Sizély Plus - Desfile para 8ª Edição do FWPS - Verão 2014

Curvy Couture runway presentation at FFFWeek 2013

Curvy Couture runway presentation at FFFWeek 2013

Apparently embedded video isn't allowed for this one, but it is worth the click to check out the beautiful designs!

Moda Plus Size Cachopa Brasil Verão 2013 @ FWPS YouTube

Simone Perele & BGM Models "Curvy Couture" Competition 2013

5 Key Plus Size Fashion Tips Every Woman Needs to Know

No matter your size, shape or weight there are some universal tips for every plus size woman to know. Here's 5 to get you started on your way to a more fashionable you.

1-Wear clothes that fit. Your size will likely vary from designer to designer, store to store and even from style to style (ie you may wear a 18 in the bootcut pants but a 22 in the skinnies). Don't stress or worry about the little label in your clothes, do one sees it but you and remember it doesn't matter. What matters is that it fits well and you look good. It's best to get good, accurate measurements of yourself.

2-Invest in good quality clothing. For some reason, most of the plus size clothing is cheaply made and expensively priced. Designers seem to think curvy women should spend their hard earned money on sack cloths that will fall apart as soon as you put it in the wash, pu-leez. A good quality garment might cost a bit more up front but will last you way longer and will cost less per wearing and look better.

3-Tailoring is your best friend. A little nip and tuck here, an inch or two off the hem can take a ho-hum garment from basic to fabulous. This is especially important for curvy women, who's designers seem to think that sack cloths are attractive (refer to #2). If you don't know how to do this yourself find someone who can.

4-Wear the right undergarments! Pretty please and thank you. The way your clothes look on the outside starts with the right foundation, just like building a house. Think of your bra and panties as the foundation (in the "olden days" that is what they were referred as) or structure of your house and your clothes as the exterior. Your makeup, jewelry and accessories are are the embellishments like photos, furniture and home decor. Good quality undergarments are not cheap especially if you're busty. However don't go overboard and try to squeeze all of your beautiful curves away by doubling up on Spanx just to fit into a certain dress (see #1).

5-Don't be afraid of color. There are millions of other colors besides black. If you are afraid of wearing other colors start with baby steps. Try adding a colorful accessory like a scarf, necklace, handbag or shoes. There are a lot of internet resources and books at the library to help you find out what colors look good for your skin/eye/hair composition (look for color analysis).

Be bold and daring, you have nothing to lose! Just try mixing it up and see if you like it!

Finding Inspiration

Where do you find your inspiration?



I found a lot of inspiration from this book "Contemporary Lingerie Designs." You can read my review of the book on Amazon here (if you purchase the book through my link above it will help me continue to provide information to you:) I am always intrigued by where designers find their inspiration. I know some people start from a concept, others from a silhouette, some from nature or a certain fabric. Some designers use a combination of methods. How do you find inspiration? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

For the Spring 2013 line, I was inspired by 80s glamor. In particular I had seen some beautiful 1980s vintage lingerie on Etsy. I loved the silhouettes of the teddies and wondered how I might apply that to a full figured lingerie line. I started loosely sketching some ideas. From there I narrowed down my ideas. For our class we had to come up with at least 5 complete looks. I also started looking at color palettes and doing magazine tears.

Inspiration Resources:

Colorways: 
An awesome site is Designs Seeds. This site has different pictures that the artist then pulls out the colors and creates palettes with usually about 5 colors. Another great site for color inspiration is the Adobe Kuler site.

Designers:
I recommend looking through some of the Pinterest pin boards. I've linked to my page, but also try googling "Pinterest + a designer's name or season." If you're inspired by street fashion take a look at the blog style website lookbook.nu.

Fabrics:
If you'd like to start with the fabric first, check out fabric.com or nyfashioncenterfabrics.com/ or search for a particular fabric designer's name or line.

Fabric swatches

I've found a few potential fabrics, I like the color of the brocades but I'm looking for something a bit higher quality that shreds less! Anyone have tips for working with brocades? The pink lace has a bit of pink satin under it. The gold is a poly satin and the black lace is all by itself. I think I have a lead of the bamboo jersey, I love the feel of that stuff! So tactile! I have a bad habit of feeling random materials including clothing people are wearing!!!

6 colors and 4 swatches=10