Plus Size Speedlinks – New Summer Arrivals From SWAK Designs

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

If you have not been paying attention to your favorite stores this Summer you are in for a treat.  Plus size fashion is taking of in ways critics can’t stand.  How is this happening?  Merchants are cranking out great fashions and bloggers are making sure you know about them.  Full Figure Plus was founded on the goal of delivering quality shopping websites and as much information as possible about them.  Check out the websites below and take advantage of the end of the Summer specials rolling out, to make room for the Fall Fashions.

Anastasia Interchangeable Tube Wrap

Caviar Scoop Neck Plus Size Dress in Purple

Anastasia Wrap Dress in Blue

Classic Plus Size Maxi in Red

Hainsley Print Blouse

Ombre Wrap Cardigan

10 Questions with Full Figure Plus Blogger – Glen Johnson

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

I am starting a new series in which I plan to interview many individuals within the plus community to get some general information as well as some things more specific.  The goal of this series is to provide readers across the blogsphere a candid look at those they read about on blogs, in magazines, etc.  To begin with I thought I would focus the light on myself to let you know a few things about me you may already know and some you may not.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks to read about some of the names you know already and a few surprises!  Before I forget don’t forget to sign up for the Full Figured Newsletter for a chance to win a copy of the Curvy Girls Guide to Style!

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Little Rock, AR.  I lived in Houston, TX for 10 years then back to the place I was born?

Any Kids?

I am the proud father of two boys and a girl.  I am also a grandfather with one that is almost three and one on the way.

What inspired you to start Full Figure Plus?

I was in-between jobs in looking for a way to make an income on the Internet.  Inspired by my wives journey to find affordable lingerie and an article in Business 2.0 about this new thing called blogging I saw it as a way to create a business and do what I love which is to write.

How long has Full Figure Plus been around?

Full Figure Plus started off in November of 2004 as a blog dedicated to showing plus size women and big and tall men places to shop on the Internet.

As a man why choose a niche more commonly associated with women?

Well, as a man I know what I like to see in a woman when she gets dressed so part of it was from a purely male point of view of seeing larger women looking like a million bucks when they step out.  The other part of me wanted to help my wife out with.  In the end it’s more about the business of helping plus women and by proxy men look good when they get dressed.

What does your wife think about you working mostly with women?

After she stopped laughing she told me she is confident in our marriage and knowing that my audience is mostly women that actually dealing with ladies is a part of the job.  I think it is more of an observation on my part that I work with women.  I realized early in my blog career men don’t read blogs about clothes.

How long did it take your business to take off?

My wife gave me two years to get things underway.  The first year of my business I made absolutely nothing!  I was writing daily sometimes up to seven days a week but no income was coming in!  At the eighteen month mark the first check for $4.84 came and started what has grown into a major income source for me.

Describe a day at the office for you?

I start each day reading email, which usually takes me about an hour to sort it all out.  Next, it is time to research what I am going to write about that day.  Typically, my inspiration comes from some of everywhere though Google News is one of my good friends.  Writing is actually the simple part.  Once I start composing the words flow through the keyboard to the screen.  Once I hit publish I switch to graduate student to complete more research and writing as a student attending Ashford University Online.  Once two hours of studying is done its back to reading and responding to email and outlining the next day’s blog posts.

What advice do you have for other bloggers?

Blogging as a business is hard!  When you are boss and worker it takes a lot of work.  If you have a job and start a blog do not even think about giving up what you have until your business reaches the point you are consistently making between $1-2 thousand dollars per month.  Also, treat your business as a business and get all the proper permits and licenses to register your business with your particular state.

What does the future hold for Full Figure Plus?

Considering my blog has evolved from posting links to talking about modeling, size acceptance, size discrimination, fashion on the international scene, social networking, and more all I can say is that Full Figure Plus is my dream as a writer come true and that it will go wherever there is a need in the plus community to be reported on.

Besides being difficult interviewing myself writing the answers was interesting.  I think you get the idea of what you will be seeing over the next few weeks.

Up Next: Plus Model and Hippy and Healthy contributor Teslyn Butler

Don’t forget to sign up for the Full Figured Newsletter for a chance to win a copy of the Curvy Girls Guide to Style!

