It's the Voluptuous Woman Company's 10th Anniversary this year and in order to celebrate this special occasion, they are iniviting plus size women to attend their Anniversary Fashion Show and Gala which will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC.
 
Further details will be given in a couple of months, so stay tuned for more details on the event!

Hearing wedding bells? If you are planning your wedding, the last thing you need is added expenses. If you are a plus size woman who wants to look fabulous on her wedding day, and dressing up the bridesmaids in gorgeous dresses, without breaking the bank, I suggest you take a look at the bridal collection at IGIGI.

IGIGI carry a select number of unique items within their bridal wear collection, which are created to flatter the curvaceous figure, helping you look like a star on your big day. So you can look great, make a lasting impression (on the guests, as well as the groom ;-)) whilst keeping within budget. Take a look at some of my favorite dresses:

• Lace Wedding Gown - If I were getting married tomorrow, this is the dress I would choose. It is a gorgeous lace dress, very romantic and a dream at only $229.
• Chloe Lace Gown in Ivory - Another extremely elegant piece, the contrasting lining featured in this dress create a wonderful feeling of sophistication for a feminine look. Only $219.
• Exquisite Evening Gown in White/White - This Grecian inspired iridescent gown and will without a doubt make you a start on your special day. Only $189!

Don't fret about your bridesmaids, as IGIGI has got them covered as well! Just visit the bridal collection at IGIGI to take a look at the gorgeous dresses available for your wedding party.

If you're in need of a little inspiration, rememeber that this summer the trend is mixing up the styles for your bridemaids, using the same dress in different colors. Let's say you choose the Exquisite Evening Gown in White/White for yourself. Why not get the Exquisite Evening Gown in Blue/Sky Blue for your bridesmaids, this will create a sharp contrast that will look bold and very stylish.

Torrid have just introduced a brand new plus size bra to their seductive intimates collection: the smoldering demi bra. This new microfiber, molded, convertible, demi cup bra gives a great shape to all looks. The underwire design and 3 hook back closure offers all day support, whilst mantaining top comfort.
 
The smoldering demi bra is available in black or white, and it is made to fit B-D cups and DD-DDD cups. Take a closer look at it, to see if it's right for you.

chunkEbusiness.com, a fat friendly art gallery and gift shop, last week announced an exciting addition to their range of products. They have added a new line of statues, the Beautifully Big statues.
 
The little big pieces are gorgeous, and a great addition to you decor if you want to show off your plus size friendly attitude through your home decor. These statues are imported from Italy, are cast in resin and are individually hand painted.
 
I guess you will either love or hate these pieces. Myself, I love them!

SwimsuitsForAll.com has last week added some hot new styles to their plus size swimwear collection.
 
In fact, the great team behind SwimsuitsForAll.com are ensuring curvy ladies have the latest and best choice in plus size swimwear available to them, by adding new pieces to their collections each and every single week.
 
The best selling swimsuit of the season, the Nantucket One Piece Plus Size Swimsuit by Christina, is back in stock for the final time! This slimming piece features a fashionable curve creating tie-dye pattern. It provides comfortable support through an incorporates soft cup bra, and the feminine V-neck does a great job in framing and flattering the face. Take a closer look at the great piece today.

An interesting article, which appeared in the LA Times last week, looks at the changing figure of women showcased within the media. It refers to the cover of the June issue of Harper's Bazaar, which features Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, and without making any excuses says that this picture is plain wrong.
 
As Booth Moore from the LA Time puts it:
 
"There's a new look taking over this town: Strong, curvy women are at the top of every segment of pop culture, including film, TV and music. And we're not talking about a certain size 4 Latina pop star who happens to have a round bottom."
 
The article talks about curvy women in the limelight such as Jennifer Hudson, America Ferrera and Beth Ditto, women who are curvy, beautiful, successful and making it in the skinny dominated sectors.
 
This is just the beginning, the future looks very curvy.

For one day only, today Sunday 24th June, you can save 40% on regular priced items and 20% on clearance items at Fashion Bug.

This is a fabulous sale, and more importantly no coupon code is required for you to take advantage of these savings. So head on to Fashion Bug today and see what great bargain you can grab today!

