Fashionista +

Eloquii by The Limited

noreply@blogger.com (Reese) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:23:00 +0000

Hot new line launching next week ~ Eloquii by The Limited! That's right by The Limited.

I've seen previews here and here. WOW! This girl is gonna have one crammed closet. And, may even need to pick-up a second job :)

October 26 is the launch date. I'm setting my alarm and warning my mailman.

Thoughts?

~ rissadee

(follow me on twitter.com - @rissadee)

Fashionista+ Has Moved...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:12:00 +0000

Yes, we finally did it. Fashionista+ has made the leap to Wordpress. New Look. New Features and the best plus size fashion on the net.

Won't you come visit - www.fashionistaplus.com

See ya there!

Plus-Sized Fashionistas: Fabulous Style, Fantastic Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Mon, 04 May 2009 02:45:00 +0000

Plus-Sized Fashionistas: Fabulous Style, Fantastic Hair

Being a plus size fashionista, you don’t have to wear unflattering clothing and feel less than terrific. There are GREAT options over what was portrayed in the past. Today’s full figured gal embraces the theory that big is, indeed, beautiful, and whether she’s heading to an interview or hitting the town, she always wants to look her best. Some plus size trends can be called into question (I mean, seriously - bubble skirts?!?!), but perfectly styled and healthy looking hair is one thing that will never go out of style. Whether you’ve got curly or straight hair, frizzies and flyaways can instantly ruin your look, even if you’re wearing your most stylish Jimmy Choos or flattering LBD. Flat irons are a simple and effective way to style your hair in minutes and achieve looks that will turn heads.

Choosing a Professional Flat Iron – When Only the Best Will Do

There are plenty of inexpensive flat irons on the market, but the last thing you want to do is cheap out and get a product that won’t work or will fry your delicate tresses. If you want a product that will last and let you look your best, choose a professional flat iron. These flat irons will automatically adjust to your hair’s thickness and texture to deliver perfect results each and every time. The Babyliss flat iron or the CHI straightener are also excellent choices. The Babyless flat iron reaches temperatures of up to 450 degrees, makes hair shinier, and is safe for fragile to coarse locks. The CHI straightener is the top seller worldwide, and it was this company that first used ceramic plates, now a standard component of quality flat irons. Available in a number of stylish colors and designs, including black, pink, glacier ice (my fave), and stylish blue, this product is an essential addition to any fashionista’s beauty product collection.

Oh, The Possibilities

Whether you choose a CHI straightener, a Babyliss flat iron, or a professional flat iron, you’ll be able to achieve several looks, something that’s essential to fashion trailblazers everywhere. You probably knew that the babyliss flat iron would straighten and smooth your hair, but did you know you can also flip hair with a flat iron with some hairspray and a little practice? If you’re going to a very conservative function and don’t want to flip hair with a flat iron because the daring style would be a little out of place, you can also use your CHI straightener to curl your hair under and let it neatly frame your face. If you already have straight hair and want to do something totally different, you can also use your flat iron to make flawless curls! Straighten, curl or flip hair with a flat iron – one of these looks is sure to be the perfect accompaniment to every outfit in your enviable wardrobe.

IGIGI is Stepping Up The Style Game...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:24:00 +0000

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the IGIGI line. IGIGI has a name that is synonymous with quality- both in workmanship and materials. Not to mention, they are always fashion forward - making the plus size Fashionista look amazing!

I have been finding myself working crazy hours with little to no time to channel my inner 40s Glam Goddess. However, now that I've procured a fabulous pair of Loubous, I need a fabulous dress to rock with the shoes, no? And, like Superwoman to save the day, in swoops IGIGI's Lola dress.*

Look at this lovely.... the hanger does NOT do it justice.

First of all, if you still follow the "style rule" of only wearing jewel tones in the winter/fall season - toss that rule out the window. This is such a rich shade of amethyst, it is seasonless. It's got an asymmetrical neckline and is cut perfectly.

