Fashion Buttons

1. Shop for plus size women’s clothing at high end stores and boutiques. Yes, you may end up paying more for clothing then your smaller size friends but it is well worth it. The reality is that plus size clothing needs to be ample in size, well made with a flattering cut, and usually in finer fabrics if you really want that wow factor. It is rare that you can find nice plus size clothing that will last in a big box store. You need to go to the experts.

2. Larger women’s clothing doesn’t have to look gaudy. Forget the leopard print blouses, they just draw more attention to your figure. Simple lines and neutral colors flatter pluz size women. Choosing classic clothing in browns, blacks, tans, and navy blues will provide an element of class and sophistication.

3. Don’t wear baggy plus size clothing. While you may not want to buy form fitting clothes that will accentuate your flaws you do not want to to look like you are wearing a potato sack either. That is no more attractive than super tight clothes! You want to find clothes that fit well, that gather in the right places, and that provide room to move. Finding a balance between loose and form fitting is the key. A blouse that hugs the bust and flows around the arms and waist is one such example.

4. Play up your assets. If you have an ample bosom then try an empire waist dress or top that highlights your bust. If you have an hour glass figure then choose an outfit with a belt or cummerbund. If you have large hips that you want to hide then choose clothing that hugs the waist and flows over the hips. Accentuate your assets and your flaws will automatically become less apparent.

5. When you stumble upon clothing that looks good on you, stick with it! If you bought a gorgeous blouse that is perfect for your full figure then buy a couple more in other colors. The same goes for pants and skirts. A plus size wardrobe can often consist mostly of the same basic elements if you accessorize well with different jewelry, handbags, hats, shoes, and belts.

Here is an idea of how to accessorize any outfit, for maximum fashion points:

- Belts: if you could have only one accessory in your closet, choose the incredibly versatile waist belt that will cinch you in, show off your shape and give you an extremely elegant and glamorous look. For comfort choose one with some stretch in it, so that you can wear it all day, and pick a colour that will go with everything. Dark brown, black or tan are great choices, but red and navy are also fantastic selections that will glam up any dress.

- Hats: if there’s one accessory that really shows off confidence and personality more than any other, it’s the hat. They come in all different shapes, colours and styles, some wildly creative and fun, and others slightly more conservative and chic. Try on different heights, fabrics and colours until you find a style that really represents your individual style and adds something to your outfit.

- Statement Jewelry: chunky and colourful jewelry adds a touch of luxury to any simple outfit, from pairing a big layered button necklace with a plain white tee, or a bold cuff bracelet with a navy shift dress. Be brave and try on something that is full of personality and history – visit antique and vintage stores for some of the best pieces available.

- Bags: no outfit is complete without a bag, be that a cute sparkly evening clutch or a large leather day tote bag. Match the color of your bag to your outfit for a more formal look, and mismatch for a casual day look.

- Scarves: a scarf is a fantastic way to add something a little extra to any outfit, wrap a large cashmere pashmina around your shoulders for a sweet addition to an evening dress, or tie a silk necktie round your neck for a posh update to a simple day look. Experiment with different ways to tie, wrap and twist your scarf to give it a bit more personality.

- Gloves: this is a very classic accessory, and these can really make an outfit look very expensive and luxurious at a low cost. Pair well-fitted wool or leather gloves with any outfit for a touch of class.

- Sunglasses: if there’s one big difference between the elegant chic Parisian women and ladies from the rest of the globe, it’s the fact that the former wear gorgeous large shades. Take a tip from them and invest in a pair of shades that make you feel a million dollars.

- Hair and Beauty: the ultimate accessory to any outfit is beautiful hair. Keep it well trimmed and perfectly colored. Have a blow-dry for added volume and a touch of royal elegance. Take time to put your makeup on before you go out and keep it touched up throughout the day so you remain flawless and gorgeous.

- Underwear and Hosiery: a very important accessory, well-fitting and sexy underwear is essential for any outfit as it makes you feel beautiful and confident as well as making you look smooth and well groomed. Perfectly tailored tights and leggings can transform an outfit from cheap and tacky to well dressed and rich.

- Watches: there are many types of watch to decide between, choose from cute leather fashion watches in pretty pastel shades, retro vintage watches and luxurious designer watches that will last a lifetime.

- Umbrellas: a really beautiful umbrella is the perfect way to accessorize an outfit on a rainy day. Invest in a really well-made one that will last a lifetime choose a style that will stand the test of time – England makes the best classic umbrellas in simple shades of navy blue with gorgeous handmade wooden handles.

When the summer months roll around, women of all ages strive to look their best when out enjoying the sun and surf! The trends for this summer in women’s clothing puts an emphasis on comfort and practicality. New cool colors are in fashion this year with vibrant greens, pinks and varying shades of blue for skirts, dresses and casual wear.

Springtime is also prom time. For those young ladies who are planning what to wear for their big night out, a long formal dress made of a lightweight material such as cotton or silk is never wrong. Strapless gowns with brightly colored floral patterns are big this year among the prom-going set as are short formal dresses split up the sides. Paired with a lightly knitted shawl for the evening and a pair of Greek-styled sandals, young ladies everywhere will be turning heads as they party into the night!

You do not have to spend a bundle on summer clothing that is in fashion this year as today there are many discount girls clothing stores on the internet that carry all the hottest clothing at rock-bottom prices. Not only can you easily find the biggest brand names in women’s clothing on the net, but you can also expect to receive low shipping and special discounts when you purchase several items from one retailer. It simply does not make sense anymore to pay top dollar at the local malls when you can find the exact same clothes online much cheaper. Not only will you save on clothing money but you will not be hassled with traffic and parking when you shop from the convenience of your home.

