Plus Sizes Were Already Fashion Forward! Who Knew?

DAHLINGS -

Several years ago, in one of its ritualistic orgasms, the fashion world discovered “Jeggings.” Leggings made out denim! Who had thought up this amazing blend of comfort and style?

Plus size designers, that’s who. For years “denim leggings” had been available to the larger lovely who did not want the discomfort of traditional blue jeans. Some were plain, others had stitching like regular jeans, and some even belt loops and mock fly fronts.

Manufacturers and designers have caught on to the fact that plus size clothing designs, are comfortable and cheap to manufacture. At Full Figured Fashion Week in 2010 among the swag was black rayon long vest that fell around my body in becoming folds. It was the first I had seen of this garment. Now, they are everywhere. Plus sized women have been wearing “flyaway” cardigans, tunics and babydoll tops for years. Now, so is everyone else. Who knew, rather than frumpy, we are in the fashion vanguard?

For one thing, the bonuses for those who actually manufacture the clothes are the lack of buttons and proliferation of economical materials. Calling fabrics “tissue cotton” and “whisper-light” are euphemisms for “flimsy, thin and cheap.”

For another, these drapey garments are universally flattering. Heavy women have been wearing capes, ponchos and cover-ups for as long as memory serves. Now women from size 0 to 12 are also swanning about town in flowing robes.

It is not necessarily because Americans are getting heavier. Strolling the streets of Manhattan, one observes a great many thin women wearing fluid rayon tops, swirling open-front hip-length “cardigans” with strategic folds and ruffles, and jeggings. Victoria’s Secret, that bastion of body-con, has fluttering “cardis” (a nauseating term).

Photograph courtesy of Victoria's Secret

Going higher up the fashion food chain, one sees that designers are also not averse to billowing fabric, albeit higher quality. The models under them are also “whisper-thin.”

Martin Grant

Martin Grant

Photos courtesy of GoRunway.com

In another entry I shall bemoan the common trends that plague the plus size industry, but that is for later. For now, take satisfaction that even the gauntest fashion plate is covering up.

Ciao,

Elisa

Fashion's Night Out 2011: At Avenue

DAHLINGS -

Before your dutiful scrivener (look it up) shares her midway Mercedes Benz Fashion Week runway report, I should like to begin with Fashion’s Night Out. It is a pulsing climax of retailing, with “pop-up” stores throughout the city. Liquor flows freely to encourage shopping madness. The lines at Missoni alone were simply out of control.

Your faithful correspondent had decided to stay in and take a hot scented bubble bath (my special scent created by Sarah Jessica Parker). My teens and twenties are far enough behind me that the notion of spending the night body-blocking other fashion hounds whilst wearing high heels was less than appetizing.

However, the siren call of the bathtub had to wait. Avenue, the plus-size clothing line for women, invited me as a celebrity guest blogger, along with Brooke Elliot, the star of the Lifetime television show “Drop Dead Diva.”

My fashion choices were an Avenue black dress with lace and ruching, 4" black heels, and a huge vintage black hat. No jewelry. I believe the rule of "before you leave, take one thing off" applies particularly when you are wearing a huge feathered black hat.











Ma chérie jolie lecteurs, the store was so crowded you couldn't’t get a nail file between the bodies. So many gorgeous plus-sized women, all shapes and sizes! All happy to be there among their own. Champagne was passed, as was finger food.





Alicia, the publicist, a shy, sweet redhead was not at all the usual fast-talking PR machine. I was introduced first to Selina Zaccagno, Avenue's Divisional Merchandise Manager for Avenue Body, Shoes & Accessories. Selina in turn introduced me to almost all of the corporate staff. To be honest, after a bit it was a blur of black dresses and name tags. I saw the stylish @Curvatude, wearing a gray shrug tied under the bust and a long green skirt.
























Brooke Elliot
Brooke Elliot arrived. She is stunningly beautiful, probably a size 22/24. Decked out in an Avenue animal print chiffon dress, Ms. Elliot posed for endless pictures with gaping fans.
I had a private consultation with stylist Jacqui Stafford. She praised my “beautiful bust, waist and hips,” naturally. Then she proceeded to tell me how best to cover them up. She was quite nice but there was definitely an element of cognitive dissonance there.
























