Where fashion is a plus

Is anyone foolish enough to deny the fact that we live in times that try our souls, nerves and wallets? In today’s world of chaos with our work deadlines, family and social calendars, life can truly be stressful, especially as we begin a new year.

More often than not we tend to take ourselves for granted and resign ourselves to wearing the same comfortable clothes that require no imagination. We find that daily responsibilities in life take precedence in our list of priorities.

Well, now is the perfect time to get our saucy juices flowing and try something new. Who doesn’t love a makeover? Let’s wow our friends and family as we show off our new look for the New Year.

This year I am excited to show the fun and sexy side of fashion that is possible for a plus-size woman. Women should dress like women and embrace the curves that make them different from men. So, for me, it’s all about being feminine and modern.

For a woman to look successful she needs to feel sexy even if she is plus size. After all, size is just a number. I’ve been running after success my whole life and I am still running. Nevertheless, my drive to continuously celebrate women inspired me to create my latest collection.

Here’s my take on the baby doll: I love that it is empire cut. My semi-baby doll blouses are very forgiving because they merely skim the body. I say "semi" because I try to shy away from the babyish look with the round collars and the puffiness. I like the abbreviated lengths and put a focus on the neckline. I like to use cotton spandex for a more comfortable feel. The green square-neck shell is great for those casual days. The beaded leather bag is from Pearl Stockholm Marakesh Collection. For the orange empire cut blouse, we used the Flamenco Bolso in leather from Pearl Stockholm.

In addition, you will see handmade accents like crochet florets, hand-beaded lace patches placed in the décolletage area to draw attention to the face and neckline of a full-figured woman.

Oh, my God! Gauchos! Don’t you just love this versatile comfy stretch spandex gaucho? And finally it’s in plus size! You can dress it up or dress it down. Wear it with a T-shirt and some interesting necklace for a casual look, or spruce it up by wearing high heels and an elegant top. I also love a more dense, dark solid jersey because its weight is quite forgiving – it skims the hip line.

Knickers/bermudas in stretch wool blends, linens and tweeds are also a favorite. I would love to see them paired with a very romantic Victorian-inspired top in crumpled cotton – such a fresh take on the tired old capri pants. We used Pearl Stockholm’s Scallop reversible leather bag to complete the look.

This year I am loving lace – it is feminine, sexy and subtle. You will find subtle touches of black lace on nude stretch satin in my collection. Lace and satin evokes softness and romance. Who doesn’t like romance?

For a more elegant and festive look, a silk chiffon blouse in black-and-white polka dot gives an air of fluidity with a touch of retro, paired with stretch cotton slacks. The wideband waistline keeps the extra bulge in place. Please, no pockets!

For partying, try a red top with beaded neckline accent. Paired with slim-leg blacks pant, you will surely be a winner.

My aqua-blue layered chiffon baby doll top is truly for the more adventurous. If you have gorgeous skin, flaunt it. The flow of layered chiffon in a downward motion is very flattering. Wear it with your favorite jeans or slim-leg pants with high heels and you’re set. Yellow Belize leather bag is from Pearl Stockholm.

My pink halter-top with the keyhole neckline is fun and young. It’s made of Japanese crepe and stripe cotton fabric.

A definite must-have is a printed jersey wrap dress. For an extra statement you can wear it on top of jeans and high heels or as a dress on well-tanned naked legs and high heels.

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Great Women with Style (GWS) is available at the third floor of Robinsons Galleria and at the second floor of the Landmark.