Living IS Getting Easier!
by Susan Weber,
     President of Grand Style.com

I've never been a big complainer. If my steak is overdone, I usually don't send it back. When the kid is out of control in the grocery store line, I usually don't say anything about it. And, when the booth is a little too tight, I just head for the chair and table area in the restaurant. I guess I'm not much of an "activist."

But, I sure enjoy the results of those who have stepped up to the plate, vocalized their needs and were responsible for making something available which makes my life easier.

Here are a few of my current favorites:

Bigger Bike Seat. Biking was my favorite activity as a kid and I still love it as an adult. I tell everyone I bike for the exercise or to save the gas cost of going to the corner store. My real reason: The chance to see life at a much slower pace. (No more whizzing around the corner in the car and wondering "what were those great white flowers?" From my bike I can see their lavender center -- key to finding them at the garden center!) But, I find that I need to curtail the length of my ride since my big adult rear end tends to go numb on a standard bike seat after a short period of time. Solution: An Easyseat Bike Seat. It is a padded 2-part seat that alleviates numbness. Tip: Get one onto your exercise bike too!.

Bigger Bike Helmet. I wear the biggest helmet I can find; but, I still feel like my forehead is in a vice. Solution: The Kinghead Bicycle Helmet, Now, if they would just make them in red!

Curved Shower Curtain Rod. I never seem to have enough room to twist and turn to my favorite 1970's dance tune without the wet curtain being all over my soapy body. Solution: A curved shower curtain rod that extends 6" outward in the center. Now, with this rod and my current shower curtain, I have enough room to dance.

Stain Free Tee Shirts. I have good table manners; but, I have yet to succeed in eating something really juicy without leaving a sample on the center of my chest! To add to the challenge, I seem to spill the most with those items that are most likely to stain -- like mustard. Solution: The JMS® Relaxed Stayclean® Crew Tee. A quick wipe with clean water and my tee shirt is clean again. It comes in several styles and lots of colors. JMS also makes a line of stain free sweatshirts. Special Comfort Bonus: JMS makes them tagless at the neck.

Instant Stain Treater. Now you can treat (and get rid of!) stains while you are still wearing the garment. No more need to live with that coffee stain all day. Solutions: Shout® Wipe Plus towelettes and the Tide To Go can keep most stains from setting into your clothes. Keep one in your wallet, in the glove compartment, in your desk and in your luggage.

A Way To Sleep On A Plane. Looking for a way to avoid sprawling your arms across your neighbor if you fall asleep in a confined space such as an airline, train or bus seat? Solution: The Kling Tut Comfort Travel Vest. Just put on the vest and position your arms where you want them to remain while you sleep. Velcro® on the vest and the fingerless mitts will hold your arms where you place them. Great for men or women.

       

Holidays: Don't Just Survive! Thrive!
by Susan Weber,
     President of Grand Style.com

Whether you are ready or not, the holiday season is here! This is no time to let your dress size get in the way of enjoying times with your friends and family.

Here are five tips to help you keep your positive body image, your own individual grand style, your holiday spirit -- and to thrive throughout the season!

Tip #1: Don't give up participating in an activity just because you are not a size 8.

1) Hire a neighborhood kid (or your niece!) to hang your holiday house lights or to stand on the ladder and get the star on the top of your Christmas tree.

2) Make airline travel more comfortable for your rounder tummy and hips by selecting a big plane (Check out the airplane seating charts on seatguru.com), reserving an aisle seat and taking your own seat belt extender. (Available from amplestuff.com)

3) Don't avoid holiday pictures, either formal portraits or informal photos. Remember: Photos capture the memories. You sure don't want to be without the memories ten years from now just because you thought you have too many chins in 2006!

4) Go to all the parties and gatherings. For informal get-togethers, Target and Catherines are great sources for reasonably-priced, hand knit holiday sweaters. Need a party outfit? You don't have to spend a mint. "Holiday-up" your black slacks or suit with a red satin blouse or a crisp white blouse with some great braid or velvet ribbon from the sewing counter tied around your waist.

For a little more formality, consider adding a gold or silver scarf or pin to a red or black dress. Check out Just My Size or Kiyonna for dresses that look great now and for your after-holiday needs. Add a pair of velvet or metallic flats from Wal-mart or Target for less than $15.

Tip #2: Don't be afraid to create memories that incorporate your personal sense of style.

1) Put a little confetti in your holiday cards.

2) Bake dog and cat treats (holiday magazines have the recipes).

3) Give indulgence balls as hostess or office gifts. (Just fill craft store mesh ornaments with a scented tea candle, a few Hershey kisses, a bubble bath capsule, a tiny sachet pillow, a pair of dice, a few stickers or a gift certificate for ice cream or a cup of coffee or a hamburger.)

Tip #3: It's hard to show your style when you are stressed out.

1) Avoid the malls. Go once to see the decorations and to get into the spirit. Then, come home slip off your shoes and use catalogs. For extra time and postage savings: Have your selections gift wrapped and shipped directly to your family and friends. Or buy your stamps and mail or UPS your packages using your computer.

