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Dereon Dresses Things Up

I went over to Dereon on one of my usual clothes shopping sprees, and I was surprised at what I found- new pieces with an extra bit of style, and in plus sizes, too! If you wear a larger size jeans or tops, you won't need to go to another location just to find a full-figured option--it's all right there. I like larger tops that a roomy, swingier shape, and those can be found at Dereon along with skinny jeans and low-cut trousers.

But you know what really helped me out over there? Their featured Style Mixer. If you're looking for a way to mix and match cool pieces that you've run into over at Dereon, you can slide the Collection button to find full looks and reduce your personal coordination time.

Dereon Jeans: My Top Pick
My favorite jeans surprised me over at Dereon: I ended up adoring the Heavy Metal pair despite my usually classic style. With stitching and charm details, they're certainly not for the faint-of-heart, but they're just what you need when you're having one of those I-need-a-makeover-and-fast kind of days. It has silver stitching along the rear and above the pockets, as well as some heavy metal accessories that are interesting and tastefully added.

Tip: Imagine this with a black smock top complete with sash as well as killer heels.

Amazing Blouse Alert!
Are you on the search for your best feature-- or your skinniest? This Gold Rope Top hows off a peek of skin on the side, under your bust, for an unusual little view that's both sexy and unexpected. It's available in both white and pink--I'm partial to the white myself for matching purposes.

Featured Design: Band Fresh Hoody
I was surprised at the design elements going on with this Dereon sweat top. It's certainly unlike any of my other gym pieces, and it could make for a great present for teens, too.

Metallic elements jazz up an already cool sweatshirt that has logo engraved buttons and a peplum flounce. If pink isn't your style, you can try black instead. I can even imagine this top with a comfy woolen skirt.

Plus Piece: Jumpsuits!
I can't say that I've seen many jumpsuits designed for full-figured women, but I like that we have that option, thanks to Dereon's Ds Zipper Chain Jumpsuit. A hood and a square neckline frame your face-- and you can't beat a kangaroo pocket with Lurex details.

Let me know what you find over at Dereon. These may be my top picks, but I'd love to know what catches your eye.

Getting Lucky: Summer Picks to Round Out Your Wardrobe

I've rediscovered the Lucky brand this summer, and I'm so glad. I love their young, fresh looks almost as much as I enjoy staring at all the fresh designs on their website. When you get stuck in that rut where you're buying the same brands all the time, the best way to get yourself out of it is to see pics of some of the best looking summer styles at happy prices.

Check out new summer pieces posted on Lucky's website, which have a young look and include a lot of figure-flattering shirts in white, navy, green, and interesting Indian prints. Tall women will love their jean section that includes both long and extra long lengths. Lucky brand jeans are available in light denim colors perfect for summer, or dark, unwashed shades for night. I suggest getting at least one pair of each!

Stock up on Lucky's tunics if you are still search for that indispensable piece for summer. Lucky has a great print tank design with a graduated floral pattern in black and white, called the Eastern Print Allover Tank. This tank top reminds me of my favorite Indian bedspread, but besides the personal reason for loving it, it's also the right length for long-waisted women.

If you are tall or just long-waisted, you should take advantage of tunic styles for summer. I found a lot on the Lucky website, and it may sound crazy, but measuring shirts when you shop can really help. 38" long shirts will be more comfortable for women with long torsos. Shopping online can help you with these measurements-you can get them straight off of the website! Even if your shirt is the right length when you buy it, check the content. 100% cotton does have a tendency to shrink, so it recommended that you wash the shirt in cold to maintain its shape and keep it long.

Your Lucky long-waisted tunic shirts can be paired with slim-fitting denim. Whether you are wearing a floaty style like Lucky's Floral Embroidered Top or a slim fit like Dragon Tattoo Tank, jeans that fit well around the stomach and hips can make you look 10 pounds lighter with a tunic top. Keep in mind that loose tunics shouldn't be paired with peasant style skirts or other skirts with a generous cut-the whole slimming effect will be ruined.

Head to Lucky Jeans' website (www.luckybrandjeans.com) to pick up tunic shirts just like me. You can also get ideas for piecing together your newest purchases on their website.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Great Denim for Less: UNIQLO Jeans Hits NY

UNIQLO jeans have stolen my heart. Straight from Japan, this brand has revitalized my search for cheaper jeans that look good. Lately, I've been staying away from my usual haunts-H&M and a dash of GAP-to go straight for brands that I don't have to guess with, like Citizen's of Humanity. But where's the fun in that? I know my size, my favorite color, and exactly how they fit-but there's a price tag that comes along with it. I get so sad knowing that I'll be shelling out over a hundred dollars every single time.

But UNIQLO's flagship store in NY's Soho-paired with serious deals on their website and on discount sites-has gotten me completely floored about denim deals again. Uniqlo's denim can be found in more than 700 stores around the globe, but it's fairly new here in the states. With the launch of their new designer initiative, innovative designs have been worked into Uniqlo's already successful collection.

Any store with 40 square feet of cashmere sweaters (priced at around $60, I might add) warrants a search for budget options. For those of us not located in New York, we can find Uniqlo at sites like eBay for an even better deal. One hint, though-Uniqlo runs a little small, so be sure to measure a pair of your favorite jeans before you purchase.

Along with spring-and the search for perfect denim-comes lighter denim. I'm a fan of the super dark stuff myself, and that can be more difficult to work into your wardrobe when the weather gets warmer. I can't relinquish that darn dark denim even if I try, because it slim thighs and can even make my legs look longer.

Lighten up dark denim by avoiding tops and accessories that are dark, plain, or too severe. Embrace lighter fabrics like chiffon and lace in lighter shades like taupe and cream, which you can use as wardrobe builders under blazers and light cardigans as well as separates worn alone with your dark jeans. Show a little skin with a pair of strappy sandals in a light tone or a natural color to further lighten the look of your denim. Wear accessories like shell necklaces and gold earrings to further emphasize the summery effect.

Looking for other affordable denim sources? Try these sites:

Old Navy: Old Navy denim is the most affordable I've seen, and despite the skeptics, their spring line is looking good. Besides the denim, I love their sassy floral prints.

Banana Republic: Combine coupons with your favorite silhouettes for deep deals. Banana Republic's denim dispenses with that distressed effect and goes for pure, clean lines.

Target: Find Isaac Mizrahi's denim online at low prices. With superb style lines, you pay less but you certainly don't look you did!

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni