Pretty And Plus..Fashion Tips Blog

Clothing Sizes Internet Shopping Guide

2007-10-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

by Pretty And Plus at Womens-Fashion-Super-Store

Take the risk out of buying clothes over the Internet by using this guide before buying. Once you know specific things to check on the listing, you can buy with confidence.

As you may have noticed, we are not all shaped the same. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just a fact of life. It does, however, add challenges to the adventure of buying the right size in clothing when you can’t try it on before buying.

Here are some sizing tips to look for before buying women’s tops on the Internet:

Measurements are the key. Look for listings that offer specific measurements of an item and not just the manufacturer’s size. Most labels have a size suggested by the manufacturer, but if you check their size charts, (the actual inches) are merely general fit for at least two different sizes. Even these measurements vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Check you own body measurements first in 6 basic areas. If you don’t have a soft measuring tape, take a piece of string and use a ruler to get your accurate size in each area. Then add at least one inch to your body measurements for a comfortable clothing fit.

The shoulders: Should be measured from shoulder joint to shoulder joint. Normally it’s OK to measure in front, but if you tend to have heavy upper arms or you have a lot of reaching to do, measure your back for a non-binding fit.

The bust: Most charts tell you to measure the fullest part, but lets face it, sometimes the bra just doesn’t support like it should. However, if you measure a blouse that does fit you well, you will be pretty safe in getting comparative measurements. At PrettyAndPlus , we measure the bust line from armpit seam to armpit seam with the garment laying flat.

The Total Length from Shoulder to Hem (or collar base to hem on the back). This measurement is particularly important since it gives you the area the hem of your blouse will hit. Its this area that you will use to see if the hem of the blouse is large enough to fit over your hips without a problem.

The Total Hem Width: At the point where your blouse hem hits, measure around and divide that measurement in half. Compare it to the listing measurements. Listings normally measure the garment laying flat and give you the inches from side seam to side seam.

The sleeve length: Find out where you want your sleeve cuff to hit. Most sellers measure the inside seam of a blouse sleeve but others measure the outside seam. If the listing just says short sleeve or long sleeve, you need to find out what the measurement is from shoulder to cuff to see if that will work for your arm length.

Add waist measurement for tops that have a belt or are designed with a tight fit. This measurement is normally not too important if the garment doesn't have a belt.

Is there stretch to the fabric: If there is Lycra or Spandex in the fabric, it will stretch. How much will depend on the percentage of blend. The fabric weave also plays a big part in how much it will give when you put it on. For instance, polyester can come in a crepe (which has virtually no stretch at all) or a knit sweater that has considerable give. The stretch may not be listed by the seller, so you might want to email the seller and ask how much a particular area will stretch. Most sellers only give an unstretched measurement.

Once you have established how a garment compares with your body measurements, you can purchase women’s tops, shirts and blouses over the Internet with complete confidence that the size is right.

Of course there are other things to consider, such as New or Pre-owned, flaws or the general condition, return policies, satisfaction guarantees, and the all important feedback from other customers . These are no less important and will be covered in another guide.

Here is an example of how I list sizes and measurements in my eBay store. Just click on any of the pictures and view the listing.

Final Thought: True wisdom and happiness is found in seeking knowledge and sound advice from experienced counselors with a heart to do what is right.

Have a HAPPY DAY!

Sheryl at PrettyAndPlus
About The Author: About The Author
My eBay Store: Womens-Fashion-Super-Store
Most NEW brand name tops under $20

Fashion Tips To Affordable Silk Clothes

2007-08-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Fashion Guide To Affordable Silk Clothes by PrettyAndPlus

Silk, is it only for the rich and famous?
Not any more! True, silk is normally quite expensive and with good reason. Did you know that it takes 3,000 silk cocoons to make just one pound of raw silk? That shiny silk charmeuse requires quite intricate processing which adds to the cost after that poor little silkworm spins his cocoon and the cocoon is harvested. But to pay $75 - $100 for a blouse in silk, just does not compute with my budget or my upbringing.

So why is silk affordable now? Thank God for eBay! There are several reputable eBay merchants (of which I am one) who are offering NEW (store tags attached) 100% Silk blouses for under $20. There are also beautiful Silk fabrics blended with other material like cashmere, rayon, nylon & spandex for the same low price. That is probably lower in cost than you would pay for any nice top at Walmart or Target and you receive the best quality and Designer Labels that Premier Department Stores sell.

