Tips for easy holiday shopping

Holiday shopping is in full swing and you have a ton of shopping to do! Don't stress or overspend this year by following these simple tips!

1. Write out a list! Writing out a list of all the presents you need to get will help you stay organize, budget your money properly, and ensure you don't forget anyone (avoiding last minute panic or embarrassment).

2. Avoid crowds, shop on-line - one of the biggest hassles of holiday shopping is fighting the crowds & waiting in long lines.  Give on-line shopping a try! Most major stores have websites so you can shop on your lunch hour, after dinner, or on the weekends from the comfort of your home computer.  Have out of town family, ship presents directly to them!

3. Find & Check deals - This time of year it is all about finding a great deal.  While most websites advertise their deals on their site sometimes you have to dig a little deeper.  Google search your site with the word coupons to find sites that specialize in carrying coupons for stores.  Also, if you sign up for e-mails most sites will send you a great deal!

4. Pick up some generic gifts - There is always someone you forget. A co-worker, neighbor, friend that surprises you with a gift... so don't be caught of gaurd and keep some gifts on hand.  I always grab picture frames, boxes of chocolate, or gifts that I see on sale and keep them for just that occasion.  This saves you from any awkwardness.

The holidays are supposed be a joyous time but they often get stressful, don't let present shopping get you down.  Let your energy be spent with you family and picking out the perfect holiday outfit! 

The 7 Day Bra!

When a new product comes out I am always a little skeptical.  As a marketer & fashion school graduate I can see right through the repackaging of old ideas or new "advances" that will change your life.  That being said when our bra buyers came to me with their new 7-day bra I had to try it for myself before writing anything up.  The idea behind this bra is that it was a wirefree bra that was so comfortable you can wear it everyday of the week. Being a D-cup I have had an underwire on every bra I have owned since I was 13. 

By the end of my trial day, the 7-day bra impressed me, It was comfortable all day with out making me look droopy! Bras are not my specialty so I went back to the bra buyer (a fellow big busted woman) to explain why this particular bra held up so well when so many others didn't. She explained there are 3 simple reasons.

1. The most important is that they put a shaping sling on the inside so it actually lifts your breast with a second layer of support.

2. The cups is molded so you get shaping without the underwire.

3. The top of the cups is designed to avoid the "bubbling" over that just doesn't do you any favors. 

I could write another few points to explain all the other things this bra does to make it so comfortable but I think the diagram below says it all.

Give it a try and then let me know what you think!

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Our Fall Obsession: The Faux Fur Vest

By Erica Young

From Celebrities to fashionistas, from the runway to the street, we have been spotting the faux fur vest everywhere!  The faux fur vest is a great piece to have in your wardrobe to update any look for fall. You can go for all out Hollywood glamour by paring it with sleek black plus size leggings or a darker slim plus size jean, plus size black tops and a gold necklace.  If you want to keep in more low-key go for the boho chic look with a romantic floaty plus size blouse and a pair of lighter was plus size jeans.  The plus size faux fur vest can even be paired with a plus size dress as Jennifer Lopez did.  

You can get this great look from Avenue by Jessica London who had the plus size faux fur vest as part of their Fall 2009 collection!

So tell us, are you going to rock this look?

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OneStopPlus.com in Essence Magazine!

We were thrilled to have our Roaman's plus size cardigan chosen to be in an editorial in Essence's October issue!  I love this particular plus size cardigan because of it's extremely flattering empire silhouette, the shape that looks great on so many body tops.  With Fall here plus size cardigans are also the perfect for layering in the chilly weather.

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How-to Wear the one shoulder Trend

This season one of the hottest trends is the one shoulder, but being a plus-size women with an ample bosum I thought this was one trend that would pass me by.  Then I started seeing the plus-size brands carrying a few items during the summer and even more in the fall, but once again what was I to do?!

Answer, avenue body convertible bra! The straps can go every way you need them to and this bra even as a strapless stays up! Back to the point- for to get maximum support you attach one strap to the back of the open shoulder and bring it across the back, over the shoulder of the clothed shoulder! 

 

Now embrace the trend and show off that seductive shoulder!

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Behind the Scenes

 

An interview with Julie Daly, President Avenue shop at home.

Q: What is your Hometown?

