Betsey Ruched Dress from Kiyonna.com

A while back I posted a blog entitled Plus Size PLEASE! In this post I had plus size women on facebook give me feedback on challenges they face while shopping. Some of the responses were fit, quality and limited selection.

ShereenaMonique solutions:

In regards to the fit of plus size clothing, I must say the best solution is tailoring. You do not have to have everything tailored, but investment pieces like suits, slacks, evening wear and even jeans you want to have professionally tailored.  Proper fit is so important to the way your clothing looks on you and even how you feel in them. And, tailoring is not as expensive as you would think, and finding an independent tailor is even less expensive than most dry cleaners or department store tailing services

The concern about quality is important. Most plus size clothing costs a bit more so making sure you get quality is very important. The key is again, spending more on investment pieces. Some things you can go cheap on (t-shirts, some tops, lounge wear, etc.) but you want to be sure to buy quality suits, slacks, shoes, handbags, and jeans. This means that you may have to go to a high end department store like Saks Online, Nordstrom (sometimes Macy’s) or a specialty boutique store. It is better to spend a lot on one suit that will last at least five years, than to buy cheap and have to buy a new one every year. And you want to be sure you get quality jeans because we basically LIVE in jeans and quality jeans fit much better, feel much better and last wayyyy longer!

The limited selection issue is very frustrating, and a solution to this is buying online and finding good boutiques, and connecting with a good salesman at your favorite stores who will call you as soon as new merchandise comes in so you can get first picks. Shopping boutiques is great because you are likely to find unique pieces that are more exclusive, and the boutique owner may have catalogues that you can special order from, giving you access to merchandise that is not even in their store! I know online shopping is not ideal because you cannot try on, BUT there is a much wider selection online and lots of online boutiques. One plus size store I found online is www.Kiyonna.com They have a GREAT selection of dresses especially, and they cater exclusively to plus size women. And many online retailers offer free shipping if you order a certain amount and some even offer free return labels.

I hope this helps plus size ladies! Feel free to post questions or comments.

ShereenaMonique

So, to help you navigate and know what to buy when your climate tells you it’s time to shed the pea coat, gloves and hat, let’s take a survey of men’s Spring 2012 fashions and trends.

Prints and Textured Fabrics:

This season, prints and textured fabric is very important. You want to find classically cut jackets in unexpected check prints or a unique texture. You want to wear a unique printed shirt in subtle colors under and muted color jacket. Since we are seeing more subtle prints, it is easy to mix and patch prints and textures or prints with prints.

The Double Breasted Jacket:

They are back in a big way. A bit cropped, but a double-breasted jacket feels old world, but when you pair them with fitted pants and a contemporary shoe the look is crisp and modern.

Play on Volume:

Fitted pants with loose jackets, fitted tops with wide pants, this is what is being shown. You want to be careful with this though and really think about your personal body proportions and if this trend is one that would wear well on you.

Color, Color, Color:

Bright colors are shinning. Giving men options and looks very tasteful when matched with many of the neutral, muted grays, taupes, and navy’s that are prevalent.

Color Blocking:

Garments that have blocks of contrasting colors. Looks modern and fresh.

Waist Jackets:

Youthful, fresh and cut away from the body. This look is definitely a nod to the 1930′s but is done in a way men today can relate to in their lives and wardrobes.

Wearing Contrasting Colors:

A black jacket with white pants or vice-versa. Looks old and new, easy to wear.

Simplicity:

Simple garments, minimal embellishments (buttons, pockets, seaming, etc.) really allowing color play, prints, textures and proportions to do the talking. Most embellishments will be subtle and unexpected.

Follow me on Twitter @ShereenaMonique

and contact me if you need a stylist of personal shopper

View this episode of the Michigan Style Channel to get hair and make-up tips, ideas for men’s accessories and learn about a HOT men’s AND women’s clothing store, Wooden Hangers. There is also a mini fashion show at the end! 

Make Sure to Subscribe to Michigan Style Channel on youtube!

Please submit a letter 500 words or less about why your friend/relative/co-worker deserves a make-over. She should be fashionably challenged, be involved in helping others or have recently overcome major life challenges and live in the Metro Detroit Area. Email submissions with your contact information to michiganstylechannel@gmail.com by February 4, 2012. The make over will be featured in the Full and Fabulous March/April issue of HER Detroit and videoed for an episode of Michigan Style Channel.