Labels: plus size clothing discounts

After her successful boutique grand opening, Monif C. has this week added some new gorgeous pieces to her unique Nouveau Riche Collection. Vibrant and fresh colors dominate this new collection, which includes some beautiful pieces perfect for the summer months. As I'm sure you've noticed, through shopping around these past few weeks, this summer season is all about colors. Monif's Nouveau Riche collection definitely does a great job in combining sexy, figure flattering styles and fresh colors into stylish plus size apparel.

If you weren't present at the grand opening, fear not as you can check all the action in some pictures from the event, which have just been added to the Monif C. website.

Remember that, with the addition of the boutique, their are now three ways to shop the Monif C. collection:

1. Shop online at www.monifc.com
2. Shop by calling 212-842-1641
3. Shop at the Monif C. Manhattan Boutique, 325 W. 38th Street, Suite 1007, NVYC

Labels: plus size clothing

Yesterday I introduced you to 3 casual items provided by SWAK Designs. Today I’ll present to you the second part of this clothing review, which takes a closer look at some beautiful plus size party dresses.
 
If you are looking for a perfect dress for the summer, read the second part of this plus size clothing review, as these 3 styles SWAK Designs offers are truly gems.
 
So go on, read the second and final part of the review today.

Earlier in April I blogged about a contest being organized by Just as Beautiful magazine, were the aim was to create the UK's biggest girl band, literally!
 
The auditions were held last Saturday and the day saw more than 300 singers from around the world trying their luck. Five lucky and talented girls were chosen to be part of the band, which has been named Plus. Pretty creative no? Hmmm...
 
One of the finalists, Kate Newnes, hails from Hampstead Garden Suburb and used to sing for the English National Opera when she was young, but has since then only done karaoke. This will be Kate's opportunity to launch her singing career.
 
I wish all the new band members of Plus the best of luck, and look forward to hearing more about their adventures and music very soon! I will definitely keep you updated.

Today I am very happy to be able to give you a closer look into the clothing provided by our store of the month: SWAK Designs.
 
As detailed in previous posts, SWAK Designs is a band new plus size clothing store, which aims at providing plus size women with trendy and fashion forward clothing at prices they love.
 
Brad, and the lovely staff at SWAK Designs, were kind enough to send me a package with some of their offerings, and this is what I’m presenting to you in the next couple of days.
 
Today let’s take a look at the casual pieces the sent over, pieces which are colourful, figure flattering and great for those summer days. Read the full review here.

This week only, Liz Claiborne customers will be able to take 25% off all regularly priced skirts at LizClaiborne.com - this includes the plus size skirts collection!
 
The offer expires this Thursday 21st June, so visit Liz Claiborne today to see whether there are any skirts that tickle your fancy. What better time to show off those lovely legs, than the hot summer days?!

In swim wear, the Christina brand name has always been synonymous with timeless style, comfort and superior quality.

I remember I bought my first Christina swimsuit a very long time ago, I think it was around 5 years ago in fact. It is a turquoise two piece swimsuit, with great bust support and tummy control. Looking at it again now, it is still in the same exact condition as when I first bought it.

Living on an island with the sea only a few minutes away, I love the sea, and so every summer I purchase at least one new swimsuit. So over the years I have worn my fair share of swimsuits and tried quite a number of brands. It is truly on a very rare occasion that a swimsuit that I buy (and wear quite often) lasts me more than one, perhaps two seasons. My Christina swimsuit is one of those rare pieces. It has lasted for such a long time, and is yet still stylish and still fits perfectly.

If you are wondering where you can see the plus size Christine collection, head over to SwimsuitsForAll.com today as they currently carry a lot of styles from the Christina plus size swim wear range.

Labels: plus size swim-wear

Plus size teens in El Paso looking for trendy and fashion forward clothing, and who perhaps do not like to shop online, will be very pleased to hear that Torrid have just found a new home in El Paso!

The grand opening of this new Torrid store happened last Wednesday, June 13th and the management are Torrid are very excited to be able to open up a store in this area.

The new Torrid store is located at Cielo Vista Mall, and as with all Torrid stores, it will cater to girls and young women aged 15 to 29 in sizes 12 and up. El Paso's store marks Torrid's 134th store in the U.S.

