Yesterday I published a mini-rant about how I think the rates charged for international shipping from some stores are slightly on the high side at times. Then I referenced the fact that Kiyonna are currently running a special offer on international shipping, offering it at a $10 flat rate on order of $200 or more, until 3rd March, 2010.

Well plus size ladies shopping online from outside the US will be very glad to now find out that there are more stores offering affordable, even free, international shipping. SWAK Designs, one of my favorite online stores ever, offer free worldwide shipping on all order over $40! Now that’s what I call a great deal.

I have used SWAK Designs’ free shipping services on a couple of my orders, and I must say I was very satisfied. You do have to wait a little bit longer for the order to arrive, but when you’re not in a rush for your items, it doesn’t really matter. Plus, saving a few dollars, makes it worth the wait.

I often get emails and comments from plus size ladies outside of the US, asking whether specific stores ship to their countries. I am happy to say that over the years I have seen more and more online plus size stores based in the US, open up their shopping experience to International customers. Though this is great, and of course I take advantage of it myself since I am located outside the US, I often think some rates charged for shipping could be slightly lower. Oh well, I guess you cannot have everything in the world right?

Well, with Kiyonna it seems you can get quality and stylish plus size clothing shipped at an affordable price! In fact, they are currently running a special offer on international shipping. They are offering a $10 flat international shipping rate with any purchase of $200 or more. No coupon codes required to take advantage of this offer, which runs through 3rd March, 2010.

Kiyonna has recently introduced new items to their online inventory, which are part of their Spring collection. Yesterday in fact I posted about one particular dress in this collection which caught my eye, the Zoe Love Dress.  Well today I wanted to share with you a video I came across online, which features some behind the scenes footage from Kiyonna’s Early Spring Photo Shoo.

This photo shoot features the gorgeous plus size Top Model Ashley Graham, a face which I am sure you are familiar with if you’ve visited Kiyonna before. Watch Ashley work her magic in the video below, wearing new arrivals for Kiyonna such as my favorite the Zoe Love Dress, Lexi Ruched Sweater and Starlet Twill Pencil Skirt. In addition, you can also get a glimpse of never before seen new styles which are coming soon!

Here are links to most of the clothing featured in the video:

1. Lily Surplice Dress
2. Sophia Lace Dress
3. Retro Glam Dress
4. Zoe Love Dress
5. Stefani Ruffle Top
6. Starlet Twill Pencil Skirt
7. Lexi Ruched Sweater

Catherines has yesterday launched a revamped version of their online store. This is more than a simple makeover though, they have improved the entire shopping experience now combining Catherines, Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug under one virtual roof!

What do you think of this new shopping experience?

I’ve just been browsing around Kiyonna’s latest additions and I am very impressed with the new stylish and daring designs they have introduced.

I am particularly in love with the Zoe Love Dress which has such an original neckline. It’s chic, feminine, elegant and yet very sexy as it shows off the right amount of skin. The site says it’s available in black as well as a lavender mosaic print, but I don’t think the latter is yet available.

The dress retails at $118 and comes up to size 5X (30 – 32).

Love it!

Figuresque have just added a number of fun new plus size tops and dresses to their inventory that will make you feel like a diva. They have fun, new colors, trendy embellishments, and sexy styles.

A particular piece which caught my attention is this Denim Top, a trendy top that features an on or off-the-shoulder design and mock button down front design. It’s available up to size 4X.

When shopping at Figuresque make sure you use coupon code 15OFF to get 15% off your entire order! This offer is running for a limited time only.

IGIGI has just unveiled a gorgeous addition to their dresses collection: the Eos Goddess Maxi Dress.

Forming part of IGIGI’s Limited Collection this stunning gown will definitely help you make a lasting impression, wherever you choose to wear it.

This fully lines dress features a stretch bodice with a very flattering sweetheart neckline and an empire waist-line. The straps are nice and bra friendly and the tie-around belt ensures a perfect fit.

The gown retails at $168 and is currently available up to size 32.

Gabourey Sidibe has rose to stardom after her powerful performance in the movie Precious. Over the past weeks I have taken a look at some of Gabby’s fashion choices, and have discovered that we share some favorite designers! In fact I’ve seen Gabby wearing Monif C, as well as SWAK Designs dresses. Whilst browsing around online, I’ve also noticed that Gabby loved IGIGI and Torrid dresses… here she is wearing two gorgeous dresses from these online stores, at red carpet events.

Here she is wearing the Black Satin and Organza Waves Gown from Torrid. I think she looks gorgeous in this glamorous dress.

Whilst over here Gabby is looking very chic wearing the Anais Jeweled Neck Dress dress from IGIGI.

I must say, besides a great dress sense, Gabby also always chooses the most elegant and stylish shoes to complement her outfits. It’s great to see a full figured celebrity confident in her curves, and not afraid to show her toes

Today shopping for trendy plus size clothing that fits well and looks great is easier than ever before. Clothing designers and merchants have finally discovered the huge market full figured women have to offer. We want stylish and comfortable clothing – and we are willing to pay for it.

Fabric choices, slimming cuts & shimmering glamor are available to us in abundance, but how to choose the best fit and most flattering size when shopping online? Trying clothes on before we buy is not an option.

But the good news is that as online shoppers, we have two very handy tools at our disposal:

Sizing Charts & Refund Policies
You will find plenty of websites online specializing in ladies plus size fashions. Before adding anything to your shopping cart (also called shopping bag or basket), check out the sizing chart on site. You will usually find this linked to in the same spot where you choose the size, quantity and color of the item to add to your shopping cart. If it is not there, look in the main menu navigation bar.

You will find that most stores offer sizing that is true to offline department store sizing. So if you are normally a size 2X, you should find that size fits the same when shopping online.

You will also want to know what the store Refund Policy is. The industry standard is between 30 and 60 days from time of shipment. You will see the date listed on the packing slip when your package arrives. With a generous Refund Policy, you are free to order 2 or 3 different sizes of the item you want! Try them on, keep the item that you are most happy with and return the other items for a refund.

What you will want to watch for is any shipping and handling charges. Most times the stores offer a full refund, but it is good to note any charges that may apply if you do opt for a refund. Sometimes it is still worth it if you find that perfect dress you just cannot get locally.

Because most of us do not have a lot of options when shopping for plus sized clothing at our local department stores, shopping online provides us with a happy alternative. Now we too can enjoy a wide variety and plenty of options for fun, trendy fashions!