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Snag This!

Plus Size Tuxedo Pants

Let’s check the facts. One – we know stripes are a big time trend this season. Two – we know tux dressing never really goes out of style. And three – white is super hot for summer. So, how about snagging one piece that covers all these bases?

Calvin Klein’s plus size tuxedo pants are a hip reversal of the traditional tux. More daring than the usual black on black, these babies bring the crispness of white front and center. And, the crop length is a way to rock a more casual warm-weather look without wimping out of the formal altogether.

How we would style it

Givenchy

Casual Cool = Calvin Klein plus size tuxedo pants +

• ASOS Curve black NYC graphic t-shirt
• Christian Louboutin Arnold metallic snake and black patent flat sandal
• Gucci 1973 cross-body purse in forest with gold chain
• Alexander McQueen nude leather and gold skull wrap bracelet

Evening Hot = Calvin Klein plus size tuxedo pants +

• ASOS Curve black hi-lo top with colored shoulder studs
• Givenchy black suede sandal pumps with gold capped heel
• Anya Hindmarch gold glittering box clutch

Sources/Photo Credits

Images from www.Bloomingdales.com and www.NetAPorter.com

The post Snag This! Plus Size Tuxedo Pants appeared first on The Runway Plus.

Fashion Inspirations

2013 Met Gala

But this party is more than just another celebrity outing ripe with photo opps. The annual Met Gala is actually one of the biggest nights of philanthropy in the Big Apple, bringing in an estimated $5 – $10 million dollars for the Metropolitan Museum of Art each of the last few years. In addition to fundraising, the 2013 Met Gala heralds the opening of the annual exhibit of the Costume Institute, a set of Fashion-focused museum galleries that hold over 35,000 pieces of Fashion from the 15th century to today.

The hallowed Institute is closed most of the year, but each summer its doors are opened, offering the public a choice look into a rare and thoughtful themed collection typically contrasting something from old Fashion with something from new. This year’s show is titled PUNK: Chaos to Couture and looks back to cult music inspirations like The Clash, Sid Vicious, CBGB and The Ramones and to cult fashion inspirations like Vivienne Westwood’s and Malcolm McClaren’s London boutique.

This exhibit will be of particular interest for those whose love-hate relationship with Fashion drives them to question how dictatorial the laws of Fashion can be – beauty, size, color, price, etc. “Since its origins, punk has had an incendiary influence on fashion. Although punk’s democracy stands in opposition to fashion’s autocracy, designers continue to appropriate punk’s aesthetic vocabulary to capture its youthful rebelliousness and aggressive forcefulness,” said Creative Director Andrew Bolton.*

As an ode to this year’s theme, expect to see celebs and models strutting the 2013 Met Gala red carpet in punk-suggestive frocks trimmed with safety pins, spikes, chains and zippers. Wonder how the accidental leaders of the real punk movement would feel about that? And, how fitting that Hollywood’s ranking pop punk actress Rooney Mara serves as a co-chair of the event alongside her designer soulmate Ricardo Tisci of Givenchy.  Beyoncé and industry vets like Anna Wintour and Lauren Santo Domingo of Moda Operandi are also on the chair committee.

While enjoying the great gossip and fashion moments that will surely spring from the 2013 Met Gala, don’t forget to look beyond the red carpet. The Costume Institute’s limited run is always a source of education and inspiration not found in everyday Fashion mags, websites or retail outlets. And, with punk rebellion’s comeback at an all-time high, why not take the chance to take more chances in your own wardrobe. Whether skinny or curvy, petite or plus, take a punk cue and defy whatever ‘law’ of fashion might be holding you back. The best accessory of a punk look? Confidence that can’t be swayed.

PUNK: Chaos to Couture runs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City from May 9 to August 14. Visit www.metmuseum.org/punk for details. TheRunwayPlus.com will post a review of this year’s exhibit in June 2013. Check out our review of the 2012 Met Gala exhibit “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations”.

