Win a Trip to New York with Evans

Evans is currently running a competition tied to the movie Precious, starring the lovely Gabourey Sidibe, where you can win a trip to New York! I highly recommen to visit Evans for more details on this, and to enter the competition!

Plus, also be aware that Evans is currently offering free UK delivery on all online orders until Wednesday, 17th February, 2010.

SWAK Designs Photo Shoot

Ever wondered what a photo shoot at an online plus size store is all about? Well check out the video below to find out… it features a recent photo shoot at SWAK Designs.

More Fashions from Gabby Sidibe

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.

Gabourey Sidibe wearing Torrid

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

Gabourey Sidibe wears IGIGI

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 ;-)

Last Day: 50% OFF Clearance at Torrid

Over the weekend Torrid has been running a fantastic 50% OFF Clearance sale, which is running until the end of today! So hurry and check out the super savings you can make at Torrid, if you haven’t already done so of course.

Plus for a limited time, you can get FREE shipping on any purchase of $100 or more with coupon code BEMINE.

Hurry ladies as these savings are ending very soon. Don’t miss out!

I Got Married!

This is going to a ‘personal type’ post, so apologies in advance if this doesn’t interest you much, but for the regulars around here, I thought of updating you on the biggest event for me in 2009, my wedding! This is quite a long overdue post actually, but better late than never right? I never got round to posting about it due to being extremely busy. But finally, here goes.

So after 4 years of datingIn my wedding dress Mr N, we got hitched last October. Many months of preparation led up to a perfect day. We had what some might call a traditional Maltese wedding, though I like to think we added our own personal twist to it. We wanted things to be extra special, bot not too fussy either. We got married in church, then a standing reception followed. The ‘traditional’ style of wedding here in Malta is a standing reception, although some coupled opt to have have seated weddings too. We opted for a standing reception as we wanted to make the most of mingling around with the guests, and spend as much time as possible dancing away to the great band we had playing.

You’re probably asking… did you get your wedding dress online?! Well, although I was seriously considering it, I ended up not getting it online. I spent countless hours online shopping, seeing the different styles available, and selecting my favorites. Then I said, I must go to a local store, just to see what they have, and try different styles out to see what suits me. Well I ended up only going to one store and buying the first dress I tried on! It was like love at first sight. I knew it was for me, and once I like something, I am pretty quick at making decisions and knowing that something is for me. So I knew it was it. I tried on a few dresses after that, but those only made me want the first one more. It had all the qualities I was looking for. I didn’t want the usual full ball gown type of dress, I wanted something more fitting, with some sparkle. This dress had beautiful ruching on the top part, which helps soooo much in hiding any tummy flaws. It has straps adorned with Swarovski crystals too, so I got my dose of sparkle there. I was in love with this dress. Still am actually! ;-)

The store obviously did not have my size available, so they had to order it from Italy, and have it made to measure. After 4 months of waiting, I went for my first fitting and the dress fit like a glove. I was extremely lucky, as I chose a store with impeccable customer service. They created the dress just for my body, and did not stick to a size chart. So I was very happy with that. Then I had a custom shrug created, as I needed it for church, and it was made beautifully.

What I did get online however, was pretty much everything else! I got the dresses for my bridesmaids and flower girls online, through NetBride from Eden Bridals. Again the service at NetBride was second to none. They answered my questions very quickly prior to making my purchase, and followed up with regular updates for me once I made the purchase. I received the dresses before their expected delivery dates. So thank goodness everything went smoothly. We did have to adjust the hemlines of the dresses, and taken them in slightly at the waist, but otherwise I was very happy with everything.

What else did I get online? I got my headpiece from eBay! It was a bargain, hand made and turned out to be beautiful. I also got the men’s ties for Soprano Ties in the UK. I also got the confetti boxes we used for wedding favors from eBay, and the personalized ribbon we used to tie these up was from eBay as well.

Oh and I almost forgot one very essential detail. I got all my invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, which I highly recommend. They processed my order at the speed of light! I actually received my order at home, before I got the actual email from them to advise me that my order had been shipped. Now that’s service!

I did not get my shoes online. I happened to be in London a few months before the wedding, so I managed to find something I liked at the Bridal Rouge Gallery. The lady there was so helpful. I told her what size I need and she just got out one pair, after pair, after pair of shoes in my size, until I found the one I liked. I must have tried on over 30 pairs that day, at that store alone.

It was such a perfect day. I admit it was quite a stressful experience, as trying to get everything done in time and making sure everything is near perfect is quite hectic. Though it was all worthwhile in the end. We loved every minute of it, and the day flew by!

I’ll leaved you to some photos from the day…

With my beautiful bridesmaids

Full length view of the wedding dress

The confetti

The church

The vows

Mr & Mrs :)

They wedding favors

The cake... one tier chocolate... two tiers almond... yum!

Happy :)

First dance

The party!

Plus Size Clothes Shopping Tools

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!

Curvy Coupon Roundup

Here’s a roundup of the latest sizzling sales going on at plus size clothing stores. Remember to check out and sign up to the Curvy Coupon Club, to keep up to date with future sales.

» Get 25% OFF your entire order at Roamans with code RD25%PRES. Ends 15th February 2010.

» Get 25% OFF your entire order at Jessica London with code JLE3876. Ends 14th February, 2010.

» 50% OFF Clearance sale now on at Torrid. No coupon code needed! Ends 15th February, 2010.

» Take 15% OFF your entire order at Swimsuits For All with code KISS15. Expires 14th February, 2010.

Winter Clearance at Eddie Bauer

Eddie Bauer is offering savings up to 70% off during their Winter Clearance event. Prices start at just $6.99 on over 400 styles now through 26th February, 2010.

Eddie Bauer is also currently hosting a Rain Event where your may save $20 on all WeatherEdge Outerwear now until 22nd February, 2010.

Presidents’ Day Sale at OneStopPlus

OneStopPlus is currently running a Presidents’ Day Sale, with great reductions applied throughout the site. Loads of savings can be made, with up to 65% OFF on boots, outerwear, dresses, shoes, lingerie, plus a fabulous Spring collection.

This sale runs for a limited time only, so don’t delay and visit OneStopPlus.

Jill Scott Wears Anna Scholz

Jill Scott wearing Anna Scholz

The gorgeous and super talented Jill Scott, one of my all time idols, has been seen lately wearing an Anna Scholz dress, at a BET Awards pre-party! Might I also add that she looks seriously stunning in this outfit. I love the accessories Jill chose to pair up with this dress, especially that stylish clutch bag.

Free T-Mobile phones on sale | Thanks to Best Savings Accounts, Conveyancing Fees and Used Cars