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Overstock Picks

Posted on 07/12/2009 at 09:28:30 PM | Comments (0)

I was watching a movie the other day and it had an advertisement for Overstock.com and their super-cheap shipping. If you can order anything and only pay under $3 for shipping, why not check out Overstock first for a break in price?

Formal Dresses

Puff sleeves, slim skirts, wrapped bodices, and more spice up formal wear for work and play. If you need something for work or for more formal get-togethers, I definitely recommend shopping over at Overstock and picking up some pieces. You'll find recognizable brands, too--not ones that you don't know what to expect in terms of discounted items for regular wear.

Sandals

There's nothing nicer than a website that has the fixings for a full outfit. The sandals offered at Overstock.com range from strappy sandals to gladiators to full suede pumps, and you're find exactly what you need for any outfit (unless you're outrageously picky, that is). If you need athletic sneakers or flats, Overstock is also the place to go.

Color Studs

Need to tie things together? Colored studs are the way to go, especially if you choose more than one faceted pair of stones! I'm crazy about the amethyst selections, but you can browse through other items like topaz, citrine, peridot, and opal. Have a flick and see what works for you.

Sunglasses

Do you like sunglasses with really gorgeous side pieces? These shades from Overstock feature designer-style frames and designs that we can't get enough of. If you're feeling apprehensive about a certain style, look for something with a few curlicues at the temples in a dark color.

Lingerie

Bras, fishnets, teddies, and panties. . . if you're creative and you like colors, you can mix it up with some pretty daring items from Overstock. If you're going for a racier style for Valentine's or a special occasion, you might like to try stretch lace or something else unforgiving, tiny, and secret.

Getting to Know PZI Jeans

Posted on 07/06/2009 at 10:57:11 PM | Comments (1)

Get a good look at PZI Jeans and learn why this curvy jean brand is the right one for any serious shopper. . . especially one who has a “streamlined” waist, but a curvier body down below.

Take a look at this exclusive interview with PZI Jeans' co-founder Claire Jason just for Coupon Winner's shopping blog!

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What are PZI jeans?

Many women with hourglass shapes have a smaller upper body and larger lower proportions and we recognize that she has a difficult time finding jeans without that unsightly gape in the waist area.  The majority of denim in the market are for young thin females and feature a very low rise, many women cannot even pull low rise denim over their hips.

PZI Jeans realized that the everyday woman represents a huge market that is being neglected henceforth we decided to study our curvy woman’s body and design jeans for her which embrace her beauty and fit her right off the rack! No more expensive alterations! That may not be a big deal for some women, but if you have fuller hips and rear, it is a big deal.

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Why do PZI Jeans fit so well?

We get it and we strive to provide her with jeans that compliment the beauty of her curves. We even went a step further to add short, regular, long and extra-long inseams to really cater to our curvy woman, whether she is short or tall. Any curvy woman who wears a size 4 through 16, is five to six feet tall (or taller) finally has a jean designed just for her. If a customer goes to our website atwww.pzijeans.com and goes to our size chart, they can determine their size and order on-line or locate a store near them that carries PZI Jeans.

Quote of the Day:

“Not being able to feel good in your jeans can be upsetting. PZI Jeans stands out, because our customer can try on our jeans and walk out feeling excited that she finally found a pair of jeans that fit.”

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Some of our favorite PZI styles include: 

1. Michelle Skirt: This new addition to the collection at PZI gives curves just where they are needed, but isn't overbearing. We love that navy-inspired button placket!
2. Jet Skinny Jean: Nothing like a good pair of black jeans to zest things up a little! If you like dark jeans for clubbing or just plain ol' going out, you'll love this selection.
3. Curve Skinny Jean: Dark indigo jeans at their finest, in sizes up to 16. A definite basic, but one with style and class. 
4. Pewter Skinny Jean: Grey jeans are a little more unusual, but they are certainly welcome here. Sling on a pair of skinnied and go!
5. Classic Dark Wash: The classic PZI jean is one that can't be missed, because it's not just what built the brand, but what customers have come to love.