However, ladies, be sure to wear some Spanx with it because, it fits like a glove. I'm not talking tight where Clinton & Stacey** will be doing a style intervention but stylish where it hits at all the right places. One thing I have to say about IGIGI's sizing - they are not at all like some of those other retailers *cough cough* Avenue *cough cough* Lane Bryant *cough cough* whose sizing is like tossing the dice in Vegas. IGIGI's clothing is true to size. After a period of wearing suits and casual work clothes, etc., it felt great to dress up and go out in style.

Next on this gal's style radar - the Paloma Belted Dress. After all, now that I've channeled my inner 40s screen siren, I just can't look back. Now if only I could figure out my shoe selection to go with...

Many thanks to IGIGI for making a gal feel like a million bucks! And, let me tell you a secret - they are having a KILLER SALE so what are you waiting for - GET THEE TO IGIGI!

* At the time of writing, the Lola dress was sold out but they have a huge selection of gorgeous dresses to choose from.

**Hello - speaking of. When will Clinton & Stacey feature IGIGI's designs on some of the gorgeous plus size gals that are featured on What Not To Wear? Someone get a show producer on the phone - stat.

Obsessed With: L.A.M.B.'s Tailynn Pump...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:06:00 +0000

One thing about being a plus size fashionista, I can always count on shoe luv to bring up the spirits when I've had "one of those days/weeks/months" and not feel an iota of guilt because, while my waistline is shrinking (thanks Wiggs!!), my shoe closet is not.

The big whisper around the fashion-sphere is nude. Having a pair of nude heels that I went crazy to get, I learned that nude shoes look chic, timeless and can transcend many seasons. The L.A.M.B. Tailynn had me at hello and now I'm determined to have these be the next ones that I'm saving up my pennies for...

Now, one of the problems is, of course, the ankle strap so it definitely needs to be tried on. With the wrong placement, it can just be disaster. Good thing with online purchases, returning them is a snap, especially with Endless.com. Couple that with cash back and coupons for your favorite retailer and you are golden!

What's your shoe obsession for the Spring season?

Yay or Nay: Lane Bryant's Ruffle Faux Wrap Dress...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:42:00 +0000

You can tell Spring is in the air as I'm on a dress kick this month.

While surfing the 'Net, I noticed Lane Bryant's Ruffle Faux Wrap dress and while it seems summery and fresh with the polka dots, I thought that I'd reach out to you for your opinion.

What say you - Yay or Nay?

Guilty of Idiocy (Again): Lane Bryant's Cacique line...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 03:26:00 +0000

How many times do you, as a plus size fashionista, swear off all things poorly made and is not quality? Better yet, how many times do you buy something at Lane Bryant only to have it last three to four wearings?

That's what I'm going through with their Cacique bras. I spent quite a bit of money there recently as I finally decided to take the Oprah challenge and get the RIGHT size bra and invest in some "quality" pieces. Well, quality - that's a term that I find debatable.

Right now, after two bras either popping their underwire or falling apart after TWO wearings - yeah, I'm SO done. Those bras retail for $30-40 APIECE. Sure, many times they run the Buy 1 Get One 1/2 off or a coupon but still - after dropping a nice chunk of change on new bras, to have these fall apart was beyond discouraging. And, for that, I need to bid adieu to poorly made crap and make some quality decisions - and that means swearing off Lane Bryant. What used to stand for quality and class is now cheap, poorly made and just not worth the insanely high prices they charge. I bought a bra at Ashley Stewart that runs circles around the Cacique disaster which looked great but didn't hold up AT ALL.

Lane Bryant - how many times are you going to disappoint your target audience? The more corners you cut and quality you skew in favor of a quick profit will only make us take our money elsewhere.

Avenue: FAIL

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:46:00 +0000

OK, for the holidays I received an Avenue gift card. I was excited because, quite frankly, I don't like going to the Avenue stores here in Orlando. The sales staff that I've encountered in times past have been far from helpful. The selection here in Orlando is questionable and the locations of either store are not convenient to me.

So you can see why I was excited to get an Avenue gift card for the holidays and figured "I can shop online!"

Yeah - that's what I thought. Until I get the gift card and see: "Not for use with Internet and/or Catalog Purchases."

Avenue - you get a big FAIL in my book and, after I deal with your store here in town, you can rest assured that it will be some time before I grace your doors again.

