RIP Curvalicious and Living Large -- Make Way for Big Beautiful Life!

Upon reflection, the old title of this blog "Curvalicious and Living Large" was a bit too close for comfort to an adult site. I kept getting very interesting mail *cough* and people were landing on the wrong site.

Consequently, henceforth, we'll be known as BIG BEAUTIFUL LIFE blog.

Same time, same bat channel, same witty reparte.

What to Expect from the New Lane Bryant Outlets

Tripping Over the New Lane Bryant Outlets
Don’t know what to expect from the new Lane Bryant Outlet plus size clothing stores? Neither did I, until I visited one this past weekend.

I happened upon the Lane Bryant Outlet in the Anne Arundel Mall here in Maryland, mostly by accident. (Without an official website, Lane Bryant Outlet is depending on the Lane Bryant store mailing lists and traditional avenues of advertising to get out the word. This is a mistake, and might cost them. As Fashion Bug learned, in the modern world, nothing makes a real world storefront less accessible than not having a website. Consumers don’t want to have to dig through the bottom links of another site to find out where you’re located.)

Anyway, I was chatting with my sister and learned that a new store had opened by her house. She showed me a delicious plus size silk-tiered cami in black and white that she’d picked up there, so we decided to go together. First, of course, we printed out some coupons - no reason to pay full price, even at a plus size clothing outlet!

(Read More . . .)

Top Plus Size Bridesmaid Dresses Under $200

This is an article I wrote that shows you how to take advantage of some unexpected options. If you're looking for a bridesmaid dress, hopefully this can help.

Top Handbags for Plus Sized Women under $50

The key to choosing the right handbag for a plus sized frame is scale. Remember, plus sized figures actually look bigger when accessorized with dainty jewelry and tiny handbags. So choose a handbag with substantial presence that makes a statement.

Don’t worry about matching your handbag to your shoes—that’s an old canard. And don’t think plus sized women can’t get away with a bold print. Handbags are exactly the place to experiment with cheetah, leopard or floral patterns, because they’re serving as merely an accent to your outfit.

Now, some of you are thinking you can’t afford those large and lovely Kenneth Cole designer handbags. Most of us can’t! But that doesn’t mean plus sized women should settle for a plain black handbag from Wal-Mart. (In fact, it’s this writer’s opinion that you shouldn’t settle for a plain anything from Wal-Mart!)

There are plenty of beautiful handbag options for plus sized women that won’t break the budget. Here are some of your top choices.

1. Sag Harbor’s Valentine Tote. This beautifully designed handbag comes in a variety of eye-popping colors. Sag Harbor’s Valentine handbag is both trendy and work appropriate. The buttery leather screams “rich” and the bag is roomy enough to use as a briefcase in a pinch. Best of all, the straps have a drop of 11.5 inches, generously proportioned for any plus sized woman. The inside of the handbag is all class, with a zippered compartment for keys, cards, cell phones and eye glasses. At $29, buy this handbag in as many colors as you can afford, including animal suede and spring stripe.

2. Del Mano Silky Tapestry Hobo. Add a little glamour to your wardrobe with this sophisticated embroidered handbag. The Del Mano tapestry hobo manages to capitalize on the glitzy sequin trend without looking like a cookie-cutter copy of every other teenaged slouch on the market. This handbag sparkles in a womanly way, and comes in a variety of unusual and easy to coordinate colors. It looks like a million bucks, but will cost you less than $30.

3. Isaac Mizrahi Red Patch Tote. Plus sized women shouldn’t discount Target as a source of stylish accessories and handbags. Since pairing with Isaac Mizrahi, the Target chain has churned out affordable designer knock-off handbags like this one, sure to turn heads. The rich color and patterned faux leather will make the plus sized woman look polished whatever she wears. And the price can’t be beat.

4. The Python Hobo Handbag. If you must have a no-frills black handbag, consider this chic hobo from the Avenue while it’s still on sale for under $20. The Avenue understands that plus sized women need more room under the arm, and makes handles with a generous drop from the shoulder to the top of the bag. Thus, in addition to being fashion forward, this handbag is extremely roomy and functional.

5. Catherine’s Mixed Media Handbag. Well-proportioned for the plus-sized body and crammed with clever detailing, this is a classic purse that will never go out of style. One would wish for a more exciting color selection than camel, but the sectioned compartments with a detachable keychain is a nice touch, and the flap closure will help keep your belongings from spilling out if you happen to drop your handbag.