A: Growing up as an army “brat”, I moved every two to three years, all across the US and even overseas. I'm not a city person, but do feel at home in any smaller suburb since army bases have the same close knit community feeling that you find there. Q: What is the favorite part of your job? A: I love the Internet. It keeps me on my toes; learning every day. It's fast moving, and the job just keeps changing. At the same time, it brings me so much closer to the avenue customer. And unlike children who take internet as a given, the avenue customers are really getting surprised by all we can now do.  Q: What is your favorite hobby? A: I enjoy gardening.  I think I like the instant results and it's amazing how much better putting down mulch makes me feel.  I look at the revitalized  garden area and think "wow that looks really great!" Q: What is your latest project? A: Moving avenue.com to a new web platform, inventory to a new avenue fulfillment center and customer service to a new call center. Ugh the details! Any single one of these projects would be daunting, but the combination is just terrifying.

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Staff Pick's - Intimates Team

Laura Phillips - Assistant Product Manager - Intimates

Being a full-busted woman myself, I understand the frustration of not being able to find an adorable, great-fitting bra.  I really love the new posture bra by Comfort Choice (trust me; it's not the same posture bra your grandma wore). Not only do I feel all-day comfort and support, it comes in pretty colors! And for only $19.99... 

I had to buy one in each color!

  

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OSPmag's Look for Fall from our Design Team

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Trend Alert - Studs!

Metal studs are a huge trend for this Fall, they are being used on everything from coats to tops to accessories of all kinds.  In the past stud detailing has been associated with rockers or teenagers that got over excited a bedazzler. However, in it's current incantation  this trend can be used to add a flare to your wardrobe when used in the right way.  

My favorite places studs are being used on is shoes.  A great shoe can take your most basic When added to a basic style shoe it gives the whole outfit a flare!  I chose these 3 items because they are 3 classic shoe styles that are given a flare when best illustrate classic styles of shoes the were elevated to the next fashion level with studs.

  

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Sultry Lingerie

If I am sharing to much let me know...The other day I was searching for a new special plus size lingerie item for an anniversary, while I was going through our sleepwear, bras, and panties categories it occurred to me that we have lots of sexy plus size lingerie but it is scattered throughout our all Intimates categories.  This revelation prompted me to create a plus size sexy lingerie category. Now all your plus size lingerie needs are neatly tucked into one category!

 

Have any other categories that you thin we should create, let me know.

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plus-size women get a shot!

The Plus-Size model Lizzie Miller who posed nude for an article on body confidence has captured America's interest! The part of this story that surprised me most was that this picture is on page 194 of the magazine and is 3" big. In a magazine full of glossy full page fashion ads you would think that a 3" picture wouldn't stand out but this one grabbed everyone's interest.  It shows how fantastic this shot is and how much plus-size women are craving to see pictures in magazines that look like them.

I have had the pleasure of working with Lizzie for a TV spot we did on NBC's Weekend Today, she was just as beautiful in-person and absolutely lovely to work with.  Everyone at OneStopPlus.com is thrilled for Lizzie and plus-size women everywhere!

 

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This Fall's denim choice: Grey Jeans

For the past few years plus size denim has been all about dark dark indigo but now the tides are shifting towards the lighter grey hues. Grey is a neutral, like black or blue, so this color in plus size denim is very wearable no matter what your look.  

The style & cut of your jeans is a very personal choice.  It takes into account your body type and personal style. So that is why have chosen these 2 styles to highlight.  

If you are trendier try the silhouette of the season, skinny jean, which goes perfectly with a tunic. 

If the bootcut jean is the style that works for your body type try this proven cut the Roaman's Denim 24/7 bootcut grey jean!

  

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5 great items to carry you through fall

We all love those great items that you can wear all year round.  They become you basics, your go-to items that get packed for a trip and will push you to do laundry cause you can't live without them!

We filmed a  segment for CBS News in which we showed 5 items which are our great transitional pieces! Here are behind the scenes shots for each of the looks.

 This Jessica London mustard A-line jacket looks great with plus size denim bermudas, White tee & ballet flats for Summer.  To keep it an essential item of your wardrobe for Fall match it with a black mock neck and black plus size leggings!

Plus Size Maxi dresses were all the rage this summer, everyone got at least one if not several.  Carry the elegant ease of this style by adding a plus size cardigan or shrug, belt and boots.  

The white shirt is an eternal classic, this Woman Within White Button down hits the perfect length and is roomy so you avoid the button gap by the chest. For Summer be bold and pair it with crisp white plus size pants. In Fall a plus size cardigan, plus size grey denim leggins, and booties makes it a sharp fashionable look.  In every season belt it to highlight your feminine curves.

