SWAK Designs’ Pick of the Week is the charming and flattering Angelina top. Now through Sunday 16th, December this top is available at discount. From $32.99, it is not being sold at $24.75! Simply use coupon code POTW25 upon checkout.

This great top flatters all body shapes. It feels soft against the skin and the plunging neckline, embellished with soft lace, makes this top feminine. Very versatile with a tie back, kimono style sleeves, empire waistline and flowing bottom half ready to cover all.

This top can be dressed up with a pair of palazzo pants and heels, or skinny jeans and boots. Otherwise dresses down with casual leggings.

It is very easy to slip into and great for all occasions. You may want one in all three colors. Get yours today at only $24.75. Remember, use coupon code POTW25 for discount to apply.

Cruise season for 2008 is heating up, especially with the new plus size swimwear arrivals at SwimsuitsForAll.com. Brand new, very stylish swimsuits arriving daily this week at SwimsuitsForAll.com, so if you are looking to update your swimwear, go ahead and visit them today to get the first pick.

I’ve looked around and they have gotten quite an impressive amount of new items, my personal favorites, or should I say items on my wish list would be the Barbados Two Piece Blouson swimsuit by Penbrooke, as it look very comfy, figure flattering and I absolutely love the colors. Then there’s also Giraffe Two Piece Halter tankini by Cruz, as this one looks wild and daring!

What’s your favorite?

The following is a guest post by Sara Johnson.

2007/2008 styling for plus size tops follows the lead of the winter season’s stars; a celebration of curves, enhanced with vibrant colors, touches of sparkle and sumptuous fabrics. Gone are the over-sized tees and knits of old, replaced by kimono tops, embellished empire waisted designs and sexy knits crafted carefully to enhance feminine curves. Au currant runway inspired designs are finally being produced in a realistic range of sizes and are receiving a gracious welcome from the fashion loving plus size community.

The kimono style top, with wider sleeves, an a-line hem, v-neck and empire waist tie back is the natural choice for enhancing the curvy frame. Wide sleeves, in short, or three-quarter length make the arms appear thinner and create an upside down triangle shape; wider at the shoulder, narrower at the waist. The empire tie back waist highlights the smallest part of most women’s torso, the area approximately 5 inches below the base of the bust. Not the true waist, which often carries extra padding. The slight a-line hem of the kimono softly falls over tummy to the hips, never clinging. When fitted correctly, the kimono should flow softly over the bust, cinching at the empire waist and flowing softly to the hem, creating a beautiful hour-glass shape. Try a traditional silk Asian motif, or vibrant mod pattern for season current style.

The embellished, empire waisted design flatters for many of the same reasons the kimono does; the littlest part of the torso, the empire waist is highlighted and the top flows softly into an a-line hem, elongating the body and flattering the tummy and hips. Jeweled medallion detailing, beading and Grecian goddess inspired embellishments at the empire waist are gorgeous design trends finally available in curve friendly sizes. Such bold embellishments appear to be made for the plus-size frame; statement medallions and beading are proportionately correct for the curvy frame. Look for a narrow v-neck to elongate the neck and flatter the bust, a wide v-neck may show off ample decollete but in turn makes the torso appear wider and chose fabric that flows softly over the body in a solid color for a flattering, statement making look!

Sumptuous knits in sexy shapes have replaced over sized designs as the article of choice for curvy women. Quality fabrics in beautiful shapes are wonderful, comfy alternatives to the basic tee. Chose a thick fabric with plenty of stretch to best enhance your curves, in your favorite shape of choice. Empire waist designs, with a tie back are always flattering, narrow v-necks and wrap designs make the most of a curvy frame as well. Play with vibrant color; these basics are the perfect choices for trying out seasonal color trends. Avoid thin fabrics in overly clingy shapes; a good knit should always drape the body flatteringly.

With each passing year, fashion current plus size options become increasingly mainstream much to the delight of the curvy community. Winter/Spring, 2007/2008 designers follow the trend of embracing the true feminine form, crafting designs that enhance and flatter all shapes and sizes. With a plethora of style options, self-expression via fashion is finally feasible regardless of size!

Who is Sara Johnson?
Sara Johnson is the co-owner and product buyer at Velvetsiren.com – A posh plus size clothing boutique for curvy girls. She currently works as a fashion consultant for curvy women worldwide. Come see what everyone is talking about!

Here are my December favorites from Silhouettes collection of discounted items…

Hooded Berber Coat
A simply gorgeous and figure flattering swing style coat, featuring generous hood, turn-back cuffs and well pockets. On sale at only $119.00.

Easy Linen Dress
A super comfy and all time favorite A-line shaped dress, with button placket and pintuck detailing at the bodice. Simple and yet casually sophisticated. A steal at $59.00.

Swing Coat
A sweeping style with inverted back pleat in a beauiful Italian-made fabric. This stunning coast features raglan sleeves with turn-back cuffs.and welt pockets. A bargain at $129.00!

Silhouettes have rolled out a number of excellent promotions during the month of December which will help us look good throughout the different Christmas Holiday activities, whilst also purchase a few gifts for loves ones.

