Marc Jacobs Expands Line and Saks Steps Up

I just found out that Saks will begin offering select designer clothing in sizes up to 20 starting this fall.  Pieces by such designers as Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, and the mothership of fashion, Chanel, will be offered in the NYC SFA starting this fall and if it goes well, will eventually expand to other locations.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed even though there is just a Saks outlet in Minneapolis.  Quite simple, it's all good for plus size women because it ups the ante in terms of what designers are offering to all potential customers.  Who among us hasn't dreamt of wearing a Chanel jacket? 

On this same note, Marc Jacobs (cutie pictured above) will soon be offering a plus-size line.  It apparently will not be based on the collections shown in annual fashion weeks, but since Marc is known for his stylized, modern updated pieces, it bodes well for those of us begging for this look.  As with Saks, it also expands upon what is out there for all women, not just a select few and that can't help but be a positive sign that the retail world is finally getting it.  Are they finally getting the message that plus size women simply want the same resources their smaller sisters have for clothing?  My hats off to Marc Jacobs and a selection of some of the fun pieces he offers currently (not plus size unfortunately) via http://www.net-a-porter.com/ (including a pair of grey suede booties that I covet.  Oh fall..where are you?!)

Just Another Manic Monday..but at least I love my outfit!

What to wear on this sticky, muggy and HOT Minneapolis day?  I have visions of sipping minted ice tea on a shaded porch while I fan myself and mutter "fiddle dee dee" but alas, that is not my reality!  I will be taking a hot city bus and running errands before appearing in a Fringe show this evening where I will wear a decidedly un-stylish orange turtleneck and brown floral cardigan for my character Connie.  So, indulge me as I offer up these cool pieces to wear as we head towards the end of summer and that are perfect for the heat wave we are currently living dripping through!

Above: 

Cole Haan Bailey Leather Convertible Satchel

B&Lu Sylvie Tunic

Jeffrey Campbell Gladiator Sandal

Below:

Anna Scholz Dress

Diane Von Furstenberg Thong Sandals

Lafayette 148 New York Beaded Silk Tunic

Rachel Pally White Label Westwood Dress

Fall Fantasy Item # 4

Hello Mutha.  Hello Prada!

Have you seen the incredible pieces Prada is offering up for Fall?  Rich in saturated color and retro (yes, almost classic) in design, they are a great marriage of high-style and functionality.  But alas!  Plus size women do not have Prada as an option as they do not come in our sizes; at least, they do not come in my size (22).  Sigh.  Weep.  Copious amounts of tears!

But I have a solution.  If you love the look of Prada, run do not walk, to Anna Scholz (http://www.annascholz.com/).  Anna's beautiful clothing runs size 12-28 and is featured on-line, in stand-alone boutiques and in stores such as Nieman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.  (You may also remember her one-time line for Lane Bryant which I seem to remember being available for only a year or so quite some time ago.)  This line has a gorgeous European sensibility and doesn't shy away from offering beautifully made clothing in stunning fabrics and style-concious cuts.  The current look trends to what we saw on the runways for Fall '10, and that includes the use of animal prints, florals and electric blues and greens.  It can stand with the best of them and the double silk pleat shift dress pictured above would be a great fall addition to any fall wardrobe.  I would wear it with pumps and opaque tights and if it's chilly, throw on a cardigan or shrug.  The purse would be lady-like and structured - perhaps this stunning Marc Jacobs satchel: 

By the way, pictured below is a dress from Prada's fall 2010 Ready to Wear line - I dare you to see the difference in style and sensibility between these two dresses and I hope you can add one of them to your fall wardrobe!  It's frustrating to feel like certain designers won't put out clothes that their larger admirers can wear but I also feel the power is ours to choose our looks and to dress in a way that expresses who we are.  And who I am is proud, stylish, modern and yes, also large.  I embrace it and I hope you do too!

Bombshell Arrives in St. Paul

If you are a Twin Cities girl, there is an exciting new additional to the plus size fashion and shopping scene!  Bombshell has exploded on Grand Avenue in the boutique-filled shopping district that has long lacked a place for plus size shoppers to go along with their smaller friends.  Denise Alden has brought sought-after labels such as Kiyonna, Igigi and LucieLu to her new shop, which opened last week to great fanfare.  Check out this article from the St. Paul Pioneer Press and put on your pumps and head to Bombshell - I will already be there when you arrive! 

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