3 Spring Trends to Try!

With each new season comes a slew of trends to try and if you’re anything like us, it can be pretty overwhelming trying to figure out which will work for a fabulous full-size figure. Everything from Citrusy brights, pure whites, abstract florals, tribal patterns, and geometrics walked the runways during Full Figured Fashion Week, so we thought we would take a few cues straight from the catwalk and break down what we consider to be, the best of spring fashion with a few tips on which trends translate best to a curvy figure and advice on how to wear them. So, without further ado we give you 3 of Spring’s most wearable trends to try:

Bold prints

Photo prints, fabric collages, stripes, animal prints and florals (specifically small and extra-large floral prints) are going to be everywhere this season, from jeans and jackets to accessories and dresses.  Speaking of which, dresses are back in a big way and are ideal for ALL plus-size frames. When looking for spring dresses it’s important to focus on finding a fit that hugs you at the smallest part of your body, for most of us that is right below our bust or about a sideways hand length above your navel, we call that fit an empire waist and it truly is the most universally feminine and flattering cut. The key to conquering this trend: Be aware of scale — meaning, don’t go too small or too large for your frame and remember, neutral accessories such as shoes, belts and handbags are your friend!

The New Bohemian

This season has brought a new, more modern spin to the cult-classic bohemian trend. Less gimmicky, but equally as eye-catching, this season’s boho is more about subtly and effortless styling. In lieu of peasant skirts and piles of jewelry opt for opulent fabrics and textures, sumptuous prints, and easy silhouettes. One of the best things about this trend is that it will carry you all the way through to the cooler months, come fall you can transition your spring/summer bohemian pieces by paring them with lots of layers in deep rich hues.

High Contrast: Black and white

Forget pastels, an absence  of color is the big story for spring, as crisp black and white take center stage!  Translate this look into your own wardrobe with bold graphic prints, stripes, and color-blocking in these contrasting shades. It’s clean and simple; add it to your wardrobe in anything from clothing to totes, shoes, and jewelry. One great tip to keep in mind when you’re tackling this chic look is: If you’re wearing bold stripes or a large scale print in one part of your outfit, keep the rest of your look simple. I.E. if you’re rocking a black and white top pair it with a neutral bottom and accessories!

To shop these looks and more join us on the web at http://www.DivaWomensWear.com

Line We Love: Flax

Just in time for spring we bring you a Diva favorite, FLAX! This 100% linen line is known for it’s supreme comfort, fit, and modern styling. It’s easy to say, after many years of carrying this fabulous plus-size collection, that we are dedicated lovers of Flax’s beautifully made, and artistically presented line. Plus, all Flax garments are preshrunk, making them machine wash and dryable (how amazing is that!) and each piece comes with an affirmation that will make you feel special every time you wear it. From the dramatic to the demure, we love this line not only for it’s rich and beautifully crafted garments, but for that fact that it’s wide array of styles and colors can appeal to every curvy girl: from the working mom, to the gal about town on the go! The perfect complement to every wardrobe, Flax clothing expresses a liveliness of spirit and offers unique styleability suiting sizes from 14 to 24.

 

Flax Plus Size Natural Handkerchief Cropped Cargo Pant

Flax Plus Size Twill Flood Pant

Flax Plus Size Natural Handkerchief Ankle Pant

Flax Plus Size Bias Back Caper

MAXImum impact!

What if we told you that there was a single article of clothing that could transition seasons in a snap and could be effortlessly dressed up or down depending on your mood? Sounds amazing right? Well, say hi to the curvy girl’s wardrobe must-have: The maxi dress.

Not only is this longer dress silhouette wildly flattering on a full-size figure (hello, long lines!), but a maxi is an instant outfit — grab a pair of flats, a denim jacket, or just pile on a few bracelets, and you’re good to go!  You may be thinking that this style is just a summer casual dress, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! The latest maxi incarnations are versatile enough to take your from the beach to lunch with friends to date night out, and everywhere in between! And just to prove to you how AMAZING this dress is, we hit the sales floor at Diva and curated a collection of our favorites. All totally chic, all completely yummy to wear…. Convinced yet?

Diva Tip: Look for an empire cut silhouette, they will help cinch you in at the smallest point on your rocking bod, your waist!

For more info on these dresses or to shop our full selection of plus-size clothing visit us at http://www.DivaWomensWear.com!

Curves Ahead: Dressing for your shape!

Knowing what shape your body falls into is important because that means you can pick  the best pieces to flatter your fabulous shape. Plus-size women can be hourglass shapes just like they can be ovals or squares, so let’s get the basics on the details and styles that work best for you! Dressing for your shape takes patience and sometimes, a lot of fitting room time. And while most curvy gals think they are limited when it comes to dressing for their body type, that’s simply just not true. Understanding  and embracing your shape is about knowing what works for the largest and smallest parts of your body. When you’re identifying your own shape think of it as a guideline to highlighting a camouflaging your frame to create a lust-worthy silhouette!