Here is the nitty gritty on the promotions available, to help make our curves look stunning whilst saving a few bucks:

• Take 20% off your order of $100 or more. Simply use coupon code AFF7PC11
• Qualify for FREE delivery on your order of $100 or more. Use coupon code AFF7PC12
• Save up yo 60% on their winter sale items. Use coupon code AFF7PC13

All the above promotions are valid through 31st December, 2007. And remember, if you still cannot decide on what gifts to purchase, give the gift of a Silhouettes Gift Card, a gift that always fits!

The following is a guest post by Sara Johnson.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, many are searching for the perfect attire for seasonal parties. Making sure one is function appropriate often proves more difficult than finding a fabulous ensemble. The following definitions cover most of the party attire requirements seen during the holidays and guarantee you’ll look fab and function appropriate in whatever you chose.

Cocktail attire is a consistent party theme throughout the holidays. It’s name is derived quite aptly from the concept of people gathering prior to a formal dinner or event for cocktails. Appropriate attire consists of dresses, ranging from mid-thigh to one inch below the knee. Tailored pants suits are also appropriate, however consider avoiding a business standby, instead add accents in a vibrant color, chose a fitted cut or incorporate a suit created from a unique textile. Silk, Chatung, Brocade, Polyester, Cashmere, Rayon, Velour, Velvet and Velveteen are all appropriate cocktail fabrics and embellishments with beading and sequins are also appropriate.

Every so often, you will find yourself being asked to wear semi formal attire to such events as weddings and award ceremonies. This form of attire gets the most attention, but often because of its universal use. Many associate other forms of dress such as cocktail attire, with semi-formal. However, Semi-formal attire is much more formal than cocktail attire. Pants suits may be worn if refined in construction and dresses ranging from an inch above the knee to two inches above the ankle are appropriate. Taffeta, Chiffon, Silk, Satin, Sateen, Gossamer, Brocade, Rayon, Velour, Velvet, Velveteen are all appropriate semi-formal fabric choices.

Occasionally business formal dress requirements are seen, often in work related or political functions. Business formal is the same as semi formal, however women should chose more tailored dresses or pants suits. Slinky, sexy or revealing attire is generally best suited for a NON-business formal affair.

Black tie, or formal attire requires cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates. Pants suits or dress suits are rarely appropriate for formal wear. Dresses rage from knee length to ankle and may vary from a straight sheath to a full skirt and fitted bodice. Sequin and beaded embellishment is appropriate and the fabrics Taffeta, Chiffon, Silk, Satin, Sateen, Gossamer, Brocade, Rayon, Velour, Velvet, Velveteen are all considered the textile norm. Colors vary seasonally, with black remaining a consistent standby favorite.

Following the above guide to the holiday season party circuit is sure to assist you in looking fabulous, and function appropriate. If, or when in doubt, the stylist services at Velvet Siren are happy to provide attire suggestions. Happy Holidays and enjoy!

Who is Sara Johnson?
Sara is the co-owner and product buyer at http://www.velvetsiren.com – A posh plus size clothing boutique for curvy girls. She currently works as a fashion consultant and personal shopper for curvy women worldwide. Come see what everyone is talking about!

Who say’s you cannot wear black and blue together?

As can be seen from some of Kiyonna’s latest additions to their Fall collection, black and blue make a perfect match! So go ahead and indulde in Fall’s dark and moody color palette in laid-back separates and resses.

Check out Kiyonna’s new Fall looks more thoroughly at their store.

Weather is starting to get cold huh? Well do not fret! Just give cold weather cold shoulder by equipping yourself with a great, big comfy, cosy and warm coat. OneStopPlus has a great selection of plus size coats available, up to size 44W! New wool, leather and suede coats for casual, dressy and career occasions have in fact recently been added to their stock. All in sizes 14W to 44W.

This collection of coats is truly a vast one. Do not get put off by the models OneStopPlus uses on their site, which are far from plus size. I must admit it was months until I warmed up to this online store, just because all the models used to display their clothing aren’t really big girls. But at least you have to OneStopPlus a tap on the back for honesty, and not getting these models all padded up, which would’ve been even worse. I just do not understand how they can use thin models when they are targeting ladies sizes 14 to 44. Anyways… rant over!

Do not get put off by the models really. It is truly just a detail. Do not let it get in the way of you enjoying the great selection of items available at OneStopPlus, as they really have a great variety of plus size clothing available.

Monif C. Plus Sizes, an exclusive plus size clothing line, has this month announced the launch of a brand new fashion collection for the Fall, which has been very appropriately named the ‘Glamor Donna Collection’.

This new collection is made up of a selection of beautifully made, curve flattering plus size dresses, all of which are now available to purchase both online at MonifC.com and also at the Monif C. boutique located in New York City.

This new collection is in line with Monif C’s philosophy "to reaffirm every woman’s desire for an inspired life, luxury, and unadulterated sex appeal," and has furthermore been inspired by the leading fashion houses in Milan.

Along with this brand new collection, Monif C. has also launched her first line of larger sized luxury footwear. Currently the collection is made up for wide calf boots, fur trimmed boots, as well as Swarovski crystal-incrusted evening sandals, and more. Truly a selection to check out if, like me, you are a shoe lover.

For more details about these new additions do read the complete press release, and of course to visit MonifC.com to take a look at the new gorgeous items available.