Designer Fashion for the Plus Size Diva

The selection of high quality, designer fashion lines for plus size women is growing, making it easier for a plus size diva to show off her curves with nothing but the best. We don't have to be confined to the Women's section at Sears or to boutique stores that carry only the mildest, most generic looks. And our designer attire doesn't have to start and stop with purses and shoes.

Eileen Fisher is an elegant but modern designer who puts out a line of woman's sizes. Her designs can be found at stores such as Nordstrom's, Saks, and Nieman Marcus, and fit in perfectly with high end accessories. Monif C. has been featured on the Tyra Banks show, and Peggy Lutz, who's designed for Kathy Bates, offers custom plus size couture. All three represent the wide range of plus size fashion available both in person and online. There's even the very high end Elena Miro, an Italian plus size designer who's collection can be viewed online but only purchased in store. Unfortunately for the U.S., her only store in North America is in Toronto.

When I went online looking for "the dress", the one that would make a special night out amazing, my first stop was Zaftique. Zaftique has everything you would find in a typical women's department, with a larger selection and greater variety than at typical mall store. Their selection of foundation garments and swimwear leaves something to be desired, but they have a huge selection of unique dresses, tops and skirts. After Monif C. they are my favorite place to shop online.

The most well known retailer of plus sizes, Lane Bryant, can be shopped online and at malls nationwide. If you'd like to do a little better than a department store selection, while not breaking your everyday budget, they are a great resource. That's not to say they're cheap - you still have to watch for sales and use discount codes to get a good deal. While I find their in-store selection limited their website is a much better bet as it includes a wide variety in every category. There's even a bridal boutique where some very nice, basic, plus size wedding gowns can be purchased.

And lastly, Kiyonna, a designer frequently featured in plus size magazines, has a website that really seems to deliver on it's promise of "sophisticated style". The clothes are romantic, with sensual lines but mature styles. While Kiyonna doesn't have as large a selection as Zaftique it's much easier to find something to love. Kiyonna also has plus sized bridal items and a very nice selection of intimates.

So now you know there's no excuse for not dressing up as often as you wish. Designers are responding to a growing interest in fashion from people of all sizes and budgets, and those cute threads are out there! If you don't mind taking a chance on ordering online and possibly returning for a better fit, you could be the envy of your friends, curvy or not