6. Liz Claiborne Handbags Great Expectations Floral Tote. One would be hard pressed to find a flirtier summer handbag with richer details, than Liz Claiborn’s floral tote. Beautiful croc edging paired with a floral tapestry is an unexpected, but refreshing combination that can add youthfulness to your plus sized wardrobe. The high price-tag and the shorter handles are, however, drawbacks to keep in mind.

So go ahead. Shop for handbags with Kenneth Cole tastes, on a Wal-Mart budget. Armed with this list of top handbags, you can transform your plus sized wardrobe into something truly special.

Wide Width Boots for Plus Sized Calves

Have bad memories of trying to shove your ankle into a boot that just wouldn't fit? Still feel the zipper teeth marks from a boot that was too tight? As a plus sized woman, maybe you think boots just aren't for you. There, you'd be wrong, because boots have come a long way.

There are few investments you'll make in your plus sized wardrobe more versatile and functional than a good pair of wide calf boots that end at the knee. Dress boots can be worn in the winter to keep your feet warm and dry. Boots can be worn under slacks for a crisp, finished look. And boots can even be worn with skirts and dresses for a chic silhouette.

Moreover, there's no need to wear pantyhose or uncomfortable dress shoes when you have a good pair of wide calf boots. Just throw a sock on or slip insert a faux suede shoe lining under your bare foot, and you're good to go.

Plan to make them a pair of wide calf boots part of your wardrobe, and shop during the summer for the best deals. You can start by checking out these top options for under $150.

1. The Blondo Delphine. This pointy-toed wide calf boot will elongate the line of your leg, thereby slimming you and making you look taller. Plus, it comes in additional extended sizes for calves between 19" and 22" in circumference. (If you're a size 30/32W this is likely a good option for you.) The 2" heel is a mid-height that most plus sized women can manage for at least short periods of time. And though they’re currently selling for about $139, these wide calf boots are worth every penny.
2. The Fitzwell Joan. A modest 1 1/2" heel, plus the generous proportions of this wide calf boot a real winner. When Fitzwell says “wide calf boot” they really mean “wide calf boot.” The Fitzwell Joan’s marketing literature says it will fit calves at least 17" in circumference. But due to the boot running large, it will accommodate up to 19". The makers of this wide calf boot have included gel padded soles for extra comfort, and decorative ties around the ankle to disguise any bagging that might occur over time. These wide calf boots are currently on sale for less than $70, and should be snapped up by plus sized women who despair of finding a boot that will fit.
3. The Naturalizer Vander Plus. The square toe-box of this wide calf boot is not ideal, but consumers report a comfortable padded foot bed that just might make up for it. This wide calf boot accommodates a 16" calf. Plus, with a handy inside zipper, this is a great option for plus sized women who can stand a 2” heel.
4. David Tate Back-laced Boot. It's the laces that get these wide calf boots onto the list, and their availability in calf sizes up to 20". The David Tate boot takes into account that leather stretches over time, and what may once have looked like a sleek sexy wide calf boot may become sloppy after years of wear. Don't like your boots sagging at the ankles after you've worn them for a long time? Pull your laces tighter. The David Tate Back-laced wide calf boot earns its price tag with this feature, and the flexibility offered to plus sized women. Unfortunately, these wide calf boots are only available in black for now, so if you really needed brown, you’re out of luck.
5. The Fitzwell Jutta in Mushroom. Adore a feminine and balance-friendly kitten heel? The Jutta wide calf boot might be for you. With decorative leatherwork at the ankle, it should retain a crisp fashion forward look for years. And the shock absorbing gel pads in the heel and forefoot will make this heel feel like a sneaker. The Jutta wide calf boot does run large, which is a boon to truly plus sized women. However, customers report that the calf bulges out in the back. Even so, this can be fixed at the shoe shop for a modest price.

There you have it. Five wide calf boot options, all for under $150. Go ahead and make the investment in a good pair of wide calf leather boots, and you'll soon be stepping into a new world of fashion. You won't regret the expense, and you know you're worth it.

Free Clothing Planner: Organize your Wardrobe

Introducing Our Free Clothing Planner

Need to save time and money? Organizing your wardrobe with a clothing planner is one easy way to do both. You don't have to hire a stylist or spend money on expensive closet organizers. Curvalicious has the solution when it comes to wardrobe organizing. Check out our free clothing planner:


Directions

1. Print out the free clothing planner, courtesy of Curvalicious and Living Large. The free clothing planner looks best printed in color, but will be just as functional in black and white and help you organize your closet while choosing outfits that flatter you.

