Out with the winter blahs. . .

We don't exactly have a real winter down south; instead we have rain. Drab skies, grey days, drizzle. You get the idea.

What a great sweater to chase away the winter blues! This plus-size silk cotton deco rose v-neck cardigan is from Liz Claiborne.

Little Black Dress with Flair

I'm liking what I see in this dress. The flaired skirt and fitted waist and top are usually flattering for plus size women, and there's a touch of crinoline at the hem according to the store's website. We go to one huge holiday party, and I'm thinking this might be the ticket. Maybe with a shrug?

Oh, and it has a built in bra. Lots going for it, yes indeed. It's available at Coldwater Creek.

Calling Size 16 W

I'm not a size 16W, so I can't buy this great herringbone dress from Liz Claiborne. Apparently all the other sizes have sold out, but if you're a 16W hop on over to the Claiborne site and grab this one before it's gone. Spoil yourself.

You have my permission. :-)

Hey, it's on sale, too!

Three Easy Pieces

Here are three easy pieces from Eileen Fisher that would make a great ensemble to wear for weekend errands or casual Fridays at the office.

I'm sure some of my readers are single, and I want to offer a couple of tips for ladies who want to be date bait. Maybe this is a southern thing, but I was taught to always try to look your best--even if you're just going to the farmer's market or the grocery store. Single men are everywhere, and you'll feel confident and attractive if you're looking your best and feeling comfortable.

There are PLENTY of men out there who love a woman with curves, but even they are not going to take a second look if you're out and about in your red sweatpants and stained white sweatshirt. Just don't do it. And anyway--why would you with comfortable, attractive plus size options like this outfit?

Design Gone Wrong

If I had the ear of plus-size designers, I would point out the following. Do you agree with these "designer don'ts" for plus size clothing?

• We don't look good in a sack! Roomy is good--shapeless is bad.
• We can wear colors other than black or navy. We can even wear prints.
• We don't like dresses and skirts that fall two inches above the knee. I don't know about my readers, but my knees are not something I want to emphasize.
• Don't place a stripe at the hips, por favor.
• We are not all eighty years old and ready for the housecoat/duster. We can find plenty of these. We need nice clothes! How about taking a look at your regular size line to find clothing that we'd like to wear, too?
• We work! We need business clothes that are attractive and contemporary. Even though we're larger, we need to blend in to the business world.
• We don't want heavy, ugly clothes. Think about clothes that women want to wear, whatever their size.

What would you add to my list?

I love this blouse!

I love this blouse by Jones New York! Can't you see it paired with a black skirt or pants? Perhaps a white or black shell beneath the shirt would work if wearing the shirt unbuttoned.

What do you think? It's not available for shipping yet, but the Jones New York site indicates it will be available in early January. I've preordered it, and I'll post a review when I have it in my hot little hands.

Why Blog?

Like most plus-sized business women, I have trouble finding attractive plus-size business attire that fits. I am a professor, and I try to look professional and put together. While searching for plus-sized business clothing yesterday, it occurred to me that my findings might help other larger ladies select a business wardrobe. I'll be posting my discoveries on this blog, and I hope I can make the blog useful to others in the same situation.