2) Set practical objectives for family gatherings. You can't solve 20 years of family problems in one afternoon. When your sister harasses you about your weight, tell her "Thanks" and change the subject.

3) Don't wait until January to get your stressed body moving. Start walking today. Put your favorite tunes on the iPod and walk … don't stroll … around the block, around the mall or in place in front of your TV - but walk.

Tip #4: Give. It's the best medicine for the hurting heart or the sad soul.

1) Drop off a card or a little surprise at an elderly neighbor's door.

2) Offer to baby sit while a young mother or couple finishes their holiday preparations.

3) Buy a new toy or drop off a warm coat for the women's shelter.

Tip #5: Use the after Christmas sales to your best advantage.

1) Use common sense. Remember: If it didn't look good on you when it was full price, it's not going to look any better when it's half price.

2) Buying on sale lets you purchase clothes that may be a little better made than you usually buy; but, for a lot less money the regular price.

3) Treat your grand style to an item or a color that you truly love but that that you would usually not purchase at full price. Let your style shine through the holidays.

Happy Holidays!

       

Ask Yourself: Are You Wearing The Right Size?
by Susan Weber,
     President of Grand Style.com

Finding clothes as a plus size woman has never been easy. Not all stores carry larger sizes. The styles and fabrics tend to be dated. The prices are typically higher than smaller-sized clothes. The result: We curvy ladies have spent all these years trying to find clothes we like and can afford in our size.

It is getting easier to find clothes in larger sizes. More stores. Catalogs. The Internet. But, now that apparel shopping is no longer one big scavenger hunt, did you ever stop to think that you might be wearing the wrong size? I'm willing to bet you are … whether you know it or not.

Ladies, we need to stop jamming ourselves into too small sizes and take care of ourselves. Here are a few places to start …

Bras: It's time to resize!
Fact: Over 2/3 of US women are wearing the wrong size bra. Probably almost another 1/3 is wearing the wrong style bra. Here a few of the pitfalls we fall into:

We started out with the right size or type; but, a 10 pound change in weight, too many bra washings and weakening back elastics have turned these previously structurally-intact marvels into fabric patches with straps.

Listen up ladies. Get yourself a tape measure. Put on your best-fitting bra. Measure at the fullest point and around the bottom of the bra band under the cups. Important Tip: Bra sizing (bands AND cups) is not consistent between bra manufacturers. Read the sizing instructions for the bra you are considering. Check the measurements they give against your two measurements to get your perfect fit. You might wear a 50DD in one bra and a 52D in another.

Don't shy away from an underwire bra if you are wearing a C cup or larger. There is no reason for a well-fitting underwire bra to poke you. Check out the Grand Style bra size calculator and sizing tips.

What size clothes are you wearing?
The sign of a garment that fits is not just that you can zipper, or button, and continue to breath! Well-fitting clothes allow 2-3" of ease between your body and the clothes.

Some women continue to wear the same size until the zipper won't zip. I bet half of you are wearing a coat that's too small and you just think the arms are too short. Or, that you know you need the larger size; but, your favorite stores don't carry a larger size (e.g. stores usually stop at size 26 or 3X.).

Get out there and enjoy the newly expanding world of larger sizes -- with sizes to 6X or 7X now readily available online. For more conservative styles at lower prices, consider Just My Size, Catherines, Chadwicks, Fashion Bug and Jessica London. For more up-to-the-minute colors and styles check out Silhouettes, Avenue, Ulla Popkin. and Junonia.

Once you figure out your REAL SIZE, you can use eBay to bid on brand name, new clothes, (with the tags still attached!) from the merchants who purchase the overstocks of your favorite online stores and resell them on eBay.

Don't like your real size? Cut out the tags. Wear what looks and feels good. You deserve it!

Are your shoes wide enough?
For years we've been told to wear a longer shoe in order to get a wider shoe or a wider calf. Many of us have never had access to shoes wider than a C width.

But wider widths are becoming more of a necessity. As we get older or spend more time in sandals, or gain curves, our feet tend to spread out. And don't forget that as your body adds pounds, your legs and feet also add weight. Silhouettes, Junonia, Avenue and Wissota Trader. all carry selections of shoes in wider widths and longer lengths. And now you can buy regular with boots with extra wide calves at Silhouettes.

Are your socks/tights/pantyhose/knee high the right size?
Most hosiery sizing is based on your height and weight. Most of us know how tall we are (or aren't!). But, most of us don't really know how much we weight. Or, we use our "driver's license weight" to determine our pantyhose size.

Stop punishing yourself with pantyhose, tights and knee highs that side down to your knees as soon as you pull them on. Hosiery is now available in sizes up to 7X. Check out Wal-mart, Target or online at Just My Size, Woman Within and Catherines.

