Cheers to Holiday Fashion!

‘Tis the season for holiday cheer and family gatherings—a time to look and feel your best! While the holidays are exciting, it can be stressful when choosing an outfit for these special occasions. Whether you're petite or plus-sized it is important to recognize your body type and find dresses that are suited to compliment your figure.

Here are tips and tricks on how to dress for your body type, for women that are:

 

 

Bottom Heavy : Look for eye-catching details around the bust line like a jewelled neckline to direct eyes towards the neckline and face.

 

 

 

 

Sequined Bodice Knit Maxi Dress - $89

 

A flattering empire dress with sequins and beading at front in an eye-catching mix of colors. Wider camisole straps hide bra straps. Graceful gathering falls into soft folds below the bodice.

 

 

 

Middle Heavy : Ruching, empire hems and side drape around the midsectionlike wrap dresses create a smaller waist and overall slimmer silhouette.

 

 

 

Tory Cinch Dress - $98 -

 

Getting dressed will be a cinch with the styling of this chic faux wrap dress.

 

 

 

 Danika Drapped Dress - $118 -

 

The Danika Draped Dress is a beautiful piece with an asymmetrical line at the bottom waist of a fully ruched torso. This becoming silhouette finishes with a faux wrap straight skirt for a slimming effect that includes gathering and a flounce in the front for flirty appeal. Dramatic dolman sleeves flow over the arms in a stylishly feminine way and the surplice neckline adds just the right amount of coverage.

 

 

Top Heavy : A-line dresses proportion your shape like kaftan's while voluminous skirt adds flare and drama to the overall look.

 

 

 

 

Bacchanal Dress - $118 -

 

 

The Bacchanal Dress has a unique, wrap design that starts at the shoulder and cascades down into an angled cut. Sequins shine at the sleeveless right shoulder. Complete with draping sleeves for a fluid finish.

 

 

 

For more figure flattering options and information, please visit :

 

www.catherines.com

 

 

 

 

 

5 Things I Want to See from the Plus Size Industry in 2012!

2012 is nearly here, and I'm looking forward to a fresh start with a clean slate. I'm also looking forward to what the plus size industry will do next, and I thought I'd share what I would like to see happen in the new year :

1. Focus Groups! - Personally, I feel many brands are out of touch with their customers. They really don't know who their customers are, and what their customers want. Focus groups are great for clear communication, utilizing information, and to help improve your relationship with your targeted demographic. Now I know many of you are thinking, "that's what surveys are for!", but focus groups are more personal and it reassures your customer that their opinion and thoughts are being heard. I think anyone who owns/works for a plus size fashion company should invest in regular focus groups, because this will help your business in the long run.

2. Diversity!! - It's going to be 2012, and I still can't believe there is such a lack of diversity amongst the fashion industry. I feel like, I'm seeing the same model but dressed in a different outfit! I want to see someone my size (26+) modelling clothes in catalogues and fashion shoots. I want to see an array of different ethnic models who don't have the typical "hourglass" figure, because as we all know, plus size women are shaped differently! No curvy figure is ever the same. In the words of the fabulous Alissa Wilson (Stylish Curves) :

"I am one of those consumers who buy's alot when I see someone that I can identify with promoting the brand."


3. Reasonable Prices - For the longest time, plus size clothing has cost more than the average sized woman's clothing. I know plus size retailers set higher prices to cover costs etc, but if I'm going to be paying £50 for one garment, I expect it to be (at least) decent quality and not fall apart after a one or two wears. I'd like to see more affordable plus size clothing available in the new year.


4. Trendsetter - It seems plus size retailers/brands are struggling to keep up with current trends, and often hit the mark after a trend has sailed. Believe it or not, there are plus size women who want to be on trend and fashionable! Therefore, I'd like to see plus size brands get creative and make trends their own (who knows it might blossom into a new trend, never know until you try!), instead of following them loosely.

Side Note : Lauren of 'Pocket Rocket Fashion' did a fab post on this, which you can find here.


5. Events Galore - I love nothing more than socialising and having a good time with people, and it would be amazing if there were more plus size events throughout the year! Fashion shows, discussion panels, and preview showings of future collections are some of the events that I would like to see more of this year in the plus size industry.

Side Note : In February, Plus London 2 will take place! So if you're in London, regardless of your size pop on down and have a great time! Claire of 'A Monkey Fashionista' has all the details, which can be found here.

What would you like to see from the plus size industry in 2012?

Let me know!