Jessica London

Miss Curvy France is Crowned in Paris

2012-01-30T14:08:00.000-08:00

Thecurve sensation has gone global and our plus size sisters all over the worldare showing off their beautiful curves with pride. Recently, Miss Curvy France2012 took place in Paris, the city of all things fashion and glamour. Velvet D’Amour, Nathalie Garçon and Charlottede Turckheim were some of the judges who took part in the contest, whichwas designed to showcase the beauty and poise of bigger women. The contest alsodisplayed great diversity in size, age and color so that all real size womenwere fully represented. Jessica London is no stranger to French plussize fashion and we love that there is more attention being paid to it. Fromour Taillissime and La Redoute brands, we offer plus size dresses, plus size tops and plus size jeans that are not onlyflattering to curvy women but are designed in a European fashion that onlygreat dressers appreciate- great dressers like real size women, sizes 12 to 32.To read more about the Miss Curvy France contest in Vogue Italia click here.

Jessica London Tackles Some Plus Size Fashion Queries for 2012

2012-01-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

What is wax denim, what are “toothpick” jeans and can a plussize woman wear them? What about harem pants- trying to come back again? Can wepull these trends off? Sometimes the trends aren’t worth keeping up with andsometimes we see trends that we like but think maybe they don’t come in plus size clothing. With all the do’s and don’ts out there, what are the trendsthat some of our favorite plus size fashionistas not only wear, but have rockedover the past year?
Second-skin jeans, or “toothpick jeans” have been a strong trend for a fewyears and it sounds like something a plus size woman could never wear, but infact, plus size jeggings in denim washes as well as trendy color washedjeans have been very popular for plus size fashionistas and are flattering aswell as trendy. Bright colored plus size denim has been prominent onplus size blogs including colored jean jackets. The faux fur craze hasalso been popping up all over and celebs who want to stay green and most-likelypopular, have been flaunting some pretty elaborate faux fur fashions. Most plussize women might feel intimidated by this trend or assume there wouldn’t beanything in their size, but the plus size faux fur vest has been a verypopular and trendy layer for plus size women this year. The wrap dress, a plus size dressesfavorite, is not as easy to pull off as one might think. This trend can besmall, clingy and often too tight to seem possible for a plus size woman, butwith better fabrications, smart designs and flattering constructions, the wrap dress is one of the most curve-loving styles of Spring 2012. While so far,the waxed jean has not quite made it to mainstream plus size clothing lines,faux leather and leather pants have made it, showing that real sizewomen can rock the leggy looks as well as anyone. Oh, and forget about harempants. So few in any size can carry them off, so unless you really reallydesire it, don’t bother.

Fashion fact from Jessica London:

Waxed denim is when there is a shiny finish on jeans createdby paint, beeswax, or a wax glaze coating. These can be apopular alternative to leather pants because they have the same polishedappearance.

Red-Carpet Ready Dresses in Plus Size from the Golden Globe

2012-01-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

Color did not rule the red carpet this year, instead what caught the paparazzi’s attention was what wasn’t there (daring bare backs, off-shoulder gowns and thigh slits) and what there was a lot of: floor-kissing hemlines. Neutral tones were also very prominent but that trend was big last year so it did not have as much impact. Not to mention, plus sized dresses are so much more dramatic in dark greens, reds and black, the colors that did stand out at the 2012 Golden Globes. Long draping evening gowns were dramatically displayed and some of the dress trains truly dragged on the floor. Mary J. Blige even had a feathered train designed by Michael Kors.
Best dressed on the red carpet included Angelina Jolie in Versace–a gown that draped all the way to the floor with a very deep slit. Julianne Moore in a black Chanel gown with a fishtail hem, Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang with an equally dramatic fringed and draping train.
Those that did not go for the dramatic sweeping train, dared to bare much of their back, décolletage, shoulders or thighs in high slits. Kate Winslet, for example, had a peek-a-boo keyhole to frame her cleavage. Viola Davis also draped herself in a goddess-inspired a-symmetric gown with a high thigh-baring slit. Claire Danes looked tame in a structured black and white column dress but revealed an alluring cutout back. Queen Latifah who we look to as an example of a woman who dresses for plus size, bared her shoulder and back in an off-shoulder dress. Award-winner Octavia Spencer looked like a goddess in a Tadashi Shoji formal gown with twist front and a beautifully draped hem. Now that the show is over we’re sure to see trendy plus size dresses mimicking the ones worn by celebrities but Jessica London’s collection always covers the timeless trends as well as offering elegant and sophisticated plus size special occasion dresses. The plus size womens dresses and plus size evening wear offered year-round will get you nominated for the most gorgeous woman in the room every time. Don’t forget the plus sized shapewear to give you a smooth look under your dresses.

Plus Size Fashion Trends for 2012

2012-01-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

The year has begun and that means that you can start your plussize fashion hunting right now and save a lot in really great winter sales. You may be all shopped out afterthe holidaze but once you check out all the new plus size spring 2012 arrivals, you’ll beready to get yourself all the plus size clothes, shoes and fashion accessoriesyou were craving that weren’t under the tree.

DailyVenusDiva, a great plus size blog withall kinds of plus size dresses trends and reports on plus sizefashion trends just posted their top trend report and also mentioned Jessica London! Some of the best highlightswere, the Bow Blouse, Faux Fur (check out JL’s Faux Fur Vest). Plaids, and Purple! Who knew?The good news is that purple comes in many more shades than just grape, sodon’t be scared to wear this color trend as a plus size woman. You can rock aviolet look, deep burgundy or plum and you are still in the royal purple realm.Happy New Year and look forward to more plus size dress news and fashion ideasto come in 2012.

2011 Sweater Trends

2011-11-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Chase the chill away in a cozy sweater but don’t let the bulk take over your shape and style! We were so happy to see Plus Size Blogger pick up the Jessica London Fairisle Cardigan Sweater as a great option for keeping color in your winter wardrobe. Click here to read the full blog post. It inspired us to take a look at all the sweater trends of the season and then take a closer look at our plus size sweater collection and see what there is to offer that’s on-trend, modern and full of color for your holidays.
Stripes, Nordic patterns and Fairisle motifs are certainly chic this year. There’s a hint of nostalgia in them but not so much so that it looks like you’re wearing your grandfather’s sweater. Soft new blends of cotton with acrylic or wool prevent these typical “ski sweaters” from being itchy and uncomfortable. Thank goodness for innovations in blending knits because we all remember those old itchy sweaters! Soft, feminine sweater shapes are now the norm and they are made to feel luxurious. Open plus size cardigans, roomy draped cowlnecks (no choking turtlenecks please!), chunky cable cardigans that lend texture to your look, not bulk, and of course color were on all the runways when it came to sweaters. Also, a traditional shape such as a plus size pullover or shrug in unexpected sequins or a bright keeps your outfit on the forefront of plus size fashion.

Top 4 Reasons to Be Grateful for Your Curves!

2011-11-23T11:35:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving, enjoy your holiday and give thanks and praises for your lovely curves. Here are 4 reasons why wearing and flaunting your plus size fashion and plus size dresses is something to rejoice about!

1) We never have to try to look feminine or sexy. Plus size women with curves fill out their clothing better and look sexy even when they aren’t even trying. Ever see a skinny girl try to stick out her hip to get some curve-appeal going? We never have to do that! We’ve got it all going on naturally.

2) We have a lot of confidence and presence because of our curves. We don’t have to get pushy or loud to get noticed because our curvaceous bods do it for us. Even better when we dress up in a plus size wrap dress or plus size party dress. Make way – because once you get us all dressed up in the hottest plus size clothing, we will steal the show.

3) We’re more comfortable. Yup, we are soft and smooth and very attractive because of our plushness. Who wouldn’t want to cuddle up to a soft and luscious plus size woman? No worries about getting poked by any bony elbows here!

4) Maybe not all, but most of us are hedonists. That means we love to satisfy all the senses. From delicious food to beautiful plus size dresses, to plus size accessories, jewelry, fragrances and sensual pleasures, we enjoy it all so much and that makes life as a curvy girl one amazingly pleasurable ride. We like a little sugar in our bowl… to quote Nina Simone.

So this Thanksgiving, love your cooking, love your family, embrace your desires for delicious food and everything that goes along with the holiday. Be grateful for your lovely curves and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Big Recipe Ideas for Small Bites While You Wait For The Turkey

2011-11-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

Filling up on the standard fare is a given on Thanksgiving but what about the snacks to keep us satisfied but not too full for the full course ahead? Whether you have Thanksgiving as an early supper or a late dinner, there is always that limbo time of snacking that can be tricky. If you are having guests over you might want to try some of these pre-Thanksgiving snacks and appetizers to keep everyone happy but still hungry for more:

Spinach Dip

It’s low fat and not too filling but filled with flavor. And it’s healthy, but those veggie-haters in your family will never know.

1 pkg. frozen spinach
1 onion soup package (keep it easy…)
4 oz. low fat cream cheese
½ cup skim milk
¼ cup low fat sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
**Onion soup has a lot of salt in it so you may not need more…

½ cup of grated parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients except the cheese topping.
Let sit if spinach is still frozen so ingredients can all mix well together.
Add more sour cream depending on the consistency you think your family will like. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with Parmesan.

Bake for 8 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees or until bubbling.

Let cool 5 minutes. Serve with crackers or pita chips.

Flavored Roasted Nuts

Take any of your favorite mixed nuts and add some extra flavor and crunch! Spray a baking sheet with non-stick oil and scatter any nuts, raw or already roasted on the pan.

Flavor with:

-Soy sauce and ginger powder for an Asian flavor
-Lime, salt and cilantro for a Mexican flavor
-Curry and red pepper for an Indian Flavor

**Watch the additional salt of you are doing this with pre-roasted and salted nuts.

Bake for 10 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Check often to make sure you are not burning the nuts, especially if you started with roasted nuts. Let cool 5 minutes.

Serve in dishes in any room.

Easy Baked Brie with Almonds

All you’ll need is a handful of slivered almonds and a nice chunk of brie cheese.

Place cheese on a microwave safe casserole dish and cover with almond slices. Cover the brie and heat in microwave about 4 minutes or until center of cheese is melted and the rind is softened.

Serve with crackers or slices of French bread and grapes. Reheat if the cheese starts to harden.

Deviled Eggs

It’s so obvious we sometimes overlook it when we’re trying to make fancy appetizers to impress our friends and family but the deviled egg is so delicious when done right, there’s even a serving dishe just for them! You can do them a number of ways but here’s our favorite:

6 hard-cooked eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
pimento olives sliced in half.

Slice eggs in half lengthwise; remove yolks and set whites aside. In a small bowl, mash yolks. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, spices and salt. Spoon into egg whites or if you have an icing tip you can squeeze them in for extra party presentation. Garnish with a pretty olive slice.

A new book that shows us all about Keeping it Curvy, Fashionable and Chic

2011-11-21T05:37:00.000-08:00

The Curvy Fashionista just came out with an e-book that’s sure to keep us curvy girls in style with fun and confidence. It’s called Keeping it Curvy, Fashionable and Chic and it’s written by fashion expert and blogger Marie Denee who is the creator of Curvy Fashionista. We haven’t been able to sneak a peek into it but all the reviews say that it is a great resource for plus size women who are just beginning to explore their fashion possibilities. She gives tips on everything from plus size what to wear to work to ways to develop a signature personal style. There’s a Q&A forum where you can get your personal style questions answered and there are even plus size clothing designer retail coupons and promotions inside. This book is all about coming to terms with your size and your figure to learn how to make the most of it enjoy shopping for clothing and getting dressed.

Click here to read more about it.
Click here to buy the book!

Jessica London is keeping it “Real” for the holidays!

2011-11-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

This season Jessica London is keeping it “Real” for the holidays! What does that mean? It means that we’re doing the holidays with an easy, fun attitude that keeps it real easy and real simple to shop and dress and get all the errands out of the way so we can party and appreciate our loved ones during these memorable moments. Some of the hot holiday trends we thought were perfect for our curvy customers and easy to wear come from our outerwear trends, casual styles, accessories and party dresses but when you put them all together they add up to a very merry holiday.

Keeping it…

Sparkly
Shimmer and shine in a gown with sequins or a party dress with sarong in gold metallic.

Wild
Fierce fashion options from a long plus size animal printed maxi dress to a faux fur stole.

Glam
A tee with sequin cuffs for a little glam or a long luxurious formal gown with twist front.

Cozy
Snuggle up to a warm and soft blanket coat, a down-filled coat or a cozy cable cardigan.

Radiant
Winter style heats up with a hot red dress, red leather pants and a ruby plaid blazer.

JL Goes One-on-One with TLC’s Big Sexy Star Tiffany Banks

2011-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Q: How did you get cast on TLC's show Big Sexy?
A: I saw a casting online and submitted myself. They narrowed their search down before seeing anyone and I was invited to a private casting. They kept calling me back and the rest is history! I’m a lucky girl

Q: What was your experience during filming the show with cameras following you around all the time?
A: It was fun! People kept wondering and asking us what we were doing and they always looked really confused. The shooting itself took a few weeks but we got to do such fun things like go to Miami (which was my first time) and go speed-dating (though that ended tragically for me) *laughs*.

Q: What has been everyone's reaction after the show premiered?
A: The reaction overall was really positive. I got tons of emails from women and men who said the show affected them in a positive way and inspired them. I think plus size women were craving something like this on television and people were just so happy to see women on TV they could relate to. It was a powerful feeling to know that in just 3 episodes people felt different about their lives. Amazing!

Q: Can you give us some background on yourself, your professional goals?
A: I am a “Cali” girl living in NYC. I had some TV/radio experience before getting into modeling. I’ve been signed with a few agencies and right now I am working on a few projects that I am excited about sharing soon. The sky is the limit for me and I plan on working more in TV, hosting, speaking and modeling.

Q: Do you have any plus size clothing fashion advice or tips that you swear by?
A: I like to keep my wardrobe basic and add personality with accessories and colors. I also do little things that make me happy like wear bright yellow nail polish or bright red lipstick. The little fun things you do for yourself really add up and boost your confidence!

Q: Lets have some fun, fashion Icon?
A: Tough one. I like Beyonce. Whether she is casual in jeans or wearing a gown to an awards show she always looks so classy and put together. I also really like the risks that Beth Ditto takes. She does what she wants and I love it.

