It’s that time of year – end of season clearance at most retail stores. Shopping during sales is tons of fun but heading out for a big shopping day during end-of-season clearance time can be VERY tempting and usually results in MANY impulse purchases – not to mention buyer’s remorse! Here are some sure-fire tips to “shop the sales” and feel good about what you’ve purchased: Do you really need it? We’ve all done it – purchased a new garment, taken it home, left it to hang in the closet, and thrown it out 2 years later. It seems we never learn. Instead of repeating this vicious cycle, try this. Make a list of things you are looking for and then prioritize what you think you really need (not such an easy task). Think about this: if you only had a certain number of dollars to spend, what would you look for first? This will help you stay focused so that you only looking for certain items rather than let yourself go a little haywire. Don’t let that be you! Look for at least 2-3 options in a similar style. Let’s pretend that you’re looking for a new silk blouse with an interesting pattern throughout. Rather than grab the first one that seems to be a good deal, try shopping around for 2-3 options. You’ll be able to compare prices, colours/patterns, material, etc. This will enable you to choose a piece that you REALLY like (and not just in the spur of the moment kind of “like”) and will actually wear. What a novel concept huh? Is it classic or trendy? People often think that sales are a great time to pick up trendy pieces because of the deep-discounts. However, if a garment is too trendy and very season-specific, chances are it’ll probably be out of style the next year when you’re ready to wear it. Instead, use end of season sales to find those classic pieces that’ll last for many seasons to come. That’s how you stretch your $$ babe! But hey, if you find a cute trendy piece that is such a good deal and you’ll be able to transition into the next season, go for it. We all love those trendy additions to our wardrobe right? Happy shopping!
Plus size vs. “Straight” size…. is it time for change?
By now you may have heard about the article in PLUS Model Magazine that many people are calling “controversial.” Take a read through the article as well as some of the responses that have popped up in popular publications over the past week or so. You can see that through the viral response that has taken place with this article that it is a topic that is of interest to many people. I thought I’d share some of my thoughts: Are we getting close to accepting broader concepts of positive body image and beauty? With awareness on this topic, like we’ve read in this article, as well as the growth of the plus-size fashion industry, we are now being exposed to broader concepts of beauty and fashion. No longer are we only shown images of overly thin models and told that this is what we should aspire to. While the images in the article have gone viral, let’s not overstate the importance of one article in changing the views of society. I’d say that there are many previous examples that have helped get us closer to social change around body image and beauty. Think about the Dove campaign for Real Beauty or the stance that some high-profile celebrities have publicly taken with regards to postiive body image and image enhancement. Monique, Adele, Queen Latifah I’d even say that the popularity of reality TV shows – highlighting plus size fashion – and plus size Hollywood celebrities have had an impact on breaking down barriers of past norms. These past initiatives, this new article, and future awareness and education campaigns are now providing a more complete picture of beauty, fashion and style. I’d like to believe that we are getting closer to social change… hopefully, I’m not being overly optimistic. The editor’s comment that “there is nothing wrong with our bodies” is something that has NOT been a traditional message in the media. It is rather refreshing to see a woman with an average, normal body type being portrayed as beautiful. We all have different body types, with different metabolism and this is not something that we should be hiding. I do firmly believe that each of us has a personal responsibility – to our bodies and minds – to eat moderately, get outside and exercise, and build/maintain positive mental health. After doing all of these things, some of us are going to have a thin body frame, some of us will be more muscular, and some of us will carry extra pounds (and everything in between). The more progressive message that we are starting to hear is that woman of all body types are normal and beautiful. All I can say is that I certainly hope that this is not the trendy topic of the day but real, fundamental change that is starting to take place. I guess we’ll have to wait and see… I firmly believe that retailers have dragged their feet in meeting the demand from the plus-sized market. Let’s
New Year, New Beginnings… Old Pounds
The holidays are over and we’re all in that dead of winter/post-festive funk! It’s dark and cold. Most of us (myself included) are carrying around a few extra pounds from all those cookies, chocolates, drinks, dinners and more. As you stick to your New Year’s resolutions of a better diet and more exercise (we all make some type of renewed health plan, don’t we?), I’ve put together a few garments to help get you through the “my pants are tight” phase of the new year. Why now you ask? I was getting back into the swing of things late last week and put on a suit only to notice that the dress pants were a bit snug! I’m sure I’ve have (ok, I know I’ve had) too many of Mom’s cookies, too much red wine, and WAY too many lunches/dinners out! This type of colour-blocking is a great way to create the perfect hourglass shape… even if you don’t have this shape. This effect directs the eye to the places you WANT people to look and creates the illusion of being narrower than you actually are (after holiday gorging). The thick black waistband will draw the eye to the smallest part of your waist which will take attention away from that “cookie band” around your midsection (we all have it right now). I might even add a skinny belt on top of the black band (I’m thinking emerald green). I’d suggest keeping accessories to a minimum since the pattern of this dress is busy and bold (a simple earring and chunky arm-cuff will do). This thick band across the waist is a great way to keep you and your “cookie waist” all in (additional coverage in the midsection). I really like this fuller skirt. Because of the A-line shape, it draws the eye upwards and creates a small waistline. If you’re a bit shorter, make sure you hem this skirt so that it finishes just above the knee. This skirt can be worn on a less-formal work day or casually on the weekends (both daytime and nighttime). I’d wear this skirt out on the weekend and would pair it with little booties (for a slightly edgier look), a patterned silk blouse, layers of necklaces and a bold ring. What would you do? A blazer will be your best friend while you still have those extra holiday pounds. To a pretty basic outfit, add this fun, chic blazer and watch that holiday fludge disappear. It’s magic (trust me, I did this yesterday). This blazer has very structured shoulders and nips in at the waist. This blazer will do all the work in creating a flattering silhouette. If you’re not sure about the pattern, stick to a solid coloured blouse underneath. If you’re past style basics 101, go forth and layer pattern over pattern. I love the dynamics of a couple different patterns. If you’re like me and indulged just a wee bit much this year, take note of these