Sources and Photo Credits:

Rooney Mara - Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com , * http://www.metmuseum.org/about-the-museum/press-room/exhibitions/2012/punk-chaos-to-couture , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Met_Ball, http://nz.entertainment.yahoo.com/celebrity/news/article/-/17027358/kristen-stewart-wants-met-ball-date/, http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/lindsey-vonn-tiger-woods-will-walk-first-red-carpet-together-at-met-ball-201345 , http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/threadny/THREAD-Everything-You-Ever-Wanted-to-Know-About-the-Met-Gala-But-Were-Too-Afraid-To-Ask-121096889.html , http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/07/met-ball-2012-proceeds_n_1497482.html

The post 2013 Met Gala Prepares to Get Punk’d appeared first on The Runway Plus.

Plus Size Events

2013 MTV Movie Awards

Rebel Wilson definitely checks the requisite comedic host boxes : risky, irreverent and plain old funny. And her role in Pitch Perfect single-handedly raised the flick to modern cult classic status with that crystal meth one liner. So on paper the choice of the curvy Aussie beauty for host makes total sense. But on TV? Lets face it, only the skinny funny girls seem to garner the primetime limelight.

We of the cynical faith were pleasantly surprised when Rebel literally rocketed onto the stage of this year’s MTV Movie Awards. Her cartoon-embroidered sweatsuit was soon ripped away to reveal a skin tight patent leather catsuit, made ironic in the wake of a red carpet hosted by super skinny “it” model Karlie Kloss. Rebel’s superb musical and dance number proved to be just the first of many- dare we say historic – MTV fat TV moments.

In no particular order:

1. A chubby guy backup dancer shirtless in the opening number
2. Rebel’s body acceptance speech with wardrobe malfunction
3. Melissa McCarthy as the opening presenter
4. Big boy crooner Ray Dalton jamming out with Macklemore
5. A very pregnant Kim Kardashian – just admit you are temporarily plus size
6. Taylor Lautner with a fake pot belly and Twizzlers falling from his pockets

It’s kind of a shame that this number of fat relevant TV moments is notable. Some of them were in jest, some were in ridicule and some were genuine but what’s that saying about publicity? Is any attention good attention? Is Rebel doing big girls a disservice by making so many fat jokes? Or is she throwing society’s long held prejudices in its own face by telling so many fat jokes? Was Taylor Lautner’s portrayal of an overweight version of himself insulting or just funny because he got an award for his pecs and not his performance? Who’s to say.

Richard Pryor did it best. Sometimes confronting the very thing the whole prejudiced world is thinking with a slap of humor is the best way to blast through those prejudices.

Of course when anti-fat is one of the last remaining passable discriminations, its hard not to be on the defensive. But with more moments like those from the 2013 MTV Movie Awards, maybe we can start to draw the line between Target’s Manatee Gray being an insult and Target’s Manatee Gray being just a color descriptor.

No matter what, we love seeing Rebel and Melissa and more like them on the big and little screens. Sure, a lot of the time they are engaged in some pretty self-depricating humor. But that’s what comedians do. And that’s often what socially activist comedians do more ardently than any other. Katt Williams and Kevin Hart joke about being short. Jeff Foxworthy jokes about being a redneck. Margaret Cho jokes about being Asian.  Rebel Wilson jokes about being fat. Richard Pryor did it best. Sometimes confronting the very thing the whole prejudiced world is thinking with a slap of humor is the best way to blast through those prejudices.

Maybe last night was fat America getting punked. Or, last night was a necessary step on the path toward more plus size talents in media. Even if it starts with a joke, maybe you gotta start somewhere.

Tell us what you think. 2013 MTVMovie Awards – historic, hilarious or hurtful?

Sources/Photo Credits:

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

The post 2013 MTV Movie Awards appeared first on The Runway Plus.

Whitney Eve

Spring Runway 2013

The Fringe Trend

Of course, ever before and since fringe has had a rocky history. Once a mainstay of Roaring Twenties girls, Western wear and the 1980s, most fashionable chicks wouldn’t be caught dead at a reunion concert in a fringe t-shirt past 1990.

Out of Fashion past, the fringe trend has re-emerged; and with vengeance. Spring 2013 runways held enough fringe benefits to make Donny and Marie proud. From the haute of the haute Marchesa and Bottega Veneta to mass market labels like Whitney Eve, the shingled fabric effect was seen in leather, silk and cording on everything from shoes to gowns.