Brooke Elliot and Jacqui Stafford

Then came the runway show. My major quibble is that the models were small. Not nearly as terrifyingly thin as the usual Fashion Week models, but thin enough so that they did not do the clothes justice.
























Ombre wool coat















Apres the show - damn that camera man!

The line is more chic than their previous clothes, particularly the new denim separates. Brooke Elliot helped Selina on the runway, discussing the styles and what she would wear. Before my camera died, I was able to grab a few snaps.

After a long day under the tents at Lincoln Center, I staggered back to my (featured in Architectural Digest) flat, and gratefully sank into my long awaited bath.

Plus tôt, je le promets.

Ciao,

Elisa

all photos Elisa DeCarlo

Daily Venus Diva Launches Diva In Need Project

DAHLINGS -



This is a cause I can truly support for larger lovelies everywhere!



The number 1 plus-size lifestyle magazine, Daily Venus Diva.com (DVD) is pleased to announce the launch of the Diva in Need Project, which will begin on Thursday, August 18th, 2011.



This new outreach program has been created to encourage women across the plus-size market to find their own empowerment, while providing them with opportunities to better their lives that they may not currently have access to.



Stephanie Penn-Danforth, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Venus Diva Magazine says, “Every Diva deserves to have her dreams come true, her wishes granted. This contest not only allows DVD to become a deserving woman’s fairy god mother, but it gives us the opportunity to introduce readers and contestants to plus-size friendly companies.”



Every month, DVD will select one deserving entrant based upon their need, and work with plus-size business across the nation to contribute the necessary item. The first business to announce their intention of working with this program is Sealed With A Kiss Designs, a Los Angeles-based company offering trendy, affordable plus size fashion.



DVD is looking for women that need:

new attire

resume services

technology

or anything else that will help them land a new job, get that promotion, or succeed in a task that will better their lives and circumstances.



Program Director and Editor Janie Mackenzie-Cohen states, “I am incredibly excited to speak with these women, learn more about who they are and listen to their stories. It’s seems almost impossible for DVD to select just one deserving woman per month to provide these services to, but we are thrilled that we have the ability to help strong women make the absolute best out of the opportunities they are presented with and thrive in all areas of their life!”



To find out more about the program, please visit: www.DailyVenusDiva.com



To submit your story and need, please e-mail: Janie@DailyVenusDiva.com



Please link this blog entry to anyone you think may benefit!



Ciao,

Elisa

Vintage Lane Bryant Advertising...EEK!

DAHLINGS -

Your faithful correspondent was, as usual, deeply annoyed when clicking through plus-sized mainstream clothing sites. Almost all of the models are size 0, making the clothes look like badly pinned tents. However, it could be worse...







I wonder if they still sell "Husky Boy" clothes. Can any of the men out there enlighten me?

Ciao,
Elisa

Daily Venus Diva/FTF One Day Deal!

DAHLINGS -


Thursday July 14, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.through Friday July 15, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., Daily Venus Diva (DVD) and Fashion To Figure (FTF) will be partnering to offer a “daily deal” to readers and plus-size women everywhere on www.DailyVenusDiva.com.

The deal, only available for 24 hours, will allow consumers and all lovers of fashion to purchase a $20 certificate for only $10. Once purchased,consumers will be able to redeem these certificates at FTF either online or in stores,

“Fashion To Figure offers a huge selection of trendy, in-vogue clothesthat any woman would love to be seen in,” said Diva Deal Finder Janie Mackenzie-Cohen. “In a market where it’s difficult to find that sexylittle black dress that fits and flatters, FTF has filled a void providingvery reasonably priced clothes in styles plus-size women just can’t find anywhere else.”Fashion To Figure offers trendy plus-size clothing in sizes 12 – 26 and includes both casual and dress wear. In stores, FTF provides personal stylists to make the shopping experience that much easier. “Stylists ar efull-fashion experts and at your service always. A personal FashionStylist for your time at FTF can make all the difference. Stylists know you and our fashions very well. They can help put together outfits, give advice on what works and what doesn't work, and guide you on how all our many choices fit.”

