Holiday Dresses for the Voluptuous Woman

The holiday season is fast approaching and many of us have parties and events that we will be attending.  Now.... to find the perfect dress.  I have chosen three dresses at three different price points that I think would flatter any woman and make her feel just perfect, as she is.
Enjoy the holidays.

This Vivienne Cinch Dress is a perfect little black dress.  At $98 you won't have to compromise on style and it's still fairly easy on the pocket book. It comes in three colors and will work well for numerous holiday events and occassions. Available at Kiyonna.

This dress is one of my all time favorites, Igigi's Francesca Dress. At a price point of $198 you are sure to dazzle in this one.  Available right here in Canada at Lola and Gigi or online from Igigi.

This dress is stunning.  At $425 this Tadashi Chiffon Tiered Dress will be an all time go to dress.  Also available at Lola and Gigi.

Voluptuous Wedding Gowns

Recently my partner and I have decided to tie the knot.  After ten years and two children we thought it might be a fun thing to do.  Although I have recently lost 65 pounds I still consider myself a "voluptuous" chick.  So, I am going to be doing a bit of research regarding gowns.  Stay tuned for more to come.

Although I believe any woman should wear whatever she feels comfortable I have noticed that certain styles look exceptionally great on different body types.

Hourglass - a line, fitted bodice, mermaid
Pear - a line
Inverted Triangle - V neck

The Perfect Jeans....Little In The Middle Premium Denim

Random. org has chosen a winner for the Little in the Middle giveaway.
Congratulations to:
A. Smith said...

I signed up for their newsletter #1
asmithonline at yahoo dot ca

Please contact me with your choice of jeans and size. Thanks to everyone who participated and I look forward to doing it again.

Little In The Middle Jeans Giveaway

A few months ago I was lucky enough to do a review of a stylish pair of Little in The Middle Jeans.  I tried the Empowered style which is a mid rise jean in a boot cut. They sit right below your belly button which is the best spot to keep things “tucked" in place. The back rise is slightly higher than the front which gives the illusion of perfect proportions on any figure. This particular style has a modest price tag of $129.99 and is worth every penny. They are truly fabulous and have become a wardrobe favorite.

Little in the Middle Jeans come in sizes ranging from 00 to 20. This is a collection of premium denim designed to fit women with small waists and slightly larger hips.   Reasonably priced at around $130, this premium denim is made to fit the curvy fashionista. Stop by and take their Sizing Survey to find the perfect fit for your body type. They are currently offering incredible sales including jeans for as low as $45.50!!

"Designer Lee Ann Park launched Little in the Middle in the hopes of revolutionizing women’s clothing to reflect a real fit. She designed her denim line around her own patented “one-up” sizing chart after years of frustration with her own voluptuous figure and the lack of fashion catering to her build. For example, a size 6.1 is designed to fit a woman who’s a size 6 waist, but a size 8 through the hips and thighs".

Now for the good news!  Little in The Middle has offered to give away a pair of jeans to a Voluptuous Canuck reader.

Here's how to enter: 
Please leave a separate comment for each entry to count. 


1.  Visit Little in the Middle's Website and come back here and tell us what pair of jeans you will pick if you win. (mandatory)

For extra entries: ( If it says the entry is worth 3 please write 3 comments for the same entry to be counted)


2. Follow the Voluptuous Canuck's blog.(1 entry)
3. Fan Little in the Middle on Facebook. (2 entries)
4. Follow Little in the Middle on Twitter and retweet this contest. (3 entries)
5. Follow VoluptuousChick on Twitter and retweet this contest. (3 entries)
6.  Sign up for the Little in the Middle Newsletter. (3 entries)

***Please make sure you leave a comment for each of the above and an email address so that we can reach you.The winner will have 48 hours to respond by email once he/she has been notified or another winner will be chosen by the random number generator. Winner will be chosen on August 6th, 2010.

Open to Canadian and US residents only.

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel Review

Woman today are embracing their curves in what I like to refer to as "the curvy revolution".  Finally!  Curves are beautiful and so are women in all shapes and sizes. However, finding well-made, fashionable clothing, in a variety of styles can be tricky at times. At least I felt that way before I found IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel.  I am so thrilled with this company and the products they provide and they feature sizes 12 through 32.  Voted #1 Plus Size Fashion Retailer Designs, IGIGI clothes and accessories are specifically created to suit women of all sizes and body types. Dresses, separates, accessories, and collections including; limited collections, wedding, and career wear are on hand and ready to ship.  IGIGI new arrivals are always coming in and they have an amazing sale rack. They have done an excellent job at designing higher end clothing at great prices.  