Yay or Nay: b&lu's Emila Blouse...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:00:00 +0000

I'm on the fence, people.

b&lu sent out their email announcing the new arrivals and some have made want to buy, some have made me shake my head going "WTH" and then this Emila wrap blouse. I'm on the hunt for a great red wrap blouse, but this one has me a bit confused.

What say you - Yay or Nay?

Kiyonna ~ Sale Event 10/24 and 10/25

noreply@blogger.com (Reese) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:25:00 +0000

Attention Southern California Fashionistas:

Kiyonna

2-Day Boutique Shopping Event in Anaheim

Friday 10/24 and Saturday 10/25!

Stop by Kiyonna's 2-Day Shopping event this Friday and/or Saturday to check out their new collections ~ La Bella Vita and Le Provocateur. It's your chance to try on everything! If you spend $100 or more, Kiyonna will give you one of their top-selling shirts - the Center Gathered top! Stock up on Spanx...find a party dress...get your hands on the curvy pencil skirt...stylists will be on hand to help you find what you need.

I'll be there Saturday morning - I've already warned them I'll be trying on everything in my size!

Hope to see you!

~ Rissa

Kiyonna - The Upstairs Boutique

1440 South State College Blvd., Suite 5G

Anaheim CA 92806

RSVP: 714.956.5588 ext. 109 or via email vvasquez@kiyonna.com

Yay or Nay: Lane Bryant's Colorblock Faux Wrap Dress...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:59:00 +0000

I was reading a kick butt article on MNS dispelling antiquated fasion advice - MSN: 5 Fashion Rules to Break - and while I was nodding my head in agreement, this dress caught my eye.

So I ask you, would you rock this Colorblock Faux Wrap Dress from Lane Bryant?

Yay or Nay?

Fashion Review ~ B & Lu

noreply@blogger.com (Reese) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:52:00 +0000

It's a fashion post! It's a fashion post!

B & Lu (bandlu.com) ~ Plus Size On Trend

I am new to the b&lu bandwagon. Lys has purchased items (snagging a sweater I really really wanted) and extols the virtues of the b&lu. I've perused several times. Last week, I took the plunge. Let's review, shall we?

Item #1 ~ the Jacey Jacket (silver or gold - I got gold) - $26.00

Gorgeous jacket! I ordered a 3x, which fits fine across my back and shoulders - my trouble areas. However, it doesn't button up. Looking at the website photos, the way the jacket fits the model is how it fits me. I'm okay wearing the Jacey Jacket open over a shirt. Seems well made, material is good; the color is more of a dirty/burnished gold color. I'll keep it! Grade: A-

Item #2 ~ the Willa Hoodie (sage) - $38.00

Love at first sight! Ruffles? Love! Deep V-neck? Love! Stripes? Love! I ordered a 3x and it fits just how I like a casual shirt to fit - a bit loose, very comfortable. The V-neck is deeeep. If you're daring enough, wear a plunge bra and flaunt the cleavage. If you're me, wear a lacy cami or tank under it. It's a nice light-weight material. I'll keep it! Grade: A

Item #3 ~ Kylie Top - $28.00

Oooh, I love this shirt! Again, I ordered 3x thinking it wouldn't be as snug as described. Yeah, not so much. No matter - it's a darling shirt! I just won't wear it to work. The material is thin, so black bra is recommended. I'm pretty sure I'll keep this shirt; but I'll let it live in my closet for a few days and see if it's something I reach for. Grade: B-

Item #4 ~ the Vera dress $36.00

I love this dress. I don't love sequins. Looking at the dress on the model, I thought "Hmm. Not so bad. I could do it." I can't. Too much with the sequins and too close to my neck. The material is gorgeous, soft; the dress fits beautifully and is so comfortable. But the sequins? I just can't do it. It's going back.

I hope you check out B & Lu ~ great stuff, with some stuff in 4x and/or 5x.

Fall Into Fashion: J.C. Penny's Fall Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:14:00 +0000

Fall is my favorite time of year. I think I've rattled on about that here before. So, falling into the fall season (Ha!), here are a few things that we've found from J.C. Penny that caught our eye...

