In My Closet: Miss J

I think its important to see just what plus sized women are really buying in the stores and what actually exists within our closets. Most clothing manufacturers would have us believe that there isn't a market for beautiful plus sized clothing, its the excuse they use when asked why they don't include larger sizes for their lines. I believe that seeing what actually exists in the closets of plus sized girls can help shatter that myth while sharing ideas on what to wear and where to get it. As such were going to take a look inside the closets of hip girls and see what we find. Since I like to pretend I'm hip I'll go first. Here is a look inside my wardrobe.

1. Stella McCartney for H&M Blazer: I love H&M's designer partnerships (can't wait for Viktor & Rolf) and last years Stella McCartney collection was particularly good to me. I wear this blazer with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to dresses. Its my no brainer item as it goes with everything



2. Madeleine Press Dress: I love the color of this dress, its the perfect seafoam green. I tend to keep everything else really neutral when I wear it so that the color stands out even more. I save this for special times when I really want to stand out. I also like to layer it with black underneath or over jeans.



3. Theory Sweater: I saw this in the window of the store and just knew I had to have it. I like to layer this over a turtleneck or chocolate brown tank top. I love the flecks of gold in the material andI can't wait till the weather gets colder so I can wear it more.



4. Accessories: Chloe Platform Sandals, Alexander McQueen Scarf, Marc Jacobs Sunglasses, Bow Pin, Chanel Book: These are my summer platforms, I plan to stretch them into fall as long as I can. I love a nice thick heel on a shoe as I feel its so much easier to walk in. For fall I plan on investing in a pair of great platform pumps. The McQueen scarf has been done to death these past few months but I still love the ones I've got. They really come in handy and look great either around the neck or around the waist. I like to tie mine on my head during bad hair days. The sunglasses are self explanitory, I think they keep me looking cool without seeming like a Rachel Zoe-ette. I got the bow pin for about 50 cents at a vintage store downtown and it dresses up everything. The Chanel book may seem like an odd "accessory" but I love it for all the inspiration that lies between its pages.



5. Anthropologie Knit Camisole: This is another item I love for its color, paired with different colors it can seem either redder or more orange in tone. It just gives whatever I'm wearing a nice kick.



6. Marc Jacobs Silk Shirt: I just got this the other day and I have yet to wear it outside but I keep trying it on at home as I'm in love with it. I just feel like its a unique take on the basic black shirt. I love almost everything Marc has ever touched so I'm always on the look out for his clothes in larger sizes.



7. Paul & Joe for Target Blouse: Another designer collaboration I am in love with. I love Paul & Joe's whimsical prints so this appealed to me instantly. I usually wear this as a short sleeved jacket as the buttons can be a little snug around the bust area. Just goes to show you that there is a solution to every fashion problem.



8. Accessories:YSL Muse, Vogue Paris, Fresh Lipbalm, Owl Necklace, L'Heure Bleue, CDs: My Muse carts around my entiire life and then some. I keep it filled to the brim and there is still always room for something else. I also feel an oversized bag compliments me since I have the stature to pull it off. Vogue Paris hands down my favorite magazine. Fresh Lipbalm is the best lipbalm in the history of everything. I always keep a tube of it witih me. I got my owl necklace from a street vendor a few weeks ago and everytime I wear it I get a compliment. I enjoy how quirky it is. L'Heure Bleue is my latest fragrance and its the single most elegant thing I've ever smelled. Music keeps me going and helps me especially when I'm picking out outfits. Right now I'm listening to The Sounds, Coralie Clement and The Twilight Singers.

If you would like your closet featured on Too Fat For Fashion email me at toofatforfashion@gmail.com with pictures of your goodies and a little bit on what they mean to you.

Fashion Film: Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette's opulent costumes as designed by Milena Canonero

Films are a great source of fashion inspiration and Marie antoinette has got to be the single biggest fashion film of the entire year. Its written and directed by an indie fashion icon, staring a Hollywood fashion icon and about a historic fashion icon. So its no wonder the film and its beautiful imagery are splashed out all over runways and between the pages of influential fashion magazines like September Vogue.


Dolce & Gabbana's runway interpretations of the Napoleonic look. One of their best collections ever in my humble opinion. Beautiful clothes that could look good on anyone.

While its all very pretty and deliciously girly how can anyone infuse Napoleonic style into their wardrobe without looking like they've decided to celebrate Halloween early? And how can anyone work this trend if they don't have Kirsten Dunst's figure?