IGIGI is one of the leaders in clothing for voluptuous women.  Recently I was lucky enough to review a dress from them called the Sunny Dots Dress.  When I found out that I was going to be doing a review I contacted my very fashionable, and always beautiful, sister in law for some help in picking.  After looking at everything carefully she chose the Sunny Dots dress for me and I trusted her opinion.  In fact this was the same dress that I had chosen for myself!  When I opened the package I was completely impressed.  The fabric was so soft, the colors were so perfect, and it was beautiful.  IGIGI dresses are so pretty and feminine. All of my life I have had a larger bust and one thing that I love about this dress is the fact that it's bra friendly and the jersey straps completely cover your regular bra. This eliminates the need for any other bra.  The Sunny Dots has quickly become my favorite dress and is a modern print with a mustard/gray color combination.  The skirt is A-line and is cut on the bias, below the knee, creating an elongated look. Perfect for wearing to work during the day, yet dressy enough for a function or wedding.

After I put the dress on I stood in the mirror for fifteen minutes just staring, and no I'm not completely vain.  I couldn't believe that it was me in the dress.  It just hangs perfectly.  Their sizing chart was completely accurate and it looks as though it's been tailored.  My husband even said that it was his favorite dress and that's a pretty big deal, being that he never says much.  I love this dress and go back to the IGIGI site all of the time to see what I'm going to order next. Shipping to Canada was lightening fast!

Not sure what style to order?  Wondering what body type you have? Not to worry, we've all been there.  Check out What's Your Shape and let IGIGI stylists help you pick an outfit. With their help you can easily choose something  that will suit you and they offer you tips and tricks for dressing for your body type.


Follow IGIGI on Facebook or Twitter for awesome deals and special information.  Also you can sign up for their newsletter for current promotions and secret sales.

Have fun shopping at IGIGI and please stop back by and fill us in on your experiences shopping with them.  You are certain to feel sexy and beautiful!

Hi Everyone,
Random. org picked lucky number 15!  Our winner is Pam.  pytoomanykids@gmail.com


Stay tuned for my review from Igigi.

SWAK Designs Review/Giveaway

I'm sure by now most of you have  heard of SWAK Designs?  They are certainly leaders in the world of plus sized fashion.  Sizes start from 1X to 6X and they always have new arrivals.  Dresses, pants, skirts, tops, denim, career wear, outwear are among the many fashion finds at Seal With a Kiss Designs. They even have handbags, scarves and pashminas, and accessories to complete your look.  Their sale rack has deeply discounted items and is always being updated.

It get's even better because SWAK designs offers FREE shipping on orders over $40.   WORLDWIDE!  And yes, Canada is included too!

SWAK Designs generously sent me the cutest top to try. People have literally stopped me to tell me how great the top is.  The ruffled plaid top is from the Cowgirl Chic Collection.  It looks so cute with jeans and is has even become one of my work staples. This top is 100% cotton has a cap sleeve and button closures.  It is so flattering for any body type.  It's cool and airy and the best part is that it's made in the USA.  The fit was true to size and it is so comfy.  

 SWAK Designs uses the most beautiful models who are real, curvy women. They use a number of women with a variety of body types so that you can get an idea of what styles might look best on your body.

In addition, every time I check back on their website, which I admit is quite often, they have new styles and awesome sales.  A great place to shop online!

SWAK Designs is giving away a Plaid Ruffle Top to a lucky reader.  It's easy to enter and you can enter as many times as you would like.  Please remember to put a different post for each eligible entry. 

Here's how you can enter:

1.  Sign up for the SWAK Designs' newsletter on the bottom, left side of their homepage.  (mandatory)

2.  Follow Voluptuous Canuck's blog and if you already follow just leave us a post stating that. (1 entry)

3.  Follow SWAK Designs on Twitter. (1 entry)

4.  Follow Voluptuous Canuck on Twitter. (1 entry)

5.  Follow SWAK Plus Sized Trendy Clothes  Blog. (1 entry)

Open to Canadian and US addresses. Winner will be notified by email and given 48 hours to respond. If not, another winner will be chosen.  Thanks for your participation. Winner will be drawn by random.org on May 28th, 2010.

