What to wear for a wedding if you are a plus size woman

So this morning I received an invitation to an old college friend's wedding. It's her 2nd marriage so she has decided on a fairly informal affair. The question is what do I wear? I've lost a little weight and have been working on toning my upper arms so I don't mind showing off a little flesh. I'm sure many of you are attending weddings or semi formal affairs this summer, maybe a garden party, barbecue and drinks with friends, or an outdoor concert and want to wear a fabulous dress with cute accessories. So here are some ideas for all you plus size girlies who want to dress up a little this summer.

Where to Buy
Klub Nico Ava Shoes - Marigold Leather
Tommy Hilfiger Nantucket Weave Clutch - Honey
Jade Green Bubble Dress


Where to Buy
Runched For Your Life Dress
Amanda Secret Love Shoes - Champagne
Straw Studios Clutch - Gold


Where to Buy
Nia Silk Butterfly Dress by Monif C at Alight.com
Charles by Charles David Soiree Shoes - Fuschia
Mad by Design Clutch - Pearl

Plus Size Clothing Trends Ethnic Style

One of the huge style trends for the Spring Summer season is tribal prints.
The spring fashion runways were a riot of color and prints, from warm earthy tones to ethnic to tribal. For example Oscar de la Renta had many traditional kente style fabrics in his designs, whilst Christian Lacroix added drama with beads and feathers.


Strong prints work well on a large curvy frame. The prints are often over sized and strong, and look best when worn as a simple shaped item of clothing, for example a tunic, or a shift dress.
Take a look below for some ideas.

Women's Plus: Women's Plus Tie-Front Tunics - Yellow Print



Maroon and Ivory Tiki Print Babydoll Top



Dusk Till Dawn Dress

Ethnic Print Tunic
Fashion To Figure Savings until July 25th
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Of course you could also add some African Influence with a Safari style jacket, worn with a belt it will accentuate you curves and cinch in your waist.

Paris Pocket Jacket Also available in Sand color.

Choose accessories that are on trend. For example wear a number of chunky wooden bangles, or large statement earrings or necklace in a tribal style. Or add a statement hangbag.

Wide Floral Wood Bangle


- $55.00
This Giraffe print tote is remarkably roomy with three separate compartments in the interior. Double handle strap. Fully lined interior has cell phone and zipped pocket compartment. Snap closure. Accessorized with black leather trim.

So look out for plus size tops and dresses with ethnic influences, such as african prints, flower and leaf patterns, shades of brown, green, orange, yellows and red. Choose fabrics like cotton and linen to take you from Spring all the way through Summer.

A Curvy Chick's Guide To Looking Good This Summer

If you are a plus size diva who adores Summer but hates feeling sweaty and uncomfortable then read on to learn how to stay looking gorgeous throughout the hot days ahead.

First of all buff up your skin. Use a loofah or salt or sugar scrub to exfoliate your skin all over. Start from your ankles, up your legs, hips, torso, wrists to shoulders, go gentle on your décolletage, but don't leave that area out. Now rinse off in the shower, try cooler water to really get your skin pepped up. Gently dry your skin with a big fluffy towel and finally slather on some moisturiser, this can be cheap and cheerful Palmer's Cocoa Butter or as decadent as Crème De La Mer! Personally I use Dream Cream from LUSH Cosmetics, it soothes and softens, and has a subtle rose and lavender aroma.

Next on the list, treat yourself to a pedicure, or you could do it yourself. You want your tootsies looking cute in your summer flip flops, or peep toe wedges. Gather together cotton wool, nail varnish remover, a pumice stone, nail clippers and an emery board. Now get started on those feet! Again rub in some moisturiser and finish off with some bright nail polish, my current favorite is Givenchy - Hypnotic Pink.

So now your skin is glowing and your feet are looking as cute as can be. But how can you stay looking cool, calm collected and cute through the summer months.

Here are my tried and tested tips.

Carry a small size anti perspirent in your purse. Apply it when need, wherever needed, I spray under my boobs to avoid sweating and rubbing from my bra. Invest in sweat guards if you have to wear shirts for work, but these may make you feel warmer.

Rub in cornstarch over your chest and thighs, this will help them stay dry and stop chafing or try Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel my friend swears by it. If you suffer from thigh rash in the summer, like I do, then invest in a pair of Cotton/Lycra bike shorts or SPANX Nude Power Panties.

I own a number of wash cloths and I take a freshly laundered one to work each day in a zip lock bag. At lunchtime or break time, I rinse it in cool water, and in the privacy of the washroom I wipe my neck, chest area and backs of my knees, or anywhere else I feel sweaty and gross! Dry off thoroughly and reapply the cornstarch.

Don't avoid exercise just because it's hot. Keep walking, swimming or whatever you enjoy to stay healthy. Make sure you stay hydrated, carry a bottle of water with you and keep one on your desk too.

Finally wear sunscreen and reapply regularly, especially after excessive sweating.

So do you girls have any other tips for keeping our cool this summer?

Plus Size Swimsuits and Holiday Wardrobe

I am a fanatical list maker, every year when planning for my vacation I begin a list of clothing, beauty products and other items that I need to pack. After many years of trying to fit all the summer clothes I own into my suitcase I have now perfected the capsule wardrobe. So here are my ideas for the ideal curvy and plus size girl's summer vacation.

I try to choose colors that will go together, this year I am really into earth tones, browns, greens and spicy orange and red.


Let's start with Plus Size Swimsuits and Tankinis. For a two week break I usually pack 2 tankinis that I can switch and swap around. I like to choose a halter top and a strap top so that I don't end up with large strappy tan lines. Sometimes I throw in a swim skirt too.

Next I need a couple of cover ups, a tunic and a sarong. These are ideal for when you want give your skin a break from the sun, or want to wander to the pool or beach bar for some cooling refreshment.

For walking around the pool or on the beach I take a fun pair of flip flops, along with a cute beach bag for my sun cream, bottle of water and book.

Now on to Plus Size summer clothes for sight seeing or wandering around town. I take a one or two pairs of shorts and a pair of capri pants. The capri pants can double up as evening wear too. Add a couple of tanks or camis, or a tshirts if you prefer something with sleeves. I usually wear more sturdy sandals, I love my birkenstocks!

For the evening I take a dress and a skirt, with a couple of more dressy tops. I also add a pashmina or I have just bought this fabulous long sleeve wrap sweater. Add a pair of wedge sandals and accessorize with chunky wooden beads and bangles.

Find the items pictured above at the following stores.
SwimsuitsForAll
Always For Me
Torrid
Alight
Old Navy - Women's Plus Online Exclusives
Shoebuy
Shoes.com