Antoinette Keys
- Sumptuous fabrics like silk, satin & velvet.
- Brocade and loads of it.
- Detailed gold accents
- Ruffles, frills & frou frou
- Strong military references via coats and equestrian trousers

Napoleonic In Real Life

This look doesn't have to be literal, in fact its best when it isn't. Here is my take, focusing less on the frou frou and more on the tougher military elements. The blazer and boots are subtle nods to soldiers uniforms but the frills of the white shirt add an element of romance. Likewise the delicate necklace provides adornment worthy of royalty but without any blingy flash. I'd wear something like this to work or out shopping. For evening I want that gold brocade Dolce dress!


Jacket & Shirt: Marina Rinaldi, Jeweled Necklace: Lanvin, Boots: Dolce & Gabbana

Hints
- Practice restraint, a little gold brocade goes a long way.

- Focus on fabrics: This whole style looks best in exquisite fabrics.

- Pair Napoleonic elements with modern elements. Don't be afraid to mix those gorgeous jackets with oversized gold buttons with this seasons bold animal prints.

- A military inspired blazer is a must have that will take you from season to season.

- Soft pastels like the pinks and blues feature in Marie Antoinette go perfectly with falls palate of greys and blacks.

- Play with accessories. They're a fun way to wear the look in a subtle way.

- Dramatic belts that nip at the waist accentuate curves perfectly.

- A corset can give anyone the most amazing cleavage but remember that the Napoleonic look is more about demure elegance than overt sex appeal.

- If you have a little extra around the tummy area avoid the empire waist and seek out styles with a more streamlined look.

The Final Touches

- Marie Antoinette was known for her signature handcrafted Fargeon fragrance, treat yourself like a queen and wear a decadent perfume like Serge Lutens Douce Amere.

- Add some New Order to your iPods and get yourself in the mood for the film and the look.

Pre-Fall Dresses

Its almost fall...but not quite. Its still too hot for all the gorgeous tweed pants and blazers that we love but were all getting a little tired of running about in shorts all the time. What's the solution? The perfect pre-fall dress to take us through the end of summer and into fall.

But what makes the perfect Pre-fall dress?

Pre-Fall Keys
- It should be a bit more covered than the white eyelet numbers we've been seeing all summer.
- It should be able to move effortlessly from day into night. Classy enough for the office yet fun enough for all those glam end of summer parties.
- Not too short & Not too long. At the knee is just right.
- It should be useful from season to season. Pair with cute sandals for Summer or a blazer and knit leggings for Fall.

Lets take a look at two of the hottest dress shapes right now.

The Wrap

Wrap dresses are timeless and especially flattering if you have an hourglass figure. They also look incredible in bold graphic prints like this one from London Times. Don't be fooled by our lean model, this dress comes in sizes 4 - 24!




I've gone ahead and accessorized this little number with charming black patent accessories from Fendi. Platform heels add height and a sexy shape to legs while the black and white bag fits coordinates perfectly with the pattern of the dress.

Hints
- The perfect wrap dress should never be too snug or too loose. It should hug curves perfectly.
- Try a wrap dress over fitted jeans for a cute alternative.
- This seasons long dangling chains look amazing with wrap dresses.
- For a sexy & modern touch, layer a leather biker jacket over a wrap dress.

The Cocktail

A girl can never go wrong with the right cocktail dress. They're always, fashionable, always in style and never fail to look cute. This flirty leaf patterned dress from Donna Rico is quirky and attention getting.



I've accessorized this dress with ladylike yet individualist pieces from Alexander McQueen & Juicy Couture. The structured burgundy bag matches the print of the dress and keeps with the retro vibe, while the denim blazer adds a casual flair to the outfit.

Hints
- Search for a cocktail dress with an A-line cut. Its the most universally flattering shape.
- For girls who worry about their arms (like me) add a shrunken blazer.
- Think ladylike when it comes to accessories. Cocktail dresses hark back to the days of classic trendsetters like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O.
- Brightly colored ballet flats always work.

Kate Dillon for Marina Rinaldi

The planets number one plus size supermodel heats it up again with her F/W 06 campaign for Marina Rinaldi. What I love about these ads is how they feature so many of falls hot trends; you've got leggings (!!!), you've got volume, the jacket has a military influence and they're totally utilizing the Vogue approved red is the new black standard. Absolutely fashion forward and stunning.

Skinny Denim 101

Jeans are the hallmark of almost every closet. They're fun, they're simple and they go with everything.

They are also a complete pain in the ass to shop for.

If you're like me you want not only a pair of jeans that fits but a pair of jeans that fits perfectly and is in style. The hottest look right now (as seen on lithe trendsetters like Kate Moss & Ashley Olsen) is "skinny" denim. Its fresh, its modern and its going to be everywhere this fall. Now you may be thinking "I can't wear that" but you're wrong. Anyone can wear this look regardless of their size!