Q: Celebrity crush?
A: How much time do you have? I really love Idris Elba. He is just so yummy and super talented. And the accent ain’t all that bad either, honey!

Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be?
A: About 3-4 times a week I catch myself saying “If I were a bird I would fly” because trains and buses just aren’t fast enough for me. *laughs* I’d be one big sparkly fat flying superhero with a sequence cape saving the day!

Turn Winter Drab to Fab With Color and Details

2011-11-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

Don’t let colder temps dull your style. From colorful plus size sweaters to shimmery plus size dresses paired with cute boots and winter accessories you can always have a vibrant and cheery look even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Winter accessories are one way to add a little extra chic to your look from a colorful scarf to faux fur and animal print. Sequins in the right places add some holiday sparkle and metallics like silver and gold are also a great way to spark up your holiday style. A little lace on your sleeves or trimming your favorite plus size evening dress is also a great way to soften winter style and make it oh-so-pretty. When all else fails never underestimate the power of red. Radiant red in the winter is the classic, gorgeous go-to color on a dress, a top or even an accessory to make your style pop out from a crowd and from the clouds!

Baby it’s Cold Outside! Don’t let your style get snowed out.

2011-10-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Just because the temps are dropping doesn’t mean you have to lose your good looks. Couture fashion comes in all sizes and also all types of clothing. George Simonton, a famed designer and tenured professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City has designed a line of plus size coats for Jessica London! Simonton, who was a master designer in the show “I Don’t Have a Thing to Wear” on the Learning Channel is known for his use of fabulous fabrics and sophisticated styles. Now Jessica London is thrilled to offer this exclusive collection of George Simonton plus size coats on sale 30%-50% Off. The current outerwear trends he has designed so well in plus sizes include the captivating wool blend cape coat, the quilted coat, the hooded toggle coat and the ever-classic double breasted wool coat.

What are you wearing to work? Key career pieces for the plus size woman

2011-10-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

We asked around and discovered that women are still having trouble getting dressed for work, day after day. Even when we think we have a closet full of clothes, the season changes or we have a big meeting and all of a sudden there seems to be nothing to wear! Some of us may be between sizes or haven’t updated our staples in so long that they finally, after years of faithful service, are no longer in style. Here are the key items you will be able to own and wear over and over again with no questions asked. You should never be caught asking yourself, “what am I going to wear?”

The Notch-Collar Blazer

The Stretch Pencil Skirt

The Modern Suit Pants

A Multi-Piece Wardrober

The Classic Cardigan

Plus Size Zodiac Style: The Lovely Libra

2011-10-19T13:19:00.000-07:00

Libras are represented by the symbol of the scales so in theory they should be fair with a calm balance. This, however, isn’t always the case when it comes to their fashion personalities. Artistic and graceful, materialistic and extravagant all at the same time, Libra fashion can actually tip the scales more than balance them. Famous Libra women include Gwyneth Paltrow, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Naomi Watts, all gorgeous fashion examples in their own right. Whether it’s a plus size leather jacket, an elegant plus size gown with sequins, hot wide calf boots or a faux fur coat, Libras love high-fashion luxurious looks. Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, and Betsey Johnson are also Libras and all independent style makers. Libras like these can go from rocking sequins and studs to pinks florals and bright jewels without batting a charming eye – don’t forget the bold and colorful pumps!

Jessica London in the Plus Size Headlines

2011-10-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

We love to see our name in lights… sure, we are a small company with one mission which is to bring versatile and modern plus size clothing to the real size woman. So, when we get mentioned in other women’s blogs, it warms out hearts. It’s so nice to
see what, out of all of our plus size clothing, sale events and promotions, other fashion bloggers pick up on and recommend and from all over the country! Here are a few of our latest honorable mentions in plus size blogs from shopping tips to fashion treats. Thanks to all of the lovely curvy ladies out there who share their ideas on plus size fashion.

In My Bag:
A fantastic personal shopping blog that reviews everything from Cat Litter to aPad Apps… thanks for your great review Jenn!

Miss Moon’s Musings:
In her own words…”rantings, ramblings and revelations”. This Brooklyn fashionista covers everything from local Brooklyn events to music therapy, TV, fashion and beauty.
See how she took our traditional plus size Notched-Collar Nassau Jacket into the high-fashion arena!

Saving You Dinero:
A full-time mom who’s a budget expert explores all the best deals and gives them to you on one website…thanks Janelle for highlighting our affordable plus size knit tops and tees!

Bombshell Beauty Blog:
A great fashion resource where we get to see everyday bombshell plus size clothing and outfits pulled together by a plus size fashion and beauty editor.

Curvy Every Woman:
A modern women’s publication that bridges the gap between myth and reality regarding beauty and body image. Check out their great review of our wide calf boots selections!

Wildly Versatile, Leopard is Plus Size Fashion’s Print Pick

2011-10-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Think you can’t wear leopard? From Hollywood screen sirens to 80’s rock stars, leopard print has spanned every decade and every fashion trend throughout the seasons. While a wild option for some of us, leopard is an iconic fashion statement that is surprising versatile and timeless. Fall and winter this year brought leopard back in tamed, sophisticated mini prints and neutral tones and was seen prowling the runways on everything from accessories to dresses and skirts. Jessica London even got mentioned for our display of these patterns in the plus size professional blog T minus, T Plus. See what this professional plus size blogger said about our prints and find your way to wearing this wildly versatile print of the season. We have an animal print cami if you want to show a little leopard peeking out from under a blazer, a hoodie in animal print to put your weekend style on the wild side, a pencil skirt in animal print to bring animal magnetism to your office attire and to complete any look, our leopard belt and faux leopard scarf go with everything.

To The Max. Style it or Store it?

2011-10-05T14:13:00.001-07:00

We’re all switching out our closets right now but what about the maxi dress? Do we store it away for warmer weather or keep it out and style if for fall and winter? We say plus size maxi dresses are so comfortable and versatile that you should style them up! A sleeveless knit maxi dress can be layered over a scoopneck long-sleeve tee shirt or a smooth turtleneck. If the colors are combined right and the neckline is cute, this can give you an all new plus size fashion (avoid a white turtleneck unless you want to look like a character on Big Love). Layering over the maxi with a chunky plus size cardigan can also work as long as the sweater doesn’t hit the broadest part of your hips. If you feel comfortable doing it, cinch the whole look together with a skinny leather belt. For an even more racy look, top the maxi with a plus size leather blazer and add the boots to complete the look.

The Outer Limits: There’s no end to the ways a coat can change your look. Take your pick of the new plus size outerwear trends!

2011-09-27T12:31:00.000-07:00

As the weather gets colder we get used to throwing on whatever will keep us warm, at least in the Northeast, but don’t forget that getting dressed for colder weather can still be fun and fashionable. You don’t have to cover up your unique style just because you are putting on a plus size coat. Plus size outerwear trends are all new this season and truly better than they’ve ever been. Plus size women looking for plus size clothing that’s modern and fashionable can now complete their winter wardrobe with quality, polished coats and leather jackets that were designed to fit and flatter the plus size woman. All of the hottest outerwear trends are available in larger sizes with attention to tailoring and details. Here are the plus size coats that are trending now:

The Chic Cape
It’s feminine and dramatic yet this trend can range from a casual poncho to a dressy swing coat to capture your own personal style.

Dramatic Color
Brighten the season in colors as warm and sweet as Cinnamon, Boysenberry, Caramel and Ruby Red!

Faux Fur
Whether it’s a full fur coat or a little trim on the collar even the celebrities are wearing fake fur - it's glamorous and guilt-free!

Military Style
Take charge in military inspired details like convertible stand-up collars and lots of buttons.

Plus size Zodiac Style: The Free Spirited Virgo

2011-09-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Virgos love the outdoors, freedom and showing off their style and curves but they are also modest. Even though Virgos love everything simple and pure, they go for the glitz and glam in a way that no other sign does when dressing for special occasions. Somehow they are able to look stunning in a plus size formal gown when they want to and dress up, and totally casual and ravishing in a cozy-soft sweater. Some famous Virgos who capture this effortlessly glamorous and sexy style are Beyonce, Salma Hayek and Raquel Welch. Virgos also like delicate details like an embroidered tunic blouse or a print blouse. Virgos are about simple glamour and wholesome beauty but they’re also smart shoppers with an eye for key fashion pieces that are investments but way worth it. A fashion accessory, a pair of high boots, a sleek pump, these are the kinds of fashion investments a Virgo will make to keep their style current and always on-trend.

Plus Size Fashion Tip: Stock Up On The Basics!

2011-08-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

We may all be craving fall style now that it’s finally around the corner…lush sweaters, cool boots, chic blazers… fall is a fantastic fashion season and there’s so much opportunity to rev up your style when you can start playing with layers but here’s a
frugal fashionista tip:

Stock up on summer now. Not only because you’ll be happy next year to have stuff to wear right out of the gate but because most of the items that Jessica London offers in the summer (aside from shorts, capris and swimsuits) can be worn any season! We put summer on sale to make room for new arrivals but behind the timely trends and some seasonal colors and fabrics we love to update each year, you’ll always find the best-selling basics in any sale.

Here are our best deals in our Summer's Best Sellers Sale that you can absolutely wear any time of the year:

Plus Size Tee with Horseshoe Neck in 13 Colors $12.99-$24.99

Layering Top With Pintucking $14.99-$29.99

Stretch Jersey Tunic Set in 6 Colors $24.99-$29.99

Bootflare Jeggings in 6 Colors $24.99-$44.99

Real Woman Bootcut Jeans in 6 Colors $34.99-$49.99

Bi-Stretch Suit Skirt in 4 Colors $34.99-$44.99

Oh, and get a free tote when you shop this sale… FYI

TLC’s Big Sexy is Coming August 30th! Reality TV about Real-Size Women and Their Fabulous Lives.

2011-08-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Follow these New York women as they pursue careers, design plus size clothing, attend events and book modeling jobs. It’s a sneak peek into any busy woman’s life but with the added interest of these women being plus size and proud of it. Their adventures show us how they maneuver through a hectic city life with confidence and charm, never apologizing for their size and owning their sexy curves in everything they do. So, we women here at Jessica London are wondering… what are they wearing? We’ll just have to see when the show premieres on TLC August 30th at 10PM.
Read more on our other favorite fashion blog, the Curvy Fashionista!

Plus Size Zodiac Style: The Leo Diva

2011-08-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

We all know and love one. The Leo woman is a strong, self-assured and, dare we say, self-centered force to be reckoned with. A few strong-willed celebrity Leos include Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston and Martha Stewart. For all their energy and desire to hold the spotlight, Leo women don’t always dress in outrageous attention-grabbing getups (aside from Madonna). Leos are more likely to wear a drop-dead gorgeous formal gown than something salacious at an evening event and they prefer clothes that are sharp and sophisticated. Tailoring, power suits, platform pumps and polish all give the Leo her confidence. A very simple sheath dress with sky-high heels and a tailored leather blazer is just the right look for a Leo who wants everyone to know she means business. Leos who aren’t in the career or fashion world still like sleek athletic gear (even if she’s not going to the gym) or casual clothes that have a modern edge like sequins, racing stripes or graphic color combos. Give the Leo woman a choice over a chunky stacked heel or a casual flat and she’ll choose the heel any time. It’s bigger, bolder and the height will give her the competitive style edge she likes to keep current.

Shoe Solutions from our Foot Fashion Fanatics!

2011-08-12T13:42:00.001-07:00

Every girl has that pair of shoes that makes her feel like a star every time she wears them and some of us more than others tend to “collect” gorgeous shoes. But even if you’re not into high heels, slingbacks and pumps, you may find these tips from our favorite shoe experts helpful for fitting into dressy shoes more comfortably.

For dressy sandals or slingbacks, try the product Shoo Sticks. It’s a transparent double-sided adhesive designed to prevent shoes and straps from slipping and cutting into all areas of the foot.

A secret technique to dancing all night on high heels or ensuring you don’t slip out of your shoes while walking down the aisle, is something called Heel Grippers. These self-adhesive heel grip pads fit inside the heel area and are designed to hold your heel in place.

Shoe Stretcher Spray. This is best for when you fall between shoes sizes or have bunions or wide feet. You can spray your shoe in just the place where you need a little stretch and you won’t stretch out the rest of the shoe. This is a great way to instantly break in new shoes.

And, when all else fails, don’t underestimate the comfort of invisible blister band-aids. Put them on as soon as you feel any discomfort or swelling and they will help prevent blisters invisibly so you can still wear those hot heels or standout pumps for the rest of the day.

Please keep in mind that if you shop our shoes and accessories, you’ll probably never need any of these products! From our famous Comfortview wide width shoes with flexible non-skid outsoles and padded insoles to brands such as Aerosoles and Softspots, we offer a selection of styles in whole and half sizes and wide widths for a super-comfortable shoe fit.

Bootie-licious The fall footwear favorite you can start wearing now!

2011-08-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Bootie-licious…the fall footwear favorite you can start wearing right now is the beloved bootie or ankle boot. Also called the “shootie”, this look is a great way to begin incorporating a new fall trend into your summer wardrobe. Favorite picks of ours include the boot/pump “shootie” with a pointed toe or a peep toe, the scrunch bootie you can wear with skinny jeans or a skirt – kind of an eighties style but way more modern for the new season. We also love the casual chic brown lace-up ankle boot that is always a classic. If you’re looking for wide width shoes and wide calf boots check out the entire assortment in the jessicalondon.com shoes and accessories department and see what new looks you can add to your fall favorites!

Coleen Bow is finally available in America! See what all those curvy French women are raving about.

2011-08-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

Started by a design team of two curvy French sisters who set out to make unique fashion-forward designs for women with curves, Coleen Bow embraces freedom of expression, femininity and imagination. Each Coleen Bow fashion comes in high-quality fabrications with refined details and modern color combinations.
Coveted by European women of all ages, Colleen Bow designs are finally available in the US but items are limited-edition plus size fashions, so add them to your collection before they’re all gone! The styles featured in this exclusive collection of Jessica London plus size clothing include a denim dress unlike anything you’ve seen before with mini ruffles and lace, smooth-as-silk stretch knit leggings with lace, and blouses and tops decorated with Coleen Bow’s signature mixed media pattern and prints.

