As promised & threatened - I'm back to tackle those trends I couldn't find ;)
So there have been a lot of hot trends this year (similar to previous years). One thing I've found particularly compelling this year is that these trends can be very flattering to us curvy chicks.
1940's pencil skirts, pegged suits and feminine dresses accentuate our curves, and can re-define (nee create) curves where curves may be ill-defined (or missing). Red is just a sexy color and gives you that boost of confidence that makes you channel fierceness. Jumpsuits are very on-trend, and given the right cut and fabrics, can grace curves. And Fur has been reinvented, in touches that says luxury without screaming bulky or expensive.
So, how do you find trendy clothes in your size? Well - we talked about some of the where, so here I'll show you some examples and talk about how I found them. Even if you don't necessarily want to channel Rita Hayworth or Audrey Hepburn circa 1942, hopefully the tips can help you update your look with trendy finds ;)
Jumpsuits: I literally fell in love with the Anthracite Lurex halter jumpsuit created by YSL for Fall '09 (the picture above). So much so, in fact - that I'm ordering the fabric myself, and I found a suitable pattern. Because I knew that I wouldn't find the exact jumpsuit in my size, I'm sucking this one up - and sewing it myself. Don't sew? Well, find a good seamstress (we all should have a good seamstress in our fashion network for alterations et. al.) and have her make it for you. If you buy the fabric and search for the patterns, you can reduce her legwork (and your costs) in the process.
But if that's totally aus, then here are a few good suggestions for you. The deep v-neck, long sleeve Charlie jumpsuit by Monif C. is sexy, and flattering. Lane Bryant has several to choose from, including some strapless and halter styles. I've also seen a few at some of the department store chains made by various RTW lines, but honestly: the fit of a jumpsuit is so crucial, that I'd leave this to the retailers who take pains to fit curvy folks, vs. RTW folks who are "sizing up", if you know what I mean ;)
1940's:: I think I found my new favorite dress. This Raquel dress from B & Lu is extremely fitted, extremely curvy, and is screaming 1940's to me. Add a fur stole, killer stillettos and some soft curly/wavy hair, and you've travelled back to another era. I really, and I mean REALLY like the embedded self belt waistline which will whittle your waist. It creates the figure 8, without some of the bulk that a jacket & skirt combination can sometimes creates. So, are you an Hourglass? Hour and 1/2 glass (like me)? This dress should work for anyone whose curves approach dangerous. I was searching for the jumpsuit above, and stumbled across this one in the process - yay me!
Not quite your cup of tea? Kiyonna.com has some lovely plus sized skirts, Igigi's Limited Collection includes the Michelle Suit (my fave), the Milano Suit and the Marcela suit which are all quite 40's & pretty fab. Also, check out Bloomie's, Nordie's & Macy's for separates to create that pencil skirt & pinched waist jacket silhouette. I found most of these by searching on these websites directly - and as I mentioned, I do love boutiques for trendy wear.
Red:: I originally considered red as purely a makeup trend - a rebellion after years of MAC Oh Baby & Beaux. But after I started seeing is used in fresh ways and new shades, combined with the resurgence of both the Vampire movies and 40's glamour - Red is now a statement color to bring the fire to an outfit.
And perfect for the holidays. Along with the Marilyn convertible dress from Monif C. (pictured at left, it's like 10 dresses in one) consider the following Red options: the Traditional Tunic from Gayla Bentley at Neiman Marcus (cute, with a pair of leggings ;), this double-breasted funnel neck coat from Style & Co at Macy's, the Tapestry Sweater Dress by Melissa Masse or this one-shoulder maxi dress from Lane Bryant.
Oh yes - and this little red suede fringe vest from Berek @ Neiman Marcus. Fierce, no?
Fur:: faux fur to be exact. The Faux Fur Gilet is very on-trend this year, and this one by Rachel by Rachel Roy for Macy's apparently sold out in about .00009 seconds. What's a fashionista to do? Well, I broke out my sewing machine (again) and found some fabu fur at I'm Stuffed Fur.com, so I could get my gilet just right ;) 
More options?: how about the coffee-colored faux fur vest at Avenue, this fur-trimmed cardigan from Lane Bryant, or this Fox Faux Fur Vest from FabulousFurs.com? BTW, Fabulous Furs sells all kinds of faux fur in various sizes, from full coats to wraps & stoles, and they're wonderful because they're pelted - so they look real ;)
Aight, so we've got some on-trend options. Now I'm thinking - what about the other trends? Sequins? Leggings? Rocker looks? 1980's? All out there, with a little Googling and searching...lol. Oh, you might want to click those links for a peek ;)
Next up....Shopping for your body type, and finding clothes in your size. Stay tuned...