Labels: plus size fashion, plus size news

In a bid to widen their store offerings to plus size women all over the U.S., Maurice's stores have started adding a new plus size section to their collections. In fact, out of their 575 stores across the U.S., three-fourths of them will now include a plus size section which will focus on sizes 16 to 24. With a lot of customers coming in for this new plus size range, just a few days after its introduction, Maurice's are already calling this company-wide launch a success. It is great to see more stores adding a plus size range to their store offerings. Besides opening up new fashion choices to plus size women, such initiatives also encourage other stores to expand their range of apparel and accessories to accommodate the curvier side of the nation. Kudos to Maurice's!

Labels: plus size news

Wedding season is in full swing, and if you have been invited to a wedding and are a little bit stuck on what to wear, do not get panicky! At the moment plus size formal wear star Sydney's Closet are having a great sale, which you can use to purchase a fabulous dress to wear to that wedding party. In fact Sydney's Closet are taking $15 off any dress purchase worth $100 or more. All you need to do is use coupon code RSVP during checkout. This great sale is on until the end of the month, 30th June.

So make sure you RSVP in style, just visit Sydney's Closet!

Labels: plus size dress

Kiyonna has always provided some excellent options to full figured women looking for sexy and curvy hugging jeans. Now their premium line of denim is back in new washes and silhouettes. Superfine ring spun yarns infused with just the right amount of stretch result in an amazingly comfortable and flattering fit.

Dressier plus size jeans are also available at Kiyonna, just have a look at their figure flattering Wide Leg Trousers or their perfect for summer Dark Rinse Cropped jeans.

Kiyonna's all time favorite Signature Jeans is also back in two contemporary washes. With these select styles you are sure to find your favorite!

Note that Kiyonna are also offering free ground shipping on orders of $100 or more. This offer applies to domestic orders only and no coupon code is needed.

Labels: plus size fashion

If you love bargains, head over at Jessica London as they are having a great sale on their clearance section. Over 120 items have just been reduced, so you can save up to 60% off the original price! To take advantage of this offer take note of coupon code JLW4443 and include it upon checkout. This sale is running through Sunday, 17th June.

Also, did you know that Jessica London are currently holding a Fashion Tip Contest? This year is Jessica London's 10th anniversary and they would like to hear your best fashion tip. Just submit a fashion tip at the Jessica London website and you could win a $100 E-gift certificate. I'm off to try my luck right away!

Labels: plus size clothing discounts

New flash: Torrid are having a crazy $29.99 sale on a select number of jeans. Every curvy lady needs a great pair of jeans, and if those perfect pair of jeans can be bought at a wonderful low price, it is even better!

So if you're looking for a pair of figure flattering plus size jeans, check out Torrid's $29.99 jeans sale today. This sale running through Sunday, 17th June.

Labels: plus size clothing discounts

June is here and the heat is on! To follow suit, there is definitely something hot about this month's Store of the Month: SWAK Designs.

The fresh and new online plus size clothing store has been around only 6 months, but we are sure that it will become on every curvy lady's favorite list. SWAK Designs offers plus size women a great shopping experience. Stocking up on stylish, fashionable and chic clothing in size 14 to 26, SWAK Designs tops the charts in clothing quality and customer service. You will love this new store, and adore the affordable prices.

Take a look at why we have named SWAK Designs June's Store of the Month, and also visit their store to take a look at their great clothing and prices.

Labels: plus size clothing, plus size clothing stores

I am very pleased today, to be able to publish a recent interview I held with Nancy Baum, founder of Cherished-Woman.com and successful plus size model.

It was both a pleasure and an honor to get to the chance to speak with Nancy and get a closer look at her work, her career and her new online store.

I recommend you head over to the interview with Nancy and read it, as it is very interesting to get to know how the women behind the leading plus size clothing stores close up. In this interview, Nancy talks about how she got started with her career as a plus size model, and then obviously moves on to speak about her new venture and passion: Cherished-Woman.com.

So find out the scoop about Nancy and Cherished-Woman.com, read the interview today.

Labels: plus size celebrities

Beat the heat of the summer days with some new fresh and fashionable summer plus size clothing from Jessica London. There's no better time to visit Jessica London as they are currently holding a sizzling sale that will let you add style and color to your curvy wardrobe, without breaking the bank.

Jessica London have the following promotions going on:
- take 20% off the 1st item you purchase
- take 30% off the 2nd item you purchase
- tale 40% off the 3rd item you purchase

All you need to do to take advantage of these savings is use coupon code JLW4383 upon checkout. This offer expires on June 16th, so don't delay, visit Jessica London today!