When shopping for womens shoes, the best deals also are found on the internet. You can find all the latest styles, the hottest brand names and even shoes in varying widths and large sizes which are often hard to find in regular shoe stores.

The trends this year reflect colorful sundresses, strappy sandals, lightweight capris and funky handbags. The spaghetti-strap dress is hot this year as are loose belts, bold swimwear and printed tees and tank tops. Sherbet tones are really sizzling this summer with melon colored skirts, lime green jackets. Skinny jeans with embroidered pockets are still in style. Khaki shorts and linen blouses are ideal for wearing after a day spent at the beach and for partying after dark, sassy ruffled skirts and peasant tops will be seen on dance floors from coast to coast.

You might not have a very expensive wardrobe but that doesn’t mean you should neglect taking care of your clothes while storing them away for the next use. Careful maintenance goes a long way in taking care of premature wear and tear and gives clothes a clean, well pressed look. After all, don’t we all dress to kill?

Here are ways to take care of the essential items in your wardrobe:

Suits and jackets

Always dry clean your suits. Since dry cleaning uses a lot of chemicals and can easily damage the cloth, it is advisable to do this no more than 3 times a year. On removing your jacket, brush it with a clothes brush and hang it straight away on a shaped wooden hanger and button it up. Remember to empty the pockets and pull out any flaps. Air the jacket by hanging it outside for a while and then keep it in a breathable garment bag. For a longer shelf life of the fabric, it’s important that you steam it every two months (if you wear your suit frequently) by hanging it in the bathroom while running a hot shower. You might have a shirt underneath but the jacket absorbs a lot of moisture as well, so allow 2-3 days in between each wearing.

Trousers and jeans

Read the care instructions on trousers which specify whether the fabric needs a gentle machine-wash or hand washing. Empty the pockets and turn your trousers or jeans inside out before washing which ensures less chances of the fabric fading. In case of a machine wash, remove trousers and jeans immediately to prevent further creases. If the smoke and alcohol smell in your jeans hasn’t worn out after a wash, soak in a solution of water and detergent for a few hours.

Shirts

Gently hand-wash or machine-wash your shirts in lukewarm water to preserve the fabric, which means the dry cleaners are a strict no-no. Shirts should always look neat and crisp so starch them after every wash. Good quality cotton shirts don’t need starching, so invest in a few of those to save time. To avoid deodorant stains, spray it on yourself and let it dry before wearing your shirt. Iron your shirt when damp and check for any stains otherwise the heat from the iron can permanently fix a stain into the fabric. An ink stain can only be treated chemically, so send it to the dry cleaners. For sauce, rinse with hard water and scrub. In case it’s a stubborn sauce stain, soak in warm water with a bit of vinegar. Rinse blood stains with cold salty water and then apply cold soapy water. Red wine stains are easily removed by rinsing well in cold water. Plastic hangers are ideal for hanging cotton shirts. No wire hangers please. Cuffs and collars are most prone to getting soiled and frayed. Use a stain remover on these areas before putting it into the washing machine instead of using a hard brush. Check for any missing buttons and replace them immediately even though the shirt might go under your jacket.

Ties

Hang your ties on a rack or gently roll them up and neatly store them in a drawer to prevent wrinkling. To remove wrinkles in the tie, roll up the tie from the narrow end first and leave it for a couple of days and the creases will disappear. To flatten out a crumpled tie by steaming, hang it in the bathroom while running a hot shower or hold it over a pot of boiling water. Undo the knot after every wear otherwise it can cause permanent wrinkles. Do not wear the tie for two consecutive days as it needs time to retain its normal shape. A safe way of untying a knot is to reverse the tying procedure. Pulling the smaller end through the knot can cause the tie to stretch out of shape. Avoid dry cleaning ties. Remove the knot before washing and retie the knot later. In case of a dirty spot, apply a bit of cleansing remover on a white cotton cloth and clean from the outside of the spot towards its centre. Do not get any cologne on the tie as it can fade the color of the tie.

Sweaters

Shake out the sweater on removal to get rid of any dust and air it to remove body odor and moisture trapped in the sweater fibers. To air it, lay the sweater on a dry cotton towel away from sunlight. Never hang a sweater as it can pull the shape out of the shoulders. Remove any fuzz balls by cutting them with scissors rather than pulling them as it can damage the fibers. When washing, check the sweater for the care label and follow the washing instructions- hand washing, machine washing or dry cleaning. Don’t wring the sweater after a hand wash but gently roll it up in a dry towel to blot up excess water and place it flat on a towel to dry. Fold flat and store them using mothballs for protection. No matter how expensive the sweater, never store it in a plastic bag as this builds up moisture.

Shoes

Remove the dust using a soft cloth no matter how tired you are after pulling them off and polish your shoes frequently. A good time to polish would be soon after you’ve taken them off as they are still warm from wear and the leather absorbs the polish more easily. Since your feet stay on the ground most of the time, keep checking the soles and heels for wear and get them fixed. Keep spare shoestrings and frequently wash the white ones. Sneakers can be dumped in the washing machine. Just don’t spin dry them. Store shoes on a rack. To prevent wrinkled uppers and curling toes, place shoe trees in your shoes before storing them away.

Follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be looking good without wasting a lot of money shopping for a long time to come.