What is making news is that they are now carrying  plus size designs up to a size 20 in some cases from the likes of Yves St. Laurent, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana and (gasping for air and clutching my pearls) Alexander McQueen!!!

Coming very soon to the department store are fall and winter plus-sized pieces that will be mixed right in with existing stock—most of which would formerly have only been available in sizes ranging to a 10.

Although we may never find the above one of a kind creation designed especially for Beth Ditto by McQueen, I am hoping that the inclusion of these sizes in stores like Saks will make couture designers want to more readily consider the plus size woman when designing an entire collection.

We all have a figure, a shape that with the right clothing could be emphasised to its best. Every woman wants to feel confident and sassy, but wanting a stylish and fashionable look, comes with a list of rules to follow. Here at Lovedrobe, we pride ourselves on being specialists within the plus size clothing industry, and have brought to you a selection of must have style tips, to help you on your way to a hot and happy summer.

• The first and most important tip is to respect your figure and buy clothes that actually fit and flatter. Don’t hide behind pieces that bulk or sag, they will only hang shapelessly off your body.
• For all shapes and sizes, block colours help to disguise any problem areas by elongating your silhouette. Compliment an outfit with a cardigan/ blazer and a waist belt.
• Proportions are also very important. Choose A-line dresses if you carry weight around your middle and choose soft fabrics that drape across your body. Also accessories can work wonders for an outfit. Wear them to either draw the eye away from those areas you want to play down, or wear to draw attention to the assets you wish to highlight.
• Plus size fashion has never been better, so don’t settle for shapeless clothes ever again. Seek out your personal style and celebrate with the one thing that never goes out of fashion…confidence!

About Lovedrobe: With 35 years experience in plus size clothing and ladies fashion -Lovedrobe brings you the brand that you will return to again and again. Their team is dedicated to studying the catwalks, latest trends and styles to satisfy your needs.

Her new Online Exclusive Collection: Cream Tea is only available online!

My favorite pieces are the creamy white cotton sateen blazer , the crochet back strap top, the berry and pink print cotton dress and the pleat shift dress. I just adore this collection! The vibrant colors such as strawberry  pink, creamy off-white,  berry blue and lucious violet simply screams — I am FANCY, FREE and VIVACIOUS!!

If you are monochromatic individual or if  you only fashion your curves with dark colors I encourage you to try this collection. Step out of the box— Wear a splash of color– Who knows you  might like it!

If your summer is packed with rooftop dinner parties, festivals in the park, sailing on the sea, a tea party, or just a night out on the town,  this collection just  might be what you are looking for!

Head on over to Anna Scholz now to shop the new collection at annascholz.com

While you are there do not forget to check out her latest collections: Weekend at the Coast, Primms in the Park, Glyndebourne,The Proms, and the Henley Royal Regatta- along with sooo much more!

~The Curvy Fashionista

Shoes of Prey is a unique shoe manufacturing company based in Australia. The company, launched in October 2009, allows their customers to personalize and build their own pair of shoes through the use of their customization tool on their website.  Customers have the option of choosing heel length, color, and type of leather amongst other options. With such free range and accessibility to choosing a design concept, it is no surprise that a number of celebrities have gotten wind of this new company and have already started to take advantage of its unique features. 

The stunning Aussie actress Sophie Monk has recently been spotted wearing a pair of violet fish skin heels. She paired her heels with a simple white tee and cut off black denim shorts. Her Shoes of Prey give her outfit a very stylish finishing touch for a great summer look. Other celebrities recently spotted in Shoes of Prey are actress Tia Carerre, who made a pair of red heels and added a touch of orange and former Miss California Tami Farrell who was spotted in a green and black pair. The customization features offered by Shoes of Prey give celebrities certainty that they won’t be spotted wearing the same shoes as someone else. 

The mission of IGIGI’s is to transform the world’s view of beauty by breaking down the barriers surrounding beauty. Raquel continues to contribute to this mission by designing clothing that will enable women to rediscover their beauty, feel beautiful, desirable and empowered.   