And for all of us with feet wider than B and longer than a size 9, please stop buying those size 9-11 socks and wearing those ugly men's socks! Just My Size and Woman Within are just a few of many places making heavenly women's socks in size 10-13. Your toes and ankles will finally have room to move with joy.

Are you still wearing a 7½" watchband on an 8+" wrist?
Your watch band should not feel like a tourniquet! You should be able to stick your finger under your watchband and easily wiggle it around. If you can't, your watchband is too tight and you should replace it with a longer strap.

Finding a longer leather strap is easy -- just look on the men's side of the watch strap display. Finding a longer expansion is harder. You can always have your jeweler add enough links in the strap to achieve the length you need.

       

Ask Susan! - Staying Fresh and Cool
by Susan Weber,
     President of Grand Style.com

Summertime means its time to get up and go. This is no time to let your weight or dress size keep you home! And, it's tough to have "grand style" when you're hot, uncomfortable and your feet hurt. So, no matter where you decide to go or how long you plan to stay, here's how to stay cool, fresh and comfortable in your curvy, rounded body.

Staying Cool Dear Susan: Why do some women look cool no matter what the temperature?
Many start their day with an alcohol-based body spray. You'll find them in the fragrance section at the drug store. Tip: Avoid the really fruit-smelling fragrances (like peach!) unless you want to smell like a fruit basket after about 4 hours.

These stay-cool women keep their cool all day with a variety of devices such as:
- a spray mister (looks like an athletic water bottle with a tiny hose with a mister attachment.)
- a battery-operated mini-fan (my favorite, the Black & Decker Snake Fan, hangs around your neck or the rear view mirror in your car. It goes everywhere with me! I found mine at the local hardware store.)
- gel strips which you can freeze and roll up in a cotton scarf around your neck (usually sold with the scarves in a discount store. Or, you can make your own with a strip of Blue Ice from your cooler or a strip of ice you make yourself in a zip lock bag.).

All of the above items are usually available at Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Kmart etc. If you, or kids around you, are going to be exposed to the heat for long periods of time, consider keeping an emergency cool down kit close by which includes Wipe & Dry for quick cooling, wet washcloths in zip lock plastic bags, a bag of salted nuts (to replace the salt lost through perspiration), a package of breath mints (for a quick jolt to your blood sugar), a battery-operated mini fan with extra batteries and two cotton bandannas to tie together as a head band or to pull your hair up off your neck.

Rashes Dear Susan: We're going to be in a hot, humid spot this summer. Is there any way to avoid heat rashes under my breasts, under my tummy or where my legs rub together?
The rashes could be from friction or from a yeast infection. First, get the area clean and dry (if you can't reach it, use the cool setting on a hair dryer.) Then, keep the area dry with a spray antifungal sold for athlete's foot or jock itch.

You can further dry up the area by using talc. Avoid cornstarch-based talc since the redness may be caused by a yeast infection that often grows in warm moist areas like under breasts or tummy folds. Cornstarch just tends to feed the little yeasties.

Under bra wetness can be minimized with cotton bras, a cotton bra liner or with cotton socks tucked under the bra band.

For thigh rubbing, wear a cotton bike short from Junonia under your skirts or apply an antiperspirant directly to your inner thighs.

Comfortable Feet Dear Susan: We always seem to do a lot of walking in the summer at fairs and outdoor events. Any tips on keeping my feet from killing me?
Feet expand in hot weather and get larger as the day goes on. So, to be sure you have the right size summer shoes and sandals be sure to select new summer shoes in the afternoon when your feet are the biggest! And be sure that your shoes are wide enough. Remember: As our hips get wider, our feet tend to get wider too! (Weird I know, but it happens). Wide shoes are now available online and in larger retail shoe stores.

For fun summer shoes and sandals in extra wide widths, check out Silhouettes.com, LaneBryantCatalog.com, MarylandSquare.com and avenue.com. Whatever your width, avoid shoes with plastic inner soles. Tip: For hot burning feet I love to give myself a foot massage with Dr. Scholl's peppermint foot lotion (usually available at the grocery or drug store).

Cool Fashions Dear Susan: What should I wear to stay cool? I don't look good in sleeveless tops or shorts.
First, as I say every summer, don't let your lack of self-esteem push you into wearing clothes that just make you hotter! If you overdress for summer you will call more attention to yourself than your short sleeved or sleeveless dress. If you won't go sleeveless, consider wearing cotton mesh tops over a sports top or tank top.

Second, everyone can wear shorts … look for shorts with longer and wider legs. They are flattering, and they don't ride up when you walk or when you sit down!

Third, avoid polyester and polyester/cotton blends in favor of breathable natural fibers like silk t-shirts from Silhouettes.com, or cotton separates from MakingItBig.com or up-to-the minute Denim & Company cotton separates at qvc.com.

       

Underwear - The Next Stage
by Susan Weber,
     President of Grand Style.com

OK ladies. I'm here to tell you that there is more to underwear than just bras and panties! Don't get me wrong, we certainly need bras and panties. But now there are a lot of additional underwear options available for our curvy bodies.