What to Wear: Spring Wedding

‘Tis the season for lots and lots of wedding bells, which means spring appropriate wedding attire is on your list to buy… And if you’re anything like us, when you HAVE to buy something, finding what you need seems a whole lot more difficult. Sigh. But never fear curvy ladies, we are breaking down wedding wardrobe myths and providing you with some chic options that will last you well beyond springtime!

Formal: For many of us plus-sized gals, formal dresses tend to overwhelm our voluptuous figures with too much fabric. More often than not  plus-sized formal wear puts way too much emphasis on hiding your curves rather than accentuating them. But why cover your fab physique when you can play up all your gorgeous features? We love the idea of  revealing just enough skin so you’ll still feel sexy but you’re also very comfortable (and not spilling out anywhere during the fox trot). Take a cue from our Diva pick below! We love the large ruffle and crystal embellishment at the top because it draws attention to your beautiful face and while this top & skirt set are all black, they’re anything but basic.

If you’re looking for a semi-formal dress, consider this black and white shift dress. The graphic print is very on trend and the shine from the long necklace draws attention to your face. Keep this look fun and flirty with a bold pop of color at the shoe and your ready to dance the night away!

Daytime: At a casual spring daytime wedding, you’ll want to look relaxed but not sloppy. Don’t make the mistake in thinking that casual means jeans! Instead, keep in mind things like: style and comfort. Cottons, linens, and knits are all appropriate and in the right colors, can make a very stylish impact. Especially if you’re going to a beach wedding, you’ll want to feel special and dressed-up while still island-appropriate. We are especially loving lace for spring in unconventional colors like this bright coral hue. Take this look to the next level with a complimentary but contrasting hued jewelry at the neck or on your ears and finally, balance these colors with your favorite nude pump or strappy sandal for a polished look that is stylish but that won’t upstage the bride!

For these looks and more please visit us on the web at http://www.DivaWomensWear.com!

 

Spotlight on Style: Polka Dots!

Fads fade but a classic trend like polka dots never go out of fashion! Flirty, retro and whimsical, we bring to you a style befitting every age….

Curvy ladies, fear not!  If you are one of the many who’s afraid of polka dots because you think it will make you appear bigger, guess again.  This trend is actually ideal for full-sized figures because the print is smaller which allows the eye to dance all over. Undeniably youthful and an incredibly timeless option for glitter girls of all ages, Polka dots are an absolute fashion must-have because they’re a style for all seasons. Pair a polka dot jacket with a bold scarf, jeans, and boots for a classic winter look or grab a polka dot accented dress for a sweet summer ensemb. When styling polka dots, remember to keep it simple with a neutral belt, cardigan or a pop of color in accessories.

 

Here are a couple of quick tips on how to style your dots:

• Polka dots play well with others! We love a striped tee tucked in to a polka dot skirt for some pattern play. A simple t-shirt juxtaposed with an ultra-feminine dotted skirt makes for an unlikely combination that is super sweet when put together. The stripes and spots will look show stopping in graphic black and white. Add a skinny belt at your natural waist to break up the pattern. And sure, these dots will spark up jeans or neutral pieces. But they’re also clean-looking enough to be paired with  tiny florals. Go a little wild and you’ll make style magic.
• Although the most usual way to wear polka dot print is the traditional (and beautiful) black and white, this pattern is also great on other colors too or you can add some color to the neutral black and white! You can never go wrong with a colorful polka dot sweater paired with this spring’s bright denim for an effortless pop of color. (Plus, it’s a great way to transition your winter wardrobe to warmer weather!)

Line We Love: Sympli

Fashioned by women for women, Sympli promotes positive self-image with the inspirational message: age – shape – size – no barriers. Filling the glaring lack of real fashion for us curvy women, Sympli Grand offers size range 0G – 3G and each size is available in Signature and Demi fit.  These fits provide two dis­tinct lengths to accommodate occasion, season, height and comfort. Grand offers a choice of neckline, style, length and sleeve length all specifically tuned to what plus sized women need and desire.  The Sympli design process is unique in that every size is draped on real bodies to accommodate every aspect of each woman’s individual shape. With a vow to create shapely garments that don’t hide the plus size figure, Sympli clothing focuses on emphasizes its best features!  Freedom and choice with a variety of fun, stylish options designed specifically for a fuller figure while maintaining the versatility, flexibility, fabrication and comfort is truly what Sympli is renowned for (and why we love it SO much).