Designed and produced in San Francisco, CA Raquel sees her collection as an instrument providing form-fitting and figure-flattering looks, therefore, making women feel radiant and beautiful while falling in love with her reflection as she looks in the mirror.

 IGIGI collections are manufactured with the highest quality fabrics and workmanship and reflect the latest trends in fashion. IGIGI introduces most of its styles in very limited quantities to keep the collections exclusive. IGIGI employs innovative techniques that create a great fit for the individual shape leading to a visually appeasing appearance. IGIGI’s ShapeStylist educates customers about their individual body shape and tricks of the trade to dress it for the ultimate flattery. IGIGI is available at www.igigi.com and select boutiques worldwide.

Below are some of the looks from Igigi’s Pre-Fall Collection:

Carla Triplett modeling for Susan Moses

As a fashion director and market editor at heart & having attending shows in NYC, Paris, Milan and London for numerous years for Conde Nast and other magazine publishing companies, I wanted to share some of the BEST runway show with the links to images of great looks from the runways this past Saturday evening at the Park Central Hotel Ballroom here in NYC….

FIRST AND FOREMOST - Susan Moses-( after all – we worked SO hard to make MODE Magazine relevant and modern for women with curves in celebrating style beyond size…- Moses ALWAYS delivers!) and of course the new collection from Igigi.com, the former Project Runway designer Ms. Q Frazier and the new Canadian company-Lotis….

The Angel Alternative
Designer Angel Myers, hailing from Florida, entered the stage in a fabulous floor length dress remeniscent of the 70′s. That same theme was reflected throughout the entire collection.

Who said curvy girls can’t wear prints? Coupled with these figure flattering designs you can’t help but want to flock to them.

 For having just started to design professionally, Angel’s line was cohesive and fluid. The ease of each piece and comfortable fabric choices makes this collection ready to wear, by me!!

Pure Energy

 Designed by Angelina Mortarotti, Pure Energy is a collection of fun, flirty designs that cater to the teen fashionista and the young at heart. What I loved about this collection was the versatility. You can easily dress up or down several pieces, making them a staple in your summer wardrobe.

Kiyonna

I was really looking forward to seeing Kiyonna showcase their latest designs. You  can count on Kiyonna to deliver elegance and sophistication. They certainly did not disappoint.

Just My Size

Just My Size.com is your one stop destination for affordable clothing ranging in sizes from 1x to 6x. Each piece displayed was under $20. Now that is  just my price!

Chan.nel Karama, Ltd.

 I just couldn’t get enough of Chan.nel Karama! The words that come to mind is Urban Sophistication! She brilliantly paired harsh and soft fabrics to give you a strong, approachable collection.

LaDan’s Closet

You will be very hard pressed to find outerwear that is more figure flattering and tailored than LaDan’s Closet. Based in New Jersey, this collection included capes and coats in bright colors that compliment any outfit.

Drapery

This was an innovative collection that had a touch of whimsy. With exaggerated sleeves and oversized bows, you truly were inspired by these fantasy laced pieces.

Which ones were your favorites?

New York Magazine

Full Figured Fashion Week is currently in its second year in Manhattan. The four-day event, which began Wednesday, includes fashion shows, panel discussions, and runway-model competition. This year’s event boasts 35 sponsors, up from 7 last year, while runway shows are drawing crowds of around 300. Full Figured Fashion Week also has reality stars! America’s Next Top Model winner Whitney Thompson is receiving an award this year.

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New York Time (Blog)

Shopping can be a dreadful experience in general. But if you’re the sort of woman who actually enjoys eating on a semiregular basis, and who prefers fashions that look like they weren’t manufactured by the American Tent and Awning Company, it’s downright traumatic. Designers and clothing stores have slowly become aware of this; according to the NPD Group, a market research company, the women’s plus-size apparel market hovers at $17.9 billion, up from $17.7 billion in 2009.