Carlos Miele

Carlos Miele

The designer’s exotic touch was in perfect form during his Spring collection with tropical prints in lush greens and brights mingled effortlessly with elegant fringed cocktail frocks. The occasion dresses were that much more striking when finishing off bandage-wrapped bodices.

Nina Ricci

The most chic of flappers would love Peter Copping’s delicate combinations of fringed minis and silk chiffon tops in shades of nudes. And the peachy evening gown wrought with touches of fringe proved that this editorial detail can be refined and unique without an ounce of corny.

Diesel Black Gold

Altuzarra

Casual fringe grabbed its place at Altuzarra, reminiscent of something between the tassels punctuating designer curtains and an Admiral’s vintage epaulet décor. Whiz kid designer Joseph’s Spring collection was an instant classic, though not in any predictable way. What keeps his fringe from looking dawdy is how easily it pairs with both a royal blue and gold sequin wrapped evening dress and jackets made of throwback workwear fabrics and scarf prints.

Diesel Black Gold

Footwear is not immune! These rockabilly booties are glam in black or white. And imagine the joy of a stroll down 5th Avenue with Diesel’s ankle fringe blowing wickedly in the breeze. This could be the best comeback since Bon Jovi.

Sources:

Diesel Black Gold Nata Sha / Shutterstock.com , Whitney Eve lev radin / Shutterstock.com, Carlos Miele Nata Sha / Shutterstock.com

The post Fringe Trend Benefits appeared first on The Runway Plus.

Fashion Events 2013

Florida Fashion Week

This is the finale runway event for the first ever Florida Fashion Week held in the exclusive snowbird enclave of Naples. While this show featured local designers and boutiques, the week-long fashion series had wider aims, also including culinary arts, hair and beauty events.

Naples is just the latest city to jump on the Fashion Week trend, with regional shows popping up everywhere from big-name East Coast markets like Philly to nowheres-ville towns in Iowa. Besides being an expression of local culture, these events can bring in big exposure and big bucks for their host communities.

Baron Siamanto Levon

While some of these new “Fashion Weeks” are really just shopping nights out with cocktails, some can grow into thriving design showcases that help prepare new talent for those other runway shows in London, Paris, Milan and New York. Take Charleston’s Fashion Week, which in seven years “has grown into an event that draws promising talent, industry heavyweights and thousands of attendees.” Not to mention over $2 million in revenues.*

No doubt that’s what Florida Fashion Week wants to be when it grows up. “We wanted to bring up Naples in a big way and showcase the talent that’s here,” said show creator and California events promoter David Soko to the audience. And his team echoed the sense of wanting to show a different side of the beach town to the world. ”You’re not gonna see the same old stuff. Fun, edgy, artsy and new talent. I wanna see the next generation,” said event coordinator Kristen Weardon.

Naples is just the latest city to jump on the Fashion Week trend.

Some of the show lived up to that promise. Green designer Paionia kicked off the action by walking models who peeled off paper layers to reveal a black and red dress and equipping the girls with Sharpie-written messages about using eco-friendly materials. And the finale event was squarely avant-garde with the presentation of designer Baron Siamanto Levon who purportedly created all the looks backstage during the day.

An eclectic mix, there were the artistic cut and hand sewn Louis 14th style looks with skirt hips you could set a beer on and mixed media design features like leathers, painted fabrics, metal and ropes. And then there were the intricately crafted tapestry coats with matching dresses, perfectly couture for the ladies of Naples who lunch. This was definitely the most edgy showing of the night.

Dolcevita Cashmere at Casanova’s Boutique

Other highlights of the evening were decidedly more wearable. Local boutique Casanova’s revealed luxe Italian cashmere separates by designer Dolcevita. Run-of-the-mill sweaters these were not. An asymmetrical cream and khaki dress and a baby blue tiered hoop skirt were beautifully unexpected and an ivory cowl neck sweater screamed Aspen. Menswear inspired looks came from designer re-seller True Fashionistas. The retailer’s pop name somehow undersold their vintage-hip Hepburn-esque looks including trouser pants, loose graphic print shirts and jackets.