       

       

       

The Six Lifesavers For Fall
by Susan Weber,
     President of GrandStyle.com


Finally. Summer is over. No more agonizing over whether:

I should/should not be exercise walking in the heat.

Hooray, it's Fall! Time for us to follow Mother Nature's clue and shed our poor self esteem images and get ready to bundle ourselves up against the ravages of winter.

This is also the time when I throw open my closet, give away the clothes I don't (or can't!) wear, mending and repairing where necessary, washing and boxing up the summer stuff and bringing forward the cozy stuff for the cooler season.

I have found over the years that I've lost that compelling urge to run out and buy the newest, trendiest Fall things that the retail world has to offer. Maybe it's my age or maybe it's the economy. Or, maybe it's just that I don't feel the need for hip hugger jeans and a bare mid-drift peasant top.

But, as I have every year for the past 20 or so, I still find the need to locate the six little lifesavers that I save every year to get me through the colder months.

Here's my list of lifesavers, along with a little info on why I don't want to be without them - and a tip or two on where to find them:

1. Knee high wide calf leather boots -- There is nothing warmer and dryer than a good pair of boots. The good news for this year is that retailers are starting to realize that some of us have VERY curvaceous calfs. Silhouettes, Avenue and the WomanWithin carry Regence® and Cloudwalkers®boots with proportionately wide calfs (the calf gets wider as the shoe length gets longer). Silhouettes also carries the x-wide calf size in their Regence® boot (the calf of the boot is wide, even though the shoe size and width are not extra wide.)

Cost of a good pair of wide calf boots about $130-140. Sounds like a lot of money; but, if you care for them well, they should last you 5-10 years. Check out all the boots in the Grand Style shoe boutique.

2. Silk underwear - I'm not talking about skimpy little silky bras and panties. I'm talking a 2-piece set - a top and pants with long sleeves and long legs. They provide insulation in the cold, wick away any moisture and yet keep you toasty warm. They are also very handy for sleeping and for wearing under wool sweaters, minimizing any itch and slowing down the need for sweater hand washing. My favorite silk undies are from Junonia. They are about $40 a piece; but, like good boots, they will last for years.

3. Wide width socks - Bottomline: We curvy ladies have curvy feet. Why hastle with tight socks? Give your ankles, arches and toes some room. Wal-mart, Target and Lane Bryant stores have a growing assortment of size 10-13 socks for women. The problem: These socks are longer; but, not necessarily wider. So, I prefer to wear men's socks. They are longer and wider than women's, they cost less and are available in lots of colors and styles (check out the great holiday socks at Target!). Prices vary.

4. Bike length Lycra® shorts - My curvy hips usually mean that my pantyhose and tights tend to start a fast slip down my hips and would be around my knees if I didn't tug them up throughout the day. My Solution: Wear a pair of knee length bike shorts over pantyhose and tights. They keep everything from slipping (even if you wear slippery nylon panties!), they tuck in my tummy and they keep me warm. You can buy a pair for under $15 at Wal-mart or Target and toss them after 6 months if the waistbands start to pull out. Or, you can "investment dress" and buy a well-made pair that will last you for many years from Junonia or Catherines.

5. Warm coat - Large size, stylish coats are very hard to find. So, we tend to settle on a utilitarian ugly coat that either keeps us warm or dry - but not both. Website and catalog retailers now have a terrific assortment of beautiful coats.

Some of my favorite faux furs, raincoats, swing coats and car coats are from Silhouettes. Catherines, Junonia and the WomanWithin also do real good jobs at larger size fashionable coats. Costs range from about $75 up. Tip: Don't scrimp here. This is true investment dressing. Look for a coat that is multi-purpose (zip in/out liner, button on/off hood, etc.) to get maximum wear from your coat.

6. Black pants - For all those years that I only wore black pants because I thought any other color made me look 5 pounds heavier - I'm sure it seems odd to my friends that black pants are on my lifesaver list now that I have branched out into bright colors and prints! Why black pants: They seem to be the perfect starting point for any outfit. When I don't know how dressy or casual to dress, I start with black pants + a solid top + plain flats + two sets of jewelry in my purse (one casual and one with a little dressy sparkle). So, needless to say, I have several pairs of black pants!!

So, open up that closet door. Do a little end-of-season clearing and get out your Fall lifesavers. Have a great (and cozy!) Fall.

      

I'm delighted to report that these list holders continue in their quest for size affirmation. I would definitely"renew" their 1999 "Way To Go!" awards!

But, I would also like to take this chance to update my list. The past three years have brought into focus more people and products that are making a day-to-day difference in the lives of large curvy women everywhere:

Playtex Body Language® Bras. Finally, someone figured out how to make a pretty bra where the straps stay put!
Source: Just My Size

Plus Size Maternity Online Retailers. Plus size moms-to-be can now have stylish work, play and evening clothes at reasonable prices from WomanWithin, Fashion Bug, Just My Size, and Motherhood Maternity.