2. Find a binder, clipboard, or stapler. Our free clothing planner looks best in a three ring binder. If you use sheet-protectors, you can insert each page of the clothing planner into the sleeves and use a dry-erase pen to write down your outfits and change them at any time without hassle. If you want to use a three-hole punch, however, the pages will work just as well, and if you make a mistake, you can just print out a new clothing planner. Some women find it more convenient to store their clothing planner in a clip-board they keep in the closet for easy organization and updating. Failing that, use a plain old stapler to keep the pages of your clothing planner together.

3. Spend fifteen minutes a day building outfits. Go into your closet and start organizing. Write down outfits you've built in your clothing planner until all the boxes are filled. This slow and steady process will help you learn which clothes you need to buy and what garments you can sell or give away. Once you're done filling out your clothing planner, you'll be prepared for any event with just a glance!

Wardrobe Planning: Organized Style Saves You Time and Money

Do you have a closet full of plus size clothes and nothing to wear? Do you cruise Fashion Bug's plus size aisles without really knowing what your wardrobe needs? Do you buy gorgeous separates and never wear them because you don't know how to work them into a stylish outfit that flatters your full figure?

Impulse clothing shopping can cost you hundreds of dollars a year in wasted spending. And that doesn't even count the time wasted hunting for the hard-to-find plus sized career wear for business meetings or other events. But how can you put an end to it without buying an expensive closet organizer or hiring a personal stylist? Here are some steps to get you started.

1. Plan Your Outfits In Advance. Use plain old paper and pencil, or a free clothing planner, and start jotting down outfits for events you're likely to attend this year. Your list isn't going to be complete overnight. It'll take some time, but this is a starting point. It will help you determine what you need to buy and what you already own too many of. Once you're done, it will help you dress on auto-pilot and save you time every time you need to get dressed. Use free fashion tips for plus sized women from stylists like Clinton Kelly and Stacy London from TLC's What Not To Wear.

2. Try Everything On. Approach this mission in baby-steps. Dedicate just fifteen minutes a night. Trying things on is the only way to give them an honest appraisal. Each item in your closet has its own quirks. If it's a tapered pant, it's guaranteed to look terrible on a plus sized woman. Maybe the garment isn't tapered, but it just doesn't look as good as it did a few years ago. Maybe the shoulder pads are no longer in style. Perhaps it's one of those tent-like plus sized garments that needs to be tailored. A good tailor can shorten sleeves, lengthen hems, or otherwise add flattering darts to give your garments a better shape. The point here is to give each item in your closet a chance to justify itself. And don't get discouraged. It's the clothes auditioning here, not you.

3. Declutter Your Closet. It's hard to find outfits to wear when you can't see what you own. When clothing is so tightly packed that you can't take it off the hanger without knocking three other garments on the floor, it costs you time and money. Time, because it takes you longer to assemble an outfit. Money because you probably keep buying the same pair of pants over and over again, not realizing you have three new ones already tucked away in the back of your closet. It's time to purge. If a garment needs to go to the tailor, put it in a bag and deliver it to your car right now. Don't let it sit in your closet for another year. If a garment needs to be mended, put it in a basket by your sewing machine. If you're not going to mend it, throw it in the rag bag and be done with it. Also, keep your junk clothes to a minimum. Everybody needs an outfit to paint, to garden, or to clean the house. But if you were to stack up all the stained and threadbare clothing you've been hanging onto, it's probably a larger collection than the rest of your clothing combined. Pick out your favorite comfy, just-for-home, outfits and send the rest to the rag bag. These items are robbing you of space and self-image. Out they go.

4. Take Inventory. Using your list or clothing planner, you can now identify gaps in your plus sized wardrobe. Business women typically lack sufficient casual wear for weekend outings. Stay-at-home moms tend not to have formal or business attire. Young women often forget to buy clothes for weddings or formal events. Planning allows you to see what holes need to be filled when you go shopping, and take advantage of the sales. It will also let you see if you have items that can be sold or donated. Many women do a thriving business on Ebay selling plus sized clothes that are lightly used, or have never been worn at all. You too can turn your fashion mistakes into cash.

We've all seen those women who dress as if style comes to them effortlessly. Well, maybe it does and maybe it doesn't. But following these steps, you can look like they do, natural or not. Remember, planning ahead will save you money and give you time to devote to the other passions in your life. Because fashion is important, but it's not everything!

BBW Dating: A One Week Plan to Prepare for Romance

If you're a single BBW, it's time to get back out there into the dating world. You know it's time to stop living a Life-In-Waiting, but maybe you're not sure where to begin when it comes to dating and romance. There are a lot of options, like going out more, looking for online romance, or registering with dating services.

