This month’s Store of the Month spot is a tiny little bit different than usual, because we do not have just one store featured but four!

December is holiday season month, and that makes it one of the busiest times of the year. With many different places to be and things to do, December calls for a lot of different outfit changes. This is the reason for our choosing more than one store to highlight during December. I feel that one store for this month is definitely not enough; different stores, all of which specialize in their particular areas, are needed to help make December a more stylish month. So here are my featured stores:

1. Torrid: Specializing in trendy and fashion forward clothing in sizes 12 and over, Torrid have been offering plus size women numerous promotions this month to help us all save some money. With a great select of both casual wear and formal wear, as well as an accessories section great for gift grabbing, Torrid is a great place to go to in December.

2. Kiyonna: Definitely a store not to miss if you are looking for more formal attire this month. If you are looking for something to wear at the office Christmas party, or New Year’s Eve, this is the store to go to.

3. SWAK Designs: A one stop shop for curvy ladies, SWAK Designs had quickly become a favorite among plus size shoppers, and definitely for good reason. Offering a wide variety of stylish items, in large sizes and at affordable prices, SWAK Designs is a place not to miss if you are looking for casual wear, and party dresses.

4. Hips and Curves: I could not forget pointing out the perfect place to go to for some festive curvy lingerie. Without any doubt, Hips and Curves remains again this season the top choice for large ladies to go to for their saucy and sexy intimate apparel needs. With a great selection available, to fill all your holiday nights, Hips and Curves is a clear winner in the curvy lingerie department.

So there you have it ladies, these are the stores you need this month for curvy style survival.

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!