Plus Size Pretties For New Year's Eve!

DAHLINGS -

Happy Boxing Day! (And no, I don't know what it means, either.) New Year's Eve and other winter festivities are bearing down on us, so I felt I simply MUST let you know of some lovely plus-size and smaller pieces to take you into 2010 in glamorous style. There are price points for everyone who is reading this.

First of all, the Coat-A-Rama sale is still going on at my store at (ugh) Ebay. There are some ultra-glam coats up, even if the photos do not always do them justice!

A vintage red sheer striped evening coat with rhinestone buttons, XXL:


This glam vintage matelasse gold raincoat, which can be worn in the evening, M:


A 1970s vintage metallic silver leather spy girl coat for the Emma Peel in you, L:


For the femme on a budget, there are evening gowns and evening separates:

For the Stevie Nicks lover, a 1970s floral dress with sheer batwing sleeves, XXL. Add a shawl and start twirling!


From Venezia Jeans, a gray satin silver skirt in rich folds, drawstring waist, size 14-20:


A gorgeous strapless gown by Michaelangelo, with beading, a lilac underdress,and a tulle crinoline! Size 14.


This navy satin gown has a chiffon draped top, and cascading chiffon ruffles, also size 14.


This sensational glittery tunic to light up your winter nights, size 8X


From the 1960s, this vintage custom-made brocade dress in silver, copper and other metallics, size XL Tall:


There is so much more in my shop, so why don't you stop by and take a look around? You won't be disappointed. And if you are, well, that's your fault.

http://stores.ebay.com/Elisas-Bodacious-House-of-Style

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Glamorous Holiday Dresses And More!

DAHLINGS -

As per my previous entry, my maid has quite recovered from finding Jesus Christ in the kitchen. Although she is convinced that the sharp cheddar has been "blessed" and refuses to let the chef make brocoli vapeur avec sauce au fromage.

Be that as it may, we have a beautiful selection of holiday dresses, both vintage and modern, at Elisa's Bodacious House of Style on (ugh) Ebay. And because of the holiday season, we promise to ship two days after you buy, so that you may have it for any soiree you need to attend.

First, this exquisite Jovani off the shoulder beaded black and silver gown, size XL:


Next, a strapless purple and lilac gown by Michaelango, with a built-in crinoline, size 14:


Soon to be listed, an amazing silk cheongsam from the 1920s, never worn until now:


From the 1940s, a gorgeous lace-trimmed black wrap dress, size M/L:


Of course, a woman needs accessories to wear with her finery, so we are listing jewelry as fast as we can! For instance, this hand-knotted antique string of glass pearls:



Or this vintage "dog collar" black crystal necklace by Laguna:



And so the gentlemen don't feel neglected, this soon to be listed pair of sterling silver cufflinks by Swank:



Do hurry over to the shop and grab these things before someone else does!
http://stores.ebay.com/Elisas-Bodacious-House-of-Style

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Eco-Friendly Yet Fashionable Knitwear from Peru

DAHLINGS -

Among the deluge of PR dumped into my email inbox daily, one item caught my interest. It was from a Peruvian knitwear firm, Hortensia's Luxurious Knit Accessories. It is a tiny company, started five years ago by the mother/daughter team of Elizabeth Tola and Michelle Peglau Tola, initially with only three other knitters.

Since then, Hortensia has grown into a medium sized cooperative community of knitters that work from their homes and provide a stable income for their families. The company is very proud of what they have achieved; it allows these women to earn a good income while staying at home.

Elizabeth Tola was a well-known designer in Lima's fashion scene of the 80's. Her daughter Michelle studied fashion design. While in school, she entered a young designers contest sponsored by Air France, winning the first prize with a dress inspired by Andean traditional costumes. Later she came to New York to study fashion marketing at Tim Gunn’s old stomping grounds, Parsons School of Design.

Inspired by Peglau's great aunt, Hortensia, an avid knitter raised in France and Peru, Elizabeth and Michelle decided to create a luxury knitwear line that would show the rest of the world the unique designs that Peru has to offer.



The line fuses traditional Peruvian weaving, the warmth of alpaca and European flair. The alpaca is dyed using non-toxic materials. Each piece is entirely handmade by skilled knitters for whom knitting has been a livelihood for generations.

As Michelle Peglau Tola wrote to me, "From the mountain ranges of Peru, Hortensia is designed for active, stylish urbanites and knitwear lovers everywhere."

Your faithful correspondent loves to blend fashion and activism, and the fact that one can do good simply by buying something. So much less labor-intensive than other forms of activism and yet so rewarding, don't you think?

Find their beautiful designs at:
http://www.hortensiahandmade.com/

Asymmetrical sweater wraps in lush earth tones and deep jewel hues, eyelet sweater dresses in delicate combinations and intricately knit hats are pure glamour. Sold at high-end boutiques and department stores, such as Oak and Henri Bendel, their line of hats, scarves and sweaters are a perfect choice for the holiday season.

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