New2U Silks
There are also many silk items in the New2U (pre-owned) listings, but since Silk is such a delicate fabric, I would use extreme caution when purchasing those. Check the seller’s reputation to see their quality standards and refund guarantees they offer before purchasing used silk. Note: The listings to the right are not from my store. Naturally, some silk fabrics (especially raw silk fabrics) have irregularities and variations in the weave and color. Its one of the things that makes silk unique and is characteristic of the fine silk yarn which gives this fabric its beauty and texture. But since it is delicate, ask the seller about any stains, snags or fading of the garment before placing your bid.

How To Clean Silk
So what about the cleaning costs? Most silk items come with a tag that says to Dry Clean the item. That probably is the best way to care for your silk. Here again though, a quick check of prices at your local dry cleaning establishment, will tell you that is not affordable at $6.00 each time you want to clean your blouse.

After doing some research with a fabric store, I found there are affordable methods to clean your silk garments. (Disclaimer) Use your own discretion and do this at your own risk. In checking the internet, I found one recommended method is to hand wash the silk garment with Woolite or a product called Charlie’s Laundry Soap. A simple alternative is to use a natural shampoo (no harsh detergents please) dissolved in cold water prior to putting your garment in. Gently squeeze cold water through the garment. DO NOT HARSHLY SCRUB OR TWIST THE GARMENT OR RUB A STAIN. Be sure to check your fingernails for sharp edges that might snag your garment. Do not use bleach, even color safe bleach. It will damage the fibers and colors. After rinsing, you will need to dry away from sunlight. Outside is OK if hung in the shade.

Varieties of Silk Textures
As an eBay merchant selling silk items, I was surprised at the variety of textures weaves used to make a variety of silk fabrics. I thought shiny Silk Charmeuse was the only silk there was. WRONG! You name a fabric type and manufacturers have probably made it out of silk. Here are just a few examples I found at the fabric store I visited.

Silk Charmeuse: High quality made with a satin weave which is soft, yet supple and drapes beautifully. The front side of the fabric has a satin finish, lustrous and reflective, and the back has a dull finish. Mostly used for special occasion garments.

More Silk Clothes

Silk Dupioni: A plain weave fabric made from raw silk that creates a highly irregular slubby surface. Suitable for Home Décor.

Silk Chiffon: This fabric is very light and transparent, but very feminine.

Silk Double Georgette: A sheer lightweight fabric. Is slightly heavier and more opaque (non-transparent) than chiffon. The twisted crepe fibers of this fabric give it a springy quality that makes it seem to move on its own.

See More Silk Clothes

Silk Taffeta: A firmer and shiny fabric. Also suitable for dresses & special occasions.

Silk Suiting: A heavier, thicker, more durable weave. Suitable for Suits, Slacks, skirts and Jackets

See More Silk Clothes

We hope this Fashion Guide to Affordable Silk has given you a better understanding of fabulous silks and how affordable they can be on eBay. If this guide was helpful to you, please check the box below. Thanks.

About The Author

My Fashion Store

Fashion Tips for Fabulous Skirts

2007-07-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

Fashion Tips for Fabulous Skirts
by Sheryl Reardon

Hello and Welcome to my blog dedicated to help you make fashion choices that will enhance your natural beauty.

Flattering Fashion has some basic rules to help you look your best. For the next few articles on this blog we will discuss these with you.

What Makes a Fabulous Fashion Choice in a SKIRT?

I think skirts are feminine, professional and elegant. Where have all the skirts gone, anyway? Everywhere you go it seems women are wearing pants instead of skirts. (More on pants in a later article). Maybe women just don't know what looks best on them. With such a variety of skirt styles and lengths available for women today, lets discuss what does look best. READ ON!

BASIC Do's & Don'ts:

1. A skirt should skim over your body, but not cling to it.

2. When wearing a straight skirt, do make sure the fabric hangs straight down from your largest part (buttock or tummy). Don't wear a skirt that is tight enough to wrap around those largest parts instead of hang freely from the largest point.

3. For those of us with thighs larger than the hip, do wear an A-line or a flared skirt in a fabric heavy enough to not cling to every bulge it touches.

Now let's delve into 3 types skirts and when to wear them.

