Full-Figures Can't Be Ignored
Ceslie Armstrong, editor-in-chief of "Grace" magazine, a new national fashion and lifestyle magazine for plus-size women, joins the The Early Show to look at fall fashion trends.
Finding beautiful, trendy clothes in the plus-size section at a department store was, until recently, nearly impossible. Many designers ignored that part of the women's population and many stores stopped carrying clothes past a size 10. But now the interest has grown as have sales.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 68 percent of American women wear a size 12 or larger and over half of all U.S. women wear a size 14 or larger. Sales for plus-size retail in 2000 exceeded $32 billion for women's clothing. Sales for plus-size clothing are also growing twice as fast as overall apparel sales. Designers cannot ignore those numbers.
"Grace" magazine's Armstrong, says this season's trendy looks are: denim, layering, metallic, black, and embellishment.
Denim
Designer: Tommy Hilfiger
Black Quilt jacket: $148.00
Sweater: $79.00
Jeans: $64.00
Overall, the look is very all American. Jeans are a winner every season, but what makes these looks special are the attention to details like raw edges, the dirty wash and the bootleg. The quilt jacket is also finished beautifully with a plaid lining that brings the entire outfit together.
Designers who did denim for fall include:
Luella Bartley
Marc by Marc Jacobs
Dolce and Gabanna
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Layering
Designer: Lane Bryant
Cranberry Rib Turtleneck: $34.50
Cranberry bell sleeve oversize sweater with fringe: $39.50
Jean skirt: $39.50
Layering was all over the runway this fall. This look is about being cozy and comfortable, and playing with accessories to finish the look. This chunky sweater serves as a jacket, and the fringe is a hot detail for fall. You will see lots of knits with this kind of look. It gives the look a bohemian feel with out being too over the top. Layer a long stripe scarf with it to give a finishing touch. This is a great weekend look.
Metallic
Designer: Ashley Stewart
Sleeveless ribbed mock neck top: $14.00
Silk Cape top with gold lurex: $39.00
Camel pant: $29.00
Metallics are seen in clothes and accessories this fall. Ashley Stewart created this semi-sheer silk cape top which can be worn with a camisole underneath or in this case, a sleeveless turtleneck to warm the look up for the fall season. Looking closely at the top, you can see it has a shine to it, from the gold lurex streaming through. A touch of shine or a gold metallic purse or shoe adds energy to this fall look. This trend is great for those who may be on a budget and want to treat themselves to something fabulous for fall. An item like a gold or silver bag is modern and makes your fall wardrobe much more glamorous.
Designers who showed metallic:
TK
Black
Designer: Marina Rinaldi
Short sleeve T-neck top: $200.00
Long coat: $1435.00
Knee length skirt: 230.00
Black is back for fall. If you are going to go classic this fall, Marina Rinaldi is your best bet because the quality and design is both beautiful and luxurious. This is the kind of look and design that lasts forever and is always in style. The black coat, with a pricetag of about $1,400, has an incredible line, which curves and drapes all the way down to the knee. It has a rolling hem from the neck down and it is the kind of coat you want to curl yourself up in.
Embellishment
Designer: Alfani Woman
Black beaded Twinset:
Tank: $55.00
Cardigan: $85.00
Beaded ribbon skirt: $89.00
Adding any sort of shine or embellishment to your wardrobe is a key trend this season. Alfani women designed this beaded silk and chantung skirt and it really has incredible detail. This is the must-have item of the season. Alfani Women paired this magnificent skirt with a beaded twin set, but you can easily put a cashmere sweater with it to wear day and night. If you want, this trend is great for accessories, too. Sequin belts and beaded bags add a touch of evening to your day wardrobe and you will be dazzling at work and at play.
Designers who embellish for fall:
Marc Jacobs
Prada
More TK
Recommended Sites:
www.ashleystewart.com