What: 24 hour "Daily Deal" for half-price $20 certificates
When: Thursday July 14, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., through Friday July 15,2011 at 9:00 a.m. Where: www.DailyVenusDiva.com

www.DailyVenusDiva.com is an online fashion magazine that caters to we larger lovelies. Please do have a look!

Ciao,
Elisa

Full Figured Fashion Week & The State of The Curvy Community

DAHLINGS –

So, where was I? Oh, yes, Full Figured Fashion Week, Day Three! A day of educational panels at the Hotel Pennyslvania on 33rd Street. Appropriately, in the heart of the garment district. The panels were held on the top floor, which offered a panoramic view of the city. There was a panel on getting a plus size business started, as well as a panel on plus size modeling.

Your faithful correspondent on was a panel in the afternoon, “The State of The Curvy Community.” My fellow panelists were Erica Watson, actress and creator of the solo show Fat Bitch; Golda Poretsky, founder of Body Love Wellness; Hattie of Plus Size Model Magazine, and Yulilya Raquel, designer of Igigi clothing.

From the FFF Week website (http://fffweek.com/):
This panel discussion addresses the current state of the plus-size community and the significance of Full Figured Fashion Week™, through the eyes of the industry’s leaders, bringing different perspectives from various experiences and points of view.

Call me whatever, but I do love being acknowledged as a leader of the plus size industry. The panel was moderated by Sharon Quinn, who did a marvelous job of fielding questions from the audience and commentary from the panel.

Sharon Quinn, "The Original Runway Diva"


The panel mostly focused on fashion, of course, and what plus-sized women are looking for. We come in all shapes and sizes, and muumuus simply do not cut it any more. I voiced my dissatisfaction with the lack of natural waists in plus size clothing. As Gwen DeVoe had said on the first night, we are ready to vote with our dollars. Many women are tired of seeing the same shapes, the same hideous prints, the same poor quality.

I should mention that I was wearing a gorgeous denim cocktail dress by SK Wilbur, with dark blue pleated organza on one side of the bodice, and a wide gray felt hat by Ellen Christine Millinery.

Erica Watson was extremely funny, but had a tendency to slather her comments with show business butter (“When I was on Dr. Phil, I got death threats;” “Jillian Michaels is my personal trainer;” “When I do parts in movies and television” etc. You get the idea.) But anyone with the cojones to create a show called Fat Bitch deserves kudos.

Erica Watson, comedian and creator of Fat Bitch

Yulilya Raquel might well be the most life-affirming person I have ever met, and that is not meant sarcastically. She is full of joy and love for her fellow man/woman, with a contagious enthusiasm that is absolutely genuine. She urged us all to embrace ourselves because every human being is beautiful, that the essence of humanity is beautiful.

Yulilya Raquel, designer for Igigi clothing

As for moi, unfortunately most of what I said escapes me, but I am certain it was pithy. (The panel was recorded, so I hope to get a copy in the near future and refresh my memory.) Ms. Watson managed to get quite a few laughs with jokes I had uttered not a second before; not a surprise that her background is stand-up comedy.

What struck me, sitting there, that despite the pride in ourselves and others, there was an undercurrent of shame, which was accurately blamed on the “diet culture” we live in. Golda Poretsky was quite eloquent on this point.

Golda Poretsky, founder of Body Love Wellness

Many in the audience mentioned wanting to lose weight, or bragged about losing weight (which for obvious reasons was not well-received), or otherwise seemed to feel obligated to mention diet and exercise in some form.

One of the attendees, Sharon Jones, the organizer of FFF Week, told me the next day that I had said “Where is the woman who will stand up and say I don’t exercise and I eat whatever the fuck I want?” I do remember laughing and cheering but if it hadn’t been for Sharon I wouldn’t have remembered a word of it. Probably because of my use of profanity, I had blocked it out.

Afterwards, a group of us went to dinner, including a divine woman who had flown from Paris to be there! As before, I felt a glow at the end of the day that did not come from Sonsi-tinis.

A note: there was some sort of workshop to be held in another room, about how to be a real woman. Each sign was covered with pink feather boas. The women who were going in were all pencil thin, which seemed absolutely unreal after three days of voluptuous curves. If you want to be a real woman, eat an eclair.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Full Figured Fashion Week Opening Night!