When I typed my information in, I saw that my price for a pair of size 14 jeans in a dark wash (32") came up to $69! Not bad for a pair of specialty designer jeans, huh?

A Collection of Fashion History Related Videos

Posted on 06/30/2009 at 11:01:00 PM | Comments (0)

Do you need a little fashion inspiration? Sometimes your wardrobe needs a boost from all that working beige and basic black: here are some pieces that you'll definitely love, and straight away, too!

The Basic Black Gown--But Long

Audrey Hepburn slipped into a long, black gown for Breakfast at Tiffany's, and looking back at the trailer, doesn't it beat out a mini black dress any day? This gorgeous dress fit Audrey perfectly while showing off her trim arms and toned back. And what a perfect way to highlight a long string of pearls.

Top Picks from Breakfast at Tiffany's:

  • Slim-line, long gowns
  • Swing coats 
  • Designer hats 
  • Flats 

The Carefree Working Girl

Who doesn't want to be Mary Tyler Moore-esque? This '70s dynamo made her mark on popular culture with her spinning and hat tossing. Why not take a look at some matching accessories for summer and autumn? You can go for a cute beret and gloves for fall, or a cap and handcrafted necklace for this summer. Play around with the details!

Top Picks from The Mary Tyler Moore Show:

  • Belted tunics
  • Matching accessories 
  • '70s style jeans 

The Creative Dresser

Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol's favorite model and "It Girl" of the '60s, had a daring look that was emulated by many a young dresser and stylish young lady. From mini skirts to shift dresses, Edie Sedgwick did it all, and we watched! Check out Sienna Miller's daring selection in the Factory Girl trailer, which features big door knocker earrings, minis, and creative fabrics.

Top Picks from Factory Girl:

  • Simple shifts
  • '60s shapes (triangles, v-necks, and mock funnel necks)
  • Sleeveless dresses 
  • Tights and flats  

The Artist

Frida Kahlo's amazing work inspires fancy Mexican designs, a virtual fiesta of colors and fanciful design work. In the film Frida, we get to witness '20s designs infused with a special South-of-the-Border vibe. Altogether, Frida Kahlo's wardrobe complements her famous work as an artist, a feminist, an innovator, and an activist.

Top Picks from Frida:

  • Large, ruffly Mexican swing skirts
  • Off-the-shoulder blouses  
  • Drop-waist dresses and blouses 

What film has inspired your wardrobe?

Why I Love The 2 Bandits

Posted on 06/30/2009 at 08:40:00 PM | Comments (0)

Erica Chan and Tamar Wider met each other while working in the jewelry industry in New York City, where they joined together through a mutual appreciation of accessories and jewelry, and a love of music and fashion. Bandits were made to zest up a pair of boots and are crafted with fine fabrics and brass. I was surprised at how well they stand up, but then again, they are made for “walking (and dancing!)

To fit a Bandit:

1.Slide the Bandits over your boots and let them slide all the way down to the bottom of the boots

2.After slipping your boots on (or zipping them up), pull your Bandits up to the height you want

3.Tighten the Bandit appropriately

4.Go!

After watching the video, I'm convinced these boots are a smart pick for me. They look comfortable, they seem to stay up well, and if they work for larger-than-average calves, I'm set. Here are some of my favorite picks from The 2 Bandits:

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Rio

Adorn a pair of your leather boots with a fun little strap to get things going. Rio is one of The 2 Bandits' cool designs that combines folkloric elements with plenty of color and a smart design. A true knock-out, and well under $100.

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Dangling Ribboned Reds

Decorative ribbons hang down on these special 2 Bandits styles, complete with a little brass detail. From bees to other creatures, you'll be impressed with all the styles that feature a creature of some sort on the decorative areas.

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Studded

Purple, red, and blue get decorated in cool starry studs, and you'll have an edgy vibe to your outfit, whether it combines jeans or a skirt. Toss on a stylish selection with nary a care; this is a gorgeous pick for any woman looking to jazz up her wardrobe.

Polyvore also has a blog in which they make special announcements... it's so cool! Be sure to check it out.