Plus Size Trend Report: Fall Fashion Forecast

2011-07-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

It’s July, but all the designers are putting their fall collections out there already! It may be too early but sometimes it’s fun to sneak a peek at what’s new and if you like cooler temps, you can dream of gorgeous boots, soft sweatersand rich leather jackets. The key trends that are here for now and into fall are:

Maxi Dresses
They just keep coming! But the fall knit maxi dresses are all new with long sleeves, empire waists and looser drapes. They’ll be much more universally flattering than the sleeveless styles of summer.

Leather!
Everyone loves a classic leather jacket for fall but this season leather is getting edgier. Not only are there more modern jackets with standout details, but leather (or faux leather) is popping up on dresses, vests, leather jeggings, leather shrugs, and even suiting!

Ponchos
This season, the poncho is back but in a much more curve-conscious cut. The new sweater knits are softer, prints are out and embroidered ponchos are in. There’s also the always-chic cozy sweater cape with hood and fringe - a personal JL favorite that never ceases to look great over our real woman bootcut jeans!

White is All Right, Keep Cool in Summer Whites!

2011-07-22T13:03:00.001-07:00

Dressing in dark colors and black these days seems like a really bad idea but sometimes we shy away from white as plus size women when in truth, white is more flattering to curves than we think. It’s a favorite shade for summer and the time to really shine in this trend is now so don’t be afraid to put your white tops with your white bottoms for a head-to-toe white outfit. You can accessorize with neutral shades like tan sandals for a sophisticated look or add brights to really stand out. The beauty of wearing white is that it works as the perfect backdrop for the rest of your style. You can even go with Navy or stripes to make your look nautical chic. A plus size dress or plus size skirt in beautiful white eyelet are timeless classics too. Linen blazers in white are perfect for a crisp, country club look or a stretch capri is great for a casual beachy look. You can never go wrong with white for summer plus size fashion!

Plus Size Zodiac Style: The Creative Cancer

2011-07-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Patient and compassionate with creative sensitivity the Cancer sign is a water sign. Cancers usually don’t follow trends of the moment but their style is constantly changing in subtle ways. They’ll dress according to their mood and they love vintage-inspired designs, floral prints, patterns and fashion that has a story to it. Cancers sometimes even like to make their own clothing or jewelry. Cancers love a look that is both traditional and feminine with lots of little soft touches like pearls or ruffles but never too stuffy. Odds are, they’ll pair a tailored blazer with jeans and pearls or a fluffy ruffled blouse with a tailored pencil skirt and a brooch before ever pulling together a “matchy match” outfit. Great gift ideas for Cancers include anything sentimental, cozy or creative like scented candles, personalized framed photos or engraved jewelry

The Pride of Plus Size High Fashion, We Love Jean Paul Gaultier!

2011-07-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

So while most of us can't afford his designs, we still love that he believes that women of all shapes and sizes are beautiful and they deserve gorgeous plus size clothing. Jean Paul Gaultier, the man who designed Madonna’s iconic cone bra body corset, loves the curves of a woman and doesn’t shy away from dressing and adoring them just like Jessica London! In a recent article, The World of Jean Paul Gaultier, he told reporter Richard Burnett “…I sell my clothes to real people, not only models. Women are very powerful now, and they can [take responsibility for] what they wear. It is like when Madonna decides to wear a corset, it is like a political statement because she decides to do so. It then becomes a symbol of power and femininity. We dress first for ourselves.”
Of Beth Ditto and designing for plus size women, he said, “I think everybody is beautiful and has a different kind of beauty. It is always a question of perception and of presentation. Beth Ditto is fascinating by the way she moves and assumes her body. She represents freedom. She comes from a small town in the US, is voluptuous and openly gay. She is very sexy. I have used a lot of plus-size models in my show. They are part of the society, so why not of the fashion world?” Dressing in Gaultier might not be on our agendas for this summer but here are a few new Jessica London looks that are close to some of his latest creations:

Hot Raspberry Ruffled Blouse
Racy Lace Cocktail Dress
Dark Red Travel Top
Dramatic Drape Sweater
Convertible Leather Jacket Vest

A Plus Size Girl’s Best Friend: The Summer Shrug!

2011-07-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re trying to pull together a summer formal dress look or just need something cool yet classic to wear to work, the plus size shrug is a girl’s best friend. It’s not only a chic plus size sweater layer that will keep you just the right temperature as you go from the hot outdoors to air-conditioned offices, but it’s also a very subtle way to cover up arms and shoulders if you aren’t comfortable with a sleeveless look. Shrug cardigan sweaters let you wear tank tops that you might not try out normally, sheath dresses you would have skipped before and sleeveless maxi dress that you really love but didn’t feel comfortable in. With a shrug you can dare to bare more and still feel covered. Most shrug cardigan sweaters come with button fronts and slightly longer sleeves (usually elbow-length) but some are bolero style or cocoon style to give your look more of a chic shape. The beauty of these is that they come in tons of colors so you can really coordinate them whether it’s over a plus size dress or a casual tee or tank top.

Denim Done Right What's New in Plus Size Denim!

2011-07-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

There have been many breakthroughs in jean fits over the years, especially when it comes to fits that are designed to flatter curvier figures but not that many options in plus size jeans in particular. In the past, the jeans that boasted being more flattering to women’s shapes still only came in smaller sizes, but now with more and more women above a size 14 demanding good-quality, high-fashion plus size clothing, the options are getting better and better. Not only are there better designer jean fits out there but denim innovations in plus size fashion have been more and more on-trend. Highlights in plus size denim besides great jean fits and jeggings include plus size shirts and blouses, denim jean jackets in modern color washes, denim shirtdresses also in more colors than just the standard blue jean, jean skirts and even denim shorts, all in sizes up to 32! A few fashion tips for plus size denim dressing: Pair skinny jeans with a high heel slingback or pump to elongate your legs. Lighter denim washes are coming back in style and color denim is very popular among the celebs these days. Also, jean skirts and long denim skirts are a trend that will go all the way through fall and into winter (just add tights and some chic boots!).

This Summer… Don’t Be Afraid of The Sharktail!

2011-07-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

While it may seem a little scary with its varying lengths and dramatic hemline, the sharktail plus size top is in fact very easy to wear and designed to fit and flatter a plus size woman. Long and flowing with an uneven bottom (usually 35” at the longest point), these tops may appear to be too loose or too complicated to wear in plus sizes but take our word for it, they look great- or take, a blogger’s word for it! Check out Library Girl’s blog post and see how she wears our plus size tunic tank, multi-length sharktail top. Another great idea? Top the tank with a plus size shrug to create that stylish mix of proportions while also covering your arms if need be.

Plus Size Fashion Tips: Long Weekend Getaway Looks!

2011-07-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

When traveling for a getaway weekend you should travel light. It’s the 4th, it’s the summer, you want to be comfortable and also confident at the beach and barbecues but you don’t want to look too underdressed if you’re traveling or going to be at someone else’s party. Here are a few no-brainer items you can wear this weekend:

The Linen Capri Set
So easy and you’ll look great!

The Knit Maxi Dress
Wear it with a shrug and a gladiator sandal and you will be the chicest one at the barbecue.

Stretch Denim Jeggings with a Tunic Top
You’ll look cool and relaxed but you’ll be covered up enough to be comfortable too.

The Best of the Season is on sale at jessicalondon.com right now so check out
all your plus size fashion options and don’t forget to use the promo codes you see
on the pages as you shop. You can enter those codes at checkout and the savings will be reflected in your total.

Red White & Blue Healthy Treats!

2011-06-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

The 4th doesn’t have to mean candy, cake and fried food… you can opt for more healthier treats that will still make you feel like you’re celebrating. We at Jessica London like Red White and Blue Parfaits with yogurt instead of heavy cream to make them lighter, or try patriotic nachos as an alternative to greasy onion rings.

Red, White, and Blue Parfaits

1 8-ounce carton vanilla lowfat yogurt
1/2 of an 8-ounce container frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed
3 cups fresh raspberries and/or cut-up fresh strawberries3 cups fresh blueberries

Directions:
1: In a large bowl, stir together yogurt and whipped topping.
2: In six 12-ounce glasses or dessert dishes, alternate layers of berries with layers of the yogurt mixture.

Sprinkle with a little sugar, granola or cookie crumbs to make it a sweeter treat.

Patriotic Nachos:

1 bag of blue corn tortilla chips
Shredded Monterey jack cheese
Salsa
Sour cream

Directions:
1: Spray a cookie sheet or aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray.
2: Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
3: Place blue corn chips on tray and layer with cheese– bake just till cheese is melted.
4: Place chips on serving plate and top with salsa and sour cream to create a red, white and blue affect.

Dress Obsessed For Summer! Is there a perfect dress out there for every woman?

2011-06-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

They say spring and summer are the seasons of the dress and dresses are the easiest way to look great in an instant but only if you know the right dress to wear for your figure and occasion. There are so many silhouettes out there and so many styles that may look great on a size 2 but don’t really translate to a size 18 as we all have discovered the hard way, unfortunately. It’s also such a hassle to keep trying on dress after plus size dress only to discover none of them look the way they do on the mannequin. So what are the universally flattering styles that any woman can wear without having to go through so many tries before we give up on a new dress altogether?
Actually, the most universally flattering dresses for women were the bell skirt styles of the 40’s and 50’s. The reason why is they were designed for women for every part of her life. Women didn’t wear a lot of pants then. So the styles of dresses were more diverse, more practical and also, tailored to a curvy figure. They were not designed to be revealing or to cling to a woman’s curves unless they were evening dresses or cocktail dresses. These women didn’t have to figure out their body type and go crazy looking for their size either. They tailored their clothes to fit their proportions. Many women made their own dresses for themselves and their family members so in that sense, they really had control over the proportions and fit in a way that we don’t now with all of the “ready-to-wear” clothing. Not so ready-to-wear for plus size women unless we shop from a reliable plus size clothing designer like Jessica London.
The plus size dresses that seem to always flatter every shape (that aren’t 40’s dresses) are the sheath, the A-line dress and wrap dress. One of these silhouettes will flatter any woman and they are also timeless as far as trends go. Also, never underestimate the importance of a good-fitting bra under any dress. If you almost like the way you look in a wrap dress but it still might not look smooth enough for you, try wearing a control slip under it before totally giving up on that silhouette. If you can’t wear sleeveless but in every other way a sheath dress flatters you, take the chance and layer it with a blazer or wear a lightweight long-sleeve top underneath it. This look can be pulled off if the sleeves are semi-sheer and the neckline is scooped low enough not to show over the neckline of the sheath dress. An A-line dress is fitted at the top and flares slightly at the bottom so it creates the appearance of a small waist and disguises wider hips. A-line dresses are the preferred shape of wedding dresses because they have proven themselves time and again to be the most flattering style and they draw attention to your face.

Anyone Have a Wii? Fun and Easy Ways to Move Those Curves!

2011-06-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

A few of us Jessica London plus size women have found that going out in the heat (or cold) to get exercise or going to the gym where it’s crowded is no fun and isn’t the way for us to get the exercise we need. And we aren’t exactly video gamers or couch potatoes either so what about the Wii? So far a lot of women over 40 are getting workouts in the privacy of their homes with the Wii. While the Wii offers true fitness and aerobic types of programs, some of the best ways to move your body around are actually the games that you’ll enjoy and not feel like you’re being forced to exercise. Bowling, tennis and the hula hoop are a few of the games on the lighter side and, a study through the School of Public Health at La Trobe University found that the Wii benefits the well-being of older women too. In a 6-week study, women 56-84 played Wii sports and resort games twice a week for 50 minutes. “The Wii-play engaged the women both mentally and physically, providing fun and ongoing rewards common to video games, and this engagement seemed to generate a new positive attitude,” according to Dr Wollersheim who led the study. Another positive side to the Wii is that it can help you connect with your kids and grandkids.

Full Figured Fashion Week is Back in NYC Anyone Attending?

2011-06-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is New York’s third annual event celebrating plus size women and fashion and according the New York Post, it’s grown to three time’s its size since the first year. This year will feature sample sales and shopping crawls along with forums such as “Young, Curvy and Empowered” to open discussions on being young and plus size. There will also be full-figured runway shows of the hottest new plus size fashion trends. Starting on Saturday, plus size designers from the US, Europe and Canada will hold runway shows of their latest collections at the Marriot Marquis in Times Square. Jessica London fashions will not be part of the shows but we can’t express enough how proud and happy we are to see so much progress made in the plus size clothing industry.

Celebrity Trending… Color Jeans!

2011-06-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

For spring, the fashion news was all about celebrities sighted in colored jeans from bold and bright to unique primary colors like red and green. Celebrities that wore this denim shop trend usually topped their jeans with embellished tees, tunics, leather jackets and fashionable blazers. If done right, you can even top your color plus size jeans with more denim as long as the colors complement each other and don’t clash or match. If it feels a little too much like the 80’s to wear colored jeans Jessica London all the trend reports are saying, “who cares?”. This is a great casual chic trend that will keep your look colorful all the way until Fall. And… Fall trend forecasting is showing more autumn hues for denim so the trend of color plus size jeans will still be strong next season too!

Cool Summer Dressing For Plus Sizes How to Beat the Heat!

2011-06-09T14:39:00.001-07:00

Now with summer heating things up, we all need to keep our cool and still look good so how does a girl get away with easy summer style without losing her fashion sense? Here are a few tips we picked up from experts in the field of plus size clothing and fashion.

The dress, of course. But how to find the right one that will stay crisp all day long and not wilt away in the sun? We recommend a jersey plus size dress made of substantial cotton and spandex so that it’s like wearing a tee shirt that will stretch and be breathable as well as absorb sweat (yes, sweat).

Choose an A-line shaped dress that’s simple and comfortable. If a dress has too many catches, beads or zippers it will be too uncomfortable in really hot weather and if it is made out of a delicate fabric it won’t stand up to the heat (or your body heat!).

Cropped capris. These can be your best friends in the summer. If you top capris with a pretty shrug and an embellished tee you can definitely wear plus size capris to work in most places during the summer. Stretch poplin capris and capris in a wrinkle-resistant linen blend will always help you to dress well and they move with you without clinging to you in hot weather.

