Plus Size Store

A common question that we hear all time, is what type of neckline is best suited for me? Your clothing’s neckline style frames your face and here are a few tips on how to use necklines to look your best.

What guidelines should I follow when choosing a neckline?
First and foremost, do show some skin! A scooped or dipped neckline is more slimming than a chin-hugging crew neck. Though it may be tempting to take cover in a turtleneck, if you have a large bust the extra fabric will make you appear even bigger. Venture forth and go strapless — don’t avoid such tops because of upper-arm imperfections. Just wrap a shawl or stole around your shoulders for practicality and sophistication.

Are some necklines more flattering than others?
Depends on your assets A plain V-neck will elongate a round face; a boat-neck or other straight neck flatters a longer face. Undo a few top buttons on a blouse to open the neckline and pull the eye up to your face; use a low V-neck to flaunt cleavage.

What can I do about wide styles that show more bra line than neckline?
Look for a strapless undergarment or one with straps that are placed extra wide. Many bras today are convertible to adapt to a multitude of fashion situations.

How do I combine a particular neckline with jewelry?
Jewelry should serve only as a finishing touch. So accessorize V-necks, boatnecks and crew necks with a multi-drop necklace or solitaire pendant. Short strands or chokers work best with strapless and off-the-shoulder necklines. An open collar allows for chunkier, funkier necklaces — even for the office. There’s only one absolute: Just say no to chains that disappear into your cleavage.

There is nothing worse than wearing an uncomfortable bra. I thought that was just how they were designed. That was until I went and had myself fitted and measured last year and realized that for all these years I had been wearing the wrong size bra! Now you can find the right bra by following this bra fitting guide.

Here are six questions to ask yourself when you walk into the changing room to try on a new bra:

Fit
Does your bra pinch? Many bras do, but a proper-fitting bra shouldn’t. Instead, it should fit snuggly enough to support the breasts and evenly distribute weight above the rib cage. “When your cups are too small, the tension tugs on your back band,” says Linda Enke, a consultant for Vanity Fair Intimates who has also worked for Victoria’s Secret. “Try buying a bigger cup size to take pressure off.”

Size
Love the look but not sure it’s sized right? Experiment. Try a different band size or cup size. For example, if a 40C isn’t fitting properly in the band or the cup, try a 42B or 38D.

Underwire
Another indicator of a good fit: Does the underwire dig into your body, or protrude from your breast bone? If either is true, you’re wearing the wrong size.

Bands
Do the bands align? A well-fit bra’s front and back bands should be parallel. If the back band rides up, the cup size is probably too small and the band size too big.

Straps
Do you have red marks from shoulder straps? You shouldn’t — the straps shouldn’t be expected to do all the support work. “If a bra fits properly, it will leave no red marks on your body,” Enke says. “It should take 90 percent of your breast weight off the shoulder straps.”

Movement
Does the bra move with you? To improve fit, sit down while trying on each bra. “When you sit, your rib cage expands and alters fit,” Enke suggests. Then, lean forward to distribute the weight into the cups, and raise your arms after securing the bra band. “The breast settles into the cup better.”

Follow these steps and you will also be enjoying the comfort of a properly fitting bra.

The leaves are falling here in New England and the fall and winter clothing is coming out of storage. Here are 3 great fall outfits that will fit in anyone’s budget

Rustic Beauty
I love the way that the white woven shirt and the sleeveless sweater combo looks. Throw in a long brown and gray plaid skirt and you have a great outfit for under $125!

• Sleeveless cowl neck vest, $39.50 from LaneBryant.com
• White woven shirt, $39.50 from Lane Bryant Stores
• Long brown and gray plaid skirt, $44.50 from Lane Bryant Stores

Great Strong Foundation
I love how great this red coat looks. Combine it with the muted colors of the pants and top and you have a great outfit that cost under $250!

• Wool double-breasted peacoat, $139.99 from Fashion Bug Stores
• “Absolutely adorable pullover” sweater, $69.99 from Shopthebay.com
• Stretch knife pocket pant, $38/$44 from Catherines.com

Leather Jacket and Jeans
This combination of buttery leather jacket and jeans looks absolutely perfect for those sunny fall and early winter days. More expensive outfit at $322 but you know you would look great in it

• Washable leather zip-front scuba jacket, $199/$209 from Catherines Stores
• Long-sleeve French cuff white shirt, $39.50 from Lane Bryant Stores
• Long-sleeve French cuff white shirt, $39.50 from Lane Bryant Stores
• Gitano double-button coin and back flap pocket jean, $42.99 from Fashion Bug Stores

Here are six fashion tips on how you can look great at the office this winter regardless of whether it is professional attire or business casual.

1. Use clothing to create a balanced silhouette. For example, a ruffled shirt can enhance a bust line, while a pencil skirt can streamline the bottom line

2. Dress from head to toe in one tone. Clothes which are a dark color like black, dark navy or dark red give the illusion of a slimmer figure because dark colors absorb light.

