With a title like that you expect a lot of lingerie. They do definitely have that but they also offer a lot of costumes.

They carry the usual sex kitten costumes year round but come Halloween they offer more traditional costumes like: Michael Jackson (queen of pop), pimpets, devils, witches, fairies, fairytale beauties, super heroes, cops, nurses, pirates, retro chicks, naughty school girls, and more.

What makes Big Gals Lingerie extra special is that they offer pre-made and made-to-order costumes. Their made-to-order costumes take a few weeks and are available in sizes 1x to 12. They are reasonably priced from $59 to $175 depending on style and ship internationally.

My absolute favorites: Wonder Girl, Super Girl, Star Princess, Paris in Jail, Fancy Mermaid, Queen of Nile, and Twinkler Tinker Bell. And new for this year are the Grecian Goddess, Robyn Wood (LUV), Swashbuckling Pirate Girl, Sexy Super Hero Wonder Babe, and Lady GaGa (LUV).

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Topic Links
* Visit Big Gals Lingerie for plus size costumes

In recent years the Geisha costume has been made popular with the success of book turned movie Memoirs of a Geisha. Plus size clothing suppliers have made it easy for you to be a talented Japanese entertainer too.

Buy Costumes has a few styles of plus size Geisha costumes that fits up to size 22. But my favorite is the traditional looking one (pictured right) which includes a beautiful red kimono, obi (sash worn with kimono), slip dress, fan and wig. It’s actually quite economical. All you would need to accessorize is a pair of white socks and flip flops which could be purchased from the dollar store. At the time of this posting they were selling it for $36.99.

One of the most important parts of the geisha costume is the make-up. For a traditional look the face must be painted a smooth white, the lips a deep red and the eyes and brows elegantly defined with black.

Here is a twelve minute video of a woman applying Geisha make-up to give you an idea of how your makeup should look. Buy Costumes has a Geisha make-up kit for only $4.99 (use their search box to find):

Be sure to practice applying your make-up a once or twice before the big night so you can get a better feel for how to apply it and can make adjustments after you see how it wears after a few hours.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size Geisha costume from Buy Costumes

A little sale or two to celebrate the weekend:

Braided-Belt Tube Maxi Dress ($22), Torrid

Evans is offering 10% off all orders over £40
Coupon code: EVPLSHE10
Expires: September 14, 2010
Visit Evans for trendy plus size clothing

AnniesCostumes is offering free shipping OR 10% off purchase
Coupon code: SCARY-SHIP – free ground shipping on orders $55
Coupon code: SCARY10 – 10% off orders $85 or more
Expire: October 20, 2010
Visit AnniesCostumes for plus size Halloween costumes

Kiyonna is offering 20% OFF orders of $100 or more (except Spanx or Wedding Dresses)
Coupon code: PARADE
Expires: September 6, 2010
Visit Kiyonna for plus size career clothing

Old Navy is offering 20% off $100 or 25% off any purchase of $125 or more
Coupon Code: ONSAVEBIG
Expires: September 6, 2010
Visit Old Navy for plus size clothing

CalvinKlienJeans is offering 25% off New Arrivals
Coupon code: NA
Expires: September 6, 2010
Visit CalvinKleinJeans for plus size denim

Addition-Elle is offering $20 off all our perfect fit pants
Coupon code: NA
Expires: September 7, 2010
Visit Addition-Elle for perfect fit pants

Hot Topic is offering $15 Off Orders of $50 or more
Coupon code: HTASAVE15
Expires: October 3, 2010
Visit Hottopic for plus size novelty clothing

Swimsuits for All is offering 30% Off All New Plus Size Arrivals Plus Get Free Shipping
Coupon code: 30NEW
Expires: September 30, 2010
Visit SwimsuitsforAll for plus size swimwear

BareNecessities is offering Buy 2 Bras, Get 1 FREE (select styles)
Coupon code: NA
Expires: September 7, 2010
Visit Bare Necessities for plus size bras

Emitations is offering $5 off $30 or more
Coupon code: affsept5
Expires: September 30, 2010
Visit Emitations for fashion jewelry

CJ Banks is offering $20 off $80 purchase
Coupon code: NA
Expires: September 5, 2010
Visit CJ Banks for plus size clothing

Torrid is offering 50% Off Clearance
Coupon Code: N/A
Expires: September 6, 2010
Visit Torrid for trendy plus size clothing

Cafepress is offering 20% off on all purchases
Coupon code: LBRSALE
Expires: September 6, 2010
Visit Cafepress for plus size tees and novelty items

Eliza Parker is offering free domestic shipping
Coupon code: na
Expires: September 7, 2010
Visit Eliza Parker for plus size designer clothing

La Grande Dame is offering 20% off all clearance
Coupon code: LABOR10
Expires: September 6, 2010
Visit La Grande Dame for plus size designer clothing

Target is offering free shipping on $50 Halloween Costumes and Décor
Coupon code: NA
Expires: October 20, 2010
Visit Target for plus size Halloween costumes

Rocawear is offering An Additional 30% Off Sale Merchandise
Coupon code: na
Expires: September 9, 2010
Visit Rocawear for trendy plus size clothing

Apple Bottoms is offering 20% Off All Orders Over $100
Coupon code: na
Expires: September 9, 2010
Visit Apple Bottoms for plus size denim and clothing

Have a delightful weekend!