Shop the Sympli Collection on our website or join us in-store today and tomorrow for the Spring 2013 trunk show! Comfortable, lightweight, and washable, the perfect travel wear separates designed to flatter your unique shape! Available for special order in over 30 colors in sizes 4 – 3X!

Line We Love: Planet

Whether you’re a size two or 22, you can have a closet full of basics that make you look AND feel amazing  no matter where you’re headed.

Curvy ladies, we know that it’s sometimes easier said than done, finding fab separates that can translate from work, to a weekend brunch with friends, or to your next hot night on the town, but that’s why we love Planet! This flattering plus-size collection of sumptuous knits, feminine draped shapes, luxe fabrics and directional designs are perfect for the modern woman’s busy lifestyle. From polished work wear pieces to understated timeless separates and relaxed weekend ensembles; mix and match with glamour, style and comfort in mind! Covering every aspect of your fashion lifestyle, day to night has never been so easy to wear in sizes 8 – 20!

For an effortless hint of glamour, pair this figure-flattering, striped tunic with an eye-catching statement print and leggings or fitted jeans! (Multi-Stripe Linen Scoop Neck Top)

For a less formal office ensemb, a timeless white and black knit sweater offers an alternative to the classic tee. Team it with an on-trend statement accessory and colored maxi skirt for a look that says, “I have arrived!” (Black/White Linen Baseball Knit Sweater)

Take this classic dress shirt after hours with a stack of gold bangles, colored denim, and a bright red pout! (White High Low Swing Shirt)

To purchase these products and more visit us on the web at http://www.DivaWomensWear.com

Love Planet clothing as much as we do? Sing their praises in the comments below!

Spotlight on style: Weekend Wear!

This season, curvy-girl confidence and feeling great about the skin that you’re in is seriously on trend. In fact, if you are a plus-sized woman who loves fashion, you can show off those gorgeous curves in figure-flattering dresses, pants and V-neck tops using a few expert style tips. No need to hide behind tent-dresses or baggy clothing any more; trend-forward plus size women can look modern, taut and trim in sportswear and accessories made just for women size 12 and up. And while many of us have our work-wear looks locked down, things can go awry when the weekend hits. So rather than grabbing for the old faithful yoga pants and tee combo, conquer the weekend in style with our favorite new arrivals!

Dark colors minimize figure flaws, but make sure accent them with white or a bold pop of color. If you are wearing pants or skirts, select a dark item on the bottom and a light colored blouse or sweater to complement your look. Monochromatic dressing gives the plus-sized body sleek and continuous lines. And when it comes to prints take a cue from Spring’s cult classic, stripes! Think curvy girl’s can’t pull off a stripe? Think again. Just make sure that the striped piece is fitted but not tight, the key is to make sure that your stripes are laying flat.

Keep silhouettes close to the body. Because large clothes make plus size women appear larger, avoid baggy clothing, over-sized sweaters and athletic wear. Instead, choose dresses with darts and vertical pinstripes, flared-skirts and wide-legged pants that hug your curves and fit snugly without clinging. Choose boot-cut jeans or wider legged trousers that create a straight line from your hip to your ankle to minimize shapely thighs. Another great tip to remember is to go for sleeved tops that skim the upper arms, they will add shape to your frame without adding weight to your arms.

Have a weekend style tip that we missed? Share it with us in the comments below! Shop for these looks and more at http://www.DivaWomensWear.com!

Line We Love: Ming Wang

Taking its name from its designer and co-founder, Ming Wang, this line is known for its versatile collections catering to busy women looking to balance style and functionality. Wouldn’t it be amazing to fall in love with your closet again? Well, for nearly 40 years Ming Wang has translated seasonal color trends into timeless statement pieces and refined basics for women of ALL body types and lifestyles. Whether you’re a high-powered executive, a mom on the go, or a jet-setting retiree, this line is truly designed with real women and their lives in mind. Style shouldn’t be complicated! And that is why we love this line, they are dedicated to creating simple pieces that deliver sophisticated results for every shape and size, from petites’ XS to women’s 3X. With a focus on creating easy, effortless styles that take you through your day with class and confidence, Ming Wang is the perfect solution for ALL  busy women.

Ming Wang pieces are crafted with a specialized yarn making the entire collection wrinkle-free (amazing for those of us who are sitting at a desk most of the day), machine washable (score!), fade-resistant, and travel friendly (woo hoo!).  We all can agree that comfortable is key, and when we can get that PLUS an immaculate, all-day wear that flawlessly transition from day to night, sign us up!

So, among all the things you have to think about in your day, don’t let what you’re wearing be one of them!

Join us this Wednesday through Sunday for the Spring 2013 Ming Wang Trunk Show at our Scottsdale, Arizona location

For more information about this event head to our Facebook page by clicking here!