DAHLINGS -

Last night was the opening of Full Figured Fashion Week! And what an opening night it was! Boulevard, an exclusive club downtown, was filled with creme de la creme of plus-sized fashion. The fabulous Marie Denee (http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/ ) greeted me at the door, dressed in a black creation by Cha.Nel.Karam (who later presented an AMAZING runway show). Gwen Devoe of Devoe Productions was rushing about getting things ready. When she took the stage, she was stunning in a white bustier and pencil skirt with large white rosettes on the front. And she also made a very entertaining mistress of ceremonies!

You have no idea how validating it can be to be in a nightclub filled with beautiful women, all plus-sized (except, oddly enough, many of the sponsors), dressed in their best. There were feathers, long gowns, short dresses, sequins, maxi dresses, and so much more, worn proudly by women, black, white and Latina. Your faithful correspondent wore her green custom-made gown by Mad Couture. It looked great, but a nightclub filled to bursting with clientele...well let's just say a lighter dress would have been more appropriate. Sweating is something I avoid at all costs. In honor of Sonsi, the major sponsor for this event, they were serving Sonsi-tinis, a pink cocktail.

I met my fellow members of the Curvy Collective, women who are considered to be important figures in the plus-size industry (I blush, but not really). Stephanie Danforth of Life-Sized Radio; the incomparable Christina from Musings of a Fatshionista; Aimee and Erica from Madison Plus; the author of The Big Girl's Blog (who prefers to remain anonymous), and several others.

On to the fashion! The runway shows were spectacular, not only because of the clothes, but the confident swagger of the plus sized models. Unlike anorexic fashion models, these women worked it, even smiling! How often do you see that on the runway? There were ten designers in all, but I do not have time to do them all justice. However, more will be written about them in the ensuing days!

The Angel Alternaltive, designed by Angel Meyers, were a series of maxi-dresses. They were all very pretty, but unfortunately the dress worn by Angel herself was so spectacular (a shiny animal print long-sleeved column dress) that her designs suffered slightly in comparison.

The offerings from Kiyonna was, as expected, gorgeous. I would have snatched up every piece of the runway. Particularly the black lace dresses. One of my pet peeves is that so many plus size designers only make empire-waisted clothes, ignoring those of us who are not pear shaped. However, Kiyonna redresses the balance somewhat (pardon the pun).

Pure Energy for Target and Just My Size, were, well, meh. Particularly the latter. They were touting their new line as fashion-forward, but that's if you think fashion-forward is sprinkling glitter on large-sized t-shirts.

More of the designers (and more photos) will be up tomorrow, but I must dash and get ready for tonight's Plus-Sized Model Competition, hosted by Ruschell Boone, reporter for New York One.

And do not forget, tomorrow I will be on a panel, "The State of The Curvy Community," hosted by television personality Sharon Quinn, along with Erica Watson, Plus Size comedienne

Marianne Kirby - Blogger from The Rotund and co-author of Notes from the Fatosphere
Yuliya Raquel - Founder/Designer, Igigi
Golda Poretsky - Founder of Body Love Wellness

At the centrally located Hotel Pennsylvania, Madison Room, 33rd Street at Seventh Avenue. Trust me, you can't miss it.

Now to find something suitably ventilated for tonight!

Ciao,

Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Full Figured Fashion Week On Facebook!

DAHLINGS -

Attention, luxurious lovelies everywhere! Full Figured Fashion Week, June 16 - 19 in New York City, has its own Facebook Page! You can find it here:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=68252001314&ref=nf

The event will feature panels, fashion shows, seminars, entertainment, and best of all, no designers like Vassilios Kostetsos who stare at you in horror if you ask for a dress in your size! (Cf. my early entry.) YOU are the target audience, the objects of desire, the consumers!

As a bonus, you will get to see moi on a panel, "The State Of The Curvy Community," detailed in an earlier entry.

The week will be hosted by the fabulous Emme, plus size diva!



Note to vendors: if you are looking for the perfect audience for your accessories, be they shoes, scarves, handbags or more, look at the Facebook page for more information!

I do hope to see you there!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Full Figured Fashion Week Is Approaching!