22 Plus Size Fashion Dont’s

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

Have you ever thought about things you should not do when it comes to getting dressed in the morning?  I just had that very conversation with my wife this morning about a particular dress that makes her look larger than she is.  With that in mind below are so definite don’ts when it comes to getting dressed, especially for plus size goddesses.

1. Clothes that don’t fit right
2. Clothes that don’t go together in both color and style
3. Not wearing the right clothes for your body type (Very Important)
4. Out of date clothes – Be careful with vintage pieces
5. Outdated Makeup – throw out any makeup over 18 months old
6. Huge Hair
7. Knee highs and skirts
8. Shiny stockings
9. Dressing in a way that does not fit your age
10. Too short pieces
11. Underwear lines – should this be #1?
12. Being the Accessory ninja – it will make people’s eyes hurt
13. Large Prints – this will only make you look bigger
14. G-string in view – No one wants to see your undies!!
15. Low Rider Jeans – This style of jeans is not made for the plus size frame
16. Dark undies under light clothes – See #14
17. Fade inspired glasses – ok for sunglasses not ok for your everyday pair
18. Stand up straight – Your posture helps you look more confident in your clothes
19. Gladiator sandals and pantyhose – Do I really need to point this one out?
20. Long grey frizzy hair – Does not make you look younger – sorry
21. Jeggings and midriff shirts – This seems to be the armour of ladies that obviously don’t need to wear it – Just say no
22. Long dangling earrings that constantly get caught in your clothes

When I think about the list of course there are probably more things that can be added.  The point is to not be the fashion police and tell you what you can and can’t do.  The point is to help you look your best at all times and to take any ammunition away from the critics.  What are your thoughts on getting dressed what are some of your best tips?

Have you Checked out IGIGI Lately?

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

One of the things I have always liked about IGIGI is that Yuliya seems to really understand the plus size body.  I guess that is the reason IGIGI was voted the #1 plus size fashion retailer during Full Figured Fashion Week™.

The Limited Collection is a group of items that have a couture feel with a budget friendly price.  The latest from IGIGI focuses on fun summer colors and of course the staple on the streets this summer the maxi-dress.  Below is one of the new items the “Music of my Heart Dress.”

Bring a touch of retro glamour to your playful sunshine style. Wear this happy dress with some sassy platforms for the look on the town, or strappy flats for the easy summer look.

• Surplice pleated bodice
• Pleated sleeves
• High waist flared A-ine skirt
• Fully lined
• Shoulder to Hem Length: 42″-45″
• Color: Light Navy and Cream Multi
• Material: Poly/Elastane and Charmeuse

Is it not a good thing to do business with a merchant who understands the inner beauty of the plus size diva and consistently creates literal works of art to wear out and about.  Whether you are looking for an outfit to step go to work, play, or step out on the town treat yourself to some of the great fashions from IGIGI.  I promise you won’t be disappointed.

About IGIGI

IGIGI is the premiere brand of contemporary collections designed to fulfill the lifestyle of the beautiful, voluptuous, and confident woman. Named after an ancient goddess embodying vitality, charm, and intelligence, IGIGI strives to provide women of curves with smart, stylish and sophisticated collections that accentuate and celebrate their bodies.

Do you know your Body Type?

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

Do you know your body type?  Did you know dressing for your body type can dramatically change how you look when you get dressed?  If you didn’t stay tuned today we are going to go over different body types and how to figure out which one is best for you.

Vertical Body Types

Balanced Body

Your hip line divides you in half and is common among 55% of Caucasian women.  You normally have a long waist.  Weight gain will transform your shape into a rectangle, shortening your waist.  Curvy Tip:  Wear dresses, skirts, pants either above or below your natural waistline.

Long Legs-Short Torso

This body type is for taller ladies though can be found in shorter ladies.  With a short torso you normally try to lengthen your torso by not tucking in your shirts.  Any weight gain will create rolls and a full stomach.  Curvy Tip:  Skirts and pants WITHOUT waistbands are your best friend.

Short Legs-Long Torso

This body type is common among shorter women, though some tall women are in this category.  Your butt sits low and you have a triangle body type.  Weight gain shows up in your butt and thighs.  Curvy Tip:  Straight cut skirts will work better for your frame than an A-line skirt.

Sign now up for the Full Figured News Newsletter a chance to win a copy of The Curvy Girls Guide to Style.  Sign up today!