Worthington Twist Neck Top

St. John's Bay 3/4 Sleeve Stretch Wrap Top

Ana - Cowl Neck Top

Tweed Wrap Suit

East5th Faux Wrap Dress in Red Onion

Worthington Belted Sheath

Brocade Jacket

East5th Plus Wrap Jacket

Worthington Kimber Pump

What are your favorite pics?

Fashionista + Shops Coldwater Creek

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:07:00 +0000

I never really paid attention to some retailers as I wasn't sure who offered Plus Size fashions or who didn't. I was pleasantly surprised by Coldwater Creek's offerings.

Check out this faux wrap top in *the* color for fall - Purple.

This outfit looks like it can transition from spring to summer to early fall with ease.

and, finally, this outfit looks so fresh and summery. Love it.

Also - just a FYI, if you sign up through Mr. Rebates or Ebates, you also get cash back. Not too bad. Have any of you ever ordered from Coldwater Creek? If so, let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Shopping!

Dance All Night With Igigi...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:30:00 +0000

This Flirty Halter Cocktail Dress by Igigi has me pulling a Roger Rabbit while figuring out what events I could wear this to.

I love the detailing and the Brown/Turquoise color combination is divine.

I will say this, Igigi knows how to pull out all the stops when it comes to dresses that rock.

One Dress Style: Many [Store] Options...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:21:00 +0000

I saw this Satin Trim Shirtdress at Dress Barn* in both chocolate brown and black the other day while wandering the Outlet shops and fell in love. The ribbon detail. The pleats. The rhinestone buttons. Chic yet professional, no?

However, in true Lys fashion, I talked myself out of it thinking "hmmm... Lys, you already have a killer brown dress from Kiyonna. Remember? And you don't need another black dress." Off hand, I want to say the dress at Dress Barn was $69.99 but I could be wrong.

Then, while perusing the racks at Nordstrom I saw it IN TEAL by Robbie Bee (and it's not on their site yet). A bit pricey over the Dress Barn version but still, delish. (And Teal *is* my favorite color so yes, I might actually pay the $99 for it)

Now the peeps over at The Avenue have this dress in in Fall's go-to color - Violet for $88. (Note: Save 15% off and use coupon code AV81185 through Thursday, July 17, 2008)

Finally, as we profiled before, Jessica London has the same style dress in a chartreuse green as well. (Note: Try to get 50% off with the coupon code JLW4329 by July 11, 2008)

OK Ok OK! I get it - Hey Universe, I'll be picking it up for Philly and double thanks for the color and price point options. What color do you think is hot?

*Dress Barn Woman does not have shopping online so I had to use the Avenue photo for display.

Fawning Over: J. Jill's Textured Bistro Jacket..

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:19:00 +0000

The color, the texture, the look of J. Jill's Textured Bistro Jacket equals hotness on all levels.

Brights Brights Brights...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:59:00 +0000

Brights are on point for these dog days of summer. Well, in scouring the web lately, here are a few pieces that caught my eye.

Check out The Avenue's Leaf Print Banded Dress. There's something very "fun" about this dress - definitely something Reese would like.

Ashley Stewart has this bright pleated patterned stand up manderin color shirt.

To help you beat the heat, Jessica London has a Clemintine Surplice Top

and

a Cotton Eyelet Sundress that will keep you looking cool and chic.

If you haven't explored all things Miss Phit, you should. Check out their Flower Power Halter. How very S&TC Carrie, no?

Fashion Bug jumps in the game with their Studio 1940 Square Neck Dress

Finally, Bloomindales has this colorful Lauren Ralph Lauren Plus Size Leei Full Cotton Skirt that will definitely have all eyes on you.

What are your favorites for this summer season?

Article Alert: Sex & The City Fashion for the Plus Size Fashionista...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:59:00 +0000

As many women are doing this weekend, we at Fashionista+ channelled our inner Carrie/Miranda/Charlotte/Samantha and seeing Sex & The City: The Movie. (Reese saw it way earlier but shhhhhhhhh)

While browsing online, I found this amazing article on "How To Get Sex & The City Looks for Plus Size Women" at PlusSize.About.com and it's so true. You can check it out HERE.