Unfortunately society still looks first to the smaller, less curvy woman as "the norm." That view will not change overnight. However, we are making progress. But, we need to encourage that progress.

Make a special effort this summer to support the people and retailers that positively acknowledge large curvy girls and women. Buy their products. Watch their TV programs and movies. Tell friends about their websites.

      

The magazines are jammed with the new fall clothes - all in a dizzying array of patterns, colors, styles and skirt lengths. Each article highlights a different trend. One screams "Pink is THE color." The next article shouts "Denim is THE fabric." And, if that's not enough fashion confusion for you, the retail stores have loaded up their racks with the cozy fabrics and colors of Fall, starting the annual migration of the remaining hot weather clothes to the discount racks in the back of the store!

Here's how to tackle Fall without losing your mind (or your bank balance!):

1) Look over last year's fall wardrobe, tossing anything that you don't like, don't wear or that doesn't fit you today. (Stop saving those small clothes to wear when you lose 35 pounds! Put them to good use by giving them to a thrift shop.);

2) Go with your instincts about your personal style. Are you into casual, classic or trendy dressing? Solids or prints? Bright or dark colors?

3) Think about which outfits caught your attention in the magazines - and why. Was it the style, the color or the fabric?

4) Get creative with your clothes and accessories, duplicating looks you liked in the magazines; and then

5) Purchase only what you need to enhance (not replace) last year's wardrobe.

No matter what your fashion style or lifestyle, a basic fall wardrobe can be mixed, matched and magnified into an expansive number of outfits with these 10 basic "Must Haves":

1) Black or navy dress with sleeves. Look for a style that looks good in the office, at church or at a school function. Pick an easy-to-accessorize neckline. Add either of the jackets below or accessories for even more daytime and evening looks. Sources: Ulla Popkin., Silhouettes and Chadwicks.

2) Boots. Knee-high, flat-heeled boots are always a great choice with skirts or pants. Look for wide calf boots at Silhouettes and Payless Shoe Source (store or website).

3) Dress-length, dark raincoat with a zip-out liner. A long raincoat looks equally good with pants, skirts and dresses. The dark color gives you the flexibility of wearing it day or evening. The zip out liner gives warmth flexibility. Sources: WomanWithin and Blair.

4) Dark-colored solid 3-piece suit (jacket, pants and skirt). Whether your color choice is black, brown, navy or grey, you can dress it up or down with your selection of top and accessories. Sources: Silhouettes, and Avenue.

5) Knit or fabric vest. Vests are a great wardrobe stretcher - with the ability to show your personality while they enhance a very casual look or dress down a more severe suit look. Sources: Silhouettes, and LandsEnd.com.

6) Jeans or chinos. No matter what your body shape, size or leg length, you can now find jeans and chinos for those casual events with friends and family. Sources: WomanWithin, Just My Size and Silhouettes.

7) 3-5 solid knit tops that would look equally good with casual jeans & chinos or dressed up with the solid suit. If you have a fuller neck, look for v-necks or cowl necks that open up and highlight your face. Turtlenecks are warm; but, they tend to make you look like you are chocking! Sources: Lane Bryant stores. or WomanWithin, Ulla Popkin., Just My Size or Target and Wal-mart.

8) Patterned jacket that works with both suit pieces or doubles as a casual look with jeans, t-shirts and this season's luxurious sweaters. Menswear, novelty prints and embroidered fabrics would be great selections for this wardrobe stretcher. Sources: Blair and Chadwicks.

9) Body-slimmer panty or spandex bike shorts. No ladies, I'm not talking girdles here. I'm talking the more terrific invention for keeping pantyhose or tights up where they are supposed to be! Without these items I would be wearing my pantyhose crotch down at my thigh by 2 PM everyday! Sources: Target and Wal-mart, Junonia and Just My Size.

10) Gold or silver hoop earrings. No matter what the occasion or time of day, hoops are always appropriate. If your style is trendy, go for the big hoops. For a more classic look, stick with the smaller (wedding band style) hoops.

Remember: You don't have to spend a lot to have a great fall wardrobe. No matter how casual or formal your lifestyle, well-made, coordinated separates and accessories will give you the stylish, together look that you deserve to have everyday, no matter what's on your calendar.

       

When the thermometer hits the 80s, 90s and 100s of Summer, human nature is to start shedding clothes. All of a sudden the size 8s of the world are looking for shorts and sleeveless tops to replace their long pants and long sleeves. And the other 60%+ of us are facing the annual "Cover Up Question" ... What's the least I can wear and still be covered up?

Before you punish yourself with another "overdressed" Summer, let's consider a few thoughts of how to dress cool and not be self-conscious when leaving the house!