Plus Fashion Blogs That Rock

Posted on 06/29/2009 at 08:53:00 PM | Comments (0)

Looking for plus-size fashion blogs for cool inspiration? A recent article on The Daily Beast highlighted some excellent plus fashion blogs to check out, and I thought that I would highlight them if you have been looking for some plus women to look up to and use as inspiration. Check these out and see what you like!

Manolo for the Big Girl

While some styles of Manolo for the Big Girl are featured for e-commerce purposes only, the tone is witty, bright, and funny, and the bloggers have gotten plenty of notoriety in the plus world. They also happen to love pricey shoes, which I also love! Have a page through some great picks and be sure to read the comments on the blog--it's a very fiesty community. I love Manolo for the Big Girl, and I think you will, too!

Young, Fat, and Fabulous

This blog is run by a stylish plus woman dedicated to the 14+--she digs up all sorts of goodies from a variety of cool brands and labels in a just-launched phase. She's also been on network TV talking about plus styles and how to get that wardrobe together, as well as the plight of the “Fatshionista.”

Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes

Lots of current-time plus styles get highlighted in this fun and fashon-forward blog, which basically all of us 12+ should read! It recently covered Beth Ditto's Evans launch, Skorch's return to the plus-size magazine world, and plenty of other goodies.

Sakina in the City (French but Fun)

This blog might be in French, but it's fun to read and creative, too. If you'd like to have a peek at European plus-size fashion (sigh, it's also tres chic), perhaps this is the right blog to visit. . . ASAP! I especially like Sakina's use of high-waisted skirts and frilly blouses without making them look twee or awkward—brava, my plus-size friend across the pond!

Musings of a Fatshionista

Very plus-size friendly fashion picks make me drool... arg! If you want to read a blog that's a little bit like the plus equivalent of a Cinde-Nast blog, this is the place to be. I enjoy flipping through all the scanned mag articles from various sources, as well as the fun high-fashion layouts of plus fashion that really make me feel like part of the fashion bunch (instead of an outsider).

Affordable Wedding Dresses Come from Fashion Bug

Posted on 06/29/2009 at 05:41:47 AM | Comments (0)

Let the jaws drop around me: Fashion Bug has the best wedding dresses around! I was recently shopping on their site, and I loved what I found over there for a little over $100 dollars. I can envisions many of their pieces working for the casual weddings, so have a look if that's in the stars for you--or if you might be attending a friend's wedding who simply has no idea what to wear.

Without further ado, here are some of the reasons why Fashion Bug's wedding dress section should be at least browsed through, if not purchased from:

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1. Affordability: Their dresses might be designed in plenty of different styles, but the prices are firm: $109.99. A trained shopping eye and an interest in all things style will definitely help--some pieces are, of course, more successful than others. Unearth the diamonds!

2. Plus-Friendly Design: The Fashion Bug Bridal section, from what I can see, is offered only to plus-size women. That's fantastic, because what plus-size women really ends up with too much choice?! They have sizes up to 28W with no price change, which means that you can order your size comfortably without thinking that you'll run into issues where you just can't figure out which size to buy--because one is more expensive!

Goddess fb

3. Stylish Solutions: They do cocktail-length dresses and three-piece bridal pantsuits, which is the only option priced higher than $109.99. (It's $159.99.) It's sharp and trimmed with satin (very nice!), and it still rings in at an affordable amount when faced with wedding bells. Add a few flowers, and you are done!

4. Goddess Looks: Slip into a dress with smart ruching, the kind that makes you look slimmer but still enhances your curves. While I am a fan of knot front gowns myself (super sexy and flattering, too), you might like to have a page through their halter neck styles, and the ones with a more demure neckline.

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5. Fun: When you buy a dress that costs only a little over $100, you'll probably get to use the saved cash (which can be significant) for the honeymoon or for after-wedding drinks. Even if you use it just for your jewelry, money saved always feels like money well spent when you use if for an exciting part of your wedding budget.

Have fun and shop away!