Emcee Brett Richards said we were witnessing history at Florida Fashion Week. Well, while we’d like to have seen more fashion, more independent designers and less performance on the catwalk, we do hope history repeats. With its moneyed and art-inclined population, Naples could become the next Southern city on the national Fashion map. And locals like Ms. Dossie and Ms. Tina agree, “The people of Naples will support this – we hope it continues on.”

Sources:

*www.cnn.com/2013/03/24/living/fashion-week-cities, www.fashionweeknaples.com, www.casanova-boutique.com, www.truefashionistasresale.com, www.cesaraguilera.com, www.baronsiamanto.com

The post Runway On The Gulf: Florida Fashion Week appeared first on The Runway Plus.

Snag This!

Plus Size Denim Shirt

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There was a time when a jean shirt would land you on a worst dressed list. Not so today. Jean has migrated from bottoms only to being quite at home on top, in lots of washes, prints and fits.

Altuzarra’s Spring 2013 looks included striped retro workwear fabrics like twill and railroad conductor-style jean. And Isabel Marant’s Western-chic takes denim beyond the day-to-day.

To get a casual yet classy look, pick a simple plus size denim shirt that can elevate to cool with the right adds. Target’s plus size denim shirts by Xhilaration are versatile with just the right amount of right now. Double pockets, pinstripe and polka dot patterns and a not-quite-acid- wash make them current.

How We Would Style It: Pretty, Rustic Chic

Target’s Plus Size Denim Shirt by Xhilaration +

• ModCloth Floral Fair dress (under denim shirt)
• Torrid brown braided belt (over denim shirt)
• Tod’s suede ankle strap platform wedge shoes
• Topshop pointelle socks
• Fendi Pequin shoulder tote in vachetta striped
• Warby Parker Begley tortoise shell spectacles
• Eddie Borgo Pink Eve earrings

Source: image from www.Target.com

The post Snag This! Versatile Plus Size Denim Shirt appeared first on The Runway Plus.

Designer Spotlight

Diane von Furstenberg

Merriam-Webster defines original as being “not derivative or imitative”; as “the first source” from which a copy can be made; as “independent and creative in thought or action”.* Of course Belgian designer (and one-time princess) Diane von Furstenberg’s jersey wrap dress can be called all these things. But when taken in context of the time and the place, her design became a symbol of the changing role of women in society. The 1960s and 1970s were a period of change and tension for all aspects of Civil Rights, including women pressing for access to education, healthcare rights and equal employment opportunity.

Fall 2013 Collection

At first glance a dress might seem to be anything but liberating. Diane von Furstenberg’s creation, however, was a signal of the extreme shifts in modern female attire – it was easy care, could be worn for work, evening or weekend, was about the feminine shape but still read conservative with longer sleeves and lengths. This kind of piece was for a woman on the go, not relegated to the home and with a full and diverse lifestyle that left no time for excessive laundry chores.

“Be yourself, not an imitation.”  DVF

This new fashion-conscious active woman with more to do outside of the home than inside of it was made more important still by the fact that a woman herself was behind the design, manufacture and sale. This was nothing short of a revolution, confirmed by Diane’s Newsweek cover and oh, about one million dresses sold by 1976. The wrap dress sits in New York’s Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute and remains a wardrobe staple to this day, copied by every label you can think of.

Fall 2013 Collection

With such an historic credit to her name, some would be content to survive on the strength of former glory but not von Furstenberg. According to the New York Times, since reviving her brand in 1998 “she’s been trying to reinvent herself as a designer, philanthropist and globe-trotting fashion mogul.” **

A QVC home shopping pioneer in the 1990s, CFDA Lifetime Achievement award winner in 2005, Forbes magazine’s Most Powerful woman in Fashion in 2012 and the only Spring 2013 runway show to feature Google’s Glass, the 65-year old Diane von Furstenberg has proven she’s anything but a one-trick pony for the last forty years.

We can’t wait to see what’s next.