1. Uncover your best stuff. No matter how soft and fluffy your body is, you all have body parts that look terrific. You've just been so busy concentrating on your challenges, you've ignored your assets! Your job as the Queen Of Your Body is to figure out where those assets are ... and get them uncovered -- because the less we cover, the cooler we are. Some of us soft voluptuous ladies have great boobs or nice necks that would look terrific in a new wider neck top. Some of us have great shoulders or a great back and can wear a strapless style (with a shawl if our arms are keeping us from leaving the front door!). Some of us have great legs which are crying out for a shorter, flippy skirt. Some of us have beautiful hands or beautiful feet and should be wearing sandals.

2. The world will not end if you "expose" yourself. You don't have to be a size 8 woman to go out with bare arms and legs, shorts or long loose skirts. Wear them around home for a few days to get comfortable. Still too self-conscious? Then, wear a cotton shawl, wear your shorts a little looser and a little longer. Remember: You won't look thinner if you cover up--you'll just look hot!

3. Make friends with cotton gauze. There is nothing like loose-fitting cotton gauze to keep you cool. Breezy gauze big shirts cover up big arms and tummies. Knee length gauze shorts drape over our voluptuous thighs. Floaty dresses are just the ticket when you are looking for quick, easy dressing.

4. Avoid synthetics. Our wonderful big hot bodies get even hotter in polyester. It's like wrapping us in Saran Wrap. Instead, look for cotton, linen and silk fabrics.

5. Avoid layers. Layers are great in the Winter because they provide warming insulation. But in the hot weather they can easily add 10 degrees to our misery. Avoiding layers doesn't mean we can't wear two garments at once (like a tank top and a big shirt). It means to wear a sleeveless tank under a big shirt or a sleeveless blouse under a jacket with sleeves - either way you only have one set of sleeves.

6. Avoid the sausage look. If you can't stick your hand between the garment and your skin, the garment is TOO TIGHT! Too tight garments never look good; but, in the Summer they are also down right uncomfortable. Drop off that garment at the thrift shop for a woman who will look terrific in it! And, don't forget to wear bigger shoes. Nothing will make you feel hotter than shoes or sandals that are too tight on your hot, swollen feet. Try a wider width for Summer or look for ties, bands and straps which you can adjust during the day as your feet start to swell. Wide width shoes sources: Silhouettes, Avenue and a variety of other shoe retailers on grandstyle.com.

7. Put away the blue jeans until Fall. Try a pair of the new mid calf length cotton pants. They are a great alternative to shorts or long pants. Sources: Junonia, Just My Size and Ulla Popkin.

8. Don't give up on a swimsuit. This is no time to avoid the fun times at the pool or the shore with your kids or grandkids just because you won't wear a swimsuit. Take a tip from our big Tahitian sisters and wear a paraeo - a big square of cloth - around your hips. Sources: Junonia and Silhouettes.

9. Summersize your jewelry. Put away the big heavy pins and necklaces that drag you down in the heat. Instead, wear lighter weight jewelry. Do you just love a certain pendant; but, the chain is too heavy for soft summer fabrics? Consider stringing the pendant on a silk cord from your fabric store.

10. Sandals are not a license for untended feet. Ladies ... ladies ... ladies. Get (or give yourself) a pedicure before you show America your feet. Just because the thermometer reads 90 degrees you don't need to throw on your flip flops and share your rough heals, long toenails and hairy toes with all of us. A little cream, a pumice stone after the shower, a nail clipper followed by an emery board and a little sassy toe nail polish. Can't bend long enough to reach 'em? Then sit on the edge of bed, pull one leg up as you turn in that direction, lay your bent leg down on the bed and work on one foot at a time. That's all it takes to keep the sandal police away from your door!

       

Afraid of straining your budget while you look at all those pre Spring clearance ads? The real key looking good this Spring and saying on a budget is having clothes that work for you in a lot of ways. In other words -- avoid "outfits" and strive for mix and match classic separates. Then, use accessories to change your look.

To really save money and dress well, you need a plan of action to reevaluate what you have before you shop for Spring and Summer clothes you don't need:
1] Go through your warm weather clothes, laying them out onto your bed.
2] Give away everything that doesn't fit.
3] Wash and mend any problems.
4] Now, sort the remaining clothes into 2 piles - the clothes you wear and those you don't.
5] Hang the clothes you wear back in your closet in categories - pants together, tops together etc. (Don't hang them as outfits!)
6] Go back and look at those clothes you don't wear from #4. Hang them in your closet in their appropriate category next to the Spring clothes you plan to wear regularly.
7] "Shop" through your closet and rethink combinations that go together.
8] Make a shopping list of 3-4 items that, when added to what you have, will really give you a lot of possibilities. Like: A linen or linen-like blazer for jeans, skirts, pants etc. A neutral colored (black, beige or ivory) skirt that will go with two patterned jackets in your closet and three of your favorite print shirts. A necklace or scarf that has colors that will tie two items together.
9] Prioritize your Spring shopping list based on the number of possibilities each item will give you.
10] Don't try to buy all the items at once. Buy priority #1 item first, then, #2 etc.
11] Shop the pre-season sales. Watch the clearance racks at Ross (great classic blazers show up for cheap at Ross, particularly early in the week!). And don't forget vintage clothing. It's great stuff that just needs a new home. Their are a lot of plus size consignment shops opening. Check your phone book.

