
1. Get there early – as the old saying goes ‘the early bird catches the worm’ and this is so true when it comes to the sales. The soon you shop after the sale begins, the more likely that you are to get the best items in your size.
2. Assess what you really need before you start – go through your wardrobe and work out what you already have and where the gaps are. There is no point in buying more evening dresses if you haven’t even worn the ones that you already have.
3. Pick out the items that you like before the sales start
4. Look for items that will take you from autumn to winter – you will get instant value from any items that can be worn in the autumn and winter as well as the summer. Tops that can be layered are a good option as are dresses that can be worn with a cardigan or bolero.
5. Try not to impulse buy – it is so easy to get over excited and buy clothes that you won’t wear. Don’t do it, that money could be better spent else where.
6. Only ever buy clothes in the right size – It seems obvious but it can be easy to get carried away. No matter how gorgeous the dress, don’t buy it if it is not your size, It won’t fit and it won’t look good on you.
7. Check out returns policies before you buy in the sales – in some shops it can be more difficult to return sale items. Ask to see what their returns policy is on sale items.
8. Look for classic styles that will not go out of fashion – the more wear that you can get from an item of clothing, the more of a bargain it will be. Not only do classic styles look great but they also be good for next year and the year after.
9. Try not to be tempted just because of the price – there should be something that you really love about an item that you buy in the sales. If the only attraction is the price then don’t bother buying it.
10. Shop online to allow you to easily search for exactly what you want – shopping the sales online avoids all of the elbowing, pushing, shoving and trapsing around the shops. It is also much quicker and easier to find what you want.