Sources: * www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original, **www.nytimes.com/2010/12/19/fashion/19Diane, DVF runway photo and Fall 2013 suit look runway photo Ovidiu2012 / Shutterstock.com, Featured image of DVF Miro Vrlik Photography / Shutterstock.com, wrap dress runway photo lev radin / Shutterstock.com, www.dvf.com,  www.ibiblio.org/prism/mar98/path, womenshistory.about.com/od/fashion20th/a/Diane-von-Furstenberg, www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/10/diane-von-furstenberg-google-glasses-fashion-week_n_1870028

The post Diane von Furstenberg: Beyond The Wrap appeared first on The Runway Plus.

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Apart from the fact that it seems like it was just December, we’re as shocked as the next guy that March Madness, that fabled month of sporting fever, is upon us. Those of you who are die-hard fans of college basketball are truly in fan heaven. The rest of you are just wondering what the heck “Bracketology” is.

Sport and Fan Wear

Plus Size Style

Whether you dream of a Bachelors in B-ball or couldn’t care a lick, the road to collegiate sports glory does at least remind us of all things good and athletic – including all the way cute gym looks you could be sporting this year! From Sunday strolls to serious Yogistas to gym bunnies and tennis pros, plus size activewear has never been better. And if you prefer to kick it on the sidelines, there is finally good plus size fan wear to help you to cheer on your team.

FansEdge.com

Team Spirit: FansEdge

It’s about time! College and professional team apparel cut for women and in plus sizes! Cheers to FansEdge.com for a great selection that will carry through sport seasons – NCAA, NBA, MLB and NFL.

Gym Basics: Old Navy

It’s tough to find a better selection of mix-and-match workout pieces for plus size gals than that offered by Old Navy. From sports bras to tank tops, dry-wick tees, hoodies and pants, they set the bar for choice and fit with a great price tag. The drawstring hooded tops and yoga bottoms are great picks.

Nike

Performance Brand: Nike

Face it, fashionistas are often all about the brand name. While no-name pieces can get the job done, for the curvy girls out there, it’s fiercely liberating to jam out in Zumba or on the Ellyptical with a Nike swoosh somewhere other than socks. The performance capris and tennis gear are favorites.

Specialty Sports: Junonia

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for plus size padded cycling leggings, look no further than Junonia.com. This niche brand focuses on hard to find active wear for the curvy athlete. The ski collection is particularly neat.

Cult of California

Stylish Threads: Cult of California

Without argument, one of the coolest plus size brands out now is Cult of California, whose breakout active line astutely married sexy with sporty for awesome result. Cult achieves that rare combination of fit and flattery without seeming either old fashioned or risqué.

Stella McCartney for Adidas

Killer Kicks: Stella McCartney/ Adidas

Enough said.

Sources: Clothing images from Zappos.com, CultofCa.com, Nordstrom.com and FansEdge.com

The post March Madness-Worthy Sportswear appeared first on The Runway Plus.

Snag This!

Jewelry

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This year’s Miami Fashion Week introduced us to Janesko, a new accessories line based out of cattle-town turned cool haunt Kansas City, Missouri. Cheers to designer Jennifer Janesko’s mission: delivering “sleek and deliberate accessory designs for women with a modern aesthetic.”

What better way to start the week (and the Spring/Summer season) than with a crazy original piece like Janesko’s Corset pendant? It somehow achieves country club swank and downtown swagger at the same time! Build an uptown/downtown chic outfit by mixing complimentary metallic hued pieces as an un-boring neutral base for this signature piece.

How We Would Style It:

Janesko Corset necklace in gold +

• ASOS Curve pewter stripe tee-dress
• Eileen Fisher long length brushed silver high neck jacket
• Stuart Weitzman Devon black and white lace-up oxfords
• Valentino patent beige Nuage bow tote bag

Source: image from Janesko.com

The post Snag This! A Gold Mine Find appeared first on The Runway Plus.

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Snag This!

St. Patrick’s Day

In honor of all that’s green and gorgeous, today’s Snag item is Simply Be’s kelly green blazer. Add pieces to create your signature style. Here’s how we would do it:

Hipster Style = Simply Be blazer +

•  Graphic tee from Torrid or a vintage find
•  Old Navy black skinny jeans
•  Aqua gold and white spiked necklace
•  See by Chloé black/white wedge sneakers
•  Cambridge Satchel Co. black/white checked bag

Source: image from simplybe.com

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