Plus Size Wardrobe

2008 was a year for mashed up fashion—feminine ruffles were as hot as Emo plaid and torn up jeans.

While the past seasons in 2007 were heavily influenced by ’80s fashion, 2008 showed that the ’90s are back in style. Loose pants, high-cut sneakers and bright colors rocked the runway as well as the streets. Now it seems that the trend is heading back to the 70’s when things were groovy baby.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed because gold and silver polyester is just not right.

Here’s a rundown of the best—and worst—trends of 2008 in the BBW local fashion scene.

Preppy ‘Gossip Girl’ styles and the hair band

Big bows, mini dresses with matching tights, coats, vests were the it think in 2008. Just like the 80’s people just didn’t get the style. Cute coats and vests may have worked on the east coast but the material was just too heavy for those in the southern states.

So what did women choose to do? Let’s wear the “Blair band” with everything. Eek Gads.

Structured menswear for girls
Tailored pieces and structured silhouettes have been popular since the 1930’s. BBW fashion savvy girls just know how to put a new spin on it. vests and trousers were paired with tee shirts.

The Katie Holmes Bag
Remember the says of big shirts and ties? The baggy jeans that made you look like you pulled stuff out of your Boyfriends closet? Yes, women around the world run to your local vintage store.

Sunglasses
Everyone should always have Sunglasses on hand. If your shades look like the Venetian blinds on your grandmothers window then toss them in the trash. Just because Edward Cullen wore them in the “Twilight” movie does not make them cool.

The ultralight Stradas are the way to go in 2009

Gladiator sandals
We are Sparta! Brightly colored, knee-length gladiator sandals made of all types of material pushed the limit in 2008. I have a feeling that this style may stay around in a few select wardrobes. Like the BBW naughty closet.

Thick heels
Give me wedges, stacked heels, platform sandals and shoes galore! Let’s hope this style stays put for 2009. I’d hate to regress to pencil-thin stilettos that are just rough on any woman’s foot.

High top sneakers
In 2008 it was battle of Nike Dunks vs Converse Chuck Taylors. The classic Converse bowed out to an updated look.

Hoodies
High school and college students loved this trend, as shirts and jackets with hoods kept them looking as emo as they wanted. Remembering my college days, this is a good thing. Who wants to care about fashion when your’re cramming information.

Bright tights
I personally prefer matching tights but brightly colored tights carried over from 2007.

Bohemian details
I have a feeling that we will be seeing flowing hemlines and earthy colors in 2009. Girls who don’t want to show off their legs will be able to wear skirts again.

Plaid
It’s not just for kilts. I’m sure that we will be seeing more plaid in 2009. With “Twilight” writers and directors coming out with a new film, plaid is a gothi wardrobe staple.

Sahal scarf
Also known as the shemagh, the sahal scarf became popular in Middle Eastern countries because it was practical: It protected people from the harsh desert sun or the freezing cold, and was sometimes used to preserve the modesty of the wearers.

We can thank the women of these Middle Eastern cultures and America’s Next Top Model. All I can say is “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You”. The Sahal is just a classy look when done right.

As a guy that’s interested in photography, I don’t mind watching America’s Next Top Model. Yes my wife and I celebrated when a BBW won last years competition.

Last night was a tough competition where the models had to kiss Supermodel Mark Vanderloo in a commercial audition. Majorie ran away with a $10,000 dollar shopping spree.

So I thought since it’s fall and getting into winter that BBW guys and gals should revamp their wardrobe. My wife thinks that guys don’t have to worry about denim fashion but there are some jean no-nos that even guys have to be aware of.

Make sure they fit
Bunching jeans in the back for women is just not flattering.
Guys you need to eliminate the chance of anyone seeing the beginning of your but cheeks. You know that famous plumbers crack.
No one wants someone who has slouchy jeans. If they slide down your backside, make sure that you wear a belt.

Have several pairs
Gals you will want to make sure that you have a pair to wear with heels and flats. Then you will want to make sure that you have a boot cut. Plus you might want to throw in a pair that you can tuck into your boots.

Does anyone do that anymore? Anyways….No one likes to see extra jeans hanging around the knees. So make sure that the jeans follow the line of the leg straight into the boot.

Guys will want to have a pair of jeans that they can wear with tennis shoes and loafers. Don’t forget a pair for the hiking boots and other stylish boots in your closet.

Just to get your fashion juices going my wife helped me with some pictures on Polyvore.

The Coolest by MarianaBrazil

Comfy Brown by cmaher

H&M Weekend by cmaher

Winter is here and that means that we have to bundle up! Sometimes that can be hard for large men like myself. I know that my wife has a problem with it too. She’ll see this colorful frock but they won’t have it in her size. Then I have to see here frown till she kind find something.

I can’t stand bright colors but my wife loves them. So I wanted to provide some places where both men and women can find great coats. Something that will fit your style and your pocketbook too!

Land’s End has a baby blue jacket with hood. There is a pair of Wellie Boots to match the color of the jacket. Land’s End also has men’s raincoats for around $50. The largest selection they carry is a 3x.

PRK-2 at Burlington coat factory has a fake fur lined aviation jacket for under $50. It fits a size 4x for guys. I’d buy it but I’m afraid that my wife would steal it from me. What is it about women and fur?

“Luxury darling!” The wife says. Hmph!

That’s ok the wife has found a Fitz Wright at Burlington in red. It’s longer than the men’s jacket.

Don’t forget to check Jessica London for Plus Size Jackets. This designer has a wide selection of Fall cropped jackets and winter wear.