Select the right colors! You’d be surprised what a difference it can make. Did you know that black absorbs most of the sun's rays and converts that energy into heat, which is why, for example, black car seats get so hot? Conversely, white reflects nearly all of the sun's rays, which keeps them from turning to heat in your fabric. We read in another blog that if you wear a black tank top underneath a white top, the black underneath will help you lose your body heat faster, while the white on top will reflect heat coming from the sun…
try it and see how you feel!

Plus Size or “Real” Size? Does it make a difference what we’re called?

2011-06-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Vogue Italia’s June issue boasts putting three plus-size models on their front cover and they are getting all kinds of headlines from calling it a “win” for plus size models to criticizing the use of the term “plus size”. The Vogue Italia cover shows models Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine and Robyn Lawley all of whom wear a dress size of 12-16 according to their stats. While “plus size” models may not represent the entire population of women who wear plus size clothing they are considered plus size models in the industry. The controversy of what constitutes a plus size model is nothing new to us. At Jessica London we have heard many of our customers’ comments on our models not being plus sized and we are also very invested in who the plus size woman is, what she wants, who she relates to, and how we can serve her better. Queen Latifah has been quoted recently as saying she does not like the term “plus size” as a label and we agree with what she said recently in an interview with WWD: “I felt like larger girls were not respected, even though we are huge consumers…I felt the marketplace didn’t respect us in the way it should. I was not going to step out with a clothing line that didn’t respect a fuller-figured woman or a curvaceous woman, and really all women.” Jessica London has been designing plus size clothing for women sizes 12 and up exclusively for over 12 years now with no exception to our mission and commitment. So do we take the word “plus” and literally turn it into a “plus” for us? Meaning, we own it, we love it and we make it mean what we want: that we have more to offer, more to love, like we are an A+ (plus, get it?) Or do we reject it entirely? The idea of “real size” is also a term we’ve been playing around with. Do we call our clothing designed for “real size” women or stay with “plus size” and make it a positive affirmation?

Fashion and Food Summer Snacks!

2011-06-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Now that it’s summer we aren’t as hungry in the heat…well, some of us aren’t. For most of us at Jessica London we love summer snacks like hot dogs, ice cream, fries, etc. but there are some healthy summer snacks that can keep us full, cool and hydrated too.

Watermelon- it actually burns more calories than it contains and hydrates you almost as well as a glass of water. If you have a blender put in some watermelon and ice and you’ve got a delicious treat.

Frozen grapes. They are delicious cool treats! Stick a bunch on lollipop sticks or skewers and make grape popsicles… the kids will love them.

Carrot sticks- yes, boring, but in the summer they are sweet and crunchy and when you dip them into something like a low fat sour cream dip or hummus you will feel satisfied. Buy those baby ones that are already in the packages to make it easy.

Turkey “sliders”. Ok, these are not cheeseburger-delicious but they are easy-to-grab mini sandwiches that you and your kids will love. Low fat turkey slices, lettuce, low fat mayo in a whole wheat mini pita - yum.

You can also make mini cheese pockets. There are American slices that are really low in fat and calories so if you want a cheesy snack, put one of those in a pita and you’ll satisfy your craving without overloading on greasy food.

Sweet potato fries. If you are out and you really want something fried and salty see if they serve sweet potato fries. They may not have fewer calories but they have vitamins and more fiber.

Grilled corn- since you’ll be at all the BBQ’s anyway, try to start with a piece of tasty grilled corn. You’ll fill up and satisfy your grill appetite and be less likely to double up on the dogs.

Plus Size Zodiac Style: The Playful Gemini

2011-05-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

Born May 23rd to May 29th, the Gemini sign is the twins. Usually mistaken to mean Geminis have split personalities, the twin sign is more about changeability and communication. Geminis are witty, talkative and often considered social butterflies but they flit so quickly from topic to topic that sometimes people can’t keep up. Geminis usually want to know everything all at once and like things to be logical even as their minds wander off topic. Their style reflects this by never being consistent. One day they can be in a ladylike suit and pumps and next you’ll see them in ripped jeans and a tank top. Mixing and matching trends may be the best way for Geminis to dress so they can play with a lot of different looks. They may end up in ripped jeans, a polished blazer, pumps and a tank top because they couldn’t decide and got distracted while dressing. Then they’ll finish with some crazy earrings that don’t go with anything. That’s the Gemini mind for you. Jessica London found out famous Geminis include Naomi Campbell, Gladys Night, Marilyn Monroe, Brooke Shields, Drew Carey, Lauryn Hill and Venus Williams.

Can Linen be Modern? 4 Ways to Wear Plus Size Linen For Summer

2011-05-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

Can linen be modern? Can you wear it without looking like a wrinkled burlap sack? Can you wear it to work, a party or church? Some of us love to wear linen but others shy away from it coveting that classic and always elegant look plus size women who know how to wear linen capture every summer. Some of the ways we learned how to wear linen at Jessica London include the following:

Wrinkle-free!
Pure linen is admittedly more difficult to keep from wrinkling. Some linen looks are OK wrinkled. The big shirt, for example, can get a little crinkly as the day goes on but it’s accepted as a loose, untailored look. Blazers and dresses however are best when woven with another fabric such as rayon or cotton to keep the fabric a little stronger and smoother.

Head-to-Toe Color
Linen capri and pant sets in head-to-toe color may seem like a lot of the same color to wear all at once but if done right, this can be a great linen look for summer days and even work. Definitely don’t shy away from the neutral hues either. A linen pant set in a traditional khaki color with some animal-print accessories or a white tee layered underneath can look very modern.

The Blazer
The classic double-breasted blazer has been a style staple in most women’s wardrobes forever and it never looks out of style. It can be worn with linen pants to work, over jeans for a casual look and now there are more shapes and cropped versions that can be worn over dresses. It’s so versatile you can never have too many colors.

The Sheath Dress
The shape of this dress had varied throughout the years and all the trends from 60’s iconic chic to 80’s shoulder pads but it is always in style and a style essential for summer.
For plus size dresses it’s important for your linen sheath to be structured and in a substantial woven blend that will resist wrinkles and not gap or lose its shape in the heat.
Variations on the classic sleeveless plus size sheath dress include ones with cap sleeves, ones decorated with embroidery and ones with contrast banded empire waists.

Plus Size Trend Report: 5 Key Summer Pieces

2011-05-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Summer dressing should be easy and always comfortable. It’s a time when you can pick up a few style updates without breaking the bank and hopefully stay cool and well dressed throughout the hot days. While we would all love to live in tees and jeans all summer we do have to look a little more polished than that so here are 5 key items you can add into your summer wardrobe to keep it modern without breaking the bank:

The Handkerchief Blouse
This is a dramatic, printed blouse you can wear over your plus size denim to dress up your casual looks or as a cover-up by the pool for chic sophistication.

The Nautical Tee
An all-time classic knit top you won’t ever regret buying (which is one way to know it’s a “key piece”). Look for a flattering boat neck style that can stand alone or go under a blazer any time.

Cargos Capris
The classic pocket detailing and easy wearability of cargo style capris make them style staples that will last you year after year. You may even reach for them into the fall if you find just the right fit!

Long Cotton Skirt
Skirts are making a comeback for summer due to the “boho chic” trend. The best way to wear a long and flowing skirt is with an embellished sandal and a simple tee.

Beaded Thong Sandal
It’s so hard to resist the pull of the latest shoes and accessories trends every single season but if you want to get something chic and cheap go for a dressed up thong. That way you’ll get the comfort of a flip flop with a little fashion thrown in.

Plus Size Yoga for Real Women. Size Zeros Need not Apply!

2011-05-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

There’s a place in, of all places, in New York City, that offers yoga for plus sizes ONLY. It’s pretty amazing considering New York can sometimes feel like the home of the size zero fitness fanatics. The place is called Buddha Body Yoga and the owner describes his clients as not overweight but plus-sized. The owner, Michael Hayes, has studied yoga for 14 years and is nearly 6 feet tall and 240 pounds. When he got frustrated himself with yoga classes tailored to tiny people, he began bringing his own props like straps and blocks and now he uses these in his own classes to help with support as people begin to learn the practice. Hayes offers a step-by-step approach to yoga that helps his clients relax and do what is best for their body. Hayes also certifies other yoga teachers in plus-size instruction so more people who are over a size 16 will be able to get the benefits of yoga. Jessica London and other plus-size brands are beginning to offer sporty chic collections that include plus size clothing that can be worn for activities like yoga so the trend is starting to catch on! Click here to read the full article on Buddha Body Yoga.

Plus Size Fashion: Living on the Wedge!

2011-05-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

It seems the ‘drille this summer is that espadrille and wedge sandals aren’t going anywhere. It’s amazing that this shoes and accessory style comes around every year and every year we love it even more. And what’s not to love? It’s a sandal, it’s a heel, it can be dressy, it can be casual. It gives your style instant lift yet it’s comfortable and stable and easy to walk in. A few fun facts about the wedge:

Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo created the wedge heel in 1935 with cork and wood because of a leather and rubber shortage. The cork sole was more popular because it was lightweight, sturdy and durable.

The Disco Goldfish Shoe became popular in the 70’s where the actual wedge heel was made out of clear acrylic and could house a mini goldfish tank. This was soon discontinued based on the questionable humanity of putting a goldfish inside a shoe heel.

From the 90’s on wedge heels have been put on sneakers and flip flops, been offered in metallics, leather and animal prints and are even valued for their health benefits. Wedge heels offer more arch support and reduce pressure on the ankles. Jessica London offers a variety of these including the traditional rope-heel wedge that’s based on the original espadrille shoe.

Are You Getting Sleepy…? The Sleepwear Search is Over

2011-05-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

For some of us, when looking for plus size clothes that fit and flatter us plus size sleepwear and robes can be just as important as a dress. It’s one thing to be comfortable and it’s another to still feel pretty or even sexy in our sleepwear. Why should we have to wear old t-shirts and sweatpants to sleep in? The sleepwear market is very overlooked in plus sizes and it can be frustrating to be stuck with no options. The manufacturers of smaller sizes must think it’s ok for a woman who wears over a size 12 to wear any old thing in bed. Luckily, we’ve been able to identify a whole bunch of sleepwear and plus size lingerie to fit sizes M to 6X. Now with the weather changing it might be time to pack away those old flannel PJ’s and check out something lighter like a cool satin sleepshirt or a lacy babydoll depending on your plans for the evening.

7 Hot Deals from Jessica London, The Plus Size Clothing Scoop!

2011-05-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Guess who got mentioned in a great plus size fashion blog? Jessica London! We love it when other curvy women include us in the plus size fashion discussion and, of course, compliment us. Who doesn’t love a little flattery and promotion? We won’t give it all away but Pasazz plus size clothing blog featured our looks as hot deals for plus size fashion! All of the 7 items featured are on sale for spring right now and…with the additional discount offers you can receive through our emails and on our home page, you can get a whole new look from jackets and blazers to shrugs to a maxi dress for as low as $14.99. Click here to check out the blog feature.

Get in The Swim, Plus Size Swimsuits Are Here!

2011-05-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Some of us dread it but it’s a necessary rite of summer: finding a swimsuit we can live with. Whether we love to swim, surf or just lounge by the pool, eventually we’ll need to look and feel great in a swimsuit. Luckily, there are a lot of full figured swimwear options out there and with the latest fabric innovations as well as solutions like underwire and tummy control, we can all look great in our plus size bathing suits! Women’s plus size swimwear in exciting colors and styles used to be hard to find because there was not a lot of variety in plus size swimsuits, swimdresses or bathing suits in plus sizes for women. Hopefully, this season, the Jessica London swim collection has enough to offer every woman. We also made it easier for you to shop by creating body shape guides. We aren’t scientists so we haven’t created a complex formula of body shape equations…we just looked at the suits, saw their benefits and as plus size women ourselves, were able to determine what would be best suited to which body type. So if you check out the shapes as a guide, you’ll be sure to find a plus size swimsuit perfect for your figure. A few tips:

- Go for styles with shirring and draping around the waist for a slimming effect.
- Halter styles with adjustable tie straps can be very supportive for large busts.
- Opt for a swimsuit that comes with a tummy control panel to slim and shape.
- Powernet linings ensure that you have a smooth appearance in your swimsuit.
- A skirtini or tankini may be the way to go if you prefer more coverage in the hips and thighs.
- Finally, your best bet may be to mix and match swim separates. That way you can choose different size tops and bottoms since no two women are shaped the same.

Happy shopping! Don’t get discouraged, there is a swimsuit out there for you. Start checking out your options in our Jessica London plus size swimwear department.

Royal Wedding Fashion Style To Suit Any Woman

2011-04-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Fashions at the royal wedding were traditionally dressy and some had flair but aside from designer prices, any of them could have been pulled off by a plus size woman. Kate’s dress, as predicted, was designed by Sarah Burton, the creative director for Alexander McQueen. It was classic and understated with a plunging neckline and allover lace sleeves. Queen Elizabeth was charming in a lovely lemon colored dress and matching hat. Carole Middleton, Kate’s mother, wore a sky blue crepe duster over a blue silk shantung dress. Simple knee-length dresses and suits in pastels and blues were the most prevalent. Shoes and accessories were also understated, although you couldn’t say the same for the famous hats and fascinators. This was perfect timing for an event of this proportion, right on time to welcome spring and all the colors that come with it. When looking over all of the outfits we couldn’t help notice that none of them was so remarkable that a “commoner” couldn’t get the same look with a traditional plus size skirt suit and wear it to church or to a garden party here in the US. Even the Queen’s pretty yellow ensemble was not out of reach for us non-royals – a nice reminder that fashion is for everyone, except maybe the Cartier diamond tiara Kate wore. It was made in 1936 and was purchased by The Duke of York (King George VI) for his Duchess (The Queen Mother) three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King. Queen Elizabeth received the tiara from her mother on her 18th birthday. That, you may not be able to find in a catalog!

Plus Size Trend Report: Spring Colorblocking

2011-04-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

Color-blocking literally means mixing large panels and “swaths” of color with solid black or contrasting colors to create bold patterns. Also, colorblocking has always been used in plus size clothing to create the illusion of a more hourglass silhouette. It’s no secret that black colorblocking on either side of say, plus size dresses or plus-size swimwear, will make your figure instantly look perfectly proportioned and slimmer. Another colorblocking trick for dressing is to wear all black either on the top or bottom, depending on which half you would rather minimize to balance out your overall figure. The most fundamental example of this is the look of black leggings under bright colored tunics to slim your look below the waist. Wide dark waistbands have also been seen a lot lately as a color-blocking method in plus size dressing to visually slim waistlines and conceal around the middle.