I know, I’m all over the place with my Threadless days. But today is such a good a good day for Threadless because they are offering $15 off orders of $50 or more with coupon code: SEEUINSEPT (expires September 5). And they have some reprints:

For the Zombie Lover (In Case of Zombies by Olly Moss):

For the Geek (The Robot’s Renaissance by Donald Lim and Evan Ferstenfeld):

For the Nature Lover (Ocean Breath by Chalermphol Harnchakkham):

I was reading a blog recently that said plus size women shouldn’t wear novelty tees and that we should wear solid tees and decorate them up with belts and jewelry. My thoughts, obviously differ as I like to post about my favorite Threadless tees often. While I love the look of solid tees dressed with belts and necklaces, I also love novelty tees. I think novelty tees are fun and look great with a pair of jeans or khakis and layered under cardigans, sweaters, and jackets. They are also great for working out, make great conversation pieces, and are supporting a great designer community.

But more importantly, I don’t believe in limiting what we wear especially if it’s something we like. I do believe in diversity however– so wearing novelty tees seven days a week wouldn’t be a priority of mine. Unless maybe if I worked at Google but even then I’d probably change it up with some solids like suggested.

Like everything else in fashion, novelty tees have a place and if you like them you should wear them. If you don’t like them, definitely don’t wear them. But I think every one should have at least one novelty tee that they love and wear proudly.

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Topic Links
* Get your own plus size novelty tees from Threadless

If you would like to add some animal instincts to your wardrobe but you don’t really want to wear them (some personalities can pull it off better than others). Here are a few affordable options from Etsy designer Peggy Brister. She also has some flower print ones but these are definitely my faves:

Cheetah, zebra, and giraffe prints are still hot for fall. The bags look big enough to use for a change of clothes, baby bag, or as a central handbag for shopping. Prices range from $24 to $28. Grr!

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Topic Links
* Get your own animal instinct handbags from KatelynsKrafts

As far as I’m concerned the one thing a woman can not have too many of are bras. In fact, I would venture a guess that most women don’t have nearly enough bras. But this month one lucky reader is going to have a new addition to her lingerie drawer thanks to Bare Necessities who is sponsoring this month’s blog giveaway. They have offered one of the top selling bras on our site to decorate the curves of one woman plus a little something extra with a combined value of $59.  If you are not familiar with this online company:

“Bare Necessities offers 65+ brands of plus size bras, plus size panties, shapewear, hosiery and lingerie with free shipping on orders over $50 and hassle-free returns. Their top plus size brands include: Spanx, Wacoal, Goddess, Elomi, Fantasie and many more!”

Prize Details:

• One person will get their choice of a Goddess Keira Bra (6090). It is shown here in a lovely violet but is also available in black and fawn. Sizes range from 36DDD to 46K.
• $20 e-certificate

How to Enter:

For this contest there is the option of one to five entries. To get all five entries you must leave a separate comment for each method following these directions:

• Main entry: This one is a must to enter. Leave a comment below sharing a favorite bra brand that Bare Necessities offers on their website.
• Second entry: Follow me on twitter. Leave a comment below that you are following me including your @ name (yes, it still counts if you are already following me).
• Third entry: Follow Bare Necessities on twitter. Leave a comment below that you are following them including your @ name (yes, it still counts if you are already following them).
• Fourth entry: Follow me on facebook. Leave a comment below that you are following me and a link to your facebook or facebook name (yes, it still counts if you are already following me).
• Fifth entry: Follow Bare Necessities on facebook. Leave a comment below that you are following them and a link to your facebook or facebook name (yes, it still counts if you are already following them).

Stipulations:

Five entries per person are allowed (one per method above)– suspicious entries with the same IP address (you know who you are) will be deleted without notice. The lucky winner will be chosen from the comments at random, using random.org, on September 29, 2010 at 3 pm EST. This giveaway is sponsored by Bare Necessities but I will be confirming the email and mailing address of the winner (so make sure you enter the right email). This giveaway is open to person 18 years and older living in the United States and Canada. Void where prohibited by law. The winner will have two weeks to claim the prize; after which time it will be rewarded to someone else.