SKIRTS FOR A PROFESSIONAL LOOK:

Here we are talking about the look of success in business, not the girl who will wear provocative outfits so she can get a date with the boss. The professional look is more tailored, no bulky pockets, or front zippers. Save wide belts for some other occasion. It is also best to avoid the extreme lengths of mini-skirts or floor length skirts. Prospective clients and employers appreciate professionalism in dress...not the fun dress you are going to wear on your date tonight.

For the slender woman: You look great in a straight skirt with length below the knee and above mid-calf. Be careful of skirts with an open walking slit. Make sure the slit does not go above the knee.

For the Professional Plus Size Woman: You look best in an A-line skirt. Keep in mind the flat look that skims over your torso and hides a whole lot of bulges. Please do not wear a gathered skirt as it will just make you look bigger. Again, keeping it knee-length to mid-calf is best. Here at Pretty And Plus we prefer the one-color skirt that will minimize big bottoms and pudgy tummies and draw the eye up to a pretty top and a pretty smile.

Skirts for the Feminine Look:
Ok, your away from the office, but you still want to look nice for your date or your social function.

Here's your chance to wear the mini-skirt or the flared flimsy you couldn't resist at the mall.

Keep in mind proper fit and over-all appearance. If you have well proportioned legs (not skinny or pudgy knees) the mini-skirt is so cute and feminine. Watch the length on these tiny skirts though. One size does not fit all. What works for a short person looks awful on a tall person. Mini-skirts should not be shorter than your finger tips when your arm is at your side. Any shorter than that and people will see a lot more than your skirt when you bend over or sit down.

I love the flared flimsy skirt in a floral or abstract print for the feminine look. When wearing this type of skirt, though, make sure it is fully lined or wear a slip that is 1" shorter than the skirt. The look we are after is feminine ... not see-through. Pull the flimsy floral together with a one-color top trimmed with lace or ruffles in a light fabric and you will look ultra feminine.

Skirts for Evening Wear:
This is the time when you put on the "Glitz and Glamour" girls. For dinner, dancing or the theater, you want to simply have your skirt compliment your top and accessories. The length of your skirt will indicate if it's a formal or semi-formal occasion.

Evening wear is more about pretty tops, shoes and jewelry than about skirts. We would choose a floor-length or mid-calf one-color skirt for evening wear. Nice jeweled heels, a silk or glimmer top and accessories should be your main focus. Color coordinate and have fun. It's your time to SHINE!

That's my fashion tips for today. The next time you go shopping, consider buying a fabulous skirt instead of pants. I have a few cute skirts in my eBay store you may want to look at. Click here or on Women's Fashion Super Store on the upper right of this page.

Above all, remember you are a beautiful lady. I hope these tips will help you make clothing choices that will enhance your beauty.

Have a happy day!
Sheryl

Banishing Belly Bulge With Clothing Choices

2007-07-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

Banishing Belly Bulge With Clothing Choices
by Sheryl Reardon

This blog is dear to my heart. Over the years I have had belly bulge ups and downs. If you know the Yo-Yo effect diets can do to your figure, you can relate. Fortunately, I have also found a few ways to banish the look of belly bulge without dieting or exercise. Not that I'm against those things, but you have to look nice, no matter if you have belly bulge or not.

Here are some tips that work well and some things you may want to avoid to create the illusion of a Banished Belly Bulge.

1. Choose empire waistlines with a flat front (not gathered babydoll style). The part of the top under your breasts should flow closely over your torso without clinging to it. The idea is to be covered and comfortable, but not look pregnant in a smock.

2. The bottom hem should be close to the end of your fingertips when you have your arms down to your side. Better brands of clothes usually have at least 25" length. See my ebay store for huge discounts on designer label and brand name tops. Those of us over 5'8" look best in a tunic length of about 27".

3. Be VERY SURE your hem does not wrap around your belly, but hangs loosly.

Happy Thought for Today!

"Some people, no matter how old they may get, never lose their beauty. They merely move it from their faces into their hearts." Martin Buxbaum

Have a Happy Day! You're Beautiful!

Bustline Magic With Clothing Choices

2007-07-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

Bustline Magic With Clothing Choices
by Sheryl Reardon

Have you noticed lately that the tops in your average store all tend to be designed the same way? Racks and racks of cross over (Surplice) tops, high waistlines, deep V necklines and loose torso. That style works for some, I even have some in my store and they are cute. But this style is not for everyone.