Mum’s the Word! What to Give & Get on Mother’s Day

2011-04-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Mother’s Day is May 8th. Is there anything special on your list of gives and gets?

May is a time for celebrating spring and moms all over the world. Whether you are a mom, have a mom, know a mom or have a special woman in your life who you want to thank for her loving care, now is the time. For moms out there with dads who have to find a gift send him a little hint, the great thing about online shopping is that you can always forward a sale email to him to nudge him in the right direction. Beautiful jewelry and the designer fragrances you (and he) might love are easy to purchase online and maybe even send the hint to get a new handbag. For the mom in your life, you know her best but be sure to start shopping now! Here are some Mother’s Day “don’ts” based on a Consumer Guide report:

-No small appliances
-No lawn care products
-No fitness equipment
-No cleaning equipment

Even if she asked for a coffee maker or a new vacuum on other occasions, Mother’s Day is NOT the day to give her these kinds of gifts. Mother’s Day is pure appreciation day and the more sentimental the better. Consider a picture frame, a locket, a day at the spa…anything that is unique and purely for her pleasure only. If you have no budget, then get creative with a hand-made gift certificate offering her something like breakfast in bed or a day of you running her errands.

What’s a Fascinator? Will You Wear One For Easter?

2011-04-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

For women in the U.S., Easter dressing is a time to “fascinate” and dress up in colorful fancy dresses and suits for church and all the matching shoes and accessories. The prominent style statement of Easter dressing is the Easter hat that matches our church suit. Easter hats can be incredibly elaborate and not at all like an Easter bonnet, but fascinators are more of a British tradition when it comes to dressing up. According to Wikipedia, “a fascinator may be worn instead of a hat to occasions where hats were traditionally worn—such as weddings—or as an evening accessory, when it may be called a cocktail hat.” Maybe we should all get one to wear with our plus size cocktail dress at the next party! Fascinators are pretty silly looking if not worn right and most-likely not every woman could pull one off. They are usually made of dramatic feathers and big flower displays mixed with lace and beading and they attach to your hair by a headband, comb or a clip. Maybe we plus size women should stick to traditional Easter hats that match our church suits and dresses, what do you think?

Plus Size Zodiac Style: The Fierce & Sweet Taurus

2011-04-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re a Taurus yourself or you need a gift for one here are the top personality traits of a Taurus and what works for her style. Born April 20th to May 20th, the Taurus is a loyal friend and partner who is stable, reliable and like the bull, stubborn. Once a Taurus is set on an idea or a way of life, she is often immovable and nothing will change her mind. The Taurus woman likes a good life and nice things but is careful with money and makes sure she gets these things through sales and careful savings. Celebrities who share the Taurus traits include Barbara Streisand, Janet Jackson and Cher to name a few. You will never, ever be able to steer a Taurus in a direction they do not want to go, and why should you? The Taurus makes good decisions and has a great sense of style so there’s no need to try to rein this bull in. Sweet and fierce is a good way of describing the Taurus woman and her style. She may like babydoll plus size dresses and cute pink tops and tees but she always revs it up with edgy pieces like distressed denim, modern leather and sexy pumps or racy lace-up boots. She’s also thrifty so hunting down an incredible deal will make her day. If you’re looking for a gift for a Taurus she will love you for a gift certificate or e-gift card. She will love the thrill of the money to spend in her hand, all the shopping possibilities and most importantly, being the one in charge to make all the decisions about her gift.

French Women Don’t Get Fat Debunking the Myth

2011-04-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

For years American women who struggle with their weight have been reading about European diets and women in other countries who supposedly eat everything they want and never gain an ounce. Books like French Women Don’t Get Fat and Japanese Women Don’t Get Old or Fat make it seem like American women are the only women in the world who wear plus size clothing but the truth is, plus size women exist all over the world regardless of their culture or diet. And now you can see the fashion world waking up to this fact with more and more women’s clothing brands outside of the US designing plus size clothing. Take Sweden for example, Swedish plus size fashion brand Ellos has some of the cutest, most up-to-date European styles around, all in plus sizes. Ulla Popken, a German company offers high-quality plus size clothing all the way from Switzerland to Puerto Rico. And that myth that French women don’t get “fat”? Well, there are plenty of curvy women in France. Just check out the French brands Taillissime and La Redoute if you want to see French fashion for curvy women. They have everything from plus size pants and skirts to plus size jackets and blazers, plus size dresses and even sexy plus size lingerie. One thing we do know about French women is that they know their fashion, so you can count on these collections to give your style European sophistication and flair.

Thoughts on Plus Size Fashion To Crop or Not to Crop…

2011-04-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Cropped trousers and tailored “shorts” are becoming a big trend this spring and now girls are wearing shorts with tights and high-heeled pumps as a fashion statement. Can the curvy girl pull it off? First of all, we wouldn’t lie to you. If you have very thick thighs you should skip this trend. Not the plus size capri trend or plus size boyfriend jeans trend, we don’t mean that, but the trouser short trend work for women with longer legs and slightly smaller thighs. By the way, girls with toothpick thighs can’t carry this trend off either so it probably isn’t here to stay since not a lot of people can wear it. As an alternative to the shorts trend, any plus size woman can wear a capri pant and look good. One hint: don’t overlap a cropped pant with a long tunic. It will make you look short and wide when you don’t have to. Better to wear a layered cardigan twinset or a long duster style cardigan over a tee for great coverage without creating an out of proportion shape. Keep your capri or cropped pant look casual with sandals or wedges. Pumps will work if you also add a tailored blazer or you’re wearing a capri pant suit.

Plus Size Fashion Tips: What to Wear to a Bat Mitzvah

2011-04-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

Usually a Bat Mitzvah dress is nothing more than a party dress or a cocktail dress, maybe like a plus size prom dress since it is a party. It should be a versatile plus size dress so the celebrant can wear it to the ceremony and then modify it for a less formal luncheon or Bat Mitzvah party. It should of course be appropriate and tasteful since the Bat Mitzvah girl is celebrating becoming a mature and responsible woman. There are a lot of dress options for 12-year old girls out there, but what do you wear to the ceremony? To begin with, you should not wear a special occasion dress or evening gown. Go with what you would wear to a bridal shower or to a wedding-not too bright, but not too formal either. Dresses should be knee length and if you are going from the ceremony to the party, you should wear a jacket or blazer so your shoulders are covered at the synagogue and then your can take your jacket off during the dancing and festivities later. Always dress with appropriate respect for the ceremony itself. If you have never been to Synagogue before, don't worry; just wear what you would wear to church. No special garb is required that you cannot borrow at the synagogue, namely a kippot (or other head covering) and a tallit or prayer shawl, required for men only by some synagogues. If you are throwing a Bat Mitzvah remember to instruct guests in the invitations if you have special dress requirements and if you are a guest, consult the invitation, which should have dress instructions.

Plus Size Zodiac Style: Aries, The Fashion Personality

2011-04-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Aries are known for their independence and enjoy getting their way so getting them the perfect gift might not always be easy. Aries women love to be ahead of the fashion curve on everything from a hot new leather jacket to the must-have pump of the season so if you have to get your favorite Aries woman a gift, go with something so hot and so new that everyone is just dying to have it. If you are an Aries then you already know who you are. Fashion leaders, impulsive, impatient, the Aries will always have a unique and dynamic style. Celebrities who are Aries include Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Sarah Jessica Parker and Fergie to name a few women who know a little something about style and star quality. Sexy and dramatic dresses, sequins, gold and the latest color trends are all style traits of the ever adorable, always adventurous Aries.

Thoughts on Plus Size Fashion

2011-04-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

Rites of Spring: What to Wear?

Spring occasions are on their way and for many of us this means church and Easter. There is an old springtime tradition of wearing colorful new dresses and suits, matching shoes, bags and hats for Easter Sunday. While Jessica London does not offer the full attire necessary to truly make a “church lady” outfit, there are a few ways to get into the spirit of the festivities without the head-to-toe matching outfit. The capri suit is a nice warmer-weather version of the traditional pant suit and it looks feminine and light when worn with high-heeled sandals. A tailored skirt suit in a fresh color can also be a perfect look not just for Sunday services but for Sunday brunch as well. If suits are really not your thing but you must have that one dressy outfit that you can feel confident in, a sheath dress with a blazer is the ultimate style solution for any woman. A classic fabric for spring and summer is linen and some of the nicest blazer/dress combinations come in linen. Shrug cardigans are also a great alternative to the blazer. Depending on what services you are attending or what occasions are part of your plans, a shrug sweater might be an OK layer over your dress. If not, there are so many jackets and blazer shapes from double breasted to colorless to cropped that you’ll be sure to find one that’s right for you and your rites of spring.

Plus Size Fashion Spring- Into-Summer Shoe Report

2011-04-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

It may be a little cold right now in the North East but all around the world of fashion, sandals are on the rise! The espadrille wedge of course is always a must for spring-into-summer style because it’s a sandal standard and also it’s a great way to wear a heel and still get the stability and comfort you need. Also a great look for wide width shoe sizes. The gladiator sandal was way in last year in metallics but it’s back again in a more “haute hippie” style in neutral tones with lots of straps. One style making a comeback is the basket weave. Basket weave ballet flats and woven sandals are taking over what was the cage style of last season. Also, round toes are slowly but surely giving way to slightly pointier styles. It will be interesting to see how pointy shoes go in the next few seasons…could that trend be back? Nude hues and paler shades in slingbacks & pumps and strappy sandals are also hot for summer. You may not be ready to give up your rain boots just yet, but there’s a lot of fancy footwork out there to look forward to.

Fashion Tips For the Plus Size Woman: Leggings, Jeggings? Or Skip it?

2011-03-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Weren’t leggings something from the 80’s nobody wore anymore? Or something associated with the dreaded sweatshirt over leggings cop-out that is definitely not a style statement? Whatever you might think of leggings, they aren’t going anywhere and who knew that the term “jegging” would finally catch on, but it has. Jeggings: a pair of stretch pants shaped like leggings with the look of jeans. So this trend is still around and no longer just under long sweaters and tunics. Some women are wearing leggings like they are pants. That’s a fashion DON’T for this trend. It doesn’t matter how fine you think your booty is, please don’t wear leggings with tops that don’t cover the hips. Leggings and jeggings are tight and they will never be flattering front or back as a regular fashion statement. To choose the right legging or jegging, make sure that you:

1. Always have a stylish and matching tunic in mind to wear over the leggings. You can always belt the top for a more feminine shape or, wear a sheer-ish top over leggings and a tank top. As long as you have some coverage you’re good.

2. Choose fabrics that are sturdy with stretch but also bounce back. Leggings used to gap at the knees when they got worn out but thankfully, they’ve made improvements since the 80’s! Just make sure you see a high content of cotton and spandex.

3. Look for the right waistband. A contoured elastic waistband will smooth at the waist and tummy rather than cut into you and create muffin top or flip over and create a bulge.

4. Lastly, leggings are like a backdrop to the rest of your outfit. They should not be the focal point. Those graphic-print, bright floral leggings are never a good idea. Choose a beautiful blouse or a chic tunic with the right boots or pumps to be your style statement.

Viva La Revolution! Plus Size Women Take Over Las Vegas

2011-03-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

This February, a revolution took place in Las Vegas and our own Jessica London fashion expert, Alicia was there to take part in it. The Curvy Revolution™ is the premier convention for plus size fashion hosted by leading plus size organizations in the United States created to celebrate, inform, and inspire plus size women. The annual convention which brings together plus size women of all different backgrounds, classes, and ethnicities took place at Planet Hollywood and included keynote speakers in the fashion industry, a runway competition, a vendor expo, workshops and panel discussions on what plus size means in the business of fashion and to plus size consumers. Highlights included the "Miss Curve Competition" for all of the convention attendees, plus industry professionals and VIP's. Curvy and confident contestants strutted down the runway and Madeline Figueroa Jones, editor of PLUS Model Magazine, was there to judge the competition. There was also a lot of shopping, mingling, and networking with all of the businesses that represent plus size women from clothing designers to model agencies. We'll be keeping tabs on what's up next for The Curvy Revolution as plus size women and plus size clothing in the plus size fashion industry are finally overthrowing the reign of the size 2's.

Fashion Designer Karl Lagerfeld and Rachel Bilson Scream for Ice Cream

2011-03-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

(Relaxnews) - Ice cream maker Magnum has teamed up with fashion high priest Karl Lagerfeld and starlet Rachel Bilson to launch its premium brand in the US.
A series of leaked paparazzi photos show what promises to be a glitzy, glamorous ad campaign featuring The O.C. star and fashion trendsetter Rachel Bilson in three short films. Directed by Lagerfeld, who is the creative director for Chanel and Fendi, Bilson incarnates three different characters -- all brooding, temperamental artists -- who can only be appeased by indulging in Magnum ice cream bars.
While a leading ice cream brand in Europe, Magnum is relatively unknown in the American market. When it hits freezer aisles in April, the frozen dessert bar will be making an aggressive play at market share currently dominated by Dove ice cream bars and Haagen-Dazs.
The three, 90-second spots will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival April 21 in New York City. The first trailer will be released April 19 on Magnum's Facebook page.
In the first vignette, "Photo Mood," Bilson plays a famous, irritable model who seeks pleasure in a Magnum ice cream bar.
In "Applause," Bilson channels Black Swan and plays a prima ballerina who escapes from the throngs of adoring fans and the clutches of her amorous boyfriend by seeking refuge in an ice cream bar. Leaked photos from the Paris film set show Bilson crowned with a sparkling tiara, her brown locks pulled back in a tight bun.
In "Art Class," the premium ice cream brand serves as Bilson's muse. As an obsessive art student, she creates a masterpiece as she indulges in her cravings.
The short films also feature Lagerfeld's personal muse, male model Baptiste Giabiconi, who plays Bilson's spurned lover and photographer.
Succumbing to life's little pleasures is central to the ad campaign as well as Bilson's MO, she said.
"My character believes that a day without pleasure is a day lost," she said in a statement. "... (that's) my personal philosophy, too."
Using high profile celebrity endorsements and short film montages to sell its ice cream is a favorite marketing strategy for the Unilever brand. In 2008, Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria was cast in a series of sexy, glamorous ads to endorse the brand. Benicio Del Toro of Traffic and Snatch fame, also peddled the brand's Magnum Gold series.
Magnum ice cream bars will be available in the US in Magnum Classic (vanilla bean, dipped in Belgian chocolate), Magnum Almond (with almonds), Magnum Double Caramel (with caramel sauce), Magnum White (vanilla ice cream dipped in white chocolate) and Magnum Dark (vanilla ice cream dipped in 60 percent dark chocolate).
Magnum is also present in Turkey and Indonesia and is sold under the name Streets Magnum in Australia and New Zealand.
The ice cream bars will be available nationwide in mid-April at retailers like Walmart, Target, Safeway, Kroger, for between $2.59 to $3.99.