But the real place to start might surprise you: begin with Big Beautiful You!

I'm not talking about waiting to start dating until you've lost those pounds or until you've finally balanced your checkbook. That'd be like waiting to cook dinner until after you've purchased the perfect ice-maker.

No, I'm talking about doing a week-long dating self-inventory. I'm talking about starting from the inside, knowing yourself as a single woman, and knowing what you really want out of a relationship. In short, I'm talking about opening yourself up to a life that embraces Mr. or Mrs. Right. And it all starts with a smile.

1. Yes, Smile. That's your task for Monday. Smile all day long, at everyone you meet. Smile even if you don't feel like it. Smile when you pick up the phone. Smile at the people in the checkout isle of the grocery store. Smile at the mail carrier. Smile at your cat. Smiling is a way of telling other people that you're receptive to them, receptive to meeting others, and receptive to life. It also releases chemicals in your brain that tell you the same thing. Receptive people find it easier to get dates.

2. Keep Smiling, and Tell Everybody. Tuesday is "Tell Everybody" day. If you're truly open to dating, you have to let everyone know. Call, email, send letters. Tell every friend you have that you're ready to start dating, and ask them if they know anyone who might interest you. If they don't, ask them to ask their friends. This is what we call a leap of faith. An attitude change isn't real until we share it with someone else. Once you've gotten the word out, it will be harder to chicken out.

3. Make a List of Dates You'd Like To Go On. For Wednesday, get out a sheet of paper and write down five dates you'd like to go on in the next year. Maybe you'd like to go on a picnic. Maybe you'd like to go out to dinner at a particular restaurant. Perhaps taking a tour of the local zoo is more your cup of tea. Or perhaps tea is your cup of tea, and you know of a local tea house. Whatever you fancy, write it down. Envision yourself going there on a date. Now you've got a list ready if someone asks 'What do you want to do?' And don't forget to keep smiling.

4. Pick out Outfits. Thursday evening, make a date with your closet. Go through your wardrobe and write down outfits that you'd wear to each of the potential dates you listed yesterday. If you'd like to go to the opera, and you don't have a ball gown, don't panic. The opera is one of those dates that everyone is expected to fret over. But otherwise, don't allow clothing to be an excuse to avoid going out. Too many women turn down dates because they can't imagine what they'd wear. And BBWs, with their additional difficulties shopping for clothing, are just as guilty of this as anyone. With a handy list of outfits ready, you won't have that excuse.

5. Join a New Club. Fridays shouldn't be spent alone, and single women need as many friends as they can get. Pick a new club that interests you. Perhaps you're interested in politics--find a way to hook up with a local chapter of your party. Perhaps you'd like to be a better speaker; join the local toastmaster group. If your interests are primarily those that appeal to women, and you're looking for a member of the opposite sex to sweep you off your feet, don't worry. All those ladies at your new club likely have brothers and sons they can fix you up on dates with. Do what you love and the dating will come.

6. Make an Online Profile at Myspace or Friendster. Saturday you should have the time to sit down and make a profile on a social networking site. The benefits of doing this are two-fold. First, it will help you meet new people, often in your area. Second, it will force you to answer questions about yourself. By thinking hard about your own interests, your own strengths, and how you want to introduce yourself as a Big Beautiful Woman to the dating world, this will help prepare you for other opportunities down the road, such as dating services or classified ads. Invite a friend over and have her take lots of pictures of you so that you can put one up on your profile that flatters you. Digital cameras are great for this. Really think about who you are as a person and what you want for yourself, and from a partner.

7. Clean your Bedroom. Seriously. Clean your bedroom. Sunday is an opportunity for you to start your new week fresh with a romantic retreat in your own house that will make you feel sexy and energized. Knowing that you have a bedroom to take someone back to, if the mood should strike you, will help open you up to new possibilities, even if you think you're not that kind of girl. Besides, your bedroom is likely where you'll get ready to go on a date. It should be clean and organized so that you won't be stressed when you're getting ready. A clean bedroom will also give you a chance for peaceful reflection on the journey you're about to embark upon.

One week later, and you're ready to start going on dates, registering with dating services, and finding romance. You've prepared yourself, in an out. You're a Big Beautiful Woman ready to take on the world. So breathe in deep, smile, and jump back into the single's scene.

Motivation For Days You Don't Want To

I don't exercise to get skinny. If I did that, every time I looked at the scale, I'd think it was a losing battle. I'd only end up frustrated and on the sofa, taking comfort in a bowl of Ben & Jerry's.

I exercise because I have a wonderful life, and I want to live that life as long as I can, and in the best health that I'm able.