This week, stay tuned for fashions that will help you channel your inner S&TC diva.

Coupon Alert: Size Appeal

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:06:00 +0000

Size Appeal is having a sale. Go 'head and click for some hot summer fashions. Make sure to use the coupon code HotChild15 for $15 off new arrival orders over $100.

Chic & Easy Courtesy of Lane Bryant...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:29:00 +0000

You know it's Real Women Dollar Time, right? Well I found a dress that you might want to take another look at (I know - I'm in dress mode). Here's my reasoning with dresses: you can wear them out on the town or to work - either way it's effortless chic.

So Lane Bryant has a Black & White faux wrap dress that had me going "Where's my size" as I'm frantically looking for two different ones to try on. Sadly, all they had was a 14/16 left - it was that popular, but they had it paired with a red tank and that caught my eye.

I will be on the hunt for it this week but figured you all might want to snatch this one up for yourselves. It will be one of your favorite go-to dresses, I'm sure.

Perfect For Summer: Silhouette's Eyelet Shirtdress

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:22:00 +0000

Thinking of something to wear for summer that's chic and breezy? Why not check out Silhouette's Eyelet Shirtdress. It comes in white and black and, if you go to EVRewards.com and check out the best cash back/coupon combo, it's easy on the wallet as well.

Bargain Buy: Target Tees...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:47:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, I happened to see this gorgeous coral-y/orange color square necked t-shirt in Tar-Jay in the women's department. Normally, I would walk away because, from my experience, Target T-Shirts, aside from being great for workouts, don't mix. I bought this on a whim and I have to say, I've gone back for other colors, namely the teal scoopneck and the black square neck top.

First of all - no tag. It's printed on the interior and, while the sizing is a bit different (16/18; 20/22 and so on) from what I'm used to at Lane Bryant, Macy*s and other stores (1x, 2x, 3x or 14/16; 18/20; 22/24 and so on), the fit was perfect. Not to tight, not too loose. The colors are vibrant and the shirt is super comfy. I've actually dressed them up with some Garbo style wide legged pants and stilettos and they look amazing. They are priced very reasonable and, you know what, Lane Bryant might learn a thing or two.

So, if you are looking for something that you can rock casual or dress it up - drop by Target and snap some of these up.

Either way you'll be the center of attention.

The M.A.C. Breakup of '07 And What Revived My Quest for Fabulous Makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:01:00 +0000

Like honey to a bee, every fashionista loves herself some fabulous makeup. See, there are some things that will always (or mostly) fit - shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry and makeup. So it's no surprise that should you come into my house you will see shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry and makeup - lots of makeup.

As I've discussed before over at Just Because..., M.A.C. and I had a bit of a split. I turned to Bobbi Brown for inspiration after their Stonewashed Nudes palette and was happy - for a short while. Then M.A.C. just kept sending me email after email going "Look at this new collection, Lys" or "I have a sale for you". I mean, barrage after barrage. It made me think - did I really need to turn my back on M.A.C.? Perhaps we might still be friends. Or, can you really go back?

Then, one evening, I was watching YouTube and there was this kick butt tutorial on how to get a fabulous eye look. Well the gal that did the tutorial, Melissa aka HoneyBee9695, is a true fashionista and knows her brands.

After watching a couple videos, I was inspired to see what I had, didn't have in my overabundance of makeup kits. That, in turn, sent me packin' straight to the M.A.C. counter. My wallet is protesting, but whatever, right?

There are quite a few great tutorials and you might want to check out her channel HERE.

But, for now, check out her opinion on what every gal needs for her M.A.C. Starter Kit:

Oh - and the outcome of the M.A.C. Breakup of '07?

4 trips to M.A.C. later and I'm happy to report, we've reconciled. Bobbi's a little miffed but c'mon.

Can't we all get along?

There's A Giveaway Goin' On...

noreply@blogger.com (Lys) — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:41:00 +0000

Drop by Cooking In Stilettos today for a chance to win a copy of Bobby Flay's "Mesa Grill" Cookbook.

Yeah, I know I know shameless Cooking In Stilettos plug but drop by, say hello and enter to WIN! You know you want to!