Dress to Impress This Summer

Posted on 06/29/2009 at 05:10:49 AM | Comments (0)

Looking to impress on a date? Head out to a work meeting or a meeting with the in-laws looking fantastic with these selections. Take a close look at these top spring/summer 09-10 suggestions for anyone looking to get cool when things are hot.

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are a smart choice when you need a more "formal looking" dresses that are still comfortable and accessory-friendly. Keep a black maxi dress stowed away in your wardrobe for emergency dress-up situations when you're panicking away, so all you need to do is add long pendant necklaces or a stack of bangles, plus a pair of metallic flat sandals.

Sparkly Tunics

Tunics with a touch of sequins and embroidery are so hot this season! The better news is that these tops can easily stretch across multiple requirements, including beach cover-up needs and dress-up casual events like picnics and even semi-Casual Fridays. Try tucking that tunic into a pencil skirt for a trendy, trim effect, and tie up that skirt with a cool belt, if you have one.

Obi Belts

Obi belts are a great accessory to add to your repertoire, primarily because they are as cheap as they stylish. Get a few in a couple different colors to add flair to dresses, skirts, and tops, and you can find plenty of stretchier ones from American Apparel, in various lengths. I recommend getting one in black and in red for fun mixers-uppers.

Sash Dresses

A defined waist never goes out of style, does it? If your waist is the hourglass type, try a silk dress with minimal detail that ties loosely around the midsection, or a dress with a self-fabric belt that matches your frock perfectly. Matching clutches are totally recommended with vintage-style dresses, but a great long pair of earrings are also perfect!

Vintage Frocks

Need a dose of glam style this summer? Pick up a dress from a bygone age as a great Gatsby throwback or a summer of love reminder, and let the comments flow! You'll love your dress almost as much as the attention, and (best of all) you'll get to flatter your sense of style and personal taste with your choice. Consider more modern accessories to strike a great balance.

Daring Heels

High heels might be a summer standby, but try to get more creative this summer if you can! If you usually wear stacked heels, go for kitten heels. If you enjoy the odd pair of wedge heels, tryespadrilles instead for a comfortable, but different-looking style. Play with colors, and buy at least one pair of shoes in a brightly-colors solid.

GAP Sale Gazing

Posted on 06/26/2009 at 05:03:00 AM | Comments (0)

Yes, I managed to tear myself away from Old Navy in order to check out some new sales pieces. . . it wasn't easy, but I managed! Here's what Gap's going on that I thought you might like--they're having a nice sale right now!

Colored Straight Leg Jeans

Ah, a colored straight leg jean manages to be as stylish and well-cut as just about any other comfortable pant item, but doesn't it pack so much more of a kick for you? The Gap has a light lemon yellow pair of jeans that look totally gorgeous on the site, with a gorgeous slim fit and prices slashed in half. I love summer!

Basic Tees with Easy Fit

This summer, why weight yourself down with heavy selections that don't flatter? Old Navy has a number of trim options available for the classic dresser, including halter neck tanks, t-shirts and long sleeves, and fun print shirts that originally struck me as so "Not Gap." Bring it on!

Sleepwear

Every girl needs a comfy cami, wouldn't you agree? The Gap specializes in supersoft items that hug the body just so and make for a very cushy sleeping experience. A little lace trim and ribbon can go a long way, and these pieces tread that sexy line between comfortable and sensual. Yummy! I love The Gap's lingerie and sleepwear in dark grey.

Bags (Clutches)

The Gap has an interesting 100% cotton clutch bag with yellow accents that really stand out. The foldover clutch is larger and more substantial than your average clutch bag, and it also happens to be fashionable, basic, and cute. I'm getting this one for myself.

Lightweight Scarves

Lightweight patterned scarves are a nice way to finish off your wardrobe and add tasty accessorization to your look. If you are going to complete your shopping spree at The Gap well, this is the time to do it!

Have You Tried a "Closet Cleanse"?

Posted on 06/24/2009 at 08:49:00 PM | Comments (1)

Do you have a collection of cool stuff that you just love to wear and show off--until it gets lost in your closet, that is? I ran into a cool interview with Alegra Torel, who is the personal stylist of Alegra Knows Fashion, and I thought that you might want to know what she suggests about common fashion dilemmas when you need to clean that closet.