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Topic Links
* Visit Bare Necessities for plus size bras

I’m still obviously in Halloween mode (and probably will be from now until Oct 31st) because when I was checking out Addition-Elle’s new arrivals I fell in love with this cowl neckline sweater with belt ($59.99) and it has me thinking of an updated Velma from the Scooby pack with this black and grey striped plaid pleated skirt ($38) from Torrid. All it needs is red tights (or fishnet knee highs ($6) if you’re a little spicy) from We Love Colors and Arcopedico Shawna Croc Patent ($139) from Zappos. Wear as an everyday outfit or when Halloween comes around add a black/red bob wig ($12) and cheap spectacles ($4) and you’re ready to go.

If you love Velma keep your eyes open you may find some better substitutes. And definitely let me know!

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Topic Links
* Get your own red cowl sweater from Addition-Elle
* Get your own pleated skirt from Torrid
* Get your own colored tights from We Love Colors
* Get your own patent leathers from Zappos
* Get your own wig and nerd glasses from Buy Costumes

Belly dancing was once relegated to slim women with nothing around the middle. But plus size women are making belly dancing one of their favorite pass times for becoming healthy at every size. And with Halloween around the corner it can also be a great costume.

When you participate in an activity that has always had a costume it stands to reason that you would want one too. Finding plus size belly dancing costumes hasn’t always been easy for plus size women so some have gone out to create their only shops. Like Glenna from Shimmy Sista.

Glenna, a lover and participant of belly dancing, provides women in sizes X to 4X can with belly dance costumes that would and do make their slimmer counterparts jealous. She ships throughout the United States and Canada (shipping information is not quite clear on website so be sure to email for specifics if you are uncertain — she’s quick to reply).

Shimmy Sista’s belly dance costumes are reasonably priced too. Finding lovely costumes to complete the belly dance look and still feel comfortable has always been a challenge but shops like Shimmy Sista are making it easier. They currently offer dance wear like unitards, tops, coin belts, scarves, and pants in sizes 1x to 4x. Don’t forget to sign up for their mailing list to get “members only coupons” and notices for new arrivals.

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Topic Links
* Visit Shimmy Sista for plus size belly dancing clothing.

I wasn’t going to watch the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Then I caught the last twenty minutes. I was entertained both by Jimmy Fallon (Car Wash for Peace) and the celebrity presenters. When it was over I decided I wanted to see what I missed so caught the beginning on another channel. I’m glad I did — the Born to Run sequence was hilarious.

The truth is I don’t watch for the jokes or even the awards (although I’m totally stoked that Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory won). I watch to see the elegant dresses. Nothing says Hollywood more than an evening red carpet event. My plan was to share my top five favorites but that was just too hard so here sixteen of my favorites in no particular order:

Keri Russell

Anna Paquin

January Jones

Kyra Sedgwick

Tina Fey

Christina Hendricks

Kim Kardashian

Carrie Preston

Vanessa Williams

Blake Lively

Jewel

Kelly Osbourne

Amber Riley

Drew Barrymore

Mariska Hargitay

Who were some of yours?

I don’t normally post to this blog on the weekend but I just had to share this news. This week over at the Canadian version of this blog I was excited to announce that Old Navy was now delivering to Canadians especially since they have such a smoking plus size section for sizes 1x to 4x. They have been enticing me for weeks with their International Delivery and “coming soon!” to Canada notices.

My excitement was cut short when I surfed over to OldNavy.ca and realized much to my regret, and I’m sure many other Canadian women, that the womens section only serves women up to size 18. Everything else about the site looks pretty much the same as the OldNavy.com site except for the exclusion of the plus sizes. I was both mad and sad at the same time.

I sent off a quick email to OldNavy.ca and asked about this difference and expressed my hope that plus sizes would be coming soon. I finally received a reply today:

Dear Moe,

Thank you for your email. We appreciate the time you’ve taken to contact
us about your desire to see our Women’s Plus clothing added to our new
oldnavy.ca website. Unfortunately, at this time we are not offering the
plus sizes and we are unable to say when we will be offering them in the
future. We apologize for any disappointment this may cause.

Customer comments like yours are essential to our business and feedback
from our valued customers help provide us with a better perspective on
how we might change and expand to meet your needs in the future. Please
be assured that we will share your feedback with our merchandising team.

We appreciate your interest and look forward to shopping with you again
soon.

If we may be of further assistance, please contact us at
custserv@oldnavy.com or by calling 1-800-OLD-NAVY. If you are calling
from outside of the U.S. you may also reach us at 1-614-744-3543.
Sincerely,

Stephanie
Customer Service Consultant

For lack of a better word — that sucks beyond belief. It’s bad enough that plus size Canadians can’t buy plus sizes in stores (like our plus size American sisters) but now they can’t shop online either.

If customer comments are essential then it is incredibly important that they hear from plus size clientele. Please email or call to express your dissatisfaction!