Here are a few tips to consider in choosing a flattering top that fits YOU properly in the bustline.

1. If you have a full bustline, wear a top with a v neckline that stops above your "cleavage". If the top you just love goes lower than that, I suggest wearing a light cami under the top or choose a style with a built in insert. The layered look is very trendy now and modesty with style is very attractive and draws the eye to you not to your breasts.

2. You may also want to consider wearing a Breast Minimizer Bra available at most department stores now. This style of bra helps two ways: 1) It reduces the size top you need by 1 size 2) It also lifts and supports better than other bras.

3. If you have a tiny bustline in proportion to your hips, you may want to wear a top with with extra gathers in front to balance your overall appearance. This style is particularly flattering with a tiny bust and waist and will draw the eye of the beholder up from your hipline.

4. Notice how you feel when you put the top on. Does it make you ache in your back or relax? Do you feel like a slob or a perky fashion statement? Do the buttons pull and leave gaps of flesh between or does the garment fit properly and make you smile. Probably the biggest tip I can give you is not to go with what "everyone is wearing" but go with a top that "feels good". A proper fit will do that. Not too big and not too tight but just right. (If it worked for Goldilocks, it will work for women everywhere, Right?)

Accept the size you are and wear clothes that have a proper fit. If you can't afford a change in wardrobe at department store prices, there are many beautiful tops at very reasonable prices on eBay. You can even get beautiful Women's Fashions that are new, or like new, with tiny price tags. My store carries 50 of them.

Thats my 4 ideas for today.

Something to make you SMILE!

"Skim milk does not come from skinny cows:)"

The Three Piece Outfit

2007-05-14T07:55:00.001-07:00

The Three Piece Outfit

by Sheryl Reardon

Just as "one size fits all" simply does not work for the Plus Size Woman, we need our own set of standards to find the styles that will make us feel and look terrific. So in addition to pants, tops, dresses and accessories, we need to know which colors, prints and fabrics will help us achieve our illusion of looking 'balanced' top to bottom. The three piece outfit works beautifully in the illusion wardrobe.

Here Are A Few Ideas

1. One Color Magic: Dressing in one color from shoulder to foot gives the overall appearance of being taller.

2. Big Shirt Magic: If you are a person who likes bright colors, like I do, but don't want to walk down the street looking like a flashing neon light, I have found that putting a bright colored big shirt over darker tank and matching pants works well. The dark colors give you the slimmer look as well as being taller when using the same color top and bottom. The bright colored over shirt or light jacket draws attention to your face and away from hips and abdomen.

You can also reverse the one color look, by using a bright color shoulder to foot and a darker loose over shirt or light jacket.

Make sure your tank top is long enough and loose enough to cover your hip area and bottom without clinging to those bulges. It is not a pretty sight to see a belly roll when you raise your arms or reach for something.

Proper fit is so important. It's just as important to avoid the "baggy" look as it is to avoid wearing the "cling to your skin" look. A proper fit will FLOW over your body accenting your beautiful curves and hiding imperfections.

For the over shirt choose a light fabric so you don't get to warm. Loose or flared sleeves give the appearance of a slender arm underneath. The print must never be horizontal (gives a wider look). Vertical prints are OK if you don't have wide hips. However, avoid vertical prints if wider hips causes your shirt to open in an A-line ending at your hips. Its like pointing multiple arrows at the very part you want to minimize. In an over shirt, I prefer to look for an abstract design or a large print that is well spaced on the fabric. Personally, I avoid tiny prints, but that is my own preference. For the person with narrow hips, vertical prints work very well and give the appearance of being taller.

3. Pants That Fit: For the pants, the general rule is proper fit, not clingy fit. Stay away from tights, even if the shops say they are "in". Its the person with perfect legs (not to fat or not too skinny) that can wear those. Otherwise they emphasize what you are trying to eliminate. Elastic waistbands are comfortable if the gathers don't show. Make sure your top goes down to your hips to cover gathers. I prefer never to wear the zipper in front. It ruins the flat (slimmer) look you want to have and bulges under your top. The best choice is a side zipper and elastic back, flat tailored front and straight legs with a slight flare to the bottom.