Fashion Tips For The Plus Size Woman: Jackets Required!

2011-03-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year when the weather in unpredictable and a girl can get caught out in the cold (or the heat) unprepared. The best way to get around the transitioning weather is to layer on spring jackets and blazers. Start with the must-have casual jacket: the denim jacket. In fact, hang on to it all through the summer and you can’t go wrong with denim. Especially when jean jackets for plus size women are so easy to find and in so many colors. A dark denim jean jacket can be fine for casual Fridays in most places as well as going out after work for drinks, and then a bright orange or cobalt blue jacket can really brighten up your weekend style. Also, the tweed blazer is a must for spring. The spring tweed jackets are always great over jeans for lunch with friends or for a bright sunny day at the office when you want to feel dressed for the new weather. Tweed, however, doesn’t carry over into hot summer days as well as the jean jacket does but that’s ok because it’s so timeless that you can wear it for many springs and just update it each time with fresh accessories.

Royal Wedding Countdown! Get A Little of Kate Middleton's Style

2011-03-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

The date has been set! On Friday April 29th, 2011 At Westminster Abbey, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be wed. For a while it seemed that the fashion police were honing in on Kate’s style and a few features were done on her clothes but nothing so focused as when Diana first came on the scene. One dress, however, has made some headlines lately mainly because it was so sheer that it looked like she was walking down the runway in her underwear. That was when she was younger and modeling at a charity event. These days her style is pretty buttoned up and sophisticated yet laid back at the same time with little hints of luxury here and there. It’s just been announced that her wedding dress is going to be designed by Alexander McQueen creative director, Sarah Burton and will probably cost over $30,000 (!). You may not be in the market for a wedding dress, especially one of that price, but you can certainly find some of her style with tailored jackets and polished trenchcoats, smooth pencil skirts, feminine wrap dresses and cool boots in the Jessica London collections.

A Top Can Change Everything…

2011-03-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

Bottoms are the foundation for sure. We have to have the black pants, the long skirt, the skirt for work, the leggings and jeans for play, but the true fashion statement is what you top it all off with. Many plus size women go for the tunic over leggings look when they want comfort, but now with so many plus size fashion options out there as well as plus size shirts and blouses, tees and tanks, we are no longer relegated to the tunic alone. The tee has come a long way. For example, it now boasts elbow-length sleeves and kimono-style sleeves for those who prefer a little arm coverage but still want to dress light in the hotter weather. Tees are also not so basic anymore so they really can be a style statement that’s still comfortable. Embroidery, appliqués, lace, crochet and prints make a top distinctive enough to wear for almost any occasion. Sweaters, also considered a top, are now ok for warmer weather in new open shapes and knits. The shrug in particular is something to invest in. It’s got longer elbow-length sleeves and the cropped shape dresses up any look in doors or out. It also provides warmth and coverage without looking like you’re overdressed. To stock up on style-making tops as well as must-have cardigans and shrugs, check out the BOGO event happening at jessicalondon.com today!

Do You E-Bay?

2011-03-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

Cushions, cupcake stands and garden furniture - this week's hot E-Bay products.

In Germany consumers were looking ahead to summer with "gartenhaus" (garden house/summer house) and "gardenmobil" (garden furniture) the two most popular search terms on ebay.de.
E-Bay users in France were also looking ahead to warmer weather and thinking about home renovations with "tronconneuse thermique" (chainsaw with a special, less-polluting motor), the top search term on ebay.fr.
Canadians it seems, are interested in baking and were keen to find cupcake stands, while Australians were looking for furniture, and E-Bay users in the United Kingdom were searching for high street clothing brand Next.
Clothing was also popular in the United States where E-Bay users were looking for women's clothing brand Anthropologie.
According to E-Bay monitoring and data analysis company Terapeak,* the most searched for items under the category of Home and Garden over the seven days prior to March 11 were:
Australia (ebay.com.au) furniture cushions, Canada (ebay.ca) cupcake stands and hammocks, France (ebay.fr) "tronconneuse thermique" (chainsaw) and "tapis" (carpet), US (ebay.com) Anthropologie (women's clothing brand) and furniture, Germany (ebay.de) "gartenmöbel" (garden furniture) and "gartenhaus" (garden house), United Kingdom (ebay.co.uk) Next and Laura Ashley.
*Terapeak is an eBay research tool that helps customers price, list and sell items using eBay data. Article courtesy of Relaxnews.

Stormy Weather? Look Divine Rain or Shine!

2011-03-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Let the sun shine in on your style…

Rain is hitting us everywhere and it doesn’t seem to be letting up but don’t despair! That just means you can brave the weather in style. Rain boots, especially those “wellie” styles are so hip these days that girls are wearing them even in a tiny drizzle. Look for those in wide width sizes in our cold weather boot department. And, of course, the trenchcoat is always a great investment in style and general practicality. The trend for this season is the short to mid-calf belted trenchcoat in traditional khaki or black. Not getting rained on where you are and would rather make a splash yourself? Then browse the new plus size swimwear collections that are also out for the season. You can find ones with tummy control, bust support and hip coverage especially designed for the plus size woman.

Fashion Tips For the Plus Size Woman: Embrace The Lace!

2011-03-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

We’ve already dispelled the myth that plus size women can’t wear color or prints, ruffles or lace, so here are a few ladylike lacy trends popping up for plus size clothing this season.
Lace on tees: especially along the neckline, and also crochet and lace details on the sleeves.
Lace on skirts! Yep, this trend is coming more for the fall but it’s around. Look for allover lace skirts, usually in pencil shapes.
Lace dresses: these can be tricky so you need a very good lining built in for a smooth fit or you need to invest in great shapewear if there is openwork in the crochet or lace, but this is definitely a plus size dress trend!
Lace patterns are even popping up on leggings and pumps with a nod to the 80’s trend of lace in the hair or on your ankle socks if anyone remembers that. This fall, you’re going to see lace mixed in with tailored suiting and more structured pieces plus leather, so embrace the lace!

The Plus Side Of Plus Fashion

2011-03-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

What’s that word all about…?

Women have been debating lately if “plus” is a word they want to be associated with their size. Some people say they like it and want to take ownership of it, others think it sounds like they have a condition or need to be put in another part of the classroom. We’ve been using it for a while as a positive word that means you’ve got “more” than most women. More style, more curves, as in the expression “on the Plus Side”. Plus size modeling on the other hand can get tricky since now it sounds like models don’t want to be labeled “plus size” yet those models who are generally termed “plus size” are only size 8 or 10! The whole thing can get pretty confusing. “Real-size” is perhaps a better way of expressing just what Jessica London clothing is all about. A “real-size” woman who has curves and is comfortable in her body is really the best way to be. Read more about the plus size model debate and thoughts on plus sizes in Plus Model Magazine.

Plus Size Fashion for Sweet and Sexy Dreams

2011-03-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

There is a general misconception that sleepwear and robes are frumpy and unflattering but we know that a plus size woman who is over size 16 can look sexy in her PJs! By the way, what’s a peignoir? We looked it up and a peignoir is a loose negligee or dressing gown. It is said to come from the French word for combing your hair, “peigner “. The image it evokes is a women dressed only in a robe or nightgown brushing her hair, which actually makes sense. A brand called Amoureuse® makes gorgeous peignoir sets for plus size women if you’re interested. They also make sexy satin sleepshirts and pajamas. If you want something cozy and maybe not so fancy, Dreams and Co® makes French terry robes and cotton sleep tees. They even offer free matching slippers with their short terry robe. All of these come in plus sizes M to 5X. Check them all out in the intimates collection at jessicalondon.com.

Top 5 Dress Trends at the 2011 Oscars

2011-02-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

All kinds of dresses walked down the red carpet last night. Some were desirous and some were disastrous but the top 5 trends that stood out the most were mainly about color and silhouette.

1: Red, red red!
Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang, Anne Hathaway in Valentino and Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein.

2: Classic Black & White.
Reece Witherspoon in Giorgio Armani, Virginia Madsen in Romona Keveza.

3: Pale Tones with Glitter & Texture.
Mila Kunis in a lavender and lace Elie Saab dress, Hailee Steinfeld in a pale blush Marchesa dress she helped design herself and Halle Berry in a nude Marchesa gown with tule.

4: A Simple Tank Dress –Who Knew?
Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein.

5: Smoky Hues and Juicy Jewel Tones
Natalie Portman in a deep plum silk chiffon Rodarte, Amy Adams in a rich sapphire L'Wren Scott and Helen Mirren in smoky grey Vivienne Westwood.

While we may not have every single trend that the celebrities wore last night you can always find a special occasion dress to make you look gorgeous and red carpet ready at jessicalondon.com.

Romance Your Spring, Style With Ruffles

2011-02-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

The official word is out on some of spring’s recurring themes, one of them being romantic ruffles in dresses and suits. We’ve probably all tried to wear ruffles at one time or another and maybe sometimes weren’t so successful, but spring’s latest reinvention of this traditionally feminine theme makes ruffles work for everyone. Our new maxi dress with cascading ruffle is a great example of how to wear a ruffle that elongates and flatters without adding any extra “fluff”. Also, Our new crinkled chiffon dress has a ruffle detail that creates a pretty shape at the neckline and sleeves but doesn’t overwhelm the overall hourglass silhouette of the dress. Very subtle ruffles on jacket collars also showed up in a lot of the spring trend reports. Just a touch of soft shape to create a very distinctive look at the collar changes a boring suit into a modern fashion statement. Check out our ruffled capri suit and more ruffles for spring at jessicalondon.com.

Women’s Best Kept Secrets: What’s Underneath it All

2011-02-24T06:46:00.000-08:00

Women know their bodies and know what’s going to look good on them- that’s secret number 1. Beyond that, sometimes we all need a little help and who has to know about it? Especially when we now have shapewear that’s designed to look like regular lingerie and not like a girdle! Nobody will ever know you’re getting a little help underneath it all in the latest plus size shapewear. For those jersey dresses with a little too much cling, try a seamless shaping slip. Some even come with underwire for bust support. A tight A-line skirt? Try a long leg shaper if you want the full thigh and hip control that will slim you all the way from the knees up through the waist. Also, bras can really make or break an outfit depending on the fit. There’s a statistic that says at least 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra so to get a perfect-fitting bra, check your measurements by following these three easy steps from Jessica London: Step 1: Using a soft tape-measure, measure around your chest, just under the arms above the bust. If your measurement is an odd number, go up or down to the nearest even size - depending on whether you want a tighter or looser fit. This is also your Band Size. Step 2: Measure around the fullest Part of your Bust. Step 3: Find your cup size by taking the difference between your chest and bust measurements.

Just Ask Maddy! A candid conversation with The Editor of Plus Model Magazine

2011-02-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Jessica London sat down with this famous lady of plus size fashion to get her take on being plus size, plus size fashion and her picks of the latest trends coming this spring!

Just Ask Maddy! A candid conversation with
The Editor of Plus Model Magazine Madeline Figueroa Jones

Jessica London sat down with this famous lady of plus size fashion to get her take on being plus size, plus size fashion and her picks of the latest trends coming this spring!

Q:
What was the hardest thing about being a plus size model?

A:
Being able to take rejection and constructive criticism to make me a better model. Also, maintaining weight.

Q:
What do you think of models with fluctuating weight?

A:
In the past the Wilhelmina 10/20 changed the face of models by requesting larger women. Now the trend seems to be that you are a super plus size model when you are validated by the straight size market. In the past they were validated by the plus size industry and that was sufficient. The models in the past were fuller in the thighs and hips. Plus models were used to validate the plus customer and not to be a model icon. Models like Natalie Laughlin, the plus size customer gave her validation and not the straight size market. We are looking outside for the popularity and not within.

Q:
Is there an emotional difference between women who were plus size all their lives and women who have become plus size over time?

A:
Women who have been plus size all their lives are more comfortable with their own skin than those who gained weight over time – they are still looking to lose the weight. So they buy "goal outfits " that take up the closet, still waiting to lose weight so that they can be happy. They are missing out on looking and feeling great. A woman is more than her weight, a woman is more than her size. So why are you waiting to dress and look your best? It is not the end of your social experience.

Q:
What are the behind the scenes stuff we do not know?

A:
Plus size women work out and that the models are a brand or topic. Models have to be careful on what they write on social media and the image that is portrayed 24/7.

Q:
What is the catalyst of the plus size boom in the past couple of years?

A:
In supporting plus size women and businesses like Gwen DeVoe, we have given plus size women a voice. People like Mia Amber speaking to women about health, self-acceptance and good images and being a living example. Fluvia Lacerda (Brazil), Jennene Biggins with her companies, Michelle Weston. There is a long way to go ABOSULETLY! 2011 is going to be really huge for fashion and the plus size industry

Q:
What is your pick-me-up when feeling down?

A:
Looking good, makeup and nice clothes. Having positive people around you. There are friends who say "that you could not possibly feel good about your size and be happy, because if I am a size __, then you could not be happy!” I have a healthy marriage, a beautiful daughter, social life, I travel, swim, roller skate… what am I missing from my life because I am fat? Feel bad for me if I am missing an arm or leg but I am not. I am living a full life at my size! My size is not stopping me from enjoying my life and if it did I would take action to correct that. All of this builds a good image.

Q. Did you plan for the staff of Plus Model Magazine to be plus women who are professional?

A:
We wanted to empower plus size women and give them a voice. Valerie and I started on passion and asked these women who are writing and working in the industry. It has been a blessing to have an exceptional and passionate staff. All of us together put this magazine out every month. I am blessed 20 times over.