To that end, here are ten motivational tips I've used this year to keep me on track.

1. Sparkpeople.com. This site has some wonderful tracking software, and takes a much more balanced view of exercise and health than most of the fascist dieting websites out there. Some people use the site for meal planning or weight loss, but I use it for fitness. Using sparkpeople.com, I'm able to track my exercise each week and see a little graph of everything I've accomplished. I can even print it for my doctor to see.

2. M&Ms. They say not to reward your progress in anything with food, especially not sweets, but it's probably too late for me to break that habit! So I'm realistic about it. For my New Year's resolution, I decided how many times I wanted to exercise this year. I put that number of M&Ms in a jar. Whenever I'm done exercising, I'm allowed to eat one M&M.

3. Great Music. I own an ipod shuffle. I've loaded it with feel-good music that has a driving beat. I periodically load more songs onto it whenever I come across one that gets me moving, so that I don't get bored. A great song can get you energized even when you feel like dirt!

4. Routine. The experts recommend exercising in the morning. I have a bit of a flexible schedule, so the concept of morning is sometimes fuzzy. But what I have done is make sure that I exercise as soon as I roll out of bed. I keep everything I need right there in the bedroom so that there are no excuses. Exercise, shower, and get on with your day. It's a great motivator to know that if I get it out of the way, I won't have to think about it again that day.

5. Variety. I don't know about you, but I can't stand doing the same exercise over and over every day. Especially mind-numbing exercises like treadmills and stairclimbers. I try to mix it up with walking videos and alternative activities so that I'm never doing the same thing twice in a row.

The fitness gurus are never going to convince me that working out is sheer joy, and the diet gurus are never going to convince me that exercise is going to make me thin. But I am convinced, we need to keep our hearts and bodies healthy so we can enjoy all the fun stuff in life!

Plus Size Tops for Summer '06 You Shouldn't Miss

So, you're trying to put together the essential plus sized wardrobe, and you've finally gotten to the fun part. The tops. Blouses, shirts, tees and tanks are the easiest plus size clothing to shop for and offer the greatest flexibility to show off your personal style.

Here are five great options to check out.

1. Square Neck Tops. A square neckline can emphasize otherwise invisible collarbones, and they offer a more modest alternative to the vee neck. One of the most beautiful square neck shirts this season can be found at Igigi. Igigi flirts with the peasant-style trend and offers a fluttery square neck top in Rust, Parchment and Blue. The parchment color looks as if it might fade away on most skin tones, but the saturated rust and blue will flatter most women. At 30 inches long, it will disguise troublesome tummy areas, and with three-quarter-length sleeves, it may save you some money at the tailor's if you're on the petite side. The disadvantage of this shirt, and most Igigi tops, is the price and the directive to hand wash the garment. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the fabric used in the shirt can stand up to the washing machine. Moreover, Igigi's designer is top-knotch, so it's worth saving up for this one.

2. The Knot Top. Most full figured women have bosoms worth showing off, and the knot top is an excellent option to draw attention to your best features. Knot tops are usually vee necks with a gathered bustline, twisted right between the breasts. The advantage to such a shirt is that it feels like a tee, but can be worn to the office. Igigi obliges with their Princess Knot Top, carried in a number of rich colors including Fuschia. The shirt does run on the small size, so you may wish to try one size up.

3. Tank Tops or Camis. Don't be afraid of sleeveless garments. Your bare arms are probably more attractive than you think they are, and even if you are too self-conscious to wear a tank or cami alone, there are now a host of options out there with shrugs, boleros and cardigans that make these tops indispensible. Check out a sophistocated Ruffle-front babydoll from Lane Bryant. Or, for more coverage, try their Braided-strap babydoll. Lane Bryant garments are well made, and reasonably priced, but it doesn't hurt to wait for a sale.

4. The Shrug. On summer nights, shrugs are lightweight perfection that banishes the chill. But even during summer days, they can be a plus sized girl's best friend. If you're worried that your arms look too large in a tank top or cami, or that your bra straps are going to show, never fear, the shrug is here. The Crochet-trimmed sweater shrug from Lane Bryant comes in a number of useful colors. Or if you like patterns, an innovative option is their Flame-stitch shrug.

5. Breathable, Flexible, Gauze. There's almost nothing so feminine and pretty on a summer day as wearing white gauze. Fortunately, Fashion Bug is offering us the option this summer with their very well priced Knit gauze surplice with crochet trim. I've had the opportunity to see this blouse on a real woman, sized 26W, and it's very flattering. So snap it up while it's on sale!