       

New Year/New You vs. New Year/Old You

by Susan Weber,
     President of GrandStyle.com

For example, instead of resolving to . . .
. . . lose pounds or inches, I resolved to eat healthier.
. . . meet an aggressive gym program, I resolved to get to the gym when possible and move more in my everyday life (e.g., part at the back of the parking lot, take the stairs etc.)
. . . avoid needless spending, I learned to live a grand life on a "not so grand" budget.

Success! I'm eating healthier and not feeling deprived. I am moving more than last year without beating myself up over missed gym appointments. And, I am enjoying the richness of life without sacrificing a sound investment program.

Now, tell me why do I want to make a "New Me" for 2001? I like the "New Me" from 2000!

2001: New Year/Old Me
I sure don't want to think of myself as living in the past; so, I've decided that for 2001 I will enhance the 2000 "Old Me." If you spent last year working on yourself and your new found self-esteem, then you may be ready for some enhancement ideas to get you started. Take a look into my 2001 New Year/Old Me enhancement plans:

I plan to keep an eye on the Junonia website and pick up some jazzy new t-shirts, another pair of bike shorts and an underwire exercise bra that won't squash my boobs (how's that for more than you ever wanted to know!).

This year I plan to increase my mindless movement by standing on the new treadmill I just purchased.

For 2001 I plan to step up my efforts to help other women increase their self-esteem. Through my column on thriveonline.com, I want to show women that being fit and health CAN happen for those of us who are bigger than a size 2. Through grandstyle.com we will continue to talk with size 14+ women about building their self-esteem and providing our readers with the resources and tips to enhance that new self-esteem. In my personal time I will continue to work with women who are going back into the workplace, showing them how to look terrific with very little money.

Your Plans?
Now, you aren't still planning to create a "New You" are you? Instead, for 2001 why not consider celebrating the "You" that you became in 2000?

       

Those of you with unending checkbooks and credit cards can shop 'til you drop and create a whole new look! Enjoy the return to the romantic with embroidery, long flowing skirts and sweater sets. Not a soft print or floral kind of woman? Try the new ethnic looks with khaki, black, grey, olive and coral as the key colors with lots of woven fabrics and trims in unconstructed styles. Want to be on the cutting edge? Your key words are orange and cropped pants.

The other 99.9% of us REAL WOMEN want to save our bucks for other key expenses (like school, food or rent!) But, we can still show our fashion chic by adding a few well chosen items to our wardrobe ... accessories and separates that follow the trends, but require a much lower wardrobe investment! That's what I plan to do ... check out my list of 10 Spring and Summer Must Haves for Real Women:

1. Raw silk shell or t-shirt in a bright new color to jazz up last year's Spring and Summer suits, classic vests and blazers. Try the trendy orange or any shade of blue. Lots of yummy shades offered by Silhouettes for about $20. Or, for about $6 each, stock up on the cotton tees at Wal-mart and Target.
2. Long length blazer to "dress up" casual pants and wear with sleeveless tank dresses for a more professional look. Check out the lined linen blazers in the WomanWithin -- about $60. For a more casual look, try the roll sleeve blazers by JustMySize for less than $30.
3. White pants. Pure linen from Ulla Popkin. for $78. Peachskin softness from Susan Graver's S.G. Sport line at QVC for about $30. For real high style fun why not show off your great calves with a pair of below the knee capri pants from QVC for about $18 - 25.
4. Floral skirt. Look for soft prints, patterns and fabrics on deeper backgrounds of grey, navy or tan. They are in all the catalogs (often with matching sweaters), and at Target and Wal-mart.
5. Mules and slides are everywhere in wonderful colors, fabrics and materials. Need a wider or longer size? Then, check out the Wissota Trader.
6. Animal jewelry. Bugs and insects are big this year! This is not the time to spend for 14K. Instead check out the costume jewelry!
7. A new workout outfit and swimsuit. Junonia has a great selection of solid or fun print cotton tops, supportive bra tops and bike shorts. They also have the best selection of one and two piece swimsuits with matching wraps and cover-ups ... perfect for water aerobics, sitting around the cruise deck or chasing the grandkids.
8. Lacy camisole. Real important to wear under the more sheer Spring and Summer fabrics. Check out JustMySize.
9. A linen or denim jumper. No matter what your age, you will love the comfort of a jumper and t-shirt in the warmer weather. There are lots of choices by JustMySize and Ulla Popkin.. Tip: Don't be afraid to size up to give your body room to move!
10. A straw hat and sunglasses. Avoid the harsh, harmful sun rays. Kmart's bright visors and wide brim hats are still the best value in town at less than $5 each. Sunglasses with UV protection are a must -- nothing worse than a chic woman with squint lines!