Q:
5 words to describe your sense of fashion.

A:
Practical, comfortable, sexy, fun, and eclectic.

Stay tuned for more from Maddy including her top picks of our Spring 2011 Collection!

Spring New Arrivals, Way to Layer!

2011-02-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

The art of layering is something that all women should learn how to do. There’s bulky sweater layering that is never flattering, and then there’s “textured” layering that you can affect with a tweed blazer or a long knit duster. Also layering colors can create a unique look that will refresh any basic tops and tees from the wardrobe you already have. Starting to dress for spring is all about mixing colors, finding new patterns and playing with different proportions to slowly transition out of heavier, winter outfits as the temps heat up. Start with a new tunic or a chambray shirt to play around with your own spring look and by the time it’s sunny and warm out, you’ll be all set for the new season!

NY Fashion Week, What’s Trending Now…

2011-02-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

What’s Trending Now…

To be honest, New York Fashion week is mainly about Fall 2011 when it comes to the high-end designers with their size zero clothes, but we here at Jessica London are more realistic about fashion and what to wear now- as in now and into spring. Here are three trends for spring 2011 that are wearable, practical, and also fashion-forward so any woman no matter what her size or taste can be stylish.

American Dream

A love of tried-and-true fashion classics brings us back to red, white, blue and black with a nod to nautical stripes on tees, the navy blazer, denim & "see" worthy wide legs.

Bright Future

Not exactly neon but definitely bold and cheery brights. Mixed florals, sunny yellows, oranges and pinks are turning up the volume on spring style this season.

Sheer Genius

Delicate fabrications like georgette and mesh mix with soft lace and crochet details to turn ordinary styles in to extraordinary style statements.

He’ll Love You for It! A Romantic Recipe Any of Us Can Make

2011-02-11T06:55:00.000-08:00

Brownie Baked Alaska

Ingredients:
Your favorite brownie mix
1 1/2 pints pistachio ice cream
1 1/2 pints cherry ice cream or berry sorbet
Vegetable-oil cooking spray

4 large egg whites, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
2 pinches cream of tartar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions
1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2) Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
3) Mix up your brownie mix.
4) Pour batter into prepared cake pan. Bake until cake is set, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on a wire rack.
5) Spray a 5-cup-capacity metal bowl with cooking spray; line with plastic. Pack base of bowl with pistachio ice cream; layer cherry ice cream over pistachio, then finish with another layer of pistachio ice cream (or layer ice creams and sorbets as you desire).
6) Pack firmly, cover surface with plastic wrap, and place in freezer. Freeze until ice cream is very hard, at least 2 hours.

7)
Make Meringue:
Mix egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar until sugar is dissolved then whip until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 10 minutes). Add vanilla and mix until combined. Use meringue immediately.

8) Place cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Remove ice cream from the freezer, and invert bowl over cake. Keep the ice cream covered with plastic wrap, and return ice-cream and cake to the freezer.
9) Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
10) Spoon meringue over ice cream and swirl with a rubber spatula. If ice cream starts to soften, return cake to freezer for 15 minutes.
11) Place in oven, and bake until meringue just starts to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven, and serve immediately or return to Freezer immediately.

Ninety Percent of Americans Believe in True Love Says New Survey

2011-02-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

In the lead-up to Valentine's Day, the lifestyle magazine Glamour set out to discover what men and women in the United States thought about romance and finding love. The survey, conducted in conjunction with research company GfK Roper, polled 1000 men and women aged 18 and over throughout the United States and found that: 90 percent of respondents believe in true love -- this belief was held equally among respondents regardless of age, sex or marital status.  Nearly 12 percent of married couples met their significant other online. 75 percent of single adults believe that one to three days is a 'reasonable' amount of time to wait until contacting someone after obtaining their information.   19 percent of men say "I love you" during the first week of dating as opposed to 10 percent of women.
(Article for jessicalondon.com courtesy of relaxnews)
Does true love exist? What do you think?

Plus Size Fashion Footwear Report: Booties to Wear Now and Into Spring

2011-02-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

We may not be able to get away with sandals right now but at least we can start thinking about spring with chic booties! Sometimes called ankle boots or ankle booties and even “shooties” because some look more like career pumps than boots, these are the most fashion-forward footwear trend going on right now and there’s a style for every woman. A sexy platform bootie in black will transform a feminine outfit into a femme fatale outfit while a scrunched bootie can give your weekend style a relaxed chic look. Try a dressy ankle boot with jeggings and a boyfriend cardigan instead of sneakers and you’ll see the difference instantly. For work, the more polished shoe boots are perfect because they’re easier to walk in than slingbacks and pumps yet still look professional. Look for ones with buckle accents or Oxford-style lace details to express your individual style.

Fashion Tips For the Plus Size Woman: What’s an LBD?

2011-02-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

You’ve probably heard of the LBD but it may not be what you think! We all love our go-to little black dresses especially our plus size cocktail dresses and plus size special occasion dresses. If you don’t have one in your wardrobe already, you should definitely invest in at least one that is more of an evening dress and one that is more of a casual dress. Then, as spring approaches, you can start thinking about the new LBDs, the Little Bright Dresses! Instead of always reaching for a basic black dress, look into new brightly colored dresses that will express your fashion personality. The colors of spring are all about oranges, blush pinks, sunny yellows and light blues. From this color palette, any woman can choose the right spring dresses for her taste and be completely in style for the season.

Spring Leather Report: Our Plus Size Leather Interview

2011-02-02T12:26:00.000-08:00

Jessica London is on about.com talking about spring leather! Here are a few highlights:

Q: What is plus sizing like when working in leather? What alterations need to be made to pattern and fit?

A: Because Jessica London has been designing for plus size women for over ten years, we bring a level of expertise to our collections that cater to the curvier woman. We have fit experts and trend experts trained to ensure that every leather jacket and coat we offer is proportioned accordingly for our plus sizes. We don’t start with a trend meant for a smaller size and then alter it in an attempt to fit a plus size. We start with size 12 through 32. There are almost no other retailers that do this for plus sizes. Most are trying to take their old collections and reinvent them in plus sizes. We’ve always been plus size and so all cuts, patterns, shapes and proportions are correct from the beginning.

Q: Is there at least one style that's universally flattering for plus-size women?

A: Every leather coat and jacket we offer is designed to flatter the plus-size woman but if we had to choose just one, it would be the leather blazer. It has princess seaming and a longer silhouette that helps to balance the proportions of any body type. The leather blazer is roomy enough to wear over sweaters and blouses, but tailored and fully lined so it layers easily, is never bulky, and creates a smooth finish. To ready the whole article
click on:
http://plussize.about.com/od/plusdesignerinterviews/a/jessicalondonleatherjackets.htm

Jessica London Launches Spring 2011 Collection

2011-01-31T10:34:00.001-08:00

We’re in the news. A few highlights include:
The “What’s your sign?” swimsuit campaign of swim solutions for all body types. Plus size women can get their best-ever swimsuit fit by choosing the solution most suitable for their body type: bust support, tummy control or hip hider.

For Jessica London® Facebook fans, the brand will make shopping easier by posting an “item of the week” beginning late January! Plus, trend-setters can read fashion news live from New York City by accessing the “JL Buzz” page at jessicalondon.com.

“The Jessica London team has created excitement in the plus size industry with the launch of our Spring campaign and the rollout of an unbelievably gorgeous fashion collection,” said John Mallon, Vice President/General Brand Manager for Jessica London®. “Customers will also notice a change in our creative layout with many of our images shot on location in Miami versus a studio, as well as the addition of fresh new faces.”

Since 1997, Jessica London® has brought quality career, casual and special occasion fashion, plus classic, easy-to-wear separates, comfortable lingerie and shoes to women sizes 12 to 32, including petites and talls.

Click on the link below to read the whole press release:

http://www.prlog.org/11259374-jessica-london-launches-spring-2011-collection.html

Plus Size Fashion News: Plus Size Fashion Skyrockets

2011-01-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

Lately, news reports have been saying things like “plus size fashion is skyrocketing!”. What does that mean? Does that mean that prices are going up? Definitely not. Actually, what it means is that they are becoming more available to women as larger retailers start to expand on their lines above a size 12. While Jessica London has been on the forefront of fashion for women size 12 and up for a very long time, from plus size dresses to suits, coats in plus sizes and swimwear, real clothes for real women are finally becoming more readily available from other brands too. Studies show that the typical dress size within the United States is size 14 and sales of plus-size women’s fashion have increased by seven percent since last year. While we have heard that retailers such as H&M are coming out with a plus size collection, we’re still skeptical about how those clothes will be designed. From our experience H&M carries a size 14 that would fit a teenager but never a grown plus size woman. If their size 14 fits like that, then what are they going to do with a size 32? Guess we’ll have to wait and see. On a positive note, any time a big retailer acknowledges the plus size woman as a valuable customer, it’s a step in the right direction.

Winter Blues? Maybe it’s Just Your Lunch

2011-01-27T12:14:00.000-08:00

Eating foods high in trans-fats and saturated fats increases the risk of depression, according to a Spanish study published in the US Wednesday, confirming previous studies that linked "junk food" with the disease.
Researchers also showed that some products, such as olive oil, which is high in healthy omega-9 fatty acids, can fight against the risk of mental illness.
Authors of the wide-reaching study, from the universities of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, followed and analyzed the diet and lifestyle of over 12,000 volunteers over six years.
When the study began, none of the participants had been diagnosed with depression; by the end, 657 of them were new sufferers.
"Participants with an elevated consumption of trans-fats (fats present in artificial form in industrially-produced pastries and fast food...) presented up to a 48 percent increase in the risk of depression when they were compared to participants who did not consume these fats," the head study author said.
Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, associate professor of preventive medicine at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, also noted that in the event "more trans-fats were consumed, the greater the harmful effect they produced in the volunteers."
The research team found, at the same time, that after assessing the impact of polyunsaturated fats -- composed of larger amounts of fish and vegetable oils -- and olive oil, these products "are associated with a lower risk of suffering depression."
The report, published in the online journal PLOS ONE, noted the research was performed on a European population that enjoys a relatively low intake of trans-fats -- making up only 0.4 percent "of the total energy ingested by the volunteers."
"Despite this, we observed an increase in the risk of suffering depression of nearly 50 percent," said researcher Miguel Martinez.
"On this basis we derive the importance of taking this effect into account in countries like the US, where the percentage of energy derived from these fats is around 2.5 percent."
The report pointed out that the current number of depression sufferers in the world is around 150 million people, and has increased in recent years.
This rise is attributable, according to the authors, "to radical changes in the sources of fats consumed in Western diets, where we have substituted certain types of beneficial fats -- polyunsaturated and monounsaturated in nuts, vegetable oils and fish -- for the saturated and trans-fats found in meats, butter and other products such as mass-produced pastries and fast food."
Though not a focus of the study, researchers pointed out that deadly cardiovascular disease is "influenced in a similar manner by diet, and might share similar mechanisms in their origin."
(Article for jessicalondon.com courtesy of relaxnews)

Glow in Your Own Golden Globe Dress

2011-01-25T15:09:00.000-08:00

One color trend at the Golden Globes that was strong if not soft and feminine was Soft Neutrals. This subtle color story based on cosmetic pales, toned down gold, layered sheers, silk and ruffles, is not only timeless but stunning and stylish. Carrie Underwood and Scarlett Johansson were two of the celebrities floating down the red carpet in this trend. To capture this look yourself, take a look at the Bolero Gown exclusively by Jessica London.

Top 5 Plus Size Fashion Myths Who says a plus size woman can’t sizzle in a swimsuit? Read more in our blog...

2011-01-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

) There is no such thing as plus size fashion. The Red Carpet says different!

If anyone watched the Golden Globes this year, it’s pretty clear that striking women larger than a size 12 were the best dressed on the red carpet. This year, Amber Riley, Gabourey Sidibe and Christina Hendricks were just a few of the gorgeous celebrities flaunting their plus size fashion sense. So if the fashion police at the Golden Globes are calling the plus size women the best dressed, it’s pretty safe to say that plus size fashion is real and here to stay.

2) We can only wear black. Wrong!

It’s been said that big girls should avoid bright colors and loud prints but if worn right, these can be just as flattering as wearing black. As far as color goes, it’s your style and your prerogative to flaunt your favorite colors. Don’t let an old myth about hiding yourself under black wraps keep you from enjoying yourself and brightening your day with color. A few tips: stick to about 3 colors per outfit, use colors to colorblock strategically with darker shades on the sides or in the middle, and if wearing an allover print, make sure it is a small dot print or subtle floral print. Very loud large prints are not flattering on anyone.

3) We all wear MuMus. What’s that?

The definition of a MuMu is a long loose Hawaiian dress. Seriously? We plus size women are professional, prominent women with a lot of places to go and people to see. We have wear-to-work dresses like tailored sheath dresses and shirtdresses. For important business gatherings or for a night out we have cocktail dresses and even special occasion dresses for events and church. Maybe if we go on a much needed vacation to Hawaii we’ll look into that other type of dress but most likely we’ll be wearing something more fashionable like the must-have maxi dress for a beachy vacation.

4) The only jeans that fit us are “mom” jeans. Cool mom jeans maybe.

So what if we’re moms? That doesn’t mean our jeans have to be unflattering and old fashion. Now that more women are designing for women, the selection of great-fitting plus size jeans has changed enormously. The only problem can sometimes be the price! It seems like the jeans so superior in fit and promoted by celebrities are also pretty pricy. However, we can honestly say that the Jessica London high-definition jeans we call Real Woman Jeans will flatter and enhance your figure for a fraction of the price. They come in Bootcut and Straight Leg 5-pocket styles for sizes 12 to 28, Petites and Talls!

5) We can’t look hot in a swimsuit. More like sizzling!

Plus size swimsuits comes with so many innovations these days and bathing suits for women are finally being designed for every woman’s figure. One piece suits, swimdresses, tankinis and even bikinis now come with tummy-contol panels, underwire for bust support, smoothing linings and adjustable straps. Where once these kinds of bathing suits were considered frumpy and not at all sexy, now swimsuits for plus size women is current, trendy and very attractive.