The Perfect Jeans....Little In The Middle Premium Denim

Most of you who know me are aware that I don’t typically gush over things. I tend to be a little bit picky and somewhat of a straight shooter. Well friends,  I’m about to gush because I am so excited about Little in the Middle Jeans!!

Finding the perfect jeans, or even a pair that looks half decent can be both a challenging and daunting task for many women. Quite often jeans are too long or short, poor quality, too tight in the rear and way too loose in the waist. Premium denim is a must for every woman’s closet but usually isn’t available above a size 32, which comprises less that 12% of the female population. What about real women, with real curves?

I’ve tried virtually every type of denim on the market with little or no luck. In fact, I’ve even resorted to ordering men’s jeans in an attempt to get high quality denim to fit my size 16-18 frame. That was until I found Little in The Middle.

Recently I was lucky enough to review a pair of Little in the Middle Empowered Jeans in Deep Sea. They arrived quickly to Canada and with no hassles at all. I opened them up and knew immediately that I was going to be happy. The denim was so soft and was such high quality. I put them on, looked in the mirror, and immediately went to the computer to decide on my next purchase while their Spring Sale is on. The black and white are on the top of my must have list and are sale for $89.99 right now.

Little In The Middle Premium Denim are by far the best pair of jeans I’ve had for my pear shaped body type. The pocket placement is perfect and really accentuates the female curves. I’ve always had a small waist and big hips and these jeans fit perfectly and they make my butt look great! The Empowered style is a mid rise jean in a boot cut. They sit right below your belly button which is the best spot to keep things “tucked in place. The back rise is slightly higher than the front which gives the illusion of perfect proportions on any figure. This particular style has a modest price tag of $129.99 and is worth every penny.

This company is a dream come true. Little in the Middle jeans come in sizes from 00 up to 20 and are designed to fit women with small waists and slightly larger hips. Um....isn’t that every woman? They are priced well for premium denim and range from $99 to $149. They come in a variety of styles and colors. If you are a curvy fashionista and have had trouble finding the right jeans to fit your figure look no further! At last an affordable premium denim.

In 2002, Lee Ann Park started the company as a result of her own frustration in finding the perfect pair of jeans for her voluptuous figure. Using her patented “one up” sizing chart,  Lee Ann started designing premium denim. The sizing chart is based on the premise that a woman’s hips and waist are not always the same size. For example a size 8.1 is designed for a woman with a size 8 waist, but a size 10 through the hips and thighs. The result is no more gaping waist and a perfect fit elsewhere. Little in the Middle will help you find the right size too. Go on over to the website and take their interactive Sizing Survey  to find out the correct size for you. Subscribe to the Little In The Middle Newsletter for deals and specials and even take the Denim Fit Challenge. 

Little In The Middle has been receiving a lot of positive press coverage and praise. Their jeans are
featured in various magazines including Plus Model, In Style, Chi, Cosmo Girl, OK Weekly and
Jupiter. Simply Chic on MSN Lifestyle, and Bliss Style have featured them, as have numerous blogs
and style websites. They are even one of the best sellers on the My True Fit Website.
Finally jeans for real women with various body types! 

Website: http://www.littleinthemiddle.com

Sizing Survey http://www.littleinthemiddle.com/v3/litm_sizingsurvey.html

Newsletter http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001PKbLI8HmW-Wr5x4O7btUVI9K12ytrhH8

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-In-The-Middle/82533458840?ref=mf

My Space http://www.myspace.com/littleinthemiddle2

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/littleintmiddle

Stay tuned and be sure to follow Voluptuous Canuck for a chance to win a pair of Little in the Middle jeans!! Coming soon. 