If you are affiliated with Michigan Style Channel or HER Detroit magazine you are not eligible to win.

That experience left me feeling as if the retail industry really needs to provide more options and a greater selection for women and men with fuller figures. Sixty percent of women are above a size twelve, yet it is so difficult to find larger sizes.

I asked my full-figured ladies on Facebook to give me some feedback on what challenges they face when shopping. Here are some of the responses:

The hardest thing about being plus size and shopping for me is that I am in the in between size. I am a 14 which can be found in plus size stores but also in regular stores. The thing I struggle with is that in some plus size stores like Lane Bryant, the clothes don’t fit me well. For instance, the pants are not flattering because they always have the bulge in the crotch area, the shirts sometimes are bigger in the belly area and short, making me look frumpy. So for me, it take a lot of time finding because I have to take my time and try on EVERYTHING. The other problem I run into is that designers think that just because a woman is plus size, they wear frumpy ugly clothing. The clothes that are cute and of good quality seem to be expensive. The store I LOVE is Ashley Stewart!!!!! I do not shop online very often because it’s hit or miss with clothes fitting me properly once they arrive and its too time consuming and expensive to continue to send clothes back if I get them and find they don’t fit correctly. – S.P

A huge challenge for me is finding clothes made from quality materials. I don’t always have time to sew. My top three stores are Macy’s, Ashley Stewart, and Torrid. I like the convenience of online shopping but not the risk so I do it in moderation. -Danielle

I shop at Lane Bryant, Old Navy and online. The hardest thing about shopping for me is that my options are very limited. I consider myself to be fashionable, but can’t always buy the fashionable pieces because they don’t make them in plus sized clothing. Living in Kalamazoo, the options are VERY limited as to where a plus size girl can shop. And for some reason, most stores think that big girls are really old or just have no desire to look beautiful or sexy. As far as evening wear, it’s almost impossible to find in a store around here, so that’s often an online purchase as well….so I really don’t have much of a choice but to order online. And I’ve been pretty lucky in getting things that fit and I know my body quite well and know what will and won’t look good on me. I really do wish that there were more options for plus size girls. When I’m wearing something pretty that makes me look and feel good, I am much more confident in who I am and in my beauty as a woman. I do want to feel beautiful and sexy when I get dressed. And wish designers realized that just because a woman isn’t a size four doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve gorgeous clothes that are trendy and stylish…. -Stacie

 Being in-between most of my young adult life I shop at stores that have 12-14s. I’ve learned to shop GAP inc. I always find stuff in a 12/13 at Old Navy/ GAP/Banna Republic. If the outfit is an oversized look for a smaller person it tends to …balance out on me perfectly without me looking swallowed. I hate looking for jeans(big butt, smaller waist, big thighs…) -Iris

So the discussion has been started, what is your input?

What are some challenges you face while shopping? Name the top 3 stores you like to shop at. Where do you go for evening wear? Do you shop online? Why/Why not?

I will write a follow-up blog and address some of your issues and concerns, so post your response!

-ShereenaMonique

The Michigan Style Channel is a new and exciting online style show! Michigan Style Channel features and promotes Michigan based boutiques, fashion and hair stylists, and make-up artists. Michigan Style Channel will help men and women realize their style potential, promote self-confidence and modesty.

You will find valuable style information from the wide range of industry professionals appearing on the show.

The first episode was on Bridal Style. It was shot at Elizabeth’s Bridal Manor in Northville, MI. Hairstylist Melanie Stevenson and make up artist Brandi Taylor were also on hand to give bridal hair and make-up tips!

Tips from the show:

The Dress:

*If you are on a budget, you can buy a simple, inexpensive dress and add style and individuality with belts, boleros, jewelry, hair accessories and veils (DO NOT wear all this together, these are just your styling options:-) There are so many styling options for brides today.

*Make an appointment when shopping for your dress to ensure you receive the best service possible. When you have an appointment the store is able to be prepared and give you their full attention.

The Hair:

* Do a trial run with your planned hair style BEFORE the wedding! That will help your stylist know exactly what you want AND you will have time to find what really works for you.

The Make-Up:

*Spend the extra money to have your make-up artist on hand all day. It will cost, but this way you are sure to look fresh in all of your pictures, and you won’t have to try to hold back your tears, because your make-up artist will be there to touch you up as needed! So let the tears fly!!

For more tips, click the above image and watch the episode!

-Shereena Monique

-NO embroidery or embellishments on the skirt

-NO plunging necklines or exposed cleavage

-It had to be strapless

-Had to have a train

-Had to have lace on the bodice

-I wanted an a line skirt that I could wear a hoop or petticoat underneath to give it that princess vibe

My friends from college came in from Chicago and we made a day of dress shopping. I had three stores selected, a high end store, a mid range store and a budget store. I did not want to limit myself to any store “type” and potentially miss my dress. And what do ya know? When we walked into the “budget” store, which was our second stop, my sister pointed to a dress and said “Shereena is going to get that dress.”

She came and found me and told me she found my dress, I came over and saw it and fell in love. I tried it on and it was EVERYTHING I was looking for. Diamond white, sleeveless, with silver lace over the bodice, empire waist with a satin band under the bust with a jeweled broach in the center. An a-line, bustled skirt with a train. It was perfect, but there was one problem, the fabric was not the quality I was looking for.

The sales woman told me it was a knock-off of a Maggie Sottero gown. With that information I went in search of the real thing. I found the Maggie Sottero version of the dress at a beautiful bridal boutique called Elizabeth’s Bridal Manor in Northville, MI.

The day of my wedding, when I put on my gown, tiara, cathedral length veil, and crystal earrings, I felt gorgeous. To top it off, a family friend brought her five year old little boy to the wedding. When he saw me he exclaimed with shock “You’re a princess?! I didn’t know you were a princess!”

Ladies, post fond memories of your big day and how you felt wearing your wedding gown. OR post what you want in a gown when your time comes.

-Shereena Monique

So what do we all feel about wigs, weaves and hair extensions? I am not one to succumb to peer pressure but it seems that EVERYONE is doing it! All races and shades are partaking in the dainties of purchased hair. Why? It seems that hair extensions and weaves have gained much more acceptance and use in the past 5 years. It is not even something women care about keeping a secret anymore…”fake hair, who cares?!”

I myself wear weaves from time to time. The convenience of it is what ropes me in. It is quick and gets much style bang. But, I do like my natural hair, however, this requires MUCH more maintenance and sometimes stress.

Do you wear weaves/extensions? Why? Why not?

For women who do wear extensions, how do you feel about your real hair?

Shereena Monique

Guys, this is a refresher to highlight the options you do have to accessorize and bring a lift to your look!

Hats: Hats are a great option to add depth to your look and there are many styles to choose from giving you even more options.

Wrist Accents: Watches are a classic male accessory and can be the statement piece of jewelry a man owns. But bracelets have made a come back in recent years. A nice thick bracelet can add a tasteful layer of style to a man’s look.

Rings: Let’s not get too carried away when it comes to rings but one or two rings can bring a little flair.

Necklaces: Keep it simple and seldom when it comes to necklaces. It can make men look like they are trying too hard. But a simple chain and masculine charm with a button up shirt or graphic tee is appropriate every once in a while.

Earrings: I have nothing to say about this, it is a personal choice. But if you want to know, I lean more towards no, no.

Belts: This is where a man can really express his personal style. Belts come in so many widths, and buckles can be very classic and clean, or huge and expressive depending on what look is desired. But I encourage men to really choose belts and buckles carefully because they say a lot about you and can add a great deal of style.

Ties and pocket squares: ties are without question the most popular male accessory (what do you always think of when shopping for dad?). This is a very important accessory especially for work. They should be chosen carefully, also the knot used should be considered. The thickness of the knot says a lot about a man’s style as well.

Sunglasses: Huge style statement! Functional and fashionable. Have fun with shades!

Scarves: Men wearing scarves for fashion and not just function is a recent fashion phenomena. But consider your lifestyle and the look you want to project before you wrap!  

The Man Bag: Unless you actually need a bag for functional reasons, let’s NOT and not even say we did…

Wow, after listing this all out, men have more options than we thought! So men please take thought about your accessory options, maximize what you have, add some new trendy pieces and up you look! I also challenge you to buy or borrow and wear a new type of accessory that you don’t usually wear, like a bracelet, hat or tie and see how it feels for a day!