Golden Globe Dresses, Best and Worst Dressed

2011-01-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

The best and worst of the Golden Globes plus some of the best-looking dress silhouettes are now all over the Internet. Ok, so… one of the worst dresses was worn by January Jones. In her defense it was Versace but it was just too much fringe and skin in all the wrong places. Definitely not a dress silhouette that would look good as a plus size dress. “Glee” star Amber Riley did, however, shine beautifully in a sequined one-shoulder gown by Oliver Tolentino and a glittery kimono-style printed dress worn by Gabourey Sidibe stole the show. The black evening dress was done really well and really badly. It’s almost like fashion had a split personality this year. The black dress done right: Eva Longoria in Zac Posen. It was long, glamorous and truly timeless with a fluid train and a fitted, bust-flattering bodice. The black dress gone wrong: Halle Berry! It’s so disappointing since we love her so much. But the Nina Ricci black dress she wore looked like a piece of shapewear with some fabric flowing off of it. And we all know Halle Berry doesn’t need shapewear. All in all there wasn’t a lot of color on the red carpet except for some very beautiful green dresses. Of note: Vera Wang for Mila Kunis and the one worn by Angelina Jolie from Atelier Versace. Also truly arresting was a red dress by Vera Wang worn by Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara. She’s got curves and knows how to use them! As soon as the verdict is in on all of these gowns, be sure to look for them in plus sizes at affordable prices. The trend is always to make cheap dresses out of the red carpet winners so we can all look and feel like the stars that we are.

Not Feeling Spring Yet? Warm up to The Best Plus Size Coat Trends

2011-01-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

While it’s nice to daydream about spring and check out the hottest new spring dress trends,we can honestly say that coats are what’s happening right now, at least on the Northeast. So what are all of us curvy girls wearing here in the cold? Well, while it used to be hard to find a plus size coat or a plus size wool coat, not to mention a trendy coat in plus sizes, now that size 12 and ups are taking over fashion, the options are limitless. From the classic pea coat in wool to the trendier A-symmetric wool coat in bold colors, there isn’t a way to warm up that we don’t love. While possibly not the warmest top layer, leather is also so incredible this winter in plus sizes. The leather trench looks amazing on curvier women and the Sherpa-lined aviator jacket is so versatile and timeless that you can wear it now, in the spring, and for years to come. Oh, and we forgot to mention our must-have cape coat which got a great review on the curvy chick blog Oh LaLa Curves. Check it out!

Real Woman Jeans…

2011-01-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

We’ve been hearing about these designer jeans for curvy women and seen them when shopping for jeans online and they look really amazing: a jean designed for plus size women that’s been lauded as the most perfect-fitting jean on the planet – except for the fact that the cheapest pair costs about $80! So… while that’s not too much to pay for something that’s going to make you look and feel spectacular, most of us don’t have a bundle to spend on jeans and there’s always the fact that fancy jeans can be stressful. If we spend so much on them, then we can’t relax in them, which is the point of jeans- right? So what about some real woman jeans priced for regular plus size women who just need reliable, great-fitting jeans? The latest high-definition jeans by Jessica London are a good place to start: 5-pocket styles with clean back pockets and rises that flatter curvaceous figures. The washes are refined enough that you can dress the jeans up or down and the blend of cotton and spandex creates a very smooth and sleek fit. So far they only come in Bootcut and Straight Leg but look out for even more styles coming this spring like a cuffed capri and maybe a trouser style you can wear to work. This way you can wear your jeans and eat your cookies and still have money left over for maybe a matching top?

Top Plus Size Dress Trends For 2011

2011-01-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Now’s the time for a wardrobe refresh! And all the spring plus size dresses are arriving
to give you a taste of what’s to come. Here are some of our favorites:

The safari shirtdress is a chic, tailored and very easy way to look all dressed up without really needing to do any thing except put on the dress.

The long and flowing maxi dress is back in new bohemian prints to go along with the retro 70’s trends that seems to be all over the runways this year.

Stretch knit jersey dresses are also back in style….some with that off the shoulder, smocked at the waist look that’s also very much in line with the 70’s trends out there.

And bold prints and bright colors are also going to take over plus size dress trends for spring so watch out for some vibrant looks coming your way. Not necessarily neon but more like pinks, oranges and racy reds… it’s going to be a fun season

More New Year’s Resolutions for the Plus Size Woman!

2010-12-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

After our small piece on resolutions about new plus size fashions and not (fat!) we saw how many of you felt the same way and expressed such a healthy attitude about the new year, the new you, and loving yourself. Dieting is dead. It’s such an old and exhausting habit and as our friend Marbeth said, she realized she had been dieting her whole life and always weighed around the same. Dieting creates a cycle of ups and downs that can hurt more than harm you. If you try a diet and fail then you feel like a failure and no woman should ever feel that way. So thanks, Marbeth for letting us know the real deal! Plus, all research shows that it’s better to snack and be happy. Here are some healthy snacks for the New Year we can all enjoy:

1
Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Honey or Fruit – great source of protein and not too much sugar. Try Oikos or Total 0 Greek Yogurt if you can find it. You won’t believe how creamy it is for zero fat. If you can’t find these, Yoplait is always a healthy treat.

2
Salted nuts with seasoning – Planters has a whole bunch of options but check sodium content on the packages. Or even better, season raw nuts yourself so you can control the flavor and sodium levels.

3
No salt, no oil microwave popcorn – Popcorn is actually a whole grain so it counts as healthy fiber! Add your own salt or try a favorite condiment like hot sauce or soy sauce. Spray-on butter is always yummy for a traditional taste without the fat & calories.

4
Low fat popsicles – From all-natural fruit pops to sugar free fudgesicles, there are a lot of delicious frozen treats in your local grocery store, some as low as 50 calories each! Skinny Cow products are well worth the search, and Eddy’s makes every fruit popsicle flavor you can imagine.

5
Granola bars – they aren’t just for athletes and hikers. There are granola bars out there with chocolate chips in them, ones that taste like lemon meringue pie, s’mores and more! Some are designed just for women with nutrients to give us energy. Check out Luna Bars or Kashi TLC bars.

One thing to remember is that these are not diet foods. They are yummy, all-natural, nutritious ways to a healthier lifestyle. Avoiding refined sugar, preservatives and processed foods will make a difference in how your body digests and metabolizes food and it will make you feel great.

JessicaLondon.com

New Year’s Resolutions for the Plus Size Woman

2010-12-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

When are New Year’s resolutions ever kept anyway? Best to resolve to be more stylish and take care of yourself in the New Year. Feeling good on the inside always shows on the outside. Here are 5 or our resolutions for 2011 that will not only update your style, but uplift your spirits:

1) Invest in something lasting…like a chic & classic leather jacket.

2) Appreciate the little things in life…maybe a little lingerie?

3) Raise your expectations…and your look in high-heeled pumps.

4) Learn a new language…or at least dress in French fashion?

5) Make use of your vacation days- and finally find the perfect swimsuit!

Dressing Hot & On-Trend

2010-12-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

Plus size women should always have options when it comes to dressing hot and on trend which is why we’re particularly excited about the new plus size spring trends that are coming your way. There are so many we can’t wait to tell you about you’ll have to wait until we get closer to the season to get the whole scoop, except for the timeless and season-spanning dress. Especially now when some of you may be planning a warm-weather getaway, here are the dresses that are not only for spring, but for now. Whether it’s a sheath dress in with modern colorblocking for an amazing silhouette or an updated stretch jersey dress with details that make it more flattering and wearable for a real woman, we’ve got the spring dress trends of the season covered.  We think a new printed dress is sometimes the best way to brighten your day once you’re over the winter blues and ready for more color and sunshine, so why not start there? There are so many options for real women it’s hard to choose which plus size dress is our favorite.

5 Mood Foods No Woman Should be Without

2010-12-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

As you head out for your last-minute holiday shopping, it’s important to enjoy yourself and remain stress-free! Grabbing goodies along the way may make us temporarily happy, but here are 5 foods that have been proven to make that good mood last.

Bananas:
The combination of natural sugars and fibers creates long-lasting energy to help prevent a blood sugar imbalance. Plus, Vitamin B6 helps convert tryptophan into mood-lifting serotonin and the potassium and iron help you stay energized.

Sunflower Seeds:
Packed with mood-lifting folic acid and magnesium, snacking on these can produce a sense of calm and relaxation. Sunflower seeds are also a rich in tryptophan and fiber to boost serotonin and stabilize hormones.

Walnuts:
Walnuts contain healthy amounts of omega-3s and uridine. The combination of both is thought to be a natural antidepressant, according to a Harvard Medical Study published in Biological Psychology in February 2005.

Dark Chocolate:
Chocolate really can make you happy, it just has to be 70% or higher in cocoa for the added health benefits like antioxidants. Just about all the ingredients in chocolate can lift your spirits.

Eggs:
The protein and healthy carbs in eggs help to stabilize blood sugar and prevent emotional highs and lows while Vitamin B12 improves energy levels.

Thank goodness Chocolate is on the list!

Plus Size Girls Have it All!

2010-12-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

So about ten years ago being plus size meant shopping in the backs of stores, getting caught in the same plus size dresses at parties, and inventing our own plus size fashion to make up for the lack of creativity on the racks. Well, finally it’s all paid off! Our ideas, creativity, uniqueness and fashion sense has come to the forefront of online shopping. Finally, we have events for plus size shoppers happening all the time online! For example, there’s a Jessica London Giveaway on Plus Model Magazine where you can win a free wool coat right now. The deadline is December 20th, so hurry up and see how to enter to win. If you love free fashion and don’t want to enter any contests, jessicalondon.com has a BOGO event of their 25 top sellers online right now. This includes everything from sweaters to jeans to suiting and outerwear. Sign up for emails at jessicalondon.com for more ways to get free clothes and all the latest shopping news for plus sizes.

Ladies - What Kind of Gift Giver are You?

2010-12-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Women mainly fall in to one of four "gift giver" profiles: emotional, practical, convenience or last minute, according to a survey of American women conducted by Internet auction site eBay.

The results of the nationwide survey were unveiled on eBay's blog (eBayinkblog.com) on December 7. The data showed that the majority of American women identified with one of the four major types of gift-giver outlined below.

The emotional gifter - Emotional gifters plan ahead and buy unique and thoughtful gifts for each person, showing a deep understanding of each gift recipient's likes and dislikes. 42 percent of American women identified the most with this profile.

The practical gifter - Gifters of this kind prefer to allow the recipient of the gift to choose what he or she wants to buy; therefore, practical gifters are most likely to give gift tokens or cash or an e-gift certificate. 21 percent of women identified with this profile.

The convenience gifter - These gifters are the most efficient, feeling that holiday shopping is "something that needs to get done" rather than a pleasurable experience.
Convenience gifters will often do all their shopping at one store or one website. How about making it jessicalondon.com? 16 percent of women identified with this profile.

The last minute gifter - As the name suggests last minute gifters buy presents close to the holiday, don't plan ahead and hurry through the shopping. There’s always Express Shipping for Jessica London Clothing! 3 percent of women identified with this profile.

The survey also uncovered some other interesting statistics: 60 percent of women said that shopping creates more joy than stress, 77 percent said they would rather give unique gifts than "must have items" and 71 percent thought that it was important to give the gift a personal touch by adding a handwritten card. (Article courtesy of relaxnews).

Does This Handbag Make Me Look…?

2010-12-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Fashion Tips For The Plus Size Woman

Believe it or not, the type of handbag you carry, the way the straps hit you, it’s size and even it’s color can either make or break your look. You wouldn’t think that after you’ve found the perfect flattering plus size dress or pulled together an amazing pus size outfit, that the bag would matter as much as the clothing, but it does. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right bag for your style and your shape.

With a special occasion plus size dress, a sparkly clutch or black evening bag with a long strap is best. Avoid the bags that slip just under your arm at the shoulder. Not a good look for plus size woman.

If you’re on-the go in outerwear such as wool coat or leather jacket, a cross-body bag is a good choice, but be careful of very large messenger bags that cut you at the waist. They’ll ruin an hourglass silhouette if you have one and if you don’t, you don’t need that extra bulk at your waistline.

In general, they say that when shopping for a handbag choosing the opposite shape of your body is the most flattering but if you are plus size, choosing a teeny tiny handbag is not a good idea because it will just get lost on you. Carrying around an oversized hobo us not recommended either. The universally flattering handbag is one that slips easily on and off your shoulder and tucks nicely under your arm at about elbow-length.

Winter Weddings? What’s a Plus Size Girl to Wear?

2010-12-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

Fashion Tips For The Plus Size Woman

The hottest event these days seems to be a winter wedding in the cold! So that means that just after you’ve slipped into your holiday comfort zone, you’re going to have to find a dress to wear to a wedding. This can be trickier than you think since this dress is not a cocktail dress, the little black dress or the typical springtime bridesmaid dress. So what plus size dress do you wear to a winter wedding?

Whatever dress you choose, avoid bright colors suited for spring weddings and instead go for a rich wintry color such as dark red, purple, champagne or even a black evening dress if accented with bright accessories. Because of the weather, dresses should be knee-length to tea-length with no plunging necklines or high slits. It’s also best to wear sleeves but if the dress is strapless or has spaghetti straps, add a wrap or bolero jacket.

Add a gold necklace or statement necklace with glittery stones, diamond earrings and a small jeweled handbag to complete the overall effect of elegant glamour.

Why Plus Size Fashion is Still Hard to Find

2010-12-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Plus Size Mystery Continues…

The questions still remains, why are 65% of American women looking and shopping for plus size fashions and still not finding the variety and selection in plus size clothing they deserve? A recent article reported on “The Plus-Size Mystery in Women’s Fashion” stating one reason for the lack of accessible plus-size clothing and plus size fashions is that designers are not trained in techniques to maintain the correct fit and proportion of plus-size clothes. Well, all that is changing fast. Soon the demand will define the supply and there won’t be room for designers who don’t now how to design real clothes for real women. It’s interesting that after all of the progress we’ve made, this is still an issue. Of course, that means that Jessica London potentially has more customers since there is less competition but that’s not what we want for our customers or any woman who needs to feel confident in her clothes whether it’s in a beautiful plus size dress or the perfect suit. Choices, variety, and a world where what’s new in plus size fashion is on every rack in every color and style sounds like the best scenario.