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New York Times (Print Version)

Corseted into a size 18 white denim dress, wearing heels that made her about 6-foot-2, Gwen DeVoe, a former model and fashion-show producer, stepped onto a runway in Manhattan this week and made a pitch to retailers for the plus-size woman.

Those stores that don’t carry bigger sizes? “Shame on you, baby, shame on you,” Ms. DeVoe said. “Every curvy girl that has a dollar is willing to spend that dollar.”

So retailers are realizing.

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Huffington Post

This year’s Full Figured Fashion Week is under way, bridging the gap between plus-size consumers, designers and retailers. According to founder Gwen DeVoe, plus-size customers spend a collective $25 billion dollars on apparel each year. She thinks the fashion industry has made some progress on the full-figure front, but has some way to go. DeVoe also had some harsh words for Julien Macdonald, a judge on “Britain’s Next Top Model,” who recently called plus-size models a joke.

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Each gown was a celebration of sophisticated femininity in an array of light weight tulle, organza, light weight satin, new generation tissue taffeta and chiffons, which is great news for curvy brides. These fabrics bring out the best in your curves and you will feel it the moment you step into a gown.  Although there were many wonderful couture confections on the runway, here are a few that I took special note of:

Zoe by Henry Roth is a Satin Polka dot 50’s organza ball gown that seemed to float down the runway.  A ballgown is a wonderful way to accentuate gorgeous shoulders and a small waistline for a very modern Mad Men look.

Hibiscus by Henry Roth features an embroidered tulle overlay 50’s waist swirl skirt. The skirt drapes a cit closer to the body for a more modern twist on the 50’s (sock hop) skirt. This is a wonderful choice for hourglass and inverted triangle body shapes.

Martine by Michelle Roth has satin ribbon textured frills caught on tulle over French Chantilly lace. It’s romantic, sexy, sophisticated and chic. It’s perfect for hourglass shapes.

With its organza frill neckline, Natalie by Michelle Roth is anything but frumpy. These are definitely not your grandmother’s frills. Light, sexy, yet ethereal with a sheer drop skirt, it’s all about feeling like a real sophisticated woman.

The runway show was terrific, Henry made his own special music mix to go along with the runway show and he opened the show with his usual effervescence. You can tell that each creation is a labor of love for this brother and sister team. Find out more about them and see more of this wonderful collection visit their http://www.henryroth.com/michelle2.php . If you’re in New York you can make an appointment visit http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/  to see the collection or to find out when they’re holding a Henry and Michelle Roth trunk show.

The Finale Showcase on June 19 at the Park Central Hotel will surely be a star studded event! With Celebrity Plus Model Emme as the host, the Finale will not only have the hottest fashion from across the country but it will include an awards ceremony honoring the most popular plus industry trailblazers.

Below are the designers featured during the finale:

Pheline

Born in Jamaica and raised in Toronto, Ava Jones developed an early passion for fashion design. In 2009, Jones established her company, Pheline and debuted her ready to wear collection at the Fuller Woman Expo both in Canada and the United States. The collection, inspired by the figure flattering femininity of the 50′s and 60′s- was designed and created with a fuller figured woman in mind.

Osun Designs

The House of OSUN was established in New York City in 1982 by Delali Osun Haligah. OSUN Designs (pronounced aw-shoon), is named after the Yoruba Deity of all that is beautiful, sensual and womanly. With no two designs alike and each OSUN creation is as individual as its wearer! Delali’s specialties are large hand painted, symbols, bold splashes of color, hand dying and beading. The designs are a combination of contemporary style with a distinctly Ancient flavour.

Lotis

Canadian line, Lotis, was created by this powerhouse trio design team to fill a demand for quality casual and business attire. Lotis’ mission is to effectively outfit the professional woman, on the clock AND off the clock, by providing pieces that are conservative with an edge. The line brings versatile fashion forward pieces in casual wear and career wear; chic with a twist of flattering details.