3. Creating a long, vertical line is one way to create a slender silhouette. There are three ways to achieve this are: Match your pantyhose color to your skirt or pant and shoe color; wear an oblong scarf tied loosely around the neck; or wear your blazer and cardigans long and unbuttoned

4. Buy low-rise pants and jeans as they sit down on your hips and don’t cut into your sides and tummy.

5. Monochromatic looks are very slimming, but that doesn’t mean you are stuck wearing black all the time. Instead try a tonal look by using various shades of green for a stylish, contemporary look.

5. Silk, satin, lightweight linen and fine cotton are more slimming fabrics than knits. Silk drapes are most flattering with matte crepe or chiffon polyesters close contenders. Avoid polyester satin. A touch of Lycra or Spandex - no more than 5% - smoothes bumps but stay away from any higher percentage, which is unforgiving.

6. The quickest way to give a simple outfit style is by adding some jewelry to your outfit. Use long necklaces to create a frame around your face, but avoid chokers, which tend to make the face seem more round.

Click for more plus size fashion tips

Good article on Lifetimetv about the secret to buying the perfect pair for jeans for your body type.

For plus size women the recommendation is boot cut jeans. More specifically:

For women with a fuller figure, tracking down the right jeans can be especially challenging. Try a pair with a small flare at the bottom of the leg — also known as a boot cut — to help balance out your hips and create a long, lean look. Choose a dark wash (deep indigo or black denim), which will give you a slimmer appearance. Added embellishments like large back pockets streamline the look and give you an extra booty boost.

Good tip. Check out avenue.com for boot cut jeans.

Throw all those stereotypes of Chinese women being thin out the window. An article on Fibre2fashion indicated that there are around 20 million over-weight women in the age group of 20-45 in China.

That is a huge number. The net result is that there is a huge shortage of plus size clothing in China because Chinese apparel companies think that all Chinese women are thin too.

Good article by July Howard about how that dressing fashionable and flattering is much easier than it used to be.  One reason for this is that stories now carry a lot more plus size clothing than they used too. With a wider selection, comes greater choice and better quality.

Judy identifies 5 fashion rules to keep in mind when shopping:

• When shopping for a dress always look for something that has an a-line shape. These dresses seem to work better for a full figure as it hangs better without gathering at the waist.
• Pick out a color that suits you. The right colour can make all the difference.
• Wear appropriate clothing according to the activity. With such a wide selection in different categories you are sure to find what you’re looking for.
• When shopping for suits, the plus size woman needs to look for long tops and this applies to jackets as well.
• The plus size woman when looking for slacks often finds that the length is too long or too baggy and often to correct the problem has a professional alter them. Pick out slacks with a wider leg and have the waistline altered.

Shopping for plus size clothing is now a lot more fun than it used to be.

Casual Friday’s strike fear in the hearts of many people. Putting together an outfit(s) that has just the right amount of informal panache, yet always looks polished and professional used to make me wake in a cold sweat every Thirsday.

But I learned that it does not have to be this way. Putting together a summer look that that combines laid-back comfort and workplace style can be achieved by following these simple guidelines.

Crisp and lightweight blouses are a perfect summer. You can wear them over a cami, or pair them with a T-shirt. A roomy, belted overblouse with long or ruched sleeves can be a fresh seasonal alternative to a jacket or blazer.

While shorts may seem like an office faux pas, knee-length Bermudas, linens and city shorts are elegant enough to make the cut! Capris are another great option, with the breezy comfort of shorts, the versatility of pants (to make the look a bit more office-appropriate, consider teaming up capris with a dressier top).

Denim is always good to go: opt for stretch jeans, which give a tailored, well-contoured presentation, rather than anything too faded or baggy.

Sandals, wedges, espadrilles, ballet flats, the stylish variety of comfy summer shoes are reason enough to kick up your heels!

Feel free to be a bit bold with accessories: bangle bracelets, an eye-catching pendant, hoops or chandelier earrings can all lend an added touch of fun to your Friday.

What are some Casual Friday fashion don’ts? Avoid sweat pants and shirts, tank tops, and anything very sheer; spaghetti straps, low necklines and lots of logos are best saved for after hours. When in doubt, better to be a bit overdressed than risk looking unprofessional.

Be playful, but look like you mean business: When putting together a summer-to-work look, think mix and match. Stylish separates give you options galore, so you can assemble a 9-to-5 wardrobe with verve and personality.

Now is the time to save money on the end of summer sales and get your back to school shopping started. We have updated our coupons page with the latest offers. Some of the highlights are:

Lane Bryant is offering the the following coupons for plus size clothing:

• Take $50 off a $150 purchase at LaneBryant.com.Expires 10-11-07.
• Take $75 off a purchase of $225 or more at LaneBryant.com. Expires 10-11-07.
• Take $75 off a purchase of $225 or more at LaneBryant.com. Use promo code 050001538. Expires 10-11-07.
• Buy 1, get 1 for ½ off at LaneBryant.com from August 1 to 9. No promotion code needed.