Horizontal body types

Hourglass

The so-called perfect body shape.  Weight gain is evenly distributed throughout your entire body making it easy to fit into just about any clothes you try on.  Curvy Tip:  Though not common among fuller figures if you have this shape stick to clean and simple bold patterns are not kind to your shape.

Inverted Triangle

Second to the hourglass among body types.  Large busts and smaller hips are common.  Basically you are larger up top than you are below your waist.  Curvy Tip:  A-line dresses and skirts will not place a lot of emphasis the area above your waist.

Triangle

The most common among body types because the body is larger below the waist than above it.  Creating balance between your upper body and lower body is very important.  This is one of the few types that can get away with shoulder pads.  Curvy Tip:  Vertical designs with emphasis below your waist.

Rectangle

You have little to no defined waist more common among ladies that have longer legs.  Curvy Tip:  Shop for garments that give the illusion of a waist.

Diamond

Common among fuller figures because the middle of the body is larger than the upper or lower.  Focusing on your shoulders with lessen the look of being pregnant and give overall balance.  Curvy Tip:  A good fitting bra is very important as well as dresses that flow through your waist are a good thing.

Oval

Another full-figured body type because of a larger low sitting stomach.  Just like the diamond concentrating on bringing out your shoulders will balance out your waistline.  Curvy Tip:  Again, a good fitting bra as well as tops without a lot of structured design.

Use the different body types as a reference to help you on your fashion journey.  Keep in mind once you know what body type you are that will take most of the frustration out of shopping.  These types and the tips are not set in stone if you find that you can get away with parts of several types then by all means go for it.  The point is to have fun with fashion not for it to be a painful experience for you and those around you.

Sign now up for the Full Figured News Newsletter a chance to win a copy of The Curvy Girls Guide to Style.  Sign up today!

How to Become One with Your Plus-Size Style

Originally posted on: Full Figure Plus

I hate my stomach, My thighs are to big, When I was a size… If I looked like…If you have said these things or others statements similar you are venturing into the realm of style.  Did you know that your personal style has absolutely nothing to do with your dress size?  I know too many of you this is not an issue, because you know who you are and what you see in the mirror a beautiful curvy goddess, but for those out there whose personal style/image kung-fu is not as strong as your pass these tips along to them.

Step 1

Throw out the fashion magazines. Why?  The modeling industry is made up of ladies that are from 14-21, sizes 0-10, modeling clothes to be sold to ladies over 21 who are an average size 14.  As you can see this math does not add up so if you do decide to keep the fashion magazines do it for reference not as a reflection of how you look.

Step 2

It is mirror time.  Strip down and stand in front of the mirror and give your body a good looking over.  I know for larger women this is an issue but it will help you find your personal style.  While looking at your body note your favorite areas and you’re not so favorite areas.  Write them down.

Step 3

Measure yourself from head to toe.  You may need some help with this one.  Make note of everything from your hat size down to your shoe size.  It is important to write down the actual number not the number you wish it was.  Whether you’re shopping online or in the stores this will become your go to resource.  If you want to take it a step further keep a journal of what size you can wear from different stores so you will know when to jump on sales.

Step 4

Go shopping.  Keep in mind what you want to emphasize and what you want to not be so obvious.  Using a combination of steps 2 and 3 make sure you have a proper fitting bra or all your style work will be for naught.  Go with the season’s colors that fit your skin tone, avoid wide stripes whether they are horizontal or vertical on blouses and dresses.  Make sure hemlines are the correct length for your torso.  Unless you are tall avoid wide ankle straps because they will make you appear shorter than you are.

Step 5

Become familiar with shape-wear.  Now I am not talking about the girdle of old but the new foundation garments that will help smooth out your silhouette and make your unique curves look even better.  Spanx is one of the more popular brands out today with many different styles to suit your needs.  The goal is to look better not to lose 2 dress sizes instantly.  If you have trouble with this phase revisit Step 2 to ensure you get the most from your style journey.  If you find that you look good without a foundation you win the curvy style prize!

After you have taken the above steps give yourself a pat on the back and go accessory shopping.  Don’t be afraid to be experimental during this time or in any other area of your style.  The goal is to show your inner personality through your clothes.  By making a few simple adjustments you can become a style warrior who is ready to take on the world!