Step 1: Find the perfect pair

Sadly fashion denim lines like Tsubi and Seven for All Mankind, that started the look have yet to expand their size options. Their loss quite frankly (though as soon as I get an email addy I'm drafting a letter) as stores like Old Navy & The Gap have stepped up to the plate and begun to offer drainpipe style jeans in sizes up to 20 and at a fraction of the cost. Compare The Gap's Skinnies at $58 to Seven's at $200!

Once you've got a store its all about fit. Fit is the single most important thing when buying clothes of any kind so don't settle for less. For these jeans you'll want them to hug your body but never be too tight. There should always be room to breathe but make sure they aren't too baggy either. Make sure that you like what you see in the mirror before purchasing.

Brands to Try
The Gap: The Gap's skinny denim is more of a straight leg style which makes it more flattering to a variety of body types.

Note: Gap only features its "extended" sizes on its website since they are part time fascists. Lets get them to bring the extended size range to ALL their retail stores. Send Gap an Email!

Old Navy: Old Navy skinny denim is a bit more form fitting than those offered at the Gap but they come in more colors as well. Old Navy even has a grey shade downright identical to that offered by Sass & Bide.



Step 2: Create the perfect look

Now you have your perfect jeans but what do you wear with them? There are a wide variety of options but a few rules do apply. If you're wearing something tighter on the bottom its generally a good idea to balance it by wearing something looser and bigger on top. Skintight all over is too Olivia Newton-John at the end of Grease but this isn't the time to bust out the oversized t shirts either. A beautiful tunic or knit top looks beautiful as does a nice long camisole beneath a structured blazer. Here are some fashions that would look beautiful with a pair of skinny jeans.




Left to Right: Anthropologie, Tomas Maier, Phillip Lim, Anthropologie
Tips:
- A longer shirt looks great. Especially if it sits just lower than the hips.
- Heels + skinny jeans = supermodel legs
- Make sure your shoes are cute: the tapered cut draws attention to your feet.



Left to Right: Marc Jacobs, Mui Mui

- Wear a belt with any style of jeans that features a low rise waist
- Try one of falls new voluminous caplets!

Fashion's Larger Problem

Fashion's Larger Problem
Retailers Offer Young Plus-Size Women Few Options for a Stylish Wardrobe

• 
  As a 23-year-old woman who stands 5 foot 8, weighs 185 pounds and wears a size 16, Johleen Solly of Arlington exists in retail purgatory: too big to shop at stores like J. Crew and American Eagle, which rarely stock 16s, and "a little too cool," as she puts it, for the dowdier clothes at plus-size stores like Lane Bryant.
  

Full Article at Washington Post.com

This article points out some harsh truths about the fashion industry and its treatment of the plus sized consumer. Not to mention the continued stereotype that creating plus sized fashions decreases the "cool factor" of a label. Its heartbreaking that this blatantly false idea persists in this day and age. Not to mention the fact that most of the clothes for plus sized women are either unfashionable or poorly made. Though I wholeheartedly believe that retailers and designers who think this way are going to one day become a thing of the past.

Speaking of which:


Anthropologie has increased its size range to include Size 16
Ann Taylor has just increased its sizes to include Size 18


One small step...

Crystal Renn In La Vanguardia

Plus sized supermodel Crystal Renn has landed the cover of Spanish magazine La Vanguardia and she is looking fierce! You may recognize Crystal from her groundbreaking Dolce & Gabanna ads or countless editorials in international fashion magazines. Learn more about Crystals incredible career and the eating disorder that almost stood in her way at Models.com

Meanwhile just bask in her beauty. The girl has got it!

Elena Miro F/W 2006

Elena Miro Fall/Winter 06

Elena Miro is a beautiful European brand catering to women size 12 and up. Their runway shows are consistently glam events showcasing hourglass shapes and flawless faces of the industries top plus sized models. Their F/W collection is no exception and its jam packed with delicious va-va-va voom creations that are sexy, wearable and flattering.

Favorite Things About This Collection
- The little pencil skirts that make legs look even longer.
- Blazers nipped at the waist to give an hourglass figure.
- Tweed and lots of it. Perfect for fall.
- Trenches, so elegant and timeless.
- Capelets, note how they pair them with fitted clothes so the volume never overwhelms.
- Jewel Tones, everyone looks good in jewel tones.
- Big Belts, emphasize to waistline

Looks I Loved:























My only wish is that they bring this brand, and its clothes to the States!
View the full fashion show at Firstview

Lagerfeld Wouldn't Like Me...

As a plus sized girl with a life long love of fashion it has not always been easy. Dare I say it its never been easy. Its hard finding things that fit, let alone things that fit well, look good and are in style. I've always felt like there hasn't been an outlet for women like me who aren't thin but still want to be well dressed and current.

And its about time all that changed.