Labels: plus size clothing discounts

As part of their Ultimate Swimsuit Guide, SheKnows have included an interesting article which will definitely interest a lot of full figured women who are currently wondering what type of swimsuit they should buy.

SheKnows in fact has published a guide to choosing the right curvy swimwear, which basically gives some essential tips to curvy ladies to achieve the perfect look on the beach this summer.

There are a lot of goos tips included in this article, so I suggest that you do check it out. Though I also suggest SheKnows change the way they put across some of the sentences... for instance they say "You will probably be looking for something a bit more concealing than average swimwear." I'm sorry but the 'average' doesn't really go down well with me. Maybe I'm just a little picky with words? But for plus size women, average is curvy, the rest is smaller sizes. Let's not assume what average is, especially since more women all over are size 12+.

Labels: plus size swim-wear

Last week Woman Within (the new name of Lane Bryant, if you haven't got used to it still), names successful plus size model Christine Alt as their spokesperson. Christine will be the face and voice for Woman Within, helping to boost up the brand's connection with existing customers whilst also attracting new ones.

Christine is a renowned name in the plus size fashion industry, having also appeared in top magazines including Vogue.

"I am thrilled to be working with Woman Within," said Christine Alt. "The clothing and accessories that the brand offers are dedicated to making women feel confident and strong-no matter their size, shape or age. I am looking forward to sharing my life experiences with the Woman Within community and learning more from this loyal customer base."

It is great to see reputable plus size clothing brands such a Woman Within embark on such professional and large initiatives. Besides obviously helping them gain a better market share, I think it is positive to have women of curves in such prominent and leading positions. They will hopefully help empower full figured women, and become role models for plus size teens, who will finally have someone to look up to.

Labels: plus size celebrities

I will be going away on business and holiday a few times between this month and November. Although I'm already planning ahead in order to keep you curvy ladies updated and entertained as much as possible whilst I'm away, I thought it would be a good idea to bring in some guest bloggers to contribute posts for publishing whilst I'm away.

So if you have something plus size related to say and share, now is you chance to share it all with the Plus Size Clothing Scoop audience. If you have a post to publish contact me today! If you'd like, also include a photo of yourself and a link to your website.

Labels: plus size news

Throughout the month of June, plus size clothing store Silhouettes are letting customers take 15% off their order of $125 or more. All you need to remember is coupon code AFF7PC5... make sure to write that down and keep it handy when you're shopping at Silhouettes.

This hot offer expires on June 30th, 2007... so you have quite some time left to shop around the new Summer fashions available at Silhouettes and choose your favorite picks.

Labels: plus size clothing discounts

SWAK Designs are having a great sale this weekend. Today you can get 10% off your order, just use coupon code SUMMER10 at checkout to take advantage of this great sale. Shop now the great plus size clothing collection, at already low prices available at SWAK Designs. Dresses range from $12 to $52, whilst tops range from $9 to $35.

What's more... you can use the coupon code as many times as your want. Hurry and shop SWAK today, as this is the last day you can take advantage of these great discounts.

Labels: plus size clothing discounts

SizeAppeal are currently holding a sizzling summer blowout sale. All orders will receive 10% off until June 10th! All you need to do to be eligible for this discount is enter coupon code Sizzle30 at checkout. With no minimum order amount, this sounds like a truly great deal to me. Remember this offer is valid until June 10th, so there's only a few days left to get your 10% discount.

Furthermore, SizeAppeal have this week launched a brand new version of their online store. The store now has been completely re-designed and has a much more bold and sleek look. So that's another reason for you to head on to SizeAppeal... check out their new look.

I must say I like the new look. It gives the whole online store a much more professional look in my opinion. On first impressions the site is taking a little longer to loads, but I'm sure this just a transitional hiccup which will be quickly resolved.

Labels: plus size clothing discounts

If you are located in the New York area, I must confess, I officially am very jealous of you right now! I'm very jealous because I will not get the chance any time soon to visit the grand plus size clothing boutique which Monif C. will soon be opening in New York City.

The grand opening will be held on June 14th from 7pm till 10pm, find out more information by reading the press release.

