When you’re not in the mood for a skirt, capri pants are the perfect compromise. They offer the coverage and convenience of pants, but are cool and comfy for summer. You can dress them up with a pair of pretty heels and a nice blouse, or dress them down with some flip flops and a tank. And even though I already own several pairs, I think I might have to buy another… because at SWAK Designs, their cutest, most versatile, totally functional capri pants are on special!

Normally $32.99, you can get $10 off these super cute, super flattering little pants for a limited time. Just use coupon code PCNA3333 at checkout, and you’re ready to go! I like them in black, as I’ll be able to dress them up for the evening or wear them to work, or go black and white with bright accessories (very in right now!) during the day. They’re also available in khaki. Check them out now, while they still have all sizes in stock!

The title says it all. These new summer tops are seriously adorable! Just in time for the Fourth of July (but only if you hurry), Kiyonna has a super cute selection of new tops in red, white, and (you guessed it) blue. With a lot of ultra flattering and feminine wrap tops that show just enough skin, it’ll be hard for you to choose what to wear this Fourth. My favorite? The red and white gingham ruffle wrap top. The perfect little top for your Fourth of July barbecue (because you’ll look good enough to eat!).

Looking for something a bit dressier, or just feel like looking ultra feminine? Check out Kiyonna’s selection of new summer dresses. You’ll be drooling over the Chloe Chiffon dress in a bright and sexy tribal print, very trendy this season.

Who says that a plus sized girl has to go for understated style? All you need is one peek at SWAK Design’s super cute and funky collection for proof that there are plenty of us out there who like to show it off… and look great doing it.

Take a peek at SWAK’s summer clearance section for super cute tops, skirts, and dresses at prices up to 50% off… and for items that you’ll still be wearing for several warm-and-sticky months to come.  Check out the funky little black sparkle tanks that look fun, rebellious, but still a bit feminine. Want to go simple, sleek, and elegant? The Coco dress is just about the perfect little black dress, and is on sale for just $38.99.  I think I’m gonna have to snap one up, too.

Yep, Candy Couture Collection. Try saying that ten times fast!

Funny name aside, this collection contains some must-have items for summer. Each one of the blouses, dresses and skirts in the collection comes in light-as-air chiffon (perfect for a breezy summer day), in fun and vibrant candy colors. This collection is set apart by fun detailing… like the animal print chiffon top with a fun-and feminine ruffle collar. Or the ruffle wrap dress in raspberry fuchsia.

They’ve also got some great sales going on, with 30-70% off on casual wrap dresses and dressier gowns for attending a summer wedding. Planning to order a whole pile of gorgeous dresses for summer? Go right ahead… shipping is only $8.00 all all orders, no coupon code required!

Just a quick post to let you all know that this week Missphit, one of my favorite plus size clothing labels, have added some hot new summer styles to their collection. They have added a range of beautiful, stylish plus size tops, which are perfect for the Summer months. Both colorful and unique, these new styles are definitely going to be a winner, and I expect they will be picked up pretty fast, so if you have your eye on something I suggest you act quickly. I sure will!

Missphit has been a fashion forward plus size clothing line, offering figure flattering tops and jackets, made with the woman’s plus size figure in mind. Season after season their styles have evolved to move along with the trends, and this season Missphit have lived up to their reputation by launching a set of gorgeous and sexy tips, truly fit for a diva.

Although their full summer line is yet to be launched, Missphit have already rolled up a number of styles which set the pace for what is coming up. Today I’m taking a closer look at a couple of these gorgeous styles, to give you some insight into what is available at Missphit.

First off let’s have a look at my favorite… the Satin Diva. This halter-neck top brings to mind the Diva Halter top, which was worn by Lakisha Jones during one of her performances of American Idol. It is in fact an updated version of this popular style, which completely screams style and celebrity. Their famous floral and geometric combination print, with metallic glitter sits on a beautifully soft and sleek satin fabric. For added comfort, Missphit have the fit-to-figure bottom elastic smocking band which really helps in flattering your curves. Besides, they have also added the breathable lining inside to prevent any unwanted stickiness. At just $39, the Satin Diva top is a steal!

Now we move on to the Zig Zag Tunic, which is definitely going to be one of my favorite wears this summer. This unique top comes with a tunic-length chiffon top, featuring a fun zig-zag border print, which will make you stand out from the crowd… for good reason of course! There’s a stretch fabric band at the bottom to fit all curves snugly along with a full tank top underneath. The top also comes with a beautiful necklace that detaches for easy washing, or if you prefer to wear the top without it. Extremely trendy and one of a kind. The Zig Zag Tunic goes for $45… a bargain for a designer plus size top.

Visit Missphit for more information on these, and more tops, and of course to order your own.

You’ve got the attitude. You’ve got the curves. All you need now is a winning outfit for you to wear, to hit the clubs on the weekend with your best girls. If you feel stuck for choice, I have some ideas for you. Among Torrid’s ‘New Arrivals’ section lay some very interesting and funky options, perfect for the curvy girl wanting to make a lasting impression.

Here is my suggestions on what items to pick to create a winning clubbing outfit, from top to bottom:

1. Black Yellow and White Geometric Floral Halter Top at $44.00
2. Torrid Basic Black 32″ Pant at $44.00
3. Large Hammered Silver Teardrop Earring at $7.50
4. Turquoise Mirror Bangle Bracelet 12-Pack at $9.00
5. Black Pointed-Toe Kitten Heel at $28.00
6. Torrid diva 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray at $29.00

Are you bound for the beach or boardwalk? Old Navy has just launched a brand new collection which it has dubbed the ‘Roadtrip Collection‘. This new collection is definitely one to take a closer look at, as it offers pretty summer looks for all your warm-weather pastimes. What I mostly love is that these latest summer looks are also available in Women’s Plus, sizes 16-30.

I think it’s great how Old Navy are really trying hard to take care of their plus size customers in 2008. It’s a good effort, and I definitely encourage them to keep it up and keep the cute plus size styles coming!

Don’t forget that Old Navy offers free returns on all women’s plus styles, as well as $5 flat rate shipping on all orders. Pretty neat.

I have just been given a sneak peek into what is coming up Missphit’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection, and I must say I am impressed!

Ever since I was introduced to the Missphit clothing line I was immediately impressed at their attention to detail, style and most of all quality. And as time passes by the Missphit line continues to impress me as it grows and matures to include more and more designs. Their styles are up to the minute, and most of all figure flattering.

I can’t wait to show you what’s in store for you ladies from them, but you’ll have to hang on a while longer!

I read an interesting blog post by style editor Kim Crowe today, which gives plus size women and retailers in general, some food for thought.

Kim has recently been following some boutique owners around as they select merchandise for late spring/early fall deliveries. Out of the many retailers she has seen, most of them do carry their items in XXL or size 16, but unfortunately only one retailer was one which you would call totally plus size oriented. What’s happening is that plus size people don’t actually know that these sizes are available in these particular places, so they simply do not go to these boutiques. As a consequence, the retailers simply assume that there isn’t a market there for them! As Kim suggests, what this boils down to is merely mis-communication, or actually lack of communication.

What happened to good old market research, and investing in some effective marketing? These retailers need to look around an realize that, yes, the market is there. But plus size people aren’t simply going to notice you carry bigger sizes just by snapping a finger. Promote these sizes throughout the store, in local newspapers or magazines, and online on locally focused sites. There are different ways to get the word out there, and retailers should use these to their advantage, to expand their customer base to include plus sizes.