DAHLINGS -

Your faithful correspondent is delighted to announce that she will be one of the participants in Full Figured Fashion Week this summer! Here is the press release:

A Roundup of the Plus Size Fashion Blogger Elite: The Curvy Collective for Full Figured Fashion Week™
New York, NY (May, 01 2010)-

Plus-size fashion continues to be hotly debated, and helping to lead this charge is a dynamic group of the plus size community’s leading fashion bloggers- The Curvy Collective. Created to capture, expose, and share up-to-the-minute news for Full Figured Fashion Week ™, The Curvy Collective fashions a network of bloggers to leverage their blogs and social media platforms to facilitate the latest news.

Curvy Collective co-founders, Marie Leggette of The Curvy Fashionista and Johara Tucker, of Luvin’ My Curves, launched the collective last Spring of 2009 with the inception of Full Figured Fashion Week ™.

Back for a second year, the leading plus size fashion blogs joining the Curvy Collective include: The Curvy Fashionista, Luvin’ My Curves, A Curvy Girl’s Guide to Style, Diary of a Mad Fashionista, Fatshionista , Full Figure Plus, Life Size Radio, Musings of a Fatshionista, Madison Plus, The Big Girl Blog, Stylish Maven, and Daily Venus Divas.

The Curvy Collective will also facilitate a Full Figured Fashion Week™ panel discussion: “The State of the Curvy Community” being held at Hotel Penn on Friday, June 18th, from 4 –6:00PM. Moderated by Sharon Quinn, panelists will address the climate of plus size in the media, the progress, challenges, and successes of the curvy community.

For all press inquiries please regarding The Curvy Collective, please contact press@fffweek.com . For more information on Full Figured Fashion Week, please visit their official website at Full Figured Fashion Week ™. http://www.fffweek.com/

***********
Dahlings, it is going to be the event of the season! Keep watching my blog-thing for more exciting announcements!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog

Visit My Shop To Help The Red Cross Help Haiti!

DAHLINGS -

One of the few vaguely decent aspects of (ugh) Ebay is that they have Giving Works. Through it, sellers can choose charities to donate a portion of the proceeds of their sales. I have always had several listings up devoted to the ASPCA.

Now, a percentage of almost all of my listings will be donated to the American Red Cross. Look for the blue and yellow ribbon in the title. The more you buy, the more the Red Cross will receive. In case you think this is self-serving, I have lowered prices on many choice pieces.

For instance, this beautiful vintage satin and lace wedding dress by Alfred Angelo, with a full Watteau back and long train, and an Empire waist. Price slashed to under $50.00!


http://tinyurl.com/yc8wba4

Or this vintage tapestry coin purse in Mint condition:


http://tinyurl.com/yb53h72

If you're looking for something modern, here is a plus-size 1X Susan Graver Style black stretch dress, New With Tags:


http://tinyurl.com/y8679lq


For a sensationally low price, a beautiful full long gray satin skirt by Venezia, with a drawstring waist, to fit sizes 14 - 20:


http://tinyurl.com/yhzl9dv

And many vintage jewelry items, including this vintage faux pearl necklace with a flower-shaped clasp:


http://tinyurl.com/yzsht4d

More items will be listed, all at more than reasonable prices! This is one way for you to help, and pick up some great bargains at the same time. So let's go shopping!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Must Plus-Size Clothes Be Shapeless? NO!

DAHLINGS -


It distresses me greatly when I see what is offered to my sisters in bounteousness. Recently I glanced through some catalogs a reader sent me.

It was a revelation: most of what is out there is ugly. Many plus-sized women already know that, but your faithful correspondent had rarely been face to face with the dressing challenges that affect these women.


1) Where are all of the models THIN? With a few notable exceptions (Just My Size, which has some of the ugliest clothing I have ever encountered), the models are stringbeans, which only makes the garments look worse. Once I sent a protest to what used to be Lane Bryant--it has now renamed itself Woman Within--only to be sent the response that the customers demanded thin models! I think not. A glance at the dozens of plus-size fashion blogs puts paid to that idiotic idea.



2) Death to dusters, overblouses, and enormous shapeless dresses! Even if one is a size 8X, a woman deserves clothing that makes her feel beautiful. Even manufacturers I respect, such as Silhouettes, make baggy dresses that scream, "I Hate My Body!"