       

Ask Susan! - Grand Fashion Tips
by Susan Weber,
     President of Grand Style.com

       

During the past five years, retail stores (particularly department and discount stores) have greatly increased their offerings of plus and super-sized apparel and merchandise. In general, the larger your town, the greater your apparel selection. But, your best selection is still in catalogs and on the Internet. There are now hundreds of catalogs and Internet sites available.

But first, a few quick thoughts to make your catalog and Internet shopping easier, more fun and more effective:

1. Develop and maintain a collection of catalogs and Internet website bookmarks: Each catalog and website, like each retail store, has its own style, price range and customer service philosophy. Be sure your collection is constantly updated and includes current catalogs and website addresses with the types of items you need today as well as those you might want later. Then, when you get invited to that special event, you can quickly select, order and receive your new outfit.

2. Read descriptions carefully: Don't just rely on the photo to determine the details of the garment. Read the catalog or website description for fabric type and weight, garment length, care instructions, etc.

3. Shop for the best price: Just like retail stores, not all catalogs and websites have the same prices. And remember, even if the price is the same, higher shipping and handling charges could make one catalog or website significantly more expensive than another. Check if you will be charged for the shipping costs on any items you return. If not, it could be an additional savings to consider.

4. Order the right size: Know your measurements and compare them against the measurements shown in the catalog and the website. Sizes vary widely between manufacturers, catalogs and websites. You might wear a size 26 from one catalog, a size 22 from another catalog and a size 30 from a specific website.

5. Ask questions: Whether you order from a catalog or a website, there is usually more descriptive information available than what you have read in the catalog or on the screen. For example, the order entry people know if the item is oversized, what sweater matches what skirt, etc. Most catalogs and website have 800 numbers to reach their order entry people. Some websites don't have an 800 number; but, they offer an email address to which you can send your specific questions.

6. Request overnight delivery: It's often just $4-8 more than regular shipping costs. Overnight orders are usually filled first at the warehouse. So, you have a better chance of getting what you ordered when color and size choices are limited.

7. Pay by credit card: If you send cash or a check, you will have paid for the item before you receive it. So, if the item is out of stock, you will have paid for the item even though you never received it! And, if you return the item, you will have to wait for a return of your cash or check. On the other hand, by law, a retailer cannot bill your credit card until your item has been shipped to you.

Happy Shopping.

       

Over half of the mail I receive is from women who are excited about developing and implementing their own Grand Style. Some are looking for tips and ideas on developing their style. Some are looking for confirmation that it is all right to show their own "Grand Style". Some are ready to shine and are looking for ways to show the world who they are - many as plus size models and some by entering beauty pageants.

Plus Size Modeling

For every woman who writes me about plus-size modeling, I assume there are at least 100 of you sitting there asking the same questions. Whether you are considering some part-time modeling for your local newspaper or a full-time modeling career, now there is a book written specifically for size 14+ women who are considering plus-size modeling ... a book with the answers you need, and tips on what to do -- before you spend money on pictures, classes etc.

Catherine Schuller has written a terrific book loaded with information on plus-size modeling entitled The Ultimate Plus-Size Modeling Guide. This is not your typical model autobiography with a few modeling tips. This is a handbook of what to do - and not do - as you consider and/or start a career in plus-size modeling. Catherine walks you through everything from what basics you will need, how to avoid spending money needlessly, where to get training, how to find an agency, how to book an assignment, how much to charge etc. Want more information? Catherine has an article in our GrandStyle.com Lounge.

Plus Size Beauty Pageants

One of my favorite pageants is the Plus USA Woman Beauty Pageant and Convention which is held each Fall in Chicago. I particularly like this three-day event for two reasons: 1) The pageant encourages all plus size women to enter. For many women, this is their first pageant! 2) the convention is informative, fun, self-esteeming and a terrific way to celebrate your "Grand Style." Attendees can enjoy a series of seminars presented by leading experts in the fields of modeling, fashion, beauty, health & fitness.

Michele Drumm of Pennsylvania is the reigning Plus USA Woman. She captured her title last fall at the National Plus USA Woman Beauty Pageant and Convention in Chicago, IL. Ms. Drumm is using her crown to concentrate on building a strong creative foundation for today's youth. During her reign as the Plus USA Woman, she has toured the country, speaking to promote self-acceptance and positive self esteem with plus-sizes, children, teens and women.

For all of you who have written me asking "How do I break into plus-size modeling?", don't miss the opportunity to try your hand at modeling. You may be crowned the next Plus USA Woman or Ms. Plus Photogenic! Beautiful plus-size females from across the country will be selected to compete for cash, trophies, prizes and professional contracts.

I encourage each of you to join me in attending this year's Plus USA Woman Beauty Pageant and Convention. Come talk with me at the VIP networking reception. The Plus USA Woman Pageant's special guest host will be Delta Burke of TV's "Designing Women" and author of "Delta Style". For more information and registration details, check out the Plus USA Woman website.