Here's the deal: no matter how much you adore that wardrobe, there are pieces hanging around that are best removed from sight. They might be in the way, they could be blocking your style vision, or they just might be problematic when it comes to planning a wardrobe.

Alegra Torel leant some tips, and I was all ears.

Can I plan my wardrobe alone?

What Alegra Says:

Call over your trusted friend (or your stylist) to offer a second opinion. The colors may be fantastic and the design superb, but maybe the back doesn’t look as good as the front and you just didn’t examine the piece of clothing when you were in a shopping frenzy.

How should I organize my clothes?

What Alegra Says:

Buy containers and air tight packs that you can easily store clothing. The level of attire is rather pertinent also. Keep your “going out” clothing to the left and my day time clothing to the right. Everything must be separated so it is not a struggle in the mornings or the evenings when you are rushing to get ready. Then I would even further separate as to weekends and weekdays-work/play...This is where the “trying on” section begins.

How long should I wait before I ditch my clothes?

What Alegra Says:

When you are going through your clothing to separate the pieces into sections, you will begin to find pieces you haven’t worn in ages, even some you have never worn before. It’s okay to let go! This is the longest section of the closet cleanse. It is time consuming going piece by piece and realizing that you don’t really own any key pieces and now your wondering how you managed to get dressed all these years without them.

How should I go about replacing items I no longer want?

What Alegra Says:

Now that you have successfully accessed your stock, it is time to replace the old with the new. Shop for the key staple pieces only. ONLY. And slowly, now that you have the basic tools, begin to BUILD your wardrobe.

Designer Shirts for the Ample-Busted

Posted on 06/22/2009 at 06:02:05 AM | Comments (0)

If you're looking for a shirt to fit and flatter, try these tops from Rochelle Behrens, which fit well and are as stylish as can be. I absolutely adore this label from stylish Rochelle, and if you haven't checked out her collections so far, now's your chance. They are utterly stylish and fit so well, so take a look at these prime picks from the Rochelle Behrens collection.

Navy tailored

The Designer

Rochelle Behrens was a Washington D.C. intern when she first noticed the problem: gaping shirts were makng her feel uncomfortable in the workplace. Now the designer of classic button-down shirts has been featured on The Today Show, The Daily Beast, Daily Candy, and more, and she's not stopping anytime soon. What's special about these shirts? They feature a specially-designed placket that provides extra room in the bust for those of us who need to stay away from the gaping thing that some shirts do all too well.

The Sales

I wasn't expecting a higher-end designer like Rochelle Behrens to offer sales picks from her shop, but she does. Right now, the entire store is marked down, with the signature shirts currently being offered for 30% off, or around $113.00. While that may still seem a little pricey, keep in mind that these specialty fit items won't disappoint.

Portrait collar

Top picks include:

1. Rochelle's classic-button shirts with metallic buttons

2. The classic shift in croc print

3. Fitted tweed skirts

4. A tight tulip skirt in tweed or croc

The Press

As previously mentioned, the Rochelle Behrens Collection has been featured in plenty of high-profile news sources, including DC Mag, the Associated Press, Politico, Roll Call, and more. Project Beltway said last year of Rochelle that "Rochelle is smart as hell and has made a line of smartly tailored clothes for women who work and who don’t have time to fuss around getting dressed in the morning (even if we had the time, wouldn’t we rather sleep?). When I went to her trunk show back in July, the women were snapping up the blue scoop neck dresses like hotcakes…" Trust me, it's very unsurprising once you take a look at these pieces up close!

Lapel pin

The Price Point

Jackets in the Rochelle Behrens Collection hit somewhere around $200-ish when on sale, but were originally priced at $355 before the season's discounting. The mainstay and must-have of Rochelle's work is certainly the button-down shirt, which is extremely stylish and priced under $200 when not on sale. Go for the 30% off now if that sounds too pricey! They are around $122 right now, which does represent significant savings.

Buy Now

Head to Rochelle Behren's Sale Page to stock up--you'll be glad you did.