I am sure plus size women in the area are very happy to hear of this new store opening. In this new boutique curvy ladies will be able to shop the entire Monif C line as well as other accessories including large fitting shoes and body shaping undergarments. Read more about this new boutique!

In the meantime here's the store address for you to take note of...

Monif C. Plus Sizes
New York Plus Size Boutique Store
325 W. 38th Street (bet. 8/9th aves.)
Suite 1007
New York, NY 10018
Open Monday - Saturday, call 212-842-1641 for hours

Labels: plus size clothing stores, plus size news

I was reading a very interesting article by Elizabeth McMeekin today which I had to share with you all. The first thing that struck me is that like me, Elizabeth thinks that sometimes it is just too confusing to get around all the sizes and numbers when shopping around. It is already quite a hurdle trying to find items to suit your body type, budget and taste. But you also have to make sure you get the size right, and understand what the size you are looking at really means. With different sizes in the US, Europe, the UK and beyond, it’s quite a lot of numbers to deal with and get used to!

Elizabeth continues to argue how, although clothing lines for the ‘real woman’ are popping up everywhere, places like the UK (and Europe as well in my opinion) are still lacking glamorous plus size icons real women can look up to. She mentions Nigella Lawson as being one of the few, though there is still a lot more progress to be made.

We are also introduced to Jacqui Kelly, a size 20 who being fed up with the women’s fashion options in store, decided to introduce her own plus size clothing line called Chesca which can be found in John Lewis and House of Fraser stores.

Stina Scott also recounts her experiences shopping for clothes. Like me she sometimes wears a size 16 or a size 20 (and anything else in between) depending on who is making and marking the clothes. Stina stresses how shopping for formal plus size clothing can be an utter nightmare. I understand Stina's concerns, and at the same time is makes me wonder whether these plus size ladies have ever considered online shopping as a viable option for their fashion needs. Because when I hear people like Stina recounting such experiences, my initial reaction often is… “Oh poor ladies! If they only knew about the online plus size stores such as IGIGI, Kiyonna and Sydney’s Closet, which truly offer a viable shopping options to full figured women as they provide beautiful, quality formal attire and dresses. If only!”

Elizabeth concludes by giving plus size women, especially in the UK, 5 tips for a successful and satisfying shopping experience, including not limiting your search for dark colors only, being aware of fashion and trends and also making an impact with accessories and shoes.

I would definitely expand the list to 6 tips, and dare I say I would truly put my tip in the first spot as it would save full figured ladies lots of headaches, and make them find the items they needs:

Try shopping online! There is a multitude of online shopping stores specializing exclusively in plus size fashion, formal wear, swimwear and more. Take a look at the fabulous options these stores offer, before even attempting to hit the high streets for shopping!

Labels: plus size issues, plus sizes UK

As previously announced, over the past month Pasazz.net together with the great help of SizeAppeal, we have been running a great and easy competition where curvy ladies get the chance to win a fantastic $500 shopping spree from SizeAppeal! All you need to do to enter this competition is subscribe to our plus size clothing newsletter Loving My Curves, which is of course... free.

The last day to enter the lucky draw is June 10th, so ladies, you have a little over a week remaining to subscribe to the newsletter to get yourself entered into the lucky draw. So if you haven't already done so... subscribe today!

Labels: plus size competition

It has been a few month now since I discovered Just As Beautiful magazine, an online free magazine hailing from the UK dedicated to plus size women. This truly is a magazine with a difference, and one of the reasons why I like it is because it is real. It features stories written by and created for big beautiful women, and topic covered range from fashion, health, beautiful and entertainment issues.

This weekend the May issue of Just As Beautiful magazine was sent out to subscribers, and it is chock full of interesting stuff including:

• A great piece on how Trinny and Susannah (two famous UK stylists) teach a plus size couple what to wear, and what to stay away from!
  
  
• A story on how Lisa Marie and Cher Rue, founders of Club Bounce, met and started off on a great journey of curvy success.
  
  
• A piece on Britain's largest teenager, a 34 stone 19 year old, who recounts some tough times she passed through, during what was supposed to be the best time of her life.
  
  
• A great real life story of how diet pills nearly turned a woman's life into a horror story!

If you would like to add more to your plus size focused reading, then definitely add Just As Beautiful magazine to your list of 'to read items'!

Labels: plus size news