4. No Pocket Pants: Pockets are missing from pants for a reason. They tend to draw extra attention to your hips and bottom. Casual jeans with the pockets at the side of the knee work. The same goes for embroidery or trim. Put the decorations lower on the leg for the balanced look and to draw the eye away from less attractive areas.

Summary: The 3 piece look is very sophisticated and pulls together nicely when done in colors that compliment your skin tone (another issue). I think it makes any size woman a Smashingly Beautiful Babe!

Happy Thoughts:

Attitude is everything. I recently read in a good book, that you can actually change your health and appearance by what you think about yourself. Write down everything your can that is positive about your life and train yourself to think on those positive things. It will change the way you look. :)

Have a happy day. You look GREAT!

Plus Size and Pretty? YES!

2007-05-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hi there,

My name is Sheryl, and I'd like to thank you for visiting my Pretty And Plus blog of fashion tips. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the content here.

I have the firm belief that we women are born beautiful. We however, are not all the same size or shape. Because of this obvious fact, we have taught ourselves to enhance our best features and hide the unflattering ones. How do we do that? With our clothes, accessories, hairstyle and attitude.

Instead of frustrating ourselves and spending time and money on trying to be different than we are, why not save sanity and a lot of "stress eating" by just accepting the shape and size of our bodies and realize you are a Pretty Woman. Its called Freedom to be me time, girls!

So how does a woman become a smashingly beautiful fashion statement? It is simply a matter of choosing styles that will flatter your shape, emphasizing your better areas and hiding the unwanted ones.

In this blog, we will show you how to look and feel like your BEST YOU, no matter if you are plus size or teeny-tiny. We will explore how you can create the look you want through improving our clothing decisions and loving the way we look. Are you smiling yet?

We are here for you to help find effective ways to hide some of those buldges that have crept on our hips and thighs over the years and to balance out your all over appearance. Together, we will join forces as a team to help you look and feel like the best you!

Since this is my first post to this blog, let's begin by setting some goals for the type of blog this is to be.

1. This blog is designed to help you with the wardrobe choices that will enhance your best features and distract the eye from those you would rather keep hidden. We will share tricks to help you feel great when you wear your clothes.

2. We will also be sharing insights on how to cancel all the negative thoughts you have had or heard about the shape you are. Armed with the information you will receive on this site, you will know exactly what to buy and what not to buy that will put a smile on your face, make you feel beautiful and...draw compliments from others. With the fashions that are finally available for any size, you can be your size and smashingly pretty!

3. There will also be tips on how to do safely buy clothes online and have them fit! There are ways you can safely buy your "Best You" wardrobe online.

We will show you how to measure for a perfect fit, and what styles will look best on your shape. We will also tell you what to look for in the way of product refunds if it just isn't what you thought it would be.

Best of all you will be able to do this in the privacy of your own home. No more having to ask that embarrasing question, "Where is the Plus Size section?" only to find drab, "old lady" styles that fit like a tent and fabrics with absolutely no stretch. No more panicky shopping trips if your a tiny mature woman and only have teeny-bopper styles to choose from.

Of course, I hope you will be visiting my online store "Women's Fashion Super Store" (see link in the side panel) for a fabulous look and fit at the best prices I can find. It's one of my passions, to provide great Name Brand and Designer Label clothing for you at prices you can afford.

Well, that's my goal for this PrettyAndPlus fashion tips blog. I hope you will join me here often. If you find we are kindred spirits, feel free to come with me on a journey to help the all women feel and look PRETTY! If you have ideas or topics you would like me to discuss on this blog, please feel free to contact me at misswinabid@msn.com

TIP OF THE WEEK:
When you get up tomorrow, sit on the edge of the bed, and smile. You have the opportunity to make a difference today, some people don't!

As you prepare for the day, put on a bright color top, instead of the old Plus Size dark and drab. You'd be surprised how just wearing a smile and a bright top will change how you feel. You will feel just as pretty as you are.

Then when you go about your day, make an effort to stand tall and smile at the people you meet. It's such a shock to people, they automatically smile back. It can be a game you play now, but believe me, it won't be long until it's a habit you will never want to break.

HAPPY THOUGHTS:

A friend is one who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you today just the way you are. Welcome to my circle of friends.

Thanks for joining me today. You are beautiful!!!