Jewel Shannon Couture

The Jewel Shannon Couture Collection features couture evening and bridal gowns for the sophisticated woman of class and style; designed to fit the specific taste of the exclusive clientele. With unique detail, this collection is created with a difference using a variety of beautiful and rare fabrics. The newest addition to her fashion house is the beautiful Island Jewelz Plus Size Resort Wear Collection which was debut at Full Figured Fashion Week™ in 2009. “My collection is for the woman who is sophisticated, unique, sexy, smart, confident yet mysterious regardless of their size.” As Jewel Shannon continues to create couture garments for individuals with exceptional fashion taste, she can be described as A Gem in the fashion world and a designer to be followed in the future.

K. Renee Designs

A native of San Francisco, CA. Kathy was blessed with the gift of sewing at a very early age making clothes for family, friends and for herself. Be careful not to label Kathy an “ordinary” seamstress. She is a woman with great creativity and techniques and primarily focuses her energy in creating attractive designs for the full figured fashion world. Being careful not to limit herself, she also designs for all sizes. With over 30+ years of experience, if you can imagine it, she can create it.

LaMaica Fashions

Jamaican born, Florida based designer; Marvalyn Nelson has been creating ravishing male and female designs for over 25 years. LaMaica Fashions originates in the lush island of Jamaica and is now based in the U.S. Her 2009 showcase during Full Figured Fashion Week™ was nothing short of spectacular. Marvalyn continues to impact the fashion industry internationally and locally. Look out for a new collection of handbags coming soon.

Monif C. Plus Sizes

Plus size fashion staple Monif C. has earned her rightful title as one of the best designers for plus size women. With her trendy and flirty aesthetic, Monif C. designs remits exceptional structure and quality presentation for the contemporary plus size woman and when it comes down to swimsuits Monif C. is considered the reigning queen of design.

Qristyl Frazier Designs

Season 6 Project Runway’s alumni, Qristyl Frazier, has served (and will continue to serve) women from ages 22 to 55 – from size 12 to size 24. Her clients are established, tasteful women, who desire stylish, yet practical clothing to fit their active careers and lifestyles. Qristyl Frazier Designs, Inc. has unparalleled flexibility, attention to detail and utilitarianism, and great passion for the real women in the plus size market.

Susan Moses by Susan Moses

Susan Moses’ career as a celebrity stylist has spanned more than a decade and she has dressed some of the most visible celebrities in music and film. This roster today includes, Brandy, Hillary Duff, Mo’nique, Queen Latifah, Kathy Bates, Emme, Wynonna Judd, Chaka Khan, Angie Stone, Gabourey Sidibe, Jill Scott and a host of others. Her greatest inspiration has been styling curvy women. She has always believed that styling is beyond size. So it is only natural to evolve into the design studio. Susan Moses has partnered with Sunil Ramchandani a former designer at Anne Klein to create a beautiful collection of runway inspired garments that is totally “style beyond size”.

Tru Diva

The True Diva collection offers a variety of style to the contemporary plus size fashionista. From bohemian looks to elegant evening gowns, TRU DIVA communicates style, edge, and sophistication.

IGIGI

“There isn’t much of a difference in designing for a voluptuous body versus a straight sized body. Ultimately, every woman wants to accent their best features, deemphasize their areas of concern, and be able to strut confidently in clothes they love. My job is to do just that”, says Ukranian-born designer, Yuliya. IGIGI’s customer is a stylish, confident and empowered woman who appreciates the beauty in all things in life.

Bella Donna Designs (tribute to the late Charles Coleman of Bella Donna Designs)

Long-time friend and business colleague of FFFWeek™ Executive Producer Gwen DeVoe, and designer of 20 years, the late Charles Coleman inspired fashion with cutting edge designs for the sophisticated plus size woman who dared to be distinct. Mr. Coleman’s flare for creating classic couture for curvy silhouettes will live on through the collection he left behind.

For more information, visit www.FFFWeek.com