The boyfriend jean is a great jean style for a plus size woman.  Relaxed fit with a cuff to highlights a great pair of shoes.  You wore it all Summer with a playful plus size top, for Fall it is going to look just as stylish with a layered colorful look & great pumps.

To me the pencil skirt is the ultimate in office wear!  I love it because it gives you shape and makes you feel like a woman.  During the Summer we popped it with a bold art deco style blouse.  To translate it into Fall pair it with a plus size twinset, textured plus size pantyhose, and adorable tie pumps. With either looks you are going to turn heads walking down the office halls!  

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Time to play dress up!

I love dressing up! Just hint at the possibility of a theme and I am already putting together an ensemble in head. However, Halloween can be one of those times when being plus size can make you feel like an outcast.  Many plus size costumes are the dowdy version of the missy counterpart or the expected shapeless tents! That is why I am thrilled that we are now carrying plus size Halloween costumes!  

Whether your Halloween look is sexy or sweet you are going to find something that will make you the best dressed at your party! The best part about our selection of plus size Halloween costume is with the variety it gives you options to play up your best features, legs for me! So this Halloween, let your inner vixen out!

Also don't forget your Big & Tall Man, we've got a Halloween costume for him too!

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Trend alert: Oxford shoes

If the studded 80's throwback trend is not for you this fall don't worry there is a shoe for you to update you look with, The oxford!  

The oxford shoe has been a classic men's style but now it is being done with a delightfully feminine twist.  The shoe is being shown in a delicate silhouette, often with a wingtip perferated pattern so it will be an adorable addition to any wardrobe.  

While many trendy shoes can be difficult to wear these shoes are incrediably versatile.  

Work: wear them with classic slacks. 

Going out: wear them with a soft feminine dress and tights. 

Weekend: throw them on with your boyfriend jeans and a white shirt.

These are my favorite 4 styles for the oxford shoe. 

   

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Pink Plus Size Clothing in Weight Watchers Magazine

Pretty in pink...tickled pink...think pink!

Were girls we love pink!  It doesn't matter if your shade is a pale pastel or eye catching fuschia or somewhere in between there is a shade of pink for every plus size woman has in her wardrobe.  In the September/October issue of Weight Watchers magazine we were tickled pink (sorry, couldn't help it) to be part of their plus size pink clothing story! Our Jessica London plus size pink denim trouser is a great way to give some pop to a conservative look! 

Can't get enough plus size pink clothing? Take a look at our Tickled Pink clothing category!

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Fashion tights in Plus Sizes

Fall is coming up and my favorite look is always a great pair of wide calf boots matched with a skirt.  In the past I have search high and low for great tights in plus sizes.  While I could always find nude, black, and white, I yearned for the color and variety in plus size tights that is offered in missy sizes! 

This is why I am thrilled that OneStopPlus.com has just come up with new plus size fashion tights in up to 6X.  Textured designs, Colors, and even a little sparkle!  

  

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CBS News: Plus size fashion market

Last night CBS news aired a segment on the shift of the plus size clothing market.  In the last few months several major retailers have stopped carrying or reduced plus size clothing lines in their stores.  This has left the plus size consumer with fewer for plus size clothing options in their local areas.  

This segment discusses how now more than ever before, on-line plus size clothing retailers have become important to the plus size consumer.  The benefit to the customer is that the plus size clothes offered are specifically designed for the plus size woman's figure, not as an after thought!  

What are your thoughts on current plus size clothing market?

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NBC's Today Show - Flattering your figure

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

This morning on NBC's Today Show there was a great segment about dressing to flatter your figure! This is one of my personal favorite subjects because so many plus size women hide the parts they should accentuate, often creating the illusion of being larger then they are. 

The plus size model was wearing an Avenue by Jessica London smocked blouse and Jessica London plus size pencil skirt! It is always exciting for us when plus size clothing is featured as part of a fashion segment as we are a significant percentage of the American consumer.

What do you think of the segment?

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Trend Alert - Fringe boots

Get in from the ground level with this seasons fringe trend by investing in a pair of fringe wide calf boots!!  

Why a fringe boot you ask? Here's why? It adds a playful element to the most basic outfit!  Add a fringe wide calf boot to a basic outfit of plus size leggings and a solid plus size tunic, the outfit is instantly taken from boring to current! 

Don't love a wide calf boot but love fringe? then get the fringe bootie. 

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