All photos are the property of Little In The Middle

Yoga and Psychotherapy

Found this really interesting article discussing the pairing of yoga and psychotherapy.  Makes sense to me. :)
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1891271,00.html

Check out Kiyonna Clothing Behind the Scenes

 The themes for this model shoot is Greek Goddess.  In addition there is an interview with plus sized model, Ashley Graham.  19 year old Graham is a size 14-16,  which makes her a very small plus size.  Regardless of size she is very beautiful for sure.

permission for photo use by Kiyonna

Special Sale at Kiyonna

Coupon: 20% Off Everything PLUS Free Domestic Ground Shipping on ALL Orders Over $100!
Coupon Code: LOVEU
Begins: 3/25/10
Ends: 3/31/10

Whitney Thompson wins America's Next Top Model

Some of you may be familiar with the name Whitney Thompson.  Recently she was the winner of America's Top Model and is the first "plus sized" woman to win the title.  Whitney competed in the tenth cycle of the show and was competing against thirteen other women.


As part of the prize package awarded to her for winning Top Model, Thompson received  contracts with CoverGirl cosmetics and Elite Model Management. She also received the cover and six-page editorial spread in the July 2008 issue of Seventeen Magazine.

Thompson said this about her win:

"People always say you have to be stick-skinny, emaciated and unhealthy and I’ve kind of stood up for [being full-figured] my whole life. I’m not going to lose 50 pounds – if someone asks me to do that, I’ll go to another [modeling] agency. I’ve already heard online from boys and girls all over the world who are dealing with eating disorders. They’re thanking me for standing up and saying, ‘I am a plus-size model and I am beautiful.’ This is what people should look like rather than skin-and-bones, which is disgusting and sends a bad message to people everywhere.”

The win is not without controversy. Some "plus sized" advocates believe that she is not "plus sized" at all.  What does this win mean for women?  Is society becoming more accepting or do we simply have a new idea of what it means to be "full figured"?

20 % off at La Grande Dame

"Thanks to all of your support, La Grande Dame has outgrown it’s current offices and is moving into a bigger location. We are very excited about our new spot and want to celebrate!
Since the moving trucks are coming March 14th, we are giving you 20% off for the next 10 days only. The less we have to move, the better, so you get a celebratory sale out of the deal! Simply use the coupon code MOVE10 at checkout for 20% off of your entire order* full priced or sale.

The Winner

Random Number Generator picked number 22.  D. Calvert
Congratulations!  You've one a Giselle Dress from SWAK designs.

SWAK Designs Review/Giveaway February 6th -13th

Have you heard of SWAK Designs?  If not, it's definitely worth stopping by their site and checking out their plus sized fashion.   Sizes start from 1X to 6X and they always have new arrivals.  Dresses, pants, skirts, tops, denim, career wear, outwear are among the many fashion finds at Seal With a Kiss Designs. They even have handbags, scarves and pashminas, and accessories to complete your look.  Their sale rack has deeply discounted items and is always being updated.

It get's even better because SWAK designs offers FREE shipping on orders over $40.   WORLDWIDE!  Yes my Canadian friends, that means you too!

SWAK Designs generously sent me a Giselle Dress to try.  It was the cutest.  The dress was empire style which lets out into a drape.  The sleeves were a nice length and showed a bit of my arms, but not too much.  I got the black dress and a red cinch belt, which accentuated my waist and had a real slimming effect.  The fit was true to size and it is so comfy.  The dress works well for so many occasions and can be dressed up or down.  I wore it to a function and received numerous compliments.

The other thing that I like about SWAK designs is that their models are real curvy women. Nothing bothers me more than shopping for plus sized clothing when the model is a size 10.  They use a number of women with a variety of body types so that you can get an idea of what styles might look best on your body.

SWAK Designs is giving away a Giselle Dress to a lucky reader.  It's easy to enter and you can enter as many times as you would like.  Please remember to put a different post for each eligible entry. 

Here's how you can enter:

1. Sign up for the SWAK Designs' newsletter on the bottom, left side of their homepage.  (mandatory)

2. Follow Voluptuous Canuck's blog and if you already follow just leave us a post stating that. (1 entry)

3.Follow SWAK Designs' Trendy Plus-Sized Blog. (1 entry)

4.  Follow SWAK Designs on Twitter. (1 entry)

5.  Follow Voluptuous Canuck on Twitter. (1 entry)

6.  Follow SWAK Designs on Facebook. (1 entry)

This is the Giselle Dress in Teal.

Open to Canadian and US addresses. Winner will be notified by email and given 48 hours to respond. If not, another winner will be chosen.  Thanks for your participation. Winner will be drawn by random.org on Feb. 13th.