(Why do the models in this sort of catalog always look so INSANELY happy? Are they on drugs?)

So, here are a few items that actually celebrate the body. This particular selection is from Silhouettes, although you can also find some very sexy body-hugging pieces at http://www.jessicalondon.com/.

First, this faux wrap dress. Whatever your size, it will flatter your curves and the v-neckline draws attention to the face and neck in the best way.

Second, another wrap dress, this one with a pretty full skirt for those who would prefer not to wear something clingy. The print is subtle, unlike the shrieking color combinations on cheaper clothing.




















Third, a stretch sheath dress. While I do wish it had sleeves, the mere fact that Silhouettes is willing to do a stretch sheath dress is praise enough!





















Fourth, to go with it, a fitted blazer with a feminine ruffled collar. One hopes the single button close does NOT mean the jacket is in the fly-away style. It appears to be fitted--what a concept!





















Fifth, a piece that caught my eye immediately and was the inspiration for this entry: a colorblocked sweatercoat. Note the figure-enhancing cut. Again, unlike baggy crew-neck sweaters that plague so many catalogs.




















Sixth, just because I love them and they come in size 11WW, these embellished flats.









I tried photographing Bucky with them some months ago, but it, er, didn't come out as I had hoped.

















You can find these all of these goodies at http://www.silhouettes.com/.

Please bear in mind that I ONLY write about thing I like, never "advertorials" My integrity as a fashion goddess is at stake, you know.

I would prefer that you shop with moi, but if not, I highly recommend these alternatives!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Vintage Jewelry and Vintage Plus Size Dresses for YOU!

DAHLINGS -

I don't make it a habit of writing idiotic titles like the one above, but one must bow to the almighty search bots. My pet peeve is ads that state "the (insert here) you love". How do they know if I love comfort, or rubber, or burlap? Impertinence, say I.

Ahem.

I am listing beautiful plus-size vintage dresses on (ugh) Ebay, as well as Christmas gifts for milady. And many have FREE shipping. Here is a small selection to whet your appetite:

A beautiful gold satin flocked silk dress for the taller woman, XL B45

http://tinyurl.com/yju2knt

From the 1930s, a feminine flowered cotton dress, M/L with a gored skirt and large Bakelite buttons:

http://tinyurl.com/y93pg9t

A stunning 1940s black silk dress, also for the taller woman, with a wide v-collar front and back, and black button trim around the collar and along one hip:

http://tinyurl.com/yh2wnhw

A vintage lightweight goldtone "statement" necklace, so on-trend!

http://tinyurl.com/yjnqnok

A glorious turn of the century Italian cameo ring, in a rare Navette setting, on sale:

http://tinyurl.com/yglkeh3



Soon to be listed, this dazzling rhinestone-front vintage maxi-dress, perfect for holiday parties!

Do have a look at my store, Elisa's Bodacious House of Style, for more precious, one-of-a-kind finds. Oh, and do me a favor--buy them.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Gorgeous Plus Size Vintage Coats At The House of Style!

DAHLINGS -

I may not be feeling tremendously creative these days. However, I can shill some of my goods in the meantime.

First, and ending SOON, is this amazing, freshly cleaned, like-new vintage dark brown unsheared beaver hooded ski jacket, size XXL:

http://tinyurl.com/yfwkyjx

Also ending soon is this luxurious cashmere princess seamed coat, with a genuine broadtail lamb collar. By Ronnie Sophisticates, size XL:

http://tinyurl.com/ylf3yd2

And in my store, there is a vintage 1950s evening coat in lipstick red, with rhinestone buttons and a shadow stripe design! It's priced to sell, so do please take a look:

http://tinyurl.com/yz2glvv

There will be more coats listed this week, so remember to check back often!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Silhouette's New Holiday Line: Plus Size Glitz & Glam

DAHLINGS -

Before all of this Cintra Wilson nonsense, I had the good fortune to be invited by the lovely people at Silhouettes to take a sneak peek at what they have in store for the paying customers for the holidays. So I packed Bucky into his black Chanel carrier and off we went, into the bowels of midown Manhattan.

What first caught my eye was all of the très en vogue des chaussures! (You must know by now that I have a weakness for footwear.) And fashion-forward boots. Dozens of pairs of adorable flats, stylish heels, I could go on and on. All in double-wide sizes, which as my faithful readers know, means a great deal to moi! My only regret is that this picture of these delightful jewel-embellished flats is not in better focus. Although as usual, Bucky the Wonderdog photographs perfectly.

Here are some wonderfully on-trend riding boots, the first pair made of a combination of leather and cotton twill:

Many pieces had touches of beading, stones and glitz, such as the top of this cream blouse, trimmed in transparent stones. Chunky vintage-style jewelry was very much in evidence, as were a variety of prints from floral to abstract. There were also blouses in gold and black sequins; your faithful correspondent is a sucker for flash.

There was a great deal of rich royal purple in the collection, such as the sweater below. Also many swirling gray pieces, mainly coats and toppers. This black and white herringbone outfit with its pencil skirt and open front jacket is tres chic, (although your faithful correspondent would put a more flamboyant top underneath).

As mentioned, this Chanel-inspired ribbed cotton sweater caught my eye, detailed with high-quality metal buttons.

Again, one wishes this photo of this magnificent dark red swing coat did it justice. Not only does it have a HUGE flare from the tailored shoulders, the back is detailed with matching large buttons!

Even Cintra Wilson would be hard-put to say anything negative about this collection. Although I am certain she would. But as for yours truly, these beautiful clothes make contemplating the holiday season just a bit less unbearable.

Start your shopping here! http://www.silhouettes.com/

Ciao,

Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Setting Up A New Boutique On Etsy!

DAHLINGS -

Yes, I am spreading the wealth! I am opening a brand-new boutique over on Etsy, as are so many other (ugh)Ebay sellers. It is also called The Mad Fashionista's Plus-Size Boutique, but it will feature lower-priced pieces than my Fashiondig shop. (Although there will be some inevitable cross-over; my assistant isn't smart enough to keep it all straight.)




Click on the link above IN THE POST TITLE to take a look, and shop, shop, shop!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Super-Sized Beautiful Clothes At the House of Style!

DAHLINGS -

I've just returned from Washington, D.C., where my services were urgently needed (to be detailed in a later entry).

While I have been away some of my staff have been laboring to get some lovely pieces listed.

There are a number of new supersized garments just waiting for the fuller-figured fashionista in my (ugh) Ebay store. Such as this beautiful velvet minidress or long shirt in bright lipstick red, 6X:



And this glittery gold top, size 10X:



For dreamy, glamorous nights, this satin robe, also in lipstick red, 8x:



(Hint to the gentlemen: this is also in gold, and either would make a simply luscious gift!)

There is much more to come, dahlings, so keep checking back at Elisa's Bodacious House of Style. The direct link is to your right under my picture.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Just In Time For The Holidays - A NEW Venue!

DAHLINGS -'

I'm extending my global reach yet again, with yet another fine shop! You might call it an outgrowth of my flagship store, The Mad Fashionista's Plus Size Boutique on Specialist Auctions.

This is The Mad Fashionista's Plus Size Boutique on Fashiondig, where the elite meet to spend money, even in the recession. Their approach is different from both SA and (ugh) Ebay in that they do the packing and shipping. Since my assistant is completely inept at both (have you ever seen a young woman break down in tears because her hands are wrapped in packing tape?) this will take some of the burden off of my perfectly formed shoulders.

Here are some lavish delights I have listed there so far, custom-made for a tall, buxom, elegant woman (like moi) in the 1950s and 1960s:


Sheared Honey Beaver Ski Jacket, XXL Tall, Near Mint!


Dazzling Gold Silk Jacquard Wiggle Dress with Matching Jacket, XL, Mint!

In addition, this beautiful beaded black and silver gown by Jovani from the 1980s:


And this super-chic Audrey Hepburn-style 50s fur felt velour platter hat by Best & Company!


Simply click on this blog entry's title to be taken to my new store! It is a shame this is the Internet, otherwise I would be there to greet you with a glass of champagne. But do go take a look round and pretend I am there, that will take away some of pain.

Happy shopping!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog