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Plus Size Party Dress

2006-12-17T18:09-05:00

Tis the Season to celebrate! And this means office parties, family get togethers, cocktail parties and formal affairs. This also means you need a new dress!

Like every woman, I love a reason to buy a pretty new dress. Let's face it, it's fun to put on a new dress that is sexy and flattering. Who doesn't like to receive admiring glances and warm compliments. But if you are a full figured woman, finding the right dress can be a chore.

Local department stores really don't carry much of a selection for the more voluptuous woman. And sometimes the style are really not all that flattering. Luckily, it has become much easier to shop for plus size clothing online at the specialty boutiques that know what the curvy woman is looking for.

The key to looking great is in the fit of the dress. Obviously a dress that is too tight will only enhance any extra bumps or bulges that can be very unflattering. You also don't want a dress that is so big. The perfect dress will gently hug your curves and flatter your assets. The best silhouette for a full figured woman is the A- Line style. A-line style lengthens the whole body without drawing attention to your waistline. The empire waist is another good choice. The empire is narrowest just below the bust and conceals your waist and hips. Also, deep V necks and scoop necks flatter curvy figures and always look best on full figured women.

Shopping online is fun, easy and very practical. You can browse for exactly what you want, get the best prices and your new dress will be delivered right to your door! For me it is the only way to shop. And don't forget the accessories. A pretty pair of shoes will complete the outfit.

About the Author

For more information about Plus Size Dresses, please visit http://my-plus-size-dresses.com/Plus_Size_Party_Dress.html

Designer shoes come first in global poll of most wanted accessories

2006-12-17T18:07-05:00

by Martin McAllister

For both men and women, shoes have long been an essential fashion item. In fact, many women in popular culture are often considered to be "shoe-mad"; and while this stereotypical presentation may enrage some women, a recent survey does offer some hard evidence to back up this fact. According to the poll conducted by ACNielsen, both male and female consumers around the world have voted 'designer shoes' as the most important designer accessory in their wardrobe.

Frank Martell, President and CEO of ACNielsen Europe, commented: "Currently, nearly half (49%) the world's online consumers cite shoes as their favourite designer accessory - and if money were no object, two out of three (65%) would still choose shoes as their number one designer accessory purchase. When it comes to designer fashion, shoes can represent the most affordable option for both men and women."

The poll, conducted in countries across the globe, has compiled a ranking of the world's top five "most wanted" accessories: shoes rank first, followed by sunglasses, wallets, handbags (including 'man' bags) and belts. As television programmes like Sex and the City have demonstrated, women appear to covet shoes more than any other fashion item. Indeed, exclusive shoe designers such as Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik have freely admitted that Sex and the City has made them a household name; while many luxury online stores have seen their sites receive more viewings for shoes than any other item.

Martell added: "Designer accessories are taking centre stage alongside clothing and every international designer is introducing and expanding their accessory range to build their brand name and image with new customers."

But how can we tell the difference between shoes and designer shoes? To many people, the term 'designer' has a lot to do with a branded image or logo; in fact, Martell states that "Sixty per cent of Italians - citizens of the world's designer capital - believe that people wear designer brands for their status connotations."

Many high street shoe brands have picked up on the 'designer shoe' idea and are producing their own excellent variety of shoes bearing a clearly branded logo - for instance, Red or Dead Shoes; a footwear brand dedicated to providing shoe-lovers with a range of styles. However, designer items are just as likely to be unbranded, as leading Italian designers like Giorgio Armani have always demonstrated. But people like Martell seem to be sure that logos do not necessarily make the brand, either with shoes or any other luxury fashion item. He claims, "...as long as the consumer has bought into the brand values and the brand maintains its image and strength, these consumers will come back for more."

About the Author

Martin McAllister is a freelance online journalist. He lives in Scotland.

How To Choose The Right Clothing For Your Children For Style And Comfort

2006-08-12T17:40-04:00

by Gregg Hall

Clothing for children is readily available in many styles. Clothing should be warm, non-irritating and not constrictive. Children need clothes that are going to be able to move with them and keep them comfortable throughout the day. Although many styles of clothing may be cute, you should always look for the best combination of function and style. It is also important to remember that children are in different climates throughout the day, going in and out of school, so layering is key.

Keep in mind children are very active and need comfortable clothing!

A small infant does not regulate their body- temperature very well. Always dress them in one more layer than you find comfortable for yourself. As they grow keep in mind their activity level. Toddlers move around more and will be comfortable in the same amount or clothing, as you are.

In the winter dress children in layers to keep the warmth in close to their bodies while they are outdoors. Then you can remove a layer when they are too warm or add clothing as needed. Keep heads covered when outdoors, use scarves, hats, or blankets to keep the brisk weather off their heads. A majority of heat is lost through the head. The scarves and blankets will help avoid breathing in the cold air, which is uncomfortable for children.

When choosing material, look for softness, comfort, and material with good airflow around it. Flannel will provide extra warmth, cotton breathes better. Avoid constricting or itchy material such as wool or other stiff materials.

Children are very active, so less restrictive clothing will ensure better movement. Avoid clothing with a lot of belts, buckles, or to many buttons. Elastic is easy to pull on and off and often is the best choice for toddlers who are potty training. Zippers are also easy for both children and you.

Both boys and girls are active. Boy's will look nice dressed up but may feel restricted by suits and ties so go for sweaters and dress pants instead. Girls will look lovely in dresses and tights, but keep in mind they are active too. For safety, clothes should not have loose ties or ribbons that can get caught on play equipment.

When dressing your infant, toddler, or older child it is important to pay attention to the current weather. You also want to be aware of the level of activity your child will be participating in. The more active a child is, the hotter their body's become. Dressing your child appropriately for their activity level and the weather will help ensure your child will be as comfortable as possible.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this and affordable clothing stores at http://www.affordableclothingboutique.com

How To Make Yourself Look Thin By Just Changing Your Clothes

2006-08-12T17:38-04:00

by Gregg Hall

Have you ever thought about the way you dress? Do you want to look slimmer, more pulled together? There are some key points to dressing for a slimmer looking you! If you are top-heavy, bottom-heavy or just want to look taller and slimmer, keep reading! There are different types of body shapes, but you can learn the secrets of how to accentuate each one of them.

If you have a pear-shaped body with rounded thighs, you may feel more bottom-heavy, your hips may be wider than your shoulders. You don't need those extremely loose fitting tops or blouses. You want to:

Try tops that are fitted but not tight
Look for V-necks, turtlenecks and open collared tops.
A blazer that will fall just below the waist will look professional, yet fun.
Dark colored bottoms such as black, brown, dark gray, or navy blue are great.
Also, make sure to get straight or boot cut leg pants and jeans.

As far as skirts go, try a-line skirts that fall to your knees. No mini skirts or skintight ones if you are bottom-heavy. Empire style dresses and dresses nipped in at the waist with a slight flare will be most flattering. You may also want to consider strapless or sleeveless dresses; they call the attention upward to the neck, arm and shoulder area.

Another common body type is the apple- shape, which is considered a very womanly figure. You are heavier on top, with fuller breasts, a soft middle, narrow hips, and sleek slim legs. You should go for:

Boat neck, turtleneck and mock neck tops.
Stay away from light or baggy tops.
V-necks and shirt collars that gently graze the body will look best.
For the best fit, try woven knits with a little stretch.
Don't overdo it with cleavage; showing just a hint is most appealing.
For a sexier look, try wearing a lace- trimmed camisole under a top, jacket or blazer.
Never wear puffy or full sleeves.

Most women who are heavier on top look great in low-rise, flat-front pants. To hide your stomach, add front pocket jeans. You can accentuate a flat rear end by wearing jeans with a back pockets.

Navy blue and black are very slimming colors for every body type. When you are aiming for taller and slimmer try wearing all one color, then throw on a flash of color or contrast with a cardigan, blazer or possibly an over shirt. Don't button up the blazer or cardigan; it will improve the vertical lines of the outfit. When wearing skirts, remember to always wear longer as opposed to wider.

By following the suggestions given here you can dramatically change the way you look just by paying more attention to what you should wear for your body type.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this